Phase-space methods for the spin dynamics in condensed matter systems

PubMed Central

Hurst, Jérôme; Manfredi, Giovanni

2017-01-01

Using the phase-space formulation of quantum mechanics, we derive a four-component Wigner equation for a system composed of spin- fermions (typically, electrons) including the Zeeman effect and the spin–orbit coupling. This Wigner equation is coupled to the appropriate Maxwell equations to form a self-consistent mean-field model. A set of semiclassical Vlasov equations with spin effects is obtained by expanding the full quantum model to first order in the Planck constant. The corresponding hydrodynamic equations are derived by taking velocity moments of the phase-space distribution function. A simple closure relation is proposed to obtain a closed set of hydrodynamic equations. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Theoretical and computational studies of non-equilibrium and non-statistical dynamics in the gas phase, in the condensed phase and at interfaces’. PMID:28320903

Mixed Integer Programming and Heuristic Scheduling for Space Communication Networks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Charles H.; Cheung, Kar-Ming

2012-01-01

In this paper, we propose to solve the constrained optimization problem in two phases. The first phase uses heuristic methods such as the ant colony method, particle swarming optimization, and genetic algorithm to seek a near optimal solution among a list of feasible initial populations. The final optimal solution can be found by using the solution of the first phase as the initial condition to the SQP algorithm. We demonstrate the above problem formulation and optimization schemes with a large-scale network that includes the DSN ground stations and a number of spacecraft of deep space missions.

Classical phase space and Hadamard states in the BRST formalism for gauge field theories on curved spacetime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wrochna, Michał; Zahn, Jochen

We investigate linearized gauge theories on globally hyperbolic spacetimes in the BRST formalism. A consistent definition of the classical phase space and of its Cauchy surface analogue is proposed. We prove that it is isomorphic to the phase space in the ‘subsidiary condition’ approach of Hack and Schenkel in the case of Maxwell, Yang-Mills, and Rarita-Schwinger fields. Defining Hadamard states in the BRST formalism in a standard way, their existence in the Maxwell and Yang-Mills case is concluded from known results in the subsidiary condition (or Gupta-Bleuler) formalism. Within our framework, we also formulate criteria for non-degeneracy of the phase space in terms of BRST cohomology and discuss special cases. These include an example in the Yang-Mills case, where degeneracy is not related to a non-trivial topology of the Cauchy surface.

Integrability and nonintegrability of quantum systems. II. Dynamics in quantum phase space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Wei-Min; Feng, Da Hsuan; Yuan, Jian-Min

1990-12-01

Based on the concepts of integrability and nonintegrability of a quantum system presented in a previous paper [Zhang, Feng, Yuan, and Wang, Phys. Rev. A 40, 438 (1989)], a realization of the dynamics in the quantum phase space is now presented. For a quantum system with dynamical group scrG and in one of its unitary irreducible-representation carrier spaces gerhΛ, the quantum phase space is a 2MΛ-dimensional topological space, where MΛ is the quantum-dynamical degrees of freedom. This quantum phase space is isomorphic to a coset space scrG/scrH via the unitary exponential mapping of the elementary excitation operator subspace of scrg (algebra of scrG), where scrH (⊂scrG) is the maximal stability subgroup of a fixed state in gerhΛ. The phase-space representation of the system is realized on scrG/scrH, and its classical analogy can be obtained naturally. It is also shown that there is consistency between quantum and classical integrability. Finally, a general algorithm for seeking the manifestation of ``quantum chaos'' via the classical analogy is provided. Illustrations of this formulation in several important quantum systems are presented.

What is Quantum Mechanics? A Minimal Formulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Friedberg, R.; Hohenberg, P. C.

2018-03-01

This paper presents a minimal formulation of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, by which is meant a formulation which describes the theory in a succinct, self-contained, clear, unambiguous and of course correct manner. The bulk of the presentation is the so-called "microscopic theory", applicable to any closed system S of arbitrary size N, using concepts referring to S alone, without resort to external apparatus or external agents. An example of a similar minimal microscopic theory is the standard formulation of classical mechanics, which serves as the template for a minimal quantum theory. The only substantive assumption required is the replacement of the classical Euclidean phase space by Hilbert space in the quantum case, with the attendant all-important phenomenon of quantum incompatibility. Two fundamental theorems of Hilbert space, the Kochen-Specker-Bell theorem and Gleason's theorem, then lead inevitably to the well-known Born probability rule. For both classical and quantum mechanics, questions of physical implementation and experimental verification of the predictions of the theories are the domain of the macroscopic theory, which is argued to be a special case or application of the more general microscopic theory.

Differential formulation of the gyrokinetic Landau operator

DOE PAGES

Hirvijoki, Eero; Brizard, Alain J.; Pfefferlé, David

2017-01-05

Subsequent to the recent rigorous derivation of an energetically consistent gyrokinetic collision operator in the so-called Landau representation, this work investigates the possibility of finding a differential formulation of the gyrokinetic Landau collision operator. It is observed that, while a differential formulation is possible in the gyrokinetic phase space, reduction of the resulting system of partial differential equations to five dimensions via gyroaveraging poses a challenge. Finally, based on the present work, it is likely that the gyrocentre analogues of the Rosenbluth–MacDonald–Judd potential functions must be kept gyroangle dependent.

Hawking radiation and classical tunneling: A ray phase space approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tracy, E. R.; Zhigunov, D.

2016-01-01

Acoustic waves in fluids undergoing the transition from sub- to supersonic flow satisfy governing equations similar to those for light waves in the immediate vicinity of a black hole event horizon. This acoustic analogy has been used by Unruh and others as a conceptual model for "Hawking radiation." Here, we use variational methods, originally introduced by Brizard for the study of linearized MHD, and ray phase space methods, to analyze linearized acoustics in the presence of background flows. The variational formulation endows the evolution equations with natural Hermitian and symplectic structures that prove useful for later analysis. We derive a 2 × 2 normal form governing the wave evolution in the vicinity of the "event horizon." This shows that the acoustic model can be reduced locally (in ray phase space) to a standard (scalar) tunneling process weakly coupled to a unidirectional non-dispersive wave (the "incoming wave"). Given the normal form, the Hawking "thermal spectrum" can be derived by invoking standard tunneling theory, but only by ignoring the coupling to the incoming wave. Deriving the normal form requires a novel extension of the modular ray-based theory used previously to study tunneling and mode conversion in plasmas. We also discuss how ray phase space methods can be used to change representation, which brings the problem into a form where the wave functions are less singular than in the usual formulation, a fact that might prove useful in numerical studies.

Space Mission Concept Development Using Concept Maturity Levels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wessen, Randii R.; Borden, Chester; Ziemer, John; Kwok, Johnny

2013-01-01

Over the past five years, pre-project formulation experts at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has developed and implemented a method for measuring and communicating the maturity of space mission concepts. Mission concept development teams use this method, and associated tools, prior to concepts entering their Formulation Phases (Phase A/B). The organizing structure is Concept Maturity Level (CML), which is a classification system for characterizing the various levels of a concept's maturity. The key strength of CMLs is the ability to evolve mission concepts guided by an incremental set of assessment needs. The CML definitions have been expanded into a matrix form to identify the breadth and depth of analysis needed for a concept to reach a specific level of maturity. This matrix enables improved assessment and communication by addressing the fundamental dimensions (e.g., science objectives, mission design, technical risk, project organization, cost, export compliance, etc.) associated with mission concept evolution. JPL's collaborative engineering, dedicated concept development, and proposal teams all use these and other CML-appropriate design tools to advance their mission concept designs. This paper focuses on mission concept's early Pre-Phase A represented by CMLs 1- 4. The scope was limited due to the fact that CMLs 5 and 6 are already well defined based on the requirements documented in specific Announcement of Opportunities (AO) and Concept Study Report (CSR) guidelines, respectively, for competitive missions; and by NASA's Procedural Requirements NPR 7120.5E document for Projects in their Formulation Phase.

Process for Encapsulating Protein Crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morrison, Dennis R.; Mosier, Benjamin

2003-01-01

A process for growing protein crystals encapsulated within membranes has been invented. This process begins with the encapsulation of a nearly saturated aqueous protein solution inside semipermeable membranes to form microcapsules. The encapsulation is effected by use of special formulations of a dissolved protein and a surfactant in an aqueous first liquid phase, which is placed into contact with a second, immiscible liquid phase that contains one or more polymers that are insoluble in the first phase. The second phase becomes formed into the semipermeable membranes that surround microglobules of the first phase, thereby forming the microcapsules. Once formed, the microcapsules are then dehydrated osmotically by exposure to a concentrated salt or polymer solution. The dehydration forms supersaturated solutions inside the microcapsules, thereby enabling nucleation and growth of protein crystals inside the microcapsules. By suitable formulation of the polymer or salt solution and of other physical and chemical parameters, one can control the rate of transport of water out of the microcapsules through the membranes and thereby create physicochemical conditions that favor the growth, within each microcapsule, of one or a few large crystals suitable for analysis by x-ray diffraction. The membrane polymer can be formulated to consist of low-molecular-weight molecules that do not interfere with the x-ray diffraction analysis of the encapsulated crystals. During dehydration, an electrostatic field can be applied to exert additional control over the rate of dehydration. This protein-crystal-encapsulation process is expected to constitute the basis of protein-growth experiments to be performed on the space shuttle and the International Space Station. As envisioned, the experiments would involve the exposure of immiscible liquids to each other in sequences of steps under microgravitational conditions. The experiments are expected to contribute to knowledge of the precise conditions under which protein crystals form. By enhancing the ability to grow crystals suitable for x-ray diffraction analysis, this knowledge can be expected to benefit not only the space program but also medicine and the pharmaceutical industry.

Local spectrum analysis of field propagation in an anisotropic medium. Part II. Time-dependent fields.

PubMed

Tinkelman, Igor; Melamed, Timor

2005-06-01

In Part I of this two-part investigation [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 22, 1200 (2005)], we presented a theory for phase-space propagation of time-harmonic electromagnetic fields in an anisotropic medium characterized by a generic wave-number profile. In this Part II, these investigations are extended to transient fields, setting a general analytical framework for local analysis and modeling of radiation from time-dependent extended-source distributions. In this formulation the field is expressed as a superposition of pulsed-beam propagators that emanate from all space-time points in the source domain and in all directions. Using time-dependent quadratic-Lorentzian windows, we represent the field by a phase-space spectral distribution in which the propagating elements are pulsed beams, which are formulated by a transient plane-wave spectrum over the extended-source plane. By applying saddle-point asymptotics, we extract the beam phenomenology in the anisotropic environment resulting from short-pulsed processing. Finally, the general results are applied to the special case of uniaxial crystal and compared with a reference solution.

Dynamics of Structures in Configuration Space and Phase Space: An Introductory Tutorial

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diamond, P. H.; Kosuga, Y.; Lesur, M.

2015-12-01

Some basic ideas relevant to the dynamics of phase space and real space structures are presented in a pedagogical fashion. We focus on three paradigmatic examples, namely; G. I. Taylor's structure based re-formulation of Rayleigh's stability criterion and its implications for zonal flow momentum balance relations; Dupree's mechanism for nonlinear current driven ion acoustic instability and its implication for anomalous resistivity; and the dynamics of structures in drift and gyrokinetic turbulence and their relation to zonal flow physics. We briefly survey the extension of mean field theory to calculate evolution in the presence of localized structures for regimes where Kubo number K ≃ 1 rather than K ≪ 1, as is usual for quasilinear theory.

Application of non-coherent Doppler data types for deep space navigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhaskaran, Shyam

1995-01-01

Recent improvements in computational capability and Deep Space Network technology have renewed interest in examining the possibility of using one-way Doppler data alone to navigate interplanetary spacecraft. The one-way data can be formulated as the standard differenced-count Doppler or as phase measurements, and the data can be received at a single station or differenced if obtained simultaneously at two stations. A covariance analysis is performed which analyzes the accuracy obtainable by combinations of one-way Doppler data and compared with similar results using standard two-way Doppler and range. The sample interplanetary trajectory used was that of the Mars Pathfinder mission to Mars. It is shown that differenced one-way data is capable of determining the angular position of the spacecraft to fairly high accuracy, but has relatively poor sensitivity to the range. When combined with single station data, the position dispersions are roughly an order of magnitude larger in range and comparable in angular position as compared to dispersions obtained with standard data two-way types. It was also found that the phase formulation is less sensitive to data weight variations and data coverage than the differenced-count Doppler formulation.

Using an iterative eigensolver to compute vibrational energies with phase-spaced localized basis functions.

PubMed

Brown, James; Carrington, Tucker

2015-07-28

Although phase-space localized Gaussians are themselves poor basis functions, they can be used to effectively contract a discrete variable representation basis [A. Shimshovitz and D. J. Tannor, Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 070402 (2012)]. This works despite the fact that elements of the Hamiltonian and overlap matrices labelled by discarded Gaussians are not small. By formulating the matrix problem as a regular (i.e., not a generalized) matrix eigenvalue problem, we show that it is possible to use an iterative eigensolver to compute vibrational energy levels in the Gaussian basis.

Non-geometric fluxes, quasi-Hopf twist deformations, and nonassociative quantum mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mylonas, Dionysios; Schupp, Peter; Szabo, Richard J.

2014-12-01

We analyse the symmetries underlying nonassociative deformations of geometry in non-geometric R-flux compactifications which arise via T-duality from closed strings with constant geometric fluxes. Starting from the non-abelian Lie algebra of translations and Bopp shifts in phase space, together with a suitable cochain twist, we construct the quasi-Hopf algebra of symmetries that deforms the algebra of functions and the exterior differential calculus in the phase space description of nonassociative R-space. In this setting, nonassociativity is characterised by the associator 3-cocycle which controls non-coassociativity of the quasi-Hopf algebra. We use abelian 2-cocycle twists to construct maps between the dynamical nonassociative star product and a family of associative star products parametrized by constant momentum surfaces in phase space. We define a suitable integration on these nonassociative spaces and find that the usual cyclicity of associative noncommutative deformations is replaced by weaker notions of 2-cyclicity and 3-cyclicity. Using this star product quantization on phase space together with 3-cyclicity, we formulate a consistent version of nonassociative quantum mechanics, in which we calculate the expectation values of area and volume operators, and find coarse-graining of the string background due to the R-flux.

Progress Towards a Space-Based Gravitational-Wave Observatory Since 2010

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stebbins, Robin T.

2015-01-01

Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA): Focus of all work since 1993; Unchanged since 1997; Project in Phase A since 2004; Extensive formulation work and products; Reviewed and recommended in many major reviews: AANM (NRC, 2001), TRIP (HQ, 2003), Connecting Quarks with the Cosmos (NRC, 2003), AETD (GSFC, 2005). Beyond Einstein Program: (NRC, 2007), NWNH (NRC, 2010): Second in large space projects after WFIRST. Recommended for a new start. Contingent on Lisa Pathfinder success and a roughly 50-50 European partnership.

A cellular automaton for the signed particle formulation of quantum mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sellier, J. M.; Kapanova, K. G.; Dimov, I.

2017-02-01

Recently, a new formulation of quantum mechanics, based on the concept of signed particles, has been suggested. In this paper, we introduce a cellular automaton which mimics the dynamics of quantum objects in the phase-space in a time-dependent fashion. This is twofold: it provides a simplified and accessible language to non-physicists who wants to simulate quantum mechanical systems, at the same time it enables a different way to explore the laws of Physics. Moreover, it opens the way towards hybrid simulations of quantum systems by combining full quantum models with cellular automata when the former fail. In order to show the validity of the suggested cellular automaton and its combination with the signed particle formalism, several numerical experiments are performed, showing very promising results. Being this article a preliminary study on quantum simulations in phase-space by means of cellular automata, some conclusions are drawn about the encouraging results obtained so far and the possible future developments.

[Strategy and collaboration between medicinal chemists and pharmaceutical scientists for drug delivery systems].

PubMed

Mano, Takashi

2013-01-01

In order to successfully apply drug delivery systems (DDS) to new chemical entities (NCEs), collaboration between medicinal chemists and formulation scientists is critical for efficient drug discovery. Formulation scientists have to use 'language' that medicinal chemists understand to help promote mutual understanding, and medicinal chemists and formulation scientists have to set up strategies to use suitable DDS technologies at the discovery phase of the programmes to ensure successful transfer into the development phase. In this review, strategies of solubilisation formulation for oral delivery, inhalation delivery, nasal delivery and bioconjugation are all discussed. For example, for oral drug delivery, multiple initiatives can be proposed to improve the process to select an optimal delivery option for an NCE. From a technical perspective, formulation scientists have to explain the scope and limitations of formulations as some DDS technologies might be applicable only to limited chemical spaces. Other limitations could be the administered dose and, cost, time and resources for formulation development and manufacturing. Since DDS selection is best placed as part of lead-optimisation, formulation scientists need to be involved in discovery projects at lead selection and optimisation stages. The key to success in their collaboration is to facilitate communication between these two areas of expertise at both a strategic and scientific level. Also, it would be beneficial for medicinal chemists and formulation scientists to set common goals to improve the process of collaboration and build long term partnerships to improve DDS.

Multi-Shot Sensitivity-Encoded Diffusion Data Recovery Using Structured Low-Rank Matrix Completion (MUSSELS)

PubMed Central

Mani, Merry; Jacob, Mathews; Kelley, Douglas; Magnotta, Vincent

2017-01-01

Purpose To introduce a novel method for the recovery of multi-shot diffusion weighted (MS-DW) images from echo-planar imaging (EPI) acquisitions. Methods Current EPI-based MS-DW reconstruction methods rely on the explicit estimation of the motion-induced phase maps to recover artifact-free images. In the new formulation, the k-space data of the artifact-free DWI is recovered using a structured low-rank matrix completion scheme, which does not require explicit estimation of the phase maps. The structured matrix is obtained as the lifting of the multi-shot data. The smooth phase-modulations between shots manifest as null-space vectors of this matrix, which implies that the structured matrix is low-rank. The missing entries of the structured matrix are filled in using a nuclear-norm minimization algorithm subject to the data-consistency. The formulation enables the natural introduction of smoothness regularization, thus enabling implicit motion-compensated recovery of the MS-DW data. Results Our experiments on in-vivo data show effective removal of artifacts arising from inter-shot motion using the proposed method. The method is shown to achieve better reconstruction than the conventional phase-based methods. Conclusion We demonstrate the utility of the proposed method to effectively recover artifact-free images from Cartesian fully/under-sampled and partial Fourier acquired data without the use of explicit phase estimates. PMID:27550212

Simultaneous estimation of multiple phases in digital holographic interferometry using state space analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kulkarni, Rishikesh; Rastogi, Pramod

2018-05-01

A new approach is proposed for the multiple phase estimation from a multicomponent exponential phase signal recorded in multi-beam digital holographic interferometry. It is capable of providing multidimensional measurements in a simultaneous manner from a single recording of the exponential phase signal encoding multiple phases. Each phase within a small window around each pixel is appproximated with a first order polynomial function of spatial coordinates. The problem of accurate estimation of polynomial coefficients, and in turn the unwrapped phases, is formulated as a state space analysis wherein the coefficients and signal amplitudes are set as the elements of a state vector. The state estimation is performed using the extended Kalman filter. An amplitude discrimination criterion is utilized in order to unambiguously estimate the coefficients associated with the individual signal components. The performance of proposed method is stable over a wide range of the ratio of signal amplitudes. The pixelwise phase estimation approach of the proposed method allows it to handle the fringe patterns that may contain invalid regions.

Quantum mechanics without potential function

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

Alhaidari, A. D., E-mail: haidari@sctp.org.sa; Ismail, M. E. H.

2015-07-15

In the standard formulation of quantum mechanics, one starts by proposing a potential function that models the physical system. The potential is then inserted into the Schrödinger equation, which is solved for the wavefunction, bound states energy spectrum, and/or scattering phase shift. In this work, however, we propose an alternative formulation in which the potential function does not appear. The aim is to obtain a set of analytically realizable systems, which is larger than in the standard formulation and may or may not be associated with any given or previously known potential functions. We start with the wavefunction, which ismore » written as a bounded infinite sum of elements of a complete basis with polynomial coefficients that are orthogonal on an appropriate domain in the energy space. Using the asymptotic properties of these polynomials, we obtain the scattering phase shift, bound states, and resonances. This formulation enables one to handle not only the well-known quantum systems but also previously untreated ones. Illustrative examples are given for two- and three-parameter systems.« less

Four-dimensional gravity as an almost-Poisson system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ita, Eyo Eyo

2015-04-01

In this paper, we examine the phase space structure of a noncanonical formulation of four-dimensional gravity referred to as the Instanton representation of Plebanski gravity (IRPG). The typical Hamiltonian (symplectic) approach leads to an obstruction to the definition of a symplectic structure on the full phase space of the IRPG. We circumvent this obstruction, using the Lagrange equations of motion, to find the appropriate generalization of the Poisson bracket. It is shown that the IRPG does not support a Poisson bracket except on the vector constraint surface. Yet there exists a fundamental bilinear operation on its phase space which produces the correct equations of motion and induces the correct transformation properties of the basic fields. This bilinear operation is known as the almost-Poisson bracket, which fails to satisfy the Jacobi identity and in this case also the condition of antisymmetry. We place these results into the overall context of nonsymplectic systems.

Strong disorder real-space renormalization for the many-body-localized phase of random Majorana models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monthus, Cécile

2018-03-01

For the many-body-localized phase of random Majorana models, a general strong disorder real-space renormalization procedure known as RSRG-X (Pekker et al 2014 Phys. Rev. X 4 011052) is described to produce the whole set of excited states, via the iterative construction of the local integrals of motion (LIOMs). The RG rules are then explicitly derived for arbitrary quadratic Hamiltonians (free-fermions models) and for the Kitaev chain with local interactions involving even numbers of consecutive Majorana fermions. The emphasis is put on the advantages of the Majorana language over the usual quantum spin language to formulate unified RSRG-X rules.

Generic weak isolated horizons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatterjee, Ayan; Ghosh, Amit

2006-12-01

Weak isolated horizon boundary conditions have been relaxed supposedly to their weakest form so that both zeroth and first laws of black hole mechanics hold. This makes the formulation more amenable for applications in both analytic and numerical relativities. It also unifies the phase spaces of non-extremal and extremal black holes.

Experiments to ensure Space Station fire safety - A challenge

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Youngblood, W. W.; Seiser, K. M.

1988-01-01

Three experiments have been formulated in order to address prominent fire safety requirements aboard the NASA Space Shuttle; these experiments are to be conducted as part of a Space Station-based Technology Development Mission for the growth phase of Space Station construction and operation. The experiments are: (1) an investigation of the flame-spread rate and combustion-product evolution in the burning of typical spacecraft materials in low gravity; (2) an evaluation of the interaction of fires and candidate fire extinguishers in low gravity; and (3) an investigation of the persistence and propagation of smoldering and deep-seated combustion in low gravity.

Setting priorities for space research: Opportunities and imperatives

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

Discussed here is the first phase of a study by a task group convened by the Space Studies Board to ascertain whether it should attempt to develop a methodology for recommending priorities among the various initiatives in space research (that is, scientific activities concerned with phenomena in space or utilizing observations from space). It is argued that such priority statements by the space research community are both necessary and desirable and would contribute to the formulation and implementation of public policy. The establishment of priorities to enhance effective management of the nation's scientific research program in space is advocated. It is argued that scientific objectives and purposes should determine how and under what circumstances research should be done.

Effect of joint spacing and joint dip on the stress distribution around tunnels using different numerical methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikadat, Nooraddin; Fatehi Marji, Mohammad; Rahmannejad, Reza; Yarahmadi Bafghi, Alireza

2016-11-01

Different conditions may affect the stability of tunnels by the geometry (spacing and orientation) of joints in the surrounded rock mass. In this study, by comparing the results obtained by the three novel numerical methods i.e. finite element method (Phase2), discrete element method (UDEC) and indirect boundary element method (TFSDDM), the effects of joint spacing and joint dips on the stress distribution around rock tunnels are numerically studied. These comparisons indicate the validity of the stress analyses around circular rock tunnels. These analyses also reveal that for a semi-continuous environment, boundary element method gives more accurate results compared to the results of finite element and distinct element methods. In the indirect boundary element method, the displacements due to joints of different spacing and dips are estimated by using displacement discontinuity (DD) formulations and the total stress distribution around the tunnel are obtained by using fictitious stress (FS) formulations.

Ghost artifact cancellation using phased array processing.

PubMed

Kellman, P; McVeigh, E R

2001-08-01

In this article, a method for phased array combining is formulated which may be used to cancel ghosts caused by a variety of distortion mechanisms, including space variant distortions such as local flow or off-resonance. This method is based on a constrained optimization, which optimizes SNR subject to the constraint of nulling ghost artifacts at known locations. The resultant technique is similar to the method known as sensitivity encoding (SENSE) used for accelerated imaging; however, in this formulation it is applied to full field-of-view (FOV) images. The method is applied to multishot EPI with noninterleaved phase encode acquisition. A number of benefits, as compared to the conventional interleaved approach, are reduced distortion due to off-resonance, in-plane flow, and EPI delay misalignment, as well as eliminating the need for echo-shifting. Experimental results demonstrate the cancellation for both phantom as well as cardiac imaging examples.

Ghost Artifact Cancellation Using Phased Array Processing

PubMed Central

Kellman, Peter; McVeigh, Elliot R.

2007-01-01

In this article, a method for phased array combining is formulated which may be used to cancel ghosts caused by a variety of distortion mechanisms, including space variant distortions such as local flow or off-resonance. This method is based on a constrained optimization, which optimizes SNR subject to the constraint of nulling ghost artifacts at known locations. The resultant technique is similar to the method known as sensitivity encoding (SENSE) used for accelerated imaging; however, in this formulation it is applied to full field-of-view (FOV) images. The method is applied to multishot EPI with noninterleaved phase encode acquisition. A number of benefits, as compared to the conventional interleaved approach, are reduced distortion due to off-resonance, in-plane flow, and EPI delay misalignment, as well as eliminating the need for echo-shifting. Experimental results demonstrate the cancellation for both phantom as well as cardiac imaging examples. PMID:11477638

The Seasat surface truth experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shemdin, O. H.

1976-01-01

A surface truth program for Seasat A is formulated in two phases: pre- and post-launch. The pre-launch phase (which includes the Marineland experiments, the JONSWAP-75 experiment, the West Coast experiment, and the altimeter experiment) is designed to provide data from aircraft over instrumented ocean sites during desirable geophysical events. The objective is to gather sufficient data for the development of algorithms which transfer space data into geophysical variables useful for applications. In the post-launch phase, the surface truth program is designed to verify and improve the algorithms developed in the pre-launch phase and also to evaluate the performance of spaceborne sensors.

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

Stottmeister, Alexander, E-mail: alexander.stottmeister@gravity.fau.de; Thiemann, Thomas, E-mail: thomas.thiemann@gravity.fau.de

In this article, the third of three, we analyse how the Weyl quantisation for compact Lie groups presented in the second article of this series fits with the projective-phase space structure of loop quantum gravity-type models. Thus, the proposed Weyl quantisation may serve as the main mathematical tool to implement the program of space adiabatic perturbation theory in such models. As we already argued in our first article, space adiabatic perturbation theory offers an ideal framework to overcome the obstacles that hinder the direct implementation of the conventional Born-Oppenheimer approach in the canonical formulation of loop quantum gravity.

Dirac structures in nonequilibrium thermodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gay-Balmaz, François; Yoshimura, Hiroaki

2018-01-01

Dirac structures are geometric objects that generalize both Poisson structures and presymplectic structures on manifolds. They naturally appear in the formulation of constrained mechanical systems. In this paper, we show that the evolution equations for nonequilibrium thermodynamics admit an intrinsic formulation in terms of Dirac structures, both on the Lagrangian and the Hamiltonian settings. In the absence of irreversible processes, these Dirac structures reduce to canonical Dirac structures associated with canonical symplectic forms on phase spaces. Our geometric formulation of nonequilibrium thermodynamic thus consistently extends the geometric formulation of mechanics, to which it reduces in the absence of irreversible processes. The Dirac structures are associated with the variational formulation of nonequilibrium thermodynamics developed in the work of Gay-Balmaz and Yoshimura, J. Geom. Phys. 111, 169-193 (2017a) and are induced from a nonlinear nonholonomic constraint given by the expression of the entropy production of the system.

Phase equilibria in polymer blend thin films: A Hamiltonian approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Souche, M.; Clarke, N.

2009-12-01

We propose a Hamiltonian formulation of the Flory-Huggins-de Gennes theory describing a polymer blend thin film. We then focus on the case of 50:50 polymer blends confined between antisymmetric walls. The different phases of the system and the transitions between them, including finite-size effects, are systematically studied through their relation with the geometry of the Hamiltonian flow in phase space. This method provides an easy and efficient way, with strong graphical insight, to infer the qualitative physical behavior of polymer blend thin films.

Evolution of axis ratios from phase space dynamics of triaxial collapse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nadkarni-Ghosh, Sharvari; Arya, Bhaskar

2018-04-01

We investigate the evolution of axis ratios of triaxial haloes using the phase space description of triaxial collapse. In this formulation, the evolution of the triaxial ellipsoid is described in terms of the dynamics of eigenvalues of three important tensors: the Hessian of the gravitational potential, the tensor of velocity derivatives, and the deformation tensor. The eigenvalues of the deformation tensor are directly related to the parameters that describe triaxiality, namely, the minor-to-major and intermediate-to-major axes ratios (s and q) and the triaxiality parameter T. Using the phase space equations, we evolve the eigenvalues and examine the evolution of the probability distribution function (PDF) of the axes ratios as a function of mass scale and redshift for Gaussian initial conditions. We find that the ellipticity and prolateness increase with decreasing mass scale and decreasing redshift. These trends agree with previous analytic studies but differ from numerical simulations. However, the PDF of the scaled parameter {\\tilde{q}} = (q-s)/(1-s) follows a universal distribution over two decades in mass range and redshifts which is in qualitative agreement with the universality for conditional PDF reported in simulations. We further show using the phase space dynamics that, in fact, {\\tilde{q}} is a phase space invariant and is conserved individually for each halo. These results demonstrate that the phase space analysis is a useful tool that provides a different perspective on the evolution of perturbations and can be applied to more sophisticated models in the future.

A Proposal for Research on Complex Media, Imagining and Uncertainty Quantification

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-11-26

demonstration that the Green’s function for wave propagation in an ergodic cavity can be recovered exactly by cross correlation of signals at two points...the continuation of a project in which we have developed autofocus methods based on a phase space formulation ( Wigner transform) of the array data and

Stochastic cooling of bunched beams from fluctuation and kinetic theory

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

Chattopadhyay, S.

1982-09-01

A theoretical formalism for stochastic phase-space cooling of bunched beams in storage rings is developed on the dual basis of classical fluctuation theory and kinetic theory of many-body systems in phase-space. The physics is that of a collection of three-dimensional oscillators coupled via retarded nonconservative interactions determined by an electronic feedback loop. At the heart of the formulation is the existence of several disparate time-scales characterizing the cooling process. Both theoretical approaches describe the cooling process in the form of a Fokker-Planck transport equation in phase-space valid up to second order in the strength and first order in the auto-correlationmore » of the cooling signal. With neglect of the collective correlations induced by the feedback loop, identical expressions are obtained in both cases for the coherent damping and Schottky noise diffusion coefficients. These are expressed in terms of Fourier coefficients in a harmonic decomposition in angle of the generalized nonconservative cooling force written in canonical action-angle variables of the particles in six-dimensional phase-space. Comparison of analytic results to a numerical simulation study with 90 pseudo-particles in a model cooling system is presented.« less

Multiphase Modeling of Water Injection on Flame Deflector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vu, Bruce T.; Bachchan, Nili; Peroomian, Oshin; Akdag, Vedat

2013-01-01

This paper describes the use of an Eulerian Dispersed Phase (EDP) model to simulate the water injected from the flame deflector and its interaction with supersonic rocket exhaust from a proposed Space Launch System (SLS) vehicle. The Eulerian formulation, as part of the multi-phase framework, is described. The simulations show that water cooling is only effective over the region under the liquid engines. Likewise, the water injection provides only minor effects over the surface area under the solid engines.

Generalized Kapchinskij-Vladimirskij Distribution and Beam Matrix for Phase-Space Manipulations of High-Intensity Beams

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

Chung, Moses; Qin, Hong; Davidson, Ronald C.

In an uncoupled linear lattice system, the Kapchinskij-Vladimirskij (KV) distribution formulated on the basis of the single-particle Courant-Snyder invariants has served as a fundamental theoretical basis for the analyses of the equilibrium, stability, and transport properties of high-intensity beams for the past several decades. Recent applications of high-intensity beams, however, require beam phase-space manipulations by intentionally introducing strong coupling. Here in this Letter, we report the full generalization of the KV model by including all of the linear (both external and space-charge) coupling forces, beam energy variations, and arbitrary emittance partition, which all form essential elements for phase-space manipulations. Themore » new generalized KV model yields spatially uniform density profiles and corresponding linear self-field forces as desired. Finally, the corresponding matrix envelope equations and beam matrix for the generalized KV model provide important new theoretical tools for the detailed design and analysis of high-intensity beam manipulations, for which previous theoretical models are not easily applicable.« less

Generalized Kapchinskij-Vladimirskij Distribution and Beam Matrix for Phase-Space Manipulations of High-Intensity Beams

DOE PAGES

Chung, Moses; Qin, Hong; Davidson, Ronald C.; ...

2016-11-23

In an uncoupled linear lattice system, the Kapchinskij-Vladimirskij (KV) distribution formulated on the basis of the single-particle Courant-Snyder invariants has served as a fundamental theoretical basis for the analyses of the equilibrium, stability, and transport properties of high-intensity beams for the past several decades. Recent applications of high-intensity beams, however, require beam phase-space manipulations by intentionally introducing strong coupling. Here in this Letter, we report the full generalization of the KV model by including all of the linear (both external and space-charge) coupling forces, beam energy variations, and arbitrary emittance partition, which all form essential elements for phase-space manipulations. Themore » new generalized KV model yields spatially uniform density profiles and corresponding linear self-field forces as desired. Finally, the corresponding matrix envelope equations and beam matrix for the generalized KV model provide important new theoretical tools for the detailed design and analysis of high-intensity beam manipulations, for which previous theoretical models are not easily applicable.« less

Some Remarks on Space-Time Decompositions, and Degenerate Metrics, in General Relativity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bengtsson, Ingemar

Space-time decomposition of the Hilbert-Palatini action, written in a form which admits degenerate metrics, is considered. Simple numerology shows why D = 3 and 4 are singled out as admitting a simple phase space. The canonical structure of the degenerate sector turns out to be awkward. However, the real degenerate metrics obtained as solutions are the same as those that occur in Ashtekar's formulation of complex general relativity. An exact solution of Ashtekar's equations, with degenerate metric, shows that the manifestly four-dimensional form of the action, and its 3 + 1 form, are not quite equivalent.

Simple and Double Alfven Waves: Hamiltonian Aspects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Webb, G. M.; Zank, G. P.; Hu, Q.; le Roux, J. A.; Dasgupta, B.

2011-12-01

We discuss the nature of simple and double Alfvén waves. Simple waves depend on a single phase variable \\varphi, but double waves depend on two independent phase variables \\varphi1 and \\varphi2. The phase variables depend on the space and time coordinates x and t. Simple and double Alfvén waves have the same integrals, namely, the entropy, density, magnetic pressure, and group velocity (the sum of the Alfvén and fluid velocities) are constant throughout the flow. We present examples of both simple and double Alfvén waves, and discuss Hamiltonian formulations of the waves.

Tensor network states in time-bin quantum optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lubasch, Michael; Valido, Antonio A.; Renema, Jelmer J.; Kolthammer, W. Steven; Jaksch, Dieter; Kim, M. S.; Walmsley, Ian; García-Patrón, Raúl

2018-06-01

The current shift in the quantum optics community towards experiments with many modes and photons necessitates new classical simulation techniques that efficiently encode many-body quantum correlations and go beyond the usual phase-space formulation. To address this pressing demand we formulate linear quantum optics in the language of tensor network states. We extensively analyze the quantum and classical correlations of time-bin interference in a single fiber loop. We then generalize our results to more complex time-bin quantum setups and identify different classes of architectures for high-complexity and low-overhead boson sampling experiments.

Multi-mission telecom analysis tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanks, D.; Kordon, M.; Baker, J.

2002-01-01

In the early formulation phase of a mission it is critically important to have fast, easy to use, easy to integrate space vehicle subsystem analysis tools so that engineers can rapidly perform trade studies not only by themselves but in coordination with other subsystem engineers as well. The Multi-Mission Telecom Analysis Tool (MMTAT) is designed for just this purpose.

Higher Order First Integrals of Motion in a Gauge Covariant Hamiltonian Framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Visinescu, Mihai

The higher order symmetries are investigated in a covariant Hamiltonian formulation. The covariant phase-space approach is extended to include the presence of external gauge fields and scalar potentials. The special role of the Killing-Yano tensors is pointed out. Some nontrivial examples involving Runge-Lenz type conserved quantities are explicitly worked out.

p-Forms and diffeomorphisms: Hamiltonian formulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baulieu, Laurent; Henneaux, Marc

1987-07-01

The BRST charges corresponding to various (equivalent) ways of writing the action of the diffeomorphism group on p-form gauge fields are canonically related by a canonical transformation in the extended phase space which is explicitly constructed. The occurrence of higher order structure functions is pointed out. Also at: Centro de Estudios Cientificos de Santiago, Casilla 16443, Santiago 9, Chile.

Prediction of dexamethasone release from PLGA microspheres prepared with polymer blends using a design of experiment approach.

PubMed

Gu, Bing; Burgess, Diane J

2015-11-10

Hydrophobic drug release from poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres typically exhibits a tri-phasic profile with a burst release phase followed by a lag phase and a secondary release phase. High burst release can be associated with adverse effects and the efficacy of the formulation cannot be ensured during a long lag phase. Accordingly, the development of a long-acting microsphere product requires optimization of all drug release phases. The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether a blend of low and high molecular weight polymers can be used to reduce the burst release and eliminate/minimize the lag phase. A single emulsion solvent evaporation method was used to prepare microspheres using blends of two PLGA polymers (PLGA5050 (25 kDa) and PLGA9010 (113 kDa)). A central composite design approach was applied to investigate the effect of formulation composition on dexamethasone release from these microspheres. Mathematical models obtained from this design of experiments study were utilized to generate a design space with maximized microsphere drug loading and reduced burst release. Specifically, a drug loading close to 15% can be achieved and a burst release less than 10% when a composition of 80% PLGA9010 and 90 mg of dexamethasone is used. In order to better describe the lag phase, a heat map was generated based on dexamethasone release from the PLGA microsphere/PVA hydrogel composite coatings. Using the heat map an optimized formulation with minimum lag phase was selected. The microspheres were also characterized for particle size/size distribution, thermal properties and morphology. The particle size was demonstrated to be related to the polymer concentration and the ratio of the two polymers but not to the dexamethasone concentration. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optical phase-locked loop (OPLL) for free-space laser communications with heterodyne detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Win, Moe Z.; Chen, Chien-Chung; Scholtz, Robert A.

1991-01-01

Several advantages of coherent free-space optical communications are outlined. Theoretical analysis is formulated for an OPLL disturbed by shot noise, modulation noise, and frequency noise consisting of a white component, a 1/f component, and a 1/f-squared component. Each of the noise components is characterized by its associated power spectral density. It is shown that the effect of modulation depends only on the ratio of loop bandwidth and data rate, and is negligible for an OPLL with loop bandwidth smaller than one fourth the data rate. Total phase error variance as a function of loop bandwidth is displayed for several values of carrier signal to noise ratio. Optimal loop bandwidth is also calculated as a function of carrier signal to noise ratio. An OPLL experiment is performed, where it is shown that the measured phase error variance closely matches the theoretical predictions.

Science Formulation of Global Precipitation Mission (gpm)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Eric A.

In late 2001, the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission was approved as a new start by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The new mission, which is now in its formulation phase, is motivated by a number of scientific questions that are posed over a range of space and time scales that generally fall within the discipline of the global water and energy cycle (GWEC), although not restricted to that branch of research. Recognizing that satellite rainfall datasets are now a foremost tool for understanding global climate variability out to decadal scales and beyond, for improving weather forecasting, and for producing better predictions of hydrometeorological processes including short-term hazardous flooding and seasonal fresh water resources assessment, a comprehensive and internationally-sanctioned global measuring strategy has led to the GPM mission. The GPM mission plans to expand the scope of rainfall measurement through use of a multi-member satellite constellation that will be contributed by a number of world nations. This talk overviews the GPM scientific research program that has been fostered within NASA, then focuses on scientific progress that is being made in various areas in the course of the mission formulation phase that are of interest to the Natural Hazards scientific community. This latter part of the talk addresses research issues that have become central to the GPM science implementation plan concerning the rate of the global water cycling, cloud macrophysical-microphysical processes of flood-producing storms, and the general improvement in measuring precipitation at the fundamental microphysical level.

Science Formulation of Global Precipitation Mission (GPM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Eric A.; Mehta, Amita; Shepherd, Marshall; Starr, David O. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

In late 2001, the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission was approved as a new start by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The new mission, which is now in its formulation phase, is motivated by a number of scientific questions that are posed over a range of space and time scales that generally fall within the discipline of the global water and energy cycle (GWEC), although not restricted to that branch of research. Recognizing that satellite rainfall datasets are now a foremost tool for understanding global climate variability out to decadal scales and beyond, for improving weather forecasting, and for producing better predictions of hydrometeorological processes including short-term hazardous flooding and seasonal fresh water resources assessment, a comprehensive and internationally sanctioned global measuring strategy has led to the GPM mission. The GPM mission plans to expand the scope of rainfall measurement through use of a multi-member satellite constellation that will be contributed by a number of world nations. This talk overviews the GPM scientific research program that has been fostered within NASA, then focuses on scientific progress that is being made in various areas in the course of the mission formulation phase that are of interest to the Natural Hazards scientific community. This latter part of the talk addresses research issues that have become central to the GPM science implementation plan concerning the rate of the global water cycling, cloud macrophysical-microphysical processes of flood-producing storms, and the general improvement in measuring precipitation at the fundamental microphysical level.

Bv and Bfv Formulation of a Gauge Theory of Quadratic Lie Algebras in 2d and a Construction of W3 Topological Gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dayi, Ömer F.

The recently proposed generalized field method for solving the master equation of Batalin and Vilkovisky is applied to a gauge theory of quadratic Lie algebras in two dimensions. The charge corresponding to BRST symmetry derived from this solution in terms of the phase space variables by using the Noether procedure, and the one found due to the BFV-method are compared and found to coincide. W3-algebra, formulated in terms of a continuous variable is exploit in the mentioned gauge theory to construct a W3 topological gravity. Moreover, its gauge fixing is briefly discussed.

A Local Condensation Analysis Representing Two-phase Annular Flow in Condenser/radiator Capillary Tubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karimi, Amir

1991-01-01

NASA's effort for the thermal environmental control of the Space Station Freedom is directed towards the design, analysis, and development of an Active Thermal Control System (ATCS). A two phase, flow through condenser/radiator concept was baselined, as a part of the ATCS, for the radiation of space station thermal load into space. The proposed condenser rejects heat through direct condensation of ATCS working fluid (ammonia) in the small diameter radiator tubes. Analysis of the condensation process and design of condenser tubes are based on the available two phase flow models for the prediction of flow regimes, heat transfer, and pressure drops. The prediction formulas use the existing empirical relationships of friction factor at gas-liquid interface. An attempt is made to study the stability of interfacial waves in two phase annular flow. The formulation is presented of a stability problem in cylindrical coordinates. The contribution of fluid viscosity, surface tension, and transverse radius of curvature to the interfacial surface is included. A solution is obtained for Kelvin-Helmholtz instability problem which can be used to determine the critical and most dangerous wavelengths for interfacial waves.

Coherent States for Kronecker Products of Non Compact Groups: Formulation and Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bambah, Bindu A.; Agarwal, Girish S.

1996-01-01

We introduce and study the properties of a class of coherent states for the group SU(1,1) X SU(1,1) and derive explicit expressions for these using the Clebsch-Gordan algebra for the SU(1,1) group. We restrict ourselves to the discrete series representations of SU(1,1). These are the generalization of the 'Barut Girardello' coherent states to the Kronecker Product of two non-compact groups. The resolution of the identity and the analytic phase space representation of these states is presented. This phase space representation is based on the basis of products of 'pair coherent states' rather than the standard number state canonical basis. We discuss the utility of the resulting 'bi-pair coherent states' in the context of four-mode interactions in quantum optics.

Generalized Weyl-Wigner map and Vey quantum mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dias, Nuno Costa; Prata, João Nuno

2001-12-01

The Weyl-Wigner map yields the entire structure of Moyal quantum mechanics directly from the standard operator formulation. The covariant generalization of Moyal theory, also known as Vey quantum mechanics, was presented in the literature many years ago. However, a derivation of the formalism directly from standard operator quantum mechanics, clarifying the relation between the two formulations, is still missing. In this article we present a covariant generalization of the Weyl order prescription and of the Weyl-Wigner map and use them to derive Vey quantum mechanics directly from the standard operator formulation. The procedure displays some interesting features: it yields all the key ingredients and provides a more straightforward interpretation of the Vey theory including a direct implementation of unitary operator transformations as phase space coordinate transformations in the Vey idiom. These features are illustrated through a simple example.

New variables for classical and quantum gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ashtekar, Abhay

1986-01-01

A Hamiltonian formulation of general relativity based on certain spinorial variables is introduced. These variables simplify the constraints of general relativity considerably and enable one to imbed the constraint surface in the phase space of Einstein's theory into that of Yang-Mills theory. The imbedding suggests new ways of attacking a number of problems in both classical and quantum gravity. Some illustrative applications are discussed.

Quantization of simple parametrized systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruffini, G.

2005-11-01

I study the canonical formulation and quantization of some simple parametrized systems, including the non-relativistic parametrized particle and the relativistic parametrized particle. Using Dirac's formalism I construct for each case the classical reduced phase space and study the dependence on the gauge fixing used. Two separate features of these systems can make this construction difficult: the actions are not invariant at the boundaries, and the constraints may have disconnected solution spaces. The relativistic particle is affected by both, while the non-relativistic particle displays only by the first. Analyzing the role of canonical transformations in the reduced phase space, I show that a change of gauge fixing is equivalent to a canonical transformation. In the relativistic case, quantization of one branch of the constraint at the time is applied and I analyze the electromagenetic backgrounds in which it is possible to quantize simultaneously both branches and still obtain a covariant unitary quantum theory. To preserve unitarity and space-time covariance, second quantization is needed unless there is no electric field. I motivate a definition of the inner product in all these cases and derive the Klein-Gordon inner product for the relativistic case. I construct phase space path integral representations for amplitudes for the BFV and the Faddeev path integrals, from which the path integrals in coordinate space (Faddeev-Popov and geometric path integrals) are derived.

Defining climate change scenario characteristics with a phase space of cumulative primary energy and carbon intensity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ritchie, Justin; Dowlatabadi, Hadi

2018-02-01

Climate change modeling relies on projections of future greenhouse gas emissions and other phenomena leading to changes in planetary radiative forcing. Scenarios of socio-technical development consistent with end-of-century forcing levels are commonly produced by integrated assessment models. However, outlooks for forcing from fossil energy combustion can also be presented and defined in terms of two essential components: total energy use this century and the carbon intensity of that energy. This formulation allows a phase space diagram to succinctly describe a broad range of possible outcomes for carbon emissions from the future energy system. In the following paper, we demonstrate this phase space method with the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) as used in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5). The resulting RCP phase space is applied to map IPCC Working Group III (WGIII) reference case ‘no policy’ scenarios. Once these scenarios are described as coordinates in the phase space, data mining techniques can readily distill their core features. Accordingly, we conduct a k-means cluster analysis to distinguish the shared outlooks of these scenarios for oil, gas and coal resource use. As a whole, the AR5 database depicts a transition toward re-carbonization, where a world without climate policy inevitably leads to an energy supply with increasing carbon intensity. This orientation runs counter to the experienced ‘dynamics as usual’ of gradual decarbonization, suggesting climate change targets outlined in the Paris Accord are more readily achievable than projected to date.

Higher order explicit symmetric integrators for inseparable forms of coordinates and momenta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Lei; Wu, Xin; Huang, Guoqing; Liu, Fuyao

2016-06-01

Pihajoki proposed the extended phase-space second-order explicit symmetric leapfrog methods for inseparable Hamiltonian systems. On the basis of this work, we survey a critical problem on how to mix the variables in the extended phase space. Numerical tests show that sequent permutations of coordinates and momenta can make the leapfrog-like methods yield the most accurate results and the optimal long-term stabilized error behaviour. We also present a novel method to construct many fourth-order extended phase-space explicit symmetric integration schemes. Each scheme represents the symmetric production of six usual second-order leapfrogs without any permutations. This construction consists of four segments: the permuted coordinates, triple product of the usual second-order leapfrog without permutations, the permuted momenta and the triple product of the usual second-order leapfrog without permutations. Similarly, extended phase-space sixth, eighth and other higher order explicit symmetric algorithms are available. We used several inseparable Hamiltonian examples, such as the post-Newtonian approach of non-spinning compact binaries, to show that one of the proposed fourth-order methods is more efficient than the existing methods; examples include the fourth-order explicit symplectic integrators of Chin and the fourth-order explicit and implicit mixed symplectic integrators of Zhong et al. Given a moderate choice for the related mixing and projection maps, the extended phase-space explicit symplectic-like methods are well suited for various inseparable Hamiltonian problems. Samples of these problems involve the algorithmic regularization of gravitational systems with velocity-dependent perturbations in the Solar system and post-Newtonian Hamiltonian formulations of spinning compact objects.

Increasing dissolution of trospium chloride by co-crystallization with urea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skořepová, Eliška; Hušák, Michal; Čejka, Jan; Zámostný, Petr; Kratochvíl, Bohumil

2014-08-01

The search for various solid forms of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is an important step in drug development. Our aim was to prepare co-crystals of trospium chloride, an anticholinergic drug used for the treatment of incontinence, and to investigate if they have advantageous properties for drug formulation. Phase identification was done by powder X-ray diffraction and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The chemical composition was verified by solution NMR and the dissolution rate of the prepared phases was studied by IDR (intrinsic dissolution rate). For further analysis of phase stability and transitions, combined thermal analysis and temperature-resolved X-ray powder diffraction were used. Urea was selected as a co-crystallization partner. Trospium chloride urea (1:1) co-crystal was prepared by a solvent evaporation. From single-crystal data, the co-crystal structure was solved in a space group P21/c and compared to previously published structures of trospium chloride. Intrinsic dissolution rate revealed that the co-crystal dissolves 32% faster than pure API. However, its low thermal and pressure stability makes it a challenging choice for the final drug formulation.

A structural topological optimization method for multi-displacement constraints and any initial topology configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rong, J. H.; Yi, J. H.

2010-10-01

In density-based topological design, one expects that the final result consists of elements either black (solid material) or white (void), without any grey areas. Moreover, one also expects that the optimal topology can be obtained by starting from any initial topology configuration. An improved structural topological optimization method for multi- displacement constraints is proposed in this paper. In the proposed method, the whole optimization process is divided into two optimization adjustment phases and a phase transferring step. Firstly, an optimization model is built to deal with the varied displacement limits, design space adjustments, and reasonable relations between the element stiffness matrix and mass and its element topology variable. Secondly, a procedure is proposed to solve the optimization problem formulated in the first optimization adjustment phase, by starting with a small design space and advancing to a larger deign space. The design space adjustments are automatic when the design domain needs expansions, in which the convergence of the proposed method will not be affected. The final topology obtained by the proposed procedure in the first optimization phase, can approach to the vicinity of the optimum topology. Then, a heuristic algorithm is given to improve the efficiency and make the designed structural topology black/white in both the phase transferring step and the second optimization adjustment phase. And the optimum topology can finally be obtained by the second phase optimization adjustments. Two examples are presented to show that the topologies obtained by the proposed method are of very good 0/1 design distribution property, and the computational efficiency is enhanced by reducing the element number of the design structural finite model during two optimization adjustment phases. And the examples also show that this method is robust and practicable.

X-37 Flight Demonstrator Project: Capabilities for Future Space Transportation System Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dumbacher, Daniel L.

2004-01-01

The X-37 Approach and Landing Vehicle (ALTV) is an automated (unmanned) spacecraft designed to reduce technical risk in the descent and landing phases of flight. ALTV mission requirements and Orbital Vehicle (OV) technology research and development (R&D) goals are formulated to validate and mature high-payoff ground and flight technologies such as Thermal Protection Systems (TPS). It has been more than three decades since the Space Shuttle was designed and built. Real-world hardware experience gained through the multitude of X-37 Project activities has expanded both Government and industry knowledge of the challenges involved in developing new generations of spacecraft that can fulfill the Vision for Space Exploration.

On the BRST Quantization of the Massless Bosonic Particle in Twistor-Like Formulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bandos, Igor; Maznytsia, Alexey; Rudychev, Igor; Sorokin, Dmitri

We study some features of bosonic-particle path-integral quantization in a twistor-like approach by the use of the BRST-BFV-quantization prescription. In the course of the Hamiltonian analysis we observe links between various formulations of the twistor-like particle by performing a conversion of the Hamiltonian constraints of one formulation to another. A particular feature of the conversion procedure applied to turn the second-class constraints into first-class constraints is that the simplest Lorentz-covariant way to do this is to convert a full mixed set of the initial first- and second-class constraints rather than explicitly extracting and converting only the second-class constraints. Another novel feature of the conversion procedure applied below is that in the case of the D = 4 and D = 6 twistor-like particle the number of new auxiliary Lorentz-covariant coordinates, which one introduces to get a system of first-class constraints in an extended phase space, exceeds the number of independent second-class constraints of the original dynamical system. We calculate the twistor-like particle propagator in D = 3,4,6 space-time dimensions and show that it coincides with that of a conventional massless bosonic particle.

Micellar Surfactant Association in the Presence of a Glucoside-based Amphiphile Detected via High-Throughput Small Angle X-ray Scattering

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

Stanic, Vesna; Broadbent, Charlotte; DiMasi, Elaine

2016-11-14

The interactions of mixtures of anionic and amphoteric surfactants with sugar amphiphiles were studied via high throughput small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS). The sugar amphiphile was composed of Caprate, Caprylate, and Oleate mixed ester of methyl glucoside, MeGCCO. Optimal surfactant interactions are sought which have desirable physical properties, which must be identified in a cost effective manner that can access the large phase space of possible molecular combinations. X-ray scattering patterns obtained via high throughput SAXS can probe a combinatorial sample space and reveal the incorporation of MeGCCO into the micelles and the molecular associations between surfactant molecules. Such datamore » make it possible to efficiently assess the effects of the new amphiphiles in the formulation. A specific finding of this study is that formulations containing comparatively monodisperse and homogeneous surfactant mixtures can be reliably tuned by addition of NaCl, which swells the surfactant micelles with a monotonic dependence on salt concentration. In contrast, the presence of multiple different surfactants destroys clear correlations with NaCl concentration, even in otherwise similar series of formulations.« less

Stochastic inflation in phase space: is slow roll a stochastic attractor?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grain, Julien; Vennin, Vincent

2017-05-01

An appealing feature of inflationary cosmology is the presence of a phase-space attractor, ``slow roll'', which washes out the dependence on initial field velocities. We investigate the robustness of this property under backreaction from quantum fluctuations using the stochastic inflation formalism in the phase-space approach. A Hamiltonian formulation of stochastic inflation is presented, where it is shown that the coarse-graining procedure—where wavelengths smaller than the Hubble radius are integrated out—preserves the canonical structure of free fields. This means that different sets of canonical variables give rise to the same probability distribution which clarifies the literature with respect to this issue. The role played by the quantum-to-classical transition is also analysed and is shown to constrain the coarse-graining scale. In the case of free fields, we find that quantum diffusion is aligned in phase space with the slow-roll direction. This implies that the classical slow-roll attractor is immune to stochastic effects and thus generalises to a stochastic attractor regardless of initial conditions, with a relaxation time at least as short as in the classical system. For non-test fields or for test fields with non-linear self interactions however, quantum diffusion and the classical slow-roll flow are misaligned. We derive a condition on the coarse-graining scale so that observational corrections from this misalignment are negligible at leading order in slow roll.

The application of noncoherent Doppler data types for Deep Space Navigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhaskaran, S.

1995-01-01

Recent improvements in computational capability and DSN technology have renewed interest in examining the possibility of using one-way Doppler data alone to navigate interplanetary spacecraft. The one-way data can be formulated as the standard differenced-count Doppler or as phase measurements, and the data can be received at a single station or differenced if obtained simultaneously at two stations. A covariance analysis, which analyzes the accuracy obtainable by combinations of one-way Doppler data, is performed and compared with similar results using standard two-way Doppler and range. The sample interplanetary trajectory used was that of the Mars Pathfinder mission to Mars. It is shown that differenced one-way data are capable of determining the angular position of the spacecraft to fairly high accuracy, but have relatively poor sensitivity to the range. When combined with single-station data, the position dispersions are roughly an order of magnitude larger in range and comparable in angular position as compared to dispersions obtained with standard two-way data types. It was also found that the phase formulation is less sensitive to data weight variations and data coverage than the differenced-count Doppler formulation.

Averaged variational principle for autoresonant Bernstein-Greene-Kruskal modes

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

Khain, P.; Friedland, L.

2010-10-15

Whitham's averaged variational principle is applied in studying dynamics of formation of autoresonant (continuously phase-locked) Bernstein-Greene-Kruskal (BGK) modes in a plasma driven by a chirped frequency ponderomotive wave. A flat-top electron velocity distribution is used as a model allowing a variational formulation within the water bag theory. The corresponding Lagrangian, averaged over the fast phase variable yields evolution equations for the slow field variables, allows uniform description of all stages of excitation of driven-chirped BGK modes, and predicts modulational stability of these nonlinear phase-space structures. Numerical solutions of the system of slow variational equations are in good agreement with Vlasov-Poissonmore » simulations.« less

Integrated optical phased arrays for quasi-Bessel-beam generation.

PubMed

Notaros, Jelena; Poulton, Christopher V; Byrd, Matthew J; Raval, Manan; Watts, Michael R

2017-09-01

Integrated optical phased arrays for generating quasi-Bessel beams are proposed and experimentally demonstrated in a CMOS-compatible platform. Owing to their elongated central beams, Bessel beams have applications in a range of fields, including multiparticle trapping and laser lithography. In this Letter, continuous Bessel theory is manipulated to formulate the phase and amplitude conditions necessary for generating free-space-propagating Bessel-Gauss beams using on-chip optical phased arrays. Discussion of the effects of select phased array parameters on the generated beam's figures of merit is included. A one-dimensional splitter-tree-based phased array architecture is modified to enable arbitrary passive control of the array's element phase and amplitude distributions. This architecture is used to experimentally demonstrate on-chip quasi-Bessel-beam generation with a ∼14  mm Bessel length and ∼30  μm power full width at half maximum.

A FFT-based formulation for discrete dislocation dynamics in heterogeneous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bertin, N.; Capolungo, L.

2018-02-01

In this paper, an extension of the DDD-FFT approach presented in [1] is developed for heterogeneous elasticity. For such a purpose, an iterative spectral formulation in which convolutions are calculated in the Fourier space is developed to solve for the mechanical state associated with the discrete eigenstrain-based microstructural representation. With this, the heterogeneous DDD-FFT approach is capable of treating anisotropic and heterogeneous elasticity in a computationally efficient manner. In addition, a GPU implementation is presented to allow for further acceleration. As a first example, the approach is used to investigate the interaction between dislocations and second-phase particles, thereby demonstrating its ability to inherently incorporate image forces arising from elastic inhomogeneities.

Mechanisms of appearance of amplitude and phase chimera states in ensembles of nonlocally coupled chaotic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogomolov, Sergey A.; Slepnev, Andrei V.; Strelkova, Galina I.; Schöll, Eckehard; Anishchenko, Vadim S.

2017-02-01

We explore the bifurcation transition from coherence to incoherence in ensembles of nonlocally coupled chaotic systems. It is firstly shown that two types of chimera states, namely, amplitude and phase, can be found in a network of coupled logistic maps, while only amplitude chimera states can be observed in a ring of continuous-time chaotic systems. We reveal a bifurcation mechanism by analyzing the evolution of space-time profiles and the coupling function with varying coupling coefficient and formulate the necessary and sufficient conditions for realizing the chimera states in the ensembles.

New variables for classical and quantum gravity in all dimensions: I. Hamiltonian analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bodendorfer, N.; Thiemann, T.; Thurn, A.

2013-02-01

Loop quantum gravity (LQG) relies heavily on a connection formulation of general relativity such that (1) the connection Poisson commutes with itself and (2) the corresponding gauge group is compact. This can be achieved starting from the Palatini or Holst action when imposing the time gauge. Unfortunately, this method is restricted to D + 1 = 4 spacetime dimensions. However, interesting string theories and supergravity theories require higher dimensions and it would therefore be desirable to have higher dimensional supergravity loop quantizations at one’s disposal in order to compare these approaches. In this series of papers we take first steps toward this goal. The present first paper develops a classical canonical platform for a higher dimensional connection formulation of the purely gravitational sector. The new ingredient is a different extension of the ADM phase space than the one used in LQG which does not require the time gauge and which generalizes to any dimension D > 1. The result is a Yang-Mills theory phase space subject to Gauß, spatial diffeomorphism and Hamiltonian constraint as well as one additional constraint, called the simplicity constraint. The structure group can be chosen to be SO(1, D) or SO(D + 1) and the latter choice is preferred for purposes of quantization.

Tertiary instability of zonal flows within the Wigner-Moyal formulation of drift turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Hongxuan; Ruiz, D. E.; Dodin, I. Y.

2017-10-01

The stability of zonal flows (ZFs) is analyzed within the generalized-Hasegawa-Mima model. The necessary and sufficient condition for a ZF instability, which is also known as the tertiary instability, is identified. The qualitative physics behind the tertiary instability is explained using the recently developed Wigner-Moyal formulation and the corresponding wave kinetic equation (WKE) in the geometrical-optics (GO) limit. By analyzing the drifton phase space trajectories, we find that the corrections proposed in Ref. to the WKE are critical for capturing the spatial scales characteristic for the tertiary instability. That said, we also find that this instability itself cannot be adequately described within a GO formulation in principle. Using the Wigner-Moyal equations, which capture diffraction, we analytically derive the tertiary-instability growth rate and compare it with numerical simulations. The research was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Generalized Case ``Van Kampen theory for electromagnetic oscillations in a magnetized plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bairaktaris, F.; Hizanidis, K.; Ram, A. K.

2017-10-01

The Case-Van Kampen theory is set up to describe electrostatic oscillations in an unmagnetized plasma. Our generalization to electromagnetic oscillations in magnetized plasma is formulated in the relativistic position-momentum phase space of the particles. The relativistic Vlasov equation includes the ambient, homogeneous, magnetic field, and space-time dependent electromagnetic fields that satisfy Maxwell's equations. The standard linearization technique leads to an equation for the perturbed distribution function in terms of the electromagnetic fields. The eigenvalues and eigenfunctions are obtained from three integrals `` each integral being over two different components of the momentum vector. Results connecting phase velocity, frequency, and wave vector will be presented. Supported in part by the Hellenic National Programme on Controlled Thermonuclear Fusion associated with the EUROfusion Consortium, and by DoE Grant DE-FG02-91ER-54109.

Emergent Momentum-Space Skyrmion Texture on the Surface of Topological Insulators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohanta, Narayan; Kampf, Arno P.; Kopp, Thilo

The quantum anomalous Hall effect has been theoretically predicted and experimentally verified in magnetic topological insulators. In addition, the surface states of these materials exhibit a hedgehog-like ``spin'' texture in momentum space. Here, we apply the previously formulated low-energy model for Bi2Se3, a parent compound for magnetic topological insulators, to a slab geometry in which an exchange field acts only within one of the surface layers. In this sample set up, the hedgehog transforms into a skyrmion texture beyond a critical exchange field. This critical field marks a transition between two topologically distinct phases. The topological phase transition takes place without energy gap closing at the Fermi level and leaves the transverse Hall conductance unchanged and quantized to e2 / 2 h . The momentum-space skyrmion texture persists in a finite field range. It may find its realization in hybrid heterostructures with an interface between a three-dimensional topological insulator and a ferromagnetic insulator. The work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft through TRR 80.

Effective field theory in the harmonic oscillator basis

DOE PAGES

Binder, S.; Ekström, Jan A.; Hagen, Gaute; ...

2016-04-25

In this paper, we develop interactions from chiral effective field theory (EFT) that are tailored to the harmonic oscillator basis. As a consequence, ultraviolet convergence with respect to the model space is implemented by construction and infrared convergence can be achieved by enlarging the model space for the kinetic energy. In oscillator EFT, matrix elements of EFTs formulated for continuous momenta are evaluated at the discrete momenta that stem from the diagonalization of the kinetic energy in the finite oscillator space. By fitting to realistic phase shifts and deuteron data we construct an effective interaction from chiral EFT at next-to-leadingmore » order. Finally, many-body coupled-cluster calculations of nuclei up to 132Sn converge fast for the ground-state energies and radii in feasible model spaces.« less

The application and use of chemical space mapping to interpret crystallization screening results

PubMed Central

Snell, Edward H.; Nagel, Ray M.; Wojtaszcyk, Ann; O’Neill, Hugh; Wolfley, Jennifer L.; Luft, Joseph R.

2008-01-01

Macromolecular crystallization screening is an empirical process. It often begins by setting up experiments with a number of chemically diverse cocktails designed to sample chemical space known to promote crystallization. Where a potential crystal is seen a refined screen is set up, optimizing around that condition. By using an incomplete factorial sampling of chemical space to formulate the cocktails and presenting the results graphically, it is possible to readily identify trends relevant to crystallization, coarsely sample the phase diagram and help guide the optimization process. In this paper, chemical space mapping is applied to both single macromolecules and to a diverse set of macromolecules in order to illustrate how visual information is more readily understood and assimilated than the same information presented textually. PMID:19018100

The application and use of chemical space mapping to interpret crystallization screening results.

PubMed

Snell, Edward H; Nagel, Ray M; Wojtaszcyk, Ann; O'Neill, Hugh; Wolfley, Jennifer L; Luft, Joseph R

2008-12-01

Macromolecular crystallization screening is an empirical process. It often begins by setting up experiments with a number of chemically diverse cocktails designed to sample chemical space known to promote crystallization. Where a potential crystal is seen a refined screen is set up, optimizing around that condition. By using an incomplete factorial sampling of chemical space to formulate the cocktails and presenting the results graphically, it is possible to readily identify trends relevant to crystallization, coarsely sample the phase diagram and help guide the optimization process. In this paper, chemical space mapping is applied to both single macromolecules and to a diverse set of macromolecules in order to illustrate how visual information is more readily understood and assimilated than the same information presented textually.

Asymptotic Analysis of the Ponzano-Regge Model with Non-Commutative Metric Boundary Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oriti, Daniele; Raasakka, Matti

2014-06-01

We apply the non-commutative Fourier transform for Lie groups to formulate the non-commutative metric representation of the Ponzano-Regge spin foam model for 3d quantum gravity. The non-commutative representation allows to express the amplitudes of the model as a first order phase space path integral, whose properties we consider. In particular, we study the asymptotic behavior of the path integral in the semi-classical limit. First, we compare the stationary phase equations in the classical limit for three different non-commutative structures corresponding to the symmetric, Duflo and Freidel-Livine-Majid quantization maps. We find that in order to unambiguously recover discrete geometric constraints for non-commutative metric boundary data through the stationary phase method, the deformation structure of the phase space must be accounted for in the variational calculus. When this is understood, our results demonstrate that the non-commutative metric representation facilitates a convenient semi-classical analysis of the Ponzano-Regge model, which yields as the dominant contribution to the amplitude the cosine of the Regge action in agreement with previous studies. We also consider the asymptotics of the SU(2) 6j-symbol using the non-commutative phase space path integral for the Ponzano-Regge model, and explain the connection of our results to the previous asymptotic results in terms of coherent states.

Phase-Change Nanoparticles Using Highly Volatile Perfluorocarbons: Toward a Platform for Extravascular Ultrasound Imaging

PubMed Central

Matsunaga, Terry O.; Sheeran, Paul S.; Luois, Samantha; Streeter, Jason E.; Mullin, Lee B.; Banerjee, Bhaskar; Dayton, Paul A.

2012-01-01

Recent efforts using perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanoparticles in conjunction with acoustic droplet vaporization has introduced the possibility of expanding the diagnostic and therapeutic capability of ultrasound contrast agents to beyond the vascular space. Our laboratories have developed phase-change nanoparticles (PCNs) from the highly volatile PFCs decafluorobutane (DFB, bp =-2 °C) and octafluoropropane (OFP, bp =-37 °C ) for acoustic droplet vaporization. Studies with commonly used clinical ultrasound scanners have demonstrated the ability to vaporize PCN emulsions with frequencies and mechanical indices that may significantly decrease tissue bioeffects. In addition, these contrast agents can be formulated to be stable at physiological temperatures and the perfluorocarbons can be mixed to modulate the balance between sensitivity to ultrasound and general stability. We herein discuss our recent efforts to develop finely-tuned diagnostic/molecular imaging agents for tissue interrogation. We discuss studies currently under investigation as well as potential diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms that may emerge as a result of formulating PCNs with low boiling point PFCs. PMID:23382775

Quality by design: optimization of a freeze-drying cycle via design space in case of heterogeneous drying behavior and influence of the freezing protocol.

