Optical hyperpolarization of 13C nuclear spins in nanodiamond ensembles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Q.; Schwarz, I.; Jelezko, F.; Retzker, A.; Plenio, M. B.

2015-11-01

Dynamical nuclear polarization holds the key for orders of magnitude enhancements of nuclear magnetic resonance signals which, in turn, would enable a wide range of novel applications in biomedical sciences. However, current implementations of DNP require cryogenic temperatures and long times for achieving high polarization. Here we propose and analyze in detail protocols that can achieve rapid hyperpolarization of 13C nuclear spins in randomly oriented ensembles of nanodiamonds at room temperature. Our protocols exploit a combination of optical polarization of electron spins in nitrogen-vacancy centers and the transfer of this polarization to 13C nuclei by means of microwave control to overcome the severe challenges that are posed by the random orientation of the nanodiamonds and their nitrogen-vacancy centers. Specifically, these random orientations result in exceedingly large energy variations of the electron spin levels that render the polarization and coherent control of the nitrogen-vacancy center electron spins as well as the control of their coherent interaction with the surrounding 13C nuclear spins highly inefficient. We address these challenges by a combination of an off-resonant microwave double resonance scheme in conjunction with a realization of the integrated solid effect which, together with adiabatic rotations of external magnetic fields or rotations of nanodiamonds, leads to a protocol that achieves high levels of hyperpolarization of the entire nuclear-spin bath in a randomly oriented ensemble of nanodiamonds even at room temperature. This hyperpolarization together with the long nuclear-spin polarization lifetimes in nanodiamonds and the relatively high density of 13C nuclei has the potential to result in a major signal enhancement in 13C nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and suggests functionalized and hyperpolarized nanodiamonds as a unique probe for molecular imaging both in vitro and in vivo.

Orientational alignment in solids from bidimensional isotropic-anisotropic nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy: applications to the analysis of aramide fibers.

PubMed

Sachleben, J R; Frydman, L

1997-02-01

The use of two-dimensional isotropic-anisotropic correlation spectroscopy for the analysis of orientational alignment in solids is presented. The theoretical background and advantages of this natural-abundance 13C NMR method of measurement are discussed, and demonstrated with a series of powder and single-crystal variable-angle correlation spectroscopy (VACSY) experiments on model systems. The technique is subsequently employed to analyze the orientational distributions of three polymer fibers: Kevlar 29, Kevlar 49 and Kevlar 149. Using complementary two-dimensional NMR data recorded on synthetic samples of poly(p-phenyleneterephthalamide), the precursor of Kevlar, it was found that these commercial fibers possess molecules distributed over a very narrow orientational range with respect to the macroscopic director. The widths measured for these director distribution arrangements were (12 +/- 1.5) degrees for Kevlar 29, (15 +/- 1.5) degrees for Kevlar 49, and (8 +/- 1.5) degrees for Kevlar 149. These figures compare well with previous results obtained for non-commercial fiber samples derived from the same polymer.

Developing the nuclear idea: concept, technique, and process.

PubMed

Billow, Richard M

2013-10-01

I introduce an approach to group that has remained undeveloped in the literature, but represents an essence of relationally oriented group psychotherapy. Evolving from the verbalizations and enactments through which the group symbolizes and becomes known-a nuclear idea takes shape. It emerges from the nucleus of the group process: co-created from intersubjective forces and locations that cannot be fully specified, yet may be possible to observe, name, and utilize clinically. Groups organize themselves by developing nuclear ideas, with the therapist's active participation. They are vehicles through which a group comes to think about its thinking: not only what it thinks, but also how it thinks, or chooses not to think, and when and why. Developing the nuclear idea provides a framework for how the therapist-and the group itself-goes about the task of containing. With its emphasis on meaning and the development of meaning as transformational, the concept of the nuclear idea supplements the whole group, interpersonal, and intrapsychic lenses through which the therapist comes to understand group experience and base interventions. Clinical vignettes illustrate how the therapist may develop nuclear ideas thematically, conceptualize further, and negotiate meaning with the co-participation of other group members.

Reconstruction of interatomic vectors by principle component analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance data in multiple alignments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hus, Jean-Christophe; Bruschweiler, Rafael

2002-07-01

A general method is presented for the reconstruction of interatomic vector orientations from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic data of tensor interactions of rank 2, such as dipolar coupling and chemical shielding anisotropy interactions, in solids and partially aligned liquid-state systems. The method, called PRIMA, is based on a principal component analysis of the covariance matrix of the NMR parameters collected for multiple alignments. The five nonzero eigenvalues and their eigenvectors efficiently allow the approximate reconstruction of the vector orientations of the underlying interactions. The method is demonstrated for an isotropic distribution of sample orientations as well as for finite sets of orientations and internuclear vectors encountered in protein systems.

STEF/TIAM2-mediated Rac1 activity at the nuclear envelope regulates the perinuclear actin cap.

PubMed

Woroniuk, Anna; Porter, Andrew; White, Gavin; Newman, Daniel T; Diamantopoulou, Zoi; Waring, Thomas; Rooney, Claire; Strathdee, Douglas; Marston, Daniel J; Hahn, Klaus M; Sansom, Owen J; Zech, Tobias; Malliri, Angeliki

2018-05-29

The perinuclear actin cap is an important cytoskeletal structure that regulates nuclear morphology and re-orientation during front-rear polarisation. The mechanisms regulating the actin cap are currently poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that STEF/TIAM2, a Rac1 selective guanine nucleotide exchange factor, localises at the nuclear envelope, co-localising with the key perinuclear proteins Nesprin-2G and Non-muscle myosin IIB (NMMIIB), where it regulates perinuclear Rac1 activity. We show that STEF depletion reduces apical perinuclear actin cables (a phenotype rescued by targeting active Rac1 to the nuclear envelope), increases nuclear height and impairs nuclear re-orientation. STEF down-regulation also reduces perinuclear pMLC and decreases myosin-generated tension at the nuclear envelope, suggesting that STEF-mediated Rac1 activity regulates NMMIIB activity to promote stabilisation of the perinuclear actin cap. Finally, STEF depletion decreases nuclear stiffness and reduces expression of TAZ-regulated genes, indicating an alteration in mechanosensing pathways as a consequence of disruption of the actin cap.

Peptide backbone orientation and dynamics in spider dragline silk and two-photon excitation in nuclear magnetic and quadrupole resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eles, Philip Thomas

2005-07-01

In the first part of the dissertation, spider dragline silk is studied by solid state NMR techniques. The dependence of NMR frequency on molecular orientation is exploited using the DECODER experiment to determine the orientation of the protein backbone within the silk fibre. Practical experimental considerations require that the silk fibres be wound about a cylindrical axis perpendicular to the external magnetic field, complicating the reconstruction of the underlying orientation distribution and necess-itating the development of numerical techniques for this purpose. A two-component model of silk incorporating static b-sheets and polyglycine II helices adequately fits the NMR data and suggests that the b-sheets are well aligned along the silk axis (20 FWHM) while the helices are poorly aligned (68 FWHM). The effects of fibre strain, draw rate and hydration on orientation are measured. Measurements of the time-scale for peptide backbone motion indicate that when wet, a strain-dependent frac-tion of the poorly aligned component becomes mobile. This suggests a mechanism for the supercontraction of silk involving latent entropic springs that undergo a local strain-dependent phase transition, driving supercontraction. In the second part of this dissertation a novel method is developed for exciting NMR and nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) by rf irradiation at multiple frequencies that sum to (or differ by) the resonance frequency. This is fundamentally different than traditional NMR experiments where irradiation is applied on-resonance. With excitation outside the detection bandwidth, two-photon excitation allows for detection of free induction signals during excitation, completely eliminating receiver dead-time. A theoretical approach to describing two-photon excitation is developed based on average Hamiltonian theory. An intuition for two-photon excitation is gained by analogy to the coherent absorption of multiple photons requiring conservation of total energy and momentum. It is shown that two-photon excitation efficiency impro-ves when the two applied rf frequencies deviate from half-resonance. For two-photon NQR, it is shown that observable magnetization appears perpendicular to the excita-tion coil, requiring a second coil for detection, and that double quantum coherences are also generated. Several model systems and experimental geometries are used to demonstrate the peculiarities of two-photon excitation in NMR and NQR.

Triple Differential Cross Sections for single ionization of the Ethane molecule

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Esam; Nixon, Kate; Ning, Chuangang; Murray, Andrew; Madison, Don

2015-09-01

We report experimental and theoretical results for electron-impact (e,2e) ionization of the Ethane molecule (C2H6) in the coplanar scattering geometry for four different ejected electron energies Ea = 5,10,15, and 20 eV respectively, and for each ejected electron energy, the projectile scattering angle is fixed at 10°. We will show that the TDCS is very sensitive for the case of two heavy nuclei surrounded by lighter H nuclei. On the theoretical side, we have used the M3DW coupled with the Orientation Averaged Molecular Orbital (OAMO) approximation and proper average (PA) over all orientations. These approximations show good agreement with experimental data for the binary peaks. However, for the recoil peak region, experiment finds a noticeable peak while theory predicts no peak. No recoil peak suggests no (or very weak) nuclear scattering, so we have investigated the importance of nuclear scattering by moving the nuclei closer to the center of mass. This work is supported by the US National Science Foundation under Grant No. PHY-1068237 and XSEDE resources provided by the Texas Advanced Computing Center (Grant No. TG-MCA07S029).

Black Hole Demographics in and Nuclear Properties of Nearby Low Luminosity Radio Galaxies; Connections to Radio Activity?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baum, S. A.; Kleijn, G. A. Verdoes; Xu, C.; ODea, C. P.; deZeeuw, P. T.

2004-01-01

We combine the results of an HST STIS and WFPC study of a complete sample of 21 nearby UGC low luminosity radio galaxies with the results of a radio VLA and VLBA study of the same sample. We examine the relationship between the stellar and gaseous properties of the galaxies on tens to hundreds of parsec scale with the properties of the radio jets on the same scale. From the VLA and VLBA data we constrain the physics of the outflowing radio plasma from the tens of parsecs to hundreds of kiloparsec scales. From the WFPC2 H alpha and dust images and the STIS kinematics of the near nuclear gas we obtain constraints on the orientation of near nuclear disks of gas and measures of the nuclear stellar, continuum point source, and line emission fluxes. Under the statistically supported assumption that the radio jet issues perpendicular to the disk, we use the orientation of the optical (large scale accretion?) disks to constrain the three-dimensional orientation of the radio ejection. From HST/STIS spectroscopy of the near-nuclear emission line gas we obtain measures/limits on the black hole masses. We examine correlations between the VLBA and VLA-scale radio emission, the nuclear line emission, and the nuclear optical and radio continuum emission. Though our sample is relatively small, it is uniquely well defined, spans a narrow range in redshift and we have a consistent set of high resolution data with which to carefully examine these relationships. We use the combined radio and optical data to: 1) Constrain the orientation, physics, and bulk outflow speed of the radio plasma; 2) Put limits on the mass accretion rate and study the relationship between black hole mass, radio luminosity, and near nuclear gaseous content; 3) Provide insight into the relationship between BL Lac objects and low luminosity radio galaxies.

Experiment S009: Nuclear Emulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Odell, F. W.; Shapiro, M. M.; Silberberg, R.; Stiller, B.; Tsao, C. H.; Durgaprasad, N.; Fichtel, C. E.; Guss, D. E.; Reames, D. V.

1971-01-01

The first exposure on a spacecraft of a nuclear emulsion apparatus designed to collect 1000 high quality tracks of heavy nuclei under a negligible thickness of matter (0.07 g/sq cm) is described. The cosmic ray detector consisted of a stack of nuclear emulsions that were designed to register at least 400 heavy nuclei tracks for each 10 hours of useful exposure. The spacecraft had to be oriented in a heads-up attitude during the 10-hour period to eliminate atmospheric albedo particles. The results are as follows: (1) a definite odd-even effect, with low abundances for elements of atomic number 7, 9, and 11; (2) a ratio O/C approximately 0.9; (3) Ne/C, Mg/C, and Si/C ratios between 0.2 and 0.3; (4) an abundance gap in the region 15 less than or equal to Z less than or equal to 19; and (5) a ratio (20 less than or equal to Z less than or equal to 28)/C 0.2, with a large concentration at Z = 26. These results are indicative that successful exposures of nuclear emulsions were obtained on the Gemini 11 mission.

Nuclear radiation interference and damage effects in charged particle experiments for extended space missions.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trainor, J. H.; Teegarden, B. J.

1971-01-01

Demonstration that meaningful galactic and solar cosmic radiation measurements can be carried out on deep space missions. The radioisotopic thermoelectric generators (RTGs) which must be used as a source of power and perhaps of heat are a problem, but with proper separation from the experiments, with orientation, and with some shielding the damage effects can be reduced to an acceptable level. The Pioneer spacecraft are crucial in that they are targeted at the heart of Jupiter's radiation belts, and should supply the details of those belts. The subsequent Grand Tour opportunities can be selected for those periods which result in larger distances of closest approach to Jupiter if necessary.

The Colombian nuclear scenario: Challenges and opportunities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez, Isabel

2016-07-01

In Colombia, the absence of nuclear-oriented policies based on technical knowledge, the closing of the Nuclear Affairs Institute (1956-1998), the association of the word "nuclear" with weapons, plus the country's last six decades of internal conflict and narcotraffic have discourage the technical, social and environmental nuclear advance. However, there are technical, social and economic national challenges that could be faced by the present nuclear technical capacities.

Civil Defense, U. S. A.: A Programmed Orientation to Civil Defense. Unit 2. Nuclear Weapons Effects and Shelter.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Defense Civil Preparedness Agency (DOD), Battle Creek, MI.

Basic information about nuclear weapons is presented so that their effects can be meaningfully related to the defensive countermeasures which will be most effective against them. Major topics include: (1) Explosive power of nuclear weapons, (2) Major effects of nuclear explosions, (3) Two basic types of nuclear explosions, (4) Contrast between air…

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

J. Carmack; L. Braase; F. Goldner

The mission of the Advanced Fuels Campaign (AFC) is to perform Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) activities for advanced fuel forms (including cladding) to enhance the performance and safety of the nation’s current and future reactors, enhance proliferation resistance of nuclear fuel, effectively utilize nuclear energy resources, and address the longer-term waste management challenges. This includes development of a state of the art Research and Development (R&D) infrastructure to support the use of a “goal oriented science based approach.” AFC uses a “goal oriented, science based approach” aimed at a fundamental understanding of fuel and cladding fabrication methods and performancemore » under irradiation, enabling the pursuit of multiple fuel forms for future fuel cycle options. This approach includes fundamental experiments, theory, and advanced modeling and simulation. One of the most challenging aspects of AFC is the management, integration, and coordination of major R&D activities across multiple organizations. AFC interfaces and collaborates with Fuel Cycle Technologies (FCT) campaigns, universities, industry, various DOE programs and laboratories, federal agencies (e.g., Nuclear Regulatory Commission [NRC]), and international organizations. Key challenges are the development of fuel technologies to enable major increases in fuel performance (safety, reliability, power and burnup) beyond current technologies, and development of characterization methods and predictive fuel performance models to enable more efficient development and licensing of advanced fuels. Challenged with the research and development of fuels for two different reactor technology platforms, AFC targeted transmutation fuel development and focused ceramic fuel development for Advanced LWR Fuels.« less

Petaminer: Using ROOT for efficient data storage in MySQL database

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cranshaw, J.; Malon, D.; Vaniachine, A.; Fine, V.; Lauret, J.; Hamill, P.

2010-04-01

High Energy and Nuclear Physics (HENP) experiments store Petabytes of event data and Terabytes of calibration data in ROOT files. The Petaminer project is developing a custom MySQL storage engine to enable the MySQL query processor to directly access experimental data stored in ROOT files. Our project is addressing the problem of efficient navigation to PetaBytes of HENP experimental data described with event-level TAG metadata, which is required by data intensive physics communities such as the LHC and RHIC experiments. Physicists need to be able to compose a metadata query and rapidly retrieve the set of matching events, where improved efficiency will facilitate the discovery process by permitting rapid iterations of data evaluation and retrieval. Our custom MySQL storage engine enables the MySQL query processor to directly access TAG data stored in ROOT TTrees. As ROOT TTrees are column-oriented, reading them directly provides improved performance over traditional row-oriented TAG databases. Leveraging the flexible and powerful SQL query language to access data stored in ROOT TTrees, the Petaminer approach enables rich MySQL index-building capabilities for further performance optimization.

Modeling pressure-driven assembly of polymer coated nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lane, J. Matthew D.; Salerno, K. Michael; Grest, Gary S.; Fan, Hongyou

2017-06-01

High-pressure experiments have successfully produced a variety of gold nanostructures by compressing polymer coated spherical nanoparticles. We apply atomistic simulation to understand the role of the soft polymer response in determining the pressure-driven assembly of gold nanostructures. Quasi-isentropic experiments have shown that 1D, 2D and 3D nanostructures can be formed and recovered from dynamic compression of fcc superlattices of alkanethiol-coated gold nanocrystals on Sandia's Veloce pulsed power accelerator. Molecular modeling has shown that the dimensionality of the final structures depends on the orientation of the superlattice and the uniaxial loading. We describe the role of coating ligand length and grafting density, on ligand migration and deformation processes during pressure-driven coalescence of the cores into permanent nanowires, nanosheets and 3D structures. The role of uniaxial vs isotropic pressure and the effects of compression along various superlattice orientations will be discussed. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-mission laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Off-resonance NOVEL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, Sheetal K.; Mathies, Guinevere; Griffin, Robert G.

2017-10-01

Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) is theoretically able to enhance the signal in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments by a factor γe/γn, where γ 's are the gyromagnetic ratios of an electron and a nuclear spin. However, DNP enhancements currently achieved in high-field, high-resolution biomolecular magic-angle spinning NMR are well below this limit because the continuous-wave DNP mechanisms employed in these experiments scale as ω0-n where n ˜ 1-2. In pulsed DNP methods, such as nuclear orientation via electron spin-locking (NOVEL), the DNP efficiency is independent of the strength of the main magnetic field. Hence, these methods represent a viable alternative approach for enhancing nuclear signals. At 0.35 T, the NOVEL scheme was demonstrated to be efficient in samples doped with stable radicals, generating 1H NMR enhancements of ˜430. However, an impediment in the implementation of NOVEL at high fields is the requirement of sufficient microwave power to fulfill the on-resonance matching condition, ω0I = ω1S, where ω0I and ω1S are the nuclear Larmor and electron Rabi frequencies, respectively. Here, we exploit a generalized matching condition, which states that the effective Rabi frequency, ω1S e f f, matches ω0I. By using this generalized off-resonance matching condition, we generate 1H NMR signal enhancement factors of 266 (˜70% of the on-resonance NOVEL enhancement) with ω1S/2π = 5 MHz. We investigate experimentally the conditions for optimal transfer of polarization from electrons to 1H both for the NOVEL mechanism and the solid-effect mechanism and provide a unified theoretical description for these two historically distinct forms of DNP.

Geometry and solid angle corrections for accurate measurement of multipole and parity mixing ratios using nuclear orientation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roccia, S.; Gaulard, C.; Étilé, A.; Chakma, R.

2017-07-01

In the context of nuclear orientation, we propose a new method to correct the multipole mixing ratios for asymmetries in the geometry of the setup but also in the detection system. This method is also robust against temperature fluctuations, beam intensity fluctuations and uncertainties in the nuclear structure of the nuclei. Additionally, this method provides a natural way to combine data from different detectors and make good use of all available statistics. We could use this method to demonstrate the accuracy that can be reached with the PolarEx setup now installed at the ALTO facility.

Implementation of ALARA at the design stage of Nuclear Power Plants

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

Brissaud, A.; Ridoux, P.

1995-03-01

In the 1970s, Electricite de France (EdF) had limited knowledge and experience of pressurized water reactors (PWRs). Electricity generation by nuclear units was oriented towards gas-graphite reactors, even though EdF had a share in the PWR unit of CHOOZ A-1 (250 MWe, later upgraded to 320 MWe). Some facts about the origin of doses in that king of reactor were known to the research and development (R&D) support staff of EdF, which mainly comprises the French Atomic Commission (CEA), but only a few of EdF`s engineers were aware of these facts. One has to bear in mind that CHOOZ A-1more » only went critical in April 1967 and was officially connected to the grid in May 1970 after some important problems had been solved. Meanwhile, the nuclear program was launched at full speed, beginning with the order for FESSENHEIM 1 in 1970, FESSENHEIM 2 and BUGEY 2 and 3 in 1971. TIHANGE 1, in which EdF had a share, went on-line in September 1975. Also, supposing that EdF had had such knowledge and experience, it is quite evident that it would have been very difficult to modify the lay-out inside the reactor building.« less

Circumnuclear Structures in Megamaser Host Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pjanka, Patryk; Greene, Jenny E.; Seth, Anil C.; Braatz, James A.; Henkel, Christian; Lo, Fred K. Y.; Läsker, Ronald

2017-08-01

Using the Hubble Space Telescope, we identify circumnuclear (100-500 pc scale) structures in nine new H2O megamaser host galaxies to understand the flow of matter from kpc-scale galactic structures down to the supermassive black holes (SMBHs) at galactic centers. We double the sample analyzed in a similar way by Greene et al. and consider the properties of the combined sample of 18 sources. We find that disk-like structure is virtually ubiquitous when we can resolve <200 pc scales, in support of the notion that non-axisymmetries on these scales are a necessary condition for SMBH fueling. We perform an analysis of the orientation of our identified nuclear regions and compare it with the orientation of megamaser disks and the kpc-scale disks of the hosts. We find marginal evidence that the disk-like nuclear structures show increasing misalignment from the kpc-scale host galaxy disk as the scale of the structure decreases. In turn, we find that the orientation of both the ˜100 pc scale nuclear structures and their host galaxy large-scale disks is consistent with random with respect to the orientation of their respective megamaser disks.

Dynamic nuclear polarisation via the integrated solid effect II: experiments on naphthalene-h8 doped with pentacene-d14

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eichhorn, T. R.; van den Brandt, B.; Hautle, P.; Henstra, A.; Wenckebach, W. Th.

2014-07-01

In dynamic nuclear polarisation (DNP), also called hyperpolarisation, a small amount of unpaired electron spins is added to the sample containing the nuclear spins, and the polarisation of these unpaired electron spins is transferred to the nuclear spins by means of a microwave field. Traditional DNP polarises the electron spin of stable paramagnetic centres by cooling down to low temperature and applying a strong magnetic field. Then weak continuous wave microwave fields are used to induce the polarisation transfer. Complicated cryogenic equipment and strong magnets can be avoided using short-lived photo-excited triplet states that are strongly aligned in the optical excitation process. However, a much faster transfer of the electron spin polarisation is needed and pulsed DNP methods like nuclear orientation via electron spin locking (NOVEL) and the integrated solid effect (ISE) are used. To describe the polarisation transfer with the strong microwave fields in NOVEL and ISE, the usual perturbation methods cannot be used anymore. In the previous paper, we presented a theoretical approach to calculate the polarisation transfer in ISE. In the present paper, the theory is applied to the system naphthalene-h8 doped with pentacene-d14 yielding the photo-excited triplet states and compared with experimental results.

Changes in the Factors Influencing Public Acceptance of Nuclear Power Generation in Japan Since the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster.

PubMed

Tsujikawa, Norifumi; Tsuchida, Shoji; Shiotani, Takamasa

2016-01-01

Public support for nuclear power generation has decreased in Japan since the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in March 2011. This study examines how the factors influencing public acceptance of nuclear power changed after this event. The influence factors examined are perceived benefit, perceived risk, trust in the managing bodies, and pro-environmental orientation (i.e., new ecological paradigm). This study is based on cross-sectional data collected from two online nationwide surveys: one conducted in November 2009, before the nuclear accident, and the other in October 2011, after the accident. This study's target respondents were residents of Aomori, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures in the Tohoku region of Japan, as these areas were the epicenters of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the locations of nuclear power stations. After the accident, trust in the managing bodies was found to have a stronger influence on perceived risk, and pro-environmental orientation was found to have a stronger influence on trust in the managing bodies; however, perceived benefit had a weaker positive influence on public acceptance. We also discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings. © 2015 Society for Risk Analysis.

Reliability database development for use with an object-oriented fault tree evaluation program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heger, A. Sharif; Harringtton, Robert J.; Koen, Billy V.; Patterson-Hine, F. Ann

1989-01-01

A description is given of the development of a fault-tree analysis method using object-oriented programming. In addition, the authors discuss the programs that have been developed or are under development to connect a fault-tree analysis routine to a reliability database. To assess the performance of the routines, a relational database simulating one of the nuclear power industry databases has been constructed. For a realistic assessment of the results of this project, the use of one of existing nuclear power reliability databases is planned.

Detection and evaluation of weld defects in stainless steel using alternating current field measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei-Li, Ma, Weiping; Pan-Qi, Wen-jiao, Dou; Yuan, Xin'an; Yin, Xiaokang

2018-04-01

Stainless steel is widely used in nuclear power plants, such as various high-radioactive pool, tools storage and fuel transportation channel, and serves as an important barrier to stop the leakage of high-radioactive material. NonDestructive Evaluation (NDE) methods, eddy current testing (ET), ultrasonic examination (UT), penetration testing (PT) and hybrid detection method, etc., have been introduced into the inspection of a nuclear plant. In this paper, the Alternating Current Field Measurement (ACFM) was fully applied to detect and evaluate the defects in the welds of the stainless steel. Simulations were carried out on different defect types, crack lengths, and orientation to reveal the relationship between the signals and dimensions to determine whether methods could be validated by the experiment. A 3-axis ACFM probe was developed and three plates including 16 defects, which served in nuclear plant before, were examined by automatic detection equipment. The result shows that the minimum detectable crack length on the surface is 2mm and ACFM shows excellent inspection results for a weld in stainless steel and gives an encouraging prospect of broader application.

Reliability assessment of MVP-BURN and JENDL-4.0 related to nuclear transmutation of light platinum group elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terashima, Atsunori; Nilsson, Mikael; Ozawa, Masaki; Chiba, Satoshi

2017-09-01

The Aprés ORIENT research program, as a concept of advanced nuclear fuel cycle, was initiated in FY2011 aiming at creating stable, highly-valuable elements by nuclear transmutation from ↓ssion products. In order to simulate creation of such elements by (n, γ) reaction succeeded by β- decay in reactors, a continuous-energy Monte Carlo burnup calculation code MVP-BURN was employed. Then, it is one of the most important tasks to con↓rm the reliability of MVP-BURN code and evaluated neutron cross section library. In this study, both an experiment of neutron activation analysis in TRIGA Mark I reactor at University of California, Irvine and the corresponding burnup calculation using MVP-BURN code were performed for validation of the simulation on transmutation of light platinum group elements. Especially, some neutron capture reactions such as 102Ru(n, γ)103Ru, 104Ru(n, γ)105Ru, and 108Pd(n, γ)109Pd were dealt with in this study. From a comparison between the calculation (C) and the experiment (E) about 102Ru(n, γ)103Ru, the deviation (C/E-1) was signi↓cantly large. Then, it is strongly suspected that not MVP-BURN code but the neutron capture cross section of 102Ru belonging to JENDL-4.0 used in this simulation have made the big di↑erence as (C/E-1) >20%.

The Race Against Nuclear Terror

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-09-01

orientation (central planning vs . market economy); or (3) systemic or state-specific incentives, such as new norms, emerge that diminish the appeal of... franchised version of the nuclear “Wal-Mart” cannot be discounted. Yet, if we are 49 Christopher Clary. “Dr... independent capability. To do so would require specific enrichment technology developed indigenously or obtained illegally. Most exporters of nuclear

Analytic treatment of nuclear spin-lattice relaxation for diffusion in a cone model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sitnitsky, A. E.

2011-12-01

We consider nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rate resulted from a diffusion equation for rotational wobbling in a cone. We show that the widespread point of view that there are no analytical expressions for correlation functions for wobbling in a cone model is invalid and prove that nuclear spin-lattice relaxation in this model is exactly tractable and amenable to full analytical description. The mechanism of relaxation is assumed to be due to dipole-dipole interaction of nuclear spins and is treated within the framework of the standard Bloemberger, Purcell, Pound-Solomon scheme. We consider the general case of arbitrary orientation of the cone axis relative the magnetic field. The BPP-Solomon scheme is shown to remain valid for systems with the distribution of the cone axes depending only on the tilt relative the magnetic field but otherwise being isotropic. We consider the case of random isotropic orientation of cone axes relative the magnetic field taking place in powders. Also we consider the cases of their predominant orientation along or opposite the magnetic field and that of their predominant orientation transverse to the magnetic field which may be relevant for, e.g., liquid crystals. Besides we treat in details the model case of the cone axis directed along the magnetic field. The latter provides direct comparison of the limiting case of our formulas with the textbook formulas for free isotropic rotational diffusion. The dependence of the spin-lattice relaxation rate on the cone half-width yields results similar to those predicted by the model-free approach.

Nuclear resonant forward scattering of synchrotron radiation by randomly oriented iron complexes which exhibit nuclear Zeeman interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haas, M.; Realo, E.; Winkler, H.; Meyer-Klaucke, W.; Trautwein, A. X.; Leupold, O.; Rüter, H. D.

1997-12-01

An expression for the amplitude of a pulse of synchrotron radiation (SR) coherently scattered in forward direction by a randomly oriented Mössbauer absorber is derived from the theory of γ optics. It is assumed that the hyperfine splittings present in the Mössbauer nuclei can be described in the framework of the spin-Hamiltonian formalism. In the general case of a thick Mössbauer sample, which consists of randomly oriented paramagnetic iron-containing molecules (for example, a frozen solution of a 57Fe protein) in an applied magnetic field, the response of this sample on an incident monochromatic and fully polarized SR beam cannot be given analytically because of the integrations involved. The way to evaluate nuclear forward-scattering spectra for this general case numerically is outlined and results of calculations with a corresponding program package called SYNFOS are shown and compared with experimental results obtained by measurements of the high-spin iron (II) ``picket-fence'' porphyrin [Fe(CH3COO)TPpivP]- in an applied field of 6 T.

Lift-based up-ender and methods using same to manipulate a shipping container containing unirradiated nuclear fuel

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

Nilles, Michael J.

A shipping container containing an unirradiated nuclear fuel assembly is lifted off the ground by operating a crane to raise a lifting tool comprising a winch. The lifting tool is connected with the shipping container by a rigging line connecting with the shipping container at a lifting point located on the shipping container between the top and bottom of the shipping container, and by winch cabling connecting with the shipping container at the top of the shipping container. The shipping container is reoriented by operating the winch to adjust the length of the winch cabling so as to rotate themore » shipping container about the lifting point. Shortening the winch cabling rotates the shipping container about the lifting point from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation, while lengthening the winch cabling rotates the shipping container about the lifting point from the vertical orientation to the horizontal orientation.« less

The U. S. nuclear industry; A changing complexion

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

Zorpette, G

This article addresses the changes which have occurred in the U.S. nuclear industry as a response to the decline in the construction of new plants. The author focuses on the segments of the industry which chiefly design and produce nuclear power plants, the architect-engineers and the suppliers, and how they have become more service oriented in response to the construction decline. The movement toward diversification to non-nuclear industries is also discussed.

Nuclear magnetic relaxation induced by exchange-mediated orientational randomization: longitudinal relaxation dispersion for a dipole-coupled spin-1/2 pair.

PubMed

Chang, Zhiwei; Halle, Bertil

2013-10-14

In complex biological or colloidal samples, magnetic relaxation dispersion (MRD) experiments using the field-cycling technique can characterize molecular motions on time scales ranging from nanoseconds to microseconds, provided that a rigorous theory of nuclear spin relaxation is available. In gels, cross-linked proteins, and biological tissues, where an immobilized macromolecular component coexists with a mobile solvent phase, nuclear spins residing in solvent (or cosolvent) species relax predominantly via exchange-mediated orientational randomization (EMOR) of anisotropic nuclear (electric quadrupole or magnetic dipole) couplings. The physical or chemical exchange processes that dominate the MRD typically occur on a time scale of microseconds or longer, where the conventional perturbation theory of spin relaxation breaks down. There is thus a need for a more general relaxation theory. Such a theory, based on the stochastic Liouville equation (SLE) for the EMOR mechanism, is available for a single quadrupolar spin I = 1. Here, we present the corresponding theory for a dipole-coupled spin-1/2 pair. To our knowledge, this is the first treatment of dipolar MRD outside the motional-narrowing regime. Based on an analytical solution of the spatial part of the SLE, we show how the integral longitudinal relaxation rate can be computed efficiently. Both like and unlike spins, with selective or non-selective excitation, are treated. For the experimentally important dilute regime, where only a small fraction of the spin pairs are immobilized, we obtain simple analytical expressions for the auto-relaxation and cross-relaxation rates which generalize the well-known Solomon equations. These generalized results will be useful in biophysical studies, e.g., of intermittent protein dynamics. In addition, they represent a first step towards a rigorous theory of water (1)H relaxation in biological tissues, which is a prerequisite for unravelling the molecular basis of soft-tissue contrast in clinical magnetic resonance imaging.

Surface diffusion of CO on silica-supported Ru particles: 13C nuclear magnetic resonance studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duncan, T. M.; Thayer, A. M.; Root, T. W.

1990-02-01

Portions of CO adsorbed on Ru particles, selected by the orientation of the C-O bond relative to an external magnetic field, are labeled by inversion of the 13C nuclear magnetic dipole. Changes in the orientation of the CO bond of these labeled molecules are then observed with 13C NMR spectroscopy. The temperature dependence and rate of reorientation are consistent with surface diffusion on Ru particles with small numbers of flat faces. The insensitivity to CO pressure in the range 0.5-100 Torr discounts stimulated desorption by gas-phase CO.

Aging and Economics: The Future Is Now.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wall, Ronald W.

1986-01-01

Examines the economic and social implications of world aging (social welfare costs, strain on family finances, diversion of youth-oriented expenditures to elderly-oriented expenditures, need for containment of inflation, return to a nuclear family) and the role of home economists in preparing people for this future. (CT)

Properties of a U1 RNA enhancer-like sequence.

PubMed Central

Ciliberto, G; Palla, F; Tebb, G; Mattaj, I W; Philipson, L

1987-01-01

The properties of a X.laevis U1B snRNA gene enhancer have been studied by microinjection in Xenopus oocytes. The enhancer-like sequence, defined as a short DNA stretch that is able to activate transcription in an orientation independent manner, is interchangeable between different U snRNA genes. The enhancer sequence alone does not, however, efficiently activate transcription from an SV40 pol II promoter but regains its activity when combined with the U-gene specific proximal sequence element. DNase I protection experiments show that the X.laevis U1B enhancer can interact specifically with a nuclear factor present in mammalian cells. Images PMID:3031597

A defense in depth approach for nuclear power plant accident management

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

Chih-Yao Hsieh; Hwai-Pwu Chou

2015-07-01

An initiating event may lead to a severe accident if the plant safety functions have been challenged or operators do not follow the appropriate accident management procedures. Beyond design basis accidents are those corresponding to events of very low occurrence probability but such an accident may lead to significant consequences. The defense in depth approach is important to assure nuclear safety even in a severe accident. Plant Damage States (PDS) can be defined by the combination of the possible values for each of the PDS parameters which are showed on the nuclear power plant simulator. PDS is used to identifymore » what the initiating event is, and can also give the information of safety system's status whether they are bypassed, inoperable or not. Initiating event and safety system's status are used in the construction of Containment Event Tree (CET) to determine containment failure modes by using probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) technique. Different initiating events will correspond to different CETs. With these CETs, the core melt frequency of an initiating event can be found. The use of Plant Damage States (PDS) is a symptom-oriented approach. On the other hand, the use of Containment Event Tree (CET) is an event-oriented approach. In this study, the Taiwan's fourth nuclear power plants, the Lungmen nuclear power station (LNPS), which is an advanced boiling water reactor (ABWR) with fully digitized instrumentation and control (I and C) system is chosen as the target plant. The LNPS full scope engineering simulator is used to generate the testing data for method development. The following common initiating events are considered in this study: loss of coolant accidents (LOCA), total loss of feedwater (TLOFW), loss of offsite power (LOOP), station blackout (SBO). Studies have indicated that the combination of the symptom-oriented approach and the event-oriented approach can be helpful to find mitigation strategies and is useful for the accident management. (authors)« less

The Impact of Sexual Orientation on Women's Midlife Experience: A Transition Model Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boyer, Carol Anderson

2007-01-01

Sexual orientation is an integral part of identity affecting every stage of an individual's development. This literature review examines women's cultural experiences based on sexual orientation and their effect on midlife experience. A developmental model is offered that incorporates sexual orientation as a contextual factor in this developmental…

Nuclear movement in fungi.

PubMed

Xiang, Xin

2017-12-11

Nuclear movement within a cell occurs in a variety of eukaryotic organisms including yeasts and filamentous fungi. Fungal molecular genetic studies identified the minus-end-directed microtubule motor cytoplasmic dynein as a critical protein for nuclear movement or orientation of the mitotic spindle contained in the nucleus. Studies in the budding yeast first indicated that dynein anchored at the cortex via its anchoring protein Num1 exerts pulling force on an astral microtubule to orient the anaphase spindle across the mother-daughter axis before nuclear division. Prior to anaphase, myosin V interacts with the plus end of an astral microtubule via Kar9-Bim1/EB1 and pulls the plus end along the actin cables to move the nucleus/spindle close to the bud neck. In addition, pushing or pulling forces generated from cortex-linked polymerization or depolymerization of microtubules drive nuclear movements in yeasts and possibly also in filamentous fungi. In filamentous fungi, multiple nuclei within a hyphal segment undergo dynein-dependent back-and-forth movements and their positioning is also influenced by cytoplasmic streaming toward the hyphal tip. In addition, nuclear movement occurs at various stages of fungal development and fungal infection of plant tissues. This review discusses our current understanding on the mechanisms of nuclear movement in fungal organisms, the importance of nuclear positioning and the regulatory strategies that ensure the proper positioning of nucleus/spindle. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Module-oriented modeling of reactive transport with HYTEC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Lee, Jan; De Windt, Laurent; Lagneau, Vincent; Goblet, Patrick

2003-04-01

The paper introduces HYTEC, a coupled reactive transport code currently used for groundwater pollution studies, safety assessment of nuclear waste disposals, geochemical studies and interpretation of laboratory column experiments. Based on a known permeability field, HYTEC evaluates the groundwater flow paths, and simulates the migration of mobile matter (ions, organics, colloids) subject to geochemical reactions. The code forms part of a module-oriented structure which facilitates maintenance and improves coding flexibility. In particular, using the geochemical module CHESS as a common denominator for several reactive transport models significantly facilitates the development of new geochemical features which become automatically available to all models. A first example shows how the model can be used to assess migration of uranium from a sub-surface source under the effect of an oxidation front. The model also accounts for alteration of hydrodynamic parameters (local porosity, permeability) due to precipitation and dissolution of mineral phases, which potentially modifies the migration properties in general. The second example illustrates this feature.

Aesthetic judgement of orientation in modern art.

PubMed

Mather, George

2012-01-01

When creating an artwork, the artist makes a decision regarding the orientation at which the work is to be hung based on their aesthetic judgement and the message conveyed by the piece. Is the impact or aesthetic appeal of a work diminished when it is hung at an incorrect orientation? To investigate this question, Experiment 1 asked whether naïve observers can appreciate the correct orientation (as defined by the artist) of 40 modern artworks, some of which are entirely abstract. Eighteen participants were shown 40 paintings in a series of trials. Each trial presented all four cardinal orientations on a computer screen, and the participant was asked to select the orientation that was most attractive or meaningful. Results showed that the correct orientation was selected in 48% of trials on average, significantly above the 25% chance level, but well below perfect performance. A second experiment investigated the extent to which the 40 paintings contained recognisable content, which may have mediated orientation judgements. Recognition rates varied from 0% for seven of the paintings to 100% for five paintings. Orientation judgements in Experiment 1 correlated significantly with "meaningful" content judgements in Experiment 2: 42% of the variance in orientation judgements in Experiment 1 was shared with recognition of meaningful content in Experiment 2. For the seven paintings in which no meaningful content at all was detected, 41% of the variance in orientation judgements was shared with variance in a physical measure of image content, Fourier amplitude spectrum slope. For some paintings, orientation judgements were quite consistent, despite a lack of meaningful content. The origin of these orientation judgements remains to be identified.

Civil Defense, U. S. A.: A Programmed Orientation to Civil Defense. Unit 1. Civil Defense - Protection Against What?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Defense Civil Preparedness Agency (DOD), Battle Creek, MI.

An explanation of the need for civil defense in nuclear and natural disasters is presented. A brief historical background of civil defense is given. Major topics include: (1) Types of disasters, (2) Probable objectives of a nuclear attack on the United States, (3) The major defensive measures against a nuclear attack, (4) Some reasons for low…

The Role of Graphic Orientations in Children's Drawings of Familiar and Novel Objects at Rest and in Motion.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ives, William; Rovet, Joanne

1979-01-01

Reports three experiments which investigate: whether familiar objects have standard graphic orientations (Experiment 1); the relationship between use of object orientations and more conventional methods in depicting familiar objects in motion (Experiment 2); and whether orientations are used differently in novel objects whose only defining feature…

Independent sources of anisotropy in visual orientation representation: a visual and a cognitive oblique effect.

PubMed

Balikou, Panagiota; Gourtzelidis, Pavlos; Mantas, Asimakis; Moutoussis, Konstantinos; Evdokimidis, Ioannis; Smyrnis, Nikolaos

2015-11-01

The representation of visual orientation is more accurate for cardinal orientations compared to oblique, and this anisotropy has been hypothesized to reflect a low-level visual process (visual, "class 1" oblique effect). The reproduction of directional and orientation information also leads to a mean error away from cardinal orientations or directions. This anisotropy has been hypothesized to reflect a high-level cognitive process of space categorization (cognitive, "class 2," oblique effect). This space categorization process would be more prominent when the visual representation of orientation degrades such as in the case of working memory with increasing cognitive load, leading to increasing magnitude of the "class 2" oblique effect, while the "class 1" oblique effect would remain unchanged. Two experiments were performed in which an array of orientation stimuli (1-4 items) was presented and then subjects had to realign a probe stimulus within the previously presented array. In the first experiment, the delay between stimulus presentation and probe varied, while in the second experiment, the stimulus presentation time varied. The variable error was larger for oblique compared to cardinal orientations in both experiments reproducing the visual "class 1" oblique effect. The mean error also reproduced the tendency away from cardinal and toward the oblique orientations in both experiments (cognitive "class 2" oblique effect). The accuracy or the reproduced orientation degraded (increasing variable error) and the cognitive "class 2" oblique effect increased with increasing memory load (number of items) in both experiments and presentation time in the second experiment. In contrast, the visual "class 1" oblique effect was not significantly modulated by any one of these experimental factors. These results confirmed the theoretical predictions for the two anisotropies in visual orientation reproduction and provided support for models proposing the categorization of orientation in visual working memory.

The Formation Mechanism of Nuclear Rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Regan, M. W.; Teuben, P. J.

2001-12-01

Nuclear star forming rings are found in many barred galaxies. In some of these galaxies the majority of the star formation is occurring in the ring. Although there is circumstantial evidence that an inner Lindblad resonance is required for the ring to form, very little work has been done on why this is so. In this talk we will present some of the first analytical work on why, where, and under what conditions rings form. By using both hydrodynamic simulations and numerically integrated stellar orbits we are able to show the relationship between the extent of the X2 orbit family and the nuclear ring radius. This provides the first clear evidence that the ring is formed by the conflict between gas on X2 orbits oriented perpendicular to the bar major axis and gas on X1 orbits oriented along the bar major axis.

An Updated Status of the Experiments with Sensor Webs and OGC Service-Oriented Architectures to Enable Global Earth Observing System of Systems (GEOSS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mandl, Dan; Sohlberg, Rob; Frye, Stu; Cappelaere, P.; Derezinski, L.; Ungar, Steve; Ames, Troy; Chien, Steve; Tran, Danny

2007-01-01

A viewgraph presentation on experiments with sensor webs and service oriented architectures is shown. The topics include: 1) Problem; 2) Basic Service Oriented Architecture Approach; 3) Series of Experiments; and 4) Next Experiments.

Senior High School Students' Preference and Reasoning Modes about Nuclear Energy Use.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yang, Fang-Ying; Anderson, O. Roger

2003-01-01

Examines senior high school students' cognitive orientation toward scientific or social information, designated as information preference, and associated preferential reasoning modes when presented with an environmental issue concerning nuclear energy usage. Investigates the association of information preference variable with academic and personal…

Chromophore orientation in bacteriorhodopsin determined from the angular dependence of deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of oriented purple membranes.

PubMed

Moltke, S; Nevzorov, A A; Sakai, N; Wallat, I; Job, C; Nakanishi, K; Heyn, M P; Brown, M F

1998-08-25

The orientation of prosthetic groups in membrane proteins is of considerable importance in understanding their functional role in energy conversion, signal transduction, and ion transport. In this work, the orientation of the retinylidene chromophore of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) was investigated using 2H NMR spectroscopy. Bacteriorhodopsin was regenerated with all-trans-retinal stereospecifically deuterated in one of the geminal methyl groups on C1 of the cyclohexene ring. A highly oriented sample, which is needed to obtain individual bond orientations from 2H NMR, was prepared by forming hydrated lamellar films of purple membranes on glass slides. A Monte Carlo method was developed to accurately simulate the 2H NMR line shape due to the distribution of bond angles and the orientational disorder of the membranes. The number of free parameters in the line shape simulation was reduced by independent measurements of the intrinsic line width (1.6 kHz from T2e experiments) and the effective quadrupolar coupling constant (38. 8-39.8 kHz from analysis of the line shape of a powder-type sample). The angle between the C1-(1R)-1-CD3 bond and the purple membrane normal was determined with high accuracy from the simultaneous analysis of a series of 2H NMR spectra recorded at different inclinations of the uniaxially oriented sample in the magnetic field at 20 and -50 degrees C. The value of 68.7 +/- 2.0 degrees in dark-adapted bR was used, together with the previously determined angle of the C5-CD3 bond, to calculate the possible orientations of the cyclohexene ring in the membrane. The solutions obtained from 2H NMR were then combined with additional constraints from linear dichroism and electron cryomicroscopy to obtain the allowed orientations of retinal in the noncentrosymmetric membrane structure. The combined data indicate that the methyl groups on the polyene chain point toward the cytoplasmic side of the membrane and the N-H bond of the Schiff base to the extracellular side, i.e., toward the side of proton release in the pump pathway.

Supraliminal But Not Subliminal Distracters Bias Working Memory Recall

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Information of which observers are not consciously aware can nevertheless influence perceptual processes. Whether subliminal information might exert an influence on working memory (WM) representations is less clear, and relatively few studies have examined the interactions between subliminal and supraliminal information in WM. We present 3 experiments examining this issue. Experiments 1a and b replicated the finding that orientation stimuli can influence behavior subliminally in a visuomotor priming task. Experiments 2 and 3 used the same orientation stimuli, but participants had to remember a target orientation and report it back by adjusting a probe orientation after a memory delay. Before or after presentation of the target orientation, a subliminal or supraliminal distracter orientation was presented that was either irrelevant for task completion and never had to be reported (Experiment 2), or was relevant for task completion because it had to be reported on some trials (Experiment 3). In both experiments, presentation of a supraliminal distracter influenced WM recall of the target orientation. When the distracter was presented subliminally, however, there was no bias in orientation recall. These results suggest that information stored in WM is protected from influences of subliminal stimuli, while online information processing is modulated by subliminal information. PMID:25867502

On-line nuclear orientation of the deformed neutron-deficient Eu, Sm and Pm isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singleton, B. D. D.; Walker, P. M.; Bhagwat, A.; Al-Ghamdi, S. S.; Barham, C. G.; Grant, I. S.; Griffiths, A. G.; Rikovska, J.; Stone, N. J.

1992-11-01

Low-temperature nuclear orientation measurements made on-line at the SERC Daresbury Laboratory on142 m Eu,141 m Sm, and141Pm, with known magnetic dipole moments, have yielded the magnitude of the hyperfine fields of these isotopes in an iron host lattice. Thus measurements for the isotopes139, 138Eu,139 m Sm, and138Pm yielded values for the respective magnetic moments. Limits on the thermal relaxation times of Eu and Sm isotopes in Fe were also deduced. The results for138Eu appear to contradict the earlier πh11/2⊗νh11/2 ground-state configuration assignment.

Experimental determination of torsion angles in the polypeptide backbone of the gramicidin A channel by solid state nuclear magnetic resonance.

PubMed

Teng, Q; Nicholson, L K; Cross, T A

1991-04-05

An analytical method for the determination of torsion angles from solid state 15N nuclear magnetic resonance (n.m.r.) spectroscopic data is demonstrated. Advantage is taken of the 15N-1H and 15N-13C dipolar interactions as well as the 15N chemical shift interaction in oriented samples. The membrane-bound channel conformation of gramicidin A has eluded an atomic resolution structure determination by more traditional approaches. Here, the torsion angles for the Ala3 site are determined by obtaining the n.m.r. data for both the Gly2-Ala3 and Ala3-Leu4 peptide linkages. Complete utilization of the orientational constraints derived from these orientation-dependent nuclear spin interactions in restricting the conformational space is most effectively achieved by utilizing spherical trigonometry. Two possible sets of torsion angles for the Ala3 site are obtained (phi, psi = -129 degrees, 153 degrees and -129 degrees, 122 degrees), both of which are consistent with a right-handed beta-helix. Other functional and computational evidence strongly supports the set for which the carbonyl oxygen atom of the Ala3-Leu4 linkage is rotated into the channel lumen.

Nuclear Resonance Vibrational Spectra of Five-Coordinate Imidazole-ligated Iron(II) Porphyrinates

PubMed Central

Hu, Chuanjiang; Barabanschikov, Alexander; Ellison, Mary K.; Zhao, Jiyong; Alp, E. Ercan; Sturhahn, Wolfgang; Zgierski, Marek Z.; Sage, J. Timothy; Scheidt, W. Robert

2012-01-01

Nuclear resonance vibrational spectra have been obtained for six five-coordinate imidazole-ligated iron(II) porphyrinates, [Fe(Por)(L)] (Por = tetraphenylporphyrinate, octaethylporphyrinate, tetratolylporphyrinate or protoporphyrinate IX and L = 2-methylimidazole or 1,2-dimethylimidazole). Measurements have been made on both powder and oriented crystal samples. The spectra are dominated by strong signals around 200–300 cm−1. Although the in-plane and out-of-plane vibrations are seriously overlapped, oriented crystal spectra allow their deconvolution. Thus, oriented crystal experimental data, along with DFT calculations, enable the assignment of key vibrations in the spectra. Molecular dynamics are also discussed. The nature of the Fe–NIm vibrations has been elaborated further than was possible from resonance Raman studies. Our study suggests that the Fe motions are coupled with the porphyrin core and peripheral groups motions. Both peripheral groups and their conformations have significant influence on the vibrational spectra (position and shape). PMID:22243131

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

Zeng, Fan W.; Contescu, Cristian I.; Gallego, Nidia C.

Laser ultrasonic line source methods have been used to study elastic anisotropy in nuclear graphites by measuring shear wave birefringence. Depending on the manufacturing processes used during production, nuclear graphites can exhibit various degrees of material anisotropy related to preferred crystallite orientation and to microcracking. In this paper, laser ultrasonic line source measurements of shear wave birefringence on NBG-25 have been performed to assess elastic anisotropy. Laser line sources allow specific polarizations for shear waves to be transmitted – the corresponding wavespeeds can be used to compute bulk, elastic moduli that serve to quantify anisotropy. These modulus values can bemore » interpreted using physical property models based on orientation distribution coefficients and microcrack-modified, single crystal moduli to represent the combined effects of crystallite orientation and microcracking on material anisotropy. Finally, ultrasonic results are compared to and contrasted with measurements of anisotropy based on the coefficient of thermal expansion to show the relationship of results from these techniques.« less

Probing a chemical compass: novel variants of low-frequency reaction yield detected magnetic resonance.

PubMed

Maeda, Kiminori; Storey, Jonathan G; Liddell, Paul A; Gust, Devens; Hore, P J; Wedge, C J; Timmel, Christiane R

2015-02-07

We present a study of a carotenoid-porphyrin-fullerene triad previously shown to function as a chemical compass: the photogenerated carotenoid-fullerene radical pair recombines at a rate sensitive to the orientation of an applied magnetic field. To characterize the system we develop a time-resolved Low-Frequency Reaction Yield Detected Magnetic Resonance (tr-LF-RYDMR) technique; the effect of varying the relative orientation of applied static and 36 MHz oscillating magnetic fields is shown to be strongly dependent on the strength of the oscillating magnetic field. RYDMR is a diagnostic test for involvement of the radical pair mechanism in the magnetic field sensitivity of reaction rates or yields, and has previously been applied in animal behavioural experiments to verify the involvement of radical-pair-based intermediates in the magnetic compass sense of migratory birds. The spectroscopic selection rules governing RYDMR are well understood at microwave frequencies for which the so-called 'high-field approximation' is valid, but at lower frequencies different models are required. For example, the breakdown of the rotating frame approximation has recently been investigated, but less attention has so far been given to orientation effects. Here we gain physical insights into the interplay of the different magnetic interactions affecting low-frequency RYDMR experiments performed in the challenging regime in which static and oscillating applied magnetic fields as well as internal electron-nuclear hyperfine interactions are of comparable magnitude. Our observations aid the interpretation of existing RYDMR-based animal behavioural studies and will inform future applications of the technique to verify and characterize further the biological receptors involved in avian magnetoreception.

Theory and application of laser ultrasonic shear wave birefringence measurements to the determination of microstructure orientation in transversely isotropic, polycrystalline graphite materials

DOE PAGES

Zeng, Fan W.; Contescu, Cristian I.; Gallego, Nidia C.; ...

2016-12-18

Laser ultrasonic line source methods have been used to study elastic anisotropy in nuclear graphites by measuring shear wave birefringence. Depending on the manufacturing processes used during production, nuclear graphites can exhibit various degrees of material anisotropy related to preferred crystallite orientation and to microcracking. In this paper, laser ultrasonic line source measurements of shear wave birefringence on NBG-25 have been performed to assess elastic anisotropy. Laser line sources allow specific polarizations for shear waves to be transmitted – the corresponding wavespeeds can be used to compute bulk, elastic moduli that serve to quantify anisotropy. These modulus values can bemore » interpreted using physical property models based on orientation distribution coefficients and microcrack-modified, single crystal moduli to represent the combined effects of crystallite orientation and microcracking on material anisotropy. Finally, ultrasonic results are compared to and contrasted with measurements of anisotropy based on the coefficient of thermal expansion to show the relationship of results from these techniques.« less

Characterization of nuclear graphite elastic properties using laser ultrasonic methods

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

Zeng, Fan W; Han, Karen; Olasov, Lauren R

2015-01-01

Laser ultrasonic methods have been used to characterize the elastic behaviors of commercially-available and legacy nuclear graphites. Since ultrasonic techniques are sensitive to various aspects of graphite microstructure including preferred grain orientation, microcrack orientation and porosity, laser ultrasonics is a candidate technique for monitoring graphite degradation and structural integrity in environments expected in high-temperature, gas-cooled nuclear reactors. Aspects of materials texture can be assessed by studying ultrasonic wavespeeds as a function of propagation direction and polarization. Shear wave birefringence measurements, in particular, can be used to evaluate elastic anisotropy. In this work, laser ultrasonic measurements of graphite moduli have beenmore » made to provide insight into the relationship between the microstructures and the macroscopic stiffnesses of these materials. In particular, laser ultrasonic measurements have been made using laser line sources to produce shear waves with specific polarizations. By varying the line orientation relative to the sample, shear wave birefringence measurements have been recorded. Results from shear wave birefringence measurements show that an isostatically molded graphite, such as PCIB, behaves isotropically, while an extruded graphite, such as H-451, displays significant ultrasonic texture. Graphites have complicated microstructures that depend on the manufacturing processes used, and ultrasonic texture in these materials could originate from grain orientation and preferred microcrack alignment. Effects on material isotropy due to service related microstructural changes are possible and the ultimate aim of this work is to determine the degree to which these changes can be assessed nondestructively using laser ultrasonics measurements« less

Supraliminal but not subliminal distracters bias working memory recall.

PubMed

Wildegger, Theresa; Myers, Nicholas E; Humphreys, Glyn; Nobre, Anna C

2015-06-01

Information of which observers are not consciously aware can nevertheless influence perceptual processes. Whether subliminal information might exert an influence on working memory (WM) representations is less clear, and relatively few studies have examined the interactions between subliminal and supraliminal information in WM. We present 3 experiments examining this issue. Experiments 1a and b replicated the finding that orientation stimuli can influence behavior subliminally in a visuomotor priming task. Experiments 2 and 3 used the same orientation stimuli, but participants had to remember a target orientation and report it back by adjusting a probe orientation after a memory delay. Before or after presentation of the target orientation, a subliminal or supraliminal distracter orientation was presented that was either irrelevant for task completion and never had to be reported (Experiment 2), or was relevant for task completion because it had to be reported on some trials (Experiment 3). In both experiments, presentation of a supraliminal distracter influenced WM recall of the target orientation. When the distracter was presented subliminally, however, there was no bias in orientation recall. These results suggest that information stored in WM is protected from influences of subliminal stimuli, while online information processing is modulated by subliminal information. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

The chicken skeletal alpha-actin gene promoter region exhibits partial dyad symmetry and a capacity to drive bidirectional transcription.

PubMed Central

Grichnik, J M; French, B A; Schwartz, R J

1988-01-01

The chicken skeletal alpha-actin gene promoter region (-202 to -12) provides myogenic transcriptional specificity. This promoter contains partial dyad symmetry about an axis at nucleotide -108 and in transfection experiments is capable of directing transcription in a bidirectional manner. At least three different transcription initiation start sites, oriented toward upstream sequences, were mapped 25 to 30 base pairs from TATA-like regions. The opposing transcriptional activity was potentiated upon the deletion of sequences proximal to the alpha-actin transcription start site. Thus, sequences which serve to position RNA polymerase for alpha-actin transcription may allow, in their absence, the selection of alternative and reverse-oriented start sites. Nuclear runoff transcription assays of embryonic muscle indicated that divergent transcription may occur in vivo but with rapid turnover of nuclear transcripts. Divergent transcriptional activity enabled us to define the 3' regulatory boundary of the skeletal alpha-actin promoter which retains a high level of myogenic transcriptional activity. The 3' regulatory border was detected when serial 3' deletions bisected the element (-91 CCAAA TATGG -82) which reduced transcriptional activity by 80%. Previously we showed that disruption of its upstream counterpart (-127 CCAAAGAAGG -136) resulted in about a 90% decrease in activity. These element pairs, which we describe as CCAAT box-associated repeats, are conserved in all sequenced vertebrate sarcomeric actin genes and may act in a cooperative manner to facilitate transcription in myogenic cells. Images PMID:3211124

Evolution of Binary Supermassive Black Holes in Rotating Nuclei

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

Rasskazov, Alexander; Merritt, David

The interaction of a binary supermassive black hole with stars in a galactic nucleus can result in changes to all the elements of the binary’s orbit, including the angles that define its orientation. If the nucleus is rotating, the orientation changes can be large, causing large changes in the binary’s orbital eccentricity as well. We present a general treatment of this problem based on the Fokker–Planck equation for f , defined as the probability distribution for the binary’s orbital elements. First- and second-order diffusion coefficients are derived for the orbital elements of the binary using numerical scattering experiments, and analyticmore » approximations are presented for some of these coefficients. Solutions of the Fokker–Planck equation are then derived under various assumptions about the initial rotational state of the nucleus and the binary hardening rate. We find that the evolution of the orbital elements can become qualitatively different when we introduce nuclear rotation: (1) the orientation of the binary’s orbit evolves toward alignment with the plane of rotation of the nucleus and (2) binary orbital eccentricity decreases for aligned binaries and increases for counteraligned ones. We find that the diffusive (random-walk) component of a binary’s evolution is small in nuclei with non-negligible rotation, and we derive the time-evolution equations for the semimajor axis, eccentricity, and inclination in that approximation. The aforementioned effects could influence gravitational wave production as well as the relative orientation of host galaxies and radio jets.« less

Stabilization of the electron-nuclear spin orientation in quantum dots by the nuclear quadrupole interaction.

