Outer scale of atmospheric turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lukin, Vladimir P.

2005-10-01

In the early 70's, the scientists in Italy (A.Consortini, M.Bertolotti, L.Ronchi), USA (R.Buser, Ochs, S.Clifford) and USSR (V.Pokasov, V.Lukin) almost simultaneously discovered the phenomenon of deviation from the power law and the effect of saturation for the structure phase function. During a period of 35 years we have performed successively the investigations of the effect of low-frequency spectral range of atmospheric turbulence on the optical characteristics. The influence of the turbulence models as well as a outer scale of turbulence on the characteristics of telescopes and systems of laser beam formations has been determined too.

Solar, interplanetary, and magnetospheric parameters for the radiation belt energetic electron flux

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vassiliadis, D.; Fung, S. F.; Klimas, A. J.

2005-04-01

In developing models of the radiation belt energetic electron flux, it is important to include the states of the interplanetary medium and the magnetosphere, as well as the solar activity. In this study we choose the log flux je(t;L;E) at 2-6 MeV, as measured by the Proton-Electron Telescope (PET) on SAMPEX in the period 1993-2002, as a representative flux variable and evaluate the usefulness of 17 interplanetary and magnetospheric (IP/MS) parameters in its specification. The reference parameter is the solar wind velocity, chosen because of its known high geoeffectiveness. We use finite impulse response filters to represent the effective coupling of the individual parameters to the log flux. We measure the temporal and spatial scales of the coupling using the impulse response function and the input's geoeffectiveness using the data-model correlation. The correlation profile as a function of L is complex, and we identify its peaks in reference to the radial regions P0 (L = 3.1-4.0, inner edge of the outer belt), P1 (4.1-7.5, main outer belt), and P2 (>7.5, quasi-trapped population), whose boundaries are determined from a radial correlative analysis (Vassiliadis et al., 2003b). Using the profiles, we classify the IP/MS parameters in four categories: (1) For the solar wind velocity and pressure the correlation is high and largely independent of L across P0 and P1, reaching its maximum in L = 4.8-6.1, or the central part of P1. (2) The IMF BSouth component and related IP/MS parameters have a bimodal correlation function, with peaks in region P0 (L = 3.0-4.1) and the geosynchronous orbit region within P1. (3) The IMF BNorth and four other interplanetary or solar irradiance parameters have a minimum correlation in P1, while the highest correlation is in the slot-outer belt boundary (L = 2.5). (4) Finally, the solar wind density has a unique correlation profile, which is anticorrelated with that of the solar wind velocity for certain L shells. We verify this classification using more complex filtering methods as well as standard correlation analysis. The categories correspond to four types of solar-terrestrial interactions, namely, viscous interaction, magnetic reconnection, effects of ionospheric heating, and effects of high solar wind density. The response to these interactions produces the observed inner magnetospheric coherence. In each category the L dependence of the correlation profile helps explain why geoeffective solar wind structures are followed by electron acceleration in some L ranges but not in others.

High-functionality star-branched macromolecules: polymer size and virial coefficients.

PubMed

Randisi, Ferdinando; Pelissetto, Andrea

2013-10-21

We perform high-statistics Monte Carlo simulations of a lattice model to compute the radius of gyration Rg, the center-to-end distance, the monomer distribution, and the second and third virial coefficients of star polymers for a wide range of functionalities f, 6 ≤ f ≤ 120. We consider systems with a large number L of monomers per arm (100 is approximately < L is approximately < 1000 for f ≤ 40 and 100 is approximately < L is approximately < 400 for f = 80, 120), which allows us to determine accurately all quantities in the scaling regime. Results are extrapolated to determine the behavior of the different quantities in the limit f → ∞. Structural results are finally compared with the predictions of the Daoud-Cotton model. It turns out that the blob picture of a star polymer is essentially correct up to the corona radius Rc, which depends on f and which varies from 0.7Rg for f = 6 to 1.0Rg for f = 40. The outer region (r > Rc), in which the monomer distribution decays exponentially, shrinks as f increases, but it does not disappear in the scaling regime even in the limit f → ∞. We also consider the Daoud-Cotton scaling relation Rg (2)~f(1-ν)L(2ν), which is found to hold only for f > 100.

Convection Electric Field Observations by THEMIS and the Van Allen Probes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Califf, S.; Li, X.; Bonnell, J. W.; Wygant, J. R.; Malaspina, D.; Hartinger, M.; Thaller, S. A.

2013-12-01

We present direct electric field measurements made by THEMIS and the Van Allen Probes in the inner magnetosphere, focusing on the large-scale, near-DC convection electric field. The convection electric field drives plasma Earthward from the tail into the inner magnetosphere, playing a critical role in forming the ring current. Although it is normally shielded deep inside the magnetosphere, during storm times this large-scale electric field can penetrate to low L values (L < 3), eroding the plasmasphere and also providing a mechanism for ~100 keV electron injection into the slot region and inner radiation belt. The relationship of the convection electric field with the plasmasphere is also important for understanding the dynamic outer radiation belt, as the plasmapause boundary has been strongly correlated with the dynamic variation of the outer radiation belt electrons.

Enzyme-assisted extraction enhancing the phenolic release from cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) outer leaves.

PubMed

Huynh, Nguyen Thai; Smagghe, Guy; Gonzales, Gerard Bryan; Van Camp, John; Raes, Katleen

2014-07-30

Phenolic compounds are highly present in byproducts from the cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) harvest and are thus a valuable source for valorization toward phenolic-rich extracts. In this study, we aimed to optimize and characterize the release of individual phenolic compounds from outer leaves of cauliflower, using two commercially available polysaccharide-degrading enzymes, Viscozyme L and Rapidase. As major results, the optimal conditions for the enzyme treatment were: enzyme/substrate ratio of 0.2% for Viscozyme L and 0.5% for Rapidase, temperature 35 °C, and pH 4.0. Using a UPLC-HD-TOF-MS setup, the main phenolic compounds in the extracts were identified as kaempferol glycosides and their combinations with different hydroxycinnamic acids. The most abundant components were kaempferol-3-feruloyldiglucoside and kaempferol-3-glucoside (respectively, 37.8 and 58.4 mg rutin equiv/100 g dry weight). Incubation of the cauliflower outer leaves with the enzyme mixtures resulted in a significantly higher extraction yield of kaempferol-glucosides as compared to the control treatment.

Modeling Protostar Envelopes and Disks Seen With ALMA: A Focus on L1527 Kinematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terebey, Susan; Flores Rivera, Lizxandra; Willacy, Karen

2018-06-01

ALMA probes continuum and spectral line emission from protostars that comes from both the envelope and circumstellar disk. The dust and gas emit on a variety of spatial scales, ranging from sub-arcseconds for disks to roughly 10 arcseconds for envelopes for nearby protostars. We present models of what ALMA should detect that incorporate a self-consistent collapse solution, radiative transfer, and realistic dust properties. Molecular abundances are also calculated; we present results for CO and isotopologues for the Class 0 source L1527. Results for the outer disk show that there can be significant differences from standard assumptions due to the effect of CO freeze out and non-Keplerian dynamics.

Scale-up of recombinant Opc protein production in Escherichia coli for a meningococcal vaccine.

PubMed

Pérez, Raúl Espinosa; Lasa, Alexis Musacchio; Rodríguez, Ricardo Silva; Menéndez, Evelin Caballero; Suárez, José García; Balaguer, Héctor Díaz

2006-12-15

Opc is an outer membrane protein from Neisseria meningitidis present in meningococcal vaccine preparations. The opc gene, codifying for this protein, was cloned in to Escherichia coli and the Opc protein was expressed under the control of a tryptophan promoter. The recombinant strain was grown in batch cultures. Opc was expressed as inclusion bodies at about 32% of the total cellular protein. We examined the scale-up culture conditions for the production of the recombinant Opc. The scale-up process was performed from 1.5 l to 50 l culture, using first, the constant power per unit of volume (P/V) as main scaling criteria, and then the oxygen mass transfer coefficient (K(L)a) scaling criteria to adjust the optimal aeration conditions. A final productivity of 52 mgl(-1)h(-1) was obtained at the 50l culture scale compared with the 49 mgl(-1)h(-1) productivity at 1.5l laboratory scale.

Atmospheric turbulence characterization with the Keck adaptive optics systems. I. Open-loop data.

PubMed

Schöck, Matthias; Le Mignant, David; Chanan, Gary A; Wizinowich, Peter L; van Dam, Marcos A

2003-07-01

We present a detailed investigation of different methods of the characterization of atmospheric turbulence with the adaptive optics systems of the W. M. Keck Observatory. The main problems of such a characterization are the separation of instrumental and atmospheric effects and the accurate calibration of the devices involved. Therefore we mostly describe the practical issues of the analysis. We show that two methods, the analysis of differential image motion structure functions and the Zernike decomposition of the wave-front phase, produce values of the atmospheric coherence length r0 that are in excellent agreement with results from long-exposure images. The main error source is the calibration of the wave-front sensor. Values determined for the outer scale L0 are consistent between the methods and with typical L0 values found at other sites, that is, of the order of tens of meters.

Dynamics of the Outer Planets

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-01-01

30 PM A Dark Side Atmosphere on Io? Ray LeBeau viii rJar 𔃻 L7 ~ E > E 2t m E L 91, -l- IN0. Table of Contents Lectures 1 - An Overview of the Outer...fields, with evidence of cotmiderable complexity at higher haruwucn. The interactwo of charged partieles with the~ e magnetic fields prtoduces p-rmodic...latitutd Two p,•ihble e -xplanatti’ I for thins •re ither that the atmxospherir cirrultmon s w) efficewnt as to r-dmjribute al the rnrriry in the

THE ARECIBO L-BAND FEED ARRAY ZONE OF AVOIDANCE SURVEY. I. PRECURSOR OBSERVATIONS THROUGH THE INNER AND OUTER GALAXY

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

Henning, P. A.; McIntyre, T.; Day, F.

The Arecibo L-band Feed Array (ALFA) is being used to conduct a low-Galactic latitude survey, to map the distribution of galaxies and large-scale structures behind the Milky Way through detection of galaxies' neutral hydrogen (H I) 21 cm emission. This Zone of Avoidance (ZOA) survey finds new H I galaxies which lie hidden behind the Milky Way, and also provides redshifts for partially obscured galaxies known at other wavelengths. Before the commencement of the full survey, two low-latitude precursor regions were observed, totaling 138 deg{sup 2}, with 72 H I galaxies detected. Detections through the inner Galaxy generally have nomore » cataloged counterparts in any other waveband, due to the heavy extinction and stellar confusion. Detections through the outer Galaxy are more likely to have Two Micron All Sky Survey counterparts. We present the results of these precursor observations, including a catalog of the detected galaxies, with their H I parameters. The survey sensitivity is well described by a flux- and linewidth-dependent signal-to-noise ratio of 6.5. ALFA ZOA galaxies, which also have H I measurements in the literature, show good agreement between our measurements and previous work. The inner Galaxy precursor region was chosen to overlap the H I Parkes Zone of Avoidance Survey, so ALFA performance could be quickly assessed. The outer Galaxy precursor region lies north of the Parkes sky. Low-latitude large-scale structure in this region is revealed, including an overdensity of galaxies near l = 183{sup 0} and between 5000-6000 km s{sup -1} in the ZOA. The full ALFA ZOA survey will be conducted in two phases: a shallow survey using the observing techniques of the precursor observations, and also a deep phase with much longer integration time, with thousands of galaxies predicted for the final catalog.« less

Dependence of the L-Mode scrape-off layer power fall-off length on the upper triangularity in TCV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faitsch, M.; Maurizio, R.; Gallo, A.; Coda, S.; Eich, T.; Labit, B.; Merle, A.; Reimerdes, H.; Sieglin, B.; Theiler, C.; the Eurofusion MST1 Team; the TCV Team

2018-04-01

This paper reports on experimental observations on TCV with a scan in upper triangularity {δ }up}, including negative triangularity, focusing on the power fall-off length {λ }{{q}} in L-Mode. The upper triangularity is scanned from -0.28 to 0.47. Smaller {λ }{{q}}out} is measured at the outer divertor target for decreasing {δ }up} together with higher edge temperature {T}{{e},{edge}} leading to increased confinement. This effect is observed for both magnetic drift directions for discharges in deuterium and helium. In helium larger {λ }{{q}} values are observed compared to deuterium. The power fall-off length at the inner divertor target {λ }{{q}}in} has a non-monotonic behaviour with changing triangularity. The largest values are around {δ }up}=0. The ratio {λ }{{q}}in}/{λ }{{q}}out} increases for decreasing {δ }up} for positive triangularity and is approximately constant for negative triangularity. {λ }{{q}}out} is compared to available scaling laws. Partial agreement is only observed for a scaling law containing a proxy for {T}{{e},{edge}} at ASDEX Upgrade (Sieglin 2016 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 58 055015). Extending this scaling to TCV and using {T}{{e},{edge}} at {ρ }pol}=0.95 suggests that {λ }{{q}}out} is independent of machine size {λ }{{q}}{{L} - {Mode}} ({mm}) = 165\\cdot {B}pol}{({{T}})}-0.66\\cdot A{({{u}})}-0.15\\cdot {T}{{e},{edge}}{({eV})}-0.93\\cdot R{({{m}})}-0.03. Possible explanations for smaller {λ }{{q}}out} for decreasing {δ }up} is a reduction in turbulence or a direct effect of increasing {T}{{e},{edge}}.

Transition from the adiabatic to the sudden limit in core-level photoemission: A model study of a localized system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, J. D.; Gunnarsson, O.; Hedin, L.

1999-09-01

We consider core electron photoemission in a localized system, where there is a charge transfer excitation. Examples are transition metal and rare earth compounds, chemisorption systems, and high-Tc compounds. The system is modeled by three electron levels, one core level, and two outer levels. In the initital state the core level and one outer level is filled (a spinless two-electron problem). This model system is embedded in a solid state environment, and the implications of our model system results for solid state photoemission are discussed. When the core hole is created, the more localized outer level (d) is pulled below the less localized level (L). The spectrum has a leading peak corresponding to a charge transfer between L and d (``shakedown''), and a satellite corresponding to no charge transfer. The model has a Coulomb interaction between these levels and the continuum states into which the core electron is emitted. The model is simple enough to allow an exact numerical solution, and with a separable potential an analytic solution. Analytic results are also obtained in lowest order perturbation theory, and in the high-energy limit of the semiclassical approximation. We calculate the ratio r(ω) between the weights of the satellite and the main peak as a function of the photon energy ω. The transition from the adiabatic to the sudden limit is found to take place for quite small kinetic energies of the photoelectron. For such small energies, the variation of the dipole matrix elements is substantial and described by the energy scale E~d. Without the coupling to the photoelectron, the corresponding ratio r0(ω) shows a smooth turn-on of the satellite intensity, due to the turn on of the dipole matrix element. The characteristic energy scales are E~d and the satellite excitation energy δE. When the interaction potential with the continuum states is introduced an energy scale E~s=1/(2R~2s) enters, where R~s is a length scale of the interaction (scattering) potential. At threshold there is typically a (weak) constructive interference between intrinsic and extrinsic contributions, and the ratio r(ω)/r0(ω) is larger than its limiting value for large ω. The interference becomes small or weakly destructive for photoelectron energies of the order E~s. For larger photoelectron energies r(ω)/r0(ω) therefore typically has a weak undershoot. If this undershoot is neglected, r(ω)/r0(ω) reaches its limiting value on the energy scale E~s for the parameter range considered here. In a ``shake-up'' scenario, where the two outer levels do not cross as the core hole is created, we instead find that r(ω)/r0(ω) is typically reduced for small ω by interference effects, as in the case of plasmon excitation. Even for this shake-down case, however, the results are very different from those for a simple metal, where plasmons dominate the picture. In particular, the adiabatic to sudden transition takes place at much lower energies in the case of a localized excitation. The reasons for the differences are briefly discussed.

Growth of farmed blue mussels ( Mytilus edulis L.) in a Norwegian coastal area; comparison of food proxies by DEB modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Handå, Aleksander; Alver, Morten; Edvardsen, Christian Vik; Halstensen, Stein; Olsen, Anders Johny; Øie, Gunvor; Reitan, Kjell Inge; Olsen, Yngvar; Reinertsen, Helge

2011-11-01

Seston variables and growth of the blue mussel ( Mytilus edulis L.) were measured during the growth season from March to October in three suspended longline farms in Central Norway; one in the inner part of Åfjorden (63° 56' N, 10° 11' E) and two in Inner and Outer Koet, respectively (63° 49' N, 9° 42' and 47' E). Four seston variables were used as alternative input values in a Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) model to compare their suitability as food proxies for predicting mussel growth: 1; total particulate matter (TPM), 2; particulate organic matter (POM), 3; organic content (OC) and 4; chlorophyll a (chl a). Mean TPM and POM measured 6.1 and 1.9 mg L - 1 in Åfjorden, 10.3 and 4.2 mg L - 1 in Inner Koet, and 10.5 and 4.6 mg L - 1 in Outer Koet, respectively, resulting in a mean OC of 32, 41 and 44% in Åfjorden and Inner and Outer Koet, respectively. Mean chl a measured 1.6 μg L - 1 in Åfjorden, 3.1 μg L - 1 in Inner Koet, and 1.6 μg L - 1 in Outer Koet. Average length growth was 0.20% day - 1 in medium sized mussels (24-36 mm) in Åfjorden and 0.08% day - 1 in large mussels (40-55 mm) in Inner and Outer Koet. Mean standardized soft tissue dry weight ranged between 250 and 390 mg in Åfjorden, 600 and 1175 in Inner Koet, and 600 and 960 mg in Outer Koet, and showed a seasonal pattern independent of growth in length with scattered spawnings. The model showed the best match for a single criterion for growth in both length and soft tissue dry weight for different food proxies depending on location. TPM gave the best match in Åfjorden, while chl a and POM gave the best match in Inner and Outer Koet, respectively. For Åfjorden, growth in length decreased markedly at the end of the sampling period, and this decrease was not reproduced by the model for any of the food proxies. For Inner and Outer Koet, agreement between measured and modeled length was quite good for the optimal choices of food proxy, with clear variations between the proxies for both farms. The model fit the observed soft tissue dry weight well in Åfjorden and Outer Koet, while underestimating it in Inner Koet. The differences in fit between proxies were minor for Åfjorden and Outer Koet, while OC gave the best fit and chl a the poorest fit for Inner Koet. The results indicate that different food sources have different impact on growth at different locations. DEB modeling is a useful tool in comparing which proxies give the most relevant information.

A Solar Model with g-Modes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolff, Charles L.; Niemann, Hasso (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Good evidence is assembled showing that the Suit's core arid surface vary on time scales from a month to a decade arid that a number of scales are similar. The most plausible source for numerous long time scales and periodicities is long-lived global oscillations. This suggests g-modes (oscillations restored mainly by buoyancy) because they particularly affect the core and base of the convective envelope, which then indirectly modulates the surface. Also, standing g-modes have rotational properties that match many observed periodicities. But the standard solar model (SSM) has a static core and excites few if any g-modes. making new interior structures worth exploring. The model outlined here assumes two well mixed shells near 0.18 and 0.68 R, (13 = solar radius) where sound speed data shows sharp deviations from the SSM. Mixing is sustained by flows driven by the oscillations. The shells form a cavity that excludes g-modes from their main damping region below 0.1 R, assisting their net excitation and increasing their oscillation periods by at least a factor of two and probably much more. In terms of the solar luminosity L, the modes transport up through the cavity a power approx. 0.004 L as a lower limit and 0.11 L as all upper limit. The modes dissipate energy in the outer shell and cool the inner shell, asymmetrically in each case, and this stimulates occasional convective events whose response time is typically 0.8 years longer near the inner shell. Such events cool the core and reduce neutrino flux while heating the envelope and increasing solar activity. This gives a physical basis for a well mixed Sun with low neutrino flux and basis for the observed anticorrelation and lag of neutrino behind surface activity.

Review of the outer scale of the atmospheric turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ziad, Aziz

2016-07-01

Outer scale is a relevant parameter for the experimental performance evaluation of large telescopes. Different techniques have been used for the outer scale estimation. In situ measurements with radiosounding balloons have given very small values of outer scale. This latter has also been estimated directly at the ground level from the wavefront analysis with High Angular Resolution (HAR) techniques using interferometric or Shack-Hartmann or more generally AO systems data. Dedicated instruments have been also developed for the outer scale monitoring such as the Generalized Seeing Monitor (GSM) and the Monitor of Outer Scale Profile (MOSP). The measured values of outer scale from HAR techniques, GSM and MOSP are somewhat coherent and are larger than the in situ results. The main explanation of this difference comes from the definition of the outer scale itself. This paper aims to give a review in a non-exhaustive way of different techniques and instruments for the measurement of the outer scale. Comparisons of outer scale measurements will be discussed in the light of the different definitions of this parameter, the associated observable quantities and the atmospheric turbulence model as well.

Recycling inflow method for simulations of spatially evolving turbulent boundary layers over rough surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xiang I. A.; Meneveau, Charles

2016-01-01

The technique by Lund et al. to generate turbulent inflow for simulations of developing boundary layers over smooth flat plates is extended to the case of surfaces with roughness elements. In the Lund et al. method, turbulent velocities on a sampling plane are rescaled and recycled back to the inlet as inflow boundary condition. To rescale mean and fluctuating velocities, appropriate length scales need be identified and for smooth surfaces, the viscous scale lν = ν/uτ (where ν is the kinematic viscosity and uτ is the friction velocity) is employed for the inner layer. Different from smooth surfaces, in rough wall boundary layers the length scale of the inner layer, i.e. the roughness sub-layer scale ld, must be determined by the geometric details of the surface roughness elements and the flow around them. In the proposed approach, it is determined by diagnosing dispersive stresses that quantify the spatial inhomogeneity caused by the roughness elements in the flow. The scale ld is used for rescaling in the inner layer, and the boundary layer thickness δ is used in the outer region. Both parts are then combined for recycling using a blending function. Unlike the blending function proposed by Lund et al. which transitions from the inner layer to the outer layer at approximately 0.2δ, here the location of blending is shifted upwards to enable simulations of very rough surfaces in which the roughness length may exceed the height of 0.2δ assumed in the traditional method. The extended rescaling-recycling method is tested in large eddy simulation of flow over surfaces with various types of roughness element shapes.

Solar wind temperature observations in the outer heliosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gazis, P. R.; Barnes, A.; Mihalov, J. D.; Lazarus, A. J.

1992-01-01

The Pioneer 10, Pioneer 11, and Voyager 2 spacecraft are now at heliocentric distances of 50, 32 and 33 AU, and heliographic latitudes of 3.5 deg N, 17 deg N, and 0 deg N, respectively. Pioneer 11 and Voyager 2 are at similar celestial longitudes, while Pioneer l0 is on the opposite side of the sun. The baselines defined by these spacecraft make it possible to resolve radial, longitudinal, and latitudinal variations of solar wind parameters. The solar wind temperature decreases with increasing heliocentric distance out to a distance of 10-15 AU. At larger heliocentric distances, this gradient disappears. These high solar wind temperatures in the outer heliosphere have persisted for at least 10 years, which suggests that they are not a solar cycle effect. The solar wind temperature varied with heliographic latitude during the most recent solar minimum. The solar wind temperature at Pioneer 11 and Voyager 2 was higher than that seen at Pioneer 10 for an extended period of time, which suggests the existence of a large-scale variation of temperature with celestial longitude, but the contribution of transient phenomena is yet to be clarified.

Interaction of the stream from L 1 with the outer edge of the accretion disk in a cataclysmic variable

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaigorodov, P. V.; Bisikalo, D. V.; Kurbatov, E. P.

2017-08-01

Vertical oscillations of the gas at the outer edge of the accretion disk in a semi-detached binary due to interaction with the stream of matter from the inner Lagrangian point L 1 are considered. Mixing of the matter from the stream from L 1 with matter of the disk halo results in the formation of a system of two diverging shocks and a contact discontinuity, or so-called "hot line". The passage of matter through the region of the hot line leads to an increase in its vertical velocity and a thickening of the disk at phases 0.7-0.8. Subsequently, the matter moving along the outer edge of the disk also experiences vertical oscillations, forming secondary maxima at phases 0.2-0.4. It is shown that, for systems with component mass ratios of 0.6, these oscillations will be amplified with each passage of the matter through the hotline zone, while the observations will be quenched in systems with component mass ratios 0.07 and 7. The most favorable conditions for the flow of matter from the stream through the edge of the disk arise for component mass ratios 0.62. A theoretical relation between the phases of disk thickenings and the component mass ratio of the system is derived.

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

Du, Xinyu; Xu, Ye; Yang, Ji

The lack of arm tracers, especially remote tracers, is one of the most difficult problems preventing us from studying the structure of the Milky Way. Fortunately, with its high-sensitivity CO survey, the Milky Way Imaging Scroll Painting (MWISP) project offers such an opportunity. Since completing about one-third of its mission, an area of l = [100, 150]°, b = [−3, 5]° has nearly been covered. The Outer arm of the Milky Way first clearly revealed its shape in the second galactic quadrant in the form of molecular gas—this is the first time that the Outer arm has been reported inmore » such a large-scale mapping of molecular gas. Using the 115 GHz {sup 12}CO(1–0) data of MWISP at the LSR velocity ≃[−100, −60] km s{sup −1} and in the area mentioned above, we have detected 481 molecular clouds in total, and among them 332 (about 69%) are newly detected and 457 probably belong to the Outer arm. The total mass of the detected Outer arm clouds is ∼3.1 × 10{sup 6} M {sub ⊙}. Assuming that the spiral arm is a logarithmic spiral, the pitch angle is fitted as ∼13.°1. Besides combining both the CO data from MWISP and the 21 cm H i data from the Canadian Galactic Plane Survey (CGPS), the gas distribution, warp, and thickness of the Outer arm are also studied.« less

Legionella dumoffii Utilizes Exogenous Choline for Phosphatidylcholine Synthesis

PubMed Central

Palusinska-Szysz, Marta; Szuster-Ciesielska, Agnieszka; Kania, Magdalena; Janczarek, Monika; Chmiel, Elżbieta; Danikiewicz, Witold

2014-01-01

Phosphatidycholine (PC) is the major membrane-forming phospholipid in eukaryotes but it has been found in only a limited number of prokaryotes. Bacteria synthesize PC via the phospholipid N-methylation pathway (Pmt) or via the phosphatidylcholine synthase pathway (Pcs) or both. Here, we demonstrated that Legionella dumoffii has the ability to utilize exogenous choline for phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesis when bacteria grow in the presence of choline. The Pcs seems to be a primary pathway for synthesis of this phospholipid in L. dumoffii. Structurally different PC species were distributed in the outer and inner membranes. As shown by the LC/ESI-MS analyses, PC15:0/15:0, PC16:0/15:0, and PC17:0/17:1 were identified in the outer membrane and PC14:0/16:0, PC16:0/17:1, and PC20:0/15:0 in the inner membrane. L. dumoffii pcsA gene encoding phosphatidylcholine synthase revealed the highest sequence identity to pcsA of L. bozemanae (82%) and L. longbeachae (81%) and lower identity to pcsA of L. drancourtii (78%) and L. pneumophila (71%). The level of TNF-α in THP1-differentiated cells induced by live and temperature-killed L. dumoffii cultured on a medium supplemented with choline was assessed. Live L. dumoffii bacteria cultured on the choline-supplemented medium induced TNF-α three-fold less efficiently than cells grown on the non-supplemented medium. There is an evident effect of PC modification, which impairs the macrophage inflammatory response. PMID:24821544

[In vitro function of outer membrane protease T of Escherichia coli K1 pathogenic strain].

PubMed

Hui, Changye; Guo, Yan; Wu, Shuchi; Peng, Liang; Cao, Hong; Huang, Shenghe

2010-01-01

Plasminogen activation and antimicrobial peptide hydrolysis contribute to pathogens invasion and survival in vivo. To demonstrate the expression of outer membrane protease T in E. coli K1 pathogenic strain E44, its activity of plasminogen activator and protamine hydrolysis. After Benzamidine Sepharose Fast Flow and SOURCE 30Q chromatography, we got E44 outer membrane mixed fraction, and examined its activity of plasminogen activation with chromogenic substrate S-2251 method. An ompT deletion mutant of E44 was constructed by using the suicide vector pCVD442, termed as E44ompT. We examined 0.1 mg/mL cationic antimicrobial peptide protamine susceptibility of E44, ompT mutant strain E44ompT and E44ompT harboring pUCT, which was constructed by inserting complete ompT open reading frame into pUC13. We got about 37 kDa E44 membrane extract, which could activate plasminogen, and activation was membrane extract dose dependent. This confirmed the expression of outer membrane protease T in the outer membrane of E44. E44ompT was, more susceptible to 0.1 mg/mL protamine than E44, and E440mpT was partially complemented by pUCT. Outer membrane protease T is expressed in E. coli K1 pathogenic strain E44, and can activate plasminogen and hydrolyze protamine.

Gas turbine combustor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burd, Steven W. (Inventor); Cheung, Albert K. (Inventor); Dempsey, Dae K. (Inventor); Hoke, James B. (Inventor); Kramer, Stephen K. (Inventor); Ols, John T. (Inventor); Smith, Reid Dyer Curtis (Inventor); Sowa, William A. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

A gas turbine engine has a combustor module including an annular combustor having a liner assembly that defines an annular combustion chamber having a length, L. The liner assembly includes a radially inner liner, a radially outer liner that circumscribes the inner liner, and a bulkhead, having a height, H1, which extends between the respective forward ends of the inner liner and the outer liner. The combustor has an exit height, H3, at the respective aft ends of the inner liner and the outer liner interior. The annular combustor has a ratio H1/H3 having a value less than or equal to 1.7. The annular combustor may also have a ration L/H3 having a value less than or equal to 6.0.

Number density distribution of near-infrared sources on a sub-degree scale in the Galactic center: Comparison with the Fe XXV Kα line at 6.7 keV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasui, Kazuki; Nishiyama, Shogo; Yoshikawa, Tatsuhito; Nagatomo, Schun; Uchiyama, Hideki; Tsuru, Takeshi Go; Koyama, Katsuji; Tamura, Motohide; Kwon, Jungmi; Sugitani, Koji; Schödel, Rainer; Nagata, Tetsuya

2015-12-01

The stellar distribution derived from an H- and KS-band survey of the central region of our Galaxy is compared with the Fe XXV Kα (6.7 keV) line intensity observed with the Suzaku satellite. The survey is for the galactic coordinates |l| ≲ 3.0° and |b | ≲ 1.0° (equivalent to 0.8 kpc × 0.3 kpc for R⊙ = 8 kpc), and the number-density distribution N(KS,0; l, b) of stars is derived by using the extinction-corrected magnitude KS,0 = 10.5. This is deep enough to probe the old red-giant population and in turn to estimate the (l, b) distribution of faint X-ray point sources such as coronally active binaries and cataclysmic variables. In the Galactic plane (b = 0°), N(10.5; l, b) increases in the direction of the Galactic center as |l|-0.30±0.03 in the range of - 0.1° ≥ l ≥ - 0.7°, but this increase is significantly slower than the increase (|l|-0.44±0.02) of the Fe XXV Kα line intensity. If normalized with the ratios in the outer region 1.5° ≤ |l| ≤ 2.8°, where faint X-ray point sources are argued to dominate the diffuse Galactic X-ray ridge emission, the excess of the Fe XXV Kα line intensity over the stellar number density is at least a factor of two at |l| = 0.1°. This indicates that a significant part of the Galactic-center diffuse emission arises from a truly diffuse optically thin thermal plasma, and not from an unresolved collection of faint X-ray point sources related to the old stellar population.

[Impedance between modiolus and different walls of scala tympani].

PubMed

Du, Qiang; Wang, Zhengmin

2008-10-01

To compare the impedance between the modiolus and the inner wall of scala tympani with that between the modiolus and the outer wall of scala tympani. The impedances between the modiolus and the inner wall of scala tympani and the impedance between the modiolus and the outer wall of scala tympani were measured, calculated and compared under different stimulating rates 0.1, 1.0, 10.0 kHz. The impedance between the modiolus and the inner wall of scala tympani is less than that between the modiolus and the outer wall of scala tympani (P < 0.05). To effectively stimulate the residual neurons in the spiral ganglion, the electrodes should be kept close to the inner wall of scale tympani.

Spiral spectrum of Airy beams propagation through moderate-to-strong turbulence of maritime atmosphere.

PubMed

Zhu, Yun; Zhang, Yixin; Hu, Zhengda

2016-05-16

The spatial coherence radius in moderate-to-strong maritime turbulence is derived on the basis of the modified Rytov approximation. Models are developed to simulate the spiral spectrum of Airy beams propagating through moderate-to-strong maritime turbulence. In the moderate-to-strong irradiance fluctuation region, we analyze the effects of maritime turbulence on the spread of the spiral spectrum of Airy beams in a horizontal propagation path. Results indicate that the increment in the inner-scale significantly increases the received power. By contrast, the outer-scale elicits a negligible effect on the received power if the ratio of the inner-scale to the outer-scale is less than 0.01. The outer-scale affects the received power only if the ratio is greater than 0.01. The performance of a light source is essential for the received power of Airy beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) through moderate-to-strong maritime turbulence. Airy beams with longer wavelengths, smaller OAM numbers, larger radii of the main ring, and smaller diameters of the circular aperture are less affected by maritime turbulence. Autofocusing of Airy beams is beneficial for the propagation of the spiral spectrum in a certain propagation distance. These results contribute to the design of optical communication systems with OAM encoding for moderate-to-strong maritime turbulence.

Similarity Scaling for the Inner Region of the Turbulent Boundary Layer

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-11-20

Turan , O., Anderson, C, and Castillo, L., "Outer Scaling in Turbulent Boundary Layers," AIAA 2005-4814 (2005). 25 [28] Townsend, A ., The Structure of...for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO...2010-0012 12. DISTRIBUTION / AVAILABILITY STATEMENT DISTRIBUTION A : APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE: DISTRIBUTION UNLIMITED 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

Particle Scavenging and Tidal Exchange of Po-210 and Th-234 in a Mesotidal Embayment in Southern California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, J.; Ku, T.; Luo, S.

2002-12-01

San Diego Bay (SDB) is a semi-closed shallow embayment that sustains semidiurnal tides and continuous tidal flows. We measured Po-210 and Th-234 activities in water samples collected from across north SDB, coastal waters immediately outside SDB, and from several rivers in the vicinity of SDB. A station in north SDB was sampled multiple times during a complete flooding-ebbing cycle. The major findings are as follows. 1) Compared to the outer sea, SDB water has much higher Th-234 deficiency (1.3-2.0 dpm/l, vs. 0.4-0.8dpm/l for outer sea) and considerably lower Po-210 activities (averaging 0.05dpm/l vs. 0.07dpm/l for outer sea) due to stronger particle scavenging. There is higher particulate Po-210 vs. total Po-210 ratio in SDB water (68%, vs. 34% for outer sea). 2) Inside SDB, an increasing Po-210 activities towards the bay mouth clearly indicates the effect of tidal exchange. Po-210 activity near the Bay mouth exceeds that of the outer sea due to higher particulate Po-210, which may come from tidal-induced sediment resuspension. 3) Rivers flowing into or near SDB have 8-12 times higher Po-210 activities than the bay water. But the input of Po-210 to SDB from rivers should be insignificant because of the negligible flow in the dry season. 4) In a tidal cycle, both Po-210 and Th-234 activities in North Bay covary with tidal pattern, which can be readily explained by the exchange between two waters inside and outside SDB with distinct TSS levels and Po-210/Th-234 activities. Sediment resuspension plays an important role during the peak tidal flow, resulting in an asymmetrical time-evolution curve of Po-210/Th-234 activities. These observations correspond well with our previous finding of systematic variations of Po-210 and Th-234 activities in water and sediment columns across SDB. This study manifests the significance of hydrodynamic processes such as advection, mixing and particle movement in the study of geochemistry of particle-reactive radionuclides in a tidal embayment. Since the geochemical behavior of these particle-reactive radionuclides mimic those of many hydrophobic contaminants such as PCBs, DDT, and heavy metals, this study also bears implications for the transport and fate of hydrophobic contaminants in aqueous environment.

Comparison of Large eddy dynamo simulation using dynamic sub-grid scale (SGS) model with a fully resolved direct simulation in a rotating spherical shell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsui, H.; Buffett, B. A.

2017-12-01

The flow in the Earth's outer core is expected to have vast length scale from the geometry of the outer core to the thickness of the boundary layer. Because of the limitation of the spatial resolution in the numerical simulations, sub-grid scale (SGS) modeling is required to model the effects of the unresolved field on the large-scale fields. We model the effects of sub-grid scale flow and magnetic field using a dynamic scale similarity model. Four terms are introduced for the momentum flux, heat flux, Lorentz force and magnetic induction. The model was previously used in the convection-driven dynamo in a rotating plane layer and spherical shell using the Finite Element Methods. In the present study, we perform large eddy simulations (LES) using the dynamic scale similarity model. The scale similarity model is implement in Calypso, which is a numerical dynamo model using spherical harmonics expansion. To obtain the SGS terms, the spatial filtering in the horizontal directions is done by taking the convolution of a Gaussian filter expressed in terms of a spherical harmonic expansion, following Jekeli (1981). A Gaussian field is also applied in the radial direction. To verify the present model, we perform a fully resolved direct numerical simulation (DNS) with the truncation of the spherical harmonics L = 255 as a reference. And, we perform unresolved DNS and LES with SGS model on coarser resolution (L= 127, 84, and 63) using the same control parameter as the resolved DNS. We will discuss the verification results by comparison among these simulations and role of small scale fields to large scale fields through the role of the SGS terms in LES.

[Effects of neuroactive substances on intracellular free Ca2+ concentration in isolated outer hair cells of the guinea pig cochlea].

PubMed

Yang, J; Wang, J; Wei, S

1998-10-01

To measure the effects of neuro-active substances on intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in isolated outer hair cells(OHCs) of the guinea pig cochlea. The fura-2 microfluorimetry was used to measure changes of [Ca2+]i in OHCs of the guinea pig cochlea after application of acetylcholine, ATP and carbacholine. Acetylcholine, ATP and carbacholine increased [Ca2+]i (acetylcholine: 0.74 +/- 0.12 mumol/L, ATP: 0.65 +/- 0.11 mumol/L, carbacholine: 1.16 +/- 0.27 mumol/L) in OHCs in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, however, only ATP induced a gradual and small [Ca2+]i elevation, whereas other substances did not. Acetylcholine and carbacholine, the cholinergic mascarinic agonists, increased [Ca2+]i in OHCs by acting at receptor-induced ion channel resulting in Ca2+ efflux. ATP-induced elevation of [Ca2+]i without Ca2+ in extracellular medium is due to a release of Ca2+ from an intracellular reservoir.

49 CFR 179.220-25 - Stamping.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

...: Material ASTM A240-316L. Shell thickness Shell 0.167 in. Head thickness Head 0.150 in. Tank builders initials ABC. Date of original test 00-0000. Outer shell: Material ASTM A285-C. Tank builders initials WYZ...

Differential Response to Heat Stress in Outer and Inner Onion Bulb Scales.

PubMed

Galsurker, Ortal; Doron-Faigenboim, Adi; Teper-Bamnolker, Paula; Daus, Avinoam; Lers, Amnon; Eshel, Dani

2018-05-18

Brown protective skin formation in onion bulbs can be induced by rapid postharvest heat treatment. Onions that were peeled to different depths and were exposed to heat stress showed that only the outer scale formed dry brown skin, whereas the inner scales maintained high water content and did not change color. Our results reveal that browning of the outer scale during heat treatment is due to an enzymatic process that is associated with high levels of oxidation components, such as peroxidase and quercetin glucoside. De-novo transcriptome analysis revealed differential molecular responses of the outer and inner scales to the heat stress. Genes involved in lipid metabolism, oxidation pathways and cell-wall modification were highly expressed in the outer scale during heating. Defense-response-related genes such as those encoding heat-shock proteins, antioxidative stress defense or production of osmoprotectant metabolites were mostly induced in the inner scale in response to the heat exposure. These transcriptomic data led to a conceptual model that suggests sequential processes for browning development and desiccation of the outer scales versus processes associated with defense response and heat tolerance in the inner scale. Thus, the observed physiological differences between the outer and inner scales is supported by the identified molecular differences.

Observational evidence of competing source, loss, and transport processes for relativistic electrons in Earth's outer radiation belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turner, Drew; Mann, Ian; Usanova, Maria; Rodriguez, Juan; Henderson, Mike; Angelopoulos, Vassilis; Morley, Steven; Claudepierre, Seth; Li, Wen; Kellerman, Adam; Boyd, Alexander; Kim, Kyung-Chan

Earth’s outer electron radiation belt is a region of extreme variability, with relativistic electron intensities changing by orders of magnitude over time scales ranging from minutes to years. Extreme variations of outer belt electrons ultimately result from the relative impacts of various competing source (and acceleration), loss, and transport processes. Most of these processes involve wave-particle interactions between outer belt electrons and different types of plasma waves in the inner magnetosphere, and in turn, the activity of these waves depends on different solar wind and magnetospheric driving conditions and thus can vary drastically from event to event. Using multipoint analysis with data from NASA’s Van Allen Probes, THEMIS, and SAMPEX missions, NOAA’s GOES and POES constellations, and ground-based observatories, we present results from case studies revealing how different source/acceleration and loss mechanisms compete during active periods to result in drastically different distributions of outer belt electrons. By using a combination of low-Earth orbiting and high-altitude-equatorial orbiting satellites, we briefly review how it is possible to get a much more complete picture of certain wave activity and electron losses over the full range of MLTs and L-shells throughout the radiation belt. We then show example cases highlighting the importance of particular mechanisms, including: substorm injections and whistler-mode chorus waves for the source and acceleration of relativistic electrons; magnetopause shadowing and wave-particle interactions with EMIC waves for sudden losses; and ULF wave activity for driving radial transport, a process which is important for redistributing relativistic electrons, contributing both to acceleration and loss processes. We show how relativistic electron enhancement events involve local acceleration that is consistent with wave-particle interactions between a seed population of 10s to 100s of keV electrons, with a source in the plasma sheet, and chorus waves. We show how sudden losses during outer belt dropout events are dominated at higher L-shells (L>~4) by magnetopause shadowing and outward radial transport, which is effective over the full ranges of energy and equatorial pitch angle of outer belt electrons, but at lower L-shells near the plasmapause, energy and pitch angle dependent losses can also occur and are consistent with rapid scattering by interactions between relativistic electrons and EMIC waves. We show cases demonstrating how these different processes occur simultaneously during active periods, with relative effects that vary as a function of L-shell and electron energy and pitch angle. Ultimately, our results highlight the complexity of competing source/acceleration, loss, and transport processes in Earth’s outer radiation belt and the necessity of using multipoint observations to disambiguate between them for future studies.

Quantitative comparison of electron temperature fluctuations to nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations in C-Mod Ohmic L-mode discharges

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

Sung, C., E-mail: csung@physics.ucla.edu; White, A. E.; Greenwald, M.

2016-04-15

Long wavelength turbulent electron temperature fluctuations (k{sub y}ρ{sub s} < 0.3) are measured in the outer core region (r/a > 0.8) of Ohmic L-mode plasmas at Alcator C-Mod [E. S. Marmar et al., Nucl. Fusion 49, 104014 (2009)] with a correlation electron cyclotron emission diagnostic. The relative amplitude and frequency spectrum of the fluctuations are compared quantitatively with nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations using the GYRO code [J. Candy and R. E. Waltz, J. Comput. Phys. 186, 545 (2003)] in two different confinement regimes: linear Ohmic confinement (LOC) regime and saturated Ohmic confinement (SOC) regime. When comparing experiment with nonlinear simulations, it is found that local,more » electrostatic ion-scale simulations (k{sub y}ρ{sub s} ≲ 1.7) performed at r/a ∼ 0.85 reproduce the experimental ion heat flux levels, electron temperature fluctuation levels, and frequency spectra within experimental error bars. In contrast, the electron heat flux is robustly under-predicted and cannot be recovered by using scans of the simulation inputs within error bars or by using global simulations. If both the ion heat flux and the measured temperature fluctuations are attributed predominantly to long-wavelength turbulence, then under-prediction of electron heat flux strongly suggests that electron scale turbulence is important for transport in C-Mod Ohmic L-mode discharges. In addition, no evidence is found from linear or nonlinear simulations for a clear transition from trapped electron mode to ion temperature gradient turbulence across the LOC/SOC transition, and also there is no evidence in these Ohmic L-mode plasmas of the “Transport Shortfall” [C. Holland et al., Phys. Plasmas 16, 052301 (2009)].« less

Subresolution Activity in Solar and Stellar Coronae from Magnetic Field Line Tangling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rappazzo, A. F.; Dahlburg, R. B.; Einaudi, G.; Velli, M.

2018-05-01

The heating of coronal loops is investigated to understand the observational consequences in terms of the thermodynamics and radiative losses from the Sun as well as the magnetized coronae of stars with an outer convective envelope. The dynamics of the Parker coronal heating model are studied for different ratios of the photospheric forcing velocity timescale tp to the Alfvén crossing time along a loop tA. It is shown that for tp/tA ≳ 10-24 the heating rate and maximum temperature are largest and approximately independent of tp/tA, leading to a strong emission in X-rays and EUV. On the opposite decreasing tp/tA to smaller values leads to lower heating rates and plasma temperatures, and consequently fading high-energy radiative emission once tp/tA ≲ 1-3. The average volumetric loop heating rate is shown to scale as ℓ _p u_p B_0^2/4π L^2, where ℓp and up are respectively the convective granule length-scale and velocity, B0 is the intensity of the strong magnetic field threading the loop, and L the loop length. These findings support a recent hypothesis explaining ultracool dwarf observations of stars with similar magnetic field strength but radically different topologies displaying different radiative emission.

An experimental investigation of the flow physics of high-lift systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, Flint O.; Nelson, R. C.

1995-01-01

This progress report is a series of overviews outlining experiments on the flow physics of confluent boundary layers for high-lift systems. The research objectives include establishing the role of confluent boundary layer flow physics in high-lift production; contrasting confluent boundary layer structures for optimum and non-optimum C(sub L) cases; forming a high quality, detailed archival data base for CFD/modelling; and examining the role of relaminarization and streamline curvature. Goals of this research include completing LDV study of an optimum C(sub L) case; performing detailed LDV confluent boundary layer surveys for multiple non-optimum C(sub L) cases; obtaining skin friction distributions for both optimum and non-optimum C(sub L) cases for scaling purposes; data analysis and inner and outer variable scaling; setting-up and performing relaminarization experiments; and a final report establishing the role of leading edge confluent boundary layer flow physics on high-lift performance.

Correlation of electron path lengths observed in the highly wound outer region of magnetic clouds with the slab fraction of magnetic turbulence in the dissipation range

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

Tan, Lun C.; Shao, Xi; Reames, Donald V.

2014-05-10

Three magnetic cloud events, in which solar impulsive electron events occurred in their outer region, are employed to investigate the difference of path lengths L {sub 0eIII} traveled by non-relativistic electrons from their release site near the Sun to the observer at 1 AU, where L {sub 0eIII} = v {sub l} × (t {sub l} – t {sub III}), v {sub l} and t {sub l} being the velocity and arrival time of electrons in the lowest energy channel (∼27 keV) of the Wind/3DP/SST sensor, respectively, and t {sub III} being the onset time of type III radio bursts.more » The deduced L {sub 0eIII} value ranges from 1.3 to 3.3 AU. Since a negligible interplanetary scattering level can be seen in both L {sub 0eIII} > 3 AU and ∼1.2 AU events, the difference in L {sub 0eIII} could be linked to the turbulence geometry (slab or two-dimensional) in the solar wind. By using the Wind/MFI magnetic field data with a time resolution of 92 ms, we examine the turbulence geometry in the dissipation range. In our examination, ∼6 minutes of sampled subintervals are used in order to improve time resolution. We have found that, in the transverse turbulence, the observed slab fraction is increased with an increasing L {sub 0eIII} value, reaching ∼100% in the L {sub 0eIII} > 3 AU event. Our observation implies that when only the slab spectral component exists, magnetic flux tubes (magnetic surfaces) are closed and regular for a very long distance along the transport route of particles.« less

Ionospheric scintillation by a random phase screen Spectral approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rufenach, C. L.

1975-01-01

The theory developed by Briggs and Parkin, given in terms of an anisotropic gaussian correlation function, is extended to a spectral description specified as a continuous function of spatial wavenumber with an intrinsic outer scale as would be expected from a turbulent medium. Two spectral forms were selected for comparison: (1) a power-law variation in wavenumber with a constant three-dimensional index equal to 4, and (2) Gaussian spectral variation. The results are applied to the F-region ionosphere with an outer-scale wavenumber of 2 per km (approximately equal to the Fresnel wavenumber) for the power-law variation, and 0.2 per km for the Gaussian spectral variation. The power-law form with a small outer-scale wavenumber is consistent with recent F-region in-situ measurements, whereas the gaussian form is mathematically convenient and, hence, mostly used in the previous developments before the recent in-situ measurements. Some comparison with microwave scintillation in equatorial areas is made.

The Class 0 Protostar BHR71: Herschel Observations and Dust Continuum Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yao-Lun; Evans, Neal J., II; Green, Joel D.; Dunham, Michael M.; Jørgensen, Jes K.

2017-02-01

We use Herschel spectrophotometry of BHR71, an embedded Class 0 protostar, to provide new constraints on its physical properties. We detect 645 (non-unique) spectral lines among all spatial pixels. At least 61 different spectral lines originate from the central region. A CO rotational diagram analysis shows four excitation temperature components, 43, 197, 397, and 1057 K. Low-J CO lines trace the outflow while the high-J CO lines are centered on the infrared source. The low-excitation emission lines of {{{H}}}2{{O}} trace the large-scale outflow, while the high-excitation emission lines trace a small-scale distribution around the equatorial plane. We model the envelope structure using the dust radiative transfer code, hyperion, incorporating rotational collapse, an outer static envelope, outflow cavity, and disk. The evolution of a rotating collapsing envelope can be constrained by the far-infrared/millimeter spectral energy distribution along with the azimuthally averaged radial intensity profile, and the structure of the outflow cavity plays a critical role at shorter wavelengths. Emission at 20-40 μm requires a cavity with a constant-density inner region and a power-law density outer region. The best-fit model has an envelope mass of 19 {M}⊙ inside a radius of 0.315 pc and a central luminosity of 18.8 {L}⊙ . The time since collapse began is 24,630-44,000 years, most likely around 36,000 years. The corresponding mass infall rate in the envelope (1.2 × 10-5 {M}⊙ {{yr}}-1) is comparable to the stellar mass accretion rate, while the mass-loss rate estimated from the CO outflow is 20% of the stellar mass accretion rate. We find no evidence for episodic accretion.

Multi-scale Structural and Tensile Mechanical Response of Annulus Fibrosus to Osmotic Loading

PubMed Central

Han, Woojin M.; Nerurkar, Nandan L.; Smith, Lachlan J.; Jacobs, Nathan T.; Mauck, Robert L.; Elliott, Dawn M.

2012-01-01

This study investigates differential multi-scale structure and function relationships of the outer and inner annulus fibrosus (AF) to osmotic swelling in different buffer solutions by quantifying tensile mechanics, GAG content, water content and tissue swelling, and collagen fibril ultrastructure. In the outer AF, the tensile modulus decreased by over 70% with 0.15M PBS treatment but was unchanged with 2M PBS treatment. Moreover, the modulus loss following 0.15M PBS treatment was reversed when followed by 2M PBS treatment, potentially from increased interfibrillar and interlamellar shearing associated with fibril swelling. In contrast, the inner AF tensile modulus was unchanged by 0.15M PBS treatment and increased following 2M treatment. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the mean collagen fibril diameters of the untreated outer and inner AF were 87.8 ± 27.9 and 71.0 ± 26.9 nm, respectively. In the outer AF, collagen fibril swelling was observed with both 0.15M and 2M PBS treatments, but inherently low GAG content remained unchanged. In the inner AF, 2M PBS treatment caused fibril swelling and GAG loss, suggesting that GAG plays a role in maintaining the structure of collagen fibrils leading to modulation of the native tissue mechanical properties. These results demonstrate important regional variations in structure and composition, and their influence on the heterogeneous mechanics of the AF. Moreover, because the composition and structure is altered as a consequence of progressive disc degeneration, quantification of these interactions is critical for study of the AF pathogenesis of degeneration and tissue engineering. PMID:22314837

Scattering properties of Saturn's rings in the far ultraviolet from Cassini UVIS spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradley, E. Todd; Colwell, Joshua E.; Esposito, Larry W.

2013-07-01

We use Cassini UVIS data to determine the scattering properties of Saturn's ring particles in the FUV. We have replaced the scattering function from the classical Chandrasekhar single scattering radiative transfer equation for reflectance with a ring wake model for the A and B rings derived from stellar occultations. The free parameters in this model are the ring particle Bond albedo, AB, and the ring particle asymmetry parameter, g, which equals the cosine of the most probable scattering angle of a photon from a ring particle. The spectrum of Saturn's rings from 140 to 190 nm shows an absorption feature due to water ice shortward of 165 nm. We compare our model values for I/F to lit-side data at 155 nm and at 180 nm for regions in both the A and B rings. We used the unmodified Chandrasekhar model for the C ring and Cassini Division, and in all cases we determined AB and g in the FUV for the first time. Values of AB vary between 0.04 and 0.091 at 180 nm and between 0.012 and 0.019 at 155 nm. The variations across the ring of AB at 180 nm is consistent with a greater abundance of non-ice contaminant in the C ring and Cassini Division and a minimum in contaminant abundance in the outer B ring. There is little variation in AB at 155 nm across the rings, which suggests that the reflectance of the water ice and non-water ice material shortward of the 165 nm absorption edge are about the same. Values of g vary between -0.68 and -0.78 at 180 nm and between -0.63 and -0.77 at 155 nm showing that the ring particles are highly backscattering in the FUV. We find that the wavelength of the absorption feature varies with ring region and viewing geometry indicating a different photon mean path length, L, through the outer layer of the ring particle (Bradley, E.T., Colwell, J.E., Esposito, L.W., Cuzzi, J.N., Tollerud, H., Chambers, L. [2010]. Icarus 206 (2), 458-466). We compared I/F from 152 to 185 nm to a radiative transfer spectral model developed by Shkuratov et al. (Shkuratov, Y., Starukhina, L., Hoffmann, H., Arnold, G. [1999]. Icarus 137, 235-246) and modified by Poulet et al. (Poulet, F., Cuzzi, J.N., Cruikshank, D.P., Roush, T., Dalle Ore, C.M. [2002]. Icarus 160, 313-324). We find that L is positively correlated with phase angle, which we attribute to multiple scattering within the particle on length scales comparable to L. We extrapolate L to zero phase angle and find values of L at zero phase ranging from ˜2 to 3 μm. This provides a direct measure of the distance from the surface of a ring particle to the first scattering center. L at zero phase is roughly constant across the rings suggesting the outermost 1.25 μm of the ring particles have the same structural properties in all ring regions. We azimuthally binned and interpolated observations of the unlit side of the A ring taken during Saturn orbit insertion to a 100 km resolution radial profile. We see halos (enhanced brightness) surrounding the Janus 4:3 and Janus 5:4 density waves. We also computed I/F across the A ring using the SOI observational geometry along with AB and the power-law index, n, derived from the retrieval approach from lit side observations. I/F determined by this technique agrees with results from the lit side analysis for the A2 ring but diverge for the inner and outer A ring, which we attribute to multiple scattering effects.

[Analysis and characterization of Belamcanda chinensis with space mutagenesis breeding by X-ray fluorescence analysis and X-ray diffraction].

PubMed

Guan, Ying; Ding, Xi-Feng; Wang, Wen-Jing; Guo, Xi-Hua; Zhu, Yan-Ying

2008-02-01

The contents of various elements in the fourth generation Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC. with space mutagenesis breeding were analyzed and characterized. X-ray fluorescence spectrum analysis (XRF) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) were applied jointly. It was found that the content of K element in the space flight mutagenesis increases 1.03 and 0.31 times, Mg enhances 1.44 and 0.06 times, but Al reduces 38.5% and 85.5% respectively compared to the contents in the ground group and the comparison group, while those of Ca, Mn and Fe enhance 0.95, 0.30 and 0.29 times respectively contrasted to the ground group. Besides, there was discovered the crystal of whewellite in the Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC. and the content in the ground group is less than that of the outer space and the outer space group, which in turn is less than that of the comparison group. It is concluded that the contents of mineral elements indispensable to body in the space group are closer or superior to the comparison, group as compared to the ground group. In the present paper, a quick and simple appraising method is offered, which may be of great significance to the popularization of the planting outer space Chinese traditional medicine to filtrate more excellent breed and set up norm of quality appraisal.

Ultrastrong Carbon Thin Films from Diamond to Graphene under Extreme Conditions: Probing Atomic Scale Interfacial Mechanisms to Achieve Ultralow Friction and Wear

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-08

of Current Advances and Challenges for the Future. Trib. Int. 37, 517-536 (2004). 6. Doll, G.L. and Evans, R.D. Solving Wind Turbine Tribological...and Doll, G.L. Tribological Advancements for Reliable Wind Turbine Performance. Phil. Trans. A 368, 4829-50 (2010). 8. Grillo, S.E. and Field, J.E...environments (as found in the upper atmosphere and in outer space), and protective coatings for bearings, bushings, and gears in engines, turbines and

Experimental investigation on aero-optics of supersonic turbulent boundary layers.

PubMed

Ding, Haolin; Yi, Shihe; Zhu, Yangzhu; He, Lin

2017-09-20

Nanoparticle-based planar laser scattering was used to measure the density distribution of the supersonic (Ma=3.0) turbulent boundary layer and the optical path difference (OPD), which is quite crucial for aero-optics study. Results were obtained using ray tracing. The influences of different layers in the boundary layer, turbulence scales, and light incident angle on aero-optics were examined, and the underlying flow physics were analyzed. The inner layer plays a dominant role, followed by the outer layer. One hundred OPD rms of the outer layer at different times satisfy the normal distribution better than that of the inner layer. Aero-optics induced by the outer layer is sensitive to the filter scale. When induced by the inner layer, it is not sensitive to the filter scale. The vortices with scales less than the Kolmogorov scale (=46.0  μm) have little influence on the aero-optics and could be ignored; the validity of the smallest optically active scale (=88.1  μm) proposed by Mani is verified, and vortices with scales less than that are ignored, resulting in a 1.62% decay of aero-optics; the filter with a width of 16-grid spacing (=182.4  μm) decreases OPD rms by 7.04%. With the increase of the angle between the wall-normal direction and the light-incident direction, the aero-optics becomes more serious, and the difference between the distribution of the OPD rms and the normal distribution increases. The difficulty of aero-optics correction is increased. Light tilted toward downstream experiences more distortions than when tilted toward upstream at the same angle relative to the wall-normal direction.

Investigation of Ionospheric Turbulence and Whistler Wave Interactions with Space Plasmas

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-11-21

an oscillating LOS velocity with the same periodicity as the heating modulation pattern. A set of Fourier periodogram from the MUIR LOS velocity...scale ionospheric turbulence are discussed separately, viz., (a) anomalous heat source-induced acoustic gravity waves (AGW), and (b) HF radio wave...ionospheric ducts, acoustic gravity waves (AGWs), anomalous heat sources, inner and outer radiation belts, L parameter, whistler wave interactions

In vitro propagation, micromorphological studies and ex vitro rooting of cannon ball tree (Couroupita guianensis aubl.): a multipurpose threatened species.

PubMed

Shekhawat, Mahipal S; Manokari, M

2016-01-01

In vitro propagation methods using seeds and nodal segments of a 21-year old Couroupita guianensis - a medicinally important but threatened tree have been developed. Hundred percent of the seeds germinated on half strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 2.0 mg l(-1) indole-3 butyric acid (IBA). Nodal segments were found most suitable for the establishment of cultures. About 90 % explants responded and 4.1 ± 0.23 shoots per node were induced after five weeks of inoculation on MS medium +4.0 mg l(-1) 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). Further shoot multiplication was achieved by repeated transfer of mother explants and subculturing of in vitro produced shoots on fresh medium. Maximum number (8.2 ± 0.17) of shoots were regenerated on MS medium with 1.0 mg l(-1) each of BAP and Kinetin (Kin) + 0.5 mg l(-1) α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) with additives (50 mg l(-1) of ascorbic acid and 25 mg l(-1) each of adenine sulphate, L-arginine and citric acid). The multiplied shoots rooted (4.3 ± 0.26 roots/shoot) on half strength MS medium with 2.5 mg l(-1) IBA. All the shoots were rooted ex vitro when pulse treated with 400 mg l(-1) of IBA for five min with an average of 7.3 ± 0.23 roots per shoot. Nearly 86 % of these plantlets were acclimatized within 7-8 weeks and successfully transferred in the field. Biologically significant developmental changes were observed during acclimation particularly in leaf micromorphology in terms of changes in stomata, veins and vein-islets, and trichomes. This study helps in understanding the response by the plants towards outer environmental conditions during acclimatization. This is the first report on micropropagation of C. guianensis, which could be used for the large-scale multiplication, restoration and conservation of germplasm of this threatened and medicinally important tree.

Enhanced spatial resolution in fluorescence molecular tomography using restarted L1-regularized nonlinear conjugate gradient algorithm.

PubMed

Shi, Junwei; Liu, Fei; Zhang, Guanglei; Luo, Jianwen; Bai, Jing

2014-04-01

Owing to the high degree of scattering of light through tissues, the ill-posedness of fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) inverse problem causes relatively low spatial resolution in the reconstruction results. Unlike L2 regularization, L1 regularization can preserve the details and reduce the noise effectively. Reconstruction is obtained through a restarted L1 regularization-based nonlinear conjugate gradient (re-L1-NCG) algorithm, which has been proven to be able to increase the computational speed with low memory consumption. The algorithm consists of inner and outer iterations. In the inner iteration, L1-NCG is used to obtain the L1-regularized results. In the outer iteration, the restarted strategy is used to increase the convergence speed of L1-NCG. To demonstrate the performance of re-L1-NCG in terms of spatial resolution, simulation and physical phantom studies with fluorescent targets located with different edge-to-edge distances were carried out. The reconstruction results show that the re-L1-NCG algorithm has the ability to resolve targets with an edge-to-edge distance of 0.1 cm at a depth of 1.5 cm, which is a significant improvement for FMT.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: CO obs. of MCs in the Extreme Outer Galaxy region (Sun+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Y.; Su, Y.; Zhang, S.-B.; Xu, Y.; Chen, X.-P.; Yang, J.; Jiang, Z.-B.; Fang, M.

2017-08-01

The observations in the Galactic range of 34.75°<=l<=45.25° and -5.25°<=b<=5.25° were conducted during 2011 November to 2015 March using the 13.7m millimeter-wavelength telescope of the Purple Mountain Observatory (PMO) in Delingha, China. The molecular lines of 12CO(J=1-0) in the upper sideband, and 13CO(J=1-0) and C18O(J=1-0) in the lower sideband were observed simultaneously. A total of 174 molecular clouds (MCs) were identified, of which 168 MCs probably lie in the Extreme Outer Galaxy (EOG) region. (3 data files).

l-N-acetylcysteine protects outer hair cells against TNFα initiated ototoxicity in vitro.

PubMed

Tillinger, Joshua A; Gupta, Chhavi; Ila, Kadri; Ahmed, Jamal; Mittal, Jeenu; Van De Water, Thomas R; Eshraghi, Adrien A

2018-08-01

The present study is aimed at determining the efficacy and exploring the mechanisms by which l-N-acetylcysteine (l-NAC) provides protection against tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα)-induced oxidative stress damage and hair cell loss in 3-day-old rat organ of Corti (OC) explants. Previous work has demonstrated a high level of oxidative stress in TNFα-challenged OC explants. TNFα can potentially play a significant role in hair cell loss following an insult to the inner ear. l-NAC has shown to provide effective protection against noise-induced hearing loss in laboratory animals but mechanisms of this otoprotective effect are not well-defined. Rat OC explants were exposed to either: (1) saline control (N = 12); (2) TNFα (2 μg/ml, N = 12); (3) TNFα+l-NAC (5 mM, N = 12); (4) TNFα+l-NAC (10 mM, N = 12); or (5) l-NAC (10 mM, N = 12). Outer hair cell (OHC) density, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation of cell membranes, gluthathione activity, and mitochondrial viability were assayed. l-NAC (5 and 10 mM) provided protection for OHCs from ototoxic level of TNFα in OC explants. Groups treated with TNFα+l-NAC (5 mM) showed a highly significant reduction of both ROS (p < 0.01) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal immunostaining (p < 0.001) compared to TNFα-challenged explants. Total glutathione levels were low in TNFα-challenged explants compared to control and TNFα+l-NAC (5 mM) treated explants (p < 0.001). l-NAC is a promising treatment for protecting auditory HCs from TNFα-induced oxidative stress and subsequent loss via programmed cell death.

Accurate quantification of local changes for carotid arteries in 3D ultrasound images using convex optimization-based deformable registration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Jieyu; Qiu, Wu; Yuan, Jing; Fenster, Aaron; Chiu, Bernard

2016-03-01

Registration of longitudinally acquired 3D ultrasound (US) images plays an important role in monitoring and quantifying progression/regression of carotid atherosclerosis. We introduce an image-based non-rigid registration algorithm to align the baseline 3D carotid US with longitudinal images acquired over several follow-up time points. This algorithm minimizes the sum of absolute intensity differences (SAD) under a variational optical-flow perspective within a multi-scale optimization framework to capture local and global deformations. Outer wall and lumen were segmented manually on each image, and the performance of the registration algorithm was quantified by Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and mean absolute distance (MAD) of the outer wall and lumen surfaces after registration. In this study, images for 5 subjects were registered initially by rigid registration, followed by the proposed algorithm. Mean DSC generated by the proposed algorithm was 79:3+/-3:8% for lumen and 85:9+/-4:0% for outer wall, compared to 73:9+/-3:4% and 84:7+/-3:2% generated by rigid registration. Mean MAD of 0:46+/-0:08mm and 0:52+/-0:13mm were generated for lumen and outer wall respectively by the proposed algorithm, compared to 0:55+/-0:08mm and 0:54+/-0:11mm generated by rigid registration. The mean registration time of our method per image pair was 143+/-23s.

Renal Response to L-Arginine in Diabetic Rats. A Possible Link between Nitric Oxide System and Aquaporin-2

PubMed Central

Ortiz, María C.; Albertoni Borghese, María F.; Balonga, Sabrina E.; Lavagna, Agustina; Filipuzzi, Ana L.; Elesgaray, Rosana; Costa, María A.; Majowicz, Mónica P.

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether L-Arginine (L-Arg) supplementation modifies nitric oxide (NO) system and consequently aquaporin-2 (AQP2) expression in the renal outer medulla of streptozotocin-diabetic rats at an early time point after induction of diabetes. Male Wistar rats were divided in four groups: Control, Diabetic, Diabetic treated with L-Arginine and Control treated with L-Arginine. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was estimated by [14C] L-citrulline production in homogenates of the renal outer medulla and by NADPH-diaphorase staining in renal outer medullary tubules. Western blot was used to detect the expression of AQP2 and NOS types I and III; real time PCR was used to quantify AQP2 mRNA. The expression of both NOS isoforms, NOS I and NOS III, was decreased in the renal outer medulla of diabetic rats and L-Arg failed to prevent these decreases. However, L-Arg improved NO production, NADPH-diaphorase activity in collecting ducts and other tubular structures, and NOS activity in renal homogenates from diabetic rats. AQP2 protein and mRNA were decreased in the renal outer medulla of diabetic rats and L-Arg administration prevented these decreases. These results suggest that the decreased NOS activity in collecting ducts of the renal outer medulla may cause, at least in part, the decreased expression of AQP2 in this model of diabetes and constitute additional evidence supporting a role for NO in contributing to renal water reabsorption through the modulation of AQP2 expression in this pathological condition. However, we cannot discard that another pathway different from NOS also exists that links L-Arg to AQP2 expression. PMID:25111608

Renal response to L-arginine in diabetic rats. A possible link between nitric oxide system and aquaporin-2.

PubMed

Ortiz, María C; Albertoni Borghese, María F; Balonga, Sabrina E; Lavagna, Agustina; Filipuzzi, Ana L; Elesgaray, Rosana; Costa, María A; Majowicz, Mónica P

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether L-Arginine (L-Arg) supplementation modifies nitric oxide (NO) system and consequently aquaporin-2 (AQP2) expression in the renal outer medulla of streptozotocin-diabetic rats at an early time point after induction of diabetes. Male Wistar rats were divided in four groups: Control, Diabetic, Diabetic treated with L-Arginine and Control treated with L-Arginine. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was estimated by [14C] L-citrulline production in homogenates of the renal outer medulla and by NADPH-diaphorase staining in renal outer medullary tubules. Western blot was used to detect the expression of AQP2 and NOS types I and III; real time PCR was used to quantify AQP2 mRNA. The expression of both NOS isoforms, NOS I and NOS III, was decreased in the renal outer medulla of diabetic rats and L-Arg failed to prevent these decreases. However, L-Arg improved NO production, NADPH-diaphorase activity in collecting ducts and other tubular structures, and NOS activity in renal homogenates from diabetic rats. AQP2 protein and mRNA were decreased in the renal outer medulla of diabetic rats and L-Arg administration prevented these decreases. These results suggest that the decreased NOS activity in collecting ducts of the renal outer medulla may cause, at least in part, the decreased expression of AQP2 in this model of diabetes and constitute additional evidence supporting a role for NO in contributing to renal water reabsorption through the modulation of AQP2 expression in this pathological condition. However, we cannot discard that another pathway different from NOS also exists that links L-Arg to AQP2 expression.

Prompt Recovery and Enhancement of the Earth's Outer Radiation Belt due to Relativistic Electron Injections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, C. L.; Zhang, J.; Reeves, G. D.; Baker, D. N.; Spence, H. E.; Funsten, H. O.; Blake, J. B.

2015-12-01

We present multipoint observations (RBSP, GEOS and THEMIS) of the substorm electron injections during the substorm event on 16 August 2013. RBSP-A detected the MeV electron phase space density increased by an order of magnitude in about one hour at L* > 5.0. At L* = 4.4, the injected MeV electrons were also detected. It is suggested that the magnetic field dipolarization associated with the substorm injections alone can explain that the prompt recovery and enhancements of the relativistic electron (~ MeV) fluxes in the outer radiation belt. The observations of THEMIS-A also first presented that the near-Earth magnetotail at substorm onset is important in the MeV electron injection event: the enhanced fluxes of ~200 keV electrons are the source population and intense electromagnetic pulses are the driving source of MeV injected electrons. The pulse model is used to explain the dispersionless MeV injected electrons in the outer radiation belt observed by GEOS-13 and RBSP-A.

Methylation and in vivo expression of the surface-exposed Leptospira interrogans outer-membrane protein OmpL32.

PubMed

Eshghi, Azad; Pinne, Marija; Haake, David A; Zuerner, Richard L; Frank, Ami; Cameron, Caroline E

2012-03-01

Recent studies have revealed that bacterial protein methylation is a widespread post-translational modification that is required for virulence in selected pathogenic bacteria. In particular, altered methylation of outer-membrane proteins has been shown to modulate the effectiveness of the host immune response. In this study, 2D gel electrophoresis combined with MALDI-TOF MS identified a Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni strain Fiocruz L1-130 protein, corresponding to ORF LIC11848, which undergoes extensive and differential methylation of glutamic acid residues. Immunofluorescence microscopy implicated LIC11848 as a surface-exposed outer-membrane protein, prompting the designation OmpL32. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy of golden Syrian hamster liver and kidney sections revealed expression of OmpL32 during colonization of these organs. Identification of methylated surface-exposed outer-membrane proteins, such as OmpL32, provides a foundation for delineating the role of this post-translational modification in leptospiral virulence.

Experimental evaluation of two turning vane designs for fan drive corner of 0.1-scale model of NASA Lewis Research Center's proposed altitude wind tunnel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boldman, Donald R.; Moore, Royce D.; Shyne, Rickey J.

1987-01-01

Two turning vane designs were experimentally evaluated for corner 2 of a 0.1 scale model of the NASA Lewis Research Center's proposed Altitude Wind Tunnel (AWT). Corner 2 contained a simulated shaft fairing for a fan drive system to be located downstream of the corner. The corner was tested with a bellmouth inlet followed by a 0.1 scale model of the crossleg diffuser designed to connect corners 1 and 2 of the AWT. Vane A was a controlled-diffusion airfoil shape; vane B was a circular-arc airfoil shape. The A vanes were tested in several arrangements which included the resetting of the vane angle by -5 degrees or the removal of the outer vane. The lowest total pressure loss for vane A configuration was obtained at the negative reset angle. The loss coefficient increased slightly with the Mach number, ranging from 0.165 to 0.175 with a loss coefficient of 0.170 at the inlet design Mach number of 0.24. Removal of the outer vane did not alter the loss. Vane B loss coefficients were essentially the same as those for the reset vane A configurations. The crossleg diffuser loss coefficient was 0.018 at the inlet design Mach number of 0.33.

Evolution of Multiscale Multifractal Turbulence in the Heliosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macek, W. M.; Wawrzaszek, A.

2009-04-01

The aim of this study is to examine the question of scaling properties of intermittent turbulence in the space environment. We analyze time series of velocities of the slow and fast speed streams of the solar wind measured in situ by Helios 2, Advanced Composition Explorer and Voyager 2 spacecraft in the inner and outer heliosphere during solar minimum and maximum at various distances from the Sun. To quantify asymmetric scaling of solar wind turbulence, we consider a generalized two-scale weighted Cantor set with two different scales describing nonuniform distribution of the kinetic energy flux between cascading eddies of various sizes. We investigate the resulting spectrum of generalized dimensions and the corresponding multifractal singularity spectrum depending on one probability measure parameter and two rescaling parameters, demonstrating that the multifractal scaling is often rather asymmetric. In particular, we show that the degree of multifractality for the solar wind during solar minimum is greater for fast streams velocity fluctuations than that for the slow streams; the fast wind during solar minimum may exhibit strong asymmetric scaling. Moreover, we observe the evolution of multifractal scaling of the solar wind in the outer heliosphere. It is worth noting that for the model with two different scaling parameters a much better agreement with the solar wind data is obtained, especially for the negative index of the generalized dimensions. Therefore we argue that there is a need to use a two-scale cascade model. Hence we propose this new more general model as a useful tool for analysis of intermittent turbulence in various environments. References [1] W. M. Macek and A. Szczepaniak, Generalized two-scale weighted Cantor set model for solar wind turbulence, Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, L02108, doi:10.1029/2007GL032263 (2008). [2] A. Szczepaniak and W. M. Macek, Asymmetric multifractal model for solar wind intermittent turbulence, Nonlin. Processes Geophys., 15, 615-620 (2008), http://www.nonlin-processes-geophys.net/15/615/2008/. [3] W. M. Macek and A. Wawrzaszek, Evolution of asymmetric multifractal scaling of solar wind turbulence in the outer heliosphere, J. Geophys. Res., A013795, doi:10.1029/2008JA013795, in press.

Direct numerical simulation of Taylor-Couette flow subjected to a radial temperature gradient

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

Teng, Hao; Liu, Nansheng, E-mail: lns@ustc.edu.cn; Lu, Xiyun

Direct numerical simulations have been performed to study the Taylor-Couette (TC) flow between two rotating, coaxial cylinders in the presence of a radial temperature gradient. Specifically, the influence of the buoyant force and the outer cylinder rotation on the turbulent TC flow system with the radius ratio η = 0.912 was examined. For the co-rotating TC flows with Re{sub i} (inner cylinder) =1000 and Re{sub o} (outer cylinder) =100, a transition pathway to highly turbulent flows is realized by increasing σ, a parameter signifying the ratio of buoyant to inertial force. This nonlinear flow transition involves four intriguing states thatmore » emerge in sequence as chaotic wavy vortex flow for σ = 0, wavy interpenetrating spiral flows for σ = 0.02 and 0.05, intermittent turbulent spirals for σ = 0.1 and 0.2, and turbulent spirals for σ = 0.4. Overall, the fluid motion changes from a centrifugally driven flow regime characterized by large-scale wavy Taylor vortices (TVs) to a buoyancy-dominated flow regime characterized by small-scale turbulent vortices. Commensurate changes in turbulence statistics and heat transfer are seen as a result of the weakening of large-scale TV circulations and enhancement of turbulent motions. Additionally, the influence of variation of the outer cylinder rotation, −500 < Re{sub o} < 500 in presence of buoyancy (σ = 0.1) with Re{sub i} = 1000, has been considered. Specifically, it is demonstrated that this variation strongly influences the azimuthal and axial mean flows with a weaker influence on the fluctuating fluid motions. Of special interest, here are the turbulent dynamics near the outer wall where a marked decrease of turbulence intensity and a sign inversion of the Reynolds stress R{sub rz} are observed for the strongly counter-rotating regimes (Re{sub o} = − 300 and −500). To this end, it has been shown that the underlying flow physics for this drastic modification are associated with the modification of the correlation between the radial and axial fluctuating motions. In turn, the intriguing effects of this modification on the mean axial flow, turbulent statistics, force balance, and dynamic processes such as turbulence production and dissipation are discussed.« less

VLF Wave Local Acceleration & ULF Wave Radial Diffusion: The Importance of K-Dependent PSD Analysis for Diagnosing the cause of Radiation Belt Acceleration.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozeke, L.; Mann, I. R.; Claudepierre, S. G.; Morley, S.; Henderson, M. G.; Baker, D. N.; Kletzing, C.; Spence, H. E.

2017-12-01

We present results showing the temporal evolution of electron Phase Space Density (PSD) in the outer radiation belt during the most intense geomagnetic storm of the last decade which occurred on March 17th 2015. Based on observations of growing local PSD peaks at fixed first and second adiabatic invariants of M=1000 MeV/G and K=0.18 G1/2Re respectively, previous studies argued that the outer radiation belt flux enhancement that occurred during this storm resulted from local acceleration driven by VLF waves. Here we show that the vast majority of the outer radiation belt consisted of electrons with much lower K-values than 0.18 G1/2Re, and that at these lower K-values there is no clear evidence of growing local PSD peaks consistent with that expected from local acceleration. Contrary to prior studies we show that the outer radiation belt flux enhancement is consistent with inward radial diffusion driven by ULF waves and present evidence that the growing local PSD peaks at K=0.18 G1/2Re and M=1000 MeV/G result from pitch-angle scattering of lower-K electrons to K=0.18 G1/2Re. In addition, we also show that the observed outer radiation belt flux enhancement during this geomagnetic storm can be reproduced using a radial diffusion model driven by measured ULF waves without including any local acceleration. These results highlight the importance of careful analysis of the electron PSD profiles as a function of L* over a range of fixed first, M and second K, adiabatic invariants to correctly determine the mechanism responsible for the electron flux enhancements observed in the outer radiation belt.

Radial diffusion with outer boundary determined by geosynchronous measurements: Storm and post-storm intervals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, F.; Haines, P.; Hudson, M.; Kress, B.; Freidel, R.; Kanekal, S.

2007-12-01

Work is underway by several groups to quantify diffusive radial transport of radiation belt electrons, including a model for pitch angle scattering losses to the atmosphere. The radial diffusion model conserves the first and second adiabatic invariants and breaks the third invariant. We have developed a radial diffusion code which uses the Crank Nicholson method with a variable outer boundary condition. For the radial diffusion coefficient, DLL, we have several choices, including the Brautigam and Albert (JGR, 2000) diffusion coefficient parameterized by Kp, which provides an ad hoc measure of the power level at ULF wave frequencies in the range of electron drift (mHz), breaking the third invariant. Other diffusion coefficient models are Kp-independent, fixed in time but explicitly dependent on the first invariant, or energy at a fixed L, such as calculated by Elkington et al. (JGR, 2003) and Perry et al. (JGR, 2006) based on ULF wave model fields. We analyzed three periods of electron flux and phase space density (PSD) enhancements inside of geosynchronous orbit: March 31 - May 31, 1991, and July 2004 and Nov 2004 storm intervals. The radial diffusion calculation is initialized with a computed phase space density profile for the 1991 interval using differential flux values from the CRRES High Energy Electron Fluxmeter instrument, covering 0.65 - 7.5 MeV. To calculate the initial phase space density, we convert Roederer L* to McIlwain's L- parameter using the ONERA-DESP program. A time averaged model developed by Vampola1 from the entire 14 month CRRES data set is applied to the July 2004 and Nov 2004 storms. The online CRESS data for specific orbits and the Vampola-model flux are both expressed in McIlwain L-shell, while conversion to L* conserves phase space density in a distorted non-dipolar magnetic field model. A Tsyganenko (T04) magnetic field model is used for conversion between L* and L. The outer boundary PSD is updated using LANL GEO satellite fluxes. After calculating the phase space density time evolution for the two storms and post-injection interval (March 31 - May 31, 1991), we compare results with SAMPEX measurements. A better match with SAMPEX measurements is obtained with a variable outer boundary, also with a Kp-dependent diffusion coefficient, and finally with an energy and L-dependent loss term (Summers et al., JGR, 2004), than with a time-independent diffusion coefficient and a simple Kp-parametrized loss rate and location of the plasmapause. Addition of a varying outer boundary which incorporates measured fluxes at geosynchronous orbit using L* has the biggest effect of the three parametrized variations studied. 1Vampola, A.L., 1996, The ESA Outer Zone Electron Model Update, Environment Modelling for Spaced-based Applications, ESA SP-392, ESTEC, Nordwijk, NL, pp. 151-158, W. Burke and T.-D. Guyenne, eds.

Analysis of Three-dimension Viscous Flow in the Model Axial Compressor Stage K1002L

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tribunskaia, K.; Kozhukhov, Y. V.

2017-08-01

The main investigation subject considered in this paper is axial compressor model stage K1002L. Three simulation models were designed: Scheme 1 - inlet stage model consisting of IGV (Inlet Guide Vane), rotor and diffuser; Scheme 2 - two-stage model: IGV, first-stage rotor, first-stage diffuser, second-stage rotor, EGV (Exit Guide Vane); Scheme 3 - full-round model: IGV, rotor, diffuser. Numerical investigation of the model stage was held for four circumferential velocities at the outer diameter (Uout=125,160,180,210 m/s) within the range of flow coefficient: ϕ = 0.4 - 0.6. The computational domain was created with ANSYS CFX Workbench. According to simulation results, there were constructed aerodynamic characteristic curves of adiabatic efficiency and the adiabatic head coefficient calculated for total parameters were compared with data from the full-scale test received at the Central Boiler and Turbine Institution (CBTI), thus, verification of the calculated data was carried out. Moreover, there were conducted the following studies: comparison of aerodynamic characteristics of the schemes 1, 2; comparison of the sector and full-round models. The analysis and conclusions are supplemented by gas-dynamic method calculation for axial compressor stages.

Large-scale purification and biochemical characterization of crystallization-grade porin protein P from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

PubMed

Worobec, E A; Martin, N L; McCubbin, W D; Kay, C M; Brayer, G D; Hancock, R E

1988-04-07

A large-scale purification scheme was developed for lipopolysaccharide-free protein P, the phosphate-starvation-inducible outer-membrane porin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This highly purified protein P was used to successfully form hexagonal crystals in the presence of n-octyl-beta-glucopyranoside. Amino-acid analysis indicated that protein P had a similar composition to other bacterial outer membrane proteins, containing a high percentage (50%) of hydrophilic residues. The amino-terminal sequence of this protein, although not homologous to either outer membrane protein, PhoE or OmpF, of Escherichia coli, was found to have an analogous protein-folding pattern. Protein P in the native trimer form was capable of maintaining a stable functional trimer after proteinase cleavage. This suggested the existence of a strongly associated tertiary and quaternary structure. Circular dichroism studies confirmed these results in that a large proportion of the protein structure was determined to be beta-sheet and resistant to acid pH and heating in 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulphate.

Toxicokinetic Study for Investigation of Sex Differences in Internal Dosimetry of Jet Propulsion Fuel 8 (JP-8) in the Laboratory Rat

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-26

8 (2000 mg/m 3 ) may have produced transient impairment of rat cochlear outer hair cell function in the absence of noise (Fechter et al., 2010); the...system is a dynamic, non- rebreathing system. In this system, an exposure atmosphere flow rate of approximately 0.5 L/min per open port was maintained...exposure atmosphere flow to the chamber or the exhaust. The outer plenum of the nose-only exposure system carried the animals’ exhaled breath and excess

Pilot-scale production of fuel ethanol from concentrated food waste hydrolysates using Saccharomyces cerevisiae H058.

PubMed

Yan, Shoubao; Chen, Xiangsong; Wu, Jingyong; Wang, Pingchao

2013-07-01

The aim of this study was to develop a bioprocess to produce ethanol from food waste at laboratory, semipilot and pilot scales. Laboratory tests demonstrated that ethanol fermentation with reducing sugar concentration of 200 g/L, inoculum size of 2 % (Initial cell number was 2 × 10⁶ CFU/mL) and addition of YEP (3 g/L of yeast extract and 5 g/L of peptone) was the best choice. The maximum ethanol concentration in laboratory scale (93.86 ± 1.15 g/L) was in satisfactory with semipilot scale (93.79 ± 1.11 g/L), but lower than that (96.46 ± 1.12 g/L) of pilot-scale. Similar ethanol yield and volumetric ethanol productivity of 0.47 ± 0.02 g/g, 1.56 ± 0.03 g/L/h and 0.47 ± 0.03 g/g, 1.56 ± 0.03 g/L/h after 60 h of fermentation in laboratory and semipilot fermentors, respectively, however, both were lower than that (0.48 ± 0.02 g/g, 1.79 ± 0.03 g/L/h) of pilot reactor. In addition, simple models were developed to predict the fermentation kinetics during the scale-up process and they were successfully applied to simulate experimental results.

