Sample records for playing linear number

  1. Promoting broad and stable improvements in low-income children's numerical knowledge through playing number board games.

    PubMed

    Ramani, Geetha B; Siegler, Robert S

    2008-01-01

    Theoretical analyses of the development of numerical representations suggest that playing linear number board games should enhance young children's numerical knowledge. Consistent with this prediction, playing such a game for roughly 1 hr increased low-income preschoolers' (mean age = 5.4 years) proficiency on 4 diverse numerical tasks: numerical magnitude comparison, number line estimation, counting, and numeral identification. The gains remained 9 weeks later. Classmates who played an identical game, except for the squares varying in color rather than number, did not improve on any measure. Also as predicted, home experience playing number board games correlated positively with numerical knowledge. Thus, playing number board games with children from low-income backgrounds may increase their numerical knowledge at the outset of school.

  2. Breadth and depth involvement: Understanding Internet gambling involvement and its relationship to gambling problems.

    PubMed

    LaPlante, Debi A; Nelson, Sarah E; Gray, Heather M

    2014-06-01

    The "involvement effect" refers to the finding that controlling for gambling involvement often reduces or eliminates frequently observed game-specific associations with problem gambling. In other words, broader patterns of gambling behavior, particularly the number of types of games played over a defined period, contribute more to problem gambling than playing specific games (e.g., lottery, casino, Internet gambling). This study extends this burgeoning area of inquiry in three primary ways. First, it tests independently and simultaneously the predictive power of two gambling patterns: breadth involvement (i.e., the number of games an individual plays) and depth involvement (i.e., the number of days an individual plays). Second, it includes the first involvement analyses of actual betting activity records that are associated with clinical screening information. Third, it evaluates and compares the linearity of breadth and depth effects. We conducted analyses of the actual gambling activity of 1,440 subscribers to the bwin.party gambling service who completed an online gambling disorder screen. In all, 11 of the 16 games we examined had a significant univariate association with a positive screen for gambling disorder. However, after controlling for breadth involvement, only Live Action Internet sports betting retained a significant relationship with potential gambling-related problems. Depth involvement, though significantly related to potential problems, did not impact game-based gambling disorder associations as much as breadth involvement. Finally, breadth effects appeared steeply linear, with a slight quadratic component manifesting beyond four games played, but depth effects appeared to have a strong linear component and a slight cubic component.

  3. Estimating Traffic Accidents in Turkey Using Differential Evolution Algorithm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Akgüngör, Ali Payıdar; Korkmaz, Ersin

    2017-06-01

    Estimating traffic accidents play a vital role to apply road safety procedures. This study proposes Differential Evolution Algorithm (DEA) models to estimate the number of accidents in Turkey. In the model development, population (P) and the number of vehicles (N) are selected as model parameters. Three model forms, linear, exponential and semi-quadratic models, are developed using DEA with the data covering from 2000 to 2014. Developed models are statistically compared to select the best fit model. The results of the DE models show that the linear model form is suitable to estimate the number of accidents. The statistics of this form is better than other forms in terms of performance criteria which are the Mean Absolute Percentage Errors (MAPE) and the Root Mean Square Errors (RMSE). To investigate the performance of linear DE model for future estimations, a ten-year period from 2015 to 2024 is considered. The results obtained from future estimations reveal the suitability of DE method for road safety applications.

  4. Playing Linear Number Board Games Improves Children's Mathematical Knowledge

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Siegler, Robert S.; Ramani, Geetha

    2009-01-01

    The present study focused on two main goals. One was to test the "representational mapping hypothesis": The greater the transparency of the mapping between physical materials and desired internal representations, the greater the learning of the desired internal representation. The implication of the representational mapping hypothesis in the…

  5. Marginal Stability of Sweet–Parker Type Current Sheets at Low Lundquist Numbers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shi, Chen; Velli, Marco; Tenerani, Anna

    2018-06-01

    Magnetohydrodynamic simulations have shown that a nonunique critical Lundquist number S c exists, hovering around S c ∼ 104, above which threshold Sweet–Parker type stationary reconnecting configurations become unstable to a fast tearing mode dominated by plasmoid generation. It is known that the flow along the sheet plays a stabilizing role, though a satisfactory explanation of the nonuniversality and variable critical Lundquist numbers observed is still lacking. Here we discuss this question using 2D linear MHD simulations and linear stability analyses of Sweet–Parker type current sheets in the presence of background stationary inflows and outflows at low Lundquist numbers (S ≤ 104). Simulations show that the inhomogeneous outflow stabilizes the current sheet by stretching the growing magnetic islands and at the same time evacuating the magnetic islands out of the current sheet. This limits the time during which fluctuations that begin at any given wavelength can remain unstable, rendering the instability nonexponential. We find that the linear theory based on the expanding-wavelength assumption works well for S larger than ∼1000. However, we also find that the inflow and location of the initial perturbation also affect the stability threshold.

  6. Beam dynamics issues in linear colliders

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

    Seeman, J.T.

    1989-06-01

    The primary goal of present and future linear colliders is to maximize the integrated luminosity for the experimental program. Beam dynamics plays a central role in the maximization of integrated luminosity. It is the major issue in the production of small beam sizes and low experimental backgrounds and is also an important factor in the production of particle numbers, in the acceleration process, and in the number of bunches. The beam dynamics effects on bunches which are extracted from the damping rings, accelerated in the linac, collimated, momentum analyzed, and finally delivered to the final focus are reviewed. The effectsmore » of bunch compression, transverse and longitudinal wakefields, BNS damping, energy definition, dispersion, emittance, bunch aspect ratio, feedback, and stability are all important. 11 refs., 1 tab.« less

  7. Alternative self-dual gravity in eight dimensions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nieto, J. A.

    2016-07-01

    We develop an alternative Ashtekar formalism in eight dimensions. In fact, using a MacDowell-Mansouri physical framework and a self-dual curvature symmetry, we propose an action in eight dimensions in which the Levi-Civita tenor with eight indices plays a key role. We explicitly show that such an action contains number of linear, quadratic and cubic terms in the Riemann tensor, Ricci tensor and scalar curvature. In particular, the linear term is reduced to the Einstein-Hilbert action with cosmological constant in eight dimensions. We prove that such a reduced action is equivalent to the Lovelock action in eight dimensions.

  8. Analysis of non-linear aeroelastic response of a supersonic thick fin with plunging, pinching and flapping free-plays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Firouz-Abadi, R. D.; Alavi, S. M.; Salarieh, H.

    2013-07-01

    The flutter of a 3-D rigid fin with double-wedge section and free-play in flapping, plunging and pitching degrees-of-freedom operating in supersonic and hypersonic flight speed regimes have been considered. Aerodynamic model is obtained by local usage of the piston theory behind the shock and expansion analysis, and structural model is obtained based on Lagrange equation of motion. Such model presents fast, accurate algorithm for studying the aeroelastic behavior of the thick supersonic fin in time domain. Dynamic behavior of the fin is considered over large number of parameters that characterize the aeroelastic system. Results show that the free-play in the pitching, plunging and flapping degrees-of-freedom has significant effects on the oscillation exhibited by the aeroelastic system in the supersonic/hypersonic flight speed regimes. The simulations also show that the aeroelastic system behavior is greatly affected by some parameters, such as the Mach number, thickness, angle of attack, hinge position and sweep angle.

  9. Efficiency of competitions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ben-Naim, E.; Hengartner, N. W.

    2007-08-01

    League competition is investigated using random processes and scaling techniques. In our model, a weak team can upset a strong team with a fixed probability. Teams play an equal number of head-to-head matches and the team with the largest number of wins is declared to be the champion. The total number of games needed for the best team to win the championship with high certainty T grows as the cube of the number of teams N , i.e., Ttilde N3 . This number can be substantially reduced using preliminary rounds where teams play a small number of games and subsequently, only the top teams advance to the next round. When there are k rounds, the total number of games needed for the best team to emerge as champion, Tk , scales as follows, Tk˜Nγk with γk=[1-(2/3)k+1]-1 . For example, γk=9/5,27/19,81/65 for k=1,2,3 . These results suggest an algorithm for how to infer the best team using a schedule that is linear in N . We conclude that league format is an ineffective method of determining the best team, and that sequential elimination from the bottom up is fair and efficient.

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

    Wang, L. F., E-mail: wang-lifeng@iapcm.ac.cn; Ye, W. H.; Liu, Jie

    In this research, a weakly nonlinear (WN) model has been developed considering the growth of a small perturbation on a cylindrical interface between two incompressible fluids which is subject to arbitrary radial motion. We derive evolution equations for the perturbation amplitude up to third order, which can depict the linear growth of the fundamental mode, the generation of the second and third harmonics, and the third-order (second-order) feedback to the fundamental mode (zero-order). WN solutions are obtained for a special uniformly convergent case. WN analyses are performed to address the dependence of interface profiles, amplitudes of inward-going and outward-going parts,more » and saturation amplitudes of linear growth of the fundamental mode on the Atwood number, the mode number (m), and the initial perturbation. The difference of WN evolution in cylindrical geometry from that in planar geometry is discussed in some detail. It is shown that interface profiles are determined mainly by the inward and outward motions rather than bubbles and spikes. The amplitudes of inward-going and outward-going parts are strongly dependent on the Atwood number and the initial perturbation. For low-mode perturbations, the linear growth of fundamental mode cannot be saturated by the third-order feedback. For fixed Atwood numbers and initial perturbations, the linear growth of fundamental mode can be saturated with increasing m. The saturation amplitude of linear growth of the fundamental mode is typically 0.2λ–0.6λ for m < 100, with λ being the perturbation wavelength. Thus, it should be included in applications where Bell-Plesset [G. I. Bell, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory Report No. LA-1321, 1951; M. S. Plesset, J. Appl. Phys. 25, 96 (1954)] converging geometry effects play a pivotal role, such as inertial confinement fusion implosions.« less

  11. The Non-linear Trajectory of Change in Play Profiles of Three Children in Psychodynamic Play Therapy.

    PubMed

    Halfon, Sibel; Çavdar, Alev; Orsucci, Franco; Schiepek, Gunter K; Andreassi, Silvia; Giuliani, Alessandro; de Felice, Giulio

    2016-01-01

    Aim: Even though there is substantial evidence that play based therapies produce significant change, the specific play processes in treatment remain unexamined. For that purpose, processes of change in long-term psychodynamic play therapy are assessed through a repeated systematic assessment of three children's "play profiles," which reflect patterns of organization among play variables that contribute to play activity in therapy, indicative of the children's coping strategies, and an expression of their internal world. The main aims of the study are to investigate the kinds of play profiles expressed in treatment, and to test whether there is emergence of new and more adaptive play profiles using dynamic systems theory as a methodological framework. Methods and Procedures: Each session from the long-term psychodynamic treatment (mean number of sessions = 55) of three 6-year-old good outcome cases presenting with Separation Anxiety were recorded, transcribed and coded using items from the Children's Play Therapy Instrument (CPTI), created to assess the play activity of children in psychotherapy, generating discrete and measurable units of play activity arranged along a continuum of four play profiles: "Adaptive," "Inhibited," "Impulsive," and "Disorganized." The play profiles were clustered through K -means Algorithm, generating seven discrete states characterizing the course of treatment and the transitions between these states were analyzed by Markov Transition Matrix, Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA) and odds ratios comparing the first and second halves of psychotherapy. Results: The Markov Transitions between the states scaled almost perfectly and also showed the ergodicity of the system, meaning that the child can reach any state or shift to another one in play. The RQA and odds ratios showed two trends of change, first concerning the decrease in the use of "less adaptive" strategies, second regarding the reduction of play interruptions. Conclusion: The results support that these children express different psychic states in play, which can be captured through the lens of play profiles, and begin to modify less dysfunctional profiles over the course of treatment. The methodology employed showed the productivity of treating psychodynamic play therapy as a complex system, taking advantage of non-linear methods to study psychotherapeutic play activity.

  12. Promoting respect for the rules and injury prevention in ice hockey: evaluation of the fair-play program.

    PubMed

    Brunelle, J P; Goulet, C; Arguin, H

    2005-09-01

    To reduce the number of transgressions to the rule, the occurrence of violent acts and to prevent injuries, Hockey Québec adopted the Fair-Play Program (FPP). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the FPP. 52 Bantam (14-15 years) teams participated in this cohort study. In total, 49 games (13 with the FPP, 36 without FPP) were systematically assessed for transgressions to the rule. Body checking was allowed in all games. Transgressions to the rule data were obtained using a real time observation system in a natural setting, while injury data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using generalised linear models with generalised estimating equations accounting for potential team effect. The number of penalties per game was significantly lower (p < 0.01) for games played with the FPP. Overall, no difference was noted in the number of transgressions observed during games played with or without the FPP. Players in leagues where the FPP was used held their opponents more frequently (p < 0.0001). On the other hand, players in leagues without the FPP shoved and hit more (p = 0.05). No difference was noted in the injury rate for games played with or without the FPP. This study showed that the FPP is one of the tools available to help those in the hockey world promote fair play values. Moreover, this project clearly showed the importance of program evaluation and the value of direct observation in a natural setting.

  13. Daily violent video game playing and depression in preadolescent youth.

    PubMed

    Tortolero, Susan R; Peskin, Melissa F; Baumler, Elizabeth R; Cuccaro, Paula M; Elliott, Marc N; Davies, Susan L; Lewis, Terri H; Banspach, Stephen W; Kanouse, David E; Schuster, Mark A

    2014-09-01

    Most studies on the impact of playing violent video games on mental health have focused on aggression. Relatively few studies have examined the relationship between playing violent video games and depression, especially among preadolescent youth. In this study, we investigated whether daily violent video game playing over the past year is associated with a greater number of depressive symptoms among preadolescent youth, after controlling for several well-known correlates of depression among youth. We analyzed cross-sectional data collected from 5,147 fifth-grade students and their primary caregivers who participated in Wave I (2004-2006) of Healthy Passages, a community-based longitudinal study conducted in three U.S. cities. Linear regression was conducted to determine the association between violent video game exposure and number of depressive symptoms, while controlling for gender, race/ethnicity, peer victimization, witnessing violence, being threatened with violence, aggression, family structure, and household income level. We found that students who reported playing high-violence video games for ≥2 hours per day had significantly more depressive symptoms than those who reported playing low-violence video games for <2 hours per day (p<0.001). The magnitude of this association was small (Cohen's d=0.16), but this association was consistent across all racial/ethnic subgroups and among boys (Cohen's d values ranged from 0.12 to 0.25). Our findings indicate that there is an association between daily exposure to violent video games and number of depressive symptoms among preadolescent youth. More research is needed to examine this association and, if confirmed, to investigate its causality, persistence over time, underlying mechanisms, and clinical implications.

  14. Vestibular coriolis effect differences modeled with three-dimensional linear-angular interactions.

    PubMed

    Holly, Jan E

    2004-01-01

    The vestibular coriolis (or "cross-coupling") effect is traditionally explained by cross-coupled angular vectors, which, however, do not explain the differences in perceptual disturbance under different acceleration conditions. For example, during head roll tilt in a rotating chair, the magnitude of perceptual disturbance is affected by a number of factors, including acceleration or deceleration of the chair rotation or a zero-g environment. Therefore, it has been suggested that linear-angular interactions play a role. The present research investigated whether these perceptual differences and others involving linear coriolis accelerations could be explained under one common framework: the laws of motion in three dimensions, which include all linear-angular interactions among all six components of motion (three angular and three linear). The results show that the three-dimensional laws of motion predict the differences in perceptual disturbance. No special properties of the vestibular system or nervous system are required. In addition, simulations were performed with angular, linear, and tilt time constants inserted into the model, giving the same predictions. Three-dimensional graphics were used to highlight the manner in which linear-angular interaction causes perceptual disturbance, and a crucial component is the Stretch Factor, which measures the "unexpected" linear component.

  15. Mode instability in one-dimensional anharmonic lattices: Variational equation approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yoshimura, K.

    1999-03-01

    The stability of normal mode oscillations has been studied in detail under the single-mode excitation condition for the Fermi-Pasta-Ulam-β lattice. Numerical experiments indicate that the mode stability depends strongly on k/N, where k is the wave number of the initially excited mode and N is the number of degrees of freedom in the system. It has been found that this feature does not change when N increases. We propose an average variational equation - approximate version of the variational equation - as a theoretical tool to facilitate a linear stability analysis. It is shown that this strong k/N dependence of the mode stability can be explained from the view point of the linear stability of the relevant orbits. We introduce a low-dimensional approximation of the average variational equation, which approximately describes the time evolution of variations in four normal mode amplitudes. The linear stability analysis based on this four-mode approximation demonstrates that the parametric instability mechanism plays a crucial role in the strong k/N dependence of the mode stability.

  16. Decomposition and model selection for large contingency tables.

    PubMed

    Dahinden, Corinne; Kalisch, Markus; Bühlmann, Peter

    2010-04-01

    Large contingency tables summarizing categorical variables arise in many areas. One example is in biology, where large numbers of biomarkers are cross-tabulated according to their discrete expression level. Interactions of the variables are of great interest and are generally studied with log-linear models. The structure of a log-linear model can be visually represented by a graph from which the conditional independence structure can then be easily read off. However, since the number of parameters in a saturated model grows exponentially in the number of variables, this generally comes with a heavy computational burden. Even if we restrict ourselves to models of lower-order interactions or other sparse structures, we are faced with the problem of a large number of cells which play the role of sample size. This is in sharp contrast to high-dimensional regression or classification procedures because, in addition to a high-dimensional parameter, we also have to deal with the analogue of a huge sample size. Furthermore, high-dimensional tables naturally feature a large number of sampling zeros which often leads to the nonexistence of the maximum likelihood estimate. We therefore present a decomposition approach, where we first divide the problem into several lower-dimensional problems and then combine these to form a global solution. Our methodology is computationally feasible for log-linear interaction models with many categorical variables each or some of them having many levels. We demonstrate the proposed method on simulated data and apply it to a bio-medical problem in cancer research.

  17. Saturation of the Magnetorotational Instability at Large Elssaser Number

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Julien, Keith; Jamroz, Benjamin; Knobloch, Edgar

    2009-11-01

    The MRI is believed to play an important role in accretion disk physics in extracting angular momentum from the disk and allowing accretion to take place. The instability is investigated within the shearing box approximation under conditions of fundamental importance to astrophysical accretion disk theory. The shear is taken to be the dominant source of energy, but the instability itself requires the presence of a weaker vertical magnetic field. Dissipative effects are suffiently weak that the Elsasser number is large. Thus dissipative forces do not play a role in the leading order linear instability mechanism. However, they are sufficiently large to permit a nonlinear feedback mechanism whereby the turbulent stresses generated by the MRI act on and modify the local background shear in the angular velocity profile. To date this response has been omitted in shearing box simulations and is captured by a reduced pde model derived from the global MHD fluid equations using multiscale asymptotic perturbation theory. Results from simulations of the model indicate a linear phase of exponential growth followed by a nonlinear adjustment to algebraic growth and decay in the fluctuating quantities. Remarkably, the velocity and magnetic field correlations associated with these growth and decay laws conspire to achieve saturation of angular momentum transport.

  18. Moderators of the longitudinal relationship between the perceived physical environment and outside play in children: the KOALA birth cohort study.

    PubMed

    Remmers, Teun; Van Kann, Dave; Gubbels, Jessica; Schmidt, Swantje; de Vries, Sanne; Ettema, Dick; Kremers, Stef P J; Thijs, Carel

    2014-12-12

    Promoting unstructured outside play is a promising vehicle to increase children's physical activity (PA). This study investigates if factors of the social environment moderate the relationship between the perceived physical environment and outside play. 1875 parents from the KOALA Birth Cohort Study reported on their child's outside play around age five years, and 1516 parents around age seven years. Linear mixed model analyses were performed to evaluate (moderating) relationships among factors of the social environment (parenting influences and social capital), the perceived physical environment, and outside play at age five and seven. Season was entered as a random factor in these analyses. Accessibility of PA facilities, positive parental attitude towards PA and social capital were associated with more outside play, while parental concern and restriction of screen time were related with less outside play. We found two significant interactions; both involving parent perceived responsibility towards child PA participation. Although we found a limited number of interactions, this study demonstrated that the impact of the perceived physical environment may differ across levels of parent responsibility.

  19. The Influence of Playing Experience and Position on Injury Risk in NCAA Division I College Football Players.

    PubMed

    McCunn, Robert; Fullagar, Hugh H K; Williams, Sean; Halseth, Travis J; Sampson, John A; Murray, Andrew

    2017-11-01

    American football is widely played by college student-athletes throughout the United States; however, the associated injury risk is greater than in other team sports. Numerous factors likely contribute to this risk, yet research identifying these risk factors is limited. The present study sought to explore the relationship between playing experience and position on injury risk in NCAA Division I college football players. Seventy-six male college student-athletes in the football program of an American NCAA Division I university participated. Injuries were recorded over 2 consecutive seasons. Players were characterized based on college year (freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior) and playing position. The effect of playing experience and position on injury incidence rates was analyzed using a generalized linear mixed-effects model, with a Poisson distribution, log-linear link function, and offset for hours of training exposure or number of in-game plays (for training and game injuries, respectively). The overall rates of non-time-loss and time-loss game-related injuries were 2.1 (90% CI: 1.8-2.5) and 0.6 (90% CI: 0.4-0.8) per 1000 plays, respectively. The overall rates of non-time-loss and time-loss training-related injuries were 26.0 (90% CI: 22.6-29.9) and 7.1 (90% CI: 5.9-8.5) per 1000 h, respectively. During training, seniors and running backs displayed the greatest risk. During games, sophomores, juniors, and wide receivers were at greatest risk. Being aware of the elevated injury risk experienced by certain player groups may help coaches make considered decisions related to training design and player selection.

  20. Daily Violent Video Game Playing and Depression in Preadolescent Youth

    PubMed Central

    Peskin, Melissa F.; Baumler, Elizabeth R.; Cuccaro, Paula M.; Elliott, Marc N.; Davies, Susan L.; Lewis, Terri H.; Banspach, Stephen W.; Kanouse, David E.; Schuster, Mark A.

    2014-01-01

    Abstract Most studies on the impact of playing violent video games on mental health have focused on aggression. Relatively few studies have examined the relationship between playing violent video games and depression, especially among preadolescent youth. In this study, we investigated whether daily violent video game playing over the past year is associated with a greater number of depressive symptoms among preadolescent youth, after controlling for several well-known correlates of depression among youth. We analyzed cross-sectional data collected from 5,147 fifth-grade students and their primary caregivers who participated in Wave I (2004–2006) of Healthy Passages, a community-based longitudinal study conducted in three U.S. cities. Linear regression was conducted to determine the association between violent video game exposure and number of depressive symptoms, while controlling for gender, race/ethnicity, peer victimization, witnessing violence, being threatened with violence, aggression, family structure, and household income level. We found that students who reported playing high-violence video games for ≥2 hours per day had significantly more depressive symptoms than those who reported playing low-violence video games for <2 hours per day (p<0.001). The magnitude of this association was small (Cohen's d=0.16), but this association was consistent across all racial/ethnic subgroups and among boys (Cohen's d values ranged from 0.12 to 0.25). Our findings indicate that there is an association between daily exposure to violent video games and number of depressive symptoms among preadolescent youth. More research is needed to examine this association and, if confirmed, to investigate its causality, persistence over time, underlying mechanisms, and clinical implications. PMID:25007237

  1. The Non-linear Trajectory of Change in Play Profiles of Three Children in Psychodynamic Play Therapy

    PubMed Central

    Halfon, Sibel; Çavdar, Alev; Orsucci, Franco; Schiepek, Gunter K.; Andreassi, Silvia; Giuliani, Alessandro; de Felice, Giulio

    2016-01-01

    Aim: Even though there is substantial evidence that play based therapies produce significant change, the specific play processes in treatment remain unexamined. For that purpose, processes of change in long-term psychodynamic play therapy are assessed through a repeated systematic assessment of three children’s “play profiles,” which reflect patterns of organization among play variables that contribute to play activity in therapy, indicative of the children’s coping strategies, and an expression of their internal world. The main aims of the study are to investigate the kinds of play profiles expressed in treatment, and to test whether there is emergence of new and more adaptive play profiles using dynamic systems theory as a methodological framework. Methods and Procedures: Each session from the long-term psychodynamic treatment (mean number of sessions = 55) of three 6-year-old good outcome cases presenting with Separation Anxiety were recorded, transcribed and coded using items from the Children’s Play Therapy Instrument (CPTI), created to assess the play activity of children in psychotherapy, generating discrete and measurable units of play activity arranged along a continuum of four play profiles: “Adaptive,” “Inhibited,” “Impulsive,” and “Disorganized.” The play profiles were clustered through K-means Algorithm, generating seven discrete states characterizing the course of treatment and the transitions between these states were analyzed by Markov Transition Matrix, Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA) and odds ratios comparing the first and second halves of psychotherapy. Results: The Markov Transitions between the states scaled almost perfectly and also showed the ergodicity of the system, meaning that the child can reach any state or shift to another one in play. The RQA and odds ratios showed two trends of change, first concerning the decrease in the use of “less adaptive” strategies, second regarding the reduction of play interruptions. Conclusion: The results support that these children express different psychic states in play, which can be captured through the lens of play profiles, and begin to modify less dysfunctional profiles over the course of treatment. The methodology employed showed the productivity of treating psychodynamic play therapy as a complex system, taking advantage of non-linear methods to study psychotherapeutic play activity. PMID:27777561

  2. A review on classification methods for solving fully fuzzy linear systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Daud, Wan Suhana Wan; Ahmad, Nazihah; Aziz, Khairu Azlan Abd

    2015-12-01

    Fully Fuzzy Linear System (FFLS) exists when there are fuzzy numbers on both sides of the linear systems. This system is quite significant today since most of the linear systems play with uncertainties of parameters especially in mathematics, engineering and finance. Many researchers and practitioners used the FFLS to model their problem and they apply various methods to solve it. In this paper, we present the outcome of a comprehensive review that we have done on various methods used for solving the FFLS. We classify our findings based on parameters' type used for the FFLS either restricted or unrestricted. We also discuss some of the methods by illustrating numerical examples and identify the differences between the methods. Ultimately, we summarize all findings in a table. We hope this study will encourage researchers to appreciate the use of this method and with that it will be easier for them to choose the right method or to propose any new method for solving the FFLS.

  3. Non-Linear Approach in Kinesiology Should Be Preferred to the Linear--A Case of Basketball.

    PubMed

    Trninić, Marko; Jeličić, Mario; Papić, Vladan

    2015-07-01

    In kinesiology, medicine, biology and psychology, in which research focus is on dynamical self-organized systems, complex connections exist between variables. Non-linear nature of complex systems has been discussed and explained by the example of non-linear anthropometric predictors of performance in basketball. Previous studies interpreted relations between anthropometric features and measures of effectiveness in basketball by (a) using linear correlation models, and by (b) including all basketball athletes in the same sample of participants regardless of their playing position. In this paper the significance and character of linear and non-linear relations between simple anthropometric predictors (AP) and performance criteria consisting of situation-related measures of effectiveness (SE) in basketball were determined and evaluated. The sample of participants consisted of top-level junior basketball players divided in three groups according to their playing time (8 minutes and more per game) and playing position: guards (N = 42), forwards (N = 26) and centers (N = 40). Linear (general model) and non-linear (general model) regression models were calculated simultaneously and separately for each group. The conclusion is viable: non-linear regressions are frequently superior to linear correlations when interpreting actual association logic among research variables.

  4. Nonlinear aeroservoelastic analysis of a controlled multiple-actuated-wing model with free-play

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Rui; Hu, Haiyan; Zhao, Yonghui

    2013-10-01

    In this paper, the effects of structural nonlinearity due to free-play in both leading-edge and trailing-edge outboard control surfaces on the linear flutter control system are analyzed for an aeroelastic model of three-dimensional multiple-actuated-wing. The free-play nonlinearities in the control surfaces are modeled theoretically by using the fictitious mass approach. The nonlinear aeroelastic equations of the presented model can be divided into nine sub-linear modal-based aeroelastic equations according to the different combinations of deflections of the leading-edge and trailing-edge outboard control surfaces. The nonlinear aeroelastic responses can be computed based on these sub-linear aeroelastic systems. To demonstrate the effects of nonlinearity on the linear flutter control system, a single-input and single-output controller and a multi-input and multi-output controller are designed based on the unconstrained optimization techniques. The numerical results indicate that the free-play nonlinearity can lead to either limit cycle oscillations or divergent motions when the linear control system is implemented.

  5. Influence of dynamic inflow on the helicopter vertical response

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chen, Robert T. N.; Hindson, William S.

    1986-01-01

    A study was conducted to investigate the effects of dynamic inflow on rotor-blade flapping and vertical motion of the helicopter in hover. Linearized versions of two dynamic inflow models, one developed by Carpenter and Fridovich and the other by Pitt and Peters, were incorporated in simplified rotor-body models and were compared for variations in thrust coefficient and the blade Lock number. In addition, a comparison was made between the results of the linear analysis, and the transient and frequency responses measured in flight on the CH-47B variable-stability helicopter. Results indicate that the correlations are good, considering the simplified model used. The linear analysis also shows that dynamic inflow plays a key role in destabilizing the flapping mode. The destabilized flapping mode, along with the inflow mode that the dynamic inflow introduces, results in a large initial overshoot in the vertical acceleration response to an abrupt input in the collective pitch. This overshoot becomes more pronounced as either the thrust coefficient or the blade Lock number is reduced. Compared with Carpenter's inflow model, Pitt's model tends to produce more oscillatory responses because of the less stable flapping mode predicted by it.

  6. Nonlinear saturation amplitudes in classical Rayleigh-Taylor instability at arbitrary Atwood numbers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, W. H.; Wang, L. F.; Ye, W. H.; He, X. T.

    2012-04-01

    In this research, nonlinear saturation amplitudes (NSAs) of the first two harmonics in Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI) for irrotational, incompressible, and inviscid fluids, with a discontinuous profile at arbitrary Atwood numbers, are investigated analytically, by considering nonlinear corrections up to the tenth-order. The NSA of the fundamental mode is defined as the linear (purely exponential) growth amplitude of the fundamental mode at the saturation time when the growth of the fundamental mode (first harmonic) is reduced by 10% in comparison to its corresponding linear growth. The NSA of the second harmonic can be obtained in the same way. The analytic results indicate that the effects of the higher-order correction (HOC) and the Atwood number (A) play an important role in the NSA of the RTI. It is found that the NSA of the fundamental mode decreases with increasing A. And when the HOC effects are considered, the NSA of the fundamental mode is significantly larger than the prediction of previous literatures within the framework of third-order perturbation theory [J. W. Jacobs and I. Catton, J. Fluid Mech. 187, 329 (1988); S. W. Haan, Phys. Fluids B 3, 2349 (1991)]. We find that the NSA of the second harmonic first decreases quickly with increasing A, reaching a minimum, and then increases slowly. Furthermore, the NSAs of the first two harmonics demonstrate the trend of convergence as the order of corrections increases. Thus, it should be included in applications where the NSAs play a role, such as inertial confinement fusion ignition target design.

  7. Playing it cool: Characterizing social play, bout termination, and candidate play signals of juvenile and infant Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana).

    PubMed

    Wright, Kaitlin R; Mayhew, Jessica A; Sheeran, Lori K; Funkhouser, Jake A; Wagner, Ronald S; Sun, Li-Xing; Li, Jin-Hua

    2018-07-18

    Play behaviors and signals during playful interactions with juvenile conspecifics are important for both the social and cognitive development of young animals. The social organization of a species can also influence juvenile social play. We examined the relationships among play behaviors, candidate play signals, and play bout termination in Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) during juvenile and infant social play to characterize the species play style. As Tibetan macaques are despotic and live in groups with strict linear dominance hierarchies and infrequent reconciliation, we predicted that play would be at risk of misinterpretation by both the individuals engaged in the play bout and by those watching, possibly leading to injury of the players. Animals living in such societies might need to frequently and clearly signal playful intent to play partners and other group members to avoid aggressive outcomes. We gathered video data on 21 individually-identified juvenile and infant macaques (one month to five years of age) from the Valley of the Wild Monkeys, Mt. Huangshan, China. We used all-occurrence sampling to record play behaviors and candidate play signals based on an ethogram. We predicted that play groups would use multiple candidate play signals in a variety of contexts and in association with the number of audience members in proximity to the players and play bout length. In the 283 playful interactions we scored, juvenile and infant macaques used multiple body and facial candidate play signals. Our data showed that juvenile and infant Tibetan macaques use a versatile repertoire of play behaviors and signals to sustain play.

  8. Quantitative Pointwise Estimate of the Solution of the Linearized Boltzmann Equation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, Yu-Chu; Wang, Haitao; Wu, Kung-Chien

    2018-04-01

    We study the quantitative pointwise behavior of the solutions of the linearized Boltzmann equation for hard potentials, Maxwellian molecules and soft potentials, with Grad's angular cutoff assumption. More precisely, for solutions inside the finite Mach number region (time like region), we obtain the pointwise fluid structure for hard potentials and Maxwellian molecules, and optimal time decay in the fluid part and sub-exponential time decay in the non-fluid part for soft potentials. For solutions outside the finite Mach number region (space like region), we obtain sub-exponential decay in the space variable. The singular wave estimate, regularization estimate and refined weighted energy estimate play important roles in this paper. Our results extend the classical results of Liu and Yu (Commun Pure Appl Math 57:1543-1608, 2004), (Bull Inst Math Acad Sin 1:1-78, 2006), (Bull Inst Math Acad Sin 6:151-243, 2011) and Lee et al. (Commun Math Phys 269:17-37, 2007) to hard and soft potentials by imposing suitable exponential velocity weight on the initial condition.

  9. Quantitative Pointwise Estimate of the Solution of the Linearized Boltzmann Equation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, Yu-Chu; Wang, Haitao; Wu, Kung-Chien

    2018-06-01

    We study the quantitative pointwise behavior of the solutions of the linearized Boltzmann equation for hard potentials, Maxwellian molecules and soft potentials, with Grad's angular cutoff assumption. More precisely, for solutions inside the finite Mach number region (time like region), we obtain the pointwise fluid structure for hard potentials and Maxwellian molecules, and optimal time decay in the fluid part and sub-exponential time decay in the non-fluid part for soft potentials. For solutions outside the finite Mach number region (space like region), we obtain sub-exponential decay in the space variable. The singular wave estimate, regularization estimate and refined weighted energy estimate play important roles in this paper. Our results extend the classical results of Liu and Yu (Commun Pure Appl Math 57:1543-1608, 2004), (Bull Inst Math Acad Sin 1:1-78, 2006), (Bull Inst Math Acad Sin 6:151-243, 2011) and Lee et al. (Commun Math Phys 269:17-37, 2007) to hard and soft potentials by imposing suitable exponential velocity weight on the initial condition.

  10. Head Impact Exposure in Youth Football: Comparing Age- and Weight-Based Levels of Play.

    PubMed

    Kelley, Mireille E; Urban, Jillian E; Miller, Logan E; Jones, Derek A; Espeland, Mark A; Davenport, Elizabeth M; Whitlow, Christopher T; Maldjian, Joseph A; Stitzel, Joel D

    2017-06-01

    Approximately 5,000,000 athletes play organized football in the United States, and youth athletes constitute the largest proportion with ∼3,500,000 participants. Investigations of head impact exposure (HIE) in youth football have been limited in size and duration. The objective of this study was to evaluate HIE of athletes participating in three age- and weight-based levels of play within a single youth football organization over four seasons. Head impact data were collected using the Head Impact Telemetry (HIT) System. Mixed effects linear models were fitted, and Wald tests were used to assess differences in head accelerations and number of impacts among levels and session type (competitions vs. practices). The three levels studied were levels A (n = 39, age = 10.8 ± 0.7 years, weight = 97.5 ± 11.8 lb), B (n = 48, age = 11.9 ± 0.5 years, weight = 106.1 ± 13.8 lb), and C (n = 32, age = 13.0 ± 0.5 years, weight = 126.5 ± 18.6 lb). A total of 40,538 head impacts were measured. The median/95th percentile linear head acceleration for levels A, B, and C was 19.8/49.4g, 20.6/51.0g, and 22.0/57.9g, respectively. Level C had significantly greater mean linear acceleration than both levels A (p = 0.005) and B (p = 0.02). There were a significantly greater number of impacts per player in a competition than in a practice session for all levels (A, p = 0.0005, B, p = 0.0019, and C, p < 0.0001). Athletes at lower levels experienced a greater percentage of their high magnitude impacts (≥ 80g) in practice, whereas those at the highest level experienced a greater percentage of their high magnitude impacts in competition. These data improve our understanding of HIE within youth football and are an important step in making evidence-based decisions to reduce HIE.