PubMed

Pisano, Roberto; Fissore, Davide; Barresi, Antonello A; Brayard, Philippe; Chouvenc, Pierre; Woinet, Bertrand

2013-02-01

This paper shows how to optimize the primary drying phase, for both product quality and drying time, of a parenteral formulation via design space. A non-steady state model, parameterized with experimentally determined heat and mass transfer coefficients, is used to define the design space when the heat transfer coefficient varies with the position of the vial in the array. The calculations recognize both equipment and product constraints, and also take into account model parameter uncertainty. Examples are given of cycles designed for the same formulation, but varying the freezing conditions and the freeze-dryer scale. These are then compared in terms of drying time. Furthermore, the impact of inter-vial variability on design space, and therefore on the optimized cycle, is addressed. With this regard, a simplified method is presented for the cycle design, which reduces the experimental effort required for the system qualification. The use of mathematical modeling is demonstrated to be very effective not only for cycle development, but also for solving problem of process transfer. This study showed that inter-vial variability remains significant when vials are loaded on plastic trays, and how inter-vial variability can be taken into account during process design.

Tensionless Strings and Supersymmetric Sigma Models: Aspects of the Target Space Geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bredthauer, Andreas

2007-01-01

In this thesis, two aspects of string theory are discussed, tensionless strings and supersymmetric sigma models. The equivalent to a massless particle in string theory is a tensionless string. Even almost 30 years after it was first mentioned, it is still quite poorly understood. We discuss how tensionless strings give rise to exact solutions to supergravity and solve closed tensionless string theory in the ten dimensional maximally supersymmetric plane wave background, a contraction of AdS(5)xS(5) where tensionless strings are of great interest due to their proposed relation to higher spin gauge theory via the AdS/CFT correspondence. For a sigma model, the amount of supersymmetry on its worldsheet restricts the geometry of the target space. For N=(2,2) supersymmetry, for example, the target space has to be bi-hermitian. Recently, with generalized complex geometry, a new mathematical framework was developed that is especially suited to discuss the target space geometry of sigma models in a Hamiltonian formulation. Bi-hermitian geometry is so-called generalized Kaehler geometry but the relation is involved. We discuss various amounts of supersymmetry in phase space and show that this relation can be established by considering the equivalence between the Hamilton and Lagrange formulation of the sigma model. In the study of generalized supersymmetric sigma models, we find objects that favor a geometrical interpretation beyond generalized complex geometry.

A BRST formulation for the conic constrained particle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barbosa, Gabriel D.; Thibes, Ronaldo

2018-04-01

We describe the gauge invariant BRST formulation of a particle constrained to move in a general conic. The model considered constitutes an explicit example of an originally second-class system which can be quantized within the BRST framework. We initially impose the conic constraint by means of a Lagrange multiplier leading to a consistent second-class system which generalizes previous models studied in the literature. After calculating the constraint structure and the corresponding Dirac brackets, we introduce a suitable first-order Lagrangian, the resulting modified system is then shown to be gauge invariant. We proceed to the extended phase space introducing fermionic ghost variables, exhibiting the BRST symmetry transformations and writing the Green’s function generating functional for the BRST quantized model.

Exchange and spin-orbit induced phenomena in diluted (Ga,Mn)As from first principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kudrnovský, J.; Drchal, V.; Turek, I.

2016-08-01

Physical properties induced by exchange interactions (Curie temperature and spin stiffness) and spin-orbit coupling (anomalous Hall effect, anisotropic magnetoresistance, and Gilbert damping) in the diluted (Ga,Mn)As ferromagnetic semiconductor are studied from first principles. Recently developed Kubo-Bastin transport theory and nonlocal torque operator formulation of the Gilbert damping as formulated in the tight-binding linear muffin-tin orbital method are used. The first-principles Liechtenstein mapping is employed to construct an effective Heisenberg Hamiltonian and to estimate Curie temperature and spin stiffness in the real-space random-phase approximation. Good agreement of calculated physical quantities with experiments on well-annealed samples containing only a small amount of compensating defects is obtained.

Stochastic inflation in phase space: is slow roll a stochastic attractor?

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

Grain, Julien; Vennin, Vincent, E-mail: julien.grain@ias.u-psud.fr, E-mail: vincent.vennin@port.ac.uk

An appealing feature of inflationary cosmology is the presence of a phase-space attractor, ''slow roll'', which washes out the dependence on initial field velocities. We investigate the robustness of this property under backreaction from quantum fluctuations using the stochastic inflation formalism in the phase-space approach. A Hamiltonian formulation of stochastic inflation is presented, where it is shown that the coarse-graining procedure—where wavelengths smaller than the Hubble radius are integrated out—preserves the canonical structure of free fields. This means that different sets of canonical variables give rise to the same probability distribution which clarifies the literature with respect to this issue.more » The role played by the quantum-to-classical transition is also analysed and is shown to constrain the coarse-graining scale. In the case of free fields, we find that quantum diffusion is aligned in phase space with the slow-roll direction. This implies that the classical slow-roll attractor is immune to stochastic effects and thus generalises to a stochastic attractor regardless of initial conditions, with a relaxation time at least as short as in the classical system. For non-test fields or for test fields with non-linear self interactions however, quantum diffusion and the classical slow-roll flow are misaligned. We derive a condition on the coarse-graining scale so that observational corrections from this misalignment are negligible at leading order in slow roll.« less

Applying quality by design (QbD) concept for fabrication of chitosan coated nanoliposomes.

PubMed

Pandey, Abhijeet P; Karande, Kiran P; Sonawane, Raju O; Deshmukh, Prashant K

2014-03-01

In the present investigation, a quality by design (QbD) strategy was successfully applied to the fabrication of chitosan-coated nanoliposomes (CH-NLPs) encapsulating a hydrophilic drug. The effects of the processing variables on the particle size, encapsulation efficiency (%EE) and coating efficiency (%CE) of CH-NLPs (prepared using a modified ethanol injection method) were investigated. The concentrations of lipid, cholesterol, drug and chitosan; stirring speed, sonication time; organic:aqueous phase ratio; and temperature were identified as the key factors after risk analysis for conducting a screening design study. A separate study was designed to investigate the robustness of the predicted design space. The particle size, %EE and %CE of the optimized CH-NLPs were 111.3 nm, 33.4% and 35.2%, respectively. The observed responses were in accordance with the predicted response, which confirms the suitability and robustness of the design space for CH-NLP formulation. In conclusion, optimization of the selected key variables will help minimize the problems related to size, %EE and %CE that are generally encountered when scaling up processes for NLP formulations. The robustness of the design space will help minimize both intra-batch and inter-batch variations, which are quite common in the pharmaceutical industry.

Co-evolving prisoner's dilemma: Performance indicators and analytic approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, W.; Choi, C. W.; Li, Y. S.; Xu, C.; Hui, P. M.

2017-02-01

Understanding the intrinsic relation between the dynamical processes in a co-evolving network and the necessary ingredients in formulating a reliable theory is an important question and a challenging task. Using two slightly different definitions of performance indicator in the context of a co-evolving prisoner's dilemma game, it is shown that very different cooperative levels result and theories of different complexity are required to understand the key features. When the payoff per opponent is used as the indicator (Case A), non-cooperative strategy has an edge and dominates in a large part of the parameter space formed by the cutting-and-rewiring probability and the strategy imitation probability. When the payoff from all opponents is used (Case B), cooperative strategy has an edge and dominates the parameter space. Two distinct phases, one homogeneous and dynamical and another inhomogeneous and static, emerge and the phase boundary in the parameter space is studied in detail. A simple theory assuming an average competing environment for cooperative agents and another for non-cooperative agents is shown to perform well in Case A. The same theory, however, fails badly for Case B. It is necessary to include more spatial correlation into a theory for Case B. We show that the local configuration approximation, which takes into account of the different competing environments for agents with different strategies and degrees, is needed to give reliable results for Case B. The results illustrate that formulating a proper theory requires both a conceptual understanding of the effects of the adaptive processes in the problem and a delicate balance between simplicity and accuracy.

Metriplectic Gyrokinetics and Discretization Methods for the Landau Collision Integral

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirvijoki, Eero; Burby, Joshua W.; Kraus, Michael

2017-10-01

We present two important results for the kinetic theory and numerical simulation of warm plasmas: 1) We provide a metriplectic formulation of collisional electrostatic gyrokinetics that is fully consistent with the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics. 2) We provide a metriplectic temporal and velocity-space discretization for the particle phase-space Landau collision integral that satisfies the conservation of energy, momentum, and particle densities to machine precision, as well as guarantees the existence of numerical H-theorem. The properties are demonstrated algebraically. These two result have important implications: 1) Numerical methods addressing the Vlasov-Maxwell-Landau system of equations, or its reduced gyrokinetic versions, should start from a metriplectic formulation to preserve the fundamental physical principles also at the discrete level. 2) The plasma physics community should search for a metriplectic reduction theory that would serve a similar purpose as the existing Lagrangian and Hamiltonian reduction theories do in gyrokinetics. The discovery of metriplectic formulation of collisional electrostatic gyrokinetics is strong evidence in favor of such theory and, if uncovered, the theory would be invaluable in constructing reduced plasma models. Supported by U.S. DOE Contract Nos. DE-AC02-09-CH11466 (EH) and DE-AC05-06OR23100 (JWB) and by European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation Grant No. 708124 (MK).

Edgelist phase unwrapping algorithm for time series InSAR analysis.

PubMed

Shanker, A Piyush; Zebker, Howard

2010-03-01

We present here a new integer programming formulation for phase unwrapping of multidimensional data. Phase unwrapping is a key problem in many coherent imaging systems, including time series synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR), with two spatial and one temporal data dimensions. The minimum cost flow (MCF) [IEEE Trans. Geosci. Remote Sens. 36, 813 (1998)] phase unwrapping algorithm describes a global cost minimization problem involving flow between phase residues computed over closed loops. Here we replace closed loops by reliable edges as the basic construct, thus leading to the name "edgelist." Our algorithm has several advantages over current methods-it simplifies the representation of multidimensional phase unwrapping, it incorporates data from external sources, such as GPS, where available to better constrain the unwrapped solution, and it treats regularly sampled or sparsely sampled data alike. It thus is particularly applicable to time series InSAR, where data are often irregularly spaced in time and individual interferograms can be corrupted with large decorrelated regions. We show that, similar to the MCF network problem, the edgelist formulation also exhibits total unimodularity, which enables us to solve the integer program problem by using efficient linear programming tools. We apply our method to a persistent scatterer-InSAR data set from the creeping section of the Central San Andreas Fault and find that the average creep rate of 22 mm/Yr is constant within 3 mm/Yr over 1992-2004 but varies systematically with ground location, with a slightly higher rate in 1992-1998 than in 1999-2003.

Optimization of the sources in local hyperthermia using a combined finite element-genetic algorithm method.

PubMed

Siauve, N; Nicolas, L; Vollaire, C; Marchal, C

2004-12-01

This article describes an optimization process specially designed for local and regional hyperthermia in order to achieve the desired specific absorption rate in the patient. It is based on a genetic algorithm coupled to a finite element formulation. The optimization method is applied to real human organs meshes assembled from computerized tomography scans. A 3D finite element formulation is used to calculate the electromagnetic field in the patient, achieved by radiofrequency or microwave sources. Space discretization is performed using incomplete first order edge elements. The sparse complex symmetric matrix equation is solved using a conjugate gradient solver with potential projection pre-conditionning. The formulation is validated by comparison of calculated specific absorption rate distributions in a phantom to temperature measurements. A genetic algorithm is used to optimize the specific absorption rate distribution to predict the phases and amplitudes of the sources leading to the best focalization. The objective function is defined as the specific absorption rate ratio in the tumour and healthy tissues. Several constraints, regarding the specific absorption rate in tumour and the total power in the patient, may be prescribed. Results obtained with two types of applicators (waveguides and annular phased array) are presented and show the faculties of the developed optimization process.

Propagation of Wide Bandwidth Signals through Strongly Turbulent Ionized Media

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-03-15

through random ionized media. This work is applicable to the problems of satel- lite communication and space based radar observation through a disturbed...REALIZATIONS 87 3.2 FORMULATION 88 3.2.1 Wide Bandwidth Signals 91 3.2.2 Total Phase Shift, Time Delay, and Doppler Frequency 95 3.2.3 Impulse Response...scattering limit. The 20 Gaussian form corresponds to pulse wander and dispersion while the expo- nential form corresponds to diffractive pulse spreading

Setting Priorities for Space Research: Opportunities and Imperatives

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dutton, John A.; Abelson, Philip H.; Beckwith, Steven V. W.; Bishop, William P.; Byerly, Radford, Jr.; Crowe, Lawson; Dews, Peter; Garriott, Owen K.; Lunine, Jonathan; Macauley, Molly K.

1992-01-01

This report represents the first phase of a study by a task group convened by the Space Studies Board to ascertain whether it should attempt to develop a methodology for recommending priorities among the various initiatives in space research (that is, scientific activities concerned with phenomena in space or utilizing observations from space). The report argues that such priority statements by the space research community are both necessary and desirable and would contribute to the formulation and implementation of public policy. The report advocates the establishment of priorities to enhance effective management of the nation's scientific research program in space. It argues that scientific objectives and purposes should determine how and under what circumstances scientific research should be done. The report does not take a position on the controversy between advocates of manned space exploration and those who favor the exclusive use of unmanned space vehicles. Nor does the report address questions about the value or appropriateness of Space Station Freedom or proposals to establish a permanent manned Moon base or to undertake a manned mission to Mars. These issues lie beyond the charge to the task group.

Drug Release and Skin Permeation from Lipid Liquid Crystalline Phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costa-Balogh, F. O.; Sparr, E.; Sousa, J. J. S.; Pais, A. A. C. C.

We have studied drug release and skin permeation from several different liquid crystalline lipid formulations that may be used to control the respective release rates. We have studied the release and permeation through human skin of a water-soluble and amphiphilic drug, propranolol hydrochloride, from several formulations prepared with monoolein and phytantriol as permeation enhancers and controlled release excipients. Diolein and cineol were added to selected formulations. We observed that viscosity decreases with drug load, wich is compatible with the occurrence of phase changes. Diolein stabilizes the bicontinuous cubic phases leading to an increase in viscosity and sustained release of the drug. The slowest release was found for the cubic phases with higher viscosity. Studies on skin permeation showed that these latter formulations also presented lower permeability than the less viscous monoolein lamellar phases. Formulations containing cineol originated higher permeability with higher enhancement ratios. Thus, the various formulations are adapted to different circumstances and delivery routes. While a slow release is usually desired for drug sustained delivery, the transdermal route may require a faster release. Lamellar phases, which are less viscous, are more adapted to transdermal applications. Thus, systems involving lamellar phases of monoolein and cineol are good candidates to be used as skin permeation enhancers for propranolol hydrochloride.

On safe configurations of a natural-artificial space tether system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodnikov, A. V.

2018-05-01

We study the dynamics of a particle moving under gravitation of precessing dynamically symmetric rigid body if the particle motion is restricted by two unilateral (flexible) constraints realized by two weightless unstretchable tethers with ends fixed at body poles, formed as the intersection of the body surface with the axis of its dynamical symmetry. The system under consideration is a simple model of an original natural-artificial space construction consisting of an asteroid and a space station tethered to each other via two cables. We note that the problem is integrable for the system safe configurations, i.e. for motions along the constraints common boundary (both tethers are tensed) if the body gravitational potential is invariant with respect to rotation about the axis of dynamical symmetry. We study these motions depicting phase portraits for possible values of system parameters. We also deduce conditions for the particle coming off the boundary of constraint(s) (if the tether(s) are slackened) and analyze these conditions, eliminating corresponding areas from phase portraits. We also formulate some statements, concerning the particle safety.

On the origin of dual Lax pairs and their r-matrix structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avan, Jean; Caudrelier, Vincent

2017-10-01

We establish the algebraic origin of the following observations made previously by the authors and coworkers: (i) A given integrable PDE in 1 + 1 dimensions within the Zakharov-Shabat scheme related to a Lax pair can be cast in two distinct, dual Hamiltonian formulations; (ii) Associated to each formulation is a Poisson bracket and a phase space (which are not compatible in the sense of Magri); (iii) Each matrix in the Lax pair satisfies a linear Poisson algebra a la Sklyanin characterized by the same classical r matrix. We develop the general concept of dual Lax pairs and dual Hamiltonian formulation of an integrable field theory. We elucidate the origin of the common r-matrix structure by tracing it back to a single Lie-Poisson bracket on a suitable coadjoint orbit of the loop algebra sl(2 , C) ⊗ C(λ ,λ-1) . The results are illustrated with the examples of the nonlinear Schrödinger and Gerdjikov-Ivanov hierarchies.

Dynamic perturbation effects upon the circular dichroism intensity induced in an aggregate of dye chromophores bound to biopolymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamiya, Mamoru

1980-11-01

The dynamic perturbation effects of polarizable monomer perturbers upon the circular dichroism intensity arising from absorption transitions of an arbitrary aggregate of dye chromophores bound to a large host polymer are formulated using the linear response theory in the decorrelation approximation, where the interchromophoric retardation phase factors are eliminated by a first-order Taylor expansion which is compatible with the use of the retarded helix selection rules in the long-wavelength approximation. A space-averaged and closed-form formulation of the non-conservative circular dichroism intensity which is perturbed by intensity with the outside perturber transitions is derived in the limit of the weak dynamic perturbation where perturber—perturber interactions are negligible. The relevant formulation is applied in order to investigate the intercalation model dependence of the non-conservative circular dichroism intensity induced at the visible absorption band of proflavine molecules intercalated in either poly(A—T) or poly(G—C).

Contact symmetries and Hamiltonian thermodynamics

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

Bravetti, A., E-mail: bravetti@correo.nucleares.unam.mx; Lopez-Monsalvo, C.S., E-mail: cesar.slm@correo.nucleares.unam.mx; Nettel, F., E-mail: Francisco.Nettel@roma1.infn.it

It has been shown that contact geometry is the proper framework underlying classical thermodynamics and that thermodynamic fluctuations are captured by an additional metric structure related to Fisher’s Information Matrix. In this work we analyse several unaddressed aspects about the application of contact and metric geometry to thermodynamics. We consider here the Thermodynamic Phase Space and start by investigating the role of gauge transformations and Legendre symmetries for metric contact manifolds and their significance in thermodynamics. Then we present a novel mathematical characterization of first order phase transitions as equilibrium processes on the Thermodynamic Phase Space for which the Legendremore » symmetry is broken. Moreover, we use contact Hamiltonian dynamics to represent thermodynamic processes in a way that resembles the classical Hamiltonian formulation of conservative mechanics and we show that the relevant Hamiltonian coincides with the irreversible entropy production along thermodynamic processes. Therefore, we use such property to give a geometric definition of thermodynamically admissible fluctuations according to the Second Law of thermodynamics. Finally, we show that the length of a curve describing a thermodynamic process measures its entropy production.« less

Development of a restricted state space stochastic differential equation model for bacterial growth in rich media.

PubMed

Møller, Jan Kloppenborg; Bergmann, Kirsten Riber; Christiansen, Lasse Engbo; Madsen, Henrik

2012-07-21

In the present study, bacterial growth in a rich media is analysed in a Stochastic Differential Equation (SDE) framework. It is demonstrated that the SDE formulation and smoothened state estimates provide a systematic framework for data driven model improvements, using random walk hidden states. Bacterial growth is limited by the available substrate and the inclusion of diffusion must obey this natural restriction. By inclusion of a modified logistic diffusion term it is possible to introduce a diffusion term flexible enough to capture both the growth phase and the stationary phase, while concentration is restricted to the natural state space (substrate and bacteria non-negative). The case considered is the growth of Salmonella and Enterococcus in a rich media. It is found that a hidden state is necessary to capture the lag phase of growth, and that a flexible logistic diffusion term is needed to capture the random behaviour of the growth model. Further, it is concluded that the Monod effect is not needed to capture the dynamics of bacterial growth in the data presented. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lyotropic liquid crystal engineering moving beyond binary compositional space - ordered nanostructured amphiphile self-assembly materials by design.

PubMed

van 't Hag, Leonie; Gras, Sally L; Conn, Charlotte E; Drummond, Calum J

2017-05-22

Ordered amphiphile self-assembly materials with a tunable three-dimensional (3D) nanostructure are of fundamental interest, and crucial for progressing several biological and biomedical applications, including in meso membrane protein crystallization, as drug and medical contrast agent delivery vehicles, and as biosensors and biofuel cells. In binary systems consisting of an amphiphile and a solvent, the ability to tune the 3D cubic phase nanostructure, lipid bilayer properties and the lipid mesophase is limited. A move beyond the binary compositional space is therefore required for efficient engineering of the required material properties. In this critical review, the phase transitions upon encapsulation of more than 130 amphiphilic and soluble additives into the bicontinuous lipidic cubic phase under excess hydration are summarized. The data are interpreted using geometric considerations, interfacial curvature, electrostatic interactions, partition coefficients and miscibility of the alkyl chains. The obtained lyotropic liquid crystal engineering design rules can be used to enhance the formulation of self-assembly materials and provides a large library of these materials for use in biomedical applications (242 references).

Reformulation and solution of the master equation for multiple-well chemical reactions.

PubMed

Georgievskii, Yuri; Miller, James A; Burke, Michael P; Klippenstein, Stephen J

2013-11-21

We consider an alternative formulation of the master equation for complex-forming chemical reactions with multiple wells and bimolecular products. Within this formulation the dynamical phase space consists of only the microscopic populations of the various isomers making up the reactive complex, while the bimolecular reactants and products are treated equally as sources and sinks. This reformulation yields compact expressions for the phenomenological rate coefficients describing all chemical processes, i.e., internal isomerization reactions, bimolecular-to-bimolecular reactions, isomer-to-bimolecular reactions, and bimolecular-to-isomer reactions. The applicability of the detailed balance condition is discussed and confirmed. We also consider the situation where some of the chemical eigenvalues approach the energy relaxation time scale and show how to modify the phenomenological rate coefficients so that they retain their validity.

High-Performing, Low-Temperature-Operating, Long-Lifetime Aerospace Lubricants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Joshi, Prakash

2015-01-01

Long-duration space exploration will require spacecraft systems that can operate effectively over several years with minimal or no maintenance. Aerospace lubricants are key components of spacecraft systems. Physical Sciences Inc., has synthesized and characterized novel ionic liquids for use in aerospace lubricants that contribute to decreased viscosity, friction, and wear in aerospace systems. The resulting formulations offer low vapor pressure and outgassing properties and thermal stability up to 250 C. They are effective for use at temperatures as low as -70 C and provide long-term operational stability in aerospace systems. In Phase II, the company scaled several new ionic liquids and evaluated a novel formulation in a NASA testbed. The resulting lubricant compounds will offer lower volatility, decreased corrosion, and better tribological characteristics than standard liquid lubricants, particularly at lower temperatures.

A Mixing Length Scale of Unlike Impinging Jets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inoue, Chihiro; Fujii, Go; Daimon, Yu

2017-11-01

Bi-propellant thrusters in space propulsion systems often utilize unlike-doublet or triplet injectors. The impingement of hypergolic liquid jet streams of fuel and oxidizer involves the expanding sheet, droplet fragmentation, mixing, evaporation, and chemical reactions in liquid and gas phases, in which the rate controlling phenomenon is the mixing step. In this study, a defined length scale demonstrates the distribution of fuel and oxidizer, and therefore, represents their mixing states, allowing for providing a physical meaning of widely accepted practical indicator, so called Rupe factor, over half a century of injector design history. We concisely formulate the characteristic velocity in a consistent manner for doublet and triplet injectors as a function of propellant injection conditions. The validity of the present formulation is convinced by comparing with hot firing tests.

Freeing Water from Viruses and Bacteria

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

Four years ago, Argonide Corporation, a company focused on the research, production, and marketing of specialty nano materials, was seeking to develop applications for its NanoCeram[R] fibers. Only 2 nanometers in diameter, these nano aluminum oxide fibers possessed unusual bio-adhesive properties. When formulated into a filter material, the electropositive fibers attracted and retained electro-negative particles such as bacteria and viruses in water-based solutions. This technology caught the interest of NASA as a possible solution for improved water filtration in space cabins. NASA's Johnson Space Center awarded Sanford, Florida-based Argonide a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to determine the feasibility of using the company's filter for purifying recycled space cabin water. Since viruses and bacteria can be carried aboard space cabins by space crews, the ability to detect and remove these harmful substances is a concern for NASA. The Space Agency also desired an improved filter to polish the effluent from condensed and waste water, producing potable drinking water. During its Phase I partnership with NASA, Argonide developed a laboratory-size filter capable of removing greater than 99.9999 percent of bacteria and viruses from water at flow rates more than 200 times faster than virus-rated membranes that remove particles by sieving. Since the new filter s pore size is rather large compared to other membranes, it is also less susceptible to clogging by small particles. In September 2002, Argonide began a Phase II SBIR project with Johnson to develop a full-size cartridge capable of serving a full space crew. This effort, which is still ongoing, enabled the company to demonstrate that its filter media is an efficient absorbent for DNA and RNA.

The future of space imaging. Report of a community-based study of an advanced camera for the Hubble Space Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Robert A. (Editor)

1993-01-01

The scientific and technical basis for an Advanced Camera (AC) for the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is discussed. In March 1992, the NASA Program Scientist for HST invited the Space Telescope Science Institute to conduct a community-based study of an AC, which would be installed on a scheduled HST servicing mission in 1999. The study had three phases: a broad community survey of views on candidate science program and required performance of the AC, an analysis of technical issues relating to its implementation, and a panel of experts to formulate conclusions and prioritize recommendations. From the assessment of the imaging tasks astronomers have proposed for or desired from HST, we believe the most valuable 1999 instrument would be a camera with both near ultraviolet/optical (NUVO) and far ultraviolet (FUV) sensitivity, and with both wide field and high resolution options.

Nonholonomic relativistic diffusion and exact solutions for stochastic Einstein spaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vacaru, S. I.

2012-03-01

We develop an approach to the theory of nonholonomic relativistic stochastic processes in curved spaces. The Itô and Stratonovich calculus are formulated for spaces with conventional horizontal (holonomic) and vertical (nonholonomic) splitting defined by nonlinear connection structures. Geometric models of the relativistic diffusion theory are elaborated for nonholonomic (pseudo) Riemannian manifolds and phase velocity spaces. Applying the anholonomic deformation method, the field equations in Einstein's gravity and various modifications are formally integrated in general forms, with generic off-diagonal metrics depending on some classes of generating and integration functions. Choosing random generating functions we can construct various classes of stochastic Einstein manifolds. We show how stochastic gravitational interactions with mixed holonomic/nonholonomic and random variables can be modelled in explicit form and study their main geometric and stochastic properties. Finally, the conditions when non-random classical gravitational processes transform into stochastic ones and inversely are analyzed.

Phase field model of fluid-driven fracture in elastic media: Immersed-fracture formulation and validation with analytical solutions

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

Santillán, David; Juanes, Ruben; Cueto-Felgueroso, Luis

Propagation of fluid-driven fractures plays an important role in natural and engineering processes, including transport of magma in the lithosphere, geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide, and oil and gas recovery from low-permeability formations, among many others. The simulation of fracture propagation poses a computational challenge as a result of the complex physics of fracture and the need to capture disparate length scales. Phase field models represent fractures as a diffuse interface and enjoy the advantage that fracture nucleation, propagation, branching, or twisting can be simulated without ad hoc computational strategies like remeshing or local enrichment of the solution space. Heremore » we propose a new quasi-static phase field formulation for modeling fluid-driven fracturing in elastic media at small strains. The approach fully couples the fluid flow in the fracture (described via the Reynolds lubrication approximation) and the deformation of the surrounding medium. The flow is solved on a lower dimensionality mesh immersed in the elastic medium. This approach leads to accurate coupling of both physics. We assessed the performance of the model extensively by comparing results for the evolution of fracture length, aperture, and fracture fluid pressure against analytical solutions under different fracture propagation regimes. Thus, the excellent performance of the numerical model in all regimes builds confidence in the applicability of phase field approaches to simulate fluid-driven fracture.« less

Phase field model of fluid-driven fracture in elastic media: Immersed-fracture formulation and validation with analytical solutions

DOE PAGES

Santillán, David; Juanes, Ruben; Cueto-Felgueroso, Luis

2017-04-20

Propagation of fluid-driven fractures plays an important role in natural and engineering processes, including transport of magma in the lithosphere, geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide, and oil and gas recovery from low-permeability formations, among many others. The simulation of fracture propagation poses a computational challenge as a result of the complex physics of fracture and the need to capture disparate length scales. Phase field models represent fractures as a diffuse interface and enjoy the advantage that fracture nucleation, propagation, branching, or twisting can be simulated without ad hoc computational strategies like remeshing or local enrichment of the solution space. Heremore » we propose a new quasi-static phase field formulation for modeling fluid-driven fracturing in elastic media at small strains. The approach fully couples the fluid flow in the fracture (described via the Reynolds lubrication approximation) and the deformation of the surrounding medium. The flow is solved on a lower dimensionality mesh immersed in the elastic medium. This approach leads to accurate coupling of both physics. We assessed the performance of the model extensively by comparing results for the evolution of fracture length, aperture, and fracture fluid pressure against analytical solutions under different fracture propagation regimes. Thus, the excellent performance of the numerical model in all regimes builds confidence in the applicability of phase field approaches to simulate fluid-driven fracture.« less

On the topology of the inflaton field in minimal supergravity models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferrara, Sergio; Fré, Pietro; Sorin, Alexander S.

2014-04-01

We consider global issues in minimal supergravity models where a single field inflaton potential emerges. In a particular case we reproduce the Starobinsky model and its description dual to a certain formulation of R + R 2 supergravity. For definiteness we confine our analysis to spaces at constant curvature, either vanishing or negative. Five distinct models arise, two flat models with respectively a quadratic and a quartic potential and three based on the space where its distinct isometries, elliptic, hyperbolic and parabolic are gauged. Fayet-Iliopoulos terms are introduced in a geometric way and they turn out to be a crucial ingredient in order to describe the de Sitter inflationary phase of the Starobinsky model.

BFV-BRST analysis of equivalence between noncommutative and ordinary gauge theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dayi, O. F.

2000-05-01

Constrained hamiltonian structure of noncommutative gauge theory for the gauge group /U(1) is discussed. Constraints are shown to be first class, although, they do not give an Abelian algebra in terms of Poisson brackets. The related BFV-BRST charge gives a vanishing generalized Poisson bracket by itself due to the associativity of /*-product. Equivalence of noncommutative and ordinary gauge theories is formulated in generalized phase space by using BFV-BRST charge and a solution is obtained. Gauge fixing is discussed.

Statistical Mechanics of Combinatorial Auctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galla, Tobias; Leone, Michele; Marsili, Matteo; Sellitto, Mauro; Weigt, Martin; Zecchina, Riccardo

2006-09-01

Combinatorial auctions are formulated as frustrated lattice gases on sparse random graphs, allowing the determination of the optimal revenue by methods of statistical physics. Transitions between computationally easy and hard regimes are found and interpreted in terms of the geometric structure of the space of solutions. We introduce an iterative algorithm to solve intermediate and large instances, and discuss competing states of optimal revenue and maximal number of satisfied bidders. The algorithm can be generalized to the hard phase and to more sophisticated auction protocols.

Formulation to target delivery to the ciliary body and choroid via the suprachoroidal space of the eye using microneedles.

PubMed

Kim, Yoo Chun; Oh, Kyung Hee; Edelhauser, Henry F; Prausnitz, Mark R

2015-09-01

In this work, we tested the hypothesis that particles injected into the suprachoroidal space can be localized at the site of injection or broadly distributed throughout the suprachoroidal space by controlling polymeric formulation properties. Single hollow microneedles were inserted into the sclera of New Zealand White rabbits and injected non-biodegradable fluorescently tagged nanoparticles and microparticles suspended in polymeric formulations into the suprachoroidal space of the eye. When formulated in saline, the particles were distributed over 29-42% of the suprachoroidal space immediately after injection. To spread particles over larger areas of the choroidal surface, addition of hyaluronic acid to make moderately non-Newtonian solutions increased particle spread to up to 100% of the suprachoroidal space. To localize particles at the site of injection adjacent to the ciliary body, strongly non-Newtonian polymer solutions localized particles to 8.3-20% of the suprachoroidal space, which exhibited a small increase in area over the course of two months. This study demonstrates targeted particle delivery within the suprachoroidal space using polymer formulations that spread particles over the whole choroidal surface or localized them adjacent to the ciliary body after injection. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Real time groove characterization combining partial least squares and SVR strategies: application to eddy current testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, S.; Salucci, M.; Miorelli, R.; Anselmi, N.; Oliveri, G.; Calmon, P.; Reboud, C.; Massa, A.

2017-10-01

A quasi real-time inversion strategy is presented for groove characterization of a conductive non-ferromagnetic tube structure by exploiting eddy current testing (ECT) signal. Inversion problem has been formulated by non-iterative Learning-by-Examples (LBE) strategy. Within the framework of LBE, an efficient training strategy has been adopted with the combination of feature extraction and a customized version of output space filling (OSF) adaptive sampling in order to get optimal training set during offline phase. Partial Least Squares (PLS) and Support Vector Regression (SVR) have been exploited for feature extraction and prediction technique respectively to have robust and accurate real time inversion during online phase.

Parachute dynamics and stability analysis. [using nonlinear differential equations of motion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ibrahim, S. K.; Engdahl, R. A.

1974-01-01

The nonlinear differential equations of motion for a general parachute-riser-payload system are developed. The resulting math model is then applied for analyzing the descent dynamics and stability characteristics of both the drogue stabilization phase and the main descent phase of the space shuttle solid rocket booster (SRB) recovery system. The formulation of the problem is characterized by a minimum number of simplifying assumptions and full application of state-of-the-art parachute technology. The parachute suspension lines and the parachute risers can be modeled as elastic elements, and the whole system may be subjected to specified wind and gust profiles in order to assess their effects on the stability of the recovery system.

Vibration attenuation of the NASA Langley evolutionary structure experiment using H(sub infinity) and structured singular value (micron) robust multivariable control techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Balas, Gary J.

1992-01-01

The use is studied of active control to attenuate structural vibrations of the NASA Langley Phase Zero Evolutionary Structure due to external disturbance excitations. H sub infinity and structured singular value (mu) based control techniques are used to analyze and synthesize control laws for the NASA Langley Controls Structures Interaction (CSI) Evolutionary Model (CEM). The CEM structure experiment provides an excellent test bed to address control design issues for large space structures. Specifically, control design for structures with numerous lightly damped, coupled flexible modes, collocated and noncollocated sensors and actuators and stringent performance specifications. The performance objectives are to attenuate the vibration of the structure due to external disturbances, and minimize the actuator control force. The control design problem formulation for the CEM Structure uses a mathematical model developed with finite element techniques. A reduced order state space model for the control design is formulated from the finite element model. It is noted that there are significant variations between the design model and the experimentally derived transfer function data.

Formulation optimization of transdermal meloxicam potassium-loaded mesomorphic phases containing ethanol, oleic acid and mixture surfactant using the statistical experimental design methodology.

PubMed

Huang, Chi-Te; Tsai, Chia-Hsun; Tsou, Hsin-Yeh; Huang, Yaw-Bin; Tsai, Yi-Hung; Wu, Pao-Chu

2011-01-01

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to develop and optimize the mesomorphic phase formulation for a meloxicam transdermal dosage form. A mixture design was applied to prepare formulations which consisted of three independent variables including oleic acid (X(1)), distilled water (X(2)) and ethanol (X(3)). The flux and lag time (LT) were selected as dependent variables. The result showed that using mesomorphic phases as vehicles can significantly increase flux and shorten LT of drug. The analysis of variance showed that the permeation parameters of meloxicam from formulations were significantly influenced by the independent variables and their interactions. The X(3) (ethanol) had the greatest potential influence on the flux and LT, followed by X(1) and X(2). A new formulation was prepared according to the independent levels provided by RSM. The observed responses were in close agreement with the predicted values, demonstrating that RSM could be successfully used to optimize mesomorphic phase formulations.

Quality by design case study 1: Design of 5-fluorouracil loaded lipid nanoparticles by the W/O/W double emulsion - Solvent evaporation method.

PubMed

Amasya, Gulin; Badilli, Ulya; Aksu, Buket; Tarimci, Nilufer

2016-03-10

With Quality by Design (QbD), a systematic approach involving design and development of all production processes to achieve the final product with a predetermined quality, you work within a design space that determines the critical formulation and process parameters. Verification of the quality of the final product is no longer necessary. In the current study, the QbD approach was used in the preparation of lipid nanoparticle formulations to improve skin penetration of 5-Fluorouracil, a widely-used compound for treating non-melanoma skin cancer. 5-Fluorouracil-loaded lipid nanoparticles were prepared by the W/O/W double emulsion - solvent evaporation method. Artificial neural network software was used to evaluate the data obtained from the lipid nanoparticle formulations, to establish the design space, and to optimize the formulations. Two different artificial neural network models were developed. The limit values of the design space of the inputs and outputs obtained by both models were found to be within the knowledge space. The optimal formulations recommended by the models were prepared and the critical quality attributes belonging to those formulations were assigned. The experimental results remained within the design space limit values. Consequently, optimal formulations with the critical quality attributes determined to achieve the Quality Target Product Profile were successfully obtained within the design space by following the QbD steps. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A numerical framework for bubble transport in a subcooled fluid flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jareteg, Klas; Sasic, Srdjan; Vinai, Paolo; Demazière, Christophe

2017-09-01

In this paper we present a framework for the simulation of dispersed bubbly two-phase flows, with the specific aim of describing vapor-liquid systems with condensation. We formulate and implement a framework that consists of a population balance equation (PBE) for the bubble size distribution and an Eulerian-Eulerian two-fluid solver. The PBE is discretized using the Direct Quadrature Method of Moments (DQMOM) in which we include the condensation of the bubbles as an internal phase space convection. We investigate the robustness of the DQMOM formulation and the numerical issues arising from the rapid shrinkage of the vapor bubbles. In contrast to a PBE method based on the multiple-size-group (MUSIG) method, the DQMOM formulation allows us to compute a distribution with dynamic bubble sizes. Such a property is advantageous to capture the wide range of bubble sizes associated with the condensation process. Furthermore, we compare the computational performance of the DQMOM-based framework with the MUSIG method. The results demonstrate that DQMOM is able to retrieve the bubble size distribution with a good numerical precision in only a small fraction of the computational time required by MUSIG. For the two-fluid solver, we examine the implementation of the mass, momentum and enthalpy conservation equations in relation to the coupling to the PBE. In particular, we propose a formulation of the pressure and liquid continuity equations, that was shown to correctly preserve mass when computing the vapor fraction with DQMOM. In addition, the conservation of enthalpy was also proven. Therefore a consistent overall framework that couples the PBE and two-fluid solvers is achieved.

Semiclassical theory of Landau levels and magnetic breakdown in topological metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexandradinata, A.; Glazman, Leonid

2018-04-01

The Bohr-Sommerfeld quantization rule lies at the heart of the semiclassical theory of a Bloch electron in a magnetic field. This rule is predictive of Landau levels and de Haas-van Alphen oscillations for conventional metals, as well as for a host of topological metals which have emerged in the recent intercourse between band theory, crystalline symmetries, and topology. The essential ingredients in any quantization rule are connection formulas that match the semiclassical (WKB) wave function across regions of strong quantum fluctuations. Here, we propose (a) a multicomponent WKB wave function that describes transport within degenerate-band subspaces, and (b) the requisite connection formulas for saddle points and type-II Dirac points, where tunneling respectively occurs within the same band, and between distinct bands. (a) and (b) extend previous works by incorporating phase corrections that are subleading in powers of the field; these corrections include the geometric Berry phase, and account for the orbital magnetic moment and the Zeeman coupling. A comprehensive symmetry analysis is performed for such phase corrections occurring in closed orbits, which is applicable to solids in any (magnetic) space group. We have further formulated a graph-theoretic description of semiclassical orbits. This allows us to systematize the construction of quantization rules for a large class of closed orbits (with or without tunneling), as well as to formulate the notion of a topological invariant in semiclassical magnetotransport—as a quantity that is invariant under continuous deformations of the graph. Landau levels in the presence of tunneling are generically quasirandom, i.e., disordered on the scale of nearest-neighbor level spacings but having longer-ranged correlations; we develop a perturbative theory to determine Landau levels in such quasirandom spectra.

Geometrically Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of a Composite Space Reflector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Kee-Joo; Leet, Sung W.; Clark, Greg; Broduer, Steve (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Lightweight aerospace structures, such as low areal density composite space reflectors, are highly flexible and may undergo large deflection under applied loading, especially during the launch phase. Accordingly, geometrically nonlinear analysis that takes into account the effect of finite rotation may be needed to determine the deformed shape for a clearance check and the stress and strain state to ensure structural integrity. In this study, deformation of the space reflector is determined under static conditions using a geometrically nonlinear solid shell finite element model. For the solid shell element formulation, the kinematics of deformation is described by six variables that are purely vector components. Because rotational angles are not used, this approach is free of the limitations of small angle increments. This also allows easy connections between substructures and large load increments with respect to the conventional shell formulation using rotational parameters. Geometrically nonlinear analyses were carried out for three cases of static point loads applied at selected points. A chart shows results for a case when the load is applied at the center point of the reflector dish. The computed results capture the nonlinear behavior of the composite reflector as the applied load increases. Also, they are in good agreement with the data obtained by experiments.

Application of a biphasic test for characterization of in vitro drug release of immediate release formulations of celecoxib and its relevance to in vivo absorption.

PubMed

Shi, Yi; Gao, Ping; Gong, Yuchuan; Ping, Haili

2010-10-04

A biphasic in vitro test method was used to examine release profiles of a poorly soluble model drug, celecoxib (CEB), from its immediate release formulations. Three formulations of CEB were investigated in this study, including a commercial Celebrex capsule, a solution formulation (containing cosolvent and surfactant) and a supersaturatable self-emulsifying drug delivery system (S-SEDDS). The biphasic test system consisted of an aqueous buffer and a water-immiscible organic solvent (e.g., octanol) with the use of both USP II and IV apparatuses. The aqueous phase provided a nonsink dissolution medium for CEB, while the octanol phase acted as a sink for CEB partitioning. For comparison, CEB concentration-time profiles of these formulations in the aqueous medium under either a sink condition or a nonsink condition were also explored. CEB release profiles of these formulations observed in the aqueous medium from either the sink condition test, the nonsink condition test, or the biphasic test have little relevance to the pharmacokinetic observations (e.g., AUC, C(max)) in human subjects. In contrast, a rank order correlation among the three CEB formulations is obtained between the in vitro AUC values of CEB from the octanol phase up to t = 2 h and the in vivo mean AUC (or C(max)) values. As the biphasic test permits a rapid removal of drug from the aqueous phase by partitioning into the organic phase, the amount of drug in the organic phase represents the amount of drug accumulated in systemic circulation in vivo. This hypothesis provides the scientific rationale for the rank order relationship among these CEB formulations between their CEB concentrations in the organic phase and the relative AUC or C(max). In addition, the biphasic test method permits differentiation and discrimination of key attributes among the three different CEB formulations. This work demonstrates that the biphasic in vitro test method appears to be useful as a tool in evaluating performance of formulations of poorly water-soluble drugs and to provide potential for establishing an in vitro-in vivo relationship.

Quantization of Simple Parametrized Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruffini, Giulio

1995-01-01

I study the canonical formulation and quantization of some simple parametrized systems using Dirac's formalism and the Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) extended phase space method. These systems include the parametrized particle and minisuperspace. Using Dirac's formalism I first analyze for each case the construction of the classical reduced phase space. There are two separate features of these systems that may make this construction difficult: (a) Because of the boundary conditions used, the actions are not gauge invariant at the boundaries. (b) The constraints may have a disconnected solution space. The relativistic particle and minisuperspace have such complicated constraints, while the non-relativistic particle displays only the first feature. I first show that a change of gauge fixing is equivalent to a canonical transformation in the reduced phase space, thus resolving the problems associated with the first feature above. Then I consider the quantization of these systems using several approaches: Dirac's method, Dirac-Fock quantization, and the BRST formalism. In the cases of the relativistic particle and minisuperspace I consider first the quantization of one branch of the constraint at the time and then discuss the backgrounds in which it is possible to quantize simultaneously both branches. I motivate and define the inner product, and obtain, for example, the Klein-Gordon inner product for the relativistic case. Then I show how to construct phase space path integral representations for amplitudes in these approaches--the Batalin-Fradkin-Vilkovisky (BFV) and the Faddeev path integrals --from which one can then derive the path integrals in coordinate space--the Faddeev-Popov path integral and the geometric path integral. In particular I establish the connection between the Hilbert space representation and the range of the lapse in the path integrals. I also examine the class of paths that contribute in the path integrals and how they affect space-time covariance, concluding that it is consistent to take paths that move forward in time only when there is no electric field. The key elements in this analysis are the space-like paths and the behavior of the action under the non-trivial ( Z_2) element of the reparametrization group.

NASA's Space Launch System Takes Shape: Progress Toward Safe, Affordable Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Askins, Bruce

2014-01-01

Development of NASA's Space Launch System exploration-class heavy lift rocket has moved from the formulation phase to implementation in 3 years and will make significant progress this year toward its first launch, slated for December 2017. In recognition of the current fiscal realities, SLS represents a safe, affordable, and evolutionary path to development of an unprecedented capability for future human and robotic exploration and use of space. Current development is focused on a configuration with a 70 metric ton (t) payload to low Earth orbit (LEO), more than double any operational vehicle. It is this version that will launch NASA's Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) on its first autonomous flight beyond the Moon and back, as well as the first crewed Orion flight. This configuration is also designed to evolve to 130 t lift capability that offers several benefits, such as reduced mission costs, simplified payload design, faster trip times, and lower overall risk for missions of national significance. The SLS Program formally transitioned from the formulation phase to implementation during the past year, passing its Preliminary Design Review in 2013 and completion of Key Decision Point C in early 2014. NASA has authorized the Program to move forward to Critical Design Review, scheduled for 2015. Among the Program's many accomplishments are manufacture of core stage test hardware, as well as preparations for testing the world's most powerful solid rocket boosters and the main engines that flew 135 successful Space Shuttle missions. The Program's success to date is due to prudent use of existing technology, infrastructure, and workforce; streamlined management approach; and judicious use of new technologies. The result is a launch vehicle that will carry human and robotic exploration on the history-making missions in the coming decades. This paper will discuss the program and technical successes over the past year and provide a look at the milestones and challenges ahead.

The Fourth Law of Motion in Classical Mechanics and Electrodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinheiro, Mario J.

2010-01-01

Newton's second law has limited scope of application when transient phenomena are at stake. We endeavor here to consider a modification of Newton's second law in order to take into account sudden change (surge) of angular momentum or linear momentum. It is shown that space react back according to a kind of induction law that is related to inertia, but also appears to give evidence of a "fluidic" nature of space itself. The back-reaction is quantified by the time rate of the angular momentum flux threading a surface, mass dependent, and bearing similarity to the quantum mechanics phase shift, present in the Aharonov-Bohm and Aharonov-Casher effects, thus giving evidence of the property of vacuum polarization, a phenomena which is relative to local space. It is formulated a kind of (qualitative) Lenz law that gives an explanation to precession.

Transdermal delivery of diclofenac using water-in-oil microemulsion: formulation and mechanistic approach of drug skin permeation.

PubMed

Thakkar, Priyanka J; Madan, Parshotam; Lin, Senshang

2014-05-01

The objective of the present investigation was to enhance skin permeation of diclofenac using water-in-oil microemulsion and to elucidate its skin permeation mechanism. The w/o microemulsion formulations were selected based on constructed pseudoternary phase diagrams depending on water solubilization capacity and thermodynamic stability. These formulations were also subjected to physical characterization based on droplet size, viscosity, pH and conductivity. Permeation of diclofenac across rat skin using side-by-side permeation cells from selected w/o microemulsion formulations were evaluated and compared with control formulations. The selected w/o microemulsion formulations were thermodynamically stable, and incorporation of diclofenac sodium into microemulsion did not affect the phase behavior of system. All microemulsion formulations had very low viscosity (11-17 cps) and droplet size range of 30-160 nm. Microemulsion formulations exhibited statistically significant increase in diclofenac permeation compared to oily solution, aqueous solution and oil-Smix solution. Higher skin permeation of diclofenac was observed with low Smix concentration and smaller droplet size. Increase in diclofenac loading in aqueous phase decreased the partition of diclofenac. Diclofenac from the oil phase of microemulsion could directly partition into skin, while diclofenac from the aqueous droplets was carried through skin by carrier effect.

Geometrical Phases in Quantum Mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christian, Joy Julius

In quantum mechanics, the path-dependent geometrical phase associated with a physical system, over and above the familiar dynamical phase, was initially discovered in the context of adiabatically changing environments. Subsequently, Aharonov and Anandan liberated this phase from the original formulation of Berry, which used Hamiltonians, dependent on curves in a classical parameter space, to represent the cyclic variations of the environments. Their purely quantum mechanical treatment, independent of Hamiltonians, instead used the non-trivial topological structure of the projective space of one-dimensional subspaces of an appropriate Hilbert space. The geometrical phase, in their treatment, results from a parallel transport of the time-dependent pure quantum states along a curve in this space, which is endowed with an abelian connection. Unlike Berry, they were able to achieve this without resort to an adiabatic approximation or to a time-independent eigenvalue equation. Prima facie, these two approaches are conceptually quite different. After a review of both approaches, an exposition bridging this apparent conceptual gap is given; by rigorously analyzing a model composite system, it is shown that, in an appropriate correspondence limit, the Berry phase can be recovered as a special case from the Aharonov-Anandan phase. Moreover, the model composite system is used to show that Berry's correction to the traditional Born-Oppenheimer energy spectra indeed brings the spectra closer to the exact results. Then, an experimental arrangement to measure geometrical phases associated with cyclic and non-cyclic variations of quantum states of an entangled composite system is proposed, utilizing the fundamental ideas of the recently opened field of two-particle interferometry. This arrangement not only resolves the controversy regarding the true nature of the phases associated with photon states, but also unequivocally predicts experimentally accessible geometrical phases in a truly quantum regime, and allows, for the first time, the measurements of such phases associated with arbitrary non-cyclic evolutions of entangled linear-momentum photon -states. This non-classical manifestation of the geometrical phases is due to the entangled character of linear-momentum photon-states of two correlated photons produced by parametric down-conversion in non-linear crystals. Finally, the non-local aspect of the geometrical phase is contrasted with the fundamental non-locality of quantum mechanics due to the entangled character of quantum states.

Local spectrum analysis of field propagation in an anisotropic medium. Part I. Time-harmonic fields.

PubMed

Tinkelman, Igor; Melamed, Timor

2005-06-01

The phase-space beam summation is a general analytical framework for local analysis and modeling of radiation from extended source distributions. In this formulation, the field is expressed as a superposition of beam propagators that emanate from all points in the source domain and in all directions. In this Part I of a two-part investigation, the theory is extended to include propagation in anisotropic medium characterized by a generic wave-number profile for time-harmonic fields; in a companion paper [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 22, 1208 (2005)], the theory is extended to time-dependent fields. The propagation characteristics of the beam propagators in a homogeneous anisotropic medium are considered. With use of Gaussian windows for the local processing of either ordinary or extraordinary electromagnetic field distributions, the field is represented by a phase-space spectral distribution in which the propagating elements are Gaussian beams that are formulated by using Gaussian plane-wave spectral distributions over the extended source plane. By applying saddle-point asymptotics, we extract the Gaussian beam phenomenology in the anisotropic environment. The resulting field is parameterized in terms of the spatial evolution of the beam curvature, beam width, etc., which are mapped to local geometrical properties of the generic wave-number profile. The general results are applied to the special case of uniaxial crystal, and it is found that the asymptotics for the Gaussian beam propagators, as well as the physical phenomenology attached, perform remarkably well.

Investigation of phase-change coatings for variable thermal control of spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kelliher, W. C.; Young, P. R.

1972-01-01

An investigation was conducted to determine the feasibility of producing a spacecraft coating system that could vary the ratio of its solar absorptance to thermal emittance to adjust automatically for changes in the thermal balance of a spacecraft. This study resulted in a new concept called the phase-change effect which uses the change that occurs in the optical properties of many materials during the phase transition from a crystalline solid to an amorphous material. A series of two-component model coatings was developed which, when placed on a highly reflecting substrate, exhibited a sharp decrease in solar absorptance within a narrow temperature range. A variable thermal control coating can have a significant amount of temperature regulation with the phase-change effect. Data are presented on several crystallite-polymer formulations, their physical and optical properties, and associated phase-change temperatures. Aspects pertaining to their use in a space environment and an example of the degree of thermal regulation attainable with these coatings is also given.

Quantum geometric phase in Majorana's stellar representation: mapping onto a many-body Aharonov-Bohm phase.

PubMed

Bruno, Patrick

2012-06-15

The (Berry-Aharonov-Anandan) geometric phase acquired during a cyclic quantum evolution of finite-dimensional quantum systems is studied. It is shown that a pure quantum state in a (2J+1)-dimensional Hilbert space (or, equivalently, of a spin-J system) can be mapped onto the partition function of a gas of independent Dirac strings moving on a sphere and subject to the Coulomb repulsion of 2J fixed test charges (the Majorana stars) characterizing the quantum state. The geometric phase may be viewed as the Aharonov-Bohm phase acquired by the Majorana stars as they move through the gas of Dirac strings. Expressions for the geometric connection and curvature, for the metric tensor, as well as for the multipole moments (dipole, quadrupole, etc.), are given in terms of the Majorana stars. Finally, the geometric formulation of the quantum dynamics is presented and its application to systems with exotic ordering such as spin nematics is outlined.

Quantum Geometric Phase in Majorana's Stellar Representation: Mapping onto a Many-Body Aharonov-Bohm Phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruno, Patrick

2012-06-01

The (Berry-Aharonov-Anandan) geometric phase acquired during a cyclic quantum evolution of finite-dimensional quantum systems is studied. It is shown that a pure quantum state in a (2J+1)-dimensional Hilbert space (or, equivalently, of a spin-J system) can be mapped onto the partition function of a gas of independent Dirac strings moving on a sphere and subject to the Coulomb repulsion of 2J fixed test charges (the Majorana stars) characterizing the quantum state. The geometric phase may be viewed as the Aharonov-Bohm phase acquired by the Majorana stars as they move through the gas of Dirac strings. Expressions for the geometric connection and curvature, for the metric tensor, as well as for the multipole moments (dipole, quadrupole, etc.), are given in terms of the Majorana stars. Finally, the geometric formulation of the quantum dynamics is presented and its application to systems with exotic ordering such as spin nematics is outlined.

Phase II and III Clinical Studies of Diphtheria-Tetanus-Acellular Pertussis Vaccine Containing Inactivated Polio Vaccine Derived from Sabin Strains (DTaP-sIPV).

PubMed

Okada, Kenji; Miyazaki, Chiaki; Kino, Yoichiro; Ozaki, Takao; Hirose, Mizuo; Ueda, Kohji

2013-07-15

Phase II and III clinical studies were conducted to evaluate immunogenicity and safety of a novel DTaP-IPV vaccine consisting of Sabin inactivated poliovirus vaccine (sIPV) and diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP). A Phase II study was conducted in 104 healthy infants using Formulation H of the DTaP-sIPV vaccine containing high-dose sIPV (3, 100, and 100 D-antigen units for types 1, 2, and 3, respectively), and Formulations M and L, containing half and one-fourth of the sIPV in Formulation H, respectively. Each formulation was administered 3 times for primary immunization and once for booster immunization. A Phase III study was conducted in 342 healthy infants who received either Formulation M + oral polio vaccine (OPV) placebo or DTaP + OPV. The OPV or OPV placebo was orally administered twice between primary and booster immunizations. Formulation M was selected as the optimum dose. In the Phase III study, the seropositive rate was 100% for all Sabin strains after primary immunization, and the neutralizing antibody titer after booster immunization was higher than in the control group (DTaP + OPV). All adverse reactions were clinically acceptable. DTaP-sIPV was shown to be a safe and immunogenic vaccine. JapicCTI-121902 for Phase II study, JapicCTI-101075 for Phase III study (http://www.clinicaltrials.jp/user/cte_main.jsp).

Current status of amorphous formulation and other special dosage forms as formulations for early clinical phases.

PubMed

Kawakami, Kohsaku

2009-09-01

Although most chemists in the pharmaceutical industry have a good understanding on favorable physicochemical properties for drug candidates, formulators must still deal with many challenging candidates. On the other hand, formulators are not allowed to spend much time on formulation development for early phases of the clinical studies. Thus, it is basically difficult to apply special dosage form technologies to the candidates for the first-in-human formulations. Despite the availability of numerous reviews on oral special dosage forms, information on their applicability as the early phase formulation has been limited. This article describes quick review on the oral special dosage forms that may be applied to the early clinical formulations, followed by discussion focused on the amorphous formulations, which still has relatively many issues to be proved for the general use. The major problems that inhibit the use of the amorphous formulation are difficulty in the manufacturing and the poor chemical/physical stability. Notably, the poor physical stability can be critical, because of not the poor stability itself but the difficulty in the timely evaluation in the preclinical developmental timeframes. Research directions of the amorphous formulations are suggested to utilize this promising technology without disturbing the preclinical developmental timelines.

Hamiltonian dynamics of extended objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capovilla, R.; Guven, J.; Rojas, E.

2004-12-01

We consider relativistic extended objects described by a reparametrization-invariant local action that depends on the extrinsic curvature of the worldvolume swept out by the object as it evolves. We provide a Hamiltonian formulation of the dynamics of such higher derivative models which is motivated by the ADM formulation of general relativity. The canonical momenta are identified by looking at boundary behaviour under small deformations of the action; the relationship between the momentum conjugate to the embedding functions and the conserved momentum density is established. The canonical Hamiltonian is constructed explicitly; the constraints on the phase space, both primary and secondary, are identified and the role they play in the theory is described. The multipliers implementing the primary constraints are identified in terms of the ADM lapse and shift variables and Hamilton's equations are shown to be consistent with the Euler Lagrange equations.

State-Space Formulation for Circuit Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martinez-Marin, T.

2010-01-01

This paper presents a new state-space approach for temporal analysis of electrical circuits. The method systematically obtains the state-space formulation of nondegenerate linear networks without using concepts of topology. It employs nodal/mesh systematic analysis to reduce the number of undesired variables. This approach helps students to…

Pharmaceutical Perspective on Opalescence and Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in Protein Solutions.

PubMed

Raut, Ashlesha S; Kalonia, Devendra S

2016-05-02

Opalescence in protein solutions reduces aesthetic appeal of a formulation and can be an indicator of the presence of aggregates or precursor to phase separation in solution signifying reduced product stability. Liquid-liquid phase separation of a protein solution into a protein-rich and a protein-poor phase has been well-documented for globular proteins and recently observed for monoclonal antibody solutions, resulting in physical instability of the formulation. The present review discusses opalescence and liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) for therapeutic protein formulations. A brief discussion on theoretical concepts based on thermodynamics, kinetics, and light scattering is presented. This review also discusses theoretical concepts behind intense light scattering in the vicinity of the critical point termed as "critical opalescence". Both opalescence and LLPS are affected by the formulation factors including pH, ionic strength, protein concentration, temperature, and excipients. Literature reports for the effect of these formulation factors on attractive protein-protein interactions in solution as assessed by the second virial coefficient (B2) and the cloud-point temperature (Tcloud) measurements are also presented. The review also highlights pharmaceutical implications of LLPS in protein solutions.

Pharmacotherapeutics of Intranasal Scopolamine: FDA Regulations and Procedures for Clinical Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Das, H.; Daniels, V. R.; Vaksman, Z.; Boyd, J. L.; Buckey, J. C.; Locke, J. P.; Putcha, L.

2007-01-01

Space Motion Sickness (SMS) is commonly experienced by astronauts and often requires treatment with medications during the early flight days of a space mission. Bioavailability of oral (PO) SMS medications is often low and highly variable; additionally, physiological changes in a microgravity environment exacerbate variability and decrease bioavailability. These factors prompted NASA to develop an intranasal dosage form of scopolamine (INSCOP) suitable for the treatment of SMS. However, to assure safety and efficacy of treatment in space, NASA physicians prescribe commercially available pharmaceutical products only. Development of a pharmaceutical preparation for clinical use must follow distinct clinical phases of testing, phase I through IV to be exact, before it can be approved by the FDA for approval for clinical use. After a physician sponsored Investigative New Drug (IND) application was approved by the FDA, a phase I clinical trial of INSCOP formulation was completed in normal human subjects and results published. The current project includes three phase II clinical protocols for the assessment of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), efficacy, and safety of INSCOP. Three clinical protocols that were submitted to FDA to accomplish the project objectives: 1) 002-A, a FDA Phase II dose ranging study with four dose levels between 0.1 and 0.4 mg in 12 subjects to assess PK/PD, 2) 002-B, a phase II clinical efficacy study in eighteen healthy subjects to compare efficacy of 0.2 (low dose) and 0.4 mg (high dose) INSCOP for prophylactic treatment of motion-induces (off-axis vertical rotation) symptoms, and (3) 002-C, a phase II clinical study with twelve subjects to determine bioavailability and pharmacodynamics of two doses (0.2 and 0.4 mg) of INSCOP in simulated microgravity, antiorthostatic bedrest. All regulatory procedures were competed that include certification for Good laboratory Procedures by Theradex , clinical documentation, personnel training, selection of clinical research operations contractor, data capturing and management, and annual reporting of results to FDA were successfully completed. Protocol 002-A was completed and sample and data analysis is currently in progress. Protocol 002-B is currently in progress at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Protocol 002-C has been submitted to the FDA and will be implemented at the same contractor site as 002-A. An annual report was filed as required by FDA on the results of Protocol 002-A. Once all the three Phase II protocols are completed, a New Drug Administration application will be filed with FDA for Phase III clinical assessment and approval for marketing of the formulation. A commercial vendor will be identified for this phase. This is critical for making this available for treatment of SMS in astronauts and military personnel on duty. Once approved by FDA, INSCOP can be also used by civilian population for motion sickness associated with recreational travel and other ailments that require treatment with anticholinergic drugs.

Going through a quantum phase

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shapiro, Jeffrey H.

1992-01-01

Phase measurements on a single-mode radiation field are examined from a system-theoretic viewpoint. Quantum estimation theory is used to establish the primacy of the Susskind-Glogower (SG) phase operator; its phase eigenkets generate the probability operator measure (POM) for maximum likelihood phase estimation. A commuting observables description for the SG-POM on a signal x apparatus state space is derived. It is analogous to the signal-band x image-band formulation for optical heterodyne detection. Because heterodyning realizes the annihilation operator POM, this analogy may help realize the SG-POM. The wave function representation associated with the SG POM is then used to prove the duality between the phase measurement and the number operator measurement, from which a number-phase uncertainty principle is obtained, via Fourier theory, without recourse to linearization. Fourier theory is also employed to establish the principle of number-ket causality, leading to a Paley-Wiener condition that must be satisfied by the phase-measurement probability density function (PDF) for a single-mode field in an arbitrary quantum state. Finally, a two-mode phase measurement is shown to afford phase-conjugate quantum communication at zero error probability with finite average photon number. Application of this construct to interferometric precision measurements is briefly discussed.

Treatment of pityriasis versicolor with topical application of essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf - therapeutic pilot study*

PubMed Central

Carmo, Egberto Santos; Pereira, Fillipe de Oliveira; Cavalcante, Neuza Maria; Gayoso, Carla Wanderley; Lima, Edeltrudes de Oliveira

2013-01-01

BACKGROUND Pityriasis versicolor is a fungal infection caused by Malassezia spp. that has frequent relapses. OBJECTIVES The main objective of this research was to perform phase I and II clinical studies, using formulations containing essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus in patients with pityriasis versicolor. METHODS Phase I study included twenty volunteers to ascertain the safety of the formulations. In phase II, 47 volunteers randomly received essential oil formulations at 1.25 μL/mL concentration, for forty days. The shampoo should be applied three times a week and the cream twice a day. A control group in phase II, consisting of 29 volunteers, received the same formulations but with 2% ketoconazole as the active ingredient. RESULTS No significant adverse events were observed in volunteers during Phase I. In Phase II, 30 (63.83%) volunteers using essential oil and 18 (62.07%) using ketoconazole remained until the end of the study. We observed a predominance of lesions in disseminated form, with M. sympodialis detected as the predominant agent identified in cultures. After 40 days of treatment, the rate of mycological cure was 60% (p <0.05) for the group treated with essential oil of C. citratus and over 80% (p <0.05) for the group treated with ketoconazole formulations. CONCLUSIONS Notwithstanding the safety and antifungal effects observed in this study after application of formulations containing the essential oil of C. citratus, further studies with larger populations should be performed to confirm the actual potential of these formulations in the treatment of patients with Pityriasis versicolor. PMID:23793205

Current algebra, statistical mechanics and quantum models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vilela Mendes, R.

2017-11-01

Results obtained in the past for free boson systems at zero and nonzero temperatures are revisited to clarify the physical meaning of current algebra reducible functionals which are associated to systems with density fluctuations, leading to observable effects on phase transitions. To use current algebra as a tool for the formulation of quantum statistical mechanics amounts to the construction of unitary representations of diffeomorphism groups. Two mathematical equivalent procedures exist for this purpose. One searches for quasi-invariant measures on configuration spaces, the other for a cyclic vector in Hilbert space. Here, one argues that the second approach is closer to the physical intuition when modelling complex systems. An example of application of the current algebra methodology to the pairing phenomenon in two-dimensional fermion systems is discussed.

Two-Dimensional Array Beam Scanning Via Externally and Mutually Injection Locked Coupled Oscillators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pogorzelski, Ronald J.

2000-01-01

Some years ago, Stephan proposed an approach to one dimensional (linear) phased array beam steering which requires only a single phase shifter. This involves the use of a linear array of voltage-controlled electronic oscillators coupled to nearest neighbors. The oscillators are mutually injection locked by controlling their coupling and tuning appropriately. Stephan's approach consists of deriving two signals from a master oscillator, one signal phase shifted with respect to the other by means of a single phase shifter. These two signals are injected into the end oscillators of the array. The result is a linear phase progression across the oscillator array. Thus, if radiating elements are connected to each oscillator and spaced uniformly along a line, they will radiate a beam at an angle to that line determined by the phase gradient which is, in turn, determined by the phase difference between the injection signals.The beam direction is therefore controlled by adjusting this phase difference. Recently, Pogorzelski and York presented a formulation which facilitates theoretical analysis of the above beam steering technique. This was subsequently applied by Pogorzelski in analysis of two dimensional beam steering using perimeter detuning of a coupled oscillator array. The formulation is based on a continuum model in which the oscillator phases are represented by a continuous function satisfying a partial differential equation of diffusion type. This equation can be solved via the Laplace transform and the resulting solution exhibits the dynamic behavior of the array as the beam is steered. Stephan's beam steering technique can be similarly generalized to two-dimensional arrays in which the beam control signals are applied to the oscillators on the perimeter of the array. In this paper the continuum model for this two-dimensional case is developed and the dynamic solution for the corresponding aperture phase function is obtained. The corresponding behavior of the resulting far-zone radiation pattern is displayed as well.

Optimum detection of tones transmitted by a spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, M. K.; Shihabi, M. M.; Moon, T.

1995-01-01

The performance of a scheme proposed for automated routine monitoring of deep-space missions is presented. The scheme uses four different tones (sinusoids) transmitted from the spacecraft (S/C) to a ground station with the positive identification of each of them used to indicate different states of the S/C. Performance is measured in terms of detection probability versus false alarm probability with detection signal-to-noise ratio as a parameter. The cases where the phase of the received tone is unknown and where both the phase and frequency of the received tone are unknown are treated separately. The decision rules proposed for detecting the tones are formulated from average-likelihood ratio and maximum-likelihood ratio tests, the former resulting in optimum receiver structures.