The 3-D ionization structure and evolution of NGC 7009 (Saturn Nebula)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabbadin, F.; Turatto, M.; Cappellaro, E.; Benetti, S.; Ragazzoni, R.

2004-03-01

Tomographic and 3-D analyses for extended, emission-line objects are applied to long-slit ESO NTT + EMMI high-resolution spectra of the intriguing planetary nebula NGC 7009, covered at twelve position angles. We derive the gas expansion law, the diagnostics and ionic radial profiles, the distance and the central star parameters, the nebular photo-ionization model and the spatial recovery of the plasma structure and evolution. The Saturn Nebula (distance≃1.4 kpc, age≃6000 yr, ionized mass≃0.18 M⊙) consists of several interconnected components, characterized by different morphology, physical conditions, excitation and kinematics. We identify four ``large-scale'', mean-to-high excitation sub-systems (the internal shell, the main shell, the outer shell and the halo), and as many ``small-scale'' ones: the caps (strings of low-excitation knots within the outer shell), the ansae (polar, low-excitation, likely shocked layers), the streams (high-excitation polar regions connecting the main shell with the ansae), and an equatorial, medium-to-low excitation pseudo-ring within the outer shell. The internal shell, the main shell, the streams and the ansae expand at Vexp≃4.0 × R arcsec km s-1, the outer shell, the caps and the equatorial pseudo-ring at Vexp≃3.15 × R arcsec km s-1, and the halo at Vexp≃10 km s-1. We compare the radial distribution of the physical conditions and the line fluxes observed in the eight sub-systems with the theoretical profiles coming from the photo-ionization code CLOUDY, inferring that all the spectral characteristics of NGC 7009 are explainable in terms of photo-ionization by the central star, a hot ( log T* ≃4.95) and luminous ( log L*/L⊙≃3.70) 0.60-0.61 M⊙ post-AGB star in the hydrogen-shell nuclear burning phase. The 3-D shaping of the Saturn Nebula is discussed within an evolutionary scenario dominated by photo-ionization and supported by the fast stellar wind: it begins with the superwind ejection (first isotropic, then polar deficient), passes through the neutral, transition phase ({lasting} ≃3000 yr), the ionization start (occurred ≃2000 yr ago), and the full ionization of the main shell (≃1000 yr ago), at last reaching the present days: the whole nebula is optically thin to the UV stellar flux, except the caps (mean latitude condensations in the outer shell, shadowed by the main shell) and the ansae (supersonic ionization fronts along the major axis). Based on observations made with: ESO Telescopes at the La Silla Observatories (program ID 65.I-0524), and the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, obtained from the data archive at the Space Telescope Institute. Observing programs: GO 6117 (P.I. Bruce Balick), GO 6119 (P.I. Howard Bond) and GO 8390 (P.I. Arsen Hajian). STScI is operated by the association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. under the NASA contract NAS 5-26555. We extensively apply the photo-ionization code CLOUDY, developed at the Institute of Astronomy of the Cambridge University (Ferland et al. 1998).

Predictors of Long-Term Toxicity Using Three-Dimensional Conformal External Beam Radiotherapy to Deliver Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation

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

Shaitelman, Simona F.; Kim, Leonard H.; Grills, Inga S.

Purpose: We analyzed variables associated with long-term toxicity using three-dimensional conformal external beam radiation therapy (3D-CRT) to deliver accelerated partial breast irradiation. Methods and Materials: One hundred patients treated with 3D-CRT accelerated partial breast irradiation were evaluated using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0 scale. Cosmesis was scored using Harvard criteria. Multiple dosimetric and volumetric parameters were analyzed for their association with worst and last (W/L) toxicity outcomes. Results: Sixty-two patients had a minimum of 36 months of toxicity follow-up (median follow-up, 4.8 years). The W/L incidence of poor-fair cosmesis, any telangiectasia, and grade {>=}2 induration, volume reduction,more » and pain were 16.4%/11.5%, 24.2%/14.5%, 16.1%/9.7%, 17.7%/12.9%, and 11.3%/3.2%, respectively. Only the incidence of any telangiectasia was found to be predicted by any dosimetric parameter, with the absolute breast volume receiving 5% to 50% of the prescription dose (192.5 cGy-1925 cGy) being significant. No associations with maximum dose, volumes of lumpectomy cavity, breast, modified planning target volume, and PTV, dose homogeneity index, number of fields, and photon energy used were identified with any of the aforementioned toxicities. Non-upper outer quadrant location was associated with grade {>=}2 volume reduction (p = 0.02 W/p = 0.04 L). A small cavity-to-skin distance was associated with a grade {>=}2 induration (p = 0.03 W/p = 0.01 L), a borderline significant association with grade {>=}2 volume reduction (p = 0.06 W/p = 0.06 L) and poor-fair cosmesis (p = 0.08 W/p = 0.09 L), with threshold distances ranging from 5 to 8 mm. Conclusions: No dose--volume relationships associated with long-term toxicity were identified in this large patient cohort with extended follow-up. Cosmetic results were good-to-excellent in 88% of patients at 5 years.« less

Publisher Correction: Role of outer surface probes for regulating ion gating of nanochannels.

PubMed

Li, Xinchun; Zhai, Tianyou; Gao, Pengcheng; Cheng, Hongli; Hou, Ruizuo; Lou, Xiaoding; Xia, Fan

2018-02-08

The original version of this Article contained an error in Fig. 3. The scale bars in Figs 3c and 3d were incorrectly labelled as 50 μA. In the correct version, the scale bars are labelled as 0.5 μA. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.

Effects of a finite outer scale on the measurement of atmospheric-turbulence statistics with a Hartmann wave-front sensor.

PubMed

Feng, Shen; Wenhan, Jiang

2002-06-10

Phase-structure and aperture-averaged slope-correlated functions with a finite outer scale are derived based on the Taylor hypothesis and a generalized spectrum, such as the von Kármán modal. The effects of the finite outer scale on measuring and determining the character of atmospheric-turbulence statistics are shown especially for an approximately 4-m class telescope and subaperture. The phase structure function and atmospheric coherent length based on the Kolmogorov model are approximations of the formalism we have derived. The analysis shows that it cannot be determined whether the deviation from the power-law parameter of Kolmogorov turbulence is caused by real variations of the spectrum or by the effect of the finite outer scale.

27 CFR 9.207 - Outer Coastal Plain.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... Outer Coastal Plain. (a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this section is “Outer...,000 scale. (c) Boundary. The Outer Coastal Plain viticultural area includes all of Cumberland, Cape... Counties in the State of New Jersey. The boundary of the Outer Coastal Plain viticultural area is as...

Fluorine-induced apoptosis and lipid peroxidation in human hair follicles in vitro.

PubMed

Wang, Zheng-hui; Li, Xiao-li; Yang, Zhuang-qun; Xu, Min

2010-12-01

Fluoride is an essential trace element for human body; however, exposure to high amounts of fluoride has been documented to be correlated with an increasing risk of hair loss. To date, little is known about the mechanism(s) of how fluoride affects hair follicles. Here, we demonstrated that middle (1.0 mmol/L) and high (10.0 mmol/L) concentrations of sodium fluoride (NaF) significantly inhibited hair follicle elongation in vitro, but low NaF (0.1 mmol/L) showed little influence. Moreover, treatment with high levels of NaF resulted in a marked increase in terminal dUTP nick end labeling-positive cells in the outer layer of the outer root sheath, the dermal sheath, and the lower bulb matrix surrounding dermal papilla. Furthermore, the enhanced apoptosis was coupled with an increased oxidative stress manifested as higher malondialdehyde content. Additionally, the presence of selenium considerably antagonized the effects of middle NaF on hair follicles, with regard to either the suppression of hair growth or the induction of oxidative stress and apoptosis. In conclusion, exposure to high levels of fluoride compromises hair follicle growth and accelerate cell apoptosis in vitro. The toxicity of fluoride can be reduced by selenium, at least partially via the suppression of intracellular oxidative stress.

On the Effect of Geomagnetic Storms on Relativistic Electrons in the Outer Radiation Belt: Van Allen Probes Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moya, Pablo S.; Pinto, Víctor A.; Sibeck, David G.; Kanekal, Shrikanth G.; Baker, Daniel N.

2017-11-01

Using Van Allen Probes Energetic Particle, Composition, and Thermal Plasma-Relativistic Electron-Proton Telescope (ECT-REPT) observations, we performed a statistical study on the effect of geomagnetic storms on relativistic electrons fluxes in the outer radiation belt for 78 storms between September 2012 and June 2016. We found that the probability of enhancement, depletion, and no change in flux values depends strongly on L and energy. Enhancement events are more common for ˜2 MeV electrons at L ˜ 5, and the number of enhancement events decreases with increasing energy at any given L shell. However, considering the percentage of occurrence of each kind of event, enhancements are more probable at higher energies, and the probability of enhancement tends to increases with increasing L shell. Depletion are more probable for 4-5 MeV electrons at the heart of the outer radiation belt, and no-change events are more frequent at L < 3.5 for E ˜ 3 MeV particles. Moreover, for L > 4.5 the probability of enhancement, depletion, or no-change response presents little variation for all energies. Because these probabilities remain relatively constant as a function of radial distance in the outer radiation belt, measurements obtained at geosynchronous orbit may be used as a proxy to monitor E≥1.8 MeV electrons in the outer belt.

Characterization of the Leptospiral Outer Membrane and Description of Three Novel Leptospiral Membrane Proteins

PubMed Central

Haake, David A.; Matsunaga, James

2002-01-01

The outer membrane (OM) of the mammalian pathogen Leptospira kirschneri was isolated in the form of membrane vesicles by alkaline plasmolysis and separated from the protoplasmic cylinder by sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation. All four components of the alkaline plasmolysis buffer, including 1.0 M NaCl, 27% sucrose (wt/vol), 2 mM EDTA, and 10 mM Tris (pH 9), were required for efficient OM release, as judged by recovery of leptospiral lipopolysaccharide. Two populations of OM vesicles (OMVs) were recovered, with peak concentrations found in the sucrose gradient at densities of 1.16 and 1.18 g/ml. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the more buoyant OMV population was smaller (<0.1 μm in diameter) than the denser OMV population (0.2 to 0.3 μm in diameter). The densities of both populations of OMVs were distinct from that of the protoplasmic-cylinder material, which was found in the sucrose gradient at a density of 1.20 g/ml. The OMV fractions were free of protoplasmic-cylinder material, as judged by immunoblotting with antibodies to the endoflagellar sheath protein, heat shock protein GroEL, and two novel cytoplasmic membrane proteins, lipoprotein LipL31 and transmembrane protein ImpL63. The protein components of the OMVs were characterized by one- and two-dimensional immunoblotting and found to include previously described OM proteins (OMPs), including the porin OmpL1; the lipoproteins LipL32, LipL36, and LipL41; and the peripheral membrane protein P31LipL45. A number of less well-characterized OMPs were also identified, including those with molecular masses of 16, 21, 21.5, 22, 31, 36, 44, 48, 90, and 116 kDa. The 48-kDa OMP was identified as a novel OM lipoprotein designated LipL48. The use of membrane-specific markers in OM isolation techniques facilitates an accurate description of the leptospiral OM and its components. PMID:12183539

The shape of oxygen abundance profiles explored with MUSE: evidence for widespread deviations from single gradients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sánchez-Menguiano, L.; Sánchez, S. F.; Pérez, I.; Ruiz-Lara, T.; Galbany, L.; Anderson, J. P.; Krühler, T.; Kuncarayakti, H.; Lyman, J. D.

2018-02-01

We characterised the oxygen abundance radial distribution of a sample of 102 spiral galaxies observed with VLT/MUSE using the O3N2 calibrator. The high spatial resolution of the data allowed us to detect 14345 H II regions with the same image quality as with photometric data, avoiding any dilution effect. We developed a new methodology to automatically fit the abundance radial profiles, finding that 55 galaxies of the sample exhibit a single negative gradient. The remaining 47 galaxies also display, as well as this negative trend, either an inner drop in the abundances (21), an outer flattening (10), or both (16), which suggests that these features are a common property of disc galaxies. The presence and depth of the inner drop depends on the stellar mass of the galaxies with the most massive systems presenting the deepest abundance drops, while there is no such dependence in the case of the outer flattening. We find that the inner drop appears always around 0.5 re, while the position of the outer flattening varies over a wide range of galactocentric distances. Regarding the main negative gradient, we find a characteristic slope in the sample of αO/H =-0.10 ± 0.03 dex /re. This slope is independent of the presence of bars and the density of the environment. However, when inner drops or outer flattenings are detected, slightly steeper gradients are observed. This suggests that radial motions might play an important role in shaping the abundance profiles. We define a new normalisation scale ("the abundance scale length", rO/H) for the radial profiles based on the characteristic abundance gradient, with which all the galaxies show a similar position for the inner drop ( 0.5 rO/H) and the outer flattening ( 1.5 rO/H). Finally, we find no significant dependence of the dispersion around the negative gradient with any property of the galaxies, with values compatible with the uncertainties associated with the derivation of the abundances.

49 CFR 173.4a - Excepted quantities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... this section; and (3) For gases a water capacity of 30 mL (1.8 cubic inches) or less. (d) Outer... outer packaging must not exceed the limits provided in the following paragraphs. For outer packagings..., rigid outer packaging. (5) Placement of the material in the package or packing different materials in...

49 CFR 173.4a - Excepted quantities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... this section; and (3) For gases a water capacity of 30 mL (1.8 cubic inches) or less. (d) Outer... outer packaging must not exceed the limits provided in the following paragraphs. For outer packagings..., rigid outer packaging. (5) Placement of the material in the package or packing different materials in...

Chorus Whistler Wave Source Scales As Determined From Multipoint Van Allen Probe Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Agapitov, O.; Blum, L. W.; Mozer, F. S.; Bonnell, J. W.; Wygant, J.

2017-01-01

Whistler mode chorus waves are particularly important in outer radiation belt dynamics due to their key role in controlling the acceleration and scattering of electrons over a very wide energy range. The key parameters for both nonlinear and quasi-linear treatment of wave-particle interactions are the temporal and spatial scales of the wave source region and coherence of the wave field perturbations. Neither the source scale nor the coherence scale is well established experimentally, mostly because of a lack of multipoint VLF waveform measurements. We present an unprecedentedly long interval of coordinated VLF waveform measurements (sampled at 16384 s(exp -1)) aboard the two Van Allen Probes spacecraft-9 h (0800-1200 UT and 1700-2200 UT) during two consecutive apogees on 15 July 2014. The spacecraft separations varied from about 100 to 5000 km (mostly radially); measurements covered an L shell range from 3 to 6; magnetic local time 0430-0900, and magnetic latitudes were approximately 15 and approximately 5 deg during the two orbits. Using time-domain correlation techniques, the single chorus source spatial extent transverse to the background magnetic field has been determined to be about 550-650 km for upper band chorus waves with amplitudes less than 100 pT and up to 800 km for larger amplitude, lower band chorus waves. The ratio between wave amplitudes measured on the two spacecraft is also examined to reveal that the wave amplitude distribution within a single chorus element generation area can be well approximated by a Gaussian exp(-0.5 x r (exp 2)/r(sub 0)(exp 2)), with the characteristic scale r(sub 0) around 300 km. Waves detected by the two spacecraft were found to be coherent in phase at distances up to 400 km.

Derivation of Zagarola-Smits scaling in zero-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Tie; Maciel, Yvan

2018-01-01

This Rapid Communication derives the Zagarola-Smits scaling directly from the governing equations for zero-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layers (ZPG TBLs). It has long been observed that the scaling of the mean streamwise velocity in turbulent boundary layer flows differs in the near surface region and in the outer layer. In the inner region of small-velocity-defect boundary layers, it is generally accepted that the proper velocity scale is the friction velocity, uτ, and the proper length scale is the viscous length scale, ν /uτ . In the outer region, the most generally used length scale is the boundary layer thickness, δ . However, there is no consensus on velocity scales in the outer layer. Zagarola and Smits [ASME Paper No. FEDSM98-4950 (1998)] proposed a velocity scale, U ZS=(δ1/δ ) U∞ , where δ1 is the displacement thickness and U∞ is the freestream velocity. However, there are some concerns about Zagarola-Smits scaling due to the lack of a theoretical base. In this paper, the Zagarola-Smits scaling is derived directly from a combination of integral, similarity, and order-of-magnitude analysis of the mean continuity equation. The analysis also reveals that V∞, the mean wall-normal velocity at the edge of the boundary layer, is a proper scale for the mean wall-normal velocity V . Extending the analysis to the streamwise mean momentum equation, we find that the Reynolds shear stress in ZPG TBLs scales as U∞V∞ in the outer region. This paper also provides a detailed analysis of the mass and mean momentum balance in the outer region of ZPG TBLs.

Antibacterial and antigelatinolytic effects of Satureja hortensis L. essential oil on epithelial cells exposed to Fusobacterium nucleatum.

PubMed

Zeidán-Chuliá, Fares; Keskin, Mutlu; Könönen, Eija; Uitto, Veli-Jukka; Söderling, Eva; Moreira, José Cláudio Fonseca; Gürsoy, Ulvi K

2015-04-01

The present report examined the effects of essential oils (EOs) from Satureja hortensis L. and Salvia fruticosa M. on the viability and outer membrane permeability of the periodontopathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum, a key bacteria in oral biofilms, as well as the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2 and MMP-9) activities in epithelial cells exposed to such bacteria. Membrane permeability was tested by measuring the N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine uptake and bacterial viability by using the commercially available Live/Dead BacLight kit. In addition, gelatin zymography was performed to analyze the inhibition of F. nucleatum-induced MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in HaCaT cells. We showed that 5, 10, and 25 μL/mL of Sat. hortensis L. EO decreased the ratio of live/dead bacteria and increased the outer membrane permeability in a range of time from 0 to 5 min. Treatments with 10 and 25 μL/mL of Sal. fruticosa M. also increased the membrane permeability and 5, 10, and 25 μL/mL of both EOs inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in keratinocytes induced after exposure of 24 h to F. nucleatum. We conclude that antibacterial and antigelatinolytic activities of Sat. hortensis L. EO have potential for the treatment of periodontal inflammation.

Low concentrations of Al(III) accelerate the formation of biofilm: Multiple effects of hormesis and flocculation.

PubMed

Cui, Xiaochun; Huo, Mingxin; Chen, Congli; Yu, Zhisen; Zhou, Chen; Li, Anran; Qiao, Bingqian; Zhou, Dandan; Crittenden, John C

2018-09-01

Residual Al(III) (at low concentration) is common in water treatment plants (WTPs) and is associated with bacteria. We hypothesize that Al(III) accelerate biofouling due to its hydrolysis and hormesis characteristics, as compared with other cations. To verify this, we elaborated the roles of Al(III) at low concentrations on the biofilm formation. Al(III) hormesis (<2.0mg/L) stimulated bacteria growth increased by ~3.7 times, and extracellular polymeric substances production also enhanced. Al(III) flocculation resulted in the suspended cells precipitation instantly, for Al(III) dosages of 0.6 and 2.0mg/L and the concentration of Al(III) decreased by 0.07 and 0.14mg/L, respectively. Al(III) poisoned the bridged bacterial cells and decreased their ATP by 22.36% and 55.91%, respectively. Al(III) formed polymer presented strong affinity with bacterial outer membrane, and this damaged the bacterial outer membrane. This caused proteins to leak at the combined point. Al-polymer bound to NH 2 and/or NH on the leaked protein, contributed to biofilm formation. Biofilm maturity was aided by polysaccharides, which shielded Al(III) toxicity for the formed biofilm. Thus, the biofilm exhibited a distinguished double-layer microstructure, principally with proteins and inactivated cells at the bottom, polysaccharides and activated cells at the top. Thus, hormesis and flocculation caused by low concentration Al(III) mutually promoted each other, and together accelerated biofilm formation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Seismic detectability of meteorite impacts on Europa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuji, Daisuke; Teanby, Nicholas

2016-04-01

Europa, the second of Jupiter's Galilean satellites, has an icy outer shell, beneath which there is probably liquid water in contact with a rocky core. Europa, may thus provide an example of a sub-surface habitable environment so is an attractive object for future lander missions. In fact, the Jupiter Icy Moon Explorer (JUICE) mission has been selected for the L1 launch slot of ESA's Cosmic Vision science programme with the aim of launching in 2022 to explore Jupiter and its potentially habitable icy moons. One of the best ways to probe icy moon interiors in any future mission will be with a seismic investigation. Previously, the Apollo seismic experiment, installed by astronauts, enhanced our knowledge of the lunar interior. For a recent mission, NASA's 2016 InSight Mars lander aims to obtain seismic data and will deploy a seismometer directly onto Mars' surface. Motivated by these works, in this study we show how many meteorite impacts will be detected using a single seismic station on Europa, which will be useful for planning the next generation of outer solar system missions. To this end, we derive: (1) the current small impact flux on Europa from Jupiter impact rate models; (2) a crater diameter versus impactor energy scaling relation for ice by merging previous experiments and simulations; (3) scaling relations for seismic signals as a function of distance from an impact site for a given crater size based on analogue explosive data obtained on Earth's icy surfaces. Finally, resultant amplitudes are compared to the noise level of a likely seismic instrument (based on the NASA InSight mission seismometers) and the number of detectable impacts are estimated. As a result, 0.5-3.0 local/regional small impacts (i.e., direct P-waves through the ice crust) are expected to be detected per year, while global-scale impact events (i.e., PKP-waves refracted through the mantle) are rare and unlikely to be detected by a short duration mission. We note that our results are only appropriate for order of magnitude calculations because of considerable uncertainties in the small impactor source population, internal structure, and ambient noise level. However, our results suggest that probing the deep interior using impacts will be challenging and require an extended mission duration and low noise levels to give a reasonable chance of detection. Therefore, for future seismic exploration, faulting due to stresses in the rigid outer ice shell is likely to be much more viable mechanism for probing the interior.

Inertial modes and their transition to turbulence in a differentially rotating spherical gap flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoff, Michael; Harlander, Uwe; Andrés Triana, Santiago; Egbers, Christoph

2016-04-01

We present a study of inertial modes in a spherical shell experiment. Inertial modes are Coriolis-restored linear wave modes, often arise in rapidly-rotating fluids (e.g. in the Earth's liquid outer core [1]). Recent experimental works showed that inertial modes exist in differentially rotating spherical shells. A set of particular inertial modes, characterized by (l,m,ˆω), where l, m is the polar and azimuthal wavenumber and ˆω = ω/Ωout the dimensionless frequency [2], has been found. It is known that they arise due to eruptions in the Ekman boundary layer of the outer shell. But it is an open issue why only a few modes develop and how they get enhanced. Kelley et al. 2010 [3] showed that some modes draw their energy from detached shear layers (e.g. Stewartson layers) via over-reflection. Additionally, Rieutord et al. (2012) [4] found critical layers within the shear layers below which most of the modes cannot exist. In contrast to other spherical shell experiments, we have a full optical access to the flow. Therefore, we present an experimental study of inertial modes, based on Particle-Image-Velocimetry (PIV) data, in a differentially rotating spherical gap flow where the inner sphere is subrotating or counter-rotating at Ωin with respect to the outer spherical shell at Ωout, characterized by the Rossby number Ro = (Ωin - Ωout)/Ωout. The radius ratio of η = 1/3, with rin = 40mm and rout = 120mm, is close to that of the Earth's core. Our apparatus is running at Ekman numbers (E ≈ 10-5, with E = ν/(Ωoutrout2), two orders of magnitude higher than most of the other experiments. Based on a frequency-Rossby number spectrogram, we can partly confirm previous considerations with respect to the onset of inertial modes. In contrast, the behavior of the modes in the counter-rotation regime is different. We found a triad interaction between three dominant inertial modes, where one is a slow axisymmetric Rossby mode [5]. We show that the amplitude of the most dominant mode (l,m,ˆω) = (3,2,˜ 0.71) is increasing with increasing |Ro| until a critical Rossby number Rocrit. Accompanying with this is an increase of the zonal mean flow outside the tangent cylinder, leading to enhanced angular momentum transport. At the particular Rocrit, the wave mode, and the entire flow, breaks up into smaller-scale turbulence [6], together with a strong increase of the zonal mean flow inside the tangent cylinder. We found that the critical Rossby number scales approximately with E1/5. References [1] Aldridge, K. D.; Lumb, L. I. (1987): Inertial waves identified in the Earth's fluid outer core. Nature 325 (6103), S. 421-423. DOI: 10.1038/325421a0. [2] Greenspan, H. P. (1968): The theory of rotating fluids. London: Cambridge U.P. (Cambridge monographs on mechanics and applied mathematics). [3] Kelley, D. H.; Triana, S. A.; Zimmerman, D. S.; Lathrop, D. P. (2010): Selection of inertial modes in spherical Couette flow. Phys. Rev. E 81 (2), 26311. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.81.026311. [4] Rieutord, M.; Triana, S. A.; Zimmerman, D. S.; Lathrop, D. P. (2012): Excitation of inertial modes in an experimental spherical Couette flow. Phys. Rev. E 86 (2), 026304. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.86.026304. [5] Hoff, M., Harlander, U., Egbers, C. (2016): Experimental survey of linear and nonlinear inertial waves and wave instabilities in a spherical shell. J. Fluid Mech., (in print) [6] Kerswell, R. R. (1999): Secondary instabilities in rapidly rotating fluids: inertial wave breakdown. Journal of Fluid Mechanics 382, S. 283-306. DOI: 10.1017/S0022112098003954.

[Expression changes of major outer membrane protein antigens in Leptospira interrogans during infection and its mechanism].

PubMed

Zheng, Linli; Ge, Yumei; Hu, Weilin; Yan, Jie

2013-03-01

To determine expression changes of major outer membrane protein(OMP) antigens of Leptospira interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar Lai strain Lai during infection of human macrophages and its mechanism. OmpR encoding genes and OmpR-related histidine kinase (HK) encoding gene of L.interrogans strain Lai and their functional domains were predicted using bioinformatics technique. mRNA level changes of the leptospiral major OMP-encoding genes before and after infection of human THP-1 macrophages were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR. Effects of the OmpR-encoding genes and HK-encoding gene on the expression of leptospiral OMPs during infection were determined by HK-peptide antiserum block assay and closantel inhibitive assays. The bioinformatics analysis indicated that LB015 and LB333 were referred to OmpR-encoding genes of the spirochete, while LB014 might act as a OmpR-related HK-encoding gene. After the spirochete infecting THP-1 cells, mRNA levels of leptospiral lipL21, lipL32 and lipL41 genes were rapidly and persistently down-regulated (P <0.01), whereas mRNA levels of leptospiral groEL, mce, loa22 and ligB genes were rapidly but transiently up-regulated (P<0.01). The treatment with closantel and HK-peptide antiserum partly reversed the infection-based down-regulated mRNA levels of lipL21 and lipL48 genes (P <0.01). Moreover, closantel caused a decrease of the infection-based up-regulated mRNA levels of groEL, mce, loa22 and ligB genes (P <0.01). Expression levels of L.interrogans strain Lai major OMP antigens present notable changes during infection of human macrophages. There is a group of OmpR-and HK-encoding genes which may play a major role in down-regulation of expression levels of partial OMP antigens during infection.

Pressure Sensitive Paint Measurements on 15% Scale Rotor Blades in Hover

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wong, Oliver D.; Watkins, Anthony Neal; Ingram, JoAnne L.

2005-01-01

This paper describes a proof of concept test to examine the feasibility of using pressure sensitive paint (PSP) to measure the pressure distributions on a rotor in hover. The test apparatus consisted of the US Army 2-meter Rotor Test Stand (2MRTS) and 15% scale swept tip rotor blades. Two camera/rotor separations were examined: 0.76 and 1.35 radii. The outer 15% of each blade was painted with PSP. Intensity and lifetime based PSP measurement techniques were attempted. Data were collected from all blades at thrust coefficients ranging from 0.004 to 0.009.

Improvement of centrifugal pump performance through addition of splitter blades on impeller pump

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurniawan, Krisna Eka; Santoso, Budi; Tjahjana, Dominicus Danardono Dwi Prija

2018-02-01

The workable way to improve pump performance is to redesign or modify the impellers of centrifugal pump. The purpose of impeller pump modification is to improve pump efficiency, reduce cross flow, reduce secondary incidence flows, and decrease backflow areas at impeller outlets. Number blades and splitter blades in the impeller are three. The outlet blade angle is 20°, and the rotating speed of impeller is 2400 rpm. The added splitter blades variations are 0.25, 0.375, and 0.5 of the original blade length. The splitter blade placements are on the outer side of the impeller. The addition of splitter blades on the outer side of the impeller with 0.5L increases the pump head until 22% and the pump has 38.66% hydraulic efficiency. The best efficiency point of water flow rate pump (Qbep) was 3.02 × 10-3 m3/s.

Uranyl adsorption and surface speciation at the imogolite-water interface: Self-consistent spectroscopic and surface complexation models

USGS Publications Warehouse

Arai, Y.; McBeath, M.; Bargar, J.R.; Joye, J.; Davis, J.A.

2006-01-01

Macro- and molecular-scale knowledge of uranyl (U(VI)) partitioning reactions with soil/sediment mineral components is important in predicting U(VI) transport processes in the vadose zone and aquifers. In this study, U(VI) reactivity and surface speciation on a poorly crystalline aluminosilicate mineral, synthetic imogolite, were investigated using batch adsorption experiments, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and surface complexation modeling. U(VI) uptake on imogolite surfaces was greatest at pH ???7-8 (I = 0.1 M NaNO3 solution, suspension density = 0.4 g/L [U(VI)]i = 0.01-30 ??M, equilibration with air). Uranyl uptake decreased with increasing sodium nitrate concentration in the range from 0.02 to 0.5 M. XAS analyses show that two U(VI) inner-sphere (bidentate mononuclear coordination on outer-wall aluminol groups) and one outer-sphere surface species are present on the imogolite surface, and the distribution of the surface species is pH dependent. At pH 8.8, bis-carbonato inner-sphere and tris-carbonato outer-sphere surface species are present. At pH 7, bis- and non-carbonato inner-sphere surface species co-exist, and the fraction of bis-carbonato species increases slightly with increasing I (0.1-0.5 M). At pH 5.3, U(VI) non-carbonato bidentate mononuclear surface species predominate (69%). A triple layer surface complexation model was developed with surface species that are consistent with the XAS analyses and macroscopic adsorption data. The proton stoichiometry of surface reactions was determined from both the pH dependence of U(VI) adsorption data in pH regions of surface species predominance and from bond-valence calculations. The bis-carbonato species required a distribution of surface charge between the surface and ?? charge planes in order to be consistent with both the spectroscopic and macroscopic adsorption data. This research indicates that U(VI)-carbonato ternary species on poorly crystalline aluminosilicate mineral surfaces may be important in controlling U(VI) mobility in low-temperature geochemical environments over a wide pH range (???5-9), even at the partial pressure of carbon dioxide of ambient air (pCO2 = 10-3.45 atm). ?? 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

ON THE STAR FORMATION LAW FOR SPIRAL AND IRREGULAR GALAXIES

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

Elmegreen, Bruce G., E-mail: bge@us.ibm.com

2015-12-01

A dynamical model for star formation on a galactic scale is proposed in which the interstellar medium is constantly condensing to star-forming clouds on the dynamical time of the average midplane density, and the clouds are constantly being disrupted on the dynamical timescale appropriate for their higher density. In this model, the areal star formation rate scales with the 1.5 power of the total gas column density throughout the main regions of spiral galaxies, and with a steeper power, 2, in the far outer regions and in dwarf irregular galaxies because of the flaring disks. At the same time, theremore » is a molecular star formation law that is linear in the main and outer parts of disks and in dIrrs because the duration of individual structures in the molecular phase is also the dynamical timescale, canceling the additional 0.5 power of surface density. The total gas consumption time scales directly with the midplane dynamical time, quenching star formation in the inner regions if there is no accretion, and sustaining star formation for ∼100 Gyr or more in the outer regions with no qualitative change in gas stability or molecular cloud properties. The ULIRG track follows from high densities in galaxy collisions.« less

The Effects of Earth's Outer Core's Viscosity on Geodynamo Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, C.; Jiao, L.; Zhang, H.

2017-12-01

Geodynamo process is controlled by mathematic equations and input parameters. To study effects of parameters on geodynamo system, MoSST model has been used to simulate geodynamo outputs under different outer core's viscosity ν. With spanning ν for nearly three orders when other parameters fixed, we studied the variation of each physical field and its typical length scale. We find that variation of ν affects the velocity field intensely. The magnetic field almost decreases monotonically with increasing of ν, while the variation is no larger than 30%. The temperature perturbation increases monotonically with ν, but by a very small magnitude (6%). The averaged velocity field (u) of the liquid core increases with ν as a simple fitted scaling relation: u∝ν0.49. The phenomenon that u increases with ν is essentially that increasing of ν breaks the Taylor-Proudman constraint and drops the critical Rayleigh number, and thus u increases under the same thermal driving force. Forces balance is analyzed and balance mode shifts with variation of ν. When compared with former studies of scaling laws, this study supports the conclusion that in a certain parameter range, the magnetic field strength doesn't vary much with the viscosity, but opposes to the assumption that the velocity field has nothing to do with the outer core viscosity.

Denitrifying sulfide removal process on high-salinity wastewaters.

PubMed

Liu, Chunshuang; Zhao, Chaocheng; Wang, Aijie; Guo, Yadong; Lee, Duu-Jong

2015-08-01

Denitrifying sulfide removal (DSR) process comprising both heterotrophic and autotrophic denitrifiers can simultaneously convert nitrate, sulfide, and acetate into nitrogen gas, elemental sulfur (S(0)), and carbon dioxide, respectively. Sulfide- and nitrate-laden wastewaters at 2-35 g/L NaCl were treated by DSR process. A C/N ratio of 3:1 was proposed to maintain high S(0) conversion rate. The granular sludge with a compact structure and smooth outer surface was formed. The microbial communities of DSR consortium via high-throughput sequencing method suggested that salinity shifts the predominating heterotrophic denitrifiers at <10 g/L NaCl to autotrophic denitrifiers at >10 g/L NaCl.

Evolutionary status of the pre-protostellar core L1498

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuiper, T. B.; Langer, W. D.; Velusamy, T.; Levin, S. M. (Principal Investigator)

1996-01-01

L1498 is a classic example of a dense cold pre-protostellar core. To study the evolutionary status, the structure, dynamics, and chemical properties of this core we have obtained high spatial and high spectral resolution observations of molecules tracing densities of 10(3)-10(5) cm-3. We observed CCS, NH3, C3H2, and HC7N with NASA's DSN 70 m antennas. We also present large-scale maps of C18O and 13CO observed with the AT&T 7 m antenna. For the high spatial resolution maps of selected regions within the core we used the VLA for CCS at 22 GHz, and the Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO) MMA for CCS at 94 GHz and CS (2-1). The 22 GHz CCS emission marks a high-density [n(H2) > 10(4) cm -3] core, which is elongated with a major axis along the SE-NW direction. NH3 and C3H2 emissions are located inside the boundary of the CCS emission. C18O emission traces a lower density gas extending beyond the CCS boundary. Along the major axis of the dense core, CCS, NH3 and C3H2 emission show evidence of limb brightening. The observations are consistent with a chemically differentiated onion-shell structure for the L1498 core, with NH3 in the inner and CCS in the outer parts of the core. The high angular resolution (9"-12") spectral line maps obtained by combining NASA Goldstone 70 m and VLA data resolve the CCS 22 GHz emission in the southeast and northwest boundaries into arclike enhancements, supporting the picture that CCS emission originates in a shell outside the NH3 emitting region. Interferometric maps of CCS at 94 GHz and CS at 98 GHz show that their emitting regions contain several small-scale dense condensations. We suggest that the differences between the CCS, CS, C3H2, and NH3 emission are caused by a time-dependent effect as the core evolves slowly. We interpret the chemical and physical properties of L1498 in terms of a quasi-static (or slowly contracting) dense core in which the outer envelope is still growing. The growth rate of the core is determined by the density increase in the CCS shell resulting from the accretion of the outer low-density gas traced by C18O. We conclude that L1498 could become unstable to rapid collapse to form a protostar in less than 5 x 10(6) yr.

Comparative proteome analysis reveals pathogen specific outer membrane proteins of Leptospira.

PubMed

Dhandapani, Gunasekaran; Sikha, Thoduvayil; Rana, Aarti; Brahma, Rahul; Akhter, Yusuf; Gopalakrishnan Madanan, Madathiparambil

2018-04-10

Proteomes of pathogenic Leptospira interrogans and L. borgpetersenii and the saprophytic L. biflexa were filtered through computational tools to identify Outer Membrane Proteins (OMPs) that satisfy the required biophysical parameters for their presence on the outer membrane. A total of 133, 130, and 144 OMPs were identified in L. interrogans, L. borgpetersenii, and L. biflexa, respectively, which forms approximately 4% of proteomes. A holistic analysis of transporting and pathogenic characteristics of OMPs together with Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COGs) among the OMPs and their distribution across 3 species was made and put forward a set of 21 candidate OMPs specific to pathogenic leptospires. It is also found that proteins homologous to the candidate OMPs were also present in other pathogenic species of leptospires. Six OMPs from L. interrogans and 2 from L. borgpetersenii observed to have similar COGs while those were not found in any intermediate or saprophytic forms. These OMPs appears to have role in infection and pathogenesis and useful for anti-leptospiral strategies. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Renal proximal tubule function is preserved in Cftrtm2camΔF508 cystic fibrosis mice

PubMed Central

Kibble, J D; Balloch, K J D; Neal, A M; Hill, C; White, S; Robson, L; Green, R; Taylor, C J

2001-01-01

Changes in proximal tubule function have been reported in cystic fibrosis patients. The aim of this study was to investigate proximal tubule function in the Cftrtm2camΔF508 cystic fibrosis (CF) mouse model. A range of techniques were used including renal clearance studies, in situ microperfusion, RT-PCR and whole-cell patch clamping. Renal Na+ clearance was similar in wild-type (1.4 ± 0.3 μl min−1, number of animals, N= 12) and CF mice (1.6 ± 0.4 μl min−1, N= 7) under control conditions. Acute extracellular volume expansion resulted in significant natriuresis in wild-type (7.0 ± 0.8 μl min−1, N= 8) and CF mice (9.3 ± 1.4 μl min−1, N= 9); no difference between genotypes was observed. In situ microperfusion revealed that fluid absorptive rate (Jv) was similar under control conditions between wild-type (2.2 ± 0.4 nl mm−1 min−1, n= 10) and CF mice (1.9 ± 0.3 nl mm−1 min−1, n= 11). Addition of a forskolin-dibutyryl cAMP (db-cAMP) cocktail to the perfusate caused no significant change in Jv in either wild-type (2.6 ± 0.7 nl mm−1 min−1, n= 10) or Cftrtm2camΔF508 mice (2.0 ± 0.5 nl mm−1 min−1, n= 10). CFTR expression was confirmed in samples of outer cortex using RT-PCR. However, no evidence for functional CFTR was obtained when outer cortical cells were stimulated with protein kinase A or forskolin-db-cAMP using whole-cell patch clamping. In conclusion, no functional deficit in proximal tubule function was found in Cftrtm2camΔF508 mice. This may be a consequence of a lack of whole-cell cAMP-dependent Cl− conductance in mouse proximal tubule cells. PMID:11306663

Role of subunit assembly in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa linked to mutations in peripherin 2.

PubMed

Molday, Robert S; Molday, Laurie L; Loewen, Christopher J R

2004-01-01

Peripherin 2 is a photoreceptor-specific membrane protein implicated in outer segment disk morphogenesis and linked to various retinopathies including autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP). Peripherin 2 and ROM1 assemble as a mixture of core noncovalent homomeric and heteromeric tetramers that further link together through disulfide bonds to form higher order oligomers. These complexes are critical for disk rim formation and outer segment structure through interaction with the cGMP-gated channel and other photoreceptor proteins. We have examined the role of subunit assembly in peripherin 2 targeting to disks, outer segment structure, and photoreceptor degeneration by examining molecular and cellular properties of peripherin 2 mutants in COS-1 cells and transgenic Xenopus laevis rod photoreceptors. Wild-type (WT) and the ADRP-linked P216L mutant were transported and incorporated into newly formed outer segment disks of transgenic X. laevis. The P216L mutant, however, induced progressive outer segment instability and photoreceptor degeneration possibly through the introduction of a new N-linked oligosaccharide chain. In contrast, the C214S and L185P disease-linked, tetramerization-defective mutants, were retained in the inner segment, but did not affect outer segment structure or induce photoreceptor degeneration. Together, these results indicate that peripherin 2 mutations can cause ADRP either through a deficiency in WT peripherin 2 (C214S, 1.185P) or by a dominant negative effect on disk stability (P216L).

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE INNER DISK AROUND HD 141569 A FROM KECK/NIRC2 L-BAND VORTEX CORONAGRAPHY

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

Mawet, Dimitri; Bottom, Michael; Matthews, Keith

HD 141569 A is a pre-main sequence B9.5 Ve star surrounded by a prominent and complex circumstellar disk, likely still in a transition stage from protoplanetary to debris disk phase. Here, we present a new image of the third inner disk component of HD 141569 A made in the L ′ band (3.8 μ m) during the commissioning of the vector vortex coronagraph that has recently been installed in the near-infrared imager and spectrograph NIRC2 behind the W.M. Keck Observatory Keck II adaptive optics system. We used reference point-spread function subtraction, which reveals the innermost disk component from the innermore » working distance of ≃23 au and up to ≃70 au. The spatial scale of our detection roughly corresponds to the optical and near-infrared scattered light, thermal Q , N , and 8.6 μ m PAH emission reported earlier. We also see an outward progression in dust location from the L ′ band to the H band (Very Large Telescope/SPHERE image) to the visible ( Hubble Space Telescope ( HST )/STIS image), which is likely indicative of dust blowout. The warm disk component is nested deep inside the two outer belts imaged by HST-NICMOS in 1999 (at 406 and 245 au, respectively). We fit our new L ′-band image and spectral energy distribution of HD 141569 A with the radiative transfer code MCFOST. Our best-fit models favor pure olivine grains and are consistent with the composition of the outer belts. While our image shows a putative very faint point-like clump or source embedded in the inner disk, we did not detect any true companion within the gap between the inner disk and the first outer ring, at a sensitivity of a few Jupiter masses.« less

A blind trial evaluation of a crime scene methodology for deducing impact velocity and droplet size from circular bloodstains.

PubMed

Hulse-Smith, Lee; Illes, Mike

2007-01-01

In a previous study, mechanical engineering models were utilized to deduce impact velocity and droplet volume of circular bloodstains by measuring stain diameter and counting spines radiating from their outer edge. A blind trial study was subsequently undertaken to evaluate the accuracy of this technique, using an applied, crime scene methodology. Calculations from bloodstains produced on paper, drywall, and wood were used to derive surface-specific equations to predict 39 unknown mock crime scene bloodstains created over a range of impact velocities (2.2-5.7 m/sec) and droplet volumes (12-45 microL). Strong correlations were found between expected and observed results, with correlation coefficients ranging between 0.83 and 0.99. The 95% confidence limit associated with predictions of impact velocity and droplet volume was calculated for paper (0.28 m/sec, 1.7 microL), drywall (0.37 m/sec, 1.7 microL), and wood (0.65 m/sec, 5.2 microL).

A New View on Origin, Role and Manipulation of Large Scales in Turbulent Boundary Layers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Corke, T. C.; Nagib, H. M.; Guezennec, Y. G.

1982-01-01

The potential of passive 'manipulators' for altering the large scale turbulent structures in boundary layers was investigated. Utilizing smoke wire visualization and multisensor probes, the experiment verified that the outer scales could be suppressed by simple arrangements of parallel plates. As a result of suppressing the outer scales in turbulent layers, a decrease in the streamwise growth of the boundary layer thickness was achieved and was coupled with a 30 percent decrease in the local wall friction coefficient. After accounting for the drag on the manipulator plates, the net drag reduction reached a value of 20 percent within 55 boundary layer thicknesses downstream of the device. No evidence for the reoccurrence of the outer scales was present at this streamwise distance thereby suggesting that further reductions in the net drag are attainable. The frequency of occurrence of the wall events is simultaneously dependent on the two parameters, Re2 delta sub 2 and Re sub x. As a result of being able to independently control the inner and outer boundary layer characteristics with these manipulators, a different view of these layers emerged.

Outer Solutions for General Linear Turning Point Problems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-02-01

i l t e r e n t i a l equat ions near a pole wi th respect to a parameter . For general inves t iga t ions such d i f f e ren t i a l equat...analyt ic funct ions Ar (X) are allowed to have poles at x = 0. This the ory can easily be extended to slightly more involved types of s ingular i t...4) means that the order of the poles of A (x) can grow , at worst , l inearly with r. This restraining inequal i ty is the stronger the larger K i s

Falling Outer Rotation Curves of Star-forming Galaxies at 0.6 ≲ z ≲ 2.6 Probed with KMOS3D and SINS/zC-SINF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lang, Philipp; Förster Schreiber, Natascha M.; Genzel, Reinhard; Wuyts, Stijn; Wisnioski, Emily; Beifiori, Alessandra; Belli, Sirio; Bender, Ralf; Brammer, Gabe; Burkert, Andreas; Chan, Jeffrey; Davies, Ric; Fossati, Matteo; Galametz, Audrey; Kulkarni, Sandesh K.; Lutz, Dieter; Mendel, J. Trevor; Momcheva, Ivelina G.; Naab, Thorsten; Nelson, Erica J.; Saglia, Roberto P.; Seitz, Stella; Tacchella, Sandro; Tacconi, Linda J.; Tadaki, Ken-ichi; Übler, Hannah; van Dokkum, Pieter G.; Wilman, David J.

2017-05-01

We exploit the deep, resolved, Hα kinematic data from the KMOS3D and SINS/zC-SINF surveys to examine the largely unexplored outer-disk kinematics of star-forming galaxies (SFGs), out to the peak of cosmic star formation. Our sample contains 101 SFGs, representative of the more massive (9.3≲ {log}{M}* /{M}⊙ ≲ 11.5) main sequence population at 0.6 ≤ z ≤ 2.6. Through a novel stacking approach, we are able to constrain a representative rotation curve extending out to ˜4 effective radii. This average rotation curve exhibits a significant drop in rotation velocity beyond the turnover, with a slope of {{Δ }}V/{{Δ }}R=-{0.26}-0.09+0.10 in units of normalized coordinates V/V max and R/R turn. This result confirms that the fall-off seen in some individual galaxies is a common feature of our sample of high-z disks. The outer fall-off strikingly deviates from the flat or mildly rising rotation curves of local spiral galaxies that have similar masses. Through a comparison with models that include baryons and dark matter, we demonstrate that the falling stacked rotation curve is consistent with a high mass fraction of baryons, relative to the total dark matter halo (m d ≳ 0.05), in combination with a sizeable level of pressure support in the outer disk. These findings agree with recent studies demonstrating that high-z star-forming disks are strongly baryon-dominated within the disk scale, and furthermore suggest that pressure gradients caused by large, turbulent gas motions are present even in their outer disks. These results are largely independent of our model assumptions, such as the presence of stellar bulges, the effect of adiabatic contraction, and variations in halo concentration.

Chlorine dioxide oxidation of Escherichia coli in water - A study of the disinfection kinetics and mechanism.

PubMed

Ofori, Isaac; Maddila, Suresh; Lin, Johnson; Jonnalagadda, Sreekantha B

2017-06-07

This study investigated the kinetics and mechanism of chlorine dioxide (ClO 2 ) inactivation of a Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (ATCC 35218) in oxidant demand free (ODF) water in detail as a function of disinfectant concentration (0.5-5.0 mg/L), water pH (6.5-8.5), temperature variations (4-37°C) and bacterial density (10 5 -10 7 cfu/mL). The effects of ClO 2 on bacterial cell morphology, outer membrane permeability, cytoplasmic membrane disruption and intracellular enzymatic activity were also studied to elucidate the mechanism of action on the cells. Increasing temperature and disinfectant concentration were proportional to the rate of cell killing, but efficacy was found to be significantly subdued at 0.5 mg/L and less dependent on the bacterial density. The bactericidal efficiency was higher at alkaline pH of 8 or above as compared to neutral and slightly acidic pH of 7 and 6.5 respectively. The disinfection kinetic curves followed a biphasic pattern of rapid inactivation within the initial 2 min which were followed by a tailing even in the presence of residual biocide. The curves were adequately described by the C avg Hom model. Transmission Electron Microscopy images of the bacteria cells exposed to lethal concentrations of ClO 2 indicated very little observable morphological damage to the outer membranes of the cells. ClO 2 however was found to increase the permeability of the outer and cytoplasmic membranes leading to the leakage of membrane components such as 260 nm absorbing materials and inhibiting the activity of the intracellular enzyme β-D-galactosidase. It is suggested that the disruption of the cytoplasmic membrane and subsequent efflux of intracellular components result in the inactivation of the Gram-negative bacteria.

Probing the galactic disk and halo. 2: Hot interstellar gas toward the inner galaxy star HD 156359

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sembach, Kenneth R.; Savage, Blair D.; Lu, Limin

1995-01-01

We present Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph intermediate-resolution measurements of the 1233-1256 A spectral region of HD 156396, a halo star at l = 328.7 deg, b = -14.5 deg in the inner Galaxy with a line-of sight distance of 11.1 kpc and a z-distance of -2.8 kpc. The data have a resolution of 18 km/s Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) and a signal-to-noise ratio of approximately 50:1. We detect interstellar lines of Mg II, S II, S II, Ge II, and N V and determine log N/(Mg II) = 15.78 +0.25, -0.27, log N(Si II) greater than 13.70, log N(S II) greater than 15.76, log N(Ge II) = 12.20 +0.09,-0.11, and log N(N v) = 14.06 +/- 0.02. Assuming solar reference abundances, the diffuse clouds containing Mg, S, and Ge along the sight line have average logarithmic depletions D(Mg) = -0.6 +/- 0.3 dex, D(S) greater than -0.2 dex, and D(Ge) = -0.2 +/- 0.2 dex. The Mg and Ge depletions are approximately 2 times smaller than is typical of diffuse clouds in the solar vicinity. Galactic rotational modeling of the N v profiles indicates that the highly ionized gas traced by this ion has a scale height of approximately 1 kpc if gas at large z-distances corotates with the underlying disk gas. Rotational modeling of the Si iv and C iv profiles measured by the IUE satellite yields similar scale height estimates. The scale height results contrast with previous studies of highly ionized gas in the outer Milky Way that reveal a more extended gas distribtion with h approximately equals 3-4 kpc. We detect a high-velocity feature in N v and Si II v(sub LSR) approximately equals + 125 km/s) that is probably created in an interface between warm and hot gas.

Multifractal Turbulence in the Heliosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macek, Wieslaw M.; Wawrzaszek, Anna

2010-05-01

We consider a solar wind plasma with frozen-in interplanetary magnetic fields, which is a complex nonlinear system that may exhibit chaos and intermittency, resulting in a multifractal scaling of plasma characteristics. We analyze time series of plasma velocity and interplanetary magnetic field strengths measured during space missions onboard various spacecraft, such as Helios, Advanced Composition Explorer, Ulysses, and Voyager, exploring different regions of the heliosphere during solar minimum and maximum. To quantify the multifractality of solar wind turbulence, we use a generalized two-scale weighted Cantor set with two different rescaling parameters [1]. We investigate the resulting spectrum of generalized dimensions and the corresponding multifractal singularity spectrum depending on the parameters of this new cascade model [2]. We show that using the model with two different scaling parameters one can explain the multifractal singularity spectrum, which is often asymmetric. In particular, the multifractal scaling of magnetic fields is asymmetric in the outer heliosphere, in contrast to the symmetric spectrum observed in the heliosheath as described by the standard one-scale model [3]. We hope that the generalized multifractal model will be a useful tool for analysis of intermittent turbulence in the heliospheric plasma. We thus believe that multifractal analysis of various complex environments can shed light on the nature of turbulence. [1] W. M. Macek and A. Szczepaniak, Generalized two-scale weighted Cantor set model for solar wind turbulence, Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, L02108 (2008), doi:10.1029/2007GL032263. [2] W. M. Macek and A. Wawrzaszek, Evolution of asymmetric multifractal scaling of solar wind turbulence in the outer heliosphere, J. Geophys. Res., A013795 (2009), doi:10.1029/2008JA013795. [3] W. M. Macek and A. Wawrzaszek, Multifractal turbulence at the termination shock, in Solar Wind Twelve, edited by M. Maximovic et al., American Institute of Physics, 2010.

The dependence of divertor power sharing on magnetic flux balance in near double-null configurations on Alcator C-Mod

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brunner, D.; Kuang, A. Q.; LaBombard, B.; Terry, J. L.

2018-07-01

Management of power exhaust will be a crucial task for tokamak fusion reactors. Reactor concepts are often proposed with double-null divertors, i.e. having two magnetic separatrices in an up-down symmetric configuration. This arrangement is potentially advantageous since the majority of the tokamak exhaust power tends to flow to the outer pair of divertor legs at large major radius, where the geometry is favorable for spreading the heat over a large surface area and there is more room for advanced divertor configurations. Despite the importance, there have been relatively few studies of divertor power sharing in near double null configurations and no studies at the poloidal magnetic fields and scrape-off layer power widths anticipated for a reactor. Motivated by this need we have undertaken a systematic study on Alcator C-Mod, examining the effect of magnetic flux balance on the power sharing among the four divertor legs in near double-null plasmas. Ohmic L-modes at three values of plasma current and ICRF-heated enhanced D-alpha (EDA) H-modes and I-modes at a single value of plasma current are explored, producing poloidal magnetic fields of 0.42, 0.62 and 0.85 Tesla. For Ohmic L-modes and ICRF-heated EDA H-modes, we find that the point of equal power sharing between upper and lower divertors occurs remarkably close to a balanced double null. Power sharing amongst the outer (upper versus lower) and inner (upper versus lower) pairs of divertors can be described in terms of a logistic function of magnetic flux balance, consistent with heat flux mapping along magnetic field lines to the outer midplane. Power sharing between inner and outer legs is found to follow a Gaussian-like function of magnetic flux balance with non-zero power to the inner divertors at double null. The overall behavior of H-modes operated near double null and for I-modes operating to within one heat flux e-folding of double null are found similar to Ohmic L-modes, with a significant reduction of power on the inner divertor legs. The results are encapsulated in terms of empirically-informed analytic functions of magnetic flux balance. When combined with magnetic equilibrium control system specifications, these relationships can be used to specify the power flux handling requirements for each of the four divertor target plates.

Baseline Quality of Life and Risk of Stroke in the ALLHAT Study (Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial).

PubMed

Shams, Tanzila; Auchus, Alexander P; Oparil, Suzanne; Wright, Clinton B; Wright, Jackson; Furlan, Anthony J; Sila, Cathy A; Davis, Barry R; Pressel, Sara; Yamal, Jose-Miguel; Einhorn, Paula T; Lerner, Alan J

2017-11-01

The visual analogue scale is a self-reported, validated tool to measure quality of life (QoL). Our purpose was to determine whether baseline QoL predicted strokes in the ALLHAT study (Antihypertensive and Lipid Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial) and evaluate determinants of poststroke change in QoL. In the ALLHAT study, among the 33 357 patients randomized to treatment arms, 1525 experienced strokes; 1202 (79%) strokes were nonfatal. This study cohort includes 32 318 (97%) subjects who completed the baseline visual analogue scale QoL estimate. QoL was measured on a visual analogue scale and adjusted using a Torrance transformation (transformed QoL [TQoL]). Kaplan-Meier curves and adjusted proportional hazards analyses were used to estimate the effect of TQoL on the risk of stroke, on a continuous scale (0-1) and by quartiles (≤0.81, >0.81≤0.89, >0.89≤0.95, >0.95). We analyzed the change from baseline to first poststroke TQoL using adjusted linear regression. After adjusting for multiple stroke risk factors, the hazard ratio for stroke events for baseline TQoL was 0.93 (95% confidence interval, 0.89-0.98) per 0.1 U increase. The lowest baseline TQoL quartile had a 20% increased stroke risk (hazard ratio=1.20 [95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.44]) compared with the reference highest quartile TQoL. Poststroke TQoL change was significant within all treatment groups ( P ≤0.001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that baseline TQoL was the strongest predictor of poststroke TQoL with similar results for the untransformed QoL. The lowest baseline TQoL quartile had a 20% higher stroke risk than the highest quartile. Baseline TQoL was the only factor that predicted poststroke change in TQoL. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00000542. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Operation Dominic, Shot Sword Fish. Project Officers Report-Project 1.2 Surface Phenomena

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-04-01

8 78 4 . -.. =. . t...DMIAL SPRAY-DOW VELOMCE3 4 - % 8 0m o __D __ oC 400 o W0Z 02 I- 0 ) 0 -"I 6~~O,,, ’ _ _ _ _ _ _0 cs w Q00 2 . Q itl 0 0 0 0 0 0 0l0 0 02 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0...8217 ’.,. " " _.. _ _ _... .. -\\. , .,. .’ ’,-,- •.-. ’-...-.’ ..,.’ USS BAUSELL 0.17 SECONDS 2 4 / 4 0.70 SECONDS FILM NO. A-IB- 8 I PRIMARY SHOCK WAVE SLICK 2 CENTRAL SPRAY AREA 3 OUTER EDGE OF SPRAY DOME 4

Pigmented-MDCK (P-MDCK) Cell Line with Tunable Melanin Expression: An In Vitro Model for the Outer Blood-Retinal-Barrier

PubMed Central

Kadam, Rajendra S.; Scheinman, Robert. I.; Kompella, Uday B.

2013-01-01

Purpose Retinal pigment epithelium, which forms the outer blood-retinal-barrier, is a critical barrier for transport of drugs to the retina. The purpose of this study was to develop a pigmented MDCK (P-MDCK) cell line as a rapidly established in vitro model for the outer blood-retinal-barrier to assess the influence of melanin pigment on solute permeability. Methods A melanin synthesizing P-MDCK cell line was developed by lentiviral transduction of human tyrosinase and p-protein genes in MDCK (NBL-2) cells. Melanin content, tyrosinase activity (conversion of L-dopa to dopachrome), and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) were measured. Expression of tyrosinase protein and p-protein in P-MDCK cells was confirmed by confocal microscopy. Effect of L-tyrosine (0 to 2 mM) in culture medium on melanin synthesis in P-MDCK cells was evaluated. Cell uptake and transepithelial transport of pigment-binding chloroquine (Log D = 1.59) and a negative control salicylic acid (Log D = −1.14) were investigated. Results P-MDCK cells expressed tyrosinase and p-protein. Tyrosinase activity was 4.5 fold higher in P-MDCK cells as compared to wild-type MDCK cells. The transepithelial electrical resistance stabilized by day 4 in both cell types, with the TEER being 871 ± 30 and 876 ± 53 Ω.cm2 for P-MDCK and wild-type cells, respectively. Melanin content in P-MDCK cells depended on the concentration of L-tyrosine in culture medium, and increased from 3 to 54 µg/mg protein with an increase in L-tyrosine content from 0 to 2 mM. When the cells were grown in 2 mM L-tyrosine, uptake of chloroquine was 2.3 fold higher and the transepithelial transport was 2.2 fold lower in P-MDCK cells when compared to wild-type MDCK cells. No significant difference was observed for both cell uptake and transport of salicylic acid. Conclusions We developed a P-MDCK cell line with tunable melanin synthesis as a rapidly developing surrogate for retinal pigment epithelium. PMID:23003570

Relationship between macular ganglion cell complex thickness and macular outer retinal thickness: a spectral-domain optical coherence tomography study.

PubMed

Kita, Yoshiyuki; Kita, Ritsuko; Takeyama, Asuka; Anraku, Ayako; Tomita, Goji; Goldberg, Ivan

2013-01-01

To assess the relationship between macular ganglion cell complex and macular outer retinal thicknesses. Case-control study. Forty-two normal eyes and 91 eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma were studied. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (RTVue-100) was used to measure the macular ganglion cell complex and macular outer retinal thickness. Ganglion cell complex to outer retinal thickness ratio was also calculated. The relationships between the ganglion cell complex and outer retinal thicknesses and between the ganglion cell complex to outer retinal thickness ratio and outer retinal thickness were evaluated. There was a positive correlation between ganglion cell complex and outer retinal thicknesses in the normal group and the glaucoma group (r = 0.53, P < 0.001 and r = 0.42, P < 0.001, respectively). In that respect, there was no correlation between ganglion cell complex to outer retinal thickness ratio and outer retinal thickness in the both groups (r = -0.07, P = 0.657, and r = 0.04, P = 0.677, respectively). The ganglion cell complex to outer retinal thickness ratio was 55.65% in the normal group, 45.07% in the glaucoma group. This difference was statistically significant. The ganglion cell complex thickness may be affected by outer retinal thickness, and there is individual variation in the outer retinal thickness. Therefore, when determining the ganglion cell complex, it seems necessary to consider the outer retinal thickness as well. We propose the ratio as a suitable parameter to account for individual variations in outer retinal thickness. © 2013 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology © 2013 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

Geochemical behavior of heavy metals in a Zn-Pb-Cu mining area in the State of Mexico (central Mexico).

PubMed

Lizárraga-Mendiola, L; González-Sandoval, M R; Durán-Domínguez, M C; Márquez-Herrera, C

2009-08-01

The geochemical behavior of zinc, lead and copper from sulfidic tailings in a mine site with potential to generate acidic drainage (pyrite (55%) and sphalerite (2%)) is reported in this paper. The mining area is divided in two zones, considering the topographic location of sampling points with respect to the tailings pile: (a) outer zone, out of the probable influence of acid mine drainage (AMD) pollution, and (b) inner zone, probably influenced by AMD pollution. Maximum total ions concentrations (mg/L) measured in superficial waters found were, in the outer zone: As (0.2), Cd (0.9), Fe (19), Mn (39), Pb (5.02), SO4(2-) (4650), Zn (107.67), and in the inner zone are As (0.1), Cd (0.2), Fe (88), Mn (13), Pb (6), SO4(2-) (4,880), Zn (46). The presence of these ions that exceeding the permissible maximum limits for human consume, could be associated to tailings mineralogy and acid leachates generated in tailings pile.

Two-dimensional axisymmetric Child-Langmuir scaling law

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

Ragan-Kelley, Benjamin; Verboncoeur, John; Feng Yang

The classical one-dimensional (1D) Child-Langmuir law was previously extended to two dimensions by numerical calculation in planar geometries. By considering an axisymmetric cylindrical system with axial emission from a circular cathode of radius r, outer drift tube radius R>r, and gap length L, we further examine the space charge limit in two dimensions. Simulations were done with no applied magnetic field as well as with a large (100 T) longitudinal magnetic field to restrict motion of particles to 1D. The ratio of the observed current density limit J{sub CL2} to the theoretical 1D value J{sub CL1} is found to bemore » a monotonically decreasing function of the ratio of emission radius to gap separation r/L. This result is in agreement with the planar results, where the emission area is proportional to the cathode width W. The drift tube in axisymmetric systems is shown to have a small but measurable effect on the space charge limit. Strong beam edge effects are observed with J(r)/J(0) approaching 3.5. Two-dimensional axisymmetric electrostatic particle-in-cell simulations were used to produce these results.« less

Cross-immunoreactivity between the LH1 antibody and cytokeratin epitopes in the differentiating epidermis of embryos of the grass snake Natrix natrix L. during the end stages of embryogenesis.

PubMed

Swadźba, Elwira; Rupik, Weronika

2012-01-01

The monoclonal anti-cytokeratin 1/10 (LH1) antibody recognizing K1/K10 keratin epitopes that characterizes a keratinized epidermis of mammals cross-reacts with the beta and Oberhäutchen layers covering the scales and gastrosteges of grass snake embryos during the final period of epidermis differentiation. The immunolocalization of the anti-cytokeratin 1/10 (LH1) antibody appears in the beta layer of the epidermis, covering the outer surface of the gastrosteges at the beginning of developmental stage XI, and in the beta layer of the epidermis, covering the outer surface of the scales at the end of developmental stage XI. This antibody cross-reacts with the Oberhäutchen layers in the epidermis covering the outer surface of both scales and gastrosteges at developmental stages XI and XII just before its fusion with the beta layers. After fusion of the Oberhäutchen and beta layers, LH1 immunolabeling is weaker than before. This might suggest that alpha-keratins in these layers of the epidermis are masked by beta-keratins, modified, or degraded. The anti-cytokeratin 1/10 (LH1) antibody stains the Oberhäutchen layer in the epidermis covering the inner surface of the gastrosteges and the hinge regions between gastrosteges at the end of developmental stage XI. However, the Oberhäutchen of the epidermis covering the inner surfaces of the scales and the hinge regions between scales does not show cytokeratin 1/10 (LH1) immunolabeling until hatching. This cross-reactivity suggests that the beta and Oberhäutchen layers probably contain some alpha-keratins that react with the LH1 antibody. It is possible that these alpha-keratins create specific scaffolding for the latest beta-keratin deposition. It is also possible that the LH1 antibody cross-reacts with other epidermal proteins such as filament-associated proteins, i.e., filaggrin-like. The anti-cytokeratin 1/10 (LH1) antibody does not stain the alpha and mesos layers until hatching. We suppose that the differentiation of these layers will begin just after the first postnatal sloughing.

Self-organized criticality in asymmetric exclusion model with noise for freeway traffic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagatani, Takashi

1995-02-01

The one-dimensional asymmetric simple-exclusion model with open boundaries for parallel update is extended to take into account temporary stopping of particles. The model presents the traffic flow on a highway with temporary deceleration of cars. Introducing temporary stopping into the asymmetric simple-exclusion model drives the system asymptotically into a steady state exhibiting a self-organized criticality. In the self-organized critical state, start-stop waves (or traffic jams) appear with various sizes (or lifetimes). The typical interval < s>between consecutive jams scales as < s> ≃ Lv with v = 0.51 ± 0.05 where L is the system size. It is shown that the cumulative jam-interval distribution Ns( L) satisfies the finite-size scaling form ( Ns( L) ≃ L- vf( s/ Lv). Also, the typical lifetime ≃ Lv‧ with v‧ = 0.52 ± 0.05. The cumulative distribution Nm( L) of lifetimes satisfies the finite-size scaling form Nm( L)≃ L-1g( m/ Lv‧).

Stratification of earth's outermost core inferred from SmKS array data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaneshima, Satoshi; Matsuzawa, Takanori

2015-12-01

S mKS arrivals recorded by large-scale broadband seismometer arrays are analyzed to investigate the depth profile of P wave speed ( V p ) in the outermost core. The V p structure of the upper 700 km of the outer core has been determined using S mKS waves of Fiji-Tonga events recorded at stations in Europe. According to a recent outer core model (KHOMC), the V p value is 0.45 % slower at the core mantle boundary (CMB) than produced by the Preliminary Reference Earth Model (PREM), and the slow anomaly gradually diminishes to insignificant values at ˜300 km below the CMB. In this study, after verifying these KHOMC features, we show that the differential travel times measured for S mKS waves that are recorded by other large-scale arrays sampling laterally different regions are well matched by KHOMC. We also show that KHOMC precisely fits the observed relative slowness values between S2KS, S3KS, and S4KS (S mKS waves with m= 2, 3, and 4). Based on these observations, we conclude that S mKS predominantly reflect the outer core structure. Then we evaluate biases of secondary importance which may be caused by mantle heterogeneity. The KHOMC V p profile can be characterized by a significant difference in the radial V p gradient between the shallower 300 km and the deeper part of the upper 700 km of the core. The shallower part has a V p gradient of -0.0018 s -1, which is steeper by 0.0001 s -1 when compared to the deeper core presented by PREM. The steeper V p gradient anomaly of the uppermost core corresponds to a radial variation in the pressure derivative of the bulk modulus, K '= d K/ d P. The K ' value is 3.7, which is larger by about 0.2 than that of the deeper core. The radial variation in K ' is too large to have a purely thermal origin, according to recent ab initio calculations on liquid iron alloys, and thus requires a thick and compositionally stratified layering at the outermost outer core.

Nitric oxide, prostaglandins and angiotensin II in the regulation of renal medullary blood flow during volume expansion.

PubMed

Moreno, Carol; Llinás, María T; Rodriguez, Francisca; Moreno, Juan M; Salazar, F Javier

2016-03-01

Regulation of medullary blood flow (MBF) is essential in maintaining renal function and blood pressure. However, it is unknown whether outer MBF (OMBF) and papillary blood flow (PBF) are regulated independently when extracellular volume (ECV) is enhanced. The aim of this study was to determine whether OMBF and PBF are differently regulated and whether there is an interaction between nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandins (PGs) and angiotensin II (Ang II) in regulating OMBF and PBF when ECV is enhanced. To achieve these goals, OMBF and PBF were measured by laser-Doppler in volume-expanded rats treated with a cyclooxygenase inhibitor (meclofenamate, 3 mg/kg) and/or a NO synthesis inhibitor (L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), 3 μg/kg/min) and/or Ang II (10 ng/kg/min). OMBF was unchanged by NO or PGs synthesis inhibition but decreased by 36 % (P < 0.05) when L-NAME and meclofenamate were infused simultaneously. PBF was similarly reduced by L-NAME (12 %), meclofenamate (17 %) or L-NAME + meclofenamate (19 %). Ang II did not modify OMBF, but it led to a similar decrease (P < 0.05) in OMBF when it was administered to rats with reduced NO (32 %), PGs (36 %) or NO and PGs (37 %) synthesis. In contrast, the fall in PBF induced by Ang II (12 %) was enhanced (P < 0.05) by the simultaneous PGs (30 %) or PGs and NO (31 %) synthesis inhibition but not in L-NAME-treated rats (20 %). This study presents novel findings suggesting that blood flows to the outer medulla and renal papilla are differently regulated and showing that there is a complex interaction between NO, PGs and Ang II in regulating OMBF and PBF when ECV is enhanced.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Galactic outer disk: a field toward Tombaugh 1 (Carraro+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carraro, G.; Sales Silva, J. V.; Moni Bidin, C.; Vazquez, R. A.

2018-04-01

The region of interest has been observed with the Y4KCAM camera attached to the 1.0 m telescope operated by the SMARTS consortium (http://www.astro.yale.edu/smarts/) and located at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO). This camera is equipped with an STA 4064x4064 CCD with 15 μm pixels, yielding a scale of 0.289"/pixel and a field of view (FOV) of 20'x20' at the Cassegrain focus of the CTIO 1.0 m telescope. The observational data were acquired on the night of 2008 January 30. We observed Landolt's SA 98 UBV(RI)KC standard star area (Landolt 1992AJ....104..372L) to tie our UBVRI instrumental system to the standard system. The average seeing was 1.0". During the nights of 2010 January 5, 6, 9, and 10, we observed 40 stars of the field toward the open cluster Tombaugh 1 (10 stars from boxes A and B, 11 stars from box C, and 9 stars from box D) on Cerro Manqui at the Las Campanas Observatory using the Inamori-Magellan Areal Camera & Spectrograph (IMACS; Dressler et al. 2006SPIE.6269E..0FD), attached to the 6.5 m Magellan Telescope. (7 data files).

Stellar Activity at the End of the Main Sequence: GHRS Observations of the M8 Ve Star VB 10

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Linsky, Jeffrey L.; Wood, Brian E.; Brown, Alexander; Giampapa, Mark S.; Ambruster, Carol

1995-01-01

We present Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph observations of the M8 Ve star VB 10 (equal to G1 752B), located very near the end of the stellar main sequence, and its dM3.5 binary companion G1 752A. These coeval stars provide a test bed for studying whether the outer atmospheres of stars respond to changes in internal structure as stars become fully convective near mass 0.3 solar mass (about spectral type M5), where the nature of the stellar magnetic dynamo presumably changes, and near the transition from red to brown dwarfs near mass 0.08 solar mass (about spectral type M9), when hydrogen burning ceases at the end of the main sequence. We obtain upper limits for the quiescent emission of VB 10 but observe a transition region spectrum during a large flare, which indicates that some type of magnetic dynamo must be present. Two indirect lines of evidence-scaling from the observed X-ray emission and scaling from a time-resolved flare on AD Leo suggest that the fraction of the stellar bolometric luminosity that heats the transition region of VB 10 outside of obvious flares is comparable to, or larger than, that for G1 752A. This suggests an increase in the magnetic heating rates, as measured by L(sub line)/L(sub bol) ratios, across the radiative/convective core boundary and as stars approach the red/brown dwarf boundary. These results provide new constraints for dynamo models and models of coronal and transition-region heating in late-type stars.

Calculation of Growth Stress in SiO2 Scales Formed by Oxidation of SiC Fibers (PREPRINT)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-07-01

Poisson effect. Tensile hoop stresses can be >2 GPa for thick scales formed at 򒮨°C. Effects of different fiber radii on growth stresses are examined...original fiber radius and Ω is the ratio of SiC/SiO2 molar volume ratio . The outer radius of the SiO2 scale (c) is (Fig. 1): c = b+w...and νSiO2 are Poison’s ratio for the SiC fiber and the SiO2 scale. Stresses in older increments (j = i-2 to j = 0) are updated with the stress values

Health-related quality of life in multiple sclerosis: role of cognitive appraisals of self, illness and treatment.

PubMed

Wilski, Maciej; Tasiemski, Tomasz

2016-07-01

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is considered an important measure of treatment and rehabilitation outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. In this study, we used multivariate regression analysis to examine the role of cognitive appraisals, adjusted for clinical, socioeconomic and demographic variables, as correlates of HRQoL in MS. The cross-sectional study included 257 MS patients, who completed Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale, Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, Treatment Beliefs Scale, Actually Received Support Scale (a part of Berlin Social Support Scale) and Socioeconomic Resources Scale. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants were collected with a self-report survey. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to determine associations between the variables. Five variables, illness identity (β = 0.29, p ≤ 0.001), self-esteem (β = -0.22, p ≤ 0.001), general self-efficacy (β = -0.21, p ≤ 0.001), disability subgroup "EDSS" (β = 0.14, p = 0.006) and age (β = 0.12, p = 0.012), were significant correlates of HRQoL in MS. These variables explained 46 % of variance in the dependent variable. Moreover, we identified correlates of physical and psychological dimensions of HRQoL. Cognitive appraisals, such as general self-efficacy, self-esteem and illness perception, are more salient correlates of HRQoL than social support, socioeconomic resources and clinical characteristics, such as type and duration of MS. Therefore, interventions aimed at cognitive appraisals may also improve HRQoL of MS patients.

Chemical and biological activities of a 64-kilodalton outer sheath protein from Treponema denticola strains.

PubMed Central

Weinberg, A; Holt, S C

1991-01-01

This study examined the distribution of the major outer sheath proteins (MOSP) in several Treponema denticola strains and reports the isolation of a 64-kDa protein from the outer sheath of human clinical isolate T. denticola GM-1. The outer sheath was isolated by freeze-thaw procedures, and the distribution of outer sheath proteins was examined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). T. denticola GM-1, MS25, SR-5, and three low-passage clinical isolates possessed an MOSP with a relative molecular mass of 60 to 64 kDa. This MOSP was absent in T. denticola ATCC 35404 (TD-4) and clinical isolate SR-4. The latter possessed an MOSP of 58 kDa. 125I labeling revealed both MOSP to be dissociated forms of higher-molecular-mass oligomeric units between 116 and 162 kDa. Two-dimensional SDS-PAGE confirmed the modifiability of these MOSP. Isoelectric focusing of the 64-kDa MOSP indicated a pI of 6.7. Immunoblots with antiserum to GM-1 whole cells revealed the 64-kDa protein to be immunogenic and not cross-reactive with the MOSP of TD-4 or SR-4, and monospecific antibody to the 64-kDa protein recognized common epitopes on the high-molecular-weight oligomeric protein. These antibodies did not react with any component of TD-4 whole cells in immunoblots or in immunogold electron microscopy. Fab fragments inhibited the adherence of T. denticola GM-1 to human gingival fibroblasts by 78% (1:1,600; 0.72 micrograms of protein per ml), while TD-4 adherence was not inhibited. Amino acid analysis revealed a slightly acidic protein, devoid of cysteine, with 36% hydrophobic residues. Cyanogen bromide fragmentation of the 64-kDa protein revealed that a 42-kDa fragment contained a T-L-D-L-A-L-D segment which was 100% homologous with an integrin alpha subunit of a human leukocyte adhesion glycoprotein p 150,95. Images FIG. 1 FIG. 2 FIG. 3 FIG. 4 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. 7 FIG. 8 FIG. 9 FIG. 10 FIG. 11 FIG. 12 FIG. 13 FIG. 14 PMID:1938897

Kinetic roughening and porosity scaling in film growth with subsurface lateral aggregation.

PubMed

Reis, F D A Aarão

2015-06-01

We study surface and bulk properties of porous films produced by a model in which particles incide perpendicularly to a substrate, interact with deposited neighbors in its trajectory, and aggregate laterally with probability of order a at each position. The model generalizes ballisticlike models by allowing attachment to particles below the outer surface. For small values of a, a crossover from uncorrelated deposition (UD) to correlated growth is observed. Simulations are performed in 1+1 and 2+1 dimensions. Extrapolation of effective exponents and comparison of roughness distributions confirm Kardar-Parisi-Zhang roughening of the outer surface for a>0. A scaling approach for small a predicts crossover times as a(-2/3) and local height fluctuations as a(-1/3) at the crossover, independent of substrate dimension. These relations are different from all previously studied models with crossovers from UD to correlated growth due to subsurface aggregation, which reduces scaling exponents. The same approach predicts the porosity and average pore height scaling as a(1/3) and a(-1/3), respectively, in good agreement with simulation results in 1+1 and 2+1 dimensions. These results may be useful for modeling samples with desired porosity and long pores.

National Program for Inspection of Non-Federal Dams. Palmer Brook Dam MA 00205, Connecticut River Basin, Becket, Massachusetts. Phase I Inspection Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-03-01

DAMS PALMER BROOK DAM LOCATION MAP 2010 OpO 9 1Q00 20-0 AND DRAINAGE AREA DRAWN ICHECKED APPROVED SCALE AS SHOWN SCALE IN FEET L L R D B W F J. K. DATE...BROOK DAM EXHIBIT C-2-DIKE GUIDE TO PHOTOGRAPHS DRAWN iCHECKED JAPPOVED ,SCALE: 1.1K 5F0FT. L.L.R. D.B.W. F. J.K. JDATE: 2/8I PAGE C-2 ,it PRODUJCED A...ooo opo2000FLOOD IMPACT AREA P SALEIN EETDRAWN ICHECKED IAPPROVED ISCALE AS SHOWN SCALE__________IN______________ L. L. R. D. B. W. IF J. K. JDATE 2

ETR, TRA642. ON GROUND FLOOR. WITH OUTER THERMAL RING IN ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

ETR, TRA-642. ON GROUND FLOOR. WITH OUTER THERMAL RING IN PLACE AND CONDUIT PRESERVED, HIGH-DENSITY CONCRETE IS PLACED BETWEEN THE THERMAL RING AND THE OUTER REACTOR FORM. INL NEGATIVE NO. 56-2400. Jack L. Anderson, Photographer, 6/10/1956 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Test Reactor Area, Materials & Engineering Test Reactors, Scoville, Butte County, ID

The APL RCS (Radar Cross Section)/Statistics Code Description, Illustrations of Output, and User’s Guide.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-01-01

to travel - I henry ,iI s I) rlat, i ed. I- o..n. RIdnd,. 1-243 D1962);. inlg-wave phenomena and wedges (with straight 1191). "I edgel). L. I-. Knioi...a - b and outer a, minor radius b, and length radius a + b. L. TWAVE pL,g Traveling Wave-defines a DIHED a,b,c Dihedral -defines a 90 di- traveling ...99203 GO TO 120 9930) C 99400 C "TWAVE" - TRAVELING WAVE 9950b 330 CALL TWAVE 9900 GO TO 120 9970) C 9980) C "DINED" - DIHEDRAL BOB0) 340 CALL DIHED

Quercetin and isorhamnetin glycosides in onion (Allium cepa L.): varietal comparison, physical distribution, coproduct evaluation, and long-term storage stability.

PubMed

Lee, Jihyun; Mitchell, Alyson E

2011-02-09

During onion processing, the outer dried protective layer (outer paper layer) and first two fleshy leaf layers are removed. This coproduct material is a potential commercial source of flavonoids especially quercetin. In the following study, the flavonoid composition was determined in coproduct materials and the press cake (material generated after juice extraction) in several commercially important onion varieties grown in California. Flavonoids were characterized and quantified using LC-(ESI)MS/MS and HPLC. The long-term stability of quercetin glycosides was assessed in dried coproduct materials stored at 4 and 22 °C over a 12 month period. In all varieties, the predominant forms of quercetin were the quercetin 3,4'-O-glucoside and 4'-O-glucoside. The first layer had significantly higher levels of flavonoids than the outer paper, second, and inner flesh layers on a DW basis (p < 0.05). Allium cepa "Milestone" contained the highest levels (p < 0.05) of flavonoids (1703 mg/100 g on a dry weight basis (DW). Onion press cake had significantly higher levels of total quercetin as compared with fresh onions (p < 0.05). The levels of 4'-O-glucoside significantly decreased during the first month of storage and remained stable for 12 months of storage at either 4 or 22 °C (p < 0.05).

Monoclonal antibodies against LipL32, the major outer membrane protein of pathogenic Leptospira: production, characterization, and testing in diagnostic applications.

PubMed

Fernandes, Cláudia P H; Seixas, Fabiana K; Coutinho, Mariana L; Vasconcellos, Flávia A; Seyffert, Núbia; Croda, Julio; McBride, Alan J; Ko, Albert I; Dellagostin, Odir A; Aleixo, José A G

2007-02-01

Pathogenic serovars of Leptospira have a wide antigenic diversity attributed mainly to the lipopolysaccharide present in the outer membrane. In contrast, antigens conserved among pathogenic serovars are mainly represented by outer membrane proteins. Surface exposure of a major and highly conserved outer membrane lipoprotein (LipL32) was recently demonstrated on pathogenic Leptospira. LipL32 in its recombinant form (rLipL32) was used to immunize BALB/c mice to develop murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Three MAbs against rLipL32 were produced, isotyped, and evaluated for further use in diagnostic tests of leptospirosis using different approaches. MAbs were conjugated to peroxidase and evaluated in a native protein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with intact and heat-treated leptospiral cells, conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) for indirect immunofluorescence with intact and methanol fixed cells and were used for LipL32 immunoprecipitation from leptospiral cells. rLipL32 MAbs conjugated to peroxidase or used as primary antibody bound to intact and heat-treated cells in ELISA, proving that they could be used in enzyme immunoassays for detection of the native protein. In immunofluorescence assay, MAbs labeled bacterial cells either intact or methanol fixed. Two MAbs were able to immunoprecipitate the native protein from live and motile leptospiral cells and, adsorbed onto magnetic beads, captured intact bacteria from artificially contaminated human sera for detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Results of this study suggest that the MAbs produced can be useful for the development of diagnostic tests based on detection of LipL32 leptospiral antigen in biological fluids.

Effects of long-term elevated CO 2 treatment on the inner and outer bark chemistry of sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) trees

DOE PAGES

Eberhardt, Thomas L.; Labbé, Nicole; So, Chi-Leung; ...

2015-07-23

Long-term exposure of sweetgum trees to elevated atmospheric CO 2 concentrations significantly shifted inner bark (phloem) and outer bark (rhytidome) chemical compositions, having implications for both defense and nutrient cycling. Changes in plant tissue chemistry due to increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2) concentrations have direct implications for tissue resistance to abiotic and biotic stress while living, and soil nutrient cycling when senesced as litter. Although the effects of elevated CO 2 concentrations on tree foliar chemistry are well documented, the effects on tree bark chemistry are largely unknown. The objective of our study was to determine the effects ofmore » a long-term elevated CO 2 treatment on the contents of individual elements, extractives, ash, lignin, and polysaccharide sugars of sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) bark. Trees were harvested from sweetgum plots equipped with the Free-Air CO 2 Enrichment (FACE) apparatus, receiving either elevated or ambient CO 2 treatments over a 12-year period. Whole bark sections were partitioned into inner bark (phloem) and outer bark (rhytidome) samples before analysis. Moreover, principal component analysis, coupled with either Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy or pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry data, was also used to screen for differences. Elevated CO 2 reduced the N content (0.42 vs. 0.35 %) and increased the C:N ratio (109 vs. 136 %) of the outer bark. For the inner bark, elevated CO 2 increased the Mn content (470 vs. 815 mg kg -1), total extractives (13.0 vs. 15.6 %), and residual ash content (8.1 vs. 10.8 %) as compared to ambient CO 2; differences were also observed for some hemicellulosic sugars, but not lignin. Shifts in bark chemistry can affect the success of herbivores and pathogens in living trees, and as litter, bark can affect the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients within the forest floor. Our results demonstrate that increasing atmospheric CO 2 concentrations have the potential to impact the chemistry of temperate, deciduous tree bark such as sweetgum.« less

Effects of long-term elevated CO 2 treatment on the inner and outer bark chemistry of sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) trees

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

Eberhardt, Thomas L.; Labbé, Nicole; So, Chi-Leung

Long-term exposure of sweetgum trees to elevated atmospheric CO 2 concentrations significantly shifted inner bark (phloem) and outer bark (rhytidome) chemical compositions, having implications for both defense and nutrient cycling. Changes in plant tissue chemistry due to increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2) concentrations have direct implications for tissue resistance to abiotic and biotic stress while living, and soil nutrient cycling when senesced as litter. Although the effects of elevated CO 2 concentrations on tree foliar chemistry are well documented, the effects on tree bark chemistry are largely unknown. The objective of our study was to determine the effects ofmore » a long-term elevated CO 2 treatment on the contents of individual elements, extractives, ash, lignin, and polysaccharide sugars of sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) bark. Trees were harvested from sweetgum plots equipped with the Free-Air CO 2 Enrichment (FACE) apparatus, receiving either elevated or ambient CO 2 treatments over a 12-year period. Whole bark sections were partitioned into inner bark (phloem) and outer bark (rhytidome) samples before analysis. Moreover, principal component analysis, coupled with either Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy or pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry data, was also used to screen for differences. Elevated CO 2 reduced the N content (0.42 vs. 0.35 %) and increased the C:N ratio (109 vs. 136 %) of the outer bark. For the inner bark, elevated CO 2 increased the Mn content (470 vs. 815 mg kg -1), total extractives (13.0 vs. 15.6 %), and residual ash content (8.1 vs. 10.8 %) as compared to ambient CO 2; differences were also observed for some hemicellulosic sugars, but not lignin. Shifts in bark chemistry can affect the success of herbivores and pathogens in living trees, and as litter, bark can affect the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients within the forest floor. Our results demonstrate that increasing atmospheric CO 2 concentrations have the potential to impact the chemistry of temperate, deciduous tree bark such as sweetgum.« less

The shape of oxygen abundance profiles explored with MUSE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sánchez, S. F.; Sánchez-Menguiano, L.; Pérez, I.