  11. Head Impact Exposure in Youth Football: Comparing Age- and Weight-Based Levels of Play

    PubMed Central

    Kelley, Mireille E.; Urban, Jillian E.; Miller, Logan E.; Jones, Derek A.; Espeland, Mark A.; Davenport, Elizabeth M.; Whitlow, Christopher T.; Maldjian, Joseph A.

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Approximately 5,000,000 athletes play organized football in the United States, and youth athletes constitute the largest proportion with ∼3,500,000 participants. Investigations of head impact exposure (HIE) in youth football have been limited in size and duration. The objective of this study was to evaluate HIE of athletes participating in three age- and weight-based levels of play within a single youth football organization over four seasons. Head impact data were collected using the Head Impact Telemetry (HIT) System. Mixed effects linear models were fitted, and Wald tests were used to assess differences in head accelerations and number of impacts among levels and session type (competitions vs. practices). The three levels studied were levels A (n = 39, age = 10.8 ± 0.7 years, weight = 97.5 ± 11.8 lb), B (n = 48, age = 11.9 ± 0.5 years, weight = 106.1 ± 13.8 lb), and C (n = 32, age = 13.0 ± 0.5 years, weight = 126.5 ± 18.6 lb). A total of 40,538 head impacts were measured. The median/95th percentile linear head acceleration for levels A, B, and C was 19.8/49.4g, 20.6/51.0g, and 22.0/57.9g, respectively. Level C had significantly greater mean linear acceleration than both levels A (p = 0.005) and B (p = 0.02). There were a significantly greater number of impacts per player in a competition than in a practice session for all levels (A, p = 0.0005, B, p = 0.0019, and C, p < 0.0001). Athletes at lower levels experienced a greater percentage of their high magnitude impacts (≥ 80g) in practice, whereas those at the highest level experienced a greater percentage of their high magnitude impacts in competition. These data improve our understanding of HIE within youth football and are an important step in making evidence-based decisions to reduce HIE. PMID:28274184

  12. Relaxation dynamics of multilayer triangular Husimi cacti

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Galiceanu, Mircea; Jurjiu, Aurel

    2016-09-01

    We focus on the relaxation dynamics of multilayer polymer structures having, as underlying topology, the Husimi cactus. The relaxation dynamics of the multilayer structures is investigated in the framework of generalized Gaussian structures model using both Rouse and Zimm approaches. In the Rouse type-approach, we determine analytically the complete eigenvalues spectrum and based on it we calculate the mechanical relaxation moduli (storage and loss modulus) and the average monomer displacement. First, we monitor these physical quantities for structures with a fixed generation number and we increase the number of layers, such that the linear topology will smoothly come into play. Second, we keep constant the size of the structures, varying simultaneously two parameters: the generation number of the main layer, G, and the number of layers, c. This fact allows us to study in detail the crossover from a pure Husimi cactus behavior to a predominately linear chain behavior. The most interesting situation is found when the two limiting topologies cancel each other. For this case, we encounter in the intermediate frequency/time domain regions of constant slope for different values of the parameter set (G, c) and we show that the number of layers follows an exponential-law of G. In the Zimm-type approach, which includes the hydrodynamic interactions, the quantities that describe the mechanical relaxation dynamics do not show scaling behavior as in the Rouse model, except the limiting case, namely, a very high number of layers and low generation number.

  13. Stabilization of nucleic acids by unusual polyamines produced by an extreme thermophile, Thermus thermophilus

    PubMed Central

    2005-01-01

    Extreme thermophiles produce two types of unusual polyamine: long linear polyamines such as caldopentamine and caldohexamine, and branched polyamines such as quaternary ammonium compounds [e.g. tetrakis(3-aminopropyl)ammonium]. To clarify the physiological roles of long linear and branched polyamines in thermophiles, we synthesized them chemically and tested their effects on the stability of ds (double-stranded) and ss (single-stranded) DNAs and tRNA in response to thermal denaturation, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry. Linear polyamines stabilized dsDNA in proportion to the number of amino nitrogen atoms within their molecular structure. We used the empirical results to derive formulae that estimate the melting temperature of dsDNA in the presence of polyamines of a particular molecular composition. ssDNA and tRNA were stabilized more effectively by tetrakis(3-aminopropyl)ammonium than any of the other polyamines tested. We propose that long linear polyamines are effective to stabilize DNA, and tetrakis(3-aminopropyl)ammonium plays important roles in stabilizing RNAs in thermophile cells. PMID:15673283

  14. Post-processing through linear regression

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    van Schaeybroeck, B.; Vannitsem, S.

    2011-03-01

    Various post-processing techniques are compared for both deterministic and ensemble forecasts, all based on linear regression between forecast data and observations. In order to evaluate the quality of the regression methods, three criteria are proposed, related to the effective correction of forecast error, the optimal variability of the corrected forecast and multicollinearity. The regression schemes under consideration include the ordinary least-square (OLS) method, a new time-dependent Tikhonov regularization (TDTR) method, the total least-square method, a new geometric-mean regression (GM), a recently introduced error-in-variables (EVMOS) method and, finally, a "best member" OLS method. The advantages and drawbacks of each method are clarified. These techniques are applied in the context of the 63 Lorenz system, whose model version is affected by both initial condition and model errors. For short forecast lead times, the number and choice of predictors plays an important role. Contrarily to the other techniques, GM degrades when the number of predictors increases. At intermediate lead times, linear regression is unable to provide corrections to the forecast and can sometimes degrade the performance (GM and the best member OLS with noise). At long lead times the regression schemes (EVMOS, TDTR) which yield the correct variability and the largest correlation between ensemble error and spread, should be preferred.

  15. On supporting students' understanding of solving linear equation by using flowchart

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Toyib, Muhamad; Kusmayadi, Tri Atmojo; Riyadi

    2017-05-01

    The aim of this study was to support 7th graders to gradually understand the concepts and procedures of solving linear equation. Thirty-two 7th graders of a Junior High School in Surakarta, Indonesia were involved in this study. Design research was used as the research approach to achieve the aim. A set of learning activities in solving linear equation with one unknown were designed based on Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach. The activities were started by playing LEGO to find a linear equation then solve the equation by using flowchart. The results indicate that using the realistic problems, playing LEGO could stimulate students to construct linear equation. Furthermore, Flowchart used to encourage students' reasoning and understanding on the concepts and procedures of solving linear equation with one unknown.

  16. Joule heating effects on electromagnetohydrodynamic flow through a peristaltically induced micro-channel with different zeta potential and wall slip

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ranjit, N. K.; Shit, G. C.

    2017-09-01

    This paper aims to develop a mathematical model for magnetohydrodynamic flow of biofluids through a hydrophobic micro-channel with periodically contracting and expanding walls under the influence of an axially applied electric field. The velocity slip effects have been taken into account at the channel walls by employing different slip lengths due to hydrophobic gating. Different temperature jump factors have also been used to investigate the thermomechanical interactions at the fluid-solid interface. The electromagnetohydrodynamic flow in a microchannel is simplified under the framework of Debye-Hückel linearization approximation. We have derived the closed-form solutions for the linearized dimensionless boundary value problem under the assumptions of long wave length and low Reynolds number. The axial velocity, temperature, pressure distribution, stream function, wall shear stress and the Nusselt number have been appraised for diverse values of the parameters approaching into the problem. Our main focus is to determine the effects of different zeta potential on the axial velocity and temperature distribution under electromagnetic environment. This study puts forward an important observation that the different zeta potential plays an important role in controlling fluid velocity. The study further reveals that the temperature increases significantly with the Joule heating parameter and the Brinkman number (arises due to the dissipation of energy).

  17. Rock-paper-scissors played within competing domains in predator-prey games

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Labavić, Darka; Meyer-Ortmanns, Hildegard

    2016-11-01

    We consider (N, r) games of prey and predation with N species and r  <  N prey and predators, acting in a cyclic way. Further basic reactions include reproduction, decay and diffusion over a one- or two-dimensional regular grid, without a hard constraint on the occupation number per site, so in a ‘bosonic’ implementation. For special combinations of N and r and appropriate parameter choices we observe games within games, that is different coexisting games, depending on the spatial resolution. As a concrete and simplest example we analyze the (6,3) game. Once the players segregate from a random initial distribution, domains emerge, which effectively play a (2,1)-game on the coarse scale of domain diameters, while agents inside the domains play (3,1) (rock-paper-scissors), leading to spiral formation with species chasing each other. The (2,1)-game has a winner in the end, so that the coexistence of domains is transient, while agents inside the remaining domain coexist, until demographic fluctuations lead to extinction of all but one species in the very end. This means that we observe a dynamical generation of multiple space and time scales with emerging re-organization of players upon segregation, starting from a simple set of rules on the smallest scale (that of the grid) and changed rules from the coarser perspective. These observations are based on Gillespie simulations. We discuss the deterministic limit derived from a van Kampen expansion. In this limit we perform a linear stability analysis and numerically integrate the resulting equations. The linear stability analysis predicts the number of forming domains, their composition in terms of species; it explains the instability of interfaces between domains, which drives their extinction; spiral patterns are identified as motion along heteroclinic cycles. The numerical solutions reproduce the observed patterns of the Gillespie simulations including even extinction events, so that the mean-field analysis here is very conclusive, which is due to the specific implementation of rules.

  18. Lubricating and waxy esters, I. Synthesis, crystallization, and melt behavior of linear monoesters.

    PubMed

    Bouzidi, Laziz; Li, Shaojun; Di Biase, Steve; Rizvi, Syed Q; Narine, Suresh S

    2012-01-01

    Four pure jojoba wax-like esters (JLEs), having carbon chain length of 36, 40 (two isomers) and 44, were prepared by Steglish esterification of fatty acids (or acid chlorides) with fatty alcohols at room temperature. Calorimetric and diffraction data was used to elucidate the phase behavior of the esters. The primary thermal parameters (crystallization and melting temperatures) obtained from the DSC of the symmetrical molecules correspond well with the carbon numbers of the JLEs. However, the data also suggests that carbon number is not the only factor since the symmetry of the molecule also plays a significant role in the phase behavior. Overall, the JLEs show very little polymorphic activity at the experimental conditions used, suggesting that they are likely to transform the same way during melting as well as crystallization, a characteristic which may be useful in designing new waxes and lubricants. The XRD data clearly show that the solid phase in all samples consists of a mixture of a β-phase and a β'-phase; fully distinguishable by their characteristic diffraction peaks. Subtle differences between the subcell patterns and phase development of the samples were observed. Different layering of the samples was also observed, understandably because of the chain length differences between the compounds. The long spacings were perfectly linearly proportional to the number of carbon atoms. The length of the ester layers with n carbon atoms can be calculated by a formula similar to that used for the layers in linear alkane molecules. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Air Traffic Sector Configuration Change Frequency

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chatterji, Gano Broto; Drew, Michael

    2009-01-01

    Several techniques for partitioning airspace have been developed in the literature. The question of whether a region of airspace created by such methods can be used with other days of traffic, and the number of times a different partition is needed during the day is examined in this paper. Both these aspects are examined for the Fort Worth Center airspace sectors. A Mixed Integer Linear Programming method is used with actual air traffic data of ten high-volume low-weather-delay days for creating sectors. Nine solutions were obtained for each two-hour period of the day by partitioning the center airspace into two through 18 sectors in steps of two sectors. Actual track-data were played back with the generated partitions for creating histograms of the traffic-counts. The best partition for each two-hour period was then identified based on the nine traffic-count distributions. Numbers of sectors in such partitions were analyzed to determine the number of times a different configuration is needed during the day. One to three partitions were selected for the 24-hour period, and traffic data from ten days were played back to test if the traffic-counts stayed below the threshold values associated with these partitions. Results show that these partitions are robust and can be used for longer durations than they were designed for

  20. Improving the Numerical Knowledge of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Benefits of Linear Board Games

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Satsangi, Rajiv; Bofferding, Laura

    2017-01-01

    A lack of numerical knowledge early on can impede a child's academic development. In past research, playing linear board games improved children's understanding of numerical relations, which the authors theorised could extend to children with autism spectrum disorder. For this pilot study, 10 children played a board game where they moved tokens…

  1. SLiMSearch 2.0: biological context for short linear motifs in proteins

    PubMed Central

    Davey, Norman E.; Haslam, Niall J.; Shields, Denis C.

    2011-01-01

    Short, linear motifs (SLiMs) play a critical role in many biological processes. The SLiMSearch 2.0 (Short, Linear Motif Search) web server allows researchers to identify occurrences of a user-defined SLiM in a proteome, using conservation and protein disorder context statistics to rank occurrences. User-friendly output and visualizations of motif context allow the user to quickly gain insight into the validity of a putatively functional motif occurrence. For each motif occurrence, overlapping UniProt features and annotated SLiMs are displayed. Visualization also includes annotated multiple sequence alignments surrounding each occurrence, showing conservation and protein disorder statistics in addition to known and predicted SLiMs, protein domains and known post-translational modifications. In addition, enrichment of Gene Ontology terms and protein interaction partners are provided as indicators of possible motif function. All web server results are available for download. Users can search motifs against the human proteome or a subset thereof defined by Uniprot accession numbers or GO term. The SLiMSearch server is available at: http://bioware.ucd.ie/slimsearch2.html. PMID:21622654

  2. A new look at the robust control of discrete-time Markov jump linear systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Todorov, M. G.; Fragoso, M. D.

    2016-03-01

    In this paper, we make a foray in the role played by a set of four operators on the study of robust H2 and mixed H2/H∞ control problems for discrete-time Markov jump linear systems. These operators appear in the study of mean square stability for this class of systems. By means of new linear matrix inequality (LMI) characterisations of controllers, which include slack variables that, to some extent, separate the robustness and performance objectives, we introduce four alternative approaches to the design of controllers which are robustly stabilising and at the same time provide a guaranteed level of H2 performance. Since each operator provides a different degree of conservatism, the results are unified in the form of an iterative LMI technique for designing robust H2 controllers, whose convergence is attained in a finite number of steps. The method yields a new way of computing mixed H2/H∞ controllers, whose conservatism decreases with iteration. Two numerical examples illustrate the applicability of the proposed results for the control of a small unmanned aerial vehicle, and for an underactuated robotic arm.

  3. Number games, magnitude representation, and basic number skills in preschoolers.

    PubMed

    Whyte, Jemma Catherine; Bull, Rebecca

    2008-03-01

    The effect of 3 intervention board games (linear number, linear color, and nonlinear number) on young children's (mean age = 3.8 years) counting abilities, number naming, magnitude comprehension, accuracy in number-to-position estimation tasks, and best-fit numerical magnitude representations was examined. Pre- and posttest performance was compared following four 25-min intervention sessions. The linear number board game significantly improved children's performance in all posttest measures and facilitated a shift from a logarithmic to a linear representation of numerical magnitude, emphasizing the importance of spatial cues in estimation. Exposure to the number card games involving nonsymbolic magnitude judgments and association of symbolic and nonsymbolic quantities, but without any linear spatial cues, improved some aspects of children's basic number skills but not numerical estimation precision.

  4. Comprehensive and Automated Linear Interaction Energy Based Binding-Affinity Prediction for Multifarious Cytochrome P450 Aromatase Inhibitors

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    Cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19A1) plays a key role in the development of estrogen dependent breast cancer, and aromatase inhibitors have been at the front line of treatment for the past three decades. The development of potent, selective and safer inhibitors is ongoing with in silico screening methods playing a more prominent role in the search for promising lead compounds in bioactivity-relevant chemical space. Here we present a set of comprehensive binding affinity prediction models for CYP19A1 using our automated Linear Interaction Energy (LIE) based workflow on a set of 132 putative and structurally diverse aromatase inhibitors obtained from a typical industrial screening study. We extended the workflow with machine learning methods to automatically cluster training and test compounds in order to maximize the number of explained compounds in one or more predictive LIE models. The method uses protein–ligand interaction profiles obtained from Molecular Dynamics (MD) trajectories to help model search and define the applicability domain of the resolved models. Our method was successful in accounting for 86% of the data set in 3 robust models that show high correlation between calculated and observed values for ligand-binding free energies (RMSE < 2.5 kJ mol–1), with good cross-validation statistics. PMID:28776988

  5. Effects of viscosity and conductivity stratification on the linear stability and transient growth within compressible Couette flow

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Saikia, Bijaylakshmi; Ramachandran, Ashwin; Sinha, Krishnendu; Govindarajan, Rama

    2017-02-01

    Accurate prediction of laminar to turbulent transition in compressible flows is a challenging task, as it can be affected by a combination of factors. Compressibility causes large variations in thermodynamic as well as transport properties of a gas, which in turn are known to affect flow stability. We study the stratification of individual transport properties and their combined behavior. We also examine the effect of a change in the magnitude of viscosity and conductivity on flow stability. The Couette flow of a perfect gas is our model problem and both modal and non-modal analyses are carried out. We notice a large destabilizing role of the increase in the conductivity value and a dramatic stabilizing effect of mean viscosity stratification, over a range of free-stream Mach number, Reynolds number, Prandtl number, and disturbance wavenumber. In the combined case, viscosity stratification plays a dominant role. We find this to be the case for finite-time transient growth in the parameter regime below linear instability as well as asymptotically at large time. A budget of the transient growth energy amplification is also shown to identify the effects of transport properties on the constituents of perturbation energy. The extensive results presented in this paper, we believe should motivate those studying more realistic flows to examine how these contrasting effects of stratification come together.

  6. Linear Temporal Stability Analysis of a Low-Density Round Gas Jet Injected into a High-Density Gas

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lawson, Anthony L.; Parthasarathy, Ramkumar N.

    2002-01-01

    It has been observed in previous experimental studies that round helium jets injected into air display a repetitive structure for a long distance, somewhat similar to the buoyancy-induced flickering observed in diffusion flames. In order to investigate the influence of gravity on the near-injector development of the flow, a linear temporal stability analysis of a round helium jet injected into air was performed. The flow was assumed to be isothermal and locally parallel; viscous and diffusive effects were ignored. The variables were represented as the sum of the mean value and a normal-mode small disturbance. An ordinary differential equation governing the amplitude of the pressure disturbance was derived. The velocity and density profiles in the shear layer, and the Froude number (signifying the effects of gravity) were the three important parameters in this equation. Together with the boundary conditions, an eigenvalue problem was formulated. Assuming that the velocity and density profiles in the shear layer to be represented by hyperbolic tangent functions, the eigenvalue problem was solved for various values of Froude number. The temporal growth rates and the phase velocity of the disturbances were obtained. The temporal growth rates of the disturbances increased as the Froude number was reduced (i.e. gravitational effects increased), indicating the destabilizing role played by gravity.

  7. Epidemiology and Impact on Performance of Lower Extremity Stress Injuries in Professional Basketball Players.

    PubMed

    Khan, Moin; Madden, Kim; Burrus, M Tyrrell; Rogowski, Joseph P; Stotts, Jeff; Samani, Marisa J; Sikka, Robby; Bedi, Asheesh

    Professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA) subject their lower extremities to significant repetitive loading during both regular-season and off-season training. Little is known about the incidence of lower extremity bony stress injuries and their impact on return to play and performance in these athletes. Stress injuries of the lower extremity will have significant impact on performance. Case series. Level 4. All bony stress injuries from 2005 to 2015 were identified from the NBA. Number of games missed due to injury and performance statistics were collected from 2 years prior to injury to 2 years after the injury. A linear regression analysis was performed to determine the impact of injury for players who returned to sport. A total of 76 lower extremity bony stress injuries involving 75 NBA players (mean age, 25.4 ± 4.1 years) were identified. Fifty-five percent (42/76) involved the foot, and most injuries occurred during the regular season (82.9%, 63/76), with half occurring within the first 6 weeks. Among players who sustained a fifth metatarsal stress fracture, 42.9% were unable to return to professional play. Players who sustained stress injuries had reduced play performance, specifically related to number of games played ( P = 0.014) and number of steals per game ( P = 0.004). Players who had surgery had significantly better performance at 2 years than those who were managed nonoperatively, independent of the type of injury (β = 4.561; 95% CI, 1.255-7.868). Lower extremity bony stress injuries may significantly affect both short- and long-term player performance and career length. Stress injuries result in decreased player performance, and surgical intervention results in improved performance metrics compared with those treated using conservative methods. Stress injuries result in decreased player performance, and surgical intervention results in improved performance metrics.

  8. A longitudinal study of children's outside play using family environment and perceived physical environment as predictors.

    PubMed

    Remmers, Teun; Broeren, Suzanne M L; Renders, Carry M; Hirasing, Remy A; van Grieken, Amy; Raat, Hein

    2014-06-16

    A natural and cheap way of increasing children's physical activity is stimulating unstructured outside play. This study examined whether characteristics of the family and perceived physical environment were associated with the duration of children's outside play. Parents participating in the "Be Active, Eat Right" cluster RCT control group (N = 2007) provided information on potential predictors of outside play (i.e. family and perceived physical environment) of their 5-year-old child by questionnaire. Child outside play was assessed by parental reports both at five and seven years. Linear regression analyses, adjusted for seasonality, were performed to evaluate associations between potential predictors and child outside play. Linear mixed models were fitted to evaluate the relationship between potential predictors and the development of outside play over two years, with season entered as a random factor. Family environment was the strongest construct predicting child outside play, while parent perceived physical environment had no significant association with child outside play. Parental habit strength and the presence of rules were the strongest predictors of increased outside play. Parent perceived difficulty in improving child outside play was the strongest predictor of decreased outside play. Family environment predicted child outside play and not perceived physical environment. Parental rules and habit strength regarding improving outside play were associated with an improvement of child's engagement in outside play.

  9. From linear mechanics to nonlinear mechanics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Loeb, Julian

    1955-01-01

    Consideration is given to the techniques used in telecommunication where a nonlinear system (the modulator) results in a linear transposition of a signal. It is then shown that a similar method permits linearization of electromechanical devices or nonlinear mechanical devices. A sweep function plays the same role as the carrier wave in radio-electricity. The linearizations of certain nonlinear functionals are presented.

  10. Nonlinear energy harvesting.

    PubMed

    Cottone, F; Vocca, H; Gammaitoni, L

    2009-02-27

    Ambient energy harvesting has been in recent years the recurring object of a number of research efforts aimed at providing an autonomous solution to the powering of small-scale electronic mobile devices. Among the different solutions, vibration energy harvesting has played a major role due to the almost universal presence of mechanical vibrations. Here we propose a new method based on the exploitation of the dynamical features of stochastic nonlinear oscillators. Such a method is shown to outperform standard linear oscillators and to overcome some of the most severe limitations of present approaches. We demonstrate the superior performances of this method by applying it to piezoelectric energy harvesting from ambient vibration.

  11. Learning Linear Spatial-Numeric Associations Improves Accuracy of Memory for Numbers

    PubMed Central

    Thompson, Clarissa A.; Opfer, John E.

    2016-01-01

    Memory for numbers improves with age and experience. One potential source of improvement is a logarithmic-to-linear shift in children’s representations of magnitude. To test this, Kindergartners and second graders estimated the location of numbers on number lines and recalled numbers presented in vignettes (Study 1). Accuracy at number-line estimation predicted memory accuracy on a numerical recall task after controlling for the effect of age and ability to approximately order magnitudes (mapper status). To test more directly whether linear numeric magnitude representations caused improvements in memory, half of children were given feedback on their number-line estimates (Study 2). As expected, learning linear representations was again linked to memory for numerical information even after controlling for age and mapper status. These results suggest that linear representations of numerical magnitude may be a causal factor in development of numeric recall accuracy. PMID:26834688

  12. Learning Linear Spatial-Numeric Associations Improves Accuracy of Memory for Numbers.

    PubMed

    Thompson, Clarissa A; Opfer, John E

    2016-01-01

    Memory for numbers improves with age and experience. One potential source of improvement is a logarithmic-to-linear shift in children's representations of magnitude. To test this, Kindergartners and second graders estimated the location of numbers on number lines and recalled numbers presented in vignettes (Study 1). Accuracy at number-line estimation predicted memory accuracy on a numerical recall task after controlling for the effect of age and ability to approximately order magnitudes (mapper status). To test more directly whether linear numeric magnitude representations caused improvements in memory, half of children were given feedback on their number-line estimates (Study 2). As expected, learning linear representations was again linked to memory for numerical information even after controlling for age and mapper status. These results suggest that linear representations of numerical magnitude may be a causal factor in development of numeric recall accuracy.

  13. Frequency, magnitude, and distribution of head impacts in Pop Warner football: the cumulative burden.

    PubMed

    Wong, Ricky H; Wong, Andrew K; Bailes, Julian E

    2014-03-01

    A growing body of research suggests that subconcussive head impacts or repetitive mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) can have cumulative and deleterious effects. Several studies have investigated head impacts in football at the professional, collegiate, and high school levels, in an attempt to elucidate the biomechanics of head impacts among football players. Youth football players, generally from 7 to 14 years of age, constitute 70% of all football players, yet burden of, and susceptibility to, head injury in this population is not well known. A novel impact sensor utilizing binary force switches (Shockbox(®)) was used to follow an entire Pop Warner football team consisting of twenty-two players for six games and five practices. The impact sensor was designed to record impacts with linear accelerations over 30g. In addition, video recording of games and practices were used to further characterize the head impacts by type of position (skilled versus unskilled), field location of impact (open field versus line of scrimmage), type of hit (tackling, tackled, or hold/push), and whether the impact was a head-to-head impact or not. We recorded a total of 480 head impacts. An average of 21.8 head impacts occurred per practice, while 61.8 occurred per game. Players had an average of 3.7 head impacts per game and 1.5 impacts per practice (p<0.001). The number of high magnitude head impacts (>80g) was 11. Two concussions were diagnosed over the course of the season. However, due to technical reasons the biomechanics of those hits resulting in concussions were not captured. Despite smaller players and slower play when compared to high school, collegiate or professional players, those involved in youth football sustain a moderate number of head impacts per season with several high magnitude impacts. Our results suggest that players involved in open-field, tackling plays that have head-to-head contact sustain impacts with the highest linear accelerations. Our data supports previously published data that suggests changes to the rules of play during practice can reduce the burden of hits. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Quasi-two-dimensional nonlinear evolution of helical magnetorotational instability in a magnetized Taylor-Couette flow

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mamatsashvili, G.; Stefani, F.; Guseva, A.; Avila, M.

    2018-01-01

    Magnetorotational instability (MRI) is one of the fundamental processes in astrophysics, driving angular momentum transport and mass accretion in a wide variety of cosmic objects. Despite much theoretical/numerical and experimental efforts over the last decades, its saturation mechanism and amplitude, which sets the angular momentum transport rate, remains not well understood, especially in the limit of high resistivity, or small magnetic Prandtl numbers typical to interiors (dead zones) of protoplanetary disks, liquid cores of planets and liquid metals in laboratory. Using direct numerical simulations, in this paper we investigate the nonlinear development and saturation properties of the helical magnetorotational instability (HMRI)—a relative of the standard MRI—in a magnetized Taylor-Couette flow at very low magnetic Prandtl number (correspondingly at low magnetic Reynolds number) relevant to liquid metals. For simplicity, the ratio of azimuthal field to axial field is kept fixed. From the linear theory of HMRI, it is known that the Elsasser number, or interaction parameter determines its growth rate and plays a special role in the dynamics. We show that this parameter is also important in the nonlinear problem. By increasing its value, a sudden transition from weakly nonlinear, where the system is slightly above the linear stability threshold, to strongly nonlinear, or turbulent regime occurs. We calculate the azimuthal and axial energy spectra corresponding to these two regimes and show that they differ qualitatively. Remarkably, the nonlinear state remains in all cases nearly axisymmetric suggesting that this HMRI-driven turbulence is quasi two-dimensional in nature. Although the contribution of non-axisymmetric modes increases moderately with the Elsasser number, their total energy remains much smaller than that of the axisymmetric ones.

  15. Linear instabilities near the DIII-D edge simulated in fluid models

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bass, Eric; Holland, Christopher

    2017-10-01

    The linear instability spectrum is reported near the DIII-D edge (within the separatrix) for L-mode and H-mode shots using the new eigenvalue solver FluTES (Fluid Toroidal Eigenvalue Solver). FluTES circumvents difficulties with convergence to clean linear eigenmodes (required for diagnosis of nonlinear simulations in codes such as BOUT++) often encountered with fluid initial-value solvers. FluTES is well-verified in analytic cases and against a BOUT++/ELITE benchmark toroidal case. We report results for both a 3-field, one-fluid model (the well-known ``elm-pb'' model) and a 5-field, two-fluid model. For the peeling-ballooning-dominated H-mode, the two solutions are qualitatively the same. In the driftwave-dominated L-mode edge, only the two-fluid solution gives robust instabilities which occur primarily at n > 50 . FluTES is optimized for this regime (near-flutelike limit, toroidally spectral). Cross-separatrix, coupled fluid and drift instabilities may play a role in explaining the gyrokinetic L-mode edge transport shortfall. Extension of FluTES into the open-field-line region is underway. Prepared by UCSD under Contract Number DE-FG02-06ER54871.

  16. Forecasting production in Liquid Rich Shale plays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nikfarman, Hanieh

    Production from Liquid Rich Shale (LRS) reservoirs is taking center stage in the exploration and production of unconventional reservoirs. Production from the low and ultra-low permeability LRS plays is possible only through multi-fractured horizontal wells (MFHW's). There is no existing workflow that is applicable to forecasting multi-phase production from MFHW's in LRS plays. This project presents a practical and rigorous workflow for forecasting multiphase production from MFHW's in LRS reservoirs. There has been much effort in developing workflows and methodology for forecasting in tight/shale plays in recent years. The existing workflows, however, are applicable only to single phase flow, and are primarily used in shale gas plays. These methodologies do not apply to the multi-phase flow that is inevitable in LRS plays. To account for complexities of multiphase flow in MFHW's the only available technique is dynamic modeling in compositional numerical simulators. These are time consuming and not practical when it comes to forecasting production and estimating reserves for a large number of producers. A workflow was developed, and validated by compositional numerical simulation. The workflow honors physics of flow, and is sufficiently accurate while practical so that an analyst can readily apply it to forecast production and estimate reserves in a large number of producers in a short period of time. To simplify the complex multiphase flow in MFHW, the workflow divides production periods into an initial period where large production and pressure declines are expected, and the subsequent period where production decline may converge into a common trend for a number of producers across an area of interest in the field. Initial period assumes the production is dominated by single-phase flow of oil and uses the tri-linear flow model of Erdal Ozkan to estimate the production history. Commercial software readily available can simulate flow and forecast production in this period. In the subsequent Period, dimensionless rate and dimensionless time functions are introduced that help identify transition from initial period into subsequent period. The production trends in terms of the dimensionless parameters converge for a range of rock permeability and stimulation intensity. This helps forecast production beyond transition to the end of life of well. This workflow is applicable to single fluid system.

  17. Poisson Coordinates.

    PubMed

    Li, Xian-Ying; Hu, Shi-Min

    2013-02-01

    Harmonic functions are the critical points of a Dirichlet energy functional, the linear projections of conformal maps. They play an important role in computer graphics, particularly for gradient-domain image processing and shape-preserving geometric computation. We propose Poisson coordinates, a novel transfinite interpolation scheme based on the Poisson integral formula, as a rapid way to estimate a harmonic function on a certain domain with desired boundary values. Poisson coordinates are an extension of the Mean Value coordinates (MVCs) which inherit their linear precision, smoothness, and kernel positivity. We give explicit formulas for Poisson coordinates in both continuous and 2D discrete forms. Superior to MVCs, Poisson coordinates are proved to be pseudoharmonic (i.e., they reproduce harmonic functions on n-dimensional balls). Our experimental results show that Poisson coordinates have lower Dirichlet energies than MVCs on a number of typical 2D domains (particularly convex domains). As well as presenting a formula, our approach provides useful insights for further studies on coordinates-based interpolation and fast estimation of harmonic functions.

  18. Kink dynamics in a parametric Φ 6 system: a model with controllably many internal modes

    DOE PAGES

    Demirkaya, A.; Decker, R.; Kevrekidis, P. G.; ...

    2017-12-14

    We explore a variant of the Φ 6 model originally proposed in Phys. Rev.D 12 (1975) 1606 as a prototypical, so-called, “bag” model in which domain walls play the role of quarks within hadrons. We examine the steady state of the model, namely an apparent bound state of two kink structures. We explore its linearization, and we find that, as a function of a parameter controlling the curvature of the potential, an effectively arbitrary number of internal modes may arise in the point spectrum of the linearization about the domain wall profile. We explore some of the key characteristics ofmore » kink-antikink collisions, such as the critical velocity and the multi-bounce windows, and how they depend on the principal parameter of the model. We find that the critical velocity exhibits a non-monotonic dependence on the parameter controlling the curvature of the potential. For the multi-bounce windows, we find that their range and complexity decrease as the relevant parameter decreases (and as the number of internal modes in the model increases). We use a modified collective coordinates method [in the spirit of recent works such as Phys. Rev.D 94 (2016) 085008] in order to capture the relevant phenomenology in a semi-analytical manner.« less

  19. Kink dynamics in a parametric Φ 6 system: a model with controllably many internal modes

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

    Demirkaya, A.; Decker, R.; Kevrekidis, P. G.

    We explore a variant of the Φ 6 model originally proposed in Phys. Rev.D 12 (1975) 1606 as a prototypical, so-called, “bag” model in which domain walls play the role of quarks within hadrons. We examine the steady state of the model, namely an apparent bound state of two kink structures. We explore its linearization, and we find that, as a function of a parameter controlling the curvature of the potential, an effectively arbitrary number of internal modes may arise in the point spectrum of the linearization about the domain wall profile. We explore some of the key characteristics ofmore » kink-antikink collisions, such as the critical velocity and the multi-bounce windows, and how they depend on the principal parameter of the model. We find that the critical velocity exhibits a non-monotonic dependence on the parameter controlling the curvature of the potential. For the multi-bounce windows, we find that their range and complexity decrease as the relevant parameter decreases (and as the number of internal modes in the model increases). We use a modified collective coordinates method [in the spirit of recent works such as Phys. Rev.D 94 (2016) 085008] in order to capture the relevant phenomenology in a semi-analytical manner.« less

  20. Kink dynamics in a parametric ϕ 6 system: a model with controllably many internal modes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Demirkaya, A.; Decker, R.; Kevrekidis, P. G.; Christov, I. C.; Saxena, A.

    2017-12-01

    We explore a variant of the ϕ 6 model originally proposed in Phys. Rev. D 12 (1975) 1606 as a prototypical, so-called, "bag" model in which domain walls play the role of quarks within hadrons. We examine the steady state of the model, namely an apparent bound state of two kink structures. We explore its linearization, and we find that, as a function of a parameter controlling the curvature of the potential, an effectively arbitrary number of internal modes may arise in the point spectrum of the linearization about the domain wall profile. We explore some of the key characteristics of kink-antikink collisions, such as the critical velocity and the multi-bounce windows, and how they depend on the principal parameter of the model. We find that the critical velocity exhibits a non-monotonic dependence on the parameter controlling the curvature of the potential. For the multi-bounce windows, we find that their range and complexity decrease as the relevant parameter decreases (and as the number of internal modes in the model increases). We use a modified collective coordinates method [in the spirit of recent works such as Phys. Rev. D 94 (2016) 085008] in order to capture the relevant phenomenology in a semi-analytical manner.