Studies of the resonance structure in D0→KS0K±π∓ decays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aaij, R.; Adeva, B.; Adinolfi, M.; Affolder, A.; Ajaltouni, Z.; Akar, S.; Albrecht, J.; Alessio, F.; Alexander, M.; Ali, S.; Alkhazov, G.; Alvarez Cartelle, P.; Alves, A. A.; Amato, S.; Amerio, S.; Amhis, Y.; An, L.; Anderlini, L.; Anderson, J.; Andreassi, G.; Andreotti, M.; Andrews, J. E.; Appleby, R. B.; Aquines Gutierrez, O.; Archilli, F.; d'Argent, P.; Artamonov, A.; Artuso, M.; Aslanides, E.; Auriemma, G.; Baalouch, M.; Bachmann, S.; Back, J. J.; Badalov, A.; Baesso, C.; Baldini, W.; Barlow, R. J.; Barschel, C.; Barsuk, S.; Barter, W.; Batozskaya, V.; Battista, V.; Bay, A.; Beaucourt, L.; Beddow, J.; Bedeschi, F.; Bediaga, I.; Bel, L. J.; Bellee, V.; Belyaev, I.; Ben-Haim, E.; Bencivenni, G.; Benson, S.; Benton, J.; Berezhnoy, A.; Bernet, R.; Bertolin, A.; Bettler, M.-O.; van Beuzekom, M.; Bien, A.; Bifani, S.; Bird, T.; Birnkraut, A.; Bizzeti, A.; Blake, T.; Blanc, F.; Blouw, J.; Blusk, S.; Bocci, V.; Bondar, A.; Bondar, N.; Bonivento, W.; Borghi, S.; Borsato, M.; Bowcock, T. J. V.; Bowen, E.; Bozzi, C.; Braun, S.; Brett, D.; Britsch, M.; Britton, T.; Brodzicka, J.; Brook, N. H.; Buchanan, E.; Bursche, A.; Buytaert, J.; Cadeddu, S.; Calabrese, R.; Calvi, M.; Calvo Gomez, M.; Campana, P.; Campora Perez, D.; Capriotti, L.; Carbone, A.; Carboni, G.; Cardinale, R.; Cardini, A.; Carniti, P.; Carson, L.; Carvalho Akiba, K.; Casse, G.; Cassina, L.; Castillo Garcia, L.; Cattaneo, M.; Cauet, Ch.; Cavallero, G.; Cenci, R.; Charles, M.; Charpentier, Ph.; Chefdeville, M.; Chen, S.; Cheung, S.-F.; Chiapolini, N.; Chrzaszcz, M.; Cid Vidal, X.; Ciezarek, G.; Clarke, P. E. L.; Clemencic, M.; Cliff, H. V.; Closier, J.; Coco, V.; Cogan, J.; Cogneras, E.; Cogoni, V.; Cojocariu, L.; Collazuol, G.; Collins, P.; Comerma-Montells, A.; Contu, A.; Cook, A.; Coombes, M.; Coquereau, S.; Corti, G.; Corvo, M.; Couturier, B.; Cowan, G. A.; Craik, D. C.; Crocombe, A.; Cruz Torres, M.; Cunliffe, S.; Currie, R.; D'Ambrosio, C.; Dall'Occo, E.; Dalseno, J.; David, P. N. Y.; Davis, A.; De Aguiar Francisco, O.; De Bruyn, K.; De Capua, S.; De Cian, M.; De Miranda, J. M.; De Paula, L.; De Simone, P.; Dean, C.-T.; Decamp, D.; Deckenhoff, M.; Del Buono, L.; Déléage, N.; Demmer, M.; Derkach, D.; Deschamps, O.; Dettori, F.; Dey, B.; Di Canto, A.; Di Ruscio, F.; Dijkstra, H.; Donleavy, S.; Dordei, F.; Dorigo, M.; Dosil Suárez, A.; Dossett, D.; Dovbnya, A.; Dreimanis, K.; Dufour, L.; Dujany, G.; Dupertuis, F.; Durante, P.; Dzhelyadin, R.; Dziurda, A.; Dzyuba, A.; Easo, S.; Egede, U.; Egorychev, V.; Eidelman, S.; Eisenhardt, S.; Eitschberger, U.; Ekelhof, R.; Eklund, L.; El Rifai, I.; Elsasser, Ch.; Ely, S.; Esen, S.; Evans, H. M.; Evans, T.; Falabella, A.; Färber, C.; Farinelli, C.; Farley, N.; Farry, S.; Fay, R.; Ferguson, D.; Fernandez Albor, V.; Ferrari, F.; Ferreira Rodrigues, F.; Ferro-Luzzi, M.; Filippov, S.; Fiore, M.; Fiorini, M.; Firlej, M.; Fitzpatrick, C.; Fiutowski, T.; Fohl, K.; Fol, P.; Fontana, M.; Fontanelli, F.; Forty, R.; Frank, M.; Frei, C.; Frosini, M.; Fu, J.; Furfaro, E.; Gallas Torreira, A.; Galli, D.; Gallorini, S.; Gambetta, S.; Gandelman, M.; Gandini, P.; Gao, Y.; García Pardiñas, J.; Garra Tico, J.; Garrido, L.; Gascon, D.; Gaspar, C.; Gauld, R.; Gavardi, L.; Gazzoni, G.; Gerick, D.; Gersabeck, E.; Gersabeck, M.; Gershon, T.; Ghez, Ph.; Gianı, S.; Gibson, V.; Girard, O. G.; Giubega, L.; Gligorov, V. V.; Göbel, C.; Golubkov, D.; Golutvin, A.; Gomes, A.; Gotti, C.; Grabalosa Gándara, M.; Graciani Diaz, R.; Granado Cardoso, L. A.; Graugés, E.; Graverini, E.; Graziani, G.; Grecu, A.; Greening, E.; Gregson, S.; Griffith, P.; Grillo, L.; Grünberg, O.; Gui, B.; Gushchin, E.; Guz, Yu.; Gys, T.; Hadavizadeh, T.; Hadjivasiliou, C.; Haefeli, G.; Haen, C.; Haines, S. C.; Hall, S.; Hamilton, B.; Han, X.; Hansmann-Menzemer, S.; Harnew, N.; Harnew, S. T.; Harrison, J.; He, J.; Head, T.; Heijne, V.; Hennessy, K.; Henrard, P.; Henry, L.; van Herwijnen, E.; Heß, M.; Hicheur, A.; Hill, D.; Hoballah, M.; Hombach, C.; Hulsbergen, W.; Humair, T.; Hussain, N.; Hutchcroft, D.; Hynds, D.; Idzik, M.; Ilten, P.; Jacobsson, R.; Jaeger, A.; Jalocha, J.; Jans, E.; Jawahery, A.; Jing, F.; John, M.; Johnson, D.; Jones, C. R.; Joram, C.; Jost, B.; Jurik, N.; Kandybei, S.; Kanso, W.; Karacson, M.; Karbach, T. M.; Karodia, S.; Kecke, M.; Kelsey, M.; Kenyon, I. R.; Kenzie, M.; Ketel, T.; Khanji, B.; Khurewathanakul, C.; Klaver, S.; Klimaszewski, K.; Kochebina, O.; Kolpin, M.; Komarov, I.; Koopman, R. F.; Koppenburg, P.; Kozeiha, M.; Kravchuk, L.; Kreplin, K.; Kreps, M.; Krocker, G.; Krokovny, P.; Kruse, F.; Kucewicz, W.; Kucharczyk, M.; Kudryavtsev, V.; Kuonen, A. K.; Kurek, K.; Kvaratskheliya, T.; Lacarrere, D.; Lafferty, G.; Lai, A.; Lambert, D.; Lanfranchi, G.; Langenbruch, C.; Langhans, B.; Latham, T.; Lazzeroni, C.; Le Gac, R.; van Leerdam, J.; Lees, J.-P.; Lefèvre, R.; Leflat, A.; Lefrançois, J.; Leroy, O.; Lesiak, T.; Leverington, B.; Li, Y.; Likhomanenko, T.; Liles, M.; Lindner, R.; Linn, C.; Lionetto, F.; Liu, B.; Liu, X.; Loh, D.; Lohn, S.; Longstaff, I.; Lopes, J. H.; Lucchesi, D.; Lucio Martinez, M.; Luo, H.; Lupato, A.; Luppi, E.; Lupton, O.; Lusiani, A.; Machefert, F.; Maciuc, F.; Maev, O.; Maguire, K.; Malde, S.; Malinin, A.; Manca, G.; Mancinelli, G.; Manning, P.; Mapelli, A.; Maratas, J.; Marchand, J. F.; Marconi, U.; Marin Benito, C.; Marino, P.; Märki, R.; Marks, J.; Martellotti, G.; Martin, M.; Martinelli, M.; Martinez Santos, D.; Martinez Vidal, F.; Martins Tostes, D.; Massafferri, A.; Matev, R.; Mathad, A.; Mathe, Z.; Matteuzzi, C.; Mauri, A.; Maurin, B.; Mazurov, A.; McCann, M.; McCarthy, J.; McNab, A.; McNulty, R.; Meadows, B.; Meier, F.; Meissner, M.; Melnychuk, D.; Merk, M.; Michielin, E.; Milanes, D. A.; Minard, M.-N.; Mitzel, D. S.; Molina Rodriguez, J.; Monroy, I. A.; Monteil, S.; Morandin, M.; Morawski, P.; Mordà, A.; Morello, M. J.; Moron, J.; Morris, A. B.; Mountain, R.; Muheim, F.; Müller, D.; Müller, J.; Müller, K.; Müller, V.; Mussini, M.; Muster, B.; Naik, P.; Nakada, T.; Nandakumar, R.; Nandi, A.; Nasteva, I.; Needham, M.; Neri, N.; Neubert, S.; Neufeld, N.; Neuner, M.; Nguyen, A. D.; Nguyen, T. D.; Nguyen-Mau, C.; Niess, V.; Niet, R.; Nikitin, N.; Nikodem, T.; Novoselov, A.; O'Hanlon, D. P.; Oblakowska-Mucha, A.; Obraztsov, V.; Ogilvy, S.; Okhrimenko, O.; Oldeman, R.; Onderwater, C. J. G.; Osorio Rodrigues, B.; Otalora Goicochea, J. M.; Otto, A.; Owen, P.; Oyanguren, A.; Palano, A.; Palombo, F.; Palutan, M.; Panman, J.; Papanestis, A.; Pappagallo, M.; Pappalardo, L. L.; Pappenheimer, C.; Parkes, C.; Passaleva, G.; Patel, G. D.; Patel, M.; Patrignani, C.; Pearce, A.; Pellegrino, A.; Penso, G.; Pepe Altarelli, M.; Perazzini, S.; Perret, P.; Pescatore, L.; Petridis, K.; Petrolini, A.; Petruzzo, M.; Picatoste Olloqui, E.; Pietrzyk, B.; Pilař, T.; Pinci, D.; Pistone, A.; Piucci, A.; Playfer, S.; Plo Casasus, M.; Poikela, T.; Polci, F.; Poluektov, A.; Polyakov, I.; Polycarpo, E.; Popov, A.; Popov, D.; Popovici, B.; Potterat, C.; Price, E.; Price, J. D.; Prisciandaro, J.; Pritchard, A.; Prouve, C.; Pugatch, V.; Puig Navarro, A.; Punzi, G.; Qian, W.; Quagliani, R.; Rachwal, B.; Rademacker, J. H.; Rama, M.; Rangel, M. S.; Raniuk, I.; Rauschmayr, N.; Raven, G.; Redi, F.; Reichert, S.; Reid, M. M.; dos Reis, A. C.; Ricciardi, S.; Richards, S.; Rihl, M.; Rinnert, K.; Rives Molina, V.; Robbe, P.; Rodrigues, A. B.; Rodrigues, E.; Rodriguez Lopez, J. A.; Rodriguez Perez, P.; Roiser, S.; Romanovsky, V.; Romero Vidal, A.; Ronayne, J. W.; Rotondo, M.; Rouvinet, J.; Ruf, T.; Ruiz, H.; Ruiz Valls, P.; Saborido Silva, J. J.; Sagidova, N.; Sail, P.; Saitta, B.; Salustino Guimaraes, V.; Sanchez Mayordomo, C.; Sanmartin Sedes, B.; Santacesaria, R.; Santamarina Rios, C.; Santimaria, M.; Santovetti, E.; Sarti, A.; Satriano, C.; Satta, A.; Saunders, D. M.; Savrina, D.; Schiller, M.; Schindler, H.; Schlupp, M.; Schmelling, M.; Schmelzer, T.; Schmidt, B.; Schneider, O.; Schopper, A.; Schubiger, M.; Schune, M.-H.; Schwemmer, R.; Sciascia, B.; Sciubba, A.; Semennikov, A.; Serra, N.; Serrano, J.; Sestini, L.; Seyfert, P.; Shapkin, M.; Shapoval, I.; Shcheglov, Y.; Shears, T.; Shekhtman, L.; Shevchenko, V.; Shires, A.; Siddi, B. G.; Silva Coutinho, R.; Silva de Oliveira, L.; Simi, G.; Sirendi, M.; Skidmore, N.; Skwarnicki, T.; Smith, E.; Smith, E.; Smith, I. T.; Smith, J.; Smith, M.; Snoek, H.; Sokoloff, M. D.; Soler, F. J. P.; Soomro, F.; Souza, D.; Souza De Paula, B.; Spaan, B.; Spradlin, P.; Sridharan, S.; Stagni, F.; Stahl, M.; Stahl, S.; Steinkamp, O.; Stenyakin, O.; Sterpka, F.; Stevenson, S.; Stoica, S.; Stone, S.; Storaci, B.; Stracka, S.; Straticiuc, M.; Straumann, U.; Sun, L.; Sutcliffe, W.; Swientek, K.; Swientek, S.; Syropoulos, V.; Szczekowski, M.; Szczypka, P.; Szumlak, T.; T'Jampens, S.; Tayduganov, A.; Tekampe, T.; Teklishyn, M.; Tellarini, G.; Teubert, F.; Thomas, C.; Thomas, E.; van Tilburg, J.; Tisserand, V.; Tobin, M.; Todd, J.; Tolk, S.; Tomassetti, L.; Tonelli, D.; Topp-Joergensen, S.; Torr, N.; Tournefier, E.; Tourneur, S.; Trabelsi, K.; Tran, M. T.; Tresch, M.; Trisovic, A.; Tsaregorodtsev, A.; Tsopelas, P.; Tuning, N.; Ukleja, A.; Ustyuzhanin, A.; Uwer, U.; Vacca, C.; Vagnoni, V.; Valenti, G.; Vallier, A.; Vazquez Gomez, R.; Vazquez Regueiro, P.; Vázquez Sierra, C.; Vecchi, S.; Velthuis, J. J.; Veltri, M.; Veneziano, G.; Vesterinen, M.; Viaud, B.; Vieira, D.; Vieites Diaz, M.; Vilasis-Cardona, X.; Volkov, V.; Vollhardt, A.; Volyanskyy, D.; Voong, D.; Vorobyev, A.; Vorobyev, V.; Voß, C.; de Vries, J. A.; Waldi, R.; Wallace, C.; Wallace, R.; Walsh, J.; Wandernoth, S.; Wang, J.; Ward, D. R.; Watson, N. K.; Websdale, D.; Weiden, A.; Whitehead, M.; Wilkinson, G.; Wilkinson, M.; Williams, M.; Williams, M. P.; Williams, M.; Williams, T.; Wilson, F. F.; Wimberley, J.; Wishahi, J.; Wislicki, W.; Witek, M.; Wormser, G.; Wotton, S. A.; Wright, S.; Wyllie, K.; Xie, Y.; Xu, Z.; Yang, Z.; Yu, J.; Yuan, X.; Yushchenko, O.; Zangoli, M.; Zavertyaev, M.; Zhang, L.; Zhang, Y.; Zhelezov, A.; Zhokhov, A.; Zhong, L.; Zucchelli, S.; LHCb Collaboration

2016-03-01

Amplitude models are applied to studies of resonance structure in D0→KS0K-π+ and D0→KS0K+π- decays using p p collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb-1 collected by the LHCb experiment. Relative magnitude and phase information is determined, and coherence factors and related observables are computed for both the whole phase space and a restricted region of 100 MeV /c2 around the K*(892 )± resonance. Two formulations for the K π S -wave are used, both of which give a good description of the data. The ratio of branching fractions B (D0→KS0K+π- )/B (D0→KS0K-π+ ) is measured to be 0.655 ±0.004 (stat ) ±0.006 (syst ) over the full phase space and 0.370 ±0.003 (stat ) ±0.012 (syst ) in the restricted region. A search for C P violation is performed using the amplitude models and no significant effect is found. Predictions from SU(3) flavor symmetry for K*(892 ) K amplitudes of different charges are compared with the amplitude model results.

The quest for solvable multistate Landau-Zener models

DOE PAGES

Sinitsyn, Nikolai A.; Chernyak, Vladimir Y.

2017-05-24

Recently, integrability conditions (ICs) in mutistate Landau-Zener (MLZ) theory were proposed. They describe common properties of all known solved systems with linearly time-dependent Hamiltonians. Here we show that ICs enable efficient computer assisted search for new solvable MLZ models that span complexity range from several interacting states to mesoscopic systems with many-body dynamics and combinatorially large phase space. This diversity suggests that nontrivial solvable MLZ models are numerous. Additionally, we refine the formulation of ICs and extend the class of solvable systems to models with points of multiple diabatic level crossing.

A statistical formulation of one-dimensional electron fluid turbulence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fyfe, D.; Montgomery, D.

1977-01-01

A one-dimensional electron fluid model is investigated using the mathematical methods of modern fluid turbulence theory. Non-dissipative equilibrium canonical distributions are determined in a phase space whose co-ordinates are the real and imaginary parts of the Fourier coefficients for the field variables. Spectral densities are calculated, yielding a wavenumber electric field energy spectrum proportional to k to the negative second power for large wavenumbers. The equations of motion are numerically integrated and the resulting spectra are found to compare well with the theoretical predictions.

Prediction and verification of creep behavior in metallic materials and components for the space shuttle thermal protection system. Volume 3, phase 3: Full size heat shield data correlation and design criteria. [reentry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cramer, B. A.; Davis, J. W.

1975-01-01

Analysis methods for predicting cyclic creep deflection in stiffened metal panel structures, were applied to full size panels. Results were compared with measured deflections from cyclic tests of thin gage L605, Rene' 41, and TDNiCr full size corrugation stiffened panels. A design criteria was then formulated for metallic thermal protection panels subjected to creep. A computer program was developed to calculate creep deflections.

HS-SPME-GC-MS analysis of body odor to test the efficacy of foot deodorant formulations.

PubMed

Caroprese, Alessandro; Gabbanini, Simone; Beltramini, Claudia; Lucchi, Elena; Valgimigli, Luca

2009-11-01

Foot malodor is mostly due to short-chain fatty acids produced by bacterial metabolism of eccrine sweating. We aimed to develop a protocol for an objective (instrumental) efficacy evaluation of foot deodorant formulations. Head-space solid-phase microextractions of target fatty acids from the feet of six healthy volunteers were analyzed by GC-MS. A comparative analysis of the treated vs. the untreated foot was performed in each subject after washing the feet with a physiologic solution and incubating at 36 degrees C for 24-72 h in tryptic soy agar growth medium. Acetic, butyric, isobutyric and isovaleric acids were identified as the main contributors to foot malodor in the majority of volunteers. Propionic, valeric and isocaproic acids were also detected in some subjects. Comparative analysis according to the protocol developed showed a statistically significant (P<0.01) reduction of target fatty acids ranging from -26.6% to -77.0%. The protocol developed is a convenient, sensitive and non-invasive method to test the efficacy of foot deodorant formulations in human volunteers.

Gaussian-windowed frame based method of moments formulation of surface-integral-equation for extended apertures

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

Shlivinski, A., E-mail: amirshli@ee.bgu.ac.il; Lomakin, V., E-mail: vlomakin@eng.ucsd.edu

2016-03-01

Scattering or coupling of electromagnetic beam-field at a surface discontinuity separating two homogeneous or inhomogeneous media with different propagation characteristics is formulated using surface integral equation, which are solved by the Method of Moments with the aid of the Gabor-based Gaussian window frame set of basis and testing functions. The application of the Gaussian window frame provides (i) a mathematically exact and robust tool for spatial-spectral phase-space formulation and analysis of the problem; (ii) a system of linear equations in a transmission-line like form relating mode-like wave objects of one medium with mode-like wave objects of the second medium; (iii)more » furthermore, an appropriate setting of the frame parameters yields mode-like wave objects that blend plane wave properties (as if solving in the spectral domain) with Green's function properties (as if solving in the spatial domain); and (iv) a representation of the scattered field with Gaussian-beam propagators that may be used in many large (in terms of wavelengths) systems.« less

Antimicrobial Medication Stability During Space Flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Putcha, Lakshmi; Berens, Kurt; Du, Jianping

2004-01-01

The current vision for manned space flight involves lunar and Martian exploration within the next two decades. In order for NASA to achieve these goals, a significant amount of preparation is necessary to assure crew health and safety. A mission critical component of this vision centers around the stability of pharmaceutical preparations contained in the space medicine kits. Evidence suggests that even brief periods of space flight have significant detrimental effects for some pharmaceutical formulations. The effects observed include decreases in physical stability of drug formulations of sufficient magnitude to effect bioavailability. Other formulations exhibit decreases in chemical stability resulting in a loss of potency. Physical or-chemical instability of pharmaceutical formulations i n space medicine kits could render the products ineffective. Of additional concern is the potential for formation of toxic degradation products as a result of the observed product instability. This proposal addresses Question number 11 of Clinical Capabilities in the Critical Path Roadmap. In addition, this proposal will reduce the risks and/or enhance the capabilities of humans exposed to the environments of space flight or an extraterrestrial destination by identifying drugs that may be unstable during spaceflight.

Space charge induced resonance excitation in high intensity rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cousineau, S.; Lee, S. Y.; Holmes, J. A.; Danilov, V.; Fedotov, A.

2003-03-01

We present a particle core model study of the space charge effect on high intensity synchrotron beams, with specific emphasis on the Proton Storage Ring (PSR) at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Our particle core model formulation includes realistic lattice focusing and dispersion. We transport both matched and mismatched beams through real lattice structure and compare the results with those of an equivalent uniform-focusing approximation. The effects of lattice structure and finite momentum spread on the resonance behavior are specifically targeted. Stroboscopic maps of the mismatched envelope are constructed and show high-order resonances and stochastic effects that dominate at high mismatch or high intensity. We observe the evolution of the envelope phase-space structure during a high intensity PSR beam accumulation. Finally, we examine the envelope-particle parametric resonance condition and discuss the possibility for halo growth in synchrotron beams due to this mechanism.

Using Problematizing Ability to Predict Student Performance in a First Course in Computer Programming

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schuyler, Stanley TenEyck

2008-01-01

Problem solving can be thought of in two phases: the first phase is problem formulation and the second solution development. Problem formulation is the process of identifying a problem or opportunity in a situation. Problem Formulation Ability, or PFA, is the ability to perform this process. This research investigated a method to assess PFA and…

Multiphase flows of N immiscible incompressible fluids: A reduction-consistent and thermodynamically-consistent formulation and associated algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, S.

2018-05-01

We present a reduction-consistent and thermodynamically consistent formulation and an associated numerical algorithm for simulating the dynamics of an isothermal mixture consisting of N (N ⩾ 2) immiscible incompressible fluids with different physical properties (densities, viscosities, and pair-wise surface tensions). By reduction consistency we refer to the property that if only a set of M (1 ⩽ M ⩽ N - 1) fluids are present in the system then the N-phase governing equations and boundary conditions will exactly reduce to those for the corresponding M-phase system. By thermodynamic consistency we refer to the property that the formulation honors the thermodynamic principles. Our N-phase formulation is developed based on a more general method that allows for the systematic construction of reduction-consistent formulations, and the method suggests the existence of many possible forms of reduction-consistent and thermodynamically consistent N-phase formulations. Extensive numerical experiments have been presented for flow problems involving multiple fluid components and large density ratios and large viscosity ratios, and the simulation results are compared with the physical theories or the available physical solutions. The comparisons demonstrate that our method produces physically accurate results for this class of problems.

Finite Rotation Analysis of Highly Thin and Flexible Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clarke, Greg V.; Lee, Keejoo; Lee, Sung W.; Broduer, Stephen J. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Deployable space structures such as sunshields and solar sails are extremely thin and highly flexible with limited bending rigidity. For analytical investigation of their responses during deployment and operation in space, these structures can be modeled as thin shells. The present work examines the applicability of the solid shell element formulation to modeling of deployable space structures. The solid shell element formulation that models a shell as a three-dimensional solid is convenient in that no rotational parameters are needed for the description of kinematics of deformation. However, shell elements may suffer from element locking as the thickness becomes smaller unless special care is taken. It is shown that, when combined with the assumed strain formulation, the solid shell element formulation results in finite element models that are free of locking even for extremely thin structures. Accordingly, they can be used for analysis of highly flexible space structures undergoing geometrically nonlinear finite rotations.

Pharmacokinetic evaluation of novel midazolam gel formulations following buccal administration to healthy dogs.

PubMed

Aldawsari, Mohammed F; Lau, Vivian W; Babu, Ramapuram J; Arnold, Robert D; Platt, Simon R

2018-01-01

OBJECTIVE To determine the physiochemical properties and pharmacokinetics of 3 midazolam gel formulations following buccal administration to dogs. ANIMALS 5 healthy adult hounds. PROCEDURES In phase 1 of a 2-phase study, 2 gel formulations were developed that contained 1% midazolam in a poloxamer 407 (P1) or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (H1) base and underwent rheological and in vitro release analyses. Each formulation was buccally administered to 5 dogs such that 0.3 mg of midazolam/kg was delivered. Each dog also received midazolam hydrochloride (0.3 mg/kg, IV). There was a 3-day interval between treatments. Blood samples were collected immediately before and at predetermined times for 8 hours after drug administration for determination of plasma midazolam concentration and pharmacokinetic analysis. During phase 2, a gel containing 2% midazolam in a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose base (H2) was developed on the basis of phase 1 results. That gel was buccally administered such that midazolam doses of 0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg were delivered. Each dog also received midazolam (0.3 mg/kg, IV). All posttreatment procedures were the same as those for phase 1. RESULTS The H1 and H2 formulations had lower viscosity, greater bioavailability, and peak plasma midazolam concentrations that were approximately 2-fold as high, compared with those for the P1 formulation. The mean peak plasma midazolam concentration for the H2 formulation was 187.0 and 106.3 ng/mL when the midazolam dose administered was 0.6 and 0.3 mg/kg, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that buccal administration of gel formulations might be a viable alternative for midazolam administration to dogs.

Optimization of formulation variables of benzocaine liposomes using experimental design.

PubMed

Mura, Paola; Capasso, Gaetano; Maestrelli, Francesca; Furlanetto, Sandra

2008-01-01

This study aimed to optimize, by means of an experimental design multivariate strategy, a liposomal formulation for topical delivery of the local anaesthetic agent benzocaine. The formulation variables for the vesicle lipid phase uses potassium glycyrrhizinate (KG) as an alternative to cholesterol and the addition of a cationic (stearylamine) or anionic (dicethylphosphate) surfactant (qualitative factors); the percents of ethanol and the total volume of the hydration phase (quantitative factors) were the variables for the hydrophilic phase. The combined influence of these factors on the considered responses (encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and percent drug permeated at 180 min (P%)) was evaluated by means of a D-optimal design strategy. Graphic analysis of the effects indicated that maximization of the selected responses requested opposite levels of the considered factors: For example, KG and stearylamine were better for increasing EE%, and cholesterol and dicethylphosphate for increasing P%. In the second step, the Doehlert design, applied for the response-surface study of the quantitative factors, pointed out a negative interaction between percent ethanol and volume of the hydration phase and allowed prediction of the best formulation for maximizing drug permeation rate. Experimental P% data of the optimized formulation were inside the confidence interval (P < 0.05) calculated around the predicted value of the response. This proved the suitability of the proposed approach for optimizing the composition of liposomal formulations and predicting the effects of formulation variables on the considered experimental response. Moreover, the optimized formulation enabled a significant improvement (P < 0.05) of the drug anaesthetic effect with respect to the starting reference liposomal formulation, thus demonstrating its actually better therapeutic effectiveness.

Characteristics of chiral anomaly in view of various applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujikawa, Kazuo

2018-01-01

In view of the recent applications of chiral anomaly to various fields beyond particle physics, we discuss some basic aspects of chiral anomaly which may help deepen our understanding of chiral anomaly in particle physics also. It is first shown that Berry's phase (and its generalization) for the Weyl model H =vFσ →.p →(t ) assumes a monopole form at the exact adiabatic limit but deviates from it off the adiabatic limit and vanishes in the high frequency limit of the Fourier transform of p →(t ) for bounded |p →(t )|. An effective action, which is consistent with the nonadiabatic limit of Berry's phase, combined with the Bjorken-Johnson-Low prescription, gives normal equal-time space-time commutators and no chiral anomaly. In contrast, an effective action with a monopole at the origin of the momentum space, which describes Berry's phase in the precise adiabatic limit but fails off the adiabatic limit, gives anomalous space-time commutators and a covariant anomaly to the gauge current. We regard this anomaly as an artifact of the postulated monopole and not a consequence of Berry's phase. As for the recent application of the chiral anomaly to the description of effective Weyl fermions in condensed matter and nuclear physics, which is closely related to the formulation of lattice chiral fermions, we point out that the chiral anomaly for each species doubler separately vanishes for a finite lattice spacing, contrary to the common assumption. Instead, a general form of pair creation associated with the spectral flow for the Dirac sea with finite depth takes place. This view is supported by the Ginsparg-Wilson fermion, which defines a single Weyl fermion without doublers on the lattice and gives a well-defined index (anomaly) even for a finite lattice spacing. A different use of anomaly in analogy to the partially conserved axial-vector current is also mentioned and could lead to an effect without fermion number nonconservation.

An implicit numerical model for multicomponent compressible two-phase flow in porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zidane, Ali; Firoozabadi, Abbas

2015-11-01

We introduce a new implicit approach to model multicomponent compressible two-phase flow in porous media with species transfer between the phases. In the implicit discretization of the species transport equation in our formulation we calculate for the first time the derivative of the molar concentration of component i in phase α (cα, i) with respect to the total molar concentration (ci) under the conditions of a constant volume V and temperature T. The species transport equation is discretized by the finite volume (FV) method. The fluxes are calculated based on powerful features of the mixed finite element (MFE) method which provides the pressure at grid-cell interfaces in addition to the pressure at the grid-cell center. The efficiency of the proposed model is demonstrated by comparing our results with three existing implicit compositional models. Our algorithm has low numerical dispersion despite the fact it is based on first-order space discretization. The proposed algorithm is very robust.

Comparison of Environmentally Friendly Space Compatible Grease to its Predecessor in a Space Mechanism Bearing Test Rig

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jett, T. R.; Baker, M. A.; Thom, R. L.

1997-01-01

Perfluoroakylpolyether (PFPE) greases are used extensively in critical flight hardware in a space environment. In the past, these greases have been processed using chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) based solvents. In response to the recent ban of CFC's, new formulations of environmentally friendly PFPE greases that are not processed with CFC based solvents were developed. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of a new environmentally friendly formulation PFPE grease to a previously proven space compatible formulation PFPE grease. A one year test using 20 small electrical motors (two bearings per motor) was conducted in a high vacuum environment(2.0 x 10(exp 4)) Torr at a temperature of 90 C. Twenty bearings were lubricated with a new environmentally friendly formulation, and twenty bearings were lubricated with an old formulation. The mass of each lubricated bearing was measured both pre and post test. Along with mass loss measurements a profilometer trace was taken to measure post test wear of the bearings. In addition the bearings were visually examined and analyzed using an optical microscope.

Crossing the dividing surface of transition state theory. III. Once and only once. Selecting reactive trajectories

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

Lorquet, J. C., E-mail: jc.lorquet@ulg.ac.be

2015-09-14

The purpose of the present work is to determine initial conditions that generate reacting, recrossing-free trajectories that cross the conventional dividing surface of transition state theory (i.e., the plane in configuration space passing through a saddle point of the potential energy surface and perpendicular to the reaction coordinate) without ever returning to it. Local analytical equations of motion valid in the neighborhood of this planar surface have been derived as an expansion in Poisson brackets. We show that the mere presence of a saddle point implies that reactivity criteria can be quite simply formulated in terms of elements of thismore » series, irrespective of the shape of the potential energy function. Some of these elements are demonstrated to be equal to a sum of squares and thus to be necessarily positive, which has a profound impact on the dynamics. The method is then applied to a three-dimensional model describing an atom-diatom interaction. A particular relation between initial conditions is shown to generate a bundle of reactive trajectories that form reactive cylinders (or conduits) in phase space. This relation considerably reduces the phase space volume of initial conditions that generate recrossing-free trajectories. Loci in phase space of reactive initial conditions are presented. Reactivity is influenced by symmetry, as shown by a comparative study of collinear and bent transition states. Finally, it is argued that the rules that have been derived to generate reactive trajectories in classical mechanics are also useful to build up a reactive wave packet.« less

Optimal perturbations for nonlinear systems using graph-based optimal transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grover, Piyush; Elamvazhuthi, Karthik

2018-06-01

We formulate and solve a class of finite-time transport and mixing problems in the set-oriented framework. The aim is to obtain optimal discrete-time perturbations in nonlinear dynamical systems to transport a specified initial measure on the phase space to a final measure in finite time. The measure is propagated under system dynamics in between the perturbations via the associated transfer operator. Each perturbation is described by a deterministic map in the measure space that implements a version of Monge-Kantorovich optimal transport with quadratic cost. Hence, the optimal solution minimizes a sum of quadratic costs on phase space transport due to the perturbations applied at specified times. The action of the transport map is approximated by a continuous pseudo-time flow on a graph, resulting in a tractable convex optimization problem. This problem is solved via state-of-the-art solvers to global optimality. We apply this algorithm to a problem of transport between measures supported on two disjoint almost-invariant sets in a chaotic fluid system, and to a finite-time optimal mixing problem by choosing the final measure to be uniform. In both cases, the optimal perturbations are found to exploit the phase space structures, such as lobe dynamics, leading to efficient global transport. As the time-horizon of the problem is increased, the optimal perturbations become increasingly localized. Hence, by combining the transfer operator approach with ideas from the theory of optimal mass transportation, we obtain a discrete-time graph-based algorithm for optimal transport and mixing in nonlinear systems.

Review of hardware cost estimation methods, models and tools applied to early phases of space mission planning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trivailo, O.; Sippel, M.; Şekercioğlu, Y. A.

2012-08-01

The primary purpose of this paper is to review currently existing cost estimation methods, models, tools and resources applicable to the space sector. While key space sector methods are outlined, a specific focus is placed on hardware cost estimation on a system level, particularly for early mission phases during which specifications and requirements are not yet crystallised, and information is limited. For the space industry, cost engineering within the systems engineering framework is an integral discipline. The cost of any space program now constitutes a stringent design criterion, which must be considered and carefully controlled during the entire program life cycle. A first step to any program budget is a representative cost estimate which usually hinges on a particular estimation approach, or methodology. Therefore appropriate selection of specific cost models, methods and tools is paramount, a difficult task given the highly variable nature, scope as well as scientific and technical requirements applicable to each program. Numerous methods, models and tools exist. However new ways are needed to address very early, pre-Phase 0 cost estimation during the initial program research and establishment phase when system specifications are limited, but the available research budget needs to be established and defined. Due to their specificity, for vehicles such as reusable launchers with a manned capability, a lack of historical data implies that using either the classic heuristic approach such as parametric cost estimation based on underlying CERs, or the analogy approach, is therefore, by definition, limited. This review identifies prominent cost estimation models applied to the space sector, and their underlying cost driving parameters and factors. Strengths, weaknesses, and suitability to specific mission types and classes are also highlighted. Current approaches which strategically amalgamate various cost estimation strategies both for formulation and validation of an estimate, and techniques and/or methods to attain representative and justifiable cost estimates are consequently discussed. Ultimately, the aim of the paper is to establish a baseline for development of a non-commercial, low cost, transparent cost estimation methodology to be applied during very early program research phases at a complete vehicle system level, for largely unprecedented manned launch vehicles in the future. This paper takes the first step to achieving this through the identification, analysis and understanding of established, existing techniques, models, tools and resources relevant within the space sector.

Stability of Formulations Contained in the Pharmaceutical Payload Aboard Space Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Putcha, Lakshmi; Du, Brian; Daniels, Vernie; Boyd, Jason L.; Crady, Camille; Satterfield, Rick

2008-01-01

Efficacious pharmaceuticals with adequate shelf life are essential for successful space medical operations in support of space exploration missions. Physical and environmental factors unique to space missions such as vibration, G forces and ionizing radiation may adversely affect stability of pharmaceuticals intended for standard care of astronauts aboard space missions. Stable pharmaceuticals, therefore, are of paramount importance for assuring health and wellness of astronauts in space. Preliminary examination of stability of formulations from Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS) medical kits revealed that some of these medications showed physical and chemical degradation after flight raising concern of reduced therapeutic effectiveness with these medications in space. A research payload experiment was conducted with a select set of formulations stowed aboard a shuttle flight and on ISS. The payload consisted of four identical pharmaceutical kits containing 31 medications in different dosage forms that were transported to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Space Shuttle, STS 121. One of the four kits was stored on the shuttle and the other three were stored on the ISS for return to Earth at six months intervals on a pre-designated Shuttle flight for each kit; the shuttle kit was returned to Earth on the same flight. Standard stability indicating physical and chemical parameters were measured for all pharmaceuticals returned from the shuttle and from the first ISS increment payload along with ground-based matching controls. Results were compared between shuttle, ISS and ground controls. Evaluation of data from the three paradigms indicates that some of the formulations exhibited significant degradation in space compared to respective ground controls; a few formulations were unstable both on the ground and in space. An increase in the number of pharmaceuticals from ISS failing USP standards was noticed compared to those from the shuttle flight. A comprehensive evaluation of results is in progress.

Rethinking wave-kinetic theory applied to zonal flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parker, Jeffrey

2017-10-01

Over the past two decades, a number of studies have employed a wave-kinetic theory to describe fluctuations interacting with zonal flows. Recent work has uncovered a defect in this wave-kinetic formulation: the system is dominated by the growth of (arbitrarily) small-scale zonal structures. Theoretical calculations of linear growth rates suggest, and nonlinear simulations confirm, that this system leads to the concentration of zonal flow energy in the smallest resolved scales, irrespective of the numerical resolution. This behavior results from the assumption that zonal flows are extremely long wavelength, leading to the neglect of key terms responsible for conservation of enstrophy. A corrected theory, CE2-GO, is presented; it is free of these errors yet preserves the intuitive phase-space mathematical structure. CE2-GO properly conserves enstrophy as well as energy, and yields accurate growth rates of zonal flow. Numerical simulations are shown to be well-behaved and not dependent on box size. The steady-state limit simplifies into an exact wave-kinetic form which offers the promise of deeper insight into the behavior of wavepackets. The CE2-GO theory takes its place in a hierarchy of models as the geometrical-optics reduction of the more complete cumulant-expansion statistical theory CE2. The new theory represents the minimal statistical description, enabling an intuitive phase-space formulation and an accurate description of turbulence-zonal flow dynamics. This work was supported by an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, a US DOE Fusion Energy Sciences Fellowship, and US DOE Contract Nos. DE-AC52-07NA27344 and DE-AC02-09CH11466.

Space shuttle post-entry and landing analysis. Volume 2: Appendices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crawford, B. S.; Duiven, E. M.

1973-01-01

Four candidate navigation systems for the space shuttle orbiter approach and landing phase are evaluated in detail. These include three conventional navaid systems and a single-station one-way Doppler system. In each case, a Kalman filter is assumed to be mechanized in the onboard computer, blending the navaid data with IMU and altimeter data. Filter state dimensions ranging from 6 to 24 are involved in the candidate systems. Comprehensive truth models with state dimensions ranging from 63 to 82 are formulated and used to generate detailed error budgets and sensitivity curves illustrating the effect of variations in the size of individual error sources on touchdown accuracy. The projected overall performance of each system is shown in the form of time histories of position and velocity error components.

WFIRST: STScI Science Operations Center (SSOC) Activities and Plans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilbert, Karoline M.; STScI WFIRST Team

2018-01-01

The science operations for the WFIRST Mission will be distributed between Goddard Space Flight Center, the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), and the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC). The STScI Science Operations Center (SSOC) will schedule and archive all WFIRST observations, will calibrate and produce pipeline-reduced data products for the Wide Field Instrument, and will support the astronomical community in planning WFI observations and analyzing WFI data. During the formulation phase, WFIRST team members at STScI have developed operations concepts for scheduling, data management, and the archive; have performed technical studies investigating the impact of WFIRST design choices on data quality and analysis; and have built simulation tools to aid the community in exploring WFIRST’s capabilities. We will highlight examples of each of these efforts.

The damper placement problem for large flexible space structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kincaid, Rex K.

1992-01-01

The damper placement problem for large flexible space truss structures is formulated as a combinatorial optimization problem. The objective is to determine the p truss members of the structure to replace with active (or passive) dampers so that the modal damping ratio is as large as possible for all significant modes of vibration. Equivalently, given a strain energy matrix with rows indexed on the modes and the columns indexed on the truss members, we seek to find the set of p columns such that the smallest row sum, over the p columns, is maximized. We develop a tabu search heuristic for the damper placement problems on the Controls Structures Interaction (CSI) Phase 1 Evolutionary Model (10 modes and 1507 truss members). The resulting solutions are shown to be of high quality.

Reliability Methods for Shield Design Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tripathi, R. K.; Wilson, J. W.

2002-01-01

Providing protection against the hazards of space radiation is a major challenge to the exploration and development of space. The great cost of added radiation shielding is a potential limiting factor in deep space operations. In this enabling technology, we have developed methods for optimized shield design over multi-segmented missions involving multiple work and living areas in the transport and duty phase of space missions. The total shield mass over all pieces of equipment and habitats is optimized subject to career dose and dose rate constraints. An important component of this technology is the estimation of two most commonly identified uncertainties in radiation shield design, the shielding properties of materials used and the understanding of the biological response of the astronaut to the radiation leaking through the materials into the living space. The largest uncertainty, of course, is in the biological response to especially high charge and energy (HZE) ions of the galactic cosmic rays. These uncertainties are blended with the optimization design procedure to formulate reliability-based methods for shield design processes. The details of the methods will be discussed.

NASA's Space Launch System Takes Shape: Progress Toward Safe, Affordable, Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Askins, Bruce R.; Robinson, Kimberly F.

2014-01-01

Development of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) exploration-class heavy lift rocket has moved from the formulation phase to implementation in 3 years and will make significant progress this year toward its first launch, slated December 2017. SLS represents a safe, affordable, and evolutionary path to development of an unprecedented capability for future human and robotic exploration and use of space. For the United States current development is focused on a configuration with a 70 metric ton (t) payload to low Earth orbit (LEO), more than double any operational vehicle. This version will launch NASA's Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) on its first autonomous flight beyond the Moon and back, as well as the first crewed Orion flight. SLS is designed to evolve to a 130 t lift capability that can reduce mission costs, simplify payload design, reduce trip times, and lower overall risk. Each vehicle element completed its respective Preliminary Design Reviews, followed by the SLS Program. The Program also completed the Key Decision Point-C milestone to move from formulation to implementation in 2014. NASA hasthorized the program to proceed to Critical Design Review, scheduled for 2015. Accomplihments to date include: manufacture of core stage test hardware, as well as preparations for testing the world's most powerful solid rocket boosters and main engines that flew 135 successful Space Shuttle missions. The Program's success to date is due to prudent use of existing technology, infrastructure, and workforce; streamlined management approach; and judicious use of new technologies. This paper will discuss SLS Program successes over the past year and examine milestones and challenges ahead. The SLS Program and its elements are managed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).

A numerical model of two-phase flow at the micro-scale using the volume-of-fluid method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shams, Mosayeb; Raeini, Ali Q.; Blunt, Martin J.; Bijeljic, Branko

2018-03-01

This study presents a simple and robust numerical scheme to model two-phase flow in porous media where capillary forces dominate over viscous effects. The volume-of-fluid method is employed to capture the fluid-fluid interface whose dynamics is explicitly described based on a finite volume discretization of the Navier-Stokes equations. Interfacial forces are calculated directly on reconstructed interface elements such that the total curvature is preserved. The computed interfacial forces are explicitly added to the Navier-Stokes equations using a sharp formulation which effectively eliminates spurious currents. The stability and accuracy of the implemented scheme is validated on several two- and three-dimensional test cases, which indicate the capability of the method to model two-phase flow processes at the micro-scale. In particular we show how the co-current flow of two viscous fluids leads to greatly enhanced flow conductance for the wetting phase in corners of the pore space, compared to a case where the non-wetting phase is an inviscid gas.

Lattice Boltzmann simulations of multiple-droplet interaction dynamics.

PubMed

Zhou, Wenchao; Loney, Drew; Fedorov, Andrei G; Degertekin, F Levent; Rosen, David W

2014-03-01

A lattice Boltzmann (LB) formulation, which is consistent with the phase-field model for two-phase incompressible fluid, is proposed to model the interface dynamics of droplet impingement. The interparticle force is derived by comparing the macroscopic transport equations recovered from LB equations with the governing equations of the continuous phase-field model. The inconsistency between the existing LB implementations and the phase-field model in calculating the relaxation time at the phase interface is identified and an approximation is proposed to ensure the consistency with the phase-field model. It is also shown that the commonly used equilibrium velocity boundary for the binary fluid LB scheme does not conserve momentum at the wall boundary and a modified scheme is developed to ensure the momentum conservation at the boundary. In addition, a geometric formulation of the wetting boundary condition is proposed to replace the popular surface energy formulation and results show that the geometric approach enforces the prescribed contact angle better than the surface energy formulation in both static and dynamic wetting. The proposed LB formulation is applied to simulating droplet impingement dynamics in three dimensions and results are compared to those obtained with the continuous phase-field model, the LB simulations reported in the literature, and experimental data from the literature. The results show that the proposed LB simulation approach yields not only a significant speed improvement over the phase-field model in simulating droplet impingement dynamics on a submillimeter length scale, but also better accuracy than both the phase-field model and the previously reported LB techniques when compared to experimental data. Upon validation, the proposed LB modeling methodology is applied to the study of multiple-droplet impingement and interactions in three dimensions, which demonstrates its powerful capability of simulating extremely complex interface phenomena.

Modeling of Bulk Evaporation and Condensation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anghaie, S.; Ding, Z.

1996-01-01

This report describes the modeling and mathematical formulation of the bulk evaporation and condensation involved in liquid-vapor phase change processes. An internal energy formulation, for these phase change processes that occur under the constraint of constant volume, was studied. Compared to the enthalpy formulation, the internal energy formulation has a more concise and compact form. The velocity and time scales of the interface movement were obtained through scaling analysis and verified by performing detailed numerical experiments. The convection effect induced by the density change was analyzed and found to be negligible compared to the conduction effect. Two iterative methods for updating the value of the vapor phase fraction, the energy based (E-based) and temperature based (T-based) methods, were investigated. Numerical experiments revealed that for the evaporation and condensation problems the E-based method is superior to the T-based method in terms of computational efficiency. The internal energy formulation and the E-based method were used to compute the bulk evaporation and condensation processes under different conditions. The evolution of the phase change processes was investigated. This work provided a basis for the modeling of thermal performance of multi-phase nuclear fuel elements under variable gravity conditions, in which the buoyancy convection due to gravity effects and internal heating are involved.

Tactile friction of topical formulations.

PubMed

Skedung, L; Buraczewska-Norin, I; Dawood, N; Rutland, M W; Ringstad, L

2016-02-01

The tactile perception is essential for all types of topical formulations (cosmetic, pharmaceutical, medical device) and the possibility to predict the sensorial response by using instrumental methods instead of sensory testing would save time and cost at an early stage product development. Here, we report on an instrumental evaluation method using tactile friction measurements to estimate perceptual attributes of topical formulations. Friction was measured between an index finger and an artificial skin substrate after application of formulations using a force sensor. Both model formulations of liquid crystalline phase structures with significantly different tactile properties, as well as commercial pharmaceutical moisturizing creams being more tactile-similar, were investigated. Friction coefficients were calculated as the ratio of the friction force to the applied load. The structures of the model formulations and phase transitions as a result of water evaporation were identified using optical microscopy. The friction device could distinguish friction coefficients between the phase structures, as well as the commercial creams after spreading and absorption into the substrate. In addition, phase transitions resulting in alterations in the feel of the formulations could be detected. A correlation was established between skin hydration and friction coefficient, where hydrated skin gave rise to higher friction. Also a link between skin smoothening and finger friction was established for the commercial moisturizing creams, although further investigations are needed to analyse this and correlations with other sensorial attributes in more detail. The present investigation shows that tactile friction measurements have potential as an alternative or complement in the evaluation of perception of topical formulations. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Moisture-induced phase separation and recrystallization in amorphous solid dispersions.

PubMed

Luebbert, Christian; Sadowski, Gabriele

2017-10-30

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) are often dissolved in polymeric matrices to control the gastrointestinal dissolution and to stabilize the amorphous state of the API. During the pharmaceutical development of new formulations, stability studies via storage at certain temperature and relative humidity (RH) have to be carried out to verify the long-term thermodynamic stability of these formulations against unwanted recrystallization and moisture-induced amorphous-amorphous phase separation (MIAPS). This study focuses on predicting the MIAPS of API/polymer formulations at elevated RH. In a first step, the phase behavior of water-free formulations of ibuprofen (IBU) and felodipine (FEL) combined with the polymers poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAC) and poly (vinyl pyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) (PVPVA64) was determined experimentally by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The phase behavior of these water-free formulations was modeled using the Perturbed-Chain Statistical Associating Fluid Theory (PC-SAFT). Based on this, the API solubility and MIAPS in the above-mentioned formulations at humid conditions was predicted in perfect agreement with the results of two-year lasting stability studies at 25°C/0% RH and 40°C/75% RH. MIAPS was predicted and also experimentally found for the FEL/PVP, FEL/PVPVA64 and IBU/PVP formulations, whereas MIAPS was neither predicted nor measured for the IBU/PVPVA64 system and PVAC-containing formulations. It was thus shown that the results of time-consuming long-term stability tests can be correctly predicted via thermodynamic modeling with PC-SAFT. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrically conductive, black thermal control coatings for space craft application. II - Silicone matrix formulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hribar, V. F.; Bauer, J. L.; O'Donnell, T. P.

1986-01-01

Five black electrically conductive thermal-control coatings have been formulated and tested for application on the Galileo spacecraft. The coatings consisted of organic and inorganic systems applied on titanium and aluminum surfaces. The coatings were tested under simulated space environment conditions. Coated specimens were subjected to thermal radiation and convective and conductive heating from -196 to 538 C. Mechanical, physical, thermal, electrical, and optical characteristics, formulation, mixing, application, surface preparation of substrates, and a method of determining electrical resistance are presented for the silicone matrix formulation designated as GF-580.

The initial value problem in Lagrangian drift kinetic theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burby, J. W.

2016-06-01

> Existing high-order variational drift kinetic theories contain unphysical rapidly varying modes that are not seen at low orders. These unphysical modes, which may be rapidly oscillating, damped or growing, are ushered in by a failure of conventional high-order drift kinetic theory to preserve the structure of its parent model's initial value problem. In short, the (infinite dimensional) system phase space is unphysically enlarged in conventional high-order variational drift kinetic theory. I present an alternative, `renormalized' variational approach to drift kinetic theory that manifestly respects the parent model's initial value problem. The basic philosophy underlying this alternate approach is that high-order drift kinetic theory ought to be derived by truncating the all-orders system phase-space Lagrangian instead of the usual `field particle' Lagrangian. For the sake of clarity, this story is told first through the lens of a finite-dimensional toy model of high-order variational drift kinetics; the analogous full-on drift kinetic story is discussed subsequently. The renormalized drift kinetic system, while variational and just as formally accurate as conventional formulations, does not support the troublesome rapidly varying modes.

Lorenz system in the thermodynamic modelling of leukaemia malignancy.

PubMed

Alexeev, Igor

2017-05-01

The core idea of the proposed thermodynamic modelling of malignancy in leukaemia is entropy arising within normal haematopoiesis. Mathematically its description is supposed to be similar to the Lorenz system of ordinary differential equations for simplified processes of heat flow in fluids. The hypothetical model provides a description of remission and relapse in leukaemia as two hierarchical and qualitatively different states of normal haematopoiesis with their own phase spaces. Phase space transition is possible through pitchfork bifurcation, which is considered the common symmetrical scenario for relapse, induced remission and the spontaneous remission of leukaemia. Cytopenia is regarded as an adaptive reaction of haematopoiesis to an increase in entropy caused by leukaemia clones. The following predictions are formulated: a) the percentage of leukaemia cells in marrow as a criterion of remission or relapse is not necessarily constant but is a variable value; b) the probability of remission depends upon normal haematopoiesis reaching bifurcation; c) the duration of remission depends upon the eradication of leukaemia cells through induction or consolidation therapies; d) excessively high doses of chemotherapy in consolidation may induce relapse. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

How much information is in a jet?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Datta, Kaustuv; Larkoski, Andrew

2017-06-01

Machine learning techniques are increasingly being applied toward data analyses at the Large Hadron Collider, especially with applications for discrimination of jets with different originating particles. Previous studies of the power of machine learning to jet physics have typically employed image recognition, natural language processing, or other algorithms that have been extensively developed in computer science. While these studies have demonstrated impressive discrimination power, often exceeding that of widely-used observables, they have been formulated in a non-constructive manner and it is not clear what additional information the machines are learning. In this paper, we study machine learning for jet physics constructively, expressing all of the information in a jet onto sets of observables that completely and minimally span N-body phase space. For concreteness, we study the application of machine learning for discrimination of boosted, hadronic decays of Z bosons from jets initiated by QCD processes. Our results demonstrate that the information in a jet that is useful for discrimination power of QCD jets from Z bosons is saturated by only considering observables that are sensitive to 4-body (8 dimensional) phase space.

Dynamical analysis on f(R, G) cosmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santos da Costa, S.; Roig, F. V.; Alcaniz, J. S.; Capozziello, S.; De Laurentis, M.; Benetti, M.

2018-04-01

We use a dynamical system approach to study the cosmological viability of f(R, G) gravity theories. The method consists of formulating the evolution equations as an autonomous system of ordinary differential equations, using suitable variables. The formalism is applied to a class of models in which f(R, G)\\propto RnG1-n and its solutions and corresponding stability are analysed in detail. New accelerating solutions that can be attractors in the phase space are found. We also find that this class of models does not exhibit a matter-dominated epoch, a solution which is inconsistent with current cosmological observations.

Fractional dynamics using an ensemble of classical trajectories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Zhaopeng; Dong, Hao; Zheng, Yujun

2018-01-01

A trajectory-based formulation for fractional dynamics is presented and the trajectories are generated deterministically. In this theoretical framework, we derive a new class of estimators in terms of confluent hypergeometric function (F11) to represent the Riesz fractional derivative. Using this method, the simulation of free and confined Lévy flight are in excellent agreement with the exact numerical and analytical results. In addition, the barrier crossing in a bistable potential driven by Lévy noise of index α is investigated. In phase space, the behavior of trajectories reveal the feature of Lévy flight in a better perspective.

Order and chaos in the one-dimensional ϕ4 model: N-dependence and the Second Law of Thermodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoover, William Graham; Aoki, Kenichiro

2017-08-01

We revisit the equilibrium one-dimensional ϕ4 model from the dynamical systems point of view. We find an infinite number of periodic orbits which are computationally stable. At the same time some of the orbits are found to exhibit positive Lyapunov exponents! The periodic orbits confine every particle in a periodic chain to trace out either the same or a mirror-image trajectory in its two-dimensional phase space. These ;computationally stable; sets of pairs of single-particle orbits are either symmetric or antisymmetric to the very last computational bit. In such a periodic chain the odd-numbered and even-numbered particles' coordinates and momenta are either identical or differ only in sign. ;Positive Lyapunov exponents; can and do result if an infinitesimal perturbation breaking a perfect two-dimensional antisymmetry is introduced so that the motion expands into a four-dimensional phase space. In that extended space a positive exponent results. We formulate a standard initial condition for the investigation of the microcanonical chaotic number dependence of the model. We speculate on the uniqueness of the model's chaotic sea and on the connection of such collections of deterministic and time-reversible states to the Second Law of Thermodynamics.

Synergies between human space exploration and science in the asteroid redirect mission and the potential Italian participation in the asteroid redirect robotic mission phase⋆

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tantardini, Marco; Flamini, Enrico

2017-07-01

In 2010, the study proposal called Asteroid Retrieval Mission (ARM) was selected by the Keck Institute for Space Studies (KISS) at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). ARM had, as its main goal, the ambition to give a feasible, and realistic from a budget standpoint, destination to NASA Human Space Exploration (HSE) after the International Space Station (ISS), fulfilling President Obama's goal to have astronaut reach and interact with an asteroid (NEO) by 2025. ARM was formulated exploiting synergies between HSE and science, and with benefits also for technology development and in-space validation. In 2013, ARM, renamed Asteroid Redirect Mission, became a NASA program with the support of the White House. The Italian Space Agency (ASI) expressed interest to participate in the robotic phase of ARM, called Asteroid Redirect Robotic Mission (ARRM). This presentation, given at the XIII National (Italian) Congress of Planetary Sciences, had the goal to introduce ARM to the Italian scientific community to gather proposals for the possible Italian participation in NASA ARRM, such as ASI payloads that could be possibly hosted on NASA ARRM.

A three-dimensional multiphase flow model for assesing NAPL contamination in porous and fractured media, 1. Formulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huyakorn, P. S.; Panday, S.; Wu, Y. S.

1994-06-01

A three-dimensional, three-phase numerical model is presented for stimulating the movement on non-aqueous-phase liquids (NAPL's) through porous and fractured media. The model is designed for practical application to a wide variety of contamination and remediation scenarios involving light or dense NAPL's in heterogeneous subsurface systems. The model formulation is first derived for three-phase flow of water, NAPL and air (or vapor) in porous media. The formulation is then extended to handle fractured systems using the dual-porosity and discrete-fracture modeling approaches The model accommodates a wide variety of boundary conditions, including withdrawal and injection well conditions which are treated rigorously using fully implicit schemes. The three-phase of formulation collapses to its simpler forms when air-phase dynamics are neglected, capillary effects are neglected, or two-phase-air-liquid, liquid-liquid systems with one or two active phases are considered. A Galerkin procedure with upstream weighting of fluid mobilities, storage matrix lumping, and fully implicit treatment of nonlinear coefficients and well conditions is used. A variety of nodal connectivity schemes leading to finite-difference, finite-element and hybrid spatial approximations in three dimensions are incorporated in the formulation. Selection of primary variables and evaluation of the terms of the Jacobian matrix for the Newton-Raphson linearized equations is discussed. The various nodal lattice options, and their significance to the computational time and memory requirements with regards to the block-Orthomin solution scheme are noted. Aggressive time-stepping schemes and under-relaxation formulas implemented in the code further alleviate the computational burden.

A new finite element formulation for computational fluid dynamics. IX - Fourier analysis of space-time Galerkin/least-squares algorithms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shakib, Farzin; Hughes, Thomas J. R.

1991-01-01

A Fourier stability and accuracy analysis of the space-time Galerkin/least-squares method as applied to a time-dependent advective-diffusive model problem is presented. Two time discretizations are studied: a constant-in-time approximation and a linear-in-time approximation. Corresponding space-time predictor multi-corrector algorithms are also derived and studied. The behavior of the space-time algorithms is compared to algorithms based on semidiscrete formulations.

In vitro evaluation of suspoemulsions for in situ-forming polymeric microspheres and controlled release of progesterone.

PubMed

Turino, Ludmila N; Mariano, Rodolfo N; Mengatto, Luciano N; Luna, Julio A

2015-01-01

One possibility to obtain a higher dose of drug in a lower formulation volume can be by using of saturated quantity of drug in one of the phases of an emulsion. These formulations are called suspoemulsions (S/O/W). When a hydrophobic polymer is added to the organic phase of suspoemulsions, these formulations can be used to entrap the drug inside microspheres after in situ precipitation of the polymer-drug-excipients mix. In this work, performance and stability of progesterone suspensions in triacetin as organic phase of suspoemulsions were evaluated. These formulations were compared with O/W emulsions. Mathematical models were used to study in vitro release profiles. The results confirmed that S/O/W systems could be an attractive alternative to O/W formulations for the entrapment of progesterone inside poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres. Diffusive-based models fit the in vitro release of progesterone from in situ-formed microspheres. For longer release periods, a time-dependent diffusion coefficient was successfully estimated.

Hybrid BEM/empirical approach for scattering of correlated sources in rocket noise prediction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barbarino, Mattia; Adamo, Francesco P.; Bianco, Davide; Bartoccini, Daniele

2017-09-01

Empirical models such as the Eldred standard model are commonly used for rocket noise prediction. Such models directly provide a definition of the Sound Pressure Level through the quadratic pressure term by uncorrelated sources. In this paper, an improvement of the Eldred Standard model has been formulated. This new formulation contains an explicit expression for the acoustic pressure of each noise source, in terms of amplitude and phase, in order to investigate the sources correlation effects and to propagate them through a wave equation. In particular, the correlation effects between adjacent and not-adjacent sources have been modeled and analyzed. The noise prediction obtained with the revised Eldred-based model has then been used for formulating an empirical/BEM (Boundary Element Method) hybrid approach that allows an evaluation of the scattering effects. In the framework of the European Space Agency funded program VECEP (VEga Consolidation and Evolution Programme), these models have been applied for the prediction of the aeroacoustics loads of the VEGA (Vettore Europeo di Generazione Avanzata - Advanced Generation European Carrier Rocket) launch vehicle at lift-off and the results have been compared with experimental data.

Finite-deformation phase-field chemomechanics for multiphase, multicomponent solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svendsen, Bob; Shanthraj, Pratheek; Raabe, Dierk

2018-03-01

The purpose of this work is the development of a framework for the formulation of geometrically non-linear inelastic chemomechanical models for a mixture of multiple chemical components diffusing among multiple transforming solid phases. The focus here is on general model formulation. No specific model or application is pursued in this work. To this end, basic balance and constitutive relations from non-equilibrium thermodynamics and continuum mixture theory are combined with a phase-field-based description of multicomponent solid phases and their interfaces. Solid phase modeling is based in particular on a chemomechanical free energy and stress relaxation via the evolution of phase-specific concentration fields, order-parameter fields (e.g., related to chemical ordering, structural ordering, or defects), and local internal variables. At the mixture level, differences or contrasts in phase composition and phase local deformation in phase interface regions are treated as mixture internal variables. In this context, various phase interface models are considered. In the equilibrium limit, phase contrasts in composition and local deformation in the phase interface region are determined via bulk energy minimization. On the chemical side, the equilibrium limit of the current model formulation reduces to a multicomponent, multiphase, generalization of existing two-phase binary alloy interface equilibrium conditions (e.g., KKS). On the mechanical side, the equilibrium limit of one interface model considered represents a multiphase generalization of Reuss-Sachs conditions from mechanical homogenization theory. Analogously, other interface models considered represent generalizations of interface equilibrium conditions consistent with laminate and sharp-interface theory. In the last part of the work, selected existing models are formulated within the current framework as special cases and discussed in detail.

Nanoemulsion: for improved oral delivery of repaglinide.

PubMed

Akhtar, Juber; Siddiqui, Hefazat Hussain; Fareed, Sheeba; Badruddeen; Khalid, Mohammad; Aqil, Mohammed

2016-07-01

Repaglinide (RPG) is a fast-acting prandial glucose regulator. It acts by stimulating insulin release from pancreatic β-cells. Recurrent dosing of RPG before each meal is burdensome remedy. Hence the plan of the present study was to evaluate nanoemulsion as a hopeful carrier for RPG for persistent hypoglycemic effect. The drug was incorporated into oil phase of nanoemulsion to give improved biopharmaceutical properties as compared to the lipid-based systems. Pseudo ternary phase diagrams were prepared by aqueous titration method. Formulations were selected at a difference of 5% w/w of oil from the o/w nanoemulsion region of phase diagrams. The optimized nanoemulsion formulation constituted sefsol-218 (5% v/v) as an oil phase, 30% v/v of Tween-80 and transcutol as a surfactant and co-surfactant to restrain nanodroplet size and low viscosity and distilled water (65%). In vitro dissolution studies showed higher drug release (98.22%), finest droplet size (76.23 nm), slightest polydispersity value (0.183), least viscosity (21.45 cps) and immeasurable dilution capability from the nanoemulsion as compared with existing oral tablet formulation. The optimized RPG nanoemulsion formulation showed better hypoglycemic effect in comparison to tablet formulation in experimental diabetic rats. No significant variations were also observed in the optimized formulation when subjected to accelerated stability study at different temperature and relative humidity over a period of 3 months.

EMC Aspects of Turbulence Heating ObserveR (THOR) Spacecraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soucek, J.; Ahlen, L.; Bale, S.; Bonnell, J.; Boudin, N.; Brienza, D.; Carr, C.; Cipriani, F.; Escoubet, C. P.; Fazakerley, A.; Gehler, M.; Genot, V.; Hilgers, A.; Hanock, B.; Jannet, G.; Junge, A.; Khotyaintsev, Y.; De Keyser, J.; Kucharek, H.; Lan, R.; Lavraud, B.; Leblanc, F.; Magnes, W.; Mansour, M.; Marcucci, M. F.; Nakamura, R.; Nemecek, Z.; Owen, C.; Phal, Y.; Retino, A.; Rodgers, D.; Safrankova, J.; Sahraoui, F.; Vainio, R.; Wimmer-Schweingruber, R.; Steinhagen, J.; Vaivads, A.; Wielders, A.; Zaslavsky, A.

2016-05-01

Turbulence Heating ObserveR (THOR) is a spacecraft mission dedicated to the study of plasma turbulence in near-Earth space. The mission is currently under study for implementation as a part of ESA Cosmic Vision program. THOR will involve a single spinning spacecraft equipped with state of the art instruments capable of sensitive measurements of electromagnetic fields and plasma particles. The sensitive electric and magnetic field measurements require that the spacecraft- generated emissions are restricted and strictly controlled; therefore a comprehensive EMC program has been put in place already during the study phase. The THOR study team and a dedicated EMC working group are formulating the mission EMC requirements already in the earliest phase of the project to avoid later delays and cost increases related to EMC. This article introduces the THOR mission and reviews the current state of its EMC requirements.

An investigation of quasi-inertial attitude control for a solar power satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Juang, J.-N.; Wang, S. J.

1982-01-01

An efficient means, a quasi-inertial attitude mode, is developed for maintaining the normal solar orientation of a space satellite for power collection in a synchronous orbit. Formulae are presented which establish the basic parametric properties for ideal quasi-inertial attitude and phasing. An active control system is necessary to compensate for the energy loss since energy dissipation in widely oscillating flexible bodies produces an instability of the quasi-inertial attitude in the sense that the spacecraft will tumble at the orbit rate. A fixed terminal time and state optimal control problem is formulated and an algorithm for determining the optimal control as a means for the periodical attitude and phase compensation is developed. The vehicle orientation affected by internal disturbance (structural flexibility) and external disturbances (e.g., drag forces) is maintained by a specialized controller design.

Coupled flow and deformations in granular systems beyond the pendular regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Chao; Chareyre, Bruno; Darve, Felix

2017-06-01

A pore-scale numerical model is proposed for simulating the quasi-static primary drainage and the hydro-mechanical couplings in multiphase granular systems. The solid skeleton is idealized to a dense random packing of polydisperse spheres by DEM. The fluids (nonwetting and wetting phases) space is decomposed to a network of tetrahedral pores based on the Regular Triangulation method. The local drainage rules and invasion logic are defined. The fluid forces acting on solid grains are formulated. The model can simulate the hydraulic evolution from a fully saturated state to a low level of saturation but beyond the pendular regime. The features of wetting phase entrapments and capillary fingering can also be reproduced. Finally, a primary drainage test is performed on a 40,000 spheres of sample. The water retention curve is obtained. The solid skeleton first shrinks then swells.

A Preliminary Study on the Vapor/Mist Phase Lubrication of a Spur Gearbox

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morales, Wilfredo; Handschuh, Robert F.

1999-01-01

Organophosphates have been the primary compounds used in vapor/mist phase lubrication studies involving ferrous bearing material. Experimental results have indicated that the initial formation of an iron phosphate film on a rubbing ferrous surface, followed by the growth (by cationic diffusion) of a lubricious pyrophosphate-type coating over the iron phosphate, is the reason organophosphates work well as vapor/mist phase lubricants. Recent work, however, has shown that this mechanism leads to the depletion of surface iron atoms and to eventual lubrication failure. A new organophosphate formulation was developed which circumvents surface iron depletion. This formulation was tested by generating an iron phosphate coating on an aluminum surface. The new formulation was then used to vapor/mist phase lubricate a spur gearbox in a preliminary study.

Operator Formulation of Classical Mechanics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cohn, Jack

1980-01-01

Discusses the construction of an operator formulation of classical mechanics which is directly concerned with wave packets in configuration space and is more similar to that of convential quantum theory than other extant operator formulations of classical mechanics. (Author/HM)

36 CFR 906.4 - Formulation of affirmative action plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... CORPORATION AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY AND PROCEDURE Development Program § 906.4 Formulation of affirmative action plan. (a) The developer, in formulating the Affirmative Action Plan, should consider all phases of... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Formulation of affirmative...

Development of a discriminative biphasic in vitro dissolution test and correlation with in vivo pharmacokinetic studies for differently formulated racecadotril granules.

PubMed

Deng, Jia; Staufenbiel, Sven; Hao, Shilei; Wang, Bochu; Dashevskiy, Andriy; Bodmeier, Roland

2017-06-10

The purpose of this study was to discriminate the release behavior from three differently formulated racecadotril (BCS II) granules and to establish an in vitro-in vivo correlation. Three granule formulations of the lipophilic drug were prepared with equivalent composition but prepared with different manufacturing processes (dry granulation, wet granulation with or without binder). In vitro release of the three granules was investigated using a biphasic dissolution system (phosphate buffer pH6.8 and octanol) and compared to the conventional single phase USP II dissolution test performed under sink and non-sink conditions. In vivo studies with each granule formulation were performed in rats. Interestingly, the granule formulations exhibited pronouncedly different behavior in the different dissolution systems depending on different wetting and dissolution conditions. Single phase USP II dissolution tests lacked discrimination. In contrast, remarkable discrimination between the granule formulations was observed in the octanol phase of biphasic dissolution system with a rank order of release from granules prepared by wet granulation with binder>wet granulation without binder>dry granulation. This release order correlated well with the wettability of these granules. An excellent correlation was also established between in vitro release in the octanol phase of the biphasic test and in vivo data (R 2 =0.999). Compared to conventional dissolution methods, the biphasic method provides great potential to discriminate between only minor formulation and process changes within the same dosage form for poorly soluble drugs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A RP-LC method with evaporative light scattering detection for the assay of simethicone in pharmaceutical formulations.