PubMed

Dzhioev, R I; Korenev, V L

2007-07-20

The nuclear quadrupole interaction eliminates the restrictions imposed by hyperfine interaction on the spin coherence of an electron and nuclei in a quantum dot. The strain-induced nuclear quadrupole interaction suppresses the nuclear spin flip and makes possible the zero-field dynamic nuclear polarization in self-organized InP/InGaP quantum dots. The direction of the effective nuclear magnetic field is fixed in space, thus quenching the magnetic depolarization of the electron spin in the quantum dot. The quadrupole interaction suppresses the zero-field electron spin decoherence also for the case of nonpolarized nuclei. These results provide a new vision of the role of the nuclear quadrupole interaction in nanostructures: it elongates the spin memory of the electron-nuclear system.

Stabilization of the Electron-Nuclear Spin Orientation in Quantum Dots by the Nuclear Quadrupole Interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dzhioev, R. I.; Korenev, V. L.

2007-07-01

The nuclear quadrupole interaction eliminates the restrictions imposed by hyperfine interaction on the spin coherence of an electron and nuclei in a quantum dot. The strain-induced nuclear quadrupole interaction suppresses the nuclear spin flip and makes possible the zero-field dynamic nuclear polarization in self-organized InP/InGaP quantum dots. The direction of the effective nuclear magnetic field is fixed in space, thus quenching the magnetic depolarization of the electron spin in the quantum dot. The quadrupole interaction suppresses the zero-field electron spin decoherence also for the case of nonpolarized nuclei. These results provide a new vision of the role of the nuclear quadrupole interaction in nanostructures: it elongates the spin memory of the electron-nuclear system.

High levels of absorption in orientation-unbiased, radio-selected 3CR Active Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilkes, Belinda J.; Haas, Martin; Barthel, Peter; Leipski, Christian; Kuraszkiewicz, Joanna; Worrall, Diana; Birkinshaw, Mark; Willner, Steven P.

2014-08-01

A critical problem in understanding active galaxies (AGN) is the separation of intrinsic physical differences from observed differences that are due to orientation. Obscuration of the active nucleus is anisotropic and strongly frequency dependent leading to complex selection effects for observations in most wavebands. These can only be quantified using a sample that is sufficiently unbiased to test orientation effects. Low-frequency radio emission is one way to select a close-to orientation-unbiased sample, albeit limited to the minority of AGN with strong radio emission.Recent Chandra, Spitzer and Herschel observations combined with multi-wavelength data for a complete sample of high-redshift (1 24.2) = 2.5:1.4:1 in these high-luminosity (log L(0.3-8keV) ~ 44-46) sources. These ratios are consistent with current expectations based on modelingthe Cosmic X-ray Background. A strong correlation with radio orientation constrains the geometry of the obscuring disk/torus to have a ~60 degree opening angle and ~12 degree Compton-thick cross-section. The deduced ~50% obscured fraction of the population contrasts with typical estimates of ~20% obscured in optically- and X-ray-selected high-luminosity samples. Once the primary nuclear emission is obscured, AGN X-ray spectra are frequently dominated by unobscured non-nuclear or scattered nuclear emission which cannot be distinguished from direct nuclear emission with a lower obscuration level unless high quality data is available. As a result, both the level of obscuration and the estimated instrinsic luminosities of highly-obscured AGN are likely to be significantly (*10-1000) underestimated for 25-50% of the population. This may explain the lower obscured fractions reported for optical and X-ray samples which have no independent measure of the AGN luminosity. Correcting AGN samples for these underestimated luminosities would result in flatter derived luminosity functions and potentially change their evolution.

Contour symmetry detection: the influence of axis orientation and number of objects.

PubMed

Friedenberg, J; Bertamini, M

2000-09-01

Participants discriminated symmetrical from random contours connected by straight lines to form part of one- or two-objects. In experiment one, symmetrical contours were translated or reflected and presented at vertical, horizontal, and oblique axis orientations with orientation constant within blocks. Translated two-object contours were detected more easily than one, replicating a "lock-and-key" effect obtained previously for vertical orientations only [M. Bertamini, J.D. Friedenberg, M. Kubovy, Acta Psychologica, 95 (1997) 119-140]. A second experiment extended these results to a wider variety of axis orientations under mixed block conditions. The pattern of performance for translation and reflection at different orientations corresponded in both experiments, suggesting that orientation is processed similarly in the detection of these symmetries.

Modeling Ultra-fast assembly and sintering of gold nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lane, J. Matthew D.; Salerno, K. Michael; Grest, Gary S.; Fan, Hongyou

We use fully atomistic simulations to understand the role of extreme pressure in the assembly and sintering of fcc superlattices of alkanethiol-coated gold nanocrystals into larger nanostructures. Recent quasi-isentropic experiments have shown that 1D, 2D and 3D nanostructures can be formed and recovered from dynamic compression experiments on Sandia's Veloce pulsed power accelerator. Here, we describe the role of coating properties, such as ligand length and grafting density, on ligand migration and deformation processes during pressure-driven coalescence of metal nano cores into permanent nanowires, nanosheets and 3D structures. The role of uniaxial vs isotropic pressure and the effects of compression along various superlattice orientations will be discussed. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-mission laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Endorsement and Timing of Sexual Orientation Developmental Milestones Among Sexual Minority Young Adults in the Growing Up Today Study

PubMed Central

Katz-Wise, Sabra L.; Rosario, Margaret; Calzo, Jerel P.; Scherer, Emily A.; Sarda, Vishnudas; Austin, S. Bryn

2017-01-01

This research examined endorsement and timing of sexual orientation developmental milestones. Participants were 1235 females and 398 males from the Growing Up Today Study, ages 22 to 29 years, who endorsed a sexual minority orientation (lesbian/gay, bisexual, mostly heterosexual) or reported same-gender sexual behavior (heterosexual with same-gender sexual experience). An online survey measured current sexual orientation and endorsement and timing (age first experienced) of five sexual orientation developmental milestones: same-gender attractions, other-gender attractions, same-gender sexual experience, other-gender sexual experience, and sexual minority identification. Descriptive analyses and analyses to test for gender and sexual orientation group differences were conducted. Results indicated that females were more likely than males to endorse same-gender attraction, other-gender attraction, and other-gender sexual experience, with the most gender differences in endorsement among mostly heterosexuals and heterosexuals with same-gender sexual experience. In general, males reached milestones earlier than females, with the most gender differences in timing among lesbian and gay individuals and heterosexuals with same-gender sexual experience. Results suggest that the three sexual minority developmental milestones may best characterize the experiences of lesbians, gay males, and female and male bisexuals. More research is needed to understand sexual orientation development among mostly heterosexuals and heterosexuals with same-gender sexual experience. PMID:27148762

Endorsement and Timing of Sexual Orientation Developmental Milestones Among Sexual Minority Young Adults in the Growing Up Today Study.

PubMed

Katz-Wise, Sabra L; Rosario, Margaret; Calzo, Jerel P; Scherer, Emily A; Sarda, Vishnudas; Austin, S Bryn

2017-02-01

This research examined endorsement and timing of sexual orientation developmental milestones. Participants were 1,235 females and 398 males from the Growing Up Today Study, ages 22 to 29 years, who endorsed a sexual minority orientation (lesbian/gay, bisexual, mostly heterosexual) or reported same-gender sexual behavior (heterosexual with same-gender sexual experience). An online survey measured current sexual orientation and endorsement and timing (age first experienced) of five sexual orientation developmental milestones: same-gender attractions, other-gender attractions, same-gender sexual experience, other-gender sexual experience, and sexual minority identification. Descriptive analyses and analyses to test for gender and sexual orientation group differences were conducted. Results indicated that women were more likely than men to endorse same-gender attraction, other-gender attraction, and other-gender sexual experience, with the most gender differences in endorsement among mostly heterosexuals and heterosexuals with same-gender sexual experience. In general, men reached milestones earlier than women, with the most gender differences in timing among lesbian and gay individuals and heterosexuals with same-gender sexual experience. Results suggest that the three sexual minority developmental milestones may best characterize the experiences of lesbians, gay males, and female and male bisexuals. More research is needed to understand sexual orientation development among mostly heterosexuals and heterosexuals with same-gender sexual experience.

When sex is more than just sex: attachment orientations, sexual experience, and relationship quality.

PubMed

Birnbaum, Gurit E; Reis, Harry T; Mikulincer, Mario; Gillath, Omri; Orpaz, Ayala

2006-11-01

The authors explored the contribution of individual differences in attachment orientations to the experience of sexual intercourse and its association with relationship quality. In Study 1, 500 participants completed self-report scales of attachment orientations and sexual experience. The findings indicated that whereas attachment anxiety was associated with an ambivalent construal of sexual experience, attachment avoidance was associated with more aversive sexual feelings and cognitions. In Study 2, 41 couples reported on their attachment orientations and provided daily diary measures of sexual experiences and relationship interactions for a period of 42 days. Results showed that attachment anxiety amplified the effects of positive and negative sexual experiences on relationship interactions. In contrast, attachment avoidance inhibited the positive relational effect of having sex and the detrimental relational effects of negative sexual interactions. The authors discuss the possibility that attachment orientations are associated with different sex-related strategies and goals within romantic relationships.

Novel NMR tools to study structure and dynamics of biomembranes.

PubMed

Gawrisch, Klaus; Eldho, Nadukkudy V; Polozov, Ivan V

2002-06-01

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies on biomembranes have benefited greatly from introduction of magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR techniques. Improvements in MAS probe technology, combined with the higher magnetic field strength of modern instruments, enables almost liquid-like resolution of lipid resonances. The cross-relaxation rates measured by nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy (NOESY) provide new insights into conformation and dynamics of lipids with atomic-scale resolution. The data reflect the tremendous motional disorder in the lipid matrix. Transfer of magnetization by spin diffusion along the proton network of lipids is of secondary relevance, even at a long NOESY mixing time of 300 ms. MAS experiments with re-coupling of anisotropic interactions, like the 13C-(1)H dipolar couplings, benefit from the excellent resolution of 13C shifts that enables assignment of the couplings to specific carbon atoms. The traditional 2H NMR experiments on deuterated lipids have higher sensitivity when conducted on oriented samples at higher magnetic field strength. A very large number of NMR parameters from lipid bilayers is now accessible, providing information about conformation and dynamics for every lipid segment. The NMR methods have the sensitivity and resolution to study lipid-protein interaction, lateral lipid organization, and the location of solvents and drugs in the lipid matrix.

Cultural Orientation as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Chinese American Adolescents’ Discrimination Experiences and Delinquent Behaviors

PubMed Central

Deng, Shiying; Vaughan, Phillip W.; Li, Jing

2009-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among Chinese American adolescents’ discrimination experiences, cultural orientations, and delinquent behaviors. Data were collected from three hundred and eleven Chinese American adolescents (58% girls) and their parents when the adolescents were 7th or 8th graders and again 4 years later. The data analyses demonstrated that adolescents’ perceptions of discrimination and victimization experiences were significantly related to their delinquent behaviors conditionally based upon their cultural orientation. Specifically, adolescents’ high Chinese cultural orientation amplified the negative impact of discriminatory experiences on delinquent behaviors whereas high Western cultural orientation protected them against that impact. The significance of both ethnic and mainstream cultural orientations for understanding ethnic minority adolescents’ adjustment and improving their adjustment outcomes is discussed. PMID:19834795

Postural and Object-Oriented Experiences Advance Early Reaching, Object Exploration, and Means-End Behavior

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lobo, Michele A.; Galloway, James C.

2008-01-01

The effects of 3 weeks of social (control), postural, or object-oriented experiences on 9- to 21-week-old infants' (N = 42) reaching, exploration, and means-end behaviors were assessed. Coders recorded object contacts, mouthing, fingering, attention, and affect from video. Postural and object-oriented experiences advanced reaching, haptic…

Nuclear weapons in the 1980s: MAD versus NUTS. Mutual hostage relationship of the superpowers

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

Keeny, S.M. Jr.; Panofsky, W.K.H.

Critics of the strategic relationship of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) developed during the 1960s claim it immorally holds entire civilian populations hostage. Some advocate the Nuclear Utilization Target Selection (NUTS) concept, while others argue for a defense-oriented military posture. The interrelationships of these concepts are examined against the background of stockpiled nuclear weapons capable of massive devastation, the technical limits to defense, and the uncertainty that a nuclear war could be controlled. The evidence shows that a MAD world prevails despite NUTS proposals, which may have increased the danger by giving nuclear war the illusion of acceptability. (DCK)

Strength and Anisotropy in Tournemire Shale: Temperature, Pressure and Time Dependences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonnelye, A.; Schubnel, A.; Zhi, G.; David, C.; Dick, P.

2017-12-01

Time and temperature dependent rock deformation has both scientific and socio-economic implications for natural hazards, the oil and gas industry and nuclear waste disposal. During the past decades, most studies on brittle creep have focused on igneous rocks and porous sedimentary rocks. To our knowledge, only few studies have been carried out on the brittle creep behavior of shale. We conducted a series of creep experiments on shale specimens coming from the French Institute for Nuclear Safety (IRSN) underground research laboratory located in Tournemire, France, under two different temperatures (26°C, 75°C) and confining pressures (10 MPa, 80 MPa), for three orientations (σ1along, perpendicular and 45° to bedding). In these long-term experiments (approximately 10 days), stress and strains were recorded continuously, while ultrasonic acoustic velocities were recorded every 1 15 minutes. The brittle creep failure stress of our Tournemire shale samples was systematically observed 50% higher than its short-term peak strength, with larger final axial strain accumulated. During creep, ultrasonic wave velocities first decreased, and then increased gradually. The magnitude of elastic wave velocity variations showed an important orientation and temperature dependence: velocities measured perpendicular to bedding showed increased variation, variation that was enhanced at higher temperature and higher pressure. The case of complete elastic anisotropy reversal was observed for sample deformed perpendicular to bedding, with amount of axial strain needed to reach anisotropy reversal reduced at higher temperature. SEM observations highlight the competition between crack growth, sealing/healing, and possibly mineral rotation, pressure solution or anisotropic compaction during creep defromation. Our study highlights that the short-term peak strength has little meaning in shale material, which can over-consolidate importantly by `plastic' flow. In addition, we show that elastic anisotropy can switch and even reverse over relatively short time periods (<10 days) and for relatively small amount of plastic deformation (<5%).

Nuclear Power in the Classroom: A Union of Science and Social Studies Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shillenn, James K.; Vincenti, John R.

This paper examines issues that K-12 science and social studies teachers need to keep in mind when teaching about nuclear power. The information needs to be presented in as objective a manner as possible. Science needs to become more social oriented. Team teaching should be encouraged. Elementary and secondary inservice teacher education is…

Nuclear reactor support and seismic restraint with in-vessel core retention cooling features

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

Edwards, Tyler A.; Edwards, Michael J.

A nuclear reactor including a lateral seismic restraint with a vertically oriented pin attached to the lower vessel head and a mating pin socket attached to the floor. Thermally insulating materials are disposed alongside the exterior surface of a lower portion of the reactor pressure vessel including at least the lower vessel head.

Orientation perception in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).

PubMed

Wakita, Masumi

2008-07-01

It was previously demonstrated that monkeys divide the orientation continuum into cardinal and oblique categories. However, it is still unclear how monkeys perceive within-category orientations. To better understand monkeys' perception of orientation, two experiments were conducted using five monkeys. In experiment 1, they were trained to identify either one cardinal or one oblique target orientation out of six orientations. The results showed that they readily identified the cardinal target whether it was oriented horizontally or vertically. However, a longer training period was needed to identify the oblique target orientation regardless of its degree and direction of tilt. In experiment 2, the same monkeys were trained to identify two-oblique target orientations out of six orientations. These orientations were paired, either sharing the degree of tilt, direction of tilt, or neither property. The results showed that the monkeys readily identified oblique orientations when they had either the same degree or direction of tilt. However, when the target orientations had neither the same degree nor direction of tilt, the animals had difficulty in identifying them. In summary, horizontal and vertical orientations are individually processed, indicating that monkeys do not have a category for cardinal orientation, but they may recognize cardinal orientations as non-obliques. In addition, monkeys efficiently abstract either the degree or the direction of tilt from oblique orientations, but they have difficulty combining these features to identify an oblique orientation. Thus, not all orientations within the oblique category are equally perceived.

Location and ion-binding of membrane-associated valinomycin, a proton nuclear magnetic resonance study.

PubMed

Meers, P; Feigenson, G W

1988-03-03

Valinomycin, incorporated in small unilamellar vesicles of perdeuterated dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine, reveals several well-resolved 1H-NMR resonances. These resonances were used to examine the location, orientation and ion-binding of membrane-bound valinomycin. The order of affinity of membrane-bound valinomycin for cations is Rb+ greater than K+ greater than Cs+ greater than Ba2+, and binding is sensitive to surface change. The exchange between bound and free forms is fast on the NMR time scale. The intrinsic binding constants, extrapolated to zero anion concentration, are similar to those determined in aqueous solution. Rb+ and K+ show 1:1 binding to valinomycin, whereas the stoichiometry of Cs+ and Ba2+ is not certain. Paramagnetic chemical shift reagents and nitroxide spin label relaxation probes were used to study the location and orientation of valinomycin in the membrane. Despite relatively fast exchange of bound cations, the time average location of the cation-free form of valinomycin is deep within the bilayer under the conditions of these experiments. Upon complexation to K+, valinomycin moves closer to the interfacial region.

Outer-Sphere Contributions to the Electronic Structure of Type Zero Copper Proteins

PubMed Central

Lancaster, Kyle M.; Zaballa, María-Eugenia; Sproules, Stephen; Sundararajan, Mahesh; DeBeer, Serena; Richards, John H.; Vila, Alejandro J.; Neese, Frank; Gray, Harry B.

2016-01-01

Bioinorganic canon states that active-site thiolate coordination promotes rapid electron transfer (ET) to and from type 1 copper proteins. In recent work, we have found that copper ET sites in proteins also can be constructed without thiolate ligation (called “type zero” sites). Here we report multifrequency electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic data together with density functional theory (DFT) and spectroscopy-oriented configuration interaction (SORCI) calculations for type zero Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin variants. Wild-type (type 1) and type zero copper centers experience virtually identical ligand fields. Moreover, O-donor covalency is enhanced in type zero centers relative that in the C112D (type 2) protein. At the same time, N-donor covalency is reduced in a similar fashion to type 1 centers. QM/MM and SORCI calculations show that the electronic structures of type zero and type 2 are intimately linked to the orientation and coordination mode of the carboxylate ligand, which in turn is influenced by outer-sphere hydrogen bonding. PMID:22563915

Depth profiling of high energy nitrogen ions implanted in the <1 0 0>, <1 1 0> and randomly oriented silicon crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erić, M.; Petrović, S.; Kokkoris, M.; Lagoyannis, A.; Paneta, V.; Harissopulos, S.; Telečki, I.

2012-03-01

This work reports on the experimentally obtained depth profiles of 4 MeV 14N2+ ions implanted in the <1 0 0>, <1 1 0> and randomly oriented silicon crystals. The ion fluence was 1017 particles/cm2. The nitrogen depth profiling has been performed using the Nuclear Reaction Analysis (NRA) method, via the study of 14N(d,α0)12C and 14N(d,α1)12C nuclear reactions, and with the implementation of SRIM 2010 and SIMNRA computer simulation codes. For the randomly oriented silicon crystal, change of the density of silicon matrix and the nitrogen "bubble" formation have been proposed as the explanation for the difference between the experimental and simulated nitrogen depth profiles. During the implantation, the RBS/C spectra were measured on the nitrogen implanted and on the virgin crystal spots. These spectra provide information on the amorphization of the silicon crystals induced by the ion implantation.

Featural Guidance in Conjunction Search: The Contrast between Orientation and Color

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, Giles M.; Heinke, Dietmar; Humphreys, Glyn W.

2010-01-01

Four experiments examined the effects of precues on visual search for targets defined by a color-orientation conjunction. Experiment 1 showed that cueing the identity of targets enhanced the efficiency of search. Cueing effects were stronger with color than with orientation cues, but this advantage was additive across array size. Experiment 2…

[Morphometric and stereologic nuclear values obtained from the study of a population suffering from nasopharyngeal carcinoma].

PubMed

Pérez Plasencia, D; Flores Corral, T; Urrutia Avisrror, M; Santa Cruz Ruiz, S; Benito González, J; Mateos Pérez, M M; Gómez González, J L

2002-01-01

Computer nuclear morphometry and stereology are attractive methods because its objectivity and cheapness allowing histologic diagnosis when identifying minimal variations respectively the normality and also detect negligible disparities between anormal cells which could escape to the assessment of the pathologist. We present the data gained from several morphogenic and stereologic parameters resulting of measurements of tumoral cells procured from 40 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinomata. Middle values have been: nuclear area 27.70 microns 2; nuclear perimeter 20.80 microns; nuclear factor of form 0.81 microns; nuclear outline index 4.01; nuclear orientation angle 87.29 degrees; nuclear ellipsiticity 704.14; nuclear regularity 61.83; middle lineal length 4.30, middle linear distance 107.94; and nuclear volume 118.80 microns 3. Our series is the largest studied till now of all found in the literature. Comparison our data with those of previous publications.

Spatial Orienting Following Dynamic Cues in Infancy: Grasping Hands versus Inanimate Objects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wronski, Caroline; Daum, Moritz M.

2014-01-01

Movement perception facilitates spatial orienting of attention in infants (Farroni, Johnson, Brockbank, & Simion, 2000). In a series of 4 experiments, we investigated how orienting of attention in infancy is modulated by dynamic stimuli. Experiment 1 (N = 36) demonstrated that 5-month-olds as well as 7-month-olds orient to the direction of a…

The Influence of Temporal Orientation and Affective Frame on use of Ethical Decision-Making Strategies

PubMed Central

Martin, Laura E.; Stenmark, Cheryl K.; Thiel, Chase E.; Antes, Alison L.; Mumford, Michael D.; Connelly, Shane; Devenport, Lynn D.

2011-01-01

This study examined the role of temporal orientation and affective frame in the execution of ethical decision-making strategies. In reflecting on a past experience or imagining a future experience, participants thought about experiences that they considered either positive or negative. The participants recorded their thinking about that experience by responding to several questions, and their responses were content-analyzed for the use of ethical decision-making strategies. The findings indicated that a future temporal orientation was associated with greater strategy use. Likewise, a positive affective frame was associated with greater strategy use. Future orientation may permit better strategy execution than a past orientation because it facilitates more objective, balanced contemplation of the reflected-upon situation, and minimizes potential self-threat associated with past behavior. A positive affective frame likely improves strategy execution because it facilitates active analysis of the experience. Future directions and implications of these findings are discussed. PMID:21572582

Aging and the perception of local surface orientation from optical patterns of shading and specular highlights.

PubMed

Norman, J Farley; Wiesemann, Elizabeth Y

2007-01-01

Younger and older observers' ability to perceive local surface orientation from optical patterns of shading and specular highlights was investigated in two experiments. On each trial, the observers viewed a randomly generated, smoothly curved 3-D object and manipulated an adjustable gauge figure until its orientation matched that of a specific local region on the object's surface (cf. Koenderink, van Doom, & Kappers, 1992). The performance of both age groups was facilitated by the presence of binocular disparity (Experiment 1) and object rotation in depth (Experiment 2). Observers in both age groups were able to judge the surface tilt component of orientation more precisely than the slant component. Significant, but modest, effects of age were found in Experiment 1, but not in Experiment 2. The ability to perceive local surface orientation appears to be relatively well preserved with increasing age, at least through the age of 80.

Reciprocal relationships between value orientation and motivational interference during studying and leisure.

PubMed

Hofer, Manfred; Schmid, Sebastian; Fries, Stefan; Kilian, Britta; Kuhnle, Claudia

2010-12-01

Motivational interference is defined as the amount of impairment in a target activity due to the incentives of a non-chosen attractive alternative. The amount to which pupils experience motivational interference while studying or while performing a leisure activity in a school-leisure conflict situation is seen as depending on the values they attach to achievement and well-being. At the same time, values may also be effects of frequent experience of motivational interference in the respective areas. The study is aimed at investigating the reciprocal relationship between personal value orientations and the experience of motivational interference during studying and leisure. A total of 363 pupils (sixth to eighth graders at the time of first measurement) completed the same questionnaire twice in a 2-year interval. The questionnaire included measures of achievement and well-being value orientation and the experience of motivational interference during studying and during leisure in school-leisure conflicts. For this, two scenarios were created. In regression analyses, achievement and well-being value orientations as well as their interaction terms were used as predictors for experience of motivational interference at t(2) while controlling for experience of motivational interference at t(1), and vice versa. Additionally in path models, these relations were tested in an integrative way. Pupils' achievement value orientations were connected to differential changes in experiencing motivational interference during leisure and during studying in one scenario but only for pupils low or medium in well-being value orientation. Conversely, experience of motivational interference at t(1) was related to changes in value orientations 2 years later. High motivational interference during studying led to an increase in well-being value orientation, while high motivational interference during leisure was followed by a decrease in well-being value orientation and an increase in achievement value orientation. Overall, path models supported these results. The results are discussed in terms of value change and are linked to self-control and motivation research.

Selective Optical Addressing of Nuclear Spins through Superhyperfine Interaction in Rare-Earth Doped Solids.

PubMed

Car, B; Veissier, L; Louchet-Chauvet, A; Le Gouët, J-L; Chanelière, T

2018-05-11

In Er^{3+}:Y_{2}SiO_{5}, we demonstrate the selective optical addressing of the ^{89}Y^{3+} nuclear spins through their superhyperfine coupling with the Er^{3+} electronic spins possessing large Landé g factors. We experimentally probe the electron-nuclear spin mixing with photon echo techniques and validate our model. The site-selective optical addressing of the Y^{3+} nuclear spins is designed by adjusting the magnetic field strength and orientation. This constitutes an important step towards the realization of long-lived solid-state qubits optically addressed by telecom photons.

Selective Optical Addressing of Nuclear Spins through Superhyperfine Interaction in Rare-Earth Doped Solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Car, B.; Veissier, L.; Louchet-Chauvet, A.; Le Gouët, J.-L.; Chanelière, T.

2018-05-01

In Er3 +:Y2SiO5 , we demonstrate the selective optical addressing of the Y89 3 + nuclear spins through their superhyperfine coupling with the Er3 + electronic spins possessing large Landé g factors. We experimentally probe the electron-nuclear spin mixing with photon echo techniques and validate our model. The site-selective optical addressing of the Y3 + nuclear spins is designed by adjusting the magnetic field strength and orientation. This constitutes an important step towards the realization of long-lived solid-state qubits optically addressed by telecom photons.

Limited War Under the Nuclear Umbrella: An Analysis of India’s Cold Start Doctrine and Its Implications for Stability on the Subcontinent

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

theory, by creating an offensive oriented 10 Tariq M. Ashraf , “Doctrinal Reawakening of the Indian...5Cpapers23%5Cpaper2293.html (accessed July 19, 2009). 19 Ashraf , “Doctrinal Reawakening,” 58. 10 nuclear threshold emerges as one of the major constraints...20 Ashraf , “Doctrinal Reawakening,” 59. 21 Ikram Sehgal, “War-Gaming Nuclear Armageddon,” The News, 29 January 2009

Kinesin-related KIP3 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Is Required for a Distinct Step in Nuclear Migration

PubMed Central

DeZwaan, Todd M.; Ellingson, Eric; Pellman, David; Roof, David M.

1997-01-01

Spindle orientation and nuclear migration are crucial events in cell growth and differentiation of many eukaryotes. Here we show that KIP3, the sixth and final kinesin-related gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is required for migration of the nucleus to the bud site in preparation for mitosis. The position of the nucleus in the cell and the orientation of the mitotic spindle was examined by microscopy of fixed cells and by time-lapse microscopy of individual live cells. Mutations in KIP3 and in the dynein heavy chain gene defined two distinct phases of nuclear migration: a KIP3-dependent movement of the nucleus toward the incipient bud site and a dynein-dependent translocation of the nucleus through the bud neck during anaphase. Loss of KIP3 function disrupts the unidirectional movement of the nucleus toward the bud and mitotic spindle orientation, causing large oscillations in nuclear position. The oscillatory motions sometimes brought the nucleus in close proximity to the bud neck, possibly accounting for the viability of a kip3 null mutant. The kip3 null mutant exhibits normal translocation of the nucleus through the neck and normal spindle pole separation kinetics during anaphase. Simultaneous loss of KIP3 and kinesin-related KAR3 function, or of KIP3 and dynein function, is lethal but does not block any additional detectable movement. This suggests that the lethality is due to the combination of sequential and possibly overlapping defects. Epitope-tagged Kip3p localizes to astral and central spindle microtubules and is also present throughout the cytoplasm and nucleus. PMID:9281581

Spin Choreography: Basic Steps in High Resolution NMR (by Ray Freeman)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minch, Michael J.

1998-02-01

There are three orientations that NMR courses may take. The traditional molecular structure course focuses on the interpretation of spectra and the use of chemical shifts, coupling constants, and nuclear Overhauser effects (NOE) to sort out subtle details of structure and stereochemistry. Courses can also focus on the fundamental quantum mechanics of observable NMR parameters and processes such a spin-spin splitting and relaxation. More recently there are courses devoted to the manipulation of nuclear spins and the basic steps of one- and two-dimensional NMR experiments. Freeman's book is directed towards the latter audience. Modern NMR methods offer a myriad ways to extract information about molecular structure and motion by observing the behavior of nuclear spins under a variety of conditions. In Freeman's words: "We can lead the spins through an intricate dance, carefully programmed in advance, to enhance, simplify, correlate, decouple, edit or assign NMR spectra." This is a carefully written, well-illustrated account of how this dance is choreographed by pulse programming, double resonance, and gradient effects. Although well written, this book is not an easy read; every word counts. It is recommended for graduate courses that emphasize the fundamentals of magnetic resonance. It is not a text on interpretation of spectra.

Seismic attenuation system for a nuclear reactor

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

Liszkai, Tamas; Cadell, Seth

A system for attenuating seismic forces includes a reactor pressure vessel containing nuclear fuel and a containment vessel that houses the reactor pressure vessel. Both the reactor pressure vessel and the containment vessel include a bottom head. Additionally, the system includes a base support to contact a support surface on which the containment vessel is positioned in a substantially vertical orientation. An attenuation device is located between the bottom head of the reactor pressure vessel and the bottom head of the containment vessel. Seismic forces that travel from the base support to the reactor pressure vessel via the containment vesselmore » are attenuated by the attenuation device in a direction that is substantially lateral to the vertical orientation of the containment vessel.« less

Hospital organizational response to the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island: implications for future-oriented disaster planning.

PubMed Central

Maxwell, C

1982-01-01

The 1979 nuclear accident at Three Mile Island (TMI) near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, caused severe organizational problems for neighboring health care institutions. Dauphin County, just north of TMI, contained four hospitals ranging in distance from 9.5 to 13.5 miles from the stricken plant. Crash plans put into effect within 48 hours of the initial incident successfully reduced hospital census to below 50 per cent of capacity, but retained bedridden and critically ill patients within the risk-zone. No plans existed for area-wide evacuation of hospitalized patients. Future-oriented disaster planning should include resource files of host institution bed capacity and transportation capabilities for the crash evacuation of hospitalized patients during non-traditional disasters. PMID:7058968

Hospital organizational response to the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island: implications for future-oriented disaster planning.

PubMed

Maxwell, C

1982-03-01

The 1979 nuclear accident at Three Mile Island (TMI) near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, caused severe organizational problems for neighboring health care institutions. Dauphin County, just north of TMI, contained four hospitals ranging in distance from 9.5 to 13.5 miles from the stricken plant. Crash plans put into effect within 48 hours of the initial incident successfully reduced hospital census to below 50 per cent of capacity, but retained bedridden and critically ill patients within the risk-zone. No plans existed for area-wide evacuation of hospitalized patients. Future-oriented disaster planning should include resource files of host institution bed capacity and transportation capabilities for the crash evacuation of hospitalized patients during non-traditional disasters.

Reconstructing the public in old and new governance: a Korean case of nuclear energy policy.

PubMed

Kim, Hyomin

2014-04-01

Korean nuclear energy regulatory policies started to change from earlier exclusively technocratic policies into open dialogues after several anti-nuclear protests in the 1990s. However, technocratic policies still coexist with the new regulatory orientation towards openness, participation and institutional accountability. This paper analyzes Korean nuclear regulatory policies since approximately 2005 as a blend of old and new governance. The aim of the paper is not to decide whether new nuclear governance is deliberative or not by completely reviewing Korean nuclear policies after the 2000s. Instead, it provides an empirical account of how seemingly more participatory processes in decision-making entail new problems while they work with and reproduce social assumptions of different groups of the public.

Flow theory – goal orientation theory: positive experience is related to athlete’s goal orientation

PubMed Central

Stavrou, Nektarios A. M.; Psychountaki, Maria; Georgiadis, Emmanouil; Karteroliotis, Konstantinos; Zervas, Yannis

2015-01-01

The main purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between flow experience and goal orientation theory, as well as, the differences in flow experience based on the orthogonal model of goal orientation theory. Two hundred and seventy eight athletes completed the Task and Ego Orientation Sport Questionnaire based on how they usually feel. The challenge and skills ratings were completed 1 h before the competition, based on how they felt at the exact time of answering. In the following, the Flow State Scale-2 was completed up to 30 min after the competition they just participated, along with the challenge-skill ratings, based on how athletes felt during the competition. The results indicated that the athletes’ task orientation may be an important factor for attaining flow in competitive sport, feeling more skillful and estimating the upcoming competition as challenging, while low ego and low task oriented athletes lack these elements, which are important for them to get into flow. Additionally, not the level of task and ego orientation per se, but the balance between athletes’ goal orientation preferences seems important for the formation of flow experience, indicating that high task – high ego and high task – low ego athletes are experiencing the most positive mental state. PMID:26500577

MetroFission: New high-temperature references and sensors for the nuclear industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadli, M.; del Campo, D.; de Podesta, M.; Deuzé, T.; Failleau, G.; Elliott, C. J.; Fourrez, S.; García, C.; Pearce, J. V.

2013-09-01

The European metrology research programme (EMRP) allows funding for metrology-oriented projects in the frame of targeted calls aimed at improving metrology for important contemporary and future needs in different fields such as energy, environment and industry. A joint research project (JRP), called "MetroFission", was selected for funding in the "Energy" call of 2010. This JRP, led by NPL (UK), aims to anticipate and to start addressing the metrological needs of the next generation of nuclear power plants. The need for improving the accuracy and reliability of temperature measurements at temperatures higher than those currently measured in nuclear power plants is dealt with in the first workpackage of the project. This project started in September 2010 and will last for three years. This paper summarizes the activities of the first half of the project and the expected final achievements, which will be essentially oriented towards new temperature references and new devices, adapted to the high temperature range as well as the particularly harsh working conditions.

Data Acquisition and Environmental Monitoring of the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meijer, Samuel; Majorana Collaboration

2015-04-01

Low-background non-accelerator experiments have unique requirements for their data acquisition and environmental monitoring. Background signals can easily overwhelm the signals of interest, so events which could contribute to the background must be identified. There is a need to correlate events between detectors and environmental conditions, and data integrity must be maintained. Here, we describe several of the software and hardware techniques achieved by the MAJORANA Collaboration for the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR, such as using the Object-oriented Realtime Control and Acquisition (ORCA) software package. This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Nuclear Physics, the Particle Astrophysics Program of the National Science Foundation, and the Sanford Underground Research Facility.

Packed rod neutron shield for fast nuclear reactors

DOEpatents

Eck, John E.; Kasberg, Alvin H.

1978-01-01

A fast neutron nuclear reactor including a core and a plurality of vertically oriented neutron shield assemblies surrounding the core. Each assembly includes closely packed cylindrical rods within a polygonal metallic duct. The shield assemblies are less susceptible to thermal stresses and are less massive than solid shield assemblies, and are cooled by liquid coolant flow through interstices among the rods and duct.

Introduction to Nuclear Fusion Power and the Design of Fusion Reactors. An Issue-Oriented Module.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fillo, J. A.

This three-part module focuses on the principles of nuclear fusion and on the likely nature and components of a controlled-fusion power reactor. The physical conditions for a net energy release from fusion and two approaches (magnetic and inertial confinement) which are being developed to achieve this goal are described. Safety issues associated…

Mexican American 7th Graders’ Future Work and Family Plans: Associations with Cultural Experiences and Adjustment

PubMed Central

Cansler, Emily; Updegraff, Kimberly A.; Simpkins, Sandra D.

2011-01-01

We describe Mexican American 7th graders’ expectations for future work and family roles and investigate links between patterns of future expectations and adolescents’ cultural experiences and adjustment. Adolescents participated in home interviews and a series of seven nightly phone calls. Five unique patterns of adolescents’ future expectations were identified (N = 246): Career Oriented, Independent, Family Oriented, Early, and Inconsistent. Career Oriented adolescents had the highest socioeconomic status and contact with the U.S. (e.g., generation status) whereas Family Oriented adolescents had the lowest. Cultural orientations, values, and involvement also varied across groups. For example, Career Oriented adolescents reported significantly higher familism values compared to Inconsistent adolescents. Clusters also differed on adjustment: Career Oriented and Family Oriented adolescents reported higher parental warmth and less risky behavior compared to Independent and Inconsistent adolescents. Findings underscore the multi-faceted nature of adolescents’ future expectations and the diversity in cultural experiences among Mexican origin youth. PMID:23338812

Contribution of Innate Cortical Mechanisms to the Maturation of Orientation Selectivity in Parvalbumin Interneurons

PubMed Central

Figueroa Velez, Dario X.; Ellefsen, Kyle L.; Hathaway, Ethan R.; Carathedathu, Mathew C.

2017-01-01

The maturation of cortical parvalbumin-positive (PV) interneurons depends on the interaction of innate and experience-dependent factors. Dark-rearing experiments suggest that visual experience determines when broad orientation selectivity emerges in visual cortical PV interneurons. Here, using neural transplantation and in vivo calcium imaging of mouse visual cortex, we investigated whether innate mechanisms contribute to the maturation of orientation selectivity in PV interneurons. First, we confirmed earlier findings showing that broad orientation selectivity emerges in PV interneurons by 2 weeks after vision onset, ∼35 d after these cells are born. Next, we assessed the functional development of transplanted PV (tPV) interneurons. Surprisingly, 25 d after transplantation (DAT) and >2 weeks after vision onset, we found that tPV interneurons have not developed broad orientation selectivity. By 35 DAT, however, broad orientation selectivity emerges in tPV interneurons. Transplantation does not alter orientation selectivity in host interneurons, suggesting that the maturation of tPV interneurons occurs independently from their endogenous counterparts. Together, these results challenge the notion that the onset of vision solely determines when PV interneurons become broadly tuned. Our results reveal that an innate cortical mechanism contributes to the emergence of broad orientation selectivity in PV interneurons. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Early visual experience and innate developmental programs interact to shape cortical circuits. Visual-deprivation experiments have suggested that the onset of visual experience determines when interneurons mature in the visual cortex. Here we used neuronal transplantation and cellular imaging of visual responses to investigate the maturation of parvalbumin-positive (PV) interneurons. Our results suggest that the emergence of broad orientation selectivity in PV interneurons is innately timed. PMID:28123018

Structure of Cellulose Microfibrils in Primary Cell Walls from Collenchyma1[C][W][OA

PubMed Central

Thomas, Lynne H.; Forsyth, V. Trevor; Šturcová, Adriana; Kennedy, Craig J.; May, Roland P.; Altaner, Clemens M.; Apperley, David C.; Wess, Timothy J.; Jarvis, Michael C.

2013-01-01

In the primary walls of growing plant cells, the glucose polymer cellulose is assembled into long microfibrils a few nanometers in diameter. The rigidity and orientation of these microfibrils control cell expansion; therefore, cellulose synthesis is a key factor in the growth and morphogenesis of plants. Celery (Apium graveolens) collenchyma is a useful model system for the study of primary wall microfibril structure because its microfibrils are oriented with unusual uniformity, facilitating spectroscopic and diffraction experiments. Using a combination of x-ray and neutron scattering methods with vibrational and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we show that celery collenchyma microfibrils were 2.9 to 3.0 nm in mean diameter, with a most probable structure containing 24 chains in cross section, arranged in eight hydrogen-bonded sheets of three chains, with extensive disorder in lateral packing, conformation, and hydrogen bonding. A similar 18-chain structure, and 24-chain structures of different shape, fitted the data less well. Conformational disorder was largely restricted to the surface chains, but disorder in chain packing was not. That is, in position and orientation, the surface chains conformed to the disordered lattice constituting the core of each microfibril. There was evidence that adjacent microfibrils were noncovalently aggregated together over part of their length, suggesting that the need to disrupt these aggregates might be a constraining factor in growth and in the hydrolysis of cellulose for biofuel production. PMID:23175754

Structure of cellulose microfibrils in primary cell walls from collenchyma.

PubMed

Thomas, Lynne H; Forsyth, V Trevor; Sturcová, Adriana; Kennedy, Craig J; May, Roland P; Altaner, Clemens M; Apperley, David C; Wess, Timothy J; Jarvis, Michael C

2013-01-01

In the primary walls of growing plant cells, the glucose polymer cellulose is assembled into long microfibrils a few nanometers in diameter. The rigidity and orientation of these microfibrils control cell expansion; therefore, cellulose synthesis is a key factor in the growth and morphogenesis of plants. Celery (Apium graveolens) collenchyma is a useful model system for the study of primary wall microfibril structure because its microfibrils are oriented with unusual uniformity, facilitating spectroscopic and diffraction experiments. Using a combination of x-ray and neutron scattering methods with vibrational and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we show that celery collenchyma microfibrils were 2.9 to 3.0 nm in mean diameter, with a most probable structure containing 24 chains in cross section, arranged in eight hydrogen-bonded sheets of three chains, with extensive disorder in lateral packing, conformation, and hydrogen bonding. A similar 18-chain structure, and 24-chain structures of different shape, fitted the data less well. Conformational disorder was largely restricted to the surface chains, but disorder in chain packing was not. That is, in position and orientation, the surface chains conformed to the disordered lattice constituting the core of each microfibril. There was evidence that adjacent microfibrils were noncovalently aggregated together over part of their length, suggesting that the need to disrupt these aggregates might be a constraining factor in growth and in the hydrolysis of cellulose for biofuel production.

Postdictive modulation of visual orientation.

PubMed

Kawabe, Takahiro

2012-01-01

The present study investigated how visual orientation is modulated by subsequent orientation inputs. Observers were presented a near-vertical Gabor patch as a target, followed by a left- or right-tilted second Gabor patch as a distracter in the spatial vicinity of the target. The task of the observers was to judge whether the target was right- or left-tilted (Experiment 1) or whether the target was vertical or not (Supplementary experiment). The judgment was biased toward the orientation of the distracter (the postdictive modulation of visual orientation). The judgment bias peaked when the target and distracter were temporally separated by 100 ms, indicating a specific temporal mechanism for this phenomenon. However, when the visibility of the distracter was reduced via backward masking, the judgment bias disappeared. On the other hand, the low-visibility distracter could still cause a simultaneous orientation contrast, indicating that the distracter orientation is still processed in the visual system (Experiment 2). Our results suggest that the postdictive modulation of visual orientation stems from spatiotemporal integration of visual orientation on the basis of a slow feature matching process.

Order-parameter tensor description of HPr in a medium of oriented bicelles.

PubMed

van Lune, Franciska; Manning, Linda; Dijkstra, Klaas; Berendsen, Herman J C; Scheek, Ruud M

2002-07-01

Residual dipolar couplings between 15N and 1H nuclear spins in HPr were used to determine the protein's orientation in a medium of bicelles, oriented by a magnetic field. In the case of wild-type HPr the protein's non-spherical shape can explain its orientation in this medium. In the case of the F48W mutant it was found that at least one other mechanism contributes to the observed orientation of the protein, to a degree that depends on the concentration of phosphate ions in the medium. We propose that the F48W mutant has a weak affinity towards the bicelle-surfaces that decreases with increasing phosphate concentrations. We used an order-parameter description to analyse this situation and to determine the axis of main order and the sign of the order parameter pertaining to this additional orientation mechanism.

Distinct structural and mechanical properties of the nuclear lamina in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome.

PubMed

Dahl, Kris Noel; Scaffidi, Paola; Islam, Mohammad F; Yodh, Arjun G; Wilson, Katherine L; Misteli, Tom

2006-07-05

The nuclear lamina is a network of structural filaments, the A and B type lamins, located at the nuclear envelope and throughout the nucleus. Lamin filaments provide the nucleus with mechanical stability and support many basic activities, including gene regulation. Mutations in LMNA, the gene encoding A type lamins, cause numerous human diseases, including the segmental premature aging disease Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). Here we show that structural and mechanical properties of the lamina are altered in HGPS cells. We demonstrate by live-cell imaging and biochemical analysis that lamins A and C become trapped at the nuclear periphery in HGPS patient cells. Using micropipette aspiration, we show that the lamina in HGPS cells has a significantly reduced ability to rearrange under mechanical stress. Based on polarization microscopy results, we suggest that the lamins are disordered in the healthy nuclei, whereas the lamins in HGPS nuclei form orientationally ordered microdomains. The reduced deformability of the HGPS nuclear lamina possibly could be due to the inability of these orientationally ordered microdomains to dissipate mechanical stress. Surprisingly, intact HGPS cells exhibited a degree of resistance to acute mechanical stress similar to that of cells from healthy individuals. Thus, in contrast to the nuclear fragility seen in lmna null cells, the lamina network in HGPS cells has unique mechanical properties that might contribute to disease phenotypes by affecting responses to mechanical force and misregulation of mechanosensitive gene expression.

A fast and complete GEANT4 and ROOT Object-Oriented Toolkit: GROOT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lattuada, D.; Balabanski, D. L.; Chesnevskaya, S.; Costa, M.; Crucillà, V.; Guardo, G. L.; La Cognata, M.; Matei, C.; Pizzone, R. G.; Romano, S.; Spitaleri, C.; Tumino, A.; Xu, Y.

2018-01-01

Present and future gamma-beam facilities represent a great opportunity to validate and evaluate the cross-sections of many photonuclear reactions at near-threshold energies. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations are very important to evaluate the reaction rates and to maximize the detection efficiency but, unfortunately, they can be very cputime-consuming and in some cases very hard to reproduce, especially when exploring near-threshold cross-section. We developed a software that makes use of the validated tracking GEANT4 libraries and the n-body event generator of ROOT in order to provide a fast, realiable and complete MC tool to be used for nuclear physics experiments. This tool is indeed intended to be used for photonuclear reactions at γ-beam facilities with ELISSA (ELI Silicon Strip Array), a new detector array under development at the Extreme Light Infrastructure - Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP). We discuss the results of MC simulations performed to evaluate the effects of the electromagnetic induced background, of the straggling due to the target thickness and of the resolution of the silicon detectors.

A baculovirus dual expression vector derived from the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus polyhedrin and p10 promoters: co-expression of two influenza virus genes in insect cells.

PubMed

Weyer, U; Possee, R D

1991-12-01

A baculovirus transfer vector, pAcUW3, was developed to facilitate the insertion of two influenza virus genes, those encoding the haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) membrane glycoproteins, into the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus genome in a single cotransfection experiment. The NA gene was inserted in place of the polyhedrin coding sequences under the control of the polyhedrin promoter, whereas the HA gene was placed under the control of a copy of the p10 promoter at a site upstream of and in opposite orientation to the polyhedrin promoter. After infection of Spodoptera frugiperda cells with the recombinant virus, AcUW3HANA, both HA and NA were expressed in the very late phase of infection and were shown to be functional in appropriate assays. Immunofluorescence assays demonstrated their localization at the surface of infected insect cells. The expression of both foreign genes in the recombinant virus was found to be stable for at least 12 passages in cell culture.

Sensitivity Profile for Orientation Selectivity in the Visual Cortex of Goggle-Reared Mice

PubMed Central

Yoshida, Takamasa; Ozawa, Katsuya; Tanaka, Shigeru

2012-01-01

It has been widely accepted that ocular dominance in the responses of visual cortical neurons can change depending on visual experience in a postnatal period. However, experience-dependent plasticity for orientation selectivity, which is another important response property of visual cortical neurons, is not yet fully understood. To address this issue, using intrinsic signal imaging and two-photon calcium imaging we attempted to observe the alteration of orientation selectivity in the visual cortex of juvenile and adult mice reared with head-mounted goggles, through which animals can experience only the vertical orientation. After one week of goggle rearing, the density of neurons optimally responding to the exposed orientation increased, while that responding to unexposed orientations decreased. These changes can be interpreted as a reallocation of preferred orientations among visually responsive neurons. Our obtained sensitivity profile for orientation selectivity showed a marked peak at 5 weeks and sustained elevation at 12 weeks and later. These features indicate the existence of a critical period between 4 and 7 weeks and residual orientation plasticity in adult mice. The presence of a dip in the sensitivity profile at 10 weeks suggests that different mechanisms are involved in orientation plasticity in childhood and adulthood. PMID:22792390

Sexual orientation and self-rated health: the role of social capital, offence, threat of violence, and violence.

PubMed

Axelsson, Jakob; Modén, Birgit; Rosvall, Maria; Lindström, Martin

2013-07-01

To study the association between sexual orientation and self-rated health, including trust, offence, threat of violence, and violence. DESIGN/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS/MEASUREMENT: The 2008 Public Health Survey in Skåne is a cross-sectional postal questionnaire study. A total of 28,198 persons aged 18-80 years responded (55%). Logistic regressions analysed the association between sexual orientation and self-rated health. 27.4% of all men and 30.0% of all women rated their health as poor. Poor self-rated health was significantly more prevalent in higher age, among immigrants, people with lower education, low social support, low trust, experience of being offended, experience of threat of violence and violence, and bisexual and other orientation. Homosexual and bisexual men and women had higher age-adjusted odds ratios of having felt offended compared to heterosexual respondents. The odds ratios of low trust, threat of violence (men), and experience of violence (women) were significant for respondents with bisexual orientation but not for respondents with homosexual orientation. In the age-adjusted model, no significant association was observed between homosexual orientation and poor self-rated health among women. All other associations between sexual orientation and health were significant in the age-adjusted model but non-significant in the multiple models. Associations between sexual orientation and health disappear after multiple adjustments including trust and experience of offence, threat of violence, and violence. The study suggests that the group with bisexual orientation seems to be more exposed to low social capital (trust), threat of violence, and violence than the group with homosexual orientation.

Resonant polarization transfer from electron spins to nuclear spins-or to muon spins-in semiconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henstra, A.; Wenckebach, W. Th.

1991-02-01

A review is given of newly developed pulsed Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) methods for dynamic polarization of nuclear spins. The application of two of these methods, Nuclear Orientation Via Electron spin Locking (NOVEL) and the Integrated Solid Effect (ISE), for the polarization of nuclear spins in semiconductors is discussed in more detail. It is proposed to use these methods to study the ESR spectrum of unpaired electrons in the vicinity of muons that are bound in a solid. Thus, ESR would be observed with a sensitivity which is enhanced by about ten orders of magnitude compared to conventional ESR.

The electron-spin--nuclear-spin interaction studied by polarized neutron scattering.

PubMed

Stuhrmann, Heinrich B

2007-11-01

Dynamic nuclear spin polarization (DNP) is mediated by the dipolar interaction of paramagnetic centres with nuclear spins. This process is most likely to occur near paramagnetic centres at an angle close to 45 degrees with respect to the direction of the external magnetic field. The resulting distribution of polarized nuclear spins leads to an anisotropy of the polarized neutron scattering pattern, even with randomly oriented radical molecules. The corresponding cross section of polarized coherent neutron scattering in terms of a multipole expansion is derived for radical molecules in solution. An application using data of time-resolved polarized neutron scattering from an organic chromium(V) molecule is tested.

Orientational Meliorism, Pragmatist Aesthetics, and the "Bhagavad Gita"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stroud, Scott R.

2009-01-01

This article develops an understanding of Dewey's aesthetics by connecting it to a project that can be extracted from his overall pragmatist approach--orientational meliorism. As I will argue, Dewey emphasizes the effect that one's mental habits or orientations toward experience and activity has on the quality of one's experience. Orientational…

An Examination of the Four-Part Theory of the Chinese Self: The Differentiation and Relative Importance of the Different Types of Social-Oriented Self

PubMed Central

Sun, Chien-Ru

2017-01-01

Because culture has a deep and far-reaching influence, individuals who grew up within different cultures tend to develop different basic self-constructions. With respect to the Chinese under the influence of Chinese culture, Yang proposed the concepts of individual-oriented self and social-oriented self. He argued that, besides the individual-oriented self, the social-oriented self of the Chinese contains three types of self: the relationship-oriented self, the familistic (group)-oriented self, and the other-oriented self. The theory proposed that the Chinese self is appropriately covered only through this four-part theory of the Chinese self. However, this remains to be tested; whether these three types of sub-level “selves” can be effectively triggered, along with their relative importance. This study examines the four-part theory of the Chinese self. Through photo priming, Experiment 1 shows that the three types of social-oriented self are differentiated from each other and can be individually triggered. In Experiment 2, the importance of the three types of self was investigated, adopting the concept of limited self-regulation resources to design scenarios. The participants were asked to make counterarguments about the notion of each of the three types of self, with performance in the subsequent task serving as the main dependent variable. In Experiment 3, the relative importance of the three types of self was examined by investigating the choices made by individuals within the context of conflict under the three orientations of the social-oriented self. Overall, results of the experiments showed that the Chinese have a four-part self with the importance of the other-oriented self as the most remarkable. PMID:28713310

Development of cortical orientation selectivity in the absence of visual experience with contour

PubMed Central

Hussain, Shaista; Weliky, Michael

2011-01-01

Visual cortical neurons are selective for the orientation of lines, and the full development of this selectivity requires natural visual experience after eye opening. Here we examined whether this selectivity develops without seeing lines and contours. Juvenile ferrets were reared in a dark room and visually trained by being shown a movie of flickering, sparse spots. We found that despite the lack of contour visual experience, the cortical neurons of these ferrets developed strong orientation selectivity and exhibited simple-cell receptive fields. This finding suggests that overt contour visual experience is unnecessary for the maturation of orientation selectivity and is inconsistent with the computational models that crucially require the visual inputs of lines and contours for the development of orientation selectivity. We propose that a correlation-based model supplemented with a constraint on synaptic strength dynamics is able to account for our experimental result. PMID:21753023

Kink-bands: Shock deformation of biotite resulting from a nuclear explosion

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cummings, D.

1965-01-01

Microscopic examination of granodiorite samples from the shock region around a nuclear explosion reveals sharply folded lens-shaped zones (kink-bands) in the mineral biotite. Fifty percent of these zones are oriented approximately 90?? to the direction of shock-wave propagation, but other zones are symmetrically concentrated at shear angles of 50?? and 70?? to the direction of shock-wave propagation.

The bandwidth of consolidation into visual short-term memory (VSTM) depends on the visual feature

PubMed Central

Miller, James R.; Becker, Mark W.; Liu, Taosheng

2014-01-01

We investigated the nature of the bandwidth limit in the consolidation of visual information into visual short-term memory. In the first two experiments, we examined whether previous results showing differential consolidation bandwidth for color and orientation resulted from methodological differences by testing the consolidation of color information with methods used in prior orientation experiments. We briefly presented two color patches with masks, either sequentially or simultaneously, followed by a location cue indicating the target. Participants identified the target color via button-press (Experiment 1) or by clicking a location on a color wheel (Experiment 2). Although these methods have previously demonstrated that two orientations are consolidated in a strictly serial fashion, here we found equivalent performance in the sequential and simultaneous conditions, suggesting that two colors can be consolidated in parallel. To investigate whether this difference resulted from different consolidation mechanisms or a common mechanism with different features consuming different amounts of bandwidth, Experiment 3 presented a color patch and an oriented grating either sequentially or simultaneously. We found a lower performance in the simultaneous than the sequential condition, with orientation showing a larger impairment than color. These results suggest that consolidation of both features share common mechanisms. However, it seems that color requires less information to be encoded than orientation. As a result two colors can be consolidated in parallel without exceeding the bandwidth limit, whereas two orientations or an orientation and a color exceed the bandwidth and appear to be consolidated serially. PMID:25317065

Embedding a Recovery Orientation into Neuroscience Research: Involving People with a Lived Experience in Research Activity.

PubMed

Stratford, Anthony; Brophy, Lisa; Castle, David; Harvey, Carol; Robertson, Joanne; Corlett, Philip; Davidson, Larry; Everall, Ian

2016-03-01

This paper highlights the importance and value of involving people with a lived experience of mental ill health and recovery in neuroscience research activity. In this era of recovery oriented service delivery, involving people with the lived experience of mental illness in neuroscience research extends beyond their participation as "subjects". The recovery paradigm reconceptualises people with the lived experience of mental ill health as experts by experience. To support this contribution, local policies and procedures, recovery-oriented training for neuroscience researchers, and dialogue about the practical applications of neuroscience research, are required.

Enabling nurses to lead change: The orientation experiences of nurses to boards

PubMed Central

Walton, AnnMarie; Lake, Donna; Mullinix, Connie; Allen, Deborah; Mooney, Kathi

2015-01-01

Objectives Nurses need to be full partners in shaping health care and health care policy. One way to do this is to be present and active on boards at all levels. The purpose of this study is to examine the orientation experiences of nurses to boards and their preparation to influence health care and health care policy. Methods A Web-based survey about the efficacy of board orientation was sent to members of three local boards made up exclusively of nurses. Results Liabilities and fiduciary duties were least likely to be addressed in board orientation for nurses. Board members requested more training in finance and a more formal/structured orientation process. Conclusions Standardizing orientation elements for nurses serving on boards would best prepare them to serve on interprofessional hospital boards and work in the health policy arena. The orientation experience on local- and state-level nursing boards is fundamental to nurses beginning board service. PMID:25771188

Enabling nurses to lead change: the orientation experiences of nurses to boards.