  1. Extended MHD modeling of nonlinear instabilities in fusion and space plasmas

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

    Germaschewski, Kai

    A number of different sub-projects where pursued within this DOE early career project. The primary focus was on using fully nonlinear, curvilinear, extended MHD simulations of instabilities with applications to fusion and space plasmas. In particular, we performed comprehensive studies of the dynamics of the double tearing mode in different regimes and confi gurations, using Cartesian and cyclindrical geometry and investigating both linear and non-linear dynamics. In addition to traditional extended MHD involving Hall term and electron pressure gradient, we also employed a new multi-fluid moment model, which shows great promise to incorporate kinetic effects, in particular off-diagonal elements ofmore » the pressure tensor, in a fluid model, which is naturally computationally much cheaper than fully kinetic particle or Vlasov simulations. We used our Vlasov code for detailed studies of how weak collisions effect plasma echos. In addition, we have played an important supporting role working with the PPPL theory group around Will Fox and Amitava Bhattacharjee on providing simulation support for HED plasma experiments performed at high-powered laser facilities like OMEGA-EP in Rochester, NY. This project has support a great number of computational advances in our fluid and kinetic plasma models, and has been crucial to winning multiple INCITE computer time awards that supported our computational modeling.« less

  2. Saturation of the magnetorotational instability at large Elsasser number

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jamroz, B.; Julien, K.; Knobloch, E.

    2008-09-01

    The magnetorotational instability is investigated within the shearing box approximation in the large Elsasser number regime. In this regime, which is of fundamental importance to astrophysical accretion disk theory, shear is the dominant source of energy, but the instability itself requires the presence of a weaker vertical magnetic field. Dissipative effects are weaker still but not negligible. The regime explored retains the condition that (viscous and ohmic) dissipative forces do not play a role in the leading order linear instability mechanism. However, they are sufficiently large to permit a nonlinear feedback mechanism whereby the turbulent stresses generated by the MRI act on and modify the local background shear in the angular velocity profile. To date this response has been omitted in shearing box simulations and is captured by a reduced pde model derived here from the global MHD fluid equations using multiscale asymptotic perturbation theory. Results from numerical simulations of the reduced pde model indicate a linear phase of exponential growth followed by a nonlinear adjustment to algebraic growth and decay in the fluctuating quantities. Remarkably, the velocity and magnetic field correlations associated with these algebraic growth and decay laws conspire to achieve saturation of the angular momentum transport. The inclusion of subdominant ohmic dissipation arrests the algebraic growth of the fluctuations on a longer, dissipative time scale.

  3. Habit tic deformity secondary to guitar playing.

    PubMed

    Wu, Jashin J

    2009-03-15

    A 29-year-old man exhibited linear ridges of the right thumbnail that had been present for ten years. After he stopped playing the guitar for three months, the proximal portion of the abnormality cleared. Nail changes similar to the habit tic deformity may be produced by guitar playing.

  4. Convective dissolution of carbon dioxide in saline aquifers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Neufeld, Jerome A.; Hesse, Marc A.; Riaz, Amir; Hallworth, Mark A.; Tchelepi, Hamdi A.; Huppert, Herbert E.

    2010-11-01

    Geological carbon dioxide (CO2) storage is a means of reducing anthropogenic emissions. Dissolution of CO2 into the brine, resulting in stable stratification, increases storage security. The dissolution rate is determined by convection in the brine driven by the increase of brine density with CO2 saturation. We present a new analogue fluid system that reproduces the convective behaviour of CO2-enriched brine. Laboratory experiments and high-resolution numerical simulations show that the convective flux scales with the Rayleigh number to the 4/5 power, in contrast with a classical linear relationship. A scaling argument for the convective flux incorporating lateral diffusion from downwelling plumes explains this nonlinear relationship for the convective flux, provides a physical picture of high Rayleigh number convection in a porous medium, and predicts the CO2 dissolution rates in CO2 accumulations. These estimates of the dissolution rate show that convective dissolution can play an important role in enhancing storage security.

  5. A new linear back projection algorithm to electrical tomography based on measuring data decomposition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Benyuan; Yue, Shihong; Cui, Ziqiang; Wang, Huaxiang

    2015-12-01

    As an advanced measurement technique of non-radiant, non-intrusive, rapid response, and low cost, the electrical tomography (ET) technique has developed rapidly in recent decades. The ET imaging algorithm plays an important role in the ET imaging process. Linear back projection (LBP) is the most used ET algorithm due to its advantages of dynamic imaging process, real-time response, and easy realization. But the LBP algorithm is of low spatial resolution due to the natural ‘soft field’ effect and ‘ill-posed solution’ problems; thus its applicable ranges are greatly limited. In this paper, an original data decomposition method is proposed, and every ET measuring data are decomposed into two independent new data based on the positive and negative sensing areas of the measuring data. Consequently, the number of total measuring data is extended to twice as many as the number of the original data, thus effectively reducing the ‘ill-posed solution’. On the other hand, an index to measure the ‘soft field’ effect is proposed. The index shows that the decomposed data can distinguish between different contributions of various units (pixels) for any ET measuring data, and can efficiently reduce the ‘soft field’ effect of the ET imaging process. In light of the data decomposition method, a new linear back projection algorithm is proposed to improve the spatial resolution of the ET image. A series of simulations and experiments are applied to validate the proposed algorithm by the real-time performances and the progress of spatial resolutions.

  6. Estimating large numbers.

    PubMed

    Landy, David; Silbert, Noah; Goldin, Aleah

    2013-07-01

    Despite their importance in public discourse, numbers in the range of 1 million to 1 trillion are notoriously difficult to understand. We examine magnitude estimation by adult Americans when placing large numbers on a number line and when qualitatively evaluating descriptions of imaginary geopolitical scenarios. Prior theoretical conceptions predict a log-to-linear shift: People will either place numbers linearly or will place numbers according to a compressive logarithmic or power-shaped function (Barth & Paladino, ; Siegler & Opfer, ). While about half of people did estimate numbers linearly over this range, nearly all the remaining participants placed 1 million approximately halfway between 1 thousand and 1 billion, but placed numbers linearly across each half, as though they believed that the number words "thousand, million, billion, trillion" constitute a uniformly spaced count list. Participants in this group also tended to be optimistic in evaluations of largely ineffective political strategies, relative to linear number-line placers. The results indicate that the surface structure of number words can heavily influence processes for dealing with numbers in this range, and it can amplify the possibility that analogous surface regularities are partially responsible for parallel phenomena in children. In addition, these results have direct implications for lawmakers and scientists hoping to communicate effectively with the public. Copyright © 2013 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

  7. Fuzzy bi-objective linear programming for portfolio selection problem with magnitude ranking function

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kusumawati, Rosita; Subekti, Retno

    2017-04-01

    Fuzzy bi-objective linear programming (FBOLP) model is bi-objective linear programming model in fuzzy number set where the coefficients of the equations are fuzzy number. This model is proposed to solve portfolio selection problem which generate an asset portfolio with the lowest risk and the highest expected return. FBOLP model with normal fuzzy numbers for risk and expected return of stocks is transformed into linear programming (LP) model using magnitude ranking function.

  8. Pre-school obesity is inversely associated with vegetable intake, grocery stores and outdoor play

    PubMed Central

    Kepper, M.; Tseng, T.-S.; Volaufova, J.; Scribner, R.; Nuss, H.; Sothern, M.

    2016-01-01

    Summary The study determined the association between body mass index (BMI) [B-Z] score and fruit and vegetable intake, frequency and ratio of fast food outlets and grocery stores in concentric areas around the child’s residence, outdoor play and total crime index. Data from 78 Louisiana pre-school children were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression analysis. Parental-reported fruit intake was linearly associated with increased number of grocery store counts in concentric areas around the child’s residence (P = 0.0406, P = 0.0281). Vegetable intake was inversely (P = 0.04) and the ratio of fast food outlets to grocery stores in a 2-mile concentric area around the child’s residence was positively (P = 0.05) associated to BMI z score after applying Best Model regression analysis (F = 3.06, P = 0.0346). Children residing in neighbourhoods with greater access to fast foods and lower access to fruits and vegetables may be at higher risk for developing obesity during pre-school years. PMID:26305391

  9. Number Games, Magnitude Representation, and Basic Number Skills in Preschoolers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Whyte, Jemma Catherine; Bull, Rebecca

    2008-01-01

    The effect of 3 intervention board games (linear number, linear color, and nonlinear number) on young children's (mean age = 3.8 years) counting abilities, number naming, magnitude comprehension, accuracy in number-to-position estimation tasks, and best-fit numerical magnitude representations was examined. Pre- and posttest performance was…

  10. Exact solutions to three-dimensional generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equations with varying potential and nonlinearities.

    PubMed

    Yan, Zhenya; Konotop, V V

    2009-09-01

    It is shown that using the similarity transformations, a set of three-dimensional p-q nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equations with inhomogeneous coefficients can be reduced to one-dimensional stationary NLS equation with constant or varying coefficients, thus allowing for obtaining exact localized and periodic wave solutions. In the suggested reduction the original coordinates in the (1+3) space are mapped into a set of one-parametric coordinate surfaces, whose parameter plays the role of the coordinate of the one-dimensional equation. We describe the algorithm of finding solutions and concentrate on power (linear and nonlinear) potentials presenting a number of case examples. Generalizations of the method are also discussed.

  11. Might god toss coins?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pearle, Philip

    1982-03-01

    In the problem of the gambler's ruin, a classic problem in probability theory, a number of gamblers play against each other until all but one of them is “wiped out.” It is shown that this problem is identical to a previously presented formulation of the reduction of the state vector, so that the state vectors in a linear superposition may be regarded as “playing” against each other until all but one of them is “wiped out.” This is a useful part of the description of an objectively real universe represented by a state vector that is a superposition of macroscopically distinguishable states dynamically created by the Hamiltonian and destroyed by the reduction mechanism.

  12. Smoking, Exercise, and Physical Fitness

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-11-30

    mile runi and muscular (sit-ups), as well as lean body mass showed clear linear relationships with caloric expenditure resultini from exercise...continuous walking, swimming, bicyling, playing racket sports, aerobic dancing ,/exercising, weight lifting, performing calisthenics, and playing basketball

  13. A neural network approach to job-shop scheduling.

    PubMed

    Zhou, D N; Cherkassky, V; Baldwin, T R; Olson, D E

    1991-01-01

    A novel analog computational network is presented for solving NP-complete constraint satisfaction problems, i.e. job-shop scheduling. In contrast to most neural approaches to combinatorial optimization based on quadratic energy cost function, the authors propose to use linear cost functions. As a result, the network complexity (number of neurons and the number of resistive interconnections) grows only linearly with problem size, and large-scale implementations become possible. The proposed approach is related to the linear programming network described by D.W. Tank and J.J. Hopfield (1985), which also uses a linear cost function for a simple optimization problem. It is shown how to map a difficult constraint-satisfaction problem onto a simple neural net in which the number of neural processors equals the number of subjobs (operations) and the number of interconnections grows linearly with the total number of operations. Simulations show that the authors' approach produces better solutions than existing neural approaches to job-shop scheduling, i.e. the traveling salesman problem-type Hopfield approach and integer linear programming approach of J.P.S. Foo and Y. Takefuji (1988), in terms of the quality of the solution and the network complexity.

  14. Single-digit Arabic numbers do not automatically activate magnitude representations in adults or in children: Evidence from the symbolic same–different task☆

    PubMed Central

    Wong, Becky; Szücs, Dénes

    2013-01-01

    We investigated whether the mere presentation of single-digit Arabic numbers activates their magnitude representations using a visually-presented symbolic same–different task for 20 adults and 15 children. Participants saw two single-digit Arabic numbers on a screen and judged whether the numbers were the same or different. We examined whether reaction time in this task was primarily driven by (objective or subjective) perceptual similarity, or by the numerical difference between the two digits. We reasoned that, if Arabic numbers automatically activate magnitude representations, a numerical function would best predict reaction time; but if Arabic numbers do not automatically activate magnitude representations, a perceptual function would best predict reaction time. Linear regressions revealed that a perceptual function, specifically, subjective visual similarity, was the best and only significant predictor of reaction time in adults and in children. These data strongly suggest that, in this task, single-digit Arabic numbers do not necessarily automatically activate magnitude representations in adults or in children. As the first study to date to explicitly study the developmental importance of perceptual factors in the symbolic same–different task, we found no significant differences between adults and children in their reliance on perceptual information in this task. Based on our findings, we propose that visual properties may play a key role in symbolic number judgements. PMID:24076332

  15. Non-linear isotope and fast ions effects: routes for low turbulence in DT plasmas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Garcia, Jeronimo

    2017-10-01

    The isotope effect, i.e. the fact that heat and particle fluxes do not follow the expected Gyro-Bohm estimate for turbulent transport when the plasma mass is changed, is one of the main challenges in plasma theory. Of particular interest is the isotope exchange between the fusion of deuterium (DD) and deuterium-tritium (DT) nuclei as there are no clear indications of what kind of transport difference can be expected in burning plasmas. The GENE code is therefore used for computing DD vs DT linear and nonlinear microturbulence characteristics in the core plasma region of a previously ITER hybrid scenario at high beta obtained in the framework of simplified integrated modelling. Scans on common turbulence related quantitates as external ExB flow shear, Parallel Velocity Gradient (PVG), plasma beta, colisionality or the number of ion species have been performed. Additionally, the role of energetic particles, known to reduce Ion Temperature Gradient (ITG) turbulence has been also addressed. It is obtained that the ITER operational point will be close to threshold and in these conditions turbulence is dominated by ITG modes. A purely weak non-linear isotope effect, absent in linear scans, can be found when separately adding moderate ExB flow shear or electromagnetic effects, whereas collisionality just modulates the intensity. The isotope effect, on the other hand, becomes very strong in conditions with simultaneously moderate ExB flow shear, beta and low q profile with significant reductions of ion heat transport from DD to DT. By analyzing the radial structure of the two point electrostatic potential correlation function it has been found that the inherent Gyro-Bohm scaling for plasma microturbulence, which increases the radial correlation length at short scales form DD to DT, is counteracted by the concomitant appearance of a complex nonlinear multiscale space interaction involving external ExB flow shear, zonal flow activity, magnetic geometry and electromagnetic effects. The number of ion species and the fast ion population is also found to play a role in this non-linear process whereas a symmetry breaking between D and T, with systematic reduced heat and particle transport for T, is always obtained.

  16. Prediction of Thrombus Growth: Effect of Stenosis and Reynolds Number.

    PubMed

    Hosseinzadegan, Hamid; Tafti, Danesh K

    2017-06-01

    Shear stresses play a major role in platelet-substrate interactions and thrombus formation and growth in blood flow, where under both pathological and physiological conditions platelet adhesion and accumulation occur. In this study, a shear-dependent continuum model for platelet activation, adhesion and aggregation is presented. The model was first verified under three different shear conditions and at two heparin levels. Three-dimensional simulations were then carried out to evaluate the performance of the model for severely damaged (stripped) aortas with mild and severe stenosis degrees in laminar flow regime. For these cases, linear shear-dependent functions were developed for platelet-surface and platelet-platelet adhesion rates. It was confirmed that the platelet adhesion rate is not only a function of Reynolds number (or wall shear rate) but also the stenosis severity of the vessel. General correlations for adhesion rates of platelets as functions of stenosis and Reynolds number were obtained based on these cases. Finally using the new platelet adhesion rates, the model was applied to different experimental systems and shown to agree well with measured platelet deposition.

  17. Waterborne carboxyl-terminated hyperbranched oligomer polyester ligand: Synthesis, characterization and chelation with chromium(III)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yao, Qi; Li, Chenying; Huang, Henghui; Chen, Hualin; Liu, Bailing

    2017-09-01

    A series of carboxyl-terminated hyperbranched oligomer polyester (HBP) with different degree of branching (DB) and number average molar mass (Mbarn) have been prepared. The molecular structure, degree of branching, molecular mass and its distribution of HBP were investigated by FTIR, 1H NMR, and GPC, respectively. And the coordination number, stability constant and degree of dissociation (α) between HBP and chromium(Ⅲ) were measured via continuous variation method (Job's plot). Experimental results show that the coordination capability between HBP and chromium(Ⅲ) affected by both DB and molecular mass, and the latter plays a decisive role. Moreover HBP outperforms low molecular weight of organic acids (citric acid, acetic acid) and linear polyacrylic acid with similar molecular mass. The coordination number and stability constants of HBP-3 (Mbarn = 1713 Da, Mbarw /Mbarn (PDI) = 1.11 and DB = 0.72) can reach 4 and 6.55e+008, which demonstrated it can be selected as a good ligand to coordination with chromium(Ⅲ). Therefore HBP can be used as chrome auxiliary in chrome tanning to improve the absorption of chromium.

  18. Linear Numerical-Magnitude Representations Aid Children's Memory for Numbers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Thompson, Clarissa A.; Siegler, Robert S.

    2010-01-01

    We investigated the relation between children's numerical-magnitude representations and their memory for numbers. Results of three experiments indicated that the more linear children's magnitude representations were, the more closely their memory of the numbers approximated the numbers presented. This relation was present for preschoolers and…

  19. Coordinating Numeric and Linear Units: Elementary Students' Strategies for Locating Whole Numbers on the Number Line

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Saxe, Geoffrey B.; Shaughnessy, Meghan M.; Gearhart, Maryl; Haldar, Lina Chopra

    2013-01-01

    Two investigations of fifth graders' strategies for locating whole numbers on number lines revealed patterns in students' coordination of numeric and linear units. In Study 1, we investigated the effects of context on students' placements of three numbers on an open number line. For one group ("n"?=?24), the line was presented in a…

  20. Concussion Symptoms and Return to Play Time in Youth, High School, and College American Football Athletes.

    PubMed

    Kerr, Zachary Y; Zuckerman, Scott L; Wasserman, Erin B; Covassin, Tracey; Djoko, Aristarque; Dompier, Thomas P

    2016-07-01

    To our knowledge, little research has examined concussion across the youth/adolescent spectrum and even less has examined concussion-related outcomes (ie, symptoms and return to play). To examine and compare sport-related concussion outcomes (symptoms and return to play) in youth, high school, and collegiate football athletes. Athletic trainers attended each practice and game during the 2012 to 2014 seasons and reported injuries. For this descriptive, epidemiological study, data were collected from youth, high school, and collegiate football teams, and the analysis of the data was conducted between July 2015 and September 2015. The Youth Football Surveillance System included more than 3000 youth football athletes aged 5 to 14 years from 118 teams, providing 310 team seasons (ie, 1 team providing 1 season of data). The National Athletic Treatment, Injury, and Outcomes Network Program included 96 secondary school football programs, providing 184 team seasons. The National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program included 34 college football programs, providing 71 team seasons. We calculated the mean number of symptoms, prevalence of each symptom, and the proportion of patients with concussions that had long return-to-play time (ie, required participation restriction of at least 30 days). Generalized linear models were used to assess differences among competition levels in the mean number of reported symptoms. Logistic regression models estimated the odds of return to play at less than 24 hours and at least 30 days. Overall, 1429 sports-related concussions were reported among youth, high school, and college-level football athletes with a mean (SD) of 5.48 (3.06) symptoms. Across all levels, 15.3% resulted return to play at least 30 days after the concussion and 3.1% resulted in return to play less than 24 hours after the concussion. Compared with youth, a higher number of concussion symptoms were reported in high school athletes (β = 1.39; 95% CI, 0.55-2.24). Compared with college athletes, the odds of return to play at least 30 days after injury were larger in youth athletes (odds ratio, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.10- 6.85) and high school athletes (odds ratio, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.61-5.19). The odds of return to play less than 24 hours after injury were larger in youth athletes than high school athletes (odds ratio, 6.23; 95% CI, 1.02-37.98). Differences in concussion-related outcomes existed by level of competition and may be attributable to genetic, biologic, and/or developmental differences or level-specific variations in concussion-related policies and protocols, athlete training management, and athlete disclosure. Given the many organizational, social environmental, and policy-related differences at each level of competition that were not measured in this study, further study is warranted to validate our findings.

  1. Access to Strong Opioid Analgesics in the Context of Legal and Regulatory Barriers in Eleven Central and Eastern European Countries.

    PubMed

    Vranken, Marjolein J M; Mantel-Teeuwisse, Aukje K; Schutjens, Marie-Hélène D B; Scholten, Willem K; Jünger, Saskia; Medic, Dr Rer; Leufkens, Hubert G M

    2018-04-06

    In 2011-2013, >95% of the global opioid analgesics consumption occurred in three regions, accounting for 15% of the world population. Despite abundant literature on barriers to access, little is known on the correlation between actual access to opioid analgesics and barriers to access, including legal and regulatory barriers. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between access to strong opioid analgesics and barriers to access in national legislation and regulations in 11 central and eastern European countries that participated in the Access to Opioid Medication in Europe (ATOME) project. Two variables were contrasted to assess their correlation: the country level of access to strong opioid analgesics indicated by the Adequacy of Consumption Measure (ACM) and the number of potential legal and regulatory barriers identified by an external review of legislation and regulations. A linear correlation was evaluated using a squared linear correlation coefficient. Evaluation of the correlation between the ACM and the number of potential barriers produces an R 2 value of 0.023 and a correlation plot trend line gradient of -0.075, indicating no correlation between access to strong opioid analgesics and the number of potential barriers in national legislation and regulations in the countries studied. No correlation was found, which indicates that other factors besides potential legal and regulatory barriers play a critical role in withholding prescribers and patients essential pain medication in the studied countries. More research is needed toward better understanding of the complex interplay of factors that determine access to strong opioid analgesics.

  2. Hypothesis test for synchronization: twin surrogates revisited.

    PubMed

    Romano, M Carmen; Thiel, Marco; Kurths, Jürgen; Mergenthaler, Konstantin; Engbert, Ralf

    2009-03-01

    The method of twin surrogates has been introduced to test for phase synchronization of complex systems in the case of passive experiments. In this paper we derive new analytical expressions for the number of twins depending on the size of the neighborhood, as well as on the length of the trajectory. This allows us to determine the optimal parameters for the generation of twin surrogates. Furthermore, we determine the quality of the twin surrogates with respect to several linear and nonlinear statistics depending on the parameters of the method. In the second part of the paper we perform a hypothesis test for phase synchronization in the case of experimental data from fixational eye movements. These miniature eye movements have been shown to play a central role in neural information processing underlying the perception of static visual scenes. The high number of data sets (21 subjects and 30 trials per person) allows us to compare the generated twin surrogates with the "natural" surrogates that correspond to the different trials. We show that the generated twin surrogates reproduce very well all linear and nonlinear characteristics of the underlying experimental system. The synchronization analysis of fixational eye movements by means of twin surrogates reveals that the synchronization between the left and right eye is significant, indicating that either the centers in the brain stem generating fixational eye movements are closely linked, or, alternatively that there is only one center controlling both eyes.

  3. Changing Mental Representations Using Related Physical Models: The Effects of Analyzing Number Lines on Learner Internal Scale of Numerical Magnitude

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bengtson, Barbara J.

    2013-01-01

    Understanding the linear relationship of numbers is essential for doing practical and abstract mathematics throughout education and everyday life. There is evidence that number line activities increase learners' number sense, improving the linearity of mental number line representations (Siegler & Ramani, 2009). Mental representations of…

  4. The Relationship between the Shape of the Mental Number Line and Familiarity with Numbers in 5- to 9-Year Old Children: Evidence for a Segmented Linear Model

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ebersbach, Mirjam; Luwel, Koen; Frick, Andrea; Onghena, Patrick; Verschaffel, Lieven

    2008-01-01

    This experiment aimed to expand previous findings on the development of mental number representation. We tested the hypothesis that children's familiarity with numbers is directly reflected by the shape of their mental number line. This mental number line was expected to be linear as long as numbers lay within the range of numbers children were…

  5. Resultant as the determinant of a Koszul complex

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anokhina, A. S.; Morozov, A. Yu.; Shakirov, Sh. R.

    2009-09-01

    The determinant is a very important characteristic of a linear map between vector spaces. Two generalizations of linear maps are intensively used in modern theory: linear complexes (nilpotent chains of linear maps) and nonlinear maps. The determinant of a complex and the resultant are then the corresponding generalizations of the determinant of a linear map. It turns out that these two quantities are related: the resultant of a nonlinear map is the determinant of the corresponding Koszul complex. We give an elementary introduction into these notions and relations, which will definitely play a role in the future development of theoretical physics.

  6. On solutions of the fifth-order dispersive equations with porous medium type non-linearity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kocak, Huseyin; Pinar, Zehra

    2018-07-01

    In this work, we focus on obtaining the exact solutions of the fifth-order semi-linear and non-linear dispersive partial differential equations, which have the second-order diffusion-like (porous-type) non-linearity. The proposed equations were not studied in the literature in the sense of the exact solutions. We reveal solutions of the proposed equations using the classical Riccati equations method. The obtained exact solutions, which can play a key role to simulate non-linear waves in the medium with dispersion and diffusion, are illustrated and discussed in details.

  7. The impact of affect on willingness-to-pay and desired-set-size.

    PubMed

    Hafenbrädl, Sebastian; Hoffrage, Ulrich; White, Chris M

    2013-01-01

    What role does affect play in economic decision making? Previous research showed that the number of items had a linear effect on the willingness-to-pay for those items when participants were computationally primed, whereas participants' willingness-to-pay was insensitive to the amount when they were affectively primed. We extend this research by also studying the impact of affect on nonmonetary costs of waiting for items to be displayed and of screening them in a computer task. We assessed these costs by asking participants how many items they desired to see before making their selection. In our experiment, the effect of priming on desired-set-size was even larger than on willingness-to-pay, which can be explained by the fact that the nonmonetary costs, waiting time, were real, whereas willingness-to-pay was hypothetical. Participants also reported their satisfaction with the choosing process and the chosen items; no linear or nonlinear relationship was found between the self-determined desired-set-size and satisfaction. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Theoretical Model for Cellular Shapes Driven by Protrusive and Adhesive Forces

    PubMed Central

    Kabaso, Doron; Shlomovitz, Roie; Schloen, Kathrin; Stradal, Theresia; Gov, Nir S.

    2011-01-01

    The forces that arise from the actin cytoskeleton play a crucial role in determining the cell shape. These include protrusive forces due to actin polymerization and adhesion to the external matrix. We present here a theoretical model for the cellular shapes resulting from the feedback between the membrane shape and the forces acting on the membrane, mediated by curvature-sensitive membrane complexes of a convex shape. In previous theoretical studies we have investigated the regimes of linear instability where spontaneous formation of cellular protrusions is initiated. Here we calculate the evolution of a two dimensional cell contour beyond the linear regime and determine the final steady-state shapes arising within the model. We find that shapes driven by adhesion or by actin polymerization (lamellipodia) have very different morphologies, as observed in cells. Furthermore, we find that as the strength of the protrusive forces diminish, the system approaches a stabilization of a periodic pattern of protrusions. This result can provide an explanation for a number of puzzling experimental observations regarding cellular shape dependence on the properties of the extra-cellular matrix. PMID:21573201

  9. Star Polymers.

    PubMed

    Ren, Jing M; McKenzie, Thomas G; Fu, Qiang; Wong, Edgar H H; Xu, Jiangtao; An, Zesheng; Shanmugam, Sivaprakash; Davis, Thomas P; Boyer, Cyrille; Qiao, Greg G

    2016-06-22

    Recent advances in controlled/living polymerization techniques and highly efficient coupling chemistries have enabled the facile synthesis of complex polymer architectures with controlled dimensions and functionality. As an example, star polymers consist of many linear polymers fused at a central point with a large number of chain end functionalities. Owing to this exclusive structure, star polymers exhibit some remarkable characteristics and properties unattainable by simple linear polymers. Hence, they constitute a unique class of technologically important nanomaterials that have been utilized or are currently under audition for many applications in life sciences and nanotechnologies. This article first provides a comprehensive summary of synthetic strategies towards star polymers, then reviews the latest developments in the synthesis and characterization methods of star macromolecules, and lastly outlines emerging applications and current commercial use of star-shaped polymers. The aim of this work is to promote star polymer research, generate new avenues of scientific investigation, and provide contemporary perspectives on chemical innovation that may expedite the commercialization of new star nanomaterials. We envision in the not-too-distant future star polymers will play an increasingly important role in materials science and nanotechnology in both academic and industrial settings.

  10. Field-free orientation of diatomic molecule via the linearly polarized resonant pulses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Su-Yu; Guo, Fu-Ming; Wang, Jun; Yang, Yu-Jun; Jin, Ming-Xing

    2015-10-01

    We propose a scheme to coherently control the field-free orientation of NO molecule whose rotational temperature is above 0 K. It is found that the maximum molecular orientation is affected by two factors: one is the sum of the population of M = 0 rotational states and the other is their distribution, however, their distribution plays a much more significant role in molecular orientation than the sum of their population. By adopting a series of linearly polarized pulses resonant with the rotational states, the distribution of M = 0 rotational states is well rearranged. Though the number of pulses used is small, a relatively high orientation degree can be obtained. This scheme provides a promising approach to the achievement of a good orientation effect. Project supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2013CB922200), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11034003, 11474129, 11274141, and 11304116), the Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China (Grant No. 20130061110021), and the Graduate Innovation Fund of Jilin University (Grant No. 2015091).

  11. Skyshine photon doses from 6 and 10 MV medical linear accelerators

    PubMed Central

    da Rosa, Luiz A. R.

    2012-01-01

    The skyshine radiation phenomenon consists of the scattering of primary photon beams in the atmosphere above the roof of a medical linear accelerator facility, generating an additional dose at ground level in the vicinity of the treatment room. Thus, with respect to radioprotection, this situation plays an important role when the roof is designed with little shielding and there are buildings next to the radiotherapy treatment room. In literature, there are few reported skyshine‐measured doses and these contain poor agreement with empirical calculations. In this work, we carried out measurements of skyshine photon dose rates produced from eight different 6 and 10 MV medical accelerators. Each measurement was performed outside the room facility, with the beam positioned in the upward direction, at a horizontal distance from the target and for a 40 cm×40 cm maximum photon field size at the accelerator isocenter. Measured dose‐equivalent rates results were compared with calculations obtained by an empirical expression, and differences between them deviated in one or more order of magnitude. PACS numbers: 87.53.‐j, 87.53.Bn PMID:22231219

  12. Rheological Behavior of Entangled Polystyrene-Polyhedral Oligosilsesquioxane (POSS) Copolymer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-08-24

    analysis. The effects of the presence of tethered POSS cages on the glass transition were studied using differential scanning...studies mainly focused on the effect of the long chain branches (LCBs) on the linear and non- linear rheological properties. How spherical cage -like...apparent activation energy increasing with increasing iBuPOSS loading. Like linear polymeric coil branches, the iBuPOSS cage plays a negative effect on

  13. Maturity status and injury risk in youth soccer players.

    PubMed

    Malina, Robert M

    2010-03-01

    To investigate the association of relative skeletal age and other risk factors with injury in elite schoolboy footballers (soccer players). Prospective cohort study, with players participating for varying numbers of years. Manchester United Football Club Academy, 2001 to 2007. Players were recruited to the club by scouts. At intake, the boys were medically screened to ensure they could be fully involved in the training and games program. Computerized medical records for the boys were maintained for the entire study period. The investigation included boys 9 to 16 years of age. Numbers varied between 98 and 144 per year (mean n/y = 130) over 6 years. Overall, 292 players were represented in the sample. Mean drop out per season was 21%. Each year consenting players had a radiograph of the left wrist and hand for the assessment of skeletal age (SA), using the Fels method. Eighty-five players had at least 1 radiograph and 12 players had 6 radiographs, 1 in each year of the study. Early and late maturers were those with an SA >1 year older or younger, respectively, than their chronologic age (CA). Information on demographics, height and weight, playing and training times, and position played was collected. The main outcome measure was the relation of maturity status to the occurrence of injuries. For the total sample across all the age groups the incidence of injuries was 1.44 per 1000 hours of training (n = 244 injuries), and 10.5 per 1000 match hours (n = 169 injuries). The mean number of injuries per season was 79.3, with a mean loss of 12.5 injury days per player per season. Boys aged <14 years were most vulnerable. Most injuries resulted from overuse rather than from trauma. Most common injury type and location were, respectively, soft tissue and knee joint. Mean SA for the total sample was in advance of mean CA (12.08y vs 11.74y; P < 0.05). Injury incidence did not differ significantly among late, normal, and early maturing players (1.4, 1.5, and 1.8, respectively) when training time, playing time, height, and playing position were statistically controlled as covariates (P = 0.73). However, results of general log linear analysis of mean data over the 6 seasons indicated a relationship between injury occurrence and training time, match-play time, and the CA-SA difference (P < 0.05). The 3 variables together explained 48% of the variance in injury incidence. Position played, foot dominance, and mean height gain were not related to injury occurrence. Maturity status and time spent in match play and training were significant predictors of injuries in 9- to 16-year-old elite male soccer players.

  14. A New Pattern of Getting Nasty Number in Graphical Method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sumathi, P.; Indhumathi, N.

    2018-04-01

    This paper proposed a new technique of getting nasty numbers using graphical method in linear programming problem and it has been proved for various Linear programming problems. And also some characterisation of nasty numbers is discussed in this paper.

  15. Electron hydrodynamics dilemma: Whirlpools or no whirlpools

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pellegrino, Francesco M. D.; Torre, Iacopo; Geim, Andre K.; Polini, Marco

    2016-10-01

    In highly viscous electron systems such as high-quality graphene above liquid nitrogen temperature, a linear response to applied electric current becomes essentially nonlocal, which can give rise to a number of new and counterintuitive phenomena including negative nonlocal resistance and current whirlpools. It has also been shown that, although both effects originate from high electron viscosity, a negative voltage drop does not principally require current backflow. In this work, we study the role of geometry on viscous flow and show that confinement effects and relative positions of injector and collector contacts play a pivotal role in the occurrence of whirlpools. Certain geometries may exhibit backflow at arbitrarily small values of the electron viscosity, whereas others require a specific threshold value for whirlpools to emerge.

  16. A general number-to-space mapping deficit in developmental dyscalculia.

    PubMed

    Huber, S; Sury, D; Moeller, K; Rubinsten, O; Nuerk, H-C

    2015-01-01

    Previous research on developmental dyscalculia (DD) suggested that deficits in the number line estimation task are related to a failure to represent number magnitude linearly. This conclusion was derived from the observation of logarithmically shaped estimation patterns. However, recent research questioned this idea of an isomorphic relationship between estimation patterns and number magnitude representation. In the present study, we evaluated an alternative hypothesis: impairments in the number line estimation task are due to a general deficit in mapping numbers onto space. Adults with DD and a matched control group had to learn linear and non-linear layouts of the number line via feedback. Afterwards, we assessed their performance how well they learnt the new number-space mappings. We found irrespective of the layouts worse performance of adults with DD. Additionally, in case of the linear layout, we observed that their performance did not differ from controls near reference points, but that differences between groups increased as the distance to reference point increased. We conclude that worse performance of adults with DD in the number line task might be due a deficit in mapping numbers onto space which can be partly overcome relying on reference points. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Choice-Driven Peer Play, Self-Regulation and Number Sense

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ivrendi, Asiye

    2016-01-01

    Peer play provides ample opportunities for the use and development of self-regulatory and mathematical skills. This study aimed at examining whether children's engagement in solitary low-level play, interactive play and competent play influences their self-regulatory and number sense skills. The effect of demographic variables and children's…

  18. Families of linear recurrences for Catalan numbers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gauthier, N.

    2011-01-01

    Four different families of linear recurrences are derived for Catalan numbers. The derivations rest on John Riordan's 1973 generalization of Catalan numbers to a set of polynomials. Elementary differential and integral calculus techniques are used and the results should be of interest to teachers and students of introductory courses in calculus and number theory.