PubMed

Moore, Douglas E; Liu, Tina X; Miao, William G; Edwards, Alison; Elliss, Russell

2002-09-05

A reversed-phase liquid chromatographic method has been developed and validated for the determination of the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) component of Simethicone, which is used as an anti-foaming agent in pharmaceutical formulations. The method involves acidification to neutralise antacid components of the formulation, then a single extraction of the PDMS with dichloromethane. This is followed by separation with a reversed-phase column using an acetonitrile-chloroform solvent gradient, and quantification by an evaporative light scattering detector. An assay precision of 3% was achieved in intraday and interday determinations. No interference was found from the aluminium and magnesium hydroxide components of antacid formulations.

Formulation and evaluation of flurbiprofen microemulsion.

PubMed

Ambade, K W; Jadhav, S L; Gambhire, M N; Kurmi, S D; Kadam, V J; Jadhav, K R

2008-01-01

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the microemulsion formulations for topical delivery of Flurbiprofen (FP) in order to by pass its gastrointestinal adverse effects. The pseudoternary phase diagrams were developed and various microemulsion formulations were prepared using Isopropyl Myristate (IPM), Ethyl Oleate (EO) as oils, Aerosol OT as surfactant and Sorbitan Monooleate as cosurfactant. The transdermal permeability of flurbiprofen from microemulsions containing IPM and EO as two different oil phases was analyzed using Keshary-Chien diffusion cell through excised rat skin. Flurbiprofen showed higher in vitro permeation from IPM as compared to that of from EO microemulsion. Thus microemulsion containing IPM as oil phase were selected for optimization. The optimization was carried out using 2(3) factorial design. The optimized formula was then subjected to in vivo anti-inflammatory study and the performance of flurbiprofen from optimized formulation was compared with that of gel cream. Flurbiprofen from optimized microemulsion formulation was found to be more effective as compared to gel cream in inhibiting the carrageenan induced rat paw edema at all time intervals. Histopathological investigation of rat skin revealed the safety of microemulsion formulation for topical use. Thus the present study indicates that, microemulsion can be a promising vehicle for the topical delivery of flurbiprofen.

Modelling compressible dense and dilute two-phase flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saurel, Richard; Chinnayya, Ashwin; Carmouze, Quentin

2017-06-01

Many two-phase flow situations, from engineering science to astrophysics, deal with transition from dense (high concentration of the condensed phase) to dilute concentration (low concentration of the same phase), covering the entire range of volume fractions. Some models are now well accepted at the two limits, but none are able to cover accurately the entire range, in particular regarding waves propagation. In the present work, an alternative to the Baer and Nunziato (BN) model [Baer, M. R. and Nunziato, J. W., "A two-phase mixture theory for the deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) in reactive granular materials," Int. J. Multiphase Flow 12(6), 861 (1986)], initially designed for dense flows, is built. The corresponding model is hyperbolic and thermodynamically consistent. Contrarily to the BN model that involves 6 wave speeds, the new formulation involves 4 waves only, in agreement with the Marble model [Marble, F. E., "Dynamics of a gas containing small solid particles," Combustion and Propulsion (5th AGARD Colloquium) (Pergamon Press, 1963), Vol. 175] based on pressureless Euler equations for the dispersed phase, a well-accepted model for low particle volume concentrations. In the new model, the presence of pressure in the momentum equation of the particles and consideration of volume fractions in the two phases render the model valid for large particle concentrations. A symmetric version of the new model is derived as well for liquids containing gas bubbles. This model version involves 4 characteristic wave speeds as well, but with different velocities. Last, the two sub-models with 4 waves are combined in a unique formulation, valid for the full range of volume fractions. It involves the same 6 wave speeds as the BN model, but at a given point of space, 4 waves only emerge, depending on the local volume fractions. The non-linear pressure waves propagate only in the phase with dominant volume fraction. The new model is tested numerically on various test problems ranging from separated phases in a shock tube to shock-particle cloud interaction. Its predictions are compared to BN and Marble models as well as against experimental data showing clear improvements.

Generalized thermoelastic problem of an infinite body with a spherical cavity under dual-phase-lags

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karmakar, R.; Sur, A.; Kanoria, M.

2016-07-01

The aim of the present contribution is the determination of the thermoelastic temperatures, stress, displacement, and strain in an infinite isotropic elastic body with a spherical cavity in the context of the mechanism of the two-temperature generalized thermoelasticity theory (2TT). The two-temperature Lord-Shulman (2TLS) model and two-temperature dual-phase-lag (2TDP) model of thermoelasticity are combined into a unified formulation with unified parameters. The medium is assumed to be initially quiescent. The basic equations are written in the form of a vector matrix differential equation in the Laplace transform domain, which is then solved by the state-space approach. The expressions for the conductive temperature and elongation are obtained at small times. The numerical inversion of the transformed solutions is carried out by using the Fourier-series expansion technique. A comparative study is performed for the thermoelastic stresses, conductive temperature, thermodynamic temperature, displacement, and elongation computed by using the Lord-Shulman and dual-phase-lag models.

Organizing the Confusion Surrounding Workaholism: New Structure, Measure, and Validation

PubMed Central

Shkoler, Or; Rabenu, Edna; Vasiliu, Cristinel; Sharoni, Gil; Tziner, Aharon

2017-01-01

Since “workaholism” was coined, a considerable body of research was conducted to shed light on its essence. After at least 40 years of studying this important phenomenon, a large variety of definitions, conceptualizations, and measures emerged. In order to try and bring more integration and consensus to this construct, the current research was conducted in two phases. We aimed to formulate a theoretical definitional framework for workaholism, capitalizing upon the Facet Theory Approach. Two basic facets were hypothesized: A. Modalities of workaholism, with three elements: cognitive, emotional, and instrumental; and B. Resources of workaholism with two elements: time and effort. Based on this definitional framework, a structured questionnaire was conceived. In the first phase, the new measure was validated with an Israeli sample comparing two statistical procedures; Factor Analysis (FA) and Smallest Space Analysis (SSA). In the second phase, we aimed to replicate the findings, and to contrast the newly-devised questionnaire with other extant workaholism measures, with a Romanian sample. Theoretical implications and future research suggestions are discussed. PMID:29097989

Visualization of Discontinuous Galerkin Based High-Order Methods

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-19

function and the reference- to physical- space mapping functions. This formulation can be used to measure the quality of a high-order element and also for...to physical- space mapping functions. This formulation can be used to measure the quality of a high-order element and also for AMR. We find that the

Evidence-informed policy formulation and implementation: a comparative case study of two national policies for improving health and social care in Sweden.

PubMed

Strehlenert, H; Richter-Sundberg, L; Nyström, M E; Hasson, H

2015-12-08

Evidence has come to play a central role in health policymaking. However, policymakers tend to use other types of information besides research evidence. Most prior studies on evidence-informed policy have focused on the policy formulation phase without a systematic analysis of its implementation. It has been suggested that in order to fully understand the policy process, the analysis should include both policy formulation and implementation. The purpose of the study was to explore and compare two policies aiming to improve health and social care in Sweden and to empirically test a new conceptual model for evidence-informed policy formulation and implementation. Two concurrent national policies were studied during the entire policy process using a longitudinal, comparative case study approach. Data was collected through interviews, observations, and documents. A Conceptual Model for Evidence-Informed Policy Formulation and Implementation was developed based on prior frameworks for evidence-informed policymaking and policy dissemination and implementation. The conceptual model was used to organize and analyze the data. The policies differed regarding the use of evidence in the policy formulation and the extent to which the policy formulation and implementation phases overlapped. Similarities between the cases were an emphasis on capacity assessment, modified activities based on the assessment, and a highly active implementation approach relying on networks of stakeholders. The Conceptual Model for Evidence-Informed Policy Formulation and Implementation was empirically useful to organize the data. The policy actors' roles and functions were found to have a great influence on the choices of strategies and collaborators in all policy phases. The Conceptual Model for Evidence-Informed Policy Formulation and Implementation was found to be useful. However, it provided insufficient guidance for analyzing actors involved in the policy process, capacity-building strategies, and overlapping policy phases. A revised version of the model that includes these aspects is suggested.

Formulation and development of bicontinuous nanostructured liquid crystalline particles of efavirenz.

PubMed

Avachat, Amelia M; Parpani, Shreekrishna S

2015-02-01

Efavirenz is a lipophilic non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used in the first-line pediatric therapeutic cocktail. Due to its high lipophilicity (logP = 5.4) and poor aqueous solubility (intrinsic water solubility = 8.3 μg/mL) efavirenz has low bioavailability. A 30 mg/mL solution in a medium-chain triglyceride vehicle is the only pediatric formulation available with an oral bioavailability 20% lower than the solid form. The current work was aimed at formulating and characterizing liquid crystal nanoparticles for oral delivery of efavirenz to improve oral bioavailability, provide sustained release, minimize side effects and drug resistance. Formulation of cubosomes was done by two methods; sonication and spray drying. Sonication gave highest entrapment efficiency and least particle size. Further, monoolein was substituted with phytantriol as monoolein gets degraded in the presence of lipase when administered orally with consequent loss of liquid crystalline structure. It was confirmed that there was no difference in particle size, entrapment efficiency and nature of product formed by using monoolein or phytantriol. The best formulation was found to be F9, having particle size 104.19 ± 0.21 nm and entrapment efficiency 91.40 ± 0.10%. In vitro release at the end of 12h was found to be 56.45% and zeta potential to be -23.14 mV which stabilized the cubic phase dispersions. It was further characterized for TEM, small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), DSC and stability studies. SAXS revealed Pn3m space group, indicating a diamond cubic phase which was further confirmed by TEM. Pharmacokinetics of EFV was studied in male Wistar rats. EFV-loaded cubosome dispersions exhibited 1.93 and 1.62-fold increase in peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and 1.48 and 1.42-fold increase in AUC in comparison to that of a suspension prepared with the contents of EFV capsules suspended in 1.5% carboxymethylcellulose PBS solution (pH 5.0), and an EFV solution in medium-chain triglyceride respectively. Thus, stable cubosomes of efavirenz with increased bioavailability providing sustained release effect could be prepared successfully using phytantriol and poloxamer 407. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Continuous production of itraconazole-based solid dispersions by hot melt extrusion: Preformulation, optimization and design space determination.

PubMed

Thiry, Justine; Lebrun, Pierre; Vinassa, Chloe; Adam, Marine; Netchacovitch, Lauranne; Ziemons, Eric; Hubert, Philippe; Krier, Fabrice; Evrard, Brigitte

2016-12-30

The purpose of this work was to increase the solubility and the dissolution rate of itraconazole, which was chosen as the model drug, by obtaining an amorphous solid dispersion by hot melt extrusion. Therefore, an initial preformulation study was conducted using differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and Hansen's solubility parameters in order to find polymers which would have the ability to form amorphous solid dispersions with itraconazole. Afterwards, the four polymers namely Kollidon ® VA64, Kollidon ® 12PF, Affinisol ® HPMC and Soluplus ® , that met the set criteria were used in hot melt extrusion along with 25wt.% of itraconazole. Differential scanning confirmed that all four polymers were able to amorphize itraconazole. A stability study was then conducted in order to see which polymer would keep itraconazole amorphous as long as possible. Soluplus ® was chosen and, the formulation was fine-tuned by adding some excipients (AcDiSol ® , sodium bicarbonate and poloxamer) during the hot melt extrusion process in order to increase the release rate of itraconazole. In parallel, the range limits of the hot melt extrusion process parameters were determined. A design of experiment was performed within the previously defined ranges in order to optimize simultaneously the formulation and the process parameters. The optimal formulation was the one containing 2.5wt.% of AcDiSol ® produced at 155°C and 100rpm. When tested with a biphasic dissolution test, more than 80% of itraconazole was released in the organic phase after 8h. Moreover, this formulation showed the desired thermoformability value. From these results, the design space around the optimum was determined. It corresponds to the limits within which the process would give the optimized product. It was observed that a temperature between 155 and 170°C allowed a high flexibility on the screw speed, from about 75 to 130rpm. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stability of Dosage Forms in the Pharmaceutical Payload Aboard Space Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Du, Brian J.; Daniels, Vernie; Boyd, Jason L.; Crady, Camille; Satterfield, Rick; Younker, Diane R.; Putcha, Lakshmi

2009-01-01

Efficacious pharmaceuticals with adequate shelf lives are essential for successful space medical operations. Stability of pharmaceuticals, therefore, is of paramount importance for assuring the health and wellness of astronauts on future space exploration missions. Unique physical and environmental factors of space missions may contribute to the instability of pharmaceuticals, e.g., radiation, humidity and temperature variations. Degradation of pharmaceutical formulations can result in inadequate efficacy and/or untoward toxic effects, which could compromise astronaut safety and health. Methods: Four identical pharmaceutical payload kits containing 31 medications in different dosage forms (liquid, tablet, capsule, ointment and suppository) were transported to the International Space Station aboard the Space Shuttle (STS-121). One of the 4 kits was stored on the Shuttle and the other 3 were stored on the International Space Station (ISS) for return to Earth at 6-month interval aboard a pre-designated Shuttle flight for each kit. The kit stored on the Shuttle was returned to Earth aboard STS-121 and 2 kits from ISS were returned on STS 117 and STS-122. Results: Analysis of standard physical and chemical parameters of degradation was completed for pharmaceuticals returned by STS-121 after14 days, STS - 117 after11 months and STS 122 after 19 months storage aboard ISS. Analysis of all flight samples along with ground-based matching controls was completed and results were compiled. Conclusion: Evaluation of results from the shuttle (1) and ISS increments (2) indicate that the number of formulations degraded in space increased with duration of storage in space and was higher in space compared to their ground-based counterparts. Rate of degradation for some of the formulations tested was faster in space than on Earth. Additionally, some of the formulations included in the medical kits were unstable, more so in space than on the ground. These results indicate that the space flight environment may adversely affect the shelf life of pharmaceuticals aboard space missions.

Architecting the Communication and Navigation Networks for NASA's Space Exploration Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhassin, Kul B.; Putt, Chuck; Hayden, Jeffrey; Tseng, Shirley; Biswas, Abi; Kennedy, Brian; Jennings, Esther H.; Miller, Ron A.; Hudiburg, John; Miller, Dave;

The NASA Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) Mission Formulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Entekhabi, Dara; Njoku, Eni; ONeill, Peggy; Kellogg, Kent; Entin, Jared

2011-01-01

The Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission is one of the first-tier projects recommended by the U.S. National Research Council Committee on Earth Science and Applications from Space. The SMAP mission is in formulation phase and it is scheduled for launch in 2014. The SMAP mission is designed to produce high-resolution and accurate global mapping of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state using an instrument architecture that incorporates an L-band (1.26 GHz) radar and an L-band (1.41 GHz) radiometer. The simultaneous radar and radiometer measurements will be combined to derive global soil moisture mapping at 9 [km] resolution with a 2 to 3 days revisit and 0.04 [cm3 cm-3] (1 sigma) soil water content accuracy. The radar measurements also allow the binary detection of surface freeze/thaw state. The project science goals address in water, energy and carbon cycle science as well as provide improved capabilities in natural hazards applications.

Canonical gravity, diffeomorphisms and objective histories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samuel, Joseph

2000-11-01

This paper discusses the implementation of diffeomorphism invariance in purely Hamiltonian formulations of general relativity. We observe that, if a constrained Hamiltonian formulation derives from a manifestly covariant Lagrangian, the diffeomorphism invariance of the Lagrangian results in the following properties of the constrained Hamiltonian theory: the diffeomorphisms are generated by constraints on the phase space so that: (a) the algebra of the generators reflects the algebra of the diffeomorphism group; (b) the Poisson brackets of the basic fields with the generators reflects the spacetime transformation properties of these basic fields. This suggests that in a purely Hamiltonian approach the requirement of diffeomorphism invariance should be interpreted to include (b) and not just (a) as one might naively suppose. Giving up (b) amounts to giving up objective histories, even at the classical level. This observation has implications for loop quantum gravity which are spelled out in a companion paper. We also describe an analogy between canonical gravity and relativistic particle dynamics to illustrate our main point.

Evaluation of the Hemodynamic Effects of Intravenous Amiodarone Formulations During the Maintenance Phase Infusion.

PubMed

Lindquist, Desirae E; Rowe, A Shaun; Heidel, Eric; Fleming, Travis; Yates, John R

2015-12-01

Two of the excipients in intravenous formulations of amiodarone, polysorbate 80 and benzyl alcohol, have been shown to cause hypotension. A newer formulation of amiodarone, which contains cyclodextrin, is devoid of these excipients. To evaluate the change in mean arterial pressure when utilizing 2 intravenous amiodarone formulations. This was a retrospective cohort analysis conducted at an academic medical center. Patients received intravenous amiodarone containing either polysorbate 80/benzyl alcohol (control) or cyclodextrin (cyclodextrin). Patients received these formulations based on a standard institutional protocol of 1 mg/min for 6 hours, followed by 0.5 mg/min for at least 18 hours or until discontinued by the provider. All data were collected from the medical record and included changes in blood pressures, time to lowest systolic blood pressure, concurrent antihypertensive use, and number of patients requiring treatment for hypotension. A total of 160 patients (120 control, 40 cyclodextrin) were included. There was a statistically significant difference in mean arterial pressure between the groups receiving the control formulation of amiodarone compared with the cyclodextrin formulation across the 24-hour maintenance phase infusion (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference between formulations with regard to the change in mean arterial pressure during the 0- to 6-hour and 12- to 18-hour time blocks. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of patients receiving fluid boluses for treatment of hypotension (P = 0.001). The excipients in the formulation of intravenous amiodarone may have a significant role in the hypotensive effects seen throughout the duration the maintenance phase infusion. © The Author(s) 2015.

Interplay between topology, gauge fields and gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corichi Rodriguez Gil, Alejandro

In this thesis we consider several physical systems that illustrate an interesting interplay between quantum theory, connections and knot theory. It can be divided into two parts. In the first one, we consider the quantization of the free Maxwell field. We show that there is an important role played by knot theory, and in particular the Gauss linking number, in the quantum theory. This manifestation is twofold. The first occurs at the level of the algebra of observables given by fluxes of electric and magnetic field across surfaces. The commutator of the operators, and thus the basic uncertainty relations, are given in terms of the linking number of the loops that bound the surfaces. Next, we consider the quantization of the Maxwell field based on self-dual connections in the loop representation. We show that the measure which determines the quantum inner product can be expressed in terms of the self linking number of thickened loops. Therefore, the linking number manifests itself at two key points of the theory: the Heisenberg uncertainty principle and the inner product. In the second part, we bring gravity into play. First we consider quantum test particles on certain stationary space-times. We demonstrate that a geometric phase exists for those space-times and focus on the example of a rotating cosmic string. The geometric phase can be explicitly computed, providing a fully relativistic gravitational Aharonov-Bohm effect. Finally, we consider 3-dimensional gravity with non-vanishing cosmological constant in the connection dynamics formulation. We restrict our attention to Lorentzian gravity with positive cosmological constant and Euclidean signature with negative cosmological constant. A complex transformation is performed in phase space that makes the constraints simple. The reduced phase space is characterized as the moduli space of flat complex connections. We construct the quantization of the theory when the initial hyper-surface is a torus. Two important issues relevant to full 3 + 1 gravity are clarified, namely, the incorporation of the 'reality conditions' in the quantum theory and the role played by the signature of the classical metric in the quantum theory.

Fatigue effect on phase transition of pedestrian movement: experiment and simulation study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Lin; Fu, Zhijian; Zhou, Xiaodong; Zhu, Kongjin; Yang, Hongtai; Yang, Lizhong

2016-10-01

How to model pedestrian movement is an intriguing problem in the area of statistical physics. As a common phenomenon of pedestrian movement, fatigue has a significant negative effect on pedestrian movement, especially when pedestrians move or run with heavy luggage, rescue the wounded in disaster, climb stairs and etc. According to the field observations and previous researches, fatigue coefficient is defined as the decrease of desired velocity in this study. However, previous researches lacked quantitative analysis of the effect of fatigue on pedestrian speed. It has been a great challenge to study the effect of fatigue on pedestrian flow, since pedestrians of heterogeneous walking abilities and the change of pedestrians’ moving properties need to be taken into consideration. Thus, at first, a series of pedestrian experiments, under three different conditions, were conducted to formulate the empirical relationship among fatigue, average free velocity, and walking distance. Then the empirical formulation of pedestrian fatigue was imported into the multi-velocity field floor cellular automata (FFCA) model for following pedestrian dynamics analysis. The velocity ratio was adjusted dynamically to adapt the change of pedestrians’ velocity due to fatigue. The fatigue, entrance flow rate and pedestrian’s initial desired velocity are found to have significant effects on the pedestrian flow. The space-time distributions of pedestrian density and velocity were explored in detail, with phase transition analyses from a free flow phase to a congestion phase. Additionally, the ‘density wave’ in the system can be observed if a certain ratio of burdened pedestrians lay in the high density region. The envelope of the ‘density wave’ reaches its maximum amplitude around the entrance position, and gradually diminishes away from the entrance.

Influence of humidity on the phase behavior of API/polymer formulations.

PubMed

Prudic, Anke; Ji, Yuanhui; Luebbert, Christian; Sadowski, Gabriele

2015-08-01

Amorphous formulations of APIs in polymers tend to absorb water from the atmosphere. This absorption of water can induce API recrystallization, leading to reduced long-term stability during storage. In this work, the phase behavior of different formulations was investigated as a function of relative humidity. Indomethacin and naproxen were chosen as model APIs and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) (PVPVA64) as excipients. The formulations were prepared by spray drying. The water sorption in pure polymers and in formulations was measured at 25°C and at different values of relative humidity (RH=25%, 50% and 75%). Most water was absorbed in PVP-containing systems, and water sorption was decreasing with increasing API content. These trends could also be predicted in good agreement with the experimental data using the thermodynamic model PC-SAFT. Furthermore, the effect of absorbed water on API solubility in the polymer and on the glass-transition temperature of the formulations was predicted with PC-SAFT and the Gordon-Taylor equation, respectively. The absorbed water was found to significantly decrease the API solubility in the polymer as well as the glass-transition temperature of the formulation. Based on a quantitative modeling of the API/polymer phase diagrams as a function of relative humidity, appropriate API/polymer compositions can now be selected to ensure long-term stable amorphous formulations at given storage conditions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Formulating Independent School K-12 Quality Physical Education Program Guidelines

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Currie, Stuart M.; Phillips, Michael B.; Jubenville, Colby B.

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to formulate Tennessee independent school K-12 quality physical education program guidelines. A panel of 18 physical education representatives from Tennessee independent schools K-12 participated in a three-phase Delphi study and completed three opinionnaires via e-mail. In Phase One, Opinionnaire One solicited panel…

Laser Atmospheric Wind Sounder (LAWS) phase 1. Volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

This report summarizes and documents the results of the 12-month phase 1 work effort. The objective of phase 1 was to establish the conceptional definition of the laser atmospheric wind sounder (LAWS) sensor system, including accommodations analyses to ensure compatibility with the Space Station Freedom (SSF) and the Earth Observing System (EOS) Polar Orbiting Platform (POP). Various concepts were investigated with trade studies performed to select the configuration to be carried forward to the phase 2 Preliminary Design Definition. A summary of the LAWS system and subsystem trade studies that were performed leading to the baseline design configuration is presented in the appendix. The overall objective of the LAWS Project is to define, design, and implement an operational space based facility, LAWS, for accurate measurement of Earth wind profiles. Phase 1 addressed three major areas: (1) requirements definition; (2) instrument concepts and configurations; and (3) performance analysis. For the LAWS instrument concepts and configurations, the issues which press the technological state of the art are reliable detector lifetime and laser performance and lifetime. Lag angle compensation, pointing accuracy, satellite navigation, and telescope design are significant technical issues, but they are considered to be currently state of the art. The primary issues for performance analysis concern interaction with the atmosphere in terms of backscatter and attenuation, wind variance, and cloud blockage. The phase 1 tasks were formulated to address these significant technical issues and demonstrate the technical feasibility of the LAWS concept. Primary emphasis was placed on analysis/trade and identification of candidate concepts. Promising configurations were evaluated for performance, sensitivities, risks, and budgetary costs. Lockheed's baseline LAWS configuration is presented.

Objective Lightning Probability Forecasting for Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Phase II

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lambert, Winifred; Wheeler, Mark

2007-01-01

This report describes the work done by the Applied Meteorology Unit (AMU) to update the lightning probability forecast equations developed in Phase I. In the time since the Phase I equations were developed, new ideas regarding certain predictors were formulated and a desire to make the tool more automated was expressed by 45 WS forecasters. Five modifications were made to the data: 1) increased the period of record from 15 to 17 years, 2) modified the valid area to match the lighting warning areas, 3) added the 1000 UTC CCAFS sounding to the other soundings in determining the flow regime, 4) used a different smoothing function for the daily climatology, and 5) determined the optimal relative humidity (RH) layer to use as a predictor. The new equations outperformed the Phase I equations in several tests, and improved the skill of the forecast over the Phase I equations by 8%. A graphical user interface (GUI) was created in the Meteorological Interactive Data Display System (MIDDS) that gathers the predictor values for the equations automatically. The GUI was transitioned to operations in May 2007 for the 2007 warm season.

Wetting of heterogeneous substrates. A classical density-functional-theory approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yatsyshin, Peter; Parry, Andrew O.; Rascón, Carlos; Duran-Olivencia, Miguel A.; Kalliadasis, Serafim

2017-11-01

Wetting is a nucleation of a third phase (liquid) on the interface between two different phases (solid and gas). In many experimentally accessible cases of wetting, the interplay between the substrate structure, and the fluid-fluid and fluid-substrate intermolecular interactions leads to the appearance of a whole ``zoo'' of exciting interface phase transitions, associated with the formation of nano-droplets/bubbles, and thin films. Practical applications of wetting at small scales are numerous and include the design of lab-on-a-chip devices and superhydrophobic surfaces. In this talk, we will use a fully microscopic approach to explore the phase space of a planar wall, decorated with patches of different hydrophobicity, and demonstrate the highly non-trivial behaviour of the liquid-gas interface near the substrate. We will present fluid density profiles, adsorption isotherms and wetting phase diagrams. Our analysis is based on a formulation of statistical mechanics, commonly known as classical density-functional theory. It provides a computationally-friendly and rigorous framework, suitable for probing small-scale physics of classical fluids and other soft-matter systems. EPSRC Grants No. EP/L027186,EP/K503733;ERC Advanced Grant No. 247031.

Modeling of potential TAE-induced beam ion loss from NSTX-U plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darrow, Douglass; Fredrickson, Eric; Podesta, Mario; White, Roscoe; Liu, Deyong

2015-11-01

NSTX-U will add three additional neutral beam sources, whose tangency radii of 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 m, are significantly larger than the 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 m tangency radii of the neutral beams previously used in NSTX. These latter beams will also be used in NSTX-U. Here, we attempt to formulate an estimate of the propensity of the beam ions from all the various sources to be lost under a range of NSTX-U plasma conditions. This estimation is based upon TRANSP calculations of beam ion deposition in phase space, and the location of the FLR-corrected loss boundary in that phase space. Since TAEs were a prominent driver of beam ion loss in NSTX, we incorporate their effects through the following process: NOVA modeling of TAEs in the anticipated NSTX-U plasma conditions gives the mode numbers, frequencies, and mode structures that are likely to occur. Using this information as inputs to the guiding center ORBIT code, it is possible to find resonant surfaces in the same phase space along which beam ions would be able to diffuse under the influence of the modes. The degree to which these resonant surfaces intersect both the beam deposition volume and the orbit loss boundary should then give a sense of the propensity of that beam population to be lost from the plasma. Work supported by US DOE contracts DE-AC0209CH11466, DE-FG02-06ER54867, and DE-FG03-02ER54681.

A Generalized Simple Formulation of Convective Adjustment ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Convective adjustment timescale (τ) for cumulus clouds is one of the most influential parameters controlling parameterized convective precipitation in climate and weather simulation models at global and regional scales. Due to the complex nature of deep convection, a prescribed value or ad hoc representation of τ is used in most global and regional climate/weather models making it a tunable parameter and yet still resulting in uncertainties in convective precipitation simulations. In this work, a generalized simple formulation of τ for use in any convection parameterization for shallow and deep clouds is developed to reduce convective precipitation biases at different grid spacing. Unlike existing other methods, our new formulation can be used with field campaign measurements to estimate τ as demonstrated by using data from two different special field campaigns. Then, we implemented our formulation into a regional model (WRF) for testing and evaluation. Results indicate that our simple τ formulation can give realistic temporal and spatial variations of τ across continental U.S. as well as grid-scale and subgrid scale precipitation. We also found that as the grid spacing decreases (e.g., from 36 to 4-km grid spacing), grid-scale precipitation dominants over subgrid-scale precipitation. The generalized τ formulation works for various types of atmospheric conditions (e.g., continental clouds due to heating and large-scale forcing over la

Body frame close coupling wave packet approach to gas phase atom-rigid rotor inelastic collisions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sun, Y.; Judson, R. S.; Kouri, D. J.

1989-01-01

The close coupling wave packet (CCWP) method is formulated in a body-fixed representation for atom-rigid rotor inelastic scattering. For J greater than j-max (where J is the total angular momentum and j is the rotational quantum number), the computational cost of propagating the coupled channel wave packets in the body frame is shown to scale approximately as N exp 3/2, where N is the total number of channels. For large numbers of channels, this will be much more efficient than the space frame CCWP method previously developed which scales approximately as N-squared under the same conditions.

Nonimaging optics for nonuniform brightness distributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jenkins, David G.; Winston, Roland

1995-08-01

We present a general design method of nonimaging optics that obtains the highest possible concentration for a given absorber shape. This technique, which uses a complimentary edge ray to simplify the geometrical formulism, recovers familiar designs for flat phase space distributions, such as trumpets, and (theta) 1-(theta) 2 concentrators. This method is easy to use and handles diverse boundary conditions, such as reflection, satisfying total internal reflection or design within a material of graded index. Presented is a novel two-stage 2D solar collector with a fixed circular primary mirror and nonimaging secondary. This newly developed secondary gives a 25% improvement over conventional nonimaging concentrators.

Development, characterization and in vivo evaluation of benzocaine-loaded liposomes.

PubMed

Mura, Paola; Maestrelli, Francesca; González-Rodríguez, Maria Luisa; Michelacci, Ilaria; Ghelardini, Carla; Rabasco, Antonio M

2007-08-01

This study reports the development and in vivo evaluation of a liposomal formulation of the local anaesthetic benzocaine. Multi-lamellar (MLV) and small uni-lamellar (SUV) vesicles entrapping benzocaine were prepared using 50:50 w/w phosphatidylcholine-cholesterol as lipophilic phase and 50:50 v/v ethanol-water as hydrophilic phase. Liposome size, Zeta-potential, encapsulation efficiency and skin penetration properties were determined. Drug permeation from liposomal dispersions, as such or formulated in Carbopol gel, was evaluated through artificial lipophilic membranes and excised abdominal rat skin, whereas in vivo anaesthetic effect was tested on rabbits. Interestingly, addition of the drug into the hydrophilic phase, rather than into the lipophilic one, during liposome preparation enabled an improvement of the MLV's entrapment efficiency from 29.7% to 82.3%. On the other hand, sonication conditions to obtain SUV influenced size and polydispersity index of the vesicles and reduced the entrapment efficiency by about 30%. All liposomal-benzocaine formulations showed sustained release properties and a more intense anaesthetic effect than plain drug. Permeation experiments from drug solutions in gel containing the same amount of ethanol as in the liposomal formulations made it possible to exclude a possible enhancer effect of this solvent, at least when not used in liposomal formulations. MLV with the drug added into the hydrophilic phase gave the most effective formulation, showing a permeability coefficient value 2.5 times higher than that of the plain drug and allowing a significant improvement (P<0.01) not only of intensity but also of duration of anaesthetic effect of benzocaine. These results suggest that a suitably developed liposomal formulation of benzocaine can be of actual value for improving its clinical effectiveness in topical anaesthesia.

A Convex Formulation for Magnetic Particle Imaging X-Space Reconstruction.

PubMed

Konkle, Justin J; Goodwill, Patrick W; Hensley, Daniel W; Orendorff, Ryan D; Lustig, Michael; Conolly, Steven M

2015-01-01

Magnetic Particle Imaging (mpi) is an emerging imaging modality with exceptional promise for clinical applications in rapid angiography, cell therapy tracking, cancer imaging, and inflammation imaging. Recent publications have demonstrated quantitative mpi across rat sized fields of view with x-space reconstruction methods. Critical to any medical imaging technology is the reliability and accuracy of image reconstruction. Because the average value of the mpi signal is lost during direct-feedthrough signal filtering, mpi reconstruction algorithms must recover this zero-frequency value. Prior x-space mpi recovery techniques were limited to 1d approaches which could introduce artifacts when reconstructing a 3d image. In this paper, we formulate x-space reconstruction as a 3d convex optimization problem and apply robust a priori knowledge of image smoothness and non-negativity to reduce non-physical banding and haze artifacts. We conclude with a discussion of the powerful extensibility of the presented formulation for future applications.

SL(2,C) gravity on noncommutative space with Poisson structure

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

Miao Yangang; Zhang Shaojun

2010-10-15

The Einstein's gravity theory can be formulated as an SL(2,C) gauge theory in terms of spinor notations. In this paper, we consider a noncommutative space with the Poisson structure and construct an SL(2,C) formulation of gravity on such a space. Using the covariant coordinate technique, we build a gauge invariant action in which, according to the Seiberg-Witten map, the physical degrees of freedom are expressed in terms of their commutative counterparts up to the first order in noncommutative parameters.

Thermodynamic Routes to Novel Metastable Nitrogen-Rich Nitrides

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

Sun, Wenhao; Holder, Aaron; Orvañanos, Bernardo

Compared to oxides, the nitrides are relatively unexplored, making them a promising chemical space for novel materials discovery. Of particular interest are nitrogen-rich nitrides, which often possess useful semiconducting properties for electronic and optoelectronic applications. However, such nitrogen-rich compounds are generally metastable, and the lack of a guiding theory for their synthesis has limited their exploration. Here, we review the remarkable metastability of observed nitrides, and examine the thermodynamics of how reactive nitrogen precursors can stabilize metastable nitrogen-rich compositions during materials synthesis. We map these thermodynamic strategies onto a predictive computational search, training a data-mined ionic substitution algorithm specifically formore » nitride discovery, which we combine with grand-canonical DFT-SCAN phase stability calculations to compute stabilizing nitrogen chemical potentials. We identify several new nitrogen-rich binary nitrides for experimental investigation, notably the transition metal nitrides Mn3N4, Cr3N4, V3N4, and Nb3N5, the main group nitride SbN, and the pernitrides FeN2, CrN2, and Cu2N2. By formulating rational thermodynamic routes to metastable compounds, we expand the search space for functional technological materials beyond equilibrium phases and compositions.« less

Thermodynamic Routes to Novel Metastable Nitrogen-Rich Nitrides

DOE PAGES

Sun, Wenhao; Holder, Aaron; Orvañanos, Bernardo; ...

2017-07-17

Compared to oxides, the nitrides are relatively unexplored, making them a promising chemical space for novel materials discovery. Of particular interest are nitrogen-rich nitrides, which often possess useful semiconducting properties for electronic and optoelectronic applications. However, such nitrogen-rich compounds are generally metastable, and the lack of a guiding theory for their synthesis has limited their exploration. Here, we review the remarkable metastability of observed nitrides, and examine the thermodynamics of how reactive nitrogen precursors can stabilize metastable nitrogen-rich compositions during materials synthesis. We map these thermodynamic strategies onto a predictive computational search, training a data-mined ionic substitution algorithm specifically formore » nitride discovery, which we combine with grand-canonical DFT-SCAN phase stability calculations to compute stabilizing nitrogen chemical potentials. We identify several new nitrogen-rich binary nitrides for experimental investigation, notably the transition metal nitrides Mn3N4, Cr3N4, V3N4, and Nb3N5, the main group nitride SbN, and the pernitrides FeN2, CrN2, and Cu2N2. By formulating rational thermodynamic routes to metastable compounds, we expand the search space for functional technological materials beyond equilibrium phases and compositions.« less

A gradient field defeats the inherent repulsion between magnetic nanorods

PubMed Central

Gu, Yu; Burtovyy, Ruslan; Custer, John; Luzinov, Igor; Kornev, Konstantin G.

2014-01-01

When controlling the assembly of magnetic nanorods and chains of magnetic nanoparticles, it is extremely challenging to bring them together side by side while keeping a desired spacing between their axes. We show that this challenge can be successfully resolved by using a non-uniform magnetic field that defeats an inherent repulsion between nanorods. Nickel nanorods were suspended in a viscous film and a non-uniform field was used to control their placement. The in-plane movement of nanorods was tracked with a high-speed camera and a detailed image analysis was conducted to quantitatively characterize the behaviour of the nanorods. The analysis focused on the behaviour of a pair of neighbour nanorods, and a corresponding dynamic model was formulated and investigated. The complex two-dimensional dynamics of a nanorod pair was analysed analytically and numerically, and a phase portrait was constructed. Using this phase portrait, we classified the nanorod behaviour and revealed the experimental conditions in which nanorods could be placed side by side. Dependence of the distance between a pair of neighbour nanorods on physical parameters was analysed. With the aid of the proposed theory, one can build different lattices and control their spacing by applying different field gradients. PMID:26064550

Containerless processing of beryllium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wouch, G.; Keith, G. H.; Frost, R. T.; Pinto, N. P.

1977-01-01

Melting and solidification of a beryllium alloy containing 1.5% BeO by weight in the weightless environment of space has produced cast beryllium with a relatively uniform dispersion of BeO throughout. Examination of the cast material shows that it is coarse grained, although the BeO is not heavily agglomerated in the flight specimen. Ground based comparison experiments show extreme agglomeration and segregation of BeO, resulting in large zones which are practically free of the oxide. Several postulated hypotheses for the failure to grain refine the beryllium are formulated. These are: (1) spherodization of the BeO particles during specimen preparation and during the molten phase of the experiment; (2) loss of nucleation potency through aging in the molten phase; and (3) inability of BeO to act as a grain refiner for beryllium. Further investigation with non spherodized particles and shorter dwell times molten may delineate which of these hypotheses are valid. The results of this flight experiment indicate that the weightless environment of space is an important asset in conducting research to find grain refiners for beryllium and other metals for which cast dispersions of grain refining agents cannot be prepared terrestrially due to gravitationally driven settling and agglomeration.

Simulation of water vapor condensation on LOX droplet surface using liquid nitrogen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Powell, Eugene A.

1988-01-01

The formation of ice or water layers on liquid oxygen (LOX) droplets in the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) environment was investigated. Formulation of such ice/water layers is indicated by phase-equilibrium considerations under conditions of high partial pressure of water vapor (steam) and low LOX droplet temperature prevailing in the SSME preburner or main chamber. An experimental investigation was begun using liquid nitrogen as a LOX simulant. A monodisperse liquid nitrogen droplet generator was developed which uses an acoustic driver to force the stream of liquid emerging from a capillary tube to break up into a stream of regularly space uniformly sized spherical droplets. The atmospheric pressure liquid nitrogen in the droplet generator reservoir was cooled below its boiling point to prevent two phase flow from occurring in the capillary tube. An existing steam chamber was modified for injection of liquid nitrogen droplets into atmospheric pressure superheated steam. The droplets were imaged using a stroboscopic video system and a laser shadowgraphy system. Several tests were conducted in which liquid nitrogen droplets were injected into the steam chamber. Under conditions of periodic droplet formation, images of 600 micron diameter liquid nitrogen droplets were obtained with the stroboscopic video systems.

Self-consistent analysis of radiation and relativistic electron beam dynamics in a helical wiggler using Lienard-Wiechert fields

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

Tecimer, M.; Elias, L.R.

1995-12-31

Lienard-Wiechert (LW) fields, which are exact solutions of the Wave Equation for a point charge in free space, are employed to formulate a self-consistent treatment of the electron beam dynamics and the evolution of the generated radiation in long undulators. In a relativistic electron beam the internal forces leading to the interaction of the electrons with each other can be computed by means of retarded LW fields. The resulting electron beam dynamics enables us to obtain three dimensional radiation fields starting from an initial incoherent spontaneous emission, without introducing a seed wave at start-up. Based on the formalism employed here,more » both the evolution of the multi-bucket electron phase space dynamics in the beam body as well as edges and the relative slippage of the radiation with respect to the electrons in the considered short bunch are naturally embedded into the simulation model. In this paper, we present electromagnetic radiation studies, including multi-bucket electron phase dynamics and angular distribution of radiation in the time and frequency domain produced by a relativistic short electron beam bunch interacting with a circularly polarized magnetic undulator.« less

Primordial gravitational waves in a quantum model of big bounce

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bergeron, Hervé; Gazeau, Jean Pierre; Małkiewicz, Przemysław

2018-05-01

We quantise and solve the dynamics of gravitational waves in a quantum Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker spacetime filled with perfect fluid. The classical model is formulated canonically. The Hamiltonian constraint is de-parametrised by setting a fluid variable as the internal clock. The obtained reduced (i.e. physical) phase space is then quantised. Our quantisation procedure is implemented in accordance with two different phase space symmetries, namely, the Weyl-Heisenberg symmetry for the perturbation variables, and the affine symmetry for the background variables. As an appealing outcome, the initial singularity is removed and replaced with a quantum bounce. The quantum model depends on a free parameter that is naturally induced from quantisation and determines the scale of the bounce. We study the dynamics of the quantised gravitational waves across the bounce through three different methods ("thin-horizon", analytical and numerical) which give consistent results and we determine the primordial power spectrum for the case of radiation-dominated universe. Next, we use the instantaneous radiation-matter transition transfer function to make approximate predictions for late universe and constrain our model with LIGO and Planck data. We also give an estimate of the quantum uncertainties in the present-day universe.

Optimization of Primary Drying in Lyophilization during Early Phase Drug Development using a Definitive Screening Design with Formulation and Process Factors.

PubMed

Goldman, Johnathan M; More, Haresh T; Yee, Olga; Borgeson, Elizabeth; Remy, Brenda; Rowe, Jasmine; Sadineni, Vikram

2018-06-08

Development of optimal drug product lyophilization cycles is typically accomplished via multiple engineering runs to determine appropriate process parameters. These runs require significant time and product investments, which are especially costly during early phase development when the drug product formulation and lyophilization process are often defined simultaneously. Even small changes in the formulation may require a new set of engineering runs to define lyophilization process parameters. In order to overcome these development difficulties, an eight factor definitive screening design (DSD), including both formulation and process parameters, was executed on a fully human monoclonal antibody (mAb) drug product. The DSD enables evaluation of several interdependent factors to define critical parameters that affect primary drying time and product temperature. From these parameters, a lyophilization development model is defined where near optimal process parameters can be derived for many different drug product formulations. This concept is demonstrated on a mAb drug product where statistically predicted cycle responses agree well with those measured experimentally. This design of experiments (DoE) approach for early phase lyophilization cycle development offers a workflow that significantly decreases the development time of clinically and potentially commercially viable lyophilization cycles for a platform formulation that still has variable range of compositions. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Space shuttle entry and landing navigation analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, H. L.; Crawford, B. S.

1974-01-01

A navigation system for the entry phase of a Space Shuttle mission which is an aided-inertial system which uses a Kalman filter to mix IMU data with data derived from external navigation aids is evaluated. A drag pseudo-measurement used during radio blackout is treated as an additional external aid. A comprehensive truth model with 101 states is formulated and used to generate detailed error budgets at several significant time points -- end-of-blackout, start of final approach, over runway threshold, and touchdown. Sensitivity curves illustrating the effect of variations in the size of individual error sources on navigation accuracy are presented. The sensitivity of the navigation system performance to filter modifications is analyzed. The projected overall performance is shown in the form of time histories of position and velocity error components. The detailed results are summarized and interpreted, and suggestions are made concerning possible software improvements.

Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in a Dual Variable Domain Immunoglobulin Protein Solution: Effect of Formulation Factors and Protein-Protein Interactions.

PubMed

Raut, Ashlesha S; Kalonia, Devendra S

2015-09-08

Dual variable domain immunoglobulin proteins (DVD-Ig proteins) are large molecules (MW ∼ 200 kDa) with increased asymmetry because of their extended Y-like shape, which results in increased formulation challenges. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of protein solutions into protein-rich and protein-poor phases reduces solution stability at intermediate concentrations and lower temperatures, and is a serious concern in formulation development as therapeutic proteins are generally stored at refrigerated conditions. In the current work, LLPS was studied for a DVD-Ig protein molecule as a function of solution conditions by measuring solution opalescence. LLPS of the protein was confirmed by equilibrium studies and by visually observing under microscope. The protein does not undergo any structural change after phase separation. Protein-protein interactions were measured by light scattering (kD) and Tcloud (temperature that marks the onset of phase separation). There is a good agreement between kD measured in dilute solution with Tcloud measured in the critical concentration range. Results indicate that the increased complexity of the molecule (with respect to size, shape, and charge distribution on the molecule) increases contribution of specific and nonspecific interactions in solution, which are affected by formulation factors, resulting in LLPS for DVD-Ig protein.

Nanosatellite constellation deployment using on-board magnetic torquer interaction with space plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Ji Hyun; Matsuzawa, Shinji; Inamori, Takaya; Jeung, In-Seuck

2018-04-01

One of the advantages that drive nanosatellite development is the potential of multi-point observation through constellation operation. However, constellation deployment of nanosatellites has been a challenge, as thruster operations for orbit maneuver were limited due to mass, volume, and power. Recently, a de-orbiting mechanism using magnetic torquer interaction with space plasma has been introduced, so-called plasma drag. As no additional hardware nor propellant is required, plasma drag has the potential in being used as constellation deployment method. In this research, a novel constellation deployment method using plasma drag is proposed. Orbit decay rate of the satellites in a constellation is controlled using plasma drag in order to achieve a desired phase angle and phase angle rate. A simplified 1D problem is formulated for an elementary analysis of the constellation deployment time. Numerical simulations are further performed for analytical analysis assessment and sensitivity analysis. Analytical analysis and numerical simulation results both agree that the constellation deployment time is proportional to the inverse square root of magnetic moment, the square root of desired phase angle and the square root of satellite mass. CubeSats ranging from 1 to 3 U (1-3 kg nanosatellites) are examined in order to investigate the feasibility of plasma drag constellation on nanosatellite systems. The feasibility analysis results show that plasma drag constellation is feasible on CubeSats, which open up the possibility of CubeSat constellation missions.

New taxanes in development.

PubMed

Ferlini, Cristiano; Gallo, Daniela; Scambia, Giovanni

2008-03-01

Taxanes are presently widely employed for the medical treatment of cancer. However, despite the huge clinical success, these agents exhibit clinical problems related to poor drug solubility, toxicity and, in particular, drug resistance. To identify the critical points related to the process of development of novel taxanes. Publicly available data on the paclitaxel and docetaxel analogues, which have entered a clinical development phase in the last 2 years have been taken into consideration. The development involved novel formulations of paclitaxel and novel chemical entities. For each agent in each category the development phase is analysed and a synthetic comment for each category is included. Despite all the efforts, until now clinical success with the new development of taxanes has been limited. Moreover, the expected clinical introduction of epothilones could further restrict the space for development of novel taxanes. Despite these facts, some interesting concepts emerged during the process of development and could lead to successful drugs in the forthcoming years.

Optimized formulation of solid self-microemulsifying sirolimus delivery systems

PubMed Central

Cho, Wonkyung; Kim, Min-Soo; Kim, Jeong-Soo; Park, Junsung; Park, Hee Jun; Cha, Kwang-Ho; Park, Jeong-Sook; Hwang, Sung-Joo

2013-01-01

Background The aim of this study was to develop an optimized solid self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) formulation for sirolimus to enhance its solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Methods Excipients used for enhancing the solubility and stability of sirolimus were screened. A phase-separation test, visual observation for emulsifying efficiency, and droplet size analysis were performed. Ternary phase diagrams were constructed to optimize the liquid SMEDDS formulation. The selected liquid SMEDDS formulations were prepared into solid form. The dissolution profiles and pharmacokinetic profiles in rats were analyzed. Results In the results of the oil and cosolvent screening studies, Capryol™ Propylene glycol monocapry late (PGMC) and glycofurol exhibited the highest solubility of all oils and cosolvents, respectively. In the surfactant screening test, D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (vitamin E TPGS) was determined to be the most effective stabilizer of sirolimus in pH 1.2 simulated gastric fluids. The optimal formulation determined by the construction of ternary phase diagrams was the T32 (Capryol™ PGMC:glycofurol:vitamin E TPGS = 30:30:40 weight ratio) formulation with a mean droplet size of 108.2 ± 11.4 nm. The solid SMEDDS formulations were prepared with Sucroester 15 and mannitol. The droplet size of the reconstituted solid SMEDDS showed no significant difference compared with the liquid SMEDDS. In the dissolution study, the release amounts of sirolimus from the SMEDDS formulation were significantly higher than the raw sirolimus powder. In addition, the solid SMEDDS formulation was in a more stable state than liquid SMEDDS in pH 1.2 simulated gastric fluids. The results of the pharmacokinetic study indicate that the SMEDDS formulation shows significantly greater bioavailability than the raw sirolimus powder or commercial product (Rapamune® oral solution). Conclusion The results of this study suggest the potential use of a solid SMEDDS formulation for the delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs, such as sirolimus, through oral administration. PMID:23641156

Predicting solubilisation features of ternary phase diagrams of fully dilutable lecithin linker microemulsions.

PubMed

Nouraei, Mehdi; Acosta, Edgar J

2017-06-01

Fully dilutable microemulsions (μEs), used to design self-microemulsifying delivery system (SMEDS), are formulated as concentrate solutions containing oil and surfactants, without water. As water is added to dilute these systems, various μEs are produced (water-swollen reverse micelles, bicontinuous systems, and oil-swollen micelles), without the onset of phase separation. Currently, the formulation dilutable μEs follows a trial and error approach that has had a limited success. The objective of this work is to introduce the use of the hydrophilic-lipophilic-difference (HLD) and net-average-curvature (NAC) frameworks to predict the solubilisation features of ternary phase diagrams of lecithin-linker μEs and the use of these predictions to guide the formulation of dilutable μEs. To this end, the characteristic curvatures (Cc) of soybean lecithin (surfactant), glycerol monooleate (lipophilic linker) and polyglycerol caprylate (hydrophilic linker) and the equivalent alkane carbon number (EACN) of ethyl caprate (oil) were obtained via phase scans with reference surfactant-oil systems. These parameters were then used to calculate the HLD of lecithin-linkers-ethyl caprate microemulsions. The calculated HLDs were able to predict the phase transitions observed in the phase scans. The NAC was then used to fit and predict phase volumes obtained from salinity phase scans, and to predict the solubilisation features of ternary phase diagrams of the lecithin-linker formulations. The HLD-NAC predictions were reasonably accurate, and indicated that the largest region for dilutable μEs was obtained with slightly negative HLD values. The NAC framework also predicted, and explained, the changes in microemulsion properties along dilution lines. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Efficient solid rocket propulsion for access to space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maggi, Filippo; Bandera, Alessio; Galfetti, Luciano; De Luca, Luigi T.; Jackson, Thomas L.

2010-06-01

Space launch activity is expected to grow in the next few years in order to follow the current trend of space exploitation for business purpose. Granting high specific thrust and volumetric specific impulse, and counting on decades of intense development, solid rocket propulsion is a good candidate for commercial access to space, even with common propellant formulations. Yet, some drawbacks such as low theoretical specific impulse, losses as well as safety issues, suggest more efficient propulsion systems, digging into the enhancement of consolidated techniques. Focusing the attention on delivered specific impulse, a consistent fraction of losses can be ascribed to the multiphase medium inside the nozzle which, in turn, is related to agglomeration; a reduction of agglomerate size is likely. The present paper proposes a model based on heterogeneity characterization capable of describing the agglomeration trend for a standard aluminized solid propellant formulation. Material microstructure is characterized through the use of two statistical descriptors (pair correlation function and near-contact particles) looking at the mean metal pocket size inside the bulk. Given the real formulation and density of a propellant, a packing code generates the material representative which is then statistically analyzed. Agglomerate predictions are successfully contrasted to experimental data at 5 bar for four different formulations.

On the phase lag of turbulent dissipation in rotating tidal flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qianjiang; Wu, Jiaxue

2018-03-01

Field observations of rotating tidal flows in a shallow tidally swept sea reveal that a notable phase lag of both shear production and turbulent dissipation increases with height above the seafloor. These vertical delays of turbulent quantities are approximately equivalent in magnitude to that of squared mean shear. The shear production approximately equals turbulent dissipation over the phase-lag column, and thus a main mechanism of phase lag of dissipation is mean shear, rather than vertical diffusion of turbulent kinetic energy. By relating the phase lag of dissipation to that of the mean shear, a simple formulation with constant eddy viscosity is developed to describe the phase lag in rotating tidal flows. An analytical solution indicates that the phase lag increases linearly with height subjected to a combined effect of tidal frequency, Coriolis parameter and eddy viscosity. The vertical diffusion of momentum associated with eddy viscosity produces the phase lag of squared mean shear, and resultant delay of turbulent quantities. Its magnitude is inhibited by Earth's rotation. Furthermore, a theoretical formulation of the phase lag with a parabolic eddy viscosity profile can be constructed. A first-order approximation of this formulation is still a linear function of height, and its magnitude is approximately 0.8 times that with constant viscosity. Finally, the theoretical solutions of phase lag with realistic viscosity can be satisfactorily justified by realistic phase lags of dissipation.

Use of partial AUC to demonstrate bioequivalence of Zolpidem Tartrate Extended Release formulations.

PubMed

Lionberger, Robert A; Raw, Andre S; Kim, Stephanie H; Zhang, Xinyuan; Yu, Lawrence X

2012-04-01

FDA's bioequivalence recommendation for Zolpidem Tartrate Extended Release Tablets is the first to use partial AUC (pAUC) metrics for determining bioequivalence of modified-release dosage forms. Modeling and simulation studies were performed to aid in understanding the need for pAUC measures and also the proper pAUC truncation times. Deconvolution techniques, In Vitro/In Vivo Correlations, and the CAT (Compartmental Absorption and Transit) model were used to predict the PK profiles for zolpidem. Models were validated using in-house data submitted to the FDA. Using dissolution profiles expressed by the Weibull model as input for the CAT model, dissolution spaces were derived for simulated test formulations. The AUC(0-1.5) parameter was indicative of IR characteristics of early exposure and effectively distinguished among formulations that produced different pharmacodynamic effects. The AUC(1.5-t) parameter ensured equivalence with respect to the sustained release phase of Ambien CR. The variability of AUC(0-1.5) is higher than other PK parameters, but is reasonable for use in an equivalence test. In addition to the traditional PK parameters of AUCinf and Cmax, AUC(0-1.5) and AUC(1.5-t) are recommended to provide bioequivalence measures with respect to label indications for Ambien CR: onset of sleep and sleep maintenance.

Model‐Informed Development and Registration of a Once‐Daily Regimen of Extended‐Release Tofacitinib

PubMed Central

Lamba, M; Hutmacher, MM; Furst, DE; Dikranian, A; Dowty, ME; Conrado, D; Stock, T; Nduaka, C; Cook, J

2017-01-01

Extended‐release (XR) formulations enable less frequent dosing vs. conventional (e.g., immediate release (IR)) formulations. Regulatory registration of such formulations typically requires pharmacokinetic (PK) and clinical efficacy data. Here we illustrate a model‐informed, exposure–response (E‐R) approach to translate controlled trial data from one formulation to another without a phase III trial, using a tofacitinib case study. Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). E‐R analyses were conducted using validated clinical endpoints from phase II dose–response and nonclinical dose fractionation studies of the IR formulation. Consistent with the delay in clinical response dynamics relative to PK, average concentration was established as the relevant PK parameter for tofacitinib efficacy and supported pharmacodynamic similarity. These evaluations, alongside demonstrated equivalence in total systemic exposure between IR and XR formulations, provided the basis for the regulatory approval of tofacitinib XR once daily by the US Food and Drug Administration. PMID:27859030

A toy Penrose inequality and its proof

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bengtsson, Ingemar; Jakobsson, Emma

2016-12-01

We formulate and prove a toy version of the Penrose inequality. The formulation mimics the original Penrose inequality in which the scenario is the following: a shell of null dust collapses in Minkowski space and a marginally trapped surface forms on it. Through a series of arguments relying on established assumptions, an inequality relating the area of this surface to the total energy of the shell is formulated. Then a further reformulation turns the inequality into a statement relating the area and the outer null expansion of a class of surfaces in Minkowski space itself. The inequality has been proven to hold true in many special cases, but there is no proof in general. In the toy version here presented, an analogous inequality in (2 + 1)-dimensional anti-de Sitter space turns out to hold true.

Bioavailability of intranasal promethazine dosage forms in dogs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ramanathan, R.; Geary, R. S.; Bourne, D. W.; Putcha, L.

1998-01-01

Intramuscular promethazine (PMZ) is used aboard the US Space Shuttle to ameliorate symptoms of space motion sickness. Bioavailability after an oral dose of PMZ during space flight is thought to be impaired because of gastrointestinal disturbances associated with weightlessness and space motion sickness. In an attempt to find an alternative dosage form for use in space, we evaluated two intranasal (i.n.) dosage forms of PMZ in dogs for absorption and bioavailability relative to that of an equivalent intramuscular dose. Promethazine (5 mg kg-1) was administered as two intranasal dosage forms and as an intramuscular (i.m.) dose to three dogs in a randomised cross-over design. Serial blood samples were taken and analysed for PMZ concentrations and the absorption and bioavailability of PMZ were calculated for the three dosage forms. PMZ absorption from the carboxymethyl cellulose microsphere i.n. dosage form was more rapid and complete than from the myverol cubic gel formulation or from an i.m. injection. Bioavailability of the microsphere formulation was also greater than that of the gel formulation (AUC 3009 vs 1727 ng h ml-1). The bioavailability of the two i.n. dosage forms (relative to that of the i.m. injection) were 94% (microsphere) and 54% (gel). The i.n. microsphere formulation of PMZ offers great promise as an effective non-invasive alternative for treating space motion sickness due to its rapid absorption and bioavailability equivalent to the i.m. dose.

Criterion for excipients screening in the development of nanoemulsion formulation of three anti-inflammatory drugs.

PubMed

Shakeel, Faiyaz

2010-01-01

The present study was undertaken for screening of different excipients in the development of nanoemulsion formulations of three anti-inflammatory drugs namely ketoprofen, celecoxib (CXB) and meloxicam. Based on solubility profiles of each drug in oil, Triacetin (ketoprofen and CXB) and Labrafil (meloxicam) were selected as the oil phase. Based on maximum solubilization potential of oil in different surfactants, Cremophor-EL (ketoprofen and CXB) and Tween-80 (meloxicam) were selected as surfactants. Based on maximum nanoemulsion region in the pseudoternary phase diagrams, Transcutol-HP was selected as cosurfactant for all three drugs. 1:1 (ketoprofen and CXB) and 2:1 (meloxicam) mass ratio of surfactant to cosurfactant was selected for selection of different nanoemulsions on the basis of maximum nanoemulsion region in the phase diagrams. All selected nanoemulsion formulations were found thermodynamically stable. Results of these studies showed that all excipients were properly optimized for the development of nanoemulsion formulation of ketoprofen, CXB and meloxicam.

Characterization of Phase Separation Propensity for Amorphous Spray Dried Dispersions.

PubMed

McNamara, Daniel; Yin, Shawn; Pan, Duohai; Crull, George; Timmins, Peter; Vig, Balvinder

2017-02-06

A generalized screening approach, applying isothermal calorimetry at 37 °C 100% RH, to formulations of spray dried dispersions (SDDs) for two active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) (BMS-903452 and BMS-986034) is demonstrated. APIs 452 and 034, with similar chemotypes, were synthesized and promoted during development for oral dosing. Both APIs were formulated as SDDs for animal exposure studies using the polymer hydroxypropylmethlycellulose acetyl succinate M grade (HPMCAS-M). 452 formulated at 30% (wt/wt %) was an extremely robust SDD that was able to withstand 40 °C 75% RH open storage conditions for 6 months with no physical evidence of crystallization or loss of dissolution performance. Though 034 was a chemical analogue with similar physical chemical properties to 452, a physically stable SDD of 034 could not be formulated in HPMCAS-M at any of the drug loads attempted. This study was used to develop experience with specific physical characterization laboratory techniques to evaluate the physical stability of SDDs and to characterize the propensity of SDDs to phase separate and possibly crystallize. The screening strategy adopted was to stress the formulated SDDs with a temperature humidity screen, within the calorimeter, and to apply orthogonal analytical techniques to gain a more informed understanding of why these SDDs formulated with HPMCAS-M demonstrated such different physical stability. Isothermal calorimetry (thermal activity monitor, TAM) was employed as a primary stress screen wherein the SDD formulations were monitored for 3 days at 37 °C 100% RH for signs of phase separation and possible crystallization of API. Powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD), modulated differential scanning calorimetry (mDSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) were all used to examine formulated SDDs and neat amorphous drug. 452 SDDs formulated at 30% (wt/wt %) or less did not show phase separation behavior upon exposure to 37 °C 100% RH for 3 days. 034 SDD formulations from 10 through 50% (wt/wt %) all demonstrated thermal traces consistent with exothermic phase separation events over 3 days at 37 °C 100% RH in the TAM. However, only the 15, 30, and 50% containing 034 samples showed pXRD patterns consistent with crystalline material in post-TAM samples. Isothermal calorimetry is a useful screening tool to probe robust SDD physical performance and help investigate the level of drug polymer miscibility under a humid stress. Orthogonal analytical techniques such as pXRD, ssNMR, and FTIR were key in this SDD formulation screening to gain physical understanding and confirm or refute whether physical changes occur during the observed thermal events characterized by the calorimetric screening experiments.

Phase Imaging: A Compressive Sensing Approach

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

Schneider, Sebastian; Stevens, Andrew; Browning, Nigel D.

Since Wolfgang Pauli posed the question in 1933, whether the probability densities |Ψ(r)|² (real-space image) and |Ψ(q)|² (reciprocal space image) uniquely determine the wave function Ψ(r) [1], the so called Pauli Problem sparked numerous methods in all fields of microscopy [2, 3]. Reconstructing the complete wave function Ψ(r) = a(r)e-iφ(r) with the amplitude a(r) and the phase φ(r) from the recorded intensity enables the possibility to directly study the electric and magnetic properties of the sample through the phase. In transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron holography is by far the most established method for phase reconstruction [4]. Requiring a highmore » stability of the microscope, next to the installation of a biprism in the TEM, holography cannot be applied to any microscope straightforwardly. Recently, a phase retrieval approach was proposed using conventional TEM electron diffractive imaging (EDI). Using the SAD aperture as reciprocal-space constraint, a localized sample structure can be reconstructed from its diffraction pattern and a real-space image using the hybrid input-output algorithm [5]. We present an alternative approach using compressive phase-retrieval [6]. Our approach does not require a real-space image. Instead, random complimentary pairs of checkerboard masks are cut into a 200 nm Pt foil covering a conventional TEM aperture (cf. Figure 1). Used as SAD aperture, subsequently diffraction patterns are recorded from the same sample area. Hereby every mask blocks different parts of gold particles on a carbon support (cf. Figure 2). The compressive sensing problem has the following formulation. First, we note that the complex-valued reciprocal-space wave-function is the Fourier transform of the (also complex-valued) real-space wave-function, Ψ(q) = F[Ψ(r)], and subsequently the diffraction pattern image is given by |Ψ(q)|2 = |F[Ψ(r)]|2. We want to find Ψ(r) given a few differently coded diffraction pattern measurements yn = |F[HnΨ(r)]|2, where the matrices Hn encode the mask structure of the aperture. This is a nonlinear inverse problem, but has been shown to be solvable even in the underdetermined case [6]. Since each diffraction pattern yn contains diffraction information from selected regions of the same sample, the differences in each pattern contain local phase information, which can be combined to form a full estimate of the real-space wave-function[7]. References: [1] W. Pauli in “Die allgemeinen Prinzipien der Wellenmechanik“, ed. H Geiger and W Scheel, (Julius Springer, Berlin). [2] A. Tonomura, Rev. Mod. Phys. 59 (1987), p. 639. [3] J. Miao et al, Nature 400 (1999), p. 342. [4] H. Lichte et al, Annu. Rev. Mater. Res. 37 (2007), p. 539. [5] J. Yamasaki et al, Appl. Phys. Lett. 101 (2012), 234105. [6] P Schniter and S Rangan. Signal Proc., IEEE Trans. on. 64(4), (2015), pp. 1043. [7] Supported by the Chemical Imaging, Signature Discovery, and Analytics in Motion initiatives at PNNL. PNNL is operated by Battelle Memorial Inst. for the US DOE; contract DE-AC05-76RL01830.« less

Effect of additional of Hoodia Gordonii and seaweed powder on the sensory and physicochemical properties of brown rice bar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hajal, Masturah Ebni; Ghani, Maaruf Abd; Daud, Norlida Mat

2015-09-01

Awareness of the nutritional content of food has increased with the emergence of various health products in the market. Cereal bar is one of the beneficial foods among consumer that concern on their healthy food. This study was conducted to develop a brown rice bar that contain active ingredients (H. gordonii and seaweed powder) and to determine the effect on sensory evaluation and physicochemical properties (colour, texture and proximate analysis) of this product. This study consisted of two phases in which the first phase consisted of development of ten formulations including control. All of the formulations were undergo analysis of colour, texture and sensory evaluation. Based on the sensory evaluation, Control (H. gordonii: 0%, seaweed: 0%) and two best formulations that consist of formulation 6 (H. gordonii: 1.6%; seaweed: 2.8%) and formulation 9 (H. gordonii: 2.4%, seaweed: 2.8%) were chosen to undergo the second phase which is proximate analysis. Base on the result, were significant different (p<0.05) on proximate analysis except for the protein and moisture content. Therefore, it can be concluded that H. gordonii is a good source of fiber when adding in a bar.

Phase field modeling of brittle fracture for enhanced assumed strain shells at large deformations: formulation and finite element implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reinoso, J.; Paggi, M.; Linder, C.

2017-06-01

Fracture of technological thin-walled components can notably limit the performance of their corresponding engineering systems. With the aim of achieving reliable fracture predictions of thin structures, this work presents a new phase field model of brittle fracture for large deformation analysis of shells relying on a mixed enhanced assumed strain (EAS) formulation. The kinematic description of the shell body is constructed according to the solid shell concept. This enables the use of fully three-dimensional constitutive models for the material. The proposed phase field formulation integrates the use of the (EAS) method to alleviate locking pathologies, especially Poisson thickness and volumetric locking. This technique is further combined with the assumed natural strain method to efficiently derive a locking-free solid shell element. On the computational side, a fully coupled monolithic framework is consistently formulated. Specific details regarding the corresponding finite element formulation and the main aspects associated with its implementation in the general purpose packages FEAP and ABAQUS are addressed. Finally, the applicability of the current strategy is demonstrated through several numerical examples involving different loading conditions, and including linear and nonlinear hyperelastic constitutive models.

Chaotic dynamics and thermodynamics of periodic systems with long-range forces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Pankaj

Gravitational and electromagnetic interactions form the backbone of our theoretical understanding of the universe. While, in general, such interactions are analytically inexpressible for three-dimensional infinite systems, one-dimensional modeling allows one to treat the long-range forces exactly. Not only are one-dimensional systems of profound intrinsic interest, physicists often rely on one-dimensional models as a starting point in the analysis of their more complicated higher-dimensional counterparts. In the analysis of large systems considered in cosmology and plasma physics, periodic boundary conditions are a natural choice and have been utilized in the study of one dimensional Coulombic and gravitational systems. Such studies often employ numerical simulations to validate the theoretical predictions, and in cases where theoretical relations have not been mathematically formulated, numerical simulations serve as a powerful method in characterizing the system's physical properties. In this dissertation, analytic techniques are formulated to express the exact phase-space dynamics of spatially-periodic one-dimensional Coulombic and gravitational systems. Closed-form versions of the Hamiltonian and the electric field are derived for single-component and two-component Coulombic systems, placing the two on the same footing as the gravitational counterpart. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that a three-body variant of the spatially-periodic Coulombic or gravitational system may be reduced isomorphically to a periodic system of a single particle in a two-dimensional rhombic potential. The analytic results are utilized for developing and implementing efficient computational tools to study the dynamical and the thermodynamic properties of the systems without resorting to numerical approximations. Event-driven algorithms are devised to obtain Lyapunov spectra, radial distribution function, pressure, caloric curve, and Poincare surface of section through an N-body molecular-dynamics approach. The simulation results for the three-body systems show that the motion exhibits chaotic, quasiperiodic, and periodic behaviors in segmented regions of the phase space. The results for the large versions of the single-component and two-component Coulombic systems show no clear-cut indication of a phase transition. However, as predicted by the theoretical treatment, the simulated temperature dependencies of energy, pressure as well as Lyapunov exponent for the gravitational system indicate a phase transition and the critical temperature obtained in simulation agrees well with that from the theory.

A quality by design approach to optimization of emulsions for electrospinning using factorial and D-optimal designs.