PubMed

Walton, AnnMarie; Lake, Donna; Mullinix, Connie; Allen, Deborah; Mooney, Kathi

2015-01-01

Nurses need to be full partners in shaping health care and health care policy. One way to do this is to be present and active on boards at all levels. The purpose of this study is to examine the orientation experiences of nurses to boards and their preparation to influence health care and health care policy. A Web-based survey about the efficacy of board orientation was sent to members of three local boards made up exclusively of nurses. Liabilities and fiduciary duties were least likely to be addressed in board orientation for nurses. Board members requested more training in finance and a more formal/structured orientation process. Standardizing orientation elements for nurses serving on boards would best prepare them to serve on interprofessional hospital boards and work in the health policy arena. The orientation experience on local- and state-level nursing boards is fundamental to nurses beginning board service. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

White paper on nuclear astrophysics and low-energy nuclear physics, Part 2: Low-energy nuclear physics

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

Carlson, Joe; Carpenter, Michael P.; Casten, Richard

In preparation for the 2015 NSAC Long Range Plan (LRP), the DNP town meetings on Nuclear Astrophysics and Low-Energy Nuclear Physics were held at the Mitchell Center on the campus of Texas A&M University August 21–23, 2014. Participants met in a number of topic-oriented working groups to discuss progress since the 2007 LRP, compelling science opportunities, and the resources needed to advance them. These considerations were used to determine priorities for the next five to ten years. In addition, approximately 270 participants attended the meetings, coming from US national laboratories, a wide range of US universities and other research institutionsmore » and universities abroad.« less

White paper on nuclear astrophysics and low-energy nuclear physics, Part 2: Low-energy nuclear physics

DOE PAGES

Carlson, Joe; Carpenter, Michael P.; Casten, Richard; ...

2017-01-04

In preparation for the 2015 NSAC Long Range Plan (LRP), the DNP town meetings on Nuclear Astrophysics and Low-Energy Nuclear Physics were held at the Mitchell Center on the campus of Texas A&M University August 21–23, 2014. Participants met in a number of topic-oriented working groups to discuss progress since the 2007 LRP, compelling science opportunities, and the resources needed to advance them. These considerations were used to determine priorities for the next five to ten years. In addition, approximately 270 participants attended the meetings, coming from US national laboratories, a wide range of US universities and other research institutionsmore » and universities abroad.« less

Perceived self-orientation and self-motion in microgravity, after landing and during preflight adaptation training

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harm, D. L.; Parker, D. E.

1993-01-01

The research described in this paper is intended to support development and evaluation of preflight adaptation training (PAT) apparatus and procedures. Successful training depends on appropriate manipulation of visual and inertial stimuli that control perception of self-motion and self-orientation. For one part of this process, astronauts are trained to report their self-motion and self-orientation experiences. Before their space mission, they are exposed to the altered sensory environments produced by the PAT trainers. During and after the mission, they report their motion and orientation experiences. Subsequently, they are again exposed to the PAT trainers and are asked to describe relationships between their experiences in microgravity and following entry and their experiences in the trainers.

Visual Search for Object Orientation Can Be Modulated by Canonical Orientation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ballaz, Cecile; Boutsen, Luc; Peyrin, Carole; Humphreys, Glyn W.; Marendaz, Christian

2005-01-01

The authors studied the influence of canonical orientation on visual search for object orientation. Displays consisted of pictures of animals whose axis of elongation was either vertical or tilted in their canonical orientation. Target orientation could be either congruent or incongruent with the object's canonical orientation. In Experiment 1,…

University Students' Study Orientations, Learning Experiences and Study Success in Innovative Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Honkimaki, Sanna; Tynjala, Paivi; Valkonen, Sakari

2004-01-01

The aim of this study was to find out whether university students' study orientations on four innovative courses differed from their usual orientations to their studies. Furthermore, students' study success and learning experiences were examined. The pedagogical innovations carried out on the courses included different kinds of activating…

The Student-Customer Orientation Questionnaire (SCOQ): Application of Customer Metaphor to Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koris, Riina; Nokelainen, Petri

2015-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to study Bayesian dependency modelling (BDM) to validate the model of educational experiences and the student-customer orientation questionnaire (SCOQ), and to identify the categories of educatonal experience in which students expect a higher educational institutions (HEI) to be student-customer oriented.…

Progress and challenges of nuclear science development in Vietnam - an outlook on the occassion of the 10-th anniversary of the Dalat Nuclear Research Reactor

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

Hien, P.D.

1994-12-31

Over ten years since the commissioning of the Dalat nuclear research reactor a number of nuclear techniques have been developed and applied in Vietnam Manufacturing of radioisotopes and nuclear instruments, development of isotope tracer and nuclear analytical techniques for environmental studies, exploitation of filtered neutron beams, ... have been major activities of reactor utilizations. Efforts made during ten years of reactor operation have resulted also in establishing and sustaining the applications of nuclear techniques in medicine, industry, agriculture, etc. The successes achieved and lessons teamed over the past ten years are discussed illustrating the approaches taken for developing the nuclearmore » science in the conditions of a country having a very low national income and experiencing a transition from a centrally planned to a market-oriented economic system.« less

Room-temperature in situ nuclear spin hyperpolarization from optically pumped nitrogen vacancy centres in diamond

DOE PAGES

King, Jonathan P.; Jeong, Keunhong; Vassiliou, Christophoros C.; ...

2015-12-07

Low detection sensitivity stemming from the weak polarization of nuclear spins is a primary limitation of magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging. Methods have been developed to enhance nuclear spin polarization but they typically require high magnetic fields, cryogenic temperatures or sample transfer between magnets. Here we report bulk, room-temperature hyperpolarization of 13C nuclear spins observed via high-field magnetic resonance. The technique harnesses the high optically induced spin polarization of diamond nitrogen vacancy centres at room temperature in combination with dynamic nuclear polarization. We observe bulk nuclear spin polarization of 6%, an enhancement of ~170,000 over thermal equilibrium. The signal ofmore » the hyperpolarized spins was detected in situ with a standard nuclear magnetic resonance probe without the need for sample shuttling or precise crystal orientation. In conclusion, hyperpolarization via optical pumping/dynamic nuclear polarization should function at arbitrary magnetic fields enabling orders of magnitude sensitivity enhancement for nuclear magnetic resonance of solids and liquids under ambient conditions.« less

Psychotherapist countertransference in the nuclear age: Effects on therapeutic interventions

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

Oderberg, N.A.

Since the early 1980s, there has been considerable attention in the psychology literature to mental health problems related to living in a world threatened by nuclear destruction. Questionnaires were mailed to 630 psychotherapists from the Colorado Psychological Association, California Psychotherapists for Social Responsibility, California Psychologists for Social Responsibility, the US Army, and the APA Division of Military Psychology; 174 questionnaires were returned. It was hypothesized that liberalism, nuclear weapons opposition, nuclear concern, nuclear awareness, and anti-nuclear activism in psychotherapists would facilitate perception of, and openness to working with, a client's nuclear concerns and thus, would be positively correlated with intentionsmore » to discuss nuclear issues with clients in three different clinical vignettes. Results indicated that when controlling for subject group, psychotherapy orientation, age, sex, and income, all five independent variables were positively correlated with responses to all three clinical vignettes, with nuclear concern having the strongest unique effect in accounting for variance in responses to the vignettes.« less

Determining the orientation of depth-rotated familiar objects.

PubMed

Niimi, Ryosuke; Yokosawa, Kazuhiko

2008-02-01

How does the human visual system determine the depth-orientation of familiar objects? We examined reaction times and errors in the detection of 15 degrees differences in the depth orientations of two simultaneously presented familiar objects, which were the same objects (Experiment 1) or different objects (Experiment 2). Detection of orientation differences was best for 0 degrees (front) and 180 degrees (back), while 45 degrees and 135 degrees yielded poorer results, and 90 degrees (side) showed intermediate results, suggesting that the visual system is tuned for front, side and back orientations. We further found that those advantages are due to orientation-specific features such as horizontal linear contours and symmetry, since the 90 degrees advantage was absent for objects with curvilinear contours, and asymmetric object diminished the 0 degrees and 180 degrees advantages. We conclude that the efficiency of visually determining object orientation is highly orientation-dependent, and object orientation may be perceived in favor of front-back axes.

Self-motion magnitude estimation during linear oscillation - Changes with head orientation and following fatigue

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parker, D. E.; Wood, D. L.; Gulledge, W. L.; Goodrich, R. L.

1979-01-01

Two types of experiments concerning the estimated magnitude of self-motion during exposure to linear oscillation on a parallel swing are described in this paper. Experiment I examined changes in magnitude estimation as a function of variation of the subject's head orientation, and Experiments II a, II b, and II c assessed changes in magnitude estimation performance following exposure to sustained, 'intense' linear oscillation (fatigue-inducting stimulation). The subjects' performance was summarized employing Stevens' power law R = k x S to the nth, where R is perceived self-motion magnitude, k is a constant, S is amplitude of linear oscillation, and n is an exponent). The results of Experiment I indicated that the exponents, n, for the magnitude estimation functions varied with head orientation and were greatest when the head was oriented 135 deg off the vertical. In Experiments II a-c, the magnitude estimation function exponents were increased following fatigue. Both types of experiments suggest ways in which the vestibular system's contribution to a spatial orientation perceptual system may vary. This variability may be a contributing factor to the development of pilot/astronaut disorientation and may also be implicated in the occurrence of motion sickness.

A Linguistic Analysis of Counselor's Affect Oriented Responses across Three Levels of Counseling Experience.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Warden, Kathleen; Wycoff, Jean

The effect of counselors' level of experience on clients' expression of feeling has not been investigated using stylistic and semantic measures. To examine the influence of affectively oriented counselors' level of experience, six counselors at three experience levels (low--masters, counseling practicum students; medium--doctoral, counseling…

Attenuation of radiation from distributed gamma sources as a function of wall thickness of a concrete blockhouse

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

Schmoke, M. A.; Rexroad, R. E.; Tiller, H. J.

1963-06-15

The experiment described constitutes part of the shielding program conducted by Army Nuclear Defense Laboratory and was designed to experimentally verify theoretical calculations used to predict the amount of radiation protection afforded by above-ground structures in a fallout radiation field. This method requires the knowledge of some physical parameters of a structure such as mass thickness of the walls and the geometric orientation of the detectors within the structure. From this information, a reduction factor for any given structure may be calculated. This Laboratory's experimental program was initially begun by measuring the attenuation of a simple structure with no complicatingmore » internal or external geometries and will proceed to more complex structures with basements, interior partitions, and upper floors. (auth)« less

Sexual orientation and spatial memory.

PubMed

Cánovas, Ma Rosa; Cimadevilla, José Manuel

2011-11-01

The present study aimed at determining the influence of sexual orientation in human spatial learning and memory. Participants performed the Boxes Room, a virtual reality version of the Holeboard. In Experiment I, a reference memory task, the position of the hidden rewards remained constant during the whole experiment. In Experiment II, a working memory task, the position of rewards changed between blocks. Each block consisted of two trials: One trial for acquisition and another for retrieval. The results of Experiment I showed that heterosexual men performed better than homosexual men and heterosexual women. They found the rewarded boxes faster. Moreover, homosexual participants committed more errors than heterosexuals. Experiment II showed that working memory abilities are the same in groups of different sexual orientation. These results suggest that sexual orientation is related to spatial navigation abilities, but mostly in men, and limited to reference memory, which depends more on the function of the hippocampal system.

Broad Autism Phenotypic Traits and the Relationship to Sexual Orientation and Sexual Behavior.

PubMed

Qualls, Lydia R; Hartmann, Kathrin; Paulson, James F

2018-04-03

Individuals with higher levels of the broad autism phenotype (BAP) have some symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Like individuals with ASD, people with higher-BAP may have fewer sexual experiences and may experience more same-sex attraction. This study measured BAP traits, sexual experiences, and sexual orientation in typically developing (TD) individuals to see if patterns of sexual behavior and sexual orientation in higher-BAP resemble those in ASD. Although BAP characteristics did not predict sexual experiences, one BAP measure significantly predicted sexual orientation, β = 0.22, t = 2.72, p = .007, controlling for demographic variables (R 2 change = .04, F = 7.41, p = .007), showing individuals with higher-BAP also reported increased same-sex attraction. This finding supports the hypothesis that individuals with higher-BAP resemble ASD individuals in being more likely than TD individuals to experience same-sex attraction.

Factors to consider for trace element deposition biomonitoring surveys with lichen transplants

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ayrault, S.; Clochiatti, R.; Carrot, F.; Daudin, L.; Bennett, J.P.

2007-01-01

A trace element deposition biomonitoring experiment with transplants of the fruticose lichen Evernia prunastri was developed, aimed at monitoring the effects of different exposure parameters (exposure orientation and direct rain) and to the elements Ti, V, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn, Rb, Cd, Sb and Pb. Accumulations were observed for most of the elements, confirming the ability of Evernia transplants for atmospheric metal deposition monitoring. The accumulation trends were mainly affected by the exposure orientation and slightly less so by the protection from rain. The zonation of the trace elements inside the thallus was also studied. It was concluded that trace element concentrations were not homogeneous in Evernia, thus imposing some cautions on the sampling approach. A nuclear microprobe analysis of an E. prunastri transplanted thallus in thin cross-sections concluded that the trace elements were mainly concentrated on the cortex of the thallus, except Zn, Ca and K which were also present in the internal layers. The size of the particles deposited or entrapped on the cortex surface averaged 7????m. A list of key parameters to ensure the comparability of surveys aiming at observing temporal or spatial deposition variation is presented. ?? 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preliminary results of radiation measurements on EURECA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benton, E. V.; Frank, A. L.

1995-01-01

The eleven-month duration of the EURECA mission allows long-term radiation effects to be studied similarly to those of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF). Basic data can be generated for projections to crew doses and electronic and computer reliability on spacecraft missions. A radiation experiment has been designed for EURECA which uses passive integrating detectors to measure average radiation levels. The components include a Trackoscope, which employs fourteen plastic nuclear track detector (PNTD) stacks to measure the angular dependence of high LET (greater than or equal to 6 keV/micro m) radiation. Also included are TLD's for total absorbed doses, thermal/resonance neutron detectors (TRND's) for low energy neutron fluences and a thick PNTD stack for depth dependence measurements. LET spectra are derived from the PNTD measurements. Preliminary TLD results from seven levels within the detector array show that integrated does inside the flight canister varied from 18.8 +/- 0.6 cGy to 38.9 +/- 1.2 cGy. The TLD's oriented toward the least shielded direction averaged 53% higher in dose than those oriented away from the least shielded direction (minimum shielding toward the least shielded direction varied from 1.13 to 7.9 g/cm(exp 2), Al equivalent). The maximum dose rate on EURECA (1.16 mGy/day) was 37% of the maximum measured on LDEF and dose rates at all depths were less than measured on LDEF. The shielding external to the flight canister covered a greater solid angle about the canister than the LDEF experiments.

Capabilities of GRO/OSSE for observing solar flares

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kurfess, J. D.; Johnson, W. N.; Share, G. H.; Hulburt, E. O.; Matz, S. M.; Murphy, R. J.

1989-01-01

The launch of the Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO) near solar maximum makes solar flare studies early in the mission particularly advantageous. The Oriented Scintillation Spectrometer Experiment (OSSE) on GRO, covering the energy range 0.05 to 150 MeV, has some significant advantages over the previous generation of satellite-borne gamma-ray detectors for solar observations. The OSSE detectors will have about 10 times the effective area of the Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (GRS) on Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) for both photons and high-energy neutrons. The OSSE also has the added capability of distinguishing between high-energy neutrons and photons directly. The OSSE spectral accumulation time (approx. 4s) is four times faster than that of the SMM/GRS; much better time resolution is available in selected energy ranges. These characteristics will allow the investigation of particle acceleration in flares based on the evolution of the continuum and nuclear line components of flare spectra, nuclear emission in small flares, the anisotropy of continuum emission in small flares, and the relative intensities of different nuclear lines. The OSSE observational program will be devoted primarily to non-solar sources. Therefore, solar observations require planning and special configurations. The instrumental and operational characteristics of OSSE are discussed in the context of undertaking solar observations. The opportunities for guest investigators to participate in solar flare studies with OSSE is also presented.

Orientations for the successful categorization of facial expressions and their link with facial features.

PubMed

Duncan, Justin; Gosselin, Frédéric; Cobarro, Charlène; Dugas, Gabrielle; Blais, Caroline; Fiset, Daniel

2017-12-01

Horizontal information was recently suggested to be crucial for face identification. In the present paper, we expand on this finding and investigate the role of orientations for all the basic facial expressions and neutrality. To this end, we developed orientation bubbles to quantify utilization of the orientation spectrum by the visual system in a facial expression categorization task. We first validated the procedure in Experiment 1 with a simple plaid-detection task. In Experiment 2, we used orientation bubbles to reveal the diagnostic-i.e., task relevant-orientations for the basic facial expressions and neutrality. Overall, we found that horizontal information was highly diagnostic for expressions-surprise excepted. We also found that utilization of horizontal information strongly predicted performance level in this task. Despite the recent surge of research on horizontals, the link with local features remains unexplored. We were thus also interested in investigating this link. In Experiment 3, location bubbles were used to reveal the diagnostic features for the basic facial expressions. Crucially, Experiments 2 and 3 were run in parallel on the same participants, in an interleaved fashion. This way, we were able to correlate individual orientation and local diagnostic profiles. Our results indicate that individual differences in horizontal tuning are best predicted by utilization of the eyes.

A severe capacity limit in the consolidation of orientation information into visual short-term memory.

PubMed

Becker, Mark W; Miller, James R; Liu, Taosheng

2013-04-01

Previous research has suggested that two color patches can be consolidated into visual short-term memory (VSTM) via an unlimited parallel process. Here we examined whether the same unlimited-capacity parallel process occurs for two oriented grating patches. Participants viewed two gratings that were presented briefly and masked. In blocks of trials, the gratings were presented either simultaneously or sequentially. In Experiments 1 and 2, the presentation of the stimuli was followed by a location cue that indicated the grating on which to base one's response. In Experiment 1, participants responded whether the target grating was oriented clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to vertical. In Experiment 2, participants indicated whether the target grating was oriented along one of the cardinal directions (vertical or horizontal) or was obliquely oriented. Finally, in Experiment 3, the location cue was replaced with a third grating that appeared at fixation, and participants indicated whether either of the two test gratings matched this probe. Despite the fact that these responses required fairly coarse coding of the orientation information, across all methods of responding we found superior performance for sequential over simultaneous presentations. These findings suggest that the consolidation of oriented gratings into VSTM is severely limited in capacity and differs from the consolidation of color information.

Advanced Fuels Campaign FY 2014 Accomplishments Report

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

Braase, Lori; May, W. Edgar

The mission of the Advanced Fuels Campaign (AFC) is to perform Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) activities for advanced fuel forms (including cladding) to enhance the performance and safety of the nation’s current and future reactors; enhance proliferation resistance of nuclear fuel; effectively utilize nuclear energy resources; and address the longer-term waste management challenges. This includes development of a state-of-the art Research and Development (R&D) infrastructure to support the use of a “goal-oriented science-based approach.” In support of the Fuel Cycle Research and Development (FCRD) program, AFC is responsible for developing advanced fuels technologies to support the various fuel cyclemore » options defined in the Department of Energy (DOE) Nuclear Energy Research and Development Roadmap, Report to Congress, April 2010. AFC uses a “goal-oriented, science-based approach” aimed at a fundamental understanding of fuel and cladding fabrication methods and performance under irradiation, enabling the pursuit of multiple fuel forms for future fuel cycle options. This approach includes fundamental experiments, theory, and advanced modeling and simulation. The modeling and simulation activities for fuel performance are carried out under the Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) program, which is closely coordinated with AFC. In this report, the word “fuel” is used generically to include fuels, targets, and their associated cladding materials. R&D of light water reactor (LWR) fuels with enhanced accident tolerance is also conducted by AFC. These fuel systems are designed to achieve significantly higher fuel and plant performance to allow operation to significantly higher burnup, and to provide enhanced safety during design basis and beyond design basis accident conditions. The overarching goal is to develop advanced nuclear fuels and materials that are robust, have high performance capability, and are more tolerant to accident conditions than traditional fuel systems. AFC management and integration activities included continued support for international collaborations, primarily with France, Japan, the European Union, Republic of Korea, and China, as well as various working group and expert group activities in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD-NEA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Three industry-led Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) and two university-led Integrated Research Projects (IRPs), funded in 2013, made significant progress in fuels and materials development. All are closely integrated with AFC and Accident Tolerant Fuels (ATF) research. Accomplishments made during fiscal year (FY) 2014 are highlighted in this report, which focuses on completed work and results. The process details leading up to the results are not included; however, the lead technical contact is provided for each section.« less

SLK-dependent activation of ERMs controls LGN–NuMA localization and spindle orientation

PubMed Central

Machicoane, Mickael; de Frutos, Cristina A.; Fink, Jenny; Rocancourt, Murielle; Lombardi, Yannis; Garel, Sonia; Piel, Matthieu

2014-01-01

Mitotic spindle orientation relies on a complex dialog between the spindle microtubules and the cell cortex, in which F-actin has been recently implicated. Here, we report that the membrane–actin linkers ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERMs) are strongly and directly activated by the Ste20-like kinase at mitotic entry in mammalian cells. Using microfabricated adhesive substrates to control the axis of cell division, we found that the activation of ERMs plays a key role in guiding the orientation of the mitotic spindle. Accordingly, impairing ERM activation in apical progenitors of the mouse embryonic neocortex severely disturbed spindle orientation in vivo. At the molecular level, ERM activation promotes the polarized association at the mitotic cortex of leucine-glycine-asparagine repeat protein (LGN) and nuclear mitotic apparatus (NuMA) protein, two essential factors for spindle orientation. We propose that activated ERMs, together with Gαi, are critical for the correct localization of LGN–NuMA force generator complexes and hence for proper spindle orientation. PMID:24958772

Mental-orientation: A new approach to assessing patients across the Alzheimer's disease spectrum.

PubMed

Peters-Founshtein, Gregory; Peer, Michael; Rein, Yanai; Kahana Merhavi, Shlomzion; Meiner, Zeev; Arzy, Shahar

2018-05-21

This study aims to assess the role of mental-orientation in the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease using a novel task. A behavioral study (Experiment 1) compared the mental-orientation task to standard neuropsychological tests in patients across the Alzheimer's disease spectrum. A functional MRI study (Experiment 2) in young adults compared activations evoked by the mental-orientation and standard-orientation tasks as well as their overlap with brain regions susceptible to Alzheimer's disease pathology. The mental-orientation task differentiated mild cognitively impaired and healthy controls at 95% accuracy, while the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination, Mini-Mental State Examination and standard-orientation achieved 74%, 70% and 50% accuracy, respectively. Functional MRI revealed the mental-orientation task to preferentially recruit brain regions exhibiting early Alzheimer's-related atrophy, unlike the standard-orientation test. Mental-orientation is suggested to play a key role in Alzheimer's disease, and consequently in early detection and follow-up of patients along the Alzheimer's disease spectrum. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Erosion Results of the MISSE 8 Polymers Experiment After 2 Years of Space Exposure on the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

de Groh, Kim K.; Banks, Bruce A.; Asmar, Olivia C.; Yi, Grace T.; Mitchell, Gianna G.; Guo, Aobo; Sechkar, Edward A.

2017-01-01

Polymers and other oxidizable materials on the exterior of spacecraft in the low Earth orbit (LEO) space environment can be eroded due to reaction with atomic oxygen (AO). Therefore, in order to design durable spacecraft, it is important to know the LEO AO erosion yield (E(sub y), volume loss per incident oxygen atom) of materials susceptible to AO reaction. A spaceflight experiment, called the Polymers Experiment, which contained 42 samples, was developed to determine the effect of solar exposure on the AO E(sub y) of fluoropolymers flown in ram, wake, or zenith orientations. The Polymers Experiment was exposed to the LEO space environment on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Materials International Space Station Experiment 8 (MISSE 8) mission. The MISSE 8 mission included samples flown in a zenith/nadir orientation for 2.14 years in the MISSE 8 Passive Experiment Container (PEC), and samples flown in a ram/wake orientation for 2.0 years in the Optical Reflector Materials Experiment-III (ORMatEIII) tray. The experiment included Kapton H (Registered Trademark) witness samples for AO fluence determination in each orientation. This paper provides an overview of the MISSE 8 mission, a description of the flight experiment with details on the polymers flown, the characterization techniques used, the AO fluence for each exposure orientation, and the LEO E(sub y) results. The E(sub y) of Teflon fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) samples flown in ram, wake, and zenith orientations have been compared, and the E(sub y) was found to be highly dependent on orientation and therefore environmental exposure. The FEP E(sub y) was found to directly correlate with the solar exposure/AO fluence ratio showing the effect of solar radiation and/or heating due to solar exposure on FEP erosion. In addition, back-surface carbon painted FEP (C-FEP) flown in the zenith orientation had a significantly higher E(sub y) than clear FEP or Al-FEP further indicating that heating has a significant impact on the erosion of FEP. This experiment provides valuable LEO flight data on the erosion of Teflon FEP, a commonly used spacecraft thermal insulation.

Multicamera polarized vision for the orientation with the skylight polarization patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Chen; Hu, Xiaoping; He, Xiaofeng; Zhang, Lilian; Wang, Yujie

2018-04-01

A robust orientation algorithm based on the skylight polarization patterns for the urban ground vehicle is presented. We present the orientation model with the Rayleigh scattering and propose the robust orientation algorithm with the total least square. The proposed algorithm can utilize the whole sky area polarization patterns for realizing a more robust and accurate orientation. To enhance the algorithm's robustness in the urban environment, we develop a real-time method that uses the gradient of the degree of the polarization to remove the obstacles in the polarization image. In addition, our algorithm can solve the ambiguity problem of the polarized orientation without any other sensors. We also conduct a static rotating and a dynamic car experiments to evaluate the algorithm. The results demonstrate that our proposed algorithm can provide an accurate orientation estimation for the ground vehicle in the open and urban environments-the root-mean-square error in the static experiment is 0.28 deg and in the dynamic experiment is 0.81 deg. Finally, we discuss insights gained with respect to further work in optics and robotics.

Dilemmas in recovery-oriented practice to support people with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders: a qualitative study of staff experiences in Norway.

PubMed

Brekke, Eva; Lien, Lars; Nysveen, Kari; Biong, Stian

2018-01-01

Recovery-oriented practice is recommended in services for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Understanding practitioners' perceptions of recovery-oriented services may be a key component of implementing recovery principles in day-to-day practice. This study explores and describes staff experiences with dilemmas in recovery-oriented practice to support people with co-occurring disorders. Three focus group interviews were carried out over the course of 2 years with practitioners in a Norwegian community mental health and addictions team that was committed to developing recovery-oriented services. Thematic analysis was applied to yield descriptions of staff experiences with dilemmas in recovery-oriented practice. Three dilemmas were described: (1) balancing mastery and helplessness, (2) balancing directiveness and a non-judgmental attitude, and (3) balancing total abstinence and the acceptance of substance use. Innovative approaches to practice development that address the inherent dilemmas in recovery-oriented practice to support people with co-occurring disorders are called for.

Phase Transition of H 2 in Subnanometer Pores Observed at 75 K

DOE PAGES

Olsen, Raina J.; Gillespie, Andrew K.; Contescu, Cristian I.; ...

2017-10-30

In this paper, we report a phase transition in H 2 adsorbed in a locally graphitic Saran carbon with subnanometer pores 0.5–0.65 nm in width, in which two layers of hydrogen can just barely squeeze, provided they pack tightly. The phase transition is observed at 75 K, temperatures far higher than other systems in which an adsorbent is known to increase phase transition temperatures: for instance, H 2 melts at 14 K in the bulk, but at 20 K on graphite because the solid H 2 is stabilized by the surface structure. Here we observe a transition at 75 Kmore » and 77–200 bar: from a low-temperature, low-density phase to a high-temperature, higher density phase. We model the low-density phase as a monolayer commensurate solid composed mostly of para-H 2 (the ground nuclear spin state, S = 0) and the high-density phase as an orientationally ordered bilayer commensurate solid composed mostly of ortho-H 2 (S = 1). We attribute the increase in density with temperature to the fact that the oblong ortho-H 2 can pack more densely. The transition is observed using two experiments. The high-density phase is associated with an increase in neutron backscatter by a factor of 7.0 ± 0.1. Normally, hydrogen produces no backscatter (scattering angle >90°). This backscatter appears along with a discontinuous increase in the excitation mass from 1.2 amu to 21.0 ± 2.3 amu, which we associate with collective nuclear spin excitations in the orientationally ordered phase. Film densities were measured using hydrogen adsorption. Finally, no phase transition was observed in H 2 adsorbed in control activated carbon materials.« less

Phase Transition of H 2 in Subnanometer Pores Observed at 75 K

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

Olsen, Raina J.; Gillespie, Andrew K.; Contescu, Cristian I.

In this paper, we report a phase transition in H 2 adsorbed in a locally graphitic Saran carbon with subnanometer pores 0.5–0.65 nm in width, in which two layers of hydrogen can just barely squeeze, provided they pack tightly. The phase transition is observed at 75 K, temperatures far higher than other systems in which an adsorbent is known to increase phase transition temperatures: for instance, H 2 melts at 14 K in the bulk, but at 20 K on graphite because the solid H 2 is stabilized by the surface structure. Here we observe a transition at 75 Kmore » and 77–200 bar: from a low-temperature, low-density phase to a high-temperature, higher density phase. We model the low-density phase as a monolayer commensurate solid composed mostly of para-H 2 (the ground nuclear spin state, S = 0) and the high-density phase as an orientationally ordered bilayer commensurate solid composed mostly of ortho-H 2 (S = 1). We attribute the increase in density with temperature to the fact that the oblong ortho-H 2 can pack more densely. The transition is observed using two experiments. The high-density phase is associated with an increase in neutron backscatter by a factor of 7.0 ± 0.1. Normally, hydrogen produces no backscatter (scattering angle >90°). This backscatter appears along with a discontinuous increase in the excitation mass from 1.2 amu to 21.0 ± 2.3 amu, which we associate with collective nuclear spin excitations in the orientationally ordered phase. Film densities were measured using hydrogen adsorption. Finally, no phase transition was observed in H 2 adsorbed in control activated carbon materials.« less

Visualisation of collagen fibrils in joint cartilage using STIM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reinert, T.; Reibetanz, U.; Vogt, J.; Butz, T.; Werner, A.; Gründer, W.

2001-07-01

The scanning transmission ion microscopy (STIM) method was used to investigate the collagen network structure of the articular cartilage from a pig's knee in comparison with high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (microscopic NMR-tomography) and polarised light microscopy (PLM). Single collagen fibrils down to 200 nm in diameter were visualised. It was proved that the cartilage collagen network consists partly of zones of oriented fibrils as suggested by NMR measurements. Radially oriented fibrils were found in the zone near the calcified zone (hypertrophic zone) of both tibia and femur, and in the tibial radial zone. Tangentially oriented fibrils were found in the femoral and tibial superficial zone and in a second zone of the femoral cartilage. Polarisation light microscopy reveals broader zones of orientation than it was found with STIM.

Semiquantitative Multiplexed Tandem PCR for Detection and Differentiation of Four Theileria orientalis Genotypes in Cattle

PubMed Central

Perera, Piyumali K.; Gasser, Robin B.; Firestone, Simon M.; Smith, Lee; Roeber, Florian

2014-01-01

Oriental theileriosis is an emerging, tick-borne disease of bovines in the Asia-Pacific region and is caused by one or more genotypes of the Theileria orientalis complex. This study aimed to establish and validate a multiplexed tandem PCR (MT-PCR) assay using three distinct markers (major piroplasm surface protein, 23-kDa piroplasm membrane protein, and the first internal transcribed spacer of nuclear DNA), for the simultaneous detection and semiquantification of four genotypes (Buffeli, Chitose, Ikeda, and type 5) of the T. orientalis complex. Analytical specificity, analytical sensitivity, and repeatability of the established MT-PCR assay were assessed in a series of experiments. Subsequently, the assay was evaluated using 200 genomic DNA samples collected from cattle from farms on which oriental theileriosis outbreaks had occurred, and 110 samples from a region where no outbreaks had been reported. The results showed the MT-PCR assay specifically and reproducibly detected the expected genotypes (i.e., genotypes Buffeli, Chitose, Ikeda, and type 5) of the T. orientalis complex, reliably differentiated them, and was able to detect as little as 1 fg of genomic DNA from each genotype. The diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of the MT-PCR were estimated at 94.0% and 98.8%, respectively. The MT-PCR assay established here is a practical and effective diagnostic tool for the four main genotypes of T. orientalis complex in Australia and should assist studies of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of oriental theileriosis in the Asia-Pacific region. PMID:25339402

Rapid, portable detection of endocrine disrupting chemicals through ligand-nuclear hormone receptor interactions.

PubMed

Hunt, J Porter; Schinn, Song-Min; Jones, Matthew D; Bundy, Bradley C

2017-12-04

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) are structurally diverse compounds that can interact with nuclear hormone receptors, posing significant risk to human and ecological health. Unfortunately, many conventional biosensors have been too structure-specific, labor-intensive or laboratory-oriented to detect broad ranges of EDC effectively. Recently, several technological advances are providing more rapid, portable, and affordable detection of endocrine-disrupting activity through ligand-nuclear hormone receptor interactions. Here, we overview these recent advances applied to EDC biosensors - including cell lyophilization, cell immobilization, cell-free systems, smartphone-based signal detection, and improved competitive binding assays.

Erosion Results of the MISSE 7 Polymers Experiment and Zenith Polymers Experiment After 1.5 Years of Space Exposure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

De Groh, Kim K.; Banks, Bruce A.; Yi, Grace T.; Haloua, Athena; Imka, Emily C.; Mitchell, Gianna G.; Asmar, Olivia C.; Leneghan, Halle A.; Sechkar, Edward A.

2016-01-01

Polymers and other oxidizable materials on the exterior of spacecraft in the low Earth orbit (LEO) space environment can be eroded due to reaction with atomic oxygen (AO). Therefore, in order to design durable spacecraft it is important to know the LEO AO erosion yield (E(sub y), volume loss per incident oxygen atom) of materials susceptible to AO reaction. Two spaceflight experiments, the Polymers Experiment and the Zenith Polymers Experiment, were developed to determine the AO E(sub y) of various polymers flown in ram, wake or zenith orientations in LEO. These experiments were flown as part of the Materials International Space Station Experiment 7 (MISSE 7) mission for 1.5 years on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS). The experiments included Kapton H(TradeMark) witness samples for AO fluence determination in ram and zenith orientations. The Polymers Experiment also included samples to determine whether AO erosion of high and low ash containing polymers is dependent on fluence. This paper provides an overview of the MISSE 7 mission, a description of the flight experiments with details on the polymers flown, the characterization techniques used, the AO fluence for each exposure orientation, and the LEO E(sub y) results. The E(sub y) values ranged from 7.99x10(exp -28)cu cm/atom for TiO2/Al2O3 coated Teflon(TradeMark) fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) flown in the ram orientation to 1.22x10(exp -23cu cm/atom for polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) flown in the zenith orientation. The E(sub y) of similar samples flown in different orientations has been compared to help determine solar exposure and associated heating effects on AO erosion. The E(sub y) data from these ISS spaceflight experiments provides valuable information for LEO spacecraft design purposes.

An analysis of 12th-grade students' reasoning styles and competencies when presented with an environmental problem in a social and scientific context

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Fang-Ying

This study examined reasoning and problem solving by 182 12th grade students in Taiwan when considering a socio-scientific issue regarding the use of nuclear energy. Students' information preferences, background characteristics, and eleven everyday scientific thinking skills were scrutinized. It was found most participants displayed a willingness to take into account both scientific and social information in reasoning the merits of a proposed construction of a nuclear power plant. Students' reasoning scores obtained from the "information reasoning style" test ranged from -0.5 to 1.917. And, the distribution was approximately normal with mean and median at around 0.5. For the purpose of categorization, students whose scores were within one standard deviation from the mean were characterized as having a "equally disposed" reasoning style. One hundred and twenty-five subjects, about 69%, belonged to this category. Students with scores locating at the two tails of the distribution were assigned to either the "scientifically oriented" or the "socially oriented" reasoning category. Among 23 background characteristics investigated using questionnaire data and ANOVA statistical analysis, only students' science performance and knowledge about nuclear energy were statistically significantly related to their information reasoning styles (p < 0.05). The assessed background characteristics addressed dimensions such as gender, academic performances, class difference, future education, career expectation, commitment to study, assessment to educational enrichment, family conditions, epistemological views about science, religion, and the political party preference. For everyday scientific thinking skills, interview data showed that both "scientifically oriented" students and those who were categorized as "equally disposed to using scientific and social scientific sources of data" displayed higher frequencies than "socially oriented" ones in using these skills, except in the use of the "multidisciplinary thinking" skill. Among the 11 skills assessed, the "scientifically oriented" students outperformed the "equally disposed" ones only in the use of 3 thinking skills; namely, searching for or recalling scientific concepts/evidence, recognizing and evaluating alternatives, and making conclusions based on the scientific intuition.

Embodied memory allows accurate and stable perception of hidden objects despite orientation change.

PubMed

Pan, Jing Samantha; Bingham, Ned; Bingham, Geoffrey P

2017-07-01

Rotating a scene in a frontoparallel plane (rolling) yields a change in orientation of constituent images. When using only information provided by static images to perceive a scene after orientation change, identification performance typically decreases (Rock & Heimer, 1957). However, rolling generates optic flow information that relates the discrete, static images (before and after the change) and forms an embodied memory that aids recognition. The embodied memory hypothesis predicts that upon detecting a continuous spatial transformation of image structure, or in other words, seeing the continuous rolling process and objects undergoing rolling observers should accurately perceive objects during and after motion. Thus, in this case, orientation change should not affect performance. We tested this hypothesis in three experiments and found that (a) using combined optic flow and image structure, participants identified locations of previously perceived but currently occluded targets with great accuracy and stability (Experiment 1); (b) using combined optic flow and image structure information, participants identified hidden targets equally well with or without 30° orientation changes (Experiment 2); and (c) when the rolling was unseen, identification of hidden targets after orientation change became worse (Experiment 3). Furthermore, when rolling was unseen, although target identification was better when participants were told about the orientation change than when they were not told, performance was still worse than when there was no orientation change. Therefore, combined optic flow and image structure information, not mere knowledge about the rolling, enables accurate and stable perception despite orientation change. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

The role of orientation experiments in discovering mechanisms.

PubMed

Gervais, Raoul; Weber, Erik

2015-12-01

Many types of experiments have been recognized in the literature. One important type we discuss in this article is the orientation experiment. While orientation experiments are like other types of experiments in that they are tests for causal relevance, they also have other qualities. One important (but not the only) goal of these experiments is to offer a rough, qualitative characterization of the mechanism responsible for a capacity of interest, effectively constraining future research. This makes them particularly useful during the early stages of investigation, when an explanandum-phenomenon has just been identified and several (often competing) hypotheses as to the qualitative character of the mechanism responsible for it are proposed. We illustrate our claims, and explicate a number of additional aims that orientation experiments can sometimes serve, by considering three case studies from different era's, namely the discovery of the mechanisms responsible for i) the capacity of eels to produce numbing sensations (17th and 18th century), ii) puerperal fever in Semmelweis' Vienna Maternity Hospital (19th century), and iii) the capacity of pigeons to home (20th century). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Does cultural exposure partially explain the association between personality and political orientation?

PubMed

Xu, Xiaowen; Mar, Raymond A; Peterson, Jordan B

2013-11-01

Differences in political orientation are partly rooted in personality, with liberalism predicted by Openness to Experience and conservatism by Conscientiousness. Since Openness is positively associated with intellectual and creative activities, these may help shape political orientation. We examined whether exposure to cultural activities and historical knowledge mediates the relationship between personality and political orientation. Specifically, we examined the mediational role of print exposure (Study 1), film exposure (Study 2), and knowledge of American history (Study 3). Studies 1 and 2 found that print and film exposure mediated the relationships Openness to Experience and Conscientiousness have with political orientation. In Study 3, knowledge of American history mediated the relationship between Openness and political orientation, but not the association between Conscientiousness and political orientation. Exposure to culture, and a corollary of this exposure in the form of acquiring knowledge, can therefore partially explain the associations between personality and political orientation.

Experiences Building an Object-Oriented System in C++

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Madany, Peter W.; Campbell, Roy H.; Kougiouris, Panagiotis

1991-01-01

This paper describes tools that we built to support the construction of an object-oriented operating system in C++. The tools provide the automatic deletion of unwanted objects, first-class classes, dynamically loadable classes, and class-oriented debugging. As a consequence of our experience building Choices, we advocate these features as useful, simplifying and unifying many aspects of system programming.

The ENSDF Java Package

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

Sonzogni, A.A.

2005-05-24

A package of computer codes has been developed to process and display nuclear structure and decay data stored in the ENSDF (Evaluated Nuclear Structure Data File) library. The codes were written in an object-oriented fashion using the java language. This allows for an easy implementation across multiple platforms as well as deployment on web pages. The structure of the different java classes that make up the package is discussed as well as several different implementations.

Nuclear magnetic resonance of Al-27 in topaz, Al2SiO4/F, OH/2.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsang, T.; Ghose, S.

1972-01-01

The Al-27 nuclear quadrupolar coupling constant and asymmetry parameter (eta) in topaz have been determined to be 1.67 (plus or minus 0.03) MHz and 0.38 plus or minus 0.05, respectively. These values and the orientations of the principal axes are consistent with the Fe(3+) paramagnetic resonance data and with the symmetry of the AlO4F2 octahedron.

NUCLEAR REACTORS

DOEpatents

Long, E.; Ashby, J.W.

1958-09-16

ABS>A graphite moderator structure is presented for a nuclear reactor compriscd of an assembly of similarly orientated prismatic graphite blocks arranged on spaced longitudinal axes lying in common planes wherein the planes of the walls of the blocks are positioned so as to be twisted reintive to the planes of said axes so thatthe unlmpeded dtrect paths in direction wholly across the walls of the blocks are limited to the width of the blocks plus spacing between the blocks.

From recovery programs to recovery-oriented practice? A qualitative study of mental health professionals' experiences when facilitating a recovery-oriented rehabilitation program.

PubMed

Dalum, Helle Stentoft; Pedersen, Inge Kryger; Cunningham, Harry; Eplov, Lene Falgaard

2015-12-01

The recovery model has influenced mental health services and fostered new standards for best practice. However, knowledge about how mental health care professionals (HCPs) experience recovery-oriented programs is sparse. This paper explores HCPs' experiences when facilitating a recovery-oriented rehabilitation program. The research question is how do HCPs experience a change in their attitude and practice when applying recovery-oriented programs? This paper draws on semi-structured in-depth qualitative interviews conducted with 16 HCPs experienced in facilitating a recovery-oriented rehabilitation program in either the USA or Denmark. Three themes emerged from the HCPs' reflections on changes in attitudes and practices: "Hopeful Attitude" captures a change in the HCPs' attitude toward a more positive view on the future for clients' living with mental illness; "A New Focus in the Dialogue With Clients" thematizes how the HCPs focus more on the individual's own goal for recovery rather than disease-induced goals in the dialog with clients; "A Person-Centered Role" comprises a shift in the professional role whereby the HCPs value the client's own ideas in addition to the professional's standards. This study supports the theory of the recovery model by its empirical findings and indications that when facilitating a recovery-oriented program, HCPs experience recovery-oriented changes in their attitude toward life with mental illness, and it alters their professional practice toward a stronger focus on client's own goals during treatment. More studies are needed to further clarify how changes in HCPs' attitudes translate into changes in mental health practices. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Manned space flight nuclear system safety. Volume 4: Space shuttle nuclear system transportation. Part 1: Space shuttle nuclear safety

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

An analysis of the nuclear safety aspects (design and operational considerations) in the transport of nuclear payloads to and from earth orbit by the space shuttle is presented. Three representative nuclear payloads used in the study were: (1) the zirconium hydride reactor Brayton power module, (2) the large isotope Brayton power system and (3) small isotopic heat sources which can be a part of an upper stage or part of a logistics module. Reference data on the space shuttle and nuclear payloads are presented in an appendix. Safety oriented design and operational requirements were identified to integrate the nuclear payloads in the shuttle mission. Contingency situations were discussed and operations and design features were recommended to minimize the nuclear hazards. The study indicates the safety, design and operational advantages in the use of a nuclear payload transfer module. The transfer module can provide many of the safety related support functions (blast and fragmentation protection, environmental control, payload ejection) minimizing the direct impact on the shuttle.

Monetary rewards influence retrieval orientations.

PubMed

Halsband, Teresa M; Ferdinand, Nicola K; Bridger, Emma K; Mecklinger, Axel

2012-09-01

Reward anticipation during learning is known to support memory formation, but its role in retrieval processes is so far unclear. Retrieval orientations, as a reflection of controlled retrieval processing, are one aspect of retrieval that might be modulated by reward. These processes can be measured using the event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited by retrieval cues from tasks with different retrieval requirements, such as via changes in the class of targeted memory information. To determine whether retrieval orientations of this kind are modulated by reward during learning, we investigated the effects of high and low reward expectancy on the ERP correlates of retrieval orientation in two separate experiments. The reward manipulation at study in Experiment 1 was associated with later memory performance, whereas in Experiment 2, reward was directly linked to accuracy in the study task. In both studies, the participants encoded mixed lists of pictures and words preceded by high- or low-reward cues. After 24 h, they performed a recognition memory exclusion task, with words as the test items. In addition to a previously reported material-specific effect of retrieval orientation, a frontally distributed, reward-associated retrieval orientation effect was found in both experiments. These findings suggest that reward motivation during learning leads to the adoption of a reward-associated retrieval orientation to support the retrieval of highly motivational information. Thus, ERP retrieval orientation effects not only reflect retrieval processes related to the sought-for materials, but also relate to the reward conditions with which items were combined during encoding.

Consumer-Oriented Laboratory Activities: A Manual for Secondary Science Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, Jacqueline; McDuffie, Thomas E., Jr.

This document provides a laboratory manual for use by secondary level students in performing consumer-oriented laboratory experiments. Each experiment includes an introductory question outlining the purpose of the investigation, a detailed discussion, detailed procedures, questions to be answered upon completing the experiment, and information for…

Erosion Data from the MISSE 8 Polymers Experiment After 2 Years of Space Exposure on the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

de Groh, Kim K.; Banks, Bruce A.; Asmar, Olivia C.; Yi, Grace T.; Mitchell, Gianna G.; Guo, Aobo; Sechkar, Edward A.

2016-01-01

The Polymers Experiment was exposed to the low Earth orbit (LEO) space environment for 2.14 and 2.0 years as part of the Materials International Space Station Experiment 8 (MISSE 8) and the Optical Reflector Materials Experiment-III (ORMatE-III), respectively. The experiment contained 42 samples, which were flown in either ram, wake, or zenith orientations. The primary objective was to determine the effect of solar exposure on the atomic oxygen erosion yield (Ey) of fluoropolymers. This paper provides an overview of the experiment with details on the polymers flown, the characterization techniques used, the atomic oxygen fluence for each exposure orientation, and the LEO Ey results. The Ey values for the fluoropolymers range from 1.45 x 10(exp -25) cm(exp 3)/atom for white Tedlar Registered Trademark? (polyvinyl fluoride with white titanium dioxide pigment) flown in the ram orientation to 6.32 x 10(exp -24) cm(exp 3)/atom for aluminized-Teflon Registered Trademark? fluorinated ethylene propylene (Al-FEP) flown in the zenith orientation. Erosion yield data for FEP flown in ram, wake and zenith orientations are compared, and the Ey was found to be highly dependent on orientation, hence environmental exposure. Teflon FEP had an order of magnitude higher Ey when flown in the zenith direction (6.32 x10(exp -24) cm(exp3)/atom) as compared to the ram direction (2.37 x 10(exp -25) cm(exp 3)/atom). The Ey of FEP was found to increase with a direct correlation to the solar exposure/AO fluence ratio showing the effect of solar radiation and/or heating due to solar exposure on FEP erosion. In addition, back-surface carbon painted FEP (C-FEP) flown in the zenith orientation had a significantly higher Ey than clear FEP or Al-FEP further indicating that heating has a significant impact on the erosion of FEP, particularly in the zenith orientation.

Performance of automatic scanning microscope for nuclear emulsion experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Güler, A. Murat; Altınok, Özgür

2015-12-01

The impressive improvements in scanning technology and methods let nuclear emulsion to be used as a target in recent large experiments. We report the performance of an automatic scanning microscope for nuclear emulsion experiments. After successful calibration and alignment of the system, we have reached 99% tracking efficiency for the minimum ionizing tracks that penetrating through the emulsions films. The automatic scanning system is successfully used for the scanning of emulsion films in the OPERA experiment and plan to use for the next generation of nuclear emulsion experiments.

Performance of automatic scanning microscope for nuclear emulsion experiments

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

Güler, A. Murat, E-mail: mguler@newton.physics.metu.edu.tr; Altınok, Özgür; Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155

The impressive improvements in scanning technology and methods let nuclear emulsion to be used as a target in recent large experiments. We report the performance of an automatic scanning microscope for nuclear emulsion experiments. After successful calibration and alignment of the system, we have reached 99% tracking efficiency for the minimum ionizing tracks that penetrating through the emulsions films. The automatic scanning system is successfully used for the scanning of emulsion films in the OPERA experiment and plan to use for the next generation of nuclear emulsion experiments.

Retrieving Enduring Spatial Representations after Disorientation

PubMed Central

Li, Xiaoou; Mou, Weimin; McNamara, Timothy P.

2012-01-01

Four experiments tested whether there are enduring spatial representations of objects’ locations in memory. Previous studies have shown that under certain conditions the internal consistency of pointing to objects using memory is disrupted by disorientation. This disorientation effect has been attributed to an absence of or to imprecise enduring spatial representations of objects’ locations. Experiment 1 replicated the standard disorientation effect. Participants learned locations of objects in an irregular layout and then pointed to objects after physically turning to face an object and after disorientation. The expected disorientation was observed. In Experiment 2, after disorientation, participants were asked to imagine they were facing the original learning direction and then physically turned to adopt the test orientation. In Experiment 3, after disorientation, participants turned to adopt the test orientation and then were informed of the original viewing direction by the experimenter. A disorientation effect was not observed in Experiment 2 or 3. In Experiment 4, after disorientation, participants turned to face the test orientation but were not told the original learning orientation. As in Experiment 1, a disorientation effect was observed. These results suggest that there are enduring spatial representations of objects’ locations specified in terms of a spatial reference direction parallel to the learning view, and that the disorientation effect is caused by uncertainty in recovering the spatial reference direction relative to the testing orientation following disorientation. PMID:22682765

Action Experience Changes Attention to Kinematic Cues

PubMed Central

Filippi, Courtney A.; Woodward, Amanda L.

2016-01-01

The current study used remote corneal reflection eye-tracking to examine the relationship between motor experience and action anticipation in 13-months-old infants. To measure online anticipation of actions infants watched videos where the actor’s hand provided kinematic information (in its orientation) about the type of object that the actor was going to reach for. The actor’s hand orientation either matched the orientation of a rod (congruent cue) or did not match the orientation of the rod (incongruent cue). To examine relations between motor experience and action anticipation, we used a 2 (reach first vs. observe first) × 2 (congruent kinematic cue vs. incongruent kinematic cue) between-subjects design. We show that 13-months-old infants in the observe first condition spontaneously generate rapid online visual predictions to congruent hand orientation cues and do not visually anticipate when presented incongruent cues. We further demonstrate that the speed that these infants generate predictions to congruent motor cues is correlated with their own ability to pre-shape their hands. Finally, we demonstrate that following reaching experience, infants generate rapid predictions to both congruent and incongruent hand shape cues—suggesting that short-term experience changes attention to kinematics. PMID:26913012

Incorporating Social Oriented Agent and Interactive Simulation in E-learning: Impact on Learning, Perceptions, Experiences to Non-Native English Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ballera, Melvin; Elssaedi, Mosbah Mohamed

2012-01-01

There is an unrealized potential in the use of socially-oriented pedagogical agent and interactive simulation in e-learning system. In this paper, we investigate the impact of having a socially oriented tutor agent and the incorporation of interactive simulation in e-learning into student performances, perceptions and experiences for non-native…

Fifty Shades of Stigma: Exploring the Health Care Experiences of Kink-Oriented Patients.

PubMed

Waldura, Jessica F; Arora, Ishika; Randall, Anna M; Farala, John Paul; Sprott, Richard A

2016-12-01

The term kink describes sexual behaviors and identities encompassing bondage, discipline, domination and submission, and sadism and masochism (collectively known as BDSM) and sexual fetishism. Individuals who engage in kink could be at risk for health complications because of their sexual behaviors, and they could be vulnerable to stigma in the health care setting. However, although previous research has addressed experiences in mental health care, very little research has detailed the medical care experiences of kink-oriented patients. To broadly explore the health care experiences of kink-oriented patients using a community-engaged research approach. As part of the Kink Health Project, we gathered qualitative data from 115 kink-oriented San Francisco area residents using focus groups and interviews. Interview questions were generated in collaboration with a community advisory board. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Themes relating to kink-oriented patients' experience with health and healthcare. Major themes included (i) kink and physical health, (ii) sociocultural aspects of kink orientation, (iii) the role of stigma in shaping health care interactions, (iv) coming out to health care providers, and (v) working toward a vision of kink-aware medical care. The study found that kink-oriented patients have genuine health care needs relating to their kink behaviors and social context. Most patients would prefer to be out to their health care providers so they can receive individualized care. However, fewer than half were out to their current provider, with anticipated stigma being the most common reason for avoiding disclosure. Patients are often concerned that clinicians will confuse their behaviors with intimate partner violence and they emphasized the consensual nature of their kink interactions. Like other sexual minorities, kink-oriented patients have a desire to engage with their health care providers in meaningful discussions about their health risks, their identities, and their communities without fear of being judged. Additional research is needed to explore the experiences of kink-oriented patients in other areas of the country and internationally. Copyright © 2016 International Society for Sexual Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

New experiments on the effect of clock shifts on homing in pigeons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmidt-Koenig, K.

1972-01-01

The effect of clock shifts as an experimental tool for predictably interfering with the homing ability of birds is discussed. Clock shifts introduce specific errors in the birds' sun azimuth compass, resulting in corresponding errors during initial orientation and possibly during orientation enroute. The effects of 6 hour and 12 hour clock shifts resulted in a 90 degree deviation and a 180 degree deviation from the initial orientation, respectively. The method for conducting the clock shift experiments and results obtained from previous experiments are described.

Effect of deformation and orientation on spin orbit density dependent nuclear potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mittal, Rajni; Kumar, Raj; Sharma, Manoj K.

2017-11-01

Role of deformation and orientation is investigated on spin-orbit density dependent part VJ of nuclear potential (VN=VP+VJ) obtained within semi-classical Thomas Fermi approach of Skyrme energy density formalism. Calculations are performed for 24-54Si+30Si reactions, with spherical target 30Si and projectiles 24-54Si having prolate and oblate shapes. The quadrupole deformation β2 is varying within range of 0.023 ≤ β2 ≤0.531 for prolate and -0.242 ≤ β2 ≤ -0.592 for oblate projectiles. The spin-orbit dependent potential gets influenced significantly with inclusion of deformation and orientation effect. The spin-orbit barrier and position gets significantly influenced by both the sign and magnitude of β2-deformation. Si-nuclei with β22<0 have higher spin-orbit barrier (compact spin-orbit configuration) in comparison to systems with β2>0. The possible role of spin-orbit potential on barrier characteristics such as barrier height, barrier curvature and on the fusion pocket is also probed. In reference to prolate and oblate systems, the angular dependence of spin-orbit potential is further studied on fusion cross-sections.

Conformational distribution of n-hexane in a nematic liquid crystal obtained from nuclear spin dipolar couplings by Monte Carlo sampling

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

Luzar, M.; Rosen, M.E.; Caldarelli, S.

Motionally averaged proton-proton dipolar couplings measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy can provide information about the conformations and orientations sampled by partially oriented molecules. In this study, the measured dipolar couplings between pairs of protons on n-hexane dissolved in a nematic liquid crystal solvent are used as constraints in a Monte Carlo sampling of the conformations and orientations of n-hexane. Rotation about each carbon-carbon bond in the molecule is modeled by the complete sinusoidal torsional potential of Ryckaert and Bellemans rather than by the three-state rotational isomeric states (RIS) model that has been used in previous studies. Comparison ofmore » the results of the simulations using the Ryckaert-Bellemans potential and the RIS model indicates little difference in the values of the adjustable parameters and the quality of the fits to the experimental data. The primary difference between the models appears in the calculated conformer probability distributions for n-hexane, highlighting the importance of the exact shape of the torsional potential used to model carbon-carbon bond rotation in organic molecules. 23 refs., 3 figs., 4 tabs.« less

Micronuclei and other erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities in fishes from the Great Lakes Basin, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Braham, Ryan P.; Blazer, Vicki S.; Shaw, Cassidy H.; Mazik, Patricia M.

2017-01-01

Biological markers (biomarkers) sensitive to genotoxic and mutagenic contamination in fishes are widely used to identify exposure effects in aquatic environments. The micronucleus assay was incorporated into a suite of indicators to assess exposure to genotoxic and mutagenic contamination at five Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs), as well as one non-AOC (reference) site. The assay allowed enumeration of micronuclei as well as other nuclear abnormalities for both site and species comparisons. Erythrocyte abnormality data was also compared to skin and liver tumor prevalence and hepatic transcript abundance. Erythrocyte abnormalities were observed at all sites with variable occurrence and severity among sites and species. Benthic-oriented brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) and white sucker (Catostomus commersonii) expressed lower rates of erythrocyte abnormalities, but higher rates of skin and liver neoplasms, when compared to pelagic-oriented largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) or smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) at the same site. The reduced erythrocyte abnormalities, increased transcript abundance associated with Phase I and II toxicant responsive pathways, and increased neoplastic lesions among benthic-oriented taxa may indicate the development of contaminant resistance of these species to more acute effects.

Biologically relevant conformational features of linear and cyclic proteolipid protein (PLP) peptide analogues obtained by high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance and molecular dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kordopati, Golfo G.; Tzoupis, Haralambos; Troganis, Anastassios N.; Tsivgoulis, Gerasimos M.; Golic Grdadolnik, Simona; Simal, Carmen; Tselios, Theodore V.

2017-09-01

Proteolipid protein (PLP) is one of the main proteins of myelin sheath that are destroyed during the progress of multiple sclerosis (MS). The immunodominant PLP139-151 epitope is known to induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE, animal model of MS), wherein residues 144 and 147 are recognized by T cell receptor (TCR) during the formation of trimolecular complex with peptide-antigen and major histocompability complex. The conformational behavior of linear and cyclic peptide analogues of PLP, namely PLP139-151 and cyclic (139-151) (L144, R147) PLP139-151, have been studied in solution by means of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods in combination with unrestrained molecular dynamics simulations. The results indicate that the side chains of mutated amino acids in the cyclic analogue have different spatial orientation compared with the corresponding side chains of the linear analogue, which can lead to reduced affinity to TCR. NMR experiments combined with theoretical calculations pave the way for the design and synthesis of potent restricted peptides of immunodominant PLP139-151 epitope as well as non peptide mimetics that rises as an ultimate goal.

Learners' perceptions of learners regarded as having a homosexual orientation in an independent secondary school environment.