  19. Calculation of biochemical net reactions and pathways by using matrix operations.

    PubMed Central

    Alberty, R A

    1996-01-01

    Pathways for net biochemical reactions can be calculated by using a computer program that solves systems of linear equations. The coefficients in the linear equations are the stoichiometric numbers in the biochemical equations for the system. The solution of the system of linear equations is a vector of the stoichiometric numbers of the reactions in the pathway for the net reaction; this is referred to as the pathway vector. The pathway vector gives the number of times the various reactions have to occur to produce the desired net reaction. Net reactions may involve unknown numbers of ATP, ADP, and Pi molecules. The numbers of ATP, ADP, and Pi in a desired net reaction can be calculated in a two-step process. In the first step, the pathway is calculated by solving the system of linear equations for an abbreviated stoichiometric number matrix without ATP, ADP, Pi, NADred, and NADox. In the second step, the stoichiometric numbers in the desired net reaction, which includes ATP, ADP, Pi, NADred, and NADox, are obtained by multiplying the full stoichiometric number matrix by the calculated pathway vector. PMID:8804633

  20. Understanding Child Stunting in India: A Comprehensive Analysis of Socio-Economic, Nutritional and Environmental Determinants Using Additive Quantile Regression

    PubMed Central

    Fenske, Nora; Burns, Jacob; Hothorn, Torsten; Rehfuess, Eva A.

    2013-01-01

    Background Most attempts to address undernutrition, responsible for one third of global child deaths, have fallen behind expectations. This suggests that the assumptions underlying current modelling and intervention practices should be revisited. Objective We undertook a comprehensive analysis of the determinants of child stunting in India, and explored whether the established focus on linear effects of single risks is appropriate. Design Using cross-sectional data for children aged 0–24 months from the Indian National Family Health Survey for 2005/2006, we populated an evidence-based diagram of immediate, intermediate and underlying determinants of stunting. We modelled linear, non-linear, spatial and age-varying effects of these determinants using additive quantile regression for four quantiles of the Z-score of standardized height-for-age and logistic regression for stunting and severe stunting. Results At least one variable within each of eleven groups of determinants was significantly associated with height-for-age in the 35% Z-score quantile regression. The non-modifiable risk factors child age and sex, and the protective factors household wealth, maternal education and BMI showed the largest effects. Being a twin or multiple birth was associated with dramatically decreased height-for-age. Maternal age, maternal BMI, birth order and number of antenatal visits influenced child stunting in non-linear ways. Findings across the four quantile and two logistic regression models were largely comparable. Conclusions Our analysis confirms the multifactorial nature of child stunting. It emphasizes the need to pursue a systems-based approach and to consider non-linear effects, and suggests that differential effects across the height-for-age distribution do not play a major role. PMID:24223839

  1. Understanding child stunting in India: a comprehensive analysis of socio-economic, nutritional and environmental determinants using additive quantile regression.

    PubMed

    Fenske, Nora; Burns, Jacob; Hothorn, Torsten; Rehfuess, Eva A

    2013-01-01

    Most attempts to address undernutrition, responsible for one third of global child deaths, have fallen behind expectations. This suggests that the assumptions underlying current modelling and intervention practices should be revisited. We undertook a comprehensive analysis of the determinants of child stunting in India, and explored whether the established focus on linear effects of single risks is appropriate. Using cross-sectional data for children aged 0-24 months from the Indian National Family Health Survey for 2005/2006, we populated an evidence-based diagram of immediate, intermediate and underlying determinants of stunting. We modelled linear, non-linear, spatial and age-varying effects of these determinants using additive quantile regression for four quantiles of the Z-score of standardized height-for-age and logistic regression for stunting and severe stunting. At least one variable within each of eleven groups of determinants was significantly associated with height-for-age in the 35% Z-score quantile regression. The non-modifiable risk factors child age and sex, and the protective factors household wealth, maternal education and BMI showed the largest effects. Being a twin or multiple birth was associated with dramatically decreased height-for-age. Maternal age, maternal BMI, birth order and number of antenatal visits influenced child stunting in non-linear ways. Findings across the four quantile and two logistic regression models were largely comparable. Our analysis confirms the multifactorial nature of child stunting. It emphasizes the need to pursue a systems-based approach and to consider non-linear effects, and suggests that differential effects across the height-for-age distribution do not play a major role.

  2. Supporting Generative Thinking about Number Lines, the Cartesian Plane, and Graphs of Linear Functions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Earnest, Darrell Steven

    2012-01-01

    This dissertation explores fifth and eighth grade students' interpretations of three kinds of mathematical representations: number lines, the Cartesian plane, and graphs of linear functions. Two studies were conducted. In Study 1, I administered the paper-and-pencil Linear Representations Assessment (LRA) to examine students'…

  3. Minimum triplet covers of binary phylogenetic X-trees.

    PubMed

    Huber, K T; Moulton, V; Steel, M

    2017-12-01

    Trees with labelled leaves and with all other vertices of degree three play an important role in systematic biology and other areas of classification. A classical combinatorial result ensures that such trees can be uniquely reconstructed from the distances between the leaves (when the edges are given any strictly positive lengths). Moreover, a linear number of these pairwise distance values suffices to determine both the tree and its edge lengths. A natural set of pairs of leaves is provided by any 'triplet cover' of the tree (based on the fact that each non-leaf vertex is the median vertex of three leaves). In this paper we describe a number of new results concerning triplet covers of minimum size. In particular, we characterize such covers in terms of an associated graph being a 2-tree. Also, we show that minimum triplet covers are 'shellable' and thereby provide a set of pairs for which the inter-leaf distance values will uniquely determine the underlying tree and its associated branch lengths.

  4. Effectiveness of Parent-Child Number Board Game Playing in Promoting Chinese Kindergarteners' Numeracy Skills and Mathematics Interest

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cheung, Sum Kwing; McBride, Catherine

    2017-01-01

    Research Findings: In Study 1, we observed 32 Chinese kindergarteners playing a number board game with their caregivers in dyads. Number board game playing provided important opportunities for kindergarteners and their caregivers to talk about an array of number concepts, but their numeracy-related exchanges rarely went beyond counting. In Study…

  5. Discrete Applied Mathematics

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1993-05-31

    program. In paper [28], we give a brief and elementary proof of a result of Hoffman [1952) about approximate solutions to systems, of linear inequalities...UCLA, Vestvood, CA, February 1993. " Linear Problems: Formulation and Solution," International Linear Algebra Society, Pensacola, FL, May 1993. Denise S...thresAold If there is a number h and a linear k-separator w assigning a real number to each vertex so that for any subset S of vertices, the sum of w

  6. Pre-school obesity is inversely associated with vegetable intake, grocery stores and outdoor play.

    PubMed

    Kepper, M; Tseng, T-S; Volaufova, J; Scribner, R; Nuss, H; Sothern, M

    2016-10-01

    The study determined the association between body mass index (BMI) z score and fruit and vegetable intake, frequency and ratio of fast food outlets and grocery stores in concentric areas around the child's residence, outdoor play and total crime index. Data from 78 Louisiana pre-school children were analyzed using Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analysis. Parental-reported fruit intake was linearly associated with increased number of grocery store counts in concentric areas around the child's residence (P = 0.0406, P = 0.0281). Vegetable intake was inversely (P = 0.04) and the ratio of fast food outlets to grocery stores in a 2-mile concentric area around the child's residence was positively (P = 0.05) associated to BMI z score after applying Best Model regression analysis (F = 3.06, P = 0.0346). Children residing in neighbourhoods with greater access to fast foods and lower access to fruits and vegetables may be at higher risk for developing obesity during pre-school years. © 2015 World Obesity.

  7. Single-digit Arabic numbers do not automatically activate magnitude representations in adults or in children: evidence from the symbolic same-different task.

    PubMed

    Wong, Becky; Szücs, Dénes

    2013-11-01

    We investigated whether the mere presentation of single-digit Arabic numbers activates their magnitude representations using a visually-presented symbolic same-different task for 20 adults and 15 children. Participants saw two single-digit Arabic numbers on a screen and judged whether the numbers were the same or different. We examined whether reaction time in this task was primarily driven by (objective or subjective) perceptual similarity, or by the numerical difference between the two digits. We reasoned that, if Arabic numbers automatically activate magnitude representations, a numerical function would best predict reaction time; but if Arabic numbers do not automatically activate magnitude representations, a perceptual function would best predict reaction time. Linear regressions revealed that a perceptual function, specifically, subjective visual similarity, was the best and only significant predictor of reaction time in adults and in children. These data strongly suggest that, in this task, single-digit Arabic numbers do not necessarily automatically activate magnitude representations in adults or in children. As the first study to date to explicitly study the developmental importance of perceptual factors in the symbolic same-different task, we found no significant differences between adults and children in their reliance on perceptual information in this task. Based on our findings, we propose that visual properties may play a key role in symbolic number judgements. © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Epidemiology of Sports-Related Concussions in National Collegiate Athletic Association Athletes From 2009-2010 to 2013-2014: Symptom Prevalence, Symptom Resolution Time, and Return-to-Play Time.

    PubMed

    Wasserman, Erin B; Kerr, Zachary Y; Zuckerman, Scott L; Covassin, Tracey

    2016-01-01

    Limited data exist among collegiate student-athletes on the epidemiology of sports-related concussion (SRC) outcomes, such as symptoms, symptom resolution time, and return-to-play time. This study used the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Injury Surveillance Program (ISP) to describe the epidemiology of SRC outcomes in 25 collegiate sports. Descriptive epidemiology study. SRC data from the NCAA ISP during the 2009-2010 to 2013-2014 academic years were analyzed regarding symptoms, time to resolution of symptoms, and time to return to play. Findings were also stratified by sex in sex-comparable sports (ie, ice hockey, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, baseball/softball) and whether SRCs were reported as recurrent. Of the 1670 concussions reported during the 2009-2010 to 2013-2014 academic years, an average (±SD) of 5.29 ± 2.94 concussion symptoms were reported, with the most common being headache (92.2%) and dizziness (68.9%). Most concussions had symptoms resolve within 1 week (60.1%); however, 6.2% had a symptom resolution time of over 4 weeks. Additionally, 8.9% of concussions required over 4 weeks before return to play. The proportion of SRCs that required at least 1 week before return to play increased from 42.7% in 2009-2010 to 70.2% in 2013-2014 (linear trend, P < .001). Within sex-comparable sports analyses, the average number of symptoms and symptom resolution time did not differ by sex. However, a larger proportion of concussions in male athletes included amnesia and disorientation; a larger proportion of concussions in female athletes included headache, excess drowsiness, and nausea/vomiting. A total of 151 SRCs (9.0%) were reported as recurrent. The average number of symptoms reported with recurrent SRCs (5.99 ± 3.43) was greater than that of nonrecurrent SRCs (5.22 ± 2.88; P = .01). A greater proportion of recurrent SRCs also resulted in a long symptom resolution time (14.6% vs 5.4%, respectively; P < .001) and long return-to-play time (21.2% vs 7.7%, respectively; P < .001) compared with nonrecurrent SRCs. Trends in return-to-play time may indicate changing concussion management practices in which team medical staff members withhold players from participation longer to ensure symptom resolution. Concussion symptoms may differ by sex and recurrence. Future research should continue to examine the trends and discrepancies in symptom resolution time and return-to-play time. © 2015 The Author(s).

  9. The hydrodynamics of swimming at intermediate Reynolds numbers in the water boatman (Corixidae).

    PubMed

    Ngo, Victoria; McHenry, Matthew James

    2014-08-01

    The fluid forces that govern propulsion determine the speed and energetic cost of swimming. These hydrodynamics are scale dependent and it is unclear what forces matter to the tremendous diversity of aquatic animals that are between a millimeter and a centimeter in length. Animals at this scale generally operate within the regime of intermediate Reynolds numbers, where both viscous and inertial fluid forces have the potential to play a role in propulsion. The present study aimed to resolve which forces create thrust and drag in the paddling of the water boatman (Corixidae), an animal that spans much of the intermediate regime (10

  10. Linear Mapping of Numbers onto Space Requires Attention

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Anobile, Giovanni; Cicchini, Guido Marco; Burr, David C.

    2012-01-01

    Mapping of number onto space is fundamental to mathematics and measurement. Previous research suggests that while typical adults with mathematical schooling map numbers veridically onto a linear scale, pre-school children and adults without formal mathematics training, as well as individuals with dyscalculia, show strong compressive,…

  11. A Unique Technique to get Kaprekar Iteration in Linear Programming Problem

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sumathi, P.; Preethy, V.

    2018-04-01

    This paper explores about a frivolous number popularly known as Kaprekar constant and Kaprekar numbers. A large number of courses and the different classroom capacities with difference in study periods make the assignment between classrooms and courses complicated. An approach of getting the minimum value of number of iterations to reach the Kaprekar constant for four digit numbers and maximum value is also obtained through linear programming techniques.

  12. Families of Linear Recurrences for Catalan Numbers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gauthier, N.

    2011-01-01

    Four different families of linear recurrences are derived for Catalan numbers. The derivations rest on John Riordan's 1973 generalization of Catalan numbers to a set of polynomials. Elementary differential and integral calculus techniques are used and the results should be of interest to teachers and students of introductory courses in calculus…

  13. Simulated linear test applied to quantitative proteomics.

    PubMed

    Pham, T V; Jimenez, C R

    2016-09-01

    Omics studies aim to find significant changes due to biological or functional perturbation. However, gene and protein expression profiling experiments contain inherent technical variation. In discovery proteomics studies where the number of samples is typically small, technical variation plays an important role because it contributes considerably to the observed variation. Previous methods place both technical and biological variations in tightly integrated mathematical models that are difficult to adapt for different technological platforms. Our aim is to derive a statistical framework that allows the inclusion of a wide range of technical variability. We introduce a new method called the simulated linear test, or the s-test, that is easy to implement and easy to adapt for different models of technical variation. It generates virtual data points from the observed values according to a pre-defined technical distribution and subsequently employs linear modeling for significance analysis. We demonstrate the flexibility of the proposed approach by deriving a new significance test for quantitative discovery proteomics for which missing values have been a major issue for traditional methods such as the t-test. We evaluate the result on two label-free (phospho) proteomics datasets based on ion-intensity quantitation. Available at http://www.oncoproteomics.nl/software/stest.html : t.pham@vumc.nl. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  14. Effects of microscale inertia on heat or mass transfer from a drop

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Krishnamurthy, Deepak; Subramanian, Ganesh

    2012-11-01

    Heat or mass transport from suspensions of solid particles or drops is ubiquitous in many industrial processes. In the zero inertia limit the transport is diffusion limited owing to the presence of closed streamlines around each particle. A small but finite amount of inertia though, results in a vastly different picture, greatly enhancing transport by destroying the closed streamline configuration. We develop a theoretical formulation to study the effects of weak inertia on transport from a density-matched drop in a 2D linear flow. It is shown that, unlike a solid particle, the near-surface streamlines are closed only when the viscosity ratio (λ) exceeds a critical value λc = 2 α / (1- α) , where α is the linear flow parameter measuring relative magnitudes of extension and vorticity. The velocity field on the drop surface can be characterized using a complex-valued analogue of the (C, τ) coordinate system used to describe Jeffrey orbits of an axisymmetric particle. In the open-streamline case (λ < λ c) , convective transport occurs even with zero inertia, and for large Peclet number (Pe) (the relative magnitude of convective to diffusive transport), the Nusselt number (dimensionless rate of heat transfer) is expected to scale as F(α, λ) Pe1/2 and is determined via a boundary layer analysis in the (C, τ) coordinate system. In the closed streamline case (λ > λ c) , similar to the solid particle, inertia plays a crucial role, and the Nusselt number must scale as G(α, λ)Re1/2Pe1/2. A methodology is developed to analyze the convection along spiraling streamlines using a physically motivated choice of coordinate system on the drop surface.

  15. Nonlinear travelling waves in rotating Hagen–Poiseuille flow

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pier, Benoît; Govindarajan, Rama

    2018-03-01

    The dynamics of viscous flow through a rotating pipe is considered. Small-amplitude stability characteristics are obtained by linearizing the Navier–Stokes equations around the base flow and solving the resulting eigenvalue problems. For linearly unstable configurations, the dynamics leads to fully developed finite-amplitude perturbations that are computed by direct numerical simulations of the complete Navier–Stokes equations. By systematically investigating all linearly unstable combinations of streamwise wave number k and azimuthal mode number m, for streamwise Reynolds numbers {{Re}}z ≤slant 500 and rotational Reynolds numbers {{Re}}{{Ω }} ≤slant 500, the complete range of nonlinear travelling waves is obtained and the associated flow fields are characterized.

  16. Using Linear and Quadratic Functions to Teach Number Patterns in Secondary School

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kenan, Kok Xiao-Feng

    2017-01-01

    This paper outlines an approach to definitively find the general term in a number pattern, of either a linear or quadratic form, by using the general equation of a linear or quadratic function. This approach is governed by four principles: (1) identifying the position of the term (input) and the term itself (output); (2) recognising that each…

  17. Learning Game Evaluation Functions with a Compound Linear Machine.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1980-03-01

    Comparison to Non-Learning Shannon Type Programs . . . 50 Comparison to Samuel’s Shannon Type Checker Program . 52 Comparison to an Advice-Taking Shannon...examples of programs or algorithms that play games. The most significant of these is usually held to be A. Samuel’s checker playing program because it is...his checker playing program (GRC, 1978:54-72). Another related study nl,. { .. . performed for the Air Force recommends researching computerized

  18. A method for evaluating dynamical friction in linear ball bearings.

    PubMed

    Fujii, Yusaku; Maru, Koichi; Jin, Tao; Yupapin, Preecha P; Mitatha, Somsak

    2010-01-01

    A method is proposed for evaluating the dynamical friction of linear bearings, whose motion is not perfectly linear due to some play in its internal mechanism. In this method, the moving part of a linear bearing is made to move freely, and the force acting on the moving part is measured as the inertial force given by the product of its mass and the acceleration of its centre of gravity. To evaluate the acceleration of its centre of gravity, the acceleration of two different points on it is measured using a dual-axis optical interferometer.

  19. [Phonological characteristics and rehabilitation training of abnormal velar in children with functional articulation disorders].

    PubMed

    Lina, Xu; Feng, Li; Yanyun, Zhang; Nan, Gao; Mingfang, Hu

    2016-12-01

    To explore the phonological characteristics and rehabilitation training of abnormal velar in patients with functional articulation disorders (FAD). Eighty-seven patients with FAD were observed of the phonological characteristics of velar. Seventy-two patients with abnormal velar accepted speech training. The correlation and simple linear regression analysis were carried out on abnormal velar articulation and age. The articulation disorder of /g/ mainly showed replacement by /d/, /b/ or omission. /k/ mainly showed replacement by /d/, /t/, /g/, /p/, /b/. /h/ mainly showed replacement by /g/, /f/, /p/, /b/ or omission. The common erroneous articulation forms of /g/, /k/, /h/ were fronting of tongue and replacement by bilabial consonants. When velar combined with vowels contained /a/ and /e/, the main error was fronting of tongue. When velar combined with vowels contained /u/, the errors trended to be replacement by bilabial consonants. After 3 to 10 times of speech training, the number of erroneous words decreased to (6.24±2.61) from (40.28±6.08) before the speech training was established, the difference was statistically significant (Z=-7.379, P=0.000). The number of erroneous words was negatively correlated with age (r=-0.691, P=0.000). The result of simple linear regression analysis showed that the determination coefficient was 0.472. The articulation disorder of velar mainly shows replacement, varies with the vowels. The targeted rehabilitation training hereby established is significantly effective. Age plays an important role in the outcome of velar.

  20. Linear instability of plane Couette and Poiseuille flows

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

    Chefranov, S. G., E-mail: schefranov@mail.ru; Chefranov, A. G., E-mail: Alexander.chefranov@emu.edu.tr

    2016-05-15

    It is shown that linear instability of plane Couette flow can take place even at finite Reynolds numbers Re > Re{sub th} ≈ 139, which agrees with the experimental value of Re{sub th} ≈ 150 ± 5 [16, 17]. This new result of the linear theory of hydrodynamic stability is obtained by abandoning traditional assumption of the longitudinal periodicity of disturbances in the flow direction. It is established that previous notions about linear stability of this flow at arbitrarily large Reynolds numbers relied directly upon the assumed separation of spatial variables of the field of disturbances and their longitudinal periodicitymore » in the linear theory. By also abandoning these assumptions for plane Poiseuille flow, a new threshold Reynolds number Re{sub th} ≈ 1035 is obtained, which agrees to within 4% with experiment—in contrast to 500% discrepancy for the previous estimate of Re{sub th} ≈ 5772 obtained in the framework of the linear theory under assumption of the “normal” shape of disturbances [2].« less

  1. Study of dynamic fluid-structure coupling with application to human phonation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Saurabh, Shakti; Faber, Justin; Bodony, Daniel

    2013-11-01

    Two-dimensional direct numerical simulations of a compressible, viscous fluid interacting with a non-linear, viscoelastic solid are used to study the generation of the human voice. The vocal fold (VF) tissues are modeled using a finite-strain fractional derivative constitutive model implemented in a quadratic finite element code and coupled to a high-order compressible Navier-Stokes solver through a boundary-fitted fluid-solid interface. The viscoelastic solver is validated through in-house experiments using Agarose Gel, a human tissue simulant, undergoing static and harmonic deformation measured with load cell and optical diagnostics. The phonation simulations highlight the role tissue nonlinearity and viscosity play in the glottal jet dynamics and in the radiated sound. Supported by the National Science Foundation (CAREER award number 1150439).

  2. Normal modes of a small gamelan gong.

    PubMed

    Perrin, Robert; Elford, Daniel P; Chalmers, Luke; Swallowe, Gerry M; Moore, Thomas R; Hamdan, Sinin; Halkon, Benjamin J

    2014-10-01

    Studies have been made of the normal modes of a 20.7 cm diameter steel gamelan gong. A finite-element model has been constructed and its predictions for normal modes compared with experimental results obtained using electronic speckle pattern interferometry. Agreement was reasonable in view of the lack of precision in the manufacture of the instrument. The results agree with expectations for an axially symmetric system subject to small symmetry breaking. The extent to which the results obey Chladni's law is discussed. Comparison with vibrational and acoustical spectra enabled the identification of the small number of modes responsible for the sound output when played normally. Evidence of non-linear behavior was found, mainly in the form of subharmonics of true modes. Experiments using scanning laser Doppler vibrometry gave satisfactory agreement with the other methods.

  3. Detection of Human Papillomavirus Type 2 Related Sequence in Oral Papilloma

    PubMed Central

    Yamaguchi, Taihei; Shindoh, Masanobu; Amemiya, Akira; Inoue, Nobuo; Kawamura, Masaaki; Sakaoka, Hiroshi; Inoue, Masakazu; Fujinaga, Kei

    1998-01-01

    Oral papilloma is a benign tumourous lesion. Part of this lesion is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. We analysed the genetical and histopathological evidence for HPV type 2 infection in three oral papillomas. Southern blot hybridization showed HPV 2a sequence in one lesion. Cells of the positive specimen appeared to contain high copy numbers of the viral DNA in an episomal state. In situ staining demonstrated virus capsid antigen in koilocytotic cells and surrounding cells in the hyperplastic epithelial layer. Two other specimens contained no HPV sequences by labeled probe of full length linear HPVs 2a, 6b, 11, 16, 18, 31 and 33 DNA under low stringency hybridization conditions. These results showed the possibility that HPV 2 plays a role in oral papilloma. PMID:9699941

  4. Experimental investigation of sound generation by a protuberance in a laminar boundary layer

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

    Kobayashi, M.; Asai, M.; Inasawa, A.

    2014-08-15

    Sound radiation from a two-dimensional protuberance glued on the wall in a laminar boundary layer was investigated experimentally at low Mach numbers. When the protuberance was as high as the boundary-layer thickness, a feedback-loop mechanism set in between protuberance-generated sound and Tollmien-Schlichting (T-S) waves generated by the leading-edge receptivity to the upstream-propagating sound. Although occurrence of a separation bubble immediately upstream of the protuberance played important roles in the evolution of instability waves into vortices interacting with the protuberance, the frequency of tonal vortex sound was determined by the selective amplification of T-S waves in the linear instability stage upstreammore » of the separation bubble and was not affected by the instability of the separation bubble.« less

  5. Transmission dynamics of Bacillus thuringiensis infecting Plodia interpunctella: a test of the mass action assumption with an insect pathogen.

    PubMed

    Knell, R J; Begon, M; Thompson, D J

    1996-01-22

    Central to theoretical studies of host-pathogen population dynamics is a term describing transmission of the pathogen. This usually assumes that transmission is proportional to the density of infectious hosts or particles and of susceptible individuals. We tested this assumption with the bacterial pathogen Bacillus thuringiensis infecting larvae of Plodia interpunctella, the Indian meal moth. Transmission was found to increase in a more than linear way with host density in fourth and fifth instar P. interpunctella, and to decrease with the density of infectious cadavers in the case of fifth instar larvae. Food availability was shown to play an important part in this process. Therefore, on a number of counts, the usual assumption was found not to apply in our experimental system.

  6. Genome-Wide Association of Stem Water Soluble Carbohydrates in Bread Wheat.

    PubMed

    Dong, Yan; Liu, Jindong; Zhang, Yan; Geng, Hongwei; Rasheed, Awais; Xiao, Yonggui; Cao, Shuanghe; Fu, Luping; Yan, Jun; Wen, Weie; Zhang, Yong; Jing, Ruilian; Xia, Xianchun; He, Zhonghu

    2016-01-01

    Water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) in stems play an important role in buffering grain yield in wheat against biotic and abiotic stresses; however, knowledge of genes controlling WSC is very limited. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using a high-density 90K SNP array to better understand the genetic basis underlying WSC, and to explore marker-based breeding approaches. WSC was evaluated in an association panel comprising 166 Chinese bread wheat cultivars planted in four environments. Fifty two marker-trait associations (MTAs) distributed across 23 loci were identified for phenotypic best linear unbiased estimates (BLUEs), and 11 MTAs were identified in two or more environments. Liner regression showed a clear dependence of WSC BLUE scores on numbers of favorable (increasing WSC content) and unfavorable alleles (decreasing WSC), indicating that genotypes with higher numbers of favorable or lower numbers of unfavorable alleles had higher WSC content. In silico analysis of flanking sequences of trait-associated SNPs revealed eight candidate genes related to WSC content grouped into two categories based on the type of encoding proteins, namely, defense response proteins and proteins triggered by environmental stresses. The identified SNPs and candidate genes related to WSC provide opportunities for breeding higher WSC wheat cultivars.

  7. Stable and unstable roots of ion temperature gradient driven mode using curvature modified plasma dispersion functions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gültekin, Ö.; Gürcan, Ö. D.

    2018-02-01

    Basic, local kinetic theory of ion temperature gradient driven (ITG) mode, with adiabatic electrons is reconsidered. Standard unstable, purely oscillating as well as damped solutions of the local dispersion relation are obtained using a bracketing technique that uses the argument principle. This method requires computing the plasma dielectric function and its derivatives, which are implemented here using modified plasma dispersion functions with curvature and their derivatives, and allows bracketing/following the zeros of the plasma dielectric function which corresponds to different roots of the ITG dispersion relation. We provide an open source implementation of the derivatives of modified plasma dispersion functions with curvature, which are used in this formulation. Studying the local ITG dispersion, we find that near the threshold of instability the unstable branch is rather asymmetric with oscillating solutions towards lower wave numbers (i.e. drift waves), and damped solutions toward higher wave numbers. This suggests a process akin to inverse cascade by coupling to the oscillating branch towards lower wave numbers may play a role in the nonlinear evolution of the ITG, near the instability threshold. Also, using the algorithm, the linear wave diffusion is estimated for the marginally stable ITG mode.

  8. Fiber optic configurations for local area networks

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Nassehi, M. M.; Tobagi, F. A.; Marhic, M. E.

    1985-01-01

    A number of fiber optic configurations for a new class of demand assignment multiple-access local area networks requiring a physical ordering among stations are proposed. In such networks, the data transmission and linear-ordering functions may be distinguished and be provided by separate data and control subnetworks. The configurations proposed for the data subnetwork are based on the linear, star, and tree topologies. To provide the linear-ordering function, the control subnetwork must always have a linear unidirectional bus structure. Due to the reciprocity and excess loss of optical couplers, the number of stations that can be accommodated on a linear fiber optic bus is severely limited. Two techniques are proposed to overcome this limitation. For each of the data and control subnetwork configurations, the maximum number of stations as a function of the power margin, for both reciprocal and nonreciprocal couplers, is computed.

  9. A preconditioner for the finite element computation of incompressible, nonlinear elastic deformations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Whiteley, J. P.

    2017-10-01

    Large, incompressible elastic deformations are governed by a system of nonlinear partial differential equations. The finite element discretisation of these partial differential equations yields a system of nonlinear algebraic equations that are usually solved using Newton's method. On each iteration of Newton's method, a linear system must be solved. We exploit the structure of the Jacobian matrix to propose a preconditioner, comprising two steps. The first step is the solution of a relatively small, symmetric, positive definite linear system using the preconditioned conjugate gradient method. This is followed by a small number of multigrid V-cycles for a larger linear system. Through the use of exemplar elastic deformations, the preconditioner is demonstrated to facilitate the iterative solution of the linear systems arising. The number of GMRES iterations required has only a very weak dependence on the number of degrees of freedom of the linear systems.

  10. Coupling between interface and velocity perturbations in the weakly nonlinear Rayleigh-Taylor instability

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

    Wang, L. F.; Ye, W. H.; He, X. T.

    2012-11-15

    Weakly nonlinear (WN) Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI) initiated by single-mode cosinusoidal interface and velocity perturbations is investigated analytically up to the third order. Expressions of the temporal evolutions of the amplitudes of the first three harmonics are derived. It is shown that there are coupling between interface and velocity perturbations, which plays a prominent role in the WN growth. When the 'equivalent amplitude' of the initial velocity perturbation, which is normalized by its linear growth rate, is compared to the amplitude of the initial interface perturbation, the coupling between them dominates the WN growth of the RTI. Furthermore, the RTI wouldmore » be mitigated by initiating a velocity perturbation with a relative phase shift against the interface perturbation. More specifically, when the phase shift between the interface perturbation and the velocity perturbation is {pi} and their equivalent amplitudes are equal, the RTI could be completely quenched. If the equivalent amplitude of the initial velocity perturbation is equal to the initial interface perturbation, the difference between the WN growth of the RTI initiated by only an interface perturbation and by only a velocity perturbation is found to be asymptotically negligible. The dependence of the WN growth on the Atwood numbers and the initial perturbation amplitudes is discussed. In particular, we investigate the dependence of the saturation amplitude (time) of the fundamental mode on the Atwood numbers and the initial perturbation amplitudes. It is found that the Atwood numbers and the initial perturbation amplitudes play a crucial role in the WN growth of the RTI. Thus, it should be included in applications where the seeds of the RTI have velocity perturbations, such as inertial confinement fusion implosions and supernova explosions.« less

  11. Attitude Change and Number of Plays of a Social Simulation Game.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kidder, Steven J.; Aubertine, Horace E.

    An experimental study was conducted in order to determine the effect of number of plays of the social simulation game "Ghetto" on attitudes toward people in general and ghetto people. It was expected that attitude change would increase with an increase in the number of plays of the game. This effect was not obtained. The game effect was…

  12. The small-scale dynamo: breaking universality at high Mach numbers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schleicher, Dominik R. G.; Schober, Jennifer; Federrath, Christoph; Bovino, Stefano; Schmidt, Wolfram

    2013-02-01

    The small-scale dynamo plays a substantial role in magnetizing the Universe under a large range of conditions, including subsonic turbulence at low Mach numbers, highly supersonic turbulence at high Mach numbers and a large range of magnetic Prandtl numbers Pm, i.e. the ratio of kinetic viscosity to magnetic resistivity. Low Mach numbers may, in particular, lead to the well-known, incompressible Kolmogorov turbulence, while for high Mach numbers, we are in the highly compressible regime, thus close to Burgers turbulence. In this paper, we explore whether in this large range of conditions, universal behavior can be expected. Our starting point is previous investigations in the kinematic regime. Here, analytic studies based on the Kazantsev model have shown that the behavior of the dynamo depends significantly on Pm and the type of turbulence, and numerical simulations indicate a strong dependence of the growth rate on the Mach number of the flow. Once the magnetic field saturates on the current amplification scale, backreactions occur and the growth is shifted to the next-larger scale. We employ a Fokker-Planck model to calculate the magnetic field amplification during the nonlinear regime, and find a resulting power-law growth that depends on the type of turbulence invoked. For Kolmogorov turbulence, we confirm previous results suggesting a linear growth of magnetic energy. For more general turbulent spectra, where the turbulent velocity scales with the characteristic length scale as uℓ∝ℓϑ, we find that the magnetic energy grows as (t/Ted)2ϑ/(1-ϑ), with t being the time coordinate and Ted the eddy-turnover time on the forcing scale of turbulence. For Burgers turbulence, ϑ = 1/2, quadratic rather than linear growth may thus be expected, as the spectral energy increases from smaller to larger scales more rapidly. The quadratic growth is due to the initially smaller growth rates obtained for Burgers turbulence. Similarly, we show that the characteristic length scale of the magnetic field grows as t1/(1-ϑ) in the general case, implying t3/2 for Kolmogorov and t2 for Burgers turbulence. Overall, we find that high Mach numbers, as typically associated with steep spectra of turbulence, may break the previously postulated universality, and introduce a dependence on the environment also in the nonlinear regime.

  13. Theorising Digital Play: A Cultural-Historical Conceptualisation of Children's Engagement in Imaginary Digital Situations

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fleer, Marilyn

    2016-01-01

    In the early childhood education literature, a growing number of studies have referenced "digital play." Many of these studies seek to describe how young children play with digital devices, notably, how they engage with different kinds of apps. This work collectively illustrates a range of play behaviours where a number of important…

  14. 123s and ABCs: developmental shifts in logarithmic-to-linear responding reflect fluency with sequence values.

    PubMed

    Hurst, Michelle; Monahan, K Leigh; Heller, Elizabeth; Cordes, Sara

    2014-11-01

    When placing numbers along a number line with endpoints 0 and 1000, children generally space numbers logarithmically until around the age of 7, when they shift to a predominantly linear pattern of responding. This developmental shift of responding on the number placement task has been argued to be indicative of a shift in the format of the underlying representation of number (Siegler & Opfer, ). In the current study, we provide evidence from both child and adult participants to suggest that performance on the number placement task may not reflect the structure of the mental number line, but instead is a function of the fluency (i.e. ease) with which the individual can work with the values in the sequence. In Experiment 1, adult participants respond logarithmically when placing numbers on a line with less familiar anchors (1639 to 2897), despite linear responding on control tasks with standard anchors involving a similar range (0 to 1287) and a similar numerical magnitude (2000 to 3000). In Experiment 2, we show a similar developmental shift in childhood from logarithmic to linear responding for a non-numerical sequence with no inherent magnitude (the alphabet). In conclusion, we argue that the developmental trend towards linear behavior on the number line task is a product of successful strategy use and mental fluency with the values of the sequence, resulting from familiarity with endpoints and increased knowledge about general ordering principles of the sequence.A video abstract of this article can be viewed at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg5Q2LIFk3M. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  15. Optimized detection of steering via linear criteria for arbitrary-dimensional states

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zheng, Yu-Lin; Zhen, Yi-Zheng; Cao, Wen-Fei; Li, Li; Chen, Zeng-Bing; Liu, Nai-Le; Chen, Kai

    2017-03-01

    Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) steering, as a new form of nonlocality, stands between entanglement and Bell nonlocality, implying promising applications for quantum information tasks. The problem of detecting EPR steering plays an important role in characterization of quantum nonlocality. Despite some significant progress, one still faces a practical issue: how to detect EPR steering in an experimentally friendly fashion. Resorting to an EPR steering inequality, one is required to apply a strategy as efficiently as possible for any selected measurement settings on the two subsystems, one of which may not be trusted. Inspired by the recent powerful linear criteria proposed by Saunders et al. [D. J. Saunders, S. J. Jones, H. M. Wiseman, and G. J. Pryde, Nat. Phys. 6, 845 (2010)., 10.1038/nphys1766], we present an optimized method of certifying steering for an arbitrary-dimensional state in a cost-effective manner. We provide a practical way to signify steering via only a few settings to optimally violate the steering inequality. Our method leads to steering detections in a highly efficient way, and can be performed with any number of settings, for an arbitrary bipartite mixed state, which can reduce experimental overheads significantly.