2017-11-01

We characterise the oxygen abundance radial distribution of a sample of 102 spiral galaxies observed with VLT/MUSE using the O3N2 calibrator. The high spatial resolution of the data allows us to detect 14345 HII regions with the same image quality as with photometric data, avoiding any dilution effect. We develop a new methodology to automatically fit the abundance radial profiles, finding that 55 galaxies of the sample exhibit a single negative gradient. The remaining 47 galaxies also display, as well as this negative trend, either an inner drop in the abundances (21), an outer flattening (10) or both (16), which suggests that these features are a common property of disc galaxies. The presence and depth of the inner drop depends on the stellar mass of the galaxies with the most massive systems presenting the deepest abundance drops, while there is no such dependence for the outer flattening. We find that the inner drop appears always around 0.5 r_e, while the position of the outer flattening varies over a wide range of galactocentric distances. Regarding the main negative gradient, we find a characteristic slope of α_{O/H} = - 0.10±0.03 dex/r_e. This slope is independent of the presence of bars and the density of the environment. However, when inner drops or outer flattenings are detected, slightly steeper gradients are observed. This suggests that radial motions might play an important role in shaping the abundance profiles. We define a new normalisation scale (r_{O/H}) for the radial profiles based on the characteristic abundance gradient, with which all the galaxies show a similar position for the inner drop (˜0.5 r_{O/H}) and the outer flattening (˜1.5 r_{O/H}).Finally, we find no significant dependence of the dispersion around the negative gradient with any galaxy property, with values compatible with the uncertainties of the derived abundances.

Time-evolving of very large-scale motions in a turbulent channel flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Jinyul; Lee, Jin; Sung, Hyung Jin; Zaki, Tamer A.

2014-11-01

Direct numerical simulation (DNS) data of a turbulent channel flow at Reτ = 930 was scrutinized to investigate the formation of very large-scale motions (VLSMs) by merging of two large-scale motions (LSMs), aligned in the streamwise direction. We mainly focused on the supportive motions by the near-wall streaks during the merging of the outer LSMs. From visualization of the instantaneous flow fields, several low-speed streaks in the near-wall region were collected in the spanwise direction, when LSMs were concatenated in the outer region. The magnitude of the streamwise velocity fluctuations in the streaks was intensified during the spanwise merging of the near-wall streaks. Conditionally-averaged velocity fields around the merging of the outer LSMs showed that the intensified near-wall motions were induced by the outer LSMs and extended over the near-wall regions. The intense near-wall motions influence the formation of the outer low-speed regions as well as the reduction of the convection velocity of the downstream LSMs. The interaction between the near-wall and the outer motions is the essential origin of the different convection velocities of the upstream and downstream LSMs for the formation process of VLSMs by merging. This work was supported by the Creative Research Initiatives (No. 2014-001493) program of the National Research Foundation of Korea (MSIP) and partially supported by KISTI under the Strategic Supercomputing Support Program.

Quality of life for post-polio syndrome: a patient derived, Rasch standard scale.

PubMed

Young, Carolyn A; Quincey, Anne-Marie C; Wong, Samantha M; Tennant, Alan

2018-03-01

To design a disease-specific quality of life (QoL) questionnaire for people with post-polio syndrome (PPS). Qualitative interviews were conducted with 45 people with PPS to identify themes and derive potential items reflecting impact upon QoL. After cognitive debriefing, these were made into a questionnaire pack along with comparative questionnaires and posted to 319 patients. The 271 (85%) returned questionnaires were subjected to exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Rasch analysis. A 25 item scale, the post-polio quality of life scale (PP-QoL), showed good fit to the Rasch model (conditional chi-square p = 0.156), unidimensionality (% t-tests 2.0: CI 0.7-3.8), and Cronbach's alpha of 0.87. With the latent estimate transformed to a 0-100 scale, the mean score was 56.9 (SD 18.5) with only 3.3% of respondents at the floor or ceiling of the scale. Test-retest reliability showed an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (2.1) of 0.916, and correlation of 0.85. The disease-specific PP-QoL demonstrated excellent reliability, appropriate concurrent validity, and satisfied the standards of the Rasch model. It enables examination of the impact of health status upon perceived QoL, and the impact of rehabilitation interventions. The scale is freely available for academic or not-for-profit users to improve research in this neglected, disabling condition. Implications for Rehabilitation In post-polio syndrome (PPS), existing work examines aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), such as activity limitations. A disease-specific QoL measure would enable researchers to model the impact of health status, such as fatigue or mobility restrictions, upon QoL in PPS. The post-polio quality of life scale (PP-QoL) is based on the patients' lived experience, meets Rasch standards and is free for use for academic and not-for-profit researchers. The raw score is reliable for individual use in clinical settings, and interval scale transformation is available for parametric applications and the calculation of change scores.

Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity are two important factors affecting vision-related quality of life in advanced age-related macular degeneration

PubMed Central

Selivanova, Alexandra; Shin, Hyun Joon; Miller, Joan W.; Jackson, Mary Lou

2018-01-01

Purpose Vision loss from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has a profound effect on vision-related quality of life (VRQoL). The pupose of this study is to identify clinical factors associated with VRQoL using the Rasch- calibrated NEI VFQ-25 scales in bilateral advanced AMD patients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 47 patients (mean age 83.2 years) with bilateral advanced AMD. Clinical assessment included age, gender, type of AMD, high contrast visual acuity (VA), history of medical conditions, contrast sensitivity (CS), central visual field loss, report of Charles Bonnet Syndrome, current treatment for AMD and Rasch-calibrated NEI VFQ-25 visual function and socioemotional function scales. The NEI VFQ visual function scale includes items of general vision, peripheral vision, distance vision and near vision-related activity while the socioemotional function scale includes items of vision related-social functioning, role difficulties, dependency, and mental health. Multiple regression analysis (structural regression model) was performed using fixed item parameters obtained from the one-parameter item response theory model. Results Multivariate analysis showed that high contrast VA and CS were two factors influencing VRQoL visual function scale (β = -0.25, 95% CI-0.37 to -0.12, p<0.001 and β = 0.35, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.46, p<0.001) and socioemontional functioning scale (β = -0.2, 95% CI -0.37 to -0.03, p = 0.023, and β = 0.3, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.43, p = 0.001). Central visual field loss was not assoicated with either VRQoL visual or socioemontional functioning scale (β = -0.08, 95% CI-0.28 to 0.12,p = 0.44 and β = -0.09, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.16, p = 0.50, respectively). Conclusion In patients with vision impairment secondary to bilateral advanced AMD, high contrast VA and CS are two important factors affecting VRQoL. PMID:29746512

Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity are two important factors affecting vision-related quality of life in advanced age-related macular degeneration.

PubMed

Roh, Miin; Selivanova, Alexandra; Shin, Hyun Joon; Miller, Joan W; Jackson, Mary Lou

2018-01-01

Vision loss from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has a profound effect on vision-related quality of life (VRQoL). The pupose of this study is to identify clinical factors associated with VRQoL using the Rasch- calibrated NEI VFQ-25 scales in bilateral advanced AMD patients. We retrospectively reviewed 47 patients (mean age 83.2 years) with bilateral advanced AMD. Clinical assessment included age, gender, type of AMD, high contrast visual acuity (VA), history of medical conditions, contrast sensitivity (CS), central visual field loss, report of Charles Bonnet Syndrome, current treatment for AMD and Rasch-calibrated NEI VFQ-25 visual function and socioemotional function scales. The NEI VFQ visual function scale includes items of general vision, peripheral vision, distance vision and near vision-related activity while the socioemotional function scale includes items of vision related-social functioning, role difficulties, dependency, and mental health. Multiple regression analysis (structural regression model) was performed using fixed item parameters obtained from the one-parameter item response theory model. Multivariate analysis showed that high contrast VA and CS were two factors influencing VRQoL visual function scale (β = -0.25, 95% CI-0.37 to -0.12, p<0.001 and β = 0.35, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.46, p<0.001) and socioemontional functioning scale (β = -0.2, 95% CI -0.37 to -0.03, p = 0.023, and β = 0.3, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.43, p = 0.001). Central visual field loss was not assoicated with either VRQoL visual or socioemontional functioning scale (β = -0.08, 95% CI-0.28 to 0.12,p = 0.44 and β = -0.09, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.16, p = 0.50, respectively). In patients with vision impairment secondary to bilateral advanced AMD, high contrast VA and CS are two important factors affecting VRQoL.

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

Lin, Dacheng; Irwin, Jimmy A.; Wong, Ka-Wah

We studied the X-ray luminosity function (XLF) of low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) in the nearby lenticular galaxy NGC 3115, using the Megasecond Chandra X-ray Visionary Project Observation. With a total exposure time of ∼1.1 Ms, we constructed the XLF down to a limiting luminosity of ∼10{sup 36} erg s{sup −1}, which is much deeper than that typically reached for other early-type galaxies. We found significant flattening of the overall LMXB XLF from dN/dL ∝ L{sup −2.2±0.4} above 5.5 × 10{sup 37} erg s{sup −1} to dN/dL ∝ L{sup −1.0±0.1} below it, although we could not rule out a fit withmore » a higher break at ∼1.6 × 10{sup 38} erg s{sup −1}. We also found evidence that the XLF of LMXBs in globular clusters (GCs) is overall flatter than that of field LMXBs. Thus, our results for this galaxy do not support the idea that all LMXBs are formed in GCs. The XLF of field LMXBs seems to show spatial variation, with the XLF in the inner region of the galaxy being flatter than that in the outer region, probably due to contamination of LMXBs from undetected and/or disrupted GCs in the inner region. The XLF in the outer region is probably the XLF of primordial field LMXBs, exhibiting dN/dL ∝ L{sup −1.2±0.1} up to a break close to the Eddington limit of neutron star LMXBs (∼1.7 × 10{sup 38} erg s{sup −1}). The break of the GC LMXB XLF is lower, at ∼1.1 × 10{sup 37} erg s{sup −1}. We also confirm previous findings that the metal-rich/red GCs are more likely to host LMXBs than the metal-poor/blue GCs, which is more significant for more luminous LMXBs, and that more massive GCs are more likely to host LMXBs.« less

Otoscopic examinations reveal high prevalence of outer and middle ear pathologies in paediatrics in Limpopo, South Africa.

PubMed

Phanguphangu, Mukovhe Chad

2017-04-01

To determine the prevalence of outer and middle ear pathologies in paediatrics in Limpopo, South Africa. Cross-sectional retrospective review of otoscopy results obtained during a school health screening campaign conducted between March and June 2015. Descriptive statistics through percentages and frequency tables were used to analyse the data. Logistic regression was used to determine associations between age, gender and pathologies observed. Medical folders of 1089 pupils. Forty-nine percent had normal otoscopy results. A significant 36% (n = 392) had impacted cerumen. Furthermore, 45% of those with impacted cerumen were bilaterally impacted. Additionally, 4% presented with foreign bodies and a further 8% had otitis externa and otitis media. The remaining 3% had tympanic membrane perforations. The odds of developing outer and middle ear pathologies were higher in pupils below 6 years of age (p = 0.046). This study highlights a high prevalence of outer and middle ear pathologies in paediatrics in Limpopo and therefore recommends comprehensive baseline and periodic screenings; to identify children with outer and middle ear pathologies and need further management, and consequently prevent the complications of these pathologies. Additionally, this report highlights a rising need for large-scale research to provide comprehensive analysis of these pathologies.

HCO+ Detection of Dust-depleted Gas in the Inner Hole of the LkCa 15 Pre-transitional Disk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drabek-Maunder, E.; Mohanty, S.; Greaves, J.; Kamp, I.; Meijerink, R.; Spaans, M.; Thi, W.-F.; Woitke, P.

2016-12-01

LkCa 15 is an extensively studied star in the Taurus region, known for its pre-transitional disk with a large inner cavity in the dust continuum and normal gas accretion rate. The most popular hypothesis to explain the LkCa 15 data invokes one or more planets to carve out the inner cavity, while gas continues to flow across the gap from the outer disk onto the central star. We present spatially unresolved HCO+ J=4\\to 3 observations of the LkCa 15 disk from the James Clerk Maxwell telescope (JCMT) and model the data with the ProDiMo code. We find that: (1) HCO+ line-wings are clearly detected, certifying the presence of gas in the cavity within ≲50 au of the star. (2) Reproducing the observed line-wing flux requires both a significant suppression of cavity dust (by a factor ≳104 compared to the interstellar medium (ISM)) and a substantial increase in the gas scale-height within the cavity (H 0/R 0 ˜ 0.6). An ISM dust-to-gas ratio (d:g = 10-2) yields too little line-wing flux, regardless of the scale-height or cavity gas geometry, while a smaller scale-height also under-predicts the flux even with a reduced d:g. (3) The cavity gas mass is consistent with the surface density profile of the outer disk extended inwards to the sublimation radius (corresponding to mass M d ˜ 0.03 M ⊙), and masses lower by a factor ≳10 appear to be ruled out.

Torus models of the outer disc of the Milky Way using LAMOST survey data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Qiao; Wang, Yougang; Liu, Chao; Mao, Shude; Long, R. J.

2017-09-01

With a sample of 48 161 K giant stars selected from the LAMOST DR 2 catalogue, we construct torus models in a large volume extending, for the first time, from the solar vicinity to a Galactocentric distance of ∼20 kpc, reaching the outskirts of the Galactic disc. We show that the kinematics of the K giant stars match conventional models, e.g. as created by Binney in 2012, in the Solar vicinity. However such two-disc models fail if they are extended to the outer regions, even if an additional disc component is utilized. If we loosen constraints in Sun's vicinity, we find that an effective thick disc model could explain the anticentre of the MW. The Large Area Multi-Object Spectroscopic Telescope data imply that the sizes of the Galactic discs are much larger, and that the outer disc is much thicker, than previously thought, or alternatively that the outer structure is not a conventional disc at all. However, the velocity dispersion σ0z of the kinematically thick disc in the best-fitting model is about 80 km s-1 and has a scale parameter Rσ for an exponential distribution function of ∼19 kpc. Such a height σ0z is strongly rejected by current measurements in the solar neighbourhood, and thus a model beyond quasi-thermal, two or three thin or thick discs is required.

Generating large misalignments in gapped and binary discs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Owen, James E.; Lai, Dong

2017-08-01

Many protostellar gapped and binary discs show misalignments between their inner and outer discs; in some cases, ˜70° misalignments have been observed. Here, we show that these misalignments can be generated through a secular resonance between the nodal precession of the inner disc and the precession of the gap-opening (stellar or massive planetary) companion. An evolving protostellar system may naturally cross this resonance during its lifetime due to disc dissipation and/or companion migration. If resonance crossing occurs on the right time-scale, of the order of a few million years, characteristic for young protostellar systems, the inner and outer discs can become highly misaligned, with misalignments ≳ 60° typical. When the primary star has a mass of order a solar mass, generating a significant misalignment typically requires the companion to have a mass of ˜0.01-0.1 M⊙ and an orbital separation of tens of astronomical units. The recently observed companion in the cavity of the gapped, highly misaligned system HD 142527 satisfies these requirements, indicating that a previous resonance crossing event misaligned the inner and outer discs. Our scenario for HD 142527's misaligned discs predicts that the companion's orbital plane is aligned with the outer disc's; this prediction should be testable with future observations as the companion's orbit is mapped out. Misalignments observed in several other gapped disc systems could be generated by the same secular resonance mechanism.

Glu-311 in External Loop 4 of the Sodium/Proline Transporter PutP Is Crucial for External Gate Closure.

PubMed

Bracher, Susanne; Guérin, Kamila; Polyhach, Yevhen; Jeschke, Gunnar; Dittmer, Sophie; Frey, Sabine; Böhm, Maret; Jung, Heinrich

2016-03-04

The available structural information on LeuT and structurally related transporters suggests that external loop 4 (eL4) and the outer end of transmembrane domain (TM) 10' participate in the reversible occlusion of the outer pathway to the solute binding sites. Here, the functional significance of eL4 and the outer region of TM10' are explored using the sodium/proline symporter PutP as a model. Glu-311 at the tip of eL4, and various amino acids around the outer end of TM10' are identified as particularly crucial for function. Substitutions at these sites inhibit the transport cycle, and affect in part ligand binding. In addition, changes at selected sites induce a global structural alteration in the direction of an outward-open conformation. It is suggested that interactions between the tip of eL4 and the peptide backbone at the end of TM10' participate in coordinating conformational alterations underlying the alternating access mechanism of transport. Together with the structural information on LeuT-like transporters, the results further specify the idea that common design and functional principles are maintained across different transport families. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Glu-311 in External Loop 4 of the Sodium/Proline Transporter PutP Is Crucial for External Gate Closure*

PubMed Central

Bracher, Susanne; Guérin, Kamila; Polyhach, Yevhen; Jeschke, Gunnar; Dittmer, Sophie; Frey, Sabine; Böhm, Maret; Jung, Heinrich

2016-01-01

The available structural information on LeuT and structurally related transporters suggests that external loop 4 (eL4) and the outer end of transmembrane domain (TM) 10′ participate in the reversible occlusion of the outer pathway to the solute binding sites. Here, the functional significance of eL4 and the outer region of TM10′ are explored using the sodium/proline symporter PutP as a model. Glu-311 at the tip of eL4, and various amino acids around the outer end of TM10′ are identified as particularly crucial for function. Substitutions at these sites inhibit the transport cycle, and affect in part ligand binding. In addition, changes at selected sites induce a global structural alteration in the direction of an outward-open conformation. It is suggested that interactions between the tip of eL4 and the peptide backbone at the end of TM10′ participate in coordinating conformational alterations underlying the alternating access mechanism of transport. Together with the structural information on LeuT-like transporters, the results further specify the idea that common design and functional principles are maintained across different transport families. PMID:26728461

Natural radioactivity in underground water from the Outer Carpathians in Poland with the use of nuclear spectrometry techniques.

PubMed

Walencik, A; Kozłowska, B; Dorda, J; Zipper, W

2010-01-01

The investigations of natural radioactivity in underground mineral water and spring water in health resorts in the Outer Carpathians were performed. Samples from 40 water springs were collected 3-4 times over a period of 10 years (1997-2007). In order to obtain necessary data, two different nuclear spectrometry techniques were applied: WinSpectral alphabeta 1414 liquid scintillation counter from Wallac and alpha-spectrometer 7401 VR from Canberra-Packard, USA with the silicon surface barrier detector. The activity concentrations of (222)Rn in the investigated samples varied from below 1 to 50 Bq/l. For radium isotopes the concentrations were in a range from below 10 to 490 mBq/l for (226)Ra and from 29 to 397 mBq/l for (228)Ra. The highest concentrations for both radium isotopes were obtained for medicinal water Zuber III from Krynica spa. The activity concentrations for uranium isotopes varied from below 0.5 to 16 mBq/l for (238)U and from below 0.5 to 162 mBq/l for (234)U with the highest values obtained for water Zuber IV. The highest annual effective dose arising from mainly radium isotopes was obtained for Zuber III water and was equal to 75 microSv/yr. Additionally, the annual effective doses due to (222)Rn consumed with water were also estimated. The isotopic ratios between isotopes originating from the same decay chain ((234)U/(238)U, (226)Ra/(238)U) and from different radioactive decay chains ((226)Ra/(228)Ra) were determined. The correlations between different isotopes were presented. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microphysics of mass-transport in coupled droplet-pairs at low Reynolds number and the role of convective dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Qingming; Sau, Amalendu

2016-06-01

Interfacial mass-transport and redistribution in the micro-scale liquid droplets are important in diverse fields of research interest. The role of the "inflow" and the "outflow" type convective eddy-pairs in the entrainment of outer solute and internal relocation are examined for different homogeneous and heterogeneous water droplet pairs appearing in a tandem arrangement. Two micro-droplets of pure (rain) water interact with an oncoming outer air stream (Re ≤ 100) contaminated by uniformly distributed SO2. By virtue of separation/attachment induced non-uniform interfacial shear-stress gradient, the well-defined inflow/outflow type pairs of recirculating eddy-based convective motion quickly develops, and the eddies effectively attract/repel the accumulated outer solute and control the physical process of mass-transport in the droplet-pair. The non-uniformly shear-driven flow interaction and bifurcation of the circulatory internal flow lead to growth of important micro-scale "secondary" eddies which suitably regroup with the adjacent "primary" one to create the sustained inflow/outflow type convective dynamics. The presently derived flow characteristics and in-depth analysis help to significantly improve our understanding of the micro-droplet based transport phenomena in a wider context. By tuning "Re" (defined in terms of the droplet diameter and the average oncoming velocity of the outer air) and gap-ratio "α," the internal convective forcing and the solute entrainment efficiency could be considerably enhanced. The quantitative estimates for mass entrainment, convective strength, and saturation characteristics for different coupled micro-droplet pairs are extensively examined here for 0.2 ≤ α ≤ 2.0 and 30 ≤ Re ≤ 100. Interestingly, for the compound droplets, with suitably tuned radius-ratio "B" (of upstream droplet with respect to downstream one) the generated "inflow" type coherent convective dynamics helped to significantly augment the centre-line mass flow, which in turn facilitate faster saturation of the upstream droplet. However, for heterogeneous droplet-pairs containing solid nucleus, while increased solid-fraction "S" (the ratio between the radius of the solid nucleus and that of the droplet) through 0.25 ≤ S ≤ 0.45 caused gradual reductions of convective strength and mass absorption rate (RSO2) for the upstream droplet, beyond a critical value S ≥ 0.45 the RSO2 therein continued to rise again owing to the reduced film thickness.

On the characteristics and scales of outer bank roughness on large meander bends: the influence of bank material properties, floodplain vegetation and flow inundation

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This paper explores the scales and characteristics of form roughness along the outer banks of two bends on a large meandering river through investigation of irregularities in bank contours and local topographic variability on the bank face. The analysis also examines how roughness varies over the ve...

Investigation of Outer Length Scale In Optical Turbulence

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-12-01

experimental situations. This thesis investigated three outer scales of turbulence using experimental data from two instruments: microthermal probes...represents the size of the velocity fluctuations and the boundary thermal convective cell size. The microthermal balloon data had excessive scatter...optical structure parameter C than the microthermal balloon data. The separation of daytime convective thermal plumes was found from the acoustic

Scaling-up Fermentation of Pichia pastoris to demonstration-scale using new methanol-feeding strategy and increased air pressure instead of pure oxygen supplement

PubMed Central

Liu, Wan-Cang; Gong, Ting; Wang, Qing-Hua; Liang, Xiao; Chen, Jing-Jing; Zhu, Ping

2016-01-01

Scaling-up of high-cell-density fermentation (HCDF) of Pichia pastoris from the lab or pilot scale to the demonstration scale possesses great significance because the latter is the final technological hurdle in the decision to go commercial. However, related investigations have rarely been reported. In this paper, we study the scaling-up processes of a recombinant P. pastoris from the pilot (10 to 100-L) to the demonstration (1,000-L) scales, which can be used to convert 7-β-xylosyl-10-deacetyltaxol into 10-deacetyltaxol by the β-xylosidase for semi-synthesis of Taxol. We demonstrated that a pure oxygen supplement can be omitted from the HCDF if the super atmospheric pressure was increased from 0.05 to 0.10 ± 0.05 MPa, and we developed a new methanol feeding biomass-stat strategy (0.035 mL/g/h) with 1% dissolved oxygen and 100 g/L initial induction biomass (dry cell weight). The scaling-up was reproducible, and the best results were obtained from the 1,000-L scale, featuring a shorter induction time and the highest enzyme activities and productions, respectively. The specific growth and specific production rates were also determined. This study lays a solid foundation for the commercial preparation of 10-deacetyltaxol through the recombinant yeast. It also provides a successful paradigm for scaling-up HCDF of P. pastoris to the demonstration scale. PMID:26790977

Summary scores captured changes in subjects' QoL as measured by the multiple scales of the EORTC QLQ-C30.

PubMed

Phillips, Rachel; Gandhi, Mihir; Cheung, Yin Bun; Findlay, Michael P; Win, Khin Maung; Hai, Hoang Hoa; Yang, Jin Mo; Lobo, Rolley Rey; Soo, Khee Chee; Chow, Pierce K H

2015-08-01

To examine the performance of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) global health status/quality of life (QoL) scale and two summary scores to detect changes in the QoL profile over time, according to changes in the individual scales. Data came from 167 clinical trial patients with unresectable (advanced) hepatocellular carcinoma. The global health status/QoL scale of the questionnaire contained two items: overall health and overall QoL. Nordin and Hinz proposed summary scores for the questionnaire. A mixed-effect model was fitted to estimate trends in scores over time. Predominantly the individual scale scores declined over time; however, the global health status/QoL score was stable [rate of change = -0.3 per month; 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.2, 0.6]. Nordin's summary score, which gave equal weight to the 15 questionnaire scales, and Hinz's summary score, which gave equal weight to the 30 questionnaire items, showed a statistically significant decline over time, 3.4 (95% CI: -4.5, -2.4) and 4.2 (95% CI: -5.3, -3.0) points per month, respectively. In contrast to the global health status/QoL scale, the summary scores proposed by Nordin and Hinz detected changes in subjects' QoL profile described by the EORTC QLQ-C30 individual scales. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Inner-outer interactions in a turbulent boundary layer overlying complex roughness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pathikonda, Gokul; Christensen, Kenneth T.

2017-04-01

Hot-wire measurements were performed in a zero-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layer overlying both a smooth and a rough wall for the purpose of investigating the details of inner-outer flow interactions. The roughness considered embodies a broad range of topographical scales arranged in an irregular manner and reflects the topographical complexity often encountered in practical flow systems. Single-probe point-wise measurements with a traversing probe were made at two different regions of the rough-wall flow, which was previously shown to be heterogeneous in the spanwise direction, to investigate the distribution of streamwise turbulent kinetic energy and large scale-small scale interactions. In addition, two-probe simultaneous measurements were conducted enabling investigation of inner-outer interactions, wherein the large scales were independently sampled in the outer layer. Roughness-induced changes to the near-wall behavior were investigated, particularly by contrasting the amplitude and frequency modulation effects of inner-outer interactions in the rough-wall flow with well-established smooth-wall flow phenomena. It was observed that the rough-wall flow exhibits both amplitude and frequency modulation features close to the wall in a manner very similar to smooth-wall flow, though the correlated nature of these effects was found to be more intense in the rough-wall flow. In particular, frequency modulation was found to illuminate these enhanced modulation effects in the rough-wall flow. The two-probe measurements helped in evaluating the suitability of the interaction-schematic recently proposed by Baars et al., Exp. Fluids 56, 1 (2015), 10.1007/s00348-014-1876-4 for rough-wall flows. This model was found to be suitable for the rough-wall flow considered herein, and it was found that frequency modulation is a "cleaner" measure of the inner-outer modulation interactions for this rough-wall flow.

Helical Turing patterns in the Lengyel-Epstein model in thin cylindrical layers

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

Bánsági, T.; Taylor, A. F., E-mail: A.F.Taylor@sheffield.ac.uk

2015-06-15

The formation of Turing patterns was investigated in thin cylindrical layers using the Lengyel-Epstein model of the chlorine dioxide-iodine-malonic acid reaction. The influence of the width of the layer W and the diameter D of the inner cylinder on the pattern with intrinsic wavelength l were determined in simulations with initial random noise perturbations to the uniform state for W < l/2 and D ∼ l or lower. We show that the geometric constraints of the reaction domain may result in the formation of helical Turing patterns with parameters that give stripes (b = 0.2) or spots (b = 0.37) in two dimensions. For b = 0.2, the helices weremore » composed of lamellae and defects were likely as the diameter of the cylinder increased. With b = 0.37, the helices consisted of semi-cylinders and the orientation of stripes on the outer surface (and hence winding number) increased with increasing diameter until a new stripe appeared.« less

The Suzaku Observation of the Nucleus of the Radio Loud Active Galaxy Centaurus A: Constraints on Abundances in the Accreting Material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Markowitz, A.; Takahashi, T.A; Watanabe, S.; Nakazawa, K.; Fukazawa, Y.; Kokubun, M.; Makishima, K.; Awaki, H.; Bamba, A.; Isobe, N.;

A New Low Mass for the Hercules dSph: The End of a Common Mass Scale for the Dwarfs?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adén, D.; Wilkinson, M. I.; Read, J. I.; Feltzing, S.; Koch, A.; Gilmore, G. F.; Grebel, E. K.; Lundström, I.

2009-11-01

We present a new mass estimate for the Hercules dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxy, based on the revised velocity dispersion obtained by Adén et al. The removal of a significant foreground contamination using newly acquired Strömgren photometry has resulted in a reduced velocity dispersion. Using this new velocity dispersion of 3.72 ± 0.91 km s-1, we find a mass of M 300 = 1.9+1.1 -0.8 × 106 M sun within the central 300 pc, which is also the half-light radius, and a mass of M 433 = 3.7+2.2 -1.6 × 106 M sun within the reach of our data to 433 pc, significantly lower than previous estimates. We derive an overall mass-to-light ratio of M 433/L = 103+83 -48[M sun/L sun]. Our mass estimate calls into question recent claims of a common mass scale for dSph galaxies. Additionally, we find tentative evidence for a velocity gradient in our kinematic data of 16 ± 3 km s-1 kpc-1, and evidence of an asymmetric extension in the light distribution at ~0.5 kpc. We explore the possibility that these features are due to tidal interactions with the Milky Way. We show that there is a self-consistent model in which Hercules has an assumed tidal radius of rt = 485 pc, an orbital pericenter of rp = 18.5 ± 5 kpc, and a mass within rt of M_{tid,r_t}=5.2_{-2.7}^{+2.7} × 10^6 M_⊙. Proper motions are required to test this model. Although we cannot exclude models in which Hercules contains no dark matter, we argue that Hercules is more likely to be a dark-matter-dominated system that is currently experiencing some tidal disturbance of its outer parts.

Propagation of Interplanetary Disturbances in the Outer Heliosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Chi

2005-01-01

Contents include the following: 1. We have developed a one-dimensional, spherically symmetric, multi-fluid MHD model that includes solar wind protons and electrons, pickup ions, and interstellar neutral hydrogen. This model advances the existing solar wind models for the outer heliosphere in two important ways: one is that it distinguishes solar wind protons from pickup ions, and the other is that it allows for energy transfer from pickup ions to the solar wind protons. Model results compare favorably with the Voyager 2 observations. 2. 2. Solar wind slowdown and interstellar neutral density. The solar wind in the outer heliosphere is fundamentally different from that in the inner heliosphere since the effects of interstellar neutrals become significant. 3. ICME propagation from the inner to outer heliosphere. Large coronal mass ejections (CMEs) have major effects on the structure of the solar wind and the heliosphere. The plasma and magnetic field can be compressed ahead of interplanetary CMEs. 4. During the current solar cycle (Cycle 23), several major CMEs associated with solar flares produced large transient shocks which were observed by widely-separated spacecraft such as Wind at Earth and Voyager 2 beyond 60 AU. Using data from these spacecraft, we use the multi-fluid model to investigate shock propagation and interaction in the heliosphere. Specifically, we studied the Bastille Day 2000, April 2001 and Halloween 2003 events. 5. Statistical properties of the solar wind in the outer heliosphere. In a collaboration with L.F. Burlaga of GSFC, it is shown that the basic statistical properties of the solar wind in the outer heliosphere can be well produced by our model. We studied the large-scale heliospheric magnetic field strength fluctuations as a function of distance from the Sun during the declining phase of a solar cycle, using our numerical model with observations made at 1 AU during 1995 as input. 6. Radial heliospheric magnetic field events. The heliospheric magnetic field (HMF) direction, on average, conforms well to the Parker spiral.

Formation of Large Regular Satellites of Giant Planets in an Extended Gaseous Nebula: Subnebula Model and Accretion of Satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mosqueira, I.; Estrada, P. R.

2000-01-01

We model the subnebulae of Jupiter and Saturn wherein satellite accretion took place. We expect a giant planet subnebula to be composed of an optically thick (given gaseous opacity) inner region inside of the planet's centrifugal radius (located at r(sub c, sup J) = l5R(sub J) for Jupiter and r(sub c, sup S) = 22R(sub S) for Saturn), and an optically thin, extended outer disk out to a fraction of the planet's Roche lobe, which we choose to be R(sub roche)/5 (located at approximately 150R(sub J) near the inner irregular satellites for Jupiter, and approximately 200R(sub S) near Phoebe for Saturn). This places Titan and Ganymede in the inner disk, Callisto and Iapetus in the outer disk, and Hyperion in the transition region. The inner disk is the leftover of the gas accreted by the protoplanet. The outer disk results from the solar torque on nebula gas flowing into the protoplanet during the time of giant planet gap opening. For the sake of specificity, we use a cosmic mixture 'minimum mass' model to constrain the gas densities of the inner disks of Jupiter and Saturn (and also Uranus). For the total mass of the outer disk we use the simple scaling M(sub disk) = M(sub P)tau(sub gap)/tau(sub acc), where M(sub P) is the mass of the giant planet, tau(sub gap) is the gap opening timescale, and tau(sub acc) is the giant planet accretion time. This gives a total outer disk mass of approximately 100M(sub Callisto) for Jupiter and possibly approximately 200M(sub Iapetus) for Saturn (which contain enough condensables to form Callisto and Iapetus respectively). Our model has Ganymede at a subnebula temperature of approximately 250 K and Titan at approximately 100 K. The outer disks of Jupiter and Saturn have constant temperatures of 130 K and 90 K respectively.

Prompt enhancement of the Earth's outer radiation belt due to substorm electron injections

DOE PAGES

Tang, C. L.; Zhang, J. -C.; Reeves, G. D.; ...

2016-12-17

Here, we present multipoint simultaneous observations of the near-Earth magnetotail and outer radiation belt during the substorm electron injection event on 16 August 2013. Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms A in the near-Earth magnetotail observed flux-enhanced electrons of 300 keV during the magnetic field dipolarization. Geosynchronous orbit satellites also observed the intensive electron injections. Located in the outer radiation belt, RBSP-A observed enhancements of MeV electrons accompanied by substorm dipolarization. The phase space density (PSD) of MeV electrons at L* ~5.4 increased by 1 order of magnitude in 1 h, resulting in a local PSD peakmore » of MeV electrons, which was caused by the direct effect of substorm injections. We also detected an enhanced MeV electrons in the heart of the outer radiation belt within 2 h, which may be associated with intensive substorm electron injections and subsequent local acceleration by chorus waves. Multipoint observations have shown that substorm electron injections not only can be the external source of MeV electrons at the outer edge of the outer radiation belt (L* ~5.4) but also can provide the intensive seed populations in the outer radiation belt. These initial higher-energy electrons from injection can reach relativistic energy much faster. Furthermore, these observations also provide evidence that enhanced substorm electron injections can explain rapid enhancements of MeV electrons in the outer radiation belt.« less

Prompt enhancement of the Earth's outer radiation belt due to substorm electron injections

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

Tang, C. L.; Zhang, J. -C.; Reeves, G. D.

Here, we present multipoint simultaneous observations of the near-Earth magnetotail and outer radiation belt during the substorm electron injection event on 16 August 2013. Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms A in the near-Earth magnetotail observed flux-enhanced electrons of 300 keV during the magnetic field dipolarization. Geosynchronous orbit satellites also observed the intensive electron injections. Located in the outer radiation belt, RBSP-A observed enhancements of MeV electrons accompanied by substorm dipolarization. The phase space density (PSD) of MeV electrons at L* ~5.4 increased by 1 order of magnitude in 1 h, resulting in a local PSD peakmore » of MeV electrons, which was caused by the direct effect of substorm injections. We also detected an enhanced MeV electrons in the heart of the outer radiation belt within 2 h, which may be associated with intensive substorm electron injections and subsequent local acceleration by chorus waves. Multipoint observations have shown that substorm electron injections not only can be the external source of MeV electrons at the outer edge of the outer radiation belt (L* ~5.4) but also can provide the intensive seed populations in the outer radiation belt. These initial higher-energy electrons from injection can reach relativistic energy much faster. Furthermore, these observations also provide evidence that enhanced substorm electron injections can explain rapid enhancements of MeV electrons in the outer radiation belt.« less

Results of transonic wind tunnel tests on an 0.010-scale space shuttle mated vehicle model 72-OTS in the LaRC 8-foot TPT (IA43)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Petrozzi, M. T.; Milam, M. D.

1975-01-01

Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted in NASA/Langley 8-Foot transonic pressure tunnel on a sting mounted 0.010-scale outer mold line model of 104A/B configuration of the Rockwell International space shuttle vehicle. Component aerodynamic force and moment data and base and balance cavity pressures were recorded over an angle of attack range of -10 deg to +10 deg at Mach numbers of 0.6, 0.8, 0.9, 0.98, 1.13, and 1.2. Selected configurations were tested at sideslip angles from -10 deg to +10 deg. For all configurations involving the orbit, wing bending and torsion were measured on the right wing. Inboard elevon setting of 0 deg, +4 deg and +8 deg and outboard settings of 0 deg, +4 deg and +8 deg were tested.

Results from core-edge experiments in high Power, high performance plasmas on DIII-D

DOE PAGES

Petrie, T. W.; Fenstermacher, M. E.; Holcomb, C. T.; ...

2016-12-24

Here, significant challenges to reducing divertor heat flux in highly powered near-double null divertor (DND) hybrid plasmas, while still maintaining both high performance metrics and low enough density for application of RF heating, are identified. For these DNDs on DIII-D, the scaling of the peak heat flux at the outer target (q ⊥ P) ∝ [P SOL x I P] 0.92 for P SOL = 8-19 MW and I P = 1.0–1.4 MA, and is consistent with standard ITPA scaling for single-null H-mode plasmas. Two divertor heat flux reduction methods were tested. First, applying the puff-and-pump radiating divertor to DIII-Dmore » plasmas may be problematical at high power and H98 (≥ 1.5) due to improvement in confinement time with deuterium gas puffing which can lead to unacceptably high core density under certain conditions. Second, q ⊥ P for these high performance DNDs was reduced by ≈35% when an open divertor is closed on the common flux side of the outer divertor target (“semi-slot”) but also that heating near the slot opening is a significant source for impurity contamination of the core.« less

NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

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

Preece, G.E.; Bell, F.R.

1963-06-26

A protective arrangement is designed for shielding the environment and for preventing the leakage of radioactive gases from a ship nuclear power plant. In this arrangement, the core has inner and outer pressure vessels and a biological shielding around the outer pressure vessel. The shielding comprises a series of steel cylindrical shells immersed in water, and its inner wall may comprise part of the outer pressure vessel. (D.L.C.)

Application of Refined Kolmogorov's Hypothesis For Numerical Modelling of Filtration In Porous Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuz'min, G.; Soboleva, O.

We consider a flow of incompressible fluid through the fractal porous media. The scaling theory that uses the ideas of the Kolmogorovs (1962) paper is presented for the permeability field (x). The velocity is given by the Darcy's law v = (x) p, where p is the pressure. The incompressibility condition div v = 0 results in the equation for p (x) p(x) = 0. (1) xj xj In order to compute the steady realizations for the velocity, we use (256)3 grid, the iter- ation algorithm in combination with the fast Fourier transform and the sweep method. In order to replace the original problem by a simpler one, we seek for a subgrid model. The large scales l > l0 are retained in the equation. The scales l < l0 are simu- lated along the lines of the renormalization group theory. Using the scaling hypoth- esis for the latter, we derive the following expression for the effective permeability l -D 0 0l = 0 (), where 0 is a constant which is chosen according to the L experimental data for a natural sedimentary rock, D (which is equal to 3) is the spa- tial dimension. Thus, if one wishes to use a coarser grid, when computing the flow through a fractal matter, he should multiply the effective permeability by a constant factor according to() . For such a model we made some computational experiments. The reasonable agreement with numerical simulations has been obtained. For the nu- merically obtained realizations of velocity field, we calculate the trajectories of the labeled particles from the equations: dx m(x, l) = v(x), x = x0 , i = 1, ..., N, i (2) dt where i stands for the number of a particle, m(x, l) is the porosity. The correlated fractal fields of permeability and porosity are numerically generated using the scaling theory. For a cloud of the labeled particles, we study the dispersion within the exact and the subgrid models.

A GLIMPSE of Star Formation in the Outer Galaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winston, Elaine; Hora, Joseph L.; Tolls, Volker

2018-01-01

The wealth of infrared data provided by recent infrared missions such as Spitzer, Herschel, and WISE has yet to be fully mined in the study of star formation in the outer galaxy. The nearby galaxy and massive star forming regions towards the galactic center have been extensively studied. However the outer regions of the Milky Way, where the metallicity is intermediate in value between the inner galactic disk and the Magellanic Clouds, has not been systematically studied. We are using Spitzer/IRAC’s GLIMPSE (Galactic Legacy Infrared Mid-plane Survey Extraordinaire) observations of the galactic plane at 3.6, 4.5, 5.8, and 8.0 microns to identify young stellar objects (YSOs) via their disk emission in the mid-infrared. A tiered clustering analysis is then performed: preliminary large scale clustering is identified across the field using a Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) technique. Smaller scale sub clustering within these regions is performed using an implementation of the Minimum Spanning Tree (MST) technique. The YSOs are then compared to known objects in the SIMBAD catalogue and their photometry and cluster membership is augmented using available Herschel and WISE photometry. We compare our results to those in the inner galaxy to determine how dynamical processes and environmental factors affect the star formation efficiency. These results will have applications to the study of star formation in other galaxies, where only global properties can be determined. We will present here the results of our initial investigation into star formation in the outer galaxy using the Spitzer/GLIMPSE observations of the SMOG field.

Overview of transport, fast particle and heating and current drive physics using tritium in JET plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stork, D.; Baranov, Yu.; Belo, P.; Bertalot, L.; Borba, D.; Brzozowski, J. H.; Challis, C. D.; Ciric, D.; Conroy, S.; de Baar, M.; de Vries, P.; Dumortier, P.; Garzotti, L.; Hawkes, N. C.; Hender, T. C.; Joffrin, E.; Jones, T. T. C.; Kiptily, V.; Lamalle, P.; Mailloux, J.; Mantsinen, M.; McDonald, D. C.; Nave, M. F. F.; Neu, R.; O'Mullane, M.; Ongena, J.; Pearce, R. J.; Popovichev, S.; Sharapov, S. E.; Stamp, M.; Stober, J.; Surrey, E.; Valovic, M.; Voitsekhovitch, I.; Weisen, H.; Whiteford, A. D.; Worth, L.; Yavorskij, V.; Zastrow, K.-D.; EFDA contributors, JET

2005-10-01

Results are presented from the JET Trace Tritium Experimental (TTE) campaign using minority tritium (T) plasmas (nT/nD < 3%). Thermal tritium particle transport coefficients (DT, vT) are found to exceed neo-classical values in all regimes, except in ELMy H-modes at high densities and in the region of internal transport barriers (ITBs) in reversed shear plasmas. In ELMy H-mode dimensionless parameter scans, at q95 ~ 2.8 and triangularity δ = 0.2, the T particle transport scales in a gyro-Bohm manner in the inner plasma (r/a < 0.4), whilst the outer plasma particle transport scaling is more Bohm-like. Dimensionless parameter scans show contrasting behaviour for the trace particle confinement (increases with collisionality, ν* and β) and bulk energy confinement (decreases with ν* and is independent of β). In an extended ELMy H-mode data set, with ρ*, ν*, β and q varied but with neo-classical tearing modes (NTMs) either absent or limited to weak, benign core modes (4/3 or above), the multiparameter fit to the normalized diffusion coefficient in the outer plasma (0.65 < r/a < 0.8) gives DT/Bphi ~ ρ*2.46ν*-0.23β-1.01q2.03. In hybrid scenarios (qmin ~ 1, low positive shear, no sawteeth), the T particle confinement is found to scale with increasing triangularity and plasma current. Comparing regimes (ELMy H-mode, ITB plasma and hybrid scenarios) in the outer plasma region, a correlation of high values of DT with high values of vT is seen. The normalized diffusion coefficients for the hybrid and ITB scenarios do not fit the scaling derived for ELMy H-modes. The normalized tritium diffusion scales with normalized poloidal Larmor radius (\\rho_{\\theta}^\\ast=q\\rho^{\\ast}) in a manner close to gyro-Bohm ({\\sim}\\rho_{\\theta}^{\\ast 3}) , with an added inverse β dependence. The effects of ELMs, sawteeth and NTMs on the T particle transport are described. Fast-ion confinement in current-hole (CH) plasmas was tested in TTE by tritium neutral beam injection into JET CH plasmas. γ-rays from the reactions of fusion alpha and beryllium impurities (9Be(α, nγ)12C) characterized the fast fusion-alpha population evolution. The γ-decay times are consistent with classical alpha plus parent fast triton slowing down times (τTs + ταs) for high plasma currents (Ip > 2 MA) and monotonic q-profiles. In CH discharges the γ-ray emission decay times are much lower than classical (τTs+ταs), indicating alpha confinement degradation, due to the orbit losses and particle orbit drift predicted by a 3-D Fokker-Planck numerical code and modelled using TRANSP.

Environmental quality in sediments of Cadiz and Algeciras Bays based on a weight of evidence approach (southern Spanish coast).

PubMed

Usero, José Antonio; Rosado, Daniel; Usero, José; Morillo, José

2016-09-15

This research applies an integrated sediment quality assessment method using a weight of evidence approach to Cadiz and Algeciras Bays (southern Spain). The method is composed of several analyses (particle size profile, aqua regia extractable metals, acid labile metals, total organic carbon, toxicity bioassay with Photobacterium phosphoreum and macrobenthic community alteration). The proposed method provides a single result, the environmental degradation index (EDI). EDI defined samples as low degraded (outer areas of both bays) and moderately degraded (Inner Bay of Cadiz Bay, the surroundings of Algeciras port and the northern part of Algeciras Bay). These samples showed the highest concentration of aqua regia extractable metals, which exceeded effects range-low (ERL) for Zn (51-176mg/l), Cu (11-54mg/l), As (4.3-9.5mg/l), Hg (0.17-0.28mg/l), Ni (23-82mg/l), and. Cr (37-134mg/l). They also exceeded some quality criteria for total organic carbon (4.0-6.5%) and toxicity (120-240TU/g) and showed poor results for macrobenthic community. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Molecular characterization of the pL40 protein in Leptospira interrogans.

PubMed

Zhao, Wei; Chen, Chun-Yan; Zhang, Xiang-Yan; Lai, Wei-Qiang; Hu, Bao-Yu; Zhao, Guo-Ping; Qin, Jin-Hong; Guo, Xiao-Kui

2009-06-01

Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic leptospires. The identification of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) conserved among pathogenic leptospires, which are exposed on the leptospiral surface and expressed during mammalian infection, has become a major focus of leptospirosis research. pL40, a 40 kDa protein coded by the LA3744 gene in Leptospira interrogans, was found to be unique to Leptospira. Triton X-114 fractionation and flow cytometry analyses indicate that pL40 is a component of the leptospiral outer membrane. The conservation of pL40 among Leptospira strains prevalent in China was confirmed by both Western blotting and PCR screening. Furthermore, the pL40 antigen could be recognized by sera from guinea pigs and mice infected with low-passage L. interrogans. These findings indicate that pL40 may serve as a useful serodiagnostic antigen and vaccine candidate for L. interrogans.

Functional characterization of ExFadLO, an outer membrane protein required for exporting oxygenated long-chain fatty acids in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

PubMed

Martínez, Eriel; Estupiñán, Mónica; Pastor, F I Javier; Busquets, Montserrat; Díaz, Pilar; Manresa, Angeles

2013-02-01

Bacterial proteins of the FadL family have frequently been associated to the uptake of exogenous hydrophobic substrates. However, their outer membrane location and involvement in substrate uptake have been inferred mainly from sequence similarity to Escherichia coli FadL, the first well-characterized outer membrane transporters of Long-Chain Fatty Acids (LCFAs) in bacteria. Here we report the functional characterization of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa outer membrane protein (ORF PA1288) showing similarities to the members of the FadL family, for which we propose the name ExFadLO. We demonstrate herein that this protein is required to export LCFAs 10-HOME and 7,10-DiHOME, derived from a diol synthase oxygenation activity on oleic acid, from the periplasm to the extracellular medium. Accumulation of 10-HOME and 7,10-DiHOME in the extracellular medium of P. aeruginosa was abolished by a transposon insertion mutation in exFadLO (ExFadLO¯ mutant). However, intact periplasm diol synthase activity was found in this mutant, indicating that ExFadLO participates in the export of these oxygenated LCFAs across the outer membrane. The capacity of ExFadLO¯ mutant to export 10-HOME and 7,10-DiHOME was recovered after complementation with a wild-type, plasmid-expressed ExFadLO protein. A western blot assay with a variant of ExFadLO tagged with a V5 epitope confirmed the location of ExFadLO in the bacterial outer membrane under the experimental conditions tested. Our results provide the first evidence that FadL family proteins, known to be involved in the uptake of hydrophobic substrates from the extracellular environment, also function as secretion elements for metabolites of biological relevance. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

AFOSR/ONR Contractors’ Meeting on Combustion Rocket Propulsion Diagnostics of Reacting Flow Held in Ann Arbor, Michigan on 19-23 June 1989

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-06-19

Applications of Laser-Induced Exciplex Fluorescence to Fuel Spray and Single Droplet Vaporization, L A Melton...m 0000 a a Tm ol m 0 0 4. LL o WWN 64 0 4N N WXX 0 :1N 2 0 0ŕ r. ’ 4 00 4-4 -00 co "i 0 W o> ca 0. 0 C3 (V CLw 1 o ) W4 V)V tn A Ao6 - I 0014CJ...particular turbulent str zture OL , the outer edge (air side) of the shear layer can be followed from frame to frame. The 10 us time separation between frames

Revisiting the use of hyperdiffusivities in numerical dynamo models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fournier, A.; Aubert, J.

2012-04-01

The groundbreaking numerical dynamo models of Glatzmaier & Roberts (1995) and Kuang & Bloxham (1997) received some criticism due to their use of hyperdiffusivities, whereby small scale processes artificially experience much stronger dissipation than large scale processes. This stronger dissipation they chose was anisotropic, in that it was only effective in the horizontal direction, and parameterized in spectral space using the following generic formula for any diffusive parameter ν ν(l) = ν0 ifl ≤ l0, ν(l) = ν0[1 + a(l- l0)n] ifl > l0, in which l is the spherical harmonic degree, ν0 is a reference value, l0 is the degree above which hyperdiffusivities start operating, and a and n are real numbers. Following the same choice as the studies mentioned above (which had most notably l0 = 0), Grote & Busse (2000) showed in a fully nonlinear context that the usage of hyperdiffusivities could lead to substantially different dynamics and magnetic field generation mechanisms. Without questioning the physical relevance of this parameterization of subgrid scale processes, we wish here to revisit the use of hyperdiffusivities (as defined mathematically above), on the account of the observation that today's models are run with a truncation at much larger spherical harmonic degree than early models. Consequently, they do not require hyperdiffusivities to kick in at the largest scales (l0 can be set to several tens). An exploration of those regions of parameter space less accessible to numerical models could therefore benefit from their use, provided they do not alter noticeably the largest scales of the dynamo (which are the ones expressing themselves in the record of the geomagnetic secular variation). We compare the statistics of a direct numerical simulation with the statistics of several hyperdiffusive simulations. In the prospect of exploring the parameter space and constructing statistics for their subsequent use for geomagnetic data assimilation practice, we conclude that a sensible use of hyperdiffusivities can lead to a much wanted decrease in computational cost, while not altering the nature of the solution.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Initial Validation of the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale into the Yoruba Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Akinpelu, Aderonke O.; Odetunde, Marufat O.; Odole, Adesola C.

2012-01-01

Stroke-Specific Quality of Life 2.0 (SS-QoL 2.0) scale is used widely and has been cross-culturally adapted to many languages. This study aimed at the cross-cultural adaptation of SS-QoL 2.0 to Yoruba, the indigenous language of south-western Nigeria, and to carry out an initial investigation on its validity. English SS-QoL 2.0 was first adapted…

A new species of Hemibrycon (Characiformes, Characidae) from the upper San Juan River drainage, Pacific versant, Colombia

PubMed Central

Román-Valencia, César; Ruiz-C, Raquel I.; Taphorn, Donald C.; García-Alzate, Carlos A.

2014-01-01

Abstract Hemibrycon sanjuanensis, new species, is described from the upper San Juan River drainage, Pacific versant, Colombia. It is distinguished from Hemibrycon boquiae, Hemibrycon brevispini, Hemibrycon cairoense, Hemibrycon colombianus, Hemibrycon mikrostiktos, Hemibrycon metae, Hemibrycon palomae, Hemibrycon rafaelense and Hemibrycon tridens by the presence of a circular or oblong humeral spot that is located two scales posterior to the opercle (vs. 3–4 scales in Hemibrycon palomae, Hemibrycon rafaelense, Hemibrycon brevispini and Hemibrycon cairoense, and 0–1 scales, in Hemibrycon metae and Hemibrycon boquiae). It further differs from Hemibrycon colombianus in having a round or oblong humeral spot (vs. rectangular). It differs from Hemibrycon beni, Hemibrycon dariensis, Hemibrycon divisorensis, Hemibrycon helleri, Hemibrycon huambonicus, Hemibrycon inambari, Hemibrycon jabonero, Hemibrycon jelskii, Hemibrycon mikrostiktos, Hemibrycon polyodon, Hemibrycon quindos, Hemibrycon raqueliae, Hemibrycon santamartae, Hemibrycon surinamensis, Hemibrycon taeniurus, Hemibrycon tridens, and Hemibrycon yacopiae in having melanophores on the posterior margins of the scales along the sides of body (vs. lacking melanophores on margins of scales along entire length of the sides of body). The new species differs from all congeners mentioned above in having, among other features, six teeth in the outer premaxillary row arranged in a straight line (vs. five or fewer teeth not arranged in straight line except Hemibrycon cairoense with two to six teeth in the outer premaxillary row). PMID:25493068

Extraction of bioactives from Orthosiphon stamineus using microwave and ultrasound-assisted techniques: Process optimization and scale up.

PubMed

Chan, Chung-Hung; See, Tiam-You; Yusoff, Rozita; Ngoh, Gek-Cheng; Kow, Kien-Woh

2017-04-15

This work demonstrated the optimization and scale up of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds from Orthosiphon stamineus using energy-based parameters such as absorbed power density and absorbed energy density (APD-AED) and response surface methodology (RSM). The intensive optimum conditions of MAE obtained at 80% EtOH, 50mL/g, APD of 0.35W/mL, AED of 250J/mL can be used to determine the optimum conditions of the scale-dependent parameters i.e. microwave power and treatment time at various extraction scales (100-300mL solvent loading). The yields of the up scaled conditions were consistent with less than 8% discrepancy and they were about 91-98% of the Soxhlet extraction yield. By adapting APD-AED method in the case of UAE, the intensive optimum conditions of the extraction, i.e. 70% EtOH, 30mL/g, APD of 0.22W/mL, AED of 450J/mL are able to achieve similar scale up results. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Time scales of radiation damage decay in four optical materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grupp, Frank; Geis, Norbert; Katterloher, Reinhard; Bender, Ralf

2017-09-01

In the framework of the qualification campaigns for the near infrared spectrometer and photometer instrument (NISP) on board the ESA/EUCLID satellite six optical materials where characterized with respect to their transmission losses after a radiation dose representing the mission exposure to high energy particles in the outer Lagrange point L2. Data was taken between 500 and 2000nm on six 25mm thick coated probes. Thickness and coating being representative for the NISP flight configuration. With this paper we present results owing up the radiation damage shown in [1]. We where able to follow up the decay of the radiation damage over almost one year under ambient conditions. This allows us to distinguish between curing effects that happen on different time-scales. As for some of the materials no radiation damage and thus no curing was detected, all materials that showed significant radiation damage in the measured passband showed two clearly distinguished time scales of curing. Up to 70% of the transmission losses cured on half decay time scales of several tens of days, while the rest of the damage cures on time scales of years.

Study of impurity transport in HL-2A ECRH L-mode plasmas with radially different ECRH power depositions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Z. Y.; Zhang, K.; Morita, S.; Ji, X. Q.; Ding, X. T.; Xu, Y.; Sun, P.; Gao, J. M.; Dong, C. F.; Zheng, D. L.; Li, Y. G.; Jiang, M.; Li, D.; Zhong, W. L.; Liu, Yi; Dong, Y. B.; Song, S. D.; Yu, L. M.; Shi, Z. B.; Fu, B. Z.; Lu, P.; Huang, M.; Yuan, B. S.; Yang, Q. W.; Duan, X. R.

2018-05-01

In HL-2A, an inverse sawtooth oscillation is observed with a long-lasting m/n  =  1/1 mode during ECRH phase with power deposition inside sawtooth inversion radius (inner-deposited ECRH), while a normal sawtooth instead appears when the ECRH power is deposited outside sawtooth inversion radius (outer-deposited ECRH). Aluminum is then injected as a trace impurity with laser blow-off (LBO) method into the inner- and outer-deposited ECRH phases of HL-2A discharges to investigate the effect of ECRH on impurity transport. Temporal behavior of soft x-ray (SXR) array signals is analyzed with a 1D impurity transport code, and radial structures of impurity transport coefficients are obtained. The result shows that the radial transport of Al ions is strongly enhanced during the inner-deposited ECRH phase. In particular, an outward convection velocity is developed with positive values of 0  ⩽  V(ρ)  ⩽  3.8 m s-1 in ρ  ⩽  0.5, while the convection velocity is inward in ρ  ⩾  0.6. In the outer-deposited ECRH discharge, on the other hand, the convection velocity takes a big negative value in ρ  ⩽  0.4 and close to zero at ρ ~ 0.6. In ohmic discharges, an inward V(ρ) always appears in the whole plasma radii and gradually increases toward the plasma edge (-3.2 m s-1 at ρ  =  1). The simulation result also indicates that centrally-peaked Al ion density profiles presented in the outer-deposited ECRH discharge can be flattened by the inner-deposited ECRH. Modification of impurity transport is discussed in the presence of long-lasting m/n  =  1/1 MHD mode.

Effect of Leptospira interrogans outer membrane proteins LipL32 on HUVEC.

PubMed

Sun, Zhan; Bao, Lang; Li, DaoKun; Huang, Bi; Wu, Bingting

2010-09-01

Leptospira cause disease through a toxin-mediated process by inducing vascular injury, particularly a small-vessel vasculitis. Breakdown of vessel endothelial cell integrity may increase vessel permeability which is correlated with the changes of tight junction and/or apoptosis in vessel endothelial cells. The specific toxin responsible remains unidentified. In this study, we amplified outer membrane protein LipL32 from the genome of Leptospira interrogans serovar Lai, and it was subcloned in pET32a(+) vector to express thioredoxin(Trx)-LipL32 fusion protein in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The protein was expressed and purified, and Trx-LipL32 was administered to culture with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to elucidate the role of leptospiral outer membrane proteins in vessel endothelial cell. The purified recombinant protein was capable to increase the permeability of HUVECs. And the protein was able to decrease the expression of ZO-1 and induce F-actin in HUVECs display thickening and clustering. Moreover, apoptosis of HUVEC was significantly accelerated. But the fusion partner had no effect in these regards. It is possible that LipL32 is involved in the vessel lesions. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Surface magnetometer experiments: Internal lunar properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dyal, P.; Parkin, C. W.; Daily, W. D.

1973-01-01

Magnetic fields have been measured on the lunar surface at the Apollo 12, 14, 15, and 16 landing sites. The remanent field values at these sites are respectively 38 gammas, 103 gammas (maximum), 3 gammas, and 327 gammas. Simultaneous magnetic field and solar plasma pressure measurements show that the remanent fields at the Apollo 12 and 16 sites are compressed and that the scale size of the Apollo 16 remanent field is 5 or = L 100 km. The global eddy current fields, induced by magnetic step transients in the solar wind, were analyzed to calculate an electrical conductivity profile. From nightside data it was found that deeper than 170 km into the moon, the conductivity rises from 0.0003 mhos/m to 0.01 mhos/m at 1000 km depth. Analysis of dayside transient data using a spherically symmetric two-layer model yields a homogeneous conducting core of radios 0.9 R and conductivity sigma = 0.001 mhos/m, surrounded by a nonconducting shell of thickness 0.1 R. This result is in agreement with a nonconducting profile determined from nightside data. The conductivity profile is used to calculate the temperature for an assumed lunar material of peridotite. In an outer layer the temperature rises to 850 to 1050 K, after which it gradually increases to 1200 to 1500 K at a depth of approximately 1000 km.

Anatomical correlates to the bands seen in the outer retina by optical coherence tomography: literature review and model.

PubMed

Spaide, Richard F; Curcio, Christine A

2011-09-01

To evaluate the validity of commonly used anatomical designations for the four hyperreflective outer retinal bands seen in current-generation optical coherence tomography, a scale model of outer retinal morphology was created using published information for direct comparison with optical coherence tomography scans. Articles and books concerning histology of the outer retina from 1900 until 2009 were evaluated, and data were used to create a scale model drawing. Boundaries between outer retinal tissue compartments described by the model were compared with intensity variations of representative spectral-domain optical coherence tomography scans using longitudinal reflectance profiles to determine the region of origin of the hyperreflective outer retinal bands. This analysis showed a high likelihood that the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography bands attributed to the external limiting membrane (the first, innermost band) and to the retinal pigment epithelium (the fourth, outermost band) are correctly attributed. Comparative analysis showed that the second band, often attributed to the boundary between inner and outer segments of the photoreceptors, actually aligns with the ellipsoid portion of the inner segments. The third band corresponded to an ensheathment of the cone outer segments by apical processes of the retinal pigment epithelium in a structure known as the contact cylinder. Anatomical attributions and subsequent pathophysiologic assessments pertaining to the second and third outer retinal hyperreflective bands may not be correct. This analysis has identified testable hypotheses for the actual correlates of the second and third bands. Nonretinal pigment epithelium contributions to the fourth band (e.g., Bruch membrane) remain to be determined.

Vertical length scale selection for pancake vortices in strongly stratified viscous fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Godoy-Diana, Ramiro; Chomaz, Jean-Marc; Billant, Paul

2004-04-01

The evolution of pancake dipoles of different aspect ratio is studied in a stratified tank experiment. Two cases are reported here for values of the dipole initial aspect ratio alpha_0 = L_v/L_h (where L_v and L_h are vertical and horizontal length scales, respectively) of alpha_0 = 0.4 (case I) and alpha_0 = 1.2 (case II). In the first case, the usual decay scenario is observed where the dipole diffuses slowly with a growing thickness and a decaying circulation. In case II, we observed a regime where the thickness of the dipole decreases and the circulation in the horizontal mid-plane of the vortices remains constant. We show that this regime where the vertical length scale decreases can be explained by the shedding of two boundary layers at the top and bottom of the dipole that literally peel off vorticity layers. Horizontal advection and vertical diffusion cooperate in this regime and the decrease towards the viscous vertical length scale delta = L_hRe(-1/2) occurs on a time scale alpha_0 Re(1/2) T_A, T_A being the advection time L_h/U. From a scaling analysis of the equations for a stratified viscous fluid in the Boussinesq approximation, two dominant balances depending on the parameter R = ReF_h(2) are discussed, where F_h = U/NL_h is the horizontal Froude number and Re = UL_h/nu is the Reynolds number, U, N and nu being, respectively, the translation speed of the dipole, the Brunt Väisälä frequency and the kinematic viscosity. When R≫ 1 the vertical length scale is determined by buoyancy effects to be of order L_b = U/N. The experiments presented in this paper pertain to the case of small R, where viscous effects govern the selection of the vertical length scale. We show that if initially L_v ≤ delta, the flow diffuses on the vertical (case I), while if L_v ≫ delta (case II), vertically sheared horizontal advection decreases the vertical length scale down to delta. This viscous regime may explain results from experiments and numerical simulations on the late evolution of stratified flows where the decay is observed to be independent of the buoyancy frequency N.

Magnetic Local Time Dependant Low Energy Electron Flux Models at Geostationary Earth Orbit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boynton, R.; Balikhin, M. A.; Walker, S. N.

2017-12-01

The low energy electron fluxes in the outer radiation belts at Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) can vary widely in Magnetic Local Time (MLT). This spatial variation is due to the convective and substorm-associated electric fields and can take place on short time scales. This makes it difficult to deduce a data based model of the low energy electrons. For higher energies, where there is negligible spatial variation at a particular L-star, data based models employ averaged fluxes over the orbit. This removes the diurnal variation as GEO passes through various L-star due to the structure of Earth's magnetic field. This study develops a number of models for the low energy electron fluxes measured by GOES 13 and 15 for different MLT to capture the dynamics of the spatial variations.

Gyrokinetic simulations of DIII-D near-edge L-mode plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neiser, Tom; Jenko, Frank; Carter, Troy; Schmitz, Lothar; Merlo, Gabriele; Told, Daniel; Banon Navarro, Alejandro; McKee, George; Yan, Zheng

2017-10-01

In order to understand the L-H transition, a good understanding of the L-mode edge region is necessary. We perform nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations of a DIII-D L-mode discharge with the GENE code in the near-edge, which we define as ρtor >= 0.8 . At ρ = 0.9 , ion-scale simulations reproduce experimental heat fluxes within the uncertainty of the experiment. At ρ = 0 . 8 , electron-scale simulations reproduce the experimental electron heat flux while ion-scale simulations do not reproduce the respective ion heat flux due to a strong poloidal zonal flow. However, we reproduce both electron and ion heat fluxes by increasing the local ion temperature gradient by 80 % . Local fitting to the CER data in the domain 0.7 <= ρ <= 0.9 is compatible with such an increase in ion temperature gradient within the error bars. Ongoing multi-scale simulations are investigating whether radial electron streamers could dampen the poloidal zonal flows at ρ = 0.8 and increase the radial ion-scale flux. Supported by U.S. DOE under Contract Numbers DE-FG02-08ER54984, DE-FC02-04ER54698, and DE-AC02-05CH11231.

Multitude scaling laws in axisymmetric turbulent wake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Layek, G. C.; Sunita

2018-03-01

We establish theoretically multitude scaling laws of a self-similar (statistical) axisymmetric turbulent wake. At infinite Reynolds number limit, the flow evolves as general power law and a new exponential law of streamwise distance, consistent with the criterion of equilibrium similarity hypothesis. We found power law scalings for components of the homogeneous dissipation rate (ɛ) obeying the non-Richardson-Kolmogorov cascade as ɛu˜ku3 /2/(l R elm ) , ɛv˜kv3 /2/l , kv˜ku/R el2 m, 0 < m < 3. Here ku and kv are the components of the Reynolds normal stress, l is the local length scale, and Rel is the Reynolds number. The Richardson-Kolmogorov cascade corresponds to m = 0. For m ≈ 1, the power law agrees with non-equilibrium scaling laws observed in recent experiments of the axisymmetric wake. On the contrary, the exponential scaling law follows the above dissipation law with different regions of existence for power index m = 3. At finite Reynolds number with kinematic viscosity ν, scalings obey the dissipation laws ɛu ˜ νku/l2 and ɛv ˜ νkv/l2 with kv˜ku/R eln. The value of n is preferably 0 and 2. Different possibilities of scaling laws and symmetry breaking process are discussed at length.

OPERA, an automatic PSF reconstruction software for Shack-Hartmann AO systems: application to Altair

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jolissaint, Laurent; Veran, Jean-Pierre; Marino, Jose

2004-10-01

When doing high angular resolution imaging with adaptive optics (AO), it is of crucial importance to have an accurate knowledge of the point spread function associated with each observation. Applications are numerous: image contrast enhancement by deconvolution, improved photometry and astrometry, as well as real time AO performance evaluation. In this paper, we present our work on automatic PSF reconstruction based on control loop data, acquired simultaneously with the observation. This problem has already been solved for curvature AO systems. To adapt this method to another type of WFS, a specific analytical noise propagation model must be established. For the Shack-Hartmann WFS, we are able to derive a very accurate estimate of the noise on each slope measurement, based on the covariances of the WFS CCD pixel values in the corresponding sub-aperture. These covariances can be either derived off-line from telemetry data, or calculated by the AO computer during the acquisition. We present improved methods to determine 1) r0 from the DM drive commands, which includes an estimation of the outer scale L0 2) the contribution of the high spatial frequency component of the turbulent phase, which is not corrected by the AO system and is scaled by r0. This new method has been implemented in an IDL-based software called OPERA (Performance of Adaptive Optics). We have tested OPERA on Altair, the recently commissioned Gemini-North AO system, and present our preliminary results. We also summarize the AO data required to run OPERA on any other AO system.

Dynamic Responses of the Earth's Outer Core to Assimilation of Observed Geomagnetic Secular Variation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuang, Weijia; Tangborn, Andrew

2014-01-01

Assimilation of surface geomagnetic observations and geodynamo models has advanced very quickly in recent years. However, compared to advanced data assimilation systems in meteorology, geomagnetic data assimilation (GDAS) is still in an early stage. Among many challenges ranging from data to models is the disparity between the short observation records and the long time scales of the core dynamics. To better utilize available observational information, we have made an effort in this study to directly assimilate the Gauss coefficients of both the core field and its secular variation (SV) obtained via global geomagnetic field modeling, aiming at understanding the dynamical responses of the core fluid to these additional observational constraints. Our studies show that the SV assimilation helps significantly to shorten the dynamo model spin-up process. The flow beneath the core-mantle boundary (CMB) responds significantly to the observed field and its SV. The strongest responses occur in the relatively small scale flow (of the degrees L is approx. 30 in spherical harmonic expansions). This part of the flow includes the axisymmetric toroidal flow (of order m = 0) and non-axisymmetric poloidal flow with m (is) greater than 5. These responses can be used to better understand the core flow and, in particular, to improve accuracies of predicting geomagnetic variability in future.

[Effect of spermine on cell growth and polysaccharide production in suspension cultures of protocorm-like bodies from Dendrobium huoshanense].

PubMed

Wei, Ming; Jiang, Shao-Tong; Luo, Jian-Ping

2007-03-01

The effect of outer spermine on cell growth, accumulation of polysaccharides and utilization of nutrient together with the intracellular polyamine contents were investigated in suspension cultures of protocorm-like bodies from Dendrobium huoshanense. The results indicated that spermine at 0.6 mmol/L was the most effective in increasing cell growth and polysaccharide synthesis. The specific growth rate of cell increased from 0.046d(-1) to 0.054d(-1), and the maximum dry weight and polysaccharide production reached 32.4g DW/L and 2.46g/L respectively, which were 1.32-fold and 1.31-fold that of the control on day 30. The titres of intracellular free polyamines were higher in the cultures treated with spermine than that of the control. Invertase and nitrate reductase activities were found to increase significantly in the cultured cells treated with spermine, which was beneficial to the utilization of carbon and nitrogen source.

The inner zone electron model AE-5

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Teague, M. J.; Vette, J. I.

1972-01-01

A description is given of the work performed in the development of the inner radiation zone electron model, AE-5. A complete description of the omnidirectional flux model is given for energy thresholds E sub T in the range 4.0 E sub T/(MeV) 0.04 and for L values in the range 2.8 L 1.2 for an epoch of October 1967. Confidence codes for certain regions of B-L space and certain energies are given based on data coverage and the assumptions made in the analysis. The electron model programs that can be supplied to a user are referred to. One of these, a program for accessing the model flux at arbitrary points in B-L space and arbitrary energies, includes the latest outer zone electron model and proton model. The model AE-5, is based on data from five satellites, OGO 1, OGO 3, 1963-38C, OV3-3, and Explorer 26, spanning the period December 1964 to December 1967.

Disruption of Alfvénic turbulence by magnetic reconnection in a collisionless plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mallet, Alfred; Schekochihin, Alexander A.; Chandran, Benjamin D. G.

2017-12-01

We calculate the disruption scale \\text{D}$ at which sheet-like structures in dynamically aligned Alfvénic turbulence are destroyed by the onset of magnetic reconnection in a low- collisionless plasma. The scaling of \\text{D}$ depends on the order of the statistics being considered, with more intense structures being disrupted at larger scales. The disruption scale for the structures that dominate the energy spectrum is \\text{D}\\sim L\\bot 1/9(de\\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}s)4/9$ , where e$ is the electron inertial scale, s$ is the ion sound scale and \\bot $ is the outer scale of the turbulence. When e$ and s/L\\bot $ are sufficiently small, the scale \\text{D}$ is larger than s$ and there is a break in the energy spectrum at \\text{D}$ , rather than at s$ . We propose that the fluctuations produced by the disruption are circularised flux ropes, which may have already been observed in the solar wind. We predict the relationship between the amplitude and radius of these structures and quantify the importance of the disruption process to the cascade in terms of the filling fraction of undisrupted structures and the fractional reduction of the energy contained in them at the ion sound scale s$ . Both of these fractions depend strongly on e$ , with the disrupted structures becoming more important at lower e$ . Finally, we predict that the energy spectrum between \\text{D}$ and s$ is steeper than \\bot -3$ , when this range exists. Such a steep `transition range' is sometimes observed in short intervals of solar-wind turbulence. The onset of collisionless magnetic reconnection may therefore significantly affect the nature of plasma turbulence around the ion gyroscale.

Isotope effects of trapped electron modes in the presence of impurities in tokamak plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Yong; Dong, J. Q.; Sun, A. P.; Qu, H. P.; Lu, G. M.; He, Z. X.; He, H. D.; Wang, L. F.

2016-04-01

The trapped electron modes (TEMs) are numerically investigated in toroidal magnetized hydrogen, deuterium and tritium plasmas, taking into account the effects of impurity ions such as carbon, oxygen, helium, tungsten and others with positive and negative density gradients with the rigorous integral eigenmode equation. The effects of impurity ions on TEMs are investigated in detail. It is shown that impurity ions have substantially-destabilizing (stabilizing) effects on TEMs in isotope plasmas for {{L}ez}\\equiv {{L}ne}/{{L}nz}>0 (<0 ), opposite to the case of ion temperature gradient (ITG) driven modes. Detailed analyses of the isotope mass dependence for TEM turbulences in hydrogenic isotope plasmas with and without impurities are performed. The relations between the maximum growth rate of the TEMs with respect to the poloidal wave number and the ion mass number are given in the presence of the impurity ions. The results demonstrate that the maximum growth rates scale as {γ\\max}\\propto Mi-0.5 in pure hydrogenic plasmas. The scale depends on the sign of its density gradient and charge number when there is a second species of (impurity) ions. When impurity ions have density profiles peaking inwardly (i.e. {{L}ez}\\equiv {{L}ne}/{{L}nz}>0 ), the scaling also depends on ITG parameter {ηi} . The maximum growth rates scale as {γ\\max}\\propto M\\text{eff}-0.5 for the case without ITG ({ηi}=0 ) or the ITG parameter is positive ({ηi}>0 ) but the impurity ion charge number is low (Z≤slant 5.0 ). However, when {ηi}>0 and the impurity ion charge number is moderate (Z=6.0-8.0 ), the scaling law is found as {γ\\max}\\propto M\\text{eff}-1.0 . Here, Z is impurity ion charge number, and the effective mass number, {{M}\\text{eff}}=≤ft(1-{{f}z}\\right){{M}i}+{{f}z}{{M}z} , with {{M}i} and {{M}Z} being the mass numbers of the hydrogenic and impurity ions, respectively, and {{f}z}=Z{{n}0z}/{{n}0e} being the charge concentration of impurity ions. In addition, with regard to the case of {{L}ez}<0 , the maximum growth rate scaling is {γ\\max}\\propto Mi-0.5 . The possible relations of the results with experimental observations are discussed.

Group galaxy number density profiles far out: Is the `one-halo' term NFW out to >10 virial radii?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trevisan, M.; Mamon, G. A.; Stalder, D. H.

2017-10-01

While the density profiles (DPs) of Lambda cold dark matter haloes obey the Navarro, Frenk & White (NFW) law out to roughly one virial radius, rvir, the structure of their outer parts is still poorly understood, because the one-halo term describing the halo itself is dominated by the two-halo term representing the other haloes picked up. Using a semi-analytical model, we measure the real-space one-halo number DP of groups out to 20rvir by assigning each galaxy to its nearest group above mass Ma, in units of the group rvir. If Ma is small (large), the outer DP of groups falls rapidly (slowly). We find that there is an optimal Ma for which the stacked DP resembles the NFW model to 0.1 dex accuracy out to 13 virial radii. We find similar long-range NFW surface DPs (out to 10rvir) in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey observations using a galaxy assignment scheme that combines the non-linear virialized regions of groups with their linear outer parts. The optimal Ma scales as the minimum mass of the groups that are stacked to a power 0.25-0.3. The NFW model thus does not solely originate from violent relaxation. Moreover, populating haloes with galaxies using halo occupation distribution models must proceed out to much larger radii than usually done.

Cosmic microwave background bispectrum from primordial magnetic fields on large angular scales.

PubMed

Seshadri, T R; Subramanian, Kandaswamy

2009-08-21

Primordial magnetic fields lead to non-Gaussian signals in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) even at the lowest order, as magnetic stresses and the temperature anisotropy they induce depend quadratically on the magnetic field. In contrast, CMB non-Gaussianity due to inflationary scalar perturbations arises only as a higher-order effect. We propose a novel probe of stochastic primordial magnetic fields that exploits the characteristic CMB non-Gaussianity that they induce. We compute the CMB bispectrum (b(l1l2l3)) induced by such fields on large angular scales. We find a typical value of l1(l1 + 1)l3(l3 + 1)b(l1l2l3) approximately 10(-22), for magnetic fields of strength B0 approximately 3 nG and with a nearly scale invariant magnetic spectrum. Observational limits on the bispectrum allow us to set upper limits on B0 approximately 35 nG.

Proton gradients produced by glucose oxidase microcapsules containing motor F0F1-ATPase for continuous ATP biosynthesis.

PubMed

Duan, Li; Qi, Wei; Yan, Xuehai; He, Qiang; Cui, Yue; Wang, Kewei; Li, Dongxiang; Li, Junbai

2009-01-15

Glucose oxidase (GOD) microcapsules held together by cross-linker, glutaraldehyde (GA), are fabricated by the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly technique. The lipid bilayer containing CF(0)F(1)-ATPase was coated on the outer shell of GOD microcapsules. Driven under the proton gradients produced by catalysis of GOD microcapsules for glucose, ATP is synthesized from ADP and inorganic phosphate catalyzed by the ATPase rotary catalysis. The results show here that ATPase reconstituted on the GOD microcapsules retains its catalytic activity.

Creative use of pilot points to address site and regional scale heterogeneity in a variable-density model

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dausman, Alyssa M.; Doherty, John; Langevin, Christian D.

2010-01-01

Pilot points for parameter estimation were creatively used to address heterogeneity at both the well field and regional scales in a variable-density groundwater flow and solute transport model designed to test multiple hypotheses for upward migration of fresh effluent injected into a highly transmissive saline carbonate aquifer. Two sets of pilot points were used within in multiple model layers, with one set of inner pilot points (totaling 158) having high spatial density to represent hydraulic conductivity at the site, while a second set of outer points (totaling 36) of lower spatial density was used to represent hydraulic conductivity further from the site. Use of a lower spatial density outside the site allowed (1) the total number of pilot points to be reduced while maintaining flexibility to accommodate heterogeneity at different scales, and (2) development of a model with greater areal extent in order to simulate proper boundary conditions that have a limited effect on the area of interest. The parameters associated with the inner pilot points were log transformed hydraulic conductivity multipliers of the conductivity field obtained by interpolation from outer pilot points. The use of this dual inner-outer scale parameterization (with inner parameters constituting multipliers for outer parameters) allowed smooth transition of hydraulic conductivity from the site scale, where greater spatial variability of hydraulic properties exists, to the regional scale where less spatial variability was necessary for model calibration. While the model is highly parameterized to accommodate potential aquifer heterogeneity, the total number of pilot points is kept at a minimum to enable reasonable calibration run times.

The outer epidermis of Avena and maize coleoptiles is not a unique target for auxin in elongation growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cleland, R. E.

1991-01-01

A controversy exists as to whether or not the outer epidermis in coleoptiles is a unique target for auxin in elongation growth. The following evidence indicates that the outer epidermis is not the only auxin-responsive cell layer in either Avena sativa L. or Zea mays L. coleoptiles. Coleoptile sections from which the epidermis has been removed by peeling elongate in response to auxin. The magnitude of the response is similar to that of intact sections provided the incubation solution contains both auxin and sucrose. The amount of elongation is independent of the amount of epidermis removed. Sections of oat coleoptiles from which the epidermis has been removed from one side are nearly straight after 22 h in auxin and sucrose, despite extensive growth of the sections. These data indicate that the outer epidermis is not a unique target for auxin in elongation growth, at least in Avena and maize coleoptiles.

The Bolocam Galactic Plane Survey: Survey Description and Data Reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguirre, James E.; Ginsburg, Adam G.; Dunham, Miranda K.; Drosback, Meredith M.; Bally, John; Battersby, Cara; Bradley, Eric Todd; Cyganowski, Claudia; Dowell, Darren; Evans, Neal J., II; Glenn, Jason; Harvey, Paul; Rosolowsky, Erik; Stringfellow, Guy S.; Walawender, Josh; Williams, Jonathan P.

2011-01-01

We present the Bolocam Galactic Plane Survey (BGPS), a 1.1 mm continuum survey at 33'' effective resolution of 170 deg2 of the Galactic Plane visible from the northern hemisphere. The BGPS is one of the first large area, systematic surveys of the Galactic Plane in the millimeter continuum without pre-selected targets. The survey is contiguous over the range -10.5 <= l <= 90.5, |b| <= 0.5. Toward the Cygnus X spiral arm, the coverage was flared to |b| <= 1.5 for 75.5 <= l <= 87.5. In addition, cross-cuts to |b| <= 1.5 were made at l= 3, 15, 30, and 31. The total area of this section is 133 deg2. With the exception of the increase in latitude, no pre-selection criteria were applied to the coverage in this region. In addition to the contiguous region, four targeted regions in the outer Galaxy were observed: IC1396 (9 deg2, 97.5 <= l <= 100.5, 2.25 <= b <= 5.25), a region toward the Perseus Arm (4 deg2 centered on l = 111, b = 0 near NGC 7538), W3/4/5 (18 deg2, 132.5 <= l <= 138.5), and Gem OB1 (6 deg2, 187.5 <= l <= 193.5). The survey has detected approximately 8400 clumps over the entire area to a limiting non-uniform 1σ noise level in the range 11-53 mJy beam-1 in the inner Galaxy. The BGPS source catalog is presented in a previously published companion paper. This paper details the survey observations and data reduction methods for the images. We discuss in detail the determination of astrometric and flux density calibration uncertainties and compare our results to the literature. Data processing algorithms that separate astronomical signals from time-variable atmospheric fluctuations in the data timestream are presented. These algorithms reproduce the structure of the astronomical sky over a limited range of angular scales and produce artifacts in the vicinity of bright sources. Based on simulations, we find that extended emission on scales larger than about 5farcm9 is nearly completely attenuated (>90%) and the linear scale at which the attenuation reaches 50% is 3farcm8. Comparison with other millimeter-wave data sets implies a possible systematic offset in flux calibration, for which no cause has been discovered. This presentation serves as a companion and guide to the public data release (http://irsa.ipac.caltech.edu/Missions/bolocam.html) through NASA's Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC) Infrared Science Archive (IRSA). New data releases will be provided through IPAC-IRSA with any future improvements in the reduction. The BGPS provides a complementary long-wavelength spectral band for the ongoing ATLASGAL and Herschel-SPIRE surveys, and an important database and context for imminent observations with SCUBA-2 and ALMA.