PubMed

Mostert, Hendrik P; Myburgh, Chris; Poggenpoel, Marie

2012-10-04

In schools today discrimination based on sexual orientation takes place on a regular basis. This form of discrimination leads to aggression towards learners perceived to be homosexual, as well as towards those with a homosexual orientation. For more than 15 years South Africa has been a democratic country with laws that protect learners who have a homosexual orientation. Nevertheless, aggression and discrimination towards these learners still occur in schools. Aggression often leads to verbal and physical bullying of the victims by perpetrators. The objectives of this research were to explore and describe Grade 11 learners' experiences of aggression towards learners perceived to be homosexual as well as those with a homosexual orientation in an independent secondary school environment. The research design was qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual in nature. The data for this investigation consisted of essays based on a published newspaper photograph, phenomenological group interviews, observations and field notes. Tesch's method of data analysis was used, and an independent coder assisted. Three themes were identified, discussed and supported by a literature control: that learners experience that it is right and acceptable to have a homosexual orientation; that they experience ambivalence towards homosexual orientation of learners; and experienced feelings that it is wrong to have a homosexual orientation. Recommended guidelines are provided to address aggression towards learners perceived to be homosexual and those with a homosexual orientation.

Proton electron nuclear double resonance from nitrosyl horse heart myoglobin: the role of His-E7 and Val-E11.

PubMed Central

Flores, M; Wajnberg, E; Bemski, G

2000-01-01

Electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) spectroscopy has been used to study protons in nitrosyl horse heart myoglobin (MbNO). (1)H ENDOR spectra were recorded for different settings of the magnetic field. Detailed analysis of the ENDOR powder spectra, using computer simulation, based on the "orientation-selection" principle, leads to the identification of the available protons in the heme pocket. We observe hyperfine interactions of the N(HisF8)-Fe(2+)-N(NO) complex with five protons in axial and with eight protons in the rhombic symmetry along different orientations, including those of the principal axes of the g-tensor. Protons from His-E7 and Val-E11 residues are identified in the two symmetries, rhombic and axial, exhibited by MbNO. Our results indicate that both residues are present inside the heme pocket and help to stabilize one particular conformation. PMID:10733988

LET spectra measurements of charged particles in the P0006 experiment on LDEF

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benton, E. V.; Csige, I.; Oda, K.; Henke, R. P.; Frank, A. L.; Benton, E. R.; Frigo, L. A.; Parnell, T. A.; Watts, J. W., Jr.; Derrickson, J. H.

1993-01-01

Measurements are under way of the charged particle radiation environment of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) satellite using stacks of plastic nuclear track detectors (PNTD's) placed in different locations of the satellite. In the initial work the charge, energy, and linear energy transfer (LET) spectra of charged particles were measured with CR-39 double layer PNTD's located on the west side of the satellite (Experiment P0006). Primary and secondary stopping heavy ions were measured separately from the more energetic particles. Both trapped and galactic cosmic ray (GCR) particles are included, with the latter component being dominated by relativistic iron particles. The results from the P0006 experiment will be compared with similar measurements in other locations on LDEF with different orientation and shielding conditions. The remarkably detailed investigation of the charged particle radiation environment of the LDEF satellite will lead to a better understanding of the radiation environment of the Space Station Freedom. It will enable more accurate prediction of single event upsets (SEU's) in microelectronics and, especially, more accurate assessment of the risk - contributed by different components of the radiation field (GCR's, trapped protons, secondaries and heavy recoils, etc.) - to the health and safety of crew members.

Can Self-Determination Theory Explain What Underlies the Productive, Satisfying Learning Experiences of Collectivistically Oriented Korean Students?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jang, Hyungshim; Reeve, Johnmarshall; Ryan, Richard M.; Kim, Ahyoung

2009-01-01

Recognizing recent criticisms concerning the cross-cultural generalizability of self-determination theory (SDT), the authors tested the SDT view that high school students in collectivistically oriented South Korea benefit from classroom experiences of autonomy support and psychological need satisfaction. In Study 1, experiences of autonomy,…

Making It Personal: The Importance of Student Experience in Creating Autonomy-Supportive Classrooms for Millennial Learners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Conklin, Thomas A.

2013-01-01

This article reviews andragogy as the philosophy resident in the broad arena of experience-based learning. Beneath the umbrella of experience-based learning lie the specific classroom orientations of student-centered learning, problem-based learning, and classrooms as organizations. These orientations contribute to the creation of…

Graduates' Orientations to Higher Education and Their Retrospective Experiences of Teaching and Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spronken-Smith, Rachel; Buissink-Smith, Nell; Bond, Carol; Grigg, Gabrielle

2015-01-01

In this article, we sought a relation between orientation to higher education and curricular experiences, and elucidated the nature of transformative curricular experiences. Twenty-four graduates from humanities and science degrees in the year 2000 were interviewed approximately five years later to obtain their retrospective views on the purpose…

Family Oriented Field Experience in Geography.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Karen A.

A family-oriented geography field course about the southwestern United States was conducted in 1978 by a community college in Michigan (Delta College). Course activities took place in Colorado. The major purpose of the field experience was to offer learning experiences to family groups rather than to individual students. For purposes of the field…

Novel Experimental Techniques to Investigate Wellbore Damage Mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choens, R. C., II; Ingraham, M. D.; Lee, M.; Dewers, T. A.

2017-12-01

A new experimental technique with unique geometry is presented investigating deformation of simulated boreholes using standard axisymmetric triaxial deformation equipment. The Sandia WEllbore SImulation, SWESI, geometry, uses right cylinders of rock 50mm in diameter and 75mm in length. A 11.3mm hole is drilled perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder in the center of the sample to simulate a borehole. The hole is covered with a solid metal cover, and sealed with polyurethane. The metal cover can be machined with a high-pressure port to introduce different fluid chemistries into the borehole at controlled pressures. Samples are deformed in a standard load frame under confinement, allowing for a broad range of possible stresses, load paths, and temperatures. Experiments in this study are loaded to the desired confining pressure, then deformed at a constant axial strain rate or 10-5 sec-1. Two different suites of experiments are conducted in this study on sedimentary and crystalline rock types. The first series of experiments are conducted on Mancos Shale, a finely laminated transversely isotropic rock. Samples are cored at three different orientations to the laminations. A second series of experiments is conducted on Sierra White granite with different fluid chemistries inside the borehole. Numerical modelling and experimental observations including CT-microtomography demonstrate that stresses are concentrated around the simulated wellbore and recreate wellbore deformation mechanisms. Borehole strength and damage development is dependent on anisotropy orientation and fluid chemistry. Observed failure geometries, particularly for Mancos shale, can be highly asymmetric. These results demonstrate uncertainties in in situ stresses measurements using commonly-applied borehole breakout techniques in complicated borehole physico-chemical environments. Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc. for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525. SAND2017-8259 A

Experimental and natural constraints on the generation of calc-alkaline volcanic rocks in the Western Aleutian arc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cottrell, E.; Kelley, K. A.; Grant, E.; Coombs, M. L.; Pistone, M.

2016-12-01

A new experimental technique with unique geometry is presented investigating deformation of simulated boreholes using standard axisymmetric triaxial deformation equipment. The Sandia WEllbore SImulation, SWESI, geometry, uses right cylinders of rock 50mm in diameter and 75mm in length. A 11.3mm hole is drilled perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder in the center of the sample to simulate a borehole. The hole is covered with a solid metal cover, and sealed with polyurethane. The metal cover can be machined with a high-pressure port to introduce different fluid chemistries into the borehole at controlled pressures. Samples are deformed in a standard load frame under confinement, allowing for a broad range of possible stresses, load paths, and temperatures. Experiments in this study are loaded to the desired confining pressure, then deformed at a constant axial strain rate or 10-5 sec-1. Two different suites of experiments are conducted in this study on sedimentary and crystalline rock types. The first series of experiments are conducted on Mancos Shale, a finely laminated transversely isotropic rock. Samples are cored at three different orientations to the laminations. A second series of experiments is conducted on Sierra White granite with different fluid chemistries inside the borehole. Numerical modelling and experimental observations including CT-microtomography demonstrate that stresses are concentrated around the simulated wellbore and recreate wellbore deformation mechanisms. Borehole strength and damage development is dependent on anisotropy orientation and fluid chemistry. Observed failure geometries, particularly for Mancos shale, can be highly asymmetric. These results demonstrate uncertainties in in situ stresses measurements using commonly-applied borehole breakout techniques in complicated borehole physico-chemical environments. Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc. for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525. SAND2017-8259 A

Escaping the impulse to immediate gratification: the prospect concept promotes a future-oriented mindset, prompting an inclination towards delayed gratification.

PubMed

Cheng, Ying-Yao; Shein, Paichi Pat; Chiou, Wen-Bin

2012-02-01

People's willingness to postpone receiving an immediate reward in order to gain additional benefits in the future, that is, a tendency to shallow delay discounting, is closely related to one's health, wealth, and happiness. We conducted two experiments investigating how the prospect concept can induce a future-oriented mindset and induce people to behave accordingly. We found that engaging in prospective imagery led the participants to focus on delayed utility over immediate utility in financial decisions (Experiment 1). Participants who received the prospect prime via a scrambled-sentence task decreased their desire to pursue hedonic activities for instant gratification (Experiment 2). Moreover, a state of future orientation mediated the effect of the prospect prime on measures of delayed gratification (Experiments 1 and 2). Thus, reminders of prospect may activate a mindset for future orientation by which delayed gratification is strengthened. ©2011 The British Psychological Society.

School factors affecting postsecondary career pursuits of high-achieving girls in mathematics and science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoo, Hyunsil

This study examined the influences of secondary school experiences of high-achieving girls in math and science on their postsecondary career pursuits in science fields. Specifically, using the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88), the study investigated how science class experiences in high school affect science career persistence of high-achieving girls over and above personal and family factors. Selecting the top 10% on the 8 th grade math and science achievement tests from two panel samples of 1988--1994 and 1988--2000, this study examined which science instructional experiences (i.e., lecture-oriented, experiment-oriented, and student-oriented) best predicted college major choices and postsecondary degree attainments in the fields of science after controlling for personal and family factors. A two-stage test was employed for the analysis of each panel sample. The first test examined the dichotomous career pursuits between science careers and non-science careers and the second test examined the dichotomous pursuits within science careers: "hard" science and "soft" science. Logistic regression procedures were used with consideration of panel weights and design effects. This study identified that experiment-oriented and student-oriented instructional practices seem to positively affect science career pursuits of high-achieving females, while lecture-oriented instruction negatively affected their science career pursuits, and that the longitudinal effects of the two positive instructional contributors to science career pursuits appear to be differential between major choice and degree attainment. This study also found that the influences of instructional practices seem to be slight for general females, while those for high-achieving females were highly considerable, regardless of whether negative or positive. Another result of the study found that only student-oriented instruction seemed to have positive effects for high-achieving males. In addition, this study found that the lecture-oriented and experiment-oriented instructional practices were more likely to contribute to the choice of soft sciences for general and high-achieving females, while student-oriented instructional practices were more likely to contribute to the degree attainment in hard sciences for high-achieving females in science. The results should provide information for educational policies regarding school instruction and curriculum and career development targeted towards improving gender equity in science career pursuits.

Brittle Creep of Tournemire Shale: Orientation, Temperature and Pressure Dependences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geng, Zhi; Bonnelye, Audrey; Dick, Pierre; David, Christian; Chen, Mian; Schubnel, Alexandre

2017-04-01

Time and temperature dependent rock deformation has both scientific and socio-economic implications for natural hazards, the oil and gas industry and nuclear waste disposal. During the past decades, most studies on brittle creep have focused on igneous rocks and porous sedimentary rocks. To our knowledge, only few studies have been carried out on the brittle creep behavior of shale. Here, we conducted a series of creep experiments on shale specimens coming from the French Institute for Nuclear Safety (IRSN) underground research laboratory located in Tournemire, France. Conventional tri-axial experiments were carried under two different temperatures (26˚ C, 75˚ C) and confining pressures (10 MPa, 80 MPa), for three orientations (σ1 along, perpendicular and 45˚ to bedding). Following the methodology developed by Heap et al. [2008], differential stress was first increased to ˜ 60% of the short term peak strength (10-7/s, Bonnelye et al. 2016), and then in steps of 5 to 10 MPa every 24 hours until brittle failure was achieved. In these long-term experiments (approximately 10 days), stress and strains were recorded continuously, while ultrasonic acoustic velocities were recorded every 1˜15 minutes, enabling us to monitor the evolution of elastic wave speed anisotropy. Temporal evolution of anisotropy was illustrated by inverting acoustic velocities to Thomsen parameters. Finally, samples were investigated post-mortem using scanning electron microscopy. Our results seem to contradict our traditional understanding of loading rate dependent brittle failure. Indeed, the brittle creep failure stress of our Tournemire shale samples was systematically observed ˜50% higher than its short-term peak strength, with larger final axial strain accumulated. At higher temperatures, the creep failure strength of our samples was slightly reduced and deformation was characterized with faster 'steady-state' creep axial strain rates at each steps, and larger final axial strain accumulated. At each creep step, ultrasonic wave velocities first decreased, and then increased gradually. The magnitude of elastic wave velocity variations showed an important orientation and temperature dependence. Velocities measured perpendicular to bedding showed increased variation, variation that was enhanced at higher temperature and higher pressure. The case of complete elastic anisotropy reversal was even observed for sample deformed perpendicular to bedding, with a reduction amount of axial strain needed to reach anisotropy reversal at higher temperature. Our data were indicative of competition between crack growth, sealing/healing, and possibly mineral rotation or anisotropic compaction during creep. SEM investigation confirmed evidence of time dependent pressure solution and crack sealing/healing. Our research not only has practical engineering consequence but, more importantly, can provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of creep in complex media like shale. In particular, our study highlights that the short-term peak strength has little meaning in shale material, which can over-consolidate importantly by 'plastic' flow. In addition, we showed that elastic anisotropy can switch and even reverse over relatively short time periods (<10 days) and for relatively small amount of plastic deformation (<5%).

Heterogeneity among violence-exposed women: applying person-oriented research methods.

PubMed

Nurius, Paula S; Macy, Rebecca J

2008-03-01

Variability of experience and outcomes among violence-exposed people pose considerable challenges toward developing effective prevention and treatment protocols. To address these needs, the authors present an approach to research and a class of methodologies referred to as person oriented. Person-oriented tools support assessment of meaningful patterns among people that distinguish one group from another, subgroups for whom different interventions are indicated. The authors review the conceptual base of person-oriented methods, outline their distinction from more familiar variable-oriented methods, present descriptions of selected methods as well as empirical applications of person-oriented methods germane to violence exposure, and conclude with discussion of implications for future research and translation between research and practice. The authors focus on violence against women as a population, drawing on stress and coping theory as a theoretical framework. However, person-oriented methods hold utility for investigating diversity among violence-exposed people's experiences and needs across populations and theoretical foundations.

Target-object integration, attention distribution, and object orientation interactively modulate object-based selection.

PubMed

Al-Janabi, Shahd; Greenberg, Adam S

2016-10-01

The representational basis of attentional selection can be object-based. Various studies have suggested, however, that object-based selection is less robust than spatial selection across experimental paradigms. We sought to examine the manner by which the following factors might explain this variation: Target-Object Integration (targets 'on' vs. part 'of' an object), Attention Distribution (narrow vs. wide), and Object Orientation (horizontal vs. vertical). In Experiment 1, participants discriminated between two targets presented 'on' an object in one session, or presented as a change 'of' an object in another session. There was no spatial cue-thus, attention was initially focused widely-and the objects were horizontal or vertical. We found evidence of object-based selection only when targets constituted a change 'of' an object. Additionally, object orientation modulated the sign of object-based selection: We observed a same-object advantage for horizontal objects, but a same-object cost for vertical objects. In Experiment 2, an informative cue preceded a single target presented 'on' an object or as a change 'of' an object (thus, attention was initially focused narrowly). Unlike in Experiment 1, we found evidence of object-based selection independent of target-object integration. We again found that the sign of selection was modulated by the objects' orientation. This result may reflect a meridian effect, which emerged due to anisotropies in the cortical representations when attention is oriented endogenously. Experiment 3 revealed that object orientation did not modulate object-based selection when attention was oriented exogenously. Our findings suggest that target-object integration, attention distribution, and object orientation modulate object-based selection, but only in combination.

Effect of nuclear vibrations, temperature, and orientation on injection and recombination conditions in amino-phenyl acid dyes on TiO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manzhos, Sergei; Segawa, Hiroshi; Yamashita, Koichi

2012-06-01

Adsorption geometry, nuclear vibrations, and molecular orientation of the dye with respect to the oxide surface affect significantly the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells. We compute the influence of these factors on injection and recombination conditions in organic amino-phenyl acid dyes differing by the donor group on the anatase (101) surface of titania. Nuclear motions affect significantly and differently between the dyes the driving force to injection Δ G. A temperature increase from 300 to 350 K does not have a noticeable effect on the distribution of injection rates in all studied system. Molecular dynamics simulations predict configurations in which dyes tend to lay flat on the oxide surface. The resulting proximity of the oxidation equivalent hole to the oxide is expected to promote recombination. Temporal evolution of the driving force to injection is found to be independent of dye orientation and uncorrelated to the oscillations of the Odye Ti bonds through which the dye is attached to the surface. We conclude that the dynamics of Δ G(t) is explained by uncorrelated evolution of the energies of the dye excited state and of the conduction band minimum of the oxide due to their respective vibrations. This suggests that it must be possible to control independently conditions of recombination (e.g. by preventing the dye oxidation hole from approaching TiO2 by using co-adsorbates) and of injection (e.g. by designing dyes where non-equilibrium geometries strongly destabilize dye's LUMO to increase Δ G).

Sexual Orientation (For Parents)

MedlinePlus

... with — one's sexual orientation can take some time. Thinking sexually about both the same sex and the opposite sex is quite common as teens sort through their emerging sexual feelings. Some teens may experiment with sexual experiences, including those with members of ...

Experience Report: Visual Programming in the Real World

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baroth, E.; Hartsough, C

1994-01-01

This paper reports direct experience with two commercial, widely used visual programming environments. While neither of these systems is object oriented, the tools have transformed the development process and indicate a direction for visual object oriented tools to proceed.

Service Providers’ Experiences and Perspectives on Recovery-Oriented Mental Health System Reform

PubMed Central

Piat, Myra; Lal, Shalini

2016-01-01

Objective With the use of a qualitative approach, this study focuses on service providers’ experiences and perspectives on recovery-oriented reform. Methods Nine focus groups were conducted with a sample of 68 service providers recruited from three Canadian sites. Results Three major themes were identified: 1) positive attitudes towards recovery-oriented reform; 2) skepticism towards recovery-oriented reform; and 3) challenges associated with implementing recovery-oriented practice. These challenges pertained to conceptual uncertainty and consistency around the meanings of recovery; application of recovery-oriented practice with certain populations and in certain contexts; bureaucratization of recovery-oriented tools; limited leadership support; and, societal stigma and social exclusion of persons with mental illnesses. Conclusions and Implications for Practice The findings point towards challenges that might arise as system planners move ahead in their efforts toward implementing recovery within the mental health system. In this regard, we offer several recommendations for the planning of organizational and educational practices that support the implementation of recovery-oriented practice. PMID:22491368

Orientation perception in Williams Syndrome: discrimination and integration

PubMed Central

Palomares, Melanie; Landau, Barbara; Egeth, Howard

2009-01-01

Williams Syndrome (WS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder, which stems from a genetic deletion on chromosome 7 that causes a profound weakness in visuospatial cognition. Our current study explores how orientation perception may contribute to the visuospatial deficits in WS. In Experiment 1, we found that WS individuals and normal 3-4 year olds had similar orientation discrimination thresholds and had similar prevalence of mirror-reversal errors for diagonal targets (±45 deg). In Experiment 2, we asked whether this immaturity in orientation discrimination would also be reflected in a task requiring integration of oriented elements. We found that sensitivities of WS individuals for detecting orientation-defined contours were higher than sensitivities of normal 3-4 year olds, and were not significantly different from sensitivities of normal adults. Together, these results suggest that orientation discrimination and orientation integration have different maturational trajectories in normal development and different susceptibilities to damage in WS, which may reflect largely separate visuospatial mechanisms. PMID:19231058

The Map in Our Head Is Not Oriented North: Evidence from a Real-World Environment.

PubMed

Brunyé, Tad T; Burte, Heather; Houck, Lindsay A; Taylor, Holly A

2015-01-01

Like most physical maps, recent research has suggested that cognitive maps of familiar environments may have a north-up orientation. We demonstrate that north orientation is not a necessary feature of cognitive maps and instead may arise due to coincidental alignment between cardinal directions and the built and natural environment. Experiment 1 demonstrated that pedestrians have difficulty pointing north while navigating a familiar real-world environment with roads, buildings, and green spaces oriented oblique to cardinal axes. Instead, north estimates tended to be parallel or perpendicular to roads. In Experiment 2, participants did not demonstrate privileged memory access when oriented toward north while making relative direction judgments. Instead, retrieval was fastest and most accurate when orientations were aligned with roads. In sum, cognitive maps are not always oriented north. Rather, in some real-world environments they can be oriented with respect to environment-specific features, serving as convenient reference systems for organizing and using spatial memory.

Room-temperature coupling between electrical current and nuclear spins in OLEDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malissa, H.; Kavand, M.; Waters, D. P.; van Schooten, K. J.; Burn, P. L.; Vardeny, Z. V.; Saam, B.; Lupton, J. M.; Boehme, C.

2014-09-01

The effects of external magnetic fields on the electrical conductivity of organic semiconductors have been attributed to hyperfine coupling of the spins of the charge carriers and hydrogen nuclei. We studied this coupling directly by implementation of pulsed electrically detected nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The data revealed a fingerprint of the isotope (protium or deuterium) involved in the coherent spin precession observed in spin-echo envelope modulation. Furthermore, resonant control of the electric current by nuclear spin orientation was achieved with radiofrequency pulses in a double-resonance scheme, implying current control on energy scales one-millionth the magnitude of the thermal energy.

The role of clinical experience, diagnosis, and theoretical orientation in the treatment of posttraumatic and dissociative disorders: A vignette and survey investigation.

PubMed

Dorahy, Martin J; Lewis-Fernández, Roberto; Krüger, Christa; Brand, Bethany L; Şar, Vedat; Ewing, Jan; Martínez-Taboas, Alfonso; Stavropoulos, Pam; Middleton, Warwick

2017-01-01

Controversy exists regarding the merits of exposure-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) versus a phased approach when prominent dissociative symptoms are present. The first aim of this study was to examine the degree to which diagnosing dissociation in two traumatized patients' vignettes influenced clinicians' preference for phase-oriented treatment and whether clinicians' treatment experience contributed to their treatment preference. The second aim was to assess the extent to which participants had observed traumatized patients worsen when treated with exposure therapy or phase-oriented therapy and whether the theoretical orientation and treatment experience of the clinician were related to the observed deterioration. In the tradition of expert and practitioner surveys, 263 clinicians completed a survey of their diagnoses and treatment preferences for two vignettes and their treatment experience, theoretical orientation, and observations of patients' deterioration. When a marked degree of dissociation was noted in the PTSD vignette, respondents favored phased approaches regardless of the diagnosis given. Reports of having observed patient deterioration during both exposure and phased therapy were predicted by years of experience. Psychodynamic therapists reported more observations of worsening during exposure therapy than cognitive behavior therapy therapists. Clinical experience treating PTSD may heighten awareness of negative therapeutic effects, potentially because experienced clinicians have a lower threshold for detecting such effects and because they are referred more challenging cases.

The association of daily hassles and uplifts with family and life satisfaction: does cultural orientation make a difference?

PubMed

Lavee, Yoav; Ben-Ari, Adital

2008-03-01

The study examined similarities and differences between people having individualist and collectivist cultural orientations in terms of what they perceive as stressful and uplifting experiences in their daily lives, and the relation between daily experiences and family and life satisfaction. Data were collected from two representative community samples (697 Jews and 303 Arabs). Each sample was grouped into individualist and collectivist cultural orientations. The two cultural orientation groups differed with respect to the appraisal of positive and negative daily experiences. A structural equation modeling (SEM) multi-group analysis indicated a similar factor structure for hassles and uplifts in both groups. However, the two groups differed in the effects of positive and negative daily occurrences on family and life satisfaction.

Development of attention networks and their interactions in childhood.

PubMed

Pozuelos, Joan P; Paz-Alonso, Pedro M; Castillo, Alejandro; Fuentes, Luis J; Rueda, M Rosario

2014-10-01

In the present study, we investigated developmental trajectories of alerting, orienting, and executive attention networks and their interactions over childhood. Two cross-sectional experiments were conducted with different samples of 6- to 12-year-old children using modified versions of the attention network task (ANT). In Experiment 1 (N = 106), alerting and orienting cues were independently manipulated, thus allowing examination of interactions between these 2 networks, as well as between them and the executive attention network. In Experiment 2 (N = 159), additional changes were made to the task in order to foster exogenous orienting cues. Results from both studies consistently revealed separate developmental trajectories for each attention network. Children younger than 7 years exhibited stronger benefits from having an alerting auditory signal prior to the target presentation. Developmental changes in orienting were mostly observed on response accuracy between middle and late childhood, whereas executive attention showed increases in efficiency between 7 years and older ages, and further improvements in late childhood. Of importance, across both experiments, significant interactions between alerting and orienting, as well as between each of these and the executive attention network, were observed. Alerting cues led to speeding shifts of attention and enhancing orienting processes. Also, both alerting and orienting cues modulated the magnitude of the flanker interference effect. These findings inform current theoretical models of human attention and its development, characterizing for the first time, the age-related course of attention networks interactions that, present in adults, stem from further refinements over childhood.

Orienting attention to locations in internal representations.

PubMed

Griffin, Ivan C; Nobre, Anna C

2003-11-15

Three experiments investigated whether it is possible to orient selective spatial attention to internal representations held in working memory in a similar fashion to orienting to perceptual stimuli. In the first experiment, subjects were either cued to orient to a spatial location before a stimulus array was presented (pre-cue), cued to orient to a spatial location in working memory after the array was presented (retro-cue), or given no cueing information (neutral cue). The stimulus array consisted of four differently colored crosses, one in each quadrant. At the end of a trial, a colored cross (probe) was presented centrally, and subjects responded according to whether it had occurred in the array. There were equivalent patterns of behavioral costs and benefits of cueing for both pre-cues and retro-cues. A follow-up experiment used a peripheral probe stimulus requiring a decision about whether its color matched that of the item presented at the same location in the array. Replication of the behavioral costs and benefits of pre-cues and retro-cues in this experiment ruled out changes in response criteria as the only explanation for the effects. The third experiment used event-related potentials (ERPs) to compare the neural processes involved in orienting attention to a spatial location in an external versus an internal spatial representation. In this task, subjects responded according to whether a central probe stimulus occurred at the cued location in the array. There were both similarities and differences between ERPs to spatial cues toward a perception versus an internal spatial representation. Lateralized early posterior and later frontal negativities were observed for both pre- and retro-cues. Retro-cues also showed additional neural processes to be involved in orienting to an internal representation, including early effects over frontal electrodes.

Remarkable experiences of the nuclear tests in residents near the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site: analysis based on the questionnaire surveys.

PubMed

Kawano, Noriyuki; Ohtaki, Megu

2006-02-01

The main objective of this paper is to identify salient experiences of those who were exposed to radiation by the nuclear tests at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Tests Site (SNTS). In 2002, our research team of the Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, started to conduct some field research by means of a questionnaire survey. Through this, we expected to examine the health condition of the residents near the SNTS, identify their experiences from the nuclear tests, and understand the exposure path. This attempt at clarifying the reality of radiation exposure at Semipalatinsk through the use of a survey research method is the first of its kind. Among the responses to our survey, the present paper focuses mainly upon responses to the questions concerning the experiences of the nuclear tests. It deals mainly with direct experiences of nuclear tests of the residents characteristic to Semipalatinsk, including some new experiences hitherto unnoticed. The present paper touches upon their concrete direct experiences of flash, bomb blast, heat, rain and dust. We also discuss distinct experiences in Semipalatinsk such as evacuation, through the additional use of their testimonies. The data have been compared with the results obtained in a similar survey made in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. For the data analysis, a statistical method called logistic multiple linear regression analysis has been used.

Nuclear excitation by electronic transition of 235U

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

Chodash, P. A.; Norman, E. B.; Burke, J. T.

Here, nuclear excitation by electronic transition (NEET) is a rare nuclear excitation that can occur in isotopes containing a low-lying nuclear excited state. Over the past 40 yr, several experiments have attempted to measure NEET of 235U and those experiments have yielded conflicting results.

Nuclear excitation by electronic transition of 235U

DOE PAGES

Chodash, P. A.; Norman, E. B.; Burke, J. T.; ...

2016-03-11

Here, nuclear excitation by electronic transition (NEET) is a rare nuclear excitation that can occur in isotopes containing a low-lying nuclear excited state. Over the past 40 yr, several experiments have attempted to measure NEET of 235U and those experiments have yielded conflicting results.

The continuous end-state comfort effect: weighted integration of multiple biases.

PubMed

Herbort, Oliver; Butz, Martin V

2012-05-01

The grasp orientation when grasping an object is frequently aligned in anticipation of the intended rotation of the object (end-state comfort effect). We analyzed grasp orientation selection in a continuous task to determine the mechanisms underlying the end-state comfort effect. Participants had to grasp a box by a circular handle-which allowed for arbitrary grasp orientations-and then had to rotate the box by various angles. Experiments 1 and 2 revealed both that the rotation's direction considerably determined grasp orientations and that end-postures varied considerably. Experiments 3 and 4 further showed that visual stimuli and initial arm postures biased grasp orientations if the intended rotation could be easily achieved. The data show that end-state comfort but also other factors determine grasp orientation selection. A simple mechanism that integrates multiple weighted biases can account for the data.

Newly discovered geological features and their potential impact on Darlington and Pickering. Report No. INFO-0342

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

Wallach, J.L.

1990-01-01

The design basis seismic ground motion for the nuclear generating stations at Darlington and at Pickering were determined solely through the assessment of previous earthquakes with no geological, or any other geophysical, input. Since then geophysical maps, showing a north-northwest oriented linear feature with some possible associated seismic activity, were examined. This report discusses the impact of these new discoveries on the Darlington and Pickering nuclear generating stations and on the already known geophysical features of the area.

The Nature of Russia’s Threat to NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence in the Baltic States

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-12-01

Postgraduate School Monterey, CA 93943-5000 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING /MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) N /A...OOB order of battle OODA observe, orient, decide, act OSCE Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe OSK Joint Strategic Command OSK- N ...Russia’s Nuclear Threats,” 7–9; Shamanov, “Non-nuclear Forces.” 9 Roger N . McDermott, Brothers Disunited: Russia’s Use of Military Power in Ukraine (Ft

Confocal reflectance microscopy of basal cell cancers ex vivo: progress toward enhancing contrast and detectability of nuclei relative to dermis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, Yogesh G.; Nehal, Kishwer S.; Halpern, Allan C.; Rajadhyaksha, Milind

2005-04-01

Mohs surgery is a staged procedure for microscopically excising basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) while preserving the surrounding normal skin. Serial excisions are performed with each excision being guided by examination of the frozen histology. Mohs surgery is a meticulous and time-consuming (15-45 minutes per excision) procedure requiring several (2-20) excisions and frozen histology prepared for each excision. Real-time confocal reflectance microscopy may make Mohs surgery more efficient by enabling rapid detection of BCCs directly in fresh, unprocessed excisions, and thereby possibly avoiding frozen histology. As previously reported, we are developing an acetowhitening-and-cross polarized method to detect BCCs with a confocal reflectance microscope. Acetowhitening compacts the chromatin within the nucleus, increasing nuclear backscatter, and brightening the nuclei in the confocal images of the tissue. Our experiments to optimize acetowhitening, using acetic acid concentrations from 1% to 30% and treatment times from 30 seconds to 5 minutes, show that a minimum concentration of 2% with minimum washing time of 2 minutes is required for enhancing nuclear morphology. Increased depolarization is observed within the compacted chromatin relative to the surrounding collagen, and imaging in brightfield or crossed polarization brightens or darkens the cellular cytoplasm and birefringent dermis; thus, we may potentially vary nuclear/cytoplasm and nuclear/dermis contrast. Images are collected, oriented, and tiled to create mosaics and sub-mosaics to view large excisions at variable 2X - 10X magnifications. To create and display mosaics, adequate pixelation relative to resolution must be maintained and precise mechanical fixturing is necessary to control tilt, sag, flattening and stability of the excised tissue specimen.

Faith and Sexual Orientation Identity Development in Gay College Men

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dunn, Merrily; Glassmann, Danny; Garrett, J. Matthew; Badaszewski, Philip; Jones, Ginny; Pierre, Darren; Fresk, Kara; Young, Dallin; Correll-Hughes, Larry

2015-01-01

This study examines the experiences of gay-identified college men related to their faith and sexual orientation identity development. The findings suggest that for gay-identified college men, faith and sexual orientation identity development includes examination of one's faith and sexual orientation identity, important relationships, and a desire…

A Rotation Invariant in 3-D Reaching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mitra, Suvobrata; Turvey, M. T.

2004-01-01

In 3 experiments, the authors investigated changes in hand orientation during a 3-D reaching task that imposed specific position and orientation requirements on the hand's initial and final postures. Instantaneous hand orientation was described using 3-element rotation vectors representing current orientation as a rotation from a fixed reference…

The orientation distribution of tunneling-related quantities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seif, W. M.; Refaie, A. I.; Botros, M. M.

2018-03-01

In the nuclear tunneling processes involving deformed nuclei, most of the tunneling-related quantities depend on the relative orientations of the participating nuclei. In the presence of different multipole deformations, we study the variation of a few relevant quantities for the α-decay and the sub-barrier fusion processes, in an orientation degree of freedom. The knocking frequency and the penetration probability are evaluated within the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin approximation. The interaction potential is calculated with Skyrme-type nucleon-nucleon interaction. We found that the width of the potential pocket, the Coulomb barrier radius, the penetration probability, the α-decay width, and the fusion cross-section follow consistently the orientation-angle variation of the radius of the deformed nucleus. The orientation distribution patterns of the pocket width, the barrier radius, the logarithms of the penetrability, the decay width, and the fusion cross-section are found to be highly analogous to pattern of the deformed-nucleus radius. The curve patterns of the orientation angle distributions of the internal pocket depth, the Coulomb barrier height and width, as well as the knocking frequency simulate inversely the variation of the deformed nucleus radius. The predicted orientation behaviors will be of a special interest in predicting the optimum orientations for the tunneling processes.

Detection of alterations in human sperm using magnetic orientation techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakhnini, Lama; Dairi, Maheen; Manaa, Hacene

2007-09-01

In this study we report on magnetic orientation of human sperms. Samples were taken from 17 donors. Normal human sperms became oriented with their long axis perpendicular to the magnetic field ( 1 Tesla maximum). Total orientation was achieved with magnetic field at about one Tesla, while for abnormal sperms the magnetic behavior was different. The dependence of the measured degree of orientation on the intensity of the magnetic field was in good agreement with the theoretical equation for the magnetic orientation of diamagnetic substances. As a result for a numerical analysis based on the equation, the anisotropic diamagnetic susceptibility of normal sperm was found to be ▵ χ= 8×10 -20 J/T2. The degree of orientation was influenced by the alterations in the shape of the head, body or the tail. It has been suggested that the DNA in the sperm head retain the strong magnetic anisotropy to counter balance the magnetic anisotropy retained by flagellum microtubules. Recent studies demonstrated a well-defined nuclear architecture in human sperm nucleus, where the head morphology has significant correlation with sperm chromatin structure assay SCSA. Then as the methods to evaluate SCSA can be difficult and expensive our simple magnetic orientation technique can be an alternative to diagnose alteration in DNA.

Social ecological factors associated with future orientation of children affected by parental HIV infection and AIDS.

PubMed

Lin, Xiuyun; Fang, Xiaoyi; Chi, Peilian; Heath, Melissa Allen; Li, Xiaoming; Chen, Wenrui

2016-07-01

From a social ecological perspective, this study examined the effects of stigma (societal level), trusting relationships with current caregivers (familial level), and self-esteem (individual level) on future orientation of children affected by HIV infection and AIDS. Comparing self-report data from 1221 children affected by parental HIV infection and AIDS and 404 unaffected children, affected children reported greater stigma and lower future orientation, trusting relationships, and self-esteem. Based on structural equation modeling, stigma experiences, trusting relationships, and self-esteem had direct effects on future orientation, with self-esteem and trusting relationships partially mediating the effect of stigma experiences on children's future orientation. Implications are discussed. © The Author(s) 2014.

Operations Nougat and Whetstone events: Hard Hat, Danny Boy, Marshmallow, Mudpack, Wishbone, Gumdrop, Diluted Waters, and Tiny Tot, 15 February 1962-17 June 1965. Final report 15 Feb 62-19 Jun 68

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

Brady, W.J.; Horton, K.K.; Eubank, B.F.

1984-01-31

This report is a personnel oriented history of DOD participation in underground nuclear weapons testing during Operations NOUGAT and WHETSTONE, test events HARD HAT, DANNY BOY, MARSHMALLOW, MUDPACK, WISHBONE, GUMDROP, DILUTED WATERS, and TINY TOT. It is the first in a series of historical reports which will include all DOD underground nuclear weapons tests and DOE underground nuclear weapons tests with significant DOD participation from 1962 forward. In addition to these volumes presenting a history of the underground nuclear test program, a later restricted volume will identify all DOD participants, (military, civilian, and their contractors) and will list their dosimetrymore » data.« less

Modern NMR Spectroscopy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jelinski, Lynn W.

1984-01-01

Discusses direct chemical information that can be obtained from modern nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods, concentrating on the types of problems that can be solved. Shows how selected methods provide information about polymers, bipolymers, biochemistry, small organic molecules, inorganic compounds, and compounds oriented in a magnetic…

Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE)

ScienceCinema

None

2017-12-09

Nuclear reactor operators can expand safety margins with more precise information about how materials behave inside operating reactors. INL's new simulation platform makes such studies easier & more informative by letting researchers "plug-n-play" their mathematical models, skipping years of computer code development.

Histone-poly(A) hybrid molecules as tools to block nuclear pores.

PubMed

Cremer, G; Wojtech, E; Kalbas, M; Agutter, P S; Prochnow, D

1995-04-01

Histone-poly(A) hybrid molecules were used for transport experiments with resealed nuclear envelopes and after attachment of a cleavable cross-linker (SASD) to identify nuclear proteins. In contrast to histones, the hybrid molecules cannot be accumulated in resealed nuclear envelopes, and in contrast to poly(A), the export of hybrids from preloaded nuclear envelopes is completely impaired. The experiments strongly confirm the existence of poly(A) as an export signal in mRNA which counteracts the nuclear location signals (NLS) in histones. The contradicting transport signals in the hybrid molecules impair translocation through the nuclear pore complex. The failure to accumulate hybrid molecules into resealed nuclear envelopes results from the covalent attachment of polyadenylic acid to histones in a strict 1:1 molar ratio. This was demonstrated in control transport experiments where radiolabeled histones were simply mixed with nonlabeled poly(A) or radiolabeled poly(A) mixed with nonlabeled histones. In comparison, control uptake experiments with histones covalently linked to a single UMP-mononucleotide are strongly enhanced. Such controls exclude the conceivable possibility of a simple masking of the nuclear location signal in the histones by the covalent attached poly(A) moiety. Photoreactive histone-poly(A) hybrid analogs serve to identify nuclear envelope proteins--presumably in the nuclear pore--with molecular weights of 110, 80, and 71.4 kDa.

Personal experiences and emotionality in health-related knowledge exchange in Internet forums: a randomized controlled field experiment comparing responses to facts vs personal experiences.

PubMed

Kimmerle, Joachim; Bientzle, Martina; Cress, Ulrike

2014-12-04

On the Internet, people share personal experiences as well as facts and objective information. This also holds true for the exchange of health-related information in a variety of Internet forums. In online discussions about health topics, both fact-oriented and strongly personal contributions occur on a regular basis. In this field experiment, we examined in what way the particular type of contribution (ie, factual information vs personal experiences) has an impact on the subsequent communication in health-related Internet forums. For this purpose, we posted parallelized queries to 28 comparable Internet forums; queries were identical with regard to the information contained but included either fact-oriented descriptions or personal experiences related to measles vaccination. In the factual information condition, we posted queries to the forums that contained the neutral summary of a scientific article. In the personal experiences condition, we posted queries to the forums that contained the same information as in the first condition, but were framed as personal experiences We found no evidence that personal experiences evoked more responses (mean 3.79, SD 3.91) from other members of the Internet forums than fact-oriented contributions (mean 2.14, SD 2.93, t26=0.126, P=.219). But personal experiences elicited emotional replies (mean 3.17, SD 1.29) from other users to a greater extent than fact-oriented contributions (mean 2.13, SD 1.29, t81=3.659, P<.001). We suggest that personal experiences elicited more emotional replies due to the process of emotional anchoring of people's own style of communication. We recommend future studies should aim at testing the hypotheses with more general and with less emotionally charged topics, constructing different fact-oriented posts, and examining additional potential factors of influence such as personality factors or particular communication situations.

Human Infants' Preference for Left-to-Right Oriented Increasing Numerical Sequences

PubMed Central

de Hevia, Maria Dolores; Girelli, Luisa; Addabbo, Margaret; Macchi Cassia, Viola

2014-01-01

While associations between number and space, in the form of a spatially oriented numerical representation, have been extensively reported in human adults, the origins of this phenomenon are still poorly understood. The commonly accepted view is that this number-space association is a product of human invention, with accounts proposing that culture, symbolic knowledge, and mathematics education are at the roots of this phenomenon. Here we show that preverbal infants aged 7 months, who lack symbolic knowledge and mathematics education, show a preference for increasing magnitude displayed in a left-to-right spatial orientation. Infants habituated to left-to-right oriented increasing or decreasing numerical sequences showed an overall higher looking time to new left-to-right oriented increasing numerical sequences at test (Experiment 1). This pattern did not hold when infants were presented with the same ordinal numerical information displayed from right to left (Experiment 2). The different pattern of results was congruent with the presence of a malleable, context-dependent baseline preference for increasing, left-to-right oriented, numerosities (Experiment 3). These findings are suggestive of an early predisposition in humans to link numerical order with a left-to-right spatial orientation, which precedes the acquisition of symbolic abilities, mathematics education, and the acquisition of reading and writing skills. PMID:24802083

Black Curriculum Orientations: A Preliminary Inquiry.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Watkins, William H.

1993-01-01

Six curriculum orientations predominate in African-American educational experience: functionalism, accommodation, liberalism, Black Nationalism, Afrocentrism, and social reconstruction. Tied to the history of slavery and oppression, these orientations will continue to develop separate from the mainstream. (SK)

They Call it Orienteering

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wexler, Mark

1977-01-01

Through the use of personal anecdotes, the author details his initial experience with orienteering, a sport rapidly increasing in popularity that teaches people not to get lost in the woods. Sources of information about orienteering are provided. (BT)

Influence of crystal orientation and ion bombardment on the nitrogen diffusivity in single-crystalline austenitic stainless steel

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

Martinavicius, A.; Abrasonis, G.; Moeller, W.

2011-10-01

The nitrogen diffusivity in single-crystalline AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel (ASS) during ion nitriding has been investigated at different crystal orientations ((001), (110), (111)) under variations of ion flux (0.3-0.7 mA cm{sup -2}), ion energy (0.5-1.2 keV), and temperature (370-430 deg. C). The nitrogen depth profiles obtained from nuclear reaction analysis are in excellent agreement with fits using the model of diffusion under the influence of traps, from which diffusion coefficients were extracted. At fixed ion energy and flux, the diffusivity varies by a factor up to 2.5 at different crystal orientations. At (100) orientation, it increases linearly with increasingmore » ion flux or energy. The findings are discussed on the basis of atomistic mechanisms of interstitial diffusion, potential lattice distortions, local decomposition, and ion-induced lattice vibrational excitations.« less

Linking preferred orientations to elastic anisotropy in Muderong Shale, Australia

DOE PAGES

Kanitpanyacharoen, Waruntorn; Vasin, Roman; Wenk, Hans -Rudolf; ...

2015-01-01

The significance of shales as unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs, nuclear waste repositories, and geological carbon storage has opened new research frontiers in geophysics. Among many of its unique physical properties, elastic anisotropy has long been investigated by both experimental and computational approaches. Here we calculate elastic properties of Cretaceous Muderong Shale from Australia with a self-consistent averaging method based on microstructural information. The volume fraction and crystallographic preferred orientation distributions of constituent minerals are based on synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments. Aspect ratios of minerals and pores, determined from scanning electron microscopy (SEM), are introduced in the self-consistent averaging. Our analysis suggestsmore » that phyllosilicates (i.e., illite-mica, illite-smectite, kaolinite, and chlorite) are dominant with ~70 vol.%. The shape of clay platelets displays an average aspect ratio of 0.05. These platelets are aligned parallel to the bedding plane with a rather high degree of preferred orientation. The estimated porosity at ambient pressure is ~17 vol.% and is divided into equiaxial pores and flat pores with an average aspect ratio of 0.01. Our model shows results (e.g. at pressure of ~50 MPa with C 11 = 26.3; C 13 =12.5; C 33 = 18.2; C 44 = 2.8; C 66 = 6.8 [GPa]) that compare satisfactorily with values derived from ultrasonic velocity measurements (C 11 = 26.6; C 13 = 16.2; C 33 = 18.3; C 44 = 4.5; C 66 = 8.8 [GPa]), confirming the validity and reliability of our approximations and averaging approach.« less

Synthesis of new oligothiophene derivatives and their intercalation compounds: Orientation effects

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ibrahim, M.A.; Lee, B.-G.; Park, N.-G.; Pugh, J.R.; Eberl, D.D.; Frank, A.J.

1999-01-01

The orientation dependence of intercalated oligothiophene derivatives in vermiculite and metal disulfides MS2 (M = Mo, Ti and Zr) on the pendant group on the thiophene ring and the host material was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Amino and nitro derivatives of bi-, ter- and quarter-thiophenes were synthesized for the first time. The amino-oligothiophenes were intercalated into vermiculite by an exchange reaction with previously intercalated octadecylammonium vermiculite and into MS2 by the intercalation-exfoliation technique. Analysis of the XRD data indicates that a monolayer of amino-oligothiophene orients perpendicularly to the silicate surface in vermiculite and lies flat in the van der Waals gap of MS2.

Limited period of graviresponsiveness in germinating spores of Ceratopteris richardii

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edwards, E. S.; Roux, S. J.

1994-01-01

Rhizoids of the fern Ceratopteris richardii Brogn. usually emerge 40 h after germination is initiated by light, and more than 90% of them emerge growing in a downward direction. However, when the spores are germinated on a clinostat, the emerging rhizoids show no preferential orientation. This indicates that under normal 1 g conditions the initial growth direction of rhizoids can be oriented by gravity. If the orientation of the spores is changed 3 h or less after the start of germination, the growth direction of most emerging rhizoids becomes downward relative to the new orientation. However, if the orientation of the spores is changed by 180 degrees 8 h or more after germination is initiated by light, most rhizoids emerge growing upward; i.e., the same direction as if there had been no orientation change. Emerged rhizoids also do not change their direction of growth if their orientation is changed. These results indicate that the growth direction of emerging rhizoids is set by gravity prior to actual emergence, and that the time of full orientation responsiveness is limited to a period ranging from the initiation of germination to about 3-4 h after the start of germination. There is a gravity-oriented nuclear movement beginning at about 13 h after germination, and this movement appears to predict the initial growth direction of rhizoids.

Limited period of graviresponsiveness in germinating spores of Ceratopteris richardii.

PubMed

Edwards, E S; Roux, S J

1994-01-01

Rhizoids of the fern Ceratopteris richardii Brogn. usually emerge 40 h after germination is initiated by light, and more than 90% of them emerge growing in a downward direction. However, when the spores are germinated on a clinostat, the emerging rhizoids show no preferential orientation. This indicates that under normal 1 g conditions the initial growth direction of rhizoids can be oriented by gravity. If the orientation of the spores is changed 3 h or less after the start of germination, the growth direction of most emerging rhizoids becomes downward relative to the new orientation. However, if the orientation of the spores is changed by 180 degrees 8 h or more after germination is initiated by light, most rhizoids emerge growing upward; i.e., the same direction as if there had been no orientation change. Emerged rhizoids also do not change their direction of growth if their orientation is changed. These results indicate that the growth direction of emerging rhizoids is set by gravity prior to actual emergence, and that the time of full orientation responsiveness is limited to a period ranging from the initiation of germination to about 3-4 h after the start of germination. There is a gravity-oriented nuclear movement beginning at about 13 h after germination, and this movement appears to predict the initial growth direction of rhizoids.

The Other Man's Argument

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Godsall, R. A.

1974-01-01

A management simulation course has been designed by Dunchurch Industrial Staff College (DISC) that is management oriented rather than marketing oriented. The computer assisted program has been successful in allowing managers to experience immediately the effects of their decisions and also to experience each other's jobs and problems. (DS)

High Energy Density Plasmas (HEDP) for studies of basic nuclear science relevant to Stellar and Big Bang Nucleosynthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frenje, Johan

2014-06-01

Thermonuclear reaction rates and nuclear processes have been explored traditionally by means of conventional accelerator experiments, which are difficult to execute at conditions relevant to stellar nucleosynthesis. Thus, nuclear reactions at stellar energies are often studied through extrapolations from higher-energy data or in low-background underground experiments. Even when measurements are possible using accelerators at relevant energies, thermonuclear reaction rates in stars are inherently different from those in accelerator experiments. The fusing nuclei are surrounded by bound electrons in accelerator experiments, whereas electrons occupy mainly continuum states in a stellar environment. Nuclear astrophysics research will therefore benefit from an enlarged toolkit for studies of nuclear reactions. In this presentation, we report on the first use of High Energy Density Plasmas for studies of nuclear reactions relevant to basic nuclear science, stellar and Big Bang nucleosynthesis. These experiments were carried out at the OMEGA laser facility at University of Rochester and the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, in which spherical capsules were irradiated with powerful lasers to compress and heat the fuel to high enough temperatures and densities for nuclear reactions to occur. Four experiments will be highlighted in this presentation. In the first experiment, the differential cross section for the elastic neutron-triton (n-T) scattering at 14.1 MeV was measured with significantly higher accuracy than achieved in accelerator experiments. In the second experiment, the T(t,2n)4He reaction, a mirror reaction to the 3He(3He,2p)4He reaction that plays an important role in the proton-proton chain that transforms hydrogen into ordinary 4He in stars like our Sun, was studied at energies in the range 15-40 keV. In the third experiment, the 3He+3He solar fusion reaction was studied directly, and in the fourth experiment, we probed the T+3He reaction, possibly relevant to Big Bang nucleosynthesis.

Does Early Childhood Teacher Education Affect Students' Cognitive Orientations? The Effect of Different Education Tracks in Teacher Education on Prospective Early Childhood Teachers' Cognitive Orientations in Germany

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mischo, Christoph; Wahl, Stefan; Strohmer, Janina; Wolf, Carina

2014-01-01

Early childhood teachers may differ regarding the knowledge base they use when making professional decisions. In this study two orientations are distinguished: the orientation towards scientific knowledge vs. the orientation towards intuition and subjective experience. As different tracks in early childhood teacher education qualify for…

Individual differences in using geometric and featural cues to maintain spatial orientation: cue quantity and cue ambiguity are more important than cue type.

PubMed

Kelly, Jonathan W; McNamara, Timothy P; Bodenheimer, Bobby; Carr, Thomas H; Rieser, John J

2009-02-01

Two experiments explored the role of environmental cues in maintaining spatial orientation (sense of self-location and direction) during locomotion. Of particular interest was the importance of geometric cues (provided by environmental surfaces) and featural cues (nongeometric properties provided by striped walls) in maintaining spatial orientation. Participants performed a spatial updating task within virtual environments containing geometric or featural cues that were ambiguous or unambiguous indicators of self-location and direction. Cue type (geometric or featural) did not affect performance, but the number and ambiguity of environmental cues did. Gender differences, interpreted as a proxy for individual differences in spatial ability and/or experience, highlight the interaction between cue quantity and ambiguity. When environmental cues were ambiguous, men stayed oriented with either one or two cues, whereas women stayed oriented only with two. When environmental cues were unambiguous, women stayed oriented with one cue.

76 FR 58311 - Draft License Renewal Interim Staff Guidance LR-ISG-2011-05; Ongoing Review of Operating Experience

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-20

... nuclear power plants. In response to a request from the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), the NRC is... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC-2011-0191] Draft License Renewal Interim Staff Guidance LR-ISG-2011-05; Ongoing Review of Operating Experience AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Draft...

Coping and Survival Skills: The Role School Personnel Play Regarding Support for Bullied Sexual Minority-Oriented Youth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marshall, Alexandra; Yarber, William L.; Sherwood-Laughlin, Catherine M.; Gray, Mary L.; Estell, David B.

2015-01-01

Background: Research has shown that bullying has serious health consequences, and sexual minority-oriented youth are disproportionately affected. Sexual minority-oriented youth include lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ) individuals. This study examined the bullying experiences of sexual minority-oriented youth in a…

A special method for analyzing anisotropic nuclear magnetic resonance parameters: Acetonitrile in liquid crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lounila, Juhani; Ala-Korpela, Mika; Jokisaari, Jukka

1990-12-01

A reliable analysis of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral parameters of partially oriented molecules requires the calculation of the effects of the correlation between the molecular vibration and rotation. However, in many cases the information content of the spectral data is not sufficient for an unambiguous determination of all the adjustable parameters involved in such an analysis. The present paper describes a special method to simplify the analysis significantly, so as to make seemingly underdetermined problems solvable. The method is applicable to the molecules which contain segments composed of one or more light bonds attached to a heavier bond. It is applied to the anisotropic couplings Dij of acetonitrile (CH3CN) oriented in various liquid crystals. The analysis leads to the following rα geometry: ∠HCH=109.22°±0.06°, rCH/rCC =0.751±0.002 and rCN/rCC =0.788±0.005. In addition, detailed information on (1) the indirect coupling anisotropies ΔJCC and 2ΔJCN, (2) the 1H and 13C chemical shift anisotropies, (3) the external torques acting on the CH bonds, and (4) the orientational order parameters of the CH3C segment of the acetonitrile molecule is obtained.

Integrated head package cable carrier for a nuclear power plant

DOEpatents

Meuschke, Robert E.; Trombola, Daniel M.

1995-01-01

A cabling arrangement is provided for a nuclear reactor located within a containment. Structure inside the containment is characterized by a wall having a near side surrounding the reactor vessel defining a cavity, an operating deck outside the cavity, a sub-space below the deck and on a far side of the wall spaced from the near side, and an operating area above the deck. The arrangement includes a movable frame supporting a plurality of cables extending through the frame, each connectable at a first end to a head package on the reactor vessel and each having a second end located in the sub-space. The frame is movable, with the cables, between a first position during normal operation of the reactor when the cables are connected to the head package, located outside the sub-space proximate the head package, and a second position during refueling when the cables are disconnected from the head package, located in the sub-space. In a preferred embodiment, the frame straddles the top of the wall in a substantially horizontal orientation in the first position, pivots about an end distal from the head package to a substantially vertically oriented intermediate position, and is guided, while remaining about vertically oriented, along a track in the sub-space to the second position.

Mental Spatial Transformations in 14-and 16-Month-Old Infants: Effects of Action and Observational Experience

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frick, Andrea; Wang, Su-hua

2014-01-01

Infants' ability to mentally track the orientation of an object during a hidden rotation was investigated (N = 28 in each experiment). A toy on a turntable was fully covered and then rotated 90°. When revealed, the toy had turned with the turntable (probable event), remained at its starting orientation (improbable event in Experiment 1), or…

Developing and Sustaining Recovery-Orientation in Mental Health Practice: Experiences of Occupational Therapists.

PubMed

Nugent, Alexandra; Hancock, Nicola; Honey, Anne

2017-01-01

Internationally, mental health policy requires clinicians to shift from a medical to a recovery-oriented approach. However, there is a significant lag in the translation of policy into practice. Occupational therapists have been identified as ideally situated to be recovery-oriented yet limited research exploring how they do this exists. This study aimed to explore Australian occupational therapists' experiences of developing and sustaining recovery-orientation in mental health practice. Semistructured, in-depth interviews were conducted with twelve occupational therapists working across different mental health service types. Participants identified themselves as being recovery-oriented. Data were analysed using constant comparative analysis. Occupational therapists described recovery-oriented practice as an active, ongoing, and intentional process of seeking out knowledge, finding fit between understandings of recovery-oriented practice and their professional identity, holding hope, and developing confidence through clinical reasoning. Human and systemic aspects of therapists' workplace environment influenced this process. Being a recovery-oriented occupational therapist requires more than merely accepting a specific framework. It requires commitment and ongoing work to develop and sustain recovery-orientation. Occupational therapists are called to extend current leadership activity beyond their workplace and to advocate for broader systemic change.

Electron tomography of the microtubule cytoskeleton in multinucleated hyphae of Ashbya gossypii.

PubMed

Gibeaux, Romain; Lang, Claudia; Politi, Antonio Z; Jaspersen, Sue L; Philippsen, Peter; Antony, Claude

2012-12-01

We report the mechanistic basis guiding the migration pattern of multiple nuclei in hyphae of Ashbya gossypii. Using electron tomography, we reconstructed the cytoplasmic microtubule (cMT) cytoskeleton in three tip regions with a total of 13 nuclei and also the spindle microtubules of four mitotic nuclei. Each spindle pole body (SPB) nucleates three cMTs and most cMTs above a certain length grow according to their plus-end structure. Long cMTs closely align for several microns along the cortex, presumably marking regions where dynein generates pulling forces on nuclei. Close proximity between cMTs emanating from adjacent nuclei was not observed. The majority of nuclei carry duplicated side-by-side SPBs, which together emanate an average of six cMTs, in most cases in opposite orientation with respect to the hyphal growth axis. Such cMT arrays explain why many nuclei undergo short-range back and forth movements. Only occasionally do all six cMTs orient in one direction, a precondition for long-range nuclear bypassing. Following mitosis, daughter nuclei carry a single SPB with three cMTs. The increased probability that all three cMTs orient in one direction explains the high rate of nuclear bypassing observed in these nuclei. The A. gossypii mitotic spindle was found to be structurally similar to that of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in terms of nuclear microtubule (nMT) number, length distribution and three-dimensional organization even though the two organisms differ significantly in chromosome number. Our results suggest that two nMTs attach to each kinetochore in A. gossypii and not only one nMT like in S. cerevisiae.

How to think about nuclear war

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

Luttwak, E.N.

1982-08-01

Mr. Luttwak, a professional defense consultant, observes the arguments of nuclear freeze proponents can be refuted on both strategic and moral grounds. The freeze concept is illogical, he notes, because it is political systems - not state boundaries - that separate sides and because the Warsaw Pact countries are more heavily armed than the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries. An important factor keeping NATO forces at a disadvantage is their defensive orientation, which keeps forces militarily diffuse and dependent on nuclear weapons and preemptive action as a deterrent. Mr. Luttwak feels the shock effect of any use of nuclearmore » weapons would probably shorten a war rather than expand it because of the instinct for survival on both sides; further only nuclear weapons have this awesome power to deter. The proposal for universal disarmament under world government control is not a serious one, he thinks, and reflects an indifference to the possibility of a long non-nuclear war. The effect would be to trade the risk of nuclear death for the inevitability of many non-nuclear casualties. (DCK)« less

Scratching experiments on quartz crystals: Orientation effects in chipping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tellier, C. R.; Benmessaouda, D.