  16. Jet Surface Interaction-Scrubbing Noise

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Khavaran, Abbas

    2013-01-01

    Generation of sound due to scrubbing of a jet flow past a nearby solid surface is investigated within the framework of the generalized acoustic analogy theory. The analysis applies to the boundary layer noise generated at and near a wall, and excludes the scattered noise component that is produced at the leading or the trailing edge. While compressibility effects are relatively unimportant at very low Mach numbers, frictional heat generation and thermal gradient normal to the surface could play important roles in generation and propagation of sound in high speed jets of practical interest. A general expression is given for the spectral density of the far-field sound as governed by the variable density Pridmore- Brown equation. The propagation Green's function should be solved numerically starting with the boundary conditions on the surface and subject to specified mean velocity and temperature profiles between the surface and the observer. The equivalent sources of aerodynamic sound are associated with non-linear momentum flux and enthalpy flux terms that appear in the linearized Navier-Stokes equations. These multi-pole sources should be modeled and evaluated with input from a Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) solver with an appropriate turbulence model.

  17. The structure and DNA-binding properties of Mgm101 from a yeast with a linear mitochondrial genome

    PubMed Central

    Pevala, Vladimír; Truban, Dominika; Bauer, Jacob A.; Košťan, Július; Kunová, Nina; Bellová, Jana; Brandstetter, Marlene; Marini, Victoria; Krejčí, Lumír; Tomáška, Ľubomír; Nosek, Jozef; Kutejová, Eva

    2016-01-01

    To study the mechanisms involved in the maintenance of a linear mitochondrial genome we investigated the biochemical properties of the recombination protein Mgm101 from Candida parapsilosis. We show that CpMgm101 complements defects associated with the Saccharomyces cerevisiae mgm101–1ts mutation and that it is present in both the nucleus and mitochondrial nucleoids of C. parapsilosis. Unlike its S. cerevisiae counterpart, CpMgm101 is associated with the entire nucleoid population and is able to bind to a broad range of DNA substrates in a non-sequence specific manner. CpMgm101 is also able to catalyze strand annealing and D-loop formation. CpMgm101 forms a roughly C-shaped trimer in solution according to SAXS. Electron microscopy of a complex of CpMgm101 with a model mitochondrial telomere revealed homogeneous, ring-shaped structures at the telomeric single-stranded overhangs. The DNA-binding properties of CpMgm101, together with its DNA recombination properties, suggest that it can play a number of possible roles in the replication of the mitochondrial genome and the maintenance of its telomeres. PMID:26743001

  18. Linearly Polarized Dual-Wavelength Vertical-External-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (Postprint)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-03-01

    Lamb, Jr., Laser Physics Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1974, pp. 125-126. 7A. E. Siegman , Lasers University Sciences Books, Sausalito, CA, 1986, pp...AFRL-RY-WP-TP-2008-1171 LINEARLY POLARIZED DUAL-WAVELENGTH VERTICAL-EXTERNAL-CAVITY SURFACE-EMITTING LASER (Postprint) Li Fan, Mahmoud...LINEARLY POLARIZED DUAL-WAVELENGTH VERTICAL-EXTERNAL- CAVITY SURFACE-EMITTING LASER (Postprint) 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER IN-HOUSE 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c

  19. Phase Transitions: In the Brain, Socio-­Dramatic Play and Meaningful Early Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fromberg, Doris Pronin

    2017-01-01

    There are similar, non-linear complex dynamical systems that underlie the epigenetic development of young children. This paper discusses the confluence of research on brain functions; a body or research that informs the characteristics of young children's play and imagination; and the ways in which young children acquire fresh perceptions and…

  20. Transition play in team performance of volleyball: a log-linear analysis.

    PubMed

    Eom, H J; Schutz, R W

    1992-09-01

    The purpose of this study was to develop and test a method to analyze and evaluate sequential skill performances in a team sport. An on-line computerized system was developed to record and summarize the sequential skill performances in volleyball. Seventy-two sample games from the third Federation of International Volleyball Cup men's competition were videotaped and grouped into two categories according to the final team standing and game outcome. Log-linear procedures were used to investigate the nature and degree of the relationship in the first-order (pass-to-set, set-to-spike) and second-order (pass-to-spike) transition plays. Results showed that there was a significant dependency in both the first-order and second-order transition plays, indicating that the outcome of a skill performance is highly influenced by the quality of a preceding skill performance. In addition, the pattern of the transition plays was stable and consistent, regardless of the classification status: Game Outcome, Team Standing, or Transition Process. The methodology and subsequent results provide valuable aids for a thorough understanding of the characteristics of transition plays in volleyball. In addition, the concept of sequential performance analysis may serve as an example for sport scientists in investigating probabilistic patterns of motor performance.

  1. Non-linear dual-phase-lag model for analyzing heat transfer phenomena in living tissues during thermal ablation.

    PubMed

    Kumar, P; Kumar, Dinesh; Rai, K N

    2016-08-01

    In this article, a non-linear dual-phase-lag (DPL) bio-heat transfer model based on temperature dependent metabolic heat generation rate is derived to analyze the heat transfer phenomena in living tissues during thermal ablation treatment. The numerical solution of the present non-linear problem has been done by finite element Runge-Kutta (4,5) method which combines the essence of Runge-Kutta (4,5) method together with finite difference scheme. Our study demonstrates that at the thermal ablation position temperature predicted by non-linear and linear DPL models show significant differences. A comparison has been made among non-linear DPL, thermal wave and Pennes model and it has been found that non-linear DPL and thermal wave bio-heat model show almost same nature whereas non-linear Pennes model shows significantly different temperature profile at the initial stage of thermal ablation treatment. The effect of Fourier number and Vernotte number (relaxation Fourier number) on temperature profile in presence and absence of externally applied heat source has been studied in detail and it has been observed that the presence of externally applied heat source term highly affects the efficiency of thermal treatment method. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Multidimensional indexing structure for use with linear optimization queries

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bergman, Lawrence David (Inventor); Castelli, Vittorio (Inventor); Chang, Yuan-Chi (Inventor); Li, Chung-Sheng (Inventor); Smith, John Richard (Inventor)

    2002-01-01

    Linear optimization queries, which usually arise in various decision support and resource planning applications, are queries that retrieve top N data records (where N is an integer greater than zero) which satisfy a specific optimization criterion. The optimization criterion is to either maximize or minimize a linear equation. The coefficients of the linear equation are given at query time. Methods and apparatus are disclosed for constructing, maintaining and utilizing a multidimensional indexing structure of database records to improve the execution speed of linear optimization queries. Database records with numerical attributes are organized into a number of layers and each layer represents a geometric structure called convex hull. Such linear optimization queries are processed by searching from the outer-most layer of this multi-layer indexing structure inwards. At least one record per layer will satisfy the query criterion and the number of layers needed to be searched depends on the spatial distribution of records, the query-issued linear coefficients, and N, the number of records to be returned. When N is small compared to the total size of the database, answering the query typically requires searching only a small fraction of all relevant records, resulting in a tremendous speedup as compared to linearly scanning the entire dataset.

  3. Linear Magnetochiral effect in Weyl Semimetals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cortijo, Alberto

    We describe the presence of a linear magnetochiral effect in time reversal breaking Weyl semimetals. The magnetochiral effect consists in a simultaneous linear dependence of the magnetotransport coefficients with the magnetic field and a momentum vector. This simultaneous dependence is allowed by the Onsager reciprocity relations, being the separation vector between the Weyl nodes the vector that plays such role. This linear magnetochiral effect constitutes a new transport effect associated to the topological structures linked to time reversal breaking Weyl semimetals. European Union structural funds and the Comunidad de Madrid MAD2D-CM Program (S2013/MIT-3007) and MINECO (Spain) Grant No. FIS2015-73454-JIN.

  4. Differentiation of Students' Reasoning on Linear and Quadratic Geometric Number Patterns

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lin, Fou-Lai; Yang, Kai-Lin

    2004-01-01

    There are two purposes in this study. One is to compare how 7th and 8th graders reason on linear and quadratic geometric number patterns when they have not learned this kind of tasks in school. The other is to explore the hierarchical relations among the four components of reasoning on geometric number patterns: understanding, generalizing,…

  5. Linear optics only allows every possible quantum operation for one photon or one port

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moyano-Fernández, Julio José; Garcia-Escartin, Juan Carlos

    2017-01-01

    We study the evolution of the quantum state of n photons in m different modes when they go through a lossless linear optical system. We show that there are quantum evolution operators U that cannot be built with linear optics alone unless the number of photons or the number of modes is equal to one. The evolution for single photons can be controlled with the known realization of any unitary proved by Reck, Zeilinger, Bernstein and Bertani. The evolution for a single mode corresponds to the trivial evolution in a phase shifter. We analyze these two cases and prove that any other combination of the number of photons and modes produces a Hilbert state too large for the linear optics system to give any desired evolution.

  6. Linear reduction method for predictive and informative tag SNP selection.

    PubMed

    He, Jingwu; Westbrooks, Kelly; Zelikovsky, Alexander

    2005-01-01

    Constructing a complete human haplotype map is helpful when associating complex diseases with their related SNPs. Unfortunately, the number of SNPs is very large and it is costly to sequence many individuals. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the number of SNPs that should be sequenced to a small number of informative representatives called tag SNPs. In this paper, we propose a new linear algebra-based method for selecting and using tag SNPs. We measure the quality of our tag SNP selection algorithm by comparing actual SNPs with SNPs predicted from selected linearly independent tag SNPs. Our experiments show that for sufficiently long haplotypes, knowing only 0.4% of all SNPs the proposed linear reduction method predicts an unknown haplotype with the error rate below 2% based on 10% of the population.

  7. Perturbations of the Richardson number field by gravity waves

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wurtele, M. G.; Sharman, R. D.

    1985-01-01

    An analytic solution is presented for a stratified fluid of arbitrary constant Richardson number. By computer aided analysis the perturbation fields, including that of the Richardson number can be calculated. The results of the linear analytic model were compared with nonlinear simulations, leading to the following conclusions: (1) the perturbations in the Richardson number field, when small, are produced primarily by the perturbations of the shear; (2) perturbations of in the Richardson number field, even when small, are not symmetric, the increase being significantly larger than the decrease (the linear analytic solution and the nonlinear simulations both confirm this result); (3) as the perturbations grow, this asymmetry increases, but more so in the nonlinear simulations than in the linear analysis; (4) for large perturbations of the shear flow, the static stability, as represented by N2, is the dominating mechanism, becoming zero or negative, and producing convective overturning; and (5) the convectional measure of linearity in lee wave theory, NH/U, is no longer the critical parameter (it is suggested that (H/u sub 0) (du sub 0/dz) takes on this role in a shearing flow).

  8. From big data to rich data: The key features of athlete wheelchair mobility performance.

    PubMed

    van der Slikke, R M A; Berger, M A M; Bregman, D J J; Veeger, H E J

    2016-10-03

    Quantitative assessment of an athlete׳s individual wheelchair mobility performance is one prerequisite needed to evaluate game performance, improve wheelchair settings and optimize training routines. Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) based methods can be used to perform such quantitative assessment, providing a large number of kinematic data. The goal of this research was to reduce that large amount of data to a set of key features best describing wheelchair mobility performance in match play and present them in meaningful way for both scientists and athletes. To test the discriminative power, wheelchair mobility characteristics of athletes with different performance levels were compared. The wheelchair kinematics of 29 (inter-)national level athletes were measured during a match using three inertial sensors mounted on the wheelchair. Principal component analysis was used to reduce 22 kinematic outcomes to a set of six outcomes regarding linear and rotational movement; speed and acceleration; average and best performance. In addition, it was explored whether groups of athletes with known performance differences based on their impairment classification also differed with respect to these key outcomes using univariate general linear models. For all six key outcomes classification showed to be a significant factor (p<0.05). We composed a set of six key kinematic outcomes that accurately describe wheelchair mobility performance in match play. The key kinematic outcomes were displayed in an easy to interpret way, usable for athletes, coaches and scientists. This standardized representation enables comparison of different wheelchair sports regarding wheelchair mobility, but also evaluation at the level of an individual athlete. By this means, the tool could enhance further development of wheelchair sports in general. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Seismic behaviour of mountain belts controlled by plate convergence rate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dal Zilio, Luca; van Dinther, Ylona; Gerya, Taras V.; Pranger, Casper C.

    2018-01-01

    The relative contribution of tectonic and kinematic processes to seismic behaviour of mountain belts is still controversial. To understand the partitioning between these processes we developed a model that simulates both tectonic and seismic processes in a continental collision setting. These 2D seismo-thermo-mechanical (STM) models obtain a Gutenberg-Richter frequency-magnitude distribution due to spontaneous events occurring throughout the orogen. Our simulations suggest that both the corresponding slope (b value) and maximum earthquake magnitude (MWmax) correlate linearly with plate convergence rate. By analyzing 1D rheological profiles and isotherm depths we demonstrate that plate convergence rate controls the brittle strength through a rheological feedback with temperature and strain rate. Faster convergence leads to cooler temperatures and also results in more larger seismogenic domains, thereby increasing both MWmax and the relative number of large earthquakes (decreasing b value). This mechanism also predicts a more seismogenic lower crust, which is confirmed by a transition from uni- to bi-modal hypocentre depth distributions in our models. This transition and a linear relation between convergence rate and b value and MWmax is supported by our comparison of earthquakes recorded across the Alps, Apennines, Zagros and Himalaya. These results imply that deformation in the Alps occurs in a more ductile manner compared to the Himalayas, thereby reducing its seismic hazard. Furthermore, a second set of experiments with higher temperature and different orogenic architecture shows the same linear relation with convergence rate, suggesting that large-scale tectonic structure plays a subordinate role. We thus propose that plate convergence rate, which also controls the average differential stress of the orogen and its linear relation to the b value, is the first-order parameter controlling seismic hazard of mountain belts.

  10. The consistency of positive fully fuzzy linear system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Malkawi, Ghassan O.; Alfifi, Hassan Y.

    2017-11-01

    In this paper, the consistency of fuzziness of positive solution of the n × n fully fuzzy linear system (P - FFLS) is studied based on its associated linear system (P - ALS). That can consist of the whole entries of triangular fuzzy numbers in a linear system without fuzzy operations. The nature of solution is differentiated in case of fuzzy solution, non-fuzzy solution and fuzzy non-positive solution. Moreover, the analysis reveals that the P - ALS is applicable to provide the set of infinite number of solutions. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the proposed analysis.

  11. Stabilization of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability in quantum magnetized plasmas

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

    Wang, L. F.; Ye, W. H.; He, X. T.

    2012-07-15

    In this research, stabilization of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI) due to density gradients, magnetic fields, and quantum effects, in an ideal incompressible plasma, is studied analytically and numerically. A second-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) for the RTI including quantum corrections, with a continuous density profile, in a uniform external magnetic field, is obtained. Analytic expressions of the linear growth rate of the RTI, considering modifications of density gradients, magnetic fields, and quantum effects, are presented. Numerical approaches are performed to solve the second-order ODE. The analytical model proposed here agrees with the numerical calculation. It is found that the densitymore » gradients, the magnetic fields, and the quantum effects, respectively, have a stabilizing effect on the RTI (reduce the linear growth of the RTI). The RTI can be completely quenched by the magnetic field stabilization and/or the quantum effect stabilization in proper circumstances leading to a cutoff wavelength. The quantum effect stabilization plays a central role in systems with large Atwood number and small normalized density gradient scale length. The presence of external transverse magnetic fields beside the quantum effects will bring about more stability on the RTI. The stabilization of the linear growth of the RTI, for parameters closely related to inertial confinement fusion and white dwarfs, is discussed. Results could potentially be valuable for the RTI treatment to analyze the mixing in supernovas and other RTI-driven objects.« less

  12. Comparative Evaluation of Different Optimization Algorithms for Structural Design Applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Patnaik, Surya N.; Coroneos, Rula M.; Guptill, James D.; Hopkins, Dale A.

    1996-01-01

    Non-linear programming algorithms play an important role in structural design optimization. Fortunately, several algorithms with computer codes are available. At NASA Lewis Research Centre, a project was initiated to assess the performance of eight different optimizers through the development of a computer code CometBoards. This paper summarizes the conclusions of that research. CometBoards was employed to solve sets of small, medium and large structural problems, using the eight different optimizers on a Cray-YMP8E/8128 computer. The reliability and efficiency of the optimizers were determined from the performance of these problems. For small problems, the performance of most of the optimizers could be considered adequate. For large problems, however, three optimizers (two sequential quadratic programming routines, DNCONG of IMSL and SQP of IDESIGN, along with Sequential Unconstrained Minimizations Technique SUMT) outperformed others. At optimum, most optimizers captured an identical number of active displacement and frequency constraints but the number of active stress constraints differed among the optimizers. This discrepancy can be attributed to singularity conditions in the optimization and the alleviation of this discrepancy can improve the efficiency of optimizers.

  13. Layer-Dependent Third-Harmonic Generation in Graphene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Hao; Guan, Honghua; Dadap, Jerry; Osgood, Richard; Richard Osgood Team

    Graphene has become a subject of intense interest and study because of its remarkable 2D electronic properties. Multilayer graphene also offers an array of properties that are also of interest for optical physics and devices. Despite its second-order-nonlinear optical response is intrinsically weak, third-order nonlinear optical effects in graphene are symmetry-allowed thus leading to studies of several third-order process in few-layer graphene. In this work, we report third-harmonic generation in multilayer graphene mounted on fused silica and with thicknesses which approach the bulk continuum. THG signals show cubic power dependence with respect to the intensity of fundamental beam. Third-harmonic generation spectroscopy enables a good fit using linear optical detection, which shows strong contrast for different layer number graphene. The maximum THG efficiency appears at layer number around 30. Two models are used for describing this layer dependent phenomenon and shows absorption plays a key role in THG of multilayer graphene. This work also provides a new imaging technology for graphene detection and identification with better contrast and resolution. U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-FG 02-04-ER-46157.

  14. Scheduling Aircraft Landings under Constrained Position Shifting

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Balakrishnan, Hamsa; Chandran, Bala

    2006-01-01

    Optimal scheduling of airport runway operations can play an important role in improving the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS). Methods that compute the optimal landing sequence and landing times of aircraft must accommodate practical issues that affect the implementation of the schedule. One such practical consideration, known as Constrained Position Shifting (CPS), is the restriction that each aircraft must land within a pre-specified number of positions of its place in the First-Come-First-Served (FCFS) sequence. We consider the problem of scheduling landings of aircraft in a CPS environment in order to maximize runway throughput (minimize the completion time of the landing sequence), subject to operational constraints such as FAA-specified minimum inter-arrival spacing restrictions, precedence relationships among aircraft that arise either from airline preferences or air traffic control procedures that prevent overtaking, and time windows (representing possible control actions) during which each aircraft landing can occur. We present a Dynamic Programming-based approach that scales linearly in the number of aircraft, and describe our computational experience with a prototype implementation on realistic data for Denver International Airport.

  15. Application Of Light Valves For Continuous-Tone Printing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vergona, Albert B.

    1989-07-01

    New opportunities are emerging in the graphic-arts pre-press market stimulated by the need for digitally created images. To meet this need, we have designed a cost-effective three-color digital printer using PLZT light valves. Transparent lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) ceramic crystals when used as a linear modulator offer a number of significant benefits. The primary advantage is that the light valve is an efficient modulator of incoherent light providing a broad spectral output ranging from 400nm to well into the infrared region. In addition, light valves offer the advantages of being small, low cost, have a wide dynamic range (>1000 to 1), and can be used with simple optical designs. The characteristics of the PLZT material plays an important role in the performance of the light valve. A number of variables such as ceramic composition, electrode spacing, and ceramic thickness can be altered to affect its quadratic electrooptic behavior. Additionally, the modulator design requires a closed-loop servo to eliminate the errors caused by the device's remanent polarization and nonlinear behavior.

  16. Sensitivity analysis on the effective stiffness properties of 3-D orthotropic honeycomb cores

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Karakoç, Alp

    2018-01-01

    The present study investigates the influences of representative volume element RVE mesh and material parameters, here cell wall elastic moduli, on the effective stiffness properties of three dimensional orthotropic honeycomb cores through strain driven computational homogenization in the finite element framework. For this purpose, case studies were carried out, for which hexagonal cellular RVEs were generated, meshed with eight node linear brick finite elements of varying numbers. Periodic boundary conditions were then implemented on the RVE boundaries by using one-to-one nodal match for the corresponding corners, edges and surfaces for the imposed macroscopic strains. As a novelty, orthotropic material properties were assigned for each cell wall by means of the transformation matrices following the cell wall orientations. Thereafter, simulations were conducted and volume averaged macroscopic stresses were obtained. Eventually, effective stiffness properties were obtained, through which RVE sensitivity analysis was carried out. The investigations indicate that there is a strong relation between number of finite elements and most of the effective stiffness parameters. In addition to this, cell wall elastic moduli also play critical role on the effective properties of the investigated materials.

  17. Medical Device Plug-and-Play Interoperability Standards and Technology Leadership

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-10-01

    Award Number: W81XWH-09-1-0705 TITLE: “Medical Device Plug-and-Play Interoperability Standards and Technology Leadership” PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR...Sept 2016 – 20 Sept 2017 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE “Medical Device Plug-and-Play Interoperability 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER Standards and Technology ...efficiency through interoperable medical technologies . We played a leadership role on interoperability safety standards (AAMI, AAMI/UL Joint

  18. The Hagen-Poiseuille, Plane Couette and Poiseuille Flows Linear Instability and Rogue Waves Excitation Mechanism

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chefranov, Sergey; Chefranov, Alexander

    2016-04-01

    Linear hydrodynamic stability theory for the Hagen-Poiseuille (HP) flow yields a conclusion of infinitely large threshold Reynolds number, Re, value. This contradiction to the observation data is bypassed using assumption of the HP flow instability having hard type and possible for sufficiently high-amplitude disturbances. HP flow disturbance evolution is considered by nonlinear hydrodynamic stability theory. Similar is the case of the plane Couette (PC) flow. For the plane Poiseuille (PP) flow, linear theory just quantitatively does not agree with experimental data defining the threshold Reynolds number Re= 5772 ( S. A. Orszag, 1971), more than five-fold exceeding however the value observed, Re=1080 (S. J. Davies, C. M. White, 1928). In the present work, we show that the linear stability theory conclusions for the HP and PC on stability for any Reynolds number and evidently too high threshold Reynolds number estimate for the PP flow are related with the traditional use of the disturbance representation assuming the possibility of separation of the longitudinal (along the flow direction) variable from the other spatial variables. We show that if to refuse from this traditional form, conclusions on the linear instability for the HP and PC flows may be obtained for finite Reynolds numbers (for the HP flow, for Re>704, and for the PC flow, for Re>139). Also, we fit the linear stability theory conclusion on the PP flow to the experimental data by getting an estimate of the minimal threshold Reynolds number as Re=1040. We also get agreement of the minimal threshold Reynolds number estimate for PC with the experimental data of S. Bottin, et.al., 1997, where the laminar PC flow stability threshold is Re = 150. Rogue waves excitation mechanism in oppositely directed currents due to the PC flow linear instability is discussed. Results of the new linear hydrodynamic stability theory for the HP, PP, and PC flows are published in the following papers: 1. S.G. Chefranov, A.G. Chefranov, JETP, v.119, No.2, 331, 2014 2. S.G. Chefranov, A.G. Chefranov, Doklady Physics, vol.60, No.7, 327-332, 2015 3. S.G. Chefranov, A. G. Chefranov, arXiv: 1509.08910v1 [physics.flu-dyn] 29 Sep 2015 (accepted to JETP)

  19. Limit cycles in planar piecewise linear differential systems with nonregular separation line

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cardin, Pedro Toniol; Torregrosa, Joan

    2016-12-01

    In this paper we deal with planar piecewise linear differential systems defined in two zones. We consider the case when the two linear zones are angular sectors of angles α and 2 π - α, respectively, for α ∈(0 , π) . We study the problem of determining lower bounds for the number of isolated periodic orbits in such systems using Melnikov functions. These limit cycles appear studying higher order piecewise linear perturbations of a linear center. It is proved that the maximum number of limit cycles that can appear up to a sixth order perturbation is five. Moreover, for these values of α, we prove the existence of systems with four limit cycles up to fifth order and, for α = π / 2, we provide an explicit example with five up to sixth order. In general, the nonregular separation line increases the number of periodic orbits in comparison with the case where the two zones are separated by a straight line.

  20. The Role of Resource Density on Energy Allocation in the Neotropical Termite Nasutitermes aff. coxipoensis (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae).

    PubMed

    Cristaldo, P F; Almeida, C S; Cruz, N G; Ribeiro, E J M; Rocha, M L C; Santos, A A; Santana, A S; Araújo, A P A

    2018-06-01

    Organisms acquire energy from environment and must allocate it among different life traits (growth, maintenance and reproduction). Social insects must manage the energy allocation to various levels such as colony growth and caste functions. Here, we addressed the question of whether resource density affects the energy allocation to the number of individuals and caste functions as well as nest's growth rate in the Neotropical termite Nasutitermes aff. coxipoensis (Homgren) (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae). In a manipulative field experiment, colonies of N. aff. coxipoensis, with known volume, were maintained in plots with three different resource's density (0.32, 0.64 and 1.92 baits/m 2 ) over 3 months. After this period, the number of individuals as well as the caste identity and nest volume were measured. Surprisingly, our results showed that colonies reared in the extremes of resource's density (0.32 and 1.92 baits/m 2 ) produced a higher number of individuals compared with colonies reared with intermediate resource density (0. 64 baits/m 2 ). The mean number of workers increased linearly with resource density; however, the average number of immature was higher in colonies reared with 0.32 baits/m 2 compared with colonies reared with 0.64 and 1.92 baits/m 2 . No significant differences of resource density were observed in the mean number of soldiers, worker/soldier ratio as well as in the nest's growth rate. In conclusion, the resource's density seems to play an important role in determining the investment of energy in the number of individuals and caste in N. aff. coxipoensis colonies.

  1. Examining Play Counts and Measurements of Injury Incidence in Youth Football.

    PubMed

    Kerr, Zachary Y; Yeargin, Susan W; Djoko, Aristarque; Dalton, Sara L; Baker, Melissa M; Dompier, Thomas P

    2017-10-01

      Whereas researchers have provided estimates for the number of head impacts sustained within a youth football season, less is known about the number of plays across which such impact exposure occurs.   To estimate the number of plays in which youth football players participated during the 2013 season and to estimate injury incidence through play-based injury rates.   Descriptive epidemiology study.   Youth football.   Youth football players (N = 2098; age range, 5-15 years) from 105 teams in 12 recreational leagues across 6 states.   We calculated the average number of athlete-plays per season and per game using independent-samples t tests to compare age groups (5-10 years old versus 11-15 years old) and squad sizes (<20 versus ≥20 players); game injury rates per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs) and per 10 000 athlete-plays; and injury rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to compare age groups.   On average, youth football players participated in 333.9 ± 178.5 plays per season and 43.9 ± 24.0 plays per game. Age groups (5- to 10-year-olds versus 11- to 15-year-olds) did not differ in the average number of plays per season (335.8 versus 332.3, respectively; t 2086.4 = 0.45, P = .65) or per game (44.1 versus 43.7, respectively; t 2092.3 = 0.38, P = .71). However, players from smaller teams participated in more plays per season (373.7 versus 308.0; t 1611.4 = 8.15, P < .001) and per game (47.7 versus 41.4; t 1523.5 = 5.67, P < .001). Older players had a greater game injury rate than younger players when injury rates were calculated per 1000 AEs (23.03 versus 17.86/1000 AEs; IRR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.60) or per 10 000 athlete-plays (5.30 versus 4.18/10 000 athlete-plays; IRR = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.02, 1.57).   A larger squad size was associated with a lower average number of plays per season and per game. Increasing youth football squad sizes may help reduce head-impact exposure for individual players. The AE-based injury rates yielded effect estimates similar to those of play-based injury rates.

  2. Statespace geometry of puff formation in pipe flow

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Budanur, Nazmi Burak; Hof, Bjoern

    2017-11-01

    Localized patches of chaotically moving fluid known as puffs play a central role in the transition to turbulence in pipe flow. Puffs coexist with the laminar flow and their large-scale dynamics sets the critical Reynolds number: When the rate of puff splitting exceeds that of decaying, turbulence in a long pipe becomes sustained in a statistical sense. Since puffs appear despite the linear stability of the Hagen-Poiseuille flow, one expects them to emerge from the bifurcations of finite-amplitude solutions of Navier-Stokes equations. In numerical simulations of pipe flow, Avila et al., discovered a pair of streamwise localized relative periodic orbits, which are time-periodic solutions with spatial drifts. We combine symmetry reduction and Poincaré section methods to compute the unstable manifolds of these orbits, revealing statespace structures associated with different stages of puff formation.

  3. Environmental assessment of the entire pork value chain in Catalonia - A strategy to work towards Circular Economy.

    PubMed

    Noya, Isabel; Aldea, Xavier; González-García, Sara; M Gasol, Carles; Moreira, María Teresa; Amores, Maria José; Marín, Desirée; Boschmonart-Rives, Jesús

    2017-07-01

    Pork industry in Catalonia plays a foremost and representative role in the Spanish pork sector. Beyond the economic benefits, conventional practices in the pork industry also imply a number of environmental impacts that need to be dealt with. In this context, the environmental performance of traditional linear pork chain in Catalonia was evaluated through a LCA approach. The outcomes of the analysis showed that both fodder production and transport activities were identified as the critical stages of the system. Accordingly, alternative schemes based on circular economy principles were proposed and potential environmental credits were estimated. Within this framework, comparative results highlighted the advantages of moving towards a closing loop production system, where resource efficiency and waste valorisation were prioritised over final disposal options. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. General solution of the Bagley-Torvik equation with fractional-order derivative

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Z. H.; Wang, X.

    2010-05-01

    This paper investigates the general solution of the Bagley-Torvik equation with 1/2-order derivative or 3/2-order derivative. This fractional-order differential equation is changed into a sequential fractional-order differential equation (SFDE) with constant coefficients. Then the general solution of the SFDE is expressed as the linear combination of fundamental solutions that are in terms of α-exponential functions, a kind of functions that play the same role of the classical exponential function. Because the number of fundamental solutions of the SFDE is greater than 2, the general solution of the SFDE depends on more than two free (independent) constants. This paper shows that the general solution of the Bagley-Torvik equation involves actually two free constants only, and it can be determined fully by the initial displacement and initial velocity.

  5. The dynamic behavior and compliance of a stream of cavitating bubbles.

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Brennen, C.

    1973-01-01

    Study of the dynamic response of streams of cavitating bubbles to imposed pressure fluctuations to determine the role played by turbopump cavitation in the POGO instability of liquid rockets. Both quasi-static and more general linearized dynamic analyses are made of the perturbations to a cavitating flow through a region of reduced pressure in which the bubbles first grow and then collapse. The results, when coupled with typical bubble number density distribution functions, yield compliances which compare favorably with the existing measurements. Since the fluids involved are frequently cryogenic, a careful examination was made of the thermal effects both on the mean flow and on the perturbations. As a result, the discrepancy between theory and experiment for particular engines could be qualitatively ascribed to reductions in the compliance caused either by these thermal effects or by relatively high reduced frequencies.

  6. Gambling expenditure by game type among weekly gamblers in Finland.

    PubMed

    Salonen, Anne H; Kontto, Jukka; Perhoniemi, Riku; Alho, Hannu; Castrén, Sari

    2018-06-05

    Excessive expenditure and financial harms are core features of problem gambling. There are various forms of gambling and their nature varies. The aim was to measure gambling expenditure by game type while controlling for demographics and other gambling participation factors. A further aim was to find out how each game type was associated with gambling expenditure when the number of game types played is adjusted for. Using data from the 2015 Finnish Gambling survey on adult gamblers (n = 3555), multiple log-linear regression was used to examine the effects of demographics, gambling participation, and engaging in different game types on weekly gambling expenditure (WGE) and relative gambling expenditure (RGE). Male gender, lower education level, higher gambling frequency and higher number of game types increased both WGE and RGE, while younger age decreased WGE but increased RGE. Furthermore, seven specific game types increased both WGE and RGE. Weekly horse race betting and non-monopoly gambling had the strongest increasing effect on expenditure. Betting games and online poker were associated with higher expenditure even when they were played less often than weekly. Among weekly gamblers the highest mean WGE was recorded for those who played non-monopoly games (146.84 €/week), online poker (59.61 €/week), scratch games (51.77 €/week) and horse race betting (48.67 €/week). Those who played only 1-2 game types a week had the highest mean WGE and RGE on horse race betting and other betting games. It seems that overall gambling frequency is the strongest indicator of high gambling expenditure. Our results showed that different game types had different effect sizes on gambling expenditure. Weekly gambling on horse races and non-monopoly games had the greatest increasing effect on expenditure. However, different game types also varied based on their popularity. The extent of potential harms caused by high expenditure therefore also varies on the population level. Based on our results, future prevention and harm minimization efforts should be tailored to different game types for greater effectiveness.

  7. Stability margin of linear systems with parameters described by fuzzy numbers.

    PubMed

    Husek, Petr

    2011-10-01

    This paper deals with the linear systems with uncertain parameters described by fuzzy numbers. The problem of determining the stability margin of those systems with linear affine dependence of the coefficients of a characteristic polynomial on system parameters is studied. Fuzzy numbers describing the system parameters are allowed to be characterized by arbitrary nonsymmetric membership functions. An elegant solution, graphical in nature, based on generalization of the Tsypkin-Polyak plot is presented. The advantage of the presented approach over the classical robust concept is demonstrated on a control of the Fiat Dedra engine model and a control of the quarter car suspension model.

  8. A decentralized process for finding equilibria given by linear equations.

    PubMed Central

    Reiter, S

    1994-01-01

    I present a decentralized process for finding the equilibria of an economy characterized by a finite number of linear equilibrium conditions. The process finds all equilibria or, if there are none, reports that, in a finite number of steps at most equal to the number of equations. The communication and computational complexity compare favorably with other decentralized processes. The process may also be interpreted as an algorithm for solving a distributed system of linear equations. Comparisons with the Linpack program for LU (lower and upper triangular decomposition of the matrix of the equation system, a version of Gaussian elimination) are presented. PMID:11607486

  9. Diffusion phenomenon for linear dissipative wave equations in an exterior domain

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ikehata, Ryo

    Under the general condition of the initial data, we will derive the crucial estimates which imply the diffusion phenomenon for the dissipative linear wave equations in an exterior domain. In order to derive the diffusion phenomenon for dissipative wave equations, the time integral method which was developed by Ikehata and Matsuyama (Sci. Math. Japon. 55 (2002) 33) plays an effective role.

  10. Association between periodontitis and salivary nitric oxide metabolites among community elderly Koreans.

    PubMed

    Han, Dong-Hun; Kim, Mi-Sun; Shin, Hye-Sun; Park, Kyung Pyo; Kim, Hyun-Duck

    2013-06-01

    Nitric oxide (NO) is known to play an important role in many biologic systems, although the relationship between NO metabolites and periodontitis remains controversial. Moreover, little evidence of an association between salivary NO (S-NO) and periodontitis in the general population has been reported. This study aims to investigate the relationship between S-NO and periodontitis in an elderly Korean population. A cross-sectional study was conducted using participants and salivary samples from Sunchang Elderly Cohort Study. The total number of final participants was 242 (91 males and 151 females; 48 to 93 years old). Periodontitis was determined by a clinical attachment loss of >6 mm at six probe points on 12 index teeth. NO was measured in unstimulated saliva via the Griess reaction. Sociodemographic status, general/oral health, and health-related behaviors were investigated as confounders. Bivariate analysis and multivariable linear regression analyses including confounders were applied. After controlling for age, sex, education, salivary flow rate, number of teeth, smoking status, physical activity, hypertension, and diabetes, three metabolites of S-NO (total NO, nitrite, and nitrate) were independently associated with the percentage of probe points exhibiting periodontitis. Of these linear associations, total NO was found to have the strongest correlation with periodontitis (partial r = 0.181, P = 0.009). These associations were most pronounced in females (except for nitrate), non-smokers, those without hypertension, and those without diabetes. Our data suggest that high concentrations of S-NO are associated with severe periodontitis. Thus, S-NO may serve as a potential biologic marker for detecting and monitoring periodontitis.