Oxidation behavior of FeAl+Hf,Zr,B

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smialek, James L.; Doychak, Joseph

1988-01-01

The oxidation behavior of Fe-40Al-1Hf, Fe-40Al-1Hf-0.4B, and Fe-40Al-0.1Zr-0.4B (at. percent) alloys was characterized after 900, 1000, and 100 C exposures. Isothermal tests revealed parabolic kinetics after a period of transitional theta-alumina scale growth. The parabolic growth rates for the subsequent alpha-alumina scales were about five times higher than those for NiAl+0.1Zr alloys. The isothermally grown scales showed a propensity toward massive scale spallation due to both extensive rumpling from growth stresses and to an inner layer of HfO2. Cyclic oxidation for 200 1-hr cycles produced little degradation at 900 or 1000 C, but caused significant spallation at 1100 C in the form of small segments of the outer scale. The major difference in the cyclic oxidation of the three FeAl alloys was increased initial spallation for FeAl+Zr,B. Although these FeAl alloys showed many similarities to NiAl alloys, they were generally less oxidation resistant. It is believed that this resulted from nonoptimal levels of dopants and larger thermal expansion mismatch stresses.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Arecibo Pulsar-ALFA (PALFA) survey. IV. (Lazarus+, 2015)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lazarus, P.; Brazier, A.; Hessels, J. W. T.; Karako-Argaman, C.; Kaspi, V. M.; Lynch, R.; Madsen, E.; Patel, C.; Ransom, S. M.; Scholz, P.; Swiggum, J.; Zhu, W. W.; Allen, B.; Bogdanov, S.; Camilo, F.; Cardoso, F.; Chatterjee, S.; Cordes, J. M.; Crawford, F.; Deneva, J. S.; Ferdman, R.; Freire, P. C. C.; Jenet, F. A.; Knispel, B.; Lee, K. J.; van Leeuwen, J.; Lorimer, D. R.; Lyne, A. G.; McLaughlin, M. A.; Siemens, X.; Spitler, L. G.; Stairs, I. H.; Stovall, K.; Venkataraman, A.

2016-02-01

The Arecibo Pulsar-ALFA (PALFA) survey observations have been restricted to the two regions of the Galactic plane (|b|<5°) visible from the Arecibo observatory, the inner Galaxy (32°<~l<~77°), and the outer Galaxy (168°<~l<~214°). Integration times are 268s and 180s for inner and outer Galaxy observations, respectively. Observations conducted with the 7-beam Arecibo L-band Feed Array (ALFA) receiver of the Arecibo Observatory William E. Gordon 305m Telescope have a bandwidth of 322MHz centered at 1375MHz. PALFA survey data have been recorded with the Mock spectrometers since 2009. (2 data files).

Depletion of the Outer Asteroid Belt

PubMed

Liou; Malhotra

1997-01-17

During the early history of the solar system, it is likely that the outer planets changed their distance from the sun, and hence, their influence on the asteroid belt evolved with time. The gravitational influence of Jupiter and Saturn on the orbital evolution of asteroids in the outer asteroid belt was calculated. The results show that the sweeping of mean motion resonances associated with planetary migration efficiently destabilizes orbits in the outer asteroid belt on a time scale of 10 million years. This mechanism provides an explanation for the observed depletion of asteroids in that region.

Depletion of the Outer Asteroid Belt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liou, Jer-Chyi; Malhotra, Renu

1997-01-01

During the early history of the solar system, it is likely that the outer planets changed their distance from the sun, and hence, their influence on the asteroid belt evolved with time. The gravitational influence of Jupiter and Saturn on the orbital evolution of asteroids in the outer asteroid belt was calculated. The results show that the sweeping of mean motion resonances associated with planetary migration efficiently destabilizes orbits in the outer asteroid belt on a time scale of 10 million years. This mechanism provides an explanation for the observed depletion of asteroids in that region.

Acoustic and aerodynamic performance investigation of inverted velocity profile coannular plug nozzles. [variable cycle engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knott, P. R.; Blozy, J. T.; Staid, P. S.

1981-01-01

The results of model scale parametric static and wind tunnel aerodynamic performance tests on unsuppressed coannular plug nozzle configurations with inverted velocity profile are discussed. The nozzle configurations are high-radius-ratio coannular plug nozzles applicable to dual-stream exhaust systems typical of a variable cycle engine for Advanced Supersonic Transport application. In all, seven acoustic models and eight aerodynamic performance models were tested. The nozzle geometric variables included outer stream radius ratio, inner stream to outer stream ratio, and inner stream plug shape. When compared to a conical nozzle at the same specific thrust, the results of the static acoustic tests with the coannular nozzles showed noise reductions of up to 7 PNdB. Extensive data analysis showed that the overall acoustic results can be well correlated using the mixed stream velocity and the mixed stream density. Results also showed that suppression levels are geometry and flow regulation dependent with the outer stream radius ratio, inner stream-to-outer stream velocity ratio and inner stream velocity ratio and inner stream plug shape, as the primary suppression parameters. In addition, high-radius ratio coannular plug nozzles were found to yield shock associated noise level reductions relative to a conical nozzle. The wind tunnel aerodynamic tests showed that static and simulated flight thrust coefficient at typical takeoff conditions are quite good - up to 0.98 at static conditions and 0.974 at a takeoff Mach number of 0.36. At low inner stream flow conditions significant thrust loss was observed. Using an inner stream conical plug resulted in 1% to 2% higher performance levels than nozzle geometries using a bent inner plug.

Characterization of the Alumina Scale formed on Coated and Uncoated Doped Superalloys

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

Unocic, Kinga A; Parish, Chad M; Pint, Bruce A

2011-01-01

To investigate the mechanisms by which Y and La dopants affect the oxidation behavior of Ni base single crystal superalloys, the oxide scales formed on two variants of a commercial X4 alloy, each with and without a MCrAlYHfSi coating were characterized. The alloy systems were oxidized for 100h at 1100 C and then examined using analytical transmission electron microscopy. Without a coating, a duplex scale was formed on the superalloy surface comprised of an outer Ni rich spinel type layer and an inner columnar Al2O3 layer. In this case, Hf and Ti were found segregated to the alumina grain boundariesmore » in the outer part of the scale on both alloys but only Hf was detected near the metal alumina interface. There was no evidence of Ta, Y or La segregation to the scale grain boundaries after this exposure. The scale formed on the alloys with the thermally sprayed coating was primarily alumina, and Y and Hf segregated to the alumina grain boundaries for both alloys. There was evidence of Ti rich oxides in the outer part of the scale indicating that Ti had diffused through the coating into the thermally grown oxide but La was not found.« less

Correlation between spectral-domain OCT findings and visual acuity in X-linked retinoschisis.

PubMed

Yang, Hyun Seung; Lee, Jung Bok; Yoon, Young Hee; Lee, Joo Yong

2014-05-08

To investigate the tomographic characteristics of the outer retina and choroid and their relationship with visual acuity in X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) patients using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). In this retrospective, observational, case-control study, we analyzed 20 eyes of 10 patients with XLRS using SD-OCT. The clinical and tomographic features of the outer retina, including the external limiting membrane (ELM), inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction, cone cell outer segment tips (COST) line, photoreceptor outer segment (PROS) length, and choroid, were evaluated. As controls, 40 age-, sex-, and refraction-matched healthy eyes (1:2 matched) were randomly selected and imaged in parallel. The most prevalent area of abnormality in the outer retina layer of our patients was the outer plexiform layer (OPL; 60% of all affected eyes) and COST line (75% of all affected eyes). On average, the subfoveal choroid and PROS lengths were 35 μm thicker and 19 μm thinner, respectively, in XLRS patients (P = 0.084 and P < 0.001, respectively). A dominant IS/OS junction, COST line defects, and PROS length were related to patient best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; P = 0.029, P = 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively) by univariate analysis. Cone cell outer segment tips line defect and PROS length were the only factors related to BCVA in multivariate analysis (P = 0.028 and 0.003, respectively). Outer plexiform layer and photoreceptor microstructure defects are frequent in XLRS patients. Cone cell outer segment tips line defects and shortened PROS lengths as well as other photoreceptor microstructure defects may be closely related to poor vision in XLRS.

Spatiotemporal exposome dynamics of soil lead and children's blood lead pre- and ten years post-Hurricane Katrina: Lead and other metals on public and private properties in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A.

PubMed

Mielke, Howard W; Gonzales, Christopher R; Powell, Eric T; Mielke, Paul W

2017-05-01

Anthropogenic re-distribution of lead (Pb) principally through its use in gasoline additives and lead-based paints have transformed the urban exposome. This unique study tracks urban-scale soil Pb (SPb) and blood Pb (BPb) responses of children living in public and private communities in New Orleans before and ten years after Hurricane Katrina (29 August 2005). To compare and evaluate associations of pre- and ten years post-Katrina SPb and children's BPb on public and private residential census tracts in the core and outer areas of New Orleans, and to examine correlations between SPb and nine other soil metals. The Louisiana Healthy Housing and Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program BPb (µg/dL) data from pre- (2000-2005) and post-Katrina (2010-2015) for ≤6-year-old children. Data from public and adjacent private residential census tracts within core and outer areas are stratified from a database that includes 916 and 922 SPb and 13,379 and 4830 BPb results, respectively, from pre- and post-Katrina New Orleans. Statistical analyses utilize Multi-Response Permutation Procedure and Spearman's Rho Correlation. Pre- to Post-Katrina median SPb decreases in public and private core census tracts were from 285 to 55mg/kg and 710-291mg/kg, respectively. In public and private outer census tracts the median SPb decreased from 109 to 56mg/kg and 88-55mg/kg. Children's BPb percent ≥5µg/dL on public and private core areas pre-Katrina was 63.2% and 67.5%, and declined post-Katrina to 7.6% and 20.2%, respectively. BPb decreases also occurred in outer areas. Soil Pb is strongly correlated with other metals. Post-Katrina re-building of public housing plus landscaping amends the exposome and reduces children's BPb. Most importantly, Hurricane Katrina revealed that decreasing the toxicants in the soil exposome is an effective intervention for decreasing children's BPb. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fine structural features of nanoscale zero-valent iron characterized by spherical aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (Cs-STEM).

PubMed

Liu, Airong; Zhang, Wei-xian

2014-09-21

An angstrom-resolution physical model of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) is generated with a combination of spherical aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (Cs-STEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) on the Fe L-edge. Bright-field (BF), high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) and secondary electron (SE) imaging of nZVI acquired by a Hitachi HD-2700 STEM show near atomic resolution images and detailed morphological and structural information of nZVI. The STEM-EDS technique confirms that the fresh nZVI comprises of a metallic iron core encapsulated with a thin layer of iron oxides or oxyhydroxides. SAED patterns of the Fe core suggest the polycrystalline structure in the metallic core and amorphous nature of the oxide layer. Furthermore, Fe L-edge of EELS shows varied structural features from the innermost Fe core to the outer oxide shell. A qualitative analysis of the Fe L(2,3) edge fine structures reveals that the shell of nZVI consists of a mixed Fe(II)/Fe(III) phase close to the Fe (0) interface and a predominantly Fe(III) at the outer surface of nZVI.

A non-perturbative exploration of the high energy regime in Nf=3 QCD. ALPHA Collaboration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalla Brida, Mattia; Fritzsch, Patrick; Korzec, Tomasz; Ramos, Alberto; Sint, Stefan; Sommer, Rainer

2018-05-01

Using continuum extrapolated lattice data we trace a family of running couplings in three-flavour QCD over a large range of scales from about 4 to 128 GeV. The scale is set by the finite space time volume so that recursive finite size techniques can be applied, and Schrödinger functional (SF) boundary conditions enable direct simulations in the chiral limit. Compared to earlier studies we have improved on both statistical and systematic errors. Using the SF coupling to implicitly define a reference scale 1/L_0≈ 4 GeV through \\bar{g}^2(L_0) =2.012, we quote L_0 Λ ^{N_f=3}_{{\\overline{MS}}} =0.0791(21). This error is dominated by statistics; in particular, the remnant perturbative uncertainty is negligible and very well controlled, by connecting to infinite renormalization scale from different scales 2^n/L_0 for n=0,1,\\ldots ,5. An intermediate step in this connection may involve any member of a one-parameter family of SF couplings. This provides an excellent opportunity for tests of perturbation theory some of which have been published in a letter (ALPHA collaboration, M. Dalla Brida et al. in Phys Rev Lett 117(18):182001, 2016). The results indicate that for our target precision of 3 per cent in L_0 Λ ^{N_f=3}_{{\\overline{MS}}}, a reliable estimate of the truncation error requires non-perturbative data for a sufficiently large range of values of α _s=\\bar{g}^2/(4π ). In the present work we reach this precision by studying scales that vary by a factor 2^5= 32, reaching down to α _s≈ 0.1. We here provide the details of our analysis and an extended discussion.

Gradual Diffusion and Punctuated Phase Space Density Enhancements of Highly Relativistic Electrons: Van Allen Probes Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baker, D. N.; Jaynes, A. N.; Li, X.; Henderson, M. G.; Kanekal, S. G.; Reeves, G. D.; Spence, H. E.; Claudepierre, S. G.; Fennell, J. F.; Hudson, M. K.

2014-01-01

The dual-spacecraft Van Allen Probes mission has provided a new window into mega electron volt (MeV) particle dynamics in the Earth's radiation belts. Observations (up to E (is) approximately 10MeV) show clearly the behavior of the outer electron radiation belt at different timescales: months-long periods of gradual inward radial diffusive transport and weak loss being punctuated by dramatic flux changes driven by strong solar wind transient events. We present analysis of multi-MeV electron flux and phase space density (PSD) changes during March 2013 in the context of the first year of Van Allen Probes operation. This March period demonstrates the classic signatures both of inward radial diffusive energization and abrupt localized acceleration deep within the outer Van Allen zone (L (is) approximately 4.0 +/- 0.5). This reveals graphically that both 'competing' mechanisms of multi-MeV electron energization are at play in the radiation belts, often acting almost concurrently or at least in rapid succession.

[Preparation and evaluation of press-coated aminophylline tablet using crystalline cellulose and polyethylene glycol in the outer shell for timed-release dosage forms].

PubMed

Watanabe, Yoshiteru; Mukai, Baku; Kawamura, Ken-ichi; Ishikawa, Tatsuya; Namiki, Michihiro; Utoguchi, Naoki; Fujii, Makiko

2002-02-01

In an attempt to achieve chronopharmacotherapy for asthma, press-coated tablets (250 mg), which contained aminophylline in the core tablet in the form of low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose (L-HPC) and coated with crystalline cellulose (PH-102) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) at various molecular weights and mixing ratios in the amounts of PH-102 and PEG as the outer shell (press-coating material), were prepared (chronopharmaceutics). Their applicability as timed-release (delayed-release) tablets with a lag time of disintegration and a subsequent rapid drug release phase was investigated. Various types of press-coated tablets were prepared using a tableting machine, and their aminophylline dissolution profiles were evaluated by the JP paddle method. Tablets with the timed-release characteristics could be prepared, and the lag time of disintegration was prolonged as the molecular weight and the amount of PEG, for example PEG 500,000, in the outer shell were increased. The lag time of disintegration could be controlled by the above-mentioned method, however, the pH of the medium had no effect on disintegration of the tablet and dissolution behavior of theophylline. The press-coated tablet (core tablet:aminophylline 50 mg, L-HPC and PEG 6000; outer shell:PH-102:PEG = 8:2 200 mg) with the timed-release characteristics was administered orally to rabbits for an in vivo test. Theophylline was first detected in plasma more than 2 h after administration; thus, this tablet showed a timed-release characteristics in the gastrointestinal tract. The time (tmax) required to reach the maximum plasma theophylline concentration (Cmax) observed after administration of the press-coated tablet was significantly (p < 0.05) delayed compared with that observed after administration of aminophylline solution in the control experiment. However, there was no difference in Cmax and area under the plasma theophylline concentration-time curve (AUC0-->24) between the press-coated tablet and aminophylline solution. These results suggest that the press-coated aminophylline tablet (with the timed-release characteristic) offers a promising forms of theophylline chronotherapy for asthma.

Optical power splitter and polarization splitter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bogert, Gail A. (Inventor)

1988-01-01

A 3.times.3 optical guiding arrangement is disclosed for providing both power splitting between a pair of output guides in the 3.times.3 guide structure and polarization splitting (into the TE and TM modes) between the central guide and the pair of outer guides. In accordance with the present invention, the mutual coupling length L and separation distance d between adjacent guides are chosen to provide the desired polarization splitting and total intensity (power) in the outer guides. For example, an input signal of intensity I comprising both the TE and TM modes may be launched in the center guide and with correct choices for L and d, will result in output signals of I.sub.TM /2 each of the outer pair of guides and I.sub.TE from the central guide.

Impact of the plasma geometry on divertor power exhaust: experimental evidence from TCV and simulations with SolEdge2D and TOKAM3X

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallo, A.; Fedorczak, N.; Elmore, S.; Maurizio, R.; Reimerdes, H.; Theiler, C.; Tsui, C. K.; Boedo, J. A.; Faitsch, M.; Bufferand, H.; Ciraolo, G.; Galassi, D.; Ghendrih, P.; Valentinuzzi, M.; Tamain, P.; the EUROfusion MST1 Team; the TCV Team

2018-01-01

A deep understanding of plasma transport at the edge of magnetically confined fusion plasmas is needed for the handling and control of heat loads on the machine first wall. Experimental observations collected on a number of tokamaks over the last three decades taught us that heat flux profiles at the divertor targets of X-point configurations can be parametrized by using two scale lengths for the scrape-off layer (SOL) transport, separately characterizing the main SOL ({λ }q) and the divertor SOL (S q ). In this work we challenge the current interpretation of these two scale lengths as well as their dependence on plasma parameters by studying the effect of divertor geometry modifications on heat exhaust in the Tokamak à Configuration Variable. In particular, a significant broadening of the heat flux profiles at the outer divertor target is diagnosed while increasing the length of the outer divertor leg in lower single null, Ohmic, L-mode discharges. Efforts to reproduce this experimental finding with both diffusive (SolEdge2D-EIRENE) and turbulent (TOKAM3X) modelling tools confirm the validity of a diffusive approach for simulating heat flux profiles in more traditional, short leg, configurations while highlighting the need of a turbulent description for modified, long leg, ones in which strongly asymmetric divertor perpendicular transport develops.

Validity and reliability of a Nigerian-Yoruba version of the stroke-specific quality of life scale 2.0.

PubMed

Odetunde, Marufat Oluyemisi; Akinpelu, Aderonke Omobonike; Odole, Adesola Christiana

2017-10-19

Psychometric evidence is necessary to establish scientific integrity and clinical usefulness of translations and cultural adaptations of the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SS-QoL) scale. However, the limited evidence on psychometrics of Yoruba version of SS-QoL 2.0 (SS-QoL(Y)) is a significant shortcoming. This study assessed the test-retest reliability, internal consistency, convergent, divergent, discriminant and known-group validity of the SS-QoL(Y). Yoruba version of the WHOQoL-BREF was used to test the convergent and divergent validity of the SS-QoL(Y) among 100 consenting stroke survivors. The WHOQoL-BREF and SS-QoL(Y) was administered randomly in order to eliminate bias. The test-retest reliability of the SS-QoL(Y) was carried out among 68 of the respondents within an interval of 7 days. All respondents were purposively recruited from selected secondary and tertiary health facilities in South-west Nigeria. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation, and inferential statistics of Spearman correlation, Cronbach's alpha, Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Independent t-test and One-way ANOVA. Alpha level was set at p < 0.05. The physical health, psychological health, social relationship and environment domains on WHOQoL-BREF with correlation coefficient that ranged from 0.214 to 0.360 showed significant correlation with similar domains on SS-QoL(Y). Dissimilar domains between the two scales had r values from 0.035 to 0.366. Discriminant validity of SS-QoL(Y) showed that items' r value ranged from 0.711 to 0.920 with their hypothesized domains. The scale demonstrated moderate to strong test-retest reliability with Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for the domains and overall scores (r = 0.47 to 0.81) and moderate to high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha =0.61 to 0.82) for domains scores. These correlations were also significant for the domains and overall scores (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences across different age groups or gender for the domains or overall scores of SS-QoL(Y). Discriminant and known-group validity, test-retest reliability and internal consistency of the Yoruba version of the Stroke Specific Quality of Life 2.0 are adequate while the convergent and divergent validity are low but acceptable. The SS-QoL(Y) is recommended for assessing health-related quality of life among Yoruba stroke survivors.

Stroke and aphasia quality-of-life scale-39: Reliability and validity of the Turkish version.

PubMed

Noyan-ErbaŞ, AyŞin; Toğram, Bülent

2016-10-01

The aim of this study was to adapt the stroke and aphasia quality-of-life scale-39 (SAQoL-39) to the Turkish language and carry out a reliability and validity study of the instrument in a group of patients with aphasia. The study was a descriptive study and contained three phases: adaptation of the SAQoL-39 to the Turkish language, administration of the scale to 30 aphasia patients and reliability and validity studies of the scale. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's alpha and test-re-test reliability was explored (n = 14). The adaptation process was completed based on inter-rater agreement on the translated items and within the scope of final editing by the authors of the study. The SAQoL-39 in Turkish exhibited high test-re-test reliability (ICC =0.97) as well as acceptability with minimal missing data (0-1.4). This instrument exhibited high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.70-0.97), domain-total correlations (r = 0.76-0.85) and inter-domain correlations (r = 0.40-0.68). The analysis shows that the Turkish version of SAQoL-39 is a scale that is highly acceptable, valid and reliable and can be easily used in evaluating the quality-of-life of Turkish people with aphasia.

Preliminary investigation of air bubbling and dietary sulfur reduction to mitigate hydrogen sulfide and odor from swine waste.

PubMed

Clark, O Grant; Morin, Brent; Zhang, Yongcheng; Sauer, Willem C; Feddes, John J R

2005-01-01

When livestock manure slurry is agitated, the sudden release of hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) can raise concentrations to dangerous levels. Low-level air bubbling and dietary S reduction were evaluated as methods for reducing peak H(2)S emissions from swine (Sus scrofa) manure slurry samples. In a first experiment, 15-L slurry samples were stored in bench-scale digesters and continuously bubbled with air at 0 (control), 5, or 10 mL min(-1) for 28 d. The 5-L headspace of each digester was also continuously ventilated at 40 mL min(-1) and the mean H(2)S concentration in the outlet air was <10 microL L(-1). On Day 28, the slurry was agitated suddenly. The peak H(2)S concentration exceeded instrument range (>120 microL L(-1)) from the control treatment, and was 47 and 3.4 microL L(-1) for the 5 and 10 mL min(-1) treatments, respectively. In a second experiment, individually penned barrows were fed rations with dietary S concentrations of 0.34, 0.24, and 0.15% (w/w). Slurry derived from each diet was bubbled with air in bench-scale digesters, as before, at 10 mL min(-1) for 12 d and the mean H(2)S concentration in the digester outlet air was 11 microL L(-1). On Day 12, the slurry was agitated but the H(2)S emissions did not change significantly. Both low-level bubbling of air through slurry and dietary S reduction appear to be viable methods for reducing peak H(2)S emissions from swine manure slurry at a bench scale, but these approaches must be validated at larger scales.

Quality of life in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 2.

PubMed

Rakocevic Stojanovic, Vidosava; Peric, Stojan; Paunic, Teodora; Pesovic, Jovan; Vujnic, Milorad; Peric, Marina; Nikolic, Ana; Lavrnic, Dragana; Savic Pavicevic, Dusanka

2016-06-15

To analyze quality of life (QoL) in a large cohort of myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) patients in comparison to DM1 control group using both generic and disease specific questionnaires. In addition, we intended to identify different factors that might affect QoL of DM2 subjects. 49 DM2 patients were compared with 42 adult-onset DM1 patients. Patients completed SF-36 questionnaire and individualized neuromuscular quality of life questionnaire (INQoL). Following measures were also included: Medical Research Council 0-5 point scale for muscle strength, Addenbrooke's cognitive examination revised for cognitive status, Hamilton rating scale for depression, Krupp's fatigue severity scale and daytime sleepiness scale (DSS) RESULTS: SF-36 total score and physical composite score did not differ between DM1 and DM2 patients (p>0.05). However, role emotional and mental composite score were better in DM2 (p<0.05). INQoL total score was similar in both groups (p>0.05), although DM2 patients showed less impairment in independence (p<0.05) and body image domains (p<0.01). Regarding symptoms assessed by INQoL, DM2 patients showed less severe complaint of myotonia (p<0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that significant predictors of worse QoL in DM2 patients were older age, worse muscle strength and higher level of fatigue. QoL reports of DM2 patients with the most severe form of the disease are comparable to those of DM1 patients. Special attention of clinicians should be paid to DM2 patients with older age, more severe muscle weakness and higher level of fatigue since they may be at higher risk to have worse QoL. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comic ray flux anisotropies caused by astrospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scherer, K.; Strauss, R. D.; Ferreira, S. E. S.; Fichtner, H.

2016-09-01

Huge astrospheres or stellar wind bubbles influence the propagation of cosmic rays at energies up to the TeV range and can act as small-scale sinks decreasing the cosmic ray flux. We model such a sink (in 2D) by a sphere of radius 10 pc embedded within a sphere of a radius of 1 kpc. The cosmic ray flux is calculated by means of backward stochastic differential equations from an observer, which is located at r0, to the outer boundary. It turns out that such small-scale sinks can influence the cosmic ray flux at the observer's location by a few permille (i.e. a few 0.1%), which is in the range of the observations by IceCube, Milagro and other large area telescopes.

Formation of S0 galaxies through mergers. Antitruncated stellar discs resulting from major mergers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borlaff, Alejandro; Eliche-Moral, M. Carmen; Rodríguez-Pérez, Cristina; Querejeta, Miguel; Tapia, Trinidad; Pérez-González, Pablo G.; Zamorano, Jaime; Gallego, Jesús; Beckman, John

2014-10-01

Context. Lenticular galaxies (S0s) are more likely to host antitruncated (Type III) stellar discs than galaxies of later Hubble types. Major mergers are popularly considered too violent to make these breaks. Aims: We have investigated whether major mergers can result into S0-like remnants with realistic antitruncated stellar discs or not. Methods: We have analysed 67 relaxed S0 and E/S0 remnants resulting from dissipative N-body simulations of major mergers from the GalMer database. We have simulated realistic R-band surface brightness profiles of the remnants to identify those with antitruncated stellar discs. Their inner and outer discs and the breaks have been quantitatively characterized to compare with real data. Results: Nearly 70% of our S0-like remnants are antitruncated, meaning that major mergers that result in S0s have a high probability of producing Type III stellar discs. Our remnants lie on top of the extrapolations of the observational trends (towards brighter magnitudes and higher break radii) in several photometric diagrams, because of the higher luminosities and sizes of the simulations compared to observational samples. In scale-free photometric diagrams, simulations and observations overlap and the remnants reproduce the observational trends, so the physical mechanism after antitruncations is highly scalable. We have found novel photometric scaling relations between the characteristic parameters of the antitruncations in real S0s, which are also reproduced by our simulations. We show that the trends in all the photometric planes can be derived from three basic scaling relations that real and simulated Type III S0s fulfill: hi ∝ RbrkIII, ho ∝ RbrkIII, and μbrkIII ∝ RbrkIII, where hi and ho are the scalelengths of the inner and outer discs, and μbrkIII and RbrkIII are the surface brightness and radius of the breaks. Bars and antitruncations in real S0s are structurally unrelated phenomena according to the studied photometric planes. Conclusions: Major mergers provide a feasible mechanism to form realistic antitruncated S0 galaxies. Table 3 is available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org

Hybrid Propulsion In-Situ Resource Utilization Test Facility Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karp, Ashley Chandler; Nakazono, Barry; Vaughan, David; Warner, William N.

2015-01-01

Hybrid rockets present a promising alternative to conventional chemical propulsion systems for In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) and in-space applications. While they have many benefits for these applications, there are still many small details that require research before they can be adopted into flight systems. A flexible test facility was developed at JPL to test operation of hybrid motors at small scale (5 cm outer diameter fuel grains) over a range of conditions. Specifically, this paper studies two of the major advantages: low temperature performance and throttling. Paraffin-based hybrid rockets are predicted to have good performance at low temperatures. This could significantly decrease the overall system mass by minimizing the thermal conditioning required for Mars or outer planet applications. Therefore, the coefficient of thermal expansion and glass transition of paraffin are discussed. Additionally, deep throttling has been considered for several applications. This was a natural starting point for hotfire testing using the hybrid propulsion ISRU test facility. Additionally, short length to diameter ratio (L/D) fuel grains are tested to determine if these systems can be packaged into geometrically constrained spaces.

Theory of nanotube faraday cage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roxana Margine, Elena; Nisoli, Cristiano; Kolmogorov, Aleksey; Crespi, Vincent H.

2003-03-01

Charge transfer between dopants and double-wall carbon nanotubes is examined theoretically. We model the system as a triple cylindrical capacitor with the dopants forming a shell around the outer wall of the nanotube. The total energy of the system contains three terms: the band structure energies of the inner and outer tube, calculated in a tight-binding model with rigid bands, and the electrostatic energy of the tri-layer distribution. Even for metallic inner and outer tube walls, wherein the diameter dependence of the bandgap does not favor the outer wall, nearly all of the dopant charge resides on the outer layer, a nanometer-scale Faraday cage. The calculated charge distribution is in agreement with recent experimental measurements.

High-titer production of astaxanthin by the semi-industrial fermentation of Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous.

PubMed

de la Fuente, Juan Luis; Rodríguez-Sáiz, Marta; Schleissner, Carmen; Díez, Bruno; Peiro, Enrique; Barredo, José Luis

2010-07-20

An improved semi-industrial process for astaxanthin production by fermentation of Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous has been developed. The culture medium was designed at the flask scale, reaching an astaxanthin cellular content of 3.0 mgg(-1) cell weight and a volumetric yield of 119 mgL(-1) broth. Astaxanthin production in flask was significantly improved by white light (4.0 mgg(-1) and 221 mgL(-1)), and by ultraviolet light (4.4 mgg(-1) and 235 mgL(-1)). The scale-up to 10- and 800-L fermentors was developed by feeding with glucose. Representative data for illuminated fermentation processes are presented and discussed at the 10-L scale, where 420 mgL(-1) (4.7 mgg(-1)) astaxanthin were produced, and the 800-L scale, with productivities of 350 mgL(-1) (4.1 mgg(-1)) astaxanthin. The purity of the astaxanthin in the broth was about 84%, with accumulation of the following carotenoids other than astaxanthin: 4% beta-carotene, 4% canthaxanthin, 5% HDCO, 1% zeaxanthin and 2% phoenicoxanthin. This technology can be easily scaled-up to an industrial application for the production of this xanthophyll widely demanded nowadays. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Confined Mobility of TonB and FepA in Escherichia coli Membranes

PubMed Central

Lill, Yoriko; Jordan, Lorne D.; Smallwood, Chuck R.; Newton, Salete M.; Lill, Markus A.; Klebba, Phillip E.; Ritchie, Ken

2016-01-01

The important process of nutrient uptake in Escherichia coli, in many cases, involves transit of the nutrient through a class of beta-barrel proteins in the outer membrane known as TonB-dependent transporters (TBDTs) and requires interaction with the inner membrane protein TonB. Here we have imaged the mobility of the ferric enterobactin transporter FepA and TonB by tracking them in the membranes of live E. coli with single-molecule resolution at time-scales ranging from milliseconds to seconds. We employed simple simulations to model/analyze the lateral diffusion in the membranes of E.coli, to take into account both the highly curved geometry of the cell and artifactual effects expected due to finite exposure time imaging. We find that both molecules perform confined lateral diffusion in their respective membranes in the absence of ligand with FepA confined to a region 0.180−0.007+0.006 μm in radius in the outer membrane and TonB confined to a region 0.266−0.009+0.007 μm in radius in the inner membrane. The diffusion coefficient of these molecules on millisecond time-scales was estimated to be 21−5+9 μm2/s and 5.4−0.8+1.5 μm2/s for FepA and TonB, respectively, implying that each molecule is free to diffuse within its domain. Disruption of the inner membrane potential, deletion of ExbB/D from the inner membrane, presence of ligand or antibody to FepA and disruption of the MreB cytoskeleton was all found to further restrict the mobility of both molecules. Results are analyzed in terms of changes in confinement size and interactions between the two proteins. PMID:27935943

Correcting bias in self-rated quality of life: an application of anchoring vignettes and ordinal regression models to better understand QoL differences across commuting modes.

PubMed

Crane, Melanie; Rissel, Chris; Greaves, Stephen; Gebel, Klaus

2016-02-01

Likert scales are frequently used in public health research, but are subject to scale perception bias. This study sought to explore scale perception bias in quality-of-life (QoL) self-assessment and assess its relationships with commuting mode in the Sydney Travel and Health Study. Multilevel ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the association between two global QoL items about overall QoL and health satisfaction, with usual travel mode to work or study. Anchoring vignettes were applied using parametric and simpler nonparametric methods to detect and adjust for differences in reporting behaviour across age, sex, education, and income groups. The anchoring vignettes exposed differences in scale responses across demographic groups. After adjusting for these biases, public transport users (OR = 0.37, 95 % CI 0.21-0.65), walkers (OR = 0.44, 95 % CI 0.24-0.82), and motor vehicle users (OR = 0.47, 95 % CI 0.25-0.86) were all found to have lower odds of reporting high QoL compared with bicycle commuters. Similarly, the odds of reporting high health satisfaction were found to be proportionally lower amongst all competing travel modes: motor vehicle users (OR = 0.31, 95 % CI 0.18-0.56), public transport users (OR = 0.34, 95 % CI 0.20-0.57), and walkers (OR = 0.35, 95 % CI 0.20-0.64) when compared with cyclists. Fewer differences were observed in the unadjusted models. Application of the vignettes by the two approaches removed scaling biases, thereby improving the accuracy of the analyses of the associations between travel mode and quality of life. The adjusted results revealed higher quality of life in bicycle commuters compared with all other travel mode users.

Investigation into the formation of the scrape-off layer density shoulder in JET ITER-like wall L-mode and H-mode plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wynn, A.; Lipschultz, B.; Cziegler, I.; Harrison, J.; Jaervinen, A.; Matthews, G. F.; Schmitz, J.; Tal, B.; Brix, M.; Guillemaut, C.; Frigione, D.; Huber, A.; Joffrin, E.; Kruzei, U.; Militello, F.; Nielsen, A.; Walkden, N. R.; Wiesen, S.; Contributors, JET

2018-05-01

The low temperature boundary layer plasma (scrape-off layer or SOL) between the hot core and the surrounding vessel determines the level of power loading, erosion and implantation of material surfaces, and thus the viability of tokamak-based fusion as an energy source. This study explores mechanisms affecting the formation of flattened density profiles, so-called ‘density shoulders’, in the low-field side (LFS) SOL, which modify ion and neutral fluxes to surfaces—and subsequent erosion. We find that increases in SOL parallel resistivity, Λdiv (=[L || ν eiΩi]/c sΩe), postulated to lead to shoulder growth through changes in SOL turbulence characteristics, correlates with increases in SOL shoulder amplitude, A s, only under a subset of conditions (D2-fuelled L-mode density scans with outer strike point on the horizontal target). Λdiv fails to correlate with A s for cases of N2 seeding or during sweeping of the strike point across the horizontal target. The limited correlation of Λdiv and A s is also found for H-mode discharges. Thus, while it may be necessary for Λdiv to be above a threshold of ~1 for shoulder formation and/or growth, another mechanism is required. More significantly, we find that in contrast to parallel resistivity, outer divertor recycling, as quantified by the total outer divertor Balmer D α emission, I-D α , does scale with A s where Λdiv does and even where Λdiv does not. Divertor recycling could lead to SOL density shoulder formation through: (a) reducing the parallel to the field flow (loss) of ions out of the SOL to the divertor; and (b) changes in radial electric fields which lead to E  ×  B poloidal flows as well as potentially affecting SOL turbulence birth characteristics. Thus, changes in divertor recycling may be the sole process involved in bringing about SOL density shoulders or it may be that it acts in tandem with parallel resistivity.

Radiation belt seed population and its association with the relativistic electron dynamics: A statistical study: Radiation Belt Seed Population

DOE PAGES

Tang, C. L.; Wang, Y. X.; Ni, B.; ...

2017-05-19

Using the Van Allen Probes data, we study the radiation belt seed population and it associated with the relativistic electron dynamics during 74 geomagnetic storm events. Based on the flux changes of 1 MeV electrons before and after the storm peak, these storm events are divided into two groups of “non-preconditioned” and “preconditioned”. The statistical study shows that the storm intensity is of significant importance for the distribution of the seed population (336 keV electrons) in the outer radiation belt. However, substorm intensity can also be important to the evolution of the seed population for some geomagnetic storm events. Formore » non-preconditioned storm events, the correlation between the peak fluxes and their L-shell locations of the seed population and relativistic electrons (592 keV, 1.0 MeV, 1.8 MeV, and 2.1 MeV) is consistent with the energy-dependent dynamic processes in the outer radiation belt. For preconditioned storm events, the correlation between the features of the seed population and relativistic electrons is not fully consistent with the energy-dependent processes. It is suggested that the good correlation between the radiation belt seed population and ≤1.0 MeV electrons contributes to the prediction of the evolution of ≤1.0 MeV electrons in the Earth’s outer radiation belt during periods of geomagnetic storms.« less

A Spectroscopically Confirmed Double Source Plane Lens System in the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Masayuki; Wong, Kenneth C.; More, Anupreeta; Dezuka, Arsha; Egami, Eiichi; Oguri, Masamune; Suyu, Sherry H.; Sonnenfeld, Alessandro; Higuchi, Ryo; Komiyama, Yutaka; Miyazaki, Satoshi; Onoue, Masafusa; Oyamada, Shuri; Utsumi, Yousuke

2016-08-01

We report the serendipitous discovery of HSC J142449-005322, a double source plane lens system in the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program. We dub the system Eye of Horus. The lens galaxy is a very massive early-type galaxy with stellar mass of ˜ 7× {10}11 {M}⊙ located at {z}{{L}}=0.795. The system exhibits two arcs/rings with clearly different colors, including several knots. We have performed spectroscopic follow-up observations of the system with FIRE on Magellan. The outer ring is confirmed at {z}{{S}2}=1.988 with multiple emission lines, while the inner arc and counterimage is confirmed at {z}{{S}1}=1.302. This makes it the first double source plane system with spectroscopic redshifts of both sources. Interestingly, redshifts of two of the knots embedded in the outer ring are found to be offset by {{Δ }}z=0.002 from the other knots, suggesting that the outer ring consists of at least two distinct components in the source plane. We perform lens modeling with two independent codes and successfully reproduce the main features of the system. However, two of the lensed sources separated by ˜0.7 arcsec cannot be reproduced by a smooth potential, and the addition of substructure to the lens potential is required to reproduce them. Higher-resolution imaging of the system will help decipher the origin of this lensing feature and potentially detect the substructure.

Radiation belt seed population and its association with the relativistic electron dynamics: A statistical study: Radiation Belt Seed Population

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

Tang, C. L.; Wang, Y. X.; Ni, B.

Using the Van Allen Probes data, we study the radiation belt seed population and it associated with the relativistic electron dynamics during 74 geomagnetic storm events. Based on the flux changes of 1 MeV electrons before and after the storm peak, these storm events are divided into two groups of “non-preconditioned” and “preconditioned”. The statistical study shows that the storm intensity is of significant importance for the distribution of the seed population (336 keV electrons) in the outer radiation belt. However, substorm intensity can also be important to the evolution of the seed population for some geomagnetic storm events. Formore » non-preconditioned storm events, the correlation between the peak fluxes and their L-shell locations of the seed population and relativistic electrons (592 keV, 1.0 MeV, 1.8 MeV, and 2.1 MeV) is consistent with the energy-dependent dynamic processes in the outer radiation belt. For preconditioned storm events, the correlation between the features of the seed population and relativistic electrons is not fully consistent with the energy-dependent processes. It is suggested that the good correlation between the radiation belt seed population and ≤1.0 MeV electrons contributes to the prediction of the evolution of ≤1.0 MeV electrons in the Earth’s outer radiation belt during periods of geomagnetic storms.« less

Reproducing the observed energy-dependent structure of Earth's electron radiation belts during storm recovery with an event-specific diffusion model

DOE PAGES

Ripoll, J. -F.; Reeves, Geoffrey D.; Cunningham, Gregory Scott; ...

2016-06-11

Here, we present dynamic simulations of energy-dependent losses in the radiation belt “slot region” and the formation of the two-belt structure for the quiet days after the 1 March storm. The simulations combine radial diffusion with a realistic scattering model, based data-driven spatially and temporally resolved whistler-mode hiss wave observations from the Van Allen Probes satellites. The simulations reproduce Van Allen Probes observations for all energies and L shells (2–6) including (a) the strong energy dependence to the radiation belt dynamics (b) an energy-dependent outer boundary to the inner zone that extends to higher L shells at lower energies andmore » (c) an “S-shaped” energy-dependent inner boundary to the outer zone that results from the competition between diffusive radial transport and losses. We find that the characteristic energy-dependent structure of the radiation belts and slot region is dynamic and can be formed gradually in ~15 days, although the “S shape” can also be reproduced by assuming equilibrium conditions. The highest-energy electrons (E > 300 keV) of the inner region of the outer belt (L ~ 4–5) also constantly decay, demonstrating that hiss wave scattering affects the outer belt during times of extended plasmasphere. Through these simulations, we explain the full structure in energy and L shell of the belts and the slot formation by hiss scattering during storm recovery. We show the power and complexity of looking dynamically at the effects over all energies and L shells and the need for using data-driven and event-specific conditions.« less

Whole earth telescope observations of the DBV white dwarf GD 358

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winget, D. E.; Nather, R. E.; Clemens, J. C.; Provencal, J. L.; Kleinman, S. J.; Bradley, P. A.; Claver, C. F.; Dixson, J. S.; Montgomery, M. H.; Hansen, C. J.

1994-01-01

We report on the analysis of 154 hours of early continuous high-speed photometry on the pulsating DB white dwarf (DBV) GD 358, obtained during the Whole Earth Telescope (WET) run of 1990 May. The power spectrum of the light curve is dominated by power in the range from 1000 to 2400 microHz with more than 180 significant peaks in the total spectrum. We identify all of the triplet frequencies as degree l = 1, and from the details of their spacings we derive the total stellar mass as 0.61 + or - 0.03 solar mass, the mass of the outer helium envelope as 2.0 + or - 1.0 x 10(exp -6) M(sub *), the absolute luminosity as 0.050 + or - 0.012 solar luminosity and the distance as 42 + or - 3 pc. We find strong evidence for differential rotation in the radial direction -- the outer envelope is rotating at least 1.8 times faster than the core -- and we detect the presence of a weak magnetic field with a strength of 1300 + or - 300 G. We also find a significant power at the sums and differences of the dominant frequencies, indicating nonlinear processes are significant, but they have a richness and complexity that rules out resonant mode coupling as a major cause.

Results of a space shuttle vehicle ferry configuration afterbody fairing optimization study using a 140A/B 0.0405-scale model orbiter (43-0) in the Rockwell International 7.75 by 11.0 ft low speed wind tunnel (OA124)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Houlihan, S. R.

1975-01-01

Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted on a dual-strut mounted 0.0405-scale representation of the 140A/B outer mold line space shuttle orbiter vehicle. The tests, conducted from 11 Oct., 1974 through 22 Oct., 1974, were primarily to investigate aerodynamic stability and control characteristics of the space shuttle orbiter ferry configuration. Four afterbody fairing configurations and various additions to them in the form of horizontal and ventral fins strakes and other aerodynamic protuberances were tested. Base line data on the basic orbiter with MPS nozzles and bodyflap were recorded. The drag of the optimum ferry configuration was increased to the level of the basic orbiter for possible flight test configurations by the addition of two sizes of perforated speed brakes on the tail cone surface.

Self-reported quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients: preliminary results based on the Polish MS Registry.

PubMed

Brola, Waldemar; Sobolewski, Piotr; Fudala, Małgorzata; Flaga, Stanisław; Jantarski, Konrad; Ryglewicz, Danuta; Potemkowski, Andrzej

2016-01-01

The aim of the study was to analyze selected clinical and sociodemographic factors and their effects on the quality of life (QoL) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients registered in the Polish MS Registry. This was a cross-sectional observational study performed in Poland. Data on personal and disease-specific factors were collected between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015, via the web portal of the Polish MS Registry. All patients were assessed by a physician and asked to complete the Polish language versions of the following self-evaluation questionnaires: EuroQol 5-Dimensions, EuroQoL Visual Analog Scale, and Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were performed to determine the factors associated with QoL. The study included 2,385 patients (female/male ratio 2.3:1) with clinically confirmed MS (mean age 37.8±9.2 years). Average EuroQol 5-Dimensions index was 0.72±0.24, and the mean EuroQoL Visual Analog Scale score was 64.2±22.8. The average Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale score was 84.6±11.2 (62.2±18.4 for physical condition and 23.8±7.2 for mental condition). Lower QoL scores were significantly associated with higher level of disability (odds ratio [OR], 0.932; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.876-0.984; P=0.001), age >40 years (OR, 1.042; 95% CI, 0.924-1.158; P=0.012), longer disease duration (OR, 0.482; 95% CI, 0.224-0.998; P=0.042), and lack of disease modifying therapies (OR, 0.024; 95% CI, 0.160-0.835; P=0.024). No significant associations were found between QoL, sex, type of MS course, patient's education, and marital status. The Polish MS Registry is the first national registry for long-term observation that allows for self-evaluation of the QoL. QoL of Polish patients with MS is significantly lower compared with the rest of the population. The parameter is mainly affected by the level of disability, duration of the disease, and limited access to immunomodulatory therapy.

Stokes-Einstein relation in liquid iron-nickel alloy up to 300 GPa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Q.-L.; Wang, P.-P.

2017-05-01

Molecular dynamic simulations were applied to investigate the Stokes-Einstein relation (SER) and the Rosenfeld entropy scaling law (ESL) in liquid Fe0.9Ni0.1 over a sufficiently broad range of temperatures (0.70 < T/Tm < 1.85 Tm is melting temperature) and pressures (from 50 GPa to 300 GPa). Our results suggest that the SER and ESL hold well in the normal liquid region and break down in the supercooled region under high-pressure conditions, and the deviation becomes larger with decreasing temperature. In other words, the SER can be used to calculate the viscosity of liquid Earth's outer core from the self-diffusion coefficients of iron/nickel and the ESL can be used to predict the viscosity and diffusion coefficients of liquid Earth's outer core form its structural properties. In addition, the pressure dependence of effective diameters cannot be ignored in the course of using the SER. Moreover, ESL provides a useful, structure-based probe for the validity of SER, while the ratio of the self-diffusion coefficients of the components cannot be used as a probe for the validity of SER.

Modelling of 13CH4 injection and local carbon deposition at the outer divertor of ASDEX Upgrade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aho-Mantila, L.; Airila, M. I.; Wischmeier, M.; Krieger, K.; Pugno, R.; Coster, D. P.; Chankin, A. V.; Neu, R.; Rohde, V.

2009-12-01

Numerical modelling of 13CH4 injection into the outer divertor plasma of the full tungsten, vertical target of ASDEX Upgrade is presented. The SOLPS5.0 code package is used to calculate a realistic scrape-off layer plasma background corresponding to L-mode discharges in the attached divertor plasma regime. The ERO code is then used for detailed modelling of the hydrocarbon break-up, re-deposition and re-erosion processes. The deposition patterns observed at two different poloidal locations are shown to strongly reflect the cross-field gradients in divertor plasma density and temperature, as well as the local plasma collisionality. Experimental results with forward and reversed BT, accompanied by numerical modelling, also point towards a significant poloidal hydrocarbon E×B drift in the divertor region.

Surface microstructural features of scales in relation to toxic stress of Basic Violet-1.

PubMed

Kaur, Kirandeep; Kaur, Ramandeep; Kaur, Arvinder

2016-01-01

The present work deals with scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies of the scales of Labeo rohita on exposure to lethal and sublethal doses of Basic Violet-1 (an important textile and hair colorant). The dye induced loosening of the scales and caused breakage and disorganization of lepidonts. Erosion of lepidonts occurred mostly in the fish exposed to 0.20 and 0.40 mg/L dye, during acute exposure and to 0.0225 and 0.045 mg/L dye, during the subchronic exposure. However, lepidonts were sloughed off from their sockets in 0.60 and 0.80 mg/L dye during acute exposure and in 0.09 mg/L dye during the subchronic exposure. Circuli, the base that provides anchorage to the lepidonts, got damaged, and tubercles responsible for coloration of a fish became atrophied with an increase in the duration of exposure. The results of the present investigation clearly indicated that exposure to Basic Violet-1 (BV-1) even at a concentration as low as 0.0225 mg was responsible for deleterious changes in the scale morphology of the test fish after 150 days of exposure. Similar changes were observed in the scales of the dead fish also. It can thus be suggested that this noninvasive technique is very helpful for evaluating the health status of an aquatic body. At the same time, the changes in ultramorphology of scales can act as an early indicator of the stress of very minute doses of dyes and even the scales of a dead fish can act as indicators of the untoward changes that would have occurred in the environment of the fish before death.

The LMC geometry and outer stellar populations from early DES data

DOE PAGES

Balbinot, Eduardo; Plazas, A.; Santiago, B. X.; ...

2015-03-20

The Dark Energy Camera has captured a large set of images as part of Science Verification (SV) for the Dark Energy Survey. The SV footprint covers a large portion of the outer Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), providing photometry 1.5 magnitudes fainter than the main sequence turn-off of the oldest LMC stellar population. We derive geometrical and structural parameters for various stellar populations in the LMC disc. For the distribution of all LMC stars, we find an inclination of i = –38.14°±0.08° (near side in the North) and a position angle for the line of nodes of θ₀ = 129.51°±0.17°. Wemore » find that stars younger than ~4 Gyr are more centrally concentrated than older stars. Fitting a projected exponential disc shows that the scale radius of the old populations is R >4Gyr = 1.41 ± 0.01 kpc, while the younger population has R <4Gyr = 0.72 ± 0.01 kpc. However, the spatial distribution of the younger population deviates significantly from the projected exponential disc model. The distribution of old stars suggests a large truncation radius of R t = 13.5 ± 0.8 kpc. If this truncation is dominated by the tidal field of the Galaxy, we find that the LMC is ≃24 +9 –6 times less massive than the encircled Galactic mass. By measuring the Red Clump peak magnitude and comparing with the best-fit LMC disc model, we find that the LMC disc is warped and thicker in the outer regions north of the LMC centre. As a result, our findings may either be interpreted as a warped and flared disc in the LMC outskirts, or as evidence of a spheroidal halo component.« less

Observation of a 3D Magnetic Null Point

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

Romano, P.; Falco, M.; Guglielmino, S. L.

2017-03-10

We describe high-resolution observations of a GOES B-class flare characterized by a circular ribbon at the chromospheric level, corresponding to the network at the photospheric level. We interpret the flare as a consequence of a magnetic reconnection event that occurred at a three-dimensional (3D) coronal null point located above the supergranular cell. The potential field extrapolation of the photospheric magnetic field indicates that the circular chromospheric ribbon is cospatial with the fan footpoints, while the ribbons of the inner and outer spines look like compact kernels. We found new interesting observational aspects that need to be explained by models: (1)more » a loop corresponding to the outer spine became brighter a few minutes before the onset of the flare; (2) the circular ribbon was formed by several adjacent compact kernels characterized by a size of 1″–2″; (3) the kernels with a stronger intensity emission were located at the outer footpoint of the darker filaments, departing radially from the center of the supergranular cell; (4) these kernels started to brighten sequentially in clockwise direction; and (5) the site of the 3D null point and the shape of the outer spine were detected by RHESSI in the low-energy channel between 6.0 and 12.0 keV. Taking into account all these features and the length scales of the magnetic systems involved in the event, we argue that the low intensity of the flare may be ascribed to the low amount of magnetic flux and to its symmetric configuration.« less

From Collapsing Cloud Core to Protoplanetary Disk - A radiation transfer model for L1489 IRS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brinch, Christian; Hogerheijde, Michiel R.; Jørgensen, Jes K.

We present a new molecular line radiation transfer model of the low-mass Young Stellar Object L1489 IRS (d ~ 140 pc) which may represent a short-lived transitional stage from collapsing cloud core to a star with a protoplanetary disk in Keplarian rotation (Hogerheijde 2001). The model includes a detailed description of the velocity field, the abundance of several molecular species and the shape and orientation of the object. L1489 IRS is seen to be surrounded by a flattened structure, in which both Keplarian rotation and inward motion are detected over size scales ranging from an outer radius of 2000 AU to within 0.1 AU from the central star (Boogert et al. 2002). With the observed inward motions, it would only take a few times 104 years for material at 2000 AU to spiral into the star, suggesting that this object may be very short lived. We use a flattened density distribution in our model to accommodate the non-spherical structure of L1489 IRS. In this study we aim to provide a better description of the physical and chemical characteristics of L1489 IRS through comparison between a detailed model and existing observations. Our model is described by a flattened Plummer-like density distribution (Stamatellos et al. 2004) given by, n(r, θ) = n0 ( 1 + [r/r0]2 )p/2 sinf ( θ ), where the parameter f determines the flatness. We adopt the value p = -1.8 for the radial density slope, based on the fit to the SCUBA submillimeter emission by Jørgensen et al. (2002). Integrating this profile results in a total disk mass of 0.03 M*. We use a radial temperature distribution given by a power-law with an index of -0.35 and T0 = 19.4 K at r0 = 1000 AU. The velocity field is parameterised by the mass of the central star M* and the angle α between the resulting velocity vector and the azimuthal direction. A value of α = 0 thus correspond to pure Keplarian rotation around a star of mass M*. Our free parameters are: M*, α, f, Xmol, and the inclination angle, i. The molecular excitation is solved using the accelerated Monte Carlo method of Hogerheijde and van der Tak (2000), and the optimal solution is obtained by Χ2 minimisation between the synthetic spectra and the observations. The observations have been made with the James Clerk Maxwell telescope on Hawaii, the Onsala 20-meter telescope in Sweden and the IRAM 30-meter telescope in Spain. They include transitions of C17O, C18O, CS, C34S, HCO+, H13CO+, CN, HCN, H13CN, HNC, SO and H2CO, in the frequency range 85-365 GHz (Jørgensen et al. 2002, 2004). Our synthetic spectra are in very good agreement with the observed spectra, suggesting that the model we present here provides a good description of this unusual and intriguing object. Preliminary results indicate that L1489 IRS can be described by a flattening parameter f ≍ 2.5 which roughly corresponds to a scale height of h ~ 0.35R. We find an inclination angle of i ≍ 60◦. The velocity field is best described by α ≍ 18◦ which gives an in-spiral time of 3.6 × 104 years, confirming the estimated life time of the object. With this life time we can calculate a mass accretion rate of 8 × 10-7 Msol per year and thus we obtain an accretion luminosity of Lacc = 3Lsol (Brinch, Hogerheijde & Jørgensen in prep.). Figure 1 compares a predicted synthetic interferometer map, based on our best fit model, with the observations from Hogerheijde (2001). We will also present predictions for HCO+ J=3-2 and J=4-3 emission at 1" scales as can be probed by the enhanced-SMA (SMA-JCMT link-up). These observations will probe the velocity field to within 200 AU and test if the inward motion continue on these scales, comparable to the Keplarian disks around T Tauri stars (eg. Simon et al. 2000).

Adsorption characteristics of nano-TiO2 onto zebrafish embryos and its impacts on egg hatching.

PubMed

Shih, Yu-Jen; Su, Chia-Chi; Chen, Chiu-Wen; Dong, Cheng-Di; Liu, Wen-Sheng; Huang, C P

2016-07-01

The characteristics of nanoparticles (NPs) uptake may fundamentally alter physicochemical effects of engineered NPs on aquatic organisms, thereby yielding different ecotoxicology assessment results. The adsorption behavior of nano-TiO2 (P-25) on zebrafish embryos in Holtfreter's medium (pH 7.2, I ∼ 7.2 × 10(-2) M) and the presence of sodium alginate (100 mg/L) as dispersant was investigated. Zebrafish embryos (total 100) were exposed to nano-TiO2 at different concentrations (e.g., 0, 10, 20, 60, 120 mg/L) in batch-mode assay. The adsorption capacity of nano-TiO2 on fish eggs was determined by measuring the Ti concentration on the egg surface using ICP-OES analysis. Results showed that the adsorption capacity increased rapidly in the first hour, and then declined to reach equilibrium in 8 h. The adsorption characteristics was visualized as a three-step process of rapid initial layer formation, followed by break-up of aggregates and finally rearrangement of floc structures; the maximum adsorption capacity was the sum of an inner rigid layers of aggregates of 0.81-0.84 μg-TiO2/#-egg and an outer softly flocculated layers of 1.01 μg-TiO2/#-egg. The Gibbs free energy was 543.29-551.26 and 100.75 kJ/mol, respectively, for the inner-layer and the outer-layer aggregates. Adsorption capacity at 0.5-1.0 μg-TiO2/#-egg promoted egg hatching; but hatching was inhibited at higher adsorption capacity. Results clearly showed that the configuration of TiO2 aggregates could impact the hatching efficiency of zebrafish embryos. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Energy-dependent dynamics of keV to MeV electrons in the inner zone, outer zone, and slot regions.

PubMed

Reeves, Geoffrey D; Friedel, Reiner H W; Larsen, Brian A; Skoug, Ruth M; Funsten, Herbert O; Claudepierre, Seth G; Fennell, Joseph F; Turner, Drew L; Denton, Mick H; Spence, Harlan E; Blake, J Bernard; Baker, Daniel N

2016-01-01

We present observations of the radiation belts from the Helium Oxygen Proton Electron and Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometer particle detectors on the Van Allen Probes satellites that illustrate the energy dependence and L shell dependence of radiation belt enhancements and decays. We survey events in 2013 and analyze an event on 1 March in more detail. The observations show the following: (a) at all L shells, lower energy electrons are enhanced more often than higher energies; (b) events that fill the slot region are more common at lower energies; (c) enhancements of electrons in the inner zone are more common at lower energies; and (d) even when events do not fully fill the slot region, enhancements at lower energies tend to extend to lower L shells than higher energies. During enhancement events the outer zone extends to lower L shells at lower energies while being confined to higher L shells at higher energies. The inner zone shows the opposite with an outer boundary at higher L shells for lower energies. Both boundaries are nearly straight in log(energy) versus L shell space. At energies below a few 100 keV, radiation belt electron penetration through the slot region into the inner zone is commonplace, but the number and frequency of "slot filling" events decreases with increasing energy. The inner zone is enhanced only at energies that penetrate through the slot. Energy- and L shell-dependent losses (that are consistent with whistler hiss interactions) return the belts to more quiescent conditions.

Energy-dependent dynamics of keV to MeV electrons in the inner zone, outer zone, and slot regions

DOE PAGES

Reeves, Geoffrey D.; Friedel, Reiner H. W.; Larsen, Brian A.; ...

2016-01-28

Here, we present observations of the radiation belts from the Helium Oxygen Proton Electron and Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometer particle detectors on the Van Allen Probes satellites that illustrate the energy dependence and L shell dependence of radiation belt enhancements and decays. We survey events in 2013 and analyze an event on 1 March in more detail. The observations show the following: (a) at all L shells, lower energy electrons are enhanced more often than higher energies; (b) events that fill the slot region are more common at lower energies; (c) enhancements of electrons in the inner zone are moremore » common at lower energies; and (d) even when events do not fully fill the slot region, enhancements at lower energies tend to extend to lower L shells than higher energies. During enhancement events the outer zone extends to lower L shells at lower energies while being confined to higher L shells at higher energies. The inner zone shows the opposite with an outer boundary at higher L shells for lower energies. Both boundaries are nearly straight in log(energy) versus L shell space. At energies below a few 100 keV, radiation belt electron penetration through the slot region into the inner zone is commonplace, but the number and frequency of “slot filling” events decreases with increasing energy. The inner zone is enhanced only at energies that penetrate through the slot. Energy- and L shell-dependent losses (that are consistent with whistler hiss interactions) return the belts to more quiescent conditions.« less

Energy‐dependent dynamics of keV to MeV electrons in the inner zone, outer zone, and slot regions

PubMed Central

Friedel, Reiner H. W.; Larsen, Brian A.; Skoug, Ruth M.; Funsten, Herbert O.; Claudepierre, Seth G.; Fennell, Joseph F.; Turner, Drew L.; Denton, Mick H.; Spence, Harlan E.; Blake, J. Bernard; Baker, Daniel N.

2016-01-01

Abstract We present observations of the radiation belts from the Helium Oxygen Proton Electron and Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometer particle detectors on the Van Allen Probes satellites that illustrate the energy dependence and L shell dependence of radiation belt enhancements and decays. We survey events in 2013 and analyze an event on 1 March in more detail. The observations show the following: (a) at all L shells, lower energy electrons are enhanced more often than higher energies; (b) events that fill the slot region are more common at lower energies; (c) enhancements of electrons in the inner zone are more common at lower energies; and (d) even when events do not fully fill the slot region, enhancements at lower energies tend to extend to lower L shells than higher energies. During enhancement events the outer zone extends to lower L shells at lower energies while being confined to higher L shells at higher energies. The inner zone shows the opposite with an outer boundary at higher L shells for lower energies. Both boundaries are nearly straight in log(energy) versus L shell space. At energies below a few 100 keV, radiation belt electron penetration through the slot region into the inner zone is commonplace, but the number and frequency of “slot filling” events decreases with increasing energy. The inner zone is enhanced only at energies that penetrate through the slot. Energy‐ and L shell‐dependent losses (that are consistent with whistler hiss interactions) return the belts to more quiescent conditions. PMID:27818855

Free jet feasibility study of a thermal acoustic shield concept for AST/VCE application: Dual stream nozzles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Janardan, B. A.; Brausch, J. F.; Majjigi, R. K.

1985-01-01

The influence of selected geometric and aerodynamic flow variables of an unsuppressed coannular plug nozzle and a coannular plug nozzle with a 20-chute outer stream suppressor were experimentally determined. A total of 136 static and simulated flight acoustic test points were conducted with 9 scale model nozzles. Also, aerodynamic measurements of four selected plumes were made with a laser velocimeter. The presence of the 180 deg shield produced different mixing characteristics on the shield side compared to the unshield side because of the reduced mixing with ambient air on the shielded side. This resulted in a stretching of the jet, yielding a higher peak mean velocity up to a length of 10 equivalent diameters from the nozzle exit. The 180 deg shield in community orientation around the suppressed coannular plug nozzle yielded acoustic benefit at all observer angles for a simulated takeoff. While the effect of shield-to-outer stream velocity ratio was small at angles up to 120 deg, beyond this angle significant acoustic benefit was realized with a shield-to-outer stream velocity ratio of 0.64.

A LIKELY CLOSE-IN LOW-MASS STELLAR COMPANION TO THE TRANSITIONAL DISK STAR HD 142527

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

Biller, Beth; Benisty, Myriam; Chauvin, Gael

2012-07-10

With the uniquely high contrast within 0.''1 ({Delta}mag(L') = 5-6.5 mag) available using Sparse Aperture Masking with NACO at Very Large Telescope, we detected asymmetry in the flux from the Herbig Fe star HD 142527 with a barycenter emission situated at a projected separation of 88 {+-} 5 mas (12.8 {+-} 1.5 AU at 145 pc) and flux ratios in H, K, and L' of 0.016 {+-} 0.007, 0.012 {+-} 0.008, and 0.0086 {+-} 0.0011, respectively (3{sigma} errors), relative to the primary star and disk. After extensive closure-phase modeling, we interpret this detection as a close-in, low-mass stellar companion withmore » an estimated mass of {approx}0.1-0.4 M{sub Sun }. HD 142527 has a complex disk structure, with an inner gap imaged in both the near and mid-IR as well as a spiral feature in the outer disk in the near-IR. This newly detected low-mass stellar companion may provide a critical explanation of the observed disk structure.« less

A Comparison of the Use of Contrast Media with Different Iodine Concentrations for Multidetector CT of the Kidney

PubMed Central

Jung, Seung Chai; Cho, Jeong Yeon

2011-01-01

Objective To determine the optimal iodine concentration of contrast media for kidney multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) by comparing the degree of renal parenchymal enhancement and the severity of the renal streak artifact with contrast media of different iodine concentrations. Materials and Methods A 16-row MDCT was performed in 15 sedated rabbits by injection of 2 mL contrast media/kg body weight at a rate of 0.3 mL/sec. Monomeric nonionic contrast media of 250, 300, and 370 mg iodine/mL were injected at 1-week intervals. Mean attenuation values were measured in each renal structure with attenuation differences among the structures. The artifact was evaluated by CT window width/level and three grading methods. The values were compared with iodine concentrations. Results The 370 mg iodine/mL concentration showed significantly higher cortical enhancement than 250 mg iodine/mL in all phases (p < 0.05). There was however no significant difference in the degree of enhancement between the 300 mg iodine/mL and 370 mg iodine/mL concentrations in all phases. There is a significant difference in attenuation for the cortex-outer medulla between 250 mg iodine/mL and 300 mg iodine/mL (p < 0.05). The artifact was more severe with a medium of 370 mg iodine/mL than with 250 mg iodine/mL by all grading methods (p < 0.05). Conclusion The 300 mg iodine/mL is considered to be the most appropriate iodine concentration in an aspect of the enhancement and artifact on a kidney MDCT scan. PMID:22043154

Bioprocess development for kefiran production by Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens in semi industrial scale bioreactor.

PubMed

Dailin, Daniel Joe; Elsayed, Elsayed Ahmed; Othman, Nor Zalina; Malek, Roslinda; Phin, Hiew Siaw; Aziz, Ramlan; Wadaan, Mohamad; El Enshasy, Hesham Ali

2016-07-01

Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens is non-pathogenic gram positive bacteria isolated from kefir grains and able to produce extracellular exopolysaccharides named kefiran. This polysaccharide contains approximately equal amounts of glucose and galactose. Kefiran has wide applications in pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, an approach has been extensively studied to increase kefiran production for pharmaceutical application in industrial scale. The present work aims to maximize kefiran production through the optimization of medium composition and production in semi industrial scale bioreactor. The composition of the optimal medium for kefiran production contained sucrose, yeast extract and K2HPO4 at 20.0, 6.0, 0.25 g L(-1), respectively. The optimized medium significantly increased both cell growth and kefiran production by about 170.56% and 58.02%, respectively, in comparison with the unoptimized medium. Furthermore, the kinetics of cell growth and kefiran production in batch culture of L. kefiranofaciens was investigated under un-controlled pH conditions in 16-L scale bioreactor. The maximal cell mass in bioreactor culture reached 2.76 g L(-1) concomitant with kefiran production of 1.91 g L(-1).

Stratified mixing by microorganisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagner, Gregory; Young, William; Lauga, Eric

2013-11-01

Vertical mixing is of fundamental significance to the general circulation, climate, and life in the ocean. In this work we consider whether organisms swimming at low Reynolds numbers might collectively contribute substantially to vertical mixing. Scaling analysis indicates that the mixing efficiency η, or the ratio between the rate of potential energy conversion and total work done on the fluid, should scale with η ~(a / l) 3 as a / l --> 0 , where a is the size of the organism and l = (νκ /N2)1/4 is an intrinsic length scale of a stratified fluid with kinematic viscosity ν, tracer diffusivity κ, and buoyancy frequency N2. A regularized singularity model demonstrates this scaling, indicating that in this same limit η ~ 1.2 (a / l) 3 for vertical swimming and η ~ 0.14 (a / l ) 3 for horizontal swimming. The model further predicts the absolute maximum mixing efficiency of an ensemble of randomly oriented organisms is around 6% and that the greatest mixing efficiencies in the ocean (in regions of strong salt-stratification) are closer to 0.1%, implying that the total contribution of microorganisms to vertical ocean mixing is negligible.

Intraperitoneal lignocaine (lidocaine) versus bupivacaine after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: results of a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Khan, Muhammad Rizwan; Raza, Rushna; Zafar, Syed Nabeel; Shamim, Faisal; Raza, Syed Ahsan; Pal, Khawaja Muhammad Inam; Zafar, Hasnain; Alvi, Rehman; Chawla, Tabish; Azmi, Rizwan

2012-12-01

Intraperitoneal local anesthetics have been shown to improve postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). However, the choice of local anesthetic agent is debatable. We compared the analgesic efficacy of intraperitoneal lignocaine (lidocaine) versus bupivacaine after elective LC. We conducted a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. We randomized consecutive patients undergoing LC into two groups. Group L received 10 mL 2% lignocaine (lidocaine), whereas Group B received 10 mL 0.5% bupivacaine, each diluted in 10 mL normal saline. All patients underwent standard perioperative anesthesia and analgesia protocol. We assessed patients at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h postoperatively for pain using the visual analogue scale and verbal rating scale, and the need for additional analgesic medications. We analyzed a total of 206 patients: 106 in Group L and 100 in Group B. Demographic details were similar between groups (P > 0.05). Abdominal pain decreased significantly with time in both groups, with a similar mean response profile (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between groups with regard to abdominal or shoulder pain by both visual analogue scale and verbal rating scale at all five time intervals (P > 0.05). There was also no significant difference in the side effect profile of both drugs (P > 0.05). A lower proportion of patients in Group B required additional narcotic analgesia (87%) compared with Group L (94%). This difference was marginally significant (P = 0.057). Bupivacaine and lignocaine (lidocaine) are both safe and equally effective at decreasing postoperative pain after LC. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Validation of the Kohnen Restless Legs Syndrome-Quality of Life instrument.

PubMed

Kohnen, Ralf; Martinez-Martin, Pablo; Benes, Heike; Trenkwalder, Claudia; Högl, Birgit; Dunkl, Elmar; Walters, Arthur S

2016-08-01

Due to the symptoms and the sleep disturbances it causes, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) has a negative impact on quality of life. Measurement of such impact can be performed by means of questionnaires, such as the Kohnen Restless Legs Syndrome-Quality of Life questionnaire (KRLS-QoL), a specific 12-item instrument that is self-applied by patients. The present study is aimed at performing a first formal validation study of this instrument. Eight hundred ninety-one patients were included for analysis. RLS severity was assessed by the International Restless Legs Scale (IRLS), Restless Legs Syndrome-6 scales (RLS-6), and Clinical Global Impression of Severity. In addition the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was assessed. Acceptability, dimensionality, scaling assumptions, reliability, precision, hypotheses-related validity, and responsiveness were tested. There were missing data in 3.58% patients. Floor and ceiling effects were low for the subscales, global evaluation, and summary index derived from items 1 to 11 after checking that scaling assumptions were met. Exploratory parallel factor analysis showed that the KRLS-QoL may be deemed unidimensional, ie, that all components of the scale are part of one overall general quality of life factor. Indexes of internal consistency (alpha = 0.88), item-total correlation (r S  = 0.32-0.71), item homogeneity coefficient (0.41), and scale stability (ICC = 0.73) demonstrated a satisfactory reliability of the KRLS-QoL. Moderate or high correlations were obtained between KRLS-QoL scores and the IRLS, some components of the RLS-6, inter-KRLS-QoL domains, and global evaluations. Known-groups validity for severity levels grouping and responsiveness analysis results were satisfactory, the latter showing higher magnitudes of response for treated than for placebo arms. The KRLS-QoL was proven an acceptable, reliable, valid, and responsive measure to assess the impact of the RLS on quality of life. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fermentative lactic acid production from coffee pulp hydrolysate using Bacillus coagulans at laboratory and pilot scales.

PubMed

Pleissner, Daniel; Neu, Anna-Katrin; Mehlmann, Kerstin; Schneider, Roland; Puerta-Quintero, Gloria Inés; Venus, Joachim

2016-10-01

In this study, the lignocellulosic residue coffee pulp was used as carbon source in fermentative l(+)-lactic acid production using Bacillus coagulans. After thermo-chemical treatment at 121°C for 30min in presence of 0.18molL(-1) H2SO4 and following an enzymatic digestion using Accellerase 1500 carbon-rich hydrolysates were obtained. Two different coffee pulp materials with comparable biomass composition were used, but sugar concentrations in hydrolysates showed variations. The primary sugars were (gL(-1)) glucose (20-30), xylose (15-25), sucrose (5-11) and arabinose (0.7-10). Fermentations were carried out at laboratory (2L) and pilot (50L) scales in presence of 10gL(-1) yeast extract. At pilot scale carbon utilization and lactic acid yield per gram of sugar consumed were 94.65% and 0.78gg(-1), respectively. The productivity was 4.02gL(-1)h(-1). Downstream processing resulted in a pure formulation containing 937gL(-1)l(+)-lactic acid with an optical purity of 99.7%. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

[Effects of soil wetting pattern on the soil water-thermal environment and cotton root water consumption under mulched drip irrigation].

PubMed

Li, Dong-wei; Li, Ming-si; Liu, Dong; Lyu, Mou-chao; Jia, Yan-hui

2015-08-01

Abstract: To explore the effects of soil wetting pattern on soil water-thermal environment and water consumption of cotton root under mulched drip irrigation, a field experiment with three drip intensities (1.69, 3.46 and 6.33 L · h(-1)), was carried out in Shihezi, Xinjiang Autonomous Region. The soil matric potential, soil temperature, cotton root distribution and water consumption were measured during the growing period of cotton. The results showed that the main factor influencing the soil temperature of cotton under plastic mulch was sunlight. There was no significant difference in the soil temperature and root water uptake under different treatments. The distribution of soil matrix suction in cotton root zone under plastic mulch was more homogeneous under ' wide and shallow' soil wetting pattern (W633). Under the 'wide and shallow' soil wetting pattern, the average difference of cotton root water consumption between inner row and outer row was 0.67 mm · d(-1), which was favorable to the cotton growing trimly at both inner and outer rows; for the 'narrow and deep' soil wetting pattern (W169), the same index was 0.88 mm · d(-1), which was unfavorable to cotton growing uniformly at both inner and outer rows. So, we should select the broad-shallow type soil wetting pattern in the design of drip irrigation under mulch.

Validation of gyrokinetic simulations with measurements of electron temperature fluctuations and density-temperature phase angles on ASDEX Upgrade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freethy, S. J.; Görler, T.; Creely, A. J.; Conway, G. D.; Denk, S. S.; Happel, T.; Koenen, C.; Hennequin, P.; White, A. E.; ASDEX Upgrade Team

2018-05-01

Measurements of turbulent electron temperature fluctuation amplitudes, δTe ⊥/Te , frequency spectra, and radial correlation lengths, Lr(Te ⊥) , have been performed at ASDEX Upgrade using a newly upgraded Correlation ECE diagnostic in the range of scales k⊥<1.4 cm-1, kr<3.5 cm-1 ( k⊥ρs<0.28 and krρs<0.7 ). The phase angle between turbulent temperature and density fluctuations, αnT, has also been measured by using an ECE radiometer coupled to a reflectometer along the same line of sight. These quantities are used simultaneously to constrain a set of ion-scale non-linear gyrokinetic turbulence simulations of the outer core (ρtor = 0.75) of a low density, electron heated L-mode plasma, performed using the gyrokinetic simulation code, GENE. The ion and electron temperature gradients were scanned within uncertainties. It is found that gyrokinetic simulations are able to match simultaneously the electron and ion heat flux at this radius within the experimental uncertainties. The simulations were performed based on a reference discharge for which δTe ⊥/Te measurements were available, and Lr(Te ⊥) and αnT were then predicted using synthetic diagnostics prior to measurements in a repeat discharge. While temperature fluctuation amplitudes are overestimated by >50% for all simulations within the sensitivity scans performed, good quantitative agreement is found for Lr(Te ⊥) and αnT. A validation metric is used to quantify the level of agreement of individual simulations with experimental measurements, and the best agreement is found close to the experimental gradient values.

Inner-outer interactions in the convective atmospheric boundary layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salesky, S.

2017-12-01

Recently, observational and numerical studies have revealed the existence of so-called large scale motions (LSMs) that populate the logarithmic layer of wall-bounded turbulent shear flows and modulate the amplitude and frequency of turbulence dynamics near the ground. Properties of LSMs are well understood in neutrally stratified flows over smooth and rough walls. However, the implications of previous studies for the convective atmospheric boundary layer (CBL) are not entirely clear, since the morphology of both small-scale and large-scale turbulent structures is known to be strongly affected by buoyancy [e.g. Salesky et al., Bound.-Layer Meteorol. 163:41-68 (2017)]. In the present study, inner-outer interactions in the CBL are investigated using a suite of large eddy simulations spanning neutral to highly convective conditions. Simulation results reveal that, as the atmosphere becomes increasingly unstable, the inclination angle of structures near the ground increases from 12-15° to nearly 90°. Furthermore, the scale separation between the inner and outer peaks in the premultiplied velocity spectra decreases until only a single peak remains (comparable in magnitude to the boundary layer depth). The extent to which the amplitude modulation of surface layer turbulence by outer layer structures changes with increasing instability will be considered, following the decoupling procedure proposed by Mathis et al. [J. Fluid Mech., vol 628, 311-337 (2009)]. Frequency modulation of surface layer turbulence also will be examined, following the wavelet analysis approach of Baars et al. [Exp. Fluids, 56:188, (2015)].

Eltoprazine counteracts l-DOPA-induced dyskinesias in Parkinson’s disease: a dose-finding study

PubMed Central

Rosenblad, Carl; af Edholm Arvidsson, Karolina; Wictorin, Klas; Keywood, Charlotte; Shankar, Bavani; Lowe, David A.; Björklund, Anders; Widner, Håkan

2015-01-01

In advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease, serotonergic terminals take up l-DOPA and convert it to dopamine. Abnormally released dopamine may participate in the development of l-DOPA-induced dyskinesias. Simultaneous activation of 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors effectively blocks l-DOPA-induced dyskinesias in animal models of dopamine depletion, justifying a clinical study with eltoprazine, a 5-HT1A/B receptor agonist, against l-DOPA-induced dyskinesias in patients with Parkinson’s disease. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled and dose-finding phase I/IIa study was conducted. Single oral treatment with placebo or eltoprazine, at 2.5, 5 and 7.5 mg, was tested in combination with a suprathreshold dose of l-DOPA (Sinemet®) in 22 patients with Parkinson’s disease (16 male/six female; 66.6 ± 8.8 years old) with l-DOPA-induced dyskinesias. A Wilcoxon Signed Ranked Test was used to compare each eltoprazine dose level to paired randomized placebo on the prespecified primary efficacy variables; area under the curve scores on Clinical Dyskinesia Rating Scale for 3 h post-dose and maximum change of Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III for 3 h post-dose. Secondary objectives included effects on maximum Clinical Dyskinesia Rating Scale score, area under the curve of Rush Dyskinesia Rating Scale score for 3 h post-dose, mood parameters measured by Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale and Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale along with the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability profile of eltoprazine. A mixed model repeated measures was used for post hoc analyses of the area under the curve and peak Clinical Dyskinesia Rating Scale scores. It was found that serum concentrations of eltoprazine increased in a dose-proportional manner. Following levodopa challenge, 5 mg eltoprazine caused a significant reduction of l-DOPA-induced dyskinesias on area under the curves of Clinical Dyskinesia Rating Scale [–1.02(1.49); P = 0.004] and Rush Dyskinesia Rating Scale [–0.15(0.23); P = 0.003]; and maximum Clinical Dyskinesia Rating Scale score [–1.14(1.59); P = 0.005]. The post hoc analysis confirmed these results and also showed an antidyskinetic effect of 7.5 mg eltoprazine. Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III scores did not differ between the placebo and eltoprazine treatments. The most frequent adverse effects after eltoprazine were nausea and dizziness. It can be concluded that a single dose, oral treatment with eltoprazine has beneficial antidyskinetic effects without altering normal motor responses to l-DOPA. All doses of eltoprazine were well tolerated, with no major adverse effects. Eltoprazine has a favourable risk-benefit and pharmacokinetic profile in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The data support further clinical studies with chronic oral eltoprazine to treat l-DOPA-induced-dyskinesias. PMID:25669730

Respiratory potential in sapwood of old versus young ponderosa pine trees in the Pacific Northwest.

PubMed

Pruyn, Michele L; Gartner, Barbara L; Harmon, Mark E

2002-02-01

Our primary objective was to present and test a new technique for in vitro estimation of respiration of cores taken from old trees to determine respiratory trends in sapwood. Our secondary objective was to quantify effects of tree age and stem position on respiratory potential (rate of CO2 production of woody tissue under standardized laboratory conditions). We extracted cores from one to four vertical positions in boles of +200-, +50- and +15-year-old Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws. trees. Cores were divided into five segments corresponding to radial depths of inner bark; outer, middle and inner sapwood; and heartwood. Data suggested that core segment CO2 production was an indicator of its respiratory activity, and that potential artifacts caused by wounding and extraction were minimal. On a dry mass basis, respiratory potential of inner bark was 3-15 times greater than that of sapwood at all heights for all ages (P < 0.0001). Within sapwood at all heights and in all ages of trees, outer sapwood had a 30-60% higher respiratory potential than middle or inner sapwood (P < 0.005). Heartwood had only 2-10% of the respiratory potential of outer sapwood. For all ages of trees, sapwood rings produced in the same calendar year released over 50% more CO2 at treetops than at bases (P < 0.0001). When scaled to the whole-tree level on a sapwood volume basis, sapwood of younger trees had higher respiratory potential than sapwood of older trees. In contrast, the trend was reversed when using the outer-bark surface area of stems as a basis for comparing respiratory potential. The differences observed in respiratory potential calculated on a core dry mass, sapwood volume, or outer-bark surface area basis clearly demonstrate that the resulting trends within and among trees are determined by the way in which the data are expressed. Although these data are based on core segments rather than in vivo measurements, we conclude that the relative differences are probably valid even if the absolute differences are not.

Outer region scaling using the freestream velocity for nonuniform open channel flow over gravel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stewart, Robert L.; Fox, James F.

2017-06-01

The theoretical basis for outer region scaling using the freestream velocity for nonuniform open channel flows over gravel is derived and tested for the first time. Owing to the gradual expansion of the flow within the nonuniform case presented, it is hypothesized that the flow can be defined as an equilibrium turbulent boundary layer using the asymptotic invariance principle. The hypothesis is supported using similarity analysis to derive a solution, followed by further testing with experimental datasets. For the latter, 38 newly collected experimental velocity profiles across three nonuniform flows over gravel in a hydraulic flume are tested as are 43 velocity profiles previously published in seven peer-reviewed journal papers that focused on fluid mechanics of nonuniform open channel over gravel. The findings support the nonuniform flows as equilibrium defined by the asymptotic invariance principle, which is reflective of the consistency of the turbulent structure's form and function within the expanding flow. However, roughness impacts the flow structure when comparing across the published experimental datasets. As a secondary objective, we show how previously published mixed scales can be used to assist with freestream velocity scaling of the velocity deficit and thus empirically account for the roughness effects that extend into the outer region of the flow. One broader finding of this study is providing the theoretical context to relax the use of the elusive friction velocity when scaling nonuniform flows in gravel bed rivers; and instead to apply the freestream velocity. A second broader finding highlighted by our results is that scaling of nonuniform flow in gravel bed rivers is still not fully resolved theoretically since mixed scaling relies to some degree on empiricism. As researchers resolve the form and function of macroturbulence in the outer region, we hope to see the closing of this research gap.

Spatial characterization of relativistic electron enhancements in the Earth's outer radiation belt during the Van Allen Probes era

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinto, V. A.; Bortnik, J.; Moya, P. S.; Lyons, L. R.; Sibeck, D. G.; Kanekal, S. G.

2017-12-01

Using Van Allen Probes Relativistic Electron-Proton Telescope (REPT) instrument we have identified 73 relativistic electron enhancement events in the outer radiation belt that occurred at different L values between L = 2.5 and L = 6.0. To determine an enhancement, we have used three different identification methods. We then determine the radial location, MLT location, timing and strength of those enhancements. We discuss the differences of each of the methods and test them to pinpoint the origin and spatial propagation of each enhancement. We have classified the events based on the radial propagation, speed of enhancement and intensity of fluxes and response for energy channels ranging from 1.8 MeV to 6.3 MeV. In addition, we have used OMNI data to study the statistical properties of the solar wind during each event and have classified similarities and differences that might be relevant for each group of enhancements and help us determine the physical process responsible for different types of enhancements. Additionally, we have used >2 MeV electron fluxes at geostationary orbit as measured by the GOES 13 and 15 Energetic Particle Sensor (EPS) instrument to compare our results with the geostationary orbit. Our results suggest that under certain conditions GOES data can be used to predict fluxes at the core of the radiation belt and vice-versa.

Outer membrane vesicles (OMV) production of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B in batch process.

PubMed

Santos, Sílvia; Arauz, Luciana Juncioni de; Baruque-Ramos, Júlia; Lebrun, Ivo; Carneiro, Sylvia Mendes; Barreto, Sandra Alves; Schenkman, Rocilda Perazzini Furtado

2012-09-14

Serogroup B outer membrane vesicles (OMV) with iron regulated proteins (IRP) from Neisseria meningitidis constitute the antigen for the vaccine against the disease caused by this bacterium. Aiming to enhance final OMV concentration, seven batch experiments were carried out under four different conditions: (i) with original Catlin medium; (ii) with original Catlin medium and lactate and amino acids pulse at the 6th cultivation hour; (iii) with Catlin medium with double initial concentrations of lactate and amino acids and (iv) Catlin medium without glycerol and with double initial concentrations of lactate and amino acids. The cultivation experiments were carried out in a 7-L bioreactor under the following conditions: 36°C, 0.5atm, overlay air 1L/min, agitation: 250-850 rpm, and O(2) control at 10%, 20 h. After lactate and amino acids exhaustion, cell growth reached stationary phase and a significant release increase of OMV was observed. According to the Luedeking & Piret model, OMV liberation is non-growth associated. Glycerol was not consumed during cultivation. The maximum OMV concentration value attained was 162 mg/L with correspondent productivity of 8.1mg/(Lh) employing Catlin medium with double initial concentrations of lactate and amino acids. The obtained OMV satisfied constitution and protein pattern criteria and were suitable for vaccine production. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of surfactant lipids between pleural and pulmonary lining fluids.