PubMed

Badawi, Mariam A; El-Khordagui, Labiba K

2014-07-16

Emulsion electrospinning is a multifactorial process used to generate nanofibers loaded with hydrophilic drugs or macromolecules for diverse biomedical applications. Emulsion electrospinnability is greatly impacted by the emulsion pharmaceutical attributes. The aim of this study was to apply a quality by design (QbD) approach based on design of experiments as a risk-based proactive approach to achieve predictable critical quality attributes (CQAs) in w/o emulsions for electrospinning. Polycaprolactone (PCL)-thickened w/o emulsions containing doxycycline HCl were formulated using a Span 60/sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) emulsifier blend. The identified emulsion CQAs (stability, viscosity and conductivity) were linked with electrospinnability using a 3(3) factorial design to optimize emulsion composition for phase stability and a D-optimal design to optimize stable emulsions for viscosity and conductivity after shifting the design space. The three independent variables, emulsifier blend composition, organic:aqueous phase ratio and polymer concentration, had a significant effect (p<0.05) on emulsion CQAs, the emulsifier blend composition exerting prominent main and interaction effects. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of emulsion-electrospun NFs and desirability functions allowed modeling of emulsion CQAs to predict electrospinnable formulations. A QbD approach successfully built quality in electrospinnable emulsions, allowing development of hydrophilic drug-loaded nanofibers with desired morphological characteristics. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bracket formulations and energy- and helicity-preserving numerical methods for incompressible two-phase flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, Yukihito

2018-03-01

A diffuse interface model for three-dimensional viscous incompressible two-phase flows is formulated within a bracket formalism using a skew-symmetric Poisson bracket together with a symmetric negative semi-definite dissipative bracket. The budgets of kinetic energy, helicity, and enstrophy derived from the bracket formulations are properly inherited by the finite difference equations obtained by invoking the discrete variational derivative method combined with the mimetic finite difference method. The Cahn-Hilliard and Allen-Cahn equations are employed as diffuse interface models, in which the equalities of densities and viscosities of two different phases are assumed. Numerical experiments on the motion of periodic arrays of tubes and those of droplets have been conducted to examine the properties and usefulness of the proposed method.

Ultra low concentration deltamethrin loaded patch development and evaluation of its repellency against dengue vector Aedes (S) albopictus

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Mosquito repellents and emanators confer protection against mosquito bites through spatial action of emanated vapours which are released into the adjoining environment. Synthetic insecticides released into the environment in ultra low volume vapour phase deter the mosquitoes from biting humans in a protected space. Methods Formulation patches were prepared using the solvent evaporation method over a backing membrane and using Dibutylphthalate (DBT) as a plasticizer. The effect of formulation variables on the deltamethrin release from the patch matrices were studied under accelerated conditions, whereas, HPLC was used for quantitative estimation of deltamethrin. The prepared patch formulations were subjected to physicochemical studies, such as, deltamethrin content, thickness, weight variation, percent moisture content, moisture uptake, surface area and surface pH determination. Deltamethrin-polymer interaction and compatibility was ascertained using DSC and FT-IR, while surface morphology and deltamethrin distribution in the patch were studied using SEM technique. Repellent activity of the patch formulations was evaluated against Ae. albopictus mosquitoes. Results Blends of polymeric combinations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and ethyl-cellulose (EC) with admixture of deltamethrin provided prolonged repellent activity against Ae. albopictus mosquitoes. Physicochemical characterisation indicated the suitability of deltamethrin patch formulation with the polymeric combinations of PVP and EC. Patches were very effective against laboratory reared Ae. albopictus mosquitoes. No significant difference was observed between the performance of test patches and commercially available repellent cream Mosqshield®. Conclusion Deltamethrin loaded patches provided effective repellency against Ae. albopictus mosquitoes. The study emphasised that deltamethrin released to the environment in low concentration could be an excellent spatial repellent against hematophagous mosquitoes. PMID:24289656

Computational cost of two alternative formulations of Cahn-Hilliard equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paszyński, Maciej; Gurgul, Grzegorz; Łoś, Marcin; Szeliga, Danuta

2018-05-01

In this paper we propose two formulations of Cahn-Hilliard equations, which have several applications in cancer growth modeling and material science phase-field simulations. The first formulation uses one C4 partial differential equations (PDEs) the second one uses two C2 PDEs. Finally, we compare the computational costs of direct solvers for both formulations, using the refined isogeometric analysis (rIGA) approach.

Stability of whole inactivated influenza virus vaccine during coating onto metal microneedles

PubMed Central

Choi, Hyo-Jick; Bondy, Brian J.; Yoo, Dae-Goon; Compans, Richard W.; Kang, Sang-Moo; Prausnitz, Mark R.

2012-01-01

Immunization using a microneedle patch coated with vaccine offers the promise of simplified vaccination logistics and increased vaccine immunogenicity. This study examined the stability of influenza vaccine during the microneedle coating process, with a focus on the role of coating formulation excipients. Thick, uniform coatings were obtained using coating formulations containing a viscosity enhancer and surfactant, but these formulations retained little functional vaccine hemagglutinin (HA) activity after coating. Vaccine coating in a trehalose-only formulation retained about 40 – 50% of vaccine activity, which is a significant improvement. The partial viral activity loss observed in the trehalose-only formulation was hypothesized to come from osmotic pressure-induced vaccine destabilization. We found that inclusion of a viscosity enhancer, carboxymethyl cellulose, overcame this effect and retained full vaccine activity on both washed and plasma-cleaned titanium surfaces. The addition of polymeric surfactant, Lutrol® micro 68, to the trehalose formulation generated phase transformations of the vaccine coating, such as crystallization and phase separation, which was correlated to additional vaccine activity loss, especially when coating on hydrophilic, plasma-cleaned titanium. Again, the addition of a viscosity enhancer suppressed the surfactant-induced phase transformations during drying, which was confirmed by in vivo assessment of antibody response and survival rate after immunization in mice. We conclude that trehalose and a viscosity enhancer are beneficial coating excipients, but the inclusion of surfactant is detrimental to vaccine stability. PMID:23246470

Phased array ghost elimination.

PubMed

Kellman, Peter; McVeigh, Elliot R

2006-05-01

Parallel imaging may be applied to cancel ghosts caused by a variety of distortion mechanisms, including distortions such as off-resonance or local flow, which are space variant. Phased array combining coefficients may be calculated that null ghost artifacts at known locations based on a constrained optimization, which optimizes SNR subject to the nulling constraint. The resultant phased array ghost elimination (PAGE) technique is similar to the method known as sensitivity encoding (SENSE) used for accelerated imaging; however, in this formulation is applied to full field-of-view (FOV) images. The phased array method for ghost elimination may result in greater flexibility in designing acquisition strategies. For example, in multi-shot EPI applications ghosts are typically mitigated by the use of an interleaved phase encode acquisition order. An alternative strategy is to use a sequential, non-interleaved phase encode order and cancel the resultant ghosts using PAGE parallel imaging. Cancellation of ghosts by means of phased array processing makes sequential, non-interleaved phase encode acquisition order practical, and permits a reduction in repetition time, TR, by eliminating the need for echo-shifting. Sequential, non-interleaved phase encode order has benefits of reduced distortion due to off-resonance, in-plane flow and EPI delay misalignment. Furthermore, the use of EPI with PAGE has inherent fat-water separation and has been used to provide off-resonance correction using a technique referred to as lipid elimination with an echo-shifting N/2-ghost acquisition (LEENA), and may further generalized using the multi-point Dixon method. Other applications of PAGE include cancelling ghosts which arise due to amplitude or phase variation during the approach to steady state. Parallel imaging requires estimates of the complex coil sensitivities. In vivo estimates may be derived by temporally varying the phase encode ordering to obtain a full k-space dataset in a scheme similar to the autocalibrating TSENSE method. This scheme is a generalization of the UNFOLD method used for removing aliasing in undersampled acquisitions. The more general scheme may be used to modulate each EPI ghost image to a separate temporal frequency as described in this paper. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Phased array ghost elimination

PubMed Central

Kellman, Peter; McVeigh, Elliot R.

2007-01-01

Parallel imaging may be applied to cancel ghosts caused by a variety of distortion mechanisms, including distortions such as off-resonance or local flow, which are space variant. Phased array combining coefficients may be calculated that null ghost artifacts at known locations based on a constrained optimization, which optimizes SNR subject to the nulling constraint. The resultant phased array ghost elimination (PAGE) technique is similar to the method known as sensitivity encoding (SENSE) used for accelerated imaging; however, in this formulation is applied to full field-of-view (FOV) images. The phased array method for ghost elimination may result in greater flexibility in designing acquisition strategies. For example, in multi-shot EPI applications ghosts are typically mitigated by the use of an interleaved phase encode acquisition order. An alternative strategy is to use a sequential, non-interleaved phase encode order and cancel the resultant ghosts using PAGE parallel imaging. Cancellation of ghosts by means of phased array processing makes sequential, non-interleaved phase encode acquisition order practical, and permits a reduction in repetition time, TR, by eliminating the need for echo-shifting. Sequential, non-interleaved phase encode order has benefits of reduced distortion due to off-resonance, in-plane flow and EPI delay misalignment. Furthermore, the use of EPI with PAGE has inherent fat-water separation and has been used to provide off-resonance correction using a technique referred to as lipid elimination with an echo-shifting N/2-ghost acquisition (LEENA), and may further generalized using the multi-point Dixon method. Other applications of PAGE include cancelling ghosts which arise due to amplitude or phase variation during the approach to steady state. Parallel imaging requires estimates of the complex coil sensitivities. In vivo estimates may be derived by temporally varying the phase encode ordering to obtain a full k-space dataset in a scheme similar to the autocalibrating TSENSE method. This scheme is a generalization of the UNFOLD method used for removing aliasing in undersampled acquisitions. The more general scheme may be used to modulate each EPI ghost image to a separate temporal frequency as described in this paper. PMID:16705636

Performance of an ablator for Space Shuttle inorbit repair in an arc-plasma airstream

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stewart, D. A.; Cuellar, M.; Flowers, O.

1983-01-01

An ablator patch material performed well in an arc plasma environment simulating nominal Earth entry conditions for the Space Shuttle. Ablation tests using vacuum molded cones provided data to optimize the formulation of a two part polymer system for application under space conditions. The blunt cones were made using a Teflon mold and a state of the art caulking gun. Char stability of formulations with various amounts of catalyst and diluent were investigated. The char was found to be unstable in formulations with low amounts of catalyst and high amounts of diluent. The best polymer system determined by these tests was evaluated using a half tile patch in a multiple High Temperature Reusable surface Insulation tile model. It was demonstrated that this ablator could be applied in a space environment using a state of the art caulking gun, would maintain the outer mold line of the thermal protection system during entry, and would keep the bond line temperature at the aluminum tile interface below the design limit.

Revealing the Topology of Fermi-Surface Wave Functions from Magnetic Quantum Oscillations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexandradinata, A.; Wang, Chong; Duan, Wenhui; Glazman, Leonid

2018-01-01

The modern semiclassical theory of a Bloch electron in a magnetic field now encompasses the orbital magnetic moment and the geometric phase. These two notions are encoded in the Bohr-Sommerfeld quantization condition as a phase (λ ) that is subleading in powers of the field; λ is measurable in the phase offset of the de Haas-van Alphen oscillation, as well as of fixed-bias oscillations of the differential conductance in tunneling spectroscopy. In some solids and for certain field orientations, λ /π are robustly integer valued, owing to the symmetry of the extremal orbit; i.e., they are the topological invariants of magnetotransport. Our comprehensive symmetry analysis identifies solids in any (magnetic) space group for which λ is a topological invariant, as well as the symmetry-enforced degeneracy of Landau levels. The analysis is simplified by our formulation of ten (and only ten) symmetry classes for closed, Fermi-surface orbits. Case studies are discussed for graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, 3D Weyl and Dirac metals, and crystalline and Z2 topological insulators. In particular, we point out that a π phase offset in the fundamental oscillation should not be viewed as a smoking gun for a 3D Dirac metal.

Worldlines and worldsheets for non-abelian lattice field theories: Abelian color fluxes and Abelian color cycles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gattringer, Christof; Göschl, Daniel; Marchis, Carlotta

2018-03-01

We discuss recent developments for exact reformulations of lattice field theories in terms of worldlines and worldsheets. In particular we focus on a strategy which is applicable also to non-abelian theories: traces and matrix/vector products are written as explicit sums over color indices and a dual variable is introduced for each individual term. These dual variables correspond to fluxes in both, space-time and color for matter fields (Abelian color fluxes), or to fluxes in color space around space-time plaquettes for gauge fields (Abelian color cycles). Subsequently all original degrees of freedom, i.e., matter fields and gauge links, can be integrated out. Integrating over complex phases of matter fields gives rise to constraints that enforce conservation of matter flux on all sites. Integrating out phases of gauge fields enforces vanishing combined flux of matter-and gauge degrees of freedom. The constraints give rise to a system of worldlines and worldsheets. Integrating over the factors that are not phases (e.g., radial degrees of freedom or contributions from the Haar measure) generates additional weight factors that together with the constraints implement the full symmetry of the conventional formulation, now in the language of worldlines and worldsheets. We discuss the Abelian color flux and Abelian color cycle strategies for three examples: the SU(2) principal chiral model with chemical potential coupled to two of the Noether charges, SU(2) lattice gauge theory coupled to staggered fermions, as well as full lattice QCD with staggered fermions. For the principal chiral model we present some simulation results that illustrate properties of the worldline dynamics at finite chemical potentials.

Space radiation test model study. Report for 20 May 1985-20 February 1986

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

Nightingale, R.W.; Chiu, Y.T.; Davidson, G.T.

1986-03-14

Dynamic models of the energetic populations in the outer radiation belts are being developed to better understand the extreme variations of particle flux in response to magnetospheric and solar activity. The study utilizes the SCATHA SC3 high-energy electron data, covering energies from 47 keV to 5 MeV with fine pitch-angle measurements (3 deg field of view) over the L-shell range of 5.3 to 8.7. Butter-fly distributions in the dusk sector signify particle losses due to L shell splitting of the particle-drift orbits and the subsequent scattering of the particles from the orbits by the magnetopause. To model the temporal variationsmore » and diffusion procsses of the particle populations, the data were organized into phase-space distributions, binned according to altitude (L shell), energy, pitch angle, and time. These distributions can then be mapped to the equator and plotted for fixed first and second adiabatic invariants of the inherent particle motion. A new and efficient method for calculating the third adiabatic invariant using a line integral of the relevant magnetic potential at the particle mirror points has been developed and is undergoing testing. This method will provide a useful means of displaying the radial diffusion signatures of the outer radiation belts during the more-active periods when the L shell parameter is not a good concept due to severe drift-shell splitting. The first phase of fitting the energetic-electron phase-space distributions with a combined radial and pitch-angle diffusion formulation is well underway. Bessel functions are being fit to the data in an eigenmode expansion method to determine the diffusion coefficients.« less

Phase 0 Clinical Chemoprevention Trial of the AKT Inhibitor SR13668

PubMed Central

Reid, Joel M.; Walden, Chad; Qin, Rui; Allen Ziegler, Katie L.; Haslam, John L.; Rajewski, Roger A.; Warndahl, Roger; Fitting, Cindy L.; Boring, Daniel; Szabo, Eva; Crowell, James; Perloff, Marjorie; Jong, Ling; Mandrekar, Sumithra J.; Ames, Matthew M.; Limburg, Paul J.

2011-01-01

Purpose SR13668, an orally active AKT pathway inhibitor, has demonstrated cancer chemopreventive potential in preclinical studies. To accelerate the clinical development of this promising agent, we designed and conducted the first-ever phase 0 chemoprevention trial to evaluate and compare the effects of food and formulation on SR13668 bioavailability. Patients and Methods Healthy adult volunteers were randomly assigned to receive a single, 38 mg oral dose of SR13668 in one of five different formulations, with or without food. Based on existing animal data, SR13668 in a PEG400/Labrasol® oral solution was defined as the reference formulation. Blood samples were obtained pre- and post-agent administration for pharmacokinetic analyses. Area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-∞) was defined as the primary endpoint. Data were analyzed and compared using established statistical methods for phase 0 trials with a limited sample size. Results Participants (N=20) were rapidly accrued over a 5-month period. Complete pharmacokinetic data were available for 18 randomized participants. AUC0-∞ values were highest in the fed state (range = 122–439 ng/mL × hours) and were statistically significantly different across formulations (p = 0.007), with Solutol® HS15 providing the highest bioavailability. SR13668 time to peak plasma concentration (3 hours; range, 2 – 6 hours) and half-life were (11.2 ± 3.1 hours) were not formulation dependent. Conclusions Using a novel, highly efficient study design, we rapidly identified a lead formulation of SR13668 for further clinical testing. Our findings support application of the phase 0 trial paradigm to accelerate chemoprevention agent development. PMID:21372034

High drug loading self-microemulsifying/micelle formulation: design by high-throughput formulation screening system and in vivo evaluation.

PubMed

Sakai, Kenichi; Obata, Kouki; Yoshikawa, Mayumi; Takano, Ryusuke; Shibata, Masaki; Maeda, Hiroyuki; Mizutani, Akihiko; Terada, Katsuhide

2012-10-01

To design a high drug loading formulation of self-microemulsifying/micelle system. A poorly-soluble model drug (CH5137291), 8 hydrophilic surfactants (HS), 10 lipophilic surfactants (LS), 5 oils, and PEG400 were used. A high loading formulation was designed by a following stepwise approach using a high-throughput formulation screening (HTFS) system: (1) an oil/solvent was selected by solubility of the drug; (2) a suitable HS for highly loading was selected by the screenings of emulsion/micelle size and phase stability in binary systems (HS, oil/solvent) with increasing loading levels; (3) a LS that formed a broad SMEDDS/micelle area on a phase diagram containing the HS and oil/solvent was selected by the same screenings; (4) an optimized formulation was selected by evaluating the loading capacity of the crystalline drug. Aqueous solubility behavior and oral absorption (Beagle dog) of the optimized formulation were compared with conventional formulations (jet-milled, PEG400). As an optimized formulation, d-α-tocopheryl polyoxyethylene 1000 succinic ester: PEG400 = 8:2 was selected, and achieved the target loading level (200 mg/mL). The formulation formed fine emulsion/micelle (49.1 nm), and generated and maintained a supersaturated state at a higher level compared with the conventional formulations. In the oral absorption test, the area under the plasma concentration-time curve of the optimized formulation was 16.5-fold higher than that of the jet-milled formulation. The high loading formulation designed by the stepwise approach using the HTFS system improved the oral absorption of the poorly-soluble model drug.

Geometry of Lax pairs: Particle motion and Killing-Yano tensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cariglia, Marco; Frolov, Valeri P.; Krtouš, Pavel; Kubizňák, David

2013-01-01

A geometric formulation of the Lax pair equation on a curved manifold is studied using the phase-space formalism. The corresponding (covariantly conserved) Lax tensor is defined and the method of generation of constants of motion from it is discussed. It is shown that when the Hamilton equations of motion are used, the conservation of the Lax tensor translates directly to the well-known Lax pair equation, with one matrix identified with components of the Lax tensor and the other matrix constructed from the (metric) connection. A generalization to Clifford objects is also discussed. Nontrivial examples of Lax tensors for geodesic and charged particle motion are found in spacetimes admitting a hidden symmetry of Killing-Yano tensors.

Probability and Quantum Paradigms: the Interplay

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

Kracklauer, A. F.

Since the introduction of Born's interpretation of quantum wave functions as yielding the probability density of presence, Quantum Theory and Probability have lived in a troubled symbiosis. Problems arise with this interpretation because quantum probabilities exhibit features alien to usual probabilities, namely non Boolean structure and non positive-definite phase space probability densities. This has inspired research into both elaborate formulations of Probability Theory and alternate interpretations for wave functions. Herein the latter tactic is taken and a suggested variant interpretation of wave functions based on photo detection physics proposed, and some empirical consequences are considered. Although incomplete in a fewmore » details, this variant is appealing in its reliance on well tested concepts and technology.« less

Probability and Quantum Paradigms: the Interplay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kracklauer, A. F.

2007-12-01

Since the introduction of Born's interpretation of quantum wave functions as yielding the probability density of presence, Quantum Theory and Probability have lived in a troubled symbiosis. Problems arise with this interpretation because quantum probabilities exhibit features alien to usual probabilities, namely non Boolean structure and non positive-definite phase space probability densities. This has inspired research into both elaborate formulations of Probability Theory and alternate interpretations for wave functions. Herein the latter tactic is taken and a suggested variant interpretation of wave functions based on photo detection physics proposed, and some empirical consequences are considered. Although incomplete in a few details, this variant is appealing in its reliance on well tested concepts and technology.

Phase equilibria in polymer-blend thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clarke, Nigel; Souche, Mireille

2010-03-01

To describe equilibrium concentration profiles in thin films of polymer mixtures, we propose a Hamiltonian formulation of the Flory-Huggins-de Gennes theory describing a polymer blend thin film. We first focus on the case of 50:50 polymer blends confined between anti-symmetric walls. The different phases of the system and the transitions between them, including finite size effects, are systematically studied through their relation with the geometry of the Hamiltonian flow in phase space. This method provides an easy and efficient way, with strong graphical insight, to infer the qualitative physical behavior of polymer blend thin films. The addition of a further degree of freedom in the system, namely a solvent, may result in a chaotic behavior of the system, characterized by the existence of solutions with exponential sensitivity to initial conditions. Such solutions and there subsequent contribution to the out-of-equilibrium dynamics of the system are well described in Hamiltonian formalism. A fully consistent treatment of the Flory-Huggins-de Gennes theory of thin film polymer blend solutions, in the spirit of the Hamiltonian approach will be presented. 1. M. Souche and N. Clarke, J. Chem. Phys., submitted.

Coupling fluid-structure interaction with phase-field fracture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wick, Thomas

2016-12-01

In this work, a concept for coupling fluid-structure interaction with brittle fracture in elasticity is proposed. The fluid-structure interaction problem is modeled in terms of the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian technique and couples the isothermal, incompressible Navier-Stokes equations with nonlinear elastodynamics using the Saint-Venant Kirchhoff solid model. The brittle fracture model is based on a phase-field approach for cracks in elasticity and pressurized elastic solids. In order to derive a common framework, the phase-field approach is re-formulated in Lagrangian coordinates to combine it with fluid-structure interaction. A crack irreversibility condition, that is mathematically characterized as an inequality constraint in time, is enforced with the help of an augmented Lagrangian iteration. The resulting problem is highly nonlinear and solved with a modified Newton method (e.g., error-oriented) that specifically allows for a temporary increase of the residuals. The proposed framework is substantiated with several numerical tests. In these examples, computational stability in space and time is shown for several goal functionals, which demonstrates reliability of numerical modeling and algorithmic techniques. But also current limitations such as the necessity of using solid damping are addressed.

Novel microemulsion-based gel formulation of tazarotene for therapy of acne.

PubMed

Patel, Mrunali Rashmin; Patel, Rashmin Bharatbhai; Parikh, Jolly R; Patel, Bharat G

2016-12-01

The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a novel microemulsion based gel formulation containing tazarotene for targeted topical therapy of acne. Psudoternary phase diagrams were constructed to obtain the concentration range of oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant for microemulsion formation. The optimized microemulsion formulation containing 0.05% tazarotene was formulated by spontaneous microemulsification method consisting of 10% Labrafac CC, mixed emulsifiers 15% Labrasol-Cremophor-RH 40 (1:1), 15% Capmul MCM, and 60% distilled water (w/w) as an external phase. All plain and tazarotene-loaded microemulsions were clear and showed physicochemical parameters for desired topical delivery and stability. The permeation profiles of tazarotene through rat skin from optimized microemulsion formulation followed the Higuchi model for controlled permeation. Microemulsion-based gel was prepared by incorporating Carbopol®971P NF in optimized microemulsion formulation having suitable skin permeation rate and skin uptake. Microemulsion-based gel showed desired physicochemical parameters and demonstrated advantage over marketed formulation in improving the skin tolerability of tazarotene indicating its potential in improving its topical delivery. The developed microemulsion-based gel may be a potential drug delivery vehicle for targeted topical delivery of tazarotene in the treatment of acne.

Moses Lake Fishery Restoration Project : FY 1999 Annual Report.

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

None given

2000-12-01

The Moses Lake Project consists of 3 phases. Phase 1 is the assessment of all currently available physical and biological information, the collection of baseline biological data, the formulation of testable hypotheses, and the development of a detailed study plan to test the hypotheses. Phase 2 is dedicated to the implementation of the study plan including data collection, hypotheses testing, and the formulation of a management plan. Phase 3 of the project is the implementation of the management plan, monitoring and evaluation of the implemented recommendations. The project intends to restore the failed recreational fishery for panfish species (black crappie,more » bluegill and yellow perch) in Moses Lake as off site mitigation for lost recreational fishing opportunities for anadromous species in the upper Columbia River. This report summarizes the results of Phase 1 investigations and presents the study plan directed at initiating Phase 2 of the project. Phase 1of the project culminates with the formulation of testable hypotheses directed at investigating possible limiting factors to the production of panfish in Moses Lake. The limiting factors to be investigated will include water quality, habitat quantity and quality, food limitations, competition, recruitment, predation, over harvest, environmental requirements, and the physical and chemical limitations of the system in relation to the fishes.« less

A New and General Formulation of the Parametric HFGMC Micromechanical Method for Three-Dimensional Multi-Phase Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haj-Ali, Rami; Aboudi, Jacob

2012-01-01

The recent two-dimensional (2-D) parametric formulation of the high fidelity generalized method of cells (HFGMC) reported by the authors is generalized for the micromechanical analysis of three-dimensional (3-D) multiphase composites with periodic microstructure. Arbitrary hexahedral subcell geometry is developed to discretize a triply periodic repeating unit-cell (RUC). Linear parametric-geometric mapping is employed to transform the arbitrary hexahedral subcell shapes from the physical space to an auxiliary orthogonal shape, where a complete quadratic displacement expansion is performed. Previously in the 2-D case, additional three equations are needed in the form of average moments of equilibrium as a result of the inclusion of the bilinear terms. However, the present 3-D parametric HFGMC formulation eliminates the need for such additional equations. This is achieved by expressing the coefficients of the full quadratic polynomial expansion of the subcell in terms of the side or face average-displacement vectors. The 2-D parametric and orthogonal HFGMC are special cases of the present 3-D formulation. The continuity of displacements and tractions, as well as the equilibrium equations, are imposed in the average (integral) sense as in the original HFGMC formulation. Each of the six sides (faces) of a subcell has an independent average displacement micro-variable vector which forms an energy-conjugate pair with the transformed average-traction vector. This allows generating symmetric stiffness matrices along with internal resisting vectors for the subcells which enhances the computational efficiency. The established new parametric 3-D HFGMC equations are formulated and solution implementations are addressed. Several applications for triply periodic 3-D composites are presented to demonstrate the general capability and varsity of the present parametric HFGMC method for refined micromechanical analysis by generating the spatial distributions of local stress fields. These applications include triply periodic composites with inclusions in the form of a cavity, spherical inclusion, ellipsoidal inclusion, discontinuous aligned short fiber. A 3-D repeating unit-cell for foam material composite is simulated.

A seamless phase IIB/III adaptive outcome trial: design rationale and implementation challenges.

PubMed

Chen, Y H Joshua; Gesser, Richard; Luxembourg, Alain

2015-02-01

The licensed four-valent prophylactic human papillomavirus vaccine is highly efficacious in preventing cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers and related precancers caused by human papillomavirus types 6, 11, 16, and 18. These four types account for approximately 70% of cervical cancers. A nine-valent human papillomavirus vaccine, including the four original types (6, 11, 16, and 18) plus the next five most prevalent types in cervical cancer (31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) could provide approximately 90% overall cervical cancer coverage. To expedite the nine-valent human papillomavirus vaccine clinical development, an adaptive, seamless Phase IIB/III outcome trial with ∼ 15,000 subjects was conducted to facilitate dose formulation selection and provide pivotal evidence of safety and efficacy for regulatory registrations. We discuss the design rationale and implementation challenges of the outcome trial, focusing on the adaptive feature of the seamless Phase IIB/III design. Subjects were enrolled in two parts (Part A and Part B). Approximately 1240 women, 16-26 years of age, were enrolled in Part A for Phase IIB evaluation and equally randomized to one of three dose formulations of the nine-valent human papillomavirus vaccine or the four-valent human papillomavirus vaccine (active control). Based on an interim analysis of immunogenicity and safety, one dose formulation of the nine-valent human papillomavirus vaccine was selected for evaluation in the Phase III part of the study. Subjects enrolled in Part A who received the selected dose formulation of the nine-valent human papillomavirus vaccine or four-valent human papillomavirus vaccine continued to be followed up and contributed to the final efficacy and safety analyses. In addition, ∼ 13,400 women 16-26 years of age were enrolled in Part B, randomized to nine-valent human papillomavirus vaccine at the selected dose formulation or four-valent human papillomavirus vaccine, and followed for immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety. A seamless Phase IIB/III design was justified by the extensive pre-existing knowledge of the licensed four-valent human papillomavirus vaccine and the development objectives for the nine-valent human papillomavirus vaccine. Subjects enrolled in Part A who received either the selected nine-valent human papillomavirus formulation or four-valent human papillomavirus vaccine contributed ∼ 10% of person-years of follow-up due to its earlier start-thereby maximizing the overall efficiency of the trial. Some of the challenges encountered in the implementation of the adaptive design included practical considerations during Phase IIB formulation selection by internal and external committees, End-of-Phase II discussion with health authorities and managing changes in the assay for immunological endpoints. Application of the experience and lesson learned from this seamless adaptive design to other clinical programs may depend on case-by-case consideration. A seamless Phase IIB/III adaptive design was successfully implemented in this large outcome study. The development time of the second-generation nine-valent human papillomavirus vaccine was shortened due to improved statistical efficiency. © The Author(s) 2014.

Ultrasonication-assisted preparation and characterization of emulsions and emulsion gels for topical drug delivery.

PubMed

Singh, Vinay K; Behera, Baikuntha; Pramanik, Krishna; Pal, Kunal

2015-03-01

The current study describes the use of ultrasonication for the preparation of biphasic emulsions and emulsion gels for topical drug delivery. Sorbitan monostearate (SMS) was used as the surfactant for stabilizing the interface of sesame oil (apolar phase) and water (polar phase). Emulsions were formed at lower concentrations of SMS, whereas emulsion gels were formed at higher concentrations of SMS. The formulations were characterized by fluorescent microscopy, X-ray diffraction, viscosity, stress relaxation, spreadability, and differential scanning calorimetry studies. Fluorescence microscopy suggested formation of oil-in-water type of formulations. There was an increase in the viscosity, bulk resistance, and firmness of the formulations as the proportions of SMS was increased. The emulsion gels were viscoelastic in nature. Thermal studies suggested higher thermodynamic stability at higher proportions of either SMS or water. Metronidazole, a model antimicrobial drug, was incorporated within the formulations. The release of the drug from the formulations was found to be diffusion mediated. The drug-loaded formulations showed sufficient antimicrobial efficiency to be used as carriers for topical antimicrobial drug delivery. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

From classical to quantum mechanics: ``How to translate physical ideas into mathematical language''

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bergeron, H.

2001-09-01

Following previous works by E. Prugovečki [Physica A 91A, 202 (1978) and Stochastic Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Space-time (Reidel, Dordrecht, 1986)] on common features of classical and quantum mechanics, we develop a unified mathematical framework for classical and quantum mechanics (based on L2-spaces over classical phase space), in order to investigate to what extent quantum mechanics can be obtained as a simple modification of classical mechanics (on both logical and analytical levels). To obtain this unified framework, we split quantum theory in two parts: (i) general quantum axiomatics (a system is described by a state in a Hilbert space, observables are self-adjoints operators, and so on) and (ii) quantum mechanics proper that specifies the Hilbert space as L2(Rn); the Heisenberg rule [pi,qj]=-iℏδij with p=-iℏ∇, the free Hamiltonian H=-ℏ2Δ/2m and so on. We show that general quantum axiomatics (up to a supplementary "axiom of classicity") can be used as a nonstandard mathematical ground to formulate physical ideas and equations of ordinary classical statistical mechanics. So, the question of a "true quantization" with "ℏ" must be seen as an independent physical problem not directly related with quantum formalism. At this stage, we show that this nonstandard formulation of classical mechanics exhibits a new kind of operation that has no classical counterpart: this operation is related to the "quantization process," and we show why quantization physically depends on group theory (the Galilei group). This analytical procedure of quantization replaces the "correspondence principle" (or canonical quantization) and allows us to map classical mechanics into quantum mechanics, giving all operators of quantum dynamics and the Schrödinger equation. The great advantage of this point of view is that quantization is based on concrete physical arguments and not derived from some "pure algebraic rule" (we exhibit also some limit of the correspondence principle). Moreover spins for particles are naturally generated, including an approximation of their interaction with magnetic fields. We also recover by this approach the semi-classical formalism developed by E. Prugovečki [Stochastic Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Space-time (Reidel, Dordrecht, 1986)].

Method of Implementing Digital Phase-Locked Loops

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stephens, Scott A. (Inventor); Thomas, J. Brooks (Inventor)

1997-01-01

In a new formulation for digital phase-locked loops, loop-filter constants are determined from loop roots that can each be selectively placed in the s-plane on the basis of a new set of parameters, each with simple and direct physical meaning in terms of loop noise bandwidth, root-specific decay rate, and root-specific damping. Loops of first to fourth order are treated in the continuous-update approximation (B(sub L)T approaches 0) and in a discrete-update formulation with arbitrary B(sub L)T. Deficiencies of the continuous-update approximation in large-B(sub L)T applications are avoided in the new discrete-update formulation.

Role of vertex corrections in the matrix formulation of the random phase approximation for the multiorbital Hubbard model

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

Altmeyer, Michaela; Guterding, Daniel; Hirschfeld, P. J.

2016-12-21

In the framework of a multiorbital Hubbard model description of superconductivity, a matrix formulation of the superconducting pairing interaction that has been widely used is designed to treat spin, charge, and orbital fluctuations within a random phase approximation (RPA). In terms of Feynman diagrams, this takes into account particle-hole ladder and bubble contributions as expected. It turns out, however, that this matrix formulation also generates additional terms which have the diagrammatic structure of vertex corrections. Furthermore we examine these terms and discuss the relationship between the matrix-RPA superconducting pairing interaction and the Feynman diagrams that it sums.

How does oil type determine emulsion characteristics in concentrated Na-caseinate emulsions?

PubMed

Tan, Hui Lin; McGrath, Kathryn M

2013-08-01

Macroscopic properties and ensemble average diffusion of concentrated (dispersed phase 50-60 wt%) Na-caseinate-stabilised emulsions for three different oils (soybean oil, palm olein and tetradecane) were explored. On a volume fraction basis, pulsed gradient stimulated echo (PGSTE)-NMR data show that droplet dynamics for all three systems are similar within a region of the emulsion morphology diagram. The exact limits of the emulsion space depend however on which oil is considered. The reduced solubility of tetradecane in water, and Na-caseinate in tetradecane, result in the stabilisation of flocs during formulation. Floc formation is not observed when soybean oil or palm olein is used under identical emulsion formulation conditions. Linear rheology experiments provide indirect evidence that the local structure and the properties of the thin film interfacial domain of tetradecane emulsions vary from those of soybean oil and palm olein emulsions. Collectively these data indicate that protein/oil interactions within a system dominate over specific oil droplet structure and size distribution, which are similar in the three systems. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Orbit determination of highly elliptical Earth orbiters using improved Doppler data-processing modes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Estefan, J. A.

1995-01-01

A navigation error covariance analysis of four highly elliptical Earth orbits is described, with apogee heights ranging from 20,000 to 76,800 km and perigee heights ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 km. This analysis differs from earlier studies in that improved navigation data-processing modes were used to reduce the radio metric data. For this study, X-band (8.4-GHz) Doppler data were assumed to be acquired from two Deep Space Network radio antennas and reconstructed orbit errors propagated over a single day. Doppler measurements were formulated as total-count phase measurements and compared to the traditional formulation of differenced-count frequency measurements. In addition, an enhanced data-filtering strategy was used, which treated the principal ground system calibration errors affecting the data as filter parameters. Results suggest that a 40- to 60-percent accuracy improvement may be achievable over traditional data-processing modes in reconstructed orbit errors, with a substantial reduction in reconstructed velocity errors at perigee. Historically, this has been a regime in which stringent navigation requirements have been difficult to meet by conventional methods.

Integrated control-system design via generalized LQG (GLQG) theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bernstein, Dennis S.; Hyland, David C.; Richter, Stephen; Haddad, Wassim M.

1989-01-01

Thirty years of control systems research has produced an enormous body of theoretical results in feedback synthesis. Yet such results see relatively little practical application, and there remains an unsettling gap between classical single-loop techniques (Nyquist, Bode, root locus, pole placement) and modern multivariable approaches (LQG and H infinity theory). Large scale, complex systems, such as high performance aircraft and flexible space structures, now demand efficient, reliable design of multivariable feedback controllers which optimally tradeoff performance against modeling accuracy, bandwidth, sensor noise, actuator power, and control law complexity. A methodology is described which encompasses numerous practical design constraints within a single unified formulation. The approach, which is based upon coupled systems or modified Riccati and Lyapunov equations, encompasses time-domain linear-quadratic-Gaussian theory and frequency-domain H theory, as well as classical objectives such as gain and phase margin via the Nyquist circle criterion. In addition, this approach encompasses the optimal projection approach to reduced-order controller design. The current status of the overall theory will be reviewed including both continuous-time and discrete-time (sampled-data) formulations.

Microphase separation in solid lipid dosage forms as the cause of drug release instability.

PubMed

Lopes, Diogo Gomes; Koutsamanis, Ioannis; Becker, Karin; Scheibelhofer, Otto; Laggner, Peter; Haack, Detlev; Stehr, Michael; Zimmer, Andreas; Salar-Behzadi, Sharareh

2017-01-30

Although lipid excipients are of increasing interest for development of taste-masked and modified release formulations, the drug release instability and the lack of mechanistic understanding in that regard still prevent their larger-scale application. In this work, we investigated the physical stability of a binary (tripalmitin/polysorbate 65) lipid coating formulation with a known stable polymorphism. The coating composition was characterized using DSC to construct the phase diagram of binary system and polarized light microscopy to display the microstructure organization. The water uptake and the erosion of slabs cast from the coating formulations were investigated post-production and after storage. Subsequently, N-acetylcysteine particles were coated with the selected formulations and the drug release stability was investigated. Additionally, microstructure characterization was performed via SEM and X-ray diffraction. The drug release instability was explained by polysorbate 65 and tripalmitin phase growth during storage, especially at 40°C, suggesting that polysorbate 65 can leak out of tripalmitin spherulitic structures, creating lipophilic and impermeable tripalmitin regions. The growth of polysorbate 65 phase leads to larger hydrophilic channels with reduced tortuosity. This work indicates that for obtaining stable drug release profiles from advanced lipid formulations, microphase separation should be prevented during storage. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lognormal Kalman filter for assimilating phase space density data in the radiation belts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kondrashov, D.; Ghil, M.; Shprits, Y.

2011-11-01

Data assimilation combines a physical model with sparse observations and has become an increasingly important tool for scientists and engineers in the design, operation, and use of satellites and other high-technology systems in the near-Earth space environment. Of particular importance is predicting fluxes of high-energy particles in the Van Allen radiation belts, since these fluxes can damage spaceborne platforms and instruments during strong geomagnetic storms. In transiting from a research setting to operational prediction of these fluxes, improved data assimilation is of the essence. The present study is motivated by the fact that phase space densities (PSDs) of high-energy electrons in the outer radiation belt—both simulated and observed—are subject to spatiotemporal variations that span several orders of magnitude. Standard data assimilation methods that are based on least squares minimization of normally distributed errors may not be adequate for handling the range of these variations. We propose herein a modification of Kalman filtering that uses a log-transformed, one-dimensional radial diffusion model for the PSDs and includes parameterized losses. The proposed methodology is first verified on model-simulated, synthetic data and then applied to actual satellite measurements. When the model errors are sufficiently smaller then observational errors, our methodology can significantly improve analysis and prediction skill for the PSDs compared to those of the standard Kalman filter formulation. This improvement is documented by monitoring the variance of the innovation sequence.

Robust operative diagnosis as problem solving in a hypothesis space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbott, Kathy H.

1988-01-01

This paper describes an approach that formulates diagnosis of physical systems in operation as problem solving in a hypothesis space. Such a formulation increases robustness by: (1) incremental hypotheses construction via dynamic inputs, (2) reasoning at a higher level of abstraction to construct hypotheses, and (3) partitioning the space by grouping fault hypotheses according to the type of physical system representation and problem solving techniques used in their construction. It was implemented for a turbofan engine and hydraulic subsystem. Evaluation of the implementation on eight actual aircraft accident cases involving engine faults provided very promising results.

Probabilistic Structural Analysis Methods for select space propulsion system components (PSAM). Volume 2: Literature surveys of critical Space Shuttle main engine components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rajagopal, K. R.

1992-01-01

The technical effort and computer code development is summarized. Several formulations for Probabilistic Finite Element Analysis (PFEA) are described with emphasis on the selected formulation. The strategies being implemented in the first-version computer code to perform linear, elastic PFEA is described. The results of a series of select Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) component surveys are presented. These results identify the critical components and provide the information necessary for probabilistic structural analysis. Volume 2 is a summary of critical SSME components.

Unified tensor model for space-frequency spreading-multiplexing (SFSM) MIMO communication systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Almeida, André LF; Favier, Gérard

2013-12-01

This paper presents a unified tensor model for space-frequency spreading-multiplexing (SFSM) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication systems that combine space- and frequency-domain spreadings, followed by a space-frequency multiplexing. Spreading across space (transmit antennas) and frequency (subcarriers) adds resilience against deep channel fades and provides space and frequency diversities, while orthogonal space-frequency multiplexing enables multi-stream transmission. We adopt a tensor-based formulation for the proposed SFSM MIMO system that incorporates space, frequency, time, and code dimensions by means of the parallel factor model. The developed SFSM tensor model unifies the tensorial formulation of some existing multiple-access/multicarrier MIMO signaling schemes as special cases, while revealing interesting tradeoffs due to combined space, frequency, and time diversities which are of practical relevance for joint symbol-channel-code estimation. The performance of the proposed SFSM MIMO system using either a zero forcing receiver or a semi-blind tensor-based receiver is illustrated by means of computer simulation results under realistic channel and system parameters.

Modeling individual effects in the Cormack-Jolly-Seber Model: A state-space formulation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Royle, J. Andrew

2008-01-01

In population and evolutionary biology, there exists considerable interest in individual heterogeneity in parameters of demographic models for open populations. However, flexible and practical solutions to the development of such models have proven to be elusive. In this article, I provide a state-space formulation of open population capture-recapture models with individual effects. The state-space formulation provides a generic and flexible framework for modeling and inference in models with individual effects, and it yields a practical means of estimation in these complex problems via contemporary methods of Markov chain Monte Carlo. A straightforward implementation can be achieved in the software package WinBUGS. I provide an analysis of a simple model with constant parameter detection and survival probability parameters. A second example is based on data from a 7-year study of European dippers, in which a model with year and individual effects is fitted.

Application of Risk Assessment Tools in the Continuous Risk Management (CRM) Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Paul S.

2002-01-01

Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is currently implementing the Continuous Risk Management (CRM) Program developed by the Carnegie Mellon University and recommended by NASA as the Risk Management (RM) implementation approach. The four most frequently used risk assessment tools in the center are: (a) Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Hazard Analysis (HA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and Probabilistic Risk Analysis (PRA). There are some guidelines for selecting the type of risk assessment tools during the project formulation phase of a project, but there is not enough guidance as to how to apply these tools in the Continuous Risk Management process (CRM). But the ways the safety and risk assessment tools are used make a significant difference in the effectiveness in the risk management function. Decisions regarding, what events are to be included in the analysis, to what level of details should the analysis be continued, make significant difference in the effectiveness of risk management program. Tools of risk analysis also depends on the phase of a project e.g. at the initial phase of a project, when not much data are available on hardware, standard FMEA cannot be applied; instead a functional FMEA may be appropriate. This study attempted to provide some directives to alleviate the difficulty in applying FTA, PRA, and FMEA in the CRM process. Hazard Analysis was not included in the scope of the study due to the short duration of the summer research project.

Implementation of Quality by Design for Formulation of Rebamipide Gastro-retentive Tablet.

PubMed

Ha, Jung-Myung; Seo, Jeong-Woong; Kim, Su-Hyeon; Kim, Ju-Young; Park, Chun-Woong; Rhee, Yun-Seok; Park, Eun-Seok

2017-11-01

The purpose of the present study was to develop a rebamipide (RBM) gastro-retentive (GR) tablet by implementing quality by design (QbD). RBM GR tablets were prepared using a sublimation method. Quality target product profile (QTPP) and critical quality attributes (CQAs) of the RBM GR tablets were defined according to the preliminary studies. Factors affecting the CQAs were prioritized using failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA). Design space and optimum formulation were established through a mixture design. The validity of the design space was confirmed using runs within the area. The QTPP of the RBM GR tablets was the orally administered GR tablet containing 300 mg of RBM taken once daily. Based on the QTPP, dissolution rate, tablet friability, and floating property were chosen as CQAs. According to the risk assessment, the amount of sustained-release agent, sublimating material, and diluent showed high-risk priority number (RPN) values above 40. Based on the RPN, these factors were further investigated using mixture design methodology. Design space of formulations was depicted as an overlaid contour plot and the optimum formulation to satisfy the desired responses was obtained by determining the expected value of each response. The similarity factor (f2) of the release profile between predicted response and experimental response was 89.463, suggesting that two release profiles are similar. The validity of the design space was also confirmed. Consequently, we were able to develop the RBM GR tablets by implementing the QbD concept. These results provide useful information for development of tablet formulations using the QbD.

Spinor matter fields in SL(2,C) gauge theories of gravity: Lagrangian and Hamiltonian approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antonowicz, Marek; Szczyrba, Wiktor

1985-06-01

We consider the SL(2,C)-covariant Lagrangian formulation of gravitational theories with the presence of spinor matter fields. The invariance properties of such theories give rise to the conservation laws (the contracted Bianchi identities) having in the presence of matter fields a more complicated form than those known in the literature previously. A general SL(2,C) gauge theory of gravity is cast into an SL(2,C)-covariant Hamiltonian formulation. Breaking the SL(2,C) symmetry of the system to the SU(2) symmetry, by introducing a spacelike slicing of spacetime, we get an SU(2)-covariant Hamiltonian picture. The qualitative analysis of SL(2,C) gauge theories of gravity in the SU(2)-covariant formulation enables us to define the dynamical symplectic variables and the gauge variables of the theory under consideration as well as to divide the set of field equations into the dynamical equations and the constraints. In the SU(2)-covariant Hamiltonian formulation the primary constraints, which are generic for first-order matter Lagrangians (Dirac, Weyl, Fierz-Pauli), can be reduced. The effective matter symplectic variables are given by SU(2)-spinor-valued half-forms on three-dimensional slices of spacetime. The coupled Einstein-Cartan-Dirac (Weyl, Fierz-Pauli) system is analyzed from the (3+1) point of view. This analysis is complete; the field equations of the Einstein-Cartan-Dirac theory split into 18 gravitational dynamical equations, 8 dynamical Dirac equations, and 7 first-class constraints. The system has 4+8=12 independent degrees of freedom in the phase space.

Application of hot-melt extrusion technology in immediate-release abuse-deterrent formulations.

PubMed

Wening, Klaus; Schwier, Sebastian; Stahlberg, Hans-J; Galia, Eric

Hot-melt extrusion (HME) technology has been used for manufacturing extended-release abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs) of opioid-type analgesics with improved tamper-resistant properties. Our objective was to describe application of this technology to immediate-release (IR) ADFs. For development of a sample IR ADF (hydrocodone 10 mg/acetaminophen 325 mg) based on HME, feasibility studies were performed using different excipients. The formulation selected for further development was evaluated via in vitro test battery. Moreover, in vivo performance of IR ADF technologies was investigated in an open-label, randomized, cross-over, phase 1, relative oral bioavailability study with another opioid (model compound). Single-center bioavailability trial. Twenty-four healthy white male subjects. ADF IR formulation of an opioid and marketed IR formulation. For feasibility and in vitro studies, dissolution profiles, syringeability, particle size distribution after physical manipulation, and extractability were evaluated. For the phase 1 study, pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated and compared for ADF IR and a marketed IR formulation. After manipulation, the majority of particles from the ADF IR formulation were >500µm and, thus, not considered suitable for intranasal abuse, while the majority of particles for the reference marketed IR formulation were <500µm. The ADF IR formulation was resistant to syringing and preparation for potential intravenous injection. In healthy subjects, pharmacokinetics of an ADF and marketed IR formulation of an opioid were nearly identical. Application of HME to IR formulations led to development of products with improved mechanical resistance to manipulation for intranasal or intravenous preparation, but similar bioavailability.

Robust global identifiability theory using potentials--Application to compartmental models.

PubMed

Wongvanich, N; Hann, C E; Sirisena, H R

2015-04-01

This paper presents a global practical identifiability theory for analyzing and identifying linear and nonlinear compartmental models. The compartmental system is prolonged onto the potential jet space to formulate a set of input-output equations that are integrals in terms of the measured data, which allows for robust identification of parameters without requiring any simulation of the model differential equations. Two classes of linear and non-linear compartmental models are considered. The theory is first applied to analyze the linear nitrous oxide (N2O) uptake model. The fitting accuracy of the identified models from differential jet space and potential jet space identifiability theories is compared with a realistic noise level of 3% which is derived from sensor noise data in the literature. The potential jet space approach gave a match that was well within the coefficient of variation. The differential jet space formulation was unstable and not suitable for parameter identification. The proposed theory is then applied to a nonlinear immunological model for mastitis in cows. In addition, the model formulation is extended to include an iterative method which allows initial conditions to be accurately identified. With up to 10% noise, the potential jet space theory predicts the normalized population concentration infected with pathogens, to within 9% of the true curve. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of fuel cetane number on the structure of diesel spray combustion: An accelerated Eulerian stochastic fields method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jangi, Mehdi; Lucchini, Tommaso; Gong, Cheng; Bai, Xue-Song

2015-09-01

An Eulerian stochastic fields (ESF) method accelerated with the chemistry coordinate mapping (CCM) approach for modelling spray combustion is formulated, and applied to model diesel combustion in a constant volume vessel. In ESF-CCM, the thermodynamic states of the discretised stochastic fields are mapped into a low-dimensional phase space. Integration of the chemical stiff ODEs is performed in the phase space and the results are mapped back to the physical domain. After validating the ESF-CCM, the method is used to investigate the effects of fuel cetane number on the structure of diesel spray combustion. It is shown that, depending of the fuel cetane number, liftoff length is varied, which can lead to a change in combustion mode from classical diesel spray combustion to fuel-lean premixed burned combustion. Spray combustion with a shorter liftoff length exhibits the characteristics of the classical conceptual diesel combustion model proposed by Dec in 1997 (http://dx.doi.org/10.4271/970873), whereas in a case with a lower cetane number the liftoff length is much larger and the spray combustion probably occurs in a fuel-lean-premixed mode of combustion. Nevertheless, the transport budget at the liftoff location shows that stabilisation at all cetane numbers is governed primarily by the auto-ignition process.

Effects of magnetic drift tangential to magnetic surfaces on neoclassical transport in non-axisymmetric plasmas

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

Matsuoka, Seikichi, E-mail: matsuoka@rist.or.jp; Satake, Shinsuke; Kanno, Ryutaro

2015-07-15

In evaluating neoclassical transport by radially local simulations, the magnetic drift tangential to a flux surface is usually ignored in order to keep the phase-space volume conservation. In this paper, effect of the tangential magnetic drift on the local neoclassical transport is investigated. To retain the effect of the tangential magnetic drift in the local treatment of neoclassical transport, a new local formulation for the drift kinetic simulation is developed. The compressibility of the phase-space volume caused by the tangential magnetic drift is regarded as a source term for the drift kinetic equation, which is solved by using a two-weightmore » δf Monte Carlo method for non-Hamiltonian system [G. Hu and J. A. Krommes, Phys. Plasmas 1, 863 (1994)]. It is demonstrated that the effect of the drift is negligible for the neoclassical transport in tokamaks. In non-axisymmetric systems, however, the tangential magnetic drift substantially changes the dependence of the neoclassical transport on the radial electric field E{sub r}. The peaked behavior of the neoclassical radial fluxes around E{sub r }={sub  }0 observed in conventional local neoclassical transport simulations is removed by taking the tangential magnetic drift into account.« less

Space history, space policy, and executive leadership

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kraemer, Sylvia K.

1993-01-01

A lecture that attempts to establish the role of space historians in formulating space policy is presented. The discussion focusses on two adages and their relevance to space policy. The adages are as follows: 'write about what you know;' and 'good managers do things right; good executives do the right things.'

Multi-phase-field modeling of anisotropic crack propagation for polycrystalline materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Thanh-Tung; Réthoré, Julien; Yvonnet, Julien; Baietto, Marie-Christine

2017-08-01

A new multi-phase-field method is developed for modeling the fracture of polycrystals at the microstructural level. Inter and transgranular cracking, as well as anisotropic effects of both elasticity and preferential cleavage directions within each randomly oriented crystal are taken into account. For this purpose, the proposed phase field formulation includes: (a) a smeared description of grain boundaries as cohesive zones avoiding defining an additional phase for grains; (b) an anisotropic phase field model; (c) a multi-phase field formulation where each preferential cleavage direction is associated with a damage (phase field) variable. The obtained framework allows modeling interactions and competition between grains and grain boundary cracks, as well as their effects on the effective response of the material. The proposed model is illustrated through several numerical examples involving a full description of complex crack initiation and propagation within 2D and 3D models of polycrystals.

A quality by design approach to understand formulation and process variability in pharmaceutical melt extrusion processes.

PubMed

Patwardhan, Ketaki; Asgarzadeh, Firouz; Dassinger, Thomas; Albers, Jessica; Repka, Michael A

2015-05-01

In this study, the principles of quality by design (QbD) have been uniquely applied to a pharmaceutical melt extrusion process for an immediate release formulation with a low melting model drug, ibuprofen. Two qualitative risk assessment tools - Fishbone diagram and failure mode effect analysis - were utilized to strategically narrow down the most influential parameters. Selected variables were further assessed using a Plackett-Burman screening study, which was upgraded to a response surface design consisting of the critical factors to study the interactions between the study variables. In process torque, glass transition temperature (Tg ) of the extrudates, assay, dissolution and phase change were measured as responses to evaluate the critical quality attributes (CQAs) of the extrudates. The effect of each study variable on the measured responses was analysed using multiple regression for the screening design and partial least squares for the optimization design. Experimental limits for formulation and process parameters to attain optimum processing have been outlined. A design space plot describing the domain of experimental variables within which the CQAs remained unchanged was developed. A comprehensive approach for melt extrusion product development based on the QbD methodology has been demonstrated. Drug loading concentrations between 40- 48%w/w and extrusion temperature in the range of 90-130°C were found to be the most optimum. © 2015 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

On the role of self-adjointness in the continuum formulation of topological quantum phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanhayi Ahari, Mostafa; Ortiz, Gerardo; Seradjeh, Babak

2016-11-01

Topological quantum phases of matter are characterized by an intimate relationship between the Hamiltonian dynamics away from the edges and the appearance of bound states localized at the edges of the system. Elucidating this correspondence in the continuum formulation of topological phases, even in the simplest case of a one-dimensional system, touches upon fundamental concepts and methods in quantum mechanics that are not commonly discussed in textbooks, in particular the self-adjoint extensions of a Hermitian operator. We show how such topological bound states can be derived in a prototypical one-dimensional system. Along the way, we provide a pedagogical exposition of the self-adjoint extension method as well as the role of symmetries in correctly formulating the continuum, field-theory description of topological matter with boundaries. Moreover, we show that self-adjoint extensions can be characterized generally in terms of a conserved local current associated with the self-adjoint operator.

A level set method for multiple sclerosis lesion segmentation.

PubMed

Zhao, Yue; Guo, Shuxu; Luo, Min; Shi, Xue; Bilello, Michel; Zhang, Shaoxiang; Li, Chunming

2018-06-01

In this paper, we present a level set method for multiple sclerosis (MS) lesion segmentation from FLAIR images in the presence of intensity inhomogeneities. We use a three-phase level set formulation of segmentation and bias field estimation to segment MS lesions and normal tissue region (including GM and WM) and CSF and the background from FLAIR images. To save computational load, we derive a two-phase formulation from the original multi-phase level set formulation to segment the MS lesions and normal tissue regions. The derived method inherits the desirable ability to precisely locate object boundaries of the original level set method, which simultaneously performs segmentation and estimation of the bias field to deal with intensity inhomogeneity. Experimental results demonstrate the advantages of our method over other state-of-the-art methods in terms of segmentation accuracy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of some formulation variables on the optimization of pH-dependent, colon-targeted, sustained-release mesalamine microspheres.

PubMed

El-Bary, Ahmed Abd; Aboelwafa, Ahmed A; Al Sharabi, Ibrahim M

2012-03-01

The aim of this work was to understand the influence of different formulation variables on the optimization of pH-dependent, colon-targeted, sustained-release mesalamine microspheres prepared by O/O emulsion solvent evaporation method, employing pH-dependent Eudragit S and hydrophobic pH-independent ethylcellulose polymers. Formulation variables studied included concentration of Eudragit S in the internal phase and the ratios between; internal to external phase, drug to Eudragit S and Eudragit S to ethylcellulose to mesalamine. Prepared microspheres were evaluated by carrying out in vitro release studies and determination of particle size, production yield, and encapsulation efficiency. In addition, morphology of microspheres was examined using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Emulsion solvent evaporation method was found to be sensitive to the studied formulation variables. Particle size and encapsulation efficiency increased by increasing Eudragit S concentration in the internal phase, ratio of internal to external phase, and ratio of Eudragit S to the drug. Employing Eudragit S alone in preparation of the microspheres is only successful in forming acid-resistant microspheres with pulsatile release pattern at high pH. Eudragit S and ethylcellulose blend microspheres were able to control release under acidic condition and to extend drug release at high pH. The stability studies carried out at 40°C/75% RH for 6 months proved the stability of the optimized formulation. From the results of this investigation, microencapsulation of mesalamine in microspheres using blend of Eudragit S and ethylcellulose could constitute a promising approach for site-specific and controlled delivery of drug in colon.

On the convergence of an iterative formulation of the electromagnetic scattering from an infinite grating of thin wires

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brand, J. C.

1985-01-01

Contraction theory is applied to an iterative formulation of electromagnetic scattering from periodic structures and a computational method for insuring convergence is developed. A short history of spectral (or k-space) formulation is presented with an emphasis on application to periodic surfaces. The mathematical background for formulating an iterative equation is covered using straightforward single variable examples including an extension to vector spaces. To insure a convergent solution of the iterative equation, a process called the contraction corrector method is developed. Convergence properties of previously presented iterative solutions to one-dimensional problems are examined utilizing contraction theory and the general conditions for achieving a convergent solution are explored. The contraction corrector method is then applied to several scattering problems including an infinite grating of thin wires with the solution data compared to previous works.

New nonlinear control algorithms for multiple robot arms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tarn, T. J.; Bejczy, A. K.; Yun, X.

1988-01-01

Multiple coordinated robot arms are modeled by considering the arms as closed kinematic chains and as a force-constrained mechanical system working on the same object simultaneously. In both formulations, a novel dynamic control method is discussed. It is based on feedback linearization and simultaneous output decoupling technique. By applying a nonlinear feedback and a nonlinear coordinate transformation, the complicated model of the multiple robot arms in either formulation is converted into a linear and output decoupled system. The linear system control theory and optimal control theory are used to design robust controllers in the task space. The first formulation has the advantage of automatically handling the coordination and load distribution among the robot arms. In the second formulation, it was found that by choosing a general output equation it became possible simultaneously to superimpose the position and velocity error feedback with the force-torque error feedback in the task space.

A quality by design approach using artificial intelligence techniques to control the critical quality attributes of ramipril tablets manufactured by wet granulation.

PubMed

Aksu, Buket; Paradkar, Anant; de Matas, Marcel; Özer, Özgen; Güneri, Tamer; York, Peter

2013-02-01

Quality by design (QbD) is an essential part of the modern approach to pharmaceutical quality. This study was conducted in the framework of a QbD project involving ramipril tablets. Preliminary work included identification of the critical quality attributes (CQAs) and critical process parameters (CPPs) based on the quality target product profiles (QTPPs) using the historical data and risk assessment method failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA). Compendial and in-house specifications were selected as QTPPs for ramipril tablets. CPPs that affected the product and process were used to establish an experimental design. The results thus obtained can be used to facilitate definition of the design space using tools such as design of experiments (DoE), the response surface method (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANNs). The project was aimed at discovering hidden knowledge associated with the manufacture of ramipril tablets using a range of artificial intelligence-based software, with the intention of establishing a multi-dimensional design space that ensures consistent product quality. At the end of the study, a design space was developed based on the study data and specifications, and a new formulation was optimized. On the basis of this formulation, a new laboratory batch formulation was prepared and tested. It was confirmed that the explored formulation was within the design space.

Riemannian geometric approach to human arm dynamics, movement optimization, and invariance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biess, Armin; Flash, Tamar; Liebermann, Dario G.

2011-03-01

We present a generally covariant formulation of human arm dynamics and optimization principles in Riemannian configuration space. We extend the one-parameter family of mean-squared-derivative (MSD) cost functionals from Euclidean to Riemannian space, and we show that they are mathematically identical to the corresponding dynamic costs when formulated in a Riemannian space equipped with the kinetic energy metric. In particular, we derive the equivalence of the minimum-jerk and minimum-torque change models in this metric space. Solutions of the one-parameter family of MSD variational problems in Riemannian space are given by (reparametrized) geodesic paths, which correspond to movements with least muscular effort. Finally, movement invariants are derived from symmetries of the Riemannian manifold. We argue that the geometrical structure imposed on the arm’s configuration space may provide insights into the emerging properties of the movements generated by the motor system.

Understanding effect of formulation and manufacturing variables on the critical quality attributes of warfarin sodium product.

PubMed

Rahman, Ziyaur; Korang-Yeboah, Maxwell; Siddiqui, Akhtar; Mohammad, Adil; Khan, Mansoor A

2015-11-10

Warfarin sodium (WS) is a narrow therapeutic index drug and its product quality should be thoroughly understood and monitored in order to avoid clinical performance issues. This study was focused on understanding the effect of manufacturing and formulation variables on WS product critical quality attributes (CQAs). Eight formulations were developed with lactose monohydrate (LM) or lactose anhydrous (LA), and were either wet granulated or directly compressed. Formulations were granulated either with ethanol, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and IPA-water mixture (50:50). Formulations were characterized for IPA, water content, hardness, disintegration time (DT), assay, dissolution and drug physical forms (scanning electron microscopy (SEM), near infrared chemical imaging (NIR-CI), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR)), and performed accelerated stability studies at 40°C/75% RH for three days. The DT and dissolution of directly compressed formulations were faster than wet granulated formulations. This was due to phase transformation of crystalline drug into its amorphous form as indicated by SEM, NIR-CI, XRPD and ssNMR data which itself act as a binder. Similarly, LM showed faster disintegration and dissolution than LA containing formulations. Stability results indicated an increase in hardness and DT, and a decrease in dissolution rate and extent. This was due to phase transformation of the drug and consolidation with particles' bonding. In conclusion, the CQAs of WS product were significantly affected by manufacturing and formulation variables. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Determination of tocopheryl acetate and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate in cosmetic formulations by HPLC.

PubMed

Almeida, M M; Alves, J M P; Patto, D C S; Lima, C R R C; Quenca-Guillen, J S; Santoro, M I R M; Kedor-Hackmann, E R M

2009-12-01

A rapid HPLC method was developed for the assay of tocopheryl acetate and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate in cosmetic formulations. The validated method was applied for quantitative determination of these vitamins in simulated emulsion formulation. Samples were analysed directly on a RP-18 reverse phase column with UV detection at 222 nm. A mixture of methanol and isopropanol (25 : 75 v/v) was used as mobile phase. The retention time of tocopheryl acetate and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate were 3.0 min and 5.9 min, respectively. Recovery was between 95% and 104%. In addition, the excipients did not interfere in the analysis. The method is simple, reproducible, selective and is suitable for routine analyses of commercial products.

JPL Innovation Foundry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sherwood, Brent; McCleese, Daniel

2012-01-01

Space science missions are increasingly challenged today: in ambition, by increasingly sophisticated hypotheses tested; in development, by the increasing complexity of advanced technologies; in budgeting, by the decline of flagship-class mission opportunities; in management, by expectations for breakthrough science despite a risk-averse programmatic climate; and in planning, by increasing competition for scarce resources. How are the space-science missions of tomorrow being formulated? The paper describes the JPL Innovation Foundry, created in 2011, to respond to this evolving context. The Foundry integrates methods, tools, and experts that span the mission concept lifecycle. Grounded in JPL's heritage of missions, flight instruments, mission proposals, and concept innovation, the Foundry seeks to provide continuity of support and cost-effective, on-call access to the right domain experts at the right time, as science definition teams and Principal Investigators mature mission ideas from "cocktail napkin" to PDR. The Foundry blends JPL capabilities in proposal development and concurrent engineering, including Team X, with new approaches for open-ended concept exploration in earlier, cost-constrained phases, and with ongoing research and technology projects. It applies complexity and cost models, projectformulation lessons learned, and strategy analyses appropriate to each level of concept maturity. The Foundry is organizationally integrated with JPL formulation program offices; staffed by JPL's line organizations for engineering, science, and costing; and overseen by senior Laboratory leaders to assure experienced coordination and review. Incubation of each concept is tailored depending on its maturity and proposal history, and its highest leverage modeling and analysis needs.

The Space Infrared Interferometric Telescope (SPIRIT) and its Complementarity to ALMA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leisawitz, Dave

2007-01-01

We report results of a pre-Formulation Phase study of SPIRIT, a candidate NASA Origins Probe mission. SPIRIT is a spatial and spectral interferometer with an operating wavelength range 25 - 400 microns. SPIRIT will provide sub-arcsecond resolution images and spectra with resolution R = 3000 in a 1 arcmin field of view to accomplish three primary scientific objectives: (1) Learn how planetary systems form from protostellar disks, and how they acquire their chemical organization; (2) Characterize the family of extrasolar planetary systems by imaging the structure in debris disks to understand how and where planets of different types form; and (3) Learn how high-redshift galaxies formed and merged to form the present-day population of galaxies. In each of these science domains, SPIRIT will yield information complementary to that obtainable with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)and the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA), and all three observatories could operate contemporaneously. Here we shall emphasize the SPIRIT science goals (1) and (2) and the mission's complementarity with ALMA.

Autonomous space processor for orbital debris

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ramohalli, Kumar; Marine, Micky; Colvin, James; Crockett, Richard; Sword, Lee; Putz, Jennifer; Woelfle, Sheri

1991-01-01

The development of an Autonomous Space Processor for Orbital Debris (ASPOD) was the goal. The nature of this craft, which will process, in situ, orbital debris using resources available in low Earth orbit (LEO) is explained. The serious problem of orbital debris is briefly described and the nature of the large debris population is outlined. The focus was on the development of a versatile robotic manipulator to augment an existing robotic arm, the incorporation of remote operation of the robotic arms, and the formulation of optimal (time and energy) trajectory planning algorithms for coordinated robotic arms. The mechanical design of the new arm is described in detail. The work envelope is explained showing the flexibility of the new design. Several telemetry communication systems are described which will enable the remote operation of the robotic arms. The trajectory planning algorithms are fully developed for both the time optimal and energy optimal problems. The time optimal problem is solved using phase plane techniques while the energy optimal problem is solved using dynamic programming.

Unibody Composite Pressurized Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rufer, Markus; Conger, Robert; Bauer, Thomas; Newman, John

2013-01-01

An integrated, generic unibody composite pressurized structure (UCPS) combined with a positive expulsion device (PED), consisting of an elastomeric bladder for monopropellant hydrazine, has been quasi-standardized for spacecraft use. The combination functions as an all-composite, non-metallic, propellant tank with bladder. The integrated UCPS combines several previous innovations - specifically, the linerless, all-composite cryogenic tank technology; all-composite boss; resin formulation; and integrated stringer system. The innovation combines the UCPS with an integrated propellant management device (PMD), the PED or bladder, to create an entirely unique system for in-space use. The UCPS is a pressure vessel that incorporates skirts, stringers, and other structures so that it is both an in-space hydrazine tank, and also a structural support system for a spacecraft in a single, all-composite unit. This innovation builds on the progress in the development of a previous SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) Phase I with Glenn Research Center and an SBIR III with Johnson Space Center that included the fabrication of two 42-in. (˜107-cm) diameter all-composite cryogenic (LOX and liquid methane) UCPS test tanks for a lunar lander. This Phase II provides hydra zine compatibility testing of the elastomeric bladder, a see-through PED to validate the expulsion process and model, and a complete UCPS-based PED with stringers and skirts that will be used to conduct initial qualification and expulsion tests. This extends the UCPS technology to include hydrazine-based, in-space pro - pulsion applications and can also be used for electric propulsion. This innovation creates a system that, in comparison to the traditional approach, is lower in weight, cost, volume, and production time; is stronger; and is capable of much higher pressures. It also has fewer failure modes, and is applicable to both chemical and electric propulsion systems.