  11. Improvement on `structure of weakly 2-dependent siphons'

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chao, Daniel Y.

    2015-01-01

    Li and Zhou propose simpler Petri net controllers based on the concept of elementary siphons (generally much smaller than the set of all strict minimum siphons (SMSs) in large Petri nets) to minimise the addition of control places. SMSs can be divided into two groups: elementary and dependant; characteristic T-vectors of the latter are linear combinations of that of the former. A T-vector η is associated with each siphon S such that η(i) is the number of tokens gained in or lost from S by firing transition ti once. A dependent siphon S0 strongly depends on elementary siphons S1, S2, … , Sk if η0 = a1η1 + a2η2 + ṡṡṡ + akηk with all ai (i = 1, 2, 3, … , k) positive. S0 is a weakly dependent siphon if some ai is negative. The T-vectors (resp. number) for elementary siphons are mutually independent (linear to the size of the net). In an earlier paper, we show that there exists a third siphon S3 such that ηβ = η1 + η2 - η3. This equation (called η relationship) plays an important role for optimal control of weakly dependent siphons. However, it assumes that all above S span between exactly two processes. For a well-known benchmark, however, most dependent siphons span more than two processes. This paper improves by removing this restriction and shows that ηβ = η1 + η2 - η3 holds as long as S1∩S2 is another emptiable siphon.

  12. The RANDOM computer program: A linear congruential random number generator

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Miles, R. F., Jr.

    1986-01-01

    The RANDOM Computer Program is a FORTRAN program for generating random number sequences and testing linear congruential random number generators (LCGs). The linear congruential form of random number generator is discussed, and the selection of parameters of an LCG for a microcomputer described. This document describes the following: (1) The RANDOM Computer Program; (2) RANDOM.MOD, the computer code needed to implement an LCG in a FORTRAN program; and (3) The RANCYCLE and the ARITH Computer Programs that provide computational assistance in the selection of parameters for an LCG. The RANDOM, RANCYCLE, and ARITH Computer Programs are written in Microsoft FORTRAN for the IBM PC microcomputer and its compatibles. With only minor modifications, the RANDOM Computer Program and its LCG can be run on most micromputers or mainframe computers.

  13. Sixth SIAM conference on applied linear algebra: Final program and abstracts. Final technical report

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

    NONE

    1997-12-31

    Linear algebra plays a central role in mathematics and applications. The analysis and solution of problems from an amazingly wide variety of disciplines depend on the theory and computational techniques of linear algebra. In turn, the diversity of disciplines depending on linear algebra also serves to focus and shape its development. Some problems have special properties (numerical, structural) that can be exploited. Some are simply so large that conventional approaches are impractical. New computer architectures motivate new algorithms, and fresh ways to look at old ones. The pervasive nature of linear algebra in analyzing and solving problems means that peoplemore » from a wide spectrum--universities, industrial and government laboratories, financial institutions, and many others--share an interest in current developments in linear algebra. This conference aims to bring them together for their mutual benefit. Abstracts of papers presented are included.« less

  14. Numerical simulation of heat transfer in blood flow altered by electroosmosis through tapered micro-vessels.

    PubMed

    Prakash, J; Ramesh, K; Tripathi, D; Kumar, R

    2018-07-01

    A numerical simulation is presented to study the heat and flow characteristics of blood flow altered by electroosmosis through the tapered micro-vessels. Blood is assumed as non-Newtonian (micropolar) nanofluids. The flow regime is considered as asymmetric diverging (tapered) microchannel for more realistic micro-vessels which is produced by choosing the peristaltic wave train on the walls to have different amplitudes and phase. The Rosseland approximation is employed to model the radiation heat transfer and temperatures of the walls are presumed constants. The mathematical formulation of the present problem is simplified under the long-wavelength, low-Reynolds number and Debye-Hückel linearization approximations. The influence of various dominant physical parameters are discussed for axial velocity, microrotation distribution, thermal temperature distribution and nanoparticle volume fraction field. However, our foremost emphasis is to determine the effects of thermal radiation and coupling number on the axial velocity and microrotation distribution beneath electroosmotic environment. This analysis places a significant observation on the thermal radiation and coupling number which plays an influential role in hearten fluid velocity. This study is encouraged by exploring the nanofluid-dynamics in peristaltic transport as symbolized by heat transport in biological flows and also in novel pharmacodynamics pumps and gastro-intestinal motility enhancement. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Internal-Modified Dithiol DNA-Directed Au Nanoassemblies: Geometrically Controlled Self-Assembly and Quantitative Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yan, Yuan; Shan, Hangyong; Li, Min; Chen, Shu; Liu, Jianyu; Cheng, Yanfang; Ye, Cui; Yang, Zhilin; Lai, Xuandi; Hu, Jianqiang

    2015-11-01

    In this work, a hierarchical DNA-directed self-assembly strategy to construct structure-controlled Au nanoassemblies (NAs) has been demonstrated by conjugating Au nanoparticles (NPs) with internal-modified dithiol single-strand DNA (ssDNA) (Au-B-A or A-B-Au-B-A). It is found that the dithiol-ssDNA-modified Au NPs and molecule quantity of thiol-modified ssDNA grafted to Au NPs play critical roles in the assembly of geometrically controlled Au NAs. Through matching Au-DNA self-assembly units, geometrical structures of the Au NAs can be tailored from one-dimensional (1D) to quasi-2D and 2D. Au-B-A conjugates readily give 1D and quasi-2D Au NAs while 2D Au NAs can be formed by A-B-Au-B-A building blocks. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements and 3D finite-difference time domain (3D-FDTD) calculation results indicate that the geometrically controllable Au NAs have regular and linearly “hot spots”-number-depended SERS properties. For a certain number of NPs, the number of “hot spots” and accordingly enhancement factor of Au NAs can be quantitatively evaluated, which open a new avenue for quantitative analysis based on SERS technique.

  16. The Poisson model limits in NBA basketball: Complexity in team sports

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Martín-González, Juan Manuel; de Saá Guerra, Yves; García-Manso, Juan Manuel; Arriaza, Enrique; Valverde-Estévez, Teresa

    2016-12-01

    Team sports are frequently studied by researchers. There is presumption that scoring in basketball is a random process and that can be described using the Poisson Model. Basketball is a collaboration-opposition sport, where the non-linear local interactions among players are reflected in the evolution of the score that ultimately determines the winner. In the NBA, the outcomes of close games are often decided in the last minute, where fouls play a main role. We examined 6130 NBA games in order to analyze the time intervals between baskets and scoring dynamics. Most numbers of baskets (n) over a time interval (ΔT) follow a Poisson distribution, but some (e.g., ΔT = 10 s, n > 3) behave as a Power Law. The Poisson distribution includes most baskets in any game, in most game situations, but in close games in the last minute, the numbers of events are distributed following a Power Law. The number of events can be adjusted by a mixture of two distributions. In close games, both teams try to maintain their advantage solely in order to reach the last minute: a completely different game. For this reason, we propose to use the Poisson model as a reference. The complex dynamics will emerge from the limits of this model.

  17. LDRD final report on massively-parallel linear programming : the parPCx system.

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

    Parekh, Ojas; Phillips, Cynthia Ann; Boman, Erik Gunnar

    2005-02-01

    This report summarizes the research and development performed from October 2002 to September 2004 at Sandia National Laboratories under the Laboratory-Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project ''Massively-Parallel Linear Programming''. We developed a linear programming (LP) solver designed to use a large number of processors. LP is the optimization of a linear objective function subject to linear constraints. Companies and universities have expended huge efforts over decades to produce fast, stable serial LP solvers. Previous parallel codes run on shared-memory systems and have little or no distribution of the constraint matrix. We have seen no reports of general LP solver runsmore » on large numbers of processors. Our parallel LP code is based on an efficient serial implementation of Mehrotra's interior-point predictor-corrector algorithm (PCx). The computational core of this algorithm is the assembly and solution of a sparse linear system. We have substantially rewritten the PCx code and based it on Trilinos, the parallel linear algebra library developed at Sandia. Our interior-point method can use either direct or iterative solvers for the linear system. To achieve a good parallel data distribution of the constraint matrix, we use a (pre-release) version of a hypergraph partitioner from the Zoltan partitioning library. We describe the design and implementation of our new LP solver called parPCx and give preliminary computational results. We summarize a number of issues related to efficient parallel solution of LPs with interior-point methods including data distribution, numerical stability, and solving the core linear system using both direct and iterative methods. We describe a number of applications of LP specific to US Department of Energy mission areas and we summarize our efforts to integrate parPCx (and parallel LP solvers in general) into Sandia's massively-parallel integer programming solver PICO (Parallel Interger and Combinatorial Optimizer). We conclude with directions for long-term future algorithmic research and for near-term development that could improve the performance of parPCx.« less

  18. Vertical Distribution of Radiation Stress for Non-linear Shoaling Waves

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Webb, B. M.; Slinn, D. N.

    2004-12-01

    The flux of momentum directed shoreward by an incident wave field, commonly referred to as the radiation stress, plays a significant role in nearshore circulation and, therefore, has a profound impact on the transport of pollutants, biota, and sediment in nearshore systems. Having received much attention since the seminal work of Longuet-Higgins and Stewart in the early 1960's, use of the radiation stress concept continues to be refined and evidence of its utility is widespread in literature pertaining to coastal and ocean science. A number of investigations, both numerical and analytical in nature, have used the concept of the radiation stress to derive appropriate forcing mechanisms that initiate cross-shore and longshore circulation, but typically in a depth-averaged sense due to a lack of information concerning the vertical distribution of the wave stresses. While depth-averaged nearshore circulation models are still widely used today, advancements in technology have permitted the adaptation of three-dimensional (3D) modeling techniques to study flow properties of complex nearshore circulation systems. It has been shown that the resulting circulation in these 3D models is very sensitive to the vertical distribution of the nearshore forcing, which have often been implemented as either depth-uniform or depth-linear distributions. Recently, analytical expressions describing the vertical structure of radiation stress components have appeared in the literature (see Mellor, 2003; Xia et al., 2004) but do not fully describe the magnitude and structure in the region bound by the trough and crest of non-linear, propagating waves. Utilizing a three-dimensional, non-linear, numerical model that resolves the time-dependent free surface, we present mean flow properties resulting from a simulation of Visser's (1984, 1991) laboratory experiment on uniform longshore currents. More specifically, we provide information regarding the vertical distribution of radiation stress components (Sxx and Sxy) resulting from obliquely incident, non-linear shoaling waves. Vertical profiles of the radiation stress components predicted by the numerical model are compared with published analytical solutions, expressions given by linear theory, and observations from an investigation employing second-order cnoidal wave theory.

  19. Linear response to nonstationary random excitation.

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hasselman, T.

    1972-01-01

    Development of a method for computing the mean-square response of linear systems to nonstationary random excitation of the form given by y(t) = f(t) x(t), in which x(t) = a stationary process and f(t) is deterministic. The method is suitable for application to multidegree-of-freedom systems when the mean-square response at a point due to excitation applied at another point is desired. Both the stationary process, x(t), and the modulating function, f(t), may be arbitrary. The method utilizes a fundamental component of transient response dependent only on x(t) and the system, and independent of f(t) to synthesize the total response. The role played by this component is analogous to that played by the Green's function or impulse response function in the convolution integral.

  20. Adaptive Role-Play Exercises for a Leader Development Center

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-11-01

    OR GRANT NUMBER W91 FD3-06-P-0023 Adaptive Role-Play Exercises for a Leader Development Center 5b. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 665502 6. AUTHOR(S): 5c...PROJECT NUMBER M770 Michael Hertz (Progeny Systems Corporation) 5d. TASK NUMBER 103 5e. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS...ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER Progeny Systems Corporation 9500 Innovation Drive Manassas, VA 20110 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME

  1. Factors Affecting Match Outcome in Elite Australian Football: A 14-Year Analysis.

    PubMed

    Lazarus, Brendan H; Hopkins, William G; Stewart, Andrew M; Aughey, Robert J

    2018-02-01

    Effects of fixture and team characteristics on match outcome in elite Australian football were quantified using data accessed at AFLtables.com for 5109 matches for seasons 2000 to 2013. Aspects of each match included number of days' break between matches (≤7 d vs ≥8 d), location (home vs away), travel status (travel vs no travel), and differences between opposing teams' mean age, body mass, and height (expressed as quintiles). A logistic-regression version of the generalized mixed linear model estimated each effect, which was assessed with magnitude-based inference using 1 extra win or loss in every 10 matches as the smallest important change. For every 10 matches played, the effects were days' break, 0.1 ± 0.3 (90% CL) wins; playing away, 1.5 ± 0.6 losses; traveling, 0.7 ± 0.6 losses; and being in the oldest, heaviest, or shortest, quintile, 1.9 ± 0.4, 1.3 ± 0.4, and 0.4 ± 0.4 wins, respectively. The effects of age and body-mass difference were not reduced substantially when adjusted for each other. All effects were clear, mostly at the 99% level. The effects of playing away, travel, and age difference were not unexpected, but the trivial effect of days' break and the advantage of a heavier team will challenge current notions about balancing training with recovery and about team selection.

  2. Cross-diffusive effects on the onset of double-diffusive convection in a horizontal saturated porous fluid layer heated and salted from above

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rajib, Basu; C. Layek, G.

    2013-05-01

    Double-diffusive stationary and oscillatory instabilities at the marginal state in a saturated porous horizontal fluid layer heated and salted from above are investigated theoretically under the Darcy's framework for a porous medium. The contributions of Soret and Dufour coefficients are taken into account in the analysis. Linear stability analysis shows that the critical value of the Darcy—Rayleigh number depends on cross-diffusive parameters at marginally stationary convection, while the marginal state characterized by oscillatory convection does not depend on the cross-diffusion terms even if the condition and frequency of oscillatory convection depends on the cross-diffusive parameters. The critical value of the Darcy—Rayleigh number increases with increasing value of the solutal Darcy—Rayleigh number in the absence of cross-diffusive parameters. The critical Darcy—Rayleigh number decreases with increasing Soret number, resulting in destabilization of the system, while its value increases with increasing Dufour number, resulting in stabilization of the system at the marginal state characterized by stationary convection. The analysis reveals that the Dufour and Soret parameters as well as the porosity parameter play an important role in deciding the type of instability at the onset. This analysis also indicates that the stationary convection is followed by the oscillatory convection for certain fluid mixtures. It is interesting to note that the roles of cross-diffusive parameters on the double-diffusive system heated and salted from above are reciprocal to the double-diffusive system heated and salted from below.

  3. Advanced Linear Algebra: A Call for the Early Introduction of Complex Numbers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Garcia, Stephan Ramon

    2017-01-01

    A second course in linear algebra that goes beyond the traditional lower-level curriculum is increasingly important for students of the mathematical sciences. Although many applications involve only real numbers, a solid understanding of complex arithmetic often sheds significant light. Many instructors are unaware of the opportunities afforded by…

  4. Detecting chaos in particle accelerators through the frequency map analysis method.

    PubMed

    Papaphilippou, Yannis

    2014-06-01

    The motion of beams in particle accelerators is dominated by a plethora of non-linear effects, which can enhance chaotic motion and limit their performance. The application of advanced non-linear dynamics methods for detecting and correcting these effects and thereby increasing the region of beam stability plays an essential role during the accelerator design phase but also their operation. After describing the nature of non-linear effects and their impact on performance parameters of different particle accelerator categories, the theory of non-linear particle motion is outlined. The recent developments on the methods employed for the analysis of chaotic beam motion are detailed. In particular, the ability of the frequency map analysis method to detect chaotic motion and guide the correction of non-linear effects is demonstrated in particle tracking simulations but also experimental data.

  5. Combined linear theory/impact theory method for analysis and design of high speed configurations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Brooke, D.; Vondrasek, D. V.

    1980-01-01

    Pressure distributions on a wing body at Mach 4.63 are calculated. The combined theory is shown to give improved predictions over either linear theory or impact theory alone. The combined theory is also applied in the inverse design mode to calculate optimum camber slopes at Mach 4.63. Comparisons with optimum camber slopes obtained from unmodified linear theory show large differences. Analysis of the results indicate that the combined theory correctly predicts the effect of thickness on the loading distributions at high Mach numbers, and that finite thickness wings optimized at high Mach numbers using unmodified linear theory will not achieve the minimum drag characteristics for which they are designed.

  6. A comparison of linear speed, closed-skill agility, and open-skill agility qualities between backcourt and frontcourt adult semiprofessional male basketball players.

    PubMed

    Scanlan, Aaron T; Tucker, Patrick S; Dalbo, Vincent J

    2014-05-01

    The measurement of fitness qualities relevant to playing position is necessary to inform basketball coaching and conditioning staff of role-related differences in playing groups. To date, sprinting and agility performance have not been compared between playing positions in adult male basketball players. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe and compare linear speed, closed-skill agility, and open-skill agility qualities between backcourt (point guard and shooting guard positions) and frontcourt (small forward, power forward, and center positions) semiprofessional basketball players. Six backcourt (mean ± SD: age, 24.3 ± 7.9 years; stature, 183.4 ± 4.0 cm; body mass, 85.5 ± 12.3 kg; VO2max, 51.9 ± 4.8 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1)) and 6 frontcourt (mean ± SD: age, 27.5 ± 5.5 years; stature, 194.4 ± 7.1 cm; body mass, 109.4 ± 8.8 kg; VO2max, 47.1 ± 5.0 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1)) adult male basketball players completed 20-m sprint, closed-skill agility, and open-skill agility performance tests. Magnitude-based inferences revealed that backcourt players (5 m, 1.048 ± 0.027 seconds; 10 m, 1.778 ± 0.048 seconds; 20 m, 3.075 ± 0.121 seconds) possessed likely quicker linear sprint times than frontcourt players (5 m, 1.095 ± 0.085 seconds; 10 m, 1.872 ± 0.127 seconds; 20 m, 3.242 ± 0.221 seconds). Conversely, frontcourt players (1.665 ± 0.096 seconds) held possible superior closed-skill agility performance than backcourt players (1.613 ± 0.111 seconds). In addition, unclear positional differences were apparent for open-skill agility qualities. These findings indicate that linear speed and change of direction speed might be differently developed across playing positions. Furthermore, position-related functions might similarly depend on the aspects of open-skill agility performance across backcourt and frontcourt players. Basketball coaching and conditioning staff should consider the development of position-targeted training drills to improve speed, agility, and cognitive qualities in players.

  7. Origin of the blood hyperserotonemia of autism

    PubMed Central

    Janušonis, Skirmantas

    2008-01-01

    Background Research in the last fifty years has shown that many autistic individuals have elevated serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) levels in blood platelets. This phenomenon, known as the platelet hyperserotonemia of autism, is considered to be one of the most well-replicated findings in biological psychiatry. Its replicability suggests that many of the genes involved in autism affect a small number of biological networks. These networks may also play a role in the early development of the autistic brain. Results We developed an equation that allows calculation of platelet 5-HT concentration as a function of measurable biological parameters. It also provides information about the sensitivity of platelet 5-HT levels to each of the parameters and their interactions. Conclusion The model yields platelet 5-HT concentrations that are consistent with values reported in experimental studies. If the parameters are considered independent, the model predicts that platelet 5-HT levels should be sensitive to changes in the platelet 5-HT uptake rate constant, the proportion of free 5-HT cleared in the liver and lungs, the gut 5-HT production rate and its regulation, and the volume of the gut wall. Linear and non-linear interactions among these and other parameters are specified in the equation, which may facilitate the design and interpretation of experimental studies. PMID:18498654

  8. Origin of the blood hyperserotonemia of autism.

    PubMed

    Janusonis, Skirmantas

    2008-05-22

    Research in the last fifty years has shown that many autistic individuals have elevated serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) levels in blood platelets. This phenomenon, known as the platelet hyperserotonemia of autism, is considered to be one of the most well-replicated findings in biological psychiatry. Its replicability suggests that many of the genes involved in autism affect a small number of biological networks. These networks may also play a role in the early development of the autistic brain. We developed an equation that allows calculation of platelet 5-HT concentration as a function of measurable biological parameters. It also provides information about the sensitivity of platelet 5-HT levels to each of the parameters and their interactions. The model yields platelet 5-HT concentrations that are consistent with values reported in experimental studies. If the parameters are considered independent, the model predicts that platelet 5-HT levels should be sensitive to changes in the platelet 5-HT uptake rate constant, the proportion of free 5-HT cleared in the liver and lungs, the gut 5-HT production rate and its regulation, and the volume of the gut wall. Linear and non-linear interactions among these and other parameters are specified in the equation, which may facilitate the design and interpretation of experimental studies.

  9. The structure and DNA-binding properties of Mgm101 from a yeast with a linear mitochondrial genome.

    PubMed

    Pevala, Vladimír; Truban, Dominika; Bauer, Jacob A; Košťan, Július; Kunová, Nina; Bellová, Jana; Brandstetter, Marlene; Marini, Victoria; Krejčí, Lumír; Tomáška, Ľubomír; Nosek, Jozef; Kutejová, Eva

    2016-03-18

    To study the mechanisms involved in the maintenance of a linear mitochondrial genome we investigated the biochemical properties of the recombination protein Mgm101 from Candida parapsilosis. We show that CpMgm101 complements defects associated with the Saccharomyces cerevisiae mgm101-1(ts) mutation and that it is present in both the nucleus and mitochondrial nucleoids of C. parapsilosis. Unlike its S. cerevisiae counterpart, CpMgm101 is associated with the entire nucleoid population and is able to bind to a broad range of DNA substrates in a non-sequence specific manner. CpMgm101 is also able to catalyze strand annealing and D-loop formation. CpMgm101 forms a roughly C-shaped trimer in solution according to SAXS. Electron microscopy of a complex of CpMgm101 with a model mitochondrial telomere revealed homogeneous, ring-shaped structures at the telomeric single-stranded overhangs. The DNA-binding properties of CpMgm101, together with its DNA recombination properties, suggest that it can play a number of possible roles in the replication of the mitochondrial genome and the maintenance of its telomeres. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

  10. Wheat flour dough Alveograph characteristics predicted by Mixolab regression models.

    PubMed

    Codină, Georgiana Gabriela; Mironeasa, Silvia; Mironeasa, Costel; Popa, Ciprian N; Tamba-Berehoiu, Radiana

    2012-02-01

    In Romania, the Alveograph is the most used device to evaluate the rheological properties of wheat flour dough, but lately the Mixolab device has begun to play an important role in the breadmaking industry. These two instruments are based on different principles but there are some correlations that can be found between the parameters determined by the Mixolab and the rheological properties of wheat dough measured with the Alveograph. Statistical analysis on 80 wheat flour samples using the backward stepwise multiple regression method showed that Mixolab values using the ‘Chopin S’ protocol (40 samples) and ‘Chopin + ’ protocol (40 samples) can be used to elaborate predictive models for estimating the value of the rheological properties of wheat dough: baking strength (W), dough tenacity (P) and extensibility (L). The correlation analysis confirmed significant findings (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) between the parameters of wheat dough studied by the Mixolab and its rheological properties measured with the Alveograph. A number of six predictive linear equations were obtained. Linear regression models gave multiple regression coefficients with R²(adjusted) > 0.70 for P, R²(adjusted) > 0.70 for W and R²(adjusted) > 0.38 for L, at a 95% confidence interval. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry.

  11. Extrachromosomal genetic elements in Micrococcus.

    PubMed

    Dib, Julián Rafael; Liebl, Wolfgang; Wagenknecht, Martin; Farías, María Eugenia; Meinhardt, Friedhelm

    2013-01-01

    Micrococci are Gram-positive G + C-rich, nonmotile, nonspore-forming actinomycetous bacteria. Micrococcus comprises ten members, with Micrococcus luteus being the type species. Representatives of the genus play important roles in the biodegradation of xenobiotics, bioremediation processes, production of biotechnologically important enzymes or bioactive compounds, as test strains in biological assays for lysozyme and antibiotics, and as infective agents in immunocompromised humans. The first description of plasmids dates back approximately 28 years, when several extrachromosomal elements ranging in size from 1.5 to 30.2 kb were found in Micrococcus luteus. Up to the present, a number of circular plasmids conferring antibiotic resistance, the ability to degrade aromatic compounds, and osmotolerance are known, as well as cryptic elements with unidentified functions. Here, we review the Micrococcus extrachromosomal traits reported thus far including phages and the only quite recently described large linear extrachromosomal genetic elements, termed linear plasmids, which range in size from 75 kb (pJD12) to 110 kb (pLMA1) and which confer putative advantageous capabilities, such as antibiotic or heavy metal resistances (inferred from sequence analyses and curing experiments). The role of the extrachromosomal elements for the frequently proven ecological and biotechnological versatility of the genus will be addressed as well as their potential for the development and use as genetic tools.

  12. Effects of initial radius of the interface and Atwood number on nonlinear saturation amplitudes in cylindrical Rayleigh-Taylor instability

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Wanhai; Yu, Changping; Li, Xinliang

    2014-11-01

    Nonlinear saturation amplitudes (NSAs) of the first two harmonics in classical Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI) in cylindrical geometry for arbitrary Atwood numbers have been analytically investigated considering nonlinear corrections up to the fourth-order. The NSA of the fundamental mode is defined as the linear (purely exponential) growth amplitude of the fundamental mode at the saturation time when the growth of the fundamental mode (first harmonic) is reduced by 10% in comparison to its corresponding linear growth, and the NSA of the second harmonic can be obtained in the same way. The analytic results indicate that the effects of the initial radius of the interface (r0) and the Atwood number (A) play an important role in the NSAs of the first two harmonics in cylindrical RTI. On the one hand, the NSA of the fundamental mode first increases slightly and then decreases quickly with increasing A. For given A, the smaller the r0/λ (with λ perturbation wavelength) is, the larger the NSA of the fundamental mode is. When r0/λ is large enough ( r0≫λ ), the NSA of the fundamental mode is reduced to the prediction of previous literatures within the framework of third-order perturbation theory [J. W. Jacobs and I. Catton, J. Fluid Mech. 187, 329 (1988); S. W. Haan, Phys. Fluids B 3, 2349 (1991)]. On the other hand, the NSA of the second harmonic first decreases quickly with increasing A, reaching a minimum, and then increases slowly. Furthermore, the r0 can reduce the NSA of the second harmonic for arbitrary A at r0≲ 2 λ while increase it for A ≲ 0.6 at r0≳ 2 λ . Thus, it should be included in applications where the NSA has a role, such as inertial confinement fusion ignition target design.

  13. Effects of initial radius of the interface and Atwood number on nonlinear saturation amplitudes in cylindrical Rayleigh-Taylor instability

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

    Liu, Wanhai; LHD, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190; Yu, Changping

    2014-11-15

    Nonlinear saturation amplitudes (NSAs) of the first two harmonics in classical Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI) in cylindrical geometry for arbitrary Atwood numbers have been analytically investigated considering nonlinear corrections up to the fourth-order. The NSA of the fundamental mode is defined as the linear (purely exponential) growth amplitude of the fundamental mode at the saturation time when the growth of the fundamental mode (first harmonic) is reduced by 10% in comparison to its corresponding linear growth, and the NSA of the second harmonic can be obtained in the same way. The analytic results indicate that the effects of the initial radiusmore » of the interface (r{sub 0}) and the Atwood number (A) play an important role in the NSAs of the first two harmonics in cylindrical RTI. On the one hand, the NSA of the fundamental mode first increases slightly and then decreases quickly with increasing A. For given A, the smaller the r{sub 0}/λ (with λ perturbation wavelength) is, the larger the NSA of the fundamental mode is. When r{sub 0}/λ is large enough (r{sub 0}≫λ), the NSA of the fundamental mode is reduced to the prediction of previous literatures within the framework of third-order perturbation theory [J. W. Jacobs and I. Catton, J. Fluid Mech. 187, 329 (1988); S. W. Haan, Phys. Fluids B 3, 2349 (1991)]. On the other hand, the NSA of the second harmonic first decreases quickly with increasing A, reaching a minimum, and then increases slowly. Furthermore, the r{sub 0} can reduce the NSA of the second harmonic for arbitrary A at r{sub 0}≲2λ while increase it for A ≲ 0.6 at r{sub 0}≳2λ. Thus, it should be included in applications where the NSA has a role, such as inertial confinement fusion ignition target design.« less

  14. Gauge Theories of Vector Particles

    DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

    Glashow, S. L.; Gell-Mann, M.

    1961-04-24

    The possibility of generalizing the Yang-Mills trick is examined. Thus we seek theories of vector bosons invariant under continuous groups of coordinate-dependent linear transformations. All such theories may be expressed as superpositions of certain "simple" theories; we show that each "simple theory is associated with a simple Lie algebra. We may introduce mass terms for the vector bosons at the price of destroying the gauge-invariance for coordinate-dependent gauge functions. The theories corresponding to three particular simple Lie algebras - those which admit precisely two commuting quantum numbers - are examined in some detail as examples. One of them might play a role in the physics of the strong interactions if there is an underlying super-symmetry, transcending charge independence, that is badly broken. The intermediate vector boson theory of weak interactions is discussed also. The so-called "schizon" model cannot be made to conform to the requirements of partial gauge-invariance.

  15. Numeracy moderates the influence of task-irrelevant affect on probability weighting.

    PubMed

    Traczyk, Jakub; Fulawka, Kamil

    2016-06-01

    Statistical numeracy, defined as the ability to understand and process statistical and probability information, plays a significant role in superior decision making. However, recent research has demonstrated that statistical numeracy goes beyond simple comprehension of numbers and mathematical operations. On the contrary to previous studies that were focused on emotions integral to risky prospects, we hypothesized that highly numerate individuals would exhibit more linear probability weighting because they would be less biased by incidental and decision-irrelevant affect. Participants were instructed to make a series of insurance decisions preceded by negative (i.e., fear-inducing) or neutral stimuli. We found that incidental negative affect increased the curvature of the probability weighting function (PWF). Interestingly, this effect was significant only for less numerate individuals, while probability weighting in more numerate people was not altered by decision-irrelevant affect. We propose two candidate mechanisms for the observed effect. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. A travel time forecasting model based on change-point detection method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    LI, Shupeng; GUANG, Xiaoping; QIAN, Yongsheng; ZENG, Junwei

    2017-06-01

    Travel time parameters obtained from road traffic sensors data play an important role in traffic management practice. A travel time forecasting model is proposed for urban road traffic sensors data based on the method of change-point detection in this paper. The first-order differential operation is used for preprocessing over the actual loop data; a change-point detection algorithm is designed to classify the sequence of large number of travel time data items into several patterns; then a travel time forecasting model is established based on autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model. By computer simulation, different control parameters are chosen for adaptive change point search for travel time series, which is divided into several sections of similar state.Then linear weight function is used to fit travel time sequence and to forecast travel time. The results show that the model has high accuracy in travel time forecasting.

  17. Predicting electromagnetic ion cyclotron wave amplitude from unstable ring current plasma conditions

    DOE PAGES

    Fu, Xiangrong; Cowee, Misa M.; Jordanova, Vania K.; ...

    2016-11-01

    Electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves in the Earth's inner magnetosphere are enhanced fluctuations driven unstable by ring current ion temperature anisotropy. EMIC waves can resonate with relativistic electrons and play an important role in precipitation of MeV radiation belt electrons. In this study, we investigate the excitation and saturation of EMIC instability in a homogeneous plasma using both linear theory and nonlinear hybrid simulations. We have explored a four-dimensional parameter space, carried out a large number of simulations, and derived a scaling formula that relates the saturation EMIC wave amplitude to initial plasma conditions. Finally, such scaling can be usedmore » in conjunction with ring current models like ring current-atmosphere interactions model with self-consistent magnetic field to provide global dynamic EMIC wave maps that will be more accurate inputs for radiation belt modeling than statistical models.« less

  18. Resistive magnetohydrodynamics with toroidal rotation in toroidal plasmas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cao, Jintao; Cai, Huishan

    2018-01-01

    Toroidal rotation has always existed in tokamak plasmas, and its Mach number can reach unity during neutral beam injection. Toroidal rotation can affect plasma equilibrium and magnetohydrodynamic instabilities significantly. Based on linearized equations including the toroidal rotation effect, the toroidal model derived by Glasser et al. [Phys. Fluids 18, 875 (1975)] is extended to include this effect, and a set of resistive equations including the toroidal rotation effect in the axi-symmetry toroidal geometry is derived. Based on these derived equations, the effect of toroidal rotation on tearing modes is considered, and the growth rate of tearing modes is obtained analytically. It is shown that the effect of toroidal rotation on tearing modes depends on both the direction of toroidal rotation flow and the sign of toroidal rotation flow shear. When they have the same sign, they play a role in stabilizing tearing modes, while when they have opposite signs, they have a destabilizing effect on tearing modes.

  19. Lower-Limb Rehabilitation Robot Design

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bouhabba, E. M.; Shafie, A. A.; Khan, M. R.; Ariffin, K.

    2013-12-01

    It is a general assumption that robotics will play an important role in therapy activities within rehabilitation treatment. In the last decade, the interest in the field has grown exponentially mainly due to the initial success of the early systems and the growing demand caused by increasing numbers of stroke patients and their associate rehabilitation costs. As a result, robot therapy systems have been developed worldwide for training of both the upper and lower extremities. This paper investigates and proposes a lower-limb rehabilitation robot that is used to help patients with lower-limb paralysis to improve and resume physical functions. The proposed rehabilitation robot features three rotary joints forced by electric motors providing linear motions. The paper covers mechanism design and optimization, kinematics analysis, trajectory planning, wearable sensors, and the control system design. The design and control system demonstrate that the proposed rehabilitation robot is safe and reliable with the effective design and better kinematic performance.

  20. Numerical solutions of the linearized Euler equations for unsteady vortical flows around lifting airfoils

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Scott, James R.; Atassi, Hafiz M.

    1990-01-01

    A linearized unsteady aerodynamic analysis is presented for unsteady, subsonic vortical flows around lifting airfoils. The analysis fully accounts for the distortion effects of the nonuniform mean flow on the imposed vortical disturbances. A frequency domain numerical scheme which implements this linearized approach is described, and numerical results are presented for a large variety of flow configurations. The results demonstrate the effects of airfoil thickness, angle of attack, camber, and Mach number on the unsteady lift and moment of airfoils subjected to periodic vortical gusts. The results show that mean flow distortion can have a very strong effect on the airfoil unsteady response, and that the effect depends strongly upon the reduced frequency, Mach number, and gust wave numbers.

  1. Representational change and strategy use in children's number line estimation during the first years of primary school.

    PubMed

    White, Sonia L J; Szűcs, Dénes

    2012-01-04

    The objective of this study was to scrutinize number line estimation behaviors displayed by children in mathematics classrooms during the first three years of schooling. We extend existing research by not only mapping potential logarithmic-linear shifts but also provide a new perspective by studying in detail the estimation strategies of individual target digits within a number range familiar to children. Typically developing children (n = 67) from Years 1-3 completed a number-to-position numerical estimation task (0-20 number line). Estimation behaviors were first analyzed via logarithmic and linear regression modeling. Subsequently, using an analysis of variance we compared the estimation accuracy of each digit, thus identifying target digits that were estimated with the assistance of arithmetic strategy. Our results further confirm a developmental logarithmic-linear shift when utilizing regression modeling; however, uniquely we have identified that children employ variable strategies when completing numerical estimation, with levels of strategy advancing with development. In terms of the existing cognitive research, this strategy factor highlights the limitations of any regression modeling approach, or alternatively, it could underpin the developmental time course of the logarithmic-linear shift. Future studies need to systematically investigate this relationship and also consider the implications for educational practice.