PubMed

Mills, P C; Chen, Y; Hills, Y C; Hills, B A

2006-01-01

Saturated phospholipids (PCs), particularly dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), predominate in surfactant lining the alveoli, although little is known about the relationship between saturated and unsaturated PCs on the outer surface of the lung, the pleura. Seven healthy cats were anesthetized and a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed, immediately followed by a pleural lavage (PL). Lipid was extracted from lavage fluid and then analyzed for saturated, primarily dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), and unsaturated PC species using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with combined fluorescence and ultraviolet detection. Dilution of epithelial lining fluid (ELF) in lavage fluids was corrected for using the urea method. The concentration of DPPC in BAL fluid (85.3+/-15.7 microg/mL) was significantly higher (P=0.021) than unsaturated PCs ( approximately 40 microg/mL). However, unsaturated PCs ( approximately 34 microg/mL), particularly stearoyl-linoleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (SLPC; 17.4+/-6.8), were significantly higher (P=0.021) than DPPC (4.3+/-1.8 microg/mL) in PL fluid. These results show that unsaturated PCs appear functionally more important in the pleural cavity, which may have implications for surfactant replenishment following pleural disease or thoracic surgery.

A NEW LOW MASS FOR THE HERCULES dSph: THE END OF A COMMON MASS SCALE FOR THE DWARFS?

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

Aden, D.; Feltzing, S.; Lundstroem, I.

2009-11-20

We present a new mass estimate for the Hercules dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxy, based on the revised velocity dispersion obtained by Aden et al. The removal of a significant foreground contamination using newly acquired Stroemgren photometry has resulted in a reduced velocity dispersion. Using this new velocity dispersion of 3.72 +- 0.91 km s{sup -1}, we find a mass of M {sub 300} = 1.9{sup +1.1}{sub -0.8} x 10{sup 6} M{sub sun} within the central 300 pc, which is also the half-light radius, and a mass of M {sub 433} = 3.7{sup +2.2}{sub -1.6} x 10{sup 6} M{sub sun} withinmore » the reach of our data to 433 pc, significantly lower than previous estimates. We derive an overall mass-to-light ratio of M {sub 433}/L = 103{sup +83}{sub -48}[M{sub sun}/L{sub sun}]. Our mass estimate calls into question recent claims of a common mass scale for dSph galaxies. Additionally, we find tentative evidence for a velocity gradient in our kinematic data of 16 +- 3 km s{sup -1} kpc{sup -1}, and evidence of an asymmetric extension in the light distribution at approx0.5 kpc. We explore the possibility that these features are due to tidal interactions with the Milky Way. We show that there is a self-consistent model in which Hercules has an assumed tidal radius of r{sub t} = 485 pc, an orbital pericenter of r{sub p} = 18.5 +- 5 kpc, and a mass within r{sub t} of M{sub tid,r}=5.2{sup +2.7}{sub -2.7} x 10{sup 6} M-odot. Proper motions are required to test this model. Although we cannot exclude models in which Hercules contains no dark matter, we argue that Hercules is more likely to be a dark-matter-dominated system that is currently experiencing some tidal disturbance of its outer parts.« less

DiMES Tests of W Leading Edge Power Loading in DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nygren, R. E.; Watkins, J. G.; Rudakov, D. L.; Lasnier, C. J.; Pitts, R. A.; Stangeby, P. C.

2015-11-01

In a transient melt experiment in JET, the power to a ~1-mm-high leading edge on a W lamella in the bulk-W outer divertor was lower than expected from the geometry by factors of 5 and 2 for L-mode and H-mode discharges, respectively. We checked this surprising result in DIII-D with 3 W blocks (10 mm square) mounted radially side-by-side in DiMES with leading edges of 0.0, 0.3, 1.0 mm, single null L-mode plasmas, OSP just outside ``0.0'' block, limited scans (NBI+ECH), B-field incident at 1.5° or 2.5°, and viewed, as in JET, from above with 0.2mm/pixel resolution IRTV. Langmuir probes measured parallel power to the target. We compared probe and IR data with a detailed thermal model of the blocks and concluded provisionally that we did not reproduce the power deficit found in JET. Blurred IR images complicated fitting of temperature distributions from the thermal model. We plan an experiment with both L- and H-mode He plasmas before the APS meeting. Supported by US DOE under DE-AC04-94AL85000, 44500007360, DE-AC52-07NA27344, and DE-FC02-04ER54698.

Atmospheric seeing measurements obtained with MISOLFA in the framework of the PICARD Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ikhlef, R.; Corbard, T.; Irbah, A.; Morand, F.; Fodil, M.; Chauvineau, B.; Assus, P.; Renaud, C.; Meftah, M.; Abbaki, S.; Borgnino, J.; Cissé, E. M.; D'Almeida, E.; Hauchecorne, A.; Laclare, F.; Lesueur, P.; Lin, M.; Martin, F.; Poiet, G.; Rouzé, M.; Thuillier, G.; Ziad, A.

2012-09-01

PICARD is a space mission launched in June 2010 to study mainly the geometry of the Sun. The PICARD mission has a ground program consisting mostly in four instruments based at the Calern Observatory (Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur). They allow recording simultaneous solar images and various atmospheric data from ground. The ground instruments consist in the qualification model of the PICARD space instrument (SODISM II: Solar Diameter Imager and Surface Mapper), standard sun-photometers, a pyranometer for estimating a global sky quality index, and MISOLFA a generalized daytime seeing monitor. Indeed, astrometric observations of the Sun using ground-based telescopes need an accurate modeling of optical effects induced by atmospheric turbulence. MISOLFA is founded on the observation of Angle-of-Arrival (AA) fluctuations and allows us to analyze atmospheric turbulence optical effects on measurements performed by SODISM II. It gives estimations of the coherence parameters characterizing wave-fronts degraded by the atmospheric turbulence (Fried parameter r0, size of the isoplanatic patch, the spatial coherence outer scale L0 and atmospheric correlation times). We present in this paper simulations showing how the Fried parameter infered from MISOLFA records can be used to interpret radius measurements extracted from SODISM II images. We show an example of daily and monthly evolution of r0 and present its statistics over 2 years at Calern Observatory with a global mean value of 3.5cm.

Role of Pseudomonas putida tol-oprL Gene Products in Uptake of Solutes through the Cytoplasmic Membrane

PubMed Central

Llamas, María A.; Rodríguez-Herva, José J.; Hancock, Robert E. W.; Bitter, Wilbert; Tommassen, Jan; Ramos, Juan L.

2003-01-01

Proteins of the Tol-Pal (Tol-OprL) system play a key role in the maintenance of outer membrane integrity and cell morphology in gram-negative bacteria. Here we describe an additional role for this system in the transport of various carbon sources across the cytoplasmic membrane. Growth of Pseudomonas putida tol-oprL mutant strains in minimal medium with glycerol, fructose, or arginine was impaired, and the growth rate with succinate, proline, or sucrose as the carbon source was lower than the growth rate of the parental strain. Assays with radiolabeled substrates revealed that the rates of uptake of these compounds by mutant cells were lower than the rates of uptake by the wild-type strain. The pattern and amount of outer membrane protein in the P. putida tol-oprL mutants were not changed, suggesting that the transport defect was not in the outer membrane. Consistently, the uptake of radiolabeled glucose and glycerol in spheroplasts was defective in the P. putida tol-oprL mutant strains, suggesting that there was a defect at the cytoplasmic membrane level. Generation of a proton motive force appeared to be unaffected in these mutants. To rule out the possibility that the uptake defect was due to a lack of specific transporter proteins, the PutP symporter was overproduced, but this overproduction did not enhance proline uptake in the tol-oprL mutants. These results suggest that the Tol-OprL system is necessary for appropriate functioning of certain uptake systems at the level of the cytoplasmic membrane. PMID:12896989

Evaluation of corrosion and scaling tendency indices in a drinking water distribution system: a case study of Bandar Abbas city, Iran.

PubMed

Alipour, Vali; Dindarloo, Kavoos; Mahvi, Amir Hossein; Rezaei, Leila

2015-03-01

Corrosion and scaling is a major problem in water distribution systems, thus evaluation of water corrosivity properties is a routine test in water networks. To evaluate water stability in the Bandar Abbas water distribution system, the network was divided into 15 clusters and 45 samples were taken. Langelier, Ryznar, Puckorius, Larson-Skold (LS) and Aggressive indices were determined and compared to the marble test. The mean parameters included were pH (7.8 ± 0.1), electrical conductivity (1,083.9 ± 108.7 μS/cm), total dissolved solids (595.7 ± 54.7 mg/L), Cl (203.5 ± 18.7 mg/L), SO₄(174.7 ± 16.0 mg/L), alkalinity (134.5 ± 9.7 mg/L), total hardness (156.5 ± 9.3 mg/L), HCO₃(137.4 ± 13.0 mg/L) and calcium hardness (71.8 ± 4.3 mg/L). According to the Ryznar, Puckorius and Aggressive Indices, all samples were stable; based on the Langelier Index, 73% of samples were slightly corrosive and the rest were scale forming; according to the LS index, all samples were corrosive. Marble test results showed tested water of all 15 clusters tended to scale formation. Water in Bandar Abbas is slightly scale forming. The most appropriate indices for the network conditions are the Aggressive, Puckorius and Ryznar indices that were consistent with the marble test.

Observations and modelling of shoreline and multiple sandbar behaviour on a high-energy meso-tidal beach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Splinter, Kristen D.; Gonzalez, Maria V. G.; Oltman-Shay, Joan; Rutten, Jantien; Holman, Robert

2018-05-01

This contribution describes 10 years of observed sandbar and shoreline cross-shore position variability at a meso-tidal, high energy, multiple sandbar beach. To examine relationships between the temporal variability in shoreline/sandbar position with offshore wave forcing, a simple equilibrium model is applied to these data. The analysis presented in this paper shows that the equilibrium model is skilled at predicting the alongshore-averaged, time-varying position of the shoreline (R = 0.82) and the outer sandbar position (R = 0.75), suggesting that these end members of the nearshore sediment system are most strongly influenced by offshore wave forcing in a predictable, equilibrium-forced manner. The middle and inner bars are hypothesized to act as sediment transport pathways between the shoreline and the outer bar. Prediction of these more transient features by an equilibrium model was less skilful. Model coefficients reveal that these two end members (outer bar and shoreline) in the sediment system act in opposite directions to changes in the annual offshore wave forcing. During high wave events, sediment is removed from the shoreline and deposited in the nearshore sediment system with simultaneous landward retreat of the shoreline and offshore migration of the outer sandbar. While both end member features have cycles at annual and inter-annual scales, their respective equilibrium response factor differs by almost a factor of 10, with the shoreline responding around an inter-annual mean (ϕ = 1000 days) and the outer bar responding around a seasonal mean (ϕ = 170 days). The model accurately predicts shoreline response to both mild (e.g. 2004/05, 2008/09) and extreme (e.g. 2005/06, 2009/10) winter storms, as well as their summer recovery. The more mobile and dynamic outer sandbar is well-modelled during typical winters. Summer onshore sandbar migration of the outer bar in 2005 and 2006 is under-predicted as the system transitioned between a triple (winter) and double (summer) sandbar system. The changing of the number of bars present in the system is something that this simple model cannot predict. Analysis of the data suggests that this multi-bar system adjusts its cross-shore seasonal movement when there is a significant change in the sediment supply to the system (e.g., nourishment projects, severe storms).

Beyond-laboratory-scale prediction for channeling flows through subsurface rock fractures with heterogeneous aperture distributions revealed by laboratory evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishibashi, Takuya; Watanabe, Noriaki; Hirano, Nobuo; Okamoto, Atsushi; Tsuchiya, Noriyoshi

2015-01-01

The present study evaluates aperture distributions and fluid flow characteristics for variously sized laboratory-scale granite fractures under confining stress. As a significant result of the laboratory investigation, the contact area in fracture plane was found to be virtually independent of scale. By combining this characteristic with the self-affine fractal nature of fracture surfaces, a novel method for predicting fracture aperture distributions beyond laboratory scale is developed. Validity of this method is revealed through reproduction of the results of laboratory investigation and the maximum aperture-fracture length relations, which are reported in the literature, for natural fractures. The present study finally predicts conceivable scale dependencies of fluid flows through joints (fractures without shear displacement) and faults (fractures with shear displacement). Both joint and fault aperture distributions are characterized by a scale-independent contact area, a scale-dependent geometric mean, and a scale-independent geometric standard deviation of aperture. The contact areas for joints and faults are approximately 60% and 40%. Changes in the geometric means of joint and fault apertures (µm), em, joint and em, fault, with fracture length (m), l, are approximated by em, joint = 1 × 102 l0.1 and em, fault = 1 × 103 l0.7, whereas the geometric standard deviations of both joint and fault apertures are approximately 3. Fluid flows through both joints and faults are characterized by formations of preferential flow paths (i.e., channeling flows) with scale-independent flow areas of approximately 10%, whereas the joint and fault permeabilities (m2), kjoint and kfault, are scale dependent and are approximated as kjoint = 1 × 10-12 l0.2 and kfault = 1 × 10-8 l1.1.

Detecting vegetation cover change on the summit of Cadillac Mountain using multi-temporal remote sensing datasets: 1979, 2001, and 2007.

PubMed

Kim, Min-Kook; Daigle, John J

2011-09-01

This study examines the efficacy of management strategies implemented in 2000 to reduce visitor-induced vegetation impact and enhance vegetation recovery at the summit loop trail on Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park, Maine. Using single-spectral high-resolution remote sensing datasets captured in 1979, 2001, and 2007, pre-classification change detection analysis techniques were applied to measure fractional vegetation cover changes between the time periods. This popular sub-alpine summit with low-lying vegetation and attractive granite outcroppings experiences dispersed visitor use away from the designated trail, so three pre-defined spatial scales (small, 0-30 m; medium, 0-60 m; and large, 0-90 m) were examined in the vicinity of the summit loop trail with visitor use (experimental site) and a site chosen nearby in a relatively pristine undisturbed area (control site) with similar spatial scales. Results reveal significant changes in terms of rates of vegetation impact between 1979 and 2001 extending out to 90 m from the summit loop trail with no management at the site. No significant differences were detected among three spatial zones (inner, 0-30 m; middle, 30-60 m; and outer, 60-90 m) at the experimental site, but all were significantly higher rates of impact compared to similar spatial scales at the control site (all p < 0.001). In contrast, significant changes in rates of recovery between 2001 and 2007 were observed in the medium and large spatial scales at the experimental site under management as compared to the control site (all p < 0.05). Also during this later period a higher rate of recovery was observed in the outer zone as compared to the inner zone at the experimental site (p < 0.05). The overall study results suggest a trend in the desired direction for the site and visitor management strategies designed to reduce vegetation impact and enhance vegetation recovery at the summit loop trail of Cadillac Mountain since 2000. However, the vegetation recovery has been rather minimal and did not reach the level of cover observed during the 1979 time period. In addition, the advantages and some limitations of using remote sensing technologies are discussed in detecting vegetation change in this setting and potential application to other recreation settings.

Impact of industrial source on the chemical composition of loblolly pine

Treesearch

Thomas L. Eberhardt

2012-01-01

The chemical compositions of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) bark samples from two industrial sources were determined for whole bark as well as the inner and outer bark components. Differences in extractive contents of the whole bark samples were primarily attributed to the different debarking methods which afforded different proportions of inner and outer bark....

Self-Perceived Quality of Life Among Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: Two Longitudinal Models of Analysis.

PubMed

Conde-Sala, Josep L; Turró-Garriga, Oriol; Portellano-Ortiz, Cristina; Viñas-Diez, Vanesa; Gascón-Bayarri, Jordi; Reñé-Ramírez, Ramón

2016-04-12

The objective was to analyze the factors that influence self-perceived quality of life (QoL) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), contrasting two different longitudinal models. A total of 127 patients were followed up over 24 months. The instruments applied were: Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease scale (QoL-AD), Geriatric Depression Scale-15, Anosognosia Questionnaire-Dementia, Disability Assessment in Dementia, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and the Mini-Mental State Examination. Two models for grouping patients were tested: 1) Baseline score on the QoL-AD (QoL-Baseline), and 2) Difference in QoL-AD score between baseline and follow-up (QoL-Change). Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze longitudinal data, and multinomial regression analyses were performed. Over the follow-up period the QoL-Baseline model showed greater variability between groups (Wald χ2 = 172.3, p < 0.001) than did the QoL-Change model (Wald χ2  = 1.7, p = 0.427). In the QoL-Baseline model the predictive factors were greater depression (odds ratio [OR] = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.00- 1.45) and lower functional ability (OR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.85- 0.99) for the Low QoL group (< 33 QoL-AD), and less depression (OR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.52- 0.88), more anosognosia (OR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.01- 1.13), and fewer neuropsychiatric symptoms (OR = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.91- 0.99) for the High-QoL group (>37 QoL-AD). The model based on baseline scores (QoL-Baseline) was better than the QoL-Change model in terms of identifying trajectories and predictors of QoL in AD.

A disease-specific measure of health-related quality of life in adults with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura: psychometric testing in an open-label clinical trial.

PubMed

Mathias, Susan D; Bussel, James B; George, James N; McMillan, Robert; Okano, Gary J; Nichol, Janet L

2007-05-01

The Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Patient Assessment Questionnaire (ITP-PAQ) was developed to assess disease-specific quality of life (QoL) in adults with ITP. It is a 44-item questionnaire that includes scales for physical health (symptoms, fatigue/sleep, bother, and activity), emotional health (psychological and fear), overall QoL, social activity, women's reproductive health, and work. A previous study reported preliminary evidence of its reliability and validity. The present study was conducted to ascertain the responsiveness (ability to detect a clinically important treatment effect), reliability, and validity of the ITP-PAQ and to corroborate the earlier findings. The women's reproductive health scale was evaluated for psychometric evidence of the existence of separate menstrual symptoms and fertility subscales. The ITP-PAQ was evaluated in the context of an ongoing open-label extension study assessing the tolerability and durability of increases in the platelet count with AMG 531 (a thrombopoiesis peptibody that increases platelet production by targeting the thrombopoietin receptor) administered by subcutaneous injection once weekly in adult patients with ITP It was self-administered at baseline and at weeks 4, 12, and 24. The responsiveness of the questionnaire was evaluated by calculating and comparing the change scores of patients who showed clinical improvement-categorized as platelet responders (those with a platelet count > or =50 x 10(9) cells/L and a doubling of baseline values at week 24) and durable platelet responders (those with a platelet count > or =50 x 10(9) cells/L and a doubling of baseline values on > or =6 occasions during weeks 17-24)-with the change scores of patients wh did not show clinical improvement. The reliability (internal consistency and test-retest) and validity (convergent, discriminant, and known groups) of the questionnaire were also evaluated. Validity was examined in terms of correlations between the ITP-PAQ and the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), a generic measure of health-related QoL. Thirty-four patients completed the ITP-PAQ. Most of the scales were found capable of detecting clinically important treatment effects, with the scales for symptoms, fatigue/sleep, bother, and activity being particularly responsive. All scales were found to have internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha, 0.700-0.950), with the exceptions of the menstrual symptoms subscale (0.988 and 0.959 at weeks 12 and 24, respectively) and the work scale (0.691 at week 24). Test-retest reliability was acceptable (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.725-0.867), with the exceptions of the scales for symptoms (0.677) and women's reproductive health (0.592) and the fertility subscale (0.171). Construct validity was supported by correlations between specific ITP-PAQ and SF-36 scales, with the exceptions of the menstrual symptoms and fertility subscales. Discriminant validity was reported for the symptoms, fatigue/sleep, bother, and activity scales. Durable platelet responders had significantly better scores than nonresponders on the symptoms (P = 0.022), bother (P = 0.008), psychological (P = 0.033), and overall QoL scales (P = 0.032). Compared with those who had undergone splenectomy, patients without splenectomy had significantly higher scores on the women's reproductive health scale (P = 0.03). The results of this analysis indicate that the ITP-PAQ has acceptable responsiveness, reliability, and validity. Further study of the minimal clinically important difference in ITP-PAQ scale scores is needed.

Analog Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) Implementations of Artificial Neural Networks

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-09-01

reviewed and is approved for publication. APPROVED: BERNARD DITANO, Chief Image Systems Division FOR THE COMMANDER: GARRY W. BARRINGER Technical...different paradigms. The 8 (0 C(0 L r (0 CL L C CYO -C) C/) - N U- < CY- (0 c ( -. -/ ~ - a., C~i c=T - -l cv, -~Cl) 0 U𔃺 Z _L (d 0)t (5( 0 E ~uJ co, U- U...E -) N i _ 0 _ _ X >0 u CL zi cr Z 0 z 00 0 z L r E jL0- wz ý <Z <j<Et C U0 u z << 0 W N ~ ~ 0 L L w0 y ý--ý-; - C FL - z 0 m Q( a-ý- () o9 w cc

ONR Tropical Cyclone Motion Research Initiative; First-Year Review, Discussion and Tentative Hypotheses.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-02-01

Pacific Network should have 3 to 4 levels of flight level observations and dropwindsonde from research aircraft. An outer box roughly 500 km2 should also...Motion Research Initiative: First. Year Review, Discussion and Tentative Hypotheses : ’ so A.t’oR’,S) Russell L. Elsberry *3j 0V R.OQ 2 ’ 3 .) T’E...Abstract 2 1. Introduction 3 2. Discussion Sessions 5 3 . Tentative Hypotheses 18 4. Preliminary field experiment design considerations 27 5

Characterizing water use strategies of Acer saccharum, Liriodendron tulipifera, and Quercus spp. during a severe drought

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, K.; Novick, K. A.; Dragoni, D.; Moore, W.; Roman, D. T.

2014-12-01

In many areas, drought is expected to occur more frequently and intensely in the future due to climate change; however, drought effects on ecosystem-scale fluxes in diverse forests will reflect the diversity of water use strategies among the dominant tree species. For three years (2011-2013) that included a severe drought event (in 2012), we measured the sap flow densities along the sapwood profiles (four radial depths: 1, 2, 3, 4 cm) in Acer saccharum, Liriodendron tulipifera, and Quercus spp. using the compensation heat pulse technique at the Morgan-Monroe State Forest (Indiana, USA). Sap flow velocity varies along the radial profile of the stem, and thus characterizing its pattern is important for estimating whole tree sap flow, and for characterizing the extent to which water stress alters the radial pattern of flow. We also focused on the nocturnal sap flow, which may be used to replenish stored water depleted during the daytime, in order to assess the extent to which the three species rely on hydraulic capacitance to cope with water stress. Sap flow densities along the sapwood profile of all three species tended to increase toward the cambium under moderate climate, while the tendency was reversed under severe drought. This shift may indicate greater reliance on stored water in the inner sapwood or cavitation of outer sapwood during the drought. It was also noticeable that Quercus spp. showed lower maximum sap flow density and narrower range (1.5 - 4.6 cm h-1) than other species (A. saccharum: 1.0 - 20.8 cm h-1, L. tulipifera: < 0.1 - 45.2 cm h-1) during 3 years of measurements. In addition, nocturnal/diurnal ratios of volumetric sap flows were significantly higher in the drought year for A. saccharum (0.140.01 in 2011 and 0.200.01 in 2013 vs. 0.290.01 in 2012) and L. tulipifera (0.140.00 in 2011 and 0.090.01 in 2013 vs. 0.300.01 in 2012), while Quercus spp. didn't show a significant difference between moderate and drought years. This may be due to the replenishment of stored water of A. saccharum and L. tulipifera that was lost during the daytime. These results implied different strategies among the species to reduce water loss under drought conditions; with A. saccharum and L. tulipifera apparently relying on more conservative approaches that depend on the use of stored water.

Detailed Characteristics of Radiation Belt Electrons Revealed by CSSWE/REPTile Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, K.; Li, X.; Schiller, Q.; Gerhardt, D. T.; Millan, R. M.

2016-12-01

The outer radiation belt electrons are highly dynamic. We study the detailed characteristics of the relativistic electrons in the outer belt using measurements from the Colorado Student Space Weather Experiment (CSSWE) mission, a low Earth orbit Cubesat, which transverses the radiation belt four times in one orbit ( 1.5 hr) and has the advantage of measuring the dynamic activities of the electrons including their rapid precipitations. Among the features of the relativistic electrons, we show the measured electron distribution as a function of geomagnetic activities and local magnetic field strength. Moreover, a specific precipitation band, which happened on 19 Jan 2013, is investigated based on the conjunctive measurement of CSSWE and the Balloon Array for Radiation belt Relativistic Electron Losses (BARREL). In this precipitation band event, the net loss of the 0.58 1.63 MeV electrons (L=3.5 6) is estimated to account for 6.84% of the total electron content.

The Klebsiella pneumoniae YfgL (BamB) lipoprotein contributes to outer membrane protein biogenesis, type-1 fimbriae expression, anti-phagocytosis, and in vivo virulence

PubMed Central

Hsieh, Pei-Fang; Hsu, Chun-Ru; Chen, Chun-Tang; Lin, Tzu-Lung; Wang, Jin-Town

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen that causes several kinds of infections, including pneumonia, bacteremia, urinary tract infection and community-acquired pyogenic liver abscess (PLA). Adhesion is the critical first step in the infection process. Our previous work demonstrated that the transcellular translocation is exploited by K. pneumoniae strains to migrate from the gut flora into other tissues, resulting in systemic infections. However, the initial stages of K. pneumoniae infection remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that a K. pneumoniae strain deleted for yfgL (bamB) exhibited reduced adherence to and invasion of host cells; changed biogenesis of major β-barrel outer membrane proteins; decreased transcriptional expression of type-1 fimbriae; and increased susceptibility to vancomycin and erythromycin. The yfgL deletion mutant also had reduced ability to against neutrophil phagocytosis; exhibited decreased induction of host IL-6 production; and was profoundly attenuated for virulence in a K. pneumoniae model of bacteremia. Thus, the K. pneumoniae YfgL lipoprotein mediates in outer membrane proteins biogenesis and is crucial for anti-phagocytosis and survival in vivo. These data provide a new insight for K. pneumoniae attachment and such knowledge could facilitate preventive therapies or alternative therapies against K. pneumoniae. PMID:27029012

Streak instability as an initiating mechanism of the large-scale motions in a turbulent channel flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Giovanetti, Matteo; Sung, Hyung Jin; Hwang, Yongyun

2016-11-01

The large-scale motions (or bulges) have often been believed to be formed via merge and/or growth of the near-wall hairpin vortical structures. Here, we report our observation that they can be directly generated by an instability of the amplified streaky motions in the outer region (i.e. very-large-scale motions) through the self-sustaining process. We design a LES-based numerical experiment in turbulent channel flow for Reτ = 2000 where a body forcing is implemented to artificially drive an infinitely long streaky motion in the outer layer. As the forcing amplitude is increased, it is found that a new energetic structure emerges at λx 3 4 h of the streamwise length (h is the half height of channel) particularly in the wall-normal and spanwise velocities. A careful statistical examination reveals that this structure is likely to be linked with the sinuous-mode streak instability of the amplified streak, consistent with previous theoretical studies. Application of dynamic mode decomposition to this instability further shows that the phase speed of this structure scales with the outer velocity and it is initiated around the critical layer of the streaky flow.

Global properties of the plasma in the outer heliosphere. I - Large-scale structure and evolution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barnes, A.; Mihalov, J. D.; Gazis, P. R.; Lazarus, A. J.; Belcher, J. W.; Gordon, G. S., Jr.; Mcnutt, R. L., Jr.

1992-01-01

Pioneers 10 and 11, and Voyager 2, have active plasma analyzers as they proceed through heliocentric distances of the order of 30-50 AU, facilitating comparative studies of the global character of the outer solar wind and its variation over the solar cycle. Careful study of these data show that wind ion temperature remains constant beyond 15 AU, and that there may be large-scale variations of temperature with celestial longitude and heliographic latitude. There has thus far been no indication of a heliospheric terminal shock.

Turbulence in the Outer Heliosheath

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burlaga, L. F.; Florinski, V.; Ness, N. F.

2018-02-01

We present in situ observations of magnetic turbulence in the draped interstellar magnetic field {\\boldsymbol{B}} measured by Voyager 1 during an undisturbed interval from 2015.3987 to 2016.6759 confirming the existence of the turbulence observed previously from 2013.3593 to 2014.6373. The power spectral density of the turbulence was the same in both cases. The turbulence had a Kolmogorov k ‑5/3 spectrum in the range from k = 1.3 × 10‑13 cm‑1 to 4 × 10‑12 cm‑1. The ratio of the turbulent fluctuations to the average magnetic field strength was only 0.02, indicating that the turbulence was very weak. Extrapolating the power-law slope to lower frequencies yields an upper limit on the turbulence outer scale of 0.01 pc = 2000 au, which may be regarded as the distance at which Voyager 1 will enter the undisturbed local interstellar medium, beyond the outer heliosheath or bow wave in the upstream direction. The maximum variance of the fluctuations was in the two directions transverse to the average magnetic field in the recent interval, whereas it was parallel to the average magnetic field in the earlier interval, suggesting a transformation from turbulence with a dominant compressive component to turbulence dominated by transverse fluctuations. As the magnitude of the fluctuations was approaching that of the uncertainties of the measurements, the latter result requires confirmation by further observations.

Diffusive vs. impulsive energetic electron transport during radiation belt storms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vassiliadis, D.; Koepke, M.; Tornquist, M.

2008-12-01

Earth's electron radiation belts are continually replenished by inward particle transport (as well as other, local acceleration processes) taking place during radiation belt storms. For some storms the radial transport is primarily diffusive while for others it is impulsive, or characterized by injections. To distinguish between these types of inward transport, we first use a dynamic model of the phase-space density as measured by POLAR/HIST and expressed in terms of adiabatic invariants [Green and Kivelson, 2004]. In a review of storms from 1997 to 2004 the coefficients of the model are peaked at characteristic temporal and phase- space (mu, k, L*) scales during specific storms. The transport is quantified in terms of those invariants which are violated and identified with peaks of the electron distribution in invariant space. Second, we run guiding- center simulations in wave fields fitted to in situ measurements complemented at low and high L by ground ULF pulsations. The modes of response identified in earlier studies from SAMPEX and POLAR electron flux measurements are now associated with primarily diffusive transport in the central range of the outer belt, L=4-8, and primarily impulsive transport near the plasmapause boundary, L=3-4.

Bypass of the maxillary artery to proximal middle cerebral artery.

PubMed

Ma, Lin; Ren, He-cheng; Huang, Ying

2015-03-01

The objective of this work was to explore the feasibility of bypass between the maxillary artery (MA) and proximity of middle cerebral artery (MCA). Ten fixed and perfused adult cadaver heads were dissected bilaterally, 20 sides in total. The superficial temporal artery and its 2 branches were dissected, and outer diameters were measured. The MA and its branch were exposed as well as deep temporal artery; outer diameter of MA was measured. The lengths between the external carotid artery, internal carotid artery, maxillary artery, and proximal middle cerebral artery were measured. Ten healthy adults as targets (20 sides), inner diameter and blood flow dynamic parameters of the common carotid artery, external carotid artery, internal carotid artery, maxillary artery, superficial temporal artery, and its 2 branches were done with ultrasound examination. The mean outer diameter of MA (2.60 ± 0.20 mm) was larger than that of the temporal artery trunk (1.70 ± 0.30 mm). The mean lengths of graft vessels between the internal carotid artery, external carotid artery, and the bifurcation section of MCA (171.00 ± 2.70 and 162.40 ± 2.60 mm) were longer than the mean lengths of graft vessels between MA and MCA bifurcation section (61.70 ± 1.50 mm). In adults, the mean blood flow of the second part of MA (62.70 ± 13.30 mL/min) was more than that of the 2 branches of the superficial temporal artery (15.90 ± 3.70 mL/min and 17.70 ± 4.10 ml/min). Bypass between the maxillary artery and proximity of middle cerebral artery is feasible. It is a kind of effective high flow bypass with which the graft vessel is shorter and straighter than the bypass between internal carotid artery or external carotid artery and proximity of middle cerebral artery.

Development of diabetes-specific quality of life module to be in conjunction with the World Health Organization quality of life scale brief version (WHOQOL-BREF).

PubMed

Lin, Chung-Ying; Lee, Tsung-Ying; Sun, Zih-Jie; Yang, Yi-Ching; Wu, Jin-Shang; Ou, Huang-Tz

2017-08-23

Although numerous health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instruments are available for patients with diabetes, the length of these measures may limit their feasibility to routine practice. Also, these measures do not distinguish items for generic and diabetes-specific HRQoL. This study was aimed to develop a diabetes-specific quality of life questionnaire module (DMQoL) to be in conjunction with the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale brief version (WHOQOL-BREF). One hundred seventeen patients with diabetes were enrolled from a medical center in Taiwan. The item content of DMQoL was constructed based on an extensive review of existing HRQoL instruments for diabetes, expert discussions and patient interviews. A series of psychometric tests were conducted to ensure the reliability and validity of DMQoL. The WHOQOL-BREF served as an existing HRQoL measure for construct validity testing. The response scale of DMQoL was adopted from the 5-point Likert scale of WHOQOL-BREF. A total of 10 items without ceiling or floor effects were selected from 20 items. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with parallel analysis and Rasch analysis concluded that the 10 items were embedded in the same underlying concept. The corrected item-total correlations and factor loadings from EFA were all above 0.4. The internal consistency of the 10 items was satisfactory (Cronbach's α = 0.84). The DMQoL total score was moderately correlated with that of WHOQOL-BREF (r = 0.48, p < 0.001). The known-group validity showed that patients with HbA1c ≤ 7% had significantly higher mean scores of DMQoL than did those with HbA1c > 8% (3.66 ± 0.47 vs. 3.41 ± 0.53; p = 0.037). The DMQoL with only 10 items is developed and it is sensitive to the change of diabetes progression in early phases (e.g., glycemic changes). The combination of WHOQOL-BREF and DMQoL provides a comprehensive picture of overall HRQoL in patients with diabetes and enhance the instrument's ability to detect clinically meaningful changes in diabetes.

Problem-focused coping and self-efficacy as correlates of quality of life and severity of fibromyalgia in primary fibromyalgia patients.

PubMed

Alok, Ragini; Das, Siddharth Kumar; Agarwal, Girdhar Gopal; Tiwari, Sarvada Chand; Salwahan, Latika; Srivastava, Ragini

2014-09-01

Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) often experience problems such as poor quality of life (QoL), loss of self-efficacy (SE), inappropriate coping behavior, and chronic widespread pain along with other symptoms. Recent studies have indicated that sense of SE and effective coping strategies (CSs) are the crux on which the management of chronic pain and enrichment of QoL of FMS patients depend. Realizing the importance of this subject for the rehabilitation of the people with FMS, this study aimed at analyzing the correlation between severity of FMS, and QoL, SE, and CSs among the patients of FMS. One hundred patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and 100 control subjects were studied. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Revised, Quality of Life Scale, Arthritis Self-efficacy Scale, and COPE Scales for CSs were administered to both the groups. Significantly lower SE, poor QoL, and less use of CSs were reported by FM patients (P < 0.01) vis-à-vis healthy people. Problem-focused coping (r = 0.27, P < 0.01) and SE (r = 0.20, P < 0.05) were found to be significantly and positively associated with QoL. Components of Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Revised, namely, pain, function, and symptoms, were found to be significantly and negatively associated with problem-focused coping (P < 0.05), SE (P < 0.01), and QoL (P < 0.01). This study confirms that problem-focused CSs and SE are important correlates of QoL and severity of FM in Indian as well as other populations.

An acute cough-specific quality-of-life questionnaire for children: Development and validation.

PubMed

Anderson-James, Sophie; Newcombe, Peter A; Marchant, Julie M; O'Grady, Kerry-Ann F; Acworth, Jason P; Stone, D Grant; Turner, Catherine T; Chang, Anne B

2015-05-01

Patient-relevant outcome measures are essential for high-quality clinical research, and quality-of-life (QoL) tools are the current standard. Currently, there is no validated children's acute cough-specific QoL questionnaire. The objective of this study was to develop and validate the Parent-proxy Children's Acute Cough-specific QoL Questionnaire (PAC-QoL). Using focus groups, a 48-item PAC-QoL questionnaire was developed and later reduced to 16 items by using the clinical impact method. Parents of children with a current acute cough (<2 weeks) at enrollment completed 2 validated cough score measures, the preliminary 48-item PAC-QoL, and 3 other questionnaires (the State Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI], the Short-Form 8-item 24-hour recall Health Survey [SF-8], and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress 21-item Scale [DASS21]). All measures were repeated on days 3 and 14. The median age of the 155 children enrolled was 2.3 years (interquartile range, 1.3-4.6). Median cough duration at enrollment was 3 days (interquartile range, 2-5). The reduced 16-item scale had high internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.95). Evidence for repeatability and criterion validity was shown by significant correlations between the domains and total PAC-QoL scores and the SF-8 (r = -0.36 and -0.51), STAI (r = -0.27 and -0.39), and DASS21 (r = -0.32 and -0.41) scales on days 0 and 3, respectively. The final PAC-QoL questionnaire was sensitive to change over time, with changes significantly relating to changes in cough score measures (P < .001). The 16-item PAC-QoL is a reliable and valid outcome measure that assesses QoL related to childhood acute cough at a given time point and reflects changes in acute cough-specific QoL over time. Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Equivalent refractive-index structure constant of non-Kolmogorov turbulence.

PubMed

Li, Yujie; Zhu, Wenyue; Wu, Xiaoqing; Rao, Ruizhong

2015-09-07

The relationship between the non-Kolmogorov refractive-index structure constant and the Kolmogorov refractive-index structure constant is derived by using the refractive-index structure function and the variance of refractive-index fluctuations. It shows that the non-Kolmogorov structure constant is proportional to the Kolmogorov structure constant and the scaling factor depends on the outer scale and the spectral power law. For a fixed Kolmogorov structure constant, the non-Kolmogorov structure constant increases with a increasing outer scale for the power law less than 11/3, the trend is opposite for the power law greater than 11/3. This equivalent relation provides a way of obtaining the non-Kolmogorov structure constant by using the Kolmogorov structure constant.

Environmental Analysis of The Impacts of Batik Waste Water Polution on The Quality of Dug Well Water in The Batik Industrial Center of Jenggot Pekalongan City

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Budiyanto, Slamet; Anies; Purnaweni, Hartuti; Sunoko, Henna Rya

2018-02-01

The city of Pekalongan known as "Kota Batik" is one of Batik Industrial Centers in Indonesia with 917 batik industry. There are 203 batik industries located in Jenggot Village, which is the biggest batik industrial center in Pekalongan City. The process of making batik requires a dye derived from synthetic dyes containing heavy metals. Most of the waste is directly discharged into the environment without going through the processing first. This is due to the lack of optimal management of existing WWTP as well as lack of public awareness of environmental conservation. This condition has a negative impact on the surrounding community, especially in terms of environmental health. The result of measurement of 5 (five) batik industrial waste outlets and 5 point of batik waste water in residential sewer shows almost equal number for 3 (three) parameters of heavy metals Cd, Cr and Pb with average number: Cd 0.07 Mg / L, Cr 0.76 mg / L and Pb 0.78 mg / L. These three parameters exceed the maximum level of quality standard established by Government Regulation No.82 of 2001 on Water Quality Management and Water Pollution Control. The average result of the water quality measurement of the well digging population to the heavy metal content are: Cd 0,001 mg / L, Cr 0,002 mg / L and Pb 0.04 mg / L. Of the three parameters of heavy metals, heavy metals of Pb are on average higher than the maximum level of quality standards established by Decree of the Minister of Health Number. 492 / Menkes / Per / IV / 2010 regarding Water Quality Requirements. Potential occurrence of dug well water contamination due to infiltration of batik waste water is big enough. Survey results of 15 dug wells show that the construction of dug wells is not sufficient. There is a dug well with a damaged outer wall of 16.1%, damaged inner wall of 17.9% and a damaged well floor of 19.7%. Improper well construction impacts on the infiltration of batik waste water into the well. Survey results of physical well water quality showed 3.6% snoring, 16.1% smelly, 9.8% color and 10.7% taste. Pollution to dug well water can affect public health because it is used for daily use to drink, cook, bathe and wash because> 65% do not have other sources of clean water. The recommendation of this research is the need for waste water treatment batik starting from source through WWTP both on the household and communal scale with the role of local government as a facilitator. Society and batik industry players need to be involved in managing environmentally friendly batik industrial center.

Linking Dense Gas from the Milky Way to External Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stephens, Ian W.; Jackson, James M.; Whitaker, J. Scott; Contreras, Yanett; Guzmán, Andrés E.; Sanhueza, Patricio; Foster, Jonathan B.; Rathborne, Jill M.

2016-06-01

In a survey of 65 galaxies, Gao & Solomon found a tight linear relation between the infrared luminosity (L IR, a proxy for the star formation rate) and the HCN(1-0) luminosity ({L}{{HCN}}). Wu et al. found that this relation extends from these galaxies to the much less luminous Galactic molecular high-mass star-forming clumps (˜1 pc scales), and posited that there exists a characteristic ratio L IR/{L}{{HCN}} for high-mass star-forming clumps. The Gao-Solomon relation for galaxies could then be explained as a summation of large numbers of high-mass star-forming clumps, resulting in the same L IR/{L}{{HCN}} ratio for galaxies. We test this explanation and other possible origins of the Gao-Solomon relation using high-density tracers (including HCN(1-0), N2H+(1-0), HCO+(1-0), HNC(1-0), HC3N(10-9), and C2H(1-0)) for ˜300 Galactic clumps from the Millimetre Astronomy Legacy Team 90 GHz (MALT90) survey. The MALT90 data show that the Gao-Solomon relation in galaxies cannot be satisfactorily explained by the blending of large numbers of high-mass clumps in the telescope beam. Not only do the clumps have a large scatter in the L IR/{L}{{HCN}} ratio, but also far too many high-mass clumps are required to account for the Galactic IR and HCN luminosities. We suggest that the scatter in the L IR/{L}{{HCN}} ratio converges to the scatter of the Gao-Solomon relation at some size-scale ≳1 kpc. We suggest that the Gao-Solomon relation could instead result from of a universal large-scale star formation efficiency, initial mass function, core mass function, and clump mass function.

Spin-glass-like freezing of inner and outer surface layers in hollow γ-Fe 2O 3 nanoparticles

DOE PAGES

Khurshid, Hafsa; Lampen-Kelley, Paula; Iglesias, Òscar; ...

2015-10-27

Disorder among surface spins largely dominates the magnetic response of ultrafine magnetic particle systems. In this work, we examine time-dependent magnetization in high-quality, monodisperse hollow maghemite nanoparticles (NPs) with a 14.8±0.5 nm outer diameter and enhanced surface-to-volume ratio. The nanoparticle ensemble exhibits spin-glass-like signatures in dc magnetic aging and memory protocols and ac magnetic susceptibility. The dynamics of the system slow near 50 K, and becomes frozen on experimental time scales below 20 K. Remanence curves indicate the development of magnetic irreversibility concurrent with the freezing of the spin dynamics. A strong exchange-bias effect and its training behavior point tomore » highly frustrated surface spins that rearrange much more slowly than interior spins with bulk coordination. Monte Carlo simulations of a hollow particle reproducing the experimental morphology corroborate strongly disordered surface layers with complex energy landscapes that underlie both glass-like dynamics and magnetic irreversibility. Calculated hysteresis loops reveal that magnetic behavior is not identical at the inner and outer surfaces, with spins at the outer surface layer of the 15 nm hollow particles exhibiting a higher degree of frustration. Lastly, our combined experimental and simulated results shed light on the origin of spin-glass-like phenomena and the important role played by the surface spins in magnetic hollow nanostructures.« less

Spin-glass-like freezing of inner and outer surface layers in hollow γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Khurshid, Hafsa; Lampen-Kelley, Paula; Iglesias, Òscar; Alonso, Javier; Phan, Manh-Huong; Sun, Cheng-Jun; Saboungi, Marie-Louise; Srikanth, Hariharan

2015-01-01

Disorder among surface spins is a dominant factor in the magnetic response of magnetic nanoparticle systems. In this work, we examine time-dependent magnetization in high-quality, monodisperse hollow maghemite nanoparticles (NPs) with a 14.8 ± 0.5 nm outer diameter and enhanced surface-to-volume ratio. The nanoparticle ensemble exhibits spin-glass-like signatures in dc magnetic aging and memory protocols and ac magnetic susceptibility. The dynamics of the system slow near 50 K, and become frozen on experimental time scales below 20 K. Remanence curves indicate the development of magnetic irreversibility concurrent with the freezing of the spin dynamics. A strong exchange-bias effect and its training behavior point to highly frustrated surface spins that rearrange much more slowly than interior spins. Monte Carlo simulations of a hollow particle corroborate strongly disordered surface layers with complex energy landscapes that underlie both glass-like dynamics and magnetic irreversibility. Calculated hysteresis loops reveal that magnetic behavior is not identical at the inner and outer surfaces, with spins at the outer surface layer of the 15 nm hollow particles exhibiting a higher degree of frustration. Our combined experimental and simulated results shed light on the origin of spin-glass-like phenomena and the important role played by the surface spins in magnetic hollow nanostructures. PMID:26503506

A comparison of the scaling properties of the English, Spanish, French, and Chinese EQ-5D descriptive systems.

PubMed

Luo, Nan; Li, Minghui; Chevalier, Julie; Lloyd, Andrew; Herdman, Michael

2013-10-01

To compare the scaling properties of the English, Spanish, French, and Chinese versions of the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L descriptive systems. Members of the general populations in the UK, Spain, France, and China were interviewed to measure the severity of health problems represented by the response labels used in the EQ-5D descriptive systems using a visual analog scale. Multiple linear regression models were used to compare the perceived label severity across the four language groups. Severity scores for labels from each EQ-5D-5L dimension scale were compared with each other to assess ordinality. EQ-5D-5L and EQ-5D-3L labels used for describing different levels of health problems were rated differently, while those describing the same level of health problems were rated similarly. For example, the deviation of any group mean from the grand severity mean score for the label 'slight(ly)' was no larger than 5 points on a 0-100 scale for all five EQ-5D dimensions (p > 0.05 for all, t tests). Label ratings violating hypothesized ordinality of the EQ-5D-5L scales were observed in only a small proportion of respondents. Our study provided some preliminary evidence supporting the ordinality and equivalence of the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-5D-3L descriptive systems across four major languages.

Negotiating Sustainability across Scales: Community Organizing in the Outer Hebrides

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Singh, Jaspal Naveel; Bartlett, Tom

2017-01-01

This paper represents voices of community organizers on Barra, a small island in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Although, arguably Barra is geographically and socio-politically located in the peripheries of Scotland, Britain and Europe, the island has been a center of North Atlantic maritime trade networks for centuries. In the current phase of…

Performance Analysis of Water Based Copper Oxide Nano Fluids in Heat Exchanger with Twisted Insert

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashok Reddy, K.; Hanmanthu, Bhukya

2018-03-01

A new experimental setup has been designed for conducting experiments in a copper round pipe heat exchanger with inner diameter di=14.5mm and outer diameter do=16mm and length L = 1720 mm . By using two copper oxide nano concentrations of 0.1% and 0.3% with water as based fluid, the heat transfer rates have been obtained with helical twisted insert H/D=5 in turbulent flow condition. Reynolds number and friction factor with pressure gradient have been evaluated. The heat transfer rates of 0.1% conc. Nano-fluid with insert was found to be 13.77% more when compared to water.

Empirical scaling of the length of the longest increasing subsequences of random walks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mendonça, J. Ricardo G.

2017-02-01

We provide Monte Carlo estimates of the scaling of the length L n of the longest increasing subsequences of n-step random walks for several different distributions of step lengths, short and heavy-tailed. Our simulations indicate that, barring possible logarithmic corrections, {{L}n}∼ {{n}θ} with the leading scaling exponent 0.60≲ θ ≲ 0.69 for the heavy-tailed distributions of step lengths examined, with values increasing as the distribution becomes more heavy-tailed, and θ ≃ 0.57 for distributions of finite variance, irrespective of the particular distribution. The results are consistent with existing rigorous bounds for θ, although in a somewhat surprising manner. For random walks with step lengths of finite variance, we conjecture that the correct asymptotic behavior of L n is given by \\sqrt{n}\\ln n , and also propose the form for the subleading asymptotics. The distribution of L n was found to follow a simple scaling form with scaling functions that vary with θ. Accordingly, when the step lengths are of finite variance they seem to be universal. The nature of this scaling remains unclear, since we lack a working model, microscopic or hydrodynamic, for the behavior of the length of the longest increasing subsequences of random walks.

Purification and partial characterization of the major outer membrane protein of Chlamydia trachomatis

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

Caldwell, H.D.; Kromhout, J.; Schachter, J.

1981-03-01

Elementary bodies (EB) of Chlamydia trachomatis serotypes C, E, and L2 were extrinsically radioiodinated, and whole-cell lysates of these serotypes were compared by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Autoradiography of the polypeptide profiles identified a major surface protein with an apparent subunit molecular weight of 39,500 that was common to each C. trachomatis serotype. The abilities of nonionic (Triton X-100), dipolar ionic (Zwittergent TM-314), mild (sodium deoxycholate and sodium N-lauroyl sarcosine), and strongly anionic (SDS) detergents to extract this protein from intact EB of the L2 serotype were investigated by SDS-PAGE analysis of the soluble and insoluble fractions obtainedmore » after each detergent treatment. Only SDS readily extracted this protein from intact EB. Sarkosyl treatment selectively solubilized the majority of other EB proteins, leaving the 39,500-dalton protein associated with the Sarkosyl-insoluble fraction. Ultrastructural studies of the Sarkosyl-insoluble EB pellet showed it to consist of empty EB particles possessing an apparently intact outer membrane. No structural evidence for a peptidoglycan-like cell wall was found. Morphologically these chlamydial outer membrane complexes (COMC) resembled intact chlamydial EB outer membranes. The 39,500-dalton outer membrane protein was quantitatively extracted from COMC by treating them with 2% SDS at 60 degrees C. This protein accounted for 61% of the total COMC-associated protein, and its extraction resulted in a concomitant loss of the COMC membrane structure and morphology. The 39,500-dalton major outer membrane protein is a serogroup antigen of C. trachomatis organisms.« less

Biological filter capable of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification for Aquatic Habitat in International Space Station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uemoto, H.; Shoji, T.; Uchida, S.

2014-04-01

The biological filter capable of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification was constructed for aquatic animal experiments in the International Space Station (ISS). The biological filter will be used to remove harmful ammonia excreted from aquatic animals in a closed water circulation system (Aquatic Habitat). The biological filter is a cylindrical tank packed with porous glass beads for nitrification and dual plastic bags for denitrification. The porous beads are supporting media for Nitrosomonas europaea and Nitrobacter winogradskyi. The N. europaea cells and N. winogradskyi cells on the porous beads, oxidize the excreted ammonia to nitrate via nitrite. On the other hand, the dual bag is composed of an outer non-woven fabric bag and an inner non-porous polyethylene film bag. The outer bag is supporting media for Paracoccus pantotrophus. The inner bag, in which 99.5% ethanol is packed, releases the ethanol slowly, since ethanol can permeate through the non-porous polyethylene film. The P. pantotrophus cells on the outer bag reduce the produced nitrate to nitrogen gas by using the released ethanol as an electron donor for denitrification. The biological filter constructed in this study consequently removed the ammonia without accumulating nitrate. Most of the excess ethanol was consumed and did not affect the nitrification activity of the N. europaea cells and N. winogradskyi cells severely. In accordance with the aquatic animal experiments in the ISS, small freshwater fish had been bred in the closed water circulation system equipped with the biological filter for 90 days. Ammonia concentration daily excreted from fish is assumed to be 1.7 mg-N/L in the recirculation water. Under such conditions, the harmful ammonia and nitrite concentrations were kept below 0.1 mg-N/L in the recirculation water. Nitrate and total organic carbon concentrations in the recirculation water were kept below 5 mg-N/L and 3 mg-C/L, respectively. All breeding fish were alive and ate the feed well. The results show that the nitrification and denitrification abilities of the biological filter sufficed to keep water quality for aquatic animal experiments in the ISS. This simple and effective system is certainly applicable to aquarium systems and aquaculture systems.

Assessing fatigue in inflammatory bowel disease: comparison of three fatigue scales.

PubMed

Norton, C; Czuber-Dochan, W; Bassett, P; Berliner, S; Bredin, F; Darvell, M; Forbes, A; Gay, M; Ream, E; Terry, H

2015-07-01

Fatigue is commonly reported by patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), both in quiescent and active disease. Few fatigue scales have been tested in IBD. To assess three fatigue assessment scales in IBD and to determine correlates of fatigue. Potential participants (n = 2131) were randomly selected from an IBD organisation's members' database; 605 volunteered and were posted three fatigue scales: Inflammatory Bowel Disease Fatigue scale, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory and Multidimensional Assessment Fatigue scale and questionnaires assessing anxiety, depression, quality of life (QoL) and IBD activity. The questionnaires were tested for stability over time with another group (n = 70) of invited participants. Internal consistency was measured by Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Four hundred and sixty-five of 605 (77%) questionnaires were returned; of 70 invited, 48/70 returned test (68.6%) and 41/70 (58.6%) returned retest. The three scales are highly correlated (P < 0.001). Test-retest suggests reasonable agreement with ICC values between 0.65 and 0.84. Lower age, female gender, IBD diagnosis, anxiety, depression and QoL were associated with fatigue (P < 0.001) on univariable analysis. However, on multivariable analysis only depression and low QoL were consistently associated with fatigue, while female gender was associated on most scales. IBD diagnosis, age and other factors were not consistently associated with severity or impact of fatigue once other variables were controlled for. All three fatigue scales are likely to measure IBD fatigue adequately. Responsiveness to change has not been tested. Depression, poorer QoL and probably female gender are the major associations of fatigue in IBD. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Impact of Sex on the Nonmotor Symptoms and the Health-Related Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease

PubMed Central

Kovács, Márton; Makkos, Attila; Aschermann, Zsuzsanna; Janszky, József; Komoly, Sámuel; Weintraut, Rita; Karádi, Kázmér; Kovács, Norbert

2016-01-01

Background. Female Parkinson's disease (PD) patients seem to experience not only more severe motor complications and postural instability but also more pronounced depression, anxiety, pain, and sleep disturbances. Objective. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of sex as a possible independent predictor of HRQoL in PD. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, 621 consecutive patients treated at the University of Pécs were enrolled. Severity of PD symptoms was assessed by MDS-UPDRS, UDysRS, Non-Motor Symptoms Scale, PDSS-2, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, Lille Apathy Rating Scale, and Addenbrooke Cognitive Examination. HRQoL was assessed by PDQ-39 and EQ-5D. Multiple regression analysis was performed to estimate the PDQ-39 and EQ-5D index values based on various clinical factors. Results. Although females received significantly lower dosage of levodopa, they had significantly more disabling dyskinesia and worse postural instability. Anxiety, pain, sleep disturbances, and orthostatic symptoms were more frequent among females while sexual dysfunction, apathy, and daytime sleepiness were more severe among males. Women had worse HRQoL than men (EQ-5D index value: 0.620 ± 0.240 versus 0.663 ± 0.229, p = 0.025, and PDQ-39 SI: 27.1 ± 17.0 versus 23.5 ± 15.9, p = 0.010). Based on multiple regression analysis, sex was an independent predictor for HRQoL in PD. Conclusions. Based on our results, female sex is an independent predictor for having worse HRQoL in PD. PMID:27293959

30 CFR 256.0 - Authority for information collection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... OF THE INTERIOR OFFSHORE LEASING OF SULPHUR OR OIL AND GAS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF Outer Continental Shelf Oil, Gas, and Sulphur Management, General § 256.0 Authority for information collection. (a... information collection is “30 CFR part 256, Leasing of Sulphur or Oil and Gas in the Outer Continental Shelf...

En face spectral domain optical coherence tomography analysis of lamellar macular holes.

PubMed

Clamp, Michael F; Wilkes, Geoff; Leis, Laura S; McDonald, H Richard; Johnson, Robert N; Jumper, J Michael; Fu, Arthur D; Cunningham, Emmett T; Stewart, Paul J; Haug, Sara J; Lujan, Brandon J

2014-07-01

To analyze the anatomical characteristics of lamellar macular holes using cross-sectional and en face spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Forty-two lamellar macular holes were retrospectively identified for analysis. The location, cross-sectional length, and area of lamellar holes were measured using B-scans and en face imaging. The presence of photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment disruption and the presence or absence of epiretinal membrane formation were recorded. Forty-two lamellar macular holes were identified. Intraretinal splitting occurred within the outer plexiform layer in 97.6% of eyes. The area of intraretinal splitting in lamellar holes did not correlate with visual acuity. Eyes with inner segment/outer segment disruption had significantly worse mean logMAR visual acuity (0.363 ± 0.169; Snellen = 20/46) than in eyes without inner segment/outer segment disruption (0.203 ± 0.124; Snellen = 20/32) (analysis of variance, P = 0.004). Epiretinal membrane was present in 34 of 42 eyes (81.0%). En face imaging allowed for consistent detection and quantification of intraretinal splitting within the outer plexiform layer in patients with lamellar macular holes, supporting the notion that an area of anatomical weakness exists within Henle's fiber layer, presumably at the synaptic connection of these fibers within the outer plexiform layer. However, the en face area of intraretinal splitting did not correlate with visual acuity, disruption of the inner segment/outer segment junction was associated with significantly worse visual acuity in patients with lamellar macular holes.

The Quality of Life of Hemodialysis Patients Is Affected Not Only by Medical but also Psychosocial Factors: a Canonical Correlation Study.

PubMed

Kim, Kyungmin; Kang, Gun Woo; Woo, Jungmin

2018-04-02

The quality of life (QoL) of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is very poor, plausibly due to both psychosocial and medical factors. This study aimed to determine the relationship among psychosocial factors, medical factors, and QoL in patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis (HD). In total, 55 male and 47 female patients were evaluated (mean age, 57.1 ± 12.0 years). The QoL was evaluated using the Korean version of World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Abbreviated Version. The psychosocial factors were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Zarit Burden Interview. The medical factors were assessed using laboratory examinations. Correlation and canonical correlation analyses were performed to investigate the association patterns. The QoL was significantly correlated with the psychosocial factors, and to a lesser extent with the medical factors. The medical and psychosocial factors were also correlated. The canonical correlation analysis indicated a correlation between QoL and psychosocial factors (1st canonical correlation = 0.696, P < 0.001; 2nd canonical correlation = 0.421, P = 0.191), but not medical factors (1st canonical correlation = 0.478, P = 0.475; 2nd canonical correlation = 0.419, P = 0.751). The medical and psychosocial factors were also correlated (1st canonical correlation = 0.689, P < 0.001; 2nd canonical correlation = 0.603, P = 0.009). Psychosocial factors influence QoL in patients with ESRD, and should thus be carefully considered when caring for these patients in clinical practice. © 2018 The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences.

[Construction of the eukaryotic recombinant vector and expression of the outer membrane protein LipL32 gene from Leptospira serovar Lai].

PubMed

Huang, Bi; Bao, Lang; Zhong, Qi; Shang, Zheng-ling; Zhang, Hui-dong; Zhang, Ying

2008-02-01

To construct the eukaryotic experssion vector of LipL32 gene from Leptospira serovar Lai and express the recombinant plasmid in COS-7 cell. The LipL32 gene was amplified from Leptospira strain 017 genomic DNA by PCR and cloned into pcDNA3.1, through restriction nuclease enzyme digestion. Then the recombinant plasmid was transformed into E.coli DH5alpha. After identified by nuclease digestion, PCR and sequencing analysis, the recombinant vector was transfected into COS-7 cell with lipsome. The expression of the target gene was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. The eukaryotic experssion vector pcDNA3.1-LipL32 was successfully constructed and stably expressed in COS-7 cell. The eukaryotic recombinant vector of outer membrane protein LipL32 gene from Leptospira serovar Lai can be expressed in mammalian cell, which provides an experimental basis for the application of the Leptospira DNA vaccine.

Zinc-dependent multi-conductance channel activity in mitochondria isolated from ischemic brain.

PubMed

Bonanni, Laura; Chachar, Mushtaque; Jover-Mengual, Teresa; Li, Hongmei; Jones, Adrienne; Yokota, Hidenori; Ofengeim, Dimitry; Flannery, Richard J; Miyawaki, Takahiro; Cho, Chang-Hoon; Polster, Brian M; Pypaert, Marc; Hardwick, J Marie; Sensi, Stefano L; Zukin, R Suzanne; Jonas, Elizabeth A

2006-06-21

Transient global ischemia is a neuronal insult that induces delayed cell death. A hallmark event in the early post-ischemic period is enhanced permeability of mitochondrial membranes. The precise mechanisms by which mitochondrial function is disrupted are, as yet, unclear. Here we show that global ischemia promotes alterations in mitochondrial membrane contact points, a rise in intramitochondrial Zn2+, and activation of large, multi-conductance channels in mitochondrial outer membranes by 1 h after insult. Mitochondrial channel activity was associated with enhanced protease activity and proteolytic cleavage of BCL-xL to generate its pro-death counterpart, deltaN-BCL-xL. The findings implicate deltaN-BCL-xL in large, multi-conductance channel activity. Consistent with this, large channel activity was mimicked by introduction of recombinant deltaN-BCL-xL to control mitochondria and blocked by introduction of a functional BCL-xL antibody to post-ischemic mitochondria via the patch pipette. Channel activity was also inhibited by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, indicative of a role for the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) of the outer mitochondrial membrane. In vivo administration of the membrane-impermeant Zn2+ chelator CaEDTA before ischemia or in vitro application of the membrane-permeant Zn2+ chelator tetrakis-(2-pyridylmethyl) ethylenediamine attenuated channel activity, suggesting a requirement for Zn2+. These findings reveal a novel mechanism by which ischemic insults disrupt the functional integrity of the outer mitochondrial membrane and implicate deltaN-BCL-xL and VDAC in the large, Zn2+-dependent mitochondrial channels observed in post-ischemic hippocampal mitochondria.

Zinc-Dependent Multi-Conductance Channel Activity in Mitochondria Isolated from Ischemic Brain

PubMed Central

Bonanni, Laura; Chachar, Mushtaque; Jover-Mengual, Teresa; Li, Hongmei; Jones, Adrienne; Yokota, Hidenori; Ofengeim, Dimitry; Flannery, Richard J.; Miyawaki, Takahiro; Cho, Chang-Hoon; Polster, Brian M.; Pypaert, Marc; Hardwick, J. Marie; Sensi, Stefano L.; Zukin, R. Suzanne; Jonas, Elizabeth A.

2015-01-01

Transient global ischemia is a neuronal insult that induces delayed cell death. A hallmark event in the early post-ischemic period is enhanced permeability of mitochondrial membranes. The precise mechanisms by which mitochondrial function is disrupted are, as yet, unclear.Here we show that global ischemia promotes alterations in mitochondrial membrane contact points, a rise in intramitochondrial Zn2+, and activation of large, multi-conductance channels in mitochondrial outer membranes by 1 h after insult. Mitochondrial channel activity was associated with enhanced protease activity and proteolytic cleavage of BCL-xL to generate its pro-death counterpart, ΔN-BCL-xL. The findings implicate ΔN-BCL-xL in large, multi-conductance channel activity. Consistent with this, large channel activity was mimicked by introduction of recombinant ΔN-BCL-xL to control mitochondria and blocked by introduction of a functional BCL-xL antibody to post-ischemic mitochondria via the patch pipette. Channel activity was also inhibited by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, indicative of a role for the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) of the outer mitochondrial membrane. In vivo administration of the membrane-impermeant Zn2+ chelator CaEDTA before ischemia or in vitro application of the membrane-permeant Zn2+ chelator tetrakis-(2-pyridylmethyl) ethylenediamine attenuated channel activity, suggesting a requirement for Zn2+. These findings reveal a novel mechanism by which ischemic insults disrupt the functional integrity of the outer mitochondrial membrane and implicate ΔNBCL-xL and VDAC in the large, Zn2+-dependent mitochondrial channels observed in post-ischemic hippocampal mitochondria. PMID:16793892

INCREASING EVIDENCE FOR HEMISPHERICAL POWER ASYMMETRY IN THE FIVE-YEAR WMAP DATA

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

Hoftuft, J.; Eriksen, H. K.; Hansen, F. K.

Motivated by the recent results of Hansen et al. concerning a noticeable hemispherical power asymmetry in the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) data on small angular scales, we revisit the dipole-modulated signal model introduced by Gordon et al.. This model assumes that the true cosmic microwave background signal consists of a Gaussian isotropic random field modulated by a dipole, and is characterized by an overall modulation amplitude, A, and a preferred direction, p-hat. Previous analyses of this model have been restricted to very low resolution (i.e., 3.{sup 0}6 pixels, a smoothing scale of 9 deg. FWHM, and l {approx}< 40)more » due to computational cost. In this paper, we double the angular resolution (i.e., 1.{sup 0}8 pixels and 4.{sup 0}5 FWHM smoothing scale), and compute the full corresponding posterior distribution for the five-year WMAP data. The results from our analysis are the following: the best-fit modulation amplitude for l {<=} 64 and the ILC data with the WMAP KQ85 sky cut is A = 0.072 {+-} 0.022, nonzero at 3.3{sigma}, and the preferred direction points toward Galactic coordinates (l, b) = (224 deg., - 22 deg.) {+-} 24 deg. The corresponding results for l {approx}< 40 from earlier analyses were A = 0.11 {+-} 0.04 and (l, b) = (225 deg. - 27 deg.). The statistical significance of a nonzero amplitude thus increases from 2.8{sigma} to 3.3{sigma} when increasing l{sub max} from 40 to 64, and all results are consistent to within 1{sigma}. Similarly, the Bayesian log-evidence difference with respect to the isotropic model increases from {delta}ln E = 1.8 to {delta}ln E = 2.6, ranking as 'strong evidence' on the Jeffreys' scale. The raw best-fit log-likelihood difference increases from {delta}ln L = 6.1 to {delta}ln L = 7.3. Similar, and often slightly stronger, results are found for other data combinations. Thus, we find that the evidence for a dipole power distribution in the WMAP data increases with l in the five-year WMAP data set, in agreement with the reports of Hansen et al.« less

A disease-specific measure of health-related quality of life for use in adults with immune thrombocytopenic purpura: its development and validation.

PubMed

Mathias, Susan D; Bussel, James B; George, James N; McMillan, Robert; Okano, Gary J; Nichol, Janet L

2007-02-22

No validated disease-specific measures are available to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult subjects with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Therefore, we sought to develop and validate the ITP-Patient Assessment Questionnaire (ITP-PAQ) for adult subjects with ITP. Information from literature reviews, focus groups with subjects, and clinicians were used to develop 50 ITP-PAQ items. Factor analyses were conducted to develop the scale structure and reduce the number of items. The final 44-item ITP-PAQ, which includes ten scales [Symptoms (S), Bother-Physical Health (B), Fatigue/Sleep (FT), Activity (A), Fear (FR), Psychological Health (PH), Work (W), Social Activity (SA), Women's Reproductive Health (RH), and Overall (QoL)], was self-administered to adult ITP subjects at baseline and 7-10 days later. Test-retest reliability, internal consistency reliability, construct and known groups validity of the final ITP-PAQ were evaluated. Seventy-three subjects with ITP completed the questionnaire twice. Test-retest reliability, as measured by the intra-class correlation, ranged from 0.52-0.90. Internal consistency reliability was demonstrated with Cronbach's alpha for all scales above the acceptable level of 0.70 (range: 0.71-0.92), except for RH (0.66). Construct validity, assessed by correlating ITP-PAQ scales with established measures (Short Form-36 v.1, SF-36 and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, CES-D), was demonstrated through moderate correlations between the ITP-PAQ SA and SF-36 Social Function scales (r = 0.67), and between ITP-PAQ PH and SF-36 Mental Health Scales (r = 0.63). Moderate to strong inter-scale correlations were reported between ITP-PAQ scales and the CES-D, except for the RH scale. Known groups validity was evaluated by comparing mean scores for groups that differed clinically. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) were observed when subjects were categorized by treatment status [S, FT, B, A, PH, and QoL, perceived effectiveness of ITP treatment [S], and time elapsed since ITP diagnosis [PH]. Results provide preliminary evidence of the reliability and validity of the ITP-PAQ in adult subjects with ITP. Further work should be conducted to assess the responsiveness and to estimate the minimal clinical important difference of the ITP-PAQ to more fully understand the impact of ITP and its treatments on HRQoL.

In vitro lectin binding to the outer surface of Spirocerca lupi at different life-stages.

PubMed

Aroch, I; Arogeti, I; Marcovics, A; Spiegel, Y; Lavy, E

2017-02-15

Spirocerca lupi is the esophageal nematode of dogs. Early, transient eosinophilia occurs in experimentally infected dogs, but is absent in advanced cases, suggesting that the nematode evades the dog's immune system. Lectins are proteins or glycoproteins of plant or animal origin, binding different saccharides, with varying specificities and avidities, used to characterize surface haptens in plant and animal parasitic helminths. This study investigated the in vitro binding of six lectins (Concanavalin A [ConA], wheat germ agglutinin [WGA], peanut agglutinin [PNA], soybean agglutinin [SBA], Dolichus biflorus agglutinin [DBA] and Ulex earopaeus agglutinin I [UEA]) to the surface of S. lupi nematodes at different life stages, the L2 and L3 larvae (dead and alive) and to dead adult worms, with negative controls, with and without addition of the six respective inhibitory sugar haptens. Con A moderately bound to surfaces of both live and frozen L3, to the stoma and excretory pores of adult worms, and to the outer surface nematode's eggs, within a female worm, but not to L2. PNA bound only to stoma and excretory pores surfaces in both frozen and live L3. WGA bound strongly to the outer surfaces of live and dead L2 and L3, which resulted in molting of live larvae. These results suggest that the nematode's surface content change during its development. Such changes may play roles in the nematode's interactions with the intermediate and definitive hosts' tissues, and in its ability to evade the immune response, its long survival within the host, and even induce neoplastic transformation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Statistical Measures of Large-Scale Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vogeley, Michael; Geller, Margaret; Huchra, John; Park, Changbom; Gott, J. Richard

1993-12-01

\\inv Mpc} To quantify clustering in the large-scale distribution of galaxies and to test theories for the formation of structure in the universe, we apply statistical measures to the CfA Redshift Survey. This survey is complete to m_{B(0)}=15.5 over two contiguous regions which cover one-quarter of the sky and include ~ 11,000 galaxies. The salient features of these data are voids with diameter 30-50\\hmpc and coherent dense structures with a scale ~ 100\\hmpc. Comparison with N-body simulations rules out the ``standard" CDM model (Omega =1, b=1.5, sigma_8 =1) at the 99% confidence level because this model has insufficient power on scales lambda >30\\hmpc. An unbiased open universe CDM model (Omega h =0.2) and a biased CDM model with non-zero cosmological constant (Omega h =0.24, lambda_0 =0.6) match the observed power spectrum. The amplitude of the power spectrum depends on the luminosity of galaxies in the sample; bright (L>L(*) ) galaxies are more strongly clustered than faint galaxies. The paucity of bright galaxies in low-density regions may explain this dependence. To measure the topology of large-scale structure, we compute the genus of isodensity surfaces of the smoothed density field. On scales in the ``non-linear" regime, <= 10\\hmpc, the high- and low-density regions are multiply-connected over a broad range of density threshold, as in a filamentary net. On smoothing scales >10\\hmpc, the topology is consistent with statistics of a Gaussian random field. Simulations of CDM models fail to produce the observed coherence of structure on non-linear scales (>95% confidence level). The underdensity probability (the frequency of regions with density contrast delta rho //lineρ=-0.8) depends strongly on the luminosity of galaxies; underdense regions are significantly more common (>2sigma ) in bright (L>L(*) ) galaxy samples than in samples which include fainter galaxies.

Photoresponsive Molecular Memory Films Composed of Sequentially Assembled Heterolayers Containing Ruthenium Complexes.

PubMed

Nagashima, Takumi; Ozawa, Hiroaki; Suzuki, Takashi; Nakabayashi, Takuya; Kanaizuka, Katsuhiko; Haga, Masa-Aki

2016-01-26

Photoresponsive molecular memory films were fabricated by a layer-by-layer (LbL) assembling of two dinuclear Ru complexes with tetrapodal phosphonate anchors, containing either 2,3,5,6-tetra(2-pyridyl)pyrazine or 1,2,4,5-tetra(2-pyridyl)benzene as a bridging ligand (Ru-NP and Ru-CP, respectively), using zirconium phosphonate to link the layers. Various types of multilayer homo- and heterostructures were constructed. In the multilayer heterofilms such as ITO||(Ru-NP)m |(Ru-CP)n , the difference in redox potentials between Ru-NP and Ru-CP layers was approximately 0.7 V, which induced a potential gradient determined by the sequence of the layers. In the ITO||(Ru-NP)m |(Ru-CP)n multilayer heterofilms, the direct electron transfer (ET) from the outer Ru-CP layers to the ITO were observed to be blocked for m>2, and charge trapping in the outer Ru-CP layers became evident from the appearance of an intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) band at 1140 nm from the formation of the mixed-valent state of Ru-CP units, resulting from the reductive ET mediation of the inner Ru-NP layers. Therefore, the charging/discharging ("1"and "0") states in the outer Ru-CP layers could be addressed and interconverted by applying potential pulses between -0.5 and +0.7 V. The two states could be read out by the direction of the photocurrent (anodic or cathodic). The molecular heterolayer films thus represent a typical example of a photoresponsive memory device; that is, the writing process may be achieved by the applied potential (-0.5 or +0.7 V), while the readout process is achieved by measuring the direction of the photocurrent (anodic or cathodic). Sequence-sensitive multilayer heterofilms, using redox-active complexes as building blocks, thus demonstrate great potential for the design of molecular functional devices. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Plasma Density and Electro-Magnetic Field Perturbations Hf-Induced in the Outer Ionosphere: Review of Experimental Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frolov, Vladimir; Rauch, Jean-Louis; Parrot, Michel; Rapoport, Victor; Shorokhova, Elena

In the report we consider features of plasma density and electro-magnetic field perturbations induced in the Earth’s outer ionosphere by modification of F _{2} region by O-mode powerful HF radio waves radiated by the SURA heating facility. Experiments presented were carried out in 2005 - 2010. Plasma density perturbations were detected at altitudes of about of 700 km by instruments onboard the French DEMETER satellite when it intersected the disturbed magnetic flux tube. The formation of artificial HF-induced plasma density ducts in the outer ionosphere is a central discovery, which was made during the SURA-DEMETER experiments [1,2]. Analysis of experimental data available makes it possible to formulate ducts features and point out the conditions under which the formation of such ducts takes place. 1. Under night conditions ducts are characterized by the increased plasma density in the range from 20% to 80% relatively to its background value. As this takes place, the excess in the plasma ion component is due to O (+) ions dominating at altitudes of about 700 km, whereas the densities of lower mass H (+) and He ({+) } ions typically decrease by a percentage amount that is much more the relative increase in the density of O (+) ions. The duct formation was never observed under daytime conditions. According to [3] the HF-induced ducts were observed by ionosphere pumping in morning and evening hours but in these cases their intensity was no more than a few percentages. 2. The size of the ducts along the satellite orbits is of about 80 - 100 km. It is a reason why such ducts can be observed only if the minimal distance between the satellite and the center of the heated flux tube is less than 50 km. 3. The formation of ducts is observed only if the effective radiated power is more than 40 MW. For the SURA facility, to heat the ionosphere at higher efficiency due to the “magnetic-zenith effect”, the HF beam is often inclined by 12 - 16(°) southward. 4. The pump wave frequency should be no less than 0.5 - 0.7 MHz below the F _{2} layer critical frequency f _{0F2}. In the opposed case the penetration of the radiated power behind the F _{2} ionospheric layer can take place [4]. 5. Strong variations of the electron temperature are observed inside the ducts, at the same time the ion temperature is unchanged. 6. A feature of the ducts is the presence of strong electro-magnetic field fluctuations in a frequency range from a few Hz to tens of kHz [1,5]. 7. It was revealed that the formation of the ducts in the outer ionosphere can stimulate the precipitation of energetic electrons with E ≥ 100 keV from the Earth’s radiation belts [6]. The work was supported by RFBR grants (## 12-05-00312, 13-02-12074, 13-02-12241) and by the scientific program “Geophysics”. References: 1. Rapoport V.O., V.L. Frolov, G.P. Komrakov, et al. // Radiophysics and Quantum Electronics, 2007. Vol. 50(8), p. 645. 2. Frolov V.L., V.O. Rapoport, G.P. Komrakov, et. al. // JETP Letters, 2008. Vol. 88, No. 12, p. 790. 3. Frolov V.L., I.A. Bolotin, V.O. Rapoport, et. al. // XXIV All-Russian conference “Radio Wave Propagation”. Irkutsk, 2014 (submitted for publication). 4. Frolov V.L., N.A. Mityakov, E.A. Shorokhova, M. Parrot. // Radiophysics and Quantum Electronics, 2013. Vol. 56(6), p. 325. 5. Rapoport V.O., V.L. Frolov, S.V. Polyakov, et al. // J. Geophys. Res., 2010. Vol. 115, A10322, doi:10.1029/2010JA015484. 6. Markov G.A., A.S. Belov, V.L. Frolov, et al. // JETPh, 2010. Vol. 138, No. 6(12), p. 1037.

Results of a landing gear loads test using a 0.0405-scale model (16-0) of the space shuttle orbiter in the Rockwell International NAAL wind tunnel (OA163), volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mennell, R. C.

1976-01-01

Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted on a sting mounted scale representation of the 140C outer mold line space shuttle orbiter configuration in the low speed wind tunnel. The primary test objectives were to define the orbiter landing gear system pressure loading and to record landing gear door and strut hingemoment levels. Secondary objectives included recording the aerodynamic influence of various landing gear configurations on orbiter force data as well as investigating 40 x 80 ft. Ames Wind Tunnel strut simulation effects on both orbiter landing gear loads and aerodynamic characteristics. Testing was conducted at a Mach number of 0.17, free stream dynamic pressure of 42.5 PSF, and Reynolds number per unit length of 1.2 million per foot. Angle of attack variation was 0 to 20 while yaw angles ranged from -10 to 10 deg.

HST and Adaptive Optics Imaging of the Edge-on Circumtertiary Disk in the Young Triple System HV Tauri

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stapelfeldt, K. R.; Menard, F.; Brandner, W.; Padgett, D. L.; Krist, J. E.; Watson, A. M.

2000-12-01

Hubble Space Telescope images of the HV Tauri triple system show that HV Tau C appears as a compact bipolar nebula at visual wavelengths. Near-infrared adaptive optics observations made at the Canada France Hawaii Telescope show a similar morphology, and no directly visible star at wavelengths less than 2 microns. These results confirm the conclusions of Monin & Bouvier 2000, namely that HV Tau C is an optically thick circumstellar disk seen close to edge-on. The images are compared to scattered light models for circumstellar disks. We find that the HV Tau C disk has an outer radius of 85 AU, inclination of about 6 deg, gaussian scale height of 15 AU at its outer radius, and is flared. The thickness of the dark lane indicates a total disk mass about half that of Jupiter. There is clear evidence for declining dust opacity toward longer wavelengths, as the dust lane thickness shrinks by 30 between 0.8 and 2.2 microns; the trend is consistent with interstellar dust grains. Tidal truncation of the disk outer radius may have occurred in this system.

Two substorm studies of relations between westward electric fields in the outer plasmasphere, auroral activity, and geomagnetic perturbations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carpenter, D. L.; Akasofu, S.

1972-01-01

Temporal variations of the westward component of the magnetospheric convection electric field in the outer plasmasphere were compared to auroral activity near L = 7, and to variations in the geomagnetic field at middle and high latitudes. The substorms occurred on July 29, 1965 near 0530 UT and on August 20, 1965 near 0730 UT. The results on westward electric field E(w) were obtained by the whistler method using data from Eights, Antarctica (L is approximately 4). All sky camera records were obtained from Byrd, Antarctica, (L is approximately 7), located within about 1 hour of Eights in magnetic local time. It was found that E(w) within the outer plasmasphere increased rapidly to substorm levels about the time of auroral expansion at nearby longitudes. This behavior is shown to differ from results on E(w) from balloons, which show E(w) reaching enhanced levels prior to the expansion. A close temporal relation was found between the rapid, substorm associated increases in E(w) and a well known type of nightside geomagnetic perturbation. Particularly well defined was the correlation of E(w) rise and a large deviation of the D component at middle latitudes.

Provenance of sand on the Poverty Bay shelf, the link between source and sink sectors of the Waipaoa River sedimentary system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parra, Julie G.; Marsaglia, Kathleen M.; Rivera, Kevin S.; Dawson, Shelby T.; Walsh, J. P.

2012-12-01

The Poverty Shelf, North Island, New Zealand, is a segment of the Waipaoa Sedimentary System (WSS), a MARGINS Source-to-Sink focus site. Our petrographic analysis of sand from shelf core samples indicates that the sand fraction is mainly derived from intra- and potentially extrabasinal sources, but surprisingly, the major fluvial system that drains into Poverty Bay, the Waipaoa River (mean %QFL = xQyFzL), is not the dominant source. Only one vibracore at the mouth of Poverty Bay contained sand (%QFL = xQyFzL) potentially derived from the Waipaoa River. The shelf sand (mean %QFL = xQyFzL) more strongly resembles beach sand (mean %QFL = xQyFzL) collected along the coast, which is likely sourced from pervasive local cliff erosion of Miocene-Pliocene sedimentary units that exhibit similar sandstone detrital modes (mean %QFL = xQyFzL). Texturally, coarser, more poorly sorted and more angular sand is located along the outer shelf, while finer, well-sorted sand characterizes the mid-shelf. These findings suggest a shorter transport history for the material near the outer-shelf bathymetric high areas, and this observation along with the composition data suggests that they were sourced by erosion of locally exposed Miocene-Pliocene units. A potential extrabasinal source of shelf sediment is indicated by anomalous prolate and equant-shaped greywacke (Torlesse) and minor red chert pebbles collected in two outer-shelf box cores on the Lachlan anticline; these are not lithologies found within the terrestrial segment of the WSS or strata comprising the outer-shelf highs. The clast shapes are also distinctly different from the oblate-shaped, pebble-sized greywacke gravel clasts on beaches in Hawke Bay. Rather, these sediments are more similar to Torlesse stream gravel. Seismic and multibeam data support the possibility that during the most recent sea-level lowstand, the Hawke Bay fluvial system flowed into Poverty Canyon, bringing these unique gravels onto what is now the Poverty outer shelf. The presence of the Torlesse gravel is significant in that it highlights how the WSS was not a closed sedimentary system in the past, just as recent sedimentary research has shown in the case today.

SPECIAL TOPIC: ITER L mode confinement database

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaye, S. M.; Greenwald, M.; Stroth, U.; Kardaun, O.; Kus, A.; Schissel, D.; DeBoo, J.; Bracco, G.; Thomsen, K.; Cordey, J. G.; Miura, Y.; Matsuda, T.; Tamai, H.; Takizuda, T.; Hirayama, T.; Kikuchi, H.; Naito, O.; Chudnovskij, A.; Ongena, J.; Hoang, G.

1997-09-01

This special topic describes the contents of an L mode database that has been compiled with data from Alcator C-Mod, ASDEX, DIII, DIII-D, FTU, JET, JFT-2M, JT-60, PBX-M, PDX, T-10, TEXTOR, TFTR and Tore Supra. The database consists of a total of 2938 entries, 1881 of which are in the L phase while 922 are ohmically heated only (ohmic). Each entry contains up to 95 descriptive parameters, including global and kinetic information, machine conditioning and configuration. The special topic presents a description of the database and the variables contained therein, and it also presents global and thermal scalings along with predictions for ITER. The L mode thermal confinement time scaling, determined from a subset of 1312 entries for which the τE,th are provided, is τE,th = 0.023Ip0.96BT0.03R1.83(R/a)0.06 κ0.64ne0.40Meff0.20P-0.73 in units of seconds, megamps, teslas, metres, -, -, 10-9 m-1

Aperture Synthesis C18O (1-0) Observations of L 1551 IRS5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munetake, Momose; Nagayoshi, Ohashi; Ryohei, Kawabe; Takenori, Nakano; Masahiko, Hayashi

We report aperture synthesis jceto observations of L1551 IRS5 with a spatial resolution of 2.8" x 2.5" using the Nobeyama Millimeter Array. We have detected an emission component centrally condensed around IRS 5, as well as a diffuse component extending in the north-south direction from the centrally condensed component. The centrally condensed component, 2380 AU x 1050 AU in size, is elongated in the direction perpendicular to the outflow axis, indicating the existence of a flattened circumstellar envelope around L1551 IRS5. The mass of the centrally condensed component is estimated to be 0.062 Mo. The position-velocity (P-V) diagrams reveal that the velocity field in the centrally condensed component is composed of infall and slight rotation. The infall velocity in the outer part is equal to the free-fall velocity around a central mass of ~0.1 Mo, e.g., 0.5 km/s at r = 700 AU, while the rotation velocity, 0.24 km/s at the same radius, gets prominent at inner radii with a radial dependence of r-1. The infall rate in the envelope is derived to be 6 times 10-6 Mo/yr from the radius and mass of the centrally condensed component, and the infall velocity.

Self-Organized Criticality and Scaling in Lifetime of Traffic Jams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagatani, Takashi

1995-01-01

The deterministic cellular automaton 184 (the one-dimensional asymmetric simple-exclusion model with parallel dynamics) is extended to take into account injection or extraction of particles. The model presents the traffic flow on a highway with inflow or outflow of cars.Introducing injection or extraction of particles into the asymmetric simple-exclusion model drives the system asymptotically into a steady state exhibiting a self-organized criticality. The typical lifetime of traffic jams scales as \\cong Lν with ν=0.65±0.04. It is shown that the cumulative distribution Nm (L) of lifetimes satisfies the finite-size scaling form Nm (L) \\cong L-1 f(m/Lν).