1994-06-01

The deformation and microfracture properties of quartz crystals were studied by scratching experiments. The critical load at which microfractures are initiated was found to be orientation dependent, whereas the average width of ductile grooves and chips remained relatively insensitive to crystal orientation. In contrast, a marked anisotropy in the shape of chips was observed. This anisotropy has been interpreted in terms of microfractures propagating preferentially along slip planes. Simple geometrical conditions for the SEM (scanning electron microscopy) observation of active slip planes are proposed.

The childhood and family dynamics of transvestites.

PubMed

Schott, R L

1995-06-01

This article reports a survey of childhood experiences and family dynamics reported by a sample of 85 cross-dressing males drawn from the readership of a magazine for transvestites. The sample had a higher percentage of only children and eldest children compared to a national sample and also a much closer relationship with their mothers than with their fathers. Their identification as nuclear or marginal transvestites or transsexuals is related to the quality of the reported relationship with the mother, to the factors they identify as associated with their cross-dressing, and to their sexual orientation. Covert cross-dressers account for over three fourths of the subjects, but those who were overt (their cross-dressing openly encouraged by female family members) show significantly different patterns and distributions on several variables. A constellation of family and parental relationships is proposed--drawn in part from the insights of object relations and family systems theory--which may contribute to the development of transvestism.

A Protocol-Analytic Study of Metacognition in Mathematical Problem Solving.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cai, Jinfa

1994-01-01

Metacognitive behaviors of subjects having high (n=2) and low (n=2) levels of mathematical experience were compared across four cognitive processes in mathematical problem solving: orientation, organization, execution, and verification. High-experience subjects engaged in self-regulation and spent more time on orientation and organization. (36…

Exploring Applications of Covalent Organic Frameworks: Homogeneous Reticulation of Radicals for Dynamic Nuclear Polarization.

PubMed

Cao, Wei; Wang, Wei David; Xu, Hai-Sen; Sergeyev, Ivan V; Struppe, Jochem; Wang, Xiaoling; Mentink-Vigier, Frederic; Gan, Zhehong; Xiao, Ming-Xing; Wang, Lu-Yao; Chen, Guo-Peng; Ding, San-Yuan; Bai, Shi; Wang, Wei

2018-06-06

Rapid progress has been witnessed in the past decade in the fields of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP). In this contribution, we bridge these two fields by constructing radical-embedded COFs as promising DNP agents. Via polarization transfer from unpaired electrons to nuclei, DNP realizes significant enhancement of NMR signal intensities. One of the crucial issues in DNP is to screen for suitable radicals to act as efficient polarizing agents, the basic criteria for which are homogeneous distribution and fixed orientation of unpaired electrons. We therefore envisioned that the crystalline and porous structures of COFs, if evenly embedded with radicals, may work as a new "crystalline sponge" for DNP experiments. As a proof of concept, we constructed a series of proxyl-radical-embedded COFs (denoted as PR( x)-COFs) and successfully applied them to achieve substantial DNP enhancement. Benefiting from the bottom-up and multivariate synthetic strategies, proxyl radicals have been covalently reticulated, homogeneously distributed, and rigidly embedded into the crystalline and mesoporous frameworks with adjustable concentration ( x%). Excellent performance of PR( x)-COFs has been observed for DNP 1 H, 13 C, and 15 N solid-state NMR enhancements. This contribution not only realizes the direct construction of radical COFs from radical monomers, but also explores the new application of COFs as DNP polarizing agents. Given that many radical COFs can therefore be rationally designed and facilely constructed with well-defined composition, distribution, and pore size, we expect that our effort will pave the way for utilizing radical COFs as standard polarizing agents in DNP NMR experiments.

SOCIAL AND NON-SOCIAL CUEING OF VISUOSPATIAL ATTENTION IN AUTISM AND TYPICAL DEVELOPMENT

PubMed Central

Pruett, John R.; LaMacchia, Angela; Hoertel, Sarah; Squire, Emma; McVey, Kelly; Todd, Richard D.; Constantino, John N.; Petersen, Steven E.

2013-01-01

Three experiments explored attention to eye gaze, which is incompletely understood in typical development and is hypothesized to be disrupted in autism. Experiment 1 (n=26 typical adults) involved covert orienting to box, arrow, and gaze cues at two probabilities and cue-target times to test whether reorienting for gaze is endogenous, exogenous, or unique; experiment 2 (total n=80: male and female children and adults) studied age and sex effects on gaze cueing. Gaze cueing appears endogenous and may strengthen in typical development. Experiment 3 tested exogenous, endogenous, and/or gaze-based orienting in 25 typical and 27 Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children. ASD children made more saccades, slowing their reaction times; however, exogenous and endogenous orienting, including gaze cueing, appear intact in ASD. PMID:20809377

Precision Pointing Control System (PPCS) system design and analysis. [for gimbaled experiment platforms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frew, A. M.; Eisenhut, D. F.; Farrenkopf, R. L.; Gates, R. F.; Iwens, R. P.; Kirby, D. K.; Mann, R. J.; Spencer, D. J.; Tsou, H. S.; Zaremba, J. G.

1972-01-01

The precision pointing control system (PPCS) is an integrated system for precision attitude determination and orientation of gimbaled experiment platforms. The PPCS concept configures the system to perform orientation of up to six independent gimbaled experiment platforms to design goal accuracy of 0.001 degrees, and to operate in conjunction with a three-axis stabilized earth-oriented spacecraft in orbits ranging from low altitude (200-2500 n.m., sun synchronous) to 24 hour geosynchronous, with a design goal life of 3 to 5 years. The system comprises two complementary functions: (1) attitude determination where the attitude of a defined set of body-fixed reference axes is determined relative to a known set of reference axes fixed in inertial space; and (2) pointing control where gimbal orientation is controlled, open-loop (without use of payload error/feedback) with respect to a defined set of body-fixed reference axes to produce pointing to a desired target.

Human spatial orientation in the pitch dimension

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cohen, M. M.; Larson, C. A.

1974-01-01

Two experiments were conducted. In Experiment I, each of eight Ss attempted to place himself at 13 different goal orientations between prone and supine. Deviations of achieved body pitch angles from goal orientations were determined. In Experiment II, each of eight Ss attempted to align a visual target with his morphological horizon while he was placed at each of the 13 goal orientations. Changes in settings of the target were examined. Results indicate that Ss underestimate body pitch when they are tilted less than 60 deg backward or forward from the vertical, overestimate body pitch when they are nearly prone, and accurately estimate body pitch when they are nearly supine. In contrast, Ss set the visual target maximally above the morphological horizon when they are tilted 30 deg forward from the vertical. The findings are discussed in terms of common and different physiological mechanism that may underlie judgments of these types.

Standardization and economics of nuclear spacecraft: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

Feasibility and cost benefits of nuclear-powered standardized spacecraft were investigated. The study indicates that two shuttle-launched nuclear-powered spacecraft should be able to serve the majority of unmanned NASA missions anticipated for the 1980's. The standard spacecraft include structure, thermal control, power, attitude control, some propulsion capability and tracking, telemetry, and command subsystems. One spacecraft design, powered by the radioisotope thermoelectric generator, can serve missions requiring up to 450 watts. The other spacecraft design, powered by similar nuclear heat sources in a Brayton-cycle generator, can serve missions requiring up to 2200 watts. Design concepts and trade-offs are discussed. The conceptual designs selected are presented and successfully tested against a variety of missions. The thermal design is such that both spacecraft are capable of operating in any earth orbit and any orientation without modification.

Nuclear resonance tomography with a toroid cavity detector

DOEpatents

Woelk, K.; Rathke, J.W.; Klingler, R.J.

1996-11-12

A toroid cavity detection system is described for determining the spectral properties and distance from a fixed point for a sample using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. The detection system consists of a toroid with a central conductor oriented along the main axis of the toroidal cylinder and perpendicular to a static uniform magnetic field oriented along the main axis of the toroid. An rf signal is input to the central conductor to produce a magnetic field perpendicular to the central axis of the toroid and whose field strength varies as the inverse of the radius of the toroid. The toroid cavity detection system can be used to encapsulate a sample, or the detection system can be perforated to allow a sample to flow into the detection device or to place the samples in specified sample tubes. The central conductor can also be coated to determine the spectral property of the coating and the coating thickness. The sample is then subjected to the respective magnetic fields and the responses measured to determine the desired properties. 4 figs.

Nuclear resonance tomography with a toroid cavity detector

DOEpatents

Woelk, Klaus; Rathke, Jerome W.; Klingler, Robert J.

1996-01-01

A toroid cavity detection system for determining the spectral properties and distance from a fixed point for a sample using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. The detection system consists of a toroid with a central conductor oriented along the main axis of the toroidal cylinder and perpendicular to a static uniform magnetic field oriented along the main axis of the toroid. An rf signal is inputted to the central conductor to produce a magnetic field perpendicular to the central axis of the toroid and whose field strength varies as the inverse of the radius of the toroid. The toroid cavity detection system can be used to encapsulate a sample, or the detection system can be perforated to allow a sample to flow into the detection device or to place the samples in specified sample tubes. The central conductor can also be coated to determine the spectral property of the coating and the coating thickness. The sample is then subjected to the respective magnetic fields and the responses measured to determine the desired properties.

Normal male childhood and adolescent sexual interactions: implications for sexual orientation of the individual with intersex.

PubMed

Lee, Peter A; Houk, Christopher P

2005-03-01

Data provided by 24 adult men, 20 heterosexual and four homosexual, concerning parental, religious, geographic and explicit sexual innuendos, comments and childhood experiences are presented and discussed in an attempt to consider some of the multiple factors impacting the development of sexual orientation. All of the study subjects were normally developed males and were presumed to have been exposed to normal male levels of androgens prenatally. Since the experiences and perceptions reported are conditioned by a unique social environment that has been superimposed on a normal male typical prenatal CNS differentiation, the experiences of these men suggest that affirmation of masculinity, and openness in the realm of social and sexual interaction, may enhance the formation of a heterosexual orientation. Conversely, sexually explicit feedback with critical implications occurred commonly among the homosexual men, which they interpreted as implying an insufficient masculinity. Both innate factors and social influences impact sexual orientation; in some instances males appear to have been homosexual from early childhood onward, while in other cases there appears to have been some degree of conditioning and choice in sexual orientation. Regarding the intersexed male, this suggests that social interactions, particularly those provided by parents, have a major influence on the development of sexual orientation in the child, while all persons involved in these children's lives and particularly those who nurture must be prepared for any sexual orientation that develops.

Nuclear orientation of antimony and bromine isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barham, Christopher G.

The technique of Low Temperature Nuclear Orientation has been used to study neutron deficient antimony and bromine isotopes. The antimony and bromine isotopes were produced using Daresbury Laboratory's Nuclear Sctructure Facility by the reactions [28]Si([93]Nb) and [28]Si([54]Fe) respectively, both at 150 MeV. Further anisotropy measurements on [72.74m,75]Br at lower temperature have been used to extend previous data. The magnetic moment of [72]Br has been limited to be within the range 0.54mu[N]

Providing Nuclear Criticality Safety Analysis Education through Benchmark Experiment Evaluation

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

John D. Bess; J. Blair Briggs; David W. Nigg

2009-11-01

One of the challenges that today's new workforce of nuclear criticality safety engineers face is the opportunity to provide assessment of nuclear systems and establish safety guidelines without having received significant experience or hands-on training prior to graduation. Participation in the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project (ICSBEP) and/or the International Reactor Physics Experiment Evaluation Project (IRPhEP) provides students and young professionals the opportunity to gain experience and enhance critical engineering skills.

Control of Transmembrane Helix Dynamics by Interfacial Tryptophan Residues.

PubMed

McKay, Matthew J; Martfeld, Ashley N; De Angelis, Anna A; Opella, Stanley J; Greathouse, Denise V; Koeppe, Roger E

2018-06-05

Transmembrane protein domains often contain interfacial aromatic residues, which may play a role in the insertion and stability of membrane helices. Residues such as Trp or Tyr, therefore, are often found situated at the lipid-water interface. We have examined the extent to which the precise radial locations of interfacial Trp residues may influence peptide helix orientation and dynamics. To address these questions, we have modified the GW 5,19 ALP23 (acetyl-GGALW 5 (LA) 6 LW 19 LAGA-[ethanol]amide) model peptide framework to relocate the Trp residues. Peptide orientation and dynamics were analyzed by means of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to monitor specific 2 H- and 15 N-labeled residues. GW 5,19 ALP23 adopts a defined, tilted orientation within lipid bilayer membranes with minimal evidence of motional averaging of NMR observables, such as 2 H quadrupolar or 15 N- 1 H dipolar splittings. Here, we examine how peptide dynamics are impacted by relocating the interfacial Trp (W) residues on both ends and opposing faces of the helix, for example by a 100° rotation on the helical wheel for positions 4 and 20. In contrast to GW 5,19 ALP23, the modified GW 4,20 ALP23 helix experiences more extensive motional averaging of the NMR observables in several lipid bilayers of different thickness. Individual and combined Gaussian analyses of the 2 H and 15 N NMR signals confirm that the extent of dynamic averaging, particularly rotational "slippage" about the helix axis, is strongly coupled to the radial distribution of the interfacial Trp residues as well as the bilayer thickness. Additional 2 H labels on alanines A3 and A21 reveal partial fraying of the helix ends. Even within the context of partial unwinding, the locations of particular Trp residues around the helix axis are prominent factors for determining transmembrane helix orientation and dynamics within the lipid membrane environment. Copyright © 2018 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The alternative strategies of the development of the nuclear power industry in the 21st century

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goverdovskii, A. A.; Kalyakin, S. G.; Rachkov, V. I.

2014-05-01

This paper emphasizes the urgency of scientific-and-technical and sociopolitical problems of the modern nuclear power industry without solving of which the transition from local nuclear power systems now in operation to a large-scale nuclear power industry would be impossible. The existing concepts of the longterm strategy of the development of the nuclear power industry have been analyzed. On the basis of the scenarios having been developed it was shown that the most promising alternative is the orientation towards the closed nuclear fuel cycle with fast neutron reactors (hereinafter referred to as fast reactors) that would meet the requirements on the acceptable safety. It was concluded that the main provisions of "The Strategy of the Development of the Nuclear Power Industry of Russia for the First Half of the 21st Century" approved by the Government of the Russian Federation in the year 2000 remain the same at present as well, although they require to be elaborated with due regard for new realities in the market for fossil fuels, the state of both the Russian and the world economy, as well as tightening of requirements related to safe operation of nuclear power stations (NPSs) (for example, after the severe accident at the Fukushima nuclear power station, Japan) and nonproliferation of nuclear weapons.

Heating-freezing effects on the orientation of kaolin clay particles

DOE PAGES

Jaradat, Karam A.; Darbari, Zubin; Elbakhshwan, Mohamed; ...

2017-09-29

The effects of temperature changes on the particle orientation of a consolidated kaolin are studied using XRD experiments. Here, two sets of equipment were utilized in this study: a benchtop equipment, and a synchrotron beamline at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The kaolin specimens tested in the benchtop XRD were subjected to elevated and freezing temperatures ex-situ, while those used for the NSLS-II experiment were exposed to the temperature changes in-situ. The temperatures considered in this study range from freezing (-10 °C) to elevated temperature below boiling (90 °C). The thermally-induced reorientation of claymore » mineral particles is highly dependent on the relative orientation of the clay mineral particles with respect to the applied thermal gradient. For example, kaolin samples with kaolinite particles oriented perpendicular to the thermal gradient, and to the expected thermally-induced pore water flow, experience much higher particles reorientations compared to samples with particles initially oriented parallel to the thermal gradient. Lastly, freezing kaolin preserved its microstructure as ice crystals form.« less

Heating-freezing effects on the orientation of kaolin clay particles

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

Jaradat, Karam A.; Darbari, Zubin; Elbakhshwan, Mohamed

The effects of temperature changes on the particle orientation of a consolidated kaolin are studied using XRD experiments. Here, two sets of equipment were utilized in this study: a benchtop equipment, and a synchrotron beamline at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The kaolin specimens tested in the benchtop XRD were subjected to elevated and freezing temperatures ex-situ, while those used for the NSLS-II experiment were exposed to the temperature changes in-situ. The temperatures considered in this study range from freezing (-10 °C) to elevated temperature below boiling (90 °C). The thermally-induced reorientation of claymore » mineral particles is highly dependent on the relative orientation of the clay mineral particles with respect to the applied thermal gradient. For example, kaolin samples with kaolinite particles oriented perpendicular to the thermal gradient, and to the expected thermally-induced pore water flow, experience much higher particles reorientations compared to samples with particles initially oriented parallel to the thermal gradient. Lastly, freezing kaolin preserved its microstructure as ice crystals form.« less

A memory advantage for past-oriented over future-oriented performance feedback.

PubMed

Nash, Robert A; Winstone, Naomi E; Gregory, Samantha E A; Papps, Emily

2018-03-05

People frequently receive performance feedback that describes how well they achieved in the past, and how they could improve in future. In educational contexts, future-oriented (directive) feedback is often argued to be more valuable to learners than past-oriented (evaluative) feedback; critically, prior research led us to predict that it should also be better remembered. We tested this prediction in six experiments. Subjects read written feedback containing evaluative and directive comments, which supposedly related to essays they had previously written (Experiments 1-2), or to essays another person had written (Experiments 3-6). Subjects then tried to reproduce the feedback from memory after a short delay. In all six experiments, the data strongly revealed the opposite effect to the one we predicted: despite only small differences in wording, evaluative feedback was in fact recalled consistently better than directive feedback. Furthermore, even when adult subjects did recall directive feedback, they frequently misremembered it in an evaluative style. These findings appear at odds with the position that being oriented toward the future is advantageous to memory. They also raise important questions about the possible behavioral effects and generalizability of such biases, in terms of students' academic performance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Work experiences among attendees of day centres for people with psychiatric disabilities.

PubMed

Eklund, Mona; Sandlund, Mikael

2015-01-01

It is possible that people with psychiatric disabilities who visit day centres have previous work experiences that may be seen as resources for their current engagement in day centre activities. Research in this respect seems to lack, however. To investigate work experiences among attendees at day centres for people with psychiatric disabilities and relationships with current type of day centre (work-oriented, meeting place-oriented or mixed), engagement in day centre activities, motivation and socio-demographic and health-related factors. Seventy-seven attendees responded to questionnaires. Global Assessment of Functioning, GAF, was also used. Work was categorised into Group I (professionals, semi-professionals), Group II (clerical support, services workers) and Group III (e.g. craft workers, elementary occupations). Almost everyone had previously had open-market employment; more than half for ≥ 10 years. Group I was more common in mixed centres, Group II in meeting place-oriented ones and Group III in work-oriented ones. Group I more frequently had college degree and was rated high on GAF functioning. Women were over-represented in Group II, and men in Group III and in meeting place-oriented centres. Attending mixed centres was more likely when having a college degree, scoring high on GAF functioning and being highly engaged in activities. Attendees at work-oriented day centres were characterised by being motivated for spending time alone and reporting a diagnosis of psychosis. The participants had unused working capacity. No clear-cut relationships were found between work experiences and the investigated correlates.

Experiences in teaching of modeling and simulation with emphasize on equation-based and acausal modeling techniques.

PubMed

Kulhánek, Tomáš; Ježek, Filip; Mateják, Marek; Šilar, Jan; Kofránek, Jří

2015-08-01

This work introduces experiences of teaching modeling and simulation for graduate students in the field of biomedical engineering. We emphasize the acausal and object-oriented modeling technique and we have moved from teaching block-oriented tool MATLAB Simulink to acausal and object oriented Modelica language, which can express the structure of the system rather than a process of computation. However, block-oriented approach is allowed in Modelica language too and students have tendency to express the process of computation. Usage of the exemplar acausal domains and approach allows students to understand the modeled problems much deeper. The causality of the computation is derived automatically by the simulation tool.

Orienting numbers in mental space: horizontal organization trumps vertical.

PubMed

Holmes, Kevin J; Lourenco, Stella F

2012-01-01

While research on the spatial representation of number has provided substantial evidence for a horizontally oriented mental number line, recent studies suggest vertical organization as well. Directly comparing the relative strength of horizontal and vertical organization, however, we found no evidence of spontaneous vertical orientation (upward or downward), and horizontal trumped vertical when pitted against each other (Experiment 1). Only when numbers were conceptualized as magnitudes (as opposed to nonmagnitude ordinal sequences) did reliable vertical organization emerge, with upward orientation preferred (Experiment 2). Altogether, these findings suggest that horizontal representations predominate, and that vertical representations, when elicited, may be relatively inflexible. Implications for spatial organization beyond number, and its ontogenetic basis, are discussed.

Effect of attention on the detection and identification of masked spatial patterns.

PubMed

Põder, Endel

2005-01-01

The effect of attention on the detection and identification of vertically and horizontally oriented Gabor patterns in the condition of simultaneous masking with obliquely oriented Gabors was studied. Attention was manipulated by varying the set size in a visual-search experiment. In the first experiment, small target Gabors were presented on the background of larger masking Gabors. In the detection task, the effect of set size was as predicted by unlimited-capacity signal detection theory. In the orientation identification task, increasing the set size from 1 to 8 resulted in a much larger decline in performance. The results of the additional experiments suggest that attention can reduce the crowding effect of maskers.

Longitudinal effects of disaster-related experiences on mental health among Fukushima nuclear plant workers: The Fukushima NEWS Project Study.

PubMed

Ikeda, A; Tanigawa, T; Charvat, H; Wada, H; Shigemura, J; Kawachi, I

2017-08-01

The Fukushima Nuclear Energy Workers' Support (NEWS) Project Study previously showed that experiences related to the Fukushima nuclear disaster on 11 March 2011 had a great impact on psychological states, including post-traumatic stress response (PTSR) and general psychological distress (GPD), among the Fukushima nuclear plant workers. To determine the causal relationship between disaster-related experiences and levels of psychological states, we conducted a 3-year longitudinal study from 2011 to 2014. PTSR and GPD of the nuclear plant workers were assessed by annual questionnaires conducted from 2011 to 2014. The present study included a total of 1417 workers who provided an assessment at baseline (2011). A total of 4160 observations were used in the present analysis. The relationship between disaster-related experiences and psychological states over time was analysed using mixed-effects logistic regression models. A declining influence of disaster-related experiences on PTSR over time was found. However, the impact on PTSR remained significantly elevated even 3 years after the disaster in several categories of exposure including the experience of life-threatening danger, experiences of discrimination, the witnessing of plant explosion, the death of a colleague and home evacuation. The associations between GPD and disaster-related experiences showed similar effects. The effects of disaster-related experiences on psychological states among the nuclear plant workers reduced over time, but remained significantly high even 3 years after the event.

Can tonne-scale direct detection experiments discover nuclear dark matter?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Butcher, Alistair; Kirk, Russell; Monroe, Jocelyn; West, Stephen M.

2017-10-01

Models of nuclear dark matter propose that the dark sector contains large composite states consisting of dark nucleons in analogy to Standard Model nuclei. We examine the direct detection phenomenology of a particular class of nuclear dark matter model at the current generation of tonne-scale liquid noble experiments, in particular DEAP-3600 and XENON1T. In our chosen nuclear dark matter scenario distinctive features arise in the recoil energy spectra due to the non-point-like nature of the composite dark matter state. We calculate the number of events required to distinguish these spectra from those of a standard point-like WIMP state with a decaying exponential recoil spectrum. In the most favourable regions of nuclear dark matter parameter space, we find that a few tens of events are needed to distinguish nuclear dark matter from WIMPs at the 3 σ level in a single experiment. Given the total exposure time of DEAP-3600 and XENON1T we find that at best a 2 σ distinction is possible by these experiments individually, while 3 σ sensitivity is reached for a range of parameters by the combination of the two experiments. We show that future upgrades of these experiments have potential to distinguish a large range of nuclear dark matter models from that of a WIMP at greater than 3 σ.

Can tonne-scale direct detection experiments discover nuclear dark matter?

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

Butcher, Alistair; Kirk, Russell; Monroe, Jocelyn

Models of nuclear dark matter propose that the dark sector contains large composite states consisting of dark nucleons in analogy to Standard Model nuclei. We examine the direct detection phenomenology of a particular class of nuclear dark matter model at the current generation of tonne-scale liquid noble experiments, in particular DEAP-3600 and XENON1T. In our chosen nuclear dark matter scenario distinctive features arise in the recoil energy spectra due to the non-point-like nature of the composite dark matter state. We calculate the number of events required to distinguish these spectra from those of a standard point-like WIMP state with amore » decaying exponential recoil spectrum. In the most favourable regions of nuclear dark matter parameter space, we find that a few tens of events are needed to distinguish nuclear dark matter from WIMPs at the 3 σ level in a single experiment. Given the total exposure time of DEAP-3600 and XENON1T we find that at best a 2 σ distinction is possible by these experiments individually, while 3 σ sensitivity is reached for a range of parameters by the combination of the two experiments. We show that future upgrades of these experiments have potential to distinguish a large range of nuclear dark matter models from that of a WIMP at greater than 3 σ .« less

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Orientation to Pain, and Pain Perception in Ex-Prisoners of War Who Underwent Torture.

PubMed

Tsur, Noga; Defrin, Ruth; Ginzburg, Karni

Studies suggest that torture survivors often experience long-term chronic pain and increased pain perception. However, it is unclear whether the actual experience of torture or rather the subsequent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) explains these pain problems. Furthermore, although catastrophic and fearful orientations to pain have been suggested to play a significant role in the association between trauma and pain, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study examined whether chronic pain and pain perception among torture survivors are associated with torture experience or PTSD and whether catastrophic and fearful orientations mediate or moderate these associations. Fifty-nine ex-prisoners of war who underwent torture and 44 matched veterans participated in this study. Pain perception was evaluated by assessing pain threshold and reactivity to experimental suprathreshold noxious stimuli. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires assessing PTSD, chronic pain, pain catastrophizing, and fear of pain. Although chronic pain was associated with PTSD (0.44 < β < 0.49, p < .002), increased pain perception was correlated with torture (0.33 < β < 0.65, p < .05). Pain catastrophizing was found to mediate the association between PTSD and chronic pain (β = 0.18 and 0.19, respectively; p < .05). Fear of pain moderated the association between torture and pain perception (β = 0.41 and 0.42, respectively; p < .017). The findings suggest that chronic pain is contingent upon the psychological toll of torture, that is, PTSD. This study also indicates that PTSD exacerbates catastrophic orientation, which in turn may amplify chronic pain. Reactivity to experimental noxious stimuli was related to previous experiences of torture, which enhances perceived pain intensity when interacting with a fearful pain orientation. These findings highlight the significance of orientation to bodily experiences after trauma.

Watching How Molecules Orient in a Surface Forces Apparatus, Using Confocal Raman Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Shan; Kim, Minsu; Bae, Sung Chul; Granick, Steve

2006-03-01

Much is known about surface forces, less about where they come from. This laboratory is engaged in direct vibrational spectroscopic measurements of how molecules orient in confined geometries. Regarding force measurements, PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) was a model system for many years. In this study, we describe direct experiments using a novel version of confocal Raman spectroscopy. This experiment allows direct measurement of how the PDMS molecules orient under confinment as well as under subsequent shear. When the thickness of the fluid film is less than the unperturbed radius of gyration of the polymer, we obtain two novel findings: (a) linewidth analysis of peaks reveals that vibrational relaxation times are perturbed in this confined geometry; (b) orientation of the chain backbone is not everywhere the same within the molecularly-thin film; domains of various orientation are observed instead.

Motor Experience Influences Object Knowledge

PubMed Central

Chrysikou, Evangelia G.; Casasanto, Daniel; Thompson-Schill, Sharon L.

2016-01-01

An object’s perceived readiness-for-action (e.g., its size, the degree of rotation from its canonical position, or the user’s viewpoint) can influence semantic knowledge retrieval. Yet, the organization of object knowledge may also be affected by body-specific sensorimotor experiences. Here, we investigated whether people’s history of performing motor actions with their hands influences the knowledge they store and retrieve about graspable objects. We compared object representations between healthy right- and left-handers (Experiment 1), and between unilateral stroke patients, whose motor experience was changed by impairment of either their right or left hand (Experiment 2). Participants saw pictures of graspable everyday items with the handles oriented toward either the left or right hand, and they generated the type of grasp they would employ (i.e., clench or pinch) when using each object, responding orally. In both experiments, hand dominance and object orientation interacted to predict response times. In Experiment 1, judgments were fastest when objects were oriented toward the right hand in right-handers, but not in left-handers. In Experiment 2, judgments were fastest when objects were oriented toward the left hand in patients who had lost the use of their right hand, even though these patients were right-handed prior to brain injury. Results suggest that at least some aspects of object knowledge are determined by motor experience, and can be changed by new patterns of motor experience. People with different bodily characteristics, who interact with objects in systematically different ways, form correspondingly different neurocognitive representations of the same common objects. PMID:28253009

Motor experience influences object knowledge.

PubMed

Chrysikou, Evangelia G; Casasanto, Daniel; Thompson-Schill, Sharon L

2017-03-01

An object's perceived readiness-for-action (e.g., its size, the degree of rotation from its canonical position, the user's viewpoint) can influence semantic knowledge retrieval. Yet, the organization of object knowledge may also be affected by body-specific sensorimotor experiences. Here, we investigated whether people's history of performing motor actions with their hands influences the knowledge they store and retrieve about graspable objects. We compared object representations between healthy right- and left-handers (Experiment 1), and between unilateral stroke patients, whose motor experience was changed by impairment of either their right or left hand (Experiment 2). Participants saw pictures of graspable everyday items with the handles oriented toward either the left or right hand, and they generated the type of grasp they would employ (i.e., clench or pinch) when using each object, responding orally. In both experiments, hand dominance and object orientation interacted to predict response times. In Experiment 1, judgments were fastest when objects were oriented toward the right hand in right-handers, but not in left-handers. In Experiment 2, judgments were fastest when objects were oriented toward the left hand in patients who had lost the use of their right hand, even though these patients were right-handed prior to brain injury. Results suggest that at least some aspects of object knowledge are determined by motor experience, and can be changed by new patterns of motor experience. People with different bodily characteristics, who interact with objects in systematically different ways, form correspondingly different neurocognitive representations of the same common objects. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

The Graduate Student Experience at a Research-Oriented University in Taiwan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lin, Yii-Nii

2014-01-01

This paper describes the life experiences of graduate students who were satisfied with their graduate careers at a research-oriented university in Taiwan. A qualitative phenomenological method was used, with in-depth interviews for data collection. Participants included 17 master's students and eight doctoral students. Four themes emerged as…

Communicating Feedback in Teaching Practice Supervision in a Learning-Oriented Field Experience Assessment Framework

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tang, Sylvia Yee Fang; Chow, Alice Wai Kwan

2007-01-01

This article seeks to understand the ways in which feedback was communicated in post-observation conferences in teaching practice supervision within the learning-oriented field experience assessment (LOFEA) framework. 32 post-observation conferences between 21 pairs of supervisors and participants of in-service teacher education programmes, and…

The Shaping of Postcollege Colorblind Orientation among Whites: Residential Segregation and Campus Diversity Experiences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jayakumar, Uma M.

2015-01-01

In this article, Uma M. Jayakumar investigates the cumulative impact of experiences with segregation or racial diversity prior to and during college on colorblind ideological orientation among white adults. An analysis of longitudinal data spanning ten years reveals that, for whites from segregated and diverse childhood neighborhoods, some…

Skylab experiment performance evaluation manual. Appendix K: Experiment S009 nuclear emulsion (MSFC)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyers, J. E.

1972-01-01

A series of analyses are presented for Experiment S009, nuclear emulsion (MSFC), to be used for evaluating the performance of the Skylab corollary experiments under preflight, inflight, and postflight conditions. Experiment contingency plan workaround procedure and malfunction analyses are included in order to assist in making the experiment operationally successful.

Enhanced Facilitation of Spatial Attention in Schizophrenia

PubMed Central

Spencer, Kevin M.; Nestor, Paul G.; Valdman, Olga; Niznikiewicz, Margaret A.; Shenton, Martha E.; McCarley, Robert W.

2010-01-01

Objective While attentional functions are usually found to be impaired in schizophrenia, a review of the literature on the orienting of spatial attention in schizophrenia suggested that voluntary attentional orienting in response to a valid cue might be paradoxically enhanced. We tested this hypothesis with orienting tasks involving the cued detection of a laterally-presented target stimulus. Method Subjects were chronic schizophrenia patients (SZ) and matched healthy control subjects (HC). In Experiment 1 (15 SZ, 16 HC), cues were endogenous (arrows) and could be valid (100% predictive) or neutral with respect to the subsequent target position. In Experiment 2 (16 SZ, 16 HC), subjects performed a standard orienting task with unpredictive exogenous cues (brightening of the target boxes). Results In Experiment 1, SZ showed a larger attentional facilitation effect on reaction time than HC. In Experiment 2, no clear sign of enhanced attentional facilitation was found in SZ. Conclusions The voluntary, facilitatory shifting of spatial attention may be relatively enhanced in individuals with schizophrenia in comparison to healthy individuals. This effect bears resemblance to other relative enhancements of information processing in schizophrenia such as saccade speed and semantic priming. PMID:20919764

Enhanced facilitation of spatial attention in schizophrenia.

PubMed

Spencer, Kevin M; Nestor, Paul G; Valdman, Olga; Niznikiewicz, Margaret A; Shenton, Martha E; McCarley, Robert W

2011-01-01

While attentional functions are usually found to be impaired in schizophrenia, a review of the literature on the orienting of spatial attention in schizophrenia suggested that voluntary attentional orienting in response to a valid cue might be paradoxically enhanced. We tested this hypothesis with orienting tasks involving the cued detection of a laterally presented target stimulus. Subjects were chronic schizophrenia patients (SZ) and matched healthy control subjects (HC). In Experiment 1 (15 SZ, 16 HC), cues were endogenous (arrows) and could be valid (100% predictive) or neutral with respect to the subsequent target position. In Experiment 2 (16 SZ, 16 HC), subjects performed a standard orienting task with unpredictive exogenous cues (brightening of the target boxes). In Experiment 1, SZ showed a larger attentional facilitation effect on reaction time than HC. In Experiment 2, no clear sign of enhanced attentional facilitation was found in SZ. The voluntary, facilitatory shifting of spatial attention may be relatively enhanced in individuals with schizophrenia in comparison to healthy individuals. This effect bears resemblance to other relative enhancements of information processing in schizophrenia such as saccade speed and semantic priming. (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved.

A Study on the Difficulties of Learning Phase Transition in Object-Oriented Analysis and Design from the Viewpoint of Semantic Distance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shin, Shin-Shing

2015-01-01

Students in object-oriented analysis and design (OOAD) courses typically encounter difficulties transitioning from object-oriented analysis (OOA) to logical design (OOLD). This study conducted an empirical experiment to examine these learning difficulties by evaluating differences between OOA-to-OOLD and OOLD-to-object-oriented-physical-design…

Designing Successful Transitions: A Guide for Orienting Students to College. 2nd Edition. The First-Year Experience Monograph Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ward-Roof, Jeanine A., Ed.; Hatch, Cathie, Ed.

This monograph contains 15 papers on aspects of college and university student and family orientation programs. Following a prologue, "Reflections on the Future of Orientation," by M. Lee Upcraft, the papers are: (1) "Today's Students and Their Impact on Orientation and First-Year Programs" (Tony W. Cawthon and Michael Miller);…

Do Reactions of Adaptation to Disability Influence the Fluctuation of Future Time Orientation among Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martz, Erin

2004-01-01

Rehabilitation counseling involves the construction of vocational goals, which involves future-oriented thinking. Yet, research indicates that time orientations may change after the experience of a trauma. Due to the potential importance of a future time orientation (FTO) in rehabilitation counseling, predictors of an FTO were examined among 317…

Why we cannot conclude that sexual orientation is primarily a biological phenomenon.

PubMed

Byne, W

1997-01-01

While all mental phenomena must have an ultimate biological substrate, the precise contribution of biological factors to the development of sexual orientation remains to be elucidated. Does biology merely provide the slate of neural circuitry upon which sexual orientation is inscribed by experience? Do biological factors directly wire the brain so that it will support a particular orientation? Or do biological factors influence sexual orientation only indirectly, perhaps by influencing personality variables that in turn influence how one interacts with and shapes the environment as it contributes to the social relationships and experiences that shape sexual orientation as it emerges developmentally? Recent neurostructural and genetic linkage evidence pertaining to sexual orientation must be viewed tentatively until it has been adequately corroborated and integrated with psychological and cultural models. Moreover, even a reliable and robust correlation between a biological marker and sexual orientation would be equally compatible with the second and third possibilities delineated above. Yet if the third possibility more closely approximates reality, the search for predisposing biological factors will result in incomplete and misleading findings until their interactions with environmental factors are taken into account and controlled for in adequate longitudinal studies.

Supranormal orientation selectivity of visual neurons in orientation-restricted animals.

PubMed

Sasaki, Kota S; Kimura, Rui; Ninomiya, Taihei; Tabuchi, Yuka; Tanaka, Hiroki; Fukui, Masayuki; Asada, Yusuke C; Arai, Toshiya; Inagaki, Mikio; Nakazono, Takayuki; Baba, Mika; Kato, Daisuke; Nishimoto, Shinji; Sanada, Takahisa M; Tani, Toshiki; Imamura, Kazuyuki; Tanaka, Shigeru; Ohzawa, Izumi

2015-11-16

Altered sensory experience in early life often leads to remarkable adaptations so that humans and animals can make the best use of the available information in a particular environment. By restricting visual input to a limited range of orientations in young animals, this investigation shows that stimulus selectivity, e.g., the sharpness of tuning of single neurons in the primary visual cortex, is modified to match a particular environment. Specifically, neurons tuned to an experienced orientation in orientation-restricted animals show sharper orientation tuning than neurons in normal animals, whereas the opposite was true for neurons tuned to non-experienced orientations. This sharpened tuning appears to be due to elongated receptive fields. Our results demonstrate that restricted sensory experiences can sculpt the supranormal functions of single neurons tailored for a particular environment. The above findings, in addition to the minimal population response to orientations close to the experienced one, agree with the predictions of a sparse coding hypothesis in which information is represented efficiently by a small number of activated neurons. This suggests that early brain areas adopt an efficient strategy for coding information even when animals are raised in a severely limited visual environment where sensory inputs have an unnatural statistical structure.

Supranormal orientation selectivity of visual neurons in orientation-restricted animals

PubMed Central

Sasaki, Kota S.; Kimura, Rui; Ninomiya, Taihei; Tabuchi, Yuka; Tanaka, Hiroki; Fukui, Masayuki; Asada, Yusuke C.; Arai, Toshiya; Inagaki, Mikio; Nakazono, Takayuki; Baba, Mika; Kato, Daisuke; Nishimoto, Shinji; Sanada, Takahisa M.; Tani, Toshiki; Imamura, Kazuyuki; Tanaka, Shigeru; Ohzawa, Izumi

2015-01-01

Altered sensory experience in early life often leads to remarkable adaptations so that humans and animals can make the best use of the available information in a particular environment. By restricting visual input to a limited range of orientations in young animals, this investigation shows that stimulus selectivity, e.g., the sharpness of tuning of single neurons in the primary visual cortex, is modified to match a particular environment. Specifically, neurons tuned to an experienced orientation in orientation-restricted animals show sharper orientation tuning than neurons in normal animals, whereas the opposite was true for neurons tuned to non-experienced orientations. This sharpened tuning appears to be due to elongated receptive fields. Our results demonstrate that restricted sensory experiences can sculpt the supranormal functions of single neurons tailored for a particular environment. The above findings, in addition to the minimal population response to orientations close to the experienced one, agree with the predictions of a sparse coding hypothesis in which information is represented efficiently by a small number of activated neurons. This suggests that early brain areas adopt an efficient strategy for coding information even when animals are raised in a severely limited visual environment where sensory inputs have an unnatural statistical structure. PMID:26567927

The capacity limitations of orientation summary statistics

PubMed Central

Attarha, Mouna; Moore, Cathleen M.

2015-01-01

The simultaneous–sequential method was used to test the processing capacity of establishing mean orientation summaries. Four clusters of oriented Gabor patches were presented in the peripheral visual field. One of the clusters had a mean orientation that was tilted either left or right while the mean orientations of the other three clusters were roughly vertical. All four clusters were presented at the same time in the simultaneous condition whereas the clusters appeared in temporal subsets of two in the sequential condition. Performance was lower when the means of all four clusters had to be processed concurrently than when only two had to be processed in the same amount of time. The advantage for establishing fewer summaries at a given time indicates that the processing of mean orientation engages limited-capacity processes (Experiment 1). This limitation cannot be attributed to crowding, low target-distractor discriminability, or a limited-capacity comparison process (Experiments 2 and 3). In contrast to the limitations of establishing multiple summary representations, establishing a single summary representation unfolds without interference (Experiment 4). When interpreted in the context of recent work on the capacity of summary statistics, these findings encourage reevaluation of the view that early visual perception consists of summary statistic representations that unfold independently across multiple areas of the visual field. PMID:25810160

Manipulating the motion of large molecules: Information from the molecular frame

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Küpper, Jochen

2011-05-01

Large molecules have complex potential-energy surfaces with many local minima. They exhibit multiple stereoisomers, even at the low temperatures (~1 K) in a molecular beam, with rich intra- and intermolecular dynamics. Over the last years, we have developed methods to manipulate the motion of large, complex molecules and to select their quantum states. We have exploited this state-selectivity, for example, to spatially separate individual structural isomers of complex molecules and to demonstrate unprecedented degrees of laser alignment and mixed-field orientation of these molecules. Such clean, well-defined samples strongly benefit, or simply allow, novel experiments on the dynamics of complex molecules, for instance, femtosecond pump-probe measurements, X-ray or electron diffraction of molecular ensembles (including diffraction-from-within experiments), or tomographic reconstructions of molecular orbitals. These samples could also be very advantageous for metrology applications, such as, for example, matter-wave interferometry or the search for electroweak interactions in chiral molecules. Moreover, they provide an extreme level of control for stereo-dynamically controlled reaction dynamics. We have recently exploited these state-selected and oriented samples to measure photoelectron angular distributions in the molecular frame (MFPADs) from non-resonant femtosecond-laser photoionization and using the X-ray Free-Electron-Laser LCLS. We have also investigated X-ray diffraction imaging and, using ion momentum imaging, the induced radiation damage of these samples using the LCLS. This work was carried out within a collaboration for which J. Küpper, H. Chapman, and D. Rolles are spokespersons. The collaboration consists of CFEL (DESY, MPG, University Hamburg), Fritz-Haber-Institute Berlin, MPI Nuclear Physics Heidelberg, MPG Semi-conductor Lab, Aarhus University, FOM AMOLF Amsterdam, Lund University, MPI Medical Research Heidelberg, TU Berlin, Max Born Institute Berlin, and SLAC Menlo Park, CA, USA. The experiments were carried out using CAMP (designed and built by the MPG-ASG at CFEL) at the LCLS (operated by Stanford University on behalf of the US DOE).

How adolescents construct their future: the effect of loneliness on future orientation.

PubMed

Seginer, Rachel; Lilach, Efrat

2004-12-01

This study examined the effect of loneliness, gender, and two dimensions of prospective life domains on adolescent future orientation. Future orientation was studied in four prospective domains: social relations, marriage and family, higher education and work and career. These domains are described in terms of two dimensions: theme (relational vs. instrumental) and distance (near vs. distant future). Data collected from Israeli Jewish adolescents (11th graders) were analysed by repeated measures ANOVAs and ANCOVAs (covariate: depressive experiences) for seven future orientation variables: value, expectance, control (motivational variables), hopes, fears (cognitive representation variables), exploration, commitment (behavioural variables). As predicted, lonely adolescents scored lower than socially embedded adolescents on future orientation variables applied to the relational and near future domains and lonely boys scored lower than lonely girls. However, effects were found only on the three future orientation motivational variables and not on the cognitive representation and behavioural variables. Contrary to prediction controlling for the effect of depressive experiences did not reduce the effect of loneliness on the future orientation variables, but reduced the tendency of adolescents to score higher on all future orientation variables in the instrumental than in the relational prospective domains. The contribution of these findings to the understanding of adolescent loneliness and future orientation was discussed and directions for future research were suggested.

Wilderness Orientation Programs. AEE White Papers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Association for Experiential Education (NJ1), 2011

2011-01-01

Wilderness orientation programs (sometimes referred to as outdoor orientation programs) use adventure programming for incoming college/university students to aid students' adjustment to college. These experiences usually occur in the days or weeks immediately prior to the first semester of the students' college coursework. They are typically…

Effects of orientation on Rey complex figure performance.

PubMed

Ferraro, F Richard; Grossman, Jennifer; Bren, Amy; Hoverson, Allysa

2002-10-01

An experiment was performed that examined the impact of stimulus orientation on performance on the Rey complex figure. A total of 48 undergraduates (24 men, 24 women) were randomly assigned to one of four Rey figure orientation groups (0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees ). Participants followed standard procedures for the Rey figure, initially copying it in whatever orientation group they were assigned to. Next, all participants performed a 15-20 min lexical decision experiment, used as a filler task. Finally, and unbeknownest to them, participants were asked to recall as much of the figure as they could. As expected, results revealed a main effect of Task (F = 83.92, p < .01), in which copy performance was superior to recall performance. However, the main effect for orientation was not significant, nor did orientation interact with task (Fs < .68, ps > .57). The results are important from an applied setting, especially if testing conditions are less than optimal and a fixed stimulus position is not possible (e.g., testing at the bedside).

A device-oriented optimizer for solving ground state problems on an approximate quantum computer, Part II: Experiments for interacting spin and molecular systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kandala, Abhinav; Mezzacapo, Antonio; Temme, Kristan; Bravyi, Sergey; Takita, Maika; Chavez-Garcia, Jose; Córcoles, Antonio; Smolin, John; Chow, Jerry; Gambetta, Jay

Hybrid quantum-classical algorithms can be used to find variational solutions to generic quantum problems. Here, we present an experimental implementation of a device-oriented optimizer that uses superconducting quantum hardware. The experiment relies on feedback between the quantum device and classical optimization software which is robust to measurement noise. Our device-oriented approach uses naturally available interactions for the preparation of trial states. We demonstrate the application of this technique for solving interacting spin and molecular structure problems.

A Reconfigurable Instrument System for Nuclear and Particle Physics Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sang, Ziru; Li, Feng; Jiang, Xiao; Jin, Ge

2014-04-01

We developed a reconfigurable nuclear instrument system (RNIS) that could satisfy the requirements of diverse nuclear and particle physics experiments, and the inertial confinement fusion diagnostic. Benefiting from the reconfigurable hardware structure and digital pulse processing technology, RNIS shakes off the restrictions of cumbersome crates and miscellaneous modules. It retains all the advantages of conventional nuclear instruments and is more flexible and portable. RNIS is primarily composed of a field programmable hardware board and relevant PC software. Separate analog channels are designed to provide different functions, such as amplifiers, ADC, fast discriminators and Schmitt discriminators for diverse experimental purposes. The high-performance field programmable gate array could complete high-precision time interval measurement, histogram accumulation, counting, and coincidence anticoincidence measurement. To illustrate the prospects of RNIS, a series of applications to the experiments are described in this paper. The first, for which RNIS was originally developed, involves nuclear energy spectrum measurement with a scintillation detector and photomultiplier. The second experiment applies RNIS to a G-M tube counting experiment, and in the third, it is applied to a quantum communication experiment through reconfiguration.

ENGAGE: A Different New Nurse Orientation Program.

PubMed

Green, Vivian Barnes

2016-01-01

General new nurse orientation is often perceived as a program consisting of several long days of passively receiving information about an institution's policies, procedures, and other regulatory matters. As a result, orientation may be viewed as something to endure and not enjoy. The purpose of redesigning the new nurse orientation into ENGAGE (Essential Nursing Guidance and Growth Experience) was to make the general new nurse orientation program more engaging and meaningful, as well as fun. Copyright 2016, SLACK Incorporated.

Improving Orientation Outcomes: Implementation of Phased Orientation Process in an Intermediate Special Care Nursery.

PubMed

Rivera, Emily K; Shedenhelm, Heidi J; Gibbs, Ardyce L

2015-01-01

In response to changing needs of registered nurse orientees, the staff education committee in the Intermediate Special Care Nursery has implemented a phased orientation process. This phased process includes a mentoring experience postorientation to support a new nurse through the first year of employment. Since implementing the phased orientation process in the Intermediate Special Care Nursery, orientee satisfaction and preparation to practice have increased, and length of orientation has decreased.

Multi-scale fracture damage associated with underground chemical explosions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swanson, E. M.; Sussman, A. J.; Wilson, J. E.; Townsend, M. J.; Prothro, L. B.; Gang, H. E.

2018-05-01

Understanding rock damage induced by explosions is critical for a number of applications including the monitoring and verification of underground nuclear explosions, mine safety issues, and modeling fluid flow through fractured rock. We use core observations, televiewer logs, and thin section observations to investigate fracture damage associated with two successive underground chemical explosions (SPE2 and SPE3) in granitic rock at both the mesoscale and microscale. We compare the frequency and orientations of core-scale fractures, and the frequency of microfractures, between a pre-experiment core and three post-experiment cores. Natural fault zones and explosion-induced fractures in the vicinity of the explosive source are readily apparent in recovered core and in thin sections. Damage from faults and explosions is not always apparent in fracture frequency plots from televiewer logs, although orientation data from these logs suggests explosion-induced fracturing may not align with the pre-existing fracture sets. Core-scale observations indicate the extent of explosion-induced damage is 10.0 m after SPE2 and 6.8 m after SPE3, despite both a similar size and location for both explosions. At the microscale, damage is observed to a range distance of 10.2 ± 0.9 m after SPE2, and 16.6 ± 0.9 and 11.2 ± 0.6 in two different cores collected after SPE3. Additional explosion-induced damage, interpreted to be the result of spalling, is readily apparent near the surface, but only in the microfracture data. This depth extent and intensity of damage in the near-surface region also increased after an additional explosion. This study highlights the importance of evaluating structural damage at multiple scales for a more complete characterization of the damage, and particularly shows the importance of microscale observations for identifying spallation-induced damage.

Cytomorphological effects of mitomycin C on urothelial cells: eosinophils may be clue to the drug-induced changes.

PubMed

Guler Simsek, Gulcin; Vargol, Erdem; Simsek, Hulya

2014-01-01

Cytomorphological changes of mitomycin C on urothelial cells may be misinterpreted as a neoplastic process. A 60-year old male patient who was given an eight-week course of intravesical mitomycin C due to non-invasive low grade transitional cell carcinoma. During his follow-up care, the findings of a urine cytology exam were as follows: nuclear enlargement of cells, wrinkled nuclear membranes, little hyperchromasia, pleomorphism, abnormal nuclear morphology and disordered orientation of the urothelium. Furthermore, there were eosinophils nearby the atypical cells. This report aimed at reminding the cytomorphologic changes of mitomycin C may be misinterpreted as carcinoma, so the presence of eosinophils is required to predict the drug-induced changes.

The relationship of bull fertility to sperm nuclear shape

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ostermeier, G.C.; Sargeant, G.A.; Yandell, B.S.; Parrish, J.J.

2001-01-01

group had a linear relationship (r .89, P .05) with fertility. To construct a plot of mean sperm shapes, a novel technique to automatically orient and identify the anterior tip of the sperm head was developed. The mean nuclear shape of high-fertility sperm was more elongated and tapered than those of lower fertility. A discriminant function (P .05) was also constructed that separated the 6 bulls into 2 groups based only on the harmonic amplitudes or sperm nuclear shape. The bulls were correctly classified into the 2 fertility groups. A comparison of sperm chromatin structure analysis (SCSA) and harmonic amplitudes found that overall size variance, anterior roundness, and posterior taperedness of sperm nuclei were related to chromatin stability (P .05). Some of the differences observed in sperm nuclear shape between the high- and lower-fertility bulls may be explained by varying levels of chromatin stability. However, sperm nuclear shape appears to contain additional information from chromatin stability alone. In this particular study, with 6 bulls, all with good chromatin quality, sperm nuclear shape was a better predictor of bull fertility.

An Investigation of the Connection between Outdoor Orientation and Thriving

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rude, Wally James; Bobilya, Andrew J.; Bell, Brent J.

2017-01-01

This study explored the contribution of outdoor orientation experiences to student thriving. Participants included 295 first-year college students from three institutions across North America. A thriving model was tested using structural equation modeling and included the following variables: outdoor orientation, thriving, involvement,…

Efficacy of Orientation for New Student Affairs Professionals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dean, Laura A.; Saunders, Sue A.; Thompson, George F.; Cooper, Dianne L.

2011-01-01

New staff orientation is a strategy that can positively affect job satisfaction and productivity, especially for those beginning careers in student affairs. In this study, new student affairs professionals were surveyed to determine their perceptions about the content and efficacy of their orientation experiences. Despite literature encouraging…

The Role of Goal Orientation in Leadership Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeGeest, David; Brown, Kenneth G.

2011-01-01

Goal-orientation theory and research offer a lens to better understand the mechanisms of experiential learning in developmental assignments for managers. This study presents a research model that depicts how goal orientations influence the development of leadership skills from experience. The model indicates how individual and situational…

A Course in Natural Science and National Security in the Nuclear Age.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blumberg, Avrom A.

1983-01-01

Topics and instructional strategies for an upper-level, problem-oriented science and society course at De Paul University are described. Objectives and grading procedures for "Problems in Modern Warfare, Arms Control, and Disarmament" are also described. Course syllabus, bibliography, and sample quizzes/examinations are available from…

J-resistance curves for Inconel 690 and Incoloy 800 nuclear steam generators tubes at room temperature and at 300 °C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bergant, Marcos A.; Yawny, Alejandro A.; Perez Ipiña, Juan E.

2017-04-01

The structural integrity of steam generator tubes is a relevant issue concerning nuclear plant safety. In the present work, J-resistance curves of Inconel 690 and Incoloy 800 nuclear steam generator tubes with circumferential and longitudinal through wall cracks were obtained at room temperature and 300 °C using recently developed non-standard specimens' geometries. It was found that Incoloy 800 tubes exhibited higher J-resistance curves than Inconel 690 for both crack orientations. For both materials, circumferential cracks resulted into higher fracture resistance than longitudinal cracks, indicating a certain degree of texture anisotropy introduced by the tube fabrication process. From a practical point of view, temperature effects have found to be negligible in all cases. The results obtained in the present work provide a general framework for further application to structural integrity assessments of cracked tubes in a variety of nuclear steam generator designs.

Self-reported experience of bullying of students who stutter: relations with life satisfaction, life orientation, and self-esteem.

PubMed

Blood, Gordon W; Blood, Ingrid M; Tramontana, G Michael; Sylvia, Anna J; Boyle, Michael P; Motzko, Gina R

2011-10-01

Self-reported self-esteem, life orientation, satisfaction with life, and bullying were examined in relation to victimization experiences among 54 students who stuttered and 54 students who did not stutter. Those who stuttered reported greater, i.e., clinically significant, victimization (44.4%) than students who did not stutter (9.2%). Significant differences were found between means for self-esteem and life orientation, with students who stuttered reporting lower self-esteem and less optimistic life orientation than those who did not stutter. In both groups of students, high victimization scores had statistically significant negative correlations with optimistic life orientation, high self-esteem, and high satisfaction with life scores. Given the increased likelihood of students who stuttered being bullied, the negative relation of adjustment variables and bullying, and the potentially negative long-term effects of bullying, increased vigilance and early intervention are discussed.

Overcoming beneficiary race as an impediment to charitable donations: social dominance orientation, the experience of moral elevation, and donation behavior.

PubMed

Freeman, Dan; Aquino, Karl; McFerran, Brent

2009-01-01

Three studies examined the relationship between social dominance orientation (SDO), the experience of moral elevation, and Whites' donations to charitable organizations. Study 1 used video clips depicting acts of moral excellence to elicit a state of moral elevation (a distinctive feeling of warmth and expansion, which is accompanied by admiration, affection, and even love for people whose exemplary moral behavior is being observed). Results show that moral elevation increased participants' willingness to donate to a Black-oriented charity and attenuated the negative effect of the group-based dominance (GBD) component of SDO on donation behavior. Studies 2 and 3 replicate and extend these findings by using a written story to elicit a state of moral elevation and examining actual donations to a Black-oriented charity. Results show that moral elevation increased donations to the Black-oriented charity and neutralized the negative influence of GBD.

Object-Oriented Implementation of the NAS Parallel Benchmarks using Charm++

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krishnan, Sanjeev; Bhandarkar, Milind; Kale, Laxmikant V.

1996-01-01

This report describes experiences with implementing the NAS Computational Fluid Dynamics benchmarks using a parallel object-oriented language, Charm++. Our main objective in implementing the NAS CFD kernel benchmarks was to develop a code that could be used to easily experiment with different domain decomposition strategies and dynamic load balancing. We also wished to leverage the object-orientation provided by the Charm++ parallel object-oriented language, to develop reusable abstractions that would simplify the process of developing parallel applications. We first describe the Charm++ parallel programming model and the parallel object array abstraction, then go into detail about each of the Scalar Pentadiagonal (SP) and Lower/Upper Triangular (LU) benchmarks, along with performance results. Finally we conclude with an evaluation of the methodology used.

AN EXPERIMENT IN TEACHING TOPOGRAPHICAL ORIENTATION AND SPATIAL ORGANIZATION TO CONGENITALLY BLIND CHILDREN.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

ASCARELLI, ANNA; GARRY, RALPH

THIS RESEARCH ATTEMPTED TO ESTABLISH A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROBLEMS OF CONGENITALLY TOTALLY BLIND CHILDREN AND TO TEST THE POSSIBILITY OF MEETING THESE PROBLEMS WITH A SPECIAL TRAINING PROGRAM IN GENERAL ORIENTATION AND SPACE PERCEPTION. A SAMPLE OF 60 CHILDREN WAS SELECTED FOR THE EXPERIMENT. THESE SUBJECTS WERE WITHOUT ADDITIONAL…

BlueJ Visual Debugger for Learning the Execution of Object-Oriented Programs?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bennedsen, Jens; Schulte, Carsten

2010-01-01

This article reports on an experiment undertaken in order to evaluate the effect of a program visualization tool for helping students to better understand the dynamics of object-oriented programs. The concrete tool used was BlueJ's debugger and object inspector. The study was done as a control-group experiment in an introductory programming…

Broadening the Learning Community Experience: An Outdoor Orientation Program's Impact on Engagement, Persistence, and Retention

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nolan, Christy David

2013-01-01

The Keystone Learning Community was implemented by the Department of Campus Recreation to address retention at the institution. This learning community for incoming freshmen consists of two phases. Phase I is as an outdoor orientation program that includes a three day, two night canoeing and camping experience lead by upperclassmen leaders.…

Students' Attitudes, Self-Efficacy and Experiences in a Modified Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning Undergraduate Chemistry Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vishnumolakala, Venkat Rao; Southam, Daniel C.; Treagust, David F.; Mocerino, Mauro; Qureshi, Sheila

2017-01-01

This one-semester, mixed methods study underpinning social cognition and theory of planned behaviour investigated the attitudes, self-efficacy, and experiences of 559 first year undergraduate chemistry students from two cohorts in modified process-oriented guided inquiry learning (POGIL) classes. Versions of attitude toward the study of chemistry…

Creating an Engaging Library Orientation: First Year Experience Courses at UC San Diego

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldman, Crystal; Turnbow, Dominique; Roth, Amanda; Friedman, Lia; Heskett, Karen

2016-01-01

This article focuses on the development of an engaging library orientation module for UC San Diego First Year Experience (FYE) courses. The library module included a brief in-class presentation about research concepts and library services, an online interactive library scavenger hunt given as an in-class activity, and a homework assignment where…

Teachers' Orientation to Kindergartners' Different Interactional Competences: Telling Personal Experiences during Shared Readings of Picture Books

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gosen, Myrte N.