  2. Representational change and strategy use in children's number line estimation during the first years of primary school

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background The objective of this study was to scrutinize number line estimation behaviors displayed by children in mathematics classrooms during the first three years of schooling. We extend existing research by not only mapping potential logarithmic-linear shifts but also provide a new perspective by studying in detail the estimation strategies of individual target digits within a number range familiar to children. Methods Typically developing children (n = 67) from Years 1-3 completed a number-to-position numerical estimation task (0-20 number line). Estimation behaviors were first analyzed via logarithmic and linear regression modeling. Subsequently, using an analysis of variance we compared the estimation accuracy of each digit, thus identifying target digits that were estimated with the assistance of arithmetic strategy. Results Our results further confirm a developmental logarithmic-linear shift when utilizing regression modeling; however, uniquely we have identified that children employ variable strategies when completing numerical estimation, with levels of strategy advancing with development. Conclusion In terms of the existing cognitive research, this strategy factor highlights the limitations of any regression modeling approach, or alternatively, it could underpin the developmental time course of the logarithmic-linear shift. Future studies need to systematically investigate this relationship and also consider the implications for educational practice. PMID:22217191

  3. Expected performance of m-solution backtracking

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Nicol, D. M.

    1986-01-01

    This paper derives upper bounds on the expected number of search tree nodes visited during an m-solution backtracking search, a search which terminates after some preselected number m problem solutions are found. The search behavior is assumed to have a general probabilistic structure. The results are stated in terms of node expansion and contraction. A visited search tree node is said to be expanding if the mean number of its children visited by the search exceeds 1 and is contracting otherwise. It is shown that if every node expands, or if every node contracts, then the number of search tree nodes visited by a search has an upper bound which is linear in the depth of the tree, in the mean number of children a node has, and in the number of solutions sought. Also derived are bounds linear in the depth of the tree in some situations where an upper portion of the tree contracts (expands), while the lower portion expands (contracts). While previous analyses of 1-solution backtracking have concluded that the expected performance is always linear in the tree depth, the model allows superlinear expected performance.

  4. Linear analysis near a steady-state of biochemical networks: control analysis, correlation metrics and circuit theory.

    PubMed

    Heuett, William J; Beard, Daniel A; Qian, Hong

    2008-05-15

    Several approaches, including metabolic control analysis (MCA), flux balance analysis (FBA), correlation metric construction (CMC), and biochemical circuit theory (BCT), have been developed for the quantitative analysis of complex biochemical networks. Here, we present a comprehensive theory of linear analysis for nonequilibrium steady-state (NESS) biochemical reaction networks that unites these disparate approaches in a common mathematical framework and thermodynamic basis. In this theory a number of relationships between key matrices are introduced: the matrix A obtained in the standard, linear-dynamic-stability analysis of the steady-state can be decomposed as A = SRT where R and S are directly related to the elasticity-coefficient matrix for the fluxes and chemical potentials in MCA, respectively; the control-coefficients for the fluxes and chemical potentials can be written in terms of RTBS and STBS respectively where matrix B is the inverse of A; the matrix S is precisely the stoichiometric matrix in FBA; and the matrix eAt plays a central role in CMC. One key finding that emerges from this analysis is that the well-known summation theorems in MCA take different forms depending on whether metabolic steady-state is maintained by flux injection or concentration clamping. We demonstrate that if rate-limiting steps exist in a biochemical pathway, they are the steps with smallest biochemical conductances and largest flux control-coefficients. We hypothesize that biochemical networks for cellular signaling have a different strategy for minimizing energy waste and being efficient than do biochemical networks for biosynthesis. We also discuss the intimate relationship between MCA and biochemical systems analysis (BSA).

  5. Deep-learning: investigating deep neural networks hyper-parameters and comparison of performance to shallow methods for modeling bioactivity data.

    PubMed

    Koutsoukas, Alexios; Monaghan, Keith J; Li, Xiaoli; Huan, Jun

    2017-06-28

    In recent years, research in artificial neural networks has resurged, now under the deep-learning umbrella, and grown extremely popular. Recently reported success of DL techniques in crowd-sourced QSAR and predictive toxicology competitions has showcased these methods as powerful tools in drug-discovery and toxicology research. The aim of this work was dual, first large number of hyper-parameter configurations were explored to investigate how they affect the performance of DNNs and could act as starting points when tuning DNNs and second their performance was compared to popular methods widely employed in the field of cheminformatics namely Naïve Bayes, k-nearest neighbor, random forest and support vector machines. Moreover, robustness of machine learning methods to different levels of artificially introduced noise was assessed. The open-source Caffe deep-learning framework and modern NVidia GPU units were utilized to carry out this study, allowing large number of DNN configurations to be explored. We show that feed-forward deep neural networks are capable of achieving strong classification performance and outperform shallow methods across diverse activity classes when optimized. Hyper-parameters that were found to play critical role are the activation function, dropout regularization, number hidden layers and number of neurons. When compared to the rest methods, tuned DNNs were found to statistically outperform, with p value <0.01 based on Wilcoxon statistical test. DNN achieved on average MCC units of 0.149 higher than NB, 0.092 than kNN, 0.052 than SVM with linear kernel, 0.021 than RF and finally 0.009 higher than SVM with radial basis function kernel. When exploring robustness to noise, non-linear methods were found to perform well when dealing with low levels of noise, lower than or equal to 20%, however when dealing with higher levels of noise, higher than 30%, the Naïve Bayes method was found to perform well and even outperform at the highest level of noise 50% more sophisticated methods across several datasets.

  6. Collaborative play in young children as a complex dynamic system: revealing gender related differences.

    PubMed

    Steenbeek, Henderien; van der Aalsvoort, Diny; van Geert, Paul

    2014-07-01

    This study was focused on the role of gender-related differences in collaborative play, by examining properties of play as a complex system, and by using micro-genetic analysis techniques. A complex dynamic systems model of dyadic play was used to make predictions with regard to duration and number of contact-episodes during play of same-sex dyads, both on the micro- (i.e., per individual session), meso- (i.e., in smoothed data), and macro time scale (i.e., the change over six consecutive play sessions). The empirical data came from a study that examined the collaborative play skills of children who experienced six twenty minute play sessions within a three week period of time. Monte Carlo permutation analyses were used to compare model predictions and empirical data. The findings point to strongly asymmetric distributions in the duration and number of contact episodes in all dyads over the six sessions, as a direct consequence of the underlying dynamics of the play system. The model prediction that girls-dyads would show longer contact episodes than boys-dyads was confirmed, but the prediction regarding the difference in number of peaks was not confirmed. In addition, the majority of the model predictions regarding changes over the course of six sessions were consistent with the data. That is, the average duration and the maximum duration of contact-episodes increases both in boys-dyads and girls-dyads, but differences occur in the strength of the increase. Contrary to expectation, the number of contact-episodes decreases both in boys-dyads and in girls-dyads.

  7. Generation of High Purity Photon-Pair in a Short Highly Non-Linear Fiber

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-01-01

    Avalanche photodiode. A 10 m long HNLF fabricated by Sumitomo with a core diameter of 4 microns is fusion spliced to a single mode fiber for a...parametric down conversion (SPDC) was first observed in χ(2) nonlinear crystal [3]. However, the compatibility of a nonlinear crystal source with fiber and...PAIR IN A SHORT HIGHLY NON-LINEAR FIBER 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER FA8750-12-1-0136 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER N/A 6. AUTHOR(S

  8. Optical linear algebra processors - Architectures and algorithms

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Casasent, David

    1986-01-01

    Attention is given to the component design and optical configuration features of a generic optical linear algebra processor (OLAP) architecture, as well as the large number of OLAP architectures, number representations, algorithms and applications encountered in current literature. Number-representation issues associated with bipolar and complex-valued data representations, high-accuracy (including floating point) performance, and the base or radix to be employed, are discussed, together with case studies on a space-integrating frequency-multiplexed architecture and a hybrid space-integrating and time-integrating multichannel architecture.

  9. Use of non-linear mixed-effects modelling and regression analysis to predict the number of somatic coliphages by plaque enumeration after 3 hours of incubation.

    PubMed

    Mendez, Javier; Monleon-Getino, Antonio; Jofre, Juan; Lucena, Francisco

    2017-10-01

    The present study aimed to establish the kinetics of the appearance of coliphage plaques using the double agar layer titration technique to evaluate the feasibility of using traditional coliphage plaque forming unit (PFU) enumeration as a rapid quantification method. Repeated measurements of the appearance of plaques of coliphages titrated according to ISO 10705-2 at different times were analysed using non-linear mixed-effects regression to determine the most suitable model of their appearance kinetics. Although this model is adequate, to simplify its applicability two linear models were developed to predict the numbers of coliphages reliably, using the PFU counts as determined by the ISO after only 3 hours of incubation. One linear model, when the number of plaques detected was between 4 and 26 PFU after 3 hours, had a linear fit of: (1.48 × Counts 3 h + 1.97); and the other, values >26 PFU, had a fit of (1.18 × Counts 3 h + 2.95). If the number of plaques detected was <4 PFU after 3 hours, we recommend incubation for (18 ± 3) hours. The study indicates that the traditional coliphage plating technique has a reasonable potential to provide results in a single working day without the need to invest in additional laboratory equipment.

  10. Uplink Downlink Rate Balancing and Throughput Scaling in FDD Massive MIMO Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bergel, Itsik; Perets, Yona; Shamai, Shlomo

    2016-05-01

    In this work we extend the concept of uplink-downlink rate balancing to frequency division duplex (FDD) massive MIMO systems. We consider a base station with large number antennas serving many single antenna users. We first show that any unused capacity in the uplink can be traded off for higher throughput in the downlink in a system that uses either dirty paper (DP) coding or linear zero-forcing (ZF) precoding. We then also study the scaling of the system throughput with the number of antennas in cases of linear Beamforming (BF) Precoding, ZF Precoding, and DP coding. We show that the downlink throughput is proportional to the logarithm of the number of antennas. While, this logarithmic scaling is lower than the linear scaling of the rate in the uplink, it can still bring significant throughput gains. For example, we demonstrate through analysis and simulation that increasing the number of antennas from 4 to 128 will increase the throughput by more than a factor of 5. We also show that a logarithmic scaling of downlink throughput as a function of the number of receive antennas can be achieved even when the number of transmit antennas only increases logarithmically with the number of receive antennas.

  11. Decentralization, stabilization, and estimation of large-scale linear systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Siljak, D. D.; Vukcevic, M. B.

    1976-01-01

    In this short paper we consider three closely related aspects of large-scale systems: decentralization, stabilization, and estimation. A method is proposed to decompose a large linear system into a number of interconnected subsystems with decentralized (scalar) inputs or outputs. The procedure is preliminary to the hierarchic stabilization and estimation of linear systems and is performed on the subsystem level. A multilevel control scheme based upon the decomposition-aggregation method is developed for stabilization of input-decentralized linear systems Local linear feedback controllers are used to stabilize each decoupled subsystem, while global linear feedback controllers are utilized to minimize the coupling effect among the subsystems. Systems stabilized by the method have a tolerance to a wide class of nonlinearities in subsystem coupling and high reliability with respect to structural perturbations. The proposed output-decentralization and stabilization schemes can be used directly to construct asymptotic state estimators for large linear systems on the subsystem level. The problem of dimensionality is resolved by constructing a number of low-order estimators, thus avoiding a design of a single estimator for the overall system.

  12. You Can’t Win If You Don’t Play: Communication - Engage Early, Engage Often

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-02-01

    the public but also, and more importantly, to the media. In one memorable case, Air Force broadcasters shot video of C-17s dropping food supplies...4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE You Can’t Win If You Don’t Play: Communication - Engage Early, Engage Often 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ...ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) Air Force

  13. The Linear Bias in the Zeldovich Approximation and a Relation between the Number Density and the Linear Bias of Dark Halos

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fan, Zuhui

    2000-01-01

    The linear bias of the dark halos from a model under the Zeldovich approximation is derived and compared with the fitting formula of simulation results. While qualitatively similar to the Press-Schechter formula, this model gives a better description for the linear bias around the turnaround point. This advantage, however, may be compromised by the large uncertainty of the actual behavior of the linear bias near the turnaround point. For a broad class of structure formation models in the cold dark matter framework, a general relation exists between the number density and the linear bias of dark halos. This relation can be readily tested by numerical simulations. Thus, instead of laboriously checking these models one by one, numerical simulation studies can falsify a whole category of models. The general validity of this relation is important in identifying key physical processes responsible for the large-scale structure formation in the universe.

  14. Linear reduction methods for tag SNP selection.

    PubMed

    He, Jingwu; Zelikovsky, Alex

    2004-01-01

    It is widely hoped that constructing a complete human haplotype map will help to associate complex diseases with certain SNP's. Unfortunately, the number of SNP's is huge and it is very costly to sequence many individuals. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the number of SNP's that should be sequenced to considerably small number of informative representatives, so called tag SNP's. In this paper, we propose a new linear algebra based method for selecting and using tag SNP's. Our method is purely combinatorial and can be combined with linkage disequilibrium (LD) and block based methods. We measure the quality of our tag SNP selection algorithm by comparing actual SNP's with SNP's linearly predicted from linearly chosen tag SNP's. We obtain an extremely good compression and prediction rates. For example, for long haplotypes (>25000 SNP's), knowing only 0.4% of all SNP's we predict the entire unknown haplotype with 2% accuracy while the prediction method is based on a 10% sample of the population.

  15. Quantitative Characteristics of Gene Regulation by Small RNA

    PubMed Central

    Levine, Erel; Zhang, Zhongge; Kuhlman, Thomas; Hwa, Terence

    2007-01-01

    An increasing number of small RNAs (sRNAs) have been shown to regulate critical pathways in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In bacteria, regulation by trans-encoded sRNAs is predominantly found in the coordination of intricate stress responses. The mechanisms by which sRNAs modulate expression of its targets are diverse. In common to most is the possibility that interference with the translation of mRNA targets may also alter the abundance of functional sRNAs. Aiming to understand the unique role played by sRNAs in gene regulation, we studied examples from two distinct classes of bacterial sRNAs in Escherichia coli using a quantitative approach combining experiment and theory. Our results demonstrate that sRNA provides a novel mode of gene regulation, with characteristics distinct from those of protein-mediated gene regulation. These include a threshold-linear response with a tunable threshold, a robust noise resistance characteristic, and a built-in capability for hierarchical cross-talk. Knowledge of these special features of sRNA-mediated regulation may be crucial toward understanding the subtle functions that sRNAs can play in coordinating various stress-relief pathways. Our results may also help guide the design of synthetic genetic circuits that have properties difficult to attain with protein regulators alone. PMID:17713988

  16. Chemical networks with inflows and outflows: a positive linear differential inclusions approach.

    PubMed

    Angeli, David; De Leenheer, Patrick; Sontag, Eduardo D

    2009-01-01

    Certain mass-action kinetics models of biochemical reaction networks, although described by nonlinear differential equations, may be partially viewed as state-dependent linear time-varying systems, which in turn may be modeled by convex compact valued positive linear differential inclusions. A result is provided on asymptotic stability of such inclusions, and applied to a ubiquitous biochemical reaction network with inflows and outflows, known as the futile cycle. We also provide a characterization of exponential stability of general homogeneous switched systems which is not only of interest in itself, but also plays a role in the analysis of the futile cycle. 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers

  17. Feedback linearization for control of air breathing engines

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Phillips, Stephen; Mattern, Duane

    1991-01-01

    The method of feedback linearization for control of the nonlinear nozzle and compressor components of an air breathing engine is presented. This method overcomes the need for a large number of scheduling variables and operating points to accurately model highly nonlinear plants. Feedback linearization also results in linear closed loop system performance simplifying subsequent control design. Feedback linearization is used for the nonlinear partial engine model and performance is verified through simulation.

  18. Stoichiometric Lithium Niobate (SLN) Based Linearized Electro-Optic (EO) Modulator

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-01-01

    AFRL-SN-RS-TR-2006-15 Final Technical Report January 2006 STOICHIOMETRIC LITHIUM NIOBATE (SLN) BASED LINEARIZED ELECTRO - OPTIC (EO...LITHIUM NIOBATE (SLN) BASED LINEARIZED ELECTRO - OPTIC (EO) MODULATOR 6. AUTHOR(S) Dr Stuart Kingsley, Dr Sri Sriram 5. FUNDING NUMBERS C...SUBJECT TERMS electro - optic modulator, linearization, directional coupler, variable coupling, optical waveguide, Mach-Zehnder, photonic link, lithium

  19. Comparison of the Tangent Linear Properties of Tracer Transport Schemes Applied to Geophysical Problems.

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kent, James; Holdaway, Daniel

    2015-01-01

    A number of geophysical applications require the use of the linearized version of the full model. One such example is in numerical weather prediction, where the tangent linear and adjoint versions of the atmospheric model are required for the 4DVAR inverse problem. The part of the model that represents the resolved scale processes of the atmosphere is known as the dynamical core. Advection, or transport, is performed by the dynamical core. It is a central process in many geophysical applications and is a process that often has a quasi-linear underlying behavior. However, over the decades since the advent of numerical modelling, significant effort has gone into developing many flavors of high-order, shape preserving, nonoscillatory, positive definite advection schemes. These schemes are excellent in terms of transporting the quantities of interest in the dynamical core, but they introduce nonlinearity through the use of nonlinear limiters. The linearity of the transport schemes used in Goddard Earth Observing System version 5 (GEOS-5), as well as a number of other schemes, is analyzed using a simple 1D setup. The linearized version of GEOS-5 is then tested using a linear third order scheme in the tangent linear version.

  20. Linearity and Nonlinearity in HIV/STI Transmission: Implications for the Evaluation of Sexual Risk Reduction Interventions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pinkerton, Steven D.; Chesson, Harrell W.; Crosby, Richard A.; Layde, Peter M.

    2011-01-01

    A mathematical model of HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STI) transmission was used to examine how linearity or nonlinearity in the relationship between the number of unprotected sex acts (or the number of sex partners) and the risk of acquiring HIV or a highly infectious STI (such as gonorrhea or chlamydia) affects the utility of sexual…

  1. Aerodynamic stiffness of an unbound eccentric whirling centrifugal impeller with an infinite number of blades

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Allaire, P. E.; Branagan, L. A.; Kocur, J. A.

    1982-01-01

    An unbounded eccentric centrifugal impeller with an infinite number of log spiral blades undergoing synchronous whirling in an incompressible fluid is considered. The forces acting on it due to coriolis forces, centripetal forces, changes in linear momentum, changes in pressure due to rotating and changes in pressure due to changes in linear momentum are evaluated.

  2. Habitual dietary intake is associated with stool microbiota composition in monozygotic twins.

    PubMed

    Simões, Catarina D; Maukonen, Johanna; Kaprio, Jaakko; Rissanen, Aila; Pietiläinen, Kirsi H; Saarela, Maria

    2013-04-01

    The impact of diet on the gut microbiota has usually been assessed by subjecting people to the same controlled diet and thereafter following the shifts in the microbiota. In the present study, we used habitual dietary intake, clinical data, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) to characterize the stool microbiota of Finnish monozygotic twins. The effect of diet on the numbers of bacteria was described through a hierarchical linear mixed model that included the twin individuals, stratified by body mass index, and their families as random effects. The abundance and diversity of the bacterial groups studied did not differ between normal-weight, overweight, and obese individuals with the techniques used. Intakes of energy, monounsaturated fatty acids, n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), n6 PUFAs, and soluble fiber had significant associations with the stool bacterial numbers (e.g., increased energy intake was associated with reduced numbers of Bacteroides spp.). In addition, co-twins with identical energy intake had more similar numbers and DGGE-profile diversities of Bacteroides spp. than did the co-twins with different intake. Moreover, the co-twins who ingested the same amounts of saturated fatty acids had very similar DGGE profiles of Bacteroides spp., whereas the co-twins with similar consumption of fiber had a very low bifidobacterial DGGE-profile similarity. In conclusion, our findings confirm that the diet plays an important role in the modulation of the stool microbiota, in particular Bacteroides spp. and bifidobacteria.

  3. Role of cellular communication in the pathways of radiation-induced biological damage

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ballarini, Francesca; Facoetti, Angelica; Mariotti, Luca; Nano, Rosanna; Ottolenghi, Andrea

    During the last decade, a large number of experimental studies on the so-called "non-targeted effects", in particular bystander effects, outlined that cellular communication plays a signifi- cant role in the pathways leading to radiation-induced biological damage. This might imply a paradigm shift in (low-dose) radiobiology, according to which one has to consider the response of groups of cells behaving like a population rather than single cells behaving as individuals. Furthermore, bystander effects, which are observed both for lethal endpoints (e.g. clonogenic inactivation and apoptosis) and for non-lethal ones (e.g. mutations and neoplastic transformation), tend to show non-linear dose responses characterized by a sharp increase followed by a plateau. This might have significant consequences in terms of low-dose risk, which is generally calculated on the basis of the "Linear No Threshold" hypothesis. Although it is known that two types of cellular communication (i.e. via gap junctions and/or molecular messengers diffusing in the extra-cellular environment, such as cytokines) play a major role, it is of utmost importance to better understand the underlying mechanisms, and how such mechanisms can be modulated by ionizing radiation. Though the "final" goal is to elucidate the in vivo scenario, in the meanwhile also in vitro studies can provide useful insights. In the present paper we will discuss key issues on the mechanisms underlying non-targeted effects and, more generally, cell communication, with focus on candidate molecular signals. Theoretical models and simulation codes can be of help in elucidating such mechanisms. In this framework, we will present a model and Monte Carlo code, under development at the University of Pavia, simulating the release, diffusion and internalization of candidate signals (typically cytokines) travelling in the extra-cellular environment, both by unirradiated (i.e., control) cells and by irradiated cells. The focus will be on the role of critical parameters such as the cell number and density, the amount of culture medium etc. Comparisons with ad hoc experimental data obtained in our laboratory will be presented, and possible implications in terms of low-dose risk assessment will be discussed. Work supported by the European Community (projects "RISC-RAD" and "NOTE") and the Italian Space Agency (project "MoMa/COUNT)

  4. Nonparallel linear stability analysis of unconfined vortices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Herrada, M. A.; Barrero, A.

    2004-10-01

    Parabolized stability equations [F. P. Bertolotti, Th. Herbert, and P. R. Spalart, J. Fluid. Mech. 242, 441 (1992)] have been used to study the stability of a family of swirling jets at high Reynolds numbers whose velocity and pressure fields decay far from the axis as rm-2 and r2(m-2), respectively [M. Pérez-Saborid, M. A. Herrada, A. Gómez-Barea, and A. Barrero, J. Fluid. Mech. 471, 51 (2002)]; r is the radial distance and m is a real number in the interval 0

  5. On the Linearly-Balanced Kinetic Energy Spectrum

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lu, Huei,-Iin; Robertson, F. R.

    1999-01-01

    It is well known that the earth's atmospheric motion can generally be characterized by the two dimensional quasi-geostrophic approximation, in which the constraints on global integrals of kinetic energy, entrophy and potential vorticity play very important roles in redistributing the wave energy among different scales of motion. Assuming the hypothesis of Kolmogrov's local isotropy, derived a -3 power law of the equilibrium two-dimensional kinetic energy spectrum that entails constant vorticity and zero energy flows from the energy-containing wave number up to the viscous cutoff. In his three dimensional quasi-geostrophic theory, showed that the spectrum function of the vertical scale turbulence - expressible in terms of the available potential energy - possesses the same power law as the two dimensional kinetic energy spectrum. As the slope of kinetic energy spectrum in the inertial range is theoretically related to the predictability of the synoptic scales (Lorenz, 1969), many general circulation models includes a horizontal diffusion to provide reasonable kinetic energy spectra, although the actual power law exhibited in the atmospheric general circulation is controversial. Note that in either the atmospheric modeling or the observational analyses, the proper choice of wave number Index to represent the turbulence scale Is the degree of the Legendre polynomial.

  6. Multipole analysis in the radiation field for linearized f (R ) gravity with irreducible Cartesian tensors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Bofeng; Huang, Chao-Guang

    2018-04-01

    The 1 /r expansion in the distance to the source is applied to the linearized f (R ) gravity, and its multipole expansion in the radiation field with irreducible Cartesian tensors is presented. Then, the energy, momentum, and angular momentum in the gravitational waves are provided for linearized f (R ) gravity. All of these results have two parts, which are associated with the tensor part and the scalar part in the multipole expansion of linearized f (R ) gravity, respectively. The former is the same as that in General Relativity, and the latter, as the correction to the result in General Relativity, is caused by the massive scalar degree of freedom and plays an important role in distinguishing General Relativity and f (R ) gravity.

  7. Scalar rate correlation at a turbulent liquid free surface - A two-regime correlation for high Schmidt numbers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Khoo, Boo-Cheong; Sonin, Ain A.

    1992-01-01

    An experimental correlation is derived for gas absorption at a turbulent, shear-free liquid interface. The correlation is expressed in terms of the liquid-side turbulence intensity, liquid-side macroscale, and the properties of the diffusing gas and solvent. The transfer coefficient increases linearly with rms velocity up to a point where the eddy Reynolds number reaches a critical (Schmidt number dependent) value. At higher velocities, there is a more rapid linear rise. The slope of the lower Reynolds number region is proportional to the square root of the diffusivity; at Reynolds numbers much higher than that of the break point, the slope becomes independent of diffusivity.

  8. Fixed order dynamic compensation for multivariable linear systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kramer, F. S.; Calise, A. J.

    1986-01-01

    This paper considers the design of fixed order dynamic compensators for multivariable time invariant linear systems, minimizing a linear quadratic performance cost functional. Attention is given to robustness issues in terms of multivariable frequency domain specifications. An output feedback formulation is adopted by suitably augmenting the system description to include the compensator states. Either a controller or observer canonical form is imposed on the compensator description to reduce the number of free parameters to its minimal number. The internal structure of the compensator is prespecified by assigning a set of ascending feedback invariant indices, thus forming a Brunovsky structure for the nominal compensator.

  9. A study of generator performance with linear permanent magnet in various coil configuration and rotor-stator geometry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Asy'ari, Hasyim; Sarjito, Prasetio, Septian Heri

    2017-04-01

    The aim of the research work describe in this paper was to design and optimize a permanent magnet linear generator for renewable energy power plants. It is cover of first stage of designing stator and rotor permanent magnet linear generator. Stator design involves determining dimensions, number of slots, diameter of wire, and the number of winding in each slot. The design of the rotor includes rotor manufacture of PVC pipe material, 10 pieces of permanent magnet type ferrite 271 mikroweber, and resin. The second stage was to assemble the stator and rotor that has been done in the first stage to be a permanent magnet linear generator. The third stage was to install a permanent magnet linear generator with induction motors. Further stage was to test performance of a permanent magnet linear generator by utilizing of induction motor as a prime mover experimentally. In this study, permanent magnet linear generator with a rotor consists of five pairs of permanent magnets. The stator consists of 6 slots of the stator frame, each slot mounted stator coil of 200, 300, 400, 500, and 800 windings, and dimensions of wire used was 0.4 mm. The stator frame was made from acrylic. Results of the experiment that, permanent magnet linear generator when no load was able to generate a DC voltage of 14.5 volts at 300 rpm, and at the output of the linear generator when it is connected to the DC fan as a load only generated of 6.7 volts. It concludes that permanent magnet linear generator output can be used as an input device hybrid system. Data obtained from this experiment in laboratory scale can be developed in a larger scale by varying the type of magnet being used, the number of windings, and the speed used to generate more power.

  10. A drop in uniaxial and biaxial nonlinear extensional flows

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Favelukis, M.

    2017-08-01

    In this theoretical report, we explore small deformations of an initially spherical drop subjected to uniaxial or biaxial nonlinear extensional creeping flows. The problem is governed by the capillary number (Ca), the viscosity ratio (λ), and the nonlinear intensity of the flow (E). When the extensional flow is linear (E = 0), the familiar internal circulations are obtained and the same is true with E > 0, except that the external and internal flow rates increase with increasing E. If E < 0, the external flow consists of some unconnected regions leading to the same number of internal circulations (-3/7 < E < 0) or twice the number of internal circulations (E < -3/7), when compared to the linear case. The shape of the deformed drop is represented in terms of a modified Taylor deformation parameter, and the conditions for the breakup of the drop by a center pinching mechanism are also established. When the flow is linear (E = 0), the literature predicts prolate spheroidal drops for uniaxial flows (Ca > 0) and oblate spheroidal drops for biaxial flows (Ca < 0). For the same |Ca|, if E > 0, the drop is more elongated than the linear case, while E < 0 results in less elongated drops than the linear case. Compared to the linear case, for both uniaxial and biaxial extensional flows, E > 0 tends to facilitate drop breakup, while E < 0 makes drop breakup more difficult.

  11. Neuromuscular Control of Rapid Linear Accelerations in Fish

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-06-22

    2014 30-Apr-2015 Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited Final Report: Neuromuscular Control of Rapid Linear Accelerations in Fish The...it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. Tufts University Research... Control of Rapid Linear Accelerations in Fish Report Title In this project, we measured muscle activity, body movements, and flow patterns during linear

  12. Evaluation of the Coreless Linear Conduction Pump for Thermoelectromagnetic Pumps,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-08-01

    Accession Number: 4466 Publication Date: Aug 01, 1991 Title: Evaluation of the Coreless Linear Conduction Pump for Thermoelectromagnetic Pumps ...083191 Report Prepared for: SDIO/T/SL, Washington, DC 20301-7100 Descriptors, Keywords: Coreless Linear Conduction Pump Thermoelectromagnetic...000001 Record ID: 26727 SUMMARY The purpose of the Coreless Linear Conduction Pump (CLCP) was to evaluate the feasibility of the CLCP as a means of

  13. Jackknife Variance Estimator for Two Sample Linear Rank Statistics

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-11-01

    Accesion For - - ,NTIS GPA&I "TIC TAB Unann c, nc .. [d Keywords: strong consistency; linear rank test’ influence function . i , at L By S- )Distribut...reverse if necessary and identify by block number) FIELD IGROUP SUB-GROUP Strong consistency; linear rank test; influence function . 19. ABSTRACT

  14. Numerical Linear Algebra.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1980-09-08

    February 1979 through 31 March 1980 Title of Research: NUMERICAL LINEAR ALGEBRA Principal Investigators: Gene H. Golub James H. Wilkinson Research...BEFORE COMPLETING FORM 2 OTAgSSION NO. 3. RECIPIENT’S CATALOG NUMBER ITE~ btitle) ~qEE NUMERICAL LINEAR ALGEBRA #I ~ f#7&/8 PER.ORMING ORG. REPORT NUM 27R 7

  15. Learning from number board games: you learn what you encode.

    PubMed

    Laski, Elida V; Siegler, Robert S

    2014-03-01

    We tested the hypothesis that encoding the numerical-spatial relations in a number board game is a key process in promoting learning from playing such games. Experiment 1 used a microgenetic design to examine the effects on learning of the type of counting procedure that children use. As predicted, having kindergartners count-on from their current number on the board while playing a 0-100 number board game facilitated their encoding of the numerical-spatial relations on the game board and improved their number line estimates, numeral identification, and count-on skill. Playing the same game using the standard count-from-1 procedure led to considerably less learning. Experiment 2 demonstrated that comparable improvement in number line estimation does not occur with practice encoding the numerals 1-100 outside of the context of a number board game. The general importance of aligning learning activities and physical materials with desired mental representations is discussed. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved.

  16. [Detection of linear chromosomes and plasmids among 15 genera in the Actinomycetales].

    PubMed

    Ma, Ning; Ma, Wei; Jiang, Chenglin; Fang, Ping; Qin, Zhongjun

    2003-10-01

    Bacterial chromosomes and plasmids are commonly circular, however, linear chromosomes and plasmids were discovered among 5 genera of the Actinomycetales. Here, we use pulsed field gel electrophoresis to study the genomes of 19 species which belong to 15 genera in the Actinomycetales. All chromosomes of 19 species are linear DNA, and linear plasmids with different sizes and copy numbers are detected among 5 species. This work provide basis for investigating the possible novel functions of linear replicons beyond Streptomyces and also helps to develop Actinomycetales artificial linear chromosome.

  17. Estimating the impact of mineral aerosols on crop yields in food insecure regions using statistical crop models

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hoffman, A.; Forest, C. E.; Kemanian, A.

    2016-12-01

    A significant number of food-insecure nations exist in regions of the world where dust plays a large role in the climate system. While the impacts of common climate variables (e.g. temperature, precipitation, ozone, and carbon dioxide) on crop yields are relatively well understood, the impact of mineral aerosols on yields have not yet been thoroughly investigated. This research aims to develop the data and tools to progress our understanding of mineral aerosol impacts on crop yields. Suspended dust affects crop yields by altering the amount and type of radiation reaching the plant, modifying local temperature and precipitation. While dust events (i.e. dust storms) affect crop yields by depleting the soil of nutrients or by defoliation via particle abrasion. The impact of dust on yields is modeled statistically because we are uncertain which impacts will dominate the response on national and regional scales considered in this study. Multiple linear regression is used in a number of large-scale statistical crop modeling studies to estimate yield responses to various climate variables. In alignment with previous work, we develop linear crop models, but build upon this simple method of regression with machine-learning techniques (e.g. random forests) to identify important statistical predictors and isolate how dust affects yields on the scales of interest. To perform this analysis, we develop a crop-climate dataset for maize, soybean, groundnut, sorghum, rice, and wheat for the regions of West Africa, East Africa, South Africa, and the Sahel. Random forest regression models consistently model historic crop yields better than the linear models. In several instances, the random forest models accurately capture the temperature and precipitation threshold behavior in crops. Additionally, improving agricultural technology has caused a well-documented positive trend that dominates time series of global and regional yields. This trend is often removed before regression with traditional crop models, but likely at the cost of removing climate information. Our random forest models consistently discover the positive trend without removing any additional data. The application of random forests as a statistical crop model provides insight into understanding the impact of dust on yields in marginal food producing regions.

  18. Representativeness of the ground observational sites and up-scaling of the point soil moisture measurements

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Jinlei; Wen, Jun; Tian, Hui

    2016-02-01

    Soil moisture plays an increasingly important role in the cycle of energy-water exchange, climate change, and hydrologic processes. It is usually measured at a point site, but regional soil moisture is essential for validating remote sensing products and numerical modeling results. In the study reported in this paper, the minimal number of required sites (NRS) for establishing a research observational network and the representative single sites for regional soil moisture estimation are discussed using the soil moisture data derived from the ;Maqu soil moisture observational network; (101°40‧-102°40‧E, 33°30‧-35°45‧N), which is supported by Chinese Academy of Science. Furthermore, the best up-scaling method suitable for this network has been studied by evaluating four commonly used up-scaling methods. The results showed that (1) Under a given accuracy requirement R ⩾ 0.99, RMSD ⩽ 0.02 m3/m3, NRS at both 5 and 10 cm depth is 10. (2) Representativeness of the sites has been validated by time stability analysis (TSA), time sliding correlation analysis (TSCA) and optimal combination of sites (OCS). NST01 is the most representative site at 5 cm depth for the first two methods; NST07 and NST02 are the most representative sites at 10 cm depth. The optimum combination sites at 5 cm depth are NST01, NST02, and NST07. NST05, NST08, and NST13 are the best group at 10 cm depth. (3) Linear fitting, compared with other three methods, is the best up-scaling method for all types of representative sites obtained above, and linear regression equations between a single site and regional soil moisture are established hereafter. ;Single site; obtained by OCS has the greatest up-scaling effect, and TSCA takes the second place. (4) Linear fitting equations show good practicability in estimating the variation of regional soil moisture from July 3, 2013 to July 3, 2014, when a large number of observed soil moisture data are lost.

  19. Role of extratropical cyclones in the recently observed increase in poleward moisture transport into the Arctic Ocean

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Villamil-Otero, Gian A.; Zhang, Jing; He, Juanxiong; Zhang, Xiangdong

    2018-01-01

    Poleward atmospheric moisture transport (AMT) into the Arctic Ocean can change atmospheric moisture or water vapor content and cause cloud formation and redistribution, which may change downward longwave radiation and, in turn, surface energy budgets, air temperatures, and sea-ice production and melt. In this study, we found a consistently enhanced poleward AMT across 60°N since 1959 based on the NCAR-NCEP reanalysis. Regional analysis demonstrates that the poleward AMT predominantly occurs over the North Atlantic and North Pacific regions, contributing about 57% and 32%, respectively, to the total transport. To improve our understanding of the driving force for this enhanced poleward AMT, we explored the role that extratropical cyclone activity may play. Climatologically, about 207 extratropical cyclones move across 60°N into the Arctic Ocean each year, among which about 66 (32% of the total) and 47 (23%) originate from the North Atlantic and North Pacific Ocean, respectively. When analyzing the linear trends of the time series constructed by using a 20-year running window, we found a positive correlation of 0.70 between poleward yearly AMT and the integrated cyclone activity index (measurement of cyclone intensity, number, and duration). This shows the consistent multidecadal changes between these two parameters and may suggest cyclone activity plays a driving role in the enhanced poleward AMT. Furthermore, a composite analysis indicates that intensification and poleward extension of the Icelandic low and accompanying strengthened cyclone activity play an important role in enhancing poleward AMT over the North Atlantic region.