DNS study of dependence of bulk consumption velocity in a constant-density reacting flow on turbulence and mixture characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Rixin; Lipatnikov, Andrei N.

2017-06-01

3D Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) study of propagation of a single-reaction wave in forced, statistically stationary, homogeneous, isotropic, and constant-density turbulence was performed in order to evaluate both developing UTt and fully developed UTs bulk turbulent consumption velocities by independently varying a ratio of 0.5 ≤u'/SL≤ 90 of the r.m.s. turbulent velocity to the laminar wave speed and a ratio of 0.39 ≤L11/δF≤ 12.5 of the longitudinal integral length scale of the turbulence to the laminar wave thickness. Accordingly, the Damköhler D a =(L11SL ) /(u'δF ) and Karlovitz K a =δF/(SLτη ) numbers were varied from 0.01 to 24.7 and from 0.36 to 587, respectively. Here, τη is the Kolmogorov time scale. The obtained DNS data show that, at sufficiently low Da, the fully developed ratio of UTs/u' is mainly controlled by Da and scales as √{D a }. However, such a scaling should not be extrapolated to high Da. The higher Da (or the lower Ka), the less pronounced dependence of UTs/u' on a ratio of L11/δF. Moreover, scaling laws UT∝u'αSL1 -α(L11/δF ) β are substantially different for developing UTt and fully developed UTs, i.e., the scaling exponents α and, especially, β depend on the wave-development time. Furthermore, α and, especially, β depend on a method used to evaluate the developing UTt. Such effects can contribute to significant scatter of expressions for UT or ST as a function of {u', SL, L11, δF}, obtained by parameterizing various experimental databases.

High-Contrast NIR Polarization Imaging of MWC480

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McElwain, M. W.; Kusakabe, N.; Hashimoto, J.; Kudo, T.; Kandori, R.; Miyama, S.; Morino, J.-I.; Suto, H.; Suzuki, R.; Tamura, M.;

Two-Scale Ion Meandering Caused by the Polarization Electric Field During Asymmetric Reconnection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Shan; Chen, Li-Jen; Hesse, Michael; Bessho, Naoki; Gershman, Daniel J.; Dorelli, John; Giles, Barbara L.; Torbert, Roy B.; Pollock, Craig J.; Strangeway, Robert;

Two-scale ion meandering caused by the polarization electric field during asymmetric reconnection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shan; Chen, Li-Jen; Hesse, Michael; Bessho, Naoki; Gershman, Daniel J.; Dorelli, John; Giles, Barbara; Torbert, Roy B.; Pollock, Craig J.; Strangeway, Robert; Ergun, Robert E.; Burch, James L.; Avanov, Levon; Lavraud, Benoit; Moore, Thomas E.; Saito, Yoshifumi

2016-08-01

Ion velocity distribution functions (VDFs) from a particle-in-cell simulation of asymmetric reconnection are investigated to reveal a two-scale structure of the ion diffusion region (IDR). Ions bouncing in the inner IDR are trapped mainly by the electric field normal to the current sheet (N direction), while those reaching the outer IDR are turned back mainly by the magnetic force. The resulting inner layer VDFs have counter-streaming populations along N with decreasing counter-streaming speeds away from the midplane while maintaining the out-of-plane speed, and the outer layer VDFs exhibit crescent shapes toward the out-of-plane direction. Observations of the above VDF features and the normal electric fields provide evidence for the two-scale meandering motion.

DEAD, UNDEAD, AND ZOMBIE ZONES IN PROTOSTELLAR DISKS AS A FUNCTION OF STELLAR MASS

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

Mohanty, Subhanjoy; Ercolano, Barbara; Turner, Neal J., E-mail: s.mohanty@imperial.ac.uk, E-mail: ercolano@usm.lmu.de, E-mail: neal.turner@jpl.nasa.gov

We investigate the viability of the magnetorotational instability (MRI) in X-ray ionized viscous accretion disks around both solar-type stars and very low mass stars. In particular, we determine the disk regions where the MRI can be shut off either by Ohmic resistivity (the so-called dead and undead zones) or by ambipolar diffusion (a region we term the zombie zone). We consider two stellar masses: M {sub *} = 0.7 M {sub Sun} and 0.1 M {sub Sun }. In each case, we assume that: the disk surface density profile is that of a scaled Minimum Mass Solar Nebula, with Mmore » {sub disk}/M {sub *} = 0.01 as suggested by current data; disk ionization is driven primarily by stellar X-rays, complemented by cosmic rays and radionuclides; and the stellar X-ray luminosity scales with bolometric luminosity as L{sub X} /L {sub *} Almost-Equal-To 10{sup -3.5}, as observed. Ionization rates are calculated with the MOCCASIN Monte Carlo X-ray transport code, and ionization balance determined using a simplified chemical network, including well-mixed 0.1 {mu}m grains at various levels of depletion. We find that (1) ambipolar diffusion is the primary factor controlling MRI activity in disks around both solar-type and very low mass classical T Tauri stars. Assuming that the MRI yields the maximum possible field strength at each radius, we further find that: (2) the MRI-active layer constitutes only {approx}5%-10% of the total disk mass; (3) the accretion rate ( M-dot ) varies radially in both magnitude and sign (inward or outward), implying time-variable accretion as well as the creation of disk gaps and overdensities, with consequences for planet formation and migration; (4) achieving the empirical accretion rates in solar-type and very low mass stars requires a depletion of well-mixed small grains (via grain growth and/or settling) by a factor of 10-1000 relative to the standard dust-to-gas mass ratio of 10{sup -2}; and (5) the current non-detection of polarized emission from field-aligned grains in the outer disk regions is consistent with active MRI at those radii.« less

Differentiation of involved and uninvolved psoriatic skin from healthy skin using noninvasive visual, colorimeter and evaporimeter methods.

PubMed

Pershing, L K; Bakhtian, S; Wright, E D; Rallis, T M

1995-08-01

Uninvolved skin of psoriasis may not be entirely normal. The object was to characterize healthy, uninvolved psoriatic skin and lesional skin by biophysical methods. Involved and uninvolved psoriatic and age-gender matched healthy skin was measured objectively with a colorimeter and evaporimeter and subjectively with visual assessment in 14 subjects. Visual assessment of erythema (E), scaling (S) and induration (I) as well as the target lesion score at the involved psoriatic skin sites were significantly elevated (p<0.05) above uninvolved psoriatic or healthy skin sites. No difference between uninvolved psoriatic and healthy skin was measured visually. Transepidermal water loss at involved psoriatic skin >uninvolved psoriatic skin >healthy skin (p<0.05). Objective assessment of skin color in 3 color scales, L*, a*, and b*, differentiated involved and uninvolved psoriatic skin from healthy skin sites. Involved psoriatic skin demonstrated higher (p<0.01) a-scale values and lower (p<0.01) L* and b* scale values than uninvolved psoriatic skin. Further, colorimeter L* and a* scale values at uninvolved psoriatic skin sites were lower and higher (p<0.05), respectively, than healthy skin. The individual chromameter parameters (L*, a*, b*) correlated well with the visual parameters (E, S and I). Composite colorimeter description (L*× b*)/a* significantly differentiated healthy skin from both involved and uninvolved psoriatic skin. These collective data highlight that even visually appearing uninvolved psoriatic skin is compromised compared with healthy skin. These objective, noninvasive but differential capabilities of the colorimeter and evaporimeter will aid in the mechanistic quantification of new psoriatic drug therapies and in conjuction with biochemical studies, add to understanding of the multifactorial pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Resolving the Small-Scale Structure of the Circumgalactic Medium in Cosmological Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corlies, Lauren

2017-08-01

We propose to resolve the circumgalactic medium (CGM) of L* galaxies down to 100 Msun (250 pc) in a full cosmological simulation to examine how mixing and cooling shape the physical nature of this gas on the scales expected from observations. COS has provided the best characterization of the low-z CGM to date, revealing the extent and amount of low- and high-ions and hinting at the kinematic relations between them. Yet cosmological galaxy simulations that can reproduce the stellar properties of galaxies have all struggled to reproduce these results even qualitatively. However, while the COS data imply that the low-ion absorption is occurring on sub-kpc scales, such scales can not be traced by simulations with resolution between 1-5 kpc in the CGM. Our proposed simulations will, for the first time, reach the resolution required to resolve these structures in the outer halo of L* galaxies. Using the adaptive mesh refinement code enzo, we will experiment with the size, shape, and resolution of an enforced high refinement region extending from the disk into the CGM to identify the best configuration for probing the flows of gas throughout the CGM. Our test case has found that increasing the resolution alone can have dramatic consequences for the density, temperature, and kinematics along a line of sight. Coupling this technique with an independent feedback study already underway will help disentangle the roles of global and small scale physics in setting the physical state of the CGM. Finally, we will use the MISTY pipeline to generate realistic mock spectra for direct comparison with COS data which will be made available through MAST.

A Bibliography of Aerospace Books and Teaching Aids for Secondary School Students and Teachers

DTIC Science & Technology

1961-11-13

p., llus.. HEim-E5. KENNETH. A.N ADVENTURE IN ASTRO.NOMY. 19539. $2.50. An introduction to radio astrono )my Viking. 127 1P.. illus.. 1958. $3.30...8217. ASTRONO )MY. Watts. 2:A; l., illus.. 1960. outer Si1-Pe. 14.5. The history of astronomy, the development Mt-rz,. lai.tyl. Tilns IS OUTER SPACE

Alien mink predation induces prolonged declines in archipelago amphibians

PubMed Central

Ahola, Markus; Nordström, Mikael; Banks, Peter B; Laanetu, Nikolai; Korpimäki, Erkki

2006-01-01

Amphibians are undergoing enigmatic global declines variously attributed to a complex web of anthropogenic forces. Alien predators pose a fundamental threat to biodiversity generally that is predicted to be most acute in island ecosystems. While amphibian eggs and tadpoles are vulnerable to aquatic predators, the effect of predators on adult, reproducing frogs, which most influence amphibian population processes, is unknown. Here, we report on the responses of amphibian populations in the outer Finnish Archipelago to a long-term, large-scale removal of American mink (Mustela vison Schreb.), an invasive predator linked to recent biodiversity loss across Europe. Removal increased both the densities and distribution of common frogs (Rana temporaria L.) but not those of common toads (Bufo bufo L.), which appear to escape mink predation because of their unpalatable skin. Importantly, the largest benefits of mink removal to frog recovery were slow to appear as frogs apparently have a delayed maturation in these harsh environments, which means we must be cautious about reliance upon short-term results. PMID:16720400

Environmental and occupational exposures to mercury among indigenous people in Dunkwa-On-Offin, a small scale gold mining area in the South-West of Ghana.

PubMed

Kwaansa-Ansah, E E; Basu, N; Nriagu, J O

2010-11-01

Total mercury concentrations in human hair and urine samples were determined to ascertain the extent of environmental and occupational mercury exposure in Dunkwa-On-Offin, a small scale gold mining area of the central-west region of Ghana. In all ninety-four (94) hair and urine samples comprising of forty (40) small scale miners and fifty-four (54) farmers were collected and analyzed for their total mercury levels using the cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry. The hair total mercury concentrations ranged from 0.63 to 7.19 ug/g with a mean of 2.35 ± 1.58 ug/g for the farmers and 0.57-6.07 ug/g with a mean of 2.14 ± 1.53 ug/g for the small scale gold miners. There was no significant correlation between the total mercury concentration and the average weekly fish diet. The total mercury concentrations in urine of the miners were higher than those of the farmers and ranged from 0.32 to 3.62 ug/L with a mean of 1.23 ± 0.86 ug/L. The urine concentrations of farmers ranged from 0.075 to 2.31 ug/L with a mean of 0.69 ± 0.39 ug/L. Although the results indicate elevated internal dose of mercury the current levels of exposures do not appear to pose a significant health threat to the people.

Leptospiral outer membrane protein LipL41 is not essential for acute leptospirosis but requires a small chaperone protein, lep, for stable expression.

PubMed

King, Amy M; Bartpho, Thanatchaporn; Sermswan, Rasana W; Bulach, Dieter M; Eshghi, Azad; Picardeau, Mathieu; Adler, Ben; Murray, Gerald L

2013-08-01

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp., but knowledge of leptospiral pathogenesis remains limited. However, the development of mutagenesis systems has allowed the investigation of putative virulence factors and their involvement in leptospirosis. LipL41 is the third most abundant lipoprotein found in the outer membranes of pathogenic leptospires and has been considered a putative virulence factor. LipL41 is encoded on the large chromosome 28 bp upstream of a small open reading frame encoding a hypothetical protein of unknown function. This gene was named lep, for LipL41 expression partner. In this study, lipL41 was found to be cotranscribed with lep. Two transposon mutants were characterized: a lipL41 mutant and a lep mutant. In the lep mutant, LipL41 protein levels were reduced by approximately 90%. Lep was shown through cross-linking and coexpression experiments to bind to LipL41. Lep is proposed to be a molecular chaperone essential for the stable expression of LipL41. The roles of LipL41 and Lep in the pathogenesis of Leptospira interrogans were investigated; surprisingly, neither of these two unique proteins was essential for acute leptospirosis.

Reassessing the "traditional background hypothesis" for elevated MMPI and MMPI-2 Lie-scale scores.

PubMed

Rosen, Gerald M; Baldwin, Scott A; Smith, Ronald E

2016-10-01

The Lie (L) scale of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) is widely regarded as a measure of conscious attempts to deny common human foibles and to present oneself in an unrealistically positive light. At the same time, the current MMPI-2 manual states that "traditional" and religious backgrounds can account for elevated L scale scores as high as 65T-79T, thereby tempering impression management interpretations for faith-based individuals. To assess the validity of the traditional background hypothesis, we reviewed 11 published studies that employed the original MMPI with religious samples and found that only 1 obtained an elevated mean L score. We then conducted a meta-analysis of 12 published MMPI-2 studies in which we compared L scores of religious samples to the test normative group. The meta-analysis revealed large between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 87.1), L scale scores for religious samples that were somewhat higher but did not approach the upper limits specified in the MMPI-2 manual, and an overall moderate effect size (d¯ = 0.54, p < .001; 95% confidence interval [0.37, 0.70]). Our analyses indicated that religious-group membership accounts, on average, for elevations on L of about 5 t-score points. Whether these scores reflect conscious "fake good" impression management or religious-based virtuousness remains unanswered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Inner-outer predictive wall model for wall-bounded turbulence in hypersonic flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, M. Pino; Helm, Clara M.

2017-11-01

The inner-outer predictive wall model of Mathis et al. is modified for hypersonic turbulent boundary layers. The model is based on a modulation of the energized motions in the inner layer by large scale momentum fluctuations in the logarithmic layer. Using direct numerical simulation (DNS) data of turbulent boundary layers with free stream Mach number 3 to 10, it is shown that the variation of the fluid properties in the compressible flows leads to large Reynolds number (Re) effects in the outer layer and facilitate the modulation observed in high Re incompressible flows. The modulation effect by the large scale increases with increasing free-stream Mach number. The model is extended to include spanwise and wall-normal velocity fluctuations and is generalized through Morkovin scaling. Temperature fluctuations are modeled using an appropriate Reynolds Analogy. Density fluctuations are calculated using an equation of state and a scaling with Mach number. DNS data are used to obtain the universal signal and parameters. The model is tested by using the universal signal to reproduce the flow conditions of Mach 3 and Mach 7 turbulent boundary layer DNS data and comparing turbulence statistics between the modeled flow and the DNS data. This work is supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research under Grant FA9550-17-1-0104.

Psychometric properties of the Spanish QoL-AD with institutionalized dementia patients and their family caregivers in Spain.

PubMed

León-Salas, B; Logsdon, R G; Olazarán, J; Martínez-Martín, P; The Msu-Adru

2011-08-01

To evaluate the psychometric attributes of the Spanish version of the Quality of Life-Alzheimer's Disease Scale (QoL-AD) in institutionalized patients and family caregivers in Spain. 101 patients (88.1% women; mean age, 83.2  ±  6.3) with Alzheimer's disease (AD) (n = 82) and mixed dementia (n = 19) and their closest family caregivers. Patient-related variables included severity of dementia, cognitive status, perceived general health, quality of life, behavior, apathy, depression, and functional status. QoL-AD acceptability, reliability, and construct validity were analyzed. The mean Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score was 7.2  ±  6.1 and Global Deterioration Scale was: stage four (4%); five (21.2%); six (34.3%); and seven (40.4%). Both, QoL-AD patient version (QoL-ADp) (n = 40; MMSE = 12.0  ±  4.5) and QoL-AD caregiver version (QoL-ADc) (n = 101) lacked significant floor and ceiling effects and the Cronbach α index was 0.90 and 0.86, respectively. The corrected item-total correlation was 0.11-0.68 (QoL-ADc) and 0.28-0.84 (QoL-ADp). Stability was satisfactory for QoL-ADp (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]=0.83) but low for QoL-ADc (ICC = 0.51); the standard error of measurement was 2.72 and 4.69. Construct validity was moderate/high for QoL-ADc (QUALID=-0.43; EQ-5D = 0.65), but lower for QoL-ADp. No significant correlations were observed between QoL-ADp and patient variables or QoL-ADc. A low to high association (r = 0.18-0.55) was obtained between QoL-ADc and patient-related measures of neuropsychiatric, function, and cognitive status. Differences in their psychometric attributes, and discrepancy between them, were found for QoL-ADp and QoL-ADc. In patients with AD and advanced dementia, the QoL perceived by the patient could be based on a construct that is different from the traditional QoL construct.

Mean turbulence statistics in boundary layers over high-porosity foams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Efstathiou, Christoph; Luhar, Mitul

2018-04-01

This paper reports turbulent boundary layer measurements made over open-cell reticulated foams with varying pore size and thickness, but constant porosity ($\\epsilon \\approx 0.97$). The foams were flush-mounted into a cutout on a flat plate. A Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV) was used to measure mean streamwise velocity and turbulence intensity immediately upstream of the porous section, and at multiple measurement stations along the porous substrate. The friction Reynolds number upstream of the porous section was $Re_\\tau \\approx 1690$. For all but the thickest foam tested, the internal boundary layer was fully developed by $<10 \\delta$ downstream from the porous transition, where $\\delta$ is the boundary layer thickness. Fully developed mean velocity profiles showed the presence of a substantial slip velocity at the porous interface ($>30\\%$ of the free stream velocity) and a mean velocity deficit relative to the canonical smooth-wall profile further from the wall. While the magnitude of the mean velocity deficit increased with average pore size, the slip velocity remained approximately constant. Fits to the mean velocity profile suggest that the logarithmic region is shifted relative to a smooth wall, and that this shift increases with pore size until it becomes comparable to substrate thickness $h$. For all foams, the turbulence intensity was found to be elevated further into the boundary layer to $y/ \\delta \\approx 0.2$. An outer peak in intensity was also evident for the largest pore sizes. Velocity spectra indicate that this outer peak is associated with large-scale structures resembling Kelvin-Helmholtz vortices that have streamwise length scale $2\\delta-4\\delta$. Skewness profiles suggest that these large-scale structures may have an amplitude-modulating effect on the interfacial turbulence.

The Characteristics of Fatigue Damage in the Fuselage Riveted Lap Splice Joint

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Piascik, Robert S.; Willard, Scott A.

1997-01-01

An extensive data base has been developed to form the physical basis for new analytical methodology to predict the onset of widespread fatigue damage in the fuselage lap splice joint. The results of detailed destructive examinations have been cataloged to describe the physical nature of MSD in the lap splice joint. ne catalog includes a detailed description, e.g., crack initiation, growth rates, size, location, and fracture morphology, of fatigue damage in the fuselage lap splice joint structure. Detailed examinations were conducted on a lap splice joint panel removed from a full scale fuselage test article after completing a 60,000 cycle pressure test. The panel contained a four bay region that exhibited visible outer skin cracks and regions of crack link-up along the upper rivet row. Destructive examinations revealed undetected fatigue damage in the outer skin, inner skin, and tear strap regions. Outer skin fatigue cracks were found to initiate by fretting damage along the faying surface. The cracks grew along the faying surface to a length equivalent to two to three skin thicknesses before penetrating the outboard surface of the outer skin. Analysis of fracture surface marker bands produced during full scale testing revealed that all upper rivet row fatigue cracks contained in a dim bay region grow at similar rates; this important result suggests that fracture mechanics based methods can be used to predict the growth of outer skin fatigue cracks in lap splice structure. Results are presented showing the affects of MSD and out-of-plane pressure loads on outer skin crack link-up.

Spiral Arms in the Asymmetrically Illuminated Disk of MWC 758 and Constraints on Giant Planets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grady, C. A.; Muto, T.; Hashimoto, J.; Fukagawa, M.; Currie, T.; Biller, B.; Thalmann, C.; Sitko, M. L.; Russell, R.; Wisniewski, J.;

78 FR 52239 - Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf-Oil and Gas Production Safety...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-22

... Environmental Enforcement 30 CFR Part 250 Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf--Oil and Gas Production Safety Systems; Proposed Rule #0;#0;Federal Register / Vol. 78 , No. 163 / Thursday...] RIN 1014-AA10 Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf--Oil and Gas...

Radial diffusion comparing a THEMIS statistical model with geosynchronous measurements as the outer boundary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Z.; Hudson, M. K.; Chen, Y.

2013-12-01

The outer boundary energetic electron flux is used as a driver in radial diffusion calculations, and its precise determination is critical to the solution. A new model was proposed recently based on THEMIS measurements to express the boundary flux as three fit functions of solar wind parameters in a response window, that depend on energy and which solar parameter is used: speed, density, or both (Shin and Lee, 2013). The Dartmouth radial diffusion model has been run using LANL geosynchronous satellite measurements as the outer boundary for a one-month interval in July to August 2004 and the calculated phase space density (PSD) is compared with GPS measurements at the GPS orbit (L=4.16), at magnetic equatorial plane crossings, as a test of the model. We also used the outer boundary generated from the Shin and Lee model and examined this boundary condition by computing the error relative to the simulation using a LANL geosynchronous spacecraft data-driven outer boundary. The calculation shows that there is overestimation and underestimation at different times, however the new boundary condition can be used to drive the radial diffusion model generally, producing the phase space density increase and dropout during a storm with a relatively small error. Having this new method based on a solar wind parametrized data set, we can run the radial diffusion model for storms when particle measurements are not available at the outer boundary. We chose the Whole Heliosphere Interval (WHI) as an example and compared the result with MHD/test-particle simulations (Hudson et al., 2012), obtaining much better agreement with PSD based on GPS measurements at L=4.16 using the diffusion model, which incorporates atmospheric losses.

Performance analysis of a cascaded coding scheme with interleaved outer code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, S.

1986-01-01

A cascaded coding scheme for a random error channel with a bit-error rate is analyzed. In this scheme, the inner code C sub 1 is an (n sub 1, m sub 1l) binary linear block code which is designed for simultaneous error correction and detection. The outer code C sub 2 is a linear block code with symbols from the Galois field GF (2 sup l) which is designed for correcting both symbol errors and erasures, and is interleaved with a degree m sub 1. A procedure for computing the probability of a correct decoding is presented and an upper bound on the probability of a decoding error is derived. The bound provides much better results than the previous bound for a cascaded coding scheme with an interleaved outer code. Example schemes with inner codes ranging from high rates to very low rates are evaluated. Several schemes provide extremely high reliability even for very high bit-error rates say 10 to the -1 to 10 to the -2 power.

SRNL SHELF LIFE STUDIES - SCC STUDIES AT ROOM TEMPERTURE [stress corrosion cracking

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

Mickalonis, J.; Duffey, J.

Phase II, Series 2 corrosion testing performed by the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) for the Department of Energy 3013 container has been completed. The corrosion tests are part of an integrated plan conducted jointly by Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Savannah River Site. SRNL was responsible for conducting corrosion studies in small-scale vessels to address the influence of salt composition, water loading, and type of oxide/salt contact on the relative humidity inside a 3013 container and on the resulting corrosion of Type 304L and 316L stainless steel (304L and 316L). This testing was conducted in two phases: Phasemore » I evaluated a broad spectrum of salt compositions and initial water loadings on the salt mixtures exposed to 304L and 316L and the resulting corrosion; Phase II evaluated the corrosion of 304L at specific water loadings and a single salt composition. During Phase I testing at high initial moisture levels (0.35 to 1.24 wt%)a, the roomtemperature corrosion of 304L exposed to a series of plutonium oxide/chloride salt mixtures ranged from superficial staining to pitting and stress corrosion cracking (SCC). 304L teardrop coupons that exhibited SCC were directly exposed to a mixture composed of 98 wt % PuO2, 0.9 wt % NaCl, 0.9 wt % KCl, and 0.2 wt % CaCl2. Cracking was not observed in a 316L teardrop coupon. Pitting was also observed in this environment for both 304L and 316L with depths ranging from 20 to 100 μm. Neither pitting nor SCC was observed in mixtures with a greater chloride salt concentration (5 and 28 wt%). These results demonstrated that for a corrosive solution to form a balance existed between the water loading and the salt chloride concentration. This chloride solution results from the interaction of loaded water with the hydrating CaCl2 salt. In Phase II, Series 1 tests, the SCC results were shown to be reproducible with cracking occurring in as little as 85 days. The approximate 0.5 wt% moisture level was found to result in an initial relative humidity of ~55% within the small-scale vessels. Pits were found to be associated with cracks and appeared to act as initiators for the cracking. In a vapor-space only exposure, the weld oxide, which results from the TIG closure weld used to fabricate the teardrop coupon, was also shown to be more susceptible to pitting corrosion than a surface free from weld oxide. This result has important implications for the closure weld of the 3013 inner can since the weld oxide on the can internal surface cannot be removed. The results from the Phase II, Series 2 tests further demonstrated the significance of forming a solution with a critical chloride concentration for corrosion to proceed. 304L teardrop coupons were found to corrode only by pitting with a similar oxide/salt mixture as used in Series 1 testing but with a lower water loading of 0.2 wt%, which resulted in an initial relative humidity of 35-38%. These tests ran twice as long as those for Series 1 testing. The exposure condition was also found to impact the corrosion with salt-exposed surfaces showing lower corrosion resistance. Additional analyses of the Series 2 coupons are recommended especially for determining if cracks emanate from the bottom of pits. Data generated under the 2009 3013 corrosion test plan, as was presented here, increased the understanding of the corrosion process within a sealed 3013 container. Along with the corrosion data from destructive evaluations of 3013 containers, the inner can closure weld region (ICCWR) has been identified as the most vulnerable area of the inner can where corrosion may lead to corrosive species leaking to the interior surface of the outer container, thereby jeopardizing the integrity of the 3013 container. A new corrosion plan has been designed that will characterize the corrosion at the ICCWR of 3013 DEs as well as parameters affecting this corrosion.« less

Distribution and mobility of lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and antimony (Sb) from ammunition residues on shooting ranges for small arms located on mires.

PubMed

Mariussen, Espen; Johnsen, Ida Vaa; Strømseng, Arnljot Einride

2017-04-01

An environmental survey was performed on shooting ranges for small arms located on minerotrophic mires. The highest mean concentrations of Pb (13 g/kg), Cu (5.2 g/kg), Zn (1.1 g/kg), and Sb (0.83 g/kg) in the top soil were from a range located on a poor minerotrophic and acidic mire. This range had also the highest concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn, and Sb in discharge water (0.18 mg/L Pb, 0.42 mg/L Cu, 0.63 mg/L Zn, and 65 μg/L Sb) and subsurface soil water (2.5 mg/L Pb, 0.9 mg/L Cu, 1.6 mg/L Zn, and 0.15 mg/L Sb). No clear differences in the discharge of ammunition residues between the mires were observed based on the characteristics of the mires. In surface water with high pH (pH ~7), there was a trend with high concentrations of Sb and lower relative concentrations of Cu and Pb. The relatively low concentrations of ammunition residues both in the soil and soil water, 20 cm below the top soil, indicates limited vertical migration in the soil. Channels in the mires, made by plant roots or soil layer of less decomposed materials, may increase the rate of transport of contaminated surface water into deeper soil layers and ground water. A large portion of both Cu and Sb were associated to the oxidizable components in the peat, which may imply that these elements form inner-sphere complexes with organic matter. The largest portion of Pb and Zn were associated with the exchangeable and pH-sensitive components in the peat, which may imply that these elements form outer-sphere complexes with the peat.

DYNAMICS AND ECCENTRICITY FORMATION OF PLANETS IN OGLE-06-109L SYSTEM

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

Wang Su; Zhao Gang; Zhou Jilin, E-mail: zhoujl@nju.edu.c

2009-11-20

Recent observation of the microlensing technique reveals two giant planets at 2.3 AU and 4.6 AU around the star OGLE-06-109L. The eccentricity of the outer planet (e{sub c} ) is estimated to be 0.11{sup +0.17}{sub -0.04}, comparable to that of Saturn (0.01-0.09). The similarities between the OGLE-06-109L system and the solar system indicate that they may have passed through similar histories during their formation stage. In this paper, we investigate the dynamics and formation of the orbital architecture in the OGLE-06-109L system. For the present two planets with their nominal locations, the secular motions are stable as long as theirmore » eccentricities (e{sub b} , e{sub c} ) fulfill e {sup 2} {sub b} + e {sup 2} {sub c} <= 0.3{sup 2}. Earth-size bodies might be formed and are stable in the habitable zone (0.25-0.36 AU) of the system. Three possible scenarios may be accounted for the formation of e{sub b} and e{sub c} : (1) convergent migration of two planets and the 3:1 mean motion resonance (MMR) trapping; (2) planetary scattering; and (3) divergent migration and the 3:1 MMR crossing. As we showed that the probability for the two giant planets in 3:1 MMR is low (approx3%), scenario (1) is less likely. According to models (2) and (3), the final eccentricity of inner planet (e{sub b} ) may oscillate between [0-0.06], comparable to that of Jupiter (0.03-0.06). An inspection of e{sub b} , e{sub c} 's secular motion may be helpful to understand which model is really responsible for the eccentricity formation.« less

Planet population synthesis driven by pebble accretion in cluster environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ndugu, N.; Bitsch, B.; Jurua, E.

2018-02-01

The evolution of protoplanetary discs embedded in stellar clusters depends on the age and the stellar density in which they are embedded. Stellar clusters of young age and high stellar surface density destroy protoplanetary discs by external photoevaporation and stellar encounters. Here, we consider the effect of background heating from newly formed stellar clusters on the structure of protoplanetary discs and how it affects the formation of planets in these discs. Our planet formation model is built on the core accretion scenario, where we take the reduction of the core growth time-scale due to pebble accretion into account. We synthesize planet populations that we compare to observations obtained by radial velocity measurements. The giant planets in our simulations migrate over large distances due to the fast type-II migration regime induced by a high disc viscosity (α = 5.4 × 10-3). Cold Jupiters (rp > 1 au) originate preferably from the outer disc, due to the large-scale planetary migration, while hot Jupiters (rp < 0.1 au) preferably form in the inner disc. We find that the formation of gas giants via pebble accretion is in agreement with the metallicity correlation, meaning that more gas giants are formed at larger metallicity. However, our synthetic population of isolated stars host a significant amount of giant planets even at low metallicity, in contradiction to observations where giant planets are preferably found around high metallicity stars, indicating that pebble accretion is very efficient in the standard pebble accretion framework. On the other hand, discs around stars embedded in cluster environments hardly form any giant planets at low metallicity in agreement with observations, where these changes originate from the increased temperature in the outer parts of the disc, which prolongs the core accretion time-scale of the planet. We therefore conclude that the outer disc structure and the planet's formation location determines the giant planet occurrence rate and the formation efficiency of cold and hot Jupiters.

Transesterification of plant oils using Staphylococcus haemolyticus L62 lipase displayed on Escherichia coli cell surface using the OmpA signal peptide and EstAβ8 anchoring motif.

PubMed

Jo, Jin Chul; Kim, Soon-Ja; Kim, Hyung Kwoun

2014-12-01

Staphylococcus haemolyticus L62 (SHL62) lipase was displayed on the outer membrane of Escherichia coli using the OmpA signal peptide and the autotransporter EstAβ8 protein. Localization of SHL62 lipase on the outer membrane of E. coli was confirmed using immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry analysis. Lipase activity of the displayed SHL62 lipase was also measured using spectrophotometry and pH titration. SHL62 lipase activity of whole cells reached 2.0U/ml culture (OD600nm of 10) when it was measured by the p-nitrophenyl caprylate assay after being induced with 1mM IPTG for 24h. The optimum temperature and pH for the lipase was 45°C and 10, respectively. Furthermore, it maintained more than 90% of maximum lipase activity at up to 50°C and in a pH range of 5-9. The hydrolytic activity assay conduted with various substrates confirmed that p-nitrophenyl caprylate and corn oil were preferred substrates among various synthetic and natural substrates, respectively. The displayed SHL62 lipase produced fatty acid esters from various alcohols and plant oils through transesterification. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Is "black geode" sign a characteristic MRI finding for extracranial schwannomas?

PubMed

Kato, Hiroki; Kanematsu, Masayuki; Ohno, Takatoshi; Nishimoto, Yutaka; Oshima, Koji; Hirose, Yoshinobu; Nishibori, Hironori

2013-04-01

To evaluate whether the "black geode" sign is a characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) finding for extracranial schwannomas. Forty-three patients with pathologically confirmed extracranial schwannomas underwent preoperative gadolinium-enhanced MRI. The black geode sign was defined as the appearance of enhanced outer and inner rings. MR images were retrospectively reviewed for size, configuration, and signal intensity of the lesions in addition to the presence of the black geode sign. Gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images revealed the black geode sign in seven of 43 patients (16%). The thickness of inner rings (mean 0.6 cm, range 0.3-0.8 cm) was significantly greater than that of outer rings (mean 0.2 cm, range 0.1-0.3 cm) (P < 0.01). While outer rings were circular or elliptical in shape with smooth contours, inner rings had a lobular configuration with irregular thickness and contours. The degrees of enhancement were significantly stronger with inner rings than with outer rings (P < 0.01). In histopathological correlation of five patients who underwent total excision, inner and outer rings corresponded to peridegenerative areas and fibrous capsules, respectively. The black geode sign may be fairly specific to extracranial schwannomas on gadolinium-enhanced MR images. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lumley decomposition of turbulent boundary layer at high Reynolds numbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tutkun, Murat; George, William K.

2017-02-01

The decomposition proposed by Lumley in 1966 is applied to a high Reynolds number turbulent boundary layer. The experimental database was created by a hot-wire rake of 143 probes in the Laboratoire de Mécanique de Lille wind tunnel. The Reynolds numbers based on momentum thickness (Reθ) are 9800 and 19 100. Three-dimensional decomposition is performed, namely, proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) in the inhomogeneous and bounded wall-normal direction, Fourier decomposition in the homogeneous spanwise direction, and Fourier decomposition in time. The first POD modes in both cases carry nearly 50% of turbulence kinetic energy when the energy is integrated over Fourier dimensions. The eigenspectra always peak near zero frequency and most of the large scale, energy carrying features are found at the low end of the spectra. The spanwise Fourier mode which has the largest amount of energy is the first spanwise mode and its symmetrical pair. Pre-multiplied eigenspectra have only one distinct peak and it matches the secondary peak observed in the log-layer of pre-multiplied velocity spectra. Energy carrying modes obtained from the POD scale with outer scaling parameters. Full or partial reconstruction of turbulent velocity signal based only on energetic modes or non-energetic modes revealed the behaviour of urms in distinct regions across the boundary layer. When urms is based on energetic reconstruction, there exists (a) an exponential decay from near wall to log-layer, (b) a constant layer through the log-layer, and (c) another exponential decay in the outer region. The non-energetic reconstruction reveals that urms has (a) an exponential decay from the near-wall to the end of log-layer and (b) a constant layer in the outer region. Scaling of urms using the outer parameters is best when both energetic and non-energetic profiles are combined.

Validation and real-world assessment of the Functional Assessment of Anorexia-Cachexia Therapy (FAACT) scale in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and the cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS).

PubMed

LeBlanc, Thomas W; Samsa, Greg P; Wolf, Steven P; Locke, Susan C; Cella, David F; Abernethy, Amy P

2015-08-01

Patients with cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS) suffer a significant symptom burden, impaired quality of life (QoL), and shorter survival. Measurement of QoL impairments related to CACS is thereby important both in clinical practice and in research. We aimed to further validate the Functional Assessment of Anorexia-Cachexia Therapy (FAACT) scale in an advanced lung cancer population. We tested the performance of the FAACT and its anorexia-cachexia subscale (ACS) within a dataset of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC), using standard statistical methods. We then compared the performance of commonly used QoL measures stratified by CACS status and by patient self-report of appetite and weight loss. The FAACT and its ACS demonstrate internal validity consistent with acceptable published ranges for other QoL scales (Cronbach alpha = 0.9 and 0.79, respectively). Correlation coefficients demonstrate moderate correlations in the expected directions between FAACT and ACS and scales that measure related constructs. Comparing patients with and without CACS, the ACS is more sensitive to change than other QoL instruments (mean score 33.1 vs. 37.2, p = 0.011, ES = 0.58). In patients with aNSCLC, the FAACT and its ACS performed well compared with other instruments, further supporting their validity and value in clinical research. FAACT and ACS scores covaried with symptoms and other QoL changes that are typical hallmarks of CACS, lending further support to their use as QoL endpoints in clinical trials among patients with CACS.

Global Images of Trapped Ring Current Ions During Main Phase of 17 March 2015 Geomagnetic Storm as Observed by TWINS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perez, J. D.; Goldstein, J.; McComas, D. J.; Valek, P.; Fok, Mei-Ching; Hwang, Kyoung-Joo

2016-01-01

A unique view of the trapped particles in the inner magnetosphere provided by energetic neutral atom (ENA) imaging is used to observe the dynamics of the spatial structure and the pitch angle anisotropy on a global scale during the last 6 h of the main phase of a large geomagnetic storm (minimum SYM-H 230 nT) that began on 17 March 2015. Ion flux and pressure anisotropy obtained from Two Wide-angle Imaging Neutral-atom Spectrometers (TWINS) ENA images are shown. The ion flux shows two peaks, an inner one at approximately radii 34 RE in the dusk-to-midnight sector and an outer peak at radii 89 RE prior to midnight. The inner peak is relatively stationary during the entire period with some intensification during the final steep decline in SYM-H to its minimum. The outer peak shows the significant temporal variation brightening and dimming and finally disappearing at the end of the main phase. The pressure anisotropy shows the expected perpendicular pitch angles inside of L 6 but shows parallel pitch angles at greater L values. This is interpreted as consistent with pitch angle-dependent drift as modeled in the Tsy05 magnetic field and Comprehensive Inner Magnetosphere-Ionosphere simulations. The TWINS results are compared directly with Radiation Belt Storm Probes Ion Composition Experiment (RBSPICE)-A measurements. Using 15 min snapshots of flux and pressure anisotropy from TWINS along the path of RBSPICE-A during the 6 h focused upon in this study, the essential features displayed in the TWINS global images are supported.

Solar wind velocity and temperature in the outer heliosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gazis, P. R.; Barnes, A.; Mihalov, J. D.; Lazarus, A. J.

1994-01-01

At the end of 1992, the Pioneer 10, Pioneer 11, and Voyager 2 spacecraft were at heliocentric distances of 56.0, 37.3, and 39.0 AU and heliographic latitudes of 3.3 deg N, 17.4 deg N, and 8.6 deg S, respectively. Pioneer 11 and Voyager 2 are at similar celestial longitudes, while Pioneer 10 is on the opposite side of the Sun. All three spacecraft have working plasma analyzers, so intercomparison of data from these spacecraft provides important information about the global character of the solar wind in the outer heliosphere. The averaged solar wind speed continued to exhibit its well-known variation with solar cycle: Even at heliocentric distances greater than 50 AU, the average speed is highest during the declining phase of the solar cycle and lowest near solar minimum. There was a strong latitudinal gradient in solar wind speed between 3 deg and 17 deg N during the last solar minimum, but this gradient has since disappeared. The solar wind temperature declined with increasing heliocentric distance out to a heliocentric distance of at least 20 AU; this decline appeared to continue at larger heliocentric distances, but temperatures in the outer heliosphere were suprisingly high. While Pioneer 10 and Voyager 2 observed comparable solar wind temperatures, the temperature at Pioneer 11 was significantly higher, which suggests the existence of a large-scale variation of temperature with heliographic longitude. There was also some suggestion that solar wind temperatures were higher near solar minimum.

Detailed Structure of the Outer Disk Around HD 169142 with Polarized Light in H-band

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Momose, Munetake; Morita, Ayaka; Fukagawa, Misato; Muto, Takayuki; Takeuchi, Taku; Hashimoto, Jun; Honda, Mitsuhiko; Kudo, Tomoyuki; Okamoto, Yoshiko K.; Kanagawa, Kazuhiro D.;

Quantitative evaluation of bone development of the distal phalanx of the cow hind limb using computed tomography.

PubMed

Tsuka, T; Ooshita, K; Sugiyama, A; Osaki, T; Okamoto, Y; Minami, S; Imagawa, T

2012-01-01

Computed tomography (CT) was performed on 400 claws (200 inner and 200 outer claws) of 100 pairs of bovine hind limbs to investigate the etiological theory that an exacerbating factor for ulceration is exostosis of the tuberculum flexorium within the distal phalanx. A variety of morphological changes of the tuberculum flexorium of bovine hind limb claws was visualized by 3-dimensional CT, and the geometry of these claws suggested a growth pattern of bone development with respect to the assumed daily loading patterns. This growth occurs initially at the abaxial caudal aspect of the distal phalanx and is followed by horizontal progression toward the axial aspect. The length of downward bone development on the solar face of the distal phalanx was 2.73±1.32 mm in the outer claws, significantly greater than in the inner claws (2.38±0.96 mm). Ratios of downward (vertical) bone development to the thickness of the subcutis and the corium (VerBD ratios) did not differ between the outer and inner claws (36.7 vs. 38.3%, respectively). Ratios of horizontal bone development to the axial-to-abaxial line of the tuberculum flexorium (HorBD ratios) were approximately 60% for both outer and inner claws. These quantitative measures regarding horizontal and vertical bone development within the distal phalanx were positively correlated with age and VerBD ratios (r=0.53 and r=0.36 for the inner and outer claws, respectively). Correlations between claw width of the outer claw and length of vertical bone development (r=0.43), the HorBD ratio (r=0.51), and the VerBD ratio (r=0.42) suggested that the relative size difference between the inner and outer claws enhances bone development in the outer claw. Correlation coefficients between VerBD and HorBD ratios (r=0.52 and 0.63 for the inner and outer claws, respectively) suggested that horizontal and vertical bone development occurs as a synchronized process within the tuberculum flexorium. This age-related progress of bone development within the tuberculum flexorium is associated with increased exposure to several exacerbating factors and the laminitic process. Copyright © 2012 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Preparation of clenbuterol imprinted monolithic polymer with hydrophilic outer layers by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer radical polymerization and its application in the clenbuterol determination from human serum by on-line solid-phase extraction/HPLC analysis.

PubMed

Li, Xiaobing; Zhou, Man; Turson, Mamat; Lin, Shen; Jiang, Ping; Dong, Xiangchao

2013-05-21

A novel imprinted monolithic material with the ability of protein exclusion was developed for the selective extraction of clenbuterol (CLE) from biological samples by direct injection in the HPLC analysis. The material has an imprinted inner structure and hydrophilic outer layer. The reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization was employed in the material preparation by a two-step procedure. In the first step, clenbuterol imprinted monolithic polymer was synthesized by combining the molecular imprinting and the RAFT polymerization techniques. The resulting monolithic polymer has a RAFT chain transfer agent (trithioester groups) in its structure, which was used to graft poly(glycerol mono-methacrylate) [pGMMA] in the second step by post-RAFT polymerization. The hydrophilic pGMMA layers grafted on the surface of the imprinted monolith created barriers for protein diffusion. More than 90% of bovine serum albumin can be excluded from the pGMMA coated monolithic column. Meanwhile the clenbuterol was retained selectively with a large retention factor. The result indicated that the column, denoted as RA-MIM, has both the merits of a molecularly imprinted polymer and restricted access material. By using RA-MIM as the solid-phase extraction pre-column, an on-line column-switching HPLC method for the determination of clenbuterol in human serum has been established and validated. The recoveries of clenbuterol from the serum were 87.3-96.9% in the spiked level 2-1000 ng mL(-1). Both good linearity (R = 0.999) and acceptable reproducibility (RSD < 7.0%) were obtained. The limit of detection and the limit of quantitation were 0.7 ng mL(-1) and 2.0 ng mL(-1) respectively, which is sensitive in terms of UV detection. The results have demonstrated that the RAFT polymerization can be used to synthesize bi-functional monolithic columns by using its living reaction property. The resulting RA-MIM in this research can be used for efficient clenbuterol determination by HPLC from biological samples.

On Shocks Driven by High-mass Planets in Radiatively Inefficient Disks. III. Observational Signatures in Thermal Emission and Scattered Light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hord, Blake; Lyra, Wladimir; Flock, Mario; Turner, Neal J.; Mac Low, Mordecai-Mark

2017-11-01

Recent observations of the protoplanetary disk around the Herbig Be star HD 100546 show two bright features in infrared (H and {L}{\\prime } bands) at about 50 au,with one so far unexplained. We explore the observational signatures of a high-mass planet causing shock heating in order to determine if it could be the source of the unexplained infrared feature in HD 100546. More fundamentally, we identify and characterize planetary shocks as an extra, hitherto ignored, source of luminosity in transition disks. The RADMC-3D code is used to perform dust radiative transfer calculations on the hydrodynamical disk models, including volumetric heating. A stronger shock heating rate by a factor of 20 would be necessary to qualitatively reproduce the morphology of the second infrared source. Instead, we find that the outer edge of the gap carved by the planet heats up by about 50% relative to the initial reference temperature, which leads to an increase in the scale height. The bulge is illuminated by the central star, producing a lopsided feature in scattered light, as the outer gap edge shows an asymmetry in density and temperature attributable to a secondary spiral arm launched not from the Lindblad resonances but from the 2:1 resonance. We conclude that high-mass planets lead to shocks in disks that may be directly observed, particularly at wavelengths of 10 μm or longer, but that they are more likely to reveal their presence in scattered light by puffing up their outer gap edges and exciting multiple spiral arms.

Role of demographic and job-related variables in determining work-related quality of life of hospital employees

PubMed Central

Shukla, K; Shahane, S; D’Souza, W

2017-01-01

Background: Considering a huge working population in health sector faced with stressful work life, limited autonomy in work and declining work contentment calls for an overemphasis on evaluating and monitoring their satisfaction associated with work-related quality of life (WRQoL). This study evaluates WRQoL of hospital employees and validates the bilingual (English and Marathi) version of WRQoL scale. Methods: The study was conducted during March–April’2014 on employees of a corporate hospital of Pune, India after ethical approval and informed consent from employees. The bilingual WRQoL scale has been tested for reliability and validity, and WRQoL scores have been reported. Results: A total of 132 hospital employees (mean age 31 [±8] years, 55% males) who participated in the study reported overall moderate WRQoL scores. The scale showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.82, P < 0.0001) and moderate to high validity. WRQoL did not significantly vary across marital status, family size, and gender. “Stress at work” score of WRQoL increased with age of employees. Higher work experience, employment at higher positions and those working in clinical and diagnostic departments reported a higher WRQoL. Conclusion: WRQoL scale is a reliable and valid instrument. Better WRQoL in employees placed in higher organizational positions indicates a need for focused measures to enhance WRQoL of employees in lower hierarchical levels, especially in control at work and home life interface domains. WRQoL needs regular monitoring for employees in lower positions and aging employees. PMID:27779152

Psychometric properties of HeartQoL, a core heart disease-specific health-related quality of life questionnaire, in Danish implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients.

PubMed

Zangger, Graziella; Zwisler, Ann-Dorthe; Kikkenborg Berg, Selina; Kristensen, Marie S; Grønset, Charlotte N; Uddin, Jamal; Pedersen, Susanne S; Oldridge, Neil B; Thygesen, Lau C

2018-01-01

Background Patient-reported health-related quality of life is increasingly used as an outcome measure in clinical trials and as a performance measure to evaluate quality of care. The objective of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Danish HeartQoL questionnaire, a core heart disease-specific health-related quality of life questionnaire, in implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients. Design This study involved cross-sectional and test-retest study designs. Method Implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients in the cross-sectional study completed the HeartQoL, the Short-Form 36 Health Survey, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The HeartQoL structure, construct-related validity (convergent and discriminative) and reliability (internal consistency) were assessed. HeartQoL reproducibility (test-retest) was assessed in an independent sample of implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients. Results Mokken scale analysis supported the bi-dimensional structure of HeartQoL among 358 implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients. Convergent ( r > 0.72) and discriminative validity were confirmed. The HeartQoL scales demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha > 0.90). Test-retest reliability (two weeks interval) was assessed in 89 implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients and found to be acceptable for each scale (intra-class correlation > 0.90). Conclusion The Danish HeartQoL questionnaire demonstrated satisfactory key psychometric attributes of validity and reliability in this implantable cardioverter defibrillator population. This study adds support for the HeartQoL as a core heart-specific health-related quality of life questionnaire in a broad group of patients with heart disease including implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients.

Effect of silicon on wheat seedlings (Triticum turgidum L.) grown in hydroponics and exposed to 0 to 30 µM Cu.

PubMed

Keller, C; Rizwan, M; Davidian, J-C; Pokrovsky, O S; Bovet, N; Chaurand, P; Meunier, J-D

2015-04-01

Aqueous Si limits Cu uptake by a Si-accumulating plant via physicochemical mechanisms occurring at the root level. Sufficient Si supply may alleviate Cu toxicity in Cu-contaminated soils. Little information is available on the role of silicon (Si) in copper (Cu) tolerance while Cu toxicity is widespread in crops grown on Cu-contaminated soils. A hydroponic study was set up to investigate the influence of Si on Cu tolerance in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) grown in 0, 0.7, 7.0 and 30 µM Cu without and with 1.0 mM Si, and to identify the mechanisms involved in mitigation of Cu toxicity. Si supply alleviated Cu toxicity in durum wheat at 30 µM Cu, while Cu significantly increased Si concentration in roots. Root length, photosynthetic pigments concentrations, macroelements, and organic anions (malate, acetate and aconitate) in roots, were also increased. Desorption experiments, XPS analysis of the outer thin root surface (≤100 Å) and µXRF analyses showed that Si increased adsorption of Cu at the root surface as well as Cu accumulation in the epidermis while Cu was localised in the central cylinder when Si was not applied. Copper was not detected in phytoliths. This study provides evidences for Si-mediated alleviation of Cu toxicity in durum wheat. It also shows that Si supplementation to plants exposed to increasing levels of Cu in solution induces non-simultaneous changes in physiological parameters. We propose a three-step mechanism occurring mainly at the root level and limiting Cu uptake and translocation to shoots: (i) increased Cu adsorption onto the outer thin layer root surface and immobilisation in the vicinity of root epidermis, (ii) increased Cu complexation by both inorganic and organic anions such as aconitate and, (iii) limitation of translocation through an enhanced thickening of a Si-loaded endodermis.

Impact of Radiation-Induced Xerostomia on Quality of Life After Primary Radiotherapy Among Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

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

Jellema, Anke Petra; Department of Radiation Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam; Slotman, Ben J.

2007-11-01

Purpose: To investigate the impact of xerostomia on overall quality of life (QoL) outcome and related dimensions among head and neck cancer patients treated with primary radiotherapy. Methods and Materials: A total of 288 patients with Stage I-IV disease without distant metastases were included. Late xerostomia according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG-xerostomia) and QoL (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLC-C30) were assessed at baseline and every 6th month from 6 months to 24 months after radiotherapy. Results: A significant association was found between RTOG-xerostomia and overall QoL outcome (effect size [ES] 0.07, p < 0.001).more » A significant relationship with global QoL, all functioning scales, and fatigue and insomnia was observed. A significant interaction term was present between RTOG-xerostomia and gender and between RTOG-xerostomia and age. In terms of gender, RTOG-xerostomia had a larger impact on overall QoL outcome in women (ES 0.13 for women vs. 0.07 for men). Furthermore, in women ES on individual scales were larger, and a marked worsening was observed with increasing RTOG-xerostomia. No different ES according to age was seen (ES 0.10 for 18-65 years vs. 0.08 for >65 years). An analysis of the impact of RTOG-xerostomia on overall QoL outcome over time showed an increase from 0.09 at 6 months to 0.22 at 24 months. With elapsing time, a worsening was found for these individual scales with increasing RTOG-xerostomia. Conclusions: The results of this prospective study are the first to show a significant impact of radiation-induced xerostomia on QoL. Although the incidence of Grade {>=}2 RTOG-xerostomia decreases with time, its impact on QoL increases. This finding emphasizes the importance of prevention of xerostomia.« less

Large-Scale Structure Behind The Milky Way with ALFAZOA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanchez Barrantes, Monica; Henning, Patricia A.; Momjian, Emmanuel; McIntyre, Travis; Minchin, Robert F.

2018-06-01

The region of the sky behind the Milky Way (the Zone of Avoidance; ZOA) is not well studied due to high obscuration from gas and dust in our galaxy as well as stellar confusion, which results in low detection rate of galaxies in this region. Because of this, little is known about the distribution of galaxies in the ZOA, and other all sky redshift surveys have incomplete maps (e.g. the 2MASS Redshift survey in NIR has a gap of 5-8 deg around the Galactic plane). There is still controversy about the dipole anisotropy calculated from the comparison between the CMB and galaxy and redshift surveys, in part due to the incomplete sky mapping and redshift depth of these surveys. Fortunately, there is no ZOA at radio wavelengths because such wavelengths can pass unimpeded through dust and are not affected by stellar confusion. Therefore, we can detect and make a map of the distribution of obscured galaxies that contain the 21cm neutral hydrogen emission line, and trace the large-scale structure across the Galactic plane. The Arecibo L-Band Feed Array Zone of Avoidance (ALFAZOA) survey is a blind HI survey for galaxies behind the Milky Way that covers more than 1000 square degrees of the sky, conducted in two phases: shallow (completed) and deep (ongoing). We show the results of the finished shallow phase of the survey, which mapped a region between the galactic longitude l=30-75 deg, and latitude b <|10 deg|, and detected 418 galaxies to about 12,000 km/s, including galaxy properties and mapped large-scale structure. We do the same for new results from the deep phase, which is ongoing and covers 30 < l < 75 deg and b < |2| deg for the inner galaxy and 175 < l < 207 deg, with -2 < b < 1 for the outer galaxy.

Modifications of W and Mo leading edges under plasma loads in DIII-D divertor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rudakov, D. L.; Bykov, I.; Moyer, R. A.; Abrams, T.; Chrobak, C. P.; Guo, H. Y.; Stahl, B.; Thomas, D. M.; Barton, J. L.; Nygren, R. E.; Watkins, J. G.; Lasnier, C. J.; Litnovsky, Andrey; Stangeby, P. C.; Unterberg, E. A.

2017-10-01

Cracking and melting of W and Mo leading edges were observed in the lower divertor of DIII-D during experiments with intentionally misaligned W monoblocks (MBs) and in the course of the Metal Rings Campaign involving W-coated Mo tile inserts (TIs). MBs were exposed near the attached outer strike point during deuterium and helium L- and H-mode discharges using DiMES. Two of the MBs were misaligned by 0.3 mm and 1 mm, forming leading edges. Particulate ejection from a 1 mm leading edge was observed during the exposure, and evidence of melting and cracking was found post mortem. Two toroidal rings of TIs were installed in the lower outer divertor, the inner one at the floor and the outer one at the shelf. The floor TIs bowed during plasma exposure forming leading edges up to 1.2 mm high; about 40% of these edges experienced melting. Re-solidified melt layers up to 1 mm thick were observed, their shape being consistent with motion in the jx B direction with j driven by electron emission. Work supported by US DOE under DE-FC02-04ER54698, DE-FG02-07ER54917, DE-AC04-94AL85000, DE-AC52-07NA27344, and DE-AC05-00OR22725.

Characterization of radiation belt electron energy spectra from CRRES observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnston, W. R.; Lindstrom, C. D.; Ginet, G. P.

2010-12-01

Energetic electrons in the outer radiation belt and the slot region exhibit a wide variety of energy spectral forms, more so than radiation belt protons. We characterize the spatial and temporal dependence of these forms using observations from the CRRES satellite Medium Electron Sensor A (MEA) and High-Energy Electron Fluxmeter (HEEF) instruments, together covering an energy range 0.15-8 MeV. Spectra were classified with two independent methods, data clustering and curve-fitting analyses, in each case defining categories represented by power law, exponential, and bump-on-tail (BOT) or other complex shapes. Both methods yielded similar results, with BOT, exponential, and power law spectra respectively dominating in the slot region, outer belt, and regions just beyond the outer belt. The transition from exponential to power law spectra occurs at higher L for lower magnetic latitude. The location of the transition from exponential to BOT spectra is highly correlated with the location of the plasmapause. In the slot region during the days following storm events, electron spectra were observed to evolve from exponential to BOT yielding differential flux minima at 350-650 keV and maxima at 1.5-2 MeV; such evolution has been attributed to energy-dependent losses from scattering by whistler hiss.

Manufacturing demonstration of microbially mediated zinc sulfide nanoparticles in pilot-plant scale reactors

DOE PAGES

Moon, Ji-Won; Phelps, Tommy J.; Fitzgerald Jr, Curtis L.; ...

2016-04-27

The thermophilic anaerobic metal-reducing bacterium Thermoanaerobacter sp. X513 efficiently produces zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles (NPs) in laboratory-scale ( ≤24-L) reactors. To determine whether this process can be up-scaled and adapted for pilot-plant production while maintaining NP yield and quality, a series of meso-scale experiments were performed using 100-l and 900-l reactors. Pasteurization and N 2-sparging replaced autoclaving and boiling for deoxygenating media in the transition from small-scale to pilot-plant reactors. Consecutive 100-L batches using new or recycled media produced ZnS NPs with highly reproducible ~2 nm average crystallite size (ACS) and yields of ~0.5g L -1, similar to small-scale batches.more » The 900-L pilot plant reactor produced ~ 320 g ZnS without process optimization or replacement of used medium; this quantity would be sufficient to form a ZnS thin film with ~120 nm thickness over 0.5 m width 13 km length. At all scales, the bacteria produced significant amounts of acetic, lactic and formic acids, which could be neutralized by the controlled addition of sodium hydroxide without the use of an organic pH buffer, eliminating 98% of the buffer chemical costs. In conclusion, the final NP products were characterized using XRD, ICP-OES, FTIR, DLS, and C/N analyses, which confirmed the growth medium without organic buffer enhanced the ZnS NP properties by reducing carbon and nitrogen surface coatings and supporting better dispersivity with similar ACS.« less

Manufacturing demonstration of microbially mediated zinc sulfide nanoparticles in pilot-plant scale reactors.

PubMed

Moon, Ji-Won; Phelps, Tommy J; Fitzgerald, Curtis L; Lind, Randall F; Elkins, James G; Jang, Gyoung Gug; Joshi, Pooran C; Kidder, Michelle; Armstrong, Beth L; Watkins, Thomas R; Ivanov, Ilia N; Graham, David E

2016-09-01

The thermophilic anaerobic metal-reducing bacterium Thermoanaerobacter sp. X513 efficiently produces zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles (NPs) in laboratory-scale (≤ 24-L) reactors. To determine whether this process can be up-scaled and adapted for pilot-plant production while maintaining NP yield and quality, a series of pilot-plant scale experiments were performed using 100-L and 900-L reactors. Pasteurization and N2-sparging replaced autoclaving and boiling for deoxygenating media in the transition from small-scale to pilot plant reactors. Consecutive 100-L batches using new or recycled media produced ZnS NPs with highly reproducible ~2-nm average crystallite size (ACS) and yields of ~0.5 g L(-1), similar to the small-scale batches. The 900-L pilot plant reactor produced ~320 g ZnS without process optimization or replacement of used medium; this quantity would be sufficient to form a ZnS thin film with ~120 nm thickness over 0.5 m width × 13 km length. At all scales, the bacteria produced significant amounts of acetic, lactic, and formic acids, which could be neutralized by the controlled addition of sodium hydroxide without the use of an organic pH buffer, eliminating 98 % of the buffer chemical costs. The final NP products were characterized using XRD, ICP-OES, TEM, FTIR, PL, DLS, HPLC, and C/N analyses, which confirmed that the growth medium without organic buffer enhanced the ZnS NP properties by reducing carbon and nitrogen surface coatings and supporting better dispersivity with similar ACS.

Tuning energy relaxation along quantum Hall channels.

PubMed

Altimiras, C; le Sueur, H; Gennser, U; Cavanna, A; Mailly, D; Pierre, F

2010-11-26

The chiral edge channels in the quantum Hall regime are considered ideal ballistic quantum channels, and have quantum information processing potentialities. Here, we demonstrate experimentally, at a filling factor of ν(L)=2, the efficient tuning of the energy relaxation that limits quantum coherence and permits the return toward equilibrium. Energy relaxation along an edge channel is controllably enhanced by increasing its transmission toward a floating Ohmic contact, in quantitative agreement with predictions. Moreover, by forming a closed inner edge channel loop, we freeze energy exchanges in the outer channel. This result also elucidates the inelastic mechanisms at work at ν(L)=2, informing us, in particular, that those within the outer edge channel are negligible.

The significance of heterogeneity of evolving scales to transport in porous formations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dagan, Gedeon

1994-12-01

Flow takes place in a heterogeneous formation of spatially variable conductivity, which is modeled as a stationary space random function. To model the variability at the regional scale, the formation is viewed as one of a two-dimensional, horizontal structure. A constant head gradient is applied on the formation boundary such that the flow is uniform in the mean. A plume of inert solute is injected at t = 0 in a volume V0. Under ergodic conditions the plume centroid moves with the constant, mean flow velocity U, and a longitudinal macrodispersion coefficient dL may be defined as half of the time rate of change of the plume second spatial moment with respect to the centroid. For a log-conductivity covariance CY of finite integral scale I, at first order in the variance σY2 and for a travel distance L = Ut ≫ I, dL → σY2UI and transport is coined as Fickian. Ergodicity of the moments is ensured if l ≫ I, where l is the initial plume scale. Some field observations have suggested that heterogeneity may be of evolving scales and that the macrodispersion coefficient may grow with L without reaching a constant limit (anomalous diffusion). To model such a behavior, previous studies have assumed that CY is stationary but of unbounded integral scale with CY ˜ arβ (-1 < β < 0) for large lag r. Under ergodic conditions, it was found that asymptotically dL ˜ aUL1+β, i.e., non-Fickian behavior and anomalous dispersion. The present study claims that an ergodic behavior is not possible for a given finite plume of initial size l, since the basic requirement that l ≫ I cannot be satisfied for CY of unbounded scale. For instance, the centroid does not move any more with U but is random (Figure 1), owing to the large-scale heterogeneity. In such a situation the actual effective dispersion coefficient DL is defined as half the rate of change of the mean second spatial moment with respect to the plume centroid in each realization. This is the accessible entity in a given experiment. We show that in contrast with dL, the behavior of DL is controlled by l and it has the Fickian limit DL ˜ aUl1+β (Figure 3). We also discuss the case in which Y is of stationary increments and is characterized by its variogram γy. Then U and dL can be defined only if γY is truncated (equivalently, an "infrared cutoff" is carried out in the spectrum of Y). However, for a bounded U it is shown that DL depends only on γY. Furthermore, for γY = arβ, DL ˜ aUl2Lβ-1; i.e., dispersion is Fickian for 0 < β < 1, whereas for 1 < β < 2, transport is non-Fickian. Since β < 2, DL cannot grow faster than L = Ut. This is in contrast with a recently proposed model (Neuman, 1990) in which the dispersion coefficient is independent of the plume size and it grows approximately like L1.5.

The large-scale modulation of cosmic rays in mid-1982: Its dependence on heliospheric longitude and radius

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pyle, K. R.; Simpson, J. A.

1985-01-01

Near solar maximum, a series of large radial solar wind shocks in June and July 1982 provided a unique opportunity to study the solar modulation of galactic cosmic rays with an array of spacecraft widely separated both in heliocentric radius and longitude. By eliminating hysteresis effects it is possible to begin to separate radial and azimuthal effects in the outer heliosphere. On the large scale, changes in modulation (both the increasing and recovery phases) propagate outward at close to the solar wind velocity, except for the near-term effects of solar wind shocks, which may propagate at a significantly higher velocity. In the outer heliosphere, azimuthal effects are small in comparison with radial effects for large-scale modulation at solar maximum.

Temporal variation and trends of inorganic nutrients in the coastal upwelling of the NW Spain (Atlantic Galician rías)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doval, M. D.; López, A.; Madriñán, M.

2016-02-01

The temporal variability of inorganic nutrients (nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, phosphate and silicate) in five coastal upwelling Galician rías (Ría de Vigo, Ría de Pontevedra, Ría de Arousa, Ría de Muros and Ría de Ares-Betanzos) was assessed by considering biweekly values at 10 oceanographic stations for the decade 2002-2011. The long trends (1993-2011) of biweekly and annual average series for one station (mouth of Ría de Arousa, A0) were compared with decadal trends. A marked seasonal variability in all surface inorganic nutrients was observed. The average of the ten annual cycles (2002-2011) of each variable was calculated in order to obtain the average seasonal cycles. Maximum surface values occurred from the end of October to the end of February (8-24 μmol L- 1 dissolved inorganic nitrogen, 5-22 μmol L- 1 silicate and 0.5-1.8 μmol L- 1 phosphate). Minimum surface values (0.9-3.0 μmol L- 1 dissolved inorganic nitrogen, 0.6-2.5 μmol L- 1 silicate and 0.15-0.6 μmol L- 1 phosphate) detected from the beginning of May to the end of September. The highest nutrient concentrations (> 35%) recorded in the inner stations (V3, P3, A3, M2 and L3), as compared to the outer stations (V5, P4, A0, M5 and L1), indicated a more estuarine behaviour of these areas. Trends of the deseasonalised nutrient data were highly dependent on factors as length of the series, the initial year and the time integration period considered. The results found for these trends should be taken with caution due to the change in the sign of the slopes and the moderate accuracy of the models. Considering the variables whose trends did not change sign, ammonium and silicate showed a slightly positive trend for the biweekly-averaged series in A0 station during the periods 2002-2011 and 1993-2011.

Concerted loop motion triggers induced fit of FepA to ferric enterobactin

PubMed Central

Smallwood, Chuck R.; Jordan, Lorne; Trinh, Vy; Schuerch, Daniel W.; Gala, Amparo; Hanson, Mathew; Shipelskiy, Yan; Majumdar, Aritri; Newton, Salete M.C.

2014-01-01

Spectroscopic analyses of fluorophore-labeled Escherichia coli FepA described dynamic actions of its surface loops during binding and transport of ferric enterobactin (FeEnt). When FeEnt bound to fluoresceinated FepA, in living cells or outer membrane fragments, quenching of fluorophore emissions reflected conformational motion of the external vestibular loops. We reacted Cys sulfhydryls in seven surface loops (L2, L3, L4, L5, L7 L8, and L11) with fluorophore maleimides. The target residues had different accessibilities, and the labeled loops themselves showed variable extents of quenching and rates of motion during ligand binding. The vestibular loops closed around FeEnt in about a second, in the order L3 > L11 > L7 > L2 > L5 > L8 > L4. This sequence suggested that the loops bind the metal complex like the fingers of two hands closing on an object, by individually adsorbing to the iron chelate. Fluorescence from L3 followed a biphasic exponential decay as FeEnt bound, but fluorescence from all the other loops followed single exponential decay processes. After binding, the restoration of fluorescence intensity (from any of the labeled loops) mirrored cellular uptake that depleted FeEnt from solution. Fluorescence microscopic images also showed FeEnt transport, and demonstrated that ferric siderophore uptake uniformly occurs throughout outer membrane, including at the poles of the cells, despite the fact that TonB, its inner membrane transport partner, was not detectable at the poles. PMID:24981231

Concerted loop motion triggers induced fit of FepA to ferric enterobactin.

PubMed

Smallwood, Chuck R; Jordan, Lorne; Trinh, Vy; Schuerch, Daniel W; Gala, Amparo; Hanson, Mathew; Hanson, Matthew; Shipelskiy, Yan; Majumdar, Aritri; Newton, Salete M C; Klebba, Phillip E

2014-07-01

Spectroscopic analyses of fluorophore-labeled Escherichia coli FepA described dynamic actions of its surface loops during binding and transport of ferric enterobactin (FeEnt). When FeEnt bound to fluoresceinated FepA, in living cells or outer membrane fragments, quenching of fluorophore emissions reflected conformational motion of the external vestibular loops. We reacted Cys sulfhydryls in seven surface loops (L2, L3, L4, L5, L7 L8, and L11) with fluorophore maleimides. The target residues had different accessibilities, and the labeled loops themselves showed variable extents of quenching and rates of motion during ligand binding. The vestibular loops closed around FeEnt in about a second, in the order L3 > L11 > L7 > L2 > L5 > L8 > L4. This sequence suggested that the loops bind the metal complex like the fingers of two hands closing on an object, by individually adsorbing to the iron chelate. Fluorescence from L3 followed a biphasic exponential decay as FeEnt bound, but fluorescence from all the other loops followed single exponential decay processes. After binding, the restoration of fluorescence intensity (from any of the labeled loops) mirrored cellular uptake that depleted FeEnt from solution. Fluorescence microscopic images also showed FeEnt transport, and demonstrated that ferric siderophore uptake uniformly occurs throughout outer membrane, including at the poles of the cells, despite the fact that TonB, its inner membrane transport partner, was not detectable at the poles. © 2014 Smallwood et al.

30 CFR 256.0 - Authority for information collection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... OF SULPHUR OR OIL AND GAS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF Outer Continental Shelf Oil, Gas, and... part 256, Leasing of Sulphur or Oil and Gas in the Outer Continental Shelf.” (b) MMS collects this...

Multiple loss processes of relativistic electrons outside the heart of outer radiation belt during a storm sudden commencement

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

Yu, J.; Li, L. Y.; Cao, J. B.

By examining the compression-induced changes in the electron phase space density and pitch angle distribution observed by two satellites of Van Allen Probes (RBSP-A/B), we find that the relativistic electrons (>2 MeV) outside the heart of outer radiation belt (L*≥5) undergo multiple losses during a storm sudden commencement. The relativistic electron loss mainly occurs in the field-aligned direction (pitch angle α < 30° or >150°), and the flux decay of the field-aligned electrons is independent of the spatial location variations of the two satellites. However, the relativistic electrons in the pitch angle range of 30°–150° increase (decrease) with the decreasingmore » (increasing) geocentric distance (|ΔL|<0.25) of the RBSP-B (RBSP-A) location, and the electron fluxes in the quasi-perpendicular direction display energy-dispersive oscillations in the Pc5 period range (2–10 min). The relativistic electron loss is confirmed by the decrease of electron phase space density at high-L shell after the magnetospheric compressions, and their loss is associated with the intense plasmaspheric hiss, electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves, relativistic electron precipitation (observed by POES/NOAA satellites at 850 km), and magnetic field fluctuations in the Pc5 band. Finally, the intense EMIC waves and whistler mode hiss jointly cause the rapidly pitch angle scattering loss of the relativistic electrons within 10 h. Moreover, the Pc5 ULF waves also lead to the slowly outward radial diffusion of the relativistic electrons in the high-L region with a negative electron phase space density gradient.« less

Multiple loss processes of relativistic electrons outside the heart of outer radiation belt during a storm sudden commencement

DOE PAGES

Yu, J.; Li, L. Y.; Cao, J. B.; ...

2015-11-10

By examining the compression-induced changes in the electron phase space density and pitch angle distribution observed by two satellites of Van Allen Probes (RBSP-A/B), we find that the relativistic electrons (>2 MeV) outside the heart of outer radiation belt (L*≥5) undergo multiple losses during a storm sudden commencement. The relativistic electron loss mainly occurs in the field-aligned direction (pitch angle α < 30° or >150°), and the flux decay of the field-aligned electrons is independent of the spatial location variations of the two satellites. However, the relativistic electrons in the pitch angle range of 30°–150° increase (decrease) with the decreasingmore » (increasing) geocentric distance (|ΔL|<0.25) of the RBSP-B (RBSP-A) location, and the electron fluxes in the quasi-perpendicular direction display energy-dispersive oscillations in the Pc5 period range (2–10 min). The relativistic electron loss is confirmed by the decrease of electron phase space density at high-L shell after the magnetospheric compressions, and their loss is associated with the intense plasmaspheric hiss, electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves, relativistic electron precipitation (observed by POES/NOAA satellites at 850 km), and magnetic field fluctuations in the Pc5 band. Finally, the intense EMIC waves and whistler mode hiss jointly cause the rapidly pitch angle scattering loss of the relativistic electrons within 10 h. Moreover, the Pc5 ULF waves also lead to the slowly outward radial diffusion of the relativistic electrons in the high-L region with a negative electron phase space density gradient.« less

Excellent amino acid racemization results from Holocene sand dollars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kosnik, M.; Kaufman, D. S.; Kowalewski, M.; Whitacre, K.

2015-12-01

Amino acid racemization (AAR) is widely used as a cost-effective method to date molluscs in time-averaging and taphonomic studies, but it has not been attempted for echinoderms despite their paleobiological importance. Here we demonstrate the feasibility of AAR geochronology in Holocene aged Peronella peronii (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) collected from Sydney Harbour (Australia). Using standard HPLC methods we determined the extent of AAR in 74 Peronella tests and performed replicate analyses on 18 tests. We sampled multiple areas of two individuals and identified the outer edge as a good sampling location. Multiple replicate analyses from the outer edge of 18 tests spanning the observed range of D/Ls yielded median coefficients of variation < 4% for Asp, Phe, Ala, and Glu D/L values, which overlaps with the analytical precision. Correlations between D/L values across 155 HPLC injections sampled from 74 individuals are also very high (pearson r2 > 0.95) for these four amino acids. The ages of 11 individuals spanning the observed range of D/L values were determined using 14C analyses, and Bayesian model averaging was used to determine the best AAR age model. The averaged age model was mainly composed of time-dependent reaction kinetics models (TDK, 71%) based on phenylalanine (Phe, 94%). Modelled ages ranged from 14 to 5539 yrs, and the median 95% confidence interval for the 74 analysed individuals is ±28% of the modelled age. In comparison, the median 95% confidence interval for the 11 calibrated 14C ages was ±9% of the median age estimate. Overall Peronella yields exceptionally high-quality AAR D/L values and appears to be an excellent substrate for AAR geochronology. This work opens the way for time-averaging and taphonomic studies of echinoderms similar to those in molluscs.

Multitechnique characterisation of 304L surface states oxidised at high temperature in steam and air atmospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mamede, Anne-Sophie; Nuns, Nicolas; Cristol, Anne-Lise; Cantrel, Laurent; Souvi, Sidi; Cristol, Sylvain; Paul, Jean-François

2016-04-01

In case of a severe accident occurring in a nuclear reactor, surfaces of the reactor coolant system (RCS), made of stainless steel (304L) rich in Cr (>10%) and Ni (8-12%), are oxidised. Fission products (FPs) are released from melt fuel and flow through the RCS. A part of them is deposited onto surfaces either by vapour condensation or by aerosol deposition mechanisms. To be able to understand the nature of interactions between these FPs and the RCS surfaces, a preliminary step is to characterize the RSC surface states in steam and air atmosphere at high temperatures. Pieces of 304L stainless steel have been treated in a flow reactor at two different temperatures (750 °C and 950 °C) for two different exposition times (24 h and 72 h). After surfaces analysing by a unique combination of surface analysis techniques (XPS, ToF-SIMS and LEIS), for 304L, the results show a deep oxide scale with multi layers and the outer layer is composed of chromium and manganese oxides. Oxide profiles differ in air or steam atmosphere. Fe2O3 oxide is observed but in minor proportion and in all cases no nickel is detected near the surface. Results obtained are discussed and compared with the literature data.

Light-Induced Translocation of RGS9-1 and Gβ5L in Mouse Rod Photoreceptors

PubMed Central

Tian, Mei; Zallocchi, Marisa; Wang, Weimin; Chen, Ching-Kang; Palczewski, Krzysztof; Delimont, Duane; Cosgrove, Dominic; Peng, You-Wei

2013-01-01

The transducin GTPase-accelerating protein complex, which determines the photoresponse duration of photoreceptors, is composed of RGS9-1, Gβ5L and R9AP. Here we report that RGS9-1 and Gβ5L change their distribution in rods during light/dark adaptation. Upon prolonged dark adaptation, RGS9-1 and Gβ5L are primarily located in rod inner segments. But very dim-light exposure quickly translocates them to the outer segments. In contrast, their anchor protein R9AP remains in the outer segment at all times. In the dark, Gβ5L's interaction with R9AP decreases significantly and RGS9-1 is phosphorylated at S475 to a significant degree. Dim light exposure leads to quick de-phosphorylation of RGS9-1. Furthermore, after prolonged dark adaptation, RGS9-1 and transducin Gα are located in different cellular compartments. These results suggest a previously unappreciated mechanism by which prolonged dark adaptation leads to increased light sensitivity in rods by dissociating RGS9-1 from R9AP and redistributing it to rod inner segments. PMID:23555598

Effects of yoga in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation - a randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Wahlstrom, Maria; Rydell Karlsson, Monica; Medin, Jörgen; Frykman, Viveka

2017-01-01

Patients with atrial fibrillation often have an impaired quality of life (QoL). Practising yoga may decrease stress and have positive effects on mental and physical health. The aim of this study was to investigate whether yoga can improve QoL and decrease blood pressure and heart rate in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). In this pilot study, 80 patients diagnosed with PAF were randomized to standard treatment (control group, n=40) or standard treatment in combination with yoga (yoga group, n=40) during a 12-week period. QoL, blood pressure and heart rate were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the study (12 (+2) weeks). EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the two dimensions in Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) were used to evaluate QoL. At baseline there was a significant difference in QoL between the groups in EQ-5D VAS- scale ( p=0.02) and SF-36 mental health score ( p<0.001) in which the control group had higher scores. At the end of the study, the yoga group averaged higher SF-36 mental health scores. There was a significant difference between the two groups ( p=0.016), but no differences in EQ-5D VAS- scale and physiological health score was seen between the two groups. At the end of the study, the yoga group had significantly lower heart rate ( p=0.024) and systolic ( p=0.033) and diastolic blood pressure ( p<0.001) compared to the control group. Yoga with light movements and deep breathing may lead to improved QoL, lower blood pressure and lower heart rate in patients with PAF compared to a control group. Yoga could be a complementary treatment method to standard therapy.

Metabolic engineering of strains: from industrial-scale to lab-scale chemical production.

PubMed

Sun, Jie; Alper, Hal S

2015-03-01

A plethora of successful metabolic engineering case studies have been published over the past several decades. Here, we highlight a collection of microbially produced chemicals using a historical framework, starting with titers ranging from industrial scale (more than 50 g/L), to medium-scale (5-50 g/L), and lab-scale (0-5 g/L). Although engineered Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae emerge as prominent hosts in the literature as a result of well-developed genetic engineering tools, several novel native-producing strains are gaining attention. This review catalogs the current progress of metabolic engineering towards production of compounds such as acids, alcohols, amino acids, natural organic compounds, and others.

Embedded Protostellar Disks Around (Sub-)Solar Stars. II. Disk Masses, Sizes, Densities, Temperatures, and the Planet Formation Perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vorobyov, Eduard I.

2011-03-01

We present basic properties of protostellar disks in the embedded phase of star formation (EPSF), which is difficult to probe observationally using available observational facilities. We use numerical hydrodynamics simulations of cloud core collapse and focus on disks formed around stars in the 0.03-1.0 M sun mass range. Our obtained disk masses scale near-linearly with the stellar mass. The mean and median disk masses in the Class 0 and I phases (M mean d,C0 = 0.12 M sun, M mdn d,C0 = 0.09 M sun and M mean d,CI = 0.18 M sun, M mdn d,CI = 0.15 M sun, respectively) are greater than those inferred from observations by (at least) a factor of 2-3. We demonstrate that this disagreement may (in part) be caused by the optically thick inner regions of protostellar disks, which do not contribute to millimeter dust flux. We find that disk masses and surface densities start to systematically exceed that of the minimum mass solar nebular for objects with stellar mass as low as M * = 0.05-0.1 M sun. Concurrently, disk radii start to grow beyond 100 AU, making gravitational fragmentation in the disk outer regions possible. Large disk masses, surface densities, and sizes suggest that giant planets may start forming as early as in the EPSF, either by means of core accretion (inner disk regions) or direct gravitational instability (outer disk regions), thus breaking a longstanding stereotype that the planet formation process begins in the Class II phase.

POWER ASYMMETRY IN COSMIC MICROWAVE BACKGROUND FLUCTUATIONS FROM FULL SKY TO SUB-DEGREE SCALES: IS THE UNIVERSE ISOTROPIC?

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

Hansen, F. K.; Eriksen, H. K.; Lilje, P. B.

We repeat and extend the analysis of Eriksen et al. and Hansen et al., testing the isotropy of the cosmic microwave background fluctuations. We find that the hemispherical power asymmetry previously reported for the largest scales l = 2-40 extends to much smaller scales. In fact, for the full multipole range l = 2-600, significantly more power is found in the hemisphere centered at (theta = 107{sup 0} +- 10{sup 0}, phi = 226{sup 0} +- 10{sup 0}) in galactic co-latitude and longitude than in the opposite hemisphere, consistent with the previously detected direction of asymmetry for l = 2-40.more » We adopt a model selection test where the direction and amplitude of asymmetry, as well as the multipole range, are free parameters. A model with an asymmetric distribution of power for l = 2-600 is found to be preferred over the isotropic model at the 0.4% significance level, taking into account the additional parameters required to describe it. A similar direction of asymmetry is found independently in all six subranges of 100 multipoles between l = 2-600. None of our 9800 isotropic simulated maps show a similarly consistent direction of asymmetry over such a large multipole range. No known systematic effects or foregrounds are found to be able to explain the asymmetry.« less

Mapping the Outer Edge of the Young Stellar Cluster in the Galactic Center

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Støstad, M.; Do, T.; Murray, N.; Lu, J. R.; Yelda, S.; Ghez, A.

2015-08-01

We present new near-infrared spectroscopic observations of the outer edges of the young stellar cluster around the supermassive black hole at the Galactic center. The observations show a break in the surface density profile of young stars at ˜13″ (0.52 pc). These observations spectroscopically confirm previous suggestions of a break based on photometry. Using Gemini North's Near-Infrared Integral Field Spectrometer, we are able to detect and separate early- and late-type stars with a 75% completeness at {K}{{s}}=15.5. We sample a region with radii between 7″ and 23″ (0.28-0.92 pc) from Sgr A* and present new spectral classifications of 144 stars brighter than {K}{{s}}=15.5, where 140 stars are late-type (\\gt 1 Gyr) and only four stars are early-type (young, 4-6 Myr). A broken power-law fit of the early-type surface density matches well with our data and previously published values. The projected surface density of late-type stars is also measured and found to be consistent with previous results. We find that the observed early-type surface-density profile is inconsistent with the theory of young stars originating from a tightly bound infalling cluster, as no significant trail of young stars is found at radii above 13″. We also note that either a simple disk instability criterion or a cloud-cloud collision could explain the location of the outer edge, though we lack information to make conclusive remarks on either alternative. If this break in surface density represents an edge to the young stellar cluster, it would set an important scale for the most recent episode of star formation at the Galactic center.

Performance of 75-millimeter bore arched outer-race ball bearings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coe, H. H.; Hamrock, B. J.

1976-01-01

An investigation was performed to determine the operating characteristics of 75-mm bore, arched outer-race bearings, and to compare the data with those for a similar, but conventional, deep groove ball bearing. Further, results of an analytical study, made using a computer program developed previously, were compared with the experimental data. Bearings were tested up to 28,000 rpm shaft speed with a load of 2,200 N (500 lb). The amount of arching was 0.13, 0.25, and 0.51 mm (0.005, 0.010, and 0.020 in). All bearings operated satisfactorily. The outer-race temperatures and the torques, however, were consistently higher for the arched bearings than for the conventional bearings

Statistically optimized biotransformation protocol for continuous production of L-DOPA using Mucuna monosperma callus culture.

PubMed

Inamdar, Shrirang Appasaheb; Surwase, Shripad Nagnath; Jadhav, Shekhar Bhagwan; Bapat, Vishwas Anant; Jadhav, Jyoti Prafull

2013-01-01

L-DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine), a modified amino acid, is an expansively used drug for the Parkinson's disease treatment. In the present study, optimization of nutritional parameters influencing L-DOPA production was attempted using the response surface methodology (RSM) from Mucuna monosperma callus. Optimization of the four factors was carried out using the Box-Behnken design. The optimized levels of factors predicted by the model include tyrosine 0.894 g l(-1), pH 4.99, ascorbic acid 31.62 mg l(-1)and copper sulphate 23.92 mg l(-1), which resulted in highest L-DOPA yield of 0.309 g l(-1). The optimization of medium using RSM resulted in a 3.45-fold increase in the yield of L-DOPA. The ANOVA analysis showed a significant R (2) value (0.9912), model F-value (112.465) and probability (0.0001), with insignificant lack of fit. Optimized medium was used in the laboratory scale column reactor for continuous production of L-DOPA. Uninterrupted flow column exhibited maximum L-DOPA production rate of 200 mg L(-1) h(-1) which is one of the highest values ever reported using plant as a biotransformation source. L-DOPA production was confirmed by HPTLC and HPLC analysis. This study demonstrates the synthesis of L- DOPA using Mucuna monosperma callus using a laboratory scale column reactor.