2015-01-01

This paper is centered around 106 tellings of personal experiences during shared readings of picture books in kindergarten classrooms. It is shown that teachers orient to different interactional storytelling competences of their pupils. Teachers are found to contribute to pupils' tellings by inviting them, by showing recipiency, by asking…

Regiospecific Epoxidation of Carvone: A Discovery-Oriented Experiment for Understanding the Selectivity and Mechanism of Epoxidation Reactions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mak, Kendrew K. W.; Lai, Y. M.; Siu, Yuk-Hong

2006-01-01

This article describes a discovery-oriented experiment for demonstrating the selectivity of two epoxidation reactions. Peroxy acids and alkaline H[subscript 2]O[subscript 2] are two commonly used reagents for alkene epoxidation. The former react preferentially with electron-rich alkenes while the latter works better with alpha,beta-unsaturated…

Orienteering Map and Compass: A Guide and Outline to Its Science and Practice.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campbell, Mel; Burton, VirLynn

This orienteering manual is used to teach map and compass skills to elementary school students on an overnight outdoor experience administered by volunteers. Although the experience is aimed at elementary students, student teachers have the opportunity to participate as instructors. After a few words to the volunteers on maximizing learning among…

Instructional Experiment of Practical Competencies-Oriented Teaching Materials in Technical Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Su-Chang

2010-01-01

This study aims to conduct experimental instruction on the human resource management unit of business management in practical competencies-oriented business program developed by Chen (2005). This study is based on the quasi-experiment method and the subjects are two classes of students in a four-year technical university who have completed the…

Alumni Attitudes: Men and Women's Descriptions of Their College Experience, Present Work, and Present Recreational Activities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jaynes, William E.; And Others

Alumni attitudes concerning their college experience, present work, and present recreational activities were analyzed in relation to the time in college, using a semantic differential format. Four items were used for each type of rating, one evaluative, another activity-oriented, and two potency oriented. The evaluation dimension concerns the…

Model and on-orbit study of the International space station contamination processes by jets of its orientation thrusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yarygin, V. N.; Gerasimov, Yu I.; Krylov, A. N.; Prikhodko, V. G.; Skorovarov, A. Yu; Yarygin, I. V.

2017-11-01

The main objective of this paper is to describe the current state of research for the problem of the International Space Station contamination by plumes of its orientation thrusters. Results of experiments carried out at the Institute of Thermophysics SB RAS modeling space vehicles orientation thruster’s plumes are presented and experimental setup is discussed. A novel approach to reduction of contamination by thrusters with the help of special gas-dynamic protective devices mounted at the exit part of the nozzle is suggested. The description and results of on-orbit experiment at the International Space Station are given. Results show good agreement for model and on-orbit experiments validating our approach.

Micronuclei and other erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities in fishes from the Great Lakes Basin, USA

PubMed Central

Braham, Ryan P.; Shaw, Cassidy H.; Mazik, Patricia M.; Umbuzeiro, G.

2017-01-01

Biological markers (biomarkers) sensitive to genotoxic and mutagenic contamination in fishes are widely used to identify exposure effects in aquatic environments. The micronucleus assay was incorporated into a suite of indicators to assess exposure to genotoxic and mutagenic contamination at five Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs), as well as one non‐AOC (reference) site. The assay allowed enumeration of micronuclei as well as other nuclear abnormalities for both site and species comparisons. Erythrocyte abnormality data was also compared to skin and liver tumor prevalence and hepatic transcript abundance. Erythrocyte abnormalities were observed at all sites with variable occurrence and severity among sites and species. Benthic‐oriented brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) and white sucker (Catostomus commersonii) expressed lower rates of erythrocyte abnormalities, but higher rates of skin and liver neoplasms, when compared to pelagic‐oriented largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) or smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) at the same site. The reduced erythrocyte abnormalities, increased transcript abundance associated with Phase I and II toxicant responsive pathways, and increased neoplastic lesions among benthic‐oriented taxa may indicate the development of contaminant resistance of these species to more acute effects. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 58:570–581, 2017. © 2017 This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Environmental Mutagen Society PMID:28868735

A test of the double-shearing model of flow for granular materials

USGS Publications Warehouse

Savage, J.C.; Lockner, D.A.

1997-01-01

The double-shearing model of flow attributes plastic deformation in granular materials to cooperative slip on conjugate Coulomb shears (surfaces upon which the Coulomb yield condition is satisfied). The strict formulation of the double-shearing model then requires that the slip lines in the material coincide with the Coulomb shears. Three different experiments that approximate simple shear deformation in granular media appear to be inconsistent with this strict formulation. For example, the orientation of the principal stress axes in a layer of sand driven in steady, simple shear was measured subject to the assumption that the Coulomb failure criterion was satisfied on some surfaces (orientation unspecified) within the sand layer. The orientation of the inferred principal compressive axis was then compared with the orientations predicted by the double-shearing model. The strict formulation of the model [Spencer, 1982] predicts that the principal stress axes should rotate in a sense opposite to that inferred from the experiments. A less restrictive formulation of the double-shearing model by de Josselin de Jong [1971] does not completely specify the solution but does prescribe limits on the possible orientations of the principal stress axes. The orientations of the principal compression axis inferred from the experiments are probably within those limits. An elastoplastic formulation of the double-shearing model [de Josselin de Jong, 1988] is reasonably consistent with the experiments, although quantitative agreement was not attained. Thus we conclude that the double-shearing model may be a viable law to describe deformation of granular materials, but the macroscopic slip surfaces will not in general coincide with the Coulomb shears.

Modeling minority stress effects on homelessness and health disparities among young men who have sex with men.

PubMed

Bruce, Douglas; Stall, Ron; Fata, Aimee; Campbell, Richard T

2014-06-01

Sexual minority youth are more likely to experience homelessness, and homeless sexual minority youth report greater risk for mental health and substance abuse symptoms than homeless heterosexual youth, yet few studies have assessed determinants that help explain the disparities. Minority stress theory proposes that physical and mental health disparities among sexual minority populations may be explained by the stress produced by living in heterosexist social environments characterized by stigma and discrimination directed toward sexual minority persons. We used data from a sample of 200 young men who have sex with men (YMSM) (38 % African American, 26.5 % Latino/Hispanic, 23.5 % White, 12 % multiracial/other) to develop an exploratory path model measuring the effects of experience and internalization of sexual orientation stigma on depression and substance use via being kicked out of home due to sexual orientation and current homelessness. Direct significant paths were found from experience of sexual orientation-related stigma to internalization of sexual orientation-related stigma, having been kicked out of one's home, experiencing homelessness during the past year, and major depressive symptoms during the past week. Having been kicked out of one's home had a direct significant effect on experiencing homelessness during the past 12 months and on daily marijuana use. Internalization of sexual orientation-related stigma and experiencing homelessness during the past 12 months partially mediated the direct effect of experience of sexual orientation-related stigma on major depressive symptoms. Our empirical testing of the effects of minority stress on health of YMSM advances minority stress theory as a framework for investigating health disparities among this population.

Advancing Explosion Source Theory through Experimentation: Results from Seismic Experiments Since the Moratorium on Nuclear Testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonner, J. L.; Stump, B. W.

2011-12-01

On 23 September 1992, the United States conducted the nuclear explosion DIVIDER at the Nevada Test Site (NTS). It would become the last US nuclear test when a moratorium ended testing the following month. Many of the theoretical explosion seismic models used today were developed from observations of hundreds of nuclear tests at NTS and around the world. Since the moratorium, researchers have turned to chemical explosions as a possible surrogate for continued nuclear explosion research. This talk reviews experiments since the moratorium that have used chemical explosions to advance explosion source models. The 1993 Non-Proliferation Experiment examined single-point, fully contained chemical-nuclear equivalence by detonating over a kiloton of chemical explosive at NTS in close proximity to previous nuclear explosion tests. When compared with data from these nearby nuclear explosions, the regional and near-source seismic data were found to be essentially identical after accounting for different yield scaling factors for chemical and nuclear explosions. The relationship between contained chemical explosions and large production mining shots was studied at the Black Thunder coal mine in Wyoming in 1995. The research led to an improved source model for delay-fired mining explosions and a better understanding of mining explosion detection by the International Monitoring System (IMS). The effect of depth was examined in a 1997 Kazakhstan Depth of Burial experiment. Researchers used local and regional seismic observations to conclude that the dominant mechanism for enhanced regional shear waves was local Rg scattering. Travel-time calibration for the IMS was the focus of the 1999 Dead Sea Experiment where a 10-ton shot was recorded as far away as 5000 km. The Arizona Source Phenomenology Experiments provided a comparison of fully- and partially-contained chemical shots with mining explosions, thus quantifying the reduction in seismic amplitudes associated with partial confinement. The Frozen Rock Experiment in 2006 found only minor differences in seismic coupling for explosions in frozen and unfrozen rock. The seismo-acoustic source function was the focus of the above- and below-ground Humble Redwood explosions (2007, 2009 ) in New Mexico and detonations of rocket motor explosions in Utah. Acoustic travel time calibration for the IMS was accomplished with the 2009 and 2011 100-ton surface explosions in southern Israel. The New England Damage Experiment in 2009 correlated increased shear wave generation with increased rock damage from explosions. Damage from explosions continues to be an important research topic at Nevada's National Center for Nuclear Security with the ongoing Source Physics Experiment. A number of exciting experiments are already planned for the future and thus continue the effort to improve global detection, location, and identification of nuclear explosions.

Nuclear parton distributions and the Drell-Yan process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kulagin, S. A.; Petti, R.

2014-10-01

We study the nuclear parton distribution functions on the basis of our recently developed semimicroscopic model, which takes into account a number of nuclear effects including nuclear shadowing, Fermi motion and nuclear binding, nuclear meson-exchange currents, and off-shell corrections to bound nucleon distributions. We discuss in detail the dependencies of nuclear effects on the type of parton distribution (nuclear sea vs valence), as well as on the parton flavor (isospin). We apply the resulting nuclear parton distributions to calculate ratios of cross sections for proton-induced Drell-Yan production off different nuclear targets. We obtain a good agreement on the magnitude, target and projectile x, and the dimuon mass dependence of proton-nucleus Drell-Yan process data from the E772 and E866 experiments at Fermilab. We also provide nuclear corrections for the Drell-Yan data from the E605 experiment.

Micromechanisms of deformation in shales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonnelye, A.; Gharbi, H.; Hallais, S.; Dimanov, A.; Bornert, M.; Picard, D.; Mezni, M.; Conil, N.

2017-12-01

One of the envisaged solutions for nuclear wastes disposal is underground repository in shales. For this purpose, the Callovo Oxfordian (Cox) argillaceous formation is extensively studied. The hydro-mechanical behavior of the argillaceous rock is complex, like the multiphase and multi-scale structured material itself. The argilaceous matrix is composed of interstratified illite-smectite particles, it contains detritic quartz and calcite, accessory pyrite, and the rock porosity ranges from micrometre to nanometre scales. Besides the bedding anisotropy, structural variabilities exist at all scales, from the decametric-metric scales of the geological formation to the respectively millimetric and micrometric scales of the aggregates of particles and clay particles Our study aims at understanding the complex mechanisms which are activated at the micro-scale and are involved in the macroscopic inelastic deformation of such a complex material. Two sets of experiments were performed, at two scales on three bedding orientations (90°, 45° and 0°). The first set was dedicated to uniaxial deformation followed with an optical set-up with a pixel resolution of 0.55µm. These experiments allowed us to see the fracture propagation with different patterns depending on the bedding orientation. For the second set of experiments, an experimental protocol was developed in order to perform uniaxial deformation experiment at controlled displacement rate, inside an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM), under controlled relative humidity, in order to preserve as much as possible the natural state of saturation of shales. We aimed at characterizing the mechanical anisotropy and the mechanisms involved in the deformation, with an image resolution below the micormeter. The observed sample surfaces were polished by broad ion beam in order to reveal the fine microstructures of the argillaceous matrix. In both cases, digital images were acquired at different loading stages during the deformation process and Digital Image Correlation Technique (DIC) was applied in order to retrieve full strain fields at various scales from sample scale to microstructure scale. The analysis allows for identification of the active mechanisms, their relationships to the microstructure and their interactions.

Community College Adjunct Faculty Perceptions of Orientation, Mentoring, and Professional Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Horton, Dolly R.

2013-01-01

The problem addressed in this study was the paucity of professional development, mentoring, and orientation opportunities for adjunct faculty in the community college system. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate adjunct faculty member perceptions of their orientation, mentoring, and professional development experiences at a…

Heterogeneity among Violence-Exposed Women: Applying Person-Oriented Research Methods

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nurius, Paula S.; Macy, Rebecca J.

2008-01-01

Variability of experience and outcomes among violence-exposed people pose considerable challenges toward developing effective prevention and treatment protocols. To address these needs, the authors present an approach to research and a class of methodologies referred to as person oriented. Person-oriented tools support assessment of meaningful…

Valuing Orientation Efficacy: Rethinking Undergraduate Business Student's First Impressions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McPhail, Ruth; French, Ben; Wilson, Keithia

2015-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to improve the orientation experience of commencing first-year undergraduate business students to better prepare them for the reality of their academic studies through the development and implementation of a Commencing Student-Needs-Centred Orientation Framework. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology…

Orienting to Eye Gaze and Face Processing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tipples, Jason

2005-01-01

The author conducted 7 experiments to examine possible interactions between orienting to eye gaze and specific forms of face processing. Participants classified a letter following either an upright or inverted face with averted, uninformative eye gaze. Eye gaze orienting effects were recorded for upright and inverted faces, irrespective of whether…

Gone Fishing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Springer Pence, Mary E.

2004-01-01

In this article, the author describes how the orientation staff at the University of Louisville used a unique blend of play and student learning to engage more students more deeply in their orientation experience as they learn the basics for success in college. This approach to orientation is based from Stephen Lundin, Harry Paul, and John…

High-level context effects on spatial displacement: the effects of body orientation and language on memory

PubMed Central

Vinson, David W.; Abney, Drew H.; Dale, Rick; Matlock, Teenie

2014-01-01

Three decades of research suggests that cognitive simulation of motion is involved in the comprehension of object location, bodily configuration, and linguistic meaning. For example, the remembered location of an object associated with actual or implied motion is typically displaced in the direction of motion. In this paper, two experiments explore context effects in spatial displacement. They provide a novel approach to estimating the remembered location of an implied motion image by employing a cursor-positioning task. Both experiments examine how the remembered spatial location of a person is influenced by subtle differences in implied motion, specifically, by shifting the orientation of the person’s body to face upward or downward, and by pairing the image with motion language that differed on intentionality, fell versus jumped. The results of Experiment 1, a survey-based experiment, suggest that language and body orientation influenced vertical spatial displacement. Results of Experiment 2, a task that used Adobe Flash and Amazon Mechanical Turk, showed consistent effects of body orientation on vertical spatial displacement but no effect of language. Our findings are in line with previous work on spatial displacement that uses a cursor-positioning task with implied motion stimuli. We discuss how different ways of simulating motion can influence spatial memory. PMID:25071628

Palm boards are not action measures: an alternative to the two-systems theory of geographical slant perception.

PubMed

Durgin, Frank H; Hajnal, Alen; Li, Zhi; Tonge, Natasha; Stigliani, Anthony

2010-06-01

Whereas most reports of the perception of outdoor hills demonstrate dramatic overestimation, estimates made by adjusting a palm board are much closer to the true hill orientation. We test the dominant hypothesis that palm board accuracy is related to the need for motor action to be accurately guided and conclude instead that the perceptual experience of palm-board orientation is biased and variable due to poorly calibrated proprioception of wrist flexion. Experiments 1 and 3 show that wrist-flexion palm boards grossly underestimate the orientations of near, reachable surfaces whereas gesturing with a free hand is fairly accurate. Experiment 2 shows that palm board estimates are much lower than free hand estimates for an outdoor hill as well. Experiments 4 shows that wrist flexion is biased and noisy compared to elbow flexion, while Experiment 5 shows that small changes in palm board height produce large changes in palm board estimates. Together, these studies suggest that palm boards are biased and insensitive measures. The existing literature arguing that there are two systems in the perception of geographical slant is re-evaluated, and a new theoretical framework is proposed in which a single exaggerated representation of ground-surface orientation guides both action and perception. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High-level context effects on spatial displacement: the effects of body orientation and language on memory.

PubMed

Vinson, David W; Abney, Drew H; Dale, Rick; Matlock, Teenie

2014-01-01

Three decades of research suggests that cognitive simulation of motion is involved in the comprehension of object location, bodily configuration, and linguistic meaning. For example, the remembered location of an object associated with actual or implied motion is typically displaced in the direction of motion. In this paper, two experiments explore context effects in spatial displacement. They provide a novel approach to estimating the remembered location of an implied motion image by employing a cursor-positioning task. Both experiments examine how the remembered spatial location of a person is influenced by subtle differences in implied motion, specifically, by shifting the orientation of the person's body to face upward or downward, and by pairing the image with motion language that differed on intentionality, fell versus jumped. The results of Experiment 1, a survey-based experiment, suggest that language and body orientation influenced vertical spatial displacement. Results of Experiment 2, a task that used Adobe Flash and Amazon Mechanical Turk, showed consistent effects of body orientation on vertical spatial displacement but no effect of language. Our findings are in line with previous work on spatial displacement that uses a cursor-positioning task with implied motion stimuli. We discuss how different ways of simulating motion can influence spatial memory.

Changes in turbulence with rotation of the omnicarbon prosthesis.

PubMed

Travis, Brandon R; Nyboe, Camilla; Christensen, Thomas D; Smerup, Morten; Johansen, Peter; Nygaard, Hans; Hasenkam, J Michael

2007-01-01

This study was performed to determine whether annular plane orientation of the Omnicarbon aortic valve influences forward flow turbulence. The Omnicarbon prostheses was modified to allow in situ manual rotation of the valve when implanted in the aortic position of eight 90 kg pigs. Pulsed Doppler ultrasound was used to acquire velocity measurements at 17 locations within the cross-sectional area of the ascending aorta. In each animal, 12 valve rotations were tested in this manner. Reynolds normal stresses were estimated from the velocity measurements. High Reynolds normal stresses were concentrated between left and posterior-right sides of the aortic wall for all orientations studied. No trends in mean or maximum Reynolds normal stresses with respect to valve rotation were consistent in the experiments. Unlike previous experiments with the Medtronic-Hall tilting disc valve, these experiments showed no notable changes in Reynolds normal stress with respect to orientation of the Omnicarbon valve. This suggests that the tendency of turbulent stresses to change with tilting disc valve orientation may be dependent on valve design.

Orientation congruency effects for familiar objects: coordinate transformations in object recognition.

PubMed

Graf, M; Kaping, D; Bülthoff, H H

2005-03-01

How do observers recognize objects after spatial transformations? Recent neurocomputational models have proposed that object recognition is based on coordinate transformations that align memory and stimulus representations. If the recognition of a misoriented object is achieved by adjusting a coordinate system (or reference frame), then recognition should be facilitated when the object is preceded by a different object in the same orientation. In the two experiments reported here, two objects were presented in brief masked displays that were in close temporal contiguity; the objects were in either congruent or incongruent picture-plane orientations. Results showed that naming accuracy was higher for congruent than for incongruent orientations. The congruency effect was independent of superordinate category membership (Experiment 1) and was found for objects with different main axes of elongation (Experiment 2). The results indicate congruency effects for common familiar objects even when they have dissimilar shapes. These findings are compatible with models in which object recognition is achieved by an adjustment of a perceptual coordinate system.

Effect of Velocity of Detonation of Explosives on Seismic Radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stroujkova, A. F.; Leidig, M.; Bonner, J. L.

2014-12-01

We studied seismic body wave generation from four fully contained explosions of approximately the same yields (68 kg of TNT equivalent) conducted in anisotropic granite in Barre, VT. The explosions were detonated using three types of explosives with different velocities of detonation (VOD): Black Powder (BP), Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil/Emulsion (ANFO), and Composition B (COMP B). The main objective of the experiment was to study differences in seismic wave generation among different types of explosives, and to determine the mechanism responsible for these differences. The explosives with slow burn rate (BP) produced lower P-wave amplitude and lower corner frequency, which resulted in lower seismic efficiency (0.35%) in comparison with high burn rate explosives (2.2% for ANFO and 3% for COMP B). The seismic efficiency estimates for ANFO and COMP B agree with previous studies for nuclear explosions in granite. The body wave radiation pattern is consistent with an isotropic explosion with an added azimuthal component caused by vertical tensile fractures oriented along pre-existing micro-fracturing in the granite, although the complexities in the P- and S-wave radiation patterns suggest that more than one fracture orientation could be responsible for their generation. High S/P amplitude ratios and low P-wave amplitudes suggest that a significant fraction of the BP source mechanism can be explained by opening of the tensile fractures as a result of the slow energy release.

Object shape and orientation do not routinely influence performance during language processing.

PubMed

Rommers, Joost; Meyer, Antje S; Huettig, Falk

2013-11-01

The role of visual representations during language processing remains unclear: They could be activated as a necessary part of the comprehension process, or they could be less crucial and influence performance in a task-dependent manner. In the present experiments, participants read sentences about an object. The sentences implied that the object had a specific shape or orientation. They then either named a picture of that object (Experiments 1 and 3) or decided whether the object had been mentioned in the sentence (Experiment 2). Orientation information did not reliably influence performance in any of the experiments. Shape representations influenced performance most strongly when participants were asked to compare a sentence with a picture or when they were explicitly asked to use mental imagery while reading the sentences. Thus, in contrast to previous claims, implied visual information often does not contribute substantially to the comprehension process during normal reading.

Odors as cues for orientation to mothers by weanling Virginia opossums

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

Holmes, D.J.

1992-12-01

Three experiments were conducted to investigate whether whole-body and pouch odors facilitate social cohesion between young Virginia opossums and their mothers just prior to weaning. In experiment 1, young oriented toward plastic buckets containing their mothers, directing significantly higher levels of investigative behavior and more distress vocalizations toward them than toward buckets containing unrelated lactating females. In experiment 2, young oriented toward and investigated empty buckets containing whole-body odors of their mothers more than empty buckets containing odors of other females. Similarly, more investigative behavior was directed toward plastic bucket lids containing pouch odors from subjects mothers than toward pouchmore » odors from unrelated females in experiment 3. These results suggest that social odors help young didelphid marsupials maintain contact with their mothers, as in other mammals, and that whole-body and pouch gland odors are important chemical signals in this nongregarious species.« less

Geographical Cues and Developmental Exposure: Navigational Style, Wayfinding Anxiety, and Childhood Experience in the Faroe Islands.

PubMed

Schug, Mariah G

2016-03-01

The current study assessed potential relationships among childhood wayfinding experience, navigational style, and adult wayfinding anxiety in the Faroe Islands. The Faroe Islands are of interest because they have an unusual geography that may promote the use of an orientational style of navigation (e.g., use of cardinal directions). Faroese adults completed questionnaires assessing (1) their permitted childhood range sizes, (2) the types of navigational strategies they use, and (3) the amount of anxiety they experience when navigating in adulthood. Males had more childhood wayfinding experience, used the orientation strategy at a higher rate, and showed lower levels of wayfinding anxiety. When compared with other cultures, both Faroese women and men appear to embrace orientation strategies at an unusually high rate. Childhood experience was not conclusively linked to later wayfinding anxiety. However, the current findings raise the possibility that children who have particularly small ranges in childhood may be especially anxious when navigating in adulthood.

75 FR 57532 - In the Matter of: Stone & Webster Construction, Inc.; Confirmatory Order (Effective Immediately)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-21

... to working in the nuclear industry for workers coming in without nuclear experience; New Hire... employees in its Nuclear Services (i.e., construction) and Nuclear Maintenance Divisions working at nuclear... (i.e., construction) and Nuclear Maintenance Divisions working at nuclear facilities addressing: (a...

Advanced Experiments in Nuclear Science, Volume I: Advanced Nuclear Physics and Chemistry Experiments.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duggan, Jerome L.; And Others

The experiments in this manual represent state-of-the-art techniques which should be within the budgetary constraints of a college physics or chemistry department. There are fourteen experiments divided into five modules. The modules are on X-ray fluorescence, charged particle detection, neutron activation analysis, X-ray attenuation, and…

77 FR 15818 - License Renewal Interim Staff Guidance LR-ISG-2011-05: Ongoing Review of Operating Experience

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-16

...-05: Ongoing Review of Operating Experience AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Interim... License Renewal Interim Staff Guidance (LR-ISG), LR-ISG-2011-05, ``Ongoing Review of Operating Experience... industry-wide operating experience as an attribute of aging management programs used at nuclear power...

Recovery orientation in mental health inpatient settings: Inpatient experiences?

PubMed

Waldemar, Anna Kristine; Esbensen, Bente Appel; Korsbek, Lisa; Petersen, Lone; Arnfred, Sidse

2018-06-01

Offering mental health treatment in line with a recovery-oriented practice has become an objective in the mental health services in many countries. However, applying recovery-oriented practice in inpatient settings seems challenged by unclear and diverging definitions of the concept in and the organization of these settings. In Denmark, educational and organizational efforts have been made to organize inpatient services with a recovery-oriented approach. Hence, we aimed to explore whether and how these efforts are reflected in the inpatients' experiences of their care and treatment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 inpatients from two mental health inpatient wards using an interview guide based on factors from the Recovery Self-Assessment. Qualitative content analysis was applied in the analysis. Six themes covering the participants' experiences were identified. The participants felt accepted and protected in the ward and found comfort in being around other people but missed talking and engaging with health professionals. They described limited choice and influence on the course of their treatment, and low information levels regarding their treatment, which they considered to consist predominantly of medication. Furthermore, they described feeling continuously observed and assessed from a distance by health professionals. Like the sparse previous research among inpatients, the results highlight ambivalent experiences of health professionals' support and ward structure as well as the medical treatment hegemony. As such, the educational and organizational efforts of introducing recovery-oriented practices in the wards seemed not very well reflected in the participants' experiences of their stay. © 2018 Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc.

Discrimination and Health among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans People in Puerto Rico.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Díaz, Carlos E; Jovet-Toledo, Gerardo G; Vélez-Vega, Carmen M; Ortiz-Sánchez, Edgardo J; Santiago-Rodríguez, Edda I; Vargas-Molina, Ricardo L; Rodríguez Madera, Sheilla L; Mulinelli-Rodríguez, José J

2016-09-01

To identify the experiences of discrimination among and the perceived priorities for the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans (LGBT) people in Puerto Rico (PR). Data were collected during the 2013 LGBT Pride Parade in San Juan, using a brief self-administered survey that included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, the disclosure of sexual orientation/gender identity, experiences of discrimination, experiences while receiving social and health services, and perceived healthcare priorities and needs. Most participants reported that they had disclosed their sexual orientation to at least one person. Discrimination due to sexual orientation/gender identity was most frequently reported to have occurred in school settings. At least 25% of the sample reported regular or negative experiences based on sexual orientation/gender identity when receiving government services and when looking for support from relatives. HIV/AIDS, mental health, and sexual health were identified as healthcare priorities. In bivariate analyses, mental health services and aging were the priorities most frequently reported among older participants. HIV/AIDS was the main priority only for gay men; sexual health was the main priority for bisexuals; and mental health was the main priority for lesbians. Most participants reported that their preferred modalities for health service provision were support groups and health education. The experiences of discrimination among LGBT people in PR were consistent across age groups and sexual orientation/gender identity. Policies and interventions to address discrimination in different settings are necessary. The findings also suggest the need to prioritize HIV services among gay men and to address mental and sexual health needs among lesbian and bisexual people.

An experimental investigation of (UF-235)6 fission nuclear-pumped lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miley, G. H.

1979-01-01

A UF6 handling system was designed for use in conjunction with the existing nuclear-pumped laser vacuum system at a nuclear reactor laboratory to perform the experiments described above. A modification to separate the gas fill system from the vacuum system and thus greatly reduce its volume is described as well as operating procedures for the first controlled nuclear pumping experiments with UF6 vapor contained in the laser cell.

Body orientation and face orientation: two factors controlling apes' behavior from humans.

PubMed

Kaminski, Juliane; Call, Josep; Tomasello, Michael

2004-10-01

A number of animal species have evolved the cognitive ability to detect when they are being watched by other individuals. Precisely what kind of information they use to make this determination is unknown. There is particular controversy in the case of the great apes because different studies report conflicting results. In experiment 1, we presented chimpanzees, orangutans, and bonobos with a situation in which they had to request food from a human observer who was in one of various attentional states. She either stared at the ape, faced the ape with her eyes closed, sat with her back towards the ape, or left the room. In experiment 2, we systematically crossed the observer's body and face orientation so that the observer could have her body and/or face oriented either towards or away from the subject. Results indicated that apes produced more behaviors when they were being watched. They did this not only on the basis of whether they could see the experimenter as a whole, but they were sensitive to her body and face orientation separately. These results suggest that body and face orientation encode two different types of information. Whereas face orientation encodes the observer's perceptual access, body orientation encodes the observer's disposition to transfer food. In contrast to the results on body and face orientation, only two of the tested subjects responded to the state of the observer's eyes.

Non-contact multi-radar smart probing of body orientation based on micro-Doppler signatures.

PubMed

Li, Yiran; Pal, Ranadip; Li, Changzhi

2014-01-01

Micro-Doppler signatures carry useful information about body movements and have been widely applied to different applications such as human activity recognition and gait analysis. In this paper, micro-Doppler signatures are used to identify body orientation. Four AC-coupled continuous-wave (CW) smart radar sensors were used to form a multiple-radar network to carry out the experiments in this paper. 162 tests were performed in total. The experiment results showed a 100% accuracy in recognizing eight body orientations, i.e., facing north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, and northwest.

Nuclear astrophysics at Gran Sasso Laboratory: the LUNA experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cavanna, Francesca

2018-05-01

LUNA is an experimental approach for the study of nuclear fusion reactions based on an underground accelerator laboratory. Aim of the experiment is the direct measurement of the cross section of nuclear reactions relevant for stellar and primordial nucleosynthesis. In the following the latest results and the future goals will be presented.

UNESCO Chemistry Teaching Project in Asia: Experiments on Nuclear Science.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dhabanandana, Salag

This teacher's guide on nuclear science is divided into two parts. The first part is a discussion of some of the concepts in nuclear chemistry including radioactivity, types of disintegration, radioactive decay and growth, and tracer techniques. The relevant experiments involving the use of radioisotopes are presented in the second part. The…

Transferred nuclear Overhauser enhancement experiments show that the monoclonal antibody strep 9 selects a local minimum conformation of a Streptococcus group A trisaccharide-hapten.

PubMed

Weimar, T; Harris, S L; Pitner, J B; Bock, K; Pinto, B M

1995-10-17

Transferred nuclear Overhauser enhancement (TRNOE) experiments have been performed to investigate the bound conformation of the trisaccharide repeating unit of the Streptococcus Group A cell-wall polysaccharide. Thus, the conformations of propyl 3-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-2-O-(alpha-L-rhamnopyran osyl)- alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside [C(A')B] (1) as a free ligand and when complexed to the monoclonal antibody Strep 9 were examined. Improved insights about the conformational preferences of the glycosidic linkages of the trisaccharide ligand showed that the free ligand populates various conformations in aqueous solution, thus displaying relatively flexible behavior. The NOE HNAc-H2A', which was not detected in previous work, accounts for a conformation at the beta-(1-->3) linkage with a phi angle of approximately 180 degrees. Observed TRNOEs for the complex are weak, and their analysis was further complicated by spin diffusion. With the use of transferred rotating-frame Overhauser enhancement (TRROE) experiments, the amount of spin diffusion was assessed experimentally, proving that all of the observed long-range TRNOEs arose through spin diffusion. Four interglycosidic distances, derived from the remaining TRNOEs and TRROEs, together with repulsive constraints, derived from the absence of TRROE effects, were used as input parameters in simulated annealing and molecular mechanics calculations to determine the bound conformation of the trisaccharide. Complexation by the antibody results in the selection of one defined conformation of the carbohydrate hapten. This bound conformation, which is a local energy minimum on the energy maps calculated for the trisaccharide ligand, shows only a change from a +gauche to a -gauche orientation at the psi angle of the alpha-(1-->2) linkage when compared to the global minimum conformation. The results infer that the bound conformation of the Streptococcus Group A cell-wall polysaccharide is different from its previously proposed solution structure (Kreis et al., 1995).

Magnetic fields and orientation in homing pigeons: experiments of the late W. T. Keeton.

PubMed Central

Moore, B R

1988-01-01

The late W. T. Keeton conducted 35 experiments examining the effects of bar magnets upon the navigation of experienced homing pigeons on overcast days. Six statistics summarize the consistency and accuracy of the birds' initial orientation and the speed and success of their subsequent homing. Magnets had no significant overall effect upon these measures. PMID:3387447

The Relationship between Self-Determination, Achievement Goal Orientation and Satisfaction with the Learning Experience: Working with Adult Lifelong Learners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rodd, Jane

2013-01-01

This exploratory study investigated how self-perceptions of self-determination and of achievement goal orientation were related to self-perceptions of satisfaction with the learning experience in a population of 495 adults engaged in non-formal lifelong learning through participation as amateur members of the United States Dressage Association.…

Seeing the world in black and white: the effects of perceptually induced mind-sets on judgment.

PubMed

Sleeth-Keppler, David

2007-09-01

Three experiments examined the notion that rudimentary perceptual experiences can serve as powerful guides to judgments under uncertainty. The results show that exposure to certain perceptual contrast patterns can influence the direction of bias without conscious awareness. In Experiment 1a, perception of alternating black and white squares, which served as orientation markers in a lexical decision task, resulted in a reduction of the well-known anchoring bias. Similar results were obtained when alternating high- and low-pitch tones were the orientation markers (Experiment 1b). Results of a final experiment provide evidence that perceptual contrast experiences can affect judgment-relevant representations across modalities.

Developing leaders via experience: the role of developmental challenge, learning orientation, and feedback availability.

PubMed

Derue, D Scott; Wellman, Ned

2009-07-01

Prior research offers limited insight into the types of work experiences that promote leadership skill development and the ways that the person and context shape the developmental value of these experiences. In this article, the authors develop a series of hypotheses linking leadership skill development to features of the experience (developmental challenge), person (learning orientation), and context (feedback availability). Based on 225 on-the-job experiences across 60 managers, their results demonstrate that the relationship between developmental challenge and leadership skill development exhibits a pattern of diminishing returns. However, access to feedback can offset the diminishing returns associated with high levels of developmental challenge.

Flight test techniques for validating simulated nuclear electromagnetic pulse aircraft responses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winebarger, R. M.; Neely, W. R., Jr.

1984-01-01

An attempt has been made to determine the effects of nuclear EM pulses (NEMPs) on aircraft systems, using a highly instrumented NASA F-106B to document the simulated NEMP environment at the Kirtland Air Force Base's Vertically Polarized Dipole test facility. Several test positions were selected so that aircraft orientation relative to the test facility would be the same in flight as when on the stationary dielectric stand, in order to validate the dielectric stand's use in flight configuration simulations. Attention is given to the flight test portions of the documentation program.

Is there evidence for a nuclear Foucault pendulum

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

Hilton, R.R.

1990-12-03

Recent observations of the giant dipole resonance in states at high angular momentum and temperature have shown an effective narrowing of the resonance. It is pointed out that this may be interpreted as a signature of rotation of the nucleus about a symmetry axis. In this limit, the giant dipole orientation freezes in the plane of rotation, the analog of the Foucault pendulum positioned at the North Pole. All effects of rotation, other than those of pure deformation, cease to be present. In this region it is thus possible to probe the nuclear shape directly, uncontaminated by rotational effects.

Heavy-section steel technology and irradiation programs-retrospective and prospective views

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

Nanstad, Randy K; Bass, Bennett Richard; Rosseel, Thomas M

In 1965, the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), at the advice of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS), initiated the process that resulted in the establishment of the Heavy Section Steel Technology (HSST) Program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Dr. Spencer H. Bush of Battelle Northwest Laboratory, the man being honored by this symposium, representing the ACRS, was one of the Staff Advisors for the program and helped to guide its technical direction. In 1989, the Heavy-Section Steel Irradiation (HSSI) Program, formerly the HSST task on irradiation effects, was formed as a separate program, and this year the HSST/HSSImore » Programs, sponsored by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC), celebrate 40 years of continuous research oriented toward the safety of light-water nuclear reactor pressure vessels. This paper presents a summary of results from those programs with a view to future activities. The HSST Program was established in 1967 and initially included extensive investigations of heavy-section low-alloy steel plates, forgings, and welds, including metallurgical studies, mechanical properties, fracture toughness (quasi-static and dynamic), fatigue crack-growth, and crack arrest toughness. Also included were irradiation effects studies, thermal shock analyses, testing of thick-section tensile and fracture specimens, and non-destructive testing. In the subsequent decades, the HSST Program conducted extensive large-scale experiments with intermediate-size vessels (with varying size flaws) pressurized to failure, similar experiments under conditions of thermal shock and even pressurized thermal shock (PTS), wide-plate crack arrest tests, and biaxial tests with cruciform-shaped specimens. Extensive analytical and numerical studies accompanied these experiments, including the development of computer codes such as the recent Fracture Analysis of Vessels Oak Ridge (FAVOR) code currently being used for PTS evaluations. In the absence of radiation damage to the RPV, fracture of the vessel is improbable. However, exposure to high energy neutrons can result in embrittlement of radiation-sensitive RPV materials. The HSSI Program has conducted a series of experiments to assess the effects of neutron irradiation on RPV material behavior, especially fracture toughness. These studies have included RPV plates and welds, varying chemical compositions, and fracture toughness specimens up to 4 in. thickness. The results of these investigations, in conjunction with results from commercial reactor surveillance programs, are used to develop a methodology for the prediction of radiation effects on RPV materials. Results from the HSST and HSSI Program are used by the USNRC in the evaluation of RPV integrity and regulation of overall nuclear plant safety.« less

Neural field model to reconcile structure with function in primary visual cortex.

PubMed

Rankin, James; Chavane, Frédéric

2017-10-01

Voltage-sensitive dye imaging experiments in primary visual cortex (V1) have shown that local, oriented visual stimuli elicit stable orientation-selective activation within the stimulus retinotopic footprint. The cortical activation dynamically extends far beyond the retinotopic footprint, but the peripheral spread stays non-selective-a surprising finding given a number of anatomo-functional studies showing the orientation specificity of long-range connections. Here we use a computational model to investigate this apparent discrepancy by studying the expected population response using known published anatomical constraints. The dynamics of input-driven localized states were simulated in a planar neural field model with multiple sub-populations encoding orientation. The realistic connectivity profile has parameters controlling the clustering of long-range connections and their orientation bias. We found substantial overlap between the anatomically relevant parameter range and a steep decay in orientation selective activation that is consistent with the imaging experiments. In this way our study reconciles the reported orientation bias of long-range connections with the functional expression of orientation selective neural activity. Our results demonstrate this sharp decay is contingent on three factors, that long-range connections are sufficiently diffuse, that the orientation bias of these connections is in an intermediate range (consistent with anatomy) and that excitation is sufficiently balanced by inhibition. Conversely, our modelling results predict that, for reduced inhibition strength, spurious orientation selective activation could be generated through long-range lateral connections. Furthermore, if the orientation bias of lateral connections is very strong, or if inhibition is particularly weak, the network operates close to an instability leading to unbounded cortical activation.

The Value Profile of Physical Education Teachers in Taiwan, ROC

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liu, Hsien-Yung; Silverman, Stephen

2006-01-01

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the educational value orientations of physical education teachers in Taiwan, and the relationships of gender, teaching experience, grade level, and the locations in which they work. Value orientations were measured with the Value Orientation Inventory-2, which was translated into complicated Chinese for…

Getting a Handle on Learning Anatomy with Interactive Three-Dimensional Graphics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stull, Andrew T.; Hegarty, Mary; Mayer, Richard E.

2009-01-01

In 2 experiments, participants learned bone anatomy by using a handheld controller to rotate an on-screen 3-dimensional bone model. The on-screen bone either included orientation references, which consisted of visible lines marking its axes (orientation reference condition), or did not include such references (no-orientation reference condition).…

The Impact of Sexual of Orientation and Gender Expression Bias on African American Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Majied, Kamilah F.

2010-01-01

This article discusses sexual orientation and gender expression bias as they impact the educational experience of African American students. Sexual orientation and gender expression bias have a unique presentation in Black educational settings. The climate in such settings can be metagrobolized by the combination of distorted notions of Black…

Promoting Scientific Literacy Using a Sociocritical and Problem-Oriented Approach to Chemistry Teaching: Concept, Examples, Experiences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marks, Ralf; Eilks, Ingo

2009-01-01

This paper revisits the discussion about the objectives of scientific literacy-oriented chemistry teaching, its connection to the German concept of "Allgemeinbildung", and the debate of "science through education" vs. "education through science". About 10 years ago the sociocritical and problem-oriented approach to…

Application of Colloidal Filtration Theory on Textile Fibrous Media: Effect of Fiber Orientation on Bacterial Removal Efficiency and Attachment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Sukumar; Ghosh, Subrata; Bhowmick, Niranjan

2018-06-01

A mechanism to remove the Pseudomonas bacteria from contaminated water by using textile fibrous media has been proposed in this article. The attachment of Pseudomonas bacteria on nylon fibrous media was studied in laboratory column experiment. A systematic study was carried out to investigate the attachment of bacteria on the fibrous material as a function of fiber orientation to the direction of the liquid flow. Three types of textiles media with different orientation fiber were selected for the experiment (i.e. 0°, 45° and 90°). It was found that the bacteria removal efficiency was comparatively higher at 90° orientation as compared to that of 45° and 0° orientation of fibrous media, suggesting that the removal efficiency of bacteria (1 - Fp) was depended on fiber orientation. The removal trends were explained on the basis of colloidal filtration theory. This is due to the higher single collector contact efficiency and attachment/collision efficiency as observed from the experimental data of removal efficiency.

Application of Colloidal Filtration Theory on Textile Fibrous Media: Effect of Fiber Orientation on Bacterial Removal Efficiency and Attachment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Sukumar; Ghosh, Subrata; Bhowmick, Niranjan

2018-05-01

A mechanism to remove the Pseudomonas bacteria from contaminated water by using textile fibrous media has been proposed in this article. The attachment of Pseudomonas bacteria on nylon fibrous media was studied in laboratory column experiment. A systematic study was carried out to investigate the attachment of bacteria on the fibrous material as a function of fiber orientation to the direction of the liquid flow. Three types of textiles media with different orientation fiber were selected for the experiment (i.e. 0°, 45° and 90°). It was found that the bacteria removal efficiency was comparatively higher at 90° orientation as compared to that of 45° and 0° orientation of fibrous media, suggesting that the removal efficiency of bacteria (1 - Fp) was depended on fiber orientation. The removal trends were explained on the basis of colloidal filtration theory. This is due to the higher single collector contact efficiency and attachment/collision efficiency as observed from the experimental data of removal efficiency.

Educating Next Generation Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineers at the Idaho National Laboratory

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

J. D. Bess; J. B. Briggs; A. S. Garcia

2011-09-01

One of the challenges in educating our next generation of nuclear safety engineers is the limitation of opportunities to receive significant experience or hands-on training prior to graduation. Such training is generally restricted to on-the-job-training before this new engineering workforce can adequately provide assessment of nuclear systems and establish safety guidelines. Participation in the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project (ICSBEP) and the International Reactor Physics Experiment Evaluation Project (IRPhEP) can provide students and young professionals the opportunity to gain experience and enhance critical engineering skills. The ICSBEP and IRPhEP publish annual handbooks that contain evaluations of experiments along withmore » summarized experimental data and peer-reviewed benchmark specifications to support the validation of neutronics codes, nuclear cross-section data, and the validation of reactor designs. Participation in the benchmark process not only benefits those who use these Handbooks within the international community, but provides the individual with opportunities for professional development, networking with an international community of experts, and valuable experience to be used in future employment. Traditionally students have participated in benchmarking activities via internships at national laboratories, universities, or companies involved with the ICSBEP and IRPhEP programs. Additional programs have been developed to facilitate the nuclear education of students while participating in the benchmark projects. These programs include coordination with the Center for Space Nuclear Research (CSNR) Next Degree Program, the Collaboration with the Department of Energy Idaho Operations Office to train nuclear and criticality safety engineers, and student evaluations as the basis for their Master's thesis in nuclear engineering.« less

The NIAID Radiation Countermeasures Program Business Model

PubMed Central

Hafer, Nathaniel; Maidment, Bert W.

2010-01-01

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Radiation/Nuclear Medical Countermeasures Development Program has developed an integrated approach to providing the resources and expertise required for the research, discovery, and development of radiation/nuclear medical countermeasures (MCMs). These resources and services lower the opportunity costs and reduce the barriers to entry for companies interested in working in this area and accelerate translational progress by providing goal-oriented stewardship of promising projects. In many ways, the radiation countermeasures program functions as a “virtual pharmaceutical firm,” coordinating the early and mid-stage development of a wide array of radiation/nuclear MCMs. This commentary describes the radiation countermeasures program and discusses a novel business model that has facilitated product development partnerships between the federal government and academic investigators and biopharmaceutical companies. PMID:21142762

The NIAID Radiation Countermeasures Program business model.

PubMed

Hafer, Nathaniel; Maidment, Bert W; Hatchett, Richard J

2010-12-01

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Radiation/Nuclear Medical Countermeasures Development Program has developed an integrated approach to providing the resources and expertise required for the research, discovery, and development of radiation/nuclear medical countermeasures (MCMs). These resources and services lower the opportunity costs and reduce the barriers to entry for companies interested in working in this area and accelerate translational progress by providing goal-oriented stewardship of promising projects. In many ways, the radiation countermeasures program functions as a "virtual pharmaceutical firm," coordinating the early and mid-stage development of a wide array of radiation/nuclear MCMs. This commentary describes the radiation countermeasures program and discusses a novel business model that has facilitated product development partnerships between the federal government and academic investigators and biopharmaceutical companies.

Operations FLINTLOCK and LATCHKEY events RED HOT, PIN STRIPE, DISCUS THROWER, PILE DRIVER, DOUBLE PLAY, NEWPOINT, MIDI MIST, 5 March 1966-26 Jun 1967. Technical report

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

Horton, K.K.; Eubank, B.F.; Brady, W.J.

1984-10-01

This report is a personnel-oriented history of DOD participation in underground nuclear weapons testing during Operations FLINTLOCK and LATCHKEY, test events RED HOT, PIN STRIPE, DISCUS THROWER, PILE DRIVER, DOUBLE PLAY, NEW POINT, and MIDI MIST, from 5 March 1966 to 26 June 1967. It is the second in a series of historical reports which will include all DOD underground nuclear weapons tests and all DOE underground nuclear weapons tests with significant DOD participation from 1962 forward. In addition to these historical volumes, a later restricted distribution volume will identify all DOD participants (military, civilian, and civilian contractors) and willmore » list their radiation dosimetry data.« less

9.9 Sales Grid Style Produces Results

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blake, Robert R.; Mouton, Jane Srygley

1970-01-01

Selling effectiveness experiments have provided evidence that solution selling (problem solving) produces far better results than formula selling (sales technique oriented), hard sell, people-oriented selling, or order taking. (PT)

Neck formation and deformation effects in a preformed cluster model of exotic cluster decays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Satish; Gupta, Raj K.

1997-01-01

Using the nuclear proximity approach and the two center nuclear shape parametrization, the interaction potential between two deformed and pole-to-pole oriented nuclei forming a necked configuration in the overlap region is calculated and its role is studied for the cluster decay half-lives. The barrier is found to move to a larger relative separation, with its proximity minimum lying in the neighborhood of the Q value of decay and its height and width reduced considerably. For cluster decay calculations in the preformed cluster model of Malik and Gupta, due to deformations and orientations of nuclei, the (empirical) preformation factor is found to get reduced considerably and agrees nicely with other model calculations known to be successful for their predictions of cluster decay half-lives. Comparison with the earlier case of nuclei treated as spheres suggests that the effects of both deformations and neck formation get compensated by choosing the position of cluster preformation and the inner classical turning point for penetrability calculations at the touching configuration of spherical nuclei.

High Performance Object-Oriented Scientific Programming in Fortran 90

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norton, Charles D.; Decyk, Viktor K.; Szymanski, Boleslaw K.

1997-01-01

We illustrate how Fortran 90 supports object-oriented concepts by example of plasma particle computations on the IBM SP. Our experience shows that Fortran 90 and object-oriented methodology give high performance while providing a bridge from Fortran 77 legacy codes to modern programming principles. All of our object-oriented Fortran 90 codes execute more quickly thatn the equeivalent C++ versions, yet the abstraction modelling capabilities used for scentific programming are comparably powereful.

Theory of third-order spectroscopic methods to extract detailed molecular orientational dynamics for planar surfaces and other uniaxial systems

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

Nishida, Jun; Fayer, Michael D., E-mail: fayer@stanford.edu

Functionalized organic monolayers deposited on planar two-dimensional surfaces are important systems for studying ultrafast orientational motions and structures of interfacial molecules. Several studies have successfully observed the orientational relaxation of functionalized monolayers by fluorescence depolarization experiments and recently by polarization-resolved heterodyne detected vibrational transient grating (HDTG) experiments. In this article we provide a model-independent theory to extract orientational correlation functions unique to interfacial molecules and other uniaxial systems based on polarization-resolved resonant third-order spectroscopies, such as pump-probe spectroscopy, HDTG spectroscopy, and fluorescence depolarization experiment. It will be shown (in the small beam-crossing angle limit) that five measurements are necessary tomore » completely characterize the monolayer's motions: I{sub ∥}(t) and I{sub ⊥}(t) with the incident beams normal to the surface, I{sub ∥}(t) and I{sub ⊥}(t) with a non-zero incident angle, and a time averaged linear dichroism measurement. Once these measurements are performed, two orientational correlation functions corresponding to in-plane and out-of-plane motions are obtained. The procedure is applicable not only for monolayers on flat surfaces, but any samples with uniaxial symmetry such as uniaxial liquid crystals and aligned planar bilayers. The theory is valid regardless of the nature of the actual molecular motions on interface. We then apply the general results to wobbling-in-a-cone model, in which molecular motions are restricted to a limited range of angles. Within the context of the model, the cone angle, the tilt of the cone relative to the surface normal, and the orientational diffusion constant can be determined. The results are extended to describe analysis of experiments where the beams are not crossing in the small angle limit.« less

Sexual Orientation Disclosure in Primary Care Settings by Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in a Canadian City.

PubMed

Coleman, Todd A; Bauer, Greta R; Pugh, Daniel; Aykroyd, Gloria; Powell, Leanne; Newman, Rob

2017-02-01

Sexual orientation affects individuals' health histories and is fundamental to providers' understanding of patients as a whole. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GB-MSM) are vulnerable to certain health conditions, including HIV. The aim of this exploratory analysis was to examine factors associated with sexual orientation disclosure and communication with providers about GB-MSM health issues and to discuss implications. We conducted a cross-sectional internet survey of GB-MSM (n = 202) in London-Middlesex, Ontario, Canada; analyses were limited to those with a regular primary care provider (n = 173). Blockwise regression models explored demographic, psychosocial, and healthcare-related factors associated with sexual orientation disclosure and physician-patient communication about GB-MSM-related health. Just over seventy-one percent (71.1%) of participants reported that their primary care provider (PCP) knew their sexual orientation, and 44.5% had talked to them about GB-MSM health. Overt negative comments or being refused care based on sexual orientation occurred infrequently, although 26.6% reported their provider had assumed they were heterosexual. Being married to or living common-law with another man, more frequent experiences of homosexual prejudice, and higher quality assessment of provider's communication skills were associated with the PCP knowing respondents' sexual orientation. Greater internalized homonegativity was associated with not talking to a PCP about GB-MSM-related health issues. More frequent experiences of homosexual prejudice, higher assessment of provider communication, and having prior negative experiences with a PCP were significantly associated with talking to a PCP about GB-MSM health. The majority of our sample disclosed their sexual orientation; however, not all patients voluntarily disclose. Medical training and education in Canada, where specific rights protections exist for sexual orientation minority populations, should emphasize awareness of essential patient health information. Training should include information about GB-MSM health and building a foundation on how to speak with GB-MSM patients nonjudgmentally.

Interdisciplinary Team-Teaching Experience for a Computer and Nuclear Energy Course for Electrical and Computer Engineering Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, Charles; Jackson, Deborah; Keiller, Peter

2016-01-01

A new, interdisciplinary, team-taught course has been designed to educate students in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) so that they can respond to global and urgent issues concerning computer control systems in nuclear power plants. This paper discusses our experience and assessment of the interdisciplinary computer and nuclear energy…

Stimulus homogeneity enhances implicit learning: evidence from contextual cueing.

PubMed

Feldmann-Wüstefeld, Tobias; Schubö, Anna

2014-04-01

Visual search for a target object is faster if the target is embedded in a repeatedly presented invariant configuration of distractors ('contextual cueing'). It has also been shown that the homogeneity of a context affects the efficiency of visual search: targets receive prioritized processing when presented in a homogeneous context compared to a heterogeneous context, presumably due to grouping processes at early stages of visual processing. The present study investigated in three Experiments whether context homogeneity also affects contextual cueing. In Experiment 1, context homogeneity varied on three levels of the task-relevant dimension (orientation) and contextual cueing was most pronounced for context configurations with high orientation homogeneity. When context homogeneity varied on three levels of the task-irrelevant dimension (color) and orientation homogeneity was fixed, no modulation of contextual cueing was observed: high orientation homogeneity led to large contextual cueing effects (Experiment 2) and low orientation homogeneity led to low contextual cueing effects (Experiment 3), irrespective of color homogeneity. Enhanced contextual cueing for homogeneous context configurations suggest that grouping processes do not only affect visual search but also implicit learning. We conclude that memory representation of context configurations are more easily acquired when context configurations can be processed as larger, grouped perceptual units. However, this form of implicit perceptual learning is only improved by stimulus homogeneity when stimulus homogeneity facilitates grouping processes on a dimension that is currently relevant in the task. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Perception of Sexual Orientation from Facial Structure: A Study with Artificial Face Models.

PubMed

González-Álvarez, Julio

2017-07-01

Research has shown that lay people can perceive sexual orientation better than chance from face stimuli. However, the relation between facial structure and sexual orientation has been scarcely examined. Recently, an extensive morphometric study on a large sample of Canadian people (Skorska, Geniole, Vrysen, McCormick, & Bogaert, 2015) identified three (in men) and four (in women) facial features as unique multivariate predictors of sexual orientation in each sex group. The present study tested the perceptual validity of these facial traits with two experiments based on realistic artificial 3D face models created by manipulating the key parameters and presented to Spanish participants. Experiment 1 included 200 White and Black face models of both sexes. The results showed an overall accuracy (0.74) clearly above chance in a binary hetero/homosexual judgment task and significant differences depending on the race and sex of the face models. Experiment 2 produced five versions of 24 artificial faces of both sexes varying the key parameters in equal steps, and participants had to rate on a 1-7 scale how likely they thought that the depicted person had a homosexual sexual orientation. Rating scores displayed an almost perfect linear regression as a function of the parameter steps. In summary, both experiments demonstrated the perceptual validity of the seven multivariate predictors identified by Skorska et al. and open up new avenues for further research on this issue with artificial face models.

The effect of offset cues on saccade programming and covert attention.

PubMed

Smith, Daniel T; Casteau, Soazig

2018-02-01

Salient peripheral events trigger fast, "exogenous" covert orienting. The influential premotor theory of attention argues that covert orienting of attention depends upon planned but unexecuted eye-movements. One problem with this theory is that salient peripheral events, such as offsets, appear to summon attention when used to measure covert attention (e.g., the Posner cueing task) but appear not to elicit oculomotor preparation in tasks that require overt orienting (e.g., the remote distractor paradigm). Here, we examined the effects of peripheral offsets on covert attention and saccade preparation. Experiment 1 suggested that transient offsets summoned attention in a manual detection task without triggering motor preparation planning in a saccadic localisation task, although there were a high proportion of saccadic capture errors on "no-target" trials, where a cue was presented but no target appeared. In Experiment 2, "no-target" trials were removed. Here, transient offsets produced both attentional facilitation and faster saccadic responses on valid cue trials. A third experiment showed that the permanent disappearance of an object also elicited attentional facilitation and faster saccadic reaction times. These experiments demonstrate that offsets trigger both saccade programming and covert attentional orienting, consistent with the idea that exogenous, covert orienting is tightly coupled with oculomotor activation. The finding that no-go trials attenuates oculomotor priming effects offers a way to reconcile the current findings with previous claims of a dissociation between covert attention and oculomotor control in paradigms that utilise a high proportion of catch trials.

The face evoked steady-state visual potentials are sensitive to the orientation, viewpoint, expression and configuration of the stimuli.

PubMed

Vakli, Pál; Németh, Kornél; Zimmer, Márta; Kovács, Gyula

2014-12-01

Previous studies demonstrated that the steady-state visual-evoked potential (SSVEP) is reduced to the repetition of the same identity face when compared with the presentation of different identities, suggesting high-level neural adaptation to face identity. Here we investigated whether the SSVEP is sensitive to the orientation, viewpoint, expression and configuration of faces (Experiment 1), and whether adaptation to identity at the level of the SSVEP is robust enough to generalize across these properties (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, repeating the same identity face with continuously changing orientation, viewpoint or expression evoked a larger SSVEP than the repetition of an unchanged face, presumably reflecting a release of adaptation. A less robust effect was observed in the case of changes affecting face configuration. In Experiment 2, we found a similar release of adaptation for faces with changing orientation, viewpoint and configuration, as there was no difference between the SSVEP for the same and different identity faces. However, we found an adaptation effect for faces with changing expressions, suggesting that face identity coding, as reflected in the SSVEP, is largely independent of the emotion displayed by faces. Taken together, these results imply that the SSVEP taps high-level face representations which abstract away from the changeable aspects of the face and likely incorporate information about face configuration, but which are specific to the orientation and viewpoint of the face. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pre-Service and In-Service Teachers' Experiences of Learning to Program in an Object-Oriented Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Govender, I.; Grayson, D. J.

2008-01-01

This paper presents the results of an investigation into the various ways in which pre-service and in-service teachers experience learning to program in an object-oriented language. Both groups of teachers were enrolled in university courses. In most cases, the pre-service teachers were learning to program for the first time, while the in-service…

Persistence of Adult Undergraduates on a Traditionally-Oriented University Campus: Does Donaldson and Graham's Model of College Outcomes for Adult Students Still Apply?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Samuels, Wendy; Beach, Andrea L.; Palmer, Louann Bierlein

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to explore the social and academic experiences of non-traditional students pursuing a bachelor's degree at a traditionally-oriented residential university and how these experiences promote or impede their persistence to graduation. The study explored components of Donaldson and Graham's Model of College Outcomes for…

The Dependence of Strength in Plastics upon Polymer Chain Length and Chain Orientation: An Experiment Emphasizing the Statistical Handling and Evaluation of Data.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spencer, R. Donald

1984-01-01

Describes an experiment (using plastic bags) designed to give students practical understanding on using statistics to evaluate data and how statistical treatment of experimental results can enhance their value in solving scientific problems. Students also gain insight into the orientation and structure of polymers by examining the plastic bags.…

Assessing the Effects of a Work-Based Antipoverty Program for Parents on Youth's Future Orientation and Employment Experiences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McLoyd, Vonnie C.; Kaplan, Rachel; Purtell, Kelly M.; Huston, Aletha C.