Mixed quantum/classical theory of rotationally and vibrationally inelastic scattering in space-fixed and body-fixed reference frames

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semenov, Alexander; Babikov, Dmitri

2013-11-01

We formulated the mixed quantum/classical theory for rotationally and vibrationally inelastic scattering process in the diatomic molecule + atom system. Two versions of theory are presented, first in the space-fixed and second in the body-fixed reference frame. First version is easy to derive and the resultant equations of motion are transparent, but the state-to-state transition matrix is complex-valued and dense. Such calculations may be computationally demanding for heavier molecules and/or higher temperatures, when the number of accessible channels becomes large. In contrast, the second version of theory requires some tedious derivations and the final equations of motion are rather complicated (not particularly intuitive). However, the state-to-state transitions are driven by real-valued sparse matrixes of much smaller size. Thus, this formulation is the method of choice from the computational point of view, while the space-fixed formulation can serve as a test of the body-fixed equations of motion, and the code. Rigorous numerical tests were carried out for a model system to ensure that all equations, matrixes, and computer codes in both formulations are correct.

Testing of Environmental Satellite Bus-Instrument Interfaces Using Engineering Models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gagnier, Don; Hayner, Rick; Roza, Michael; Nosek, Thomas; Razzaghi, Andrea

2004-01-01

This paper discusses the formulation and execution of a laboratory test of the electrical interfaces between multiple atmospheric science instruments and the spacecraft bus that carries them. The testing, performed in 2002, used engineering models of the instruments that will be flown on the Aura s p a c m and of the Aura spacecraft bus electronics. Aura is one of NASA's Earth Observing System @OS) Program missions managed by the Goddard Space Flight Center. The test was designed to evaluate the complex interfaces in the spacecraft and instrument command and data handling (C&DH) subsystems prior to integration of the complete flight instruments on the spacecraft. A problem discovered during (and not before) the flight hardware integration phase can cause significant cost and schedule impacts. The testing successfully surfaced problems and led to their resolution before the full-up integration phase, saving significant cost and schedule time. This approach could be used on future environmental satellite programs involving multiple, complex scientific instruments being integrated onto a bus.

Modeling and simulation of surfactant-polymer flooding using a new hybrid method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daripa, Prabir; Dutta, Sourav

2017-04-01

Chemical enhanced oil recovery by surfactant-polymer (SP) flooding has been studied in two space dimensions. A new global pressure for incompressible, immiscible, multicomponent two-phase porous media flow has been derived in the context of SP flooding. This has been used to formulate a system of flow equations that incorporates the effect of capillary pressure and also the effect of polymer and surfactant on viscosity, interfacial tension and relative permeabilities of the two phases. The coupled system of equations for pressure, water saturation, polymer concentration and surfactant concentration has been solved using a new hybrid method in which the elliptic global pressure equation is solved using a discontinuous finite element method and the transport equations for water saturation and concentrations of the components are solved by a Modified Method Of Characteristics (MMOC) in the multicomponent setting. Numerical simulations have been performed to validate the method, both qualitatively and quantitatively, and to evaluate the relative performance of the various flooding schemes for several different heterogeneous reservoirs.

Heritage and Advanced Technology Systems Engineering Lessons Learned from NASA Space Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barley, Bryan; Newhouse, Marilyn; Bacskay, Allen

2010-01-01

Use of heritage and new technology is necessary/enabling to implementing small, low cost missions, yet overruns decrease the ability to sustain future mission flight rates The majority of the cost growth drivers seen in the D&NF study were embedded early during formulation phase and later realized during the development and I&T phases Cost drivers can be avoided or significantly decreased by project management and SE emphasis on early identification of risks and realistic analyses SE processes that emphasize an assessment of technology within the mission system to identify technical issues in the design or operational use of the technology. Realistic assessment of new and heritage spacecraft technology assumptions , identification of risks and mitigation strategies. Realistic estimates of effort required to inherit existing or qualify new technology, identification of risks to estimates and develop mitigation strategies. Allocation of project reserves for risk-based mitigation strategies of each individual area of heritage or new technology. Careful tailoring of inheritance processes to ensure due diligence.

Long-term prospects for developments in space: A scenario approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, W. M.; Kahn, H. D.

1977-01-01

Long-term plans for future NASA programs are reported, and some of the following topics are discussed in detail: (1) systematic formulation of space scenarios; (2) the basic international context; (3) potential 21st century space developments; (4) space vehicle developments; and (5) future exploration.

Black silicate paints: Formulation and performance data on OSO-H

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schutt, J. B.; Shai, C. M.

1973-01-01

Formulations and general procedures are given for making and applying space environmentally, as well as atmospherically stable black silicate paints. Compositions are given which meet spacecraft self-contamination requirements, have excellent heat resistance, and are strongly semiconductive.

A hybrid formulation for the numerical simulation of condensed phase explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michael, L.; Nikiforakis, N.

2016-07-01

In this article we present a new formulation and an associated numerical algorithm, for the simulation of combustion and transition to detonation of condensed-phase commercial- and military-grade explosives, which are confined by (or in general interacting with one or more) compliant inert materials. Examples include confined rate-stick problems and interaction of shock waves with gas cavities or solid particles in explosives. This formulation is based on an augmented Euler approach to account for the mixture of the explosive and its products, and a multi-phase diffuse interface approach to solve for the immiscible interaction between the mixture and the inert materials, so it is in essence a hybrid (augmented Euler and multi-phase) model. As such, it has many of the desirable features of the two approaches and, critically for our applications of interest, it provides the accurate recovery of temperature fields across all components. Moreover, it conveys a lot more physical information than augmented Euler, without the complexity of full multi-phase Baer-Nunziato-type models or the lack of robustness of augmented Euler models in the presence of more than two components. The model can sustain large density differences across material interfaces without the presence of spurious oscillations in velocity and pressure, and it can accommodate realistic equations of state and arbitrary (pressure- or temperature-based) reaction-rate laws. Under certain conditions, we show that the formulation reduces to well-known augmented Euler or multi-phase models, which have been extensively validated and used in practice. The full hybrid model and its reduced forms are validated against problems with exact (or independently-verified numerical) solutions and evaluated for robustness for rate-stick and shock-induced cavity collapse case-studies.

Enhancement of oral bioavailability of atorvastatin calcium by self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS).

PubMed

Kadu, Pawan J; Kushare, Sachin S; Thacker, Dhaval D; Gattani, Surendra G

2011-02-01

The aim of the present study was to formulate a self-emulsifying drug delivery system of atorvastatin calcium and its characterization including in vitro and in vivo potential. The solubility of atorvastatin calcium was determined in various vehicles such as Captex 355, Captex 355 EP/NF, Ethyl oleate, Capmul MCM, Capmul PG-8, Gelucire 44/14, Tween 80, Tween 20, and PEG 400. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were plotted on the basis of solubility data of drug in various components to evaluate the microemulsification region. Formulation development and screening was carried out based on results obtained from phase diagrams and characteristics of resultant microemulsion. Prepared formulations were tested for microemulsifying properties and evaluated for clarity, precipitation, viscosity determination, drug content and in vitro dissolution. The optimized formulation further evaluated for particle size distribution, zeta potential, stability studies and in vivo potential. In vivo performance of the optimized formulation was evaluated using a Triton-induced hypercholesterolemia model in male Albino Wistar rats. The formulation significantly reduced serum lipid levels as compared with atorvastatin calcium. Thus studies illustrated the potential use for the delivery of hydrophobic drug such as atorvastatin calcium by oral route.

Thermodynamically Constrained Averaging Theory (TCAT) Two-Phase Flow Model: Derivation, Closure, and Simulation Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weigand, T. M.; Miller, C. T.; Dye, A. L.; Gray, W. G.; McClure, J. E.; Rybak, I.

2015-12-01

The thermodynamically constrained averaging theory (TCAT) has been usedto formulate general classes of porous medium models, including newmodels for two-fluid-phase flow. The TCAT approach provides advantagesthat include a firm connection between the microscale, or pore scale,and the macroscale; a thermodynamically consistent basis; explicitinclusion of factors such as interfacial areas, contact angles,interfacial tension, and curvatures; and dynamics of interface movementand relaxation to an equilibrium state. In order to render the TCATmodel solvable, certain closure relations are needed to relate fluidpressure, interfacial areas, curvatures, and relaxation rates. In thiswork, we formulate and solve a TCAT-based two-fluid-phase flow model. We detail the formulation of the model, which is a specific instancefrom a hierarchy of two-fluid-phase flow models that emerge from thetheory. We show the closure problem that must be solved. Using recentresults from high-resolution microscale simulations, we advance a set ofclosure relations that produce a closed model. Lastly, we solve the model using a locally conservative numerical scheme and compare the TCAT model to the traditional model.

Clinical evaluation of seven anticalculus dentifrice formulations.

PubMed

Scruggs, R R; Stewart, P W; Samuels, M S; Stamm, J W

1991-01-01

One hundred ninety-two subjects completed a clinical trial to determine the effects of seven dentifrice formulations on calculus inhibition. The double-blind study involved a ten-day control phase and a ten-day experimental phase. For the control phase, subjects were evaluated for calculus present, received a prophylaxis and had pre-weighed mylar strips attached to the lingual surfaces of the mandibular incisors to harvest mineral deposits. Subjects were then assigned the placebo dentifrice for unsupervised twice-daily use and were required to report once a day for a supervised mouthrinse using a 1:3 dilution of the dentrifice. The experimental phase was identical except that subjects were allocated the experimental dentifices using a stratified random assignment based on age, gender and the initial presence of calculus. Simple linear regression analyses of the dry and ash log weights obtained from the strips were performed. The results showed no statistically significant differences among the test products; however, two formulations containing zinc citrate showed some calculus inhibition-potential suggesting that further research and development of such products may be warranted.

Phase-field modeling of fracture in variably saturated porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cajuhi, T.; Sanavia, L.; De Lorenzis, L.

2018-03-01

We propose a mechanical and computational model to describe the coupled problem of poromechanics and cracking in variably saturated porous media. A classical poromechanical formulation is adopted and coupled with a phase-field formulation for the fracture problem. The latter has the advantage of being able to reproduce arbitrarily complex crack paths without introducing discontinuities on a fixed mesh. The obtained simulation results show good qualitative agreement with desiccation experiments on soils from the literature.

Mathematical modeling of radiative-conductive heat transfer in semitransparent medium with phase change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savvinova, Nadezhda A.; Sleptsov, Semen D.; Rubtsov, Nikolai A.

2017-11-01

A mathematical phase change model is a formulation of the Stefan problem. Various formulations of the Stefan problem modeling of radiative-conductive heat transfer during melting or solidification of a semitransparent material are presented. Analysis of numerical results show that the radiative heat transfer has a significant effect on temperature distributions during melting (solidification) of the semitransparent material. In this paper conditions for application of various statements of the Stefan problem are analyzed.

Evaluation of Influence of Various Polymers on Dissolution and Phase Behavior of Carbamazepine-Succinic Acid Cocrystal in Matrix Tablets.

PubMed

Ullah, Majeed; Ullah, Hanif; Murtaza, Ghulam; Mahmood, Qaisar; Hussain, Izhar

2015-01-01

The aim of current study was to explore the influence of three commonly used polymers, that is, cellulosics and noncellulosics, for example, Methocel K4M, Kollidon VA/64, and Soluplus, on the phase disproportionation and drug release profile of carbamazepine-succinic acid (CBZ-SUC) cocrystal at varying drug to polymer ratios (1 : 1 to 1 : 0.25) in matrix tablets. The polymorphic phase disproportionation during in-depth dissolution studies of CBZ-SUC cocrystals and its crystalline properties were scrutinized by X-ray powder diffractrometry and Raman spectroscopy. The percent drug release from HPMC formulations (CSH) showed inverse relation with the concentration of polymer; that is, drug release increased with decrease in polymer concentration. On contrary, direct relation was observed between percent drug release and polymer concentrations of Kollidon VA 64/Soluplus (CSK, CSS). At similar polymer concentration, drug release from pure carbamazepine was slightly lower with HPMC formulations than that of cocrystal; however, opposite trend in release rate was observed with Kollidon VA/64 and Soluplus. The significant increase in dissolution rate of cocrystal occurred with Kollidon VA/64 and Soluplus at higher polymer concentration. Moreover, no phase change took place in Methocel and Kollidon formulations. No tablet residue was left for Soluplus formulation so the impact of polymer on cocrystal integrity cannot be predicted.

Evaluation of Influence of Various Polymers on Dissolution and Phase Behavior of Carbamazepine-Succinic Acid Cocrystal in Matrix Tablets

PubMed Central

Ullah, Majeed; Ullah, Hanif; Mahmood, Qaisar; Hussain, Izhar

2015-01-01

The aim of current study was to explore the influence of three commonly used polymers, that is, cellulosics and noncellulosics, for example, Methocel K4M, Kollidon VA/64, and Soluplus, on the phase disproportionation and drug release profile of carbamazepine-succinic acid (CBZ-SUC) cocrystal at varying drug to polymer ratios (1 : 1 to 1 : 0.25) in matrix tablets. The polymorphic phase disproportionation during in-depth dissolution studies of CBZ-SUC cocrystals and its crystalline properties were scrutinized by X-ray powder diffractrometry and Raman spectroscopy. The percent drug release from HPMC formulations (CSH) showed inverse relation with the concentration of polymer; that is, drug release increased with decrease in polymer concentration. On contrary, direct relation was observed between percent drug release and polymer concentrations of Kollidon VA 64/Soluplus (CSK, CSS). At similar polymer concentration, drug release from pure carbamazepine was slightly lower with HPMC formulations than that of cocrystal; however, opposite trend in release rate was observed with Kollidon VA/64 and Soluplus. The significant increase in dissolution rate of cocrystal occurred with Kollidon VA/64 and Soluplus at higher polymer concentration. Moreover, no phase change took place in Methocel and Kollidon formulations. No tablet residue was left for Soluplus formulation so the impact of polymer on cocrystal integrity cannot be predicted. PMID:26380301

Space-based solar power conversion and delivery systems study. Volume 2: Engineering analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

The technical and economic feasibility of Satellite Solar Power Systems was studied with emphasis on the analysis and definition of an integrated strawman configuration concept, from which credible cost data could be estimated. Specifically, system concepts for each of the major subprogram areas were formulated, analyzed, and iterated to the degree necessary for establishing an overall, workable baseline system design. Cost data were estimated for the baseline and used to conduct economic analyses. The baseline concept selected was a 5-GW crystal silicon truss-type photovoltaic configuration, which represented the most mature concept available. The overall results and major findings, and the results of technical analyses performed during the final phase of the study efforts are reported.

Effective-medium theory of elastic waves in random networks of rods.

PubMed

Katz, J I; Hoffman, J J; Conradi, M S; Miller, J G

2012-06-01

We formulate an effective medium (mean field) theory of a material consisting of randomly distributed nodes connected by straight slender rods, hinged at the nodes. Defining wavelength-dependent effective elastic moduli, we calculate both the static moduli and the dispersion relations of ultrasonic longitudinal and transverse elastic waves. At finite wave vector k the waves are dispersive, with phase and group velocities decreasing with increasing wave vector. These results are directly applicable to networks with empty pore space. They also describe the solid matrix in two-component (Biot) theories of fluid-filled porous media. We suggest the possibility of low density materials with higher ratios of stiffness and strength to density than those of foams, aerogels, or trabecular bone.

Onsager's symmetry relation and the residual parallel Reynolds stress in a magnetized plasma with electrostatic turbulence

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

Zuo, Yang, E-mail: yangzustc@gmail.com; Wang, Shaojie

2014-09-15

The physics of the residual parallel Reynolds stress in a rotating plasma with electrostatic turbulence is explicitly identified by using the transport formulation of the gyrokinetic turbulence. It is clarified that the residual stress consists of four terms, among which are the cross terms due to the pressure gradient and the temperature gradient and the terms related to the turbulent acceleration impulse and the turbulent heating rate. The last two terms are identified for the first time, and are shown to cause analogous residual term in the heat flux. Meanwhile, the transport matrix reveals diffusion in the phase space. Themore » transport matrix is demonstrated to satisfy the Onsager's symmetry relation.« less

Wigner analysis of three dimensional pupil with finite lateral aperture

PubMed Central

Chen, Hsi-Hsun; Oh, Se Baek; Zhai, Xiaomin; Tsai, Jui-Chang; Cao, Liang-Cai; Barbastathis, George; Luo, Yuan

2015-01-01

A three dimensional (3D) pupil is an optical element, most commonly implemented on a volume hologram, that processes the incident optical field on a 3D fashion. Here we analyze the diffraction properties of a 3D pupil with finite lateral aperture in the 4-f imaging system configuration, using the Wigner Distribution Function (WDF) formulation. Since 3D imaging pupil is finite in both lateral and longitudinal directions, the WDF of the volume holographic 4-f imager theoretically predicts distinct Bragg diffraction patterns in phase space. These result in asymmetric profiles of diffracted coherent point spread function between degenerate diffraction and Bragg diffraction, elucidating the fundamental performance of volume holographic imaging. Experimental measurements are also presented, confirming the theoretical predictions. PMID:25836443

Modeling of atomization and distribution of drop-liquid fuel in unsteady swirling flows in a combustion chamber and free space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sviridenkov, A. A.; Toktaliev, P. D.; Tretyakov, V. V.

2018-03-01

Numerical and experimental research of atomization and propagation of drop-liquid phase in swirling flow behind the frontal device of combustion chamber was performed. Numerical procedure was based on steady and unsteady Reynolds equations solution. It's shown that better agreement with experimental data could be obtained with unsteady approach. Fractional time step method was implemented to solve Reynolds equations. Models of primary and secondary breakup of liquid fuel jet in swirling flows are formulated and tested. Typical mean sizes of fuel droplets for base operational regime of swirling device and combustion chamber were calculated. Comparison of main features of internal swirling flow in combustion chamber with unbounded swirling flow was made.

Development of polyisocyanurate pour foam formulation for space shuttle external tank thermal protection system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harvey, James A.; Butler, John M.; Chartoff, Richard P.

1988-01-01

Four commercially available polyisocyanurate polyurethane spray-foam insulation formulations are used to coat the external tank of the space shuttle. There are several problems associated with these formulations. For example, some do not perform well as pourable closeout/repair systems. Some do not perform well at cryogenic temperatures (poor adhesion to aluminum at liquid nitrogen temperatures). Their thermal stability at elevated temperatures is not adequate. A major defect in all the systems is the lack of detailed chemical information. The formulations are simply supplied to NASA and Martin Marietta, the primary contractor, as components; Part A (isocyanate) and Part B (poly(s) and additives). Because of the lack of chemical information the performance behavior data for the current system, NASA sought the development of a non-proprietary room temperature curable foam insulation. Requirements for the developed system were that it should exhibit equal or better thermal stability both at elevated and cryogenic temperatures with better adhesion to aluminum as compared to the current system. Several formulations were developed that met these requirements, i.e., thermal stability, good pourability, and good bonding to aluminum.

A mechanism of basal spacing reduction in sodium smectitic clay materials in contact with DNAPL wastes.

PubMed

Ayral-Cinar, Derya; Otero-Diaz, Margarita; Demond, Avery H

2016-09-01

There has been concern regarding the possible attack of clays in aquitards, slurry walls and landfill liners by dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) wastes, resulting in cracking. Despite the fact that a reduction in basal spacing in sodium smectitic clay materials has been linked to cracking, no plausible mechanism by which this reduction occurs in contact with waste DNAPLs has been formulated. To elucidate a mechanism, screening studies were conducted that showed that the combination of an anionic surfactant (AOT), a nonionic surfactant (TritonX-100) and a chlorinated solvent, tetrachloroethylene (PCE), could replicate the basal spacing reduction and cracking behavior of water-saturated bentonite caused by two waste DNAPLs obtained from the field. FTIR measurements of this system showed a displacement of the HOH bending band of water symptomatic of desiccation. Sorption measurements showed that the uptake of AOT by bentonite increased eight fold in the presence of TritonX-100 and PCE. The evidence presented here supports a mechanism of syneresis, involving the extraction of water from the interlayer space of the clay through the synergistic sorption of a nonionic and anionic surfactant mixture. It is speculated that the solvation of water in reverse micellar aggregates is the process driving the syneresis. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Benzyl Benzoate-Loaded Microemulsion for Topical Applications: Enhanced Dermatokinetic Profile and Better Delivery Promises.

PubMed

Sharma, Gajanand; Dhankar, Geeta; Thakur, Kanika; Raza, Kaisar; Katare, O P

2016-10-01

Benzyl benzoate (BB) is one of the oldest drugs used for the treatment of scabies and is recommended as the "first-line intervention" for the cost-effective treatment of the disease. Though a promising candidate, its application is reported to be associated with irritation of the skin and eye, resulting in poor patient compliance. Hence, the present study aims to develop BB-loaded topical microemulsion for the safer and effective delivery of BB. Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams with BB as the oily phase itself, along with Tween 80 as surfactant, and mixture of phospholipid and ethanol as the co-surfactant along with aqueous solution as the external phase were constructed and various compositions were formulated. The optimized formulation was characterized for particle-size, zeta-potential, drug-content, globule-morphology pH, and refractive-index, whereas evaluated for skin permeation, retention, compliance, and dermatokinetics. The nanosized formulation offered threefold higher drug permeation vis-a-vis plain drug solution across LACA mice abdominal skin. The drug retention of the selected formulation was nearly twice of that from the marketed product, assuring depot formulation and sustained release. The skin histopathology revealed the non-irritant nature of the formulation, as no changes in the normal skin histology were observed. The dermatokinetic studies confirmed better permeation and enhanced skin bioavailability of BB to epidermis as well as dermis vis-à-vis the conventional product. The results indicate that the developed lipid-based microemulsion hydrogel can alleviate the concerns associated with BB and can provide a better and safer delivery option in substantial amounts to various skin layers.

A generalized volumetric dispersion model for a class of two-phase separation/reaction: finite difference solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siripatana, Chairat; Thongpan, Hathaikarn; Promraksa, Arwut

2017-03-01

This article explores a volumetric approach in formulating differential equations for a class of engineering flow problems involving component transfer within or between two phases. In contrast to conventional formulation which is based on linear velocities, this work proposed a slightly different approach based on volumetric flow-rate which is essentially constant in many industrial processes. In effect, many multi-dimensional flow problems found industrially can be simplified into multi-component or multi-phase but one-dimensional flow problems. The formulation is largely generic, covering counter-current, concurrent or batch, fixed and fluidized bed arrangement. It was also intended to use for start-up, shut-down, control and steady state simulation. Since many realistic and industrial operation are dynamic with variable velocity and porosity in relation to position, analytical solutions are rare and limited to only very simple cases. Thus we also provide a numerical solution using Crank-Nicolson finite difference scheme. This solution is inherently stable as tested against a few cases published in the literature. However, it is anticipated that, for unconfined flow or non-constant flow-rate, traditional formulation should be applied.

A New Emulsion Liquid Membrane Based on a Palm Oil for the Extraction of Heavy Metals

PubMed Central

Björkegren, Sanna; Fassihi Karimi, Rose; Martinelli, Anna; Jayakumar, Natesan Subramanian; Hashim, Mohd Ali

2015-01-01

The extraction efficiency of hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), from water has been investigated using a vegetable oil based emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) technique. The main purpose of this study was to create a novel ELM formulation by choosing a more environmentally friendly and non-toxic diluent such as palm oil. The membrane phase so formulated includes the mobile carrier tri-n-octylmethylammonium chloride (TOMAC), to facilitate the metal transport, and the hydrophilic surfactant Tween 80 to facilitate the dispersion of the ELM phase in the aqueous solution. Span 80 is used as surfactant and butanol as co-surfactant. Our results demonstrate that this novel ELM formulation, using the vegetable palm oil as diluent, is useful for the removal of hexavalent chromium with an efficiency of over 99% and is thus competitive with the already existing, yet less environmentally friendly, ELM formulations. This result was achieved with an optimal concentration of 0.1 M NaOH as stripping agent and an external phase pH of 0.5. Different water qualities have also been investigated showing that the type of water (deionized, distilled, or tap water) does not significantly influence the extraction rate. PMID:25915191

A Spectral Algorithm for Solving the Relativistic Vlasov-Maxwell Equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shebalin, John V.

2001-01-01

A spectral method algorithm is developed for the numerical solution of the full six-dimensional Vlasov-Maxwell system of equations. Here, the focus is on the electron distribution function, with positive ions providing a constant background. The algorithm consists of a Jacobi polynomial-spherical harmonic formulation in velocity space and a trigonometric formulation in position space. A transform procedure is used to evaluate nonlinear terms. The algorithm is suitable for performing moderate resolution simulations on currently available supercomputers for both scientific and engineering applications.

An integral equation formulation for predicting radiation patterns of a space shuttle annular slot antenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, J. E.; Richmond, J. H.

1974-01-01

An integral equation formulation is applied to predict pitch- and roll-plane radiation patterns of a thin VHF/UHF (very high frequency/ultra high frequency) annular slot communications antenna operating at several locations in the nose region of the space shuttle orbiter. Digital computer programs used to compute radiation patterns are given and the use of the programs is illustrated. Experimental verification of computed patterns is given from measurements made on 1/35-scale models of the orbiter.

Probabilistic Structural Analysis Methods for select space propulsion system components (PSAM). Volume 3: Literature surveys and technical reports

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The technical effort and computer code developed during the first year are summarized. Several formulations for Probabilistic Finite Element Analysis (PFEA) are described with emphasis on the selected formulation. The strategies being implemented in the first-version computer code to perform linear, elastic PFEA is described. The results of a series of select Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) component surveys are presented. These results identify the critical components and provide the information necessary for probabilistic structural analysis.

Markov Modeling of Component Fault Growth over a Derived Domain of Feasible Output Control Effort Modifications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bole, Brian; Goebel, Kai; Vachtsevanos, George

2012-01-01

This paper introduces a novel Markov process formulation of stochastic fault growth modeling, in order to facilitate the development and analysis of prognostics-based control adaptation. A metric representing the relative deviation between the nominal output of a system and the net output that is actually enacted by an implemented prognostics-based control routine, will be used to define the action space of the formulated Markov process. The state space of the Markov process will be defined in terms of an abstracted metric representing the relative health remaining in each of the system s components. The proposed formulation of component fault dynamics will conveniently relate feasible system output performance modifications to predictions of future component health deterioration.

A joint-space numerical model of metabolic energy expenditure for human multibody dynamic system.

PubMed

Kim, Joo H; Roberts, Dustyn

2015-09-01

Metabolic energy expenditure (MEE) is a critical performance measure of human motion. In this study, a general joint-space numerical model of MEE is derived by integrating the laws of thermodynamics and principles of multibody system dynamics, which can evaluate MEE without the limitations inherent in experimental measurements (phase delays, steady state and task restrictions, and limited range of motion) or muscle-space models (complexities and indeterminacies from excessive DOFs, contacts and wrapping interactions, and reliance on in vitro parameters). Muscle energetic components are mapped to the joint space, in which the MEE model is formulated. A constrained multi-objective optimization algorithm is established to estimate the model parameters from experimental walking data also used for initial validation. The joint-space parameters estimated directly from active subjects provide reliable MEE estimates with a mean absolute error of 3.6 ± 3.6% relative to validation values, which can be used to evaluate MEE for complex non-periodic tasks that may not be experimentally verifiable. This model also enables real-time calculations of instantaneous MEE rate as a function of time for transient evaluations. Although experimental measurements may not be completely replaced by model evaluations, predicted quantities can be used as strong complements to increase reliability of the results and yield unique insights for various applications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

LORAKS Makes Better SENSE: Phase-Constrained Partial Fourier SENSE Reconstruction without Phase Calibration

PubMed Central

Kim, Tae Hyung; Setsompop, Kawin; Haldar, Justin P.

2016-01-01

Purpose Parallel imaging and partial Fourier acquisition are two classical approaches for accelerated MRI. Methods that combine these approaches often rely on prior knowledge of the image phase, but the need to obtain this prior information can place practical restrictions on the data acquisition strategy. In this work, we propose and evaluate SENSE-LORAKS, which enables combined parallel imaging and partial Fourier reconstruction without requiring prior phase information. Theory and Methods The proposed formulation is based on combining the classical SENSE model for parallel imaging data with the more recent LORAKS framework for MR image reconstruction using low-rank matrix modeling. Previous LORAKS-based methods have successfully enabled calibrationless partial Fourier parallel MRI reconstruction, but have been most successful with nonuniform sampling strategies that may be hard to implement for certain applications. By combining LORAKS with SENSE, we enable highly-accelerated partial Fourier MRI reconstruction for a broader range of sampling trajectories, including widely-used calibrationless uniformly-undersampled trajectories. Results Our empirical results with retrospectively undersampled datasets indicate that when SENSE-LORAKS reconstruction is combined with an appropriate k-space sampling trajectory, it can provide substantially better image quality at high-acceleration rates relative to existing state-of-the-art reconstruction approaches. Conclusion The SENSE-LORAKS framework provides promising new opportunities for highly-accelerated MRI. PMID:27037836

Rigorous diffraction analysis using geometrical theory of diffraction for future mask technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chua, Gek S.; Tay, Cho J.; Quan, Chenggen; Lin, Qunying

2004-05-01

Advanced lithographic techniques such as phase shift masks (PSM) and optical proximity correction (OPC) result in a more complex mask design and technology. In contrast to the binary masks, which have only transparent and nontransparent regions, phase shift masks also take into consideration transparent features with a different optical thickness and a modified phase of the transmitted light. PSM are well-known to show prominent diffraction effects, which cannot be described by the assumption of an infinitely thin mask (Kirchhoff approach) that is used in many commercial photolithography simulators. A correct prediction of sidelobe printability, process windows and linearity of OPC masks require the application of rigorous diffraction theory. The problem of aerial image intensity imbalance through focus with alternating Phase Shift Masks (altPSMs) is performed and compared between a time-domain finite-difference (TDFD) algorithm (TEMPEST) and Geometrical theory of diffraction (GTD). Using GTD, with the solution to the canonical problems, we obtained a relationship between the edge on the mask and the disturbance in image space. The main interest is to develop useful formulations that can be readily applied to solve rigorous diffraction for future mask technology. Analysis of rigorous diffraction effects for altPSMs using GTD approach will be discussed.

An overview of the stereo correlation and triangulation formulations used in DICe.

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

Turner, Daniel Z.

This document provides a detailed overview of the stereo correlation algorithm and triangulation formulation used in the Digital Image Correlation Engine (DICe) to triangulate three dimensional motion in space given the image coordinates and camera calibration parameters.

The Preparation and Characterization of INTEC HAW Phase I Composition Variation Study Glasses

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

Musick, C. A.; Peeler, D. K.; Piepel, G. F.

1999-03-01

A glass composition variation study (CVS) is in progress to define formulations for the vitrification of high activity waste (HAW) proposed to be separated from dissolved calcine stored at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL). Estimates of calcine and HAW compositions prepared in FY97 were used to define test matrix glasses. The HAW composition is of particular interest because high aluminum, zirconium, phosphorous and potassium, and low iron and sodium content places it outside the realm of vitrification experience in the Department of Energy (DOE) complex. Through application of statistical techniques, a test matrix was defined for Phasemore » 1 of the CVS. From this matrix, formulations were systematically selected for preparation and characterization with respect to homogeneity, viscosity, liquidus temperature (TL), and leaching response when subjected to the Product Consistency Test (PCT). Based on the properties determined, certain formulations appear suitable for further development including use in planning Phase 2 of the study. It is recommended that glasses to be investigated in Phase 2 be limited to 3-5 wt % phosphate. The results of characterizing the Phase 1 glasses are presented in this document. A full analysis of the composition-property relationships of glasses being developed for immobilizing HAWs will be performing at the completion of CVS phases. This analysis will be needed for the optimization of the glass formulations of vitrifying HAW. Contributions were made to this document by personnel working at the INEEL, Pacific Northwest National Laboratories (PNNL), and the Savannah River Technology Center (SRTC).« less

In situ forming phase-inversion implants for sustained ocular delivery of triamcinolone acetonide.

PubMed

Sheshala, Ravi; Hong, Gan Chew; Yee, Wong Pui; Meka, Venkata Srikanth; Thakur, Raghu Raj Singh

2018-02-26

The objectives of this study were to develop biodegradable poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) based injectable phase inversion in situ forming system for sustained delivery of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and to conduct physicochemical characterisation including in vitro drug release of the prepared formulations. TA (at 0.5%, 1% and 2.5% w/w loading) was dissolved in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solvent and then incorporated 30% w/w PLGA (50/50 and 75/25) polymer to prepare homogenous injectable solution. The formulations were evaluated for rheological behaviour using rheometer, syringeability by texture analyser, water uptake and rate of implant formation by optical coherence tomography (OCT) microscope. Phase inversion in situ forming formulations were injected into PBS pH 7.3 to form an implant and release samples were collected and analysed for drug content using a HPLC method. All formulations exhibited good syringeability and rheological properties (viscosity: 0.19-3.06 Pa.s) by showing shear thinning behaviour which enable them to remain as free-flowing solution for ease administration. The results from OCT microscope demonstrated that thickness of the implants were increased with the increase in time and the rate of implant formation indicated the fast phase inversion. The drug release from implants was sustained over a period of 42 days. The research findings demonstrated that PLGA/NMP-based phase inversion in situ forming implants can improve compliance in patient's suffering from ocular diseases by sustaining the drug release for a prolonged period of time and thereby reducing the frequency of ocular injections.

Multi-scale diffuse interface modeling of multi-component two-phase flow with partial miscibility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kou, Jisheng; Sun, Shuyu

2016-08-01

In this paper, we introduce a diffuse interface model to simulate multi-component two-phase flow with partial miscibility based on a realistic equation of state (e.g. Peng-Robinson equation of state). Because of partial miscibility, thermodynamic relations are used to model not only interfacial properties but also bulk properties, including density, composition, pressure, and realistic viscosity. As far as we know, this effort is the first time to use diffuse interface modeling based on equation of state for modeling of multi-component two-phase flow with partial miscibility. In numerical simulation, the key issue is to resolve the high contrast of scales from the microscopic interface composition to macroscale bulk fluid motion since the interface has a nanoscale thickness only. To efficiently solve this challenging problem, we develop a multi-scale simulation method. At the microscopic scale, we deduce a reduced interfacial equation under reasonable assumptions, and then we propose a formulation of capillary pressure, which is consistent with macroscale flow equations. Moreover, we show that Young-Laplace equation is an approximation of this capillarity formulation, and this formulation is also consistent with the concept of Tolman length, which is a correction of Young-Laplace equation. At the macroscopical scale, the interfaces are treated as discontinuous surfaces separating two phases of fluids. Our approach differs from conventional sharp-interface two-phase flow model in that we use the capillary pressure directly instead of a combination of surface tension and Young-Laplace equation because capillarity can be calculated from our proposed capillarity formulation. A compatible condition is also derived for the pressure in flow equations. Furthermore, based on the proposed capillarity formulation, we design an efficient numerical method for directly computing the capillary pressure between two fluids composed of multiple components. Finally, numerical tests are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed multi-scale method.

In vitro release of diclofenac diethylamine from caprylocaproyl macrogolglycerides based microemulsions.

PubMed

Djordjevic, Ljiljana; Primorac, Marija; Stupar, Mirjana

2005-05-30

The purpose of the present study was to determine the influence of both formulation parameters and vehicle structure on in vitro release rate of amphiphilic drug diclofenac diethylamine (DDA) from microemulsion vehicles containing PEG-8 caprylic/capric glycerides (surfactant), polyglyceryl-6 dioleate (cosurfactant), isopropyl myristate and water. From the constructed pseudo-ternary phase diagram at surfactant-cosurfactant mass ratio (K(m) 1:1), the optimum oil-to-surfactant-cosurfactant mass ratio values (O/SC 0.67-1.64) for formulation of microemulsions with similar concentrations of hydrophilic, lipophilic and amphiphilic phases (balanced microemulsions) were found. The results of characterization experiments indicated bicontinuous or nonspherical water-continuous internal structure of the selected microemulsion vehicles. Low water/isopropyl myristate apparent partition coefficient for DDA as well as elevated electrical conductivity and apparent viscosity values for the investigated microemulsion formulations containing 1.16% (w/w) of DDA, suggested that the drug molecules was predominantly partitioned in the water phase and most likely selfaggregate and interact with interfacial film. Release of DDA from the selected water-continuous (W/O), oil-continuous (O/W) and balanced microemulsions was investigated using rotating paddle dissolution apparatus modified by addition of enhancer cell. A linear diffusion of DDA through regenerated cellulose membrane was observed for the W/O and O/W formulations with the low content of dispersed phase. Non-linearity of the drug release profile in the case of bicontinuous formulations was related to the more complex distribution of DDA including interactions between the drug and vehicle. The membrane flux value increases from 25.02 microgcm(-2)h(-1) (W/O microemulsion) to 117.94 microgcm(-2)h(-1) (O/W microemulsion) as the water phase concentration increases. Moreover, the obtained flux values for balanced microemulsions (29.38-63.70 microgcm(-2)h(-1)) suggested that bicontinuous microstructure hampers the release of the amphiphilic drug.

Multi-scale diffuse interface modeling of multi-component two-phase flow with partial miscibility

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

Kou, Jisheng; Sun, Shuyu, E-mail: shuyu.sun@kaust.edu.sa; School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049

2016-08-01

In this paper, we introduce a diffuse interface model to simulate multi-component two-phase flow with partial miscibility based on a realistic equation of state (e.g. Peng–Robinson equation of state). Because of partial miscibility, thermodynamic relations are used to model not only interfacial properties but also bulk properties, including density, composition, pressure, and realistic viscosity. As far as we know, this effort is the first time to use diffuse interface modeling based on equation of state for modeling of multi-component two-phase flow with partial miscibility. In numerical simulation, the key issue is to resolve the high contrast of scales from themore » microscopic interface composition to macroscale bulk fluid motion since the interface has a nanoscale thickness only. To efficiently solve this challenging problem, we develop a multi-scale simulation method. At the microscopic scale, we deduce a reduced interfacial equation under reasonable assumptions, and then we propose a formulation of capillary pressure, which is consistent with macroscale flow equations. Moreover, we show that Young–Laplace equation is an approximation of this capillarity formulation, and this formulation is also consistent with the concept of Tolman length, which is a correction of Young–Laplace equation. At the macroscopical scale, the interfaces are treated as discontinuous surfaces separating two phases of fluids. Our approach differs from conventional sharp-interface two-phase flow model in that we use the capillary pressure directly instead of a combination of surface tension and Young–Laplace equation because capillarity can be calculated from our proposed capillarity formulation. A compatible condition is also derived for the pressure in flow equations. Furthermore, based on the proposed capillarity formulation, we design an efficient numerical method for directly computing the capillary pressure between two fluids composed of multiple components. Finally, numerical tests are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed multi-scale method.« less

Analysis of Flame Deflector Spray Nozzles in Rocket Engine Test Stands

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sachdev, Jai S.; Ahuja, Vineet; Hosangadi, Ashvin; Allgood, Daniel C.

2010-01-01

The development of a unified tightly coupled multi-phase computational framework is described for the analysis and design of cooling spray nozzle configurations on the flame deflector in rocket engine test stands. An Eulerian formulation is used to model the disperse phase and is coupled to the gas-phase equations through momentum and heat transfer as well as phase change. The phase change formulation is modeled according to a modified form of the Hertz-Knudsen equation. Various simple test cases are presented to verify the validity of the numerical framework. The ability of the methodology to accurately predict the temperature load on the flame deflector is demonstrated though application to an actual sub-scale test facility. The CFD simulation was able to reproduce the result of the test-firing, showing that the spray nozzle configuration provided insufficient amount of cooling.

Optimization and characterization of liposome formulation by mixture design.

PubMed

Maherani, Behnoush; Arab-tehrany, Elmira; Kheirolomoom, Azadeh; Reshetov, Vadzim; Stebe, Marie José; Linder, Michel

2012-02-07

This study presents the application of the mixture design technique to develop an optimal liposome formulation by using the different lipids in type and percentage (DOPC, POPC and DPPC) in liposome composition. Ten lipid mixtures were generated by the simplex-centroid design technique and liposomes were prepared by the extrusion method. Liposomes were characterized with respect to size, phase transition temperature, ζ-potential, lamellarity, fluidity and efficiency in loading calcein. The results were then applied to estimate the coefficients of mixture design model and to find the optimal lipid composition with improved entrapment efficiency, size, transition temperature, fluidity and ζ-potential of liposomes. The response optimization of experiments was the liposome formulation with DOPC: 46%, POPC: 12% and DPPC: 42%. The optimal liposome formulation had an average diameter of 127.5 nm, a phase-transition temperature of 11.43 °C, a ζ-potential of -7.24 mV, fluidity (1/P)(TMA-DPH)((¬)) value of 2.87 and an encapsulation efficiency of 20.24%. The experimental results of characterization of optimal liposome formulation were in good agreement with those predicted by the mixture design technique.

Fundamental Principles of Proper Space Kinematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wade, Sean

It is desirable to understand the movement of both matter and energy in the universe based upon fundamental principles of space and time. Time dilation and length contraction are features of Special Relativity derived from the observed constancy of the speed of light. Quantum Mechanics asserts that motion in the universe is probabilistic and not deterministic. While the practicality of these dissimilar theories is well established through widespread application inconsistencies in their marriage persist, marring their utility, and preventing their full expression. After identifying an error in perspective the current theories are tested by modifying logical assumptions to eliminate paradoxical contradictions. Analysis of simultaneous frames of reference leads to a new formulation of space and time that predicts the motion of both kinds of particles. Proper Space is a real, three-dimensional space clocked by proper time that is undergoing a densification at the rate of c. Coordinate transformations to a familiar object space and a mathematical stationary space clarify the counterintuitive aspects of Special Relativity. These symmetries demonstrate that within the local universe stationary observers are a forbidden frame of reference; all is in motion. In lieu of Quantum Mechanics and Uncertainty the use of the imaginary number i is restricted for application to the labeling of mass as either material or immaterial. This material phase difference accounts for both the perceived constant velocity of light and its apparent statistical nature. The application of Proper Space Kinematics will advance more accurate representations of microscopic, oscopic, and cosmological processes and serve as a foundation for further study and reflection thereafter leading to greater insight.

Lattice Boltzmann formulation for conjugate heat transfer in heterogeneous media.

PubMed

Karani, Hamid; Huber, Christian

2015-02-01

In this paper, we propose an approach for studying conjugate heat transfer using the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). The approach is based on reformulating the lattice Boltzmann equation for solving the conservative form of the energy equation. This leads to the appearance of a source term, which introduces the jump conditions at the interface between two phases or components with different thermal properties. The proposed source term formulation conserves conductive and advective heat flux simultaneously, which makes it suitable for modeling conjugate heat transfer in general multiphase or multicomponent systems. The simple implementation of the source term approach avoids any correction of distribution functions neighboring the interface and provides an algorithm that is independent from the topology of the interface. Moreover, our approach is independent of the choice of lattice discretization and can be easily applied to different advection-diffusion LBM solvers. The model is tested against several benchmark problems including steady-state convection-diffusion within two fluid layers with parallel and normal interfaces with respect to the flow direction, unsteady conduction in a three-layer stratified domain, and steady conduction in a two-layer annulus. The LBM results are in excellent agreement with analytical solution. Error analysis shows that our model is first-order accurate in space, but an extension to a second-order scheme is straightforward. We apply our LBM model to heat transfer in a two-component heterogeneous medium with a random microstructure. This example highlights that the method we propose is independent of the topology of interfaces between the different phases and, as such, is ideally suited for complex natural heterogeneous media. We further validate the present LBM formulation with a study of natural convection in a porous enclosure. The results confirm the reliability of the model in simulating complex coupled fluid and thermal dynamics in complex geometries.

Safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of a novel pneumococcal protein-based vaccine in adults: a phase I/II randomized clinical study.

PubMed

Leroux-Roels, Geert; Maes, Cathy; De Boever, Fien; Traskine, Magali; Rüggeberg, Jens U; Borys, Dorota

2014-11-28

New vaccines containing highly conserved Streptococcus pneumoniae proteins such as pneumolysin toxoid (dPly) and histidine-triad protein D (PhtD) are being developed to provide broader protection against pneumococcal disease. This study evaluated the safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of different pneumococcal protein-containing formulations in adults. In a phase I double-blind study (www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00707798), healthy adults (18-40 years) were randomized (1:2:2:2:2:2:2) to receive two doses of one of six investigational vaccine formulations 2 months apart, or a single dose of the control 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (23PPV; Pneumovax23™, Sanofi Pasteur MSD) followed by placebo. The investigational formulations contained dPly alone (10 or 30 μg), or both dPly and PhtD (10 or 30 μg each) alone or combined with the polysaccharide conjugates of the 10-valent pneumococcal non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae protein D conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV; Synflorix™, GlaxoSmithKline Vaccines). Two groups primed with a formulation containing dPly and PhtD (10 or 30 μg each) continued to the follow-up phase II study (NCT00896064), in which they received a booster dose at 5-9 months after primary vaccination. Of 156 enrolled and vaccinated adults, 146 completed the primary immunization and 43 adults received a booster dose. During primary and booster vaccination, for any formulation, ≤ 8.9% of doses were followed by grade 3 solicited local or general adverse events. No fever >39.5°C (oral temperature) was reported. Unsolicited adverse events considered causally related to vaccination were reported following ≤ 33.3% of investigational vaccine doses. No serious adverse events were reported for adults receiving investigational vaccine formulations. Formulations containing dPly with or without PhtD were immunogenic for these antigens; polysaccharide conjugate-containing formulations were also immunogenic for those 10 polysaccharides. Investigational vaccine formulations containing dPly and PhtD were well tolerated and immunogenic when administered to healthy adults as standalone protein vaccine or combined with PHiD-CV conjugates. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Variational formulation of macroparticle models for electromagnetic plasma simulations

DOE PAGES

Stamm, Alexander B.; Shadwick, Bradley A.; Evstatiev, Evstati G.

2014-06-01

A variational method is used to derive a self-consistent macroparticle model for relativistic electromagnetic kinetic plasma simulations. Extending earlier work, discretization of the electromagnetic Low Lagrangian is performed via a reduction of the phase-space distribution function onto a collection of finite-sized macroparticles of arbitrary shape and discretization of field quantities onto a spatial grid. This approach may be used with lab frame coordinates or moving window coordinates; the latter can greatly improve computational efficiency for studying some types of laser-plasma interactions. The primary advantage of the variational approach is the preservation of Lagrangian symmetries, which in our case leads tomore » energy conservation and thus avoids difficulties with grid heating. In addition, this approach decouples particle size from grid spacing and relaxes restrictions on particle shape, leading to low numerical noise. The variational approach also guarantees consistent approximations in the equations of motion and is amenable to higher order methods in both space and time. We restrict our attention to the 1.5-D case (one coordinate and two momenta). Lastly, simulations are performed with the new models and demonstrate energy conservation and low noise.« less

A space-time tensor formulation for continuum mechanics in general curvilinear, moving, and deforming coordinate systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Avis, L. M.

1976-01-01

Tensor methods are used to express the continuum equations of motion in general curvilinear, moving, and deforming coordinate systems. The space-time tensor formulation is applicable to situations in which, for example, the boundaries move and deform. Placing a coordinate surface on such a boundary simplifies the boundary condition treatment. The space-time tensor formulation is also applicable to coordinate systems with coordinate surfaces defined as surfaces of constant pressure, density, temperature, or any other scalar continuum field function. The vanishing of the function gradient components along the coordinate surfaces may simplify the set of governing equations. In numerical integration of the equations of motion, the freedom of motion of the coordinate surfaces provides a potential for enhanced resolution of the continuum field function. An example problem of an incompressible, inviscid fluid with a top free surface is considered, where the surfaces of constant pressure (including the top free surface) are coordinate surfaces.

On the identifiability of inertia parameters of planar Multi-Body Space Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nabavi-Chashmi, Seyed Yaser; Malaek, Seyed Mohammad-Bagher

2018-04-01

This work describes a new formulation to study the identifiability characteristics of Serially Linked Multi-body Space Systems (SLMBSS). The process exploits the so called "Lagrange Formulation" to develop a linear form of Equations of Motion w.r.t the system Inertia Parameters (IPs). Having developed a specific form of regressor matrix, we aim to expedite the identification process. The new approach allows analytical as well as numerical identification and identifiability analysis for different SLMBSSs' configurations. Moreover, the explicit forms of SLMBSSs identifiable parameters are derived by analyzing the identifiability characteristics of the robot. We further show that any SLMBSS designed with Variable Configurations Joint allows all IPs to be identifiable through comparing two successive identification outcomes. This feature paves the way to design new class of SLMBSS for which accurate identification of all IPs is at hand. Different case studies reveal that proposed formulation provides fast and accurate results, as required by the space applications. Further studies might be necessary for cases where planar-body assumption becomes inaccurate.

Adaptive Parameter Estimation of Person Recognition Model in a Stochastic Human Tracking Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakanishi, W.; Fuse, T.; Ishikawa, T.

2015-05-01

This paper aims at an estimation of parameters of person recognition models using a sequential Bayesian filtering method. In many human tracking method, any parameters of models used for recognize the same person in successive frames are usually set in advance of human tracking process. In real situation these parameters may change according to situation of observation and difficulty level of human position prediction. Thus in this paper we formulate an adaptive parameter estimation using general state space model. Firstly we explain the way to formulate human tracking in general state space model with their components. Then referring to previous researches, we use Bhattacharyya coefficient to formulate observation model of general state space model, which is corresponding to person recognition model. The observation model in this paper is a function of Bhattacharyya coefficient with one unknown parameter. At last we sequentially estimate this parameter in real dataset with some settings. Results showed that sequential parameter estimation was succeeded and were consistent with observation situations such as occlusions.

Method of implementing digital phase-locked loops

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stephens, Scott A. (Inventor); Thomas, Jess Brooks, Jr. (Inventor)

1993-01-01

In a new formulation for digital phase-locked loops, loop-filter constants are determined from loop roots that can each be selectively placed in the s-plane on the basis of a new set of parameters, each with simple and direct physical meaning in terms of loop noise bandwidth, root-specific decay rate, or root-specific damping. Loops of first to fourth order are treated in the continuous-update approximation (BLT yields 0) and in a discrete-update formulation with arbitrary BLT. Deficiencies of the continuous-update approximation in large-BLT applications are avoided in the new discrete-update formulation. A new method for direct, transient-free acquisition with third- and fourth-order loops can improve the versatility and reliability of acquisition with such loops.

Physico-chemical separation process of nanoparticles in cosmetic formulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Retamal Marín, R. R.; Babick, F.; Stintz, M.

2017-06-01

Understanding the world of nanoparticles, especially their interactions with the environment, begins with their correct detection and successive quantification. To achieve this purpose, one needs to perform correctly developed standard operating procedures (SOPs). Furthermore, the study of nanoparticles frequently requires their characterisation in complex media (e.g. in cosmetic formulations). In this study, a set of sample preparation procedures for the detection and extraction of NMs in emulsion-based formulations is proposed and their performance for model and real-life products is discussed. A separation or extraction of lipid phases is achieved by means of organic solvents. The polarity of the lipid phases is decisive for selecting an optimum solvent. The use of the Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSP) may clearly support this decision.

Formulation and optimization by experimental design of eco-friendly emulsions based on d-limonene.

PubMed

Pérez-Mosqueda, Luis M; Trujillo-Cayado, Luis A; Carrillo, Francisco; Ramírez, Pablo; Muñoz, José

2015-04-01

d-Limonene is a natural occurring solvent that can replace more pollutant chemicals in agrochemical formulations. In the present work, a comprehensive study of the influence of dispersed phase mass fraction, ϕ, and of the surfactant/oil ratio, R, on the emulsion stability and droplet size distribution of d-limonene-in-water emulsions stabilized by a non-ionic triblock copolymer surfactant has been carried out. An experimental full factorial design 3(2) was conducted in order to optimize the emulsion formulation. The independent variables, ϕ and R were studied in the range 10-50 wt% and 0.02-0.1, respectively. The emulsions studied were mainly destabilized by both creaming and Ostwald ripening. Therefore, initial droplet size and an overall destabilization parameter, the so-called turbiscan stability index, were used as dependent variables. The optimal formulation, comprising minimum droplet size and maximum stability was achieved at ϕ=50 wt%; R=0.062. Furthermore, the surface response methodology allowed us to obtain the formulation yielding sub-micron emulsions by using a single step rotor/stator homogenizer process instead of most commonly used two-step emulsification methods. In addition, the optimal formulation was further improved against Ostwald ripening by adding silicone oil to the dispersed phase. The combination of these experimental findings allowed us to gain a deeper insight into the stability of these emulsions, which can be applied to the rational development of new formulations with potential application in agrochemical formulations. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Guidelines for the Formulation of Collection Development Policies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Library Resources and Technical, 1977

1977-01-01

Guidelines are presented for library collection development activities which include: budgeting and allocation, the formulation of collection development policies, the development of review programs to assist in the solution of space problems, and the description and evaluation of library collections. (Author/AP)

Entanglement renormalization and gauge symmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tagliacozzo, L.; Vidal, G.

2011-03-01

A lattice gauge theory is described by a redundantly large vector space that is subject to local constraints and can be regarded as the low-energy limit of an extended lattice model with a local symmetry. We propose a numerical coarse-graining scheme to produce low-energy, effective descriptions of lattice models with a local symmetry such that the local symmetry is exactly preserved during coarse-graining. Our approach results in a variational ansatz for the ground state(s) and low-energy excitations of such models and, by extension, of lattice gauge theories. This ansatz incorporates the local symmetry in its structure and exploits it to obtain a significant reduction of computational costs. We test the approach in the context of a Z2 lattice gauge theory formulated as the low-energy theory of a specific regime of the toric code with a magnetic field, for lattices with up to 16×16 sites (162×2=512 spins) on a torus. We reproduce the well-known ground-state phase diagram of the model, consisting of a deconfined and spin-polarized phases separated by a continuous quantum phase transition, and obtain accurate estimates of energy gaps, ground-state fidelities, Wilson loops, and several other quantities.

Influence of the choice of gas-phase mechanism on predictions of key gaseous pollutants during the AQMEII phase-2 intercomparison

EPA Science Inventory

The formulations of tropospheric gas-phase chemistry (“mechanisms”)used in the regional-scale chemistry-transport models participating in theAir Quality Modelling Evaluation International Initiative (AQMEII) Phase2 are intercompared by the means of box model studies. Simulations ...

Ring polymer dynamics in curved spaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolf, S.; Curotto, E.

2012-07-01

We formulate an extension of the ring polymer dynamics approach to curved spaces using stereographic projection coordinates. We test the theory by simulating the particle in a ring, {T}^1, mapped by a stereographic projection using three potentials. Two of these are quadratic, and one is a nonconfining sinusoidal model. We propose a new class of algorithms for the integration of the ring polymer Hamilton equations in curved spaces. These are designed to improve the energy conservation of symplectic integrators based on the split operator approach. For manifolds, the position-position autocorrelation function can be formulated in numerous ways. We find that the position-position autocorrelation function computed from configurations in the Euclidean space {R}^2 that contains {T}^1 as a submanifold has the best statistical properties. The agreement with exact results obtained with vector space methods is excellent for all three potentials, for all values of time in the interval simulated, and for a relatively broad range of temperatures.

Dichroic Liquid Crystal Displays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahadur, Birendra

The following sections are included: * INTRODUCTION * DICHROIC DYES * Chemical Structure * Chemical and Photochemical Stability * THEORETICAL MODELLING * DEFECTS CAUSED BY PROLONGED LIGHT IRRADIATION * CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND PHOTOSTABILITY * OTHER PARAMETERS AFFECTING PHOTOSTABILITY * CELL PREPARATION * DICHROIC PARAMETERS AND THEIR MEASUREMENTS * Order Parameter and Dichroic Ratio Of Dyes * Absorbance, Order Parameter and Dichroic Ratio Measurements * IMPACT OF DYE STRUCTURE AND LIQUID CRYSTAL HOST ON PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF A DICHROIC MIXTURE * Order Parameter and Dichroic Ratio * EFFECT OF LENGTH OF DICHROIC DYES ON THE ORDER PARAMETER * EFFECT OF THE BREADTH OF DYE ON THE ORDER PARAMETER * EFFECT OF THE HOST ON THE ORDER PARAMETER * TEMPERATURE VARIATION OF THE ORDER PARAMETER OF DYES IN A LIQUID CRYSTAL HOST * IMPACT OF DYE CONCENTRATION ON THE ORDER PARAMETER * Temperature Range * Viscosity * Dielectric Constant and Anisotropy * Refractive Indices and Birefringence * solubility43,153-156 * Absorption Wavelength and Auxochromic Groups * Molecular Engineering of Dichroic Dyes * OPTICAL, ELECTRO-OPTICAL AND LIFE PARAMETERS * Colour And CIE Colour space120,160-166 * CIE 1931 COLOUR SPACE * CIE 1976 CHROMATICITY DIAGRAM * CIE UNIFORM COLOUR SPACES & COLOUR DIFFERENCE FORMULAE120,160-166 * Electro-Optical Parameters120 * LUMINANCE * CONTRAST AND CONTRAST RATIO * SWITCHING SPEED * Life Parameters and Failure Modes * DICHROIC MIXTURE FORMULATION * Monochrome Mixture * Black Mixture * ACHROMATIC BLACK MIXTURE FOR HEILMEIER DISPLAYS * Effect of Illuminant on Display Colour * Colour of the Field-On State * Effect of Dye Linewidth * Optimum Centroid Wavelengths * Effect of Dye Concentration * Mixture Formulation Using More Than Three Dyes * ACHROMATIC MIXTURE FOR WHITE-TAYLOR TYPE DISPLAYS * HEILMEIER DISPLAYS * Theoretical Modelling * Threshold Characteristic * Effects of Dye Concentration on Electro-optical Parameters * Effect of Cholesteric Doping * Effect of Alignment * Effect of Thickness * Impact of Order Parameter * Impact of the Host * Impact of Polarizer * Colour Applications * Multiplexing * QUARTER WAVE PLATE DICHROIC DISPLAYS * Operational Principle and Display Configuration11-13 * Electro-Optical Performance * DYE-DOPED TN DISPLAYS * Threshold Characteristic, Contrast Ratio and Switching Speed * PHASE CHANGE EFFECT DICHROIC LCDs * Theoretical Background * Threshold Characteristic and Molecular Orientation * MOLECULAR ORIENTATION DURING FIELD-INDUCED PHASE TRANSITION WITH HOMOGENEOUS WALL ALIGNMENT * MOLECULAR ORIENTATION DURING FIELD-INDUCED PHASE TRANSITION WITH HOMEOTROPIC WALL ALIGNMENT * Contrast Ratio, Transmission, Brightness and Switching Speed3,7,10,198-214 * Memory or Reminiscent Contrast * Electro-optical Performance vs. Temperature * Multiplexing Phase Change Dichroic LCDs * DOUBLE CELL DICHROIC LCDs3,9,14-17,232-234 * Double Cell Nematic Dichroic LCD3,8,9,14,15,233 * Double Cell One Pitch Cholesteric LCD16,17 * Double Cell Phase Change Dichroic LCD214,232 * POSITIVE MODE DICHROIC LCDS3,8,9 * Positive Mode Heilmeier Cells3,8,9,43,77,78,235-238 * USING PLEOCHROIC DYES3,8,9,43,235-238 * USING NEGATIVE DICHROIC DYES3,8,9,63,77,78156 * DUAL FREQUENCY ADDRESSED DICHROIC DISPLAYS75,238 * Positive Mode Dichroic LCDs Using λ/4 Plate * Positive Mode Double Cell Dichroic LCD * Positive Mode Dichroic LCDs Using Special Electrode patterns7,8,239-241 * Positive Mode Phase Change Dichroic LCDs3,8,9,230,243-248 * Dichroic LCDs Using an Admixture of Pleochroic and Negative Dichroic Dyes78,118 * SUPERTWIST DICHROIC EFFECT (SDE) DISPLAYS21-23 * FERROELECTRIC DICHROIC LCDs24-27 * Devices Using A Single Polarizer * Devices Using No Polarizer24-27 * POLYMER DISPERSED DICHROIC LCDs28-30,252-259 * DICHROIC POLYMER LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAYS * Heilmeier Type Displays * Guest-Host Cell Using an Admixture Of L.C. Polymer and Low Molecular Weight Liquid Crysta As Host * Polymeric Ferroelectric Dichroic LCDs * SMECTIC A DICHROIC LCDs * Laser Addressed Dichroic SA Displays * Thermally and Electrically Addressed Dichroic SA Displays * FLUORESCENT DICHROIC LCDs * ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS * REFERENCES

Equivalent formulations of the Riemann hypothesis based on lines of constant phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schleich, W. P.; Bezděková, I.; Kim, M. B.; Abbott, P. C.; Maier, H.; Montgomery, H. L.; Neuberger, J. W.

2018-06-01

We prove the equivalence of three formulations of the Riemann hypothesis for functions f defined by the four assumptions: (a 1) f satisfies the functional equation f(1 ‑ s) = f(s) for the complex argument s ≡ σ + iτ, (a2) f is free of any pole, (a3) for large positive values of σ the phase θ of f increases in a monotonic way without a bound as τ increases, and (a4) the zeros of f as well as of the first derivative f ‧ of f are simple zeros. The three equivalent formulations are: (R1) All zeros of f are located on the critical line σ = 1/2, (R2) All lines of constant phase of f corresponding to +/- π ,+/- 2π ,+/- 3π , ... merge with the critical line, and (R3) All points where f ‧ vanishes are located on the critical line, and the phases of f at two consecutive zeros of f ‧ differ by π. Our proof relies on the topology of the lines of constant phase of f dictated by complex analysis and the assumptions (a1)–(a4). Moreover, we show that (R2) implies (R1) even in the absence of (a4). In this case (a4) is a consequence of (R2).

Design of launch systems using continuous improvement process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Richard W.

1995-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to identify a systematic process for improving ground operations for future launch systems. This approach is based on the Total Quality Management (TQM) continuous improvement process. While the continuous improvement process is normally identified with making incremental changes to an existing system, it can be used on new systems if they use past experience as a knowledge base. In the case of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), the Space Shuttle operations provide many lessons. The TQM methodology used for this paper will be borrowed from the United States Air Force 'Quality Air Force' Program. There is a general overview of the continuous improvement process, with concentration on the formulation phase. During this phase critical analyses are conducted to determine the strategy and goals for the remaining development process. These analyses include analyzing the mission from the customers point of view, developing an operations concept for the future, assessing current capabilities and determining the gap to be closed between current capabilities and future needs and requirements. A brief analyses of the RLV, relative to the Space Shuttle, will be used to illustrate the concept. Using the continuous improvement design concept has many advantages. These include a customer oriented process which will develop a more marketable product and a better integration of operations and systems during the design phase. But, the use of TQM techniques will require changes, including more discipline in the design process and more emphasis on data gathering for operational systems. The benefits will far outweigh the additional effort.

Joint Space Doctrine: Catapulting into the Future

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-01-01

Information dominance will provide the stimulus for the military space program in the near term. Maximizing the capabilities of the information weapon, however, requires formulating joint space doctrine that has broad support and applicability. This doctrine will provide a significant advantage for the United States over those nations which employ space assets in a piecemeal

On real-space Density Functional Theory for non-orthogonal crystal systems: Kronecker product formulation of the kinetic energy operator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Abhiraj; Suryanarayana, Phanish

2018-05-01

We present an accurate and efficient real-space Density Functional Theory (DFT) framework for the ab initio study of non-orthogonal crystal systems. Specifically, employing a local reformulation of the electrostatics, we develop a novel Kronecker product formulation of the real-space kinetic energy operator that significantly reduces the number of operations associated with the Laplacian-vector multiplication, the dominant cost in practical computations. In particular, we reduce the scaling with respect to finite-difference order from quadratic to linear, thereby significantly bridging the gap in computational cost between non-orthogonal and orthogonal systems. We verify the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed methodology through selected examples.

Thermal behavior of glassy phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) thin films

DOE PAGES

Yeager, J. D.; Chellappa, R.; Singh, S.; ...

2015-06-01

Ammonium nitrate (AN) is a high interest material because of its wide usage in propellants and explosives but can be difficult to handle from a formulation standpoint. It is soluble in many common solvents and has complex phase behavior. Here, we formulate phase stabilized AN (PSAN) films in a polymer matrix and characterize thermal and phase behavior using neutron reflectometry and ellipsometry. Our PSAN films are generally stable up to 160 °C, though we observe small material loss between 60 and 100 °C, which we attribute to solvent interactions with the PSAN. Crystallization of AN from supersaturated polymer is mostmore » common at thicker regions of the film, suggesting a critical nucleation thickness for the AN which can be avoided by making very thin films.« less

Linear and nonlinear dynamic analysis by boundary element method. Ph.D. Thesis, 1986 Final Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ahmad, Shahid

1991-01-01

An advanced implementation of the direct boundary element method (BEM) applicable to free-vibration, periodic (steady-state) vibration and linear and nonlinear transient dynamic problems involving two and three-dimensional isotropic solids of arbitrary shape is presented. Interior, exterior, and half-space problems can all be solved by the present formulation. For the free-vibration analysis, a new real variable BEM formulation is presented which solves the free-vibration problem in the form of algebraic equations (formed from the static kernels) and needs only surface discretization. In the area of time-domain transient analysis, the BEM is well suited because it gives an implicit formulation. Although the integral formulations are elegant, because of the complexity of the formulation it has never been implemented in exact form. In the present work, linear and nonlinear time domain transient analysis for three-dimensional solids has been implemented in a general and complete manner. The formulation and implementation of the nonlinear, transient, dynamic analysis presented here is the first ever in the field of boundary element analysis. Almost all the existing formulation of BEM in dynamics use the constant variation of the variables in space and time which is very unrealistic for engineering problems and, in some cases, it leads to unacceptably inaccurate results. In the present work, linear and quadratic isoparametric boundary elements are used for discretization of geometry and functional variations in space. In addition, higher order variations in time are used. These methods of analysis are applicable to piecewise-homogeneous materials, such that not only problems of the layered media and the soil-structure interaction can be analyzed but also a large problem can be solved by the usual sub-structuring technique. The analyses have been incorporated in a versatile, general-purpose computer program. Some numerical problems are solved and, through comparisons with available analytical and numerical results, the stability and high accuracy of these dynamic analysis techniques are established.

FORMULATION AND STABILITY EVALUATION OF BAUHINIA VARIEGATA EXTRACT TOPICAL EMULSION.

PubMed

Mohsin, Sabeeh; Akhtar, Naveed

2017-05-01

This study presents the results for the development of water in oil (W/O) emulsion containing 2 % Bauhinia variegata (BV) extract with good antioxidant potential for cosmetic application. Different ratios of surfactant, oil and water were investigated to optimize the ratio of ingredients. It was found that emulsifier and oil4ratio were important in improving the stability of emulsion. The formulation having 2.5% Abil EM90, 12% liquid paraffin, 83.5% distilled water and 2% BV extract was found to be most stable. Stability of the formulation was further evaluated by characterizing for organoleptic, sedimentation, microscopic and rheological properties at a range of storage conditions for a period of 12 weeks. Experimental findings showed stable formulation behavior with respect to color change, liquefaction and phase separation. Centrifugation test was carried out to predict the long term stability..The rheological parameters were evaluated from Power Law and the flow index value less than 1 suggested non-Newtonian behavior of the W/O emulsion. The mean droplet size of the internal phase of freshly prepared formulation was 4.06 ? 1.99 pm that did not change significantly (p > 0.05) during the storage. The newly developed formulation exhibited promising attributes over long term storage and open opportunities for the topical delivery of natural antioxidants for cosmetic and pharmaceutical objectives.

Characterization and evaluation of self-nanoemulsifying sustained-release pellet formulation of ziprasidone with enhanced bioavailability and no food effect.

PubMed

Miao, Yanfei; Chen, Guoguang; Ren, Lili; Pingkai, Ouyang

2016-09-01

The purpose of this work was to develop self-nanomulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) in sustained-release pellets of ziprasidone to enhance the oral bioavailability and overcome the food effect of ziprasidone. Preformulation studies including screening of excipients for solubility and pseudo-ternary phase diagrams suggested the suitability of Capmul MCM as oil phase, Labrasol as surfactant, and PEG 400 as co-surfactant for preparation of self-nanoemulsifying formulations. Preliminary composition of the SNEDDS formulations were selected from the pseudo-ternary phase diagrams. The prepared ziprasidone-SNEDDS formulations were characterized for self-emulsification time, effect of pH and robustness to dilution, droplet size analysis and zeta potential. The optimized ziprasidone-SNEDDS were used to prepare ziprasidone-SNEDDS sustained-release pellets via extrusion-spheronization method. The pellets were characterized for SEM, particle size, droplet size distribution and zeta potential. In vitro drug release studies indicated the ziprsidone-SNEDDS sustained-release pellets showed sustained release profiles with 90% released within 10 h. The ziprsidone-SNEDDS sustained-release pellets were administered to fasted and fed beagle dogs and their pharmacokinetics were compared to commercial formulation of Zeldox as a control. Pharmacokinetic studies in beagle dogs showed ziprasidone with prolonged actions and enhanced bioavailability with no food effect was achieved simultaneously in ziprsidone-SNEDDS sustained-release pellets compared with Zeldox in fed state. The results indicated a sustained release with prolonged actions of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder treatment.