A brewing understanding of the regulation of Bax function by Bcl-xL and Bcl-2.

PubMed

Renault, Thibaud T; Dejean, Laurent M; Manon, Stéphen

2017-01-01

Bcl-2 family members form a network of protein-protein interactions that regulate apoptosis through permeabilization of the mitochondrial outer membrane. Deciphering this intricate network requires streamlined experimental models, including the heterologous expression in yeast. This approach had previously enabled researchers to identify domains and residues that underlie the conformational changes driving the translocation, the insertion and the oligomerization of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax at the level of the mitochondrial outer membrane. Recent studies that combine experiments in yeast and in mammalian cells have shown the unexpected effect of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL on the priming of Bax. As demonstrated with the BH3-mimetic molecule ABT-737, this property of Bcl-xL, and of Bcl-2, is crucial to elaborate about how apoptosis could be reactivated in tumoral cells. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Elemental concentrations in foliage of red maple, red oak, and white oak in relation to atmospheric deposition in Pennsylvania

Treesearch

D. D. Davis; J. M. Skelly; B. L. Nash

1995-01-01

Foliage was sampled in June and late August-early September in 1988 and 1989 from the outer crowns of codominant red maple (Acer rubrum L.), northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.), and white oak (Q. alba L.) trees in forest stands along an atmospheric deposition gradient in north-central Pennsylvania. Leaf samples...

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

Du, Xinyu; Xu, Ye; Yang, Ji

Using the Purple Mountain Observatory Delingha (PMODLH) 13.7 m telescope, we report a 96 deg{sup 2} {sup 12}CO/{sup 13}CO/C{sup 18}O mapping observation toward the Galactic region of l  = [139.°75,149.°75], b  = [−5.°25, 5.°25]. The molecular structures of the Local Arm and Perseus Arm are presented. Combining H i data and part of the Outer Arm results, we obtain that the warp structure of both atomic and molecular gas is obvious, while the flare structure only exists in atomic gas in this observing region. In addition, five filamentary giant molecular clouds on the Perseus Arm are identified. Among them, four are newlymore » identified. Their relations with the Milky Way large-scale structure are discussed.« less

Small Scale High Speed Turbomachinery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

London, Adam P. (Inventor); Droppers, Lloyd J. (Inventor); Lehman, Matthew K. (Inventor); Mehra, Amitav (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A small scale, high speed turbomachine is described, as well as a process for manufacturing the turbomachine. The turbomachine is manufactured by diffusion bonding stacked sheets of metal foil, each of which has been pre-formed to correspond to a cross section of the turbomachine structure. The turbomachines include rotating elements as well as static structures. Using this process, turbomachines may be manufactured with rotating elements that have outer diameters of less than four inches in size, and/or blading heights of less than 0.1 inches. The rotating elements of the turbomachines are capable of rotating at speeds in excess of 150 feet per second. In addition, cooling features may be added internally to blading to facilitate cooling in high temperature operations.

The curved kinetic boundary layer of active matter.

PubMed

Yan, Wen; Brady, John F

2018-01-03

A body submerged in active matter feels the swim pressure through a kinetic accumulation boundary layer on its surface. The boundary layer results from a balance between translational diffusion and advective swimming and occurs on the microscopic length scale . Here , D T is the Brownian translational diffusivity, τ R is the reorientation time and l = U 0 τ R is the swimmer's run length, with U 0 the swim speed [Yan and Brady, J. Fluid. Mech., 2015, 785, R1]. In this work we analyze the swim pressure on arbitrary shaped bodies by including the effect of local shape curvature in the kinetic boundary layer. When δ ≪ L and l ≪ L, where L is the body size, the leading order effects of curvature on the swim pressure are found analytically to scale as J S λδ 2 /L, where J S is twice the (non-dimensional) mean curvature. Particle-tracking simulations and direct solutions to the Smoluchowski equation governing the probability distribution of the active particles show that λδ 2 /L is a universal scaling parameter not limited to the regime δ, l ≪ L. The net force exerted on the body by the swimmers is found to scale as F net /(n ∞ k s T s L 2 ) = f(λδ 2 /L), where f(x) is a dimensionless function that is quadratic when x ≪ 1 and linear when x ∼ 1. Here, k s T s = ζU 0 2 τ R /6 defines the 'activity' of the swimmers, with ζ the drag coefficient, and n ∞ is the uniform number density of swimmers far from the body. We discuss the connection of this boundary layer to continuum mechanical descriptions of active matter and briefly present how to include hydrodynamics into this purely kinetic study.

Perfect fluid tori orbiting Kehagias-Sfetsos naked singularities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stuchlík, Z.; Pugliese, D.; Schee, J.; Kučáková, H.

2015-09-01

We construct perfect fluid tori in the field of the Kehagias-Sfetsos (K-S) naked singularities. These are spherically symmetric vacuum solutions of the modified Hořava quantum gravity, characterized by a dimensionless parameter ω M^2, combining the gravitational mass parameter M of the spacetime with the Hořava parameter ω reflecting the role of the quantum corrections. In dependence on the value of ω M^2, the K-S naked singularities demonstrate a variety of qualitatively different behavior of their circular geodesics that is fully reflected in the properties of the toroidal structures, demonstrating clear distinction to the properties of the torii in the Schwarzschild spacetimes. In all of the K-S naked singularity spacetimes the tori are located above an "antigravity" sphere where matter can stay in a stable equilibrium position, which is relevant for the stability of the orbiting fluid toroidal accretion structures. The signature of the K-S naked singularity is given by the properties of marginally stable tori orbiting with the uniform distribution of the specific angular momentum of the fluid, l= const. In the K-S naked singularity spacetimes with ω M^2 > 0.2811, doubled tori with the same l= const can exist; mass transfer between the outer torus and the inner one is possible under appropriate conditions, while only outflow to the outer space is allowed in complementary conditions. In the K-S spacetimes with ω M^2 < 0.2811, accretion from cusped perfect fluid tori is not possible due to the non-existence of unstable circular geodesics.

Scaling in two-fluid pinch-off

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pommer, Chris; Harris, Michael; Basaran, Osman

2010-11-01

The physics of two-fluid pinch-off, which arises whenever drops, bubbles, or jets of one fluid are ejected from a nozzle into another fluid, is scientifically important and technologically relevant. While the breakup of a drop in a passive environment is well understood, the physics of pinch-off when both the inner and outer fluids are dynamically active remains inadequately understood. Here, the breakup of a compound jet whose core and shell are incompressible Newtonian fluids is analyzed computationally when the interior is a "bubble" and the exterior is a liquid. The numerical method employed is an implicit method of lines ALE algorithm which uses finite elements with elliptic mesh generation and adaptive finite differences for time integration. Thus, the new approach neither starts with a priori idealizations, as has been the case with previous computations, nor is limited to length scales above that set by the wavelength of visible light as in any experimental study. In particular, three distinct responses are identified as the ratio m of the outer fluid's viscosity to the inner fluid's viscosity is varied. For small m, simulations show that the minimum neck radius r initially scales with time τ before breakup as r ˜0.58° (in accord with previous experiments and inviscid fluid models) but that r ˜τ once r becomes sufficiently small. For intermediate and large values of m, r ˜&αcirc;, where the exponent α may not equal one, once again as r becomes sufficiently small.

Nanoscale measurement of trace element distributions in Spartina alterniflora root tissue during dormancy

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

Feng, Huan; Qian, Yu; Cochran, J. Kirk

Here, this article reports a nanometer-scale investigation of trace element (As, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, S and Zn) distributions in the root system Spartina alterniflora during dormancy. The sample was collected on a salt marsh island in Jamaica Bay, New York, in April 2015 and the root was cross-sectioned with 10 μm resolution. Synchrotron X-ray nanofluorescence was applied to map the trace element distributions in selected areas of the root epidermis and endodermis. The sampling resolution was 60 nm to increase the measurement accuracy and reduce the uncertainty. The results indicate that the elemental concentrations in the epidermis,more » outer endodermis and inner endodermis are significantly (p < 0.01) different. The root endodermis has relatively higher concentrations of these elements than the root epidermis. Furthermore, this high resolution measurement indicates that the elemental concentrations in the outer endodermis are significantly (p < 0.01) higher than those in the inner endodermis. These results suggest that the Casparian strip may play a role in governing the aplastic transport of these elements. Pearson correlation analysis on the average concentrations of each element in the selected areas shows that most of the elements are significantly (p < 0.05) correlated, which suggests that these elements may share the same transport pathways.« less

Nanoscale measurement of trace element distributions in Spartina alterniflora root tissue during dormancy

DOE PAGES

Feng, Huan; Qian, Yu; Cochran, J. Kirk; ...

2017-01-18

Here, this article reports a nanometer-scale investigation of trace element (As, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, S and Zn) distributions in the root system Spartina alterniflora during dormancy. The sample was collected on a salt marsh island in Jamaica Bay, New York, in April 2015 and the root was cross-sectioned with 10 μm resolution. Synchrotron X-ray nanofluorescence was applied to map the trace element distributions in selected areas of the root epidermis and endodermis. The sampling resolution was 60 nm to increase the measurement accuracy and reduce the uncertainty. The results indicate that the elemental concentrations in the epidermis,more » outer endodermis and inner endodermis are significantly (p < 0.01) different. The root endodermis has relatively higher concentrations of these elements than the root epidermis. Furthermore, this high resolution measurement indicates that the elemental concentrations in the outer endodermis are significantly (p < 0.01) higher than those in the inner endodermis. These results suggest that the Casparian strip may play a role in governing the aplastic transport of these elements. Pearson correlation analysis on the average concentrations of each element in the selected areas shows that most of the elements are significantly (p < 0.05) correlated, which suggests that these elements may share the same transport pathways.« less

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

Xu, Yidong; Chen, Xuelei; Wang, Xin

The Tianlai experiment is dedicated to the observation of large-scale structures (LSS) by the 21 cm intensity mapping technique. In this paper, we make forecasts concerning its ability to observe or constrain the dark energy parameters and the primordial non-Gaussianity. From the LSS data, one can use the baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) and growth rate derived from the redshift space distortion (RSD) to measure the dark energy density and equation of state. The primordial non-Gaussianity can be constrained either by looking for scale-dependent bias in the power spectrum, or by using the bispectrum. Here, we consider three cases: the Tianlaimore » cylinder array pathfinder that is currently being built, an upgrade of the Pathfinder Array with more receiver units, and the full-scale Tianlai cylinder array. Using the full-scale Tianlai experiment, we expect σ{sub w{sub 0}}∼0.082 and σ{sub w{sub a}}∼0.21 from the BAO and RSD measurements, σ{sub f{sub N{sub L}{sup local}}}∼14 from the power spectrum measurements with scale-dependent bias, and σ{sub f{sub N{sub L}{sup local}}}∼22 and σ{sub f{sub N{sub L}{sup equil}}}∼157 from the bispectrum measurements.« less

Depression correlates with quality of life in people with epilepsy independent of the measures used.

PubMed

Agrawal, Niruj; Bird, Jacob S; von Oertzen, Tim J; Cock, Hannah; Mitchell, Alex J; Mula, Marco

2016-09-01

A number of studies have suggested that depressed mood is one of the most important predictors of quality of life (QoL) in patients with epilepsy. However, the QoL measure used in previous studies was limited to the Quality of Life in Epilepsy (QOLIE) scales. It could be questioned whether correlation of QOLIE with measures of depression is influenced by the properties of the instruments used rather than being a valid effect. By using visual analogue scales, the current study aimed to clarify whether depression and QoL are truly correlated in patients with epilepsy. Data from a sample of 261 outpatients with epilepsy attending the Epilepsy Clinics of the Atkinson Morley Outpatient Department, St George's Hospital in London, were analyzed. Patients were screened using the European Quality-of-Life scale (EQ-5D-3L) which includes an overall visual analogue score (EQ-VAS), the Emotional Thermometer (ET7), the Beck Depression inventory-II (BDI-II), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS), and the Major Depression inventory (MDI). Depression was found to significantly correlate with EQ-VAS score with r coefficient ranging from 0.42 to 0.51 and r(2) coefficients ranging between 0.18 and 0.26. In addition, we identified patients who were depressed according to DSM-IV criteria (MD) and those with atypical forms of depression (AD). The EQ-5D-3L scores in these subjects compared with those without depression (ND) showed a different impact of AD and MD on QoL. The relationship between depression and QoL in people with epilepsy has been demonstrated to be a robust and valid effect, not a result of potential bias of the specific measures used. However, the strength of the association is influenced by the individual instrument. Atypical or subsyndromic forms of depression are as relevant as DSM-based depression in terms of impact on QoL. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Critical issues encountered in experiments and measurements involving optical turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eaton, Frank D.

2007-02-01

The successful design and operation of high energy laser (HEL) and laser communication systems require a comprehensive and thorough knowledge of the real turbulent atmosphere coupled with high-fidelity realistic laser beam propagation models. To date, modeling and simulation of laser beam propagation through atmospheric turbulence have relied upon a traditional theoretical basis that assumes the existence of homogeneous, isotropic, stationary, and Kolmogorov turbulence. The real impact of the refractive index structure parameter ( C2 n ) on laser beam propagation including effects of non-classical turbulence as well as inner (l °) and outer scale (L °) effects will be examined. Observations clearly show turbulence is often layered and is produced by wave activity and episodic events such as Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities. Other critical turbulence issues involve the relationship between mechanical and optical turbulence and the effect of path variability of turbulence and inner scale on optical turbulence parameters over long paths. These issues will be examined from data obtained from five systems: a) a new measurement platform using a free-flying balloon that lifts a ring with a boom upon which are mounted several fine wire (1-μm diameter) sensors to measure high-speed temperature and velocity fluctuations, b) a new system using a kite/tethered blimp platform that obtains both profile and measurements at a fixed altitude over time, c) a 50 MHz radar at Vandenberg Air Force Base that senses at high temporal and spatial resolution to 20 km ASL, d) an instrumented aircraft system, and e) a suite of optical systems. The first four systems all provide estimates of C2 n , the eddy dissipation rate (\\Vegr), l ° and L °. Methods of calibration and problems of interpreting results from the measurement systems are discussed.

HIV-related stigma and health-related quality of life among children living with HIV in Sweden.

PubMed

Rydström, Lise-Lott; Wiklander, Maria; Navér, Lars; Ygge, Britt-Marie; Eriksson, Lars E

2016-01-01

The relationship between HIV-related stigma and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among children living with HIV infection is unknown. The objectives of this study were to describe HIV-related stigma and HRQoL among children with perinatal HIV living in Sweden, and to investigate the relationship between these two factors in the same infection group. In a cross-sectional nationwide survey, HIV-related stigma was measured with the 8-item HIV Stigma Scale for Children. HRQoL was measured with the 37-item DISABKIDS Chronic Generic Module. Structural equation modeling was used to explore the relationship between HIV-related stigma and HRQoL. Fifty-eight children participated, age 9-18 years (mean = 13.9). The HIV stigma general scale showed a mean score of 17.6 (SD = 5.0; possible range 8-32). DISABKIDS Chronic Generic Module general scale showed a mean score of 80.7 (SD = 14.1; possible range 0-100). HIV-related stigma was negatively associated with HRQoL (standardized β = -0.790, p = .017). The results indicate that children's concerns related to disclosure of their HIV infection seem to be common (i.e. 75% agreed) which, together with the negative association between ratings of HIV-relatively stigma and HRQoL, might indicate that disclosure concerns would be a relevant target for interventions to decrease HIV-related stigma and increase HRQoL.

A ten liter stacked microbial desalination cell packed with mixed ion-exchange resins for secondary effluent desalination.

PubMed

Zuo, Kuichang; Cai, Jiaxiang; Liang, Shuai; Wu, Shijia; Zhang, Changyong; Liang, Peng; Huang, Xia

2014-08-19

The architecture and performance of microbial desalination cell (MDC) have been significantly improved in the past few years. However, the application of MDC is still limited in a scope of small-scale (milliliter) reactors and high-salinity-water desalination. In this study, a large-scale (>10 L) stacked MDC packed with mixed ion-exchange resins was fabricated and operated in the batch mode with a salt concentration of 0.5 g/L NaCl, a typical level of domestic wastewater. With circulation flow rate of 80 mL/min, the stacked resin-packed MDC (SR-MDC) achieved a desalination efficiency of 95.8% and a final effluent concentration of 0.02 g/L in 12 h, which is comparable with the effluent quality of reverse osmosis in terms of salinity. Moreover, the SR-MDC kept a stable desalination performance (>93%) when concentrate volume decreased from 2.4 to 0.1 L (diluate/concentrate volume ratio increased from 1:1 to 1:0.04), where only 0.875 L of nonfresh water was consumed to desalinate 1 L of saline water. In addition, the SR-MDC achieved a considerable desalination rate (95.4 mg/h), suggesting a promising application for secondary effluent desalination through deriving biochemical electricity from wastewater.

The use of disease-specific outcome measures in cost-utility analysis: the development of Dutch societal preference weights for the FACT-L scale.

PubMed

Lamers, Leida M; Uyl-de Groot, Carin A; Buijt, Ivonne

2007-01-01

The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (FACT-L) is a validated, sensitive and reliable patient questionnaire that evaluates and quantifies quality of life (QOL) across several domains, including lung cancer-related symptoms. The FACT-L was not designed for use in economic evaluation and does not incorporate preferences into its scoring system. To derive a set of Dutch preference weights for FACT-L health states that can be used to convert FACT-L into a single value that can be used in cost-utility analyses. A representative sample of the Dutch population (n = 1076) directly valued an orthogonal set of eight FACT-L health states on a 100-point rating scale with the anchor points 'worst imaginable health state' and 'best imaginable health state'. Eleven FACT-L items were selected to describe the FACT-L health states that were directly valued. Regression analysis was used to interpolate values for all other possible health states. Scores were transformed into values on a scale where 0 indicated dead and 1 indicated full health. The estimated values for FACT-L health states ranged from 0.08 to 0.93. The estimated value sets were applied to FACT-L data of lung cancer patients participating in a clinical study. Significant differences in the mean value and mean gain of 0.12 and 0.07, respectively, were found between patients in remission and patients with progressive disease at 4 weeks' follow-up. Our results reaffirmed that the methodology used here is a feasible option to convert data collected with a disease-specific outcome measure into preferences. We concluded that the sensitivity of the derived set of societal preferences to capture differences and changes in clinical health states is an indication of its construct validity.

Leaching characteristics of encapsulated controlled low-strength materials containing arsenic-bearing waste precipitates from refractory gold bioleaching.

PubMed

Bouzalakos, S; Dudeney, A W L; Chan, B K C

2016-07-01

We report on the leaching of heavy elements from cemented waste flowable fill, known as controlled low-strength materials (CLSM), for potential mine backfill application. Semi-dynamic tank leaching tests were carried out on laboratory-scale monoliths cured for 28 days and tested over 64 days of leaching with pure de-ionised water as leachant. Mineral processing waste include flotation tailings from a Spanish nickel-copper sulphide concentrate, and two bioleach neutralisation precipitates (from processing at 35°C and 70°C) from a South African arsenopyrite concentrate. Encapsulated CLSM formulations were evaluated to assess the reduction in leaching by encapsulating a 'hazardous' CLSM core within a layer of relatively 'inert' CLSM. The effect of each bioleach waste in CLSM core and tailings in CLSM encapsulating medium, are assessed in combination and in addition to CLSM with ordinary silica sand. Results show that replacing silica sand with tailings, both as core and encapsulating matrix, significantly reduced leachability of heavy elements, particularly As (from 0.008-0.190 mg/l to 0.008-0.060 mg/l), Ba (from 0.435-1.540 mg/l to 0.050-0.565 mg/l), and Cr (from 0.006-0.458 mg/l to 0.004-0.229 mg/l), to below the 'Dutch List' of groundwater contamination intervention values. Arsenic leaching was inherently high from both bioleach precipitates but was significantly reduced to below guideline values with encapsulation and replacing silica sand with tailings. Tailings proved to be a valuable encapsulating matrix largely owing to small particle size and lower hydraulic conductivity reducing diffusion transport of heavy elements. Field-scale trials would be necessary to prove this concept of encapsulation in terms of scale and construction practicalities, and further geochemical investigation to optimise leaching performance. Nevertheless, this work substantiates the need for alternative backfill techniques for sustainable management of hazardous finely-sized bulk mineral residues. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

On the R-curve behavior of human tooth enamel.

PubMed

Bajaj, Devendra; Arola, Dwayne D

2009-08-01

In this study the crack growth resistance behavior and fracture toughness of human tooth enamel were quantified using incremental crack growth measures and conventional fracture mechanics. Results showed that enamel undergoes an increase in crack growth resistance (i.e. rising R-curve) with crack extension from the outer to the inner enamel, and that the rise in toughness is a function of distance from the dentin enamel junction (DEJ). The outer enamel exhibited the lowest apparent toughness (0.67+/-0.12 MPam(0.5)), and the inner enamel exhibited a rise in the growth toughness from 1.13 MPam(0.5)/mm to 3.93 MPam(0.5)/mm. The maximum crack growth resistance at fracture (i.e. fracture toughness (K(c))) ranged from 1.79 to 2.37 MPam(0.5). Crack growth in the inner enamel was accompanied by a host of mechanisms operating from the micro- to the nano-scale. Decussation in the inner enamel promoted crack deflection and twist, resulting in a reduction of the local stress intensity at the crack tip. In addition, extrinsic mechanisms such as bridging by unbroken ligaments of the tissue and the organic matrix promoted crack closure. Microcracking due to loosening of prisms was also identified as an active source of energy dissipation. In summary, the unique microstructure of enamel in the decussated region promotes crack growth toughness that is approximately three times that of dentin and over ten times that of bone.

Individual quality of life of people with severe mental disorders.

PubMed

Pitkänen, A; Hätönen, H; Kuosmanen, L; Välimäki, M

2009-02-01

People with mental disorders have been found to suffer from impaired quality of life (QoL). Therefore, the assessment of QoL has become important in psychiatric research. This explorative study was carried out in acute psychiatric wards. Thirty-five patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and related psychosis were interviewed. QoL was rated by the Schedule for Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life which is a respondent-generated QoL measure using semi-structured interview technique. Patients named five areas of life important to them and then rated their current status and placed relative weight on each QoL area. The data were analysed with qualitative content analysis and descriptive statistics. The most frequently named areas for QoL were health, family, leisure activities, work/study and social relationships, which represented 72% of all QoL areas named. Patients' average satisfaction with these QoL areas ranged 49.0-69.1 (scale 0-100). The mean global QoL score was 61.5 (standard deviation 17.4; range 24.6-89.6; scale 0-100). Awareness of patients' perceptions of their QoL areas can enhance our understanding of an individual patient's QoL and reveal unsatisfactory areas where QoL could be improved with individually tailored needs-based interventions.

Open fermentative production of fuel ethanol from food waste by an acid-tolerant mutant strain of Zymomonas mobilis.

PubMed

Ma, Kedong; Ruan, Zhiyong; Shui, Zongxia; Wang, Yanwei; Hu, Guoquan; He, Mingxiong

2016-03-01

The aim of present study was to develop a process for open ethanol fermentation from food waste using an acid-tolerant mutant of Zymomonas mobilis (ZMA7-2). The mutant showed strong tolerance to acid condition of food waste hydrolysate and high ethanol production performance. By optimizing fermentation parameters, ethanol fermentation with initial glucose concentration of 200 g/L, pH value around 4.0, inoculum size of 10% and without nutrient addition was considered as best conditions. Moreover, the potential of bench scales fermentation and cell reusability was also examined. The fermentation in bench scales (44 h) was faster than flask scale (48 h), and the maximum ethanol concentration and ethanol yield (99.78 g/L, 0.50 g/g) higher than that of flask scale (98.31 g/L, 0.49 g/g). In addition, the stable cell growth and ethanol production profile in five cycles successive fermentation was observed, indicating the mutant was suitable for industrial ethanol production. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Low health-related quality of life in school-aged children in Tonga, a lower-middle income country in the South Pacific.

PubMed

Petersen, Solveig; Swinburn, Boyd; Mavoa, Helen; Fotu, Kalesita; Tupoulahi-Fusimalohi, Caroline; Faeamani, Gavin; Moodie, Marjory

2014-01-01

Ensuring a good life for all parts of the population, including children, is high on the public health agenda in most countries around the world. Information about children's perception of their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its socio-demographic distribution is, however, limited and almost exclusively reliant on data from Western higher income countries. To investigate HRQoL in schoolchildren in Tonga, a lower income South Pacific Island country, and to compare this to HRQoL of children in other countries, including Tongan children living in New Zealand, a high-income country in the same region. A cross-sectional study from Tonga addressing all secondary schoolchildren (11-18 years old) on the outer island of Vava'u and in three districts of the main island of Tongatapu (2,164 participants). A comparison group drawn from the literature comprised children in 18 higher income and one lower income country (Fiji). A specific New Zealand comparison group involved all children of Tongan descendent at six South Auckland secondary schools (830 participants). HRQoL was assessed by the self-report Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0. HRQoL in Tonga was overall similar in girls and boys, but somewhat lower in children below 15 years of age. The children in Tonga experienced lower HRQoL than the children in all of the 19 comparison countries, with a large difference between children in Tonga and the higher income countries (Cohen's d 1.0) and a small difference between Tonga and the lower income country Fiji (Cohen's d 0.3). The children in Tonga also experienced lower HRQoL than Tongan children living in New Zealand (Cohen's d 0.6). The results reveal worrisome low HRQoL in children in Tonga and point towards a potential general pattern of low HRQoL in children living in lower income countries, or, alternatively, in the South Pacific Island countries.

An experimental study of turbulence by phase-contrast imaging in the DIII-D tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coda, Stefano

1997-10-01

A CO2-laser imaging system employing the Zernike phase-contrast technique was designed, built, installed, and operated on the DIII-D tokamak. This system measures the line integrals of plasma density fluctuations along 16 vertical chords at the outer edge of the tokamak (0.85

The spanwise spectra in wall-bounded turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hong-Ping; Wang, Shi-Zhao; He, Guo-Wei

2017-12-01

The pre-multiplied spanwise energy spectra of streamwise velocity fluctuations are investigated in this paper. Two distinct spectral peaks in the spanwise spectra are observed in low-Reynolds-number wall-bounded turbulence. The spectra are calculated from direct numerical simulation (DNS) of turbulent channel flows and zero-pressure-gradient boundary layer flows. These two peaks locate in the near-wall and outer regions and are referred to as the inner peak and the outer peak, respectively. This result implies that the streamwise velocity fluctuations can be separated into large and small scales in the spanwise direction even though the friction Reynolds number Re_τ can be as low as 1000. The properties of the inner and outer peaks in the spanwise spectra are analyzed. The locations of the inner peak are invariant over a range of Reynolds numbers. However, the locations of the outer peak are associated with the Reynolds number, which are much higher than those of the outer peak of the pre-multiplied streamwise energy spectra of the streamwise velocity.

The spanwise spectra in wall-bounded turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hong-Ping; Wang, Shi-Zhao; He, Guo-Wei

2018-06-01

The pre-multiplied spanwise energy spectra of streamwise velocity fluctuations are investigated in this paper. Two distinct spectral peaks in the spanwise spectra are observed in low-Reynolds-number wall-bounded turbulence. The spectra are calculated from direct numerical simulation (DNS) of turbulent channel flows and zero-pressure-gradient boundary layer flows. These two peaks locate in the near-wall and outer regions and are referred to as the inner peak and the outer peak, respectively. This result implies that the streamwise velocity fluctuations can be separated into large and small scales in the spanwise direction even though the friction Reynolds number Re_τ can be as low as 1000. The properties of the inner and outer peaks in the spanwise spectra are analyzed. The locations of the inner peak are invariant over a range of Reynolds numbers. However, the locations of the outer peak are associated with the Reynolds number, which are much higher than those of the outer peak of the pre-multiplied streamwise energy spectra of the streamwise velocity.

Survey of radiation belt energetic electron pitch angle distributions based on the Van Allen Probes MagEIS measurements: Electron Pitch Angle Distributions

DOE PAGES

Shi, Run; Summers, Danny; Ni, Binbin; ...

2016-12-30

A statistical survey of electron pitch angle distributions (PADs) is performed based on the pitch angle-resolved flux observations from the Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometer (MagEIS) instrument on board the Van Allen Probes during the period from 1 October 2012 to 1 May 2015. By fitting the measured PADs to a sin nα form, where α is the local pitch angle and n is the power law index, we investigate the dependence of PADs on electron kinetic energy, magnetic local time (MLT), the geomagnetic Kp index, and L shell. The difference in electron PADs between the inner and outer belt ismore » distinct. In the outer belt, the common averaged n values are less than 1.5, except for large values of the Kp index and high electron energies. The averaged n values vary considerably with MLT, with a peak in the afternoon sector and an increase with increasing L shell. In the inner belt, the averaged n values are much larger, with a common value greater than 2. The PADs show a slight dependence on MLT, with a weak maximum at noon. A distinct region with steep PADs lies in the outer edge of the inner belt where the electron flux is relatively low. The distance between the inner and outer belt and the intensity of the geomagnetic activity together determine the variation of PADs in the inner belt. Finally, besides being dependent on electron energy, magnetic activity, and L shell, the results show a clear dependence on MLT, with higher n values on the dayside.« less

Survey of radiation belt energetic electron pitch angle distributions based on the Van Allen Probes MagEIS measurements: Electron Pitch Angle Distributions

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

Shi, Run; Summers, Danny; Ni, Binbin

A statistical survey of electron pitch angle distributions (PADs) is performed based on the pitch angle-resolved flux observations from the Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometer (MagEIS) instrument on board the Van Allen Probes during the period from 1 October 2012 to 1 May 2015. By fitting the measured PADs to a sin nα form, where α is the local pitch angle and n is the power law index, we investigate the dependence of PADs on electron kinetic energy, magnetic local time (MLT), the geomagnetic Kp index, and L shell. The difference in electron PADs between the inner and outer belt ismore » distinct. In the outer belt, the common averaged n values are less than 1.5, except for large values of the Kp index and high electron energies. The averaged n values vary considerably with MLT, with a peak in the afternoon sector and an increase with increasing L shell. In the inner belt, the averaged n values are much larger, with a common value greater than 2. The PADs show a slight dependence on MLT, with a weak maximum at noon. A distinct region with steep PADs lies in the outer edge of the inner belt where the electron flux is relatively low. The distance between the inner and outer belt and the intensity of the geomagnetic activity together determine the variation of PADs in the inner belt. Finally, besides being dependent on electron energy, magnetic activity, and L shell, the results show a clear dependence on MLT, with higher n values on the dayside.« less

Further analysis of scintillation index for a laser beam propagating through moderate-to-strong non-Kolmogorov turbulence based on generalized effective atmospheric spectral model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Jing; Fu, Yu-Long; Yu, Si-Yuan; Xie, Xiao-Long; Tan, Li-Ying

2018-03-01

A new expression of the scintillation index (SI) for a Gaussian-beam wave propagating through moderate-to-strong non-Kolmogorov turbulence is derived, using a generalized effective atmospheric spectrum and the extended Rytov approximation theory. Finite inner and outer scale parameters and high wave number “bump” are considered in the spectrum with a generalized spectral power law in the range of 3–4, instead of the fixed classical Kolmogorov power law of 11/3. The obtained SI expression is then used to analyze the effects of the spectral power law and the inner scale and outer scale on SI under various non-Kolmogorov fluctuation conditions. These results will be useful in future investigations of optical wave propagation through atmospheric turbulence.

Validation of the Dutch version of the Swallowing Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (DSWAL-QoL) and the adjusted DSWAL-QoL (aDSWAL-QoL) using item analysis with the Rasch model: a pilot study.

PubMed

Simpelaere, Ingeborg S; Van Nuffelen, Gwen; De Bodt, Marc; Vanderwegen, Jan; Hansen, Tina

2017-04-07

The Swallowing Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (SWAL-QoL) is considered the gold standard for assessing health-related QoL in oropharyngeal dysphagia. The Dutch translation (DSWAL-QoL) and its adjusted version (aDSWAL-QoL) have been validated using classical test theory (CTT). However, these scales have not been tested against the Rasch measurement model, which is required to establish the structural validity and objectivity of the total scale and subscale scores. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of these scales using item analysis according to the Rasch model. Item analysis with the Rasch model was performed using RUMM2030 software with previously collected data from a validation study of 108 patients. The assessment included evaluations of overall model fit, reliability, unidimensionality, threshold ordering, individual item and person fits, differential item functioning (DIF), local item dependency (LID) and targeting. The analysis could not establish the psychometric properties of either of the scales or their subscales because they did not fit the Rasch model, and multidimensionality, disordered thresholds, DIF, and/or LID were found. The reliability and power of fit were high for the total scales (PSI = 0.93) but low for most of the subscales (PSI < 0.70). The targeting of persons and items was suboptimal. The main source of misfit was disordered thresholds for both the total scales and subscales. Based on the results of the analysis, adjustments to improve the scales were implemented as follows: disordered thresholds were rescaled, misfit items were removed and items were split for DIF. However, the multidimensionality and LID could not be resolved. The reliability and power of fit remained low for most of the subscales. This study represents the first analyses of the DSWAL-QoL and aDSWAL-QoL with the Rasch model. Relying on the DSWAL-QoL and aDSWAL-QoL total and subscale scores to make conclusions regarding dysphagia-related HRQoL should be treated with caution before the structural validity and objectivity of both scales have been established. A larger and well-targeted sample is recommended to derive definitive conclusions about the items and scales. Solutions for the psychometric weaknesses suggested by the model and practical implications are discussed.

Quality of Life and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms After Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy

PubMed Central

Mitchell, Ron B.; Parker, Portia D.; Moore, Reneé H.; Rosen, Carol L.; Giordani, Bruno; Muzumdar, Hiren; Paruthi, Shalini; Elden, Lisa; Willging, Paul; Beebe, Dean W.; Marcus, Carole L.; Chervin, Ronald D.; Redline, Susan

2015-01-01

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Data from a randomized, controlled study of adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) were used to test the hypothesis that children undergoing surgery had greater quality of life (QoL) and symptom improvement than control subjects. The objectives were to compare changes in validated QoL and symptom measurements among children randomized to undergo adenotonsillectomy or watchful waiting; to determine whether race, weight, or baseline OSAS severity influenced changes in QoL and symptoms; and to evaluate associations between changes in QoL or symptoms and OSAS severity. METHODS: Children aged 5 to 9.9 years with OSAS (N = 453) were randomly assigned to undergo adenotonsillectomy or watchful waiting with supportive care. Polysomnography, the Pediatric Quality of Life inventory, the Sleep-Related Breathing Scale of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire, the 18-item Obstructive Sleep Apnea QoL instrument, and the modified Epworth Sleepiness Scale were completed at baseline and 7 months. Changes in the QoL and symptom surveys were compared between arms. Effect modification according to race and obesity and associations between changes in polysomnographic measures and QoL or symptoms were examined. RESULTS: Greater improvements in most QoL and symptom severity measurements were observed in children randomized to undergo adenotonsillectomy, including the parent-completed Pediatric Quality of Life inventory (effect size [ES]: 0.37), the 18-item Obstructive Sleep Apnea QoL instrument (ES: –0.93), the modified Epworth Sleepiness Scale score (ES: –0.42), and the Sleep-Related Breathing Scale of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (ES: –1.35). Effect modification was not observed by obesity or baseline severity but was noted for race in some symptom measures. Improvements in OSAS severity explained only a small portion of the observed changes. CONCLUSIONS: Adenotonsillectomy compared with watchful waiting resulted in significantly more improvements in parent-rated generic and OSAS-specific QoL measures and OSAS symptoms. PMID:25601979

Quantification of common carotid artery and descending aorta vessel wall thickness from MR vessel wall imaging using a fully automated processing pipeline.

PubMed

Gao, Shan; van 't Klooster, Ronald; Brandts, Anne; Roes, Stijntje D; Alizadeh Dehnavi, Reza; de Roos, Albert; Westenberg, Jos J M; van der Geest, Rob J

2017-01-01

To develop and evaluate a method that can fully automatically identify the vessel wall boundaries and quantify the wall thickness for both common carotid artery (CCA) and descending aorta (DAO) from axial magnetic resonance (MR) images. 3T MRI data acquired with T 1 -weighted gradient-echo black-blood imaging sequence from carotid (39 subjects) and aorta (39 subjects) were used to develop and test the algorithm. The vessel wall segmentation was achieved by respectively fitting a 3D cylindrical B-spline surface to the boundaries of lumen and outer wall. The tube-fitting was based on the edge detection performed on the signal intensity (SI) profile along the surface normal. To achieve a fully automated process, Hough Transform (HT) was developed to estimate the lumen centerline and radii for the target vessel. Using the outputs of HT, a tube model for lumen segmentation was initialized and deformed to fit the image data. Finally, lumen segmentation was dilated to initiate the adaptation procedure of outer wall tube. The algorithm was validated by determining: 1) its performance against manual tracing; 2) its interscan reproducibility in quantifying vessel wall thickness (VWT); 3) its capability of detecting VWT difference in hypertensive patients compared with healthy controls. Statistical analysis including Bland-Altman analysis, t-test, and sample size calculation were performed for the purpose of algorithm evaluation. The mean distance between the manual and automatically detected lumen/outer wall contours was 0.00 ± 0.23/0.09 ± 0.21 mm for CCA and 0.12 ± 0.24/0.14 ± 0.35 mm for DAO. No significant difference was observed between the interscan VWT assessment using automated segmentation for both CCA (P = 0.19) and DAO (P = 0.94). Both manual and automated segmentation detected significantly higher carotid (P = 0.016 and P = 0.005) and aortic (P < 0.001 and P = 0.021) wall thickness in the hypertensive patients. A reliable and reproducible pipeline for fully automatic vessel wall quantification was developed and validated on healthy volunteers as well as patients with increased vessel wall thickness. This method holds promise for helping in efficient image interpretation for large-scale cohort studies. 4 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:215-228. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Inner-sphere complexation of cations at the rutile-water interface: A concise surface structural interpretation with the CD and MUSIC model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ridley, Moira K.; Hiemstra, Tjisse; van Riemsdijk, Willem H.; Machesky, Michael L.

2009-04-01

Acid-base reactivity and ion-interaction between mineral surfaces and aqueous solutions is most frequently investigated at the macroscopic scale as a function of pH. Experimental data are then rationalized by a variety of surface complexation models. These models are thermodynamically based which in principle does not require a molecular picture. The models are typically calibrated to relatively simple solid-electrolyte solution pairs and may provide poor descriptions of complex multi-component mineral-aqueous solutions, including those found in natural environments. Surface complexation models may be improved by incorporating molecular-scale surface structural information to constrain the modeling efforts. Here, we apply a concise, molecularly-constrained surface complexation model to a diverse suite of surface titration data for rutile and thereby begin to address the complexity of multi-component systems. Primary surface charging curves in NaCl, KCl, and RbCl electrolyte media were fit simultaneously using a charge distribution (CD) and multisite complexation (MUSIC) model [Hiemstra T. and Van Riemsdijk W. H. (1996) A surface structural approach to ion adsorption: the charge distribution (CD) model. J. Colloid Interf. Sci. 179, 488-508], coupled with a Basic Stern layer description of the electric double layer. In addition, data for the specific interaction of Ca 2+ and Sr 2+ with rutile, in NaCl and RbCl media, were modeled. In recent developments, spectroscopy, quantum calculations, and molecular simulations have shown that electrolyte and divalent cations are principally adsorbed in various inner-sphere configurations on the rutile 1 1 0 surface [Zhang Z., Fenter P., Cheng L., Sturchio N. C., Bedzyk M. J., Předota M., Bandura A., Kubicki J., Lvov S. N., Cummings P. T., Chialvo A. A., Ridley M. K., Bénézeth P., Anovitz L., Palmer D. A., Machesky M. L. and Wesolowski D. J. (2004) Ion adsorption at the rutile-water interface: linking molecular and macroscopic properties. Langmuir20, 4954-4969]. Our CD modeling results are consistent with these adsorbed configurations provided adsorbed cation charge is allowed to be distributed between the surface (0-plane) and Stern plane (1-plane). Additionally, a complete description of our titration data required inclusion of outer-sphere binding, principally for Cl - which was common to all solutions, but also for Rb + and K +. These outer-sphere species were treated as point charges positioned at the Stern layer, and hence determined the Stern layer capacitance value. The modeling results demonstrate that a multi-component suite of experimental data can be successfully rationalized within a CD and MUSIC model using a Stern-based description of the EDL. Furthermore, the fitted CD values of the various inner-sphere complexes of the mono- and divalent ions can be linked to the microscopic structure of the surface complexes and other data found by spectroscopy as well as molecular dynamics (MD). For the Na + ion, the fitted CD value points to the presence of bidenate inner-sphere complexation as suggested by a recent MD study. Moreover, its MD dominance quantitatively agrees with the CD model prediction. For Rb +, the presence of a tetradentate complex, as found by spectroscopy, agreed well with the fitted CD and its predicted presence was quantitatively in very good agreement with the amount found by spectroscopy.

Experimental performance of 75-millimeter-bore arched outer-race ball bearings to 2.1 million DN. [thrust loads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coe, H. H.

1976-01-01

An experimental investigation was performed to determine the operating characteristics of arched outer-race bearings and to compare the data with those for a similar, but conventional, deep-groove ball bearing. The bearings were tested over a range of shaft speeds up to 28,000 rpm at a thrust load of 2200 newtons (500 lb). One bearing was operated at 26,000 rpm with a range of thrust loads. The amounts of arching were 0.13, 0.25, and 0.51 millimeter (0.005, 0.010, and 0.020 in.). All bearings operated satisfactorily; the arched bearing outer-race temperatures and torques were consistently higher than those for the conventional bearing.

Experimental data and model for the turbulent boundary layer on a convex, curved surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gillis, J. C.; Johnson, J. P.; Moffat, R. J.; Kays, W. M.

1981-01-01

Experiments were performed to determine how boundary layer turbulence is affected by strong convex curvature. The data gathered on the behavior of the Reynolds stress suggested the formulation of a simple turbulence model. Data were taken on two separate facilities. Both rigs had flow from a flat surface, over a convex surface with 90 deg of turning and then onto a flat recovery surface. The geometry was adjusted so that, for both rigs, the pressure gradient along the test surface was zero. Two experiments were performed at delta/R approximately 0.10, and one at weaker curvature with delta/R approximately 0.05. Results show that after a sudden introduction of curvature the shear stress in the outer part of the boundary layer is sharply diminished and is even slightly negative near the edge. The wall shear also drops off quickly downstream. When the surface suddenly becomes flat again, the wall shear and shear stress profiles recover very slowly towards flat wall conditions. A simple turbulence model, which was based on the theory that the Prandtl mixing length in the outer layer should scale on the velocity gradient layer, was shown to account for the slow recovery.

Star formation in the outskirts of DDO 154: a top-light IMF in a nearly dormant disc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watts, Adam B.; Meurer, Gerhardt R.; Lagos, Claudia D. P.; Bruzzese, Sarah M.; Kroupa, Pavel; Jerabkova, Tereza

2018-07-01

We present optical photometry of Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS)/Wide Field Camera (WFC) data of the resolved stellar populations in the outer disc of the dwarf irregular galaxy DDO 154. The photometry reveals that young main sequence (MS) stars are almost absent from the outermost H I disc. Instead, most are clustered near the main stellar component of the galaxy. We constrain the stellar initial mass function (IMF) by comparing the luminosity function of the MS stars to simulated stellar populations, assuming a constant star formation rate over the dynamical time-scale. The best-fitting IMF is deficient in high-mass stars compared to a canonical Kroupa IMF, with a best-fitting slope α = -2.45 and upper mass limit MU = 16 M⊙. This top-light IMF is consistent with predictions of the integrated galactic IMF theory. Combining the HST images with H I data from The H I Nearby Galaxy Survey (THINGS), we determine the star formation law (SFL) in the outer disc. The fit has a power-law exponent N = 2.92 ± 0.22 and zero-point A = 4.47 ± 0.65 × 10-7 M⊙ yr-1 kpc-2. This is depressed compared to the Kennicutt-Schmidt SFL, but consistent with weak star formation observed in diffuse H I environments. Extrapolating the SFL over the outer disc implies that there could be significant star formation occurring that is not detectable in H α. Last, we determine the Toomre stability parameter Q of the outer disc of DDO 154 using the THINGS H I rotation curve and velocity dispersion map. 72 per cent of the H I in our field has Q ≤ 4 and this incorporates 96 per cent of the observed MS stars. Hence, 28 per cent of the H I in the field is largely dormant.

THE FIRST Hi-GAL OBSERVATIONS OF THE OUTER GALAXY: A LOOK AT STAR FORMATION IN THE THIRD GALACTIC QUADRANT IN THE LONGITUDE RANGE 216. Degree-Sign 5 {approx}< l {approx}< 225. Degree-Sign 5

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

Elia, D.; Molinari, S.; Schisano, E.

2013-07-20

We present the first Herschel PACS and SPIRE photometric observations in a portion of the outer Galaxy (216. Degree-Sign 5 {approx}< l {approx}< 225. Degree-Sign 5 and -2 Degree-Sign {approx}< b {approx}< 0 Degree-Sign ) as a part of the Hi-GAL survey. The maps between 70 and 500 {mu}m, the derived column density and temperature maps, and the compact source catalog are presented. NANTEN CO(1-0) line observations are used to derive cloud kinematics and distances so that we can estimate distance-dependent physical parameters of the compact sources (cores and clumps) having a reliable spectral energy distribution that we separate intomore » 255 proto-stellar and 688 starless sources. Both typologies are found in association with all the distance components observed in the field, up to {approx}5.8 kpc, testifying to the presence of star formation beyond the Perseus arm at these longitudes. Selecting the starless gravitationally bound sources, we identify 590 pre-stellar candidates. Several sources of both proto- and pre-stellar nature are found to exceed the minimum requirement for being compatible with massive star formation based on the mass-radius relation. For the pre-stellar sources belonging to the Local arm (d {approx}< 1.5 kpc) we study the mass function whose high-mass end shows a power law N(log M){proportional_to}M {sup -1.0{+-}0.2}. Finally, we use a luminosity versus mass diagram to infer the evolutionary status of the sources, finding that most of the proto-stellar sources are in the early accretion phase (with some cases compatible with a Class I stage), while for pre-stellar sources, in general, accretion has not yet started.« less

Viability of cumulus cells is associated with basal AMH levels in assisted reproduction.

PubMed

Ebner, Thomas; Shebl, Omar; Holzer, Sandra; Oppelt, Peter; Petek, Erwin; Schappacher-Tilp, Gudrun; Mayer, Richard B

2014-12-01

An interesting non-invasive approach to select embryos for transfer is analyzing the health state of somatic granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte addressing their mutual dependence. This prospective study was set up to analyse whether the DNA integrity of cumulus cells correlates with preimplantation development and basal AMH levels. Therefore, 56 patients who gave written consent were enrolled. Sequential denudation of the cumulus-oocyte-complexes was performed in order to separate corona radiata from outer cumulus cells. DNA integrity of both cell types was analysed using a modified chromatin dispersion test. The percentage of viable corona radiata cells per patient showed a linear correlation to blastulation (P<0.05). These innermost cells showed significantly lower rates of strand breaks (P<0.01) as compared to outer cumulus cells. Age-corrected AMH was significantly associated with the DNA integrity of outer cumulus cells (P<0.05). For the first time it could be shown that in fact clinical embryologists deal with two different entities of cumulus cells, inner and outer ones. It seems that any protective mechanism of the female gamete follows an outward gradient, so that negative effects, e.g. apoptosis, may impair outer cumulus cells first. Age-corrected AMH reflects quality of these outer cumulus cells. AMH; Corona radiata cells; DNA fragmentation; Outer cumulus cells; SCD test. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prediction of MeV electron fluxes throughout the outer radiation belt using multivariate autoregressive models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakaguchi, Kaori; Nagatsuma, Tsutomu; Reeves, Geoffrey D.; Spence, Harlan E.

2015-12-01

The Van Allen radiation belts surrounding the Earth are filled with MeV-energy electrons. This region poses ionizing radiation risks for spacecraft that operate within it, including those in geostationary orbit (GEO) and medium Earth orbit. To provide alerts of electron flux enhancements, 16 prediction models of the electron log-flux variation throughout the equatorial outer radiation belt as a function of the McIlwain L parameter were developed using the multivariate autoregressive model and Kalman filter. Measurements of omnidirectional 2.3 MeV electron flux from the Van Allen Probes mission as well as >2 MeV electrons from the GOES 15 spacecraft were used as the predictors. Model explanatory parameters were selected from solar wind parameters, the electron log-flux at GEO, and geomagnetic indices. For the innermost region of the outer radiation belt, the electron flux is best predicted by using the Dst index as the sole input parameter. For the central to outermost regions, at L ≧ 4.8 and L ≧ 5.6, the electron flux is predicted most accurately by including also the solar wind velocity and then the dynamic pressure, respectively. The Dst index is the best overall single parameter for predicting at 3 ≦ L ≦ 6, while for the GEO flux prediction, the KP index is better than Dst. A test calculation demonstrates that the model successfully predicts the timing and location of the flux maximum as much as 2 days in advance and that the electron flux decreases faster with time at higher L values, both model features consistent with the actually observed behavior.

Changes in Inner and Outer Retinal Layer Thicknesses after Vitrectomy for Idiopathic Macular Hole: Implications for Visual Prognosis

PubMed Central

Hashimoto, Yuki; Saito, Wataru; Fujiya, Akio; Yoshizawa, Chikako; Hirooka, Kiriko; Mori, Shohei; Noda, Kousuke; Ishida, Susumu

2015-01-01

Purpose To investigate sequential post-operative thickness changes in inner and outer retinal layers in eyes with an idiopathic macular hole (MH). Methods Retrospective case series. Twenty-four eyes of 23 patients who had received pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for the closure of MH were included in the study. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography C-scan was used to automatically measure the mean thickness of the inner and outer retinal layers pre-operatively and up to 6 months following surgery. The photoreceptor outer segment (PROS) length was measured manually and was used to assess its relationship with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results Compared with the pre-operative thickness, the inner layers significantly thinned during follow-up (P = 0.02), particularly in the parafoveal (P = 0.01), but not perifoveal, area. The post-operative inner layer thinning ranged from the ganglion cell layer to the inner plexiform layer (P = 0.002), whereas the nerve fiber layer was unaltered. Outer layer thickness was significantly greater post-operatively (P = 0.002), and especially the PROS lengthened not only in the fovea but also in the parafovea (P < 0.001). Six months after surgery, BCVA was significantly correlated exclusively with the elongated foveal PROS (R = 0.42, P = 0.03), but not with any of the other thickness parameters examined. Conclusions Following PPV for MH, retinal inner layers other than the nerve fiber layer thinned, suggestive of subclinical thickening in the inner layers where no cyst was evident pre-operatively. In contrast, retinal outer layer thickness significantly increased, potentially as a result of PROS elongation linking tightly with favorable visual prognosis in MH eyes. PMID:26291526

Enhancement of struvite pellets crystallization in a full-scale plant using an industrial grade magnesium product.

PubMed

Crutchik, D; Morales, N; Vázquez-Padín, J R; Garrido, J M

2017-02-01

A full-scale struvite crystallization system was operated for the treatment of the centrate obtained from the sludge anaerobic digester in a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Additionally, the feasibility of an industrial grade Mg(OH) 2 as a cheap magnesium and alkali source was also investigated. The struvite crystallization plant was operated for two different periods: period I, in which an influent with low phosphate concentration (34.0 mg P·L -1 ) was fed to the crystallization plant; and period II, in which an influent with higher phosphate concentration (68.0 mg P·L -1 ) was used. A high efficiency of phosphorus recovery by struvite crystallization was obtained, even when the effluent treated had a high level of alkalinity. Phosphorus recovery percentage was around 77%, with a phosphate concentration in the effluent between 10.0 and 30.0 mg P·L -1 . The experiments gained struvite pellets of 0.5-5.0 mm size. Moreover, the consumption of Mg(OH) 2 was estimated at 1.5 mol Mg added·mol P recovered -1 . Thus, industrial grade Mg(OH) 2 can be an economical alternative as magnesium and alkali sources for struvite crystallization at industrial scale.

Health perceptions and clinical characteristics of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients: baseline data from an international clinical trial.

PubMed

Robinson, D; Zhao, N; Gathany, T; Kim, L-L; Cella, D; Revicki, D

2009-05-01

Baseline clinical and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) data from a phase 2, multi-site, international, randomized, controlled trial were analyzed to: (1) characterize the health status of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), (2) explore cross-sectional relationships between HRQoL and clinical measures, and (3) evaluate differences in HRQoL scores for subsequent validation as minimally important differences (MID). www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00207727. Baseline clinical and HRQoL data were selected and analyzed. HRQoL questionnaires included the Short Form-36 (SF-36), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), a Patient Assessment of multiple sclerosis (MS) Impact (PAMSI), and MS-specific symptom scales for Bladder and Bowel Control, Cognition, and Sexual Satisfaction. Standard summary statistics described the population while Pearson and Spearman correlations evaluated the baseline association between HRQoL and clinical measures. Cross-sectional estimates of MID in HRQoL scores were derived using several clinical anchors, the PAMSI, and two tests: Tukey multiple comparisons and adjacent mean difference. Patients (n = 249) had a mean age of 39.0 (Standard deviation, SD = 10.5), 70% were female, 63% resided in Europe, and 96% were Caucasian. Baseline median Expanded Disability Severity Scale (EDSS) was 2.5 (range = 0.0-6.5); median disease duration was 1.9 years (range = 0.1-33.6). The worst baseline mean (normalized) SF-36 scores were for General Health (39.9), Role Physical (40.4), Physical Functioning (41.0), and Vitality (42.7). The worst MS symptom mean scores were for Cognition (6.3) and FSS (4.4). Fatigue scores indicated substantial burden and were consistent with SF-36 Vitality results. Baseline HRQoL scores (SF-36, FSS, MS symptom scales) correlated most with EDSS, Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC), age and disease duration. Lesion count and pre-baseline relapse rate had no meaningful association with HRQoL or other clinical measures. The MID for several HRQoL measures are proposed for confirmation in longitudinal patient datasets. Clinical and HRQoL assessments documented health impairments in physical functioning, fatigue, and cognition among these RRMS patients with relatively short disease duration. HRQoL data varied with clinical measures and contributed new information regarding disease burden. The association between clinical and HRQoL measures was limited to cross-sectional analysis and requires confirmation in longitudinal datasets. These findings reflect an ambulatory, early-stage RRMS population that was mostly European in location or descent. The PAMSI also requires further validation as a measure of patient health status.

A long-lived relativistic electron storage ring embedded in Earth's Outer Van Allen belt

DOE PAGES

Baker, D. N.; Kanekal, S. G.; Hoxie, V. C.; ...

2013-02-28

Since their discovery over 50 years ago, the Earth’s Van Allen radiation belts are thought to consist of two distinct zones of trapped, highly energetic charged particles. The outer zone is comprised predominantly of mega-electron volt (MeV) electrons that wax and wane in intensity on time scales ranging from hours to days depending primarily on external forcing by the solar wind. Thus, the spatially separated inner zone is comprised of commingled high-energy electrons and very energetic positive ions (mostly protons), the latter being stable in intensity levels over years to decades. In situ energy-specific and temporally resolved spacecraft observations revealmore » an isolated third ring, or torus, of high-energy (E > 2 MeV) electrons that formed on 2 September 2012 and persisted largely unchanged in the geocentric radial range of 3.0 to ~3.5 Earth radii for over four weeks before being disrupted (and virtually annihilated) by a powerful interplanetary shock wave passage.« less

Decayed and missing teeth and oral-health-related factors: predicting depression in homeless people.

PubMed

Coles, Emma; Chan, Karen; Collins, Jennifer; Humphris, Gerry M; Richards, Derek; Williams, Brian; Freeman, Ruth

2011-08-01

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of dental health status, dental anxiety and oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) upon homeless people's experience of depression. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of homeless people in seven National Health Service Boards in Scotland. All participants completed a questionnaire to assess their depression, dental anxiety and OHRQoL using reliable and valid measures. Participants had an oral examination to assess their experience of tooth decay (decayed and missing teeth). Latent variable path analysis was conducted to determine the effects of dental health status on depression via dental anxiety and OHRQoL using intensive resampling methods. A total of 853 homeless people participated, of which 70% yielded complete data sets. Three latent variables, decayed and missing teeth, dental anxiety (Modified Dental Anxiety Scale: five items) and depression (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale: two factors), and a single variable for OHRQoL (Oral Health Impact Profile total scale) were used in a hybrid structural equation model. The variable decayed and missing teeth was associated with depression through indirect pathways (total standardised indirect effects=0.44, P<.001), via OHRQoL and dental anxiety (χ²=75.90, df=40, comparative fit index=0.985, Tucker-Lewis index=0.977, root mean square error of approximation=0.051 [90% confidence interval: 0.037-0.065]). Depression in Scottish homeless people is related to dental health status and oral-health-related factors. Decayed and missing teeth may influence depression primarily through the psychological constructs of OHRQoL and, to a lesser extent, dental anxiety. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Not Available].

PubMed

Brosseau, Lucie; Laroche, Chantal; Sutton, Anne; Guitard, Paulette; King, Judy; Poitras, Stéphane; Casimiro, Lynn; Tremblay, Manon; Cardinal, Dominique; Cavallo, Sabrina; Laferrière, Lucie; Grisé, Isabelle; Marshall, Lisa; Smith, Jacky R; Lagacé, Josée; Pharand, Denyse; Galipeau, Roseline; Toupin-April, Karine; Loew, Laurianne; Demers, Catrine; Sauvé-Schenk, Katrine; Paquet, Nicole; Savard, Jacinthe; Tourigny, Jocelyne; Vaillancourt, Véronique

2015-08-01

To prepare a Canadian French translation of the PEDro Scale under the proposed name l'Échelle PEDro, and to examine the validity of its content. A modified approach of Vallerand's cross-cultural validation methodology was used, beginning with a parallel back-translation of the PEDro scale by both professional translators and clinical researchers. These versions were reviewed by an initial panel of experts (P1), who then created the first experimental version of l'Échelle PEDro. This version was evaluated by a second panel of experts (P2). Finally, 32 clinical researchers evaluated the second experimental version of l'Échelle PEDro, using a 5-point clarity scale, and suggested final modifications. The various items on the final version of l'Échelle PEDro show a high degree of clarity (from 4.0 to 4.7 on the 5-point scale). The four rigorous steps of the translation process have produced a valid Canadian French version of the PEDro scale.

Fine line structures of ceramic films formed by patterning of metalorganic precursors using photolithography and ion beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hung, L. S.; Zheng, L. R.

1992-05-01

Fine line structures of ceramic thin films were fabricated by patterning of metalorganic precursors using photolithography and ion beams. A trilevel structure was developed with an outer resist layer to transfer patterns, a silver delineated layer as an implantation mask, and a planar resist layer protecting the precursor film from chemical attacking and sputtering. Ion irradiation through the Ag stencil rendered metal carboxylates insoluble in 2-ethylhexanoic acid, permitting patterning of the precursor film with patterning features on micron scales. The potential of this technique was demonstrated in patterning of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O(8+x) and Pb(Zr(0.53)Ti(0.47) thin films.

Retinal single-layer analysis with optical coherence tomography shows inner retinal layer thinning in Huntington's disease as a potential biomarker.

PubMed

Gulmez Sevim, Duygu; Unlu, Metin; Gultekin, Murat; Karaca, Cagatay

2018-02-12

There have been ongoing clinical trials of therapeutic agents in Huntington's disease (HD) which requires development of reliable biomarkers of disease progression. There have been studies in the literature with conflicting results on the involvement of retina in HD, and up to date there is not a study evaluating the single retinal layers in HD. We aimed to evaluate the specific retinal changes in HD and their usability as potential disease progression markers. This cross-sectional study used spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with automatic segmentation to measure peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness and the thickness and volume of retinal layers in foveal scans of 15 patients with HD and 15 age- and sex-matched controls. Genetic testing results, disease duration, HD disease burden scores and Unified HD Rating Scales motor scores were acquired for the patients. Temporal pRNFL, macular RNFL (mRNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), inner nuclear layer and outer plexiform layer thicknesses and IPL, retinal pigment epithelium and outer macular volume were found lower in HD compared to controls, while outer nuclear layer and outer retinal layer thickness were increased (p < 0.05). We found significant correlations between inner retinal layer thicknesses, most significantly with mRNFL and GCL and disease progression markers. The outcomes of this study points out that retinal layers, most significantly mRNFL and GCL, are strongly correlated with the disease progression in HD and could serve as useful biomarkers for disease progression.

A Volcanic Hydrogen Habitable Zone

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

Ramirez, Ramses M.; Kaltenegger, Lisa, E-mail: rmr277@cornell.edu

The classical habitable zone (HZ) is the circular region around a star in which liquid water could exist on the surface of a rocky planet. The outer edge of the traditional N{sub 2}–CO{sub 2}–H{sub 2}O HZ extends out to nearly ∼1.7 au in our solar system, beyond which condensation and scattering by CO{sub 2} outstrips its greenhouse capacity. Here, we show that volcanic outgassing of atmospheric H{sub 2} can extend the outer edge of the HZ to ∼2.4 au in our solar system. This wider volcanic-hydrogen HZ (N{sub 2}–CO{sub 2}–H{sub 2}O–H{sub 2}) can be sustained as long as volcanic H{submore » 2} output offsets its escape from the top of the atmosphere. We use a single-column radiative-convective climate model to compute the HZ limits of this volcanic hydrogen HZ for hydrogen concentrations between 1% and 50%, assuming diffusion-limited atmospheric escape. At a hydrogen concentration of 50%, the effective stellar flux required to support the outer edge decreases by ∼35%–60% for M–A stars. The corresponding orbital distances increase by ∼30%–60%. The inner edge of this HZ only moves out ∼0.1%–4% relative to the classical HZ because H{sub 2} warming is reduced in dense H{sub 2}O atmospheres. The atmospheric scale heights of such volcanic H{sub 2} atmospheres near the outer edge of the HZ also increase, facilitating remote detection of atmospheric signatures.« less

Basalt or Not? Near-infrared Spectra, Surface Mineralogical Estimates, and Meteorite Analogs for 33 Vp-type Asteroids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hardersen, Paul S.; Reddy, Vishnu; Cloutis, Edward; Nowinski, Matt; Dievendorf, Margaret; Genet, Russell M.; Becker, Savan; Roberts, Rachel

2018-07-01

Investigations of the main asteroid belt and efforts to constrain that population’s physical characteristics involve the daunting task of studying hundreds of thousands of small bodies. Taxonomic systems are routinely employed to study the large-scale nature of the asteroid belt because they utilize common observational parameters, but asteroid taxonomies only define broadly observable properties and are not compositionally diagnostic. This work builds upon the results of work by Hardersen et al., which has the goal of constraining the abundance and distribution of basaltic asteroids throughout the main asteroid belt. We report on the near-infrared (NIR: 0.7 to 2.5 μm) reflectance spectra, surface mineralogical characterizations, analysis of spectral band parameters, and meteorite analogs for 33 Vp asteroids. NIR reflectance spectroscopy is an effective remote sensing technique to detect most pyroxene group minerals, which are spectrally distinct with two very broad spectral absorptions at ∼0.9 and ∼1.9 μm. Combined with the results from Hardersen et al., we identify basaltic asteroids for ∼95% (39/41) of our inner-belt Vp sample, but only ∼25% (2/8) of the outer-belt Vp sample. Inner-belt basaltic asteroids are most likely associated with (4) Vesta and represent impact fragments ejected from previous collisions. Outer-belt Vp asteroids exhibit disparate spectral, mineralogical, and meteorite analog characteristics and likely originate from diverse parent bodies. The discovery of two additional likely basaltic asteroids provides additional evidence for an outer-belt basaltic asteroid population.

A Fourth KLK4 Mutation Is Associated with Enamel Hypomineralisation and Structural Abnormalities

PubMed Central

Smith, Claire E. L.; Kirkham, Jennifer; Day, Peter F.; Soldani, Francesca; McDerra, Esther J.; Poulter, James A.; Inglehearn, Christopher F.; Mighell, Alan J.; Brookes, Steven J.

2017-01-01

“Amelogenesis imperfecta” (AI) describes a group of genetic conditions that result in defects in tooth enamel formation. Mutations in many genes are known to cause AI, including the gene encoding the serine protease, kallikrein related peptidase 4 (KLK4), expressed during the maturation stage of amelogenesis. In this study we report the fourth KLK4 mutation to be identified in autosomal recessively-inherited hypomaturation type AI, c.632delT, p.(L211Rfs*37) (NM_004917.4, NP_004908.4). This homozygous variant was identified in five Pakistani AI families and is predicted to result in a transcript with a premature stop codon that escapes nonsense mediated decay. However, the protein may misfold, as three of six disulphide bonds would be disrupted, and may be degraded or non-functional as a result. Primary teeth were obtained from one affected individual. The enamel phenotype was characterized using high-resolution computerized X-ray tomography (CT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and microhardness testing (MH). Enamel from the affected individual (referred to as KLK4 enamel) was hypomineralised in comparison with matched control enamel. Furthermore, KLK4 inner enamel was hypomineralised compared with KLK4 outer enamel. SEM showed a clear structural demarcation between KLK4 inner and outer enamel, although enamel structure was similar to control tissue overall. EDX showed that KLK4 inner enamel contained less calcium and phosphorus and more nitrogen than control inner enamel and KLK4 outer enamel. MH testing showed that KLK4 inner enamel was significantly softer than KLK4 outer enamel (p < 0.001). However, the hardness of control inner enamel was not significantly different to that of control outer enamel. Overall, these findings suggest that the KLK4 c.632delT mutation may be a common cause of autosomal recessive AI in the Pakistani population. The phenotype data obtained mirror findings in the Klk4−/− mouse and suggest that KLK4 is required for the hardening and mineralization of the inner enamel layer but is less essential for hardening and mineralization of the outer enamel layer. PMID:28611678

Vascular parameters continue to decrease post-exposure with simultaneous, but not individual exposure to BPA and hypoxia in zebrafish larvae.

PubMed

Cypher, Alysha D; Fetterman, Bryce; Bagatto, Brian

2018-04-01

How fish respond to hypoxia, a common stressor, can be altered by simultaneous exposure to pollutants like bisphenol A (BPA), a plasticizer. BPA is cardiotoxic and interferes with the hypoxia inducible factor pathway (HIF-1α), therefore disrupting the hypoxic response. Co-exposure to hypoxia and BPA also causes severe bradycardia and reduced cardiac output in zebrafish larvae. The purpose of this work was to determine how the cardiovascular effects of co-exposure vary with BPA concentration and persist beyond exposure. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 100 μg/L of BPA during normoxia (>6.0 mg/L O 2 ) and hypoxia (2.0 ± 0.5 mg/L O 2 ) between 1 h post fertilization (hpf) and late hatching (72-96 hpf). Heart rate, cardiac output, and red blood cell (RBC) velocity were determined through video microscopy and digital motion analysis at late hatching and 10 days post fertilization (dpf), several days post exposure. In comparison to the hypoxic control, RBC velocity was 25% lower with 0.01 μg/L BPA and hypoxia at late hatching. At 10 dpf, the difference in RBC velocity between these treatments doubled, despite several days of recovery. This coincided with a 24% thinner outer diameter for caudal vein but no effect on cardiac or developmental parameters. Statistical interactions between BPA and oxygen concentration were found for arterial RBC velocity at both ages. Because the co-occurrence of both stressors is extremely common, it would be beneficial to understand how BPA and hypoxia interact to affect cardiovascular function during and after exposure. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evolution over time of the Milky Way's disc shape

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amôres, E. B.; Robin, A. C.; Reylé, C.

2017-06-01

Context. Galactic structure studies can be used as a path to constrain the scenario of formation and evolution of our Galaxy. The dependence with the age of stellar population parameters would be linked with the history of star formation and dynamical evolution. Aims: We aim to investigate the structures of the outer Galaxy, such as the scale length, disc truncation, warp and flare of the thin disc and study their dependence with age by using 2MASS data and a population synthesis model (the so-called Besançon Galaxy Model). Methods: We have used a genetic algorithm to adjust the parameters on the observed colour-magnitude diagrams at longitudes 80° ≤ ℓ ≤ 280° for | b | ≤ 5.5°. We explored parameter degeneracies and uncertainties. Results: We identify a clear dependence of the thin disc scale length, warp and flare shapes with age. The scale length is found to vary between 3.8 kpc for the youngest to about 2 kpc for the oldest. The warp shows a complex structure, clearly asymmetrical with a node angle changing with age from approximately 165° for old stars to 195° for young stars. The outer disc is also flaring with a scale height that varies by a factor of two between the solar neighbourhood and a Galactocentric distance of 12 kpc. Conclusions: We conclude that the thin disc scale length is in good agreement with the inside-out formation scenario and that the outer disc is not in dynamical equilibrium. The warp deformation with time may provide some clues to its origin.

THE EFFECTS OF EPISODIC STAR FORMATION ON THE FUV-NUV COLORS OF STAR FORMING REGIONS IN OUTER DISKS

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

Barnes, Kate L.; Van Zee, Liese; Dowell, Jayce D., E-mail: barneskl@astro.indiana.edu, E-mail: vanzee@astro.indiana.edu, E-mail: jdowell@unm.edu

2013-09-20

We run stellar population synthesis models to examine the effects of a recently episodic star formation history (SFH) on UV and Hα colors of star forming regions. Specifically, the SFHs we use are an episodic sampling of an exponentially declining star formation rate (SFR; τ model) and are intended to simulate the SFHs in the outer disks of spiral galaxies. To enable comparison between our models and observational studies of star forming regions in outer disks, we include in our models sensitivity limits that are based on recent deep UV and Hα observations in the literature. We find significant dispersionmore » in the FUV-NUV colors of simulated star forming regions with frequencies of star formation episodes of 1 × 10{sup –8} to 4 × 10{sup –9} yr{sup –1}. The dispersion in UV colors is similar to that found in the outer disk of nearby spiral galaxies. As expected, we also find large variations in L{sub H{sub α}}/L{sub FUV}. We interpret our models within the context of inside-out disk growth, and find that a radially increasing τ and decreasing metallicity with an increasing radius will only produce modest FUV-NUV color gradients, which are significantly smaller than what is found for some nearby spiral galaxies. However, including moderate extinction gradients with our models can better match the observations with steeper UV color gradients. We estimate that the SFR at which the number of stars emitting FUV light becomes stochastic is ∼2 × 10{sup –6} M{sub ☉} yr{sup –1}, which is substantially lower than the SFR of many star forming regions in outer disks. Therefore, we conclude that stochasticity in the upper end of the initial mass function is not likely to be the dominant cause of dispersion in the FUV-NUV colors of star forming regions in outer disks. Finally, we note that if outer disks have had an episodic SFH similar to that used in this study, this should be taken into account when estimating gas depletion timescales and modeling chemical evolution of spiral galaxies.« less

Pilot scale biodiesel production from microbial oil of Rhodosporidium toruloides DEBB 5533 using sugarcane juice: Performance in diesel engine and preliminary economic study.

PubMed

Soccol, Carlos Ricardo; Dalmas Neto, Carlos José; Soccol, Vanete Thomaz; Sydney, Eduardo Bittencourt; da Costa, Eduardo Scopel Ferreira; Medeiros, Adriane Bianchi Pedroni; Vandenberghe, Luciana Porto de Souza

2017-01-01

A successful pilot-scale process for biodiesel production from microbial oil (Biooil) produced by Rhodosporidium toruloides DEBB 5533 is presented. Using fed-batch strategy (1000L working volume), a lipid productivity of 0.44g/L.h was obtained using a low-cost medium composed by sugarcane juice and urea. The microbial oil was used for biodiesel production and its performance was evaluated in diesel engine tests, showing very good performance, especially for the blend B20 SCO, when operating at 2500rpm with lower pollutant emissions (CO 2 - 220% less; CO - 7-fold less; NO X 50% less and no detectable HC emissions (<0.11ppm)) when compared with the blends of standard biofuel from soybean oil. A preliminary analysis showed that microbial biodiesel is economically competitive (US$ 0.76/L) when compared to the vegetable biodiesel (US$ 0.81/L). Besides, the yield of biodiesel from microbial oil is higher (4172L/ha of cultivated sugarcane) that represents 6.3-fold the yield of standard biodiesel (661L/ha of cultivated soybean). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Turbulent kinetic energy and a possible hierarchy of length scales in a generalization of the Navier-Stokes alpha theory.

PubMed

Fried, Eliot; Gurtin, Morton E

2007-05-01

We present a continuum-mechanical formulation and generalization of the Navier-Stokes alpha theory based on a general framework for fluid-dynamical theories with gradient dependencies. Our flow equation involves two additional problem-dependent length scales alpha and beta. The first of these scales enters the theory through the internal kinetic energy, per unit mass, alpha2|D|2, where D is the symmetric part of the gradient of the filtered velocity. The remaining scale is associated with a dissipative hyperstress which depends linearly on the gradient of the filtered vorticity. When alpha and beta are equal, our flow equation reduces to the Navier-Stokes alpha equation. In contrast to the original derivation of the Navier-Stokes alpha equation, which relies on Lagrangian averaging, our formulation delivers boundary conditions. For a confined flow, our boundary conditions involve an additional length scale l characteristic of the eddies found near walls. Based on a comparison with direct numerical simulations for fully developed turbulent flow in a rectangular channel of height 2h, we find that alphabeta approximately Re(0.470) and lh approximately Re(-0.772), where Re is the Reynolds number. The first result, which arises as a consequence of identifying the internal kinetic energy with the turbulent kinetic energy, indicates that the choice alpha=beta required to reduce our flow equation to the Navier-Stokes alpha equation is likely to be problematic. The second result evinces the classical scaling relation eta/L approximately Re(-3/4) for the ratio of the Kolmogorov microscale eta to the integral length scale L . The numerical data also suggests that l < or = beta . We are therefore led to conjecture a tentative hierarchy, l < or = beta < alpha , involving the three length scales entering our theory.

Comparative transcriptional and translational analysis of leptospiral outer membrane protein expression in response to temperature.

PubMed

Lo, Miranda; Cordwell, Stuart J; Bulach, Dieter M; Adler, Ben

2009-12-08

Leptospirosis is a global zoonosis affecting millions of people annually. Transcriptional changes in response to temperature were previously investigated using microarrays to identify genes potentially expressed upon host entry. Past studies found that various leptospiral outer membrane proteins are differentially expressed at different temperatures. However, our microarray studies highlighted a divergence between protein abundance and transcript levels for some proteins. Given the abundance of post-transcriptional expression control mechanisms, this finding highlighted the importance of global protein analysis systems. To complement our previous transcription study, we evaluated differences in the proteins of the leptospiral outer membrane fraction in response to temperature upshift. Outer membrane protein-enriched fractions from Leptospira interrogans grown at 30 degrees C or overnight upshift to 37 degrees C were isolated and the relative abundance of each protein was determined by iTRAQ analysis coupled with two-dimensional liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (2-DLC/MS-MS). We identified 1026 proteins with 99% confidence; 27 and 66 were present at elevated and reduced abundance respectively. Protein abundance changes were compared with transcriptional differences determined from the microarray studies. While there was some correlation between the microarray and iTRAQ data, a subset of genes that showed no differential expression by microarray was found to encode temperature-regulated proteins. This set of genes is of particular interest as it is likely that regulation of their expression occurs post-transcriptionally, providing an opportunity to develop hypotheses about the molecular dynamics of the outer membrane of Leptospira in response to changing environments. This is the first study to compare transcriptional and translational responses to temperature shift in L. interrogans. The results thus provide an insight into the mechanisms used by L. interrogans to adapt to conditions encountered in the host and to cause disease. Our results suggest down-regulation of protein expression in response to temperature, and decreased expression of outer membrane proteins may facilitate minimal interaction with host immune mechanisms.

Freeze-fracture studies of photoreceptor membranes: new observations bearing upon the distribution of cholesterol

PubMed Central

1983-01-01

We performed electron microscopy of replicas from freeze-fractured retinas exposed during or after fixation to the cholesterol-binding antibiotic, filipin. We observed characteristic filipin-induced perturbations throughout the disk and plasma membranes of retinal rod outer segments of various species. It is evident that a prolonged exposure to filipin in fixative enhances rather than reduces presumptive cholesterol detection in the vertebrate photoreceptor cell. In agreement with the pattern seen in our previous study (Andrews, L.D., and A. I. Cohen, 1979, J. Cell Biol., 81:215-228), filipin- binding in membranes exhibiting particle-free patches seemed largely confined to these patches. Favorably fractured photoreceptors exhibited marked filipin-binding in apical inner segment plasma membrane topologically confluent with and proximate to the outer segment plasma membrane, which was comparatively free of filipin binding. A possible boundary between these differing membrane domains was suggested in a number of replicas exhibiting lower filipin binding to the apical plasma membrane of the inner segment in the area surrounding the cilium. This area contains a structure (Andrews, L. D., 1982, Freeze- fracture studies of vertebrate photoreceptors, In Structure of the Eye, J. G. Hollyfield and E. Acosta Vidrio, editors, Elsevier/North-Holland, New York, 11-23) that resembles the active zones of the nerve terminals for the frog neuromuscular junction. These observations lead us to hypothesize that these structures may function to direct vesicle fusion to occur near them, in a domain of membrane more closely resembling outer than inner segment plasma membrane. The above evidence supports the views that (a) all disk membranes contain cholesterol, but the particle-free patches present in some disks trap cholesterol from contiguous particulate membrane regions; (b) contiguous inner and outer segment membranes may greatly differ in cholesterol content; and (c) the suggested higher cholesterol in the inner segment than in the outer segment plasma membrane may help direct newly inserted photopigment molecules to the outer segment. PMID:6411740

Characterization of the Inner Disk around HD 141569 A from Keck/NIRC2 L-Band Vortex Coronagraphy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mawet, Dimitri; Choquet, Élodie; Absil, Olivier; Huby, Elsa; Bottom, Michael; Serabyn, Eugene; Femenia, Bruno; Lebreton, Jérémy; Matthews, Keith; Gomez Gonzalez, Carlos A.; Wertz, Olivier; Carlomagno, Brunella; Christiaens, Valentin; Defrère, Denis; Delacroix, Christian; Forsberg, Pontus; Habraken, Serge; Jolivet, Aissa; Karlsson, Mikael; Milli, Julien; Pinte, Christophe; Piron, Pierre; Reggiani, Maddalena; Surdej, Jean; Vargas Catalan, Ernesto

2017-01-01

HD 141569 A is a pre-main sequence B9.5 Ve star surrounded by a prominent and complex circumstellar disk, likely still in a transition stage from protoplanetary to debris disk phase. Here, we present a new image of the third inner disk component of HD 141569 A made in the L‧ band (3.8 μm) during the commissioning of the vector vortex coronagraph that has recently been installed in the near-infrared imager and spectrograph NIRC2 behind the W.M. Keck Observatory Keck II adaptive optics system. We used reference point-spread function subtraction, which reveals the innermost disk component from the inner working distance of ≃23 au and up to ≃70 au. The spatial scale of our detection roughly corresponds to the optical and near-infrared scattered light, thermal Q, N, and 8.6 μm PAH emission reported earlier. We also see an outward progression in dust location from the L‧ band to the H band (Very Large Telescope/SPHERE image) to the visible (Hubble Space Telescope (HST)/STIS image), which is likely indicative of dust blowout. The warm disk component is nested deep inside the two outer belts imaged by HST-NICMOS in 1999 (at 406 and 245 au, respectively). We fit our new L‧-band image and spectral energy distribution of HD 141569 A with the radiative transfer code MCFOST. Our best-fit models favor pure olivine grains and are consistent with the composition of the outer belts. While our image shows a putative very faint point-like clump or source embedded in the inner disk, we did not detect any true companion within the gap between the inner disk and the first outer ring, at a sensitivity of a few Jupiter masses.

Prospective external convergence evaluation of two different quality-of-life instruments in lung resection patients.

PubMed

Pompili, Cecilia; Brunelli, Alessandro; Xiumé, Francesco; Refai, Majed; Salati, Michele; Socci, Laura; Di Nunzio, Luca; Sabbatini, Armando

2011-07-01

The interpretation of studies on quality of life (QoL) after lung surgery is often difficult owing to the use of multiple instruments with inconsistent scales and metrics. Although a more standardized approach would be desirable, the most appropriate instrument to be used in this setting is still largely undefined. The aim of the study was to assess the respective ability of two validated QoL instruments (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30/L13 and Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36)) to detect perioperative changes in QoL of patients submitted to pulmonary resection for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A prospective study on 33 consecutive patients (May 2009-December 2009) was submitted to pulmonary resection. All patients completed both EORTC QLQ-C30 with lung module 13 and SF-36 pre- and postoperatively (3 months). Preoperative changes of all SF-36 and EORTC scales were assessed by using the Cohen's effect-size method. External convergence between different instruments (SF-36 vs EORTC) was assessed by measuring the correlation of scales evaluating the same concepts (physical, psychosocial, and emotional). The correlation coefficients between standardized perioperative changes (effect sizes) of objective functional parameters (forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO)) and SF-36 or EORTC scales were also investigated. A poor correlation (r < 0.5) was detected between most of the scales of the two instruments measuring the same QoL concepts, indicating that they may be complementary in investigating different aspects of QoL. Only the SF-36 and EORTC social functioning scales and the SF-36 mental health and EORTC emotional functioning scales had a correlation coefficient >0.5. In general, EORTC was more sensitive in detecting physical or emotional declines but was more conservative in detecting improvements. Both SF-36 and EORTC showed poor correlations (r < 0.5) between perioperative changes in QoL and FEV1 or DLCO, confirming that objective parameters cannot be surrogates to the subjective perception of QoL. In particular, there was a poor correlation between perceived changes in dyspnea and objective changes in FEV1 or DLCO. EORTC behaved similarly to SF-36 in assessing perioperative changes in generic QoL scales, but, with the use of its lung module, provided a more detailed evaluation of specific symptoms. For this reason, EORTC should be regarded as the instrument of choice for measuring QoL in the thoracic surgery setting. Copyright © 2010 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Highly Relativistic Radiation Belt Electron Acceleration, Transport, and Loss: Large Solar Storm Events of March and June 2015

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baker, D. N.; Jaynes, A. N.; Kanekal, S. G.; Foster, J.C.; Erickson, P. J.; Fennell, Joseph; Blake, J. B.; Zhao, H.; Li, X.; Elkington, S. R.;

Fermentative utilization of coffee mucilage using Bacillus coagulans and investigation of down-stream processing of fermentation broth for optically pure l(+)-lactic acid production.

PubMed

Neu, Anna-Katrin; Pleissner, Daniel; Mehlmann, Kerstin; Schneider, Roland; Puerta-Quintero, Gloria Inés; Venus, Joachim

2016-07-01

In this study, mucilage, a residue from coffee production, was investigated as substrate in fermentative l(+)-lactic acid production. Mucilage was provided as liquid suspension consisting glucose, galactose, fructose, xylose and sucrose as free sugars (up to 60gL(-1)), and used directly as medium in Bacillus coagulans batch fermentations carried out at 2 and 50L scales. Using mucilage and 5gL(-1) yeast extract as additional nitrogen source, more than 40gL(-1) lactic acid was obtained. Productivity and yield were 4-5gL(-1)h(-1) and 0.70-0.77g lactic acid per g of free sugars, respectively, irrespective the scale. Similar yield was found when no yeast extract was supplied, the productivity, however, was 1.5gL(-1)h(-1). Down-stream processing of culture broth, including filtration, electrodialysis, ion exchange chromatography and distillation, resulted in a pure lactic acid formulation containing 930gL(-1)l(+)-lactic acid. Optical purity was 99.8%. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Iron Deficiency Is a Determinant of Functional Capacity and Health-related Quality of Life 30 Days After an Acute Coronary Syndrome.

PubMed

Meroño, Oona; Cladellas, Mercè; Ribas-Barquet, Núria; Poveda, Paula; Recasens, Lluis; Bazán, Víctor; García-García, Cosme; Ivern, Consol; Enjuanes, Cristina; Orient, Salvador; Vila, Joan; Comín-Colet, Josep

2017-05-01

Iron deficiency (ID) is a prevalent condition in patients with ischemic heart disease and heart failure. Little is known about the impact of ID on exercise capacity and quality of life (QoL) in the recovery phase after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Iron status and its impact on exercise capacity and QoL were prospectively evaluated in 244 patients 30 days after the ACS. QoL was assessed by the standard EuroQoL-5 dimensions, EuroQoL visual analogue scale, and Heart-QoL questionnaires. Exercise capacity was analyzed by treadmill/6-minute walk tests. The effect of ID on cardiovascular mortality and readmission rate was also investigated. A total of 46% of the patients had ID. These patients had lower exercise times (366±162 vs 462±155seconds; P<.001), metabolic consumption rates (7.9±2.9 vs 9.3±2.6 METS; P=.003), and EuroQoL-5 dimensions (0.76±0.25 vs 0.84±0.16), visual analogue scale (66±16 vs 72±17), and Heart-QoL (1.9±0.6 vs 2.2±0.6) scores (P<.05). ID independently predicted lower exercise times (OR, 2.9; 95%CI, 1.1-7.6; P=.023) and worse QoL (OR, 1.9; 95%CI, 1.1-3.3; P<.001) but had no effect on cardiovascular morbidity or mortality. ID, a prevalent condition in ACS patients, results in a poorer mid-term functional recovery, as measured by exercise capacity and QoL. Copyright © 2016 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Preparation of a polymeric ionic liquid-coated solid-phase microextraction fiber by surface radical chain-transfer polymerization with stainless steel wire as support.