2011-01-01

The impacts of New Hope, a 3-year work-based antipoverty program to increase parent employment and reduce poverty, on youth ages 9-19 (N = 866) were assessed 5 years after parents left the program. New Hope had positive effects on the future orientation and employment experiences of boys, especially African American boys. Compared to boys in…

The invisible cues that guide king penguin chicks home: use of magnetic and acoustic cues during orientation and short-range navigation.

PubMed

Nesterova, Anna P; Chiffard, Jules; Couchoux, Charline; Bonadonna, Francesco

2013-04-15

King penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) live in large and densely populated colonies, where navigation can be challenging because of the presence of many conspecifics that could obstruct locally available cues. Our previous experiments demonstrated that visual cues were important but not essential for king penguin chicks' homing. The main objective of this study was to investigate the importance of non-visual cues, such as magnetic and acoustic cues, for chicks' orientation and short-range navigation. In a series of experiments, the chicks were individually displaced from the colony to an experimental arena where they were released under different conditions. In the magnetic experiments, a strong magnet was attached to the chicks' heads. Trials were conducted in daylight and at night to test the relative importance of visual and magnetic cues. Our results showed that when the geomagnetic field around the chicks was modified, their orientation in the arena and the overall ability to home was not affected. In a low sound experiment we limited the acoustic cues available to the chicks by putting ear pads over their ears, and in a loud sound experiment we provided additional acoustic cues by broadcasting colony sounds on the opposite side of the arena to the real colony. In the low sound experiment, the behavior of the chicks was not affected by the limited sound input. In the loud sound experiment, the chicks reacted strongly to the colony sound. These results suggest that king penguin chicks may use the sound of the colony while orienting towards their home.

Violence as Mediating Variable in Mental Health Disparities Associated to Sexual Orientation Among Mexican Youths.

PubMed

Mendoza-Pérez, Juan Carlos; Ortiz-Hernández, Luis

2018-01-05

In this study, we explored the role of sex as an effect-modifying variable in the association between sexual orientation and mental health in Mexican youth. In addition, we tested if violent experiences in the family and the school and attitudes toward homosexuality could act as mediating variables in such association. Data from three representative surveys performed in 2007, 2009, and 2013 among Mexican high school students were analyzed. Two dimensions of sexual orientation were evaluated: romantic partnership and sexual behavior. The outcomes were negative and positive mood, suicidal ideation and intent, self-concept, and self-esteem. There were differences by gender because in males, there were more disparities in mental health associated with sexual orientation (suicidal ideation and attempt, negative and positive mood, negative self-concept, and family-related self-esteem) than in females (suicidal ideation and negative mood). Experiences of school violence were mediators in the relationship between sexual orientation and most health outcomes in males.

An exploratory study of differences in views of factors affecting sexual orientation for a sample of lesbians and gay men.

PubMed

Otis, Melanie D; Skinner, William F

2004-06-01

An exploratory study of lesbians (70) and gay men (118) from a rural state in the mid-South was conducted using a self-administered, mail-out survey. The nonrandom sample was drawn from organizational mailing lists, snowball sampling, and a convenience sample at a community event. Respondents were asked to indicate the extent to which each of the following affected sexual orientation: genetics, relationship between parents, relationship with parents, birth order, peers, growing up in a dysfunctional family, growing up in a single-parent family, negative experiences with the opposite sex, and positive experiences with the same sex. Similar to studies of heterosexual men and women, these gay men were more likely to view sexual orientation as a result of genetics than the lesbian respondents. Further, the lesbian group were more likely to view positive relationships with the same sex to have a great influence on sexual orientation. These data indicate there are sex differences in views on factors that affect sexual orientation.

Why is the sunny side always up? Explaining the spatial mapping of concepts by language use.

PubMed

Goodhew, Stephanie C; McGaw, Bethany; Kidd, Evan

2014-10-01

Humans appear to rely on spatial mappings to represent and describe concepts. The conceptual cuing effect describes the tendency for participants to orient attention to a spatial location following the presentation of an unrelated cue word (e.g., orienting attention upward after reading the word sky). To date, such effects have predominately been explained within the embodied cognition framework, according to which people's attention is oriented on the basis of prior experience (e.g., sky → up via perceptual simulation). However, this does not provide a compelling explanation for how abstract words have the same ability to orient attention. Why, for example, does dream also orient attention upward? We report on an experiment that investigated the role of language use (specifically, collocation between concept words and spatial words for up and down dimensions) and found that it predicted the cuing effect. The results suggest that language usage patterns may be instrumental in explaining conceptual cuing.

Independent effects of reward expectation and spatial orientation on the processing of emotional facial expressions.

PubMed

Kang, Guanlan; Zhou, Xiaolin; Wei, Ping

2015-09-01

The present study investigated the effect of reward expectation and spatial orientation on the processing of emotional facial expressions, using a spatial cue-target paradigm. A colored cue was presented at the left or right side of the central fixation point, with its color indicating the monetary reward stakes of a given trial (incentive vs. non-incentive), followed by the presentation of an emotional facial target (angry vs. neutral) at a cued or un-cued location. Participants were asked to discriminate the emotional expression of the target, with the cue-target stimulus onset asynchrony being 200-300 ms in Experiment 1 and 950-1250 ms in Experiment 2a (without a fixation cue) and Experiment 2b (with a fixation cue), producing a spatial facilitation effect and an inhibition of return effect, respectively. The results of all the experiments revealed faster reaction times in the monetary incentive condition than in the non-incentive condition, demonstrating the effect of reward to facilitate task performance. An interaction between reward expectation and the emotion of the target was evident in all the three experiments, with larger reward effects for angry faces than for neutral faces. This interaction was not affected by spatial orientation. These findings demonstrate that incentive motivation improves task performance and increases sensitivity to angry faces, irrespective of spatial orienting and reorienting processes.

Status of Initial Assessment of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Graphite Grades for NGNP Appkications

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

Strizak, Joe P; Burchell, Timothy D; Windes, Will

2011-12-01

Current candidate graphite grades for the core structures of NGNP include grades NBG-17, NBG-18, PCEA and IG-430. Both NBG-17 and NBG-18 are manufactured using pitch coke, and are vibrationally molded. These medium grain products are produced by SGL Carbon SAS (France). Tayo Tanso (Japan) produces IG-430 which is a petroleum coke, isostatically molded, nuclear grade graphite. And PCEA is a medium grain, extruded graphite produced by UCAR Carbon Co. (USA) from petroleum coke. An experimental program has been initiated to develop physical and mechanical properties data for these current candidate graphites. The results will be judged against the requirements formore » nuclear grade graphites set forth in ASTM standard D 7219-05 "Standard Specification for Isotropic and Near-isotropic Nuclear Graphites". Physical properties data including thermal conductivity and coefficient of thermal expansion, and mechanical properties data including tensile, compressive and flexural strengths will be obtained using the established test methods covered in D-7219 and ASTM C 781-02 "Standard Practice for Testing Graphite and Boronated Graphite Components for High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Nuclear Reactors". Various factors known to effect the properties of graphites will be investigated. These include specimen size, spatial location within a graphite billet, specimen orientation (ag and wg) within a billet, and billet-to-billet variations. The current status of the materials characterization program is reported herein. To date billets of the four graphite grades have been procured, and detailed cut up plans for obtaining the various specimens have been prepared. Particular attention has been given to the traceability of each specimen to its spatial location and orientation within a billet.« less

Nuclear Emulsion - Skylab Experiment S009

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1970-01-01

This photograph shows Skylab's Nuclear Emulsion experiment, a Skylab science facility that was mounted inside the Multiple Docking Adapter used to record the relative abundance of primary, high-energy heavy nuclei outside the Earth's atmosphere. The Marshall Space Flight Center had program management responsibility for the development of Skylab hardware and experiments.

Psychological Orientation, Perceptions of Institutional Climate, and Their Relationship to the Social and Academic Adjustment of African American Community College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scott, Johnny

2016-01-01

When examined more thoroughly, the complexities created by the discrepancies between admission and graduation of African American students point to the impact of their psychological orientation to community college. It simultaneously highlights the degree of their mainstream orientation experience and its impact on their perceptions of…

A Doctoral Student of Physics Writing for Publication: A Sociopolitically-Oriented Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Yongyan

2006-01-01

This is a sociopolitically-oriented qualitative case study [Casanave, C. P. (2003). Looking ahead to more sociopolitically-oriented case study research in L2 writing scholarship (But should it be called "post-process"?). "Journal of Second Language Writing," 12, 85-102.] of the writing-for-publication experience of an NNSE (nonnative speaker of…

On the measurement of fiber orientation in fiberboard

Treesearch

Otto Suchsland; Charles W. McMillin

1983-01-01

An attempt to measure the vertical component of fiber orientation in fiberboard is described. The experiment is based on the obvious reduction of the furnish fiber length which occurs by cutting thin microtome sections of the board parallel to the board plane. Only when no vertical fiber orientation component is present will the fibers contained in these sections have...

Exploring the Development of a Protean Career Orientation: Values and Image Violations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sargent, Leisa D.; Domberger, Shelley R.

2007-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the development of a protean career orientation. In doing so, the paper also aims to assess how work experience, parents and peer networks co-influence the development of a protean career orientation. Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses semi-structured interviews with young adults and…

The Conflict between On-Task and Off-Task Actions in the Classroom and Its Consequences for Motivation and Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kilian, Britta; Hofer, Manfred; Fries, Stefan; Kuhnle, Claudia

2010-01-01

The relations between students' value orientations, decisions in conflicts between on-task and off-task actions in the classroom, and experiences of motivational interference following these conflicts were investigated. It was expected that well-being value orientation was positively linked and achievement value orientation was negatively linked…

Designing Successful Transitions: A Guide for Orienting Students to College. 3rd Edition. The First-Year Experience Monograph Series No. 13

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ward-Roof, Jeanine A., Ed.

2010-01-01

The 2010 edition of this monograph addresses many topics (e.g., administration of orientation programs, family involvement, student characteristics and needs, assessment, and orientation for specific student populations and institutional types) that were included in previous editions but approaches them with new information, updated data, and…

Competitive region orientation code for palmprint verification and identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Wenliang

2015-11-01

Orientation features of the palmprint have been widely investigated in coding-based palmprint-recognition methods. Conventional orientation-based coding methods usually used discrete filters to extract the orientation feature of palmprint. However, in real operations, the orientations of the filter usually are not consistent with the lines of the palmprint. We thus propose a competitive region orientation-based coding method. Furthermore, an effective weighted balance scheme is proposed to improve the accuracy of the extracted region orientation. Compared with conventional methods, the region orientation of the palmprint extracted using the proposed method can precisely and robustly describe the orientation feature of the palmprint. Extensive experiments on the baseline PolyU and multispectral palmprint databases are performed and the results show that the proposed method achieves a promising performance in comparison to conventional state-of-the-art orientation-based coding methods in both palmprint verification and identification.

The effect of experience on the hunting success of newly emerged spiderlings.

PubMed

Morse

2000-12-01

Initial interactions with prey may affect a predator's subsequent foraging success. With experience, second-instar Misumena vatia spiderlings (Thomisidae) that had recently emerged from their egg sacs oriented faster to fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) than näive individuals. Orientation time of these spiderlings decreased rapidly for the first two to three runs (every third day) in a simple laboratory setting, and then remained low and relatively constant. Time to capture a fly also declined initially, but subsequently became extremely variable, increasing prior to moult. Increase in capture time and the failure to capture prey appeared associated with impending moult, rather than satiation. Spiderlings oriented to prey more rapidly at the beginning of the third instar than at the start of the second instar, suggesting that experience still enhanced performance after a moult cycle. Overall capture times at the beginning of the third instar decreased from those at the end of the second instar, but did not differ significantly from the beginning of the second instar, although spiderlings gaining the most biomass had the shortest mean capture times. In a second experiment, time to orient and time to capture prey did not differ in näive, second-instar siblings run 1 and 3 days after emergence from their egg sacs. However, 3-day individuals that had captured prey each day (confiscated before they could feed) oriented faster than näive 3-day-old siblings, but did not differ in the time taken to capture prey. Experience, rather than age or energetic condition, best explains these changes in performance. Copyright 2000 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.

Social Value Induction and Cooperation in the Centipede Game

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

The Centipede game provides a dynamic model of cooperation and competition in repeated dyadic interactions. Two experiments investigated psychological factors driving cooperation in 20 rounds of a Centipede game with significant monetary incentives and anonymous and random re-pairing of players after every round. The main purpose of the research was to determine whether the pattern of strategic choices observed when no specific social value orientation is experimentally induced—the standard condition in all previous investigations of behavior in the Centipede and most other experimental games—is essentially individualistic, the orthodox game-theoretic assumption being that players are individualistically motivated in the absence of any specific motivational induction. Participants in whom no specific state social value orientation was induced exhibited moderately non-cooperative play that differed significantly from the pattern found when an individualistic orientation was induced. In both experiments, the neutral treatment condition, in which no orientation was induced, elicited competitive behavior resembling behavior in the condition in which a competitive orientation was explicitly induced. Trait social value orientation, measured with a questionnaire, influenced cooperation differently depending on the experimentally induced state social value orientation. Cooperative trait social value orientation was a significant predictor of cooperation and, to a lesser degree, experimentally induced competitive orientation was a significant predictor of non-cooperation. The experimental results imply that the standard assumption of individualistic motivation in experimental games may not be valid, and that the results of such investigations need to take into account the possibility that players are competitively motivated. PMID:27010385

Radioisotope Power: A Key Technology for Deep Space Explorations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmidt, George R.; Sutliff, Thomas J.; Duddzinski, Leonard

2009-01-01

A Radioisotope Power System (RPS) generates power by converting the heat released from the nuclear decay of radioactive isotopes, such as Plutonium-238 (Pu-238), into electricity. First used in space by the U.S. in 1961, these devices have enabled some of the most challenging and exciting space missions in history, including the Pioneer and Voyager probes to the outer solar system; the Apollo lunar surface experiments; the Viking landers; the Ulysses polar orbital mission about the Sun; the Galileo mission to Jupiter; the Cassini mission orbiting Saturn; and the recently launched New Horizons mission to Pluto. Radioisotopes have also served as a versatile heat source for moderating equipment thermal environments on these and many other missions, including the Mars exploration rovers, Spirit and Opportunity. The key advantage of RPS is its ability to operate continuously, independent of orientation and distance relative to the Sun. Radioisotope systems are long-lived, rugged, compact, highly reliable, and relatively insensitive to radiation and other environmental effects. As such, they are ideally suited for missions involving long-lived, autonomous operations in the extreme conditions of space and other planetary bodies. This paper reviews the history of RPS for the U.S. space program. It also describes current development of a new Stirling cycle-based generator that will greatly expand the application of nuclear-powered missions in the future.

Radioisotope Power: A Key Technology for Deep Space Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmidt, George; Sutliff, Tom; Dudzinski, Leonard

2008-01-01

A Radioisotope Power System (RPS) generates power by converting the heat released from the nuclear decay of radioactive isotopes, such as Plutonium-238 (Pu-238), into electricity. First used in space by the U.S. in 1961, these devices have enabled some of the most challenging and exciting space missions in history, including the Pioneer and Voyager probes to the outer solar system; the Apollo lunar surface experiments; the Viking landers; the Ulysses polar orbital mission about the Sun; the Galileo mission to Jupiter; the Cassini mission orbiting Saturn; and the recently launched New Horizons mission to Pluto. Radioisotopes have also served as a versatile heat source for moderating equipment thermal environments on these and many other missions, including the Mars exploration rovers, Spirit and Opportunity. The key advantage of RPS is its ability to operate continuously, independent of orientation and distance relative to the Sun. Radioisotope systems are long-lived, rugged, compact, highly reliable, and relatively insensitive to radiation and other environmental effects. As such, they are ideally suited for missions involving long-lived, autonomous operations in the extreme conditions of space and other planetary bodies. This paper reviews the history of RPS for the U.S. space program. It also describes current development of a new Stirling cycle-based generator that will greatly expand the application of nuclear-powered missions in the future.

The CCONE Code System and its Application to Nuclear Data Evaluation for Fission and Other Reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwamoto, O.; Iwamoto, N.; Kunieda, S.; Minato, F.; Shibata, K.

2016-01-01

A computer code system, CCONE, was developed for nuclear data evaluation within the JENDL project. The CCONE code system integrates various nuclear reaction models needed to describe nucleon, light charged nuclei up to alpha-particle and photon induced reactions. The code is written in the C++ programming language using an object-oriented technology. At first, it was applied to neutron-induced reaction data on actinides, which were compiled into JENDL Actinide File 2008 and JENDL-4.0. It has been extensively used in various nuclear data evaluations for both actinide and non-actinide nuclei. The CCONE code has been upgraded to nuclear data evaluation at higher incident energies for neutron-, proton-, and photon-induced reactions. It was also used for estimating β-delayed neutron emission. This paper describes the CCONE code system indicating the concept and design of coding and inputs. Details of the formulation for modelings of the direct, pre-equilibrium and compound reactions are presented. Applications to the nuclear data evaluations such as neutron-induced reactions on actinides and medium-heavy nuclei, high-energy nucleon-induced reactions, photonuclear reaction and β-delayed neutron emission are mentioned.

Role of gravity-based information on the orientation and localization of the perceived body midline.

PubMed

Ceyte, Hadrien; Cian, Corinne; Nougier, Vincent; Olivier, Isabelle; Trousselard, Marion

2007-01-01

The present study focused on the influence of gravity-based information on the orientation and localization of the perceived body midline. The orientation was investigated by the rolling adjustment of a rod on the subjects' Z-axis and the localization by the horizontal adjustment of a visual dot as being straight ahead. Experiment 1 investigated the effect of the dissociation between the Z-axis and the direction of gravity by placing subjects in roll tilt and supine postures. In roll tilt, the perception of the body midline orientation was deviated in the direction of body tilt and the perception of its localization was deviated in the opposite direction. In the supine body orientation, estimates of the Z-axis and straight-ahead remained veridical as when the body was upright. Experiment 2 highlighted the relative importance of the otolithic and tactile information using diffuse pressure stimulation. The estimation of body midline orientation was modified contrarily to the estimation of its localization. Thus, subjects had no absolute representation of their egocentric space. The main hypothesis regarding the dissociation between the orientation and localization of the body midline may be related to a difference in the integration of sensory information. It can be suggested that the horizontal component of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) contributed to the perceived localization of the body midline, whereas its orientation was mainly influenced by tactile information.

Proliferation-dependent positioning of individual centromeres in the interphase nucleus of human lymphoblastoid cell lines

PubMed Central

Ollion, Jean; Loll, François; Cochennec, Julien; Boudier, Thomas; Escudé, Christophe

2015-01-01

The cell nucleus is a highly organized structure and plays an important role in gene regulation. Understanding the mechanisms that sustain this organization is therefore essential for understanding genome function. Centromeric regions (CRs) of chromosomes have been known for years to adopt specific nuclear positioning patterns, but the significance of this observation is not yet completely understood. Here, using a combination of fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunochemistry on fixed human cells and high-throughput imaging, we directly and quantitatively investigated the nuclear positioning of specific human CRs. We observe differential attraction of individual CRs toward both the nuclear border and the nucleoli, the former being enhanced in nonproliferating cells and the latter being enhanced in proliferating cells. Similar positioning patterns are observed in two different lymphoblastoid cell lines. Moreover, the positioning of CRs differs from that of noncentromeric regions, and CRs display specific orientations within chromosome territories. These results suggest the existence of not-yet-characterized mechanisms that drive the nuclear positioning of CRs and therefore pave the way toward a better understanding of how CRs affect nuclear organization. PMID:25947134

Chiral discrimination in NMR spectroscopy: computation of the relevant molecular pseudoscalars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buckingham, A. David; Lazzeretti, Paolo; Pelloni, Stefano

2015-07-01

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is normally blind to chirality but it has been predicted that precessing nuclear spins in a strong magnetic field induce a rotating electric polarisation that is of opposite sign for enantiomers. The polarisation is determined by two pseudoscalars, ? and ?. The former arises from the distortion of the electronic structure by the nuclear magnetic moment in the presence of the strong magnetic field and is equivalent to the linear effect of an electric field on the nuclear shielding tensor. ? determines the temperature-dependent partial orientation of the permanent electric dipole moment of the molecule by the antisymmetric part of the nuclear shielding tensor. Computations of these two contributions are reported for the nuclei in the chiral molecules N-methyloxaziridine, 2-methyloxirane, 1,3-dimethylallene, 1-fluoroethanol, 2-fluoroazirine, 1,2-M-dioxin, 1,2-M-dithiin, 1,2-M-diselenin and 1,2-M-ditellurin. For strongly dipolar molecules, ? is typically two to three orders of magnitude greater than ?, raising hopes for the detection of chirality in NMR spectroscopy. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Prof. Nicholas Handy, F.R.S.

The design of photoelectric signal processing system for a nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscope based on FPGA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xian; Zhou, Binquan; Li, Hong; Zhao, Xinghua; Mu, Weiwei; Wu, Wenfeng

2017-10-01

Navigation technology is crucial to the national defense and military, which can realize the measurement of orientation, positioning, attitude and speed for moving object. Inertial navigation is not only autonomous, real-time, continuous, hidden, undisturbed but also no time-limited and environment-limited. The gyroscope is the core component of the inertial navigation system, whose precision and size are the bottleneck of the performance. However, nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscope is characteristic of the advantage of high precision and small size. Nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscope can meet the urgent needs of high-tech weapons and equipment development of new generation. This paper mainly designs a set of photoelectric signal processing system for nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscope based on FPGA, which process and control the information of detecting laser .The photoelectric signal with high frequency carrier is demodulated by in-phase and quadrature demodulation method. Finally, the processing system of photoelectric signal can compensate the residual magnetism of the shielding barrel and provide the information of nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscope angular velocity.

The relationship between temperament and sexual orientation.

PubMed

Guerim, Laura D; de Carvalho, Hudson W; Lara, Diogo R

2015-04-01

The relationship between temperament and sexual orientation has been poorly characterized. We have used the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament (AFECT) model to evaluate this association in a large population sample. Data from 16,571 subjects between 21 and 45 years old (mean age=29.1±6.3 yrs, 69.4% females) was collected anonymously through Internet in Brazil. Regarding affective temperaments, male cyclothymics and dysphorics had the lowest percentage of people with heterosexual orientation and the highest percentages of people with bisexual and homosexual orientations. The opposite profile was observed in hyperthymic and euthymic types. Among females, the volatile, cyclothymic, apathetic, disinhibited and euphoric types were less often observed in people with "pure" heterosexual orientation and more often in people with bisexual orientation. In men only, homosexuality was more common among the depressive, cyclothymic and dyphorics temperaments. Emotional trait analysis showed that heterosexual subjects differed statistically from all other groups by having higher scores of coping and stability and lower scores of sensitivity and desire. Overall, the effect sizes were small to moderate, with the largest differences between "pure" heterosexuals and people with bisexual orientation, particularly in women. Subjects with heterosexual orientation who have had homosexual experience and those with homosexual orientation presented intermediate scores. Cross-sectional design, lack of potentially important covariates (e.g., maltreatment) and data collected by Internet only. Externalized and unstable traits were associated mainly with bisexuality. The group of heterosexuals with homosexual fantasies or experiences offers a new approach for the study of sexual orientation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Isothermal dendritic growth: A low gravity experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glicksman, M. E.; Hahn, R. C.; Lograsso, T. A.; Rubinstein, E. R.; Selleck, M. E.; Winsa, E.

1988-01-01

The Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment is an active crystal growth experiment designed to test dendritic growth theory at low undercoolings where convection prohibits such studies at 1 g. The experiment will be essentially autonomous, though limited in-flight interaction through a computer interface is planned. One of the key components of the apparatus will be a crystal growth chamber capable of achieving oriented single crystal dendritic growth. Recent work indicates that seeding the chamber with a crystal of the proper orientation will not, in and of itself, be sufficient to meet this requirement. Additional flight hardware and software required for the STS flight experiment are currently being developed at NASA Lewis Research Center and at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

A case study for retaining nuclear power experience

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

Beckjord, E.S.

1996-12-31

Nuclear engineering departments at U.S. universities are rethinking curricula to focus on essentials. Prospective engineers must know nuclear engineering disciplines, but knowing how their engineering forebears solved important problems will empower them even more by learning some history along with engineering. I suggest a way to retain experience, giving an example: the emergency core cooling system (ECCS) controversy and resolution.

The role of spatial integration in the perception of surface orientation with active touch.

PubMed

Giachritsis, Christos D; Wing, Alan M; Lovell, Paul G

2009-10-01

Vision research has shown that perception of line orientation, in the fovea area, improves with line length (Westheimer & Ley, 1997). This suggests that the visual system may use spatial integration to improve perception of orientation. In the present experiments, we investigated the role of spatial integration in the perception of surface orientation using kinesthetic and proprioceptive information from shoulder and elbow. With their left index fingers, participants actively explored virtual slanted surfaces of different lengths and orientations, and were asked to reproduce an orientation or discriminate between two orientations. Results showed that reproduction errors and discrimination thresholds improve with surface length. This suggests that the proprioceptive shoulder-elbow system may integrate redundant spatial information resulting from extended arm movements to improve orientation judgments.

Motion-form interactions beyond the motion integration level: evidence for interactions between orientation and optic flow signals.

PubMed

Pavan, Andrea; Marotti, Rosilari Bellacosa; Mather, George

2013-05-31

Motion and form encoding are closely coupled in the visual system. A number of physiological studies have shown that neurons in the striate and extrastriate cortex (e.g., V1 and MT) are selective for motion direction parallel to their preferred orientation, but some neurons also respond to motion orthogonal to their preferred spatial orientation. Recent psychophysical research (Mather, Pavan, Bellacosa, & Casco, 2012) has demonstrated that the strength of adaptation to two fields of transparently moving dots is modulated by simultaneously presented orientation signals, suggesting that the interaction occurs at the level of motion integrating receptive fields in the extrastriate cortex. In the present psychophysical study, we investigated whether motion-form interactions take place at a higher level of neural processing where optic flow components are extracted. In Experiment 1, we measured the duration of the motion aftereffect (MAE) generated by contracting or expanding dot fields in the presence of either radial (parallel) or concentric (orthogonal) counterphase pedestal gratings. To tap the stage at which optic flow is extracted, we measured the duration of the phantom MAE (Weisstein, Maguire, & Berbaum, 1977) in which we adapted and tested different parts of the visual field, with orientation signals presented either in the adapting (Experiment 2) or nonadapting (Experiments 3 and 4) sectors. Overall, the results showed that motion adaptation is suppressed most by orientation signals orthogonal to optic flow direction, suggesting that motion-form interactions also take place at the global motion level where optic flow is extracted.

Ongoing research experiments at the former Soviet nuclear test site in eastern Kazakhstan

USGS Publications Warehouse

Leith, William S.; Kluchko, Luke J.; Konovalov, Vladimir; Vouille, Gerard

2002-01-01

Degelen mountain, located in EasternKazakhstan near the city of Semipalatinsk, was once the Soviets most active underground nuclear test site. Two hundred fifteen nuclear tests were conducted in 181 tunnels driven horizontally into its many ridges--almost twice the number of tests as at any other Soviet underground nuclear test site. It was also the site of the first Soviet underground nuclear test--a 1-kiloton device detonated on October 11, 1961. Until recently, the details of testing at Degelen were kept secret and have been the subject of considerable speculation. However, in 1991, the Semipalatinsk test site became part of the newly independent Republic of Kazakhstan; and in 1995, the Kazakhstani government concluded an agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to eliminate the nuclear testing infrastructure in Kazakhstan. This agreement, which calls for the "demilitarization of the infrastructure directly associated with the nuclear weapons test tunnels," has been implemented as the "Degelen Mountain Tunnel Closure Program." The U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency, in partnership with the Department of Energy, has permitted the use of the tunnel closure project at the former nuclear test site as a foundation on which to support cost-effective, research-and-development-funded experiments. These experiments are principally designed to improve U.S. capabilities to monitor and verify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), but have provided a new source of information on the effects of nuclear and chemical explosions on hard, fractured rock environments. These new data extends and confirms the results of recent Russian publications on the rock environment at the site and the mechanical effects of large-scale chemical and nuclear testing. In 1998, a large-scale tunnel closure experiment, Omega-1, was conducted in Tunnel 214 at Degelen mountain. In this experiment, a 100-ton chemical explosive blast was used to test technologies for monitoring the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, and to calibrate a portion of the CTBT's International Monitoring System. This experiment has also provided important benchmark data on the mechanical behavior of hard, dense, fractured rock, and has demonstrated the feasibility of fielding large-scale calibration explosions, which are specified as a "confidence-building measure" in the CTBT Protocol. Two other large-scale explosion experiments, Omega-2 and Omega-3, are planned for the summer of 1999 and 2000. Like the Tunnel 214 test, the 1999 experiment will include close-in monitoring of near-source effects, as well as contributing to the calibration of key seismic stations for the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. The Omega-3 test will examine the effect of multiple blasts on the fractured rock environment.

Influence of gait mode and body orientation on following a walking avatar.

PubMed

Meerhoff, L Rens A; de Poel, Harjo J; Jowett, Tim W D; Button, Chris

2017-08-01

Regulating distance with a moving object or person is a key component of human movement and of skillful interpersonal coordination. The current set of experiments aimed to assess the role of gait mode and body orientation on distance regulation using a cyclical locomotor tracking task in which participants followed a virtual leader. In the first experiment, participants moved in the backward-forward direction while the body orientation of the virtual leader was manipulated (i.e., facing towards, or away from the follower), hence imposing an incongruence in gait mode between leader and follower. Distance regulation was spatially less accurate when followers walked backwards. Additionally, a clear trade-off was found between spatial leader-follower accuracy and temporal synchrony. Any perceptual effects were overshadowed by the effect of one's gait mode. In the second experiment we examined lateral following. The results suggested that lateral following was also constrained strongly by perceptual information presented by the leader. Together, these findings demonstrated how locomotor tracking depends on gait mode, but also on the body orientation of whoever is being followed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A study of intrinsic statistical variation for low-energy nuclear recoils in liquid xenon detector for dark matter searches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lu; Wei, Wenzhao; Mei, Dongming; Cubed Collaboration

2015-10-01

Noble liquid xenon experiments, such as XENON100, LUX, XENON 1-Ton, and LZ are large dark matter experiments directly searches for weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs). One of the most important features is to discriminate nuclear recoils from electronic recoils. Detector response is generally calibrated with different radioactive sources including 83mKr, tritiated methane, 241AmBe, 252Cf, and DD-neutrons. The electronic recoil and nuclear recoil bands have been determined by these calibrations. However, the width of nuclear recoil band needs to be fully understood. We derive a theoretical model to understand the correlation of the width of nuclear recoil band and intrinsic statistical variation. In addition, we conduct experiments to validate the theoretical model. In this paper, we present the study of intrinsic statistical variation contributing to the width of nuclear recoil band. DE-FG02-10ER46709 and the state of South Dakota.

A work observation study of nuclear medicine technologists: interruptions, resilience and implications for patient safety

PubMed Central

Larcos, George; Prgomet, Mirela; Georgiou, Andrew; Westbrook, Johanna

2017-01-01

Background Errors by nuclear medicine technologists during the preparation of radiopharmaceuticals or at other times can cause patient harm and may reflect the impact of interruptions, busy work environments and deficient systems or processes. We aimed to: (a) characterise the rate and nature of interruptions technologists experience and (b) identify strategies that support safety. Methods We performed 100 hours of observation of 11 technologists at a major public hospital and measured the proportions of time spent in eight categories of work tasks, location of task, interruption rate and type and multitasking (tasks conducted in parallel). We catalogued specific safety-oriented strategies used by technologists. Results Technologists completed 5227 tasks and experienced 569 interruptions (mean, 4.5 times per hour; 95% CI 4.1 to 4.9). The highest interruption rate occurred when technologists were in transit between rooms (10.3 per hour (95% CI 8.3 to 12.5)). Interruptions during radiopharmaceutical preparation occurred a mean of 4.4 times per hour (95% CI 3.3 to 5.6). Most (n=426) tasks were interrupted once only and all tasks were resumed after interruption. Multitasking occurred 16.6% of the time. At least some interruptions were initiated by other technologists to convey important information and/or to render assistance. Technologists employed a variety of verbal and non-verbal strategies in all work areas (notably in the hot-lab) to minimise the impact of interruptions and optimise the safe conduct of procedures. Although most were due to individual choices, some strategies reflected overt or subliminal departmental policy. Conclusions Some interruptions appear beneficial. Technologists' self-initiated strategies to support safe work practices appear to be an important element in supporting a resilient work environment in nuclear medicine. PMID:27707869

A historical perspective of remote operations and robotics in nuclear facilities. Robotics and Intelligent Systems Program

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

Herndon, J.N.

1992-12-31

The field of remote technology is continuing to evolve to support man`s efforts to perform tasks in hostile environments. The technology which we recognize today as remote technology has evolved over the last 45 years to support human operations in hostile environments such as nuclear fission and fusion, space, underwater, hazardous chemical, and hazardous manufacturing. The four major categories of approach to remote technology have been (1) protective clothing and equipment for direct human entry, (2) extended reach tools using distance for safety, (3) telemanipulators with barriers for safety, and (4) teleoperators incorporating mobility with distance and/or barriers for safety.more » The government and commercial nuclear industry has driven the development of the majority of the actual teleoperator hardware available today. This hardware has been developed largely due to the unsatisfactory performance of the protective-clothing approach in many hostile applications. Manipulation systems which have been developed include crane/impact wrench systems, unilateral power manipulators, mechanical master/slaves, and servomanipulators. Viewing systems have included periscopes, shield windows, and television systems. Experience over the past 45 years indicates that maintenance system flexibility is essential to typical repair tasks because they are usually not repetitive, structured, or planned. Fully remote design (manipulation, task provisions, remote tooling, and facility synergy) is essential to work task efficiency. Work for space applications has been primarily research oriented with relatively few successful space applications, although the shuttle`s remote manipulator system has been quite successful. In the last decade, underwater applications have moved forward significantly, with the offshore oil industry and military applications providing the primary impetus.« less

Multi-Physics Simulation of TREAT Kinetics using MAMMOTH

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

DeHart, Mark; Gleicher, Frederick; Ortensi, Javier

With the advent of next generation reactor systems and new fuel designs, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has identified the need for the resumption of transient testing of nuclear fuels. DOE has decided that the Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is best suited for future testing. TREAT is a thermal neutron spectrum nuclear test facility that is designed to test nuclear fuels in transient scenarios. These specific fuels transient tests range from simple temperature transients to full fuel melt accidents. The current TREAT core is driven by highly enriched uranium (HEU) dispersed in amore » graphite matrix (1:10000 U-235/C atom ratio). At the center of the core, fuel is removed allowing for the insertion of an experimental test vehicle. TREAT’s design provides experimental flexibility and inherent safety during neutron pulsing. This safety stems from the graphite in the driver fuel having a strong negative temperature coefficient of reactivity resulting from a thermal Maxwellian shift with increased leakage, as well as graphite acting as a temperature sink. Air cooling is available, but is generally used post-transient for heat removal. DOE and INL have expressed a desire to develop a simulation capability that will accurately model the experiments before they are irradiated at the facility, with an emphasis on effective and safe operation while minimizing experimental time and cost. At INL, the Multi-physics Object Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) has been selected as the model development framework for this work. This paper describes the results of preliminary simulations of a TREAT fuel element under transient conditions using the MOOSE-based MAMMOTH reactor physics tool.« less

Goal-oriented training affects decision-making processes in virtual and simulated fire and rescue environments.

PubMed

Cohen-Hatton, Sabrina R; Honey, R C

2015-12-01

Decisions made by operational commanders at emergency incidents have been characterized as involving a period of information gathering followed by courses of action that are often generated without explicit plan formulation. We examined the efficacy of goal-oriented training in engendering explicit planning that would enable better communication at emergency incidents. While standard training mirrored current operational guidance, goal-oriented training incorporated "decision controls" that highlighted the importance of evaluating goals, anticipated consequences, and risk/benefit analyses once a potential course of action has been identified. In Experiment 1, 3 scenarios (a house fire, road traffic collision, and skip fire) were presented in a virtual environment, and in Experiment 2 they were recreated on the fireground. In Experiment 3, the house fire was recreated as a "live burn," and incident commanders and their crews responded to this scenario as an emergency incident. In all experiments, groups given standard training showed the reported tendency to move directly from information gathering to action, whereas those given goal-oriented training were more likely to develop explicit plans and show anticipatory situational awareness. These results indicate that training can be readily modified to promote explicit plan formulation that could facilitate plan sharing between incident commanders and their teams. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

Perceived Stigma, Discrimination, and Disclosure of Sexual Orientation Among a Sample of Lesbian Veterans Receiving Care in the Department of Veterans Affairs.

PubMed

Mattocks, Kristin M; Sullivan, J Cherry; Bertrand, Christina; Kinney, Rebecca L; Sherman, Michelle D; Gustason, Carolyn

2015-06-01

Many lesbian women experience stigma and discrimination from their healthcare providers as a result of their sexual orientation. Additionally, others avoid disclosure of their sexual orientation to their providers for fear of mistreatment. With the increasing number of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) veterans seeking care from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), it is important to understand lesbian veterans' experiences with stigma, discrimination, and disclosure of sexual orientation. This article examines lesbian veterans' experiences with perceived stigma and discrimination in VHA healthcare, their perspectives on disclosure of sexual orientation to VHA providers, and their recommendations for improvements in VHA healthcare to create a welcoming environment for lesbian veterans. This is a mixed methods study of twenty lesbian veterans at four VHA facilities. The women veterans participated in a one-hour interview and then completed an anonymous survey. Ten percent of lesbian veterans had experienced mistreatment from VHA staff or providers, but nearly 50% feared that their Veterans Affairs (VA) providers would mistreat them if they knew about their sexual orientation. A majority of lesbian veterans (70%) believed that VHA providers should never ask about sexual orientation or should only ask if the veteran wanted to discuss it. A majority (80%) believed the VHA had taken steps to create a welcoming environment for LBGT veterans. Though many lesbian veterans have fears of stigma and discrimination in the context of VHA care, few have experienced this. Most lesbian veterans believed the VHA was trying to create a welcoming environment for its LGBT veterans. Future research should focus on expanding this study to include a larger and more diverse sample of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender veterans receiving care at VA facilities across the country.

STS-47 MS Davis and Pilot Brown repair ISAIAH humidity problem aboard OV-105

NASA Image and Video Library

1992-09-20

STS047-35-022 (12 - 20 Sept 1992) --- Astronauts Curtis L. Brown, Jr., pilot, and N. Jan Davis, mission specialist, team up to cure a high humidity problem in the hornet experiment in the Spacelab-J Science Module of the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Endeavour. Via a jury-rigged hose hook-up, the two were able to blow air from a spacesuit fan into the experiment, thus eliminating condensation that obscured the viewing of the Israeli hornet experiment. The experiment examined the effects of microgravity on the orientation, reproductive capability and social activity of 180 female Oriental Hornets.

The U.S./IAEA Workshop on Software Sustainability for Safeguards Instrumentation

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

Pepper S. E.; .; Worrall, L.

2014-08-08

The U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration’s Next Generation Safeguards Initiative, the U.S. Department of State, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) organized a a workshop on the subject of ”Software Sustainability for Safeguards Instrumentation.” The workshop was held at the Vienna International Centre in Vienna, Austria, May 6-8, 2014. The workshop participants included software and hardware experts from national laboratories, industry, government, and IAEA member states who were specially selected by the workshop organizers based on their experience with software that is developed for the control and operation of safeguards instrumentation. The workshop included presentations, to orient the participantsmore » to the IAEA Department of Safeguards software activities related to instrumentation data collection and processing, and case studies that were designed to inspire discussion of software development, use, maintenance, and upgrades in breakout sessions and to result in recommendations for effective software practices and management. This report summarizes the results of the workshop.« less

Determining the Orientation and Localization of Membrane-Bound Peptides

PubMed Central

Hohlweg, Walter; Kosol, Simone; Zangger, Klaus

2012-01-01

Many naturally occurring bioactive peptides bind to biological membranes. Studying and elucidating the mode of interaction is often an essential step to understand their molecular and biological functions. To obtain the complete orientation and immersion depth of such compounds in the membrane or a membrane-mimetic system, a number of methods are available, which are separated in this review into four main classes: solution NMR, solid-state NMR, EPR and other methods. Solution NMR methods include the Nuclear Overhauser Effect (NOE) between peptide and membrane signals, residual dipolar couplings and the use of paramagnetic probes, either within the membrane-mimetic or in the solvent. The vast array of solid state NMR methods to study membrane-bound peptide orientation and localization includes the anisotropic chemical shift, PISA wheels, dipolar waves, the GALA, MAOS and REDOR methods and again the use of paramagnetic additives on relaxation rates. Paramagnetic additives, with their effect on spectral linewidths, have also been used in EPR spectroscopy. Additionally, the orientation of a peptide within a membrane can be obtained by the anisotropic hyperfine tensor of a rigidly attached nitroxide label. Besides these magnetic resonance techniques a series of other methods to probe the orientation of peptides in membranes has been developed, consisting of fluorescence-, infrared- and oriented circular dichroism spectroscopy, colorimetry, interface-sensitive X-ray and neutron scattering and Quartz crystal microbalance. PMID:22044140

Civil Defense, U. S. A.: A Programmed Orientation to Civil Defense. Unit 3. Natural Disasters.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Defense Civil Preparedness Agency (DOD), Battle Creek, MI.

The effects of natural disasters and the implications which those effects have for community emergency preparedness are discussed. Major topics include: (1) Similarities and differences in types of responses required by a nuclear and natural disasters, (2) The civil defense function in natural disasters, (3) Vulnerability analysis, (4) Warning…

The Job Creation Potential of Solar and Conservation: A Critical Evaluation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schachter, Mary

Solar proponents claim that a solar- and conservation-oriented economy will create vastly larger numbers of jobs than the conventional and nuclear alternatives. Comparing energy alternatives in terms of job creation potential is tenuous at best due to the paucity of analysis in this area. Ideally, both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of…

Low-Field Nuclear Polarization Using Nitrogen Vacancy Centers in Diamonds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hovav, Y.; Naydenov, B.; Jelezko, F.; Bar-Gill, N.

2018-02-01

It was recently demonstrated that bulk nuclear polarization can be obtained using nitrogen vacancy (NV) color centers in diamonds, even at ambient conditions. This is based on the optical polarization of the NV electron spin, and using several polarization transfer methods. One such method is the nuclear orientation via electron spin locking (NOVEL) sequence, where a spin-locked sequence is applied on the NV spin, with a microwave power equal to the nuclear precession frequency. This was performed at relatively high fields, to allow for both polarization transfer and noise decoupling. As a result, this scheme requires accurate magnetic field alignment in order preserve the NV properties. Such a requirement may be undesired or impractical in many practical scenarios. Here we present a new sequence, termed the refocused NOVEL, which can be used for polarization transfer (and detection) even at low fields. Numerical simulations are performed, taking into account both the spin Hamiltonian and spin decoherence, and we show that, under realistic parameters, it can outperform the NOVEL sequence.

Nuclear export receptor CRM1 recognizes diverse conformations in nuclear export signals.

PubMed

Fung, Ho Yee Joyce; Fu, Szu-Chin; Chook, Yuh Min

2017-03-10

Nuclear export receptor CRM1 binds highly variable nuclear export signals (NESs) in hundreds of different cargoes. Previously we have shown that CRM1 binds NESs in both polypeptide orientations (Fung et al., 2015). Here, we show crystal structures of CRM1 bound to eight additional NESs which reveal diverse conformations that range from loop-like to all-helix, which occupy different extents of the invariant NES-binding groove. Analysis of all NES structures show 5-6 distinct backbone conformations where the only conserved secondary structural element is one turn of helix that binds the central portion of the CRM1 groove. All NESs also participate in main chain hydrogen bonding with human CRM1 Lys568 side chain, which acts as a specificity filter that prevents binding of non-NES peptides. The large conformational range of NES backbones explains the lack of a fixed pattern for its 3-5 hydrophobic anchor residues, which in turn explains the large array of peptide sequences that can function as NESs.

Nuclear Experiments You Can Do...from Edison.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Benrey, Ronald M.

This booklet discusses some of the basic facts about nuclear energy and provides eight experiments related to these facts. The experiments (which include lists of materials needed and procedures used) involve: (1) an oil-drop model of a splitting atom; (2) a domino model of a chain reaction; (3) observing radioactivity with an electroscope; (4)…

A Laboratory Experiment on the Statistical Theory of Nuclear Reactions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Loveland, Walter

1971-01-01

Describes an undergraduate laboratory experiment on the statistical theory of nuclear reactions. The experiment involves measuring the relative cross sections for formation of a nucleus in its meta stable excited state and its ground state by applying gamma-ray spectroscopy to an irradiated sample. Involves 3-4 hours of laboratory time plus…

Pharmacy Service Orientation: a measure of organizational culture in pharmacy practice sites.

PubMed

Clark, Bartholomew E; Mount, Jeanine K

2006-03-01

The importance of organizational culture in shaping everyday organizational life is well accepted, but little work has focused on organizational culture in pharmacy. Examining new pharmacists' experiences at various practice sites may help us to understand how these shape their professional ethos and practice habits. (1) Present development and assessment of the Pharmacy Service Orientation (PSO) measure, a tool for assessing pharmacists' impressions of pharmacy practice sites. (2) Use data gathered from a sample of new pharmacists to explore potential predictors of PSO, including type of practice site, type of pharmacy work experience, and type of pharmacy degree. Mail survey of randomly selected class of 1999 pharmacy graduates within 3 months of graduation (response rate: 259 of 1,850; 14%), each of whom reported on up to 6 different pharmacy practice sites for a total of 1,192 pharmacy observations. Pharmacy Service Orientation is scored on a 1-10 semantic differential scale and reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Predictors of PSO were explored using t test and ordinary least squares regression procedures. Reliability of the PSO across all observations was 0.86. When divided according to recency of experience and type of experience, reliabilities ranged from 0.78 to 0.87. Analysis of potential predictors of PSO showed that non-corporate-community sites had significantly greater pharmaceutical care-oriented cultures (mean PSOs of 7.42 and 5.13, respectively; P<.001). The same pattern was seen for academic and nonacademic worksites (mean PSOs of 7.46 and 6.01, respectively; P<.001). The pharmacist's pharmacy degree type was not predictive of PSO. Multivariate regression results showed that type of practice site and type of pharmacy work experience explained more than 25% of the observed variance in PSO. Pharmacy Service Orientation is a reliable measure. Statistically significant differences in PSO comparisons by degree and by experience type are explained by significant differences between the PSOs of corporate-community and non-corporate-community sites.

History of Los Alamos Participation in Active Experiments in Space

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

Pongratz, Morris B.

Beginning with the Teak nuclear test in 1958, Los Alamos has a long history of participation in active experiments in space. The last pertinent nuclear tests were the five explosions as part of the Dominic series in 1962. The Partial Test Ban Treaty signed in August 1963 prohibited all test detonations of nuclear weapons except for those conducted underground. Beginning with the “Apple” thermite barium release in June 1968 Los Alamos has participated in nearly 100 non-nuclear experiments in space, the last being the NASA-sponsored “AA-2” strontium and europium doped barium thermite releases in the Arecibo beam in July ofmore » 1992. The rationale for these experiments ranged from studying basic plasma processes such as gradientdriven structuring and velocity-space instabilities to illuminating the convection of plasmas in the ionosphere and polar cap to ionospheric depletion experiments to the B.E.A.R. 1-MeV neutral particle beam test in 1989. This report reviews the objectives, techniques and diagnostics of Los Alamos participation in active experiments in space.« less

Mission impossible? - Government Agencies And Public Relations For Nuclear Waste Disposal In Germany

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

Landsmann, B.; Brauer, V.

2007-07-01

Analyzing the opinion of European Union citizens on the management of radioactive waste a survey of 2005 shows that European citizens are almost unanimous in the need to set up a national strategy for high-level radioactive waste disposal without any delay. While 45% of respondents consider that deep underground disposal represents the most appropriate solution for long-term management of highly radioactive waste, 38% disagree. In Germany, the divergence of opinion in this respect is very distinctive and it shows that, although experts believe that selected sites represent the best solution, this information does not yet seem to have reached themore » public. The reason therefore is both the lack of interesting and comprehensible information of issues related to nuclear waste disposal and negative media reporting always coupled with the negative public opinion about atomic energy in Germany. In Germany the siting, construction, and operation of a repository for radioactive waste is a national task. The Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) as a government agency is a praxis oriented science institution and works on all geo-scientific and geotechnical issues in the German repository projects. According to its guidance BGR feels responsible for the future generations and is acting as a neutral and anticipatory partner for ministries and public authorities as well as a partner for industry, society and scientific bodies. BGR therefore is able to accomplish an essential contribution for the creation of public confidence for radioactive waste disposal due to precise public relations strategies. Sending the following messages is BGR's communication goal: - Radioactive waste can safely be disposed of in deep geological formations; - BGR is capable to handle this duty and delivers reliable results. Thereby, the BGR is in particular interested in passing on the information about nuclear waste disposal in a current and comprehensible way as well as providing arguments for the public. Public relations work of an authority should not only be to announce its expertise and consulting competence, but also to operate goal-orientated as a dialog partner and service provider of the community. BGR as an authority meets this challenge with the important advantage of accomplishing scientific research itself and thus delivering information first hand. In the last couple of years the BGR started to build its own public relations about its geo-scientific research. The BGR is planning to handle this dialog continuously, consistently and even strengthen it. Target groups are not only experts like research institutes and universities but also citizens as well as stakeholders and decision-makers. In order to fulfil the requirements of a comprehensive geo-scientific information policy, BGR is continuously enlarging its internet offer to the issue of nuclear waste disposal. The focal point concentrates on current, generally understandable words as well as on a wide offer about expert knowledge. Furthermore, the citizens shall be informed and sensitized about the topic of disposal by continuous media and press work. Through a target group oriented information in dialog with the public, state authorities, such as the BGR, are able to give an important contribution for the objectification of the 'disposal issue' and therefore more acceptance which could lead to more confidence within the population. BGR is analyzing international public relation concepts and is trying to transfer suitable strategies for public communication in Germany. Experience in Public Relations in the last four years have demonstrated that exciting as well as comprehensible information and an active presentation of topics of nuclear waste disposal consistently showed positive reactions and interest among the participants. (authors)« less

Beyond hormones: a novel hypothesis for the biological basis of male sexual orientation.

PubMed

Bocklandt, S; Hamer, D H

2003-01-01

For the past several decades, research on the development of human sexual orientation has focused on the role of pre- or peri-natal androgen levels on brain development. However, there is no evidence that physiologically occurring variations in androgen exposure influence differences in sexual orientation. In this review, we discuss an alternative hypothesis involving genomic imprinting in the regulation of sex specific expression of genes regulating sexually dimorphic traits, including sexual orientation. A possible experiment to test this hypothesis is discussed.

Implied dynamics biases the visual perception of velocity.

PubMed

La Scaleia, Barbara; Zago, Myrka; Moscatelli, Alessandro; Lacquaniti, Francesco; Viviani, Paolo

2014-01-01

We expand the anecdotic report by Johansson that back-and-forth linear harmonic motions appear uniform. Six experiments explore the role of shape and spatial orientation of the trajectory of a point-light target in the perceptual judgment of uniform motion. In Experiment 1, the target oscillated back-and-forth along a circular arc around an invisible pivot. The imaginary segment from the pivot to the midpoint of the trajectory could be oriented vertically downward (consistent with an upright pendulum), horizontally leftward, or vertically upward (upside-down). In Experiments 2 to 5, the target moved uni-directionally. The effect of suppressing the alternation of movement directions was tested with curvilinear (Experiment 2 and 3) or rectilinear (Experiment 4 and 5) paths. Experiment 6 replicated the upright condition of Experiment 1, but participants were asked to hold the gaze on a fixation point. When some features of the trajectory evoked the motion of either a simple pendulum or a mass-spring system, observers identified as uniform the kinematic profiles close to harmonic motion. The bias towards harmonic motion was most consistent in the upright orientation of Experiment 1 and 6. The bias disappeared when the stimuli were incompatible with both pendulum and mass-spring models (Experiments 3 to 5). The results are compatible with the hypothesis that the perception of dynamic stimuli is biased by the laws of motion obeyed by natural events, so that only natural motions appear uniform.

Experience and advantages in implementation of educational program in network form at Department «Closed nuclear fuel cycle Technologies» of National Research Nuclear University «MEPhI»

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beygel‧, A. G.; Kutsenko, K. V.; Lavrukhin, A. A.; Magomedbekov, E. P.; Pershukov, V. A.; Sofronov, V. L.; Tyupina, E. A.; Zhiganov, A. N.

2017-01-01

The experience of implementation of the basic educational program of magistracy on direction «Nuclear Physics and Technologies» in a network form is presented. Examples of joint implementation of the educational process with employers organizations, other universities and intranet mobility of students are given.

A Dynamic/Anisotropic Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Ionizing Radiation Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Badavi, Francis F.; West, Katie J.; Nealy, John E.; Wilson, John W.; Abrahms, Briana L.; Luetke, Nathan J.

2006-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) provides the proving ground for future long duration human activities in space. Ionizing radiation measurements in ISS form the ideal tool for the experimental validation of ionizing radiation environmental models, nuclear transport code algorithms, and nuclear reaction cross sections. Indeed, prior measurements on the Space Transportation System (STS; Shuttle) have provided vital information impacting both the environmental models and the nuclear transport code development by requiring dynamic models of the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) environment. Previous studies using Computer Aided Design (CAD) models of the evolving ISS configurations with Thermo Luminescent Detector (TLD) area monitors, demonstrated that computational dosimetry requires environmental models with accurate non-isotropic as well as dynamic behavior, detailed information on rack loading, and an accurate 6 degree of freedom (DOF) description of ISS trajectory and orientation.

Nuclear Science Symposium, 21st, Scintillation and Semiconductor Counter Symposium, 14th, and Nuclear Power Systems Symposium, 6th, Washington, D.C., December 11-13, 1974, Proceedings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

Papers are presented dealing with latest advances in the design of scintillation counters, semiconductor radiation detectors, gas and position sensitive radiation detectors, and the application of these detectors in biomedicine, satellite instrumentation, and environmental and reactor instrumentation. Some of the topics covered include entopistic scintillators, neutron spectrometry by diamond detector for nuclear radiation, the spherical drift chamber for X-ray imaging applications, CdTe detectors in radioimmunoassay analysis, CAMAC and NIM systems in the space program, a closed loop threshold calibrator for pulse height discriminators, an oriented graphite X-ray diffraction telescope, design of a continuous digital-output environmental radon monitor, and the optimization of nanosecond fission ion chambers for reactor physics. Individual items are announced in this issue.

A mathematical model for the release of noble gas and Cs from porous nuclear fuel based on VEGA 1&2 experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simones, M. P.; Reinig, M. L.; Loyalka, S. K.

2014-05-01

Release of fission products from nuclear fuel in accidents is an issue of major concern in nuclear reactor safety, and there is considerable room for development of improved models, supported by experiments, as one needs to understand and elucidate role of various phenomena and parameters. The VEGA (Verification Experiments of radionuclides Gas/Aerosol release) program on several irradiated nuclear fuels investigated the release rates of radionuclides and results demonstrated that the release rates of radionuclides from all nuclear fuels tested decreased with increasing external gas pressure surrounding the fuel. Hidaka et al. (2004-2011) accounted for this pressure effect by developing a 2-stage diffusion model describing the transport of radionuclides in porous nuclear fuel. We have extended this 2-stage diffusion model to account for mutual binary gas diffusion in the open pores as well as to introduce the appropriate parameters to cover the slip flow regime (0.01 ⩽ Kn ⩽ 0.1). While we have directed our numerical efforts toward the simulation of the VEGA experiments and assessments of differences from the results of Hidaka et al., the model and the techniques reported here are of larger interest as these would aid in modeling of diffusion in general (e.g. in graphite and other nuclear materials of interest).

An automated geometric correction system for airborne multispectral scanner imagery

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

Lewis-King, E.; Tinney, L.; Brickey, D.

1996-10-01

The United States Department of Energy (USDOE) maintains a Remote Sensing Laboratory (RSL) to support nuclear related programs of the US Government. The mission of the organization includes both emergency response and more routine environmental assessments of nuclear facilities. The USDOE RSL maintains a small fleet of specially equipped aircraft that are used as platforms for remote sensor systems. The aircraft include helicopters, light aircraft, and a business jet suitable for high altitude acquisitions. Multispectral scanners flown on these platforms are subject to geometric distortions related to variations in aircraft orientation (pitch, roll, and yaw), position, and velocity during datamore » acquistions.« less

Working Party on International Nuclear Data Evaluation Cooperation (WPEC)

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

Dupont, E., E-mail: wpec@oecd-nea.org; Chadwick, M.B.; Danon, Y.

The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) organizes cooperation between the major nuclear data evaluation projects in the world. The NEA Working Party on International Nuclear Data Evaluation Cooperation (WPEC) was established to promote the exchange of information on nuclear data evaluation, measurement, nuclear model calculation, validation, and related topics, and to provide a framework for cooperative activities between the participating projects. The working party assesses nuclear data improvement needs and addresses these needs by initiating joint activities in the framework of dedicated WPEC subgroups. Studies recently completed comprise a number of works related to nuclear data covariance and associated processingmore » issues, as well as more specific studies related to the resonance parameter representation in the unresolved resonance region, the gamma production from fission product capture reactions, the {sup 235}U capture cross section, the EXFOR database, and the improvement of nuclear data for advanced reactor systems. Ongoing activities focus on the evaluation of {sup 239}Pu in the resonance region, scattering angular distribution in the fast energy range, and reporting/usage of experimental data for evaluation in the resolved resonance region. New activities include two subgroups on improved fission product yield evaluation methodologies and on modern nuclear database structures. Future activities under discussion include a pilot project for a Collaborative International Evaluated Library Organization (CIELO) and methods to provide feedback from nuclear and covariance data adjustment for improvement of nuclear data. In addition to the above mentioned short-term task-oriented subgroups, WPEC also hosts a longer-term subgroup charged with reviewing and compiling the most important nuclear data requirements in a high priority request list (HPRL)« less

Working Party on International Nuclear Data Evaluation Cooperation (WPEC)

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

Giuseppe Palmiotti

The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) is organizing the cooperation between the major nuclear data evaluation projects in the world. The NEA Working Party on International Nuclear Data Evaluation Cooperation (WPEC) was established to promote the exchange of information on nuclear data evaluation, measurement, nuclear model calculation, validation, and related topics, and to provide a framework for cooperative activities between the participating projects. The working party assesses nuclear data improvement needs and addresses these needs by initiating joint activities in the framework of dedicated WPEC subgroups. Studies recently completed comprise a number of works related to nuclear data covariance andmore » associated processing issues, as well as more specific studies related to the resonance parameter representation in the unresolved resonance region, the gamma production from fission-product capture reactions, the U-235 capture cross-section, the EXFOR database, and the improvement of nuclear data for advanced reactor systems. Ongoing activities focus on the evaluation of Pu-239 in the resonance region, scattering angular distribution in the fast energy range, and reporting/usage of experimental data for evaluation in the resolved resonance region. New activities include two new subgroups on improved fission product yield evaluation methodologies and on modern nuclear database structures. Future activities under discussion include a pilot project of a Collaborative International Evaluated Library (CIELO) and methods to provide feedback from nuclear and covariance data adjustment for improvement of nuclear data. In addition to the above mentioned short-term, task-oriented subgroups, the WPEC also hosts a longer-term subgroup charged with reviewing and compiling the most important nuclear data requirements in a high priority request list (HPRL).« less

Working Party on International Nuclear Data Evaluation Cooperation (WPEC)

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

Dupont, E.; Herman, M.; Dupont, E.