Formulation of strongly non-local, non-isothermal dynamics for heterogeneous solids based on the GENERIC with application to phase-field modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hütter, Markus; Svendsen, Bob

2017-12-01

The purpose of the current work is the formulation of models for conservative and non-conservative dynamics in solid systems with the help of the General Equation for the Non-Equilibrium Reversible-Irreversible Coupling (GENERIC: e.g., Grmela and Öttinger, Phys. Rev. E 56(6), 6620 (1997); Öttinger and Grmela, Phys. Rev. E 56(6), 6633 (1997)). In this context, the resulting models are inherently spatially strongly non-local (i.e., functional) and non-isothermal in character. They are applicable in particular to the modeling of phase transitions as well as mass and heat transport in multiphase, multicomponent solids. In the last part of the work, the strongly non-local model formulation is reduced to weakly non-local form with the help of generalized gradient approximation of the energy and entropy functionals. On this basis, the current model formulation is shown to be consistent with and reduce to a recent non-isothermal generalization (Gladkov et al., J. Non-Equilib. Thermodyn. 41(2), 131 (2016)) of the well-known phase-field models of Cahn and Hilliard (J. Chem. Phys. 28(2), 258 (1958)) for conservative dynamics and of Allen and Cahn (Acta Metall. 27(6), 1085 (1979)) for non-conservative dynamics. Finally, the current approach is applied to derive a non-isothermal generalization of a phase-field crystal model for binary alloys (see, e.g., Elder et al., Phys. Rev. B 75(6), 064107 (2007)).

Formulation Development and Toxicity Assessment of Triacetin Mediated Nanoemulsions as Novel Delivery Systems for Rapamycin

PubMed Central

Sobhani, Hamideh; Tarighi, Parastoo; Ostad, Seyed Nasser; Shafaati, Alireza; Nafissi-Varcheh, Nastaran; Aboofazeli, Reza

2015-01-01

The aim of this investigation was to design and develop nanoemulsions (NEs) as novel delivery systems for rapamycin. Phase behavior of quaternary systems composed of Traicetin (as oil), various surfactants and co-surfactants and water at different surfactant/co-surfactant weight ratios was investigated by the construction of phase diagrams. Formulations were taken from the o/w NE region of the phase diagrams, depending upon the extent of NE domain. The spontaneous emulsification method was used to prepare various formulations containing 1 mg/mL of the drug. The NEs were characterized and subjected to stability tests at various temperatures over 9-12 months. Cumulative drug release from the selected formulations was determined for a period of 48 h using a dialysis sac. The assay of rapamycin was carried out using an HPLC technique. The effect of NEs on the viability of SKBR-3 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. The integrity of Caco-2 cell monolayers was measured by Transepithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) and the transport of rapamycin-loaded NEs across Caco-2 cell monolayers was then assessed. The uptake of NEs by SKBR-3 cells was also investigated using florescence microscopy. Maximum drug release was observed in case of 4 formulations prepared with Tween 80 and Tween 20. MTT test results revealed different toxicity of NEs for SKBR-3 cell line and TEER demonstrated that formulations containing Tween 20 caused a more considerable decrease in cell integrity in comparison with those prepared with Tween 80. The results obtained from cellular uptake experiments were in consistent with those obtained from TEER and cytotoxicity experiments. PMID:26185501

Formulation Development and Toxicity Assessment of Triacetin Mediated Nanoemulsions as Novel Delivery Systems for Rapamycin.

PubMed

Sobhani, Hamideh; Tarighi, Parastoo; Ostad, Seyed Nasser; Shafaati, Alireza; Nafissi-Varcheh, Nastaran; Aboofazeli, Reza

2015-01-01

The aim of this investigation was to design and develop nanoemulsions (NEs) as novel delivery systems for rapamycin. Phase behavior of quaternary systems composed of Traicetin (as oil), various surfactants and co-surfactants and water at different surfactant/co-surfactant weight ratios was investigated by the construction of phase diagrams. Formulations were taken from the o/w NE region of the phase diagrams, depending upon the extent of NE domain. The spontaneous emulsification method was used to prepare various formulations containing 1 mg/mL of the drug. The NEs were characterized and subjected to stability tests at various temperatures over 9-12 months. Cumulative drug release from the selected formulations was determined for a period of 48 h using a dialysis sac. The assay of rapamycin was carried out using an HPLC technique. The effect of NEs on the viability of SKBR-3 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. The integrity of Caco-2 cell monolayers was measured by Transepithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) and the transport of rapamycin-loaded NEs across Caco-2 cell monolayers was then assessed. The uptake of NEs by SKBR-3 cells was also investigated using florescence microscopy. Maximum drug release was observed in case of 4 formulations prepared with Tween 80 and Tween 20. MTT test results revealed different toxicity of NEs for SKBR-3 cell line and TEER demonstrated that formulations containing Tween 20 caused a more considerable decrease in cell integrity in comparison with those prepared with Tween 80. The results obtained from cellular uptake experiments were in consistent with those obtained from TEER and cytotoxicity experiments.

Searching for Supersolidity in Ultracold Atomic Bose Condensates with Rashba Spin-Orbit Coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Renyuan

2018-04-01

We developed a functional integral formulation for the stripe phase of spinor Bose-Einstein condensates with Rashba spin-orbit coupling. The excitation spectrum is found to exhibit double gapless band structures, identified to be two Goldstone modes resulting from spontaneously broken internal gauge symmetry and translational invariance symmetry. The sound velocities display anisotropic behavior with the lower branch vanishing in the direction perpendicular to the stripe in the x -y plane. At the transition point between the plane-wave phase and the stripe phase, physical quantities such as fluctuation correction to the ground-state energy and quantum depletion of the condensates exhibit discontinuity, characteristic of the first-order phase transition. Despite strong quantum fluctuations induced by Rashba spin-orbit coupling, we show that the supersolid phase is stable against quantum depletion. Finally, we extend our formulation to finite temperatures to account for interactions between excitations.

The development of a geopressured energy management information system in support of research planning, phase 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bachman, A. L.; Wrighton, F. M.

1981-10-01

The development of an information system on the problems and potential of geopressured gas containing aquifers as well as what is known about unconventional gas production in the Gulf Coast, and the use of this information to formulate a research program to prove economic and technical feasibility is discussed. This work led to the conclusion that of six major conventional gas resource options in the Gulf Coast, the one involving gas recovery from reservoirs watered out due to prior production offers the greatest potential in the short term. In these water drive reservoirs, gas is trapped in the pore space as water invades the reservoir (due to gas production). This gas can be recovered by reducing the pressure in the reservoir and thereby causing the trapped gas to expand and become mobile. The reduction in reservoir pressure is achieved by high rate water production. The conclusions drawn from analyses of the potential for gas recovery from unconventional sources in the Gulf Coast as well as research and testing already completed are the basis for the proposed research program. The process by which the research program was formulated, intermediate results and the program itself are summarized.

Forecasting the impact of virtual environment technology on maintenance training

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schlager, Mark S.; Boman, Duane; Piantanida, Tom; Stephenson, Robert

1993-01-01

To assist NASA and the Air Force in determining how and when to invest in virtual environment (VE) technology for maintenance training, we identified possible roles for VE technology in such training, assessed its cost-effectiveness relative to existing technologies, and formulated recommendations for a research agenda that would address instructional and system development issues involved in fielding a VE training system. In the first phase of the study, we surveyed VE developers to forecast capabilities, maturity, and estimated costs for VE component technologies. We then identified maintenance tasks and their training costs through interviews with maintenance technicians, instructors, and training developers. Ten candidate tasks were selected from two classes of maintenance tasks (seven aircraft maintenance and three space maintenance) using five criteria developed to identify types of tasks most likely to benefit from VE training. Three tasks were used as specific cases for cost-benefit analysis. In formulating research recommendations, we considered three aspects of feasibility: technological considerations, cost-effectiveness, and anticipated R&D efforts. In this paper, we describe the major findings in each of these areas and suggest research efforts that we believe will help achieve the goal of a cost-effective VE maintenance training system by the next decade.

One-dimensional Lagrangian implicit hydrodynamic algorithm for Inertial Confinement Fusion applications

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

Ramis, Rafael, E-mail: rafael.ramis@upm.es

A new one-dimensional hydrodynamic algorithm, specifically developed for Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) applications, is presented. The scheme uses a fully conservative Lagrangian formulation in planar, cylindrical, and spherically symmetric geometries, and supports arbitrary equations of state with separate ion and electron components. Fluid equations are discretized on a staggered grid and stabilized by means of an artificial viscosity formulation. The space discretized equations are advanced in time using an implicit algorithm. The method includes several numerical parameters that can be adjusted locally. In regions with low Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy (CFL) number, where stability is not an issue, they can be adjusted tomore » optimize the accuracy. In typical problems, the truncation error can be reduced by a factor between 2 to 10 in comparison with conventional explicit algorithms. On the other hand, in regions with high CFL numbers, the parameters can be set to guarantee unconditional stability. The method can be integrated into complex ICF codes. This is demonstrated through several examples covering a wide range of situations: from thermonuclear ignition physics, where alpha particles are managed as an additional species, to low intensity laser–matter interaction, where liquid–vapor phase transitions occur.« less

Italian and Spanish commercial tomato sauces for pasta dressing: study of sensory and head-space profiles by Flash Profiling and solid-phase microextraction-gas chomatography-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Bendini, Alessandra; Vallverdú-Queralt, Anna; Valli, Enrico; Palagano, Rosa; Lamuela-Raventos, Rosa Maria; Toschi, Tullia Gallina

2017-08-01

The sensory and head-space profiles of Italian and Spanish commercial tomato sauces were investigated. The Flash Profiling method was used to evaluate sensory characteristics. Samples within each set were ranked according to selected descriptors. One hundred volatile compounds were identified by solid-phase microextraction-gas chomatography-mass spectrometry. For Italian samples, the sensory notes of basil/aromatic herbs, acid and cooked tomato were among those perceived most by the assessors, whereas, in Spanish samples, the sensory attributes of garlic/onion and onion/sweet pepper and, in Italian samples, cooked tomato were among those found most frequently. Data were elaborated using multivariate statistical approaches and interesting correlations were observed among the different sensory attributes and related volatile compounds. Spanish samples were characterized by the highest content of volatiles linked to the thermal treatment of tomatoes and to raw and sautéed garlic and onion, whereas the Italian samples were characterized by terpenic compounds typical of basil and volatile molecules derived from fresh tomato. These results confirm the influence of both formulation and production processes on the aromatic profile (sensory attributes and volatile compounds) of tomato products, which is probably related to the different eating habits and culinary traditions in Italy and Spain. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

FV-MHMM: A Discussion on Weighting Schemes.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franc, J.; Gerald, D.; Jeannin, L.; Egermann, P.; Masson, R.

2016-12-01

Upscaling or homogenization techniques consist in finding block-equivalentor equivalent upscaled properties on a coarse grid from heterogeneousproperties defined on an underlying fine grid. However, this couldbecome costly and resource consuming. Harder et al., 2013, have developeda Multiscale Hybrid-Mixed Method (MHMM) of upscaling to treat Darcytype equations on heterogeneous fields formulated using a finite elementmethod. Recently, Franc et al. 2016, has extended this method of upscalingto finite volume formulation (FV-MHMM). Although convergence refiningLagrange multipliers space has been observed, numerical artefactscan occur while trapping numerically the flow in regions of low permeability. This work will present the development of the method along with theresults obtained from its classical formulation. Then, two weightingschemes and their benefits on the FV-MHMM method will be presented insome simple random permeability cases. Next example will involve alarger heterogeneous 2D permeability field extracted from the 10thSPE test case. Eventually, multiphase flow will be addressed asan extension of this single phase flow method. An elliptic pressureequation solved on the coarse grid via FV-MHMM will be sequentiallycoupled with a hyperbolic saturation equation on the fine grid. Theimproved accuracy thanks to the weighting scheme will be measuredcompared to a finite volume fine grid solution. References: Harder, C., Paredes, D. and Valentin, F., A family of multiscalehybrid-mixed finite element methods for the Darcy equation with roughcoefficients, Journal of Computational Physics, 2013. Franc J., Debenest G., Jeannin L., Egermann P. and Masson R., FV-MHMMfor reservoir modelling ECMOR XV-15th European Conference on the Mathematicsof Oil Recovery, 2015.

Development of a discrete gas-kinetic scheme for simulation of two-dimensional viscous incompressible and compressible flows.

PubMed

Yang, L M; Shu, C; Wang, Y

2016-03-01

In this work, a discrete gas-kinetic scheme (DGKS) is presented for simulation of two-dimensional viscous incompressible and compressible flows. This scheme is developed from the circular function-based GKS, which was recently proposed by Shu and his co-workers [L. M. Yang, C. Shu, and J. Wu, J. Comput. Phys. 274, 611 (2014)]. For the circular function-based GKS, the integrals for conservation forms of moments in the infinity domain for the Maxwellian function-based GKS are simplified to those integrals along the circle. As a result, the explicit formulations of conservative variables and fluxes are derived. However, these explicit formulations of circular function-based GKS for viscous flows are still complicated, which may not be easy for the application by new users. By using certain discrete points to represent the circle in the phase velocity space, the complicated formulations can be replaced by a simple solution process. The basic requirement is that the conservation forms of moments for the circular function-based GKS can be accurately satisfied by weighted summation of distribution functions at discrete points. In this work, it is shown that integral quadrature by four discrete points on the circle, which forms the D2Q4 discrete velocity model, can exactly match the integrals. Numerical results showed that the present scheme can provide accurate numerical results for incompressible and compressible viscous flows with roughly the same computational cost as that needed by the Roe scheme.

SC-GRAPPA: Self-constraint noniterative GRAPPA reconstruction with closed-form solution.

PubMed

Ding, Yu; Xue, Hui; Ahmad, Rizwan; Ting, Samuel T; Simonetti, Orlando P

2012-12-01

Parallel MRI (pMRI) reconstruction techniques are commonly used to reduce scan time by undersampling the k-space data. GRAPPA, a k-space based pMRI technique, is widely used clinically because of its robustness. In GRAPPA, the missing k-space data are estimated by solving a set of linear equations; however, this set of equations does not take advantage of the correlations within the missing k-space data. All k-space data in a neighborhood acquired from a phased-array coil are correlated. The correlation can be estimated easily as a self-constraint condition, and formulated as an extra set of linear equations to improve the performance of GRAPPA. The authors propose a modified k-space based pMRI technique called self-constraint GRAPPA (SC-GRAPPA) which combines the linear equations of GRAPPA with these extra equations to solve for the missing k-space data. Since SC-GRAPPA utilizes a least-squares solution of the linear equations, it has a closed-form solution that does not require an iterative solver. The SC-GRAPPA equation was derived by incorporating GRAPPA as a prior estimate. SC-GRAPPA was tested in a uniform phantom and two normal volunteers. MR real-time cardiac cine images with acceleration rate 5 and 6 were reconstructed using GRAPPA and SC-GRAPPA. SC-GRAPPA showed a significantly lower artifact level, and a greater than 10% overall signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gain over GRAPPA, with more significant SNR gain observed in low-SNR regions of the images. SC-GRAPPA offers improved pMRI reconstruction, and is expected to benefit clinical imaging applications in the future.

Exactly solvable quantum cosmologies from two killing field reductions of general relativity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Husain, Viqar; Smolin, Lee

1989-11-01

An exact and, possibly, general solution to the quantum constraints is given for the sector of general relativity containing cosmological solutions with two space-like, commuting, Killing fields. The dynamics of these model space-times, which are known as Gowdy space-times, is formulated in terms of Ashtekar's new variables. The quantization is done by using the recently introduced self-dual and loop representations. On the classical phase space we find four explicit physical observables, or constants of motion, which generate a GL(2) symmetry group on the space of solutions. In the loop representations we find that a complete description of the physical state space, consisting of the simultaneous solutions to all of the constraints, is given in terms of the equivalence classes, under Diff(S1), of a pair of densities on the circle. These play the same role that the link classes play in the loop representation solution to the full 3+1 theory. An infinite dimensional algebra of physical observables is found on the physical state space, which is a GL(2) loop algebra. In addition, by freezing the local degrees of freedom of the model, we find a finite dimensional quantum system which describes a set of degenerate quantum cosmologies on T3 in which the length of one of the S1's has gone to zero, while the area of the remaining S1×S1 is quantized in units of the Planck area. The quantum kinematics of this sector of the model is identical to that of a one-plaquette SU(2) lattice gauge theory.

Simulation of Two-Phase Flow Based on a Thermodynamically Constrained Averaging Theory Flow Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weigand, T. M.; Dye, A. L.; McClure, J. E.; Farthing, M. W.; Gray, W. G.; Miller, C. T.

2014-12-01

The thermodynamically constrained averaging theory (TCAT) has been used to formulate general classes of porous medium models, including new models for two-fluid-phase flow. The TCAT approach provides advantages that include a firm connection between the microscale, or pore scale, and the macroscale; a thermodynamically consistent basis; explicit inclusion of factors such as interfacial areas, contact angles, interfacial tension, and curvatures; and dynamics of interface movement and relaxation to an equilibrium state. In order to render the TCAT model solvable, certain closure relations are needed to relate fluid pressure, interfacial areas, curvatures, and relaxation rates. In this work, we formulate and solve a TCAT-based two-fluid-phase flow model. We detail the formulation of the model, which is a specific instance from a hierarchy of two-fluid-phase flow models that emerge from the theory. We show the closure problem that must be solved. Using recent results from high-resolution microscale simulations, we advance a set of closure relations that produce a closed model. Lastly, we use locally conservative spatial discretization and higher order temporal discretization methods to approximate the solution to this new model and compare the solution to the traditional model.

Fourth-Order Conservative Vlasov-Maxwell Solver for Cartesian and Cylindrical Phase Space Coordinates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vogman, Genia

Plasmas are made up of charged particles whose short-range and long-range interactions give rise to complex behavior that can be difficult to fully characterize experimentally. One of the most complete theoretical descriptions of a plasma is that of kinetic theory, which treats each particle species as a probability distribution function in a six-dimensional position-velocity phase space. Drawing on statistical mechanics, these distribution functions mathematically represent a system of interacting particles without tracking individual ions and electrons. The evolution of the distribution function(s) is governed by the Boltzmann equation coupled to Maxwell's equations, which together describe the dynamics of the plasma and the associated electromagnetic fields. When collisions can be neglected, the Boltzmann equation is reduced to the Vlasov equation. High-fidelity simulation of the rich physics in even a subset of the full six-dimensional phase space calls for low-noise high-accuracy numerical methods. To that end, this dissertation investigates a fourth-order finite-volume discretization of the Vlasov-Maxwell equation system, and addresses some of the fundamental challenges associated with applying these types of computationally intensive enhanced-accuracy numerical methods to phase space simulations. The governing equations of kinetic theory are described in detail, and their conservation-law weak form is derived for Cartesian and cylindrical phase space coordinates. This formulation is well known when it comes to Cartesian geometries, as it is used in finite-volume and finite-element discretizations to guarantee local conservation for numerical solutions. By contrast, the conservation-law weak form of the Vlasov equation in cylindrical phase space coordinates is largely unexplored, and to the author's knowledge has never previously been solved numerically. Thereby the methods described in this dissertation for simulating plasmas in cylindrical phase space coordinates present a new development in the field of computational plasma physics. A fourth-order finite-volume method for solving the Vlasov-Maxwell equation system is presented first for Cartesian and then for cylindrical phase space coordinates. Special attention is given to the treatment of the discrete primary variables and to the quadrature rule for evaluating the surface and line integrals that appear in the governing equations. The finite-volume treatment of conducting wall and axis boundaries is particularly nuanced when it comes to phase space coordinates, and is described in detail. In addition to the mechanics of each part of the finite-volume discretization in the two different coordinate systems, the complete algorithm is also presented. The Cartesian coordinate discretization is applied to several well-known test problems. Since even linear analysis of kinetic theory governing equations is complicated on account of velocity being an independent coordinate, few analytic or semi-analytic predictions exist. Benchmarks are particularly scarce for configurations that have magnetic fields and involve more than two phase space dimensions. Ensuring that simulations are true to the physics thus presents a difficulty in the development of robust numerical methods. The research described in this dissertation addresses this challenge through the development of more complete physics-based benchmarks based on the Dory-Guest-Harris instability. The instability is a special case of perpendicularly-propagating kinetic electrostatic waves in a warm uniformly magnetized plasma. A complete derivation of the closed-form linear theory dispersion relation for the instability is presented. The electric field growth rates and oscillation frequencies specified by the dispersion relation provide concrete measures against which simulation results can be quantitatively compared. Furthermore, a specialized form of perturbation is shown to strongly excite the fastest growing mode. The fourth-order finite-volume algorithm is benchmarked against the instability, and is demonstrated to have good convergence properties and close agreement with theoretical growth rate and oscillation frequency predictions. The Dory-Guest-Harris instability benchmark extends the scope of standard test problems by providing a substantive means of validating continuum kinetic simulations of warm magnetized plasmas in higher-dimensional 3D ( x,vx,vy) phase space. The linear theory analysis, initial conditions, algorithm description, and comparisons between theoretical predictions and simulation results are presented. The cylindrical coordinate finite-volume discretization is applied to model axisymmetric systems. Since mitigating the prohibitive computational cost of simulating six dimensions is another challenge in phase space simulations, the development of a robust means of exploiting symmetry is a major advance when it comes to numerically solving the Vlasov-Maxwell equation system. The discretization is applied to a uniform distribution function to assess the nature of the singularity at the axis, and is demonstrated to converge at fourth-order accuracy. The numerical method is then applied to simulate electrostatic ion confinement in an axisymmetric Z-pinch configuration. To the author's knowledge this presents the first instance of a conservative finite-volume discretization of the cylindrical coordinate Vlasov equation. The computational framework for the Vlasov-Maxwell solver is described, and an outlook for future research is presented.

Formulation of multiple choice questions as a revision exercise at the end of a teaching module in biochemistry.

PubMed

Bobby, Zachariah; Radhika, M R; Nandeesha, H; Balasubramanian, A; Prerna, Singh; Archana, Nimesh; Thippeswamy, D N

2012-01-01

The graduate medical students often get less opportunity for clarifying their doubts and to reinforce their concepts after lecture classes. Assessment of the effect of MCQ preparation by graduate medical students as a revision exercise on the topic "Mineral metabolism." At the end of regular teaching module on the topic "Mineral metabolism," graduate medical students were asked to prepare the stems of 15 MCQs based on the four discriminators given for each. They were told that one of the discriminators could be the answer for the MCQ and the remaining three could be the distracters. They were further guided in their task by providing few key word(s) in the stem of the expected MCQ. In the first phase of the exercise, the students attempted the MCQ preparation individually without peer consultation. In the second phase, the students participated in small group discussion to formulate the best MCQs of the group. The effects on low, medium, and high achievers were evaluated by pre and post-tests with the same set of MCQs. Both the individual endeavor in Phase 1 and small group discussion in Phase 2 for the formulation of MCQs significantly contributed to the gain from the exercise. The gains from the individual task and from small group discussion were equal among the different categories of students. Both phases of the exercise were equally beneficial for the low, medium, and high achievers. The high and medium achievers retained the gain from the exercise even after 1 week of the exercise whereas the low achievers could not retain the gain completely. Formulation of MCQs is an effective and useful unconventional revision exercise in Biochemistry for graduate medical students. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Development of a special purpose spacecraft coating, phase 4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gillman, H. D.

1980-01-01

Coating formulations based on a fluorocarbon resin were evaluated for use on spacecraft exteriors. Formulations modified with an acrylic resin were found to have excellent offgassing properties. A much less expensive process for increasing to solid content of the fluorocarbon latex was developed.

QUANTIFICATION OF GLYCYRRHIZIN BIOMARKER IN GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA RHIZOME AND BABY HERBAL FORMULATIONS BY VALIDATED RP-HPTLC METHODS

PubMed Central

Alam, Prawez; Foudah, Ahmed I.; Zaatout, Hala H.; T, Kamal Y; Abdel-Kader, Maged S.

2017-01-01

Background: A simple and sensitive thin-layer chromatographic method has been established for quantification of glycyrrhizin in Glycyrrhiza glabra rhizome and baby herbal formulations by validated Reverse Phase HPTLC method. Materials and Methods: RP-HPTLC Method was carried out using glass coated with RP-18 silica gel 60 F254S HPTLC plates using methanol-water (7: 3 v/v) as mobile phase. Results: The developed plate was scanned and quantified densitometrically at 256 nm. Glycyrrhizin peaks from Glycyrrhiza glabra rhizome and baby herbal formulations were identified by comparing their single spot at Rf = 0.63 ± 0.01. Linear regression analysis revealed a good linear relationship between peak area and amount of glycyrrhizin in the range of 2000-7000 ng/band. Conclusion: The method was validated, in accordance with ICH guidelines for precision, accuracy, and robustness. The proposed method will be useful to enumerate the therapeutic dose of glycyrrhizin in herbal formulations as well as in bulk drug. PMID:28573236

Development of polyisocyanurate pour foam formulation for space shuttle external tank thermal protection system. Final technical report, March 1986-October 1987

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

Harvey, J.A.; Butler, J.M.; Chartoff, R.P.

1988-08-01

Four commercially available polyisocyanurate polyurethane spray-foam insulation formulations are used to coat the external tank of the space shuttle. There are several problems associated with these formulations. For example, some do not perform well as pourable closeout/repair systems. Some do not perform well at cryogenic temperatures (poor adhesion to aluminum at liquid nitrogen temperatures). Their thermal stability at elevated temperatures is not adequate. A major defect in all the systems is the lack of detailed chemical information. The formulations are simply supplied to NASA and Martin Marietta, the primary contractor, as components; Part A (isocyanate) and Part B (poly(s) andmore » additives). Because of the lack of chemical information the performance behavior data for the current system, NASA sought the development of a non-proprietary room temperature curable foam insulation. Requirements for the developed system were that it should exhibit equal or better thermal stability both at elevated and cryogenic temperatures with better adhesion to aluminum as compared to the current system. Several formulations were developed that met these requirements, i.e., thermal stability, good pourability, and good bonding to aluminum.« less

DLVO THEORY APPLIED TO TIO2 PIGMENTS AND OTHER MATERIALS IN LATEX PAINTS. (R828081E01)

EPA Science Inventory

Understanding how a paint formulation translates into comparative numbers of particles, how the spacing between particles compares to their size and what controls their stabilization mechanisms improves efficient formulation design. The application of Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey...

Grounding of space structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bosela, P. A.; Fertis, D. G.; Shaker, F. J.

1992-09-01

Space structures, such as the Space Station solar arrays, must be extremely light-weight, flexible structures. Accurate prediction of the natural frequencies and mode shapes is essential for determining the structural adequacy of components, and designing a controls system. The tension pre-load in the 'blanket' of photovoltaic solar collectors, and the free/free boundary conditions of a structure in space, causes serious reservations on the use of standard finite element techniques of solution. In particular, a phenomenon known as 'grounding', or false stiffening, of the stiffness matrix occurs during rigid body rotation. This paper examines the grounding phenomenon in detail. Numerous stiffness matrices developed by others are examined for rigid body rotation capability, and found lacking. A force imbalance inherent in the formulations examined is the likely cause of the grounding problem, suggesting the need for a directed force formulation.

Preparation and evaluation of novel microemulsion-based hydrogels for dermal delivery of benzocaine.

PubMed

Üstündağ Okur, Neslihan; Çağlar, Emre Şefik; Arpa, Muhammet Davut; Karasulu, H Yeşim

2017-06-01

The purpose of the current research was to prepare and evaluate the potential use of microemulsion-based hydrogel (MBH) formulations for dermal delivery of benzocaine (BZN). The pseudoternary-phase diagrams were constructed for various microemulsions composed of isopropyl myristate (IPM) as oil phase, Span 20, Tween 20, Tween 80, cremophor EL and cremophor RH40 as surfactants, ethanol as cosurfactant and distilled water as aqueous phase. Finally, concentration of BZN in microemulsions was 2% (w/w). The physicochemical properties, such as conductivity, viscosity, pH, droplet size, polydispersity index and zeta potential of microemulsions, were measured. Carbopol 940 was used to convert BZN-loaded microemulsions into gel form without affecting their structure. Furthermore, excised rat abdominal skin was used to compare permeation and penetration properties of BZN loaded M3 and M3BHs with BZN solution. According to ex vivo study results, BZN-loaded M3BH1 showed highest flux values and high release rate values, and furthermore, this gel formulation had low surfactant content. Finally, in order to learn the localization of formulations within the dermal penetration, formulations and BZN solution were labeled with red oil O and subjected to fluorescence observation. In conclusion, BZN-loaded MBHs could be offered as a promising strategy for dermal drug delivery.

Design and evaluation of self-nanoemulsifying pellets of repaglinide.

PubMed

Desai, N S; Nagarsenker, M S

2013-09-01

The aim of study was to develop self-nanoemulsifying pellets (SNEP) for oral delivery of poorly water soluble drug, repaglinide (RPG). Solubility of RPG in oily phases and surfactants was determined to identify components of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS). The surfactants and cosurfactants were screened for their ability to emulsify oily phase. Ternary phase diagrams were constructed to identify nanoemulsification area for the selected systems. SNEDDS formulations with globule size less than 100 nm were evaluated for in vivo anti-hyperglycemic activity in neonatal streptozotocin rat model. A significant reduction in glucose levels was produced by optimized SNEDDS formulation in comparison to the control group. The optimized SNEDDS formulations were pelletized via extrusion/spheronization technique using microcrystalline cellulose and lactose. SNEP were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction study indicated loss of crystallinity of RPG in SNEP. The SNEP exhibited good flow properties, mechanical strength and formed nanoemulsion with globule size less than 200 nm. SNEP showed in vitro release of more than 80% RPG in 10 min which was significantly higher than RPG containing reference pellets. In conclusion, our studies illustrated that RPG, a poorly water soluble drug can be successfully formulated into SNEP which can serve as a promising system for the delivery of poorly water soluble drugs.

Aspects of nonviral gene therapy: correlation of molecular parameters with lipoplex structure and transfection efficacy in pyridinium-based cationic lipids.

PubMed

Parvizi, Paria; Jubeli, Emile; Raju, Liji; Khalique, Nada Abdul; Almeer, Ahmed; Allam, Hebatalla; Manaa, Maryem Al; Larsen, Helge; Nicholson, David; Pungente, Michael D; Fyles, Thomas M

2014-01-30

This study seeks correlations between the molecular structures of cationic and neutral lipids, the lipid phase behavior of the mixed-lipid lipoplexes they form with plasmid DNA, and the transfection efficacy of the lipoplexes. Synthetic cationic pyridinium lipids were co-formulated (1:1) with the cationic lipid 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (EPC), and these lipids were co-formulated (3:2) with the neutral lipids 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) or cholesterol. All lipoplex formulations exhibited plasmid DNA binding and a level of protection from DNase I degradation. Composition-dependent transfection (beta-galactosidase and GFP) and cytotoxicity was observed in Chinese hamster ovarian-K1 cells. The most active formulations containing the pyridinium lipids were less cytotoxic but of comparable activity to a Lipofectamine 2000™ control. Molecular structure parameters and partition coefficients were calculated for all lipids using fragment additive methods. The derived shape parameter values correctly correlated with observed hexagonal lipid phase behavior of lipoplexes as derived from small-angle X-ray scattering experiments. A transfection index applicable to hexagonal phase lipoplexes derived from calculated parameters of the lipid mixture (partition coefficient, shape parameter, lipoplex packing) produced a direct correlation with transfection efficiency. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development and application of a biorelevant dissolution method using USP apparatus 4 in early phase formulation development.

PubMed

Fang, Jiang B; Robertson, Vivian K; Rawat, Archana; Flick, Tawnya; Tang, Zhe J; Cauchon, Nina S; McElvain, James S

2010-10-04

Dissolution testing is frequently used to determine the rate and extent at which a drug is released from a dosage form, and it plays many important roles throughout drug product development. However, the traditional dissolution approach often emphasizes its application in quality control testing and usually strives to obtain 100% drug release. As a result, dissolution methods are not necessarily biorelevant and meaningful application of traditional dissolution methods in the early phases of drug product development can be very limited. This article will describe the development of a biorelevant in vitro dissolution method using USP apparatus 4, biorelevant media, and real-time online UV analysis. Several case studies in the areas of formulation selection, lot-to-lot variability, and food effect will be presented to demonstrate the application of this method in early phase formulation development. This biorelevant dissolution method using USP apparatus 4 provides a valuable tool to predict certain aspects of the in vivo drug release. It can be used to facilitate the formulation development/selection for pharmacokinetic (PK) and clinical studies. It may also potentially be used to minimize the number of PK studies, and to aid in the design of more efficient PK and clinical studies.

Guidelines for the formulation of Lagrangian stochastic models for particle simulations of single-phase and dispersed two-phase turbulent flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minier, Jean-Pierre; Chibbaro, Sergio; Pope, Stephen B.

2014-11-01

In this paper, we establish a set of criteria which are applied to discuss various formulations under which Lagrangian stochastic models can be found. These models are used for the simulation of fluid particles in single-phase turbulence as well as for the fluid seen by discrete particles in dispersed turbulent two-phase flows. The purpose of the present work is to provide guidelines, useful for experts and non-experts alike, which are shown to be helpful to clarify issues related to the form of Lagrangian stochastic models. A central issue is to put forward reliable requirements which must be met by Lagrangian stochastic models and a new element brought by the present analysis is to address the single- and two-phase flow situations from a unified point of view. For that purpose, we consider first the single-phase flow case and check whether models are fully consistent with the structure of the Reynolds-stress models. In the two-phase flow situation, coming up with clear-cut criteria is more difficult and the present choice is to require that the single-phase situation be well-retrieved in the fluid-limit case, elementary predictive abilities be respected and that some simple statistical features of homogeneous fluid turbulence be correctly reproduced. This analysis does not address the question of the relative predictive capacities of different models but concentrates on their formulation since advantages and disadvantages of different formulations are not always clear. Indeed, hidden in the changes from one structure to another are some possible pitfalls which can lead to flaws in the construction of practical models and to physically unsound numerical calculations. A first interest of the present approach is illustrated by considering some models proposed in the literature and by showing that these criteria help to assess whether these Lagrangian stochastic models can be regarded as acceptable descriptions. A second interest is to indicate how future developments can be safely built, which is also relevant for stochastic subgrid models for particle-laden flows in the context of Large Eddy Simulations.

Guidelines for the formulation of Lagrangian stochastic models for particle simulations of single-phase and dispersed two-phase turbulent flows

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

Minier, Jean-Pierre, E-mail: Jean-Pierre.Minier@edf.fr; Chibbaro, Sergio; Pope, Stephen B.

In this paper, we establish a set of criteria which are applied to discuss various formulations under which Lagrangian stochastic models can be found. These models are used for the simulation of fluid particles in single-phase turbulence as well as for the fluid seen by discrete particles in dispersed turbulent two-phase flows. The purpose of the present work is to provide guidelines, useful for experts and non-experts alike, which are shown to be helpful to clarify issues related to the form of Lagrangian stochastic models. A central issue is to put forward reliable requirements which must be met by Lagrangianmore » stochastic models and a new element brought by the present analysis is to address the single- and two-phase flow situations from a unified point of view. For that purpose, we consider first the single-phase flow case and check whether models are fully consistent with the structure of the Reynolds-stress models. In the two-phase flow situation, coming up with clear-cut criteria is more difficult and the present choice is to require that the single-phase situation be well-retrieved in the fluid-limit case, elementary predictive abilities be respected and that some simple statistical features of homogeneous fluid turbulence be correctly reproduced. This analysis does not address the question of the relative predictive capacities of different models but concentrates on their formulation since advantages and disadvantages of different formulations are not always clear. Indeed, hidden in the changes from one structure to another are some possible pitfalls which can lead to flaws in the construction of practical models and to physically unsound numerical calculations. A first interest of the present approach is illustrated by considering some models proposed in the literature and by showing that these criteria help to assess whether these Lagrangian stochastic models can be regarded as acceptable descriptions. A second interest is to indicate how future developments can be safely built, which is also relevant for stochastic subgrid models for particle-laden flows in the context of Large Eddy Simulations.« less

Toward the establishment of standardized in vitro tests for lipid-based formulations. 2. The effect of bile salt concentration and drug loading on the performance of type I, II, IIIA, IIIB, and IV formulations during in vitro digestion.

PubMed

Williams, Hywel D; Anby, Mette U; Sassene, Philip; Kleberg, Karen; Bakala-N'Goma, Jean-Claude; Calderone, Marilyn; Jannin, Vincent; Igonin, Annabel; Partheil, Anette; Marchaud, Delphine; Jule, Eduardo; Vertommen, Jan; Maio, Mario; Blundell, Ross; Benameur, Hassan; Carrière, Frédéric; Müllertz, Anette; Pouton, Colin W; Porter, Christopher J H

2012-11-05

The LFCS Consortium was established to develop standardized in vitro tests for lipid-based formulations (LBFs) and to examine the utility of these tests to probe the fundamental mechanisms that underlie LBF performance. In this publication, the impact of bile salt (sodium taurodeoxycholate, NaTDC) concentration and drug loading on the ability of a range of representative LBFs to generate and sustain drug solubilization and supersaturation during in vitro digestion testing has been explored and a common driver of the potential for drug precipitation identified. Danazol was used as a model poorly water-soluble drug throughout. In general, increasing NaTDC concentrations increased the digestion of the most lipophilic LBFs and promoted lipid (and drug) trafficking from poorly dispersed oil phases to the aqueous colloidal phase (AP(DIGEST)). High NaTDC concentrations showed some capacity to reduce drug precipitation, although, at NaTDC concentrations ≥3 mM, NaTDC effects on either digestion or drug solubilization were modest. In contrast, increasing drug load had a marked impact on drug solubilization. For LBFs containing long-chain lipids, drug precipitation was limited even at drug loads approaching saturation in the formulation and concentrations of solubilized drug in AP(DIGEST) increased with increased drug load. For LBFs containing medium-chain lipids, however, significant precipitation was evident, especially at higher drug loads. Across all formulations a remarkably consistent trend emerged such that the likelihood of precipitation was almost entirely dependent on the maximum supersaturation ratio (SR(M)) attained on initiation of digestion. SR(M) defines the supersaturation "pressure" in the system and is calculated from the maximum attainable concentration in the AP(DIGEST) (assuming zero precipitation), divided by the solubility of the drug in the colloidal phases formed post digestion. For LBFs where phase separation of oil phases did not occur, a threshold value for SR(M) was evident, regardless of formulation composition and drug solubilization reduced markedly above SR(M) > 2.5. The threshold SR(M) may prove to be an effective tool in discriminating between LBFs based on performance.

A quasilinear kinetic model for solar wind electrons and protons instabilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarfraz, M.; Yoon, P. H.

2017-12-01

In situ measurements confirm the anisotropic behavior in temperatures of solar wind species. These anisotropies associated with charge particles are observed to be relaxed. In collionless limit, kinetic instabilities play a significant role to reshape particles distribution. The linear analysis results are encapsulated in inverse relationship between anisotropy and plasma beta based observations fittings techniques, simulations methods, or solution of linearized Vlasov equation. Here amacroscopic quasilinear technique is adopted to confirm inverse relationship through solutions of set of self-consistent kinetic equations. Firstly, for a homogeneous and non-collisional medium, quasilinear kinetic model is employed to display asymptotic variations of core and halo electrons temperatures and saturations of wave energy densities for electromagnetic electron cyclotron (EMEC) instability sourced by, T⊥}>T{∥ . It is shown that, in (β ∥ , T⊥}/T{∥ ) phase space, the saturations stages of anisotropies associated with core and halo electrons lined up on their respective marginal stability curves. Secondly, for case of electrons firehose instability ignited by excessive parallel temperature i.e T⊥}>T{∥ , both electrons and protons are allowed to dynamically evolve in time. It is also observed that, the trajectories of protons and electrons at saturation stages in phase space of anisotropy and plasma beta correspond to proton cyclotron and firehose marginal stability curves, respectively. Next, the outstanding issue that most of observed proton data resides in nearly isotropic state in phase space is interpreted. Here, in quasilinear frame-work of inhomogeneous solar wind system, a set of self-consistent quasilinear equations is formulated to show a dynamical variations of temperatures with spatial distributions. On choice of different initial parameters, it is shown that, interplay of electron and proton instabilities provides an counter-balancing force to slow down the protons away from marginal stability states. As we are dealing both, protons and electrons for radially expanding solar wind plasma, our present approach may eventually be incorporated in global-kinetic models of the solar wind species.

The Force of Habit: Channelling Young Bodies at Alternative Education Spaces

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kraftl, Peter

2016-01-01

This article develops a novel conceptual framework for examining the (re)formulation of habits in education spaces. It is based on the premise that education spaces are key sites for channelling and intervening in children's habits, to various ends. The article focuses on the ways educators at alternative education spaces in the United Kingdom…

Proceedings of the Space Shuttle Environmental Assessment Workshop on Stratospheric Effects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Potter, A. E. (Compiler)

1977-01-01

Various aspects of the potential environmental impact of space shuttle exhaust are explored. Topics include: (1) increased ultraviolet radiation levels in the biosphere due to destruction of atmospheric ozone; (2) climatic changes due to aerosol particles affecting the planetary albedo; (3) space shuttle propellants (including alternate formulations); and (4) measurement of space shuttle exhaust products.

Formulation and evaluation of novel controlled release of topical pluronic lecithin organogel of mefenamic acid.

PubMed

Jhawat, Vikas; Gupta, Sumeet; Saini, Vipin

2016-11-01

In the present study, pluronic lecithin based organogels (PLO gels) were formulated as topical carrier for controlled delivery of mefenamic acid. Ten organogel formulations were prepared by a method employing lecithin as lipophilic phase and pluronic F-127 as hydrophilic phase in varying concentrations to study various parameters using in vitro diffusion study and in vivo studies. All formulations were found to be off-white, homogenous, and reluctant to be washed easily and have pH value within the range of 5.56-5.80 which is nonirritant. Polymer concentration increased in formulations of F1 to F5 (lecithin) and F6 to F10 (pluronic) resulted in decrease of the gelation temperature, increase of viscosity and reduction of spreadability of gels having polymer tendency to form rigid 3D network. Organogels with higher viscosity were found to be more stable and retard the drug release from the gel. The formulations of F2 and F3 were selected for kinetic studies and stability studies, as they found to have all physical parameters within acceptable limits, highest percent drug content and exhibited highest drug release in eight hours. The order of drug release from various formulations was found to be F2 > F3 > F10 > F4 > F1 > F9 > F8 > F5 > F7 > F6. The optimized formulation F2 was found to follow zero order rate kinetics showing controlled release of the drug from the formulations. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of optimized mefenamic acid organogel (F2) against a standard marketed preparation (Volini gel) was found satisfactory and significant.

Tretinoin Nanogel 0.025% Versus Conventional Gel 0.025% in Patients with Acne Vulgaris: A Randomized, Active Controlled, Multicentre, Parallel Group, Phase IV Clinical Trial

PubMed Central

Chandrashekhar, B S; Anitha, M.; Ruparelia, Mukesh; Vaidya, Pradyumna; Aamir, Riyaz; Shah, Sunil; Thilak, S; Aurangabadkar, Sanjeev; Pal, Sandeep; Saraswat, Abir

2015-01-01

Background: Conventional topical tretinoin formulation is often associated with local adverse events. Nanogel formulation of tretinoin has good physical stability and enables good penetration of tretinoin into the pilo-sebaceous glands. Aim: The present study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of a nanogel formulation of tretinoin as compared to its conventional gel formulation in the treatment of acne vulgaris of the face. Materials and Methods: This randomized, active controlled, multicentric, phase IV clinical trial evaluated the treatment of patients with acne vulgaris of the face by the two gel formulations locally applied once daily at night for 12 wk. Acne lesion counts (inflammatory, non-inflammatory & total) and severity grading were carried out on the monthly scheduled visits along with the tolerability assessments. Results: A total of 207 patients were randomized in the study. Reductions in the total (72.9% vs. 65.0%; p = 0.03) and inflammatory (78.1% vs. 66.9%; p = 0.02) acne lesions were reported to be significantly greater with the nanogel formulation as compared to the conventional gel formulation. Local adverse events were significantly less (p = 0.04) in the nanogel group (13.3%) as compared to the conventional gel group (24.7%). Dryness was the most common adverse event reported in both the treatment groups while peeling of skin, burning sensation and photosensitivity were reported in patients using the conventional gel only. Conclusion: In the treatment of acne vulgaris of the face, tretinoin nanogel formulation appears to be more effective and better tolerated than the conventional gel formulation. PMID:25738069

The New Millenium Program: Serving Earth and Space Sciences

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Fuk K.

2000-01-01

NASA has exciting plans for space science and Earth observations during the next decade. A broad range of advanced spacecraft and measurement technologies will be needed to support these plans within the existing budget and schedule constraints. Many of these technology needs are common to both NASA's Office of Earth Science (OES) and Office of Space Sciences (OSS). Even though some breakthrough technologies have been identified to address these needs, project managers have traditionally been reluctant to incorporate them into flight programs because their inherent development risk. To accelerate the infusion of new technologies into its OES and OSS missions, NASA established the New Millennium Program (NMP). This program analyzes the capability needs of these enterprises, identifies candidate technologies to address these needs, incorporates advanced technology suites into validation flights, validates them in the relevant space environment, and then proactively infuses the validated technologies into future missions to enhance their capabilities while reducing their life cycle cost. The NMP employs a cross-enterprise Science Working Group, the NASA Enterprise science and technology roadmaps to define the capabilities needed by future Earth and Space science missions. Additional input from the science community is gathered through open workshops and peer-reviewed NASA Research Announcement (NRAs) for advanced measurement concepts. Technology development inputs from the technology organizations within NASA, other government agencies, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDC's), U.S. industry, and academia are sought to identify breakthrough technologies that might address these needs. This approach significantly extends NASA's technology infrastructure. To complement other flight test programs that develop or validate of individual components, the NMP places its highest priority on system-level validations of technology suites in the relevant space environment. This approach is not needed for all technologies, but it is usually essential to validate advanced system architectures or new measurement concepts. The NMP has recently revised its processes for defining candidate validation flights, and selecting technologies for these flights. The NMP now employs integrated project formulation teams, 'Which include scientists, technologists, and mission planners, to incorporate technology suites into candidate validation flights. These teams develop competing concepts, which can be rigorously evaluated prior to selection for flight. The technology providers for each concept are selected through an open, competitive, process during the project formulation phase. If their concept is selected for flight, they are incorporated into the Project Implementation Team, which develops, integrates, tests, launches, and operates the technology validation flight. Throughout the project implementation phase, the Implementation Team will document and disseminate their validation results to facilitate the infusion of their validated technologies into future OSS and OES science missions. The NMP has successfully launched its first two Deep Space flights for the OSS, and is currently implementing its first two Earth Orbiting flights for the OES. The next OSS and OES flights are currently being defined. Even though these flights are focused on specific Space Science and Earth Science themes, they are designed to validate a range of technologies that could benefit both enterprises, including advanced propulsion, communications, autonomous operations and navigation, multifunctional structures, microelectronics, and advanced instruments. Specific examples of these technologies will be provided in our presentation. The processes developed by the NMP also provide benefits across the Space and Earth Science enterprises. In particular, the extensive, nation-wide technology infrastructure developed by the NMP enhances the access to breakthrough technologies for both enterprises.

Alternative Solvents/Technologies for Paint Stripping: Phase 1.

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-03-01

processes . Three phases of study are defined: Phase I, identify alternate solvents/strippers and screen them; Phase II, field test solvent/ strippers...Section Title Page 1 Metal Refinishing Process - Immersion Method ............... 8 2 Phase Summary Chart ........................ 12 3 The...of the following: (a) nontoxic chemical formulations, (b) new process development, and (c) new coating reformulations. This program consists of three

Heat transfer in rocket engine combustion chambers and regeneratively cooled nozzles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

A conjugate heat transfer computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to describe regenerative cooling in the main combustion chamber and nozzle and in the injector faceplate region for a launch vehicle class liquid rocket engine was developed. An injector model for sprays which treats the fluid as a variable density, single-phase media was formulated, incorporated into a version of the FDNS code, and used to simulate the injector flow typical of that in the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). Various chamber related heat transfer analyses were made to verify the predictive capability of the conjugate heat transfer analysis provided by the FDNS code. The density based version of the FDNS code with the real fluid property models developed was successful in predicting the streamtube combustion of individual injector elements.

Hamiltonian vs Lagrangian Embedding of a Massive Spin-One Theory Involving Two-Form Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harikumar, E.; Sivakumar, M.

We consider the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian embedding of a first-order, massive spin-one, gauge noninvariant theory involving antisymmetric tensor field. We apply the BFV-BRST generalized canonical approach to convert the model to a first class system and construct nilpotent BFV-BRST charge and a unitarizing Hamiltonian. The canonical analysis of the Stückelberg formulation of this model is presented. We bring out the contrasting feature in the constraint structure, specifically with respect to the reducibility aspect, of the Hamiltonian and the Lagrangian embedded model. We show that to obtain manifestly covariant Stückelberg Lagrangian from the BFV embedded Hamiltonian, phase space has to be further enlarged and show how the reducible gauge structure emerges in the embedded model.

An Advanced simulation Code for Modeling Inductive Output Tubes

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

Thuc Bui; R. Lawrence Ives

2012-04-27

During the Phase I program, CCR completed several major building blocks for a 3D large signal, inductive output tube (IOT) code using modern computer language and programming techniques. These included a 3D, Helmholtz, time-harmonic, field solver with a fully functional graphical user interface (GUI), automeshing and adaptivity. Other building blocks included the improved electrostatic Poisson solver with temporal boundary conditions to provide temporal fields for the time-stepping particle pusher as well as the self electric field caused by time-varying space charge. The magnetostatic field solver was also updated to solve for the self magnetic field caused by time changing currentmore » density in the output cavity gap. The goal function to optimize an IOT cavity was also formulated, and the optimization methodologies were investigated.« less

Diffraction-Induced Bidimensional Talbot Self-Imaging with Full Independent Period Control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guillet de Chatellus, Hugues; Romero Cortés, Luis; Deville, Antonin; Seghilani, Mohamed; Azaña, José

2017-03-01

We predict, formulate, and observe experimentally a generalized version of the Talbot effect that allows one to create diffraction-induced self-images of a periodic two-dimensional (2D) waveform with arbitrary control of the image spatial periods. Through the proposed scheme, the periods of the output self-image are multiples of the input ones by any desired integer or fractional factor, and they can be controlled independently across each of the two wave dimensions. The concept involves conditioning the phase profile of the input periodic wave before free-space diffraction. The wave energy is fundamentally preserved through the self-imaging process, enabling, for instance, the possibility of the passive amplification of the periodic patterns in the wave by a purely diffractive effect, without the use of any active gain.

Diffraction-Induced Bidimensional Talbot Self-Imaging with Full Independent Period Control.

PubMed

Guillet de Chatellus, Hugues; Romero Cortés, Luis; Deville, Antonin; Seghilani, Mohamed; Azaña, José

2017-03-31

We predict, formulate, and observe experimentally a generalized version of the Talbot effect that allows one to create diffraction-induced self-images of a periodic two-dimensional (2D) waveform with arbitrary control of the image spatial periods. Through the proposed scheme, the periods of the output self-image are multiples of the input ones by any desired integer or fractional factor, and they can be controlled independently across each of the two wave dimensions. The concept involves conditioning the phase profile of the input periodic wave before free-space diffraction. The wave energy is fundamentally preserved through the self-imaging process, enabling, for instance, the possibility of the passive amplification of the periodic patterns in the wave by a purely diffractive effect, without the use of any active gain.

A phase 1 study to evaluate effect of food on veliparib pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability in subjects with solid tumors.

PubMed

Mostafa, Nael M; Chiu, Yi-Lin; Rosen, Lee S; Bessudo, Alberto; Kovacs, Xenia; Giranda, Vincent L

2014-09-01

A phase 1 study was conducted to evaluate the bioavailability and food effect of a new veliparib formulation in subjects with solid tumors. Subjects (planned: Stage I, N = 20; Stage II, N = 16) received four regimens of a single oral dose of veliparib utilizing a group-sequential design. Subjects were administered single doses of 40 mg veliparib supplied as four 10 mg current formulation, four 10 mg new formulation and one 40 mg new formulation under fasting conditions and under non-fasting conditions. Serial blood samples were collected for the determination of veliparib pharmacokinetics. At the end of Stage I, the relative bioavailability between each pair of regimens was assessed by a two one-sided tests procedure from the analyses of the natural logarithms of C(max) and AUC. A 92.7 % confidence interval within the 0.80-1.25 range between each regimen pair determined bioequivalence. Four 10 mg current formulation capsules, four 10 mg new formulation and one 40 mg new formulation were bioequivalent with respect to C(max) and AUC under fasting conditions. The administration of a high-fat meal did not have a significant effect on AUC and only caused a slight decrease in veliparib C(max) (17 %) and a delay of approximately 1 h in T(max). The 40 mg new capsule was bioequivalent to currently used formulation. Food had no effect on the extent of veliparib absorption and only a small (17 %) decrease in peak exposure of veliparib.

Anharmonic quantum mechanical systems do not feature phase space trajectories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oliva, Maxime; Kakofengitis, Dimitris; Steuernagel, Ole

2018-07-01

Phase space dynamics in classical mechanics is described by transport along trajectories. Anharmonic quantum mechanical systems do not allow for a trajectory-based description of their phase space dynamics. This invalidates some approaches to quantum phase space studies. We first demonstrate the absence of trajectories in general terms. We then give an explicit proof for all quantum phase space distributions with negative values: we show that the generation of coherences in anharmonic quantum mechanical systems is responsible for the occurrence of singularities in their phase space velocity fields, and vice versa. This explains numerical problems repeatedly reported in the literature, and provides deeper insight into the nature of quantum phase space dynamics.

High Temperature Boost (HTB) Power Processing Unit (PPU) Formulation Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Yuan; Bradley, Arthur T.; Iannello, Christopher J.; Carr, Gregory A.; Mohammad, Mojarradi M.; Hunter, Don J.; DelCastillo, Linda; Stell, Christopher B.

2013-01-01

This technical memorandum is to summarize the Formulation Study conducted during fiscal year 2012 on the High Temperature Boost (HTB) Power Processing Unit (PPU). The effort is authorized and supported by the Game Changing Technology Division, NASA Office of the Chief Technologist. NASA center participation during the formulation includes LaRC, KSC and JPL. The Formulation Study continues into fiscal year 2013. The formulation study has focused on the power processing unit. The team has proposed a modular, power scalable, and new technology enabled High Temperature Boost (HTB) PPU, which has 5-10X improvement in PPU specific power/mass and over 30% in-space solar electric system mass saving.

Topological crystalline materials: General formulation, module structure, and wallpaper groups

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shiozaki, Ken; Sato, Masatoshi; Gomi, Kiyonori

2017-06-01

We formulate topological crystalline materials on the basis of the twisted equivariant K theory. Basic ideas of the twisted equivariant K theory are explained with application to topological phases protected by crystalline symmetries in mind, and systematic methods of topological classification for crystalline materials are presented. Our formulation is applicable to bulk gapful topological crystalline insulators/superconductors and their gapless boundary and defect states, as well as bulk gapless topological materials such as Weyl and Dirac semimetals, and nodal superconductors. As an application of our formulation, we present a complete classification of topological crystalline surface states, in the absence of time-reversal invariance. The classification works for gapless surface states of three-dimensional insulators, as well as full gapped two-dimensional insulators. Such surface states and two-dimensional insulators are classified in a unified way by 17 wallpaper groups, together with the presence or the absence of (sublattice) chiral symmetry. We identify the topological numbers and their representations under the wallpaper group operation. We also exemplify the usefulness of our formulation in the classification of bulk gapless phases. We present a class of Weyl semimetals and Weyl superconductors that are topologically protected by inversion symmetry.

Cataract induction by protons and HZE particles is suppressed by dietary supplements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ware, Jeffrey; Kennedy, Ann; Davis, James

The present study was undertaken to investigate the ability of dietary supplements to reduce the formation and severity of cataracts in mice irradiated with protons or iron ions, which are important components of the radiation encountered by astronauts during spaceflight. The mice were exposed to proton or iron ion radiation and fed with control diet or diets supplemented with an antioxidant formulation or with Bowman-Birk Inhibitor Concentrate (BBIC) both before and after the radiation exposure. The antioxidant formulation contained L-selenomethionine, N-acetyl cysteine, ascorbic acid, co-enzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin E succinate. This mixture is highly effective at reducing space radiation induced oxidative stress in both in vivo and in vitro systems, space radiation induced cytotoxicity and malignant transformation in vitro. BBIC is a soybean extract with high levels of the Bowman-Birk Inhibitor, an 8-KD soybean-derived protease inhibitor with anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and radioprotection properties. At approximately two years after the radiation exposure, the animals were killed and lenses were harvested post-mortem and characterized using an established classifi- cation system that assigns discrete scores based on the severity of the lens opacifications. The results showed that exposure to 1-GeV/n proton (300 cGy) or iron ion (50 cGy) radiation significantly increased the cataract prevalence and severity in CBA/J mice to levels above the baseline levels of age-induced cataract formation in this mouse strain. Treatment with BBIC or the antioxidant formulation significantly reduced the prevalence and severity of the lens opaci- fications in the mice exposed to iron ion radiation. Treatment with BBIC or the antioxidant formulation also decreased the severity of the lens opacifications in the mice exposed to proton radiation; however, the decrease did not reach statistical significance. These results indicate that BBIC and the antioxidant formulation evaluated in this study could be useful for protecting astronauts against space radiation induced cataracts during or after long-term manned space missions. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS; This work was supported by the National Space Biomedical Research Institute through NASA NCC 9-58.

Simplified Discontinuous Galerkin Methods for Systems of Conservation Laws with Convex Extension

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barth, Timothy J.

1999-01-01

Simplified forms of the space-time discontinuous Galerkin (DG) and discontinuous Galerkin least-squares (DGLS) finite element method are developed and analyzed. The new formulations exploit simplifying properties of entropy endowed conservation law systems while retaining the favorable energy properties associated with symmetric variable formulations.

Government-Microsoft Partnerships: Supranational Formulation in Private and Public Policy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cardoso, Clementina Marques

2008-01-01

This article argues that the framework for the governance of technological knowledge and skills that is formulated for national consumption emerges from a supranational terrain of politics outside the jurisdiction of national and European parliamentary activity and scrutiny. Traditionally understood as a space where ideas circulate and initiatives…

Space tug economic analysis study. Volume 2: Tug concepts analysis. Part 2: Economic analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

An economic analysis of space tug operations is presented. The subjects discussed are: (1) cost uncertainties, (2) scenario analysis, (3) economic sensitivities, (4) mixed integer programming formulation of the space tug problem, and (5) critical parameters in the evaluation of a public expenditure.

Variations on the seventh route to relativity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, Edward

2003-11-01

Wheeler asked how one might derive the Einstein-Hamilton-Jacobi equation from plausible first principles without any use of the Einstein field equations themselves. In addition to Hojman, Kuchař and Teitelboim’s “seventh route to relativity” partial answer to this, there is now a “3-space” partial answer due to Barbour, Foster and Ó Murchadha (BFÓ) which principally differs in that general covariance is no longer presupposed. BFÓ’s formulation of the 3-space approach is based on best-matched actions such as the lapse-eliminated Baierlein-Sharp-Wheeler (BSW) action of general relativity (GR). These give rise to several branches of gravitational theories including GR on superspace and a theory of gravity on conformal superspace. This paper investigates the 3-space approach further, motivated both by the hierarchies of increasingly well-defined and weakened simplicity postulates present in all routes to relativity, and by the requirement that all the known fundamental matter fields be included. We further the study of configuration spaces of gravity-matter systems upon which BFÓ’s formulation leans. We note that in further developments the lapse-eliminated BSW actions used by BFÓ become impractical and require generalization. We circumvent many of these problems by the equivalent use of lapse-uneliminated actions, which furthermore permit us to interpret BFÓ’s formulation within Kuchař’s generally covariant hypersurface framework. This viewpoint provides alternative reasons to BFÓ’s as to why the inclusion of bosonic fields in the 3-space approach gives rise to minimally coupled scalar fields, electromagnetism and Yang-Mills theory. This viewpoint also permits us to quickly exhibit further GR-matter theories admitted by the 3-space formulation. In particular, we show that the spin-1/2 fermions of the theories of Dirac, Maxwell-Dirac and Yang-Mills-Dirac, all coupled to GR, are admitted by the generalized 3-space formulation we present. Thus all the known fundamental matter fields can be accommodated. This corresponds to being able to pick actions for all these theories which have less kinematics than suggested by the generally covariant hypersurface framework. For all these theories, Wheeler’s thin sandwich conjecture may be posed, rendering them timeless in Barbour’s sense.

Matter coupling in partially constrained vielbein formulation of massive gravity

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

Felice, Antonio De; Mukohyama, Shinji; Gümrükçüoğlu, A. Emir

2016-01-01

We consider a linear effective vielbein matter coupling without introducing the Boulware-Deser ghost in ghost-free massive gravity. This is achieved in the partially constrained vielbein formulation. We first introduce the formalism and prove the absence of ghost at all scales. As next we investigate the cosmological application of this coupling in this new formulation. We show that even if the background evolution accords with the metric formulation, the perturbations display important different features in the partially constrained vielbein formulation. We study the cosmological perturbations of the two branches of solutions separately. The tensor perturbations coincide with those in the metricmore » formulation. Concerning the vector and scalar perturbations, the requirement of absence of ghost and gradient instabilities yields slightly different allowed parameter space.« less

Matter coupling in partially constrained vielbein formulation of massive gravity

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

Felice, Antonio De; Gümrükçüoğlu, A. Emir; Heisenberg, Lavinia

2016-01-04

We consider a linear effective vielbein matter coupling without introducing the Boulware-Deser ghost in ghost-free massive gravity. This is achieved in the partially constrained vielbein formulation. We first introduce the formalism and prove the absence of ghost at all scales. As next we investigate the cosmological application of this coupling in this new formulation. We show that even if the background evolution accords with the metric formulation, the perturbations display important different features in the partially constrained vielbein formulation. We study the cosmological perturbations of the two branches of solutions separately. The tensor perturbations coincide with those in the metricmore » formulation. Concerning the vector and scalar perturbations, the requirement of absence of ghost and gradient instabilities yields slightly different allowed parameter space.« less

Transient analysis of a thermal storage unit involving a phase change material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Griggs, E. I.; Pitts, D. R.; Humphries, W. R.

1974-01-01

The transient response of a single cell of a typical phase change material type thermal capacitor has been modeled using numerical conductive heat transfer techniques. The cell consists of a base plate, an insulated top, and two vertical walls (fins) forming a two-dimensional cavity filled with a phase change material. Both explicit and implicit numerical formulations are outlined. A mixed explicit-implicit scheme which treats the fin implicity while treating the phase change material explicitly is discussed. A band algorithmic scheme is used to reduce computer storage requirements for the implicit approach while retaining a relatively fine grid. All formulations are presented in dimensionless form thereby enabling application to geometrically similar problems. Typical parametric results are graphically presented for the case of melting with constant heat input to the base of the cell.

Modeling Ignition of HMX with the Gibbs Formulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Kibaek; Stewart, D. Scott

2017-06-01

We present a HMX model with the Gibbs formulation in which stress tensor and temperature are assumed to be in local equilibrium, but phase/chemical changes are not assumed to be in equilibrium. We assume multi-components for HMX including beta- and delta-phase, liquid, and gas phase of HMX and its gas products. Isotropic small strain solid model, modified Fried Howard liquid EOS, and ideal gas EOS are used for its relevant component. Phase/chemical changes are characterized as reactions and are in individual reaction rate. Maxwell-Stefan model is used for diffusion. Excited gas products in the local domain lead unreacted HMX solid to the ignition event. Density of the mixture, stress, strain, displacement, mass fractions, and temperature are considered in 1D domain with time histories. Office of Naval Research and Air Force Office of Scientific Research.

Mathematical aspects of finite element methods for incompressible viscous flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gunzburger, M. D.

1986-01-01

Mathematical aspects of finite element methods are surveyed for incompressible viscous flows, concentrating on the steady primitive variable formulation. The discretization of a weak formulation of the Navier-Stokes equations are addressed, then the stability condition is considered, the satisfaction of which insures the stability of the approximation. Specific choices of finite element spaces for the velocity and pressure are then discussed. Finally, the connection between different weak formulations and a variety of boundary conditions is explored.

Production development of organic nonflammable spacecraft potting, encapsulating and conformal coating compounds. Volume 4: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lieberman, S. L.

1974-01-01

The necessity of having nonflammable versions of potting and encapsulating compounds and conformal coatings for space vehicles is discussed. The formulation, EPOCAST 87517 A/B, was found to have the best balance of thermal, electrical, mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of those evaluated. The requirements which this formulation did not meet are listed, and other formulations which were evaluated are summarized. Recommendations for improving EPOCAST 87517 A/B are included.

Targeted Drug Delivery in the Suprachoroidal Space by Swollen Hydrogel Pushing.

PubMed

Jung, Jae Hwan; Desit, Patcharin; Prausnitz, Mark R

2018-04-01

The purpose is to target model drug particles to the posterior region of the suprachoroidal space (SCS) of the eye controlled via pushing by hydrogel swelling. A particle formulation containing 1% hyaluronic acid (HA) with fluorescent polymer particles and a hydrogel formulation containing 4% HA were introduced in a single syringe as two layers without mixing, and injected sequentially into the SCS of the rabbit eye ex vivo and in vivo using a microneedle. Distribution of particles in the eye was determined by microscopy. During injection, the particle formulation was pushed toward the middle of the SCS by the viscous hydrogel formulation, but less than 12% of particles reached the posterior SCS. After injection, the particle formulation was pushed further toward the macula and optic nerve in the posterior SCS by hydrogel swelling and spreading. Heating the eye to 37°C, or injecting in vivo decreased viscosity and mechanical strength of the hydrogel, thereby allowing it to swell and flow further in the SCS. A high salt concentration (9% NaCl) in the hydrogel formulation further increased hydrogel swelling due to osmotic flow into the hydrogel. In this way, up to 76% of particles were delivered to the posterior SCS from an injection made near the limbus. This study shows that model drug particles can be targeted to the posterior SCS by HA hydrogel swelling and pushing without particle functionalization or administering external driving forces.

Shock initiation of an ɛ-CL-20-estane formulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarver, C. M.; Simpson, R. L.; Urtiew, P. A.

1996-05-01

The shock sensitivity of a pressed solid explosive formulation, LX-19, containing 95.2% by weight epsilon phase 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW) and 4.8% Estane binder, was determined using the wedge test and embedded manganin pressure gauge techniques. This formulation was shown to be slightly more sensitive than LX-14, which contains 95.5% HMX and 4.5% Estane binder. The measured pressure histories for LX-19 were very similar to those obtained using several HMX-inert binder formulations. An Ignition and Growth reactive flow model for LX-19 was developed which differed from those for HMX-inert binder formulations only by a 25% higher hot spot growth rate.

Enhanced formulations for neutralization of chemical, biological and industrial toxants

DOEpatents

Tucker, Mark D [Albuqueque, NM

2008-06-24

An enhanced formulation and method of making that neutralizes the adverse health effects of both chemical and biological compounds, especially chemical warfare (CW) and biological warfare (BW) agents, and toxic industrial chemicals. The enhanced formulation according to the present invention is non-toxic and non-corrosive and can be delivered by a variety of means and in different phases. The formulation provides solubilizing compounds that serve to effectively render the chemical and biological compounds, particularly CW and BW compounds, susceptible to attack, and at least one reactive compound that serves to attack (and detoxify or kill) the compound. The formulation includes at least one solubilizing agent, a reactive compound, a bleaching activator and water.

Optimal slew path planning for the Sino-French Space-based multiband astronomical Variable Objects Monitor mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

She, Yuchen; Li, Shuang

2018-01-01

The planning algorithm to calculate a satellite's optimal slew trajectory with a given keep-out constraint is proposed. An energy-optimal formulation is proposed for the Space-based multiband astronomical Variable Objects Monitor Mission Analysis and Planning (MAP) system. The innovative point of the proposed planning algorithm lies in that the satellite structure and control limitation are not considered as optimization constraints but are formulated into the cost function. This modification is able to relieve the burden of the optimizer and increases the optimization efficiency, which is the major challenge for designing the MAP system. Mathematical analysis is given to prove that there is a proportional mapping between the formulation and the satellite controller output. Simulations with different scenarios are given to demonstrate the efficiency of the developed algorithm.

Pointless strings

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

Periwal, V.

1988-01-01

The author proves that bosonic string perturbation theory diverges and is not Borel summable. This is an indication of a non-perturbative instability of the bosonic string vacuum. He formulates two-dimensional sigma models in terms of algebras of functions. He extends this formulation to general C* algebras. He illustrates the utility of these algebraic notions by calculating some determinants of interest in the study of string propagation in orbifold backgrounds. He studies the geometry of spaces of field theories and show that the vanishing of the curvature of the natural Gel'fand-Naimark-Segal metric on such spaces is exactly the strong associativity conditionmore » of the operator product expansion.He shows that string scattering amplitudes arise as invariants of renormalization, when he formulates renormalization in terms of rescalings of the metric on the string world-sheet.« less

Integrated control-structure design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hunziker, K. Scott; Kraft, Raymond H.; Bossi, Joseph A.