PubMed

Feng, Juanjuan; Sun, Min; Xu, Lili; Li, Jubai; Liu, Xia; Jiang, Shengxiang

2011-10-28

Polymeric 1-vinyl-3-octylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate was synthesized in situ on stainless steel wire by surface radical chain-transfer polymerization and used as sensitive coatings in solid-phase microextraction. The outer surface of the stainless steel wire was firstly coated with microstructured silver layer via silver mirror reaction and then functionalized with self-assembled monolayers of 1,8-octanedithiol, which acted as chain transfer agent in the polymerization. Coupled to gas chromatography, extraction performance of the fiber was studied with both headspace and direct-immersion modes using benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX), phenols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) as model analytes. In combination with the microstructured silver layer, the PIL-coated fiber exhibited high extraction efficiency. Linear ranges for BTEX with headspace mode were in the range of 0.2-1000 μg L(-1) for benzene, and 0.1-1000 μg L(-1) for toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes. Limits of detection (LODs) were from 0.02 to 0.05 μg L(-1). Wide linear ranges of direct-immersion mode for the extraction of several phenols and PAHs were also obtained with correlation coefficients (R) from 0.9943 to 0.9997. The proposed fiber showed good durability with long lifetime. RSDs of 56 times extraction were still in an acceptable range, from 8.85 to 22.8%. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dynamo Scaling Laws for Uranus and Neptune: The Role of Convective Shell Thickness on Dipolarity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stanley, Sabine; Yunsheng Tian, Bob

2017-10-01

Previous dynamo scaling law studies (Christensen and Aubert, 2006) have demonstrated that the morphology of a planet’s magnetic field is determined by the local Rossby number (Ro_l): a non-dimensional diagnostic variable that quantifies the ratio of inertial forces to Coriolis forces on the average length scale of the flow. Dynamos with Ro_l <~ 0.1 produce dipolar dominated magnetic fields whereas dynamos with Ro_l >~ 0.1 produce multipolar magnetic fields. Scaling studies have also determined the dependence of the local Rossby number on non-dimensional parameters governing the system - specifically the Ekman, Prandtl, magnetic Prandtl and flux-based Rayleigh numbers (Olson and Christensen, 2006). When these scaling laws are applied to the planets, it appears that Uranus and Neptune should have dipole-dominated fields, contrary to observations. However, those scaling laws were derived using the specific convective shell thickness of the Earth’s core. Here we investigate the role of convective shell thickness on dynamo scaling laws. We find that the local Rossby number depends exponentially on the convective shell thickness. Including this new dependence on convective shell thickness, we find that the dynamo scaling laws now predict that Uranus and Neptune reside deeply in the multipolar regime, thereby resolving the previous contradiction with observations.

Extending the time window for endovascular procedures according to collateral pial circulation.

PubMed

Ribo, Marc; Flores, Alan; Rubiera, Marta; Pagola, Jorge; Sargento-Freitas, Joao; Rodriguez-Luna, David; Coscojuela, Pilar; Maisterra, Olga; Piñeiro, Socorro; Romero, Francisco J; Alvarez-Sabin, Jose; Molina, Carlos A

2011-12-01

Good collateral pial circulation (CPC) predicts a favorable outcome in patients undergoing intra-arterial procedures. We aimed to determine if CPC status may be used to decide about pursuing recanalization efforts. Pial collateral score (0-5) was determined on initial angiogram. We considered good CPC when pial collateral score<3, defined total time of ischemia (TTI) as onset-to-recanalization time, and clinical improvement>4-point decline in admission-discharge National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. We studied CPC in 61 patients (31 middle cerebral artery, 30 internal carotid artery). Good CPC patients (n=21 [34%]) had lower discharge National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (7 versus 21; P=0.02) and smaller infarcts (56 mL versus 238 mL; P<0.001). In poor CPC patients, a receiver operating characteristic curve defined a TTI cutoff point<300 minutes (sensitivity 67%, specificity 75%) that better predicted clinical improvement (TTI<300: 66.7% versus TTI>300: 25%; P=0.05). For good CPC patients, no temporal cutoff point could be defined. Although clinical improvement was similar for patients recanalizing within 300 minutes (poor CPC: 60% versus good CPC: 85.7%; P=0.35), the likelihood of clinical improvement was 3-fold higher after 300 minutes only in good CPC patients (23.1% versus 90.1%; P=0.01). Similarly, infarct volume was reduced 7-fold in good as compared with poor CPC patients only when TTI>300 minutes (TTI<300: poor CPC: 145 mL versus good CPC: 93 mL; P=0.56 and TTI>300: poor CPC: 217 mL versus good CPC: 33 mL; P<0.01). After adjusting for age and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, TTI<300 emerged as an independent predictor of clinical improvement in poor CPC patients (OR, 6.6; 95% CI, 1.01-44.3; P=0.05) but not in good CPC patients. In a logistic regression, good CPC independently predicted clinical improvement after adjusting for TTI, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and age (OR, 12.5; 95% CI, 1.6-74.8; P=0.016). Good CPC predicts better clinical response to intra-arterial treatment beyond 5 hours from onset. In patients with stroke receiving endovascular treatment, identification of good CPC may help physicians when considering pursuing recanalization efforts in late time windows.

A comparative profile of methanol extracts of Allium cepa and Allium sativum in diabetic neuropathy in mice

PubMed Central

Bhanot, Abhishek; Shri, Richa

2010-01-01

Introduction: Diabetic Neuropathy (DN) is a major microvascular complication of uncontrolled diabetes. This may result from increased oxidative stress that accompanies diabetes. Hence plants with antioxidant action play an important role in management of diabetes and its complications. Materials and Methods: This study was designed to evaluate preventive as well as curative effect of methanol extracts of outer scales and edible portions of two plants with established antioxidant action - Allium cepa and Allium sativum, in induced DN in albino mice. Mice were divided into control, diabetic and test extracts treated groups. Test extracts were administered daily at a dose of 200 mg/kg p.o. for 21 days, in the preventive group prior to onset of DN, and in the curative group after the onset of DN. Hyperalgesia and oxidative stress markers were assessed. STZ-diabetic mice showed a significant thermal hyperalgesia (as assessed by the tail-flick test), indicating development of DN. Results: Treatment with test extracts prevented loss in body weight, decreased plasma glucose level, and significantly ameliorated the hyperalgesia, TBARS, serum nitrite and GSH levels in diabetic mice. Conclusion: Methanol extract of outer scales of onion has shown most significant improvement; may be due to higher content of phenolic compounds in outer scales of A. cepa. PMID:21713142

Light and Heavy Element Abundance Variations in the Outer Halo Globular Cluster NGC 6229

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Christian I.; Caldwell, Nelson; Rich, R. Michael; Walker, Matthew G.

2017-10-01

NGC 6229 is a relatively massive outer halo globular cluster that is primarily known for exhibiting a peculiar bimodal horizontal branch morphology. Given the paucity of spectroscopic data on this cluster, we present a detailed chemical composition analysis of 11 red giant branch members based on high resolution (R ≈ 38,000), high S/N (>100) spectra obtained with the MMT-Hectochelle instrument. We find the cluster to have a mean heliocentric radial velocity of -{138.1}-1.0+1.0 {km} {{{s}}}-1, a small dispersion of {3.8}-0.7+1.0 {km} {{{s}}}-1, and a relatively low {(M/{L}{{V}})}⊙ ={0.82}-0.28+0.49. The cluster is moderately metal-poor with < [{Fe}/{{H}}]> =-1.13 dex and a modest dispersion of 0.06 dex. However, 18% (2/11) of the stars in our sample have strongly enhanced [La, Nd/Fe] ratios that are correlated with a small (˜0.05 dex) increase in [Fe/H]. NGC 6229 shares several chemical signatures with M75, NGC 1851, and the intermediate metallicity populations of ω Cen, which lead us to conclude that NGC 6229 is a lower mass iron-complex cluster. The light elements exhibit the classical (anti-)correlations that extend up to Si, but the cluster possesses a large gap in the O-Na plane that separates first and second generation stars. NGC 6229 also has unusually low [Na, Al/Fe] abundances that are consistent with an accretion origin. A comparison with M54 and other Sagittarius clusters suggests that NGC 6229 could also be the remnant core of a former dwarf spheroidal galaxy.

Use of soybean oil and ammonium sulfate additions to optimize secondary metabolite production.

PubMed

Junker, B; Mann, Z; Gailliot, P; Byrne, K; Wilson, J

1998-12-05

A valine-overproducing mutant (MA7040, Streptomyces hygroscopicus) was found to produce 1.5 to 2.0 g/L of the immunoregulant, L-683,590, at the 0.6 m3 fermentation scale in a simple batch process using soybean oil and ammonium sulfate-based GYG5 medium. Levels of both lower (L-683,795) and higher (HH1 and HH2) undesirable homolog levels were controlled adequately. This batch process was utilized to produce broth economically at the 19 m3 fermentation scale. Material of acceptable purity was obtained without the multiple pure crystallizations previously required for an earlier culture, MA6678, requiring valine supplementation for impurity control. Investigations at the 0.6 m3 fermentation scale were conducted, varying agitation, pH, initial soybean oil/ammonium sulfate charges, and initial aeration rate to further improve growth and productivity. Mid-cycle ammonia levels and lipase activity appeared to have an important role. Using mid-cycle soybean oil additions, a titer of 2.3 g/L of L-683,590 was obtained, while titers reached 2.7 g/L using mid-cycle soybean oil and ammonium sulfate additions. Both higher and lower homolog levels remained acceptable during this fed-batch process. Optimal timing of mid-cycle oil and ammonium sulfate additions was considered a critical factor to further titer improvements. Copyright 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Anaerobic treatment of animal byproducts from slaughterhouses at laboratory and pilot scale.

PubMed

Edström, Mats; Nordberg, Ake; Thyselius, Lennart

2003-01-01

Different mixtures of animal byproducts, other slaughterhouse waste (i.e., rumen, stomach and intestinal content), food waste, and liquid manure were codigested at mesophilic conditions (37 degrees C) at laboratory and pilot scale. Animal byproducts, including blood, represent 70-80% of the total biogas potential from waste generated during slaughter of animals. The total biogas potential from waste generated during slaughter is about 1300 MJ/cattle and about 140 MJ/pig. Fed-batch digestion of pasteurized (70 degrees C, 1 h) animal byproducts resulted in a fourfold increase in biogas yield (1.14 L/g of volatile solids [VS]) compared with nonpasteurized animal byproducts (0.31 L/g of VS). Mixtures with animal byproducts representing 19-38% of the total dry matter were digested in continuous-flow stirred tank reactors at laboratory and pilot scale. Stable processes at organic loading rates (OLRs) exceeding 2.5 g of VS/(L.d) and hydraulic retention times (HRTs) less than 40 d could be obtained with total ammonia nitrogen concentrations (NH4-N + NH3-N) in the range of 4.0-5.0 g/L. After operating one process for more than 1.5 yr at total ammonia nitrogen concentrations >4 g/L, an increase in OLR to 5 g of VS/(L.d) and a decrease in HRT to 22 d was possible without accumulation of volatile fatty acids.

Prediction of mercury bioavailability to common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) using the diffusive gradient in thin film technique.

PubMed

Pelcová, Pavlína; Vičarová, Petra; Ridošková, Andrea; Dočekalová, Hana; Kopp, Radovan; Mareš, Jan; Poštulková, Eva

2017-11-01

The mercury bioaccumulation by common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) tissues (gills, skin, eyes, scales, muscle, brain, kidneys, liver, and spleen) and the capability of the diffusive gradient in thin film (DGT) technique to predict bioavailability of mercury for individual carp's tissues were evaluated. Carp and DGT units were exposed to increasing concentrations of mercury (Hg 2+ : 0 μg L -1 , 0.5 μg L -1 , 1.5 μg L -1 and 3.0 μg L -1 ) in fish tanks for 14 days. In the uncontaminated fish group, the highest mercury concentration was determined in the muscle tissues and, in fish groups exposed to mercury, the highest mercury concentration was determined in the detoxification (kidneys) and input (gills) organs. A strong and positive correlation between the rate of mercury uptake by the DGT technique and the rate of mercury accumulation by fish tissues (gills, skin, scales, and eyes) was observed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Validity, reliability and responsiveness of a short version of the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale in patients receiving rehabilitation.

PubMed

Chen, Hui-fang; Wu, Ching-yi; Lin, Keh-chung; Li, Ming-wei; Yu, Hung-wen

2012-07-01

To examine the measurement properties of a short version of the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QoL-12). Self-report survey of patients with mild to moderate upper extremity dysfunction. A total of 126 patients provided 252 observations before and after treatment. The construct validity and reliability was examined using the Rasch model; the concurrent and predictive validity was estimated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. Paired t-test and the standardized response mean (SRM) were performed to estimate the responsiveness of the SS-QoL-12. The 2-factor model (psychosocial and physical domains) fit the data better with smaller deviances. All but 1 item showed acceptable fit, and no item biases were detected. The reliability of the subscales and the whole scale ranged from 0.67 to 0.99. The total score showed fair correlations with the criterion measures at pretreatment (ρ = 0.28-0.40) and fair to good correlations at post-treatment (ρ = 0.39-0.54). The subscales had low to fair correlations at pretreatment (ρ = 0.19-0.49) and fair to good correlations at post-treatment (ρ = 0.31-0.56). The total and the subscales had low to good predictions at baseline (ρ = 0.22-0.52). The whole scale and the psychosocial subscale were mildly responsive to change (SRM = 0.22), but the physical subscale was not responsive to change (SRM = 0.08). The SS-QoL-12 has acceptable to good measurement properties, with an advantage of requiring less time to administer than other scales. The use of the subscale and total scores depends on the purpose of research. Future studies should recruit stroke patients with a broad range of dysfunction and use a large sample size to validate the findings.

Reproductive biology and feeding habits of the prickly dogfish Oxynotus bruniensis.

PubMed

Finucci, B; Bustamante, C; Jones, E G; Dunn, M R

2016-11-01

The reproductive biology and diet of prickly dogfish Oxynotus bruniensis, a deep-sea elasmobranch, endemic to the outer continental and insular shelves of southern Australia and New Zealand, and caught as by-catch in demersal fisheries, are described from specimens caught in New Zealand waters. A total of 53 specimens were obtained from research surveys and commercial fisheries, including juveniles and adults ranging in size from 33·5 to 75·6 cm total length (L T ). Estimated size-at-maturity was 54·7 cm L T in males and 64·0 cm L T in females. Three gravid females (65·0, 67·5 and 71·2 cm L T ) were observed, all with eight embryos. Size-at-birth was estimated to be 25-27 cm L T . Vitellogenesis was not concurrent with embryo development. Analysis of diet from stomach contents, including DNA identification of prey using the mitochondrial genes cox1 and nadh2, revealed that O. bruniensis preys exclusively on the egg capsules of holocephalans, potentially making it the only known elasmobranch with a diet reliant solely upon other chondrichthyans. Based on spatial overlap with deep-sea fisheries, a highly specialized diet, and reproductive characteristics representative of a low productivity fish, the commercial fisheries by-catch of O. bruniensis may put this species at relatively high risk of overfishing. © 2016 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of the lipopolysaccharide core biosynthetic enzyme ADP-L-glycero-D-mannoheptose 6-epimerase from Escherichia coli K-12.

PubMed

Ding, L; Zhang, Y; Deacon, A M; Ealick, S E; Ni, Y; Sun, P; Coleman, W G

1999-03-01

ADP-L-glycero-D-mannoheptose 6-epimerase is a 240 kDa NAD-dependent nucleotide diphosphosugar epimerase from Escherichia coli K12 which catalyzes the interconversion of ADP-D-glycero-D-mannoheptose and ADP-L-glycero-D-mannoheptose. ADP-L-glycero-D-mannoheptose is a required intermediate for lipopolysaccharide inner-core and outer-membrane biosynthesis in several genera of pathogenic and non-pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria. ADP-L-glycero-D-mannoheptose 6-epimerase was overexpressed in E. coli and purified to apparent homogeneity by chromatographic methods. Three crystal forms of the epimerase were obtained by a hanging-drop vapor-diffusion method. A native data set for crystal form III was collected in-house on a Rigaku R-AXIS-IIC image plate at 3.0 A resolution. The form III crystals belong to the monoclinic space group P21. The unit-cell parameters are a = 98.94, b = 110.53, c = 180.68 A and beta = 90.94 degrees. Our recent results show that these crystals diffract to 2.0 A resolution at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source. The crystal probably contains six 40 kDa monomers per asymmetric unit, with a corresponding volume per protein mass (Vm) of 4.11 A3 Da-1 and a solvent fraction of 70%.

QualiCOP: real-world effectiveness, tolerability, and quality of life in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated with glatiramer acetate, treatment-naïve patients, and previously treated patients.

PubMed

Ziemssen, Tjalf; Calabrese, Pasquale; Penner, Iris-Katharina; Apfel, Rainer

2016-04-01

Treatment of symptoms and signs beyond the expanded disability status scale remains a major target in multiple sclerosis. QualiCOP was an observational, non-interventional, open-label study conducted at 170 sites in Germany. Of the 754 enrolled patients, 96 % had relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) and were either disease-modifying therapy naïve (de novo, n = 481) or previously treated (n = 237) with once-daily, subcutaneous 20-mg/mL glatiramer acetate (GA). Assessments of relapse rate, disease progression, overall functioning, quality of life (QoL), cognition, fatigue, and depression were performed over 24 months. GA treatment over 24 months was associated with reduced annual relapse rate for previously treated (from 0.98 to 0.54 relapses) and de novo (from 0.81 to 0.48 relapses) patients. Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite scores showed slight improvement in both cohorts (all p < 0.01). Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test and Multiple Sclerosis Inventory Cognition scale scores showed robust improvement in cognition among previously treated and de novo cohorts (all p < 0.001). General Depression Scale scores showed significantly reduced depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). Disease severity, fatigue, and QoL were stable over the observational period. These real-world findings suggest that patients with MS show benefit from GA treatment in important QoL parameters beyond standard measures of relapse and disease severity.

Clinical characteristics of occult macular dystrophy in family with mutation of RP1l1 gene.

PubMed

Tsunoda, Kazushige; Usui, Tomoaki; Hatase, Tetsuhisa; Yamai, Satoshi; Fujinami, Kaoru; Hanazono, Gen; Shinoda, Kei; Ohde, Hisao; Akahori, Masakazu; Iwata, Takeshi; Miyake, Yozo

2012-06-01

To report the clinical characteristics of occult macular dystrophy (OMD) in members of one family with a mutation of the RP1L1 gene. Fourteen members with a p.Arg45Trp mutation in the RP1L1 gene were examined. The visual acuity, visual fields, fundus photographs, fluorescein angiograms, full-field electroretinograms, multifocal electroretinograms, and optical coherence tomographic images were examined. The clinical symptoms and signs and course of the disease were documented. All the members with the RP1L1 mutation except one woman had ocular symptoms and signs of OMD. The fundus was normal in all the patients during the entire follow-up period except in one patient with diabetic retinopathy. Optical coherence tomography detected the early morphologic abnormalities both in the photoreceptor inner/outer segment line and cone outer segment tip line. However, the multifocal electroretinograms were more reliable in detecting minimal macular dysfunction at an early stage of OMD. The abnormalities in the multifocal electroretinograms and optical coherence tomography observed in the OMD patients of different durations strongly support the contribution of RP1L1 mutation to the presence of this disease.

Collective hydration dynamics in some amino acid solutions: A combined GHz-THz spectroscopic study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samanta, Nirnay; Das Mahanta, Debasish; Choudhury, Samiran; Barman, Anjan; Kumar Mitra, Rajib

2017-03-01

A detailed understanding of hydration of amino acids, the building units of protein, is a key step to realize the overall solvation processes in proteins. In the present contribution, we have made a combined GHz (0.2-50) to THz (0.3-2.0) experimental spectroscopic study to investigate the dynamics of water at room temperature in the presence of different amino acids (glycine, L-serine, L-lysine, L-tryptophan, L-arginine, and L-aspartic acid). The THz absorption coefficient, α(ν), of amino acids follows a trend defined by their solvent accessible surface area. The imaginary and real dielectric constants obtained in GHz and THz regions are fitted into multiple Debye model to obtain various relaxation times. The ˜100 ps time scale obtained in the GHz frequency region is attributed to the rotational motion of the amino acids. In the THz region, we obtain ˜8 ps and ˜200 fs time scales which are related to the cooperative dynamics of H-bond network and partial rotation or sudden jump of the under-coordinated water molecules. These time scales are found to be dependent on the amino acid type and the cooperative motion is found to be dependent on both the hydrophobic as well as the hydrophilic residue of amino acids.

LEAF UV OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF 'RUMEX PATIENTIA' L. AND 'RUMEX OBTUSIFOLIUS L. IN REGARD TO A PROTECTIVE MECHANISM AGAINST SOLAR UV-B RADIATION INJURY

EPA Science Inventory

Effective UV attenuation in the outer leaf layers may represent an important protective mechanism against potentially damaging solar UV-B radiation. Epidermal optical properties for Rumex patientia and Rumex obtusifolius were examined on field collected and greenhouse grown plant...

Living in the Past: Phylogeography and Population Histories of Indo-Pacific Wrasses (Genus Halichoeres) in Shallow Lagoons versus Outer Reef Slopes

PubMed Central

Ludt, William B.; Bernal, Moisés A.; Bowen, Brian W.; Rocha, Luiz A.

2012-01-01

Sea level fluctuations during glacial cycles affect the distribution of shallow marine biota, exposing the continental shelf on a global scale, and displacing coral reef habitat to steep slopes on oceanic islands. In these circumstances we expect that species inhabiting lagoons should show shallow genetic architecture relative to species inhabiting more stable outer reefs. Here we test this expectation on an ocean-basin scale with four wrasses (genus Halichoeres): H. claudia (N = 194, with ocean-wide distribution) and H. ornatissimus (N = 346, a Hawaiian endemic) inhabit seaward reef slopes, whereas H. trimaculatus (N = 239) and H. margaritaceus (N = 118) inhabit lagoons and shallow habitats throughout the Pacific. Two mitochondrial markers (cytochrome oxidase I and control region) were sequenced to resolve population structure and history of each species. Haplotype and nucleotide diversity were similar among all four species. The outer reef species showed significantly less population structure, consistent with longer pelagic larval durations. Mismatch distributions and significant negative Fu’s F values indicate Pleistocene population expansion for all species, and (contrary to expectations) shallower histories in the outer slope species. We conclude that lagoonal wrasses may persist through glacial habitat disruptions, but are restricted to refugia during lower sea level stands. In contrast, outer reef slope species have homogeneous and well-connected populations through their entire ranges regardless of sea level fluctuations. These findings contradict the hypothesis that shallow species are less genetically diverse as a consequence of glacial cycles. PMID:22701597

Reconciling the Zagarola/Smits and George/Castillo Scaling for the Velocity Deficit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wosnik, Martin; George, William K.

1998-11-01

Recently two new approaches to the scaling of the velocity deficit for boundary layers have been set forth. George and Castillo (1997)(George WK and Castillo L (1997) Appl.Mech.Rev.), 50, 12/1, 689--729. argue on theoretical grounds that the proper asymptotically invariant velocity deficit is given by (U-U_∞) = U_∞ f_o(y/δ, δ^+) where δ^+ = u* δ/ν. As δ^+ arrow ∞, f_o(y/δ,δ^+) arrow f_o∞(y/δ) thus only in this limit, which is well beyond existing experimental data, will profiles truly collapse. Similarly, the ratio, δ_*/δ is dependent on δ^+ and becomes constant only asymptotically. Zagarola and Smits (1998)(Zagarola M and Smits L (1998) in Proc. FEDSM, ASME, Wash., DC.), in apparent contradiction, show striking experimental collapse of the velocity deficit normalized with a new scale defined as Us = U_∞ δ_*/δ, where δ* is the displacement thickness. Both points of view are reconcilable. If it is assumed that f_o(y/δ,δ^+) = F(δ^+) f_o∞(y/δ), then the Zagarola/Smits result follows if F(δ^+) = δ_*/δ. This arbitrary splitting off of the Reynolds number dependence can only be justified approximately theoretically; however, the differences between this result and that calculated from the composite profile suggested by George and Castillo is almost impossible to discern over most of the outer flow. Hence both results are in essential agreement as to both the need for including the Reynolds number dependence in the velocity deficit and what it is.

IroN, a Novel Outer Membrane Siderophore Receptor Characteristic of Salmonella enterica

PubMed Central

Bäumler, Andreas J.; Norris, Tracy L.; Lasco, Todd; Voigt, Wolfgang; Reissbrodt, Rolf; Rabsch, Wolfgang; Heffron, Fred

1998-01-01

Speciation in enterobacteria involved horizontal gene transfer. Therefore, analysis of genes acquired by horizontal transfer that are present in one species but not its close relatives is expected to give insights into how new bacterial species were formed. In this study we characterize iroN, a gene located downstream of the iroBC operon in the iroA locus of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi. Like iroBC, the iroN gene is present in all phylogenetic lineages of S. enterica but is absent from closely related species such as Salmonella bongori or Escherichia coli. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence of iroN with other proteins suggested that this gene encodes an outer membrane siderophore receptor protein. Mutational analysis in S. enterica and expression in E. coli identified a 78-kDa outer membrane protein as the iroN gene product. When introduced into an E. coli fepA cir fiu aroB mutant on a cosmid, iroN mediated utilization of structurally related catecholate siderophores, including N-(2,3-dihydroxybenzoyl)-l-serine, myxochelin A, benzaldehyde-2,3-dihydroxybenzhydrazone, 2-N,6-N-bis(2,3-dihydroxybenzoyl)-l-lysine, 2-N,6-N-bis(2,3-dihydroxybenzoyl)-l-lysine amide, and enterochelin. These results suggest that the iroA locus functions in iron acquisition in S. enterica. PMID:9515912

Will Outer Tropical Cyclone Size Change due to Anthropogenic Warming?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schenkel, B. A.; Lin, N.; Chavas, D. R.; Vecchi, G. A.; Knutson, T. R.; Oppenheimer, M.

2017-12-01

Prior research has shown significant interbasin and intrabasin variability in outer tropical cyclone (TC) size. Moreover, outer TC size has even been shown to vary substantially over the lifetime of the majority of TCs. However, the factors responsible for both setting initial outer TC size and determining its evolution throughout the TC lifetime remain uncertain. Given these gaps in our physical understanding, there remains uncertainty in how outer TC size will change, if at all, due to anthropogenic warming. The present study seeks to quantify whether outer TC size will change significantly in response to anthropogenic warming using data from a high-resolution global climate model and a regional hurricane model. Similar to prior work, the outer TC size metric used in this study is the radius in which the azimuthal-mean surface azimuthal wind equals 8 m/s. The initial results from the high-resolution global climate model data suggest that the distribution of outer TC size shifts significantly towards larger values in each global TC basin during future climates, as revealed by 1) statistically significant increase of the median outer TC size by 5-10% (p<0.05) according to a 1,000-sample bootstrap resampling approach with replacement and 2) statistically significant differences between distributions of outer TC size from current and future climate simulations as shown using two-sample Kolmogorov Smirnov testing (p<<0.01). Additional analysis of the high-resolution global climate model data reveals that outer TC size does not uniformly increase within each basin in future climates, but rather shows substantial locational dependence. Future work will incorporate the regional mesoscale hurricane model data to help focus on identifying the source of the spatial variability in outer TC size increases within each basin during future climates and, more importantly, why outer TC size changes in response to anthropogenic warming.

Sedimentary regimes at Potter Cove, King George Island, maritime Antarctica - from source to sink

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monien, Donata; Monien, Patrick; Brünjes, Robert M.; Widmer, Tatjana; Schnetger, Bernhard; Brumsack, Hans-Jürgen

2013-04-01

Increased particle run-off due to recently retreated ice masses along the Antarctic margins may play an important role in fertilizing the high-nutrient-low-chlorophyll regions of the Southern Ocean. At Potter Cove, King George Island, maritime Antarctica, small melt water streams at the south-eastern shoreline (Potter Peninsula) discharge up to 1,500 mg L-1 (av. 110 mg L-1) of suspended particle matter (SPM) per day into the coastal water body during the summer seasons. Apart from potential light limitation of plankton growth by the suspension load, the particle run-off affects benthic feeders, possibly changes the depositional regime and the preservation of chemical proxies in the outlet zones, and exports trace elements offshore. In Potter Cove's water column, the average particle size is low, and extreme turbidity events are restricted to the upper five to seven meters. High particle loads are often associated with low salinities, most probably induced by increased onshore precipitation. Sediment traps installed in the inner and outer cove at 5 and 20 m water depth suggest mass accumulation rates of 0.83 and 0.58 g cm-2 yr-1, and 0.13 and 0.11 g cm-2 yr-1 (considering 183 days of sedimentation), respectively. 210Pb measurements of short sediment cores reveal recent sediment accumulation rates of approximately 0.1 to 0.6 g cm-2 yr-1. The SPM sampled in the melt water streams and plumes is chemically different to surface sediments deposited in Potter Cove. Chemical characteristics suggest a significant impact of particle sorting: SPM and outer cove sediments are more clayey, whereas inner cove sediments contain more heavy minerals. Generally, sediment deposits in Potter Cove exhibit coarser grain sizes and are mainly derived from Barton Peninsula (northern shoreline), whereas the SPM consists of more fine-grained material originating from Potter Peninsula eluviations. Sequential leaching of the SPM by ascorbic acid showed that approximately 0.5 to 2% of the total iron (5.9 wt.% Fe) is easily dissolvable, which in turn can be translated into an additional load of approximately 5 to 21 mmol L-1 dissolved Fe2+. In consequence, the results of our three-summer study highlight that the major part of the particle load from the melt water streams are exported to the Southern Ocean rather than being deposited near shore in Potter Cove. These exported particles are rich in easily leachable Fe acting as a natural fertilization to the Fe-limited Southern Ocean.

Calibration of the local magnitude scale ( M L ) for Peru

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Condori, Cristobal; Tavera, Hernando; Marotta, Giuliano Sant'Anna; Rocha, Marcelo Peres; França, George Sand

2017-07-01

We propose a local magnitude scale ( M L ) for Peru, based on the original Richter definition, using 210 seismic events between 2011 and 2014, recorded by 35 broadband stations of the National Seismic Network operated by the Geophysical Institute of Peru. In the solution model, we considered 1057 traces of maximum amplitude records on the vertical channel from simulated Wood-Anderson seismograms of shallow events (depths between 0 and 60 km) and hypocentral distances less than 600 km. The attenuation factor has been evaluated in terms of geometrical spreading and anelastic attenuation coefficients. The magnitude M L was defined as M L = L o g 10 A W A +1.5855 L o g 10( R/100)+0.0008( R-100)+3± S, where, A W A is the displacement amplitude in millimeters (Wood-Anderson), R is the hypocentral distance (km), and S is the station correction. The results obtained for M L have good correlation with the m b , M s and M w values reported the ISC and NEIC. The anelastic attenuation curve obtained has a similar behavior to that other highly seismic regions. Station corrections were determined for all stations during the regression analysis resulting in values ranging between -0.97 and +0.73, suggesting a strong influence of local site effects on amplitude.

On the Local Type I Conditions for the 3D Euler Equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chae, Dongho; Wolf, Jörg

2018-05-01

We prove local non blow-up theorems for the 3D incompressible Euler equations under local Type I conditions. More specifically, for a classical solution {v\\in L^∞ (-1,0; L^2 ( B(x_0,r)))\\cap L^∞_{loc} (-1,0; W^{1, ∞} (B(x_0, r)))} of the 3D Euler equations, where {B(x_0,r)} is the ball with radius r and the center at x 0, if the limiting values of certain scale invariant quantities for a solution v(·, t) as {t\\to 0} are small enough, then { \

The second species of Gromia (Protista) from the deep sea: its natural history and association with the Pakistan margin oxygen minimum zone.

PubMed

Gooday, Andrew J; Bowser, Samuel S

2005-06-01

We describe a gromiid protist Gromia pyriformis sp. nov., from bathyal depths on the Pakistan margin (NE Arabian Sea), an area characterised by a well-developed Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ). The new species is smaller (length usually <1 mm) than the only other described deep-sea gromiid species (Gromia sphaerica) or the well-known coastal species Gromia oviformis. Its identification as a gromiid is based on the test-wall ultrastructure. This includes (i) an outer wall (165-300 nm thick) limited by an electron-opaque layer and perforated by pore structures which typically extend through its entire thickness, and (ii) inner "honeycomb membrane" structures which form a discontinuous sheet (18-20 nm thick) lying parallel to the outer wall. An outermost glycocalyx (approximately 75 nm thick), not observed in other gromiid species, is also present and imparts a finely granular appearance to the outer test surface, as seen by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Numerous rod-shaped prokaryotes are attached to the exterior of the glycocalyx. Gromia pyriformis sp. nov. typically occurs above the sediment-water interface, attached to the large arborescent foraminiferan Pelosina sp. It is confined to a very narrow bathymetric zone (approximately 1000 m water depth) in the lower portion of the OMZ, where bottom-water oxygen concentrations are approximately 0.2 ml l(-1).

Chandra Contaminant Migration Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Swartz, Douglas A.; O'Dell, Steve L.

2014-01-01

High volatility cleans OBFs and low volatility produces a high build-up at OBF centers; only a narrow (factor of 2 or less) volatility range produces the observed spatial pattern. Simulations predict less accumulation above outer S-array CCDs; this may explain, in part, gratings/imaging C/MnL discrepancies. Simulations produce a change in center accumulation due solely to DH heater ON/OFF temperature change; but a 2nd contaminant and perhaps a change in source rate is also required. Emissivity E may depend on thickness; another model parameter. Additional physics, e.g., surface migration, is not warranted at this time. At t approx. 14 yrs, model produced 0.22 grams of contaminant, 0.085 grams remaining within ACIS cavity; 7 percent (6mg) on OBFs.

Allometric scaling of lung volume and its consequences for marine turtle diving performance.

PubMed

Hochscheid, Sandra; McMahon, Clive R; Bradshaw, Corey J A; Maffucci, Fulvio; Bentivegna, Flegra; Hays, Graeme C

2007-10-01

Marine turtle lungs have multiple functions including respiration, oxygen storage and buoyancy regulation, so lung size is an important indicator of dive performance. We determined maximum lung volumes (V(L)) for 30 individuals from three species (Caretta caretta n=13; Eretmochelys imbricata n=12; Natator depressus n=5) across a range of body masses (M(b)): 0.9 to 46 kg. V(L) was 114 ml kg(-1) and increased with M(b) with a scaling factor of 0.92. Based on these values for V(L) we demonstrated that diving capacities (assessed via aerobic dive limits) of marine turtles were potentially over-estimated when the V(L)-body mass effect was not considered (by 10 to 20% for 5 to 25 kg turtles and by >20% for turtles > or =25 kg). While aerobic dive limits scale with an exponent of 0.6, an analysis of average dive durations in free-ranging chelonian marine turtles revealed that dive duration increases with a mass exponent of 0.51, although there was considerable scatter around the regression line. While this highlights the need to determine more parameters that affect the duration-body mass relationship, our results provide a reference point for calculating oxygen storage capacities and air volumes available for buoyancy control.

Radial profile of pressure in a storm ring current as a function of D st

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovtyukh, A. S.

2010-06-01

Using satellite data obtained near the equatorial plane during 12 magnetic storms with amplitudes from -61 down to -422 nT, the dependences of maximum in L-profile of pressure ( L m) of the ring current (RC) on the current value of D st are constructed, and their analytical approximations are derived. It is established that function L m( D st ) is steeper on the phase of recovery than during the storm’s main phase. The form of the outer edge of experimental radial profiles of RC pressure is studied, and it is demonstrated to correspond to exponential growth of the total energy of RC particles on a given L shell with decreasing L. It is shown that during the storms’ main phase the ratio of plasma and magnetic field pressures at the RC maximum does not practically depend on the storm strength and L m value. This fact reflects resistance of the Earth’s magnetic field to RC expansion, and testifies that during storms the possibilities of injection to small L are limited for RC particles. During the storms’ recovery phase this ratio quickly increases with increasing L m, which reflects an increased fraction of plasma in the total pressure balance. It is demonstrated that function L m( D st ) is derived for the main phase of storms from the equations of drift motion of RC ions in electrical and magnetic fields, reflecting the dipole character of magnetic field and scale invariance of the pattern of particle convection near the RC maximum. For the recovery phase it is obtained from the Dessler-Parker-Sckopke relationship. The obtained regularities allow one to judge about the radial profile of RC pressure from ground-based magnetic measurements (data on the D st variation).

The Role of Convective Shell Thickness on Dynamo Scaling Laws for Magnetic Field Morphology: Implications for the Ice Giants and Future Earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stanley, S.; Tian, B. Y.

2016-12-01

Previous dynamo scaling law studies (Christensen and Aubert, 2006) have demonstrated that the morphology of a planet's magnetic field is determined by the local Rossby number (Rol): a non-dimensional diagnostic variable that quantifies the ratio of inertial forces to Coriolis forces on the average length scale of the flow. Dynamos with Rol < 0.1 produce dipolar dominated magnetic fields whereas dynamos with Rol > 0.1 produce multipolar magnetic fields. Scaling studies have also determined the dependence of the local Rossby number on non-dimensional parameters governing the system - specifically the Ekman, Prandtl, magnetic Prandtl and flux-based Rayleigh numbers (Olson and Christensen, 2006). However, those studies focused on the specific convective shell thickness of the Earth's core and hence could not determine the influence of convective shell thickness on the local Rossby number. Aubert et al. (2009) investigated the role of convective shell thickness on dynamo scaling laws in order to investigate the palaeo-evolution of the geodynamo. Due to the focus of that study, they varied the ratio of the inner to outer core radii (rio) from 0 to 0.35 and found Rol scales with (1+rio). Here we consider a larger range of convective shell thicknesses and find an exponential dependence of rio on the local Rossby number. Our results are consistent with Aubert et al. (2009) for their small rio values. With this new scaling dependence on convective shell thickness, we find that Uranus and Neptune reside deeply in the multipolar regime, whereas without the dependence on rio, they resided near Rol =0.1; i.e. on the boundary between dipolar and multipolar fields and close to where Earth resides in the parameter space. We also find that Earth will reside more deeply in the multipolar regime, and hence not produce a stable dipolar field once the inner core has grown such that rio = 0.4.

Viscosity stratification and the aspect ratio of convection rolls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morris, S. J. S.

2005-11-01

To clarify a mechanism by which earth's low--viscosity layer may increase the wavelength of mantle convection cells, we analyse the clockwise isothermal cellular motion driven by a uniform shear stress of magnitude τ applied at each end of a rectangle of height 2D and length L. The viscosity μ is a given piecewise-constant function of depth; within a low--viscosity channel of thickness d located at the top of the layer, μ=mμ1; elsewhere, within the `core', μ=μ1. We show that in the double limit d/D->0, m->0, this two--layer flow is equivalent to one in single layer of viscosity μ1 with a new boundary condition at its top representing the interaction of the channel and core flows. Let x=x*/L, y=y*/D and ψ= μ1ψ*/ τD^2. Then the stream function ψ for the core motion satisfies the b.v.p. ψyyyy+2 2̂ψxxyy+ 4̂ψxxxx=0; at |x|=1 , ψ=0, α^2ψxx=-1; at y=0 , ψ=0=ψyy; at y=1, ψyy- 2̂ψxx=0 , and ψyyy+3 2̂ψyxx= 3ɛψ. Here α=D/L and ɛ=mD^3/d^3. We find that for ɛ->0, the motion has two horizontal scales, namely D and L1= D/&1/2 ̂D. If the rectangle length L˜L1, fluid sinks at one end and rises at the other; those end flows occur on the scale D, and are connected by a long--wave flow on the scale L1. The cellular motion is closed within the low--viscosity layer. We have extended this method to treat convection rolls in a fluid of infinite Prandtl number. Our predicted heat flows agree well with those found in numerical simulations by Lenardic, Richards & Busse et al (2005) (J. Geophys. Res., to appear).

Clinical significance of fibromyalgia syndrome in different rheumatic diseases: Relation to disease activity and quality of life.

PubMed

El-Rabbat M, Sarah; Mahmoud, Nermeen K; Gheita, Tamer A

2017-04-11

To describe the frequencies of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in various rheumatic diseases; rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and Behçets disease (BD) patients and to study the relation to clinical manifestations and quality of life (QoL). 160 patients (50 RA, 50 SLE, 30 SSc and 30 BD) and matched corresponding healthy controls were included. Disease activity was assessed using disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) for RA, SLE Disease Activity index (SLEDAI), modified Rodnan skin score for SSc and BD Current Activity Form (BDCAF). The QoL was also recorded. Severity in FMS cases was estimated using the revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire score. In the RA, SLE, SSc and BD patients, FMS was found in 14%, 18%, 6.67% and 3.33% respectively compared to 2.1%, 3%, 3.3% and 0% in their corresponding controls. In RA patients, DAS28 was significantly higher in those with FMS (p=0.009) and significantly correlated with both Widespread Pain Index (WPI) (p=0.011) and Symptom Severity (SS) scale (p=0.012). The QoL scale in those with FMS was significantly worse (62.3±7.9) compared to those without (71.7±14.4) (p=0.023). In SLE patients, The WPI and SS both significantly correlated with the presence of thrombosis (r=0.28, p=0.049 and r=0.43, p=0.002 respectively). The SS scale tended to correlate with the SLEDAI (r=0.28, p=0.05). In BD patients, BDCAF and WPI significantly correlated (p=0.03). Fibromyalgia syndrome is more frequent in rheumatic diseases, could be related to the disease activity in RA and BD patients and to thrombosis in SLE and affected the QoL in RA. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Reumatología y Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología. All rights reserved.

Static Longitudinal and Lateral Stability and Control Characteristics of a 1/15-Scale Model of the Grumman F9F-9 Airplane at a Mach Number of 1.41

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palazzo, Edward B.; Spearman, M. Leroy

1954-01-01

An investigation has been conducted in the Langley 4- by 4-foot supersonic pressure tunnel at a Mach number of 1.41 to determine the static stability and control and drag characteristics of a l/l5-scale model of the Grunman F9F-9 airplane. The effects of alternate fuselage shapes, wing camber, wing fences, and fuselage dive brakes on the aerodynamic characteristics were also investigated. These tests were made at a Reynolds number of 1.96 x l0 (exp 6) based on the wing mean aerodynamic chord of 0.545 foot. The basic configuration had a static margin of stability of 38.4 percent of the mean aerodynamic chord and a minimum drag coefficient of 0.049. For the maximum horizontal tail deflection investigated (-l0 deg), the maximum trim lift coefficient was 0.338. The basic configuration had positive static lateral stability at zero angle of attack and positive directional control throughout the angle-of-attack range investigated up to ll deg.

Motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease and their impact on quality of life and on different clinical subgroups.

PubMed

Berganzo, K; Tijero, B; González-Eizaguirre, A; Somme, J; Lezcano, E; Gabilondo, I; Fernandez, M; Zarranz, J J; Gómez-Esteban, J C

The aim of the present study is to analyse the influence that motor and non-motor symptoms have on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and to study the relationship between the two types of symptoms. This cross-sectional study included 103 patients with PD (55 men and 48 women). Quality of life was measured on the PDQ-39 scale. The UPDRS scale (I-IV) was also used, and different items were grouped to analyse the presence of tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and axial symptoms. The non-motor symptoms scale (NMSS) was administered to assess non-motor symptoms. We performed correlation analyses between different scales to analyse the influence of motor and non-motor symptoms on QoL. Correlations were observed between the PDQ-39 summary index (PDQ39_SI) and the NMSS (correlation coefficient [cc], 0.56; p<.001), UPDRS III (cc, 0.44; p< .001) and UPDRS IV (cc, 0.37; p<.001) scores. The strongest correlation was between cognitive symptoms and mood. The analysis pointed to a direct relationship between the NMSS score and axial symptoms (cc, 0.384; p<.01), bradykinesia (cc, 0.299; p<.01), and to a lesser extent, rigidity (cc, 0.194; p<.05). No relationship was observed between presence of tremor and the NMSS score. Cognitive symptoms and mood exert the most influence on QoL of patients with PD. We found at least two phenotypes; one with predominantly axial symptoms, with significant involvement of non-motor symptoms, and a tremor-associated phenotype in which these symptoms are less prevalent. Copyright © 2014 Sociedad Española de Neurología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

A Unified Scaling Law in Spiral Galaxies.

PubMed

Koda; Sofue; Wada

2000-03-01

We investigate the origin of a unified scaling relation in spiral galaxies. Observed spiral galaxies are spread on a plane in the three-dimensional logarithmic space of luminosity L, radius R, and rotation velocity V. The plane is expressed as L~&parl0;VR&parr0;alpha in the I passband, where alpha is a constant. On the plane, observed galaxies are distributed in an elongated region which looks like the shape of a surfboard. The well-known scaling relations L-V (Tully-Fisher [TF] relation), V-R (also the TF relation), and R-L (Freeman's law) can be understood as oblique projections of the surfboard-like plane into two-dimensional spaces. This unified interpretation of the known scaling relations should be a clue to understand the physical origin of all the relations consistently. Furthermore, this interpretation can also explain why previous studies could not find any correlation between TF residuals and radius. In order to clarify the origin of this plane, we simulate formation and evolution of spiral galaxies with the N-body/smoothed particle hydrodynamics method, including cooling, star formation, and stellar feedback. Initial conditions are set to 14 isolated spheres with two free parameters, such as mass and angular momentum. The cold dark matter (h=0.5, Omega0=1) cosmology is considered as a test case. The simulations provide the following two conclusions: (1) The slope of the plane is well reproduced but the zero point is not. This zero-point discrepancy could be solved in a low-density (Omega0<1) and high-expansion (h>0.5) cosmology. (2) The surfboard-shaped plane can be explained by the control of galactic mass and angular momentum.

Sizes of the Smallest Particles at Saturn Ring Edges from Diffraction in UVIS Stellar Occultations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eckert, S.; Colwell, J. E.; Becker, T. M.; Esposito, L. W.

2017-12-01

Cassini's Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) has observed more than 150 ring stellar occultations since its arrival at Saturn in 2004. We use stellar occultation data from the UVIS High Speed Photometer (HSP) to identify diffraction signals at ring edges caused by small particles diffracting light into the detector and consequently increasing the signal above that of the unocculted star. The shape of a diffraction signal is indicative of the particle size distribution at the ring edge, which may be a dynamically perturbed region. Becker et al. (2015 Icarus doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2015.11.001) analyzed diffraction signals at the outer edge of the A Ring and the edges of the Encke Gap. We apply the Becker et al. (2015) model to the outer edge of the B Ring as well as the edges of ringlets within the C Ring and Cassini Division. In addition, we analyze diffraction signatures at the A Ring outer edge in 2 new occultations. The best-fit model signals to these occultations are consistent with the findings of Becker et al. (2015) who found an average minimum particle size amin =4.5 mm and average power law slope q=3.2. At the B Ring outer edge, we detect a diffraction signal in 10 of 28 occultations in which the diffraction signal would be observable according to our criteria for star brightness and observation geometry. We find a mean amin =11 mm and a mean q=3.0. At both edges of the so-called "Strange" ringlet (R6) we find a mean amin = 20 mm and mean q values of 3.0 and 2.8 at the inner and outer edges, respectively. In contrast, we do not observe any clear diffraction signals at either edge of the wider Huygens ringlet. This could imply an absence of cm-scale or smaller particles and indicates that collisions here may be less vigorous than at the other ring edges analyzed in this study. We detect diffraction in a small fraction ( 10%) of occultations at 3 ringlets within the Cassini Division: the Herschel ringlet, the Laplace ringlet, and the Barnard ringlet. We also found diffraction signals in only 2 of 30 occultations of the Maxwell ringlet in the C Ring. These ringlet diffraction signals, when present, indicate larger minimum particle sizes than seen in the outer A Ring and B ring edge.

Absolute measurement of subnanometer scale vibration of cochlear partition of an excised guinea pig cochlea using spectral-domain phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subhash, Hrebesh M.; Choudhury, Niloy; Jacques, Steven L.; Wang, Ruikang K.; Chen, Fangyi; Zha, Dingjun; Nuttall, Alfred L.

2012-01-01

Direct measurement of absolute vibration parameters from different locations within the mammalian organ of Corti is crucial for understanding the hearing mechanics such as how sound propagates through the cochlea and how sound stimulates the vibration of various structures of the cochlea, namely, basilar membrane (BM), recticular lamina, outer hair cells and tectorial membrane (TM). In this study we demonstrate the feasibility a modified phase-sensitive spectral domain optical coherence tomography system to provide subnanometer scale vibration information from multiple angles within the imaging beam. The system has the potential to provide depth resolved absolute vibration measurement of tissue microstructures from each of the delay-encoded vibration images with a noise floor of ~0.3nm at 200Hz.

A Delicate Interplay of Structure, Dynamics, and Thermodynamics for Function: A High Pressure NMR Study of Outer Surface Protein A

PubMed Central

Kitahara, Ryo; Simorellis, Alana K.; Hata, Kazumi; Maeno, Akihiro; Yokoyama, Shigeyuki; Koide, Shohei; Akasaka, Kazuyuki

2012-01-01

Outer surface protein A (OspA) is a crucial protein in the infection of Borrelia burgdorferi causing Lyme disease. We studied conformational fluctuations of OspA with high-pressure 15N/1H two-dimensional NMR along with high-pressure fluorescence spectroscopy. We found evidence within folded, native OspA for rapid local fluctuations of the polypeptide backbone in the nonglobular single layer β-sheet connecting the N- and C-terminal domains with τ << ms, which may give the two domains certain independence in mobility and thermodynamic stability. Furthermore, we found that folded, native OspA is in equilibrium (τ >> ms) with a minor conformer I, which is almost fully disordered and hydrated for the entire C-terminal part of the polypeptide chain from β8 to the C-terminus. Conformer I is characterized with ΔG0 = 32 ± 9 kJ/mol and ΔV0 = −140 ± 40 mL/mol, populating only ∼0.001% at 40°C at 0.1 MPa, pH 5.9. Because in the folded conformer the receptor binding epitope of OspA is buried in the C-terminal domain, its transition into conformer I under in vivo conditions may be critical for the infection of B. burgdorferi. The formation and stability of the peculiar conformer I are apparently supported by a large packing defect or cavity located in the C-terminal domain. PMID:22385863

Biogas production and microbial community shift through neutral pH control during the anaerobic digestion of pig manure.

PubMed

Zhou, Jun; Zhang, Rui; Liu, Fenwu; Yong, Xiaoyu; Wu, Xiayuan; Zheng, Tao; Jiang, Min; Jia, Honghua

2016-10-01

Laboratory-scale reactors, in which the pH could be auto-adjusted, were employed to investigate the mesophilic methane fermentation with pig manure (7.8% total solids) at pH 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0. Results showed that the performance of anaerobic digestion was strongly dependent on pH value. Biogas production and methane content at neutral pH 7.0 were significantly higher (16,607mL, 51.81%) than those at pH 6.0 (6916mL, 42.9%) and 8.0 (9739mL, 35.6%). Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis fingerprinting and Shannon's index indicated that the samples contained highly diverse microbial communities. The major genus at pH 7.0 was Methanocorpusculum, compared with that was Methanosarcina at both pH 6.0 and 8.0. Our research revealed that cultures maintained at pH 7.0 could support increased biogas production, which has significant implications for the scale-up biogas engineering. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adaptation of the QoL-AGHDA scale for adults with growth hormone deficiency in four Slavic languages.

PubMed

McKenna, Stephen P; Wilburn, Jeanette; Twiss, James; Crawford, Sigrid R; Hána, Václav; Karbownik-Lewinska, Malgorzata; Popovic, Vera; Pura, Mikulas; Koltowska-Häggström, Maria

2011-08-02

The Quality of Life in Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency Assessment (QoL-AGHDA) is a disease-specific quality of life measure specific to individuals who are growth hormone deficient. The present study describes the adaptation of the QoL-AGHDA for use in the following four Slavic languages; Czech, Polish, Serbian and Slovakian. The study involved three stages in each language; translation, cognitive debriefing and validation. The validation stage assessed internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), reproducibility (test-retest reliability using Spearman's rank correlations), convergent and divergent validity (Correlations with the NHP) and known group validity. The QoL-AGHDA was successfully translated into the target languages with minimal problems. Cognitive debriefing interviewees (n = 15-18) found the measures easy to complete and identified few problems with the content. Internal consistency (Czech Republic = 0.91, Poland = 0.91, Serbia = 0.91 and Slovakia = 0.89) and reproducibility (Czech Republic = 0.91, Poland = 0.91, Serbia = 0.88 and Slovakia = 0.93) were good in all adaptations. Convergent and divergent validity and known group validity data were not available for Slovakia. The QoL-AGHDA correlated as expected with the NHP scales most relevant to GHD. The QoL-AGHDA was able to distinguish between participants based on a range of variables. The QoL-AGHDA was successfully adapted for use in the Czech Republic, Poland, Serbia and Slovakia. Further validation of the Slovakian version would be beneficial. The addition of these new language versions will prove valuable to multinational clinical trials and to clinical practice in the respective countries.

MO-DE-210-06: Development of a Supercompounded 3D Volumetric Ultrasound Image Guidance System for Prone Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI)

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

Chiu, T; Hrycushko, B; Zhao, B

2015-06-15

Purpose: For early-stage breast cancer, accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is a cost-effective breast-conserving treatment. Irradiation in a prone position can mitigate respiratory induced breast movement and achieve maximal sparing of heart and lung tissues. However, accurate dose delivery is challenging due to breast deformation and lumpectomy cavity shrinkage. We propose a 3D volumetric ultrasound (US) image guidance system for accurate prone APBI Methods: The designed system, set beneath the prone breast board, consists of a water container, an US scanner, and a two-layer breast immobilization cup. The outer layer of the breast cup forms the inner wall of watermore » container while the inner layer is attached to patient breast directly to immobilization. The US transducer scans is attached to the outer-layer of breast cup at the dent of water container. Rotational US scans in a transverse plane are achieved by simultaneously rotating water container and transducer, and multiple transverse scanning forms a 3D scan. A supercompounding-technique-based volumetric US reconstruction algorithm is developed for 3D image reconstruction. The performance of the designed system is evaluated with two custom-made gelatin phantoms containing several cylindrical inserts filled in with water (11% reflection coefficient between materials). One phantom is designed for positioning evaluation while the other is for scaling assessment. Results: In the positioning evaluation phantom, the central distances between the inserts are 15, 20, 30 and 40 mm. The distances on reconstructed images differ by −0.19, −0.65, −0.11 and −1.67 mm, respectively. In the scaling evaluation phantom, inserts are 12.7, 19.05, 25.40 and 31.75 mm in diameter. Measured inserts’ sizes on images differed by 0.23, 0.19, −0.1 and 0.22 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The phantom evaluation results show that the developed 3D volumetric US system can accurately localize target position and determine target volume, and is a promising image-guidance tool for prone APBI.« less

Differences in surfactant lipids collected from pleural and pulmonary lining fluids.

PubMed

Mills, Paul C; Chen, Yi; Hills, Yvette C; Hills, Brian A

2005-11-01

The type and relative importance of saturated and unsaturated phospholipid components of surfactant within the epithelial lining fluid (ELF) of the inner and outer surfaces of the lung is not known. Seven healthy dogs were anesthetized and a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed, immediately followed by a pleural lavage (PL). Lipid was extracted from lavage fluid and then analyzed for saturated, primarily dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), and unsaturated phosphatidylcholine (PC) species using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with combined fluorescence and ultraviolet detection. Dilution of ELF in lavage fluids was corrected for using the urea method. DPPC (494.7 +/- 213.9 microg/mL) was the predominant PC present in ELF collected from the alveolar surface. In contrast, significantly higher (p = 0.028) proportions of unsaturated PC species were measured in PL fluid (approximately 105 microg/mL), particularly stearoyl-linoleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (SLPC), which could not be measured in fluid collected from the alveoli, compared to DPPC (2.6 +/- 2.0 microg/mL). This study indicates that unsaturated PC species seem to be more important than saturated species, particularly DPPC, in the pleural cavity, which has implications for surfactant replenishment following pleural disease or thoracic surgery.

Matching medical student achievement to learning objectives and outcomes: a paradigm shift for an implemented teaching module.

PubMed

Atta, Ihab Shafek; AlQahtani, Fahd Nasser

2018-01-01

Low student achievement in a basic imaging module was the impetus for an assessment of the module. A valid, reliable, and structured Likert scale was designed to measure the degree of student satisfaction with the domains of the module, including learning objectives (LO), teaching strategy and tools (TT), assessment tools (AT), and allotted credit hours (CH). Further analysis was conducted of student dissatisfaction to determine the subdomain in which module improvement was to be implemented. Statistical analysis of data among Likert scale domains was conducted. Likert scale data showed the TT domain to be the major reason for low student achievement. Statistical studies revealed 57/117 students (48.6%) were dissatisfied with TT, compared with LO 16/117 (13.6%), AT 54/117 (46.1%), and CH 12/117 (10.2%). Significant P -values were obtained for LO vs TT ( P <0.0001), LO vs AT ( P <0.0001), LO vs CH ( P <0.03), TT vs CH ( P <0.0001), and AT vs CH ( P <0.0001). No significant difference was observed between TT and AT ( P <0.29). Regarding TT, 41/117 (34.9%) students were dissatisfied with lectures (L) compared to hospital-based teaching (HPT) 24/117 (20%), problem-based learning (PBL) 8/117 (6.8%), self-directed learning (SDL) 3/117 (2.5%), and seminars (S) 4/117 (3.4%). Significant P -values were obtained for L vs HPT ( P <0.0001), L vs PBL ( P <0.0001), L vs SDL ( P <0.0001), L vs S ( P <0.0001), HPT vs PBL ( P <0.002), HPT vs SDL ( P <0.0001), and HPT vs S ( P <0.0001). Regarding lecture modifications, student satisfaction was 78.3% compared to 52% before modification. A significant P -value ( P <0.0001) was obtained between Likert scale domains before and after modification. Lecture modification resulted in a good student response and satisfaction. The major reason for low student achievement was the teaching tools, particularly the lectures. Major modifications to lectures improved student achievement. The students and most of the teaching staff were highly satisfied with the modifications, which provided for reciprocal discussion and interaction. These results should encourage and guide other medical schools to investigate the points of weakness in their curriculum.

Randomized Crossover Comparison of Injection Site Pain with 40 mg/0.4 or 0.8 mL Formulations of Adalimumab in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

PubMed

Nash, Peter; Vanhoof, Johan; Hall, Stephen; Arulmani, Udayasankar; Tarzynski-Potempa, Rita; Unnebrink, Kristina; Payne, Andrew N; Cividino, Alfred

2016-12-01

Adalimumab, an anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody, is currently available in a 40 mg/0.8 mL formulation. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate injection site-related pain, safety, and tolerability of a 40 mg/0.4 mL formulation of adalimumab that had fewer excipients, a smaller volume, and a delivery presentation with a smaller gauge needle, versus the current 40 mg/0.8 mL formulation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Two identically designed, phase 2, randomized, single-blind, two-period crossover studies were conducted in Belgium and the Czech Republic (Study 1) and Australia, Canada, and Germany (Study 2). In both studies, adults with RA [biologic-naive or current users of 40 mg/0.8 mL adalimumab with an average injection site-related pain rating ≥3 cm on a visual analog scale (VAS; 0-10 cm)] were randomized to receive 40 mg/0.8 mL or 40 mg/0.4 mL adalimumab at visit 1. After 1-2 weeks (depending on patient medication schedule), patients received the other formulation at visit 2. A pain VAS [McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ-SF)] and the Draize scale were evaluated immediately after injection and 15 min postinjection. The primary endpoint was immediate pain after injection. 64 and 61 patients were randomized in Studies 1 and 2, respectively. Both studies found a clinically relevant and statistically significant lower immediate pain after injection for the 40 mg/0.4 mL versus the 40 mg/0.8 mL formulation. The mean difference on the VAS for the pooled data (-2.48 cm) was also clinically relevant. Most other endpoints in both studies favored the 40 mg/0.4 mL formulation, and its tolerability and safety profile were consistent with 40 mg/0.8 mL adalimumab. A 40 mg/0.4 mL adalimumab formulation was well tolerated and associated with less injection site-related pain than the 40 mg/0.8 mL adalimumab formulation. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT01561313 and NCT01502423. AbbVie.

Singular perturbation and time scale approaches in discrete control systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Naidu, D. S.; Price, D. B.

1988-01-01

After considering a singularly perturbed discrete control system, a singular perturbation approach is used to obtain outer and correction subsystems. A time scale approach is then applied via block diagonalization transformations to decouple the system into slow and fast subsystems. To a zeroth-order approximation, the singular perturbation and time-scale approaches are found to yield equivalent results.

Protoplasmic Swelling as a Symptom of Freezing Injury in Onion Bulb Cells 1

PubMed Central

Arora, Rajeev; Palta, Jiwan P.

1986-01-01

Freezing injury, in onion bulb tissue, is known to cause enhanced K+ efflux accompanied by a small but significant loss of Ca2+ following incipient freezing injury and swelling of protoplasm during the postthaw secondary injury. The protoplasmic swelling of the cell is thought to be caused by the passive influx of extracellular K+ into the cell followed by water uptake. Using outer epidermal layer of unfrozen onion bulb scales (Allium cepa L. cv Big Red), we were able to stimulate the irreversible freezing injury symptoms, by bathing epidermal cells in 50 millimolar KCl. These symptoms were prevented by adding 20 millimolar CaCl2 to the extracellular KCl solution. Our results provide evidence that loss of cellular Ca2+ plays an important role in the initiation and the progression of freezing injury. Images Fig. 1 PMID:16665083

Effect of artificial length scales in large eddy simulation of a neutral atmospheric boundary layer flow: A simple solution to log-layer mismatch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatterjee, Tanmoy; Peet, Yulia T.

2017-07-01

A large eddy simulation (LES) methodology coupled with near-wall modeling has been implemented in the current study for high Re neutral atmospheric boundary layer flows using an exponentially accurate spectral element method in an open-source research code Nek 5000. The effect of artificial length scales due to subgrid scale (SGS) and near wall modeling (NWM) on the scaling laws and structure of the inner and outer layer eddies is studied using varying SGS and NWM parameters in the spectral element framework. The study provides an understanding of the various length scales and dynamics of the eddies affected by the LES model and also the fundamental physics behind the inner and outer layer eddies which are responsible for the correct behavior of the mean statistics in accordance with the definition of equilibrium layers by Townsend. An economical and accurate LES model based on capturing the near wall coherent eddies has been designed, which is successful in eliminating the artificial length scale effects like the log-layer mismatch or the secondary peak generation in the streamwise variance.

The psycho-social impact of malocclusions and treatment expectations of adolescent orthodontic patients.

PubMed

Twigge, Eugene; Roberts, Rachel M; Jamieson, Lisa; Dreyer, Craig W; Sampson, Wayne J

2016-12-01

To evaluate the short- and long-term orthodontic treatment (OT) expectations, malocclusion severity, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) status of adolescent patients using qualitative and quantitative methodology. Adolescents (n = 105; 42 males and 63 females) aged between 12 and 17 years participated in this interview and questionnaire-based study. The Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ) and the Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP) scale evaluated OHRQoL status. Study casts were analysed using the Dental Aesthetics Index (DAI) and the Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON). Mann-Whitney test and Spearman's correlations tested various univariate variables. With similar index-determined OT need (DAI, P = 0.371 and ICON, P = 0.932) females tended to have worse OHRQoL status (PIDAQ scores, P-values ranged from 0.006 to 0.0001 and scores for the OIDP question related to smiling, laughing, and showing teeth without embarrassment, P-value = 0.015). Occlusal index scores did not have statistically significant associations with the OHRQoL scales. Better dental appearance was expected by 85 per cent of the adolescents in the short-term and by 51 per cent in the long-term after OT. The associated psycho-social expectations were: 1. improved dental self-confidence, 2. positive psychological impact/improved self-worth, and 3. positive social impact. Female adolescent patients tended to experience worse psycho-social impacts related to their malocclusions compared with males with similar index-determined OT need. Index-determined OT need scores did not correlate with the OHRQoL scales. Adolescent patients expected OT to improve their dental appearance and QoL aspects. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Orthodontic Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Star Formation Activity Beyond the Outer Arm. I. WISE -selected Candidate Star-forming Regions

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

Izumi, Natsuko; Yasui, Chikako; Saito, Masao

The outer Galaxy beyond the Outer Arm provides a good opportunity to study star formation in an environment significantly different from that in the solar neighborhood. However, star-forming regions in the outer Galaxy have never been comprehensively studied or cataloged because of the difficulties in detecting them at such large distances. We studied 33 known young star-forming regions associated with 13 molecular clouds at R {sub G} ≥ 13.5 kpc in the outer Galaxy with data from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer ( WISE ) mid-infrared all-sky survey. From their color distribution, we developed a simple identification criterion of star-forming regions inmore » the outer Galaxy with the WISE color. We applied the criterion to all the WISE sources in the molecular clouds in the outer Galaxy at R {sub G} ≥ 13.5 kpc detected with the Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory (FCRAO) {sup 12}CO survey of the outer Galaxy, of which the survey region is 102.°49 ≤  l  ≤ 141.°54, −3.°03 ≤  b  ≤ 5.°41, and successfully identified 711 new candidate star-forming regions in 240 molecular clouds. The large number of samples enables us to perform the statistical study of star formation properties in the outer Galaxy for the first time. This study is crucial to investigate the fundamental star formation properties, including star formation rate, star formation efficiency, and initial mass function, in a primordial environment such as the early phase of the Galaxy formation.« less

Predictors of quality of life in patients with eating disorders.

PubMed

Martín, J; Padierna, A; Loroño, A; Muñoz, P; Quintana, J M

2017-09-01

The aims of this study were to analyse the quality of life (QoL) of a broad sample of patients with eating disorders (ED) and to identify potential factors that predict QoL. This prospective cohort study involved 528 patients diagnosed with ED and treated over a 15-year period in the Eating Disorders Outpatient Clinic. Information on sociodemographic and clinical data were gathered. Patients completed five self-administered instruments: the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26); the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale (EDDS); the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); the Short-Form 12 (SF-12); and the Quality of Life in ED-short form (HeRQoLED-s). Descriptive, univariate analyses and multivariate linear regression models were applied to identify factors associated with QoL. Predictive variables for a low level of QoL in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) included antidepressant treatment (P=0.009), substance abuse disorder, (P=0.03) and other organic comorbidities (P<0.0001). For patients with bulimia nervosa (BN), they included osteoporosis (P≤0.0001), obesity (P=0.0004) or being a student (P=0.04). For patients with eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS), they included anxiolytic treatment (P=0.003), having circulatory disease (P=0.001), more years since start of ED treatment (P=0.03) and living alone (P<0.0001). We found a significant difference in QoL between the diagnostic ED groups. With regard to the variables predicting QoL in ED patients, the findings of this study suggest that organic or psychiatric comorbidities and some data of social normality might be more relevant to QoL in ED than age, type of compensatory behaviour, BMI or number of visits to hospital emergency department. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

In Vivo Magnetic Stimulation of Rat Sciatic Nerve With Centimeter- and Millimeter-Scale Solenoid Coils.

PubMed

Kagan, Zachary B; RamRakhyani, Anil Kumar; Lazzi, Gianluca; Normann, Richard A; Warren, David J

2016-11-01

Previous reports of magnetic stimulation of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) used various coil geometries, all with outer diameters larger than 35 mm, and stimulation energies in the 50 J range to evoke neural excitation. Recent reports of central nervous system (CNS) activation used sub-mm-scale solenoid coils with mJ energy levels. The goal of this study was to translate the lower energy levels from the CNS to the PNS via using smaller coils placed in closer proximity to the neural tissue. Such a performance improvement would advance the state of the art of magnetic stimulation and provide a path towards new neuroprosthetic devices. Primarily, we investigated the range of coil outer diameters from 25 mm down to 5 mm to better understand the dependence of coil diameter on energy required for PNS activation. Nine cm- and mm-scale copper solenoid coils, with various resistances, inductances, inner and outer diameters, and heights were compared by quantizing neuromuscular responses to magnetic stimulation via capacitive discharge excitation of rat sciatic nerves in vivo. Additionally, the effects of stimulus duration and coil position were investigated. As opposed to prior work, this study compares a subset of stimulation parameters in an intact nerve preparation, and shows that magnetic stimulation with coils that abut the nerve is a reliable, effective method of neuromuscular stimulation. Although we observed different energies required for neuromuscular activation depending on the coil and excitation parameters used, for the experimental configuration, devices, and stimulus waveform shapes presented in this manuscript, no systematic dependence of PNS activation on coil diameter was found, even for the mm-scale coils investigated herein. However, there was a clear relationship between discharge circuit capacitance and energy required to evoke a neuromuscular response. Coils approximately 12 mm in outer diameter and larger consistently evoked responses, whereas coils 5 mm in outer diameter did not. Furthermore, we observed meaningful neuromuscular excitation when stimulating with energies as low as 20 J. Although this is an improvement over prior work, it is still orders of magnitude greater than the energy required for conventional electrical stimulation, suggesting that these devices are presently not suitable for use in an application requiring continued pulsed stimulation. Nevertheless, these devices are suitable for basic research and as clinical tools that infrequently stimulate, such as in diagnostic applications.

Lifetime depression and anxiety increase prevalent psychological symptoms and worsen glycemic control in type 2 diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II.

PubMed

Whitworth, S R; Bruce, D G; Starkstein, S E; Davis, W A; Davis, T M E; Bucks, R S

2016-12-01

To determine the contribution of lifetime major depressive disorder (L-MDD) and lifetime generalized anxiety disorder (L-GAD) to current psychological symptom severity, health behaviour and glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes. 1285 community-dwelling people with type 2 diabetes (Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase-II; FDS2) completed the PHQ-9 and Brief Life-Time Depression Scale (BLDS) to assess current and past MDD. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GADS) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-Lifetime (GAD-LT), designed for FDS2, assessed current and past anxiety. Data were analysed using analysis of covariance and multiple mediation models, controlling for age, gender, marital status, and diabetes duration. L-MDD and L-GAD were independently associated with more severe current depression (both P<0.001) and anxiety (both P<0.001) symptoms. Mediation models revealed that, through increasing the severity of current depressive symptoms, L-MDD was associated with higher HbA 1c and body mass index (BMI), greater likelihood of current smoking, and reduced self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) (indirect regression path ab, all P<0.001). In combination, L-MDD+L-GAD additionally elevated the risk of higher HbA 1c and worse diabetes management, by increasing the severity of current depressive symptoms (indirect regression path ab, all P<0.001). Lifetime depression and anxiety increase risk of more severe psychological symptoms, hyperglycaemia, and difficulties with health behaviour in type 2 diabetes. Early screening for these disorders at diabetes diagnosis may be warranted to maximize long-term health outcomes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Calculation of photoelectron spectra of molybdenum and tungsten complexes using Green's functions methods.

PubMed

Bayse, Craig A; Ortwine, Kristine N

2007-08-16

Green's functions calculations are presented for several complexes of molybdenum and tungsten, two metals that are similar structurally but display subtle, but significant, differences in electronic structure. Outer valence Green's functions IPs for M(CO)6, M(Me)6, MH6, [MCl4O](-), and [MO4](-) (M = Mo, W) are generally within +/-0.2 eV of available experimental photoelectron spectra. The calculations show that electrons in M-L bonding orbitals are ejected at lower energies for Mo while the detachment energy for electrons in d orbitals varies with metal and complex. For the metal carbonyls, the quasiparticle picture assumed in OVGF breaks down for the inner valence pi CO molecular orbitals due to the coupling of two-hole-one-particle charge transfer states to the one-hole states. Incorporation of the 2h1p states through a Tamm-Dancoff approximation calculation accurately represents the band due to detachment from these molecular orbitals. Though the ordering of IPs for Green's functions methods and DFT Koopmans' theorem IPs is similar for the highest IPs for most compounds considered, the breakdown of the quasiparticle picture for the metal carbonyls suggests that scaling of the latter values may result in a fortuitous or incorrect assignment of experimental VDEs.

High performance curcumin subcritical water extraction from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.).

PubMed

Valizadeh Kiamahalleh, Mohammad; Najafpour-Darzi, Ghasem; Rahimnejad, Mostafa; Moghadamnia, Ali Akbar; Valizadeh Kiamahalleh, Meisam

2016-06-01

Curcumin is a hydrophobic polyphenolic compound derived from turmeric rhizome, which consists about 2-5% of the total rhizome content and is a more valuable component of turmeric. For reducing the drawbacks of conventional extraction (using organic solvents) of curcumin, the water as a clean solvent was used for extracting curcumin. Subcritical water extraction (SWE) experimental setup was fabricated in a laboratory scale and the influences of some parameters (e.g. extraction temperature, particle size, retention time and pressure) on the yield of extraction were investigated. Optimum extraction conditions such as SWE pressure of 10bar, extractive temperature of 140°C, particle size of 0.71mm and retention time of 14min were defined. The maximum amount of curcumin extracted at the optimum condition was 3.8wt%. The yield of curcumin extraction was more than 76wt% with regards to the maximum possible curcumin content of turmeric, as known to be 5%. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images from the outer surface of turmeric, before and after extraction, clearly demonstrated the effect of each parameter; changes in porosity and hardness of turmeric that is directly related to the amount of extracted curcumin in process optimization of the extraction parameters. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

AN "ENVIRO-INFORMATIC" ASSESSMENT OF SAGINAW BAY (LAKE HURON, USA) PHYTOPLANKTON: DATA-DRIVEN CHARACTERIZATION AND MODELING OF MICROCYSTIS (CYANOPHYTA)(1).

PubMed

Millie, David F; Fahnenstiel, Gary L; Weckman, Gary R; Klarer, David M; Dyble, Julianne; Vanderploeg, Henry A; Fishman, Daniel B

2011-08-01

Phytoplankton and Microcystis aeruginosa (Kütz.) Kütz. biovolumes were characterized and modeled, respectively, with regard to hydrological and meteorological variables during zebra mussel invasion in Saginaw Bay (1990-1996). Total phytoplankton and Microcystis biomass within the inner bay were one and one-half and six times greater, respectively, than those of the outer bay. Following mussel invasion, mean total biomass in the inner bay decreased 84% but then returned to its approximate initial value. Microcystis was not present in the bay during 1990 and 1991 and thereafter occurred at/in 52% of sample sites/dates with the greatest biomass occurring in 1994-1996 and within months having water temperatures >19°C. With an overall relative biomass of 0.03 ± 0.01 (mean + SE), Microcystis had, at best, a marginal impact upon holistic compositional dynamics. Dynamics of the centric diatom Cyclotella ocellata Pant. and large pennate diatoms dominated compositional dissimilarities both inter- and intra-annually. The environmental variables that corresponded with phytoplankton distributions were similar for the inner and outer bays, and together identified physical forcing and biotic utilization of nutrients as determinants of system-level biomass patterns. Nonparametric models explained 70%-85% of the variability in Microcystis biovolumes and identified maximal biomass to occur at total phosphorus (TP) concentrations ranging from 40 to 45 μg · L(-1) . From isometric projections depicting modeled Microcystis/environmental interactions, a TP concentration of <30 μg · L(-1) was identified as a desirable contemporary "target" for management efforts to ameliorate bloom potentials throughout mussel-impacted bay waters. © 2011 Phycological Society of America.

The influences of solar wind pressure and interplanetary magnetic field on global magnetic field and outer radiation belt electrons

DOE PAGES

Yu, J.; Li, L. Y.; Cao, J. B.; ...

2016-07-28

Using the Van Allen Probe in situ measured magnetic field and electron data, we examine the solar wind dynamic pressure and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) effects on global magnetic field and outer radiation belt relativistic electrons (≥1.8 MeV). The dynamic pressure enhancements (>2 nPa) cause the dayside magnetic field increase and the nightside magnetic field reduction, whereas the large southward IMFs (B z-IMF < –2nT) mainly lead to the decrease of the nightside magnetic field. In the dayside increased magnetic field region (magnetic local time (MLT) ~ 06:00–18:00, and L > 4), the pitch angles of relativistic electrons are mainlymore » pancake distributions with a flux peak around 90° (corresponding anisotropic index A > 0.1), and the higher-energy electrons have stronger pancake distributions (the larger A), suggesting that the compression-induced betatron accelerations enhance the dayside pancake distributions. However, in the nighttime decreased magnetic field region (MLT ~ 18:00–06:00, and L ≥ 5), the pitch angles of relativistic electrons become butterfly distributions with two flux peaks around 45° and 135° (A < 0). The spatial range of the nighttime butterfly distributions is almost independent of the relativistic electron energy, but it depends on the magnetic field day-night asymmetry and the interplanetary conditions. The dynamic pressure enhancements can make the nighttime butterfly distribution extend inward. The large southward IMFs can also lead to the azimuthal expansion of the nighttime butterfly distributions. As a result, these variations are consistent with the drift shell splitting and/or magnetopause shadowing effect.« less

The influences of solar wind pressure and interplanetary magnetic field on global magnetic field and outer radiation belt electrons

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

Yu, J.; Li, L. Y.; Cao, J. B.

Using the Van Allen Probe in situ measured magnetic field and electron data, we examine the solar wind dynamic pressure and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) effects on global magnetic field and outer radiation belt relativistic electrons (≥1.8 MeV). The dynamic pressure enhancements (>2 nPa) cause the dayside magnetic field increase and the nightside magnetic field reduction, whereas the large southward IMFs (B z-IMF < –2nT) mainly lead to the decrease of the nightside magnetic field. In the dayside increased magnetic field region (magnetic local time (MLT) ~ 06:00–18:00, and L > 4), the pitch angles of relativistic electrons are mainlymore » pancake distributions with a flux peak around 90° (corresponding anisotropic index A > 0.1), and the higher-energy electrons have stronger pancake distributions (the larger A), suggesting that the compression-induced betatron accelerations enhance the dayside pancake distributions. However, in the nighttime decreased magnetic field region (MLT ~ 18:00–06:00, and L ≥ 5), the pitch angles of relativistic electrons become butterfly distributions with two flux peaks around 45° and 135° (A < 0). The spatial range of the nighttime butterfly distributions is almost independent of the relativistic electron energy, but it depends on the magnetic field day-night asymmetry and the interplanetary conditions. The dynamic pressure enhancements can make the nighttime butterfly distribution extend inward. The large southward IMFs can also lead to the azimuthal expansion of the nighttime butterfly distributions. As a result, these variations are consistent with the drift shell splitting and/or magnetopause shadowing effect.« less

Long term high temperature oxidation characteristics of La and Cu alloyed ferritic stainless steels for solid oxide fuel cell interconnects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swaminathan, Srinivasan; Lee, Young-Su; Kim, Dong-Ik

2016-09-01

To ensure the best performance of solid oxide fuel cell metallic interconnects, the Fe-22 wt.% Cr ferritic stainless steels with various La contents (0.006-0.6 wt.%) and Cu addition (1.57 wt.%), are developed. Long-term isothermal oxidation behavior of these steels is investigated in air at 800 °C, for 2700 h. Chemistry, morphology, and microstructure of the thermally grown oxide scale are examined using XPS, SEM-EDX, and XRD techniques. Broadly, all the steels show a double layer consisting of an inner Cr2O3 and outer (Mn, Cr)3O4. Distinctly, in the La-added steels, binary oxides of Cr, Mn and Ti are found at the oxide scale surface together with (Mn, Cr)3O4. Furthermore, all La-varied steels possess the metallic Fe protrusions along with discontinuous (Mn, Cr)3O4 spinel zones at the oxide scale/metal interface and isolated precipitates of Ti-oxides in the underlying matrix. Increase of La content to 0.6 wt.% is detrimental to the oxidation resistance. For the Cu-added steel, Cu is found to segregate strongly at the oxide scale/metal interface which inhibits the ingress of oxygen thereby suppressing the subscale formation of (Mn, Cr)3O4. Thus, Cu addition to the Fe-22Cr ferritic stainless steels benefits the oxidation resistance.

Health-related quality of life and unmet healthcare needs in Huntington's disease.

PubMed

van Walsem, Marleen R; Howe, Emilie I; Ruud, Gunvor A; Frich, Jan C; Andelic, Nada

2017-01-07

Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder with a prevalence of 6 per 100.000. Despite increasing research activity on HD, evidence on healthcare utilization, patients' needs for healthcare services and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is still sparse. The present study describes HRQoL in a Norwegian cohort of HD patients, and assesses associations between unmet healthcare and social support service needs and HRQoL. In this cross-sectional population-based study, 84 patients with a clinical diagnosis of HD living in the South-East of Norway completed the HRQoL questionnaire EuroQol, EQ-5D-3L. Unmet needs for healthcare and social support services were assessed by the Needs and Provision Complexity Scale (NPCS). Furthermore, functional ability was determined using the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) Functional assessment scales. Socio-demographics (age, gender, marital status, occupation, residence, housing situation) and clinical characteristics (disease duration, total functional capacity, comorbidity) were also recorded. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the patients' HRQoL. Regression analyses were conducted in order to investigate the relationship between unmet healthcare needs and self-reported HRQoL. The patients were divided across five disease stages as follows: Stage I: n = 12 (14%), Stage II: n = 22 (27%), Stage III: n = 19 (23%), Stage IV: n = 14 (16%), and Stage V: n = 17 (20%). Overall HRQoL was lowest in patients with advanced disease (Stages IV and V), while patients in the middle phase (Stage III) showed the most varied health profile for the five EQ-5D-3L dimensions. The regression model including level of unmet needs, clinical characteristics and demographics (age and education) accounted for 42% of variance in HRQoL. A higher level of unmet needs was associated with lower HRQoL (β value - 0.228; p = 0.018) whereas a better total functional capacity corresponded to higher HRQoL (β value 0.564; p < 0.001). The study findings suggest that patients with HD do not receive healthcare services that could have a positive impact on their HRQoL.

The Outer Solar System Origins Survey: cold classicals beyond the 2:1 resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bannister, Michele T.; Kavelaars, J. J.; Gladman, Brett; Petit, Jean-Marc; Gwyn, Stephen; Volk, Kathryn; Chen, Ying-Tung; Alexandersen, Mike

2015-11-01

With the 85 characterised discoveries from the first quarter of the ongoing Outer Solar System Origins Survey (OSSOS) with MegaPrime on the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, we find that the CFEPS L7 model of Petit et al. 2011 remains an accurate parameterization of the classical Kuiper belt's orbital structure, and the population estimate for the main belt remains unchanged (for 39 AU < a < 47 AU). We independently confirm the existence of substructure within the main classical Kuiper belt. The semi-major axis distribution of the stirred component of the cold classicals must contain a clumped ‘kernel’.We detect an extension of the cold classical Kuiper belt that continues at least several AU beyond the 2:1 mean motion resonance with Neptune. This extension would have strong cosmogonic implications for the origin of the classical belt's orbital substructure.We will discuss how the 140 new objects we discovered in the second quarter of OSSOS place further constraints on cold classicals beyond the 2:1 resonance. Our 16-18 month observational arcs and improved astrometric technique continue to achieve extremely high-quality measurements of TNO orbits: fractional semimajor axis uncertainties of our discoveries are consistently in the range 0.01-0.1%, allowing rapid orbital classification.

Evaluation of Enzymatic Hydrolysis of CELSS Wheat Residue Cellulose at a Scale Environment to NASA's KSC Breadboard Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strayer, Richard F.

1993-01-01

Biomass processing at the Kennedy Space Center CELSS breadboard project has focused on the evaluation of breadboard-scale enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat residue cellulose (25%, w/w). Five replicate runs of cellulase production by Trichoderma reesei (QM9414) and enzymatic hydrolysis of residue cellulose were completed. Enzymes were produced in 1 0 days (5 L, 25 g (dry weight) residue). Cellulose hydrolysis (12 L, 50 g (dry weight) residue) using these enzymes produced 5.5 to 6.0 g glucose liter(exp -1) in 7 days. Cellulose conversion efficiency was 29%. These processes are feasible technically on a breadboard scale, but would only increase the edible wheat yield 10%.

Forecasting Device Effectiveness. Volume 2. Procedures

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-06-01

about individual tasks is used to sup- port the fotul ratings. DEFT III. At this level of analysis, the analyst uses 11 rating scales to estimate...real world or are they sust’ined at unreal levels in the training environment? The third scale r3tes how much practice the trainee will have in the...real world ’ I., F. MIMflMfl MM/ MMPMMIMMHrnMN MHIMMIMIHMN/fMhMMM flMhlMlflMMfMM l!"MMt~MWfl l o 20 1) 40 5(0 6() 70 8O 9.’ 1, ,, 0 = None; the

The Effect of Religious Belief and Forgiveness on Coping with Diabetes.

PubMed

Yazla, Ece; Karadere, Mehmet Emrah; Küçükler, Ferit Kerim; Karşıdağ, Çağatay; İnanç, Leman; Kankoç, Elif; Dönertaş, Melda; Demir, Emre

2018-06-01

We aimed to investigate the relationship of religious beliefs and forgiveness in diabetic patients with various sociodemographic characteristics, emotional problems and glycaemic control. The study comprises 100 patients diagnosed with type 2 DM. We used a data collection form, the Scale of Forgiveness and Religiosity (SFR), Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale (PAID), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQoL). We also recorded blood glucose and HbA1c test results. A statistically significant relationship was determined only between the scores of the STAI-I and the religious belief scales (r = 0.198, p = 0.049). A statistically significant negative relationship was determined between the forgiveness scale points and the BDI (r = 0.326, p = 0.001), the STAI-II (r = 0.308, p = 0.002) and PAID (r = 0.313, p = 0.001) and a positive correlation with ADDQoL (r = 0.284, p = 0.004). To conclude, forgiveness by patient himself or others reduced the emotional problems which were experienced related to diabetes by reducing stress levels and could increase quality of life.