The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) organizes cooperation between the major nuclear data evaluation projects in the world. Moreover, the NEA Working Party on International Nuclear Data Evaluation Cooperation (WPEC) was established to promote the exchange of information on nuclear data evaluation, measurement, nuclear model calculation, validation, and related topics, and to provide a framework for cooperative activities between the participating projects. The working party assesses nuclear data improvement needs and addresses these needs by initiating joint activities in the framework of dedicated WPEC subgroups. Studies recently completed comprise a number of works related to nuclear data covariance and associatedmore » processing issues, as well as more specific studies related to the resonance parameter representation in the unresolved resonance region, the gamma production from fission product capture reactions, the 235U capture cross section, the EXFOR database, and the improvement of nuclear data for advanced reactor systems. Ongoing activities focus on the evaluation of 239Pu in the resonance region, scattering angular distribution in the fast energy range, and reporting/usage of experimental data for evaluation in the resolved resonance region. New activities include two subgroups on improved fission product yield evaluation methodologies and on modern nuclear database structures. Some future activities under discussion include a pilot project for a Collaborative International Evaluated Library Organization (CIELO) and methods to provide feedback from nuclear and covariance data adjustment for improvement of nuclear data. In addition to the above mentioned short-term task-oriented subgroups, WPEC also hosts a longer-term subgroup charged with reviewing and compiling the most important nuclear data requirements in a high priority request list (HPRL).« less

Experience modulates the influence of gonadal hormones on sexual orientation of male rats.

PubMed

Matuszczyk, J V; Larsson, K

1994-03-01

The aim of this study was to investigate whether heterosexual experience influences the male's partner preference and the role of gonadal hormones, including several androgens and estradiol, on female-oriented behavior. In the first experiment, the animals were exposed to a four-stimuli test situation including a sexually active male, a castrated male, an estrous female, and an ovariectomized (ovx) female. Castrated naive and experienced male rats were implanted with either testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), or an empty tubing (blank) and compared to intact naive and experienced male rats. None of the naive animals, whether castrated or intact, showed a consistent preference for any of the four stimuli. Whereas when sexually experienced, only intact and T-treated males showed a female-oriented preference. In the second experiment, the animals were allowed to choose between an active male and an estrous female. Castrated naive male rats were implanted with either T, E2, or DHT, or injected daily SC with the synthetic nonaromatizable androgen, methyltrienelone (R 1881). Two groups of intact males, one consisting of experienced and the other of naive animals, were also included in this experiment. The experienced intact males showed a significant preference for the estrous female, while the intact naive males showed no preference for either of the two stimuli. After the animals had gained heterosexual experience, intact and androgen-treated males showed a significant preference for the female. Neither the administration of R 1881 nor E2 promoted a female-oriented behavior.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Solid shape discrimination from vision and haptics: natural objects (Capsicum annuum) and Gibson's "feelies".

PubMed

Norman, J Farley; Phillips, Flip; Holmin, Jessica S; Norman, Hideko F; Beers, Amanda M; Boswell, Alexandria M; Cheeseman, Jacob R; Stethen, Angela G; Ronning, Cecilia

2012-10-01

A set of three experiments evaluated 96 participants' ability to visually and haptically discriminate solid object shape. In the past, some researchers have found haptic shape discrimination to be substantially inferior to visual shape discrimination, while other researchers have found haptics and vision to be essentially equivalent. A primary goal of the present study was to understand these discrepant past findings and to determine the true capabilities of the haptic system. All experiments used the same task (same vs. different shape discrimination) and stimulus objects (James Gibson's "feelies" and a set of naturally shaped objects--bell peppers). However, the methodology varied across experiments. Experiment 1 used random 3-dimensional (3-D) orientations of the stimulus objects, and the conditions were full-cue (active manipulation of objects and rotation of the visual objects in depth). Experiment 2 restricted the 3-D orientations of the stimulus objects and limited the haptic and visual information available to the participants. Experiment 3 compared restricted and full-cue conditions using random 3-D orientations. We replicated both previous findings in the current study. When we restricted visual and haptic information (and placed the stimulus objects in the same orientation on every trial), the participants' visual performance was superior to that obtained for haptics (replicating the earlier findings of Davidson et al. in Percept Psychophys 15(3):539-543, 1974). When the circumstances resembled those of ordinary life (e.g., participants able to actively manipulate objects and see them from a variety of perspectives), we found no significant difference between visual and haptic solid shape discrimination.

Effects of head orientation and lateral body tilt on egocentric coding: cognitive and sensory-motor accuracy.

PubMed

Prieur, J-M; Bourdin, C; Sarès, F; Vercher, J-L

2006-01-01

A major issue in motor control studies is to determine whether and how we use spatial frames of reference to organize our spatially oriented behaviors. In previous experiments we showed that simulated body tilt during off-axis rotation affected the performance in verbal localization and manual pointing tasks. It was hypothesized that the observed alterations were at least partly due to a change in the orientation of the egocentric frame of reference, which was indeed centered on the body but aligned with the gravitational vector. The present experiments were designed to test this hypothesis in a situation where no inertial constraints (except the usual gravitational one) exist and where the orientation of the body longitudinal z-axis was not aligned with the direction of the gravity. Eleven subjects were exposed to real static body tilt and were required to verbally localize (experiment 1) and to point as accurately as possible towards (experiment 2) memorized visual targets, in two conditions, Head-Free and Head-Fixed conditions. Results show that the performance was only affected by real body tilt in the localization task performed when the subject's head was tilted relative to the body. Thus, dissociation between gravity and body longitudinal z-axis alone is not responsible for localization nor for pointing errors. Therefore, the egocentric frame of reference seems independent from the orientation of the gravity with regard to body z-axis as expected from our previous studies. Moreover, the use of spatial referentials appears to be less mandatory than expected for pointing movements (motor task) than for localization task (cognitive task).

The perceptual processing capacity of summary statistics between and within feature dimensions

PubMed Central

Attarha, Mouna; Moore, Cathleen M.

2015-01-01

The simultaneous–sequential method was used to test the processing capacity of statistical summary representations both within and between feature dimensions. Sixteen gratings varied with respect to their size and orientation. In Experiment 1, the gratings were equally divided into four separate smaller sets, one of which with a mean size that was larger or smaller than the other three sets, and one of which with a mean orientation that was tilted more leftward or rightward. The task was to report the mean size and orientation of the oddball sets. This therefore required four summary representations for size and another four for orientation. The sets were presented at the same time in the simultaneous condition or across two temporal frames in the sequential condition. Experiment 1 showed evidence of a sequential advantage, suggesting that the system may be limited with respect to establishing multiple within-feature summaries. Experiment 2 eliminates the possibility that some aspect of the task, other than averaging, was contributing to this observed limitation. In Experiment 3, the same 16 gratings appeared as one large superset, and therefore the task only required one summary representation for size and another one for orientation. Equal simultaneous–sequential performance indicated that between-feature summaries are capacity free. These findings challenge the view that within-feature summaries drive a global sense of visual continuity across areas of the peripheral visual field, and suggest a shift in focus to seeking an understanding of how between-feature summaries in one area of the environment control behavior. PMID:26360153

Zeeman perturbed nuclear quadrupole spin echo envelope modulations for spin 3/2 nuclei in polycrystalline specimens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramachandran, R.; Narasimhan, P. T.

The results of theoretical and experimental studies of Zeeman-perturbed nuclear quadrupole spin echo envelope modulations (ZSEEM) for spin 3/2 nuclei in polycrystalline specimens are presented. The response of the Zeeman-perturbed spin ensemble to resonant two pulse excitations has been calculated using the density matrix formalism. The theoretical calculation assumes a parallel orientation of the external r.f. and static Zeeman fields and an arbitrary orientation of these fields to the principal axes system of the electric field gradient. A numerical powder averaging procedure has been adopted to simulate the response of the polycrystalline specimens. Using a coherent pulsed nuclear quadrupole resonance spectrometer the ZSEEM patterns of the 35Cl nuclei have been recorded in polycrystalline specimens of potassium chlorate, barium chlorate, mercuric chloride (two sites) and antimony trichloride (two sites) using the π/2-τ-π/2 sequence. The theoretical and experimental ZSEEM patterns have been compared. In the case of mercuric chloride, the experimental 35Cl ZSEEM patterns are found to be nearly identical for the two sites and correspond to a near-zero value of the asymmetry parameter, η, of the electric field gradient tensor. The difference in the η values for the two 35Cl sites (η ˜0·06 and η˜0·16) in antimony trichloride is clearly reflected in the experimental and theoretical ZSEEM patterns. The present study indicates the feasibility of evaluating η for spin 3/2 nuclei in polycrystalline specimens from ZSEEM investigations.

Photography activities for developing students’ spatial orientation and spatial visualization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hendroanto, Aan; van Galen, Frans; van Eerde, D.; Prahmana, R. C. I.; Setyawan, F.; Istiandaru, A.

2017-12-01

Spatial orientation and spatial visualization are the foundation of students’ spatial ability. They assist students’ performance in learning mathematics, especially geometry. Considering its importance, the present study aims to design activities to help young learners developing their spatial orientation and spatial visualization ability. Photography activity was chosen as the context of the activity to guide and support the students. This is a design research study consisting of three phases: 1) preparation and designing 2) teaching experiment, and 3) retrospective analysis. The data is collected by tests and interview and qualitatively analyzed. We developed two photography activities to be tested. In the teaching experiments, 30 students of SD Laboratorium UNESA, Surabaya were involved. The results showed that the activities supported the development of students’ spatial orientation and spatial visualization indicated by students’ learning progresses, answers, and strategies when they solved the problems in the activities.

Sexual orientation and professional dance.

PubMed

Bailey, J M; Oberschneider, M

1997-08-01

The stereotypical professional male dancer is a gay man. However, little if any systematic research has investigated the validity of this stereotype, much less the reasons why male sexual orientation would be associated with interest in dance. We interviewed 136 professional dancers about the prevalence of homosexuality among dancers, the dancers' own sexual development, and relationships between dancers of different sexual orientations. Dancers estimated that over half of male dancers are gay, but that only a small minority of female dancers are lesbian. Gay men recalled more intense early interest in dance compared to heterosexual men and women, and were more feminine as boys than were heterosexual men. Gay men's homosexual feelings typically preceded their dance experience, and only one gay man felt that his dance experiences may have influenced his sexual orientation. Heterosexual men voiced some mild complaints about gay male dancers, but these were balanced by positive sentiments.

Form preferences in successive discrimination learning of young chicks.

PubMed

Zolman, J F; Pursley, D G; Hall, J A; Sahley, C L

1975-12-01

In four experiments the effects of form and orientation pecking preferences of 1- and 3-day old Vantress X Arbor Acre chicks on successive discrimination learning were determined, using heat reinforcement. Major findings were as follows: (a) The young chick has both circle and verticle orientation pecking preferences that are present during at least the first 3 days after hatching; (b) when either of these preferred cues is the nonreinforced cue, the young chick has difficulty in learning not to respond to it but learns quickly not to respond to an unpreferred cue (e.g., triangle and horizontal oriented dots or bar); and (c) these pecking preferences can be modified by heat reinforcement, and the effects of this conditioning is evidenct in subsequent extinction and retention tests. The main conclusion from these experiments is that form and orientation preferences, like brightness and color preferences, are important developmental constraints on conditioning of the young chick.

Language use and stereotyping: the role of approach and avoidance motivation goals.

PubMed

Gil de Montes, Lorena; Ortiz, Garbiñe; Valencia, José F; Larrañaga, Maider; Agirrezabal, Arrate

2012-11-01

The use of more abstract language to describe expected behaviors as opposed to unexpected behaviors has traditionally been considered a way of stereotype maintenance. This tendency is known as linguistic expectancy bias. Two experiments examined the influence of approach and avoidance motivational orientations on the production of this linguistic expectancy bias. It was predicted that approach strategic orientation is likely to describe expectancy consistent behaviors at a higher level of linguistic abstraction than expectancy inconsistent behaviors. In contrast, avoidance strategic orientation is likely to describe both expectancy consistent behaviors and expectancy inconsistent behaviors at a lower level of linguistic abstraction, thus facilitating the disappearance of linguistic expectancy bias. Two experiments confirmed these expectations, using strategic orientation manipulations based either on communication goals or on motor action, and measuring linguistic abstraction either on forced-choice answer format or on free descriptions. Implications for the generalisation of linguistic expectancy bias are discussed.

Play It, Learn It, Make It Last: Developing an Online Game to Create Self-Sufficient Library Information Users.

PubMed

Boyce, Lindsay M

2016-01-01

Library orientation at an academic health sciences library consisted of a five-minute overview within new student orientation. Past experience indicated this brief presentation was insufficient for students to learn about library resources. In 2014, an effort was made to supplement orientation by developing an online game aimed at enabling students to become self-sufficient through hands-on learning. A gaming model was chosen with expectations that competition and rewards would motivate students. Although the pilots suffered from low participation rates, the experience merits further research into the potential of a broader model of online library instruction in the health sciences environment.

Fabrication of [001]-oriented tungsten tips for high resolution scanning tunneling microscopy

PubMed Central

Chaika, A. N.; Orlova, N. N.; Semenov, V. N.; Postnova, E. Yu.; Krasnikov, S. A.; Lazarev, M. G.; Chekmazov, S. V.; Aristov, V. Yu.; Glebovsky, V. G.; Bozhko, S. I.; Shvets, I. V.

2014-01-01

The structure of the [001]-oriented single crystalline tungsten probes sharpened in ultra-high vacuum using electron beam heating and ion sputtering has been studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The electron microscopy data prove reproducible fabrication of the single-apex tips with nanoscale pyramids grained by the {011} planes at the apexes. These sharp, [001]-oriented tungsten tips have been successfully utilized in high resolution scanning tunneling microscopy imaging of HOPG(0001), SiC(001) and graphene/SiC(001) surfaces. The electron microscopy characterization performed before and after the high resolution STM experiments provides direct correlation between the tip structure and picoscale spatial resolution achieved in the experiments. PMID:24434734

Testing avian compass calibration: comparative experiments with diurnal and nocturnal passerine migrants in South Sweden

PubMed Central

Åkesson, Susanne; Odin, Catharina; Hegedüs, Ramón; Ilieva, Mihaela; Sjöholm, Christoffer; Farkas, Alexandra; Horváth, Gábor

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Cue-conflict experiments were performed to study the compass calibration of one predominantly diurnal migrant, the dunnock (Prunella modularis), and two species of nocturnal passerine migrants, the sedge warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus), and the European robin (Erithacus rubecula) during autumn migration in South Sweden. The birds' orientation was recorded in circular cages under natural clear and simulated overcast skies in the local geomagnetic field, and thereafter the birds were exposed to a cue-conflict situation where the horizontal component of the magnetic field (mN) was shifted +90° or −90° at two occasions, one session starting shortly after sunrise and the other ca. 90 min before sunset and lasting for 60 min. The patterns of the degree and angle of skylight polarization were measured by full-sky imaging polarimetry during the cue-conflict exposures and orientation tests. All species showed orientation both under clear and overcast skies that correlated with the expected migratory orientation towards southwest to south. For the European robin the orientation under clear skies was significantly different from that recorded under overcast skies, showing a tendency that the orientation under clear skies was influenced by the position of the Sun at sunset resulting in more westerly orientation. This sun attraction was not observed for the sedge warbler and the dunnock, both orientating south. All species showed similar orientation after the cue-conflict as compared to the preferred orientation recorded before the cue-conflict, with the clearest results in the European robin and thus, the results did not support recalibration of the celestial nor the magnetic compasses as a result of the cue-conflict exposure. PMID:25505150

Feeling connected to younger versus older selves: the asymmetric impact of life stage orientation.

PubMed

O'Brien, Ed

2015-01-01

The concept of life-stage orientation is proposed. Youth is a period of time characterised by strong feelings and emotions, but weak reasoning and cognitive skill. Conversely, adulthood is characterised by strong rationality, but weak emotionality. Two studies revealed that merely bringing these concepts to mind changes real-time feelings and behaviour. Participants who were instructed to act like their "adult" selves exhibited greater self-control in a cold pressor test than control participants and those who acted like their "youth" selves (Experiment 1). However, being induced to feel connected to youth enhanced enjoyment for fun videos (Experiment 2). Hence, the extent to which people are oriented towards youth versus adulthood has asymmetric costs and benefits for the present. Connecting to youth boosts experiential capacities (in this case, enjoying oneself) at the cost of agency, whereas connecting to adulthood boosts agentic capacities (in this case, exerting will-power) at the cost of experience.

Orienting in virtual environments: How are surface features and environmental geometry weighted in an orientation task?

PubMed

Kelly, Debbie M; Bischof, Walter F

2008-10-01

We investigated how human adults orient in enclosed virtual environments, when discrete landmark information is not available and participants have to rely on geometric and featural information on the environmental surfaces. In contrast to earlier studies, where, for women, the featural information from discrete landmarks overshadowed the encoding of the geometric information, Experiment 1 showed that when featural information is conjoined with the environmental surfaces, men and women encoded both types of information. Experiment 2 showed that, although both types of information are encoded, performance in locating a goal position is better if it is close to a geometrically or featurally distinct location. Furthermore, although features are relied upon more strongly than geometry, initial experience with an environment influences the relative weighting of featural and geometric cues. Taken together, these results show that human adults use a flexible strategy for encoding spatial information.

Unit-Sphere Multiaxial Stochastic-Strength Model Applied to Anisotropic and Composite Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nemeth, Noel, N.

2013-01-01

Models that predict the failure probability of brittle materials under multiaxial loading have been developed by authors such as Batdorf, Evans, and Matsuo. These "unit-sphere" models assume that the strength-controlling flaws are randomly oriented, noninteracting planar microcracks of specified geometry but of variable size. This methodology has been extended to predict the multiaxial strength response of transversely isotropic brittle materials, including polymer matrix composites (PMCs), by considering (1) flaw-orientation anisotropy, whereby a preexisting microcrack has a higher likelihood of being oriented in one direction over another direction, and (2) critical strength, or K (sub Ic) orientation anisotropy, whereby the level of critical strength or fracture toughness for mode I crack propagation, K (sub Ic), changes with regard to the orientation of the microstructure. In this report, results from finite element analysis of a fiber-reinforced-matrix unit cell were used with the unit-sphere model to predict the biaxial strength response of a unidirectional PMC previously reported from the World-Wide Failure Exercise. Results for nuclear-grade graphite materials under biaxial loading are also shown for comparison. This effort was successful in predicting the multiaxial strength response for the chosen problems. Findings regarding stress-state interactions and failure modes also are provided.

Weak Broadband Electromagnetic Fields are More Disruptive to Magnetic Compass Orientation in a Night-Migratory Songbird (Erithacus rubecula) than Strong Narrow-Band Fields

PubMed Central

Schwarze, Susanne; Schneider, Nils-Lasse; Reichl, Thomas; Dreyer, David; Lefeldt, Nele; Engels, Svenja; Baker, Neville; Hore, P. J.; Mouritsen, Henrik

2016-01-01

Magnetic compass orientation in night-migratory songbirds is embedded in the visual system and seems to be based on a light-dependent radical pair mechanism. Recent findings suggest that both broadband electromagnetic fields ranging from ~2 kHz to ~9 MHz and narrow-band fields at the so-called Larmor frequency for a free electron in the Earth’s magnetic field can disrupt this mechanism. However, due to local magnetic fields generated by nuclear spins, effects specific to the Larmor frequency are difficult to understand considering that the primary sensory molecule should be organic and probably a protein. We therefore constructed a purpose-built laboratory and tested the orientation capabilities of European robins in an electromagnetically silent environment, under the specific influence of four different oscillating narrow-band electromagnetic fields, at the Larmor frequency, double the Larmor frequency, 1.315 MHz or 50 Hz, and in the presence of broadband electromagnetic noise covering the range from ~2 kHz to ~9 MHz. Our results indicated that the magnetic compass orientation of European robins could not be disrupted by any of the relatively strong narrow-band electromagnetic fields employed here, but that the weak broadband field very efficiently disrupted their orientation. PMID:27047356

Basic Nuclear Physics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bureau of Naval Personnel, Washington, DC.

Basic concepts of nuclear structures, radiation, nuclear reactions, and health physics are presented in this text, prepared for naval officers. Applications to the area of nuclear power are described in connection with pressurized water reactors, experimental boiling water reactors, homogeneous reactor experiments, and experimental breeder…

Mechanisms of two-color laser-induced field-free molecular orientation.

PubMed

Spanner, Michael; Patchkovskii, Serguei; Frumker, Eugene; Corkum, Paul

2012-09-14

Two mechanisms of two-color (ω+2ω) laser-induced field-free molecular orientation, based on the hyperpolarizability and ionization depletion, are explored and compared. The CO molecule is used as a computational example. While the hyperpolarizability mechanism generates small amounts of orientation at intensities below the ionization threshold, ionization depletion quickly becomes the dominant mechanism as soon as ionizing intensities are reached. Only the ionization mechanism leads to substantial orientation (e.g., on the order of ≳0.1). For intensities typical of laser-induced molecular alignment and orientation experiments, the two mechanisms lead to robust, characteristic timings of the field-free orientation wave-packet revivals relative to the alignment revivals and the revival time. The revival timings can be used to detect the active orientation mechanism experimentally.

Status and Prospects of Hirfl Experiments on Nuclear Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, H. S.; Zheng, C.; Xiao, G. Q.; Zhan, W. L.; Zhou, X. H.; Zhang, Y. H.; Sun, Z. Y.; Wang, J. S.; Gan, Z. G.; Huang, W. X.; Ma, X. W.

HIRFL is an accelerator complex consisting of 3 accelerators, 2 radioactive beams lines, 1 storage rings and a number of experimental setups. The research activities at HIRFL cover the fields of radio-biology, material science, atomic physics, and nuclear physics. This report mainly concentrates on the experiments of nuclear physics with the existing and planned experimental setups such as SHANS, RIBLL1, ETF, CSRe, PISA and HPLUS at HIRFL.

Motion-form interactions beyond the motion integration level: Evidence for interactions between orientation and optic flow signals

PubMed Central

Pavan, Andrea; Marotti, Rosilari Bellacosa; Mather, George

2013-01-01

Motion and form encoding are closely coupled in the visual system. A number of physiological studies have shown that neurons in the striate and extrastriate cortex (e.g., V1 and MT) are selective for motion direction parallel to their preferred orientation, but some neurons also respond to motion orthogonal to their preferred spatial orientation. Recent psychophysical research (Mather, Pavan, Bellacosa, & Casco, 2012) has demonstrated that the strength of adaptation to two fields of transparently moving dots is modulated by simultaneously presented orientation signals, suggesting that the interaction occurs at the level of motion integrating receptive fields in the extrastriate cortex. In the present psychophysical study, we investigated whether motion-form interactions take place at a higher level of neural processing where optic flow components are extracted. In Experiment 1, we measured the duration of the motion aftereffect (MAE) generated by contracting or expanding dot fields in the presence of either radial (parallel) or concentric (orthogonal) counterphase pedestal gratings. To tap the stage at which optic flow is extracted, we measured the duration of the phantom MAE (Weisstein, Maguire, & Berbaum, 1977) in which we adapted and tested different parts of the visual field, with orientation signals presented either in the adapting (Experiment 2) or nonadapting (Experiments 3 and 4) sectors. Overall, the results showed that motion adaptation is suppressed most by orientation signals orthogonal to optic flow direction, suggesting that motion-form interactions also take place at the global motion level where optic flow is extracted. PMID:23729767

Temporal dissociation between the focal and orientation components of spatial attention in central and peripheral vision.

PubMed

Albonico, Andrea; Malaspina, Manuela; Bricolo, Emanuela; Martelli, Marialuisa; Daini, Roberta

2016-11-01

Selective attention, i.e. the ability to concentrate one's limited processing resources on one aspect of the environment, is a multifaceted concept that includes different processes like spatial attention and its subcomponents of orienting and focusing. Several studies, indeed, have shown that visual tasks performance is positively influenced not only by attracting attention to the target location (orientation component), but also by the adjustment of the size of the attentional window according to task demands (focal component). Nevertheless, the relative weight of the two components in central and peripheral vision has never been studied. We conducted two experiments to explore whether different components of spatial attention have different effects in central and peripheral vision. In order to do so, participants underwent either a detection (Experiment 1) or a discrimination (Experiment 2) task where different types of cues elicited different components of spatial attention: a red dot, a small square and a big square (an optimal stimulus for the orientation component, an optimal and a sub-optimal stimulus for the focal component respectively). Response times and cue-size effects indicated a stronger effect of the small square or of the dot in different conditions, suggesting the existence of a dissociation in terms of mechanisms between the focal and the orientation components of spatial attention. Specifically, we found that the orientation component was stronger in periphery, while the focal component was noticeable only in central vision and characterized by an exogenous nature. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Identification of ortho-Substituted Benzoic Acid/Ester Derivatives via the Gas-Phase Neighboring Group Participation Effect in (+)-ESI High Resolution Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Blincoe, William D; Rodriguez-Granillo, Agustina; Saurí, Josep; Pierson, Nicholas A; Joyce, Leo A; Mangion, Ian; Sheng, Huaming

2018-04-01

Benzoic acid/ester/amide derivatives are common moieties in pharmaceutical compounds and present a challenge in positional isomer identification by traditional tandem mass spectrometric analysis. A method is presented for exploiting the gas-phase neighboring group participation (NGP) effect to differentiate ortho-substituted benzoic acid/ester derivatives with high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS 1 ). Significant water/alcohol loss (>30% abundance in MS 1 spectra) was observed for ortho-substituted nucleophilic groups; these fragment peaks are not observable for the corresponding para and meta-substituted analogs. Experiments were also extended to the analysis of two intermediates in the synthesis of suvorexant (Belsomra) with additional analysis conducted with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), density functional theory (DFT), and ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry (IMS-MS) studies. Significant water/alcohol loss was also observed for 1-substituted 1, 2, 3-triazoles but not for the isomeric 2-substituted 1, 2, 3-triazole analogs. IMS-MS, NMR, and DFT studies were conducted to show that the preferred orientation of the 2-substituted triazole rotamer was away from the electrophilic center of the reaction, whereas the 1-subtituted triazole was oriented in close proximity to the center. Abundance of NGP product was determined to be a product of three factors: (1) proton affinity of the nucleophilic group; (2) steric impact of the nucleophile; and (3) proximity of the nucleophile to carboxylic acid/ester functional groups. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Identification of ortho-Substituted Benzoic Acid/Ester Derivatives via the Gas-Phase Neighboring Group Participation Effect in (+)-ESI High Resolution Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blincoe, William D.; Rodriguez-Granillo, Agustina; Saurí, Josep; Pierson, Nicholas A.; Joyce, Leo A.; Mangion, Ian; Sheng, Huaming

2018-02-01

Benzoic acid/ester/amide derivatives are common moieties in pharmaceutical compounds and present a challenge in positional isomer identification by traditional tandem mass spectrometric analysis. A method is presented for exploiting the gas-phase neighboring group participation (NGP) effect to differentiate ortho-substituted benzoic acid/ester derivatives with high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS1). Significant water/alcohol loss (>30% abundance in MS1 spectra) was observed for ortho-substituted nucleophilic groups; these fragment peaks are not observable for the corresponding para and meta-substituted analogs. Experiments were also extended to the analysis of two intermediates in the synthesis of suvorexant (Belsomra) with additional analysis conducted with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), density functional theory (DFT), and ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry (IMS-MS) studies. Significant water/alcohol loss was also observed for 1-substituted 1, 2, 3-triazoles but not for the isomeric 2-substituted 1, 2, 3-triazole analogs. IMS-MS, NMR, and DFT studies were conducted to show that the preferred orientation of the 2-substituted triazole rotamer was away from the electrophilic center of the reaction, whereas the 1-subtituted triazole was oriented in close proximity to the center. Abundance of NGP product was determined to be a product of three factors: (1) proton affinity of the nucleophilic group; (2) steric impact of the nucleophile; and (3) proximity of the nucleophile to carboxylic acid/ester functional groups. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Memory for Spatial Locations in a Patient with Near Space Neglect and Optic Ataxia: Involvement of the Occipitotemporal Stream

PubMed Central

Chieffi, Sergio; Messina, Giovanni; Messina, Antonietta; Villano, Ines; Monda, Vincenzo; Ambra, Ferdinando Ivano; Garofalo, Elisabetta; Romano, Felice; Mollica, Maria Pina; Monda, Marcellino; Iavarone, Alessandro

2017-01-01

Previous studies suggested that the occipitoparietal stream orients attention toward the near/lower space and is involved in immediate reaching, whereas the occipitotemporal stream orients attention toward the far/upper space and is involved in delayed reaching. In the present study, we investigated the role of the occipitotemporal stream in attention orienting and delayed reaching in a patient (GP) with bilateral damage to the occipitoparietal areas and optic ataxia. GP and healthy controls took part in three experiments. In the experiment 1, the participants bisected lines oriented along radial, vertical, and horizontal axes. GP bisected radial lines farther, and vertical lines more above, than the controls, consistent with an attentional bias toward the far/upper space and near/lower space neglect. The experiment 2 consisted of two tasks: (1) an immediate reaching task, in which GP reached target locations under visual control and (2) a delayed visual reaching task, in which GP and controls were asked to reach remembered target locations visually presented. We measured constant and variable distance and direction errors. In immediate reaching task, GP accurately reached target locations. In delayed reaching task, GP overshot remembered target locations, whereas the controls undershot them. Furthermore, variable errors were greater in GP than in the controls. In the experiment 3, GP and controls performed a delayed proprioceptive reaching task. Constant reaching errors did not differ between GP and the controls. However, variable direction errors were greater in GP than in the controls. We suggest that the occipitoparietal damage, and the relatively intact occipitotemporal region, produced in GP an attentional orienting bias toward the far/upper space (experiment 1). In turns, the attentional bias selectively shifted toward the far space remembered visual (experiment 2), but not proprioceptive (experiment 3), target locations. As a whole, these findings further support the hypothesis of an involvement of the occipitotemporal stream in delayed reaching. Furthermore, the observation that in both delayed reaching tasks the variable errors were greater in GP than in the controls suggested that in optic ataxia is present not only a visuo- but also a proprioceptivo-motor integration deficit. PMID:28620345

Educators' Experiences Learning to Meet Adaptive Challenges Involving English Learners within the Learning-Oriented Leadership Model: A Qualitative Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Benis Scheier-Dolberg, Sarah Elizabeth.

2014-01-01

Little is known about how engaging in the learning-oriented leadership model (Drago-Severson, 2004b, 2009, 2012a) can support educators to address the adaptive challenges they encounter in their day-to-day work teaching English learners. My qualitative study examined how 11 educators whose school leaders implement the learning-oriented leadership…

Update on Common-Cause Failure Experience and Mitigation Practices

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

Wood, Richard Thomas; Muhlheim, Michael David; Pullum, Laura L

2014-04-01

Experience in other industries has shown that digital technology can provide substantial benefits in terms of performance and reliability. However, the U.S. nuclear power industry has been slow to adopt the technology extensively in its instrumentation and control (I&C) applications because of inhibiting factors such as regulatory uncertainty, insufficient technological experience base, implementation complexity, limited availability of nuclear-qualified products and vendors, and inadequate definition of modernization cost recapture. Although there have been examples of digital technology usage in the nuclear power industry, challenges to the qualification of digital technology for high-integrity nuclear power plant (NPP) applications have severely constrained moremore » widespread progress in achieving the benefits that are possible through the transition to digital. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) established the Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation (ASI) technology area under the Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies (NEET) Program to coordinate the instrumentation and controls (I&C) research across DOE NE and to identify and lead efforts to address common needs. As part of the NEET ASI research program, the Digital Technology Qualification project was established. Under this project, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is leading the investigation into mitigation of digital common-cause failure (CCF) vulnerabilities for nuclear-qualified applications. This technical report documents updated and expanded findings from research activities by ORNL. Specifically, the report describes CCF experience in the nuclear and nonnuclear industries, identifies the state of the practice for CCF mitigation through key examples, and presents conclusions from the determination of knowledge gaps.« less

A Selective Critique of Animal Experiments in Human-Orientated Biological Research.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Webb, G. P.

1990-01-01

The advantages and justifications for using small animals in human-oriented research are reviewed. Some of the pitfalls of extrapolating animal-derived data to humans are discussed. Several specific problems with animal experimentation are highlighted. (CW)

Quantitation of protein orientation in flow-oriented unilamellar liposomes by linear dichroism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajendra, Jascindra; Damianoglou, Angeliki; Hicks, Matthew; Booth, Paula; Rodger, P. Mark; Rodger, Alison

2006-07-01

The linear dichroism of the visible wavelength transitions of retinal have been used to analyse linear dichroism spectra to determine the orientation of aromatic and peptide structural motifs of Bacteriorhodopsin incorporated into unilamellar soy bean liposomes. The results are consistent with the available X-ray data. This proves that visible light absorbing chromophores can be used to analyse linear dichroism data to give the orientation of membrane proteins in membrane mimicking environments. The work has been extended by screening a wide range of hydrophobic molecules with high extinction coefficients in transitions above 300 nm to find molecules that could be used as independent probes of liposome orientation for experiments involving proteins incorporated into liposomes. Three probes were found to have potential for future work: bis-(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid)pentamethine oxonol (DiBAC 4), retinol and rhodamine B. All three can be used to determine the orientation of the porphyrin of cytochrome c, the aromatic residues of gramicidin and the helices of both proteins. The orientation parameter, S, for the liposomes varied from batch to batch of unilamellar liposomes prepared by extruding through a 100 nm membrane. The value and variation in S was 0.030 ± 0.010. Repeat experiments with the same batch of liposomes showed less variation. Film LD data were measured for DiBAC 4 and rhodamine B to determine the polarisations of their long wavelength transitions.

Object-orientated DBMS techniques for time-oriented medical record.

PubMed

Pinciroli, F; Combi, C; Pozzi, G

1992-01-01

In implementing time-orientated medical record (TOMR) management systems, use of a relational model played a big role. Many applications have been developed to extend query and data manipulation languages to temporal aspects of information. Our experience in developing TOMR revealed some deficiencies inside the relational model, such as: (a) abstract data type definition; (b) unified view of data, at a programming level; (c) management of temporal data; (d) management of signals and images. We identified some first topics to face by an object-orientated approach to database design. This paper describes the first steps in designing and implementing a TOMR by an object-orientated DBMS.

Low Energy Nuclear Reactions: A Millennium Status Report

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mallove, Eugene F.

2000-03-01

This talk will summarize some of the more convincing recent experiments that show that helium-4, nuclear scale excess energy, tritium, low-level neutron production, and the transmutation of heavy elements can occur near room temperature in relatively simple systems. Despite inappropriate theory-based arguments against it and unethical attacks by people unfamiliar with the supporting experiments, the new field of solid state nuclear reactions is progressing. The physical theory behind the associated phenomena continues to be debated among theorists. The facts of the history of this scientific controversy suggest that it is inadvisable to rush to judgment against allegedly ``impossible" new phenomena when increasingly careful experiments have revealed new vistas in physics. Detailed discussion of evidence for solid state nuclear reactions is available elsewhere (http://www.infinite-energy.com). abstract document

Outcome evaluation of a new model of critical care orientation.

PubMed

Morris, Linda L; Pfeifer, Pamela; Catalano, Rene; Fortney, Robert; Nelson, Greta; Rabito, Robb; Harap, Rebecca

2009-05-01

The shortage of critical care nurses and the service expansion of 2 intensive care units provided a unique opportunity to create a new model of critical care orientation. The goal was to design a program that assessed critical thinking, validated competence, and provided learning pathways that accommodated diverse experience. To determine the effect of a new model of critical care orientation on satisfaction, retention, turnover, vacancy, preparedness to manage patient care assignment, length of orientation, and cost of orientation. A prospective, quasi-experimental design with both quantitative and qualitative methods. The new model improved satisfaction scores, retention rates, and recruitment of critical care nurses. Length of orientation was unchanged. Cost was increased, primarily because a full-time education consultant was added. A new model for nurse orientation that was focused on critical thinking and competence validation improved retention and satisfaction and serves as a template for orientation of nurses throughout the medical center.

Civil Defense, U. S. A.: A Programmed Orientation to Civil Defense. Unit 4. Warning, Emergency Operations, and Support Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Defense Civil Preparedness Agency (DOD), Battle Creek, MI.

The need for, and a description of, emergency functions required to save lives and protect property in nuclear or natural disasters are presented. Topics discussed include: (1) The Civil Defense Warning System, (2) Introduction to the Emergency Operations Program, (3) Five subprograms of the Emergency Operations Program, (4) Emergency Operations…

Nuclear magnetic moment of {sup 69}As from on-line {beta}-NMR on oriented nuclei

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

Golovko, V.V.; Kraev, I.S.; Phalet, T.

2005-12-15

A precise value for the magnetic moment of the {sup 69}As 5/2{sup -} ground state has been obtained from nuclear magnetic resonance on oriented nuclei (NMR/ON) using the NICOLE {sup 3}He-{sup 4}He dilution refrigerator setup at ISOLDE/CERN. The NMR/ON signal was observed by monitoring the anisotropy of the {sup 69}As {beta} particles. The center frequency {nu}[B{sub ext}=0.0994(10)T]=169.98(9) MHz corresponds to {mu}[{sup 69}As]=+1.6229(16){mu}{sub N}. This result differs considerably from the {pi}f{sub 5/2} single-particle value obtained with g factors for a free proton but is in reasonable agreement with the value obtained with effective g factors and with values from a coremore » polarization calculation and from calculations in the framework of the interacting boson-fermion model. Assuming a single exponential spin-lattice relaxation behavior a relaxation time T{sub 1}{sup '}=10(25) s was observed for {sup 69}AsFe{sub -bar} at a temperature of about 20 mK in a magnetic field B=0.1 T.« less

Sum frequency generation and solid-state NMR study of the structure, orientation, and dynamics of polystyrene-adsorbed peptides

PubMed Central

Weidner, Tobias; Breen, Nicholas F.; Li, Kun; Drobny, Gary P.; Castner, David G.

2010-01-01

The power of combining sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy to quantify, with site specificity and atomic resolution, the orientation and dynamics of side chains in synthetic model peptides adsorbed onto polystyrene (PS) surfaces is demonstrated in this study. Although isotopic labeling has long been used in ssNMR studies to site-specifically probe the structure and dynamics of biomolecules, the potential of SFG to probe side chain orientation in isotopically labeled surface-adsorbed peptides and proteins remains largely unexplored. The 14 amino acid leucine-lysine peptide studied in this work is known to form an α-helical secondary structure at liquid-solid interfaces. Selective, individual deuteration of the isopropyl group in each leucine residue was used to probe the orientation and dynamics of each individual leucine side chain of LKα14 adsorbed onto PS. The selective isotopic labeling methods allowed SFG analysis to determine the orientations of individual side chains in adsorbed peptides. Side chain dynamics were obtained by fitting the deuterium ssNMR line shape to specific motional models. Through the combined use of SFG and ssNMR, the dynamic trends observed for individual side chains by ssNMR have been correlated with side chain orientation relative to the PS surface as determined by SFG. This combination provides a more complete and quantitative picture of the structure, orientation, and dynamics of these surface-adsorbed peptides than could be obtained if either technique were used separately. PMID:20628016

Nuclear Power Plant Mechanical Component Flooding Fragility Experiments Status

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

Pope, C. L.; Savage, B.; Johnson, B.

This report describes progress on Nuclear Power Plant mechanical component flooding fragility experiments and supporting research. The progress includes execution of full scale fragility experiments using hollow-core doors, design of improvements to the Portal Evaluation Tank, equipment procurement and initial installation of PET improvements, designation of experiments exploiting the improved PET capabilities, fragility mathematical model development, Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamic simulations, wave impact simulation device research, and pipe rupture mechanics research.

Space Propulsion Technology Program Overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Escher, William J. D.

1991-01-01

The topics presented are covered in viewgraph form. Focused program elements are: (1) transportation systems, which include earth-to-orbit propulsion, commercial vehicle propulsion, auxiliary propulsion, advanced cryogenic engines, cryogenic fluid systems, nuclear thermal propulsion, and nuclear electric propulsion; (2) space platforms, which include spacecraft on-board propulsion, and station keeping propulsion; and (3) technology flight experiments, which include cryogenic orbital N2 experiment (CONE), SEPS flight experiment, and cryogenic orbital H2 experiment (COHE).

Experiment of monitoring thermal discharge drained from nuclear plant through airborne infrared remote sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Difeng; Pan, Delu; Li, Ning

2009-07-01

The State Development and Planning Commission has approved nuclear power projects with the total capacity of 23,000 MW. The plants will be built in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Shandong, Liaoning and Fujian Province before 2020. However, along with the nuclear power policy of accelerated development in our country, the quantity of nuclear plants and machine sets increases quickly. As a result the environment influence of thermal discharge will be a problem that can't be slid over. So evaluation of the environment influence and engineering simulation must be performed before station design and construction. Further more real-time monitoring of water temperature need to be arranged after fulfillment, reflecting variety of water temperature in time and provided to related managing department. Which will help to ensure the operation of nuclear plant would not result in excess environment breakage. At the end of 2007, an airborne thermal discharge monitoring experiment has been carried out by making use of MAMS, a marine multi-spectral scanner equipped on the China Marine Surveillance Force airplane. And experimental subject was sea area near Qin Shan nuclear plant. This paper introduces the related specification and function of MAMS instrument, and decrypts design and process of the airborne remote sensing experiment. Experiment showed that applying MAMS to monitoring thermal discharge is viable. The remote sensing on a base of thermal infrared monitoring technique told us that thermal discharge of Qin Shan nuclear plant was controlled in a small scope, never breaching national water quality standard.

Applying object-oriented software engineering at the BaBar collaboration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobsen, Bob; BaBar Collaboration Reconstruction Software Group

1997-02-01

The BaBar experiment at SLAC will start taking data in 1999. We are attempting to build its reconstruction software using good software engineering practices, including the use of object-oriented technology. We summarize our experience to date with analysis and design activities, training, CASE and documentation tools, C++ programming practice and similar topics. The emphasis is on the practical issues of simultaneously introducing new techniques to a large collaboration while under a deadline for system delivery.

Two negative cis-regulatory regions involved in fruit-specific promoter activity from watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris S.).

PubMed

Yin, Tao; Wu, Hanying; Zhang, Shanglong; Lu, Hongyu; Zhang, Lingxiao; Xu, Yong; Chen, Daming; Liu, Jingmei

2009-01-01

A 1.8 kb 5'-flanking region of the large subunit of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, isolated from watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris S.), has fruit-specific promoter activity in transgenic tomato plants. Two negative regulatory regions, from -986 to -959 and from -472 to -424, were identified in this promoter region by fine deletion analyses. Removal of both regions led to constitutive expression in epidermal cells. Gain-of-function experiments showed that these two regions were sufficient to inhibit RFP (red fluorescent protein) expression in transformed epidermal cells when fused to the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S minimal promoter. Gel mobility shift experiments demonstrated the presence of leaf nuclear factors that interact with these two elements. A TCCAAAA motif was identified in these two regions, as well as one in the reverse orientation, which was confirmed to be a novel specific cis-element. A quantitative beta-glucuronidase (GUS) activity assay of stable transgenic tomato plants showed that the activities of chimeric promoters harbouring only one of the two cis-elements, or both, were approximately 10-fold higher in fruits than in leaves. These data confirm that the TCCAAAA motif functions as a fruit-specific element by inhibiting gene expression in leaves.

Two negative cis-regulatory regions involved in fruit-specific promoter activity from watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris S.)

PubMed Central

Yin, Tao; Wu, Hanying; Zhang, Shanglong; Liu, Jingmei; Lu, Hongyu; Zhang, Lingxiao; Xu, Yong; Chen, Daming

2009-01-01

A 1.8 kb 5′-flanking region of the large subunit of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, isolated from watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris S.), has fruit-specific promoter activity in transgenic tomato plants. Two negative regulatory regions, from –986 to –959 and from –472 to –424, were identified in this promoter region by fine deletion analyses. Removal of both regions led to constitutive expression in epidermal cells. Gain-of-function experiments showed that these two regions were sufficient to inhibit RFP (red fluorescent protein) expression in transformed epidermal cells when fused to the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S minimal promoter. Gel mobility shift experiments demonstrated the presence of leaf nuclear factors that interact with these two elements. A TCCAAAA motif was identified in these two regions, as well as one in the reverse orientation, which was confirmed to be a novel specific cis-element. A quantitative β-glucuronidase (GUS) activity assay of stable transgenic tomato plants showed that the activities of chimeric promoters harbouring only one of the two cis-elements, or both, were ∼10-fold higher in fruits than in leaves. These data confirm that the TCCAAAA motif functions as a fruit-specific element by inhibiting gene expression in leaves. PMID:19073962

Polarized fusion, its implications, and plans for a proof-of-principle experiment at the DIII-D tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandorfi, A. M.; Deur, A.; Lowry, M. M.; Wei, X.; Pace, D.; Eidietis, N.; Hyatt, A.; Jackson, G. L.; Lanctot, M.; Smith, S.; St-John, H.; Miller, G. W.; Zheng, X.; Baylor, L. R.

2015-10-01

The cross section for the primary fusion reaction in a tokamak, D+t --> α +n, would increase by a factor of 1.5 if the fuels were spin polarized parallel to the local field, rather than randomly oriented. Simulations show further gains in reaction rate would accompany this increase in large-scale machines such as ITER, due to increased alpha heating. The potential realization of such benefits rests on the crucial question of the survival of spin polarization for periods comparable to the energy containment time. Despite encouraging calculations, technical challenges in preparing and handling polarized materials have prevented any direct tests. Advances in three areas - polarized material technologies developed for nuclear and particle physics as well as medical imaging, polymer pellets developed for Inertial Confinement, and cryogenic injection guns developed for fueling tokamaks - have matured to the point where a direct in situ measurement is possible using the mirror reaction, D+3He --> α +p. Designs and simulations of a proof-of-principle experiment at the DIII-D tokamak in San Diego will be discussed. Work carried out under US DOE Contract DE-AC05-06OR23177 supporting Jefferson Lab and General Atomics Internal R&D funding.

Retrospective Attention Interacts with Stimulus Strength to Shape Working Memory Performance.

PubMed

Wildegger, Theresa; Humphreys, Glyn; Nobre, Anna C

2016-01-01

Orienting attention retrospectively to selective contents in working memory (WM) influences performance. A separate line of research has shown that stimulus strength shapes perceptual representations. There is little research on how stimulus strength during encoding shapes WM performance, and how effects of retrospective orienting might vary with changes in stimulus strength. We explore these questions in three experiments using a continuous-recall WM task. In Experiment 1 we show that benefits of cueing spatial attention retrospectively during WM maintenance (retrocueing) varies according to stimulus contrast during encoding. Retrocueing effects emerge for supraliminal but not sub-threshold stimuli. However, once stimuli are supraliminal, performance is no longer influenced by stimulus contrast. In Experiments 2 and 3 we used a mixture-model approach to examine how different sources of error in WM are affected by contrast and retrocueing. For high-contrast stimuli (Experiment 2), retrocues increased the precision of successfully remembered items. For low-contrast stimuli (Experiment 3), retrocues decreased the probability of mistaking a target with distracters. These results suggest that the processes by which retrospective attentional orienting shape WM performance are dependent on the quality of WM representations, which in turn depends on stimulus strength during encoding.

Simultaneous acquisition of 2D and 3D solid-state NMR experiments for sequential assignment of oriented membrane protein samples.

PubMed

Gopinath, T; Mote, Kaustubh R; Veglia, Gianluigi

2015-05-01

We present a new method called DAISY (Dual Acquisition orIented ssNMR spectroScopY) for the simultaneous acquisition of 2D and 3D oriented solid-state NMR experiments for membrane proteins reconstituted in mechanically or magnetically aligned lipid bilayers. DAISY utilizes dual acquisition of sine and cosine dipolar or chemical shift coherences and long living (15)N longitudinal polarization to obtain two multi-dimensional spectra, simultaneously. In these new experiments, the first acquisition gives the polarization inversion spin exchange at the magic angle (PISEMA) or heteronuclear correlation (HETCOR) spectra, the second acquisition gives PISEMA-mixing or HETCOR-mixing spectra, where the mixing element enables inter-residue correlations through (15)N-(15)N homonuclear polarization transfer. The analysis of the two 2D spectra (first and second acquisitions) enables one to distinguish (15)N-(15)N inter-residue correlations for sequential assignment of membrane proteins. DAISY can be implemented in 3D experiments that include the polarization inversion spin exchange at magic angle via I spin coherence (PISEMAI) sequence, as we show for the simultaneous acquisition of 3D PISEMAI-HETCOR and 3D PISEMAI-HETCOR-mixing experiments.

Competing Distractors Facilitate Visual Search in Heterogeneous Displays.

PubMed

Kong, Garry; Alais, David; Van der Burg, Erik

2016-01-01

In the present study, we examine how observers search among complex displays. Participants were asked to search for a big red horizontal line among 119 distractor lines of various sizes, orientations and colours, leading to 36 different feature combinations. To understand how people search in such a heterogeneous display, we evolved the search display by using a genetic algorithm (Experiment 1). The best displays (i.e., displays corresponding to the fastest reaction times) were selected and combined to create new, evolved displays. Search times declined over generations. Results show that items sharing the same colour and orientation as the target disappeared over generations, implying they interfered with search, but items sharing the same colour and were 12.5° different in orientation only interfered if they were also the same size. Furthermore, and inconsistent with most dominant visual search theories, we found that non-red horizontal distractors increased over generations, indicating that these distractors facilitated visual search while participants were searching for a big red horizontally oriented target. In Experiments 2 and 3, we replicated these results using conventional, factorial experiments. Interestingly, in Experiment 4, we found that this facilitation effect was only present when the displays were very heterogeneous. While current models of visual search are able to successfully describe search in homogeneous displays, our results challenge the ability of these models to describe visual search in heterogeneous environments.

Nuclear fragmentation studies for microelectronic application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ngo, Duc M.; Wilson, John W.; Buck, Warren W.; Fogarty, Thomas N.

1989-01-01

A formalism for target fragment transport is presented with application to energy loss spectra in thin silicon devices. Predicted results are compared to experiments with the surface barrier detectors of McNulty et al. The intranuclear cascade nuclear reaction model does not predict the McNulty experimental data for the highest energy events. A semiempirical nuclear cross section gives an adequate explanation of McNulty's experiments. Application of the formalism to specific electronic devices is discussed.

Beyond detection: nuclear physics with a webcam in an educational setting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pallone, A.; Barnes, P.

2016-09-01

Basic understanding of nuclear science enhances our daily-life experience in many areas, such as the environment, medicine, electric power generation, and even politics. Yet typical school curricula do not provide for experiments that explore the topic. We present a means by which educators can use the ubiquitous webcam and inexpensive sources of radiation to lead their students in a quantitative exploration of radioactivity, radiation, and the applications of nuclear physics.

Measurement instruments for automatically monitoring the water chemistry of reactor coolant at nuclear power stations equipped with VVER reactors. Selection of measurement instruments and experience gained from their operation at Russian and foreign NPSs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanov, Yu. A.

2007-12-01

An analytical review is given of Russian and foreign measurement instruments employed in a system for automatically monitoring the water chemistry of the reactor coolant circuit and used in the development of projects of nuclear power stations equipped with VVER-1000 reactors and the nuclear station project AES 2006. The results of experience gained from the use of such measurement instruments at nuclear power stations operating in Russia and abroad are presented.

Anisotropic 2H-nuclear magnetic resonance spin-lattice relaxation in cerebroside- and phospholipid-cholesterol bilayer membranes.

PubMed

Siminovitch, D J; Ruocco, M J; Olejniczak, E T; Das Gupta, S K; Griffin, R G

1988-09-01

The axially symmetric powder pattern 2H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) lineshapes observed in the liquid crystalline phase of pure lipid or lipid/cholesterol bilayers are essentially invariant to temperature, or, equivalently, to variations in the correlation times characterizing C-2H bond reorientations. In either of these melted phases, where correlation times for C-2H bond motions are shorter than 10(-7) s, information on the molecular dynamics of the saturated hydrocarbon chain would be difficult to obtain using lineshape analyses alone, and one must resort to other methods, such as the measurement of 2H spin-lattice relaxation rates, in order to obtain dynamic information. In pure lipid bilayers, the full power of the spin-lattice relaxation technique has yet to be realized, since an important piece of information, namely the orientation dependence of the 2H spin-lattice relaxation rates is usually lost due to orientational averaging of T1 by rapid lateral diffusion. Under more favorable circumstances, such as those encountered in the lipid/cholesterol mixtures of this study, the effects of orientational averaging by lateral diffusion are nullified, due to either a marked reduction (by at least an order of magnitude) in the diffusion rate, or a marked increase in the radii of curvature of the liposomes. In either case, the angular dependence of 2H spin-lattice relaxation is accessible to experimental study, and can be used to test models of molecular dynamics in these systems. Simulations of the partially recovered lineshapes indicate that the observed T1 anisotropies are consistent with large amplitude molecular reorientation of the C-2H bond among a finite number of sites. Furthermore, from the observed orientation dependence of the 2H spin-lattice relaxation rates, we conclude that order director fluctuations cannot provide the dominant relaxation pathway for acyl chain deuterons.

EAWE: Examination of Anomalous World Experience.

PubMed

Sass, Louis; Pienkos, Elizabeth; Skodlar, Borut; Stanghellini, Giovanni; Fuchs, Thomas; Parnas, Josef; Jones, Nev

2017-01-01

The "EAWE: Examination of Anomalous World Experience" is a detailed semi-structured interview format whose aim is to elicit description and discussion of a person's experience of various aspects of their lived world. The instrument is grounded in the tradition of phenomenological psychopathology and aims to explore, in a qualitatively rich manner, six key dimensions of subjectivity - namely, a person's experience of: (1) Space and objects, (2) Time and events, (3) Other persons, (4) Language (whether spoken or written), (5) Atmosphere (overall sense of reality, familiarity, vitality, meaning, or relevance), and (6) Existential orientation (values, attitudes, and worldviews). The EAWE is based on and primarily directed toward experiences thought to be common in, and sometimes distinctive of, schizophrenia spectrum conditions. It can, however, also be used to investigate anomalies of world experience in other populations. After a theoretical and methodological introduction, the EAWE lists 75 specific items, often with subtypes, in its six domains, together with illustrative quotations from patients. The EAWE appears in a special issue of Psychopathology that also contains an orienting preface (where the difficulty as well as necessity of studying subjective life is acknowledged) and a brief reliability report. Also included are six ancillary or background articles, which survey phenomenologically oriented theory, research, and clinical lore relevant to the six experiential domains. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Implied Dynamics Biases the Visual Perception of Velocity

PubMed Central

La Scaleia, Barbara; Zago, Myrka; Moscatelli, Alessandro; Lacquaniti, Francesco; Viviani, Paolo

2014-01-01

We expand the anecdotic report by Johansson that back-and-forth linear harmonic motions appear uniform. Six experiments explore the role of shape and spatial orientation of the trajectory of a point-light target in the perceptual judgment of uniform motion. In Experiment 1, the target oscillated back-and-forth along a circular arc around an invisible pivot. The imaginary segment from the pivot to the midpoint of the trajectory could be oriented vertically downward (consistent with an upright pendulum), horizontally leftward, or vertically upward (upside-down). In Experiments 2 to 5, the target moved uni-directionally. The effect of suppressing the alternation of movement directions was tested with curvilinear (Experiment 2 and 3) or rectilinear (Experiment 4 and 5) paths. Experiment 6 replicated the upright condition of Experiment 1, but participants were asked to hold the gaze on a fixation point. When some features of the trajectory evoked the motion of either a simple pendulum or a mass-spring system, observers identified as uniform the kinematic profiles close to harmonic motion. The bias towards harmonic motion was most consistent in the upright orientation of Experiment 1 and 6. The bias disappeared when the stimuli were incompatible with both pendulum and mass-spring models (Experiments 3 to 5). The results are compatible with the hypothesis that the perception of dynamic stimuli is biased by the laws of motion obeyed by natural events, so that only natural motions appear uniform. PMID:24667578

Dynamic nuclear polarization methods in solids and solutions to explore membrane proteins and membrane systems.

PubMed

Cheng, Chi-Yuan; Han, Songi

2013-01-01

Membrane proteins regulate vital cellular processes, including signaling, ion transport, and vesicular trafficking. Obtaining experimental access to their structures, conformational fluctuations, orientations, locations, and hydration in membrane environments, as well as the lipid membrane properties, is critical to understanding their functions. Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) of frozen solids can dramatically boost the sensitivity of current solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance tools to enhance access to membrane protein structures in native membrane environments. Overhauser DNP in the solution state can map out the local and site-specific hydration dynamics landscape of membrane proteins and lipid membranes, critically complementing the structural and dynamics information obtained by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Here, we provide an overview of how DNP methods in solids and solutions can significantly increase our understanding of membrane protein structures, dynamics, functions, and hydration in complex biological membrane environments.

Scale models: A proven cost-effective tool for outage planning

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

Lee, R.; Segroves, R.

1995-03-01

As generation costs for operating nuclear stations have risen, more nuclear utilities have initiated efforts to improve cost effectiveness. Nuclear plant owners are also being challenged with lower radiation exposure limits and new revised radiation protection related regulations (10 CFR 20), which places further stress on their budgets. As source term reduction activities continue to lower radiation fields, reducing the amount of time spent in radiation fields becomes one of the most cost-effective ways of reducing radiation exposure. An effective approach for minimizing time spent in radiation areas is to use a physical scale model for worker orientation planning andmore » monitoring maintenance, modifications, and outage activities. To meet the challenge of continued reduction in the annual cumulative radiation exposures, new cost-effective tools are required. One field-tested and proven tool is the physical scale model.« less

New Brunswick Laboratory: Progress report, October 1993 through September 1994

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

NONE

The mission of the New Brunswick Laboratory of the US Department of Energy (DOE) is to serve as the National Certifying Authority for nuclear reference materials and to provide an independent Federal technical staff and laboratory resource performing nuclear material measurement, safeguards and non-proliferation functions in support of multiple program sponsors. During FY 94 New Brunswick Laboratory (NBL) completed development of a Strategic Plan which will aid in better defining performance oriented laboratory goals and objectives in each functional area consistent with the changing needs of the global nuclear community. This annual report describes accomplishments achieved in carrying out NBL`smore » assigned missions. Details of completed projects are reported in separate topical reports or as open-literature publications. Programs discussed here are: (1) safeguards assistance; (2) reference materials program; (3) measurement evaluation; (4) measurement services; and (5) measurement development.« less