1991-01-01

A new approach for the design and control of flexible space structures is described. The approach integrates the structure and controller design processes thereby providing extra opportunities for avoiding some of the disastrous effects of control-structures interaction and for discovering new, unexpected avenues of future structural design. A control formulation based on Boyd's implementation of Youla parameterization is employed. Control design parameters are coupled with structural design variables to produce a set of integrated-design variables which are selected through optimization-based methodology. A performance index reflecting spacecraft mission goals and constraints is formulated and optimized with respect to the integrated design variables. Initial studies have been concerned with achieving mission requirements with a lighter, more flexible space structure. Details of the formulation of the integrated-design approach are presented and results are given from a study involving the integrated redesign of a flexible geostationary platform.

Nanoscale surface characterization and miscibility study of a spray-dried injectable polymeric matrix consisting of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and polyvinylpyrrolidone.

PubMed

Meeus, Joke; Chen, Xinyong; Scurr, David J; Ciarnelli, Valeria; Amssoms, Katie; Roberts, Clive J; Davies, Martyn C; van Den Mooter, Guy

2012-09-01

Injectable controlled-release formulations are of increasing interest for the treatment of chronic diseases. This study aims to develop and characterize a polymeric matrix for intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, consisting of two biocompatible polymers, particularly suitable for formulating poorly soluble drugs. For this matrix, the water-insoluble polymer poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is combined with the water-soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Microparticles of these two polymers were prepared by spray drying. The phase behavior of the samples was studied by means of modulated differential scanning calorimetry and the results showed that phase separation occurred in the bulk sample through evidence of two mixed amorphous phases, namely, a PLGA-rich phase and a PVP-rich phase. Characterization of the samples by scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the spray-dried particles were hollow with a thin shell. Because of the importance in relation to stability and drug release, information about the surface of the microparticles was collected by different complementary surface analysis techniques. Atomic force microscopy gathered information about the morphology and phase behavior of the microparticle surface. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis of the particles revealed that the surface consisted mainly of the PLGA-rich phase. This was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at an increased sampling depth (≈ 10 nm). Nanothermal analysis proved to be an innovative way to thermally detect the presence of the PLGA-dominated surface layer and the underlying PVP phase. Taken together, this information provides a rational basis for predicting the likely drug release behavior this formulation will display. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Quantum theory in real Hilbert space: How the complex Hilbert space structure emerges from Poincaré symmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moretti, Valter; Oppio, Marco

As earlier conjectured by several authors and much later established by Solèr (relying on partial results by Piron, Maeda-Maeda and other authors), from the lattice theory point of view, Quantum Mechanics may be formulated in real, complex or quaternionic Hilbert spaces only. Stückelberg provided some physical, but not mathematically rigorous, reasons for ruling out the real Hilbert space formulation, assuming that any formulation should encompass a statement of Heisenberg principle. Focusing on this issue from another — in our opinion, deeper — viewpoint, we argue that there is a general fundamental reason why elementary quantum systems are not described in real Hilbert spaces. It is their basic symmetry group. In the first part of the paper, we consider an elementary relativistic system within Wigner’s approach defined as a locally-faithful irreducible strongly-continuous unitary representation of the Poincaré group in a real Hilbert space. We prove that, if the squared-mass operator is non-negative, the system admits a natural, Poincaré invariant and unique up to sign, complex structure which commutes with the whole algebra of observables generated by the representation itself. This complex structure leads to a physically equivalent reformulation of the theory in a complex Hilbert space. Within this complex formulation, differently from what happens in the real one, all selfadjoint operators represent observables in accordance with Solèr’s thesis, and the standard quantum version of Noether theorem may be formulated. In the second part of this work, we focus on the physical hypotheses adopted to define a quantum elementary relativistic system relaxing them on the one hand, and making our model physically more general on the other hand. We use a physically more accurate notion of irreducibility regarding the algebra of observables only, we describe the symmetries in terms of automorphisms of the restricted lattice of elementary propositions of the quantum system and we adopt a notion of continuity referred to the states viewed as probability measures on the elementary propositions. Also in this case, the final result proves that there exists a unique (up to sign) Poincaré invariant complex structure making the theory complex and completely fitting into Solèr’s picture. This complex structure reveals a nice interplay of Poincaré symmetry and the classification of the commutant of irreducible real von Neumann algebras.

Numerical Simulation of Two Phase Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liou, Meng-Sing

2001-01-01

Two phase flows can be found in broad situations in nature, biology, and industry devices and can involve diverse and complex mechanisms. While the physical models may be specific for certain situations, the mathematical formulation and numerical treatment for solving the governing equations can be general. Hence, we will require information concerning each individual phase as needed in a single phase. but also the interactions between them. These interaction terms, however, pose additional numerical challenges because they are beyond the basis that we use to construct modern numerical schemes, namely the hyperbolicity of equations. Moreover, due to disparate differences in time scales, fluid compressibility and nonlinearity become acute, further complicating the numerical procedures. In this paper, we will show the ideas and procedure how the AUSM-family schemes are extended for solving two phase flows problems. Specifically, both phases are assumed in thermodynamic equilibrium, namely, the time scales involved in phase interactions are extremely short in comparison with those in fluid speeds and pressure fluctuations. Details of the numerical formulation and issues involved are discussed and the effectiveness of the method are demonstrated for several industrial examples.

A novel approach in formulation of special transition elements: Mesh interface elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarigul, Nesrin

1991-01-01

The objective of this research program is in the development of more accurate and efficient methods for solution of singular problems encountered in various branches of mechanics. The research program can be categorized under three levels. The first two levels involve the formulation of a new class of elements called 'mesh interface elements' (MIE) to connect meshes of traditional elements either in three dimensions or in three and two dimensions. The finite element formulations are based on boolean sum and blending operators. MEI are being formulated and tested in this research to account for the steep gradients encountered in aircraft and space structure applications. At present, the heat transfer and structural analysis problems are being formulated from uncoupled theory point of view. The status report: (1) summarizes formulation for heat transfer and structural analysis; (2) explains formulation of MEI; (3) examines computational efficiency; and (4) shows verification examples.

Fast estimation of space-robots inertia parameters: A modular mathematical formulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nabavi Chashmi, Seyed Yaser; Malaek, Seyed Mohammad-Bagher

2016-10-01

This work aims to propose a new technique that considerably helps enhance time and precision needed to identify ;Inertia Parameters (IPs); of a typical Autonomous Space-Robot (ASR). Operations might include, capturing an unknown Target Space-Object (TSO), ;active space-debris removal; or ;automated in-orbit assemblies;. In these operations generating precise successive commands are essential to the success of the mission. We show how a generalized, repeatable estimation-process could play an effective role to manage the operation. With the help of the well-known Force-Based approach, a new ;modular formulation; has been developed to simultaneously identify IPs of an ASR while it captures a TSO. The idea is to reorganize the equations with associated IPs with a ;Modular Set; of matrices instead of a single matrix representing the overall system dynamics. The devised Modular Matrix Set will then facilitate the estimation process. It provides a conjugate linear model in mass and inertia terms. The new formulation is, therefore, well-suited for ;simultaneous estimation processes; using recursive algorithms like RLS. Further enhancements would be needed for cases the effect of center of mass location becomes important. Extensive case studies reveal that estimation time is drastically reduced which in-turn paves the way to acquire better results.

Bottlenecks in the development of topical analgesics: molecule, formulation, dose-finding, and phase III design.

PubMed

Keppel Hesselink, Jan M; Kopsky, David J; Stahl, Stephen M

2017-01-01

Topical analgesics can be defined as topical formulations containing analgesics or co-analgesics. Since 2000, interest in such formulations has been on the rise. There are, however, four critical issues in the research and development phases of topical analgesics: 1) The selection of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. Analgesics and co-analgesics differ greatly in their mechanism of action, and it is required to find the most optimal fit between such mechanisms of action and the pathogenesis of the targeted (neuropathic) pain. 2) Issues concerning the optimized formulation. For relevant clinical efficacy, specific characteristics for the selected vehicle (eg, cream base or gel base) are required, depending on the physicochemical characteristics of the active pharmaceutical ingredient(s) to be delivered. 3) Well-designed phase II dose-finding studies are required, and, unfortunately, such trials are missing. In fact, we will demonstrate that underdosing is one of the major hurdles to detect meaningful and statistically relevant clinical effects of topical analgesics. 4) Selection of clinical end points and innovatively designed phase III trials. End point selection can make or break a trial. For instance, to include numbness together with tingling as a composite end point for neuropathic pain seems stretching the therapeutic impact of an analgesic too far. Given the fast onset of action of topical analgesics (usually within 30 minutes), enrichment designs might enhance the chances for success, as the placebo response might decrease. Topical analgesics may become promising inroads for the treatment of neuropathic pain, once sufficient attention is given to these four key aspects.

Phase-space networks of geometrically frustrated systems.

PubMed

Han, Yilong

2009-11-01

We illustrate a network approach to the phase-space study by using two geometrical frustration models: antiferromagnet on triangular lattice and square ice. Their highly degenerated ground states are mapped as discrete networks such that the quantitative network analysis can be applied to phase-space studies. The resulting phase spaces share some comon features and establish a class of complex networks with unique Gaussian spectral densities. Although phase-space networks are heterogeneously connected, the systems are still ergodic due to the random Poisson processes. This network approach can be generalized to phase spaces of some other complex systems.

A nonrecursive 'Order N' preconditioned conjugate gradient/range space formulation of MDOF dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kurdila, A. J.; Menon, R.; Sunkel, John

1991-01-01

This paper addresses the requirements of present-day mechanical system simulations of algorithms that induce parallelism on a fine scale and of transient simulation methods which must be automatically load balancing for a wide collection of system topologies and hardware configurations. To this end, a combination range space/preconditioned conjugage gradient formulation of multidegree-of-freedon dynamics is developed, which, by employing regular ordering of the system connectivity graph, makes it possible to derive an extremely efficient preconditioner from the range space metric (as opposed to the system coefficient matrix). Because of the effectiveness of the preconditioner, the method can achieve performance rates that depend linearly on the number of substructures. The method, termed 'Order N' does not require the assembly of system mass or stiffness matrices, and is therefore amenable to implementation on work stations. Using this method, a 13-substructure model of the Space Station was constructed.

Grassmannians for scattering amplitudes in 4d $$\\mathcal{N}=4 $$ SYM and 3d ABJM

DOE PAGES

Elvang, Henriette; Huang, Yu-tin; Keeler, Cynthia; ...

2014-12-31

Scattering amplitudes in 4d N=4 super Yang-Mills theory (SYM) can be described by Grassmannian contour integrals whose form depends on whether the external data is encoded in momentum space, twistor space, or momentum twistor space. Here, after a pedagogical review, we present a new, streamlined proof of the equivalence of the three integral formulations. A similar strategy allows us to derive a new Grassmannian integral for 3d N = 6 ABJM theory amplitudes in momentum twistor space: it is a contour integral in an orthogonal Grassmannian with the novel property that the internal metric depends on the external data. Themore » result can be viewed as a central step towards developing an amplituhedron formulation for ABJM amplitudes. Various properties of Grassmannian integrals are examined, including boundary properties, pole structure, and a homological interpretation of the global residue theorems for N = 4 SYM.« less

A novel multireceiver communications system configuration based on optimal estimation theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kumar, R.

1990-01-01

A multireceiver configuration for the purpose of carrier arraying and/or signal arraying is presented. Such a problem arises for example, in the NASA Deep Space Network where the same data-modulated signal from a spacecraft is received by a number of geographically separated antennas and the data detection must be efficiently performed on the basis of the various received signals. The proposed configuration is arrived at by formulating the carrier and/or signal arraying problem as an optimal estimation problem. Two specific solutions are proposed. The first solution is to simultaneously and optimally estimate the various phase processes received at different receivers with coupled phase locked loops (PLLs) wherein the individual PLLs acquire and track their respective receivers' phase processes, but are aided by each other in an optimal manner. However, when the phase processes are relatively weakly correlated, and for the case of relatively high values of symbol energy-to-noise spectral density ratio, a novel configuration for combining the data modulated, loop-output signals is proposed. The scheme can be extended to the case of low symbol energy-to-noise case by performing the combining/detection process over a multisymbol period. Such a configuration results in the minimization of the effective radio loss at the combiner output, and thus a maximization of energy per bit to noise-power spectral density ration is achieved.

LORAKS makes better SENSE: Phase-constrained partial fourier SENSE reconstruction without phase calibration.

PubMed

Kim, Tae Hyung; Setsompop, Kawin; Haldar, Justin P

2017-03-01

Parallel imaging and partial Fourier acquisition are two classical approaches for accelerated MRI. Methods that combine these approaches often rely on prior knowledge of the image phase, but the need to obtain this prior information can place practical restrictions on the data acquisition strategy. In this work, we propose and evaluate SENSE-LORAKS, which enables combined parallel imaging and partial Fourier reconstruction without requiring prior phase information. The proposed formulation is based on combining the classical SENSE model for parallel imaging data with the more recent LORAKS framework for MR image reconstruction using low-rank matrix modeling. Previous LORAKS-based methods have successfully enabled calibrationless partial Fourier parallel MRI reconstruction, but have been most successful with nonuniform sampling strategies that may be hard to implement for certain applications. By combining LORAKS with SENSE, we enable highly accelerated partial Fourier MRI reconstruction for a broader range of sampling trajectories, including widely used calibrationless uniformly undersampled trajectories. Our empirical results with retrospectively undersampled datasets indicate that when SENSE-LORAKS reconstruction is combined with an appropriate k-space sampling trajectory, it can provide substantially better image quality at high-acceleration rates relative to existing state-of-the-art reconstruction approaches. The SENSE-LORAKS framework provides promising new opportunities for highly accelerated MRI. Magn Reson Med 77:1021-1035, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Shuttle derived atmospheric density model. Part 2: STS atmospheric implications for AOTV trajectory analysis, a proposed GRAM perturbation density model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Findlay, J. T.; Kelly, G. M.; Troutman, P. A.

1984-01-01

A perturbation model to the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Global Reference Atmosphere Model (GRAM) was developed for use in the Aeroassist Orbital Transfer Vehicle (AOTV) trajectory and analysis. The model reflects NASA Space Shuttle experience over the first twelve entry flights. The GRAM was selected over the Air Force 1978 Reference Model because of its more general formulation and wider use throughout NASA. The add-on model, a simple scaling with altitude to reflect density structure encountered by the Shuttle Orbiter was selected principally to simplify implementation. Perturbations, by season, can be utilized to minimize the number of required simulations, however, exact Shuttle flight history can be exercised using the same model if desired. Such a perturbation model, though not meteorologically motivated, enables inclusion of High Resolution Accelerometer Package (HiRAP) results in the thermosphere. Provision is made to incorporate differing perturbations during the AOTV entry and exit phases of the aero-asist maneuver to account for trajectory displacement (geographic) along the ground track.

Momentum-space cluster dual-fermion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iskakov, Sergei; Terletska, Hanna; Gull, Emanuel

2018-03-01

Recent years have seen the development of two types of nonlocal extensions to the single-site dynamical mean field theory. On one hand, cluster approximations, such as the dynamical cluster approximation, recover short-range momentum-dependent correlations nonperturbatively. On the other hand, diagrammatic extensions, such as the dual-fermion theory, recover long-ranged corrections perturbatively. The correct treatment of both strong short-ranged and weak long-ranged correlations within the same framework is therefore expected to lead to a quick convergence of results, and offers the potential of obtaining smooth self-energies in nonperturbative regimes of phase space. In this paper, we present an exact cluster dual-fermion method based on an expansion around the dynamical cluster approximation. Unlike previous formulations, our method does not employ a coarse-graining approximation to the interaction, which we show to be the leading source of error at high temperature, and converges to the exact result independently of the size of the underlying cluster. We illustrate the power of the method with results for the second-order cluster dual-fermion approximation to the single-particle self-energies and double occupancies.

Multidimensional generalized-ensemble algorithms for complex systems.

PubMed

Mitsutake, Ayori; Okamoto, Yuko

2009-06-07

We give general formulations of the multidimensional multicanonical algorithm, simulated tempering, and replica-exchange method. We generalize the original potential energy function E(0) by adding any physical quantity V of interest as a new energy term. These multidimensional generalized-ensemble algorithms then perform a random walk not only in E(0) space but also in V space. Among the three algorithms, the replica-exchange method is the easiest to perform because the weight factor is just a product of regular Boltzmann-like factors, while the weight factors for the multicanonical algorithm and simulated tempering are not a priori known. We give a simple procedure for obtaining the weight factors for these two latter algorithms, which uses a short replica-exchange simulation and the multiple-histogram reweighting techniques. As an example of applications of these algorithms, we have performed a two-dimensional replica-exchange simulation and a two-dimensional simulated-tempering simulation using an alpha-helical peptide system. From these simulations, we study the helix-coil transitions of the peptide in gas phase and in aqueous solution.

Coarsening in Solid-Liquid Mixtures-2: A Materials Science Experiment for the ISS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hickman, J. Mark; Voorhees, Peter W.; Kwon, Yongwoo; Lorik, Tibor

2004-01-01

A materials science experiment has been developed and readied for operation aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Components of this experiment are onboard ISS and area awaiting the flight of science samples. The goal of the experiment is to understand the dynamics of Ostwald ripening, also known as coarsening, a process that occurs in nearly any two-phase mixture found in nature. Attempts to obtain experimental data in ground-based laboratories are hindered due to the presence of gravity, which introduces material transport modes other than that of the coarsening phenomenon. This introduces adjustable parameters in the formulation of theory. The original Coarsening in Solid-Liquid Mixtures (CSLM) mission, which flew on the Space Shuttle in 1997, produced data from a coarsened eutectic alloy. Unfortunately, both the science matrix and the hardware, while nominally functional, did not account adequately for operations in microgravity. A significantly redesigned follow-on experiment, CSLM-2 has been developed to redress the inadequacies of the original experiment. This paper reviews the CSLM-2 project: its history, science goals, flight hardware implementation, and planned operations and analysis

Real-space imaging of a topologically protected edge state with ultracold atoms in an amplitude-chirped optical lattice

PubMed Central

Leder, Martin; Grossert, Christopher; Sitta, Lukas; Genske, Maximilian; Rosch, Achim; Weitz, Martin

2016-01-01

To describe a mobile defect in polyacetylene chains, Su, Schrieffer and Heeger formulated a model assuming two degenerate energy configurations that are characterized by two different topological phases. An immediate consequence was the emergence of a soliton-type edge state located at the boundary between two regions of different configurations. Besides giving first insights in the electrical properties of polyacetylene materials, interest in this effect also stems from its close connection to states with fractional charge from relativistic field theory. Here, using a one-dimensional optical lattice for cold rubidium atoms with a spatially chirped amplitude, we experimentally realize an interface between two spatial regions of different topological order in an atomic physics system. We directly observe atoms confined in the edge state at the intersection by optical real-space imaging and characterize the state as well as the size of the associated energy gap. Our findings hold prospects for the spectroscopy of surface states in topological matter and for the quantum simulation of interacting Dirac systems. PMID:27767054

Exactly solvable random graph ensemble with extensively many short cycles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguirre López, Fabián; Barucca, Paolo; Fekom, Mathilde; Coolen, Anthony C. C.

2018-02-01

We introduce and analyse ensembles of 2-regular random graphs with a tuneable distribution of short cycles. The phenomenology of these graphs depends critically on the scaling of the ensembles’ control parameters relative to the number of nodes. A phase diagram is presented, showing a second order phase transition from a connected to a disconnected phase. We study both the canonical formulation, where the size is large but fixed, and the grand canonical formulation, where the size is sampled from a discrete distribution, and show their equivalence in the thermodynamical limit. We also compute analytically the spectral density, which consists of a discrete set of isolated eigenvalues, representing short cycles, and a continuous part, representing cycles of diverging size.

Stoichiometric vs hydroclimatic controls on soil biogeochemical processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manzoni, Stefano; Porporato, Amilcare

2010-05-01

Soil nutrient cycles are controlled by both stoichiometric constraints (e.g., carbon to nutrient ratios) and hydroclimatic conditions (e.g., soil moisture and temperature). Both controls tend to act in a nonlinear manner and give rise to complex dynamics in soil biogeochemistry at different space-time scales. We first review the theoretical basis of soil biogeochemical models, looking for the general principles underlying these models across space-time scales and scientific disciplines. By comparing more than 250 models, we show that similar kinetic and stoichiometric laws, formulated to mechanistically represent the complex biochemical constraints to decomposition, are common to most models, providing a basis for their classification. Moreover, a historic analysis reveals that the complexity (e.g., phase space dimension, model architecture) and degree and number of nonlinearities generally increased with date, while they decreased with increasing spatial and temporal scale of interest. Soil biogeochmical dynamics may be suitable conceptualized using a number of compartments (e.g., decomposers, organic substrates, inorganic ions) interacting among each other at rates that depend (nonlinearly) on climatic drivers. As a consequence, hydroclimatic-induced fluctuations at the daily scale propagate through the various soil compartments leading to cascading effects ranging from short-term fluctuations in the smaller pools to long-lasting changes in the larger ones. Such cascading effects are known to occur in dryland ecosystems, and are increasingly being recongnized to control the long-term carbon and nutrient balances in more mesic ecosystems. We also show that separating biochemical from climatic impacts on organic matter decomposition results in universal curves describing data of plant residue decomposition and nutrient mineralization across the globe. Future extensions to larger spatial scales and managed ecosystems are also briefly outlined. It is critical that future modeling efforts carefully account for the scale-dependence of their mathematical formulations, especially when applied to a wide range of scales.

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of isoniazid and 1-isonicotinyl-2-lactosylhydrazine in isoniazid tablet formulations.

PubMed

Butterfield, A G; Lovering, E G; Sears, R W

1980-02-01

A high-performance liquid chromatographic procedure is presented for the simultaneous determination of isoniazid and 1-isonicotinyl-2-lactosylhydrazine (I) in isoniazid tablet formulations. An aliquot of a diluted aqueous tablet extract is introduced onto a microparticulate cyanopropyl bonded-phase column using a valve-loop injector and chromatographed using a mobile phase of acetonitrile--0.01 M, pH 3.5 aqueous acetate buffer (5:95). Compound I can be determined at levels as low as 0.5% of the isoniazid label claim. The relative standard deviations are 0.4 and 0.7% for the simultaneous determination of isoniazid and I, respectively. Seven commercial tablet formulations contained 93.8--97.0% of the labeled isoniazid amounts and 0.3--5.8% of I, expressed as equivalent isoniazid relative to the labeled isoniazid level.

Early Formulation Model-centric Engineering on NASA's Europa Mission Concept Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bayer, Todd; Chung, Seung; Cole, Bjorn; Cooke, Brian; Dekens, Frank; Delp, Chris; Gontijo, Ivair; Lewis, Kari; Moshir, Mehrdad; Rasmussen, Robert;

High-response piezoelectricity modeled quantitatively near a phase boundary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newns, Dennis M.; Kuroda, Marcelo A.; Cipcigan, Flaviu S.; Crain, Jason; Martyna, Glenn J.

2017-01-01

Interconversion of mechanical and electrical energy via the piezoelectric effect is fundamental to a wide range of technologies. The discovery in the 1990s of giant piezoelectric responses in certain materials has therefore opened new application spaces, but the origin of these properties remains a challenge to our understanding. A key role is played by the presence of a structural instability in these materials at compositions near the "morphotropic phase boundary" (MPB) where the crystal structure changes abruptly and the electromechanical responses are maximal. Here we formulate a simple, unified theoretical description which accounts for extreme piezoelectric response, its observation at compositions near the MPB, accompanied by ultrahigh dielectric constant and mechanical compliances with rather large anisotropies. The resulting model, based upon a Landau free energy expression, is capable of treating the important domain engineered materials and is found to be predictive while maintaining simplicity. It therefore offers a general and powerful means of accounting for the full set of signature characteristics in these functional materials including volume conserving sum rules and strong substrate clamping effects.

Power optimization of wireless media systems with space-time block codes.

PubMed

Yousefi'zadeh, Homayoun; Jafarkhani, Hamid; Moshfeghi, Mehran

2004-07-01

We present analytical and numerical solutions to the problem of power control in wireless media systems with multiple antennas. We formulate a set of optimization problems aimed at minimizing total power consumption of wireless media systems subject to a given level of QoS and an available bit rate. Our formulation takes into consideration the power consumption related to source coding, channel coding, and transmission of multiple-transmit antennas. In our study, we consider Gauss-Markov and video source models, Rayleigh fading channels along with the Bernoulli/Gilbert-Elliott loss models, and space-time block codes.

Bacteria Provide Cleanup of Oil Spills, Wastewater

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2010-01-01

Through Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts with Marshall Space Flight Center, Micro-Bac International Inc., of Round Rock, Texas, developed a phototrophic cell for water purification in space. Inside the cell: millions of photosynthetic bacteria. Micro-Bac proceeded to commercialize the bacterial formulation it developed for the SBIR project. The formulation is now used for the remediation of wastewater systems and waste from livestock farms and food manufacturers. Strains of the SBIR-derived bacteria also feature in microbial solutions that treat environmentally damaging oil spills, such as that resulting from the catastrophic 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico.

Design and Flight Testing of an Inflatable Sunshield for the NGST

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, Michael L.; Culver, Harry L.; Kaufman, David M.; Pacini, Linda K.; Sturm, James; Lienard, Sebastien

2000-01-01

The Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST) mission is scheduled to launch in 2007 and be stationed at L2 for a mission life of ten years. The large aperture mirror and optical detectors aboard NGST require shielding from the constant solar energy seen at this orbit. The government reference NGST design, called the Yardstick, baselined a sunshield using an inflation deployment system. During the formulation phase, NGST is spending approximately 25% of the overall budget to foster the development of new technology. The goal is to develop and demonstrate enabling or enhancing technology and provide innovative solutions for the design of the NGST observatory. Inflatable technology falls in the category of enhancing technology due to its advantages in weight, stowed volume and cost. The Inflatable Sunshield in Space (ISIS) flight experiment will provide a realistic space flight demonstration of an inflatable sunshield. The supporting technology development program will provide an information base for the design, manufacture, assembly and testing of large thin membranes and inflatable structural elements for space structures. The ISIS experiment will demonstrate the feasibility of using inflatable technology to passively cool optical systems for NGST and provide correlation between analytical predictions and on orbit results. The experiment will be performed on a Hitchhiker/Space Shuttle mission in late 2001. The ISIS mission is an effort to address several major technical challenges of the NGST inflatable sunshield, namely controlled inflation deployment, plenarity and separation of large stretched membranes, space rigidization of inflatable booms, and dynamic modeling and simulation. This paper will describe the design of the flight experiment and the testing to be performed on-orbit.

Pharmaceutical development of a parenteral formulation of the novel anti-tumor agent carzelesin (U-80,244).

PubMed

Jonkman-de Vries, J D; de Graaff-Teulen, M J; Henrar, R E; Kettenes-van den Bosch, J J; Bult, A; Beijnen, J H

1994-01-01

The aim of this study was to design a parenteral dosage form for the investigational cytotoxic drug carzelesin. A stable formulation in PET (Polyethylene glycol 400/absolute ethanol/Tween 80, 6:3:1, v/v/v) was developed. The prototype, containing 0.50 mg carzelesin in 2.0 ml PET formulation, was found to be the optimal formulation in terms of solubility, stability and dosage requirements in phase I clinical trials. Quality control of the formulation showed that the pharmaceutical preparation of carzelesin in PET is not negatively influenced by the manufacturing process. Shelf life studies demonstrated that the formulation is stable for at least 1 year, when stored at -30 degrees C in the dark. In addition, the stability of carzelesin in the PET formulation is discussed as a function of temperature, additives and after dilution in infusion fluids.

Influence of hydrophilic surfactants on the properties of multiple W/O/W emulsions.

PubMed

Schmidts, T; Dobler, D; Nissing, C; Runkel, F

2009-10-01

Multiple W/O/W emulsions for topical application using Span 80 as a lipophilic emulsifier were prepared. Several hydrophilic emulsifiers were tested in respect of their suitability for the preparation of multiple emulsions. In addition, the effect of different oil-phase compositions on emulsion stability was investigated. The physicochemical parameters of the formulations were characterized and their long-term stability was evaluated by means of rheological measurements, droplet size observations and conductivity analysis. As discovered, the modification of an oil-phase composition results in a decrease in the diffusion coefficient of water and water-soluble substances and, consequently, in enhanced stability. The influence of the release of electrolytes from the inner to the outer water phase on the emulsion stability behaviour was investigated. It was found, that the effect of the hydrophilic emulsifiers on the formulation properties is related not only to its HLB value, but rather to its chemical composition. As a result, polyethoxylated ethers of fatty alcohols (C=16-18) with HLBs between 15.3 and 16.2 appear to be the most suitable ones for creating stable formulations.

Evaluation of high oleic-high stearic sunflower hard stearins for cocoa butter equivalent formulation.

PubMed

Bootello, Miguel A; Hartel, Richard W; Garcés, Rafael; Martínez-Force, Enrique; Salas, Joaquín J

2012-10-01

Cocoa butter equivalents (CBEs) are produced from vegetable fats by blending palm mid fraction (PMF) and tropical butters coming from shea, mango kernel or kokum fat. In this regard, high oleic-high stearic (HOHS) sunflower hard stearins from solvent fractionation can be used in CBE production since their compositions and physical properties are similar to those found in the above-mentioned tropical butters. In this work, three sunflower hard stearins (SHS) ranging from 65% to 95% of disaturated triacylglycerols and a shea stearin (used as reference) were blended with PMF to evaluate their potential use in CBEs formulation. Isosolid phase diagrams of mixtures of PMF/SHS showed eutectic formation for SHS 65 and SHS 80, but monotectic behaviour with softening effect for SHS 95. Three CBEs from SHS and shea stearin were formulated according to phase behaviour diagrams and solid fat content data at 25 °C. Isosolid phase diagrams of mixtures of these CBEs with cocoa butter showed no eutectic behaviour. Therefore, CBEs elaborated from SHS exhibited full compatibility with cocoa butter. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Finite Element Methods and Multiphase Continuum Theory for Modeling 3D Air-Water-Sediment Interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kees, C. E.; Miller, C. T.; Dimakopoulos, A.; Farthing, M.

2016-12-01

The last decade has seen an expansion in the development and application of 3D free surface flow models in the context of environmental simulation. These models are based primarily on the combination of effective algorithms, namely level set and volume-of-fluid methods, with high-performance, parallel computing. These models are still computationally expensive and suitable primarily when high-fidelity modeling near structures is required. While most research on algorithms and implementations has been conducted in the context of finite volume methods, recent work has extended a class of level set schemes to finite element methods on unstructured methods. This work considers models of three-phase flow in domains containing air, water, and granular phases. These multi-phase continuum mechanical formulations show great promise for applications such as analysis of coastal and riverine structures. This work will consider formulations proposed in the literature over the last decade as well as new formulations derived using the thermodynamically constrained averaging theory, an approach to deriving and closing macroscale continuum models for multi-phase and multi-component processes. The target applications require the ability to simulate wave breaking and structure over-topping, particularly fully three-dimensional, non-hydrostatic flows that drive these phenomena. A conservative level set scheme suitable for higher-order finite element methods is used to describe the air/water phase interaction. The interaction of these air/water flows with granular materials, such as sand and rubble, must also be modeled. The range of granular media dynamics targeted including flow and wave transmision through the solid media as well as erosion and deposition of granular media and moving bed dynamics. For the granular phase we consider volume- and time-averaged continuum mechanical formulations that are discretized with the finite element method and coupled to the underlying air/water flow via operator splitting (fractional step) schemes. Particular attention will be given to verification and validation of the numerical model and important qualitative features of the numerical methods including phase conservation, wave energy dissipation, and computational efficiency in regimes of interest.

The Use of Heavy Ion Radiation as an Analog for Space Radiation Environment and Its Effects on Drug Stability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vaksman, Z.; Du, B.; Daniels, V.; Putcha, L.

2007-01-01

While it is common knowledge that electromagnetic radiation such as x-rays and gamma rays affect physical-chemical characteristics (PC) of compounds in addition to their toxic and mutagenic effects on biological systems, there are no reports on the effects of cosmic radiation encountered during space missions on stability of pharmaceuticals. Alterations in PC of drug formulations can adversely affect treatment with medications in space. Preliminary evaluation of stability and shelf-life of select pharmaceuticals (12) flown on space missions revealed that 37% and 40% of the formulations failed to meet USP requirements after shuttle and ISS flights, respectively. Based on these results, the current investigation is designed to examine the effect of proton (P) and heavy ion (Fe) radiation on 20 pharmaceutical preparations flown aboard the shuttle and ISS. The objectives of this project are: 1) Examine susceptibility of pharmaceuticals to short acute bouts of high intensity ionizing radiation species encountered during space flights; 2) Estimate extent of degradation of susceptible formulations as a function of intensity of each beam (P & Fe); and 3) compare and contrast the effects of single beam irradiation to that of a combined beam (P + Fe) that simulates space craft environment on drug stability. Irradiations were conducted at the Brookhaven National Laboratories (BNL) with beam strengths of 10 cGy, 10 or 50Gy of P and Fe beams separately. Preliminary evaluation of results revealed a reduction in the chemical content of label claim ranging 12-55 % for Augmentin, 7% for promethzine tablets and 9% for ciprofloxacin ointment. These results are in agreement, although less in magnitude than those observed during space flight and after gamma irradiation.

Variational formulation for Black-Scholes equations in stochastic volatility models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gyulov, Tihomir B.; Valkov, Radoslav L.

2012-11-01

In this note we prove existence and uniqueness of weak solutions to a boundary value problem arising from stochastic volatility models in financial mathematics. Our settings are variational in weighted Sobolev spaces. Nevertheless, as it will become apparent our variational formulation agrees well with the stochastic part of the problem.

Fiberglass goes green: Developing phosphate glass for use in biodegradable composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arendt, Christina Lee

Composite materials, such as the glass fiber reinforced polyester thermosets known as "fiberglass," are used in many applications. However, recycling processes for these materials are inefficient and not widely available. Specially engineered degradable polymers offer an opportunity to redesign these composites. Additionally, the composite could be tailored to be multi-use, such that upon degradation, the resulting products could be used as part of a zeoponic substrate (artificial soil) for growing plants. Such a material would be beneficial for long-duration space missions, terraforming, or in other agricultural applications. The research presented in this dissertation focuses on developing phosphate glass for use as the fiber reinforcement for such a composite. Due to the under-utilization of phosphate systems, there is a lack of thermodynamic data on these systems. The modified associate species method of phase diagram calculation was used in an attempt to gain more information about the desired system, as it is a good predictor of the phase relations in oxide melts, slags, and glasses and requires less data than other methods. Further research into the thermodynamic properties of phosphates is still needed to develop accurate phase diagrams and melting temperatures for this system. Seventeen glass formulations were developed and melted. Six of these formulations were chosen for dissolution testing. Of these six, Glass 17 was chosen for intensive testing and characterization. This glass was tested in water, hydrochloric acid solutions, and citric acid solutions. The weight loss was measured and ICP-OES was performed on the leachate solution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction were performed on the tested specimens. Shrinking-core models were fit to the dissolution data. Fibers were drawn from the glass and characterized using SEM. The data shows that this glass is not dissolving congruently, as is expected of phosphate glasses. Instead, selective leaching is occurring, leading to the development of a non-protective surface layer during dissolution.

Advances in Nanotechnology for Efficacious and Stable Formulation Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Putcha, Lakshimi

2012-01-01

Current operational medical kits aboard the International Space Station (ISS) include an array of medications intended for the treatment of minor ambulatory care symptoms, first aid, and basic life support. All medications contained in the flight kits are commercially available off-the-shelf formulations used for treatment of illnesses on Earth. However, transport and stowage of supplies including medications for space missions are exposed to adverse environmental conditions and extended shelf-life demands. Proposed missions to Mars and near-Earth objects such as asteroid 1999 AO10 will present crew health risk that is different both quantitatively and qualitatively from those encountered on ISS missions. Few drug options are available at the present time for mitigation of crew health risk of planned space exploration missions. Alternatives to standard oral formulations that include sustained and targeted delivery technologies for preventive healthcare in space will be a welcome addition to the space formulary and may include controlled release topical, sub-cutaneous, intranasal and inhalation dosage forms. An example of such a technology development endeavor can be nanotechnology-based multi-stage drug cocktail and vaccine delivery systems. Nanostructures also have the ability to protect drugs encapsulated within them from physiologic degradation, target their delivery with sustained release and are suitable for per oral routes of administration. The use of nanostructures such as polymeric nanoparticles offers a non-invasive approach for penetrating the blood brain barrier. Finally, nanotechnology offers great potential for the development of safe and efficacious drug delivery systems for preventive health care in space and on Earth.

Space Environment Effects on Stability of Medications Flown on Space Shuttles and the International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daniels, Vernie; Du, Jianping; Crady, Camille; Satterfield, Rick; Putcha, Lakshmi

2007-01-01

The purpose is to assess physical and chemical degradation of select pharmaceutical formulations from the Shuttle and ISS medical kits. Eleven pharmaceuticals dispensed as different dosage forms were selected based on their physical / chemical characteristics and susceptibility to environmental factors such as, temperature, humidity and light sensitivity. When available, ground-controls of the study medications with matching brand and lot numbers were used for comparison. Samples retrieved from flight were stored along with their matching controls in a temperature and humidity controlled environmental chamber. Temperature, humidity, and radiation data from the Shuttle and ISS were retrieved from onboard HOBO U12 Temp/RH Data Loggers, and from passive dosimeters. Physical and chemical analyses of the pharmaceuticals were conducted using validated United States Pharmacopeia (USP) methods. Results indicated degradation of 6 of the 11 formulations returned from space flights. Four formulations, Amoxicillin / Clavulanate, promethazine, sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim, and ciprofloxacin tablets depicted discoloration after flight. Chemical content analyses using High or Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC / UPLC) methods revealed that dosage forms of Amoxicillin / Clavulanate, promethazine, sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim, lidocaine, ciprofloxacin and mupirocin contained less than 95% of manufacturer s labeled claim of active drug compound. Shuttle and ISS environments affect stability and shelf life of certain mediations flown on these missions. Data analysis is in progress to examine the effect of specific space flight environmental factors on pharmaceutical stability. The degradation profiles generated from ground studies in analog environments will be useful in establishing predictive shelf-life profiles for medications intended for use during long-term space exploration missions.

Illustration of microphysical processes in Amazonian deep convective clouds in the gamma phase space: introduction and potential applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cecchini, Micael A.; Machado, Luiz A. T.; Wendisch, Manfred; Costa, Anja; Krämer, Martina; Andreae, Meinrat O.; Afchine, Armin; Albrecht, Rachel I.; Artaxo, Paulo; Borrmann, Stephan; Fütterer, Daniel; Klimach, Thomas; Mahnke, Christoph; Martin, Scot T.; Minikin, Andreas; Molleker, Sergej; Pardo, Lianet H.; Pöhlker, Christopher; Pöhlker, Mira L.; Pöschl, Ulrich; Rosenfeld, Daniel; Weinzierl, Bernadett

2017-12-01

The behavior of tropical clouds remains a major open scientific question, resulting in poor representation by models. One challenge is to realistically reproduce cloud droplet size distributions (DSDs) and their evolution over time and space. Many applications, not limited to models, use the gamma function to represent DSDs. However, even though the statistical characteristics of the gamma parameters have been widely studied, there is almost no study dedicated to understanding the phase space of this function and the associated physics. This phase space can be defined by the three parameters that define the DSD intercept, shape, and curvature. Gamma phase space may provide a common framework for parameterizations and intercomparisons. Here, we introduce the phase space approach and its characteristics, focusing on warm-phase microphysical cloud properties and the transition to the mixed-phase layer. We show that trajectories in this phase space can represent DSD evolution and can be related to growth processes. Condensational and collisional growth may be interpreted as pseudo-forces that induce displacements in opposite directions within the phase space. The actually observed movements in the phase space are a result of the combination of such pseudo-forces. Additionally, aerosol effects can be evaluated given their significant impact on DSDs. The DSDs associated with liquid droplets that favor cloud glaciation can be delimited in the phase space, which can help models to adequately predict the transition to the mixed phase. We also consider possible ways to constrain the DSD in two-moment bulk microphysics schemes, in which the relative dispersion parameter of the DSD can play a significant role. Overall, the gamma phase space approach can be an invaluable tool for studying cloud microphysical evolution and can be readily applied in many scenarios that rely on gamma DSDs.

Creating Drug Solubilization Compartments via Phase Separation in Multicomponent Buccal Patches Prepared by Direct Hot Melt Extrusion-Injection Molding.

PubMed

Alhijjaj, Muqdad; Bouman, Jacob; Wellner, Nikolaus; Belton, Peter; Qi, Sheng

2015-12-07

Creating in situ phase separation in solid dispersion based formulations to allow enhanced functionality of the dosage form, such as improving dissolution of poorly soluble model drug as well as being mucoadhesive, can significantly maximize the in vitro and in vivo performance of the dosage form. This formulation strategy can benefit a wide range of solid dosage forms for oral and alternative routes of delivery. This study using buccal patches as an example created separated phases in situ of the buccal patches by selecting the excipients with different miscibility with each other and the model drug. The quaternary dispersion based buccal patches containing PEG, PEO, Tween 80, and felodipine were prepared by direct hot melt extrusion-injection molding (HME-IM). The partial miscibility between Tween 80 and semicrystalline PEG-PEO led to the phase separation after extrusion. The Tween phases acted as drug solubilization compartments, and the PEG-PEO phase had the primary function of providing mucoadhesion and carrier controlled dissolution. As felodipine was preferably solubilized in the amorphous regions of PEG-PEO, the high crystallinity of PEG-PEO resulted in an overall low drug solubilizing capacity. Tween 80 was added to improve the solubilization capacity of the system as the model drug showed good solubility in Tween. Increasing the drug loading led to the supersaturation of drug in Tween compartments and crystalline drug dispersed in PEG-PEO phases. The spatial distribution of these phase-separated compartments was mapped using X-ray micro-CT, which revealed that the domain size and heterogeneity of the phase separation increased with increasing the drug loading. The outcome of this study provides new insights into the applicability of in situ formed phase separation as a formulation strategy for the delivery of poorly soluble drugs and demonstrated the basic principle of excipient selection for such technology.

Doubled lattice Chern-Simons-Yang-Mills theories with discrete gauge group

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caspar, S.; Mesterházy, D.; Olesen, T. Z.; Vlasii, N. D.; Wiese, U.-J.

2016-11-01

We construct doubled lattice Chern-Simons-Yang-Mills theories with discrete gauge group G in the Hamiltonian formulation. Here, these theories are considered on a square spatial lattice and the fundamental degrees of freedom are defined on pairs of links from the direct lattice and its dual, respectively. This provides a natural lattice construction for topologically-massive gauge theories, which are invariant under parity and time-reversal symmetry. After defining the building blocks of the doubled theories, paying special attention to the realization of gauge transformations on quantum states, we examine the dynamics in the group space of a single cross, which is spanned by a single link and its dual. The dynamics is governed by the single-cross electric Hamiltonian and admits a simple quantum mechanical analogy to the problem of a charged particle moving on a discrete space affected by an abstract electromagnetic potential. Such a particle might accumulate a phase shift equivalent to an Aharonov-Bohm phase, which is manifested in the doubled theory in terms of a nontrivial ground-state degeneracy on a single cross. We discuss several examples of these doubled theories with different gauge groups including the cyclic group Z(k) ⊂ U(1) , the symmetric group S3 ⊂ O(2) , the binary dihedral (or quaternion) group D¯2 ⊂ SU(2) , and the finite group Δ(27) ⊂ SU(3) . In each case the spectrum of the single-cross electric Hamiltonian is determined exactly. We examine the nature of the low-lying excited states in the full Hilbert space, and emphasize the role of the center symmetry for the confinement of charges. Whether the investigated doubled models admit a non-Abelian topological state which allows for fault-tolerant quantum computation will be addressed in a future publication.

Modeling of Thermal Performance of Multiphase Nuclear Fuel Cell Under Variable Gravity Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ding, Z.; Anghaie, S.

1996-01-01

A unique numerical method has been developed to model the dynamic processes of bulk evaporation and condensation processes, associated with internal heat generation and natural convection under different gravity levels. The internal energy formulation, for the bulk liquid-vapor phase change problems in an encapsulated container, was employed. The equations, governing the conservation of mass, momentum and energy for both phases involved in phase change, were solved. The thermal performance of a multiphase uranium tetra-fluoride fuel element under zero gravity, micro-gravity and normal gravity conditions has been investigated. The modeling yielded results including the evolution of the bulk liquid-vapor phase change process, the evolution of the liquid-vapor interface, the formation and development of the liquid film covering the side wall surface, the temperature distribution and the convection flow field in the fuel element. The strong dependence of the thermal performance of such multiphase nuclear fuel cell on the gravity condition has been revealed. Under all three gravity conditions, 0-g, 10(exp -3)-g, and 1-g, the liquid film is formed and covers the entire side wall. The liquid film covering the side wall is more isothermalized at the wall surface, which can prevent the side wall from being over-heated. As the gravity increases, the liquid film is thinner, the temperature gradient is larger across the liquid film and smaller across the vapor phase. This investigation provides valuable information about the thermal performance of multi-phase nuclear fuel element for the potential space and ground applications.

Elucidating the weak protein-protein interaction mechanisms behind the liquid-liquid phase separation of a mAb solution by different types of additives.

PubMed

Wu, Guoliang; Wang, Shujing; Tian, Zhou; Zhang, Ning; Sheng, Han; Dai, Weiguo; Qian, Feng

2017-11-01

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has long been observed during the physical stability investigation of therapeutic protein formulations. The buffer conditions and the presence of various excipients are thought to play important roles in the formulation development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). In this study, the effects of several small-molecule excipients (histidine, alanine, glycine, sodium phosphate, sodium chloride, sorbitol and sucrose) with diverse physical-chemical properties on LLPS of a model IgG1 (JM2) solutions were investigated by multiple techniques, including UV-vis spectroscopy, circular dichroism, differential scanning calorimetry/fluorimetry, size exclusion chromatography and dynamic light scattering. The LLPS of JM2 was confirmed to be a thermodynamic equilibrium process with no structural changes or irreversible aggregation of proteins. Phase diagrams of various JM2 formulations were constructed, suggesting that the phase behavior of JM2 was dependent on the solution pH, ionic strength and the presence of other excipients such as glycine, alanine, sorbitol and sucrose. Furthermore, we demonstrated that for this mAb, the interaction parameter (k D ) determined at low protein concentration appeared to be a good predictor for the occurrence of LLPS at high concentration. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pilosebaceous targeting by isotretenoin-loaded invasomal gel for the treatment of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: optimization, efficacy and cellular analysis.

PubMed

Dwivedi, Mohit; Sharma, Vijay; Pathak, Kamla

2017-02-01

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis is a secondary symptom associated with HIV infection appears as levels of CD4 lymphocyte cells and T4 lymphocyte cell. Isotretinoin, an analog of vitamin A (retinoid) alters the DNA transcription mechanism and interferes in the process of DNA formation. It also inhibits the eosinophilic chemotactic factors present in sebaceous lipids and in the stratum corneum of patients suffering from this ailment. The present research was aimed to formulate isotretenoin-loaded invasomal gel to deliver and target the drug to pilosebaceous follicular unit. Nine invasomal formulations (F1-F9) were prepared applying 3 2 factorial designs and characterized. Formulation F9 was selected as optimized formulation due to optimum results and highest %CDP of 85.94 ± 1.86% in 8 h. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) suggested uniformity in vesicles shape and size in F9 and developed as invasomal gel (IG). Clinical phase-I, phase-II, and phase-III studies will be required before using on human patients. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) validates that IG successfully reaches the pilosebaceous follicular unit and further studied on cell line (SZ-95) exhibited IC50 of ≤8 (25 μM of isotretenoin). Cell cycle analysis confirmed IG arrested the cell growth up to 82% with insignificant difference to pure isotretenion.

Stability Formulation for Integrated Opto-mechanic Phase Shifters.

PubMed

Ozer, Yigit; Kocaman, Serdar

2018-01-31

Stability of opto-mechanical phase shifters consisting of waveguides and non-signal carrying control beams is investigated thoroughly and a formula determining the physical limitations has been proposed. Suggested formulation is not only beneficial to determine physical strength of the system but also advantageous to guess the response of the output to the fabrication errors. In the iterative analysis of cantilever and double-clamped beam geometrical configurations, the stability condition is revealed under the strong inter-dependence of the system parameters such as input power, device length and waveguide separation. Numerical calculations involving effective index modifications and opto-mechanic movements show that well-known cantilever beams are unstable and inadequate to generate φ = 180° phase difference, while double-clamped beam structures can be utilized to build functional devices. Ideal operation conditions are also presented in terms of both the device durability and the controllability of phase evolution.

Effect of citronella essential oil fractions as oil phase on emulsion stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Septiyanti, Melati; Meliana, Yenny; Agustian, Egi

2017-11-01

The emulsion system consists of water, oil and surfactant. In order to create stable emulsion system, the composition and formulation between water phase, surfactant and oil phase are very important. Essential oil such as citronella oil has been known as active ingredient which has ability as insect repellent. This research studied the effect of citronella oil and its fraction as oil phase on emulsion stability. The cycle stability test was conducted to check the emulsion stability and it was monitored by pH, density, viscosity, particle size, refractive index, zeta potential, physical appearance and FTIR for 4 weeks. Citronellal fraction has better stability compared to citronella oil and rhodinol fraction with slight change of physical and chemical properties before and after the cycle stability test. However, it is need further study to enhance the stability of the emulsion stability for this formulation.

Formulation of poorly water-soluble drugs via coacervation--a pilot study using febantel.

PubMed

De Jaeghere, W; De Geest, B G; Van Bocxlaer, J; Remon, J P; Vervaet, C; Antunes da Fonseca, A

2013-11-01

In this study, febantel was dissolved under increased temperature in a nonionic surfactant Lutrol L44® and subsequently mixed into an aqueous maltodextrin solution. After 8h under static conditions, coacervation or phase separation took place. (1)H NMR spectra and HPLC analysis showed that the upper phase contained mainly all febantel, while no febantel was detected in the lower phase. Fluorescent microscopy showed that maltodextrin is distributed in the lower phase. Coacervation proved to be a promising formulation technology for certain poorly water-soluble drugs, such as febantel. The coacervate phase showed an increase in in vitro dissolution kinetics, compared to Rintal® granules. These results were confirmed in an in vivo study performed on dogs. Febantel and fenbendazole showed a significant increase in plasma concentration compared to Rintal® granules. Further studies have to be performed to transform coacervates into a solid dosage form and to prove broad applicability to other poorly soluble drugs. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

From Order to Chaos in Earth Satellite Orbits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gkolias, Ioannis; Daquin, Jérôme; Gachet, Fabien; Rosengren, Aaron J.

2016-11-01

We consider Earth satellite orbits in the range of semimajor axes where the perturbing effects of Earth’s oblateness and lunisolar gravity are of comparable order. This range covers the medium-Earth orbits (MEO) of the Global Navigation Satellite Systems and the geosynchronous orbits (GEO) of the communication satellites. We recall a secular and quadrupolar model, based on the Milankovitch vector formulation of perturbation theory, which governs the long-term orbital evolution subject to the predominant gravitational interactions. We study the global dynamics of this two-and-a-half degrees-of-freedom Hamiltonian system by means of the fast Lyapunov indicator (FLI), used in a statistical sense. Specifically, we characterize the degree of chaoticity of the action space using angle-averaged normalized FLI maps, thereby overcoming the angle dependencies of the conventional stability maps. Emphasis is placed upon the phase-space structures near secular resonances, which are of primary importance to the space debris community. We confirm and quantify the transition from order to chaos in MEO, stemming from the critical inclinations and find that highly inclined GEO orbits are particularly unstable. Despite their reputed normality, Earth satellite orbits can possess an extraordinarily rich spectrum of dynamical behaviors and, from a mathematical perspective, have all the complications that make them very interesting candidates for testing the modern tools of chaos theory.

Phase Space Exchange in Thick Wedge Absorbers

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

Neuffer, David

The problem of phase space exchange in wedge absorbers with ionization cooling is discussed. The wedge absorber exchanges transverse and longitudinal phase space by introducing a position-dependent energy loss. In this paper we note that the wedges used with ionization cooling are relatively thick, so that single wedges cause relatively large changes in beam phase space. Calculation methods adapted to such “thick wedge” cases are presented, and beam phase-space transformations through such wedges are discussed.

Modeling of confined turbulent fluid-particle flows using Eulerian and Lagrangian schemes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adeniji-Fashola, A.; Chen, C. P.

1990-01-01

Two important aspects of fluid-particulate interaction in dilute gas-particle turbulent flows (the turbulent particle dispersion and the turbulence modulation effects) are addressed, using the Eulerian and Lagrangian modeling approaches to describe the particulate phase. Gradient-diffusion approximations are employed in the Eulerian formulation, while a stochastic procedure is utilized to simulate turbulent dispersion in the Lagrangina formulation. The k-epsilon turbulence model is used to characterize the time and length scales of the continuous phase turbulence. Models proposed for both schemes are used to predict turbulent fully-developed gas-solid vertical pipe flow with reasonable accuracy.

Phase-space topography characterization of nonlinear ultrasound waveforms.

PubMed

Dehghan-Niri, Ehsan; Al-Beer, Helem

2018-03-01

Fundamental understanding of ultrasound interaction with material discontinuities having closed interfaces has many engineering applications such as nondestructive evaluation of defects like kissing bonds and cracks in critical structural and mechanical components. In this paper, to analyze the acoustic field nonlinearities due to defects with closed interfaces, the use of a common technique in nonlinear physics, based on a phase-space topography construction of ultrasound waveform, is proposed. The central idea is to complement the "time" and "frequency" domain analyses with the "phase-space" domain analysis of nonlinear ultrasound waveforms. A nonlinear time series method known as pseudo phase-space topography construction is used to construct equivalent phase-space portrait of measured ultrasound waveforms. Several nonlinear models are considered to numerically simulate nonlinear ultrasound waveforms. The phase-space response of the simulated waveforms is shown to provide different topographic information, while the frequency domain shows similar spectral behavior. Thus, model classification can be substantially enhanced in the phase-space domain. Experimental results on high strength aluminum samples show that the phase-space transformation provides a unique detection and classification capabilities. The Poincaré map of the phase-space domain is also used to better understand the nonlinear behavior of ultrasound waveforms. It is shown that the analysis of ultrasound nonlinearities is more convenient and informative in the phase-space domain than in the frequency domain. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gymnastics in Phase Space

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

Chao, Alexander Wu; /SLAC

2012-03-01

As accelerator technology advances, the requirements on accelerator beam quality become increasingly demanding. Facing these new demands, the topic of phase space gymnastics is becoming a new focus of accelerator physics R&D. In a phase space gymnastics, the beam's phase space distribution is manipulated and precision tailored to meet the required beam qualities. On the other hand, all realization of such gymnastics will have to obey accelerator physics principles as well as technological limitations. Recent examples of phase space gymnastics include Emittance exchanges, Phase space exchanges, Emittance partitioning, Seeded FELs and Microbunched beams. The emittance related topics of this listmore » are reviewed in this report. The accelerator physics basis, the optics design principles that provide these phase space manipulations, and the possible applications of these gymnastics, are discussed. This fascinating new field promises to be a powerful tool of the future.« less

Formulations for neutralization of chemical and biological toxants

DOEpatents

Tadros, Maher E.; Tucker, Mark D.

2003-05-20

A formulation and method of making that neutralizes the adverse health effects of both chemical and biological compounds, especially chemical warfare (CW) and biological warfare (BW) agents. The formulation of the present invention non-toxic and non-corrosive and can be delivered by a variety of means and in different phases. The formulation provides solubilizing compounds that serve to effectively render the chemical and biological compounds, particularly CW and BW compounds, susceptible to attack and at least one reactive compound that serves to attack (and detoxify or kill) the compound. The at least one reactive compound can be an oxidizing compound, a nucleophilic compound or a mixture of both. The formulation can kill up to 99.99999% of bacterial spores within one hour of exposure.

Ethnography of Novices' First Use of Web Search Engines: Affective Control in Cognitive Processing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nahl, Diane

1998-01-01

This study of 18 novice Internet users employed a structured self-report method to investigate affective and cognitive operations in the following phases of World Wide Web searching: presearch formulation, search statement formulation, search strategy, and evaluation of results. Users also rated their self-confidence as searchers and satisfaction…

The neutron star interior composition explorer (NICER): mission definition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arzoumanian, Z.; Gendreau, K. C.; Baker, C. L.; Cazeau, T.; Hestnes, P.; Kellogg, J. W.; Kenyon, S. J.; Kozon, R. P.; Liu, K.-C.; Manthripragada, S. S.; Markwardt, C. B.; Mitchell, A. L.; Mitchell, J. W.; Monroe, C. A.; Okajima, T.; Pollard, S. E.; Powers, D. F.; Savadkin, B. J.; Winternitz, L. B.; Chen, P. T.; Wright, M. R.; Foster, R.; Prigozhin, G.; Remillard, R.; Doty, J.

2014-07-01

Over a 10-month period during 2013 and early 2014, development of the Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) mission [1] proceeded through Phase B, Mission Definition. An external attached payload on the International Space Station (ISS), NICER is scheduled to launch in 2016 for an 18-month baseline mission. Its prime scientific focus is an in-depth investigation of neutron stars—objects that compress up to two Solar masses into a volume the size of a city—accomplished through observations in 0.2-12 keV X-rays, the electromagnetic band into which the stars radiate significant fractions of their thermal, magnetic, and rotational energy stores. Additionally, NICER enables the Station Explorer for X-ray Timing and Navigation Technology (SEXTANT) demonstration of spacecraft navigation using pulsars as beacons. During Phase B, substantive refinements were made to the mission-level requirements, concept of operations, and payload and instrument design. Fabrication and testing of engineering-model components improved the fidelity of the anticipated scientific performance of NICER's X-ray Timing Instrument (XTI), as well as of the payload's pointing system, which enables tracking of science targets from the ISS platform. We briefly summarize advances in the mission's formulation that, together with strong programmatic performance in project management, culminated in NICER's confirmation by NASA into Phase C, Design and Development, in March 2014.

Unconditionally stable, second-order accurate schemes for solid state phase transformations driven by mechano-chemical spinodal decomposition

DOE PAGES

Sagiyama, Koki; Rudraraju, Shiva; Garikipati, Krishna

2016-09-13

Here, we consider solid state phase transformations that are caused by free energy densities with domains of non-convexity in strain-composition space; we refer to the non-convex domains as mechano-chemical spinodals. The non-convexity with respect to composition and strain causes segregation into phases with different crystal structures. We work on an existing model that couples the classical Cahn-Hilliard model with Toupin’s theory of gradient elasticity at finite strains. Both systems are represented by fourth-order, nonlinear, partial differential equations. The goal of this work is to develop unconditionally stable, second-order accurate time-integration schemes, motivated by the need to carry out large scalemore » computations of dynamically evolving microstructures in three dimensions. We also introduce reduced formulations naturally derived from these proposed schemes for faster computations that are still second-order accurate. Although our method is developed and analyzed here for a specific class of mechano-chemical problems, one can readily apply the same method to develop unconditionally stable, second-order accurate schemes for any problems for which free energy density functions are multivariate polynomials of solution components and component gradients. Apart from an analysis and construction of methods, we present a suite of numerical results that demonstrate the schemes in action.« less

In vitro gastrointestinal lipolysis of four formulations of piroxicam and cinnarizine with the self emulsifying excipients Labrasol and Gelucire 44/14.

PubMed

Fernandez, Sylvie; Chevrier, Stéphanie; Ritter, Nicolas; Mahler, Bruno; Demarne, Frédéric; Carrière, Frédéric; Jannin, Vincent

2009-08-01

Labrasol and Gelucire 44/14 are defined admixtures of acylglycerols and PEG esters which are substrates for digestive lipases. We investigated their in vitro gastrointestinal lipolysis to understand which compounds are, after digestion, responsible for keeping poorly water-soluble drugs in solution. The precipitation of piroxicam and cinnarizine formulated in these excipients during the gastrointestinal lipolysis was also studied. Monoacylglycerols and PEG monoesters are the largest compounds present at the end of gastric phase whereas PEG-monoesters are the largest compounds after the duodenal phase. The precipitation of piroxicam is mainly due to the gastric lipolysis. In the control experiments performed without digestive lipases, cinnarizine formulated in Labrasol was found to precipitate upon dilution of the gastric medium to form the solution mimicking the duodenal medium. In the presence of gastric lipase, Labrasol was hydrolyzed and the precipitation of cinnarizine was not observed in this case. When the cinnarizine was formulated with Gelucire 44/14 the precipitation was only due to the dilution of the gastric medium. Our study highlights the importance of the gastrointestinal lipolysis and the associated phenomena such as the dilution of chyme by biliary and pancreatic secretions in vivo, on the solubilisation of poorly water-soluble drugs formulated with lipid-based excipients.

Localized In Situ Nanoemulgel Drug Delivery System of Quercetin for Periodontitis: Development and Computational Simulations.

PubMed

Aithal, Gururaj C; Nayak, Usha Yogendra; Mehta, Chetan; Narayan, Reema; Gopalkrishna, Pratibha; Pandiyan, Sudharsan; Garg, Sanjay

2018-06-06

This study was aimed at formulating a bioabsorbable, controlled-release, nanoemulgel of Quercetin, a potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of periodontitis that could improve its solubility and bioavailability. Screening of components was carried out based on the solubility studies. Nanoemulsion containing cinnamon oil as the oil phase, tween 80 and Carbitol ® as the surfactant-cosurfactant mixture (S mix ) and water as the aqueous phase containing 125 µg/200 µL of Quercetin was prepared by using spontaneous emulsification method. Nanoemulgel was prepared using 23% w / v poloxamer 407 as gel base. Comprehensive evaluation of the formulated nanoemulgel was carried out, and the optimized formulation was studied for drug release using Franz vertical diffusion cells. The formulated nanoemulgelexhibited a remarkable release of 92.4% of Quercetin at the end of 6 h, as compared to that of pure Quercetin-loaded gel (<3% release). The viscosity of the prepared nanoemulgel was found to be 30,647 ± 0.32 cPs at 37 °C. Also, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was utilized to understand the gelation process and role of each component in the formulation. The present study revealed that the developed nanoemulgel of Quercetin could be a potential delivery system for clinical testing in periodontitis.

An Alternate, Egg-Free Radiolabeled Meal Formulation for Gastric-Emptying Scintigraphy.

PubMed

Garrigue, Philippe; Bodin-Hullin, Aurore; Gonzalez, Sandra; Sala, Quentin; Guillet, Benjamin

2017-07-01

Tc-radiolabeled scrambled eggs (SEs) are most often used as the ingested solid phase for gastric-emptying scintigraphy, leading egg-reluctant patients to avoid the examination. We formulated and validated 2 egg-free alternate meals, in the absence of any commercialized formulation: chocolate mug cake (MC) and scrambled tofu (ST). Six healthy volunteers underwent gastric-emptying scintigraphy after ingesting Tc-radiolabeled MC, ST, or SE. Gastric retention indexes did not change significantly between formulations (% of overtime variation to SE: MC 7.75% ± 7.1%, ST 7.17% ± 5.8%; P = 0.6618, not statistically significant), suggesting MC and ST as interesting egg-free alternatives.

Targeted Drug Delivery in the Suprachoroidal Space by Swollen Hydrogel Pushing

PubMed Central

Jung, Jae Hwan; Desit, Patcharin; Prausnitz, Mark R.

2018-01-01

Purpose The purpose is to target model drug particles to the posterior region of the suprachoroidal space (SCS) of the eye controlled via pushing by hydrogel swelling. Methods A particle formulation containing 1% hyaluronic acid (HA) with fluorescent polymer particles and a hydrogel formulation containing 4% HA were introduced in a single syringe as two layers without mixing, and injected sequentially into the SCS of the rabbit eye ex vivo and in vivo using a microneedle. Distribution of particles in the eye was determined by microscopy. Results During injection, the particle formulation was pushed toward the middle of the SCS by the viscous hydrogel formulation, but less than 12% of particles reached the posterior SCS. After injection, the particle formulation was pushed further toward the macula and optic nerve in the posterior SCS by hydrogel swelling and spreading. Heating the eye to 37°C, or injecting in vivo decreased viscosity and mechanical strength of the hydrogel, thereby allowing it to swell and flow further in the SCS. A high salt concentration (9% NaCl) in the hydrogel formulation further increased hydrogel swelling due to osmotic flow into the hydrogel. In this way, up to 76% of particles were delivered to the posterior SCS from an injection made near the limbus. Conclusions This study shows that model drug particles can be targeted to the posterior SCS by HA hydrogel swelling and pushing without particle functionalization or administering external driving forces. PMID:29677369

Development of antimicrobial nanoemulsion-based delivery systems against selected pathogenic bacteria using a thymol-rich Thymus daenensis essential oil.

PubMed

Ghaderi, L; Moghimi, R; Aliahmadi, A; McClements, D J; Rafati, H

2017-10-01

Thymol-rich medicinal plants have been used in traditional medicine to relieve infectious diseases. However, the application of essential oils as medicine is limited by its low water solubility and high vapour pressure. The objective of this study was to produce stable nanoemulsions of Thymus daenensis oil in water by preventing Ostwald ripening and phase separation. The antibacterial activity of bulk and emulsified essential oil against selected pathogenic bacteria including Gram-negative (Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive (Streptococcus pneumoniae) were investigated in the liquid and vapour phase. The optimum formulation (L2) contained 2% Tween 80 (surfactant) and 0·1% lecithin (cosurfactant) had a mean droplet diameter of 131 nm. In the liquid phase, the optimized nanoemulsion exhibited good antibacterial activity against S. pneumonia with MIC value of 0·0039 mg mL -1 . In the vapour phase, the MIC values against S. pneumonia were similar (<7·35 μL L -1 ) for both bulk and emulsified essential oil. However, there was no antibacterial activity in the vapour phase against H. influenzae and P. aeruginosa. Analysis of thymol concentration in the head space indicated that the nanoemulsion retarded the release of thymol into the vapour phase. These findings highlight the potential applications of nanoemulsions containing essential oils as antibacterial products. The results of the current study highlight the advantages of nanoemulsification for improvement of the physicochemical properties and the antibacterial activity of T. daenensis EOs in the liquid and vapour phase for therapeutic purposes. © 2017 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Formulation Optimization of Human Insulin Loaded Microspheres for Controlled Oral Delivery Using Response Surface Methodology.

PubMed

Agrawal, Gauravkuma; Wakte, Pravin; Shelke, Santosh

2017-01-01

The objectives of the present investigation were to prepare recombinant human insulin entrapped Eudragit-S100 microspheres containing protease inhibitors and to precisely analyze the outcome of different formulation variables on the microspheres properties using a response surface methodology to develop an optimized formulation with desirable features. A central composite design was employed to produce microspheres of therapeutic protein by w/o/w multiple emulsion solvent evaporation technique using Eudragit S-100 as coating material and polyvinyl alcohol as a stabilizer. The effect of formulation variables (independent variables) that is levels of Eudragit S-100 (X1), therapeutic protein (X2), volumes of inner aqueous phase (X3) and external aqueous phase (X4) on dependant variables, that are encapsulation efficiency (Y1), drug release at pH 1.2 after 2 h (Y2) and drug release at pH 7.4 after of 2 h (Y3) were evaluated. The significant terms in the mathematical models were generated for each response parameter using multiple linear regression analysis and analysis of variance. All the formulation variables except the volume of external aqueous phase (X4) exerted a significant effect (P <0.05) on drug encapsulation efficiency (Y1) whereas first two variables, namely the levels of Eudragit S-100 (X1) and therapeutic protein (X2) materialized as the determining factors which significantly influenced drug release at pH 1.2 after 2 h (Y2) and drug release at pH 7.4 after of 2 h (Y3). The formulation was numerically optimized by framing the constraints on the dependent and independent variables using the desirability approach. The experimental values for Y1 and Y2 of optimized formulation were found to be 77.65% and 3.64%, respectively which were quite closer to results suggested by software. The results recorded indicate that the recombinant human insulin loaded Eudragit S-100 microspheres containing aprotinin have the benefits of higher loading efficiency, pH responsive and prolonged release characteristics, which may help to carry insulin to the optimum site of absorption. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

A Thermodynamic Approach to Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Modeling: From Metabolic Biochemical Processes to Water-Carbon-Nitrogen Balance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clavijo, H. W.

2016-12-01

Modeling the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum has been central part of understanding interrelationships among biogeochemical and hydrological processes. Theory behind of couplings Land Surface Models (LSM) and Dynamical Global Vegetation Models (DGVM) are based on physical and physiological processes connected by input-output interactions mainly. This modeling framework could be improved by the application of non-equilibrium thermodynamic basis that could encompass the majority of biophysical processes in a standard fashion. This study presents an alternative model for plant-water-atmosphere based on energy-mass thermodynamics. The system of dynamic equations derived is based on the total entropy, the total energy balance for the plant, the biomass dynamics at metabolic level and the water-carbon-nitrogen fluxes and balances. One advantage of this formulation is the capability to describe adaptation and evolution of dynamics of plant as a bio-system coupled to the environment. Second, it opens a window for applications on specific conditions from individual plant scale, to watershed scale, to global scale. Third, it enhances the possibility of analyzing anthropogenic impacts on the system, benefiting from the mathematical formulation and its non-linearity. This non-linear model formulation is analyzed under the concepts of qualitative system dynamics theory, for different state-space phase portraits. The attractors and sources are pointed out with its stability analysis. Possibility of bifurcations are explored and reported. Simulations for the system dynamics under different conditions are presented. These results show strong consistency and applicability that validates the use of the non-equilibrium thermodynamic theory.