  20. An analysis of psychotropic drug sales. Increasing sales of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are closely related to number of products.

    PubMed

    Nielsen, Margrethe; Gøtzsche, Peter

    2011-01-01

    Prescribing of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has increased dramatically. To compare the sales of benzodiazepines and SSRIs within the primary care sector in Denmark and relate changes in usage to number of indications and products on the market. We used data from various sources to establish the sales curves of psychotropic drugs in the period 1970 to 2007, based on the Anatomic Therapeutic Classification system and Defined Daily Doses. Fluctuations in sales of psychotropic drugs that cannot be explained by disease prevalence were caused by changes in sales of the benzodiazepines and SSRIs. We found a decline in the sales of benzodiazepines after a peak in 1986, likely due to the recognition that they cause dependence. From a low level in 1992, we found that the sales of SSRIs increased almost linearly by a factor of 18, up to 44 DDD per 1000 inhabitants, which was closely related to the number of products on the market that increased by a factor of 16. Sales of antidepressant drugs are mainly determined by market availability of products indicating that marketing pressures are playing an important role. Thus the current level of use of SSRIs may not be evidence-based, which is supported by studies showing that the effect of SSRIs has been overestimated.

  1. Having mentors and campus social networks moderates the impact of worries and video gaming on depressive symptoms: a moderated mediation analysis.

    PubMed

    Lee, Jong-Sun; Jeong, Bumseok

    2014-05-05

    Easy access to the internet has spawned a wealth of research to investigate the effects of its use on depression. However, one limitation of many previous studies is that they disregard the interactive mechanisms of risk and protective factors. The aim of the present study was to investigate a resilience model in the relationship between worry, daily internet video game playing, daily sleep duration, mentors, social networks and depression, using a moderated mediation analysis. 6068 Korean undergraduate and graduate students participated in this study. The participants completed a web-based mental health screening questionnaire including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and information about number of worries, number of mentors, number of campus social networks, daily sleep duration, daily amount of internet video game playing and daily amount of internet searching on computer or smartphone. A moderated mediation analysis was carried out using the PROCESS macro which allowed the inclusion of mediators and moderator in the same model. The results showed that the daily amount of internet video game playing and daily sleep duration partially mediated the association between the number of worries and the severity of depression. In addition, the mediating effect of the daily amount of internet video game playing was moderated by both the number of mentors and the number of campus social networks. The current findings indicate that the negative impact of worry on depression through internet video game playing can be buffered when students seek to have a number of mentors and campus social networks. Interventions should therefore target individuals who have higher number of worries but seek only a few mentors or campus social networks. Social support via campus mentorship and social networks ameliorate the severity of depression in university students.

  2. Competitions between Rayleigh-Taylor instability and Kelvin-Helmholtz instability with continuous density and velocity profiles

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

    Ye, W. H.; He, X. T.; CAPT, Peking University, Beijing 100871

    2011-02-15

    In this research, competitions between Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI) and Kelvin-Helmholtz instability (KHI) in two-dimensional incompressible fluids within a linear growth regime are investigated analytically. Normalized linear growth rate formulas for both the RTI, suitable for arbitrary density ratio with continuous density profile, and the KHI, suitable for arbitrary density ratio with continuous density and velocity profiles, are obtained. The linear growth rates of pure RTI ({gamma}{sub RT}), pure KHI ({gamma}{sub KH}), and combined RTI and KHI ({gamma}{sub total}) are investigated, respectively. In the pure RTI, it is found that the effect of the finite thickness of the density transition layermore » (L{sub {rho}}) reduces the linear growth of the RTI (stabilizes the RTI). In the pure KHI, it is found that conversely, the effect of the finite thickness of the density transition layer increases the linear growth of the KHI (destabilizes the KHI). It is found that the effect of the finite thickness of the density transition layer decreases the ''effective'' or ''local'' Atwood number (A) for both the RTI and the KHI. However, based on the properties of {gamma}{sub RT}{proportional_to}{radical}(A) and {gamma}{sub KH}{proportional_to}{radical}(1-A{sup 2}), the effect of the finite thickness of the density transition layer therefore has a completely opposite role on the RTI and the KHI noted above. In addition, it is found that the effect of the finite thickness of the velocity shear layer (L{sub u}) stabilizes the KHI, and for the most cases, the combined effects of the finite thickness of the density transition layer and the velocity shear layer (L{sub {rho}=}L{sub u}) also stabilize the KHI. Regarding the combined RTI and KHI, it is found that there is a competition between the RTI and the KHI because of the completely opposite effect of the finite thickness of the density transition layer on these two kinds of instability. It is found that the competitions between the RTI and the KHI depend, respectively, on the Froude number, the density ratio of the light fluid to the heavy one, and the finite thicknesses of the density transition layer and the velocity shear layer. Furthermore, for the fixed Froude number, the linear growth rate ratio of the RTI to the KHI decreases with both the density ratio and the finite thickness of the density transition layer, but increases with the finite thickness of the velocity shear layer and the combined finite thicknesses of the density transition layer and the velocity shear layer (L{sub {rho}=}L{sub u}). In summary, our analytical results show that the effect of the finite thickness of the density transition layer stabilizes the RTI and the overall combined effects of the finite thickness of the density transition layer and the velocity shear layer (L{sub {rho}=}L{sub u}) also stabilize the KHI. Thus, it should be included in applications where the transition layer effect plays an important role, such as the formation of large-scale structures (jets) in high energy density physics and astrophysics and turbulent mixing.« less

  3. Influence of Brownian motion on blood platelet flow behavior and adhesive dynamics near a planar wall.

    PubMed

    Mody, Nipa A; King, Michael R

    2007-05-22

    We used the platelet adhesive dynamics computational method to study the influence of Brownian motion of a platelet on its flow characteristics near a surface in the creeping flow regime. Two important characterizations were done in this regard: (1) quantification of the platelet's ability to contact the surface by virtue of the Brownian forces and torques acting on it, and (2) determination of the relative importance of Brownian motion in promoting surface encounters in the presence of shear flow. We determined the Peclet number for a platelet undergoing Brownian motion in shear flow, which could be expressed as a simple linear function of height of the platelet centroid, H from the surface Pe (platelet) = . (1.56H + 0.66) for H > 0.3 microm. Our results demonstrate that at timescales relevant to shear flow in blood Brownian motion plays an insignificant role in influencing platelet motion or creating further opportunities for platelet-surface contact. The platelet Peclet number at shear rates >100 s-1 is large enough (>200) to neglect platelet Brownian motion in computational modeling of flow in arteries and arterioles for most practical purposes even at very close distances from the surface. We also conducted adhesive dynamics simulations to determine the effects of platelet Brownian motion on GPIbalpha-vWF-A1 single-bond dissociation dynamics. Brownian motion was found to have little effect on bond lifetime and caused minimal bond stressing as bond rupture forces were calculated to be less than 0.005 pN. We conclude from our results that, for the case of platelet-shaped cells, Brownian motion is not expected to play an important role in influencing flow characteristics, platelet-surface contact frequency, and dissociative binding phenomena under flow at physiological shear rates (>50 s(-1)).

  4. Player and Game Characteristics and Head Impacts in Female Youth Ice Hockey Players.

    PubMed

    Reed, Nick; Taha, Tim; Greenwald, Richard; Keightley, Michelle

    2017-08-01

      Despite the growing popularity of ice hockey among female youth and interest in the biomechanics of head impacts in sport, the head impacts sustained by this population have yet to be characterized.   To describe the number of, biomechanical characteristics of, and exposure to head impacts of female youth ice hockey players during competition and to investigate the influences of player and game characteristics on head impacts.   Cohort study.   Twenty-seven female youth ice hockey players (mean age = 12.5 ± 0.52 years) wore instrumented ice hockey helmets during 66 ice hockey games over a 3-year period. Data specific to player, game, and biomechanical head impact characteristics were recorded. A multiple regression analysis identified factors most associated with head impacts of greater frequency and severity.   A total of 436 total head impacts were sustained during 6924 minutes of active ice hockey participation (0.9 ± 0.6 impacts per player per game; range, 0-2.1). A higher body mass index (BMI) significantly predicted a higher number of head impacts sustained per game (P = .008). Linear acceleration of head impacts was greater in older players and those who played the forward position, had a greater BMI, and spent more time on the ice (P = .008), whereas greater rotational acceleration was present in older players who had a greater BMI and played the forward position (P = .008). During tournament games, increased ice time predicted increased severity of head impacts (P = .03).   This study reveals for the first time that head impacts are occurring in female youth ice hockey players, albeit at a lower rate and severity than in male youth ice hockey players, despite the lack of intentional body checking.

  5. Nonlinear excitation of the ablative Rayleigh-Taylor instability for all wave numbers

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

    Zhang, H.; Betti, R.; Gopalaswamy, V.

    Small-scale perturbations in the ablative Rayleigh-Taylor instability (ARTI) are often neglected because they are linearly stable when their wavelength is shorter than a linear cutoff. Using 2D and 3D numerical simulations, it is shown that linearly stable modes of any wavelength can be destabilized. This instability regime requires finite amplitude initial perturbations and linearly stable ARTI modes are more easily destabilized in 3D than in 2D. In conclusion, it is shown that for conditions found in laser fusion targets, short wavelength ARTI modes are more efficient at driving mixing of ablated material throughout the target since the nonlinear bubble densitymore » increases with the wave number and small scale bubbles carry a larger mass flux of mixed material.« less

  6. Nonlinear excitation of the ablative Rayleigh-Taylor instability for all wave numbers

    DOE PAGES

    Zhang, H.; Betti, R.; Gopalaswamy, V.; ...

    2018-01-16

    Small-scale perturbations in the ablative Rayleigh-Taylor instability (ARTI) are often neglected because they are linearly stable when their wavelength is shorter than a linear cutoff. Using 2D and 3D numerical simulations, it is shown that linearly stable modes of any wavelength can be destabilized. This instability regime requires finite amplitude initial perturbations and linearly stable ARTI modes are more easily destabilized in 3D than in 2D. In conclusion, it is shown that for conditions found in laser fusion targets, short wavelength ARTI modes are more efficient at driving mixing of ablated material throughout the target since the nonlinear bubble densitymore » increases with the wave number and small scale bubbles carry a larger mass flux of mixed material.« less

  7. Antipilferage Seal User’s Guide

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1997-10-01

    seal is properly installed, ensure that there is no free play between the seal body and the wire. Verify and record the serial number. During post...and Record - Once the seal is properly installed, ensure that there is no free play between the seal body and the wire. During post-mortem...seal is properly installed, ensure that there is no free play between the seal body and the wire. Verify and record the serial number. During post

  8. Safe-Play Knowledge, Aggression, and Head-Impact Biomechanics in Adolescent Ice Hockey Players.

    PubMed

    Schmidt, Julianne D; Pierce, Alice F; Guskiewicz, Kevin M; Register-Mihalik, Johna K; Pamukoff, Derek N; Mihalik, Jason P

    2016-05-01

    Addressing safe-play knowledge and player aggression could potentially improve ice hockey sport safety. To compare (1) safe-play knowledge and aggression between male and female adolescent ice hockey players and (2) head-impact frequency and severity between players with high and low levels of safe-play knowledge and aggression during practices and games. Cohort study. On field. Forty-one male (n = 29) and female (n = 12) adolescent ice hockey players. Players completed the Safe Play Questionnaire (0 = less knowledge, 7 = most knowledge) and Competitive Aggressiveness and Anger Scale (12 = less aggressive, 60 = most aggressive) at midseason. Aggressive penalty minutes were recorded throughout the season. The Head Impact Telemetry System was used to capture head-impact frequency and severity (linear acceleration [g], rotational acceleration [rad/s(2)], Head Impact Technology severity profile) at practices and games. One-way analyses of variance were used to compare safe play knowledge and aggression between sexes. Players were categorized as having high or low safe-play knowledge and aggression using a median split. A 2 × 2 mixed-model analysis of variance was used to compare head-impact frequency, and random-intercept general linear models were used to compare head-impact severity between groups (high, low) and event types (practice, game). Boys (5.8 of 7 total; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.3, 6.3) had a trend toward better safe-play knowledge compared with girls (4.9 of 7 total; 95% CI = 3.9, 5.9; F1,36 = 3.40, P = .073). Less aggressive male players sustained significantly lower head rotational accelerations during practices (1512.8 rad/s (2) , 95% CI = 1397.3, 1637.6 rad/s(2)) versus games (1754.8 rad/s (2) , 95% CI = 1623.9, 1896.2 rad/s(2)) and versus high-aggression players during practices (1773.5 rad/s (2) , 95% CI = 1607.9, 1956.3 rad/s (2) ; F1,26 = 6.04, P = .021). Coaches and sports medicine professionals should ensure that athletes of all levels, ages, and sexes have full knowledge of safe play and should consider aggression interventions for reducing head-impact severity among aggressive players during practice.

  9. Squeezing, Striking, and Vocalizing: Is Number Representation Fundamentally Spatial?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nunez, Rafael; Doan, D.; Nikoulina, Anastasia

    2011-01-01

    Numbers are fundamental entities in mathematics, but their cognitive bases are unclear. Abundant research points to linear space as a natural grounding for number representation. But, is number representation fundamentally spatial? We disentangle number representation from standard number-to-line reporting methods, and compare numerical…

  10. Mechanism Underlying IκB Kinase Activation Mediated by the Linear Ubiquitin Chain Assembly Complex

    PubMed Central

    Fujita, Hiroaki; Akita, Mariko; Kato, Ryuichi; Sasaki, Yoshiteru; Wakatsuki, Soichi

    2014-01-01

    The linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) ligase, consisting of HOIL-1L, HOIP, and SHARPIN, specifically generates linear polyubiquitin chains. LUBAC-mediated linear polyubiquitination has been implicated in NF-κB activation. NEMO, a component of the IκB kinase (IKK) complex, is a substrate of LUBAC, but the precise molecular mechanism underlying linear chain-mediated NF-κB activation has not been fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that linearly polyubiquitinated NEMO activates IKK more potently than unanchored linear chains. In mutational analyses based on the crystal structure of the complex between the HOIP NZF1 and NEMO CC2-LZ domains, which are involved in the HOIP-NEMO interaction, NEMO mutations that impaired linear ubiquitin recognition activity and prevented recognition by LUBAC synergistically suppressed signal-induced NF-κB activation. HOIP NZF1 bound to NEMO and ubiquitin simultaneously, and HOIP NZF1 mutants defective in interaction with either NEMO or ubiquitin could not restore signal-induced NF-κB activation. Furthermore, linear chain-mediated activation of IKK2 involved homotypic interaction of the IKK2 kinase domain. Collectively, these results demonstrate that linear polyubiquitination of NEMO plays crucial roles in IKK activation and that this modification involves the HOIP NZF1 domain and recognition of NEMO-conjugated linear ubiquitin chains by NEMO on another IKK complex. PMID:24469399

  11. Linear and nonlinear regression techniques for simultaneous and proportional myoelectric control.

    PubMed

    Hahne, J M; Biessmann, F; Jiang, N; Rehbaum, H; Farina, D; Meinecke, F C; Muller, K-R; Parra, L C

    2014-03-01

    In recent years the number of active controllable joints in electrically powered hand-prostheses has increased significantly. However, the control strategies for these devices in current clinical use are inadequate as they require separate and sequential control of each degree-of-freedom (DoF). In this study we systematically compare linear and nonlinear regression techniques for an independent, simultaneous and proportional myoelectric control of wrist movements with two DoF. These techniques include linear regression, mixture of linear experts (ME), multilayer-perceptron, and kernel ridge regression (KRR). They are investigated offline with electro-myographic signals acquired from ten able-bodied subjects and one person with congenital upper limb deficiency. The control accuracy is reported as a function of the number of electrodes and the amount and diversity of training data providing guidance for the requirements in clinical practice. The results showed that KRR, a nonparametric statistical learning method, outperformed the other methods. However, simple transformations in the feature space could linearize the problem, so that linear models could achieve similar performance as KRR at much lower computational costs. Especially ME, a physiologically inspired extension of linear regression represents a promising candidate for the next generation of prosthetic devices.

  12. Multigrid approaches to non-linear diffusion problems on unstructured meshes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mavriplis, Dimitri J.; Bushnell, Dennis M. (Technical Monitor)

    2001-01-01

    The efficiency of three multigrid methods for solving highly non-linear diffusion problems on two-dimensional unstructured meshes is examined. The three multigrid methods differ mainly in the manner in which the nonlinearities of the governing equations are handled. These comprise a non-linear full approximation storage (FAS) multigrid method which is used to solve the non-linear equations directly, a linear multigrid method which is used to solve the linear system arising from a Newton linearization of the non-linear system, and a hybrid scheme which is based on a non-linear FAS multigrid scheme, but employs a linear solver on each level as a smoother. Results indicate that all methods are equally effective at converging the non-linear residual in a given number of grid sweeps, but that the linear solver is more efficient in cpu time due to the lower cost of linear versus non-linear grid sweeps.

  13. Analysis of the linearity of half periods of the Lorentz pendulum

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wickramasinghe, T.; Ochoa, R.

    2005-05-01

    We analyze the motion of the Lorentz pendulum, a simple pendulum whose length is changed at a constant rate k. We show both analytically and numerically that the half period Tn, the time between half oscillations as measured from midpoint to midpoint, increases linearly with the oscillation number n such that Tn+1-Tn≈kπ2/2g, where g is the acceleration due to gravity. A video camera is used to record the motion of the oscillating bob of the pendulum and verify the linearity of Tn with oscillation number. The theory and the experiment are suitable for an advanced undergraduate laboratory.

  14. Particle swarm optimization - Genetic algorithm (PSOGA) on linear transportation problem

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rahmalia, Dinita

    2017-08-01

    Linear Transportation Problem (LTP) is the case of constrained optimization where we want to minimize cost subject to the balance of the number of supply and the number of demand. The exact method such as northwest corner, vogel, russel, minimal cost have been applied at approaching optimal solution. In this paper, we use heurisitic like Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) for solving linear transportation problem at any size of decision variable. In addition, we combine mutation operator of Genetic Algorithm (GA) at PSO to improve optimal solution. This method is called Particle Swarm Optimization - Genetic Algorithm (PSOGA). The simulations show that PSOGA can improve optimal solution resulted by PSO.

  15. Bi-Linear Shear Deformable ANCF Shell Element Using Continuum Mechanics Approach

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-08-01

    Lappeenranta University of Technology Skinnarilankatu 34, 53850 Lappeenranta, Finland Paramsothy Jayakumar US Army RDECOM TARDEC 6501 E. 11 Mile...2-0001 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Hiroki Yamashita; Antti Valkeapaa; Paramsothy Jayakumar ; Hiroyuki Sugiyama 5d...Valkeapää, A. I., Yamashita, H., Jayakumar , P. and Sugiyama, H., “Gradient Deficient Bi-Linear Plate Element Based on Absolute Nodal Coordinate

  16. Genetics Home Reference: microphthalmia with linear skin defects syndrome

    MedlinePlus

    ... oxidative phosphorylation , by which mitochondria generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's main energy source. It also plays ... Syndrome ClinicalTrials.gov (1 link) ClinicalTrials.gov Scientific Articles on PubMed (1 link) PubMed OMIM (1 link) ...

  17. Linear Optical Quantum Metrology with Single Photons: Exploiting Spontaneously Generated Entanglement to Beat the Shot-Noise Limit

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Motes, Keith R.; Olson, Jonathan P.; Rabeaux, Evan J.; Dowling, Jonathan P.; Olson, S. Jay; Rohde, Peter P.

    2015-05-01

    Quantum number-path entanglement is a resource for supersensitive quantum metrology and in particular provides for sub-shot-noise or even Heisenberg-limited sensitivity. However, such number-path entanglement has been thought to be resource intensive to create in the first place—typically requiring either very strong nonlinearities, or nondeterministic preparation schemes with feedforward, which are difficult to implement. Very recently, arising from the study of quantum random walks with multiphoton walkers, as well as the study of the computational complexity of passive linear optical interferometers fed with single-photon inputs, it has been shown that such passive linear optical devices generate a superexponentially large amount of number-path entanglement. A logical question to ask is whether this entanglement may be exploited for quantum metrology. We answer that question here in the affirmative by showing that a simple, passive, linear-optical interferometer—fed with only uncorrelated, single-photon inputs, coupled with simple, single-mode, disjoint photodetection—is capable of significantly beating the shot-noise limit. Our result implies a pathway forward to practical quantum metrology with readily available technology.

  18. Linear optical quantum metrology with single photons: exploiting spontaneously generated entanglement to beat the shot-noise limit.

    PubMed

    Motes, Keith R; Olson, Jonathan P; Rabeaux, Evan J; Dowling, Jonathan P; Olson, S Jay; Rohde, Peter P

    2015-05-01

    Quantum number-path entanglement is a resource for supersensitive quantum metrology and in particular provides for sub-shot-noise or even Heisenberg-limited sensitivity. However, such number-path entanglement has been thought to be resource intensive to create in the first place--typically requiring either very strong nonlinearities, or nondeterministic preparation schemes with feedforward, which are difficult to implement. Very recently, arising from the study of quantum random walks with multiphoton walkers, as well as the study of the computational complexity of passive linear optical interferometers fed with single-photon inputs, it has been shown that such passive linear optical devices generate a superexponentially large amount of number-path entanglement. A logical question to ask is whether this entanglement may be exploited for quantum metrology. We answer that question here in the affirmative by showing that a simple, passive, linear-optical interferometer--fed with only uncorrelated, single-photon inputs, coupled with simple, single-mode, disjoint photodetection--is capable of significantly beating the shot-noise limit. Our result implies a pathway forward to practical quantum metrology with readily available technology.

  19. Compressible or incompressible blend of interacting monodisperse star and linear polymers near a surface.

    PubMed

    Batman, Richard; Gujrati, P D

    2008-03-28

    We consider a lattice model of a mixture of repulsive, attractive, or neutral monodisperse star (species A) and linear (species B) polymers with a third monomeric species C, which may represent free volume. The mixture is next to a hard, infinite plate whose interactions with A and C can be attractive, repulsive, or neutral. These two interactions are the only parameters necessary to specify the effect of the surface on all three components. We numerically study monomer density profiles using the method of Gujrati and Chhajer that has already been previously applied to study polydisperse and monodisperse linear-linear blends next to surfaces. The resulting density profiles always show an enrichment of linear polymers in the immediate vicinity of the surface due to entropic repulsion of the star core. However, the integrated surface excess of star monomers is sometimes positive, indicating an overall enrichment of stars. This excess increases with the number of star arms only up to a certain critical number and decreases thereafter. The critical arm number increases with compressibility (bulk concentration of C). The method of Gujrati and Chhajer is computationally ultrafast and can be carried out on a personal computer (PC), even in the incompressible case, when simulations are unfeasible. Calculations of density profiles usually take less than 20 min on PCs.

  20. Ingestive Behavior of Heifers Supplemented with Glycerin in Substitution of Corn on Brachiaria brizantha Pasture

    PubMed Central

    Facuri, L. M. A. M.; Silva, R. R.; da Silva, F. F.; de Carvalho, G. G. P.; Sampaio, C. B.; Mendes, F. B. L.; Lisboa, M. M.; Barroso, D. S.; Carvalho, V. M.; Pereira, M. M. S.

    2014-01-01

    The objective was to evaluate the ingestive behavior of crossbred heifers finished on a Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pasture receiving four levels of glycerin in their supplementation. Thirty-six crossbred heifers with average initial weight of 264.83±3.83 kg and 20 months of age were distributed into a completely randomized design with four treatments and nine replications: control (0%), 4.82%, 10.12%, and 15.56% glycerin in the dry matter. The grazing time reduced linearly (p<0.05), whereas the time spent on activities like rumination, idleness, trough and total chewing time were quadratically affected (p<0.05). Bite rate and number of bites/day were quadratically influenced (p<0.05). The number of bites/swallowed cud and the number of bites/minute, however, increased linearly (p<0.05). Although the time spent on each cud and number of chews per cud were not affected (p>0.05). The number of rumination periods reduced linearly (p<0.05), whereas the number of grazing, idle and trough periods, and the times per grazing, idle, rumination and trough periods were quadratically affected (p<0.05). The feed and rumination efficiencies of the dry matter, non-fibrous carbohydrates, pasture dry matter and concentrate were quadratically affected (p>0.05) whereas the feed efficiency of neutral detergent fiber reduced linearly (p<0.05). Addition of glycerin in substitution of corn in supplements for animals managed on pastures does not influenced feed intake, but reduces the grazing time and increases the idle time. The supplementation also improves feed and rumination efficiencies. PMID:25358318

  1. On the Relation Between Soft Electron Precipitations in the Cusp Region and Solar Wind Coupling Functions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dang, Tong; Zhang, Binzheng; Wiltberge, Michael; Wang, Wenbin; Varney, Roger; Dou, Xiankang; Wan, Weixing; Lei, Jiuhou

    2018-01-01

    In this study, the correlations between the fluxes of precipitating soft electrons in the cusp region and solar wind coupling functions are investigated utilizing the Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry global magnetosphere model simulations. We conduct two simulation runs during periods from 20 March 2008 to 16 April 2008 and from 15 to 24 December 2014, which are referred as "Equinox Case" and "Solstice Case," respectively. The simulation results of Equinox Case show that the plasma number density in the high-latitude cusp region scales well with the solar wind number density (ncusp/nsw=0.78), which agrees well with the statistical results from the Polar spacecraft measurements. For the Solstice Case, the plasma number density of high-latitude cusp in both hemispheres increases approximately linearly with upstream solar wind number density with prominent hemispheric asymmetry. Due to the dipole tilt effect, the average number density ratio ncusp/nsw in the Southern (summer) Hemisphere is nearly 3 times that in the Northern (winter) Hemisphere. In addition to the solar wind number density, 20 solar wind coupling functions are tested for the linear correlation with the fluxes of precipitating cusp soft electrons. The statistical results indicate that the solar wind dynamic pressure p exhibits the highest linear correlation with the cusp electron fluxes for both equinox and solstice conditions, with correlation coefficients greater than 0.75. The linear regression relations for equinox and solstice cases may provide an empirical calculation for the fluxes of cusp soft electron precipitation based on the upstream solar wind driving conditions.

  2. Increased rates of authorship in radiology publications: a bibliometric analysis of 142,576 articles published worldwide by radiologists between 1991 and 2012.

    PubMed

    Chow, Daniel S; Ha, Richard; Filippi, Christopher G

    2015-01-01

    OBJECTIVE; There is evidence in academic medicine that the number of authors per paper has increased over time. The goal of this study was to quantitatively analyze authorship trends in the field of radiology over 20 years. A search of the National Library of Medicine MEDLINE database was conducted to identify articles published by radiology departments between 1991 and 2012. Country of origin, article study design, and journal impact factor were recorded. The increase in number of authors per paper was assessed by linear and nonlinear regression. Pearson correlation was used to assess the relation between journal impact factor and number of authors. A total of 142,576 articles and 699,257 authors were identified during the study period. The mean number of authors per paper displayed linear growth from 3.9 to 5.7 (p < 0.0001). The proportion of single authors declined from 11% in 1991 to 4.4% in 2012. The number of clinical trials increased in a linear pattern, review articles in an exponential pattern, and case reports in a logistic pattern (p < 0.0001 for each). Countries with the highest number of authors per paper were Japan, Italy, and Germany. The number of articles funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) displayed exponential growth and of non-NIH-funded articles displayed linear growth (p < 0.0001 for each). A negligible relation was observed between journal impact factor and number of authors (Pearson r = 0.1066). Radiology has had a steady increase in mean number of authors per paper since the early 1990s that has varied by study design. The increase is probably multi-factorial and includes components of author inflation and increasing complexity of research. Findings support the need for reemphasis of authorship criteria to preserve authorship value and accountability.

  3. Linear analysis near a steady-state of biochemical networks: Control analysis, correlation metrics and circuit theory

    PubMed Central

    Heuett, William J; Beard, Daniel A; Qian, Hong

    2008-01-01

    Background Several approaches, including metabolic control analysis (MCA), flux balance analysis (FBA), correlation metric construction (CMC), and biochemical circuit theory (BCT), have been developed for the quantitative analysis of complex biochemical networks. Here, we present a comprehensive theory of linear analysis for nonequilibrium steady-state (NESS) biochemical reaction networks that unites these disparate approaches in a common mathematical framework and thermodynamic basis. Results In this theory a number of relationships between key matrices are introduced: the matrix A obtained in the standard, linear-dynamic-stability analysis of the steady-state can be decomposed as A = SRT where R and S are directly related to the elasticity-coefficient matrix for the fluxes and chemical potentials in MCA, respectively; the control-coefficients for the fluxes and chemical potentials can be written in terms of RTBS and STBS respectively where matrix B is the inverse of A; the matrix S is precisely the stoichiometric matrix in FBA; and the matrix eAt plays a central role in CMC. Conclusion One key finding that emerges from this analysis is that the well-known summation theorems in MCA take different forms depending on whether metabolic steady-state is maintained by flux injection or concentration clamping. We demonstrate that if rate-limiting steps exist in a biochemical pathway, they are the steps with smallest biochemical conductances and largest flux control-coefficients. We hypothesize that biochemical networks for cellular signaling have a different strategy for minimizing energy waste and being efficient than do biochemical networks for biosynthesis. We also discuss the intimate relationship between MCA and biochemical systems analysis (BSA). PMID:18482450

  4. Mathematical model of alternative mechanism of telomere length maintenance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kollár, Richard; Bod'ová, Katarína; Nosek, Jozef; Tomáška, L'ubomír

    2014-03-01

    Biopolymer length regulation is a complex process that involves a large number of biological, chemical, and physical subprocesses acting simultaneously across multiple spatial and temporal scales. An illustrative example important for genomic stability is the length regulation of telomeres—nucleoprotein structures at the ends of linear chromosomes consisting of tandemly repeated DNA sequences and a specialized set of proteins. Maintenance of telomeres is often facilitated by the enzyme telomerase but, particularly in telomerase-free systems, the maintenance of chromosomal termini depends on alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanisms mediated by recombination. Various linear and circular DNA structures were identified to participate in ALT, however, dynamics of the whole process is still poorly understood. We propose a chemical kinetics model of ALT with kinetic rates systematically derived from the biophysics of DNA diffusion and looping. The reaction system is reduced to a coagulation-fragmentation system by quasi-steady-state approximation. The detailed treatment of kinetic rates yields explicit formulas for expected size distributions of telomeres that demonstrate the key role played by the J factor, a quantitative measure of bending of polymers. The results are in agreement with experimental data and point out interesting phenomena: an appearance of very long telomeric circles if the total telomere density exceeds a critical value (excess mass) and a nonlinear response of the telomere size distributions to the amount of telomeric DNA in the system. The results can be of general importance for understanding dynamics of telomeres in telomerase-independent systems as this mode of telomere maintenance is similar to the situation in tumor cells lacking telomerase activity. Furthermore, due to its universality, the model may also serve as a prototype of an interaction between linear and circular DNA structures in various settings.

  5. On the linear programming bound for linear Lee codes.

    PubMed

    Astola, Helena; Tabus, Ioan

    2016-01-01

    Based on an invariance-type property of the Lee-compositions of a linear Lee code, additional equality constraints can be introduced to the linear programming problem of linear Lee codes. In this paper, we formulate this property in terms of an action of the multiplicative group of the field [Formula: see text] on the set of Lee-compositions. We show some useful properties of certain sums of Lee-numbers, which are the eigenvalues of the Lee association scheme, appearing in the linear programming problem of linear Lee codes. Using the additional equality constraints, we formulate the linear programming problem of linear Lee codes in a very compact form, leading to a fast execution, which allows to efficiently compute the bounds for large parameter values of the linear codes.

  6. Design Issues in Video Disc Map Display.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-10-01

    such items as the equipment used by ETL in its work with discs and selected images from a disc. % %. I 4 11. VIDEO DISC TECHNOLOGY AND VOCABULARY 0...The term video refers to a television image. The standard home television set is equipped with a receiver, which is capable of picking up a signal...plays for one hour per side and is played at a constant linear velocity. The industria )y-formatted disc has 54,000 frames per side in concentric tracks

  7. Algebraic disturbances and their consequences in rotating channel flow transition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jose, Sharath; Kuzhimparampil, Vishnu; Pier, Benoît.; Govindarajan, Rama

    2017-08-01

    It is now established that subcritical mechanisms play a crucial role in the transition to turbulence of nonrotating plane shear flows. The role of these mechanisms in rotating channel flow is examined here in the linear and nonlinear stages. Distinct patterns of behavior are found: the transient growth leading to nonlinearity at low rotation rates R o , a highly chaotic intermediate R o regime, a localized weak chaos at higher R o , and complete stabilization of transient disturbances at very high R o . At very low R o , the transient growth amplitudes are close to those for nonrotating flow, but Coriolis forces assert themselves by producing distinct asymmetry about the channel centreline. Nonlinear processes are then triggered, in a streak-breakdown mode of transition. The high R o regimes do not show these signatures; here the leading eigenmode emerges as dominant in the early stages. Elongated structures plastered close to one wall are seen at higher rotation rates. Rotation is shown to reduce nonnormality in the linear operator, in an indirect manifestation of Taylor-Proudman effects. Although the critical Reynolds for exponential growth of instabilities is known to vary a lot with rotation rate, we show that the energy critical Reynolds number is insensitive to rotation rate. It is hoped that these findings will motivate experimental verification and examination of other rotating flows in this light.

  8. Theory of linear sweep voltammetry with diffuse charge: Unsupported electrolytes, thin films, and leaky membranes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yan, David; Bazant, Martin Z.; Biesheuvel, P. M.; Pugh, Mary C.; Dawson, Francis P.

    2017-03-01

    Linear sweep and cyclic voltammetry techniques are important tools for electrochemists and have a variety of applications in engineering. Voltammetry has classically been treated with the Randles-Sevcik equation, which assumes an electroneutral supported electrolyte. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive mathematical theory of voltammetry in electrochemical cells with unsupported electrolytes and for other situations where diffuse charge effects play a role, and present analytical and simulated solutions of the time-dependent Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations with generalized Frumkin-Butler-Volmer boundary conditions for a 1:1 electrolyte and a simple reaction. Using these solutions, we construct theoretical and simulated current-voltage curves for liquid and solid thin films, membranes with fixed background charge, and cells with blocking electrodes. The full range of dimensionless parameters is considered, including the dimensionless Debye screening length (scaled to the electrode separation), Damkohler number (ratio of characteristic diffusion and reaction times), and dimensionless sweep rate (scaled to the thermal voltage per diffusion time). The analysis focuses on the coupling of Faradaic reactions and diffuse charge dynamics, although capacitive charging of the electrical double layers is also studied, for early time transients at reactive electrodes and for nonreactive blocking electrodes. Our work highlights cases where diffuse charge effects are important in the context of voltammetry, and illustrates which regimes can be approximated using simple analytical expressions and which require more careful consideration.

  9. Effects of Favorable Alleles for Water-Soluble Carbohydrates at Grain Filling on Grain Weight under Drought and Heat Stresses in Wheat

    PubMed Central

    Chang, Xiaoping; Li, Runzhi; Jing, Ruilian

    2014-01-01

    Drought, heat and other abiotic stresses during grain filling can result in reductions in grain weight. Conserved water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) at early grain filling play an important role in partial compensation of reduced carbon supply. A diverse population of 262 historical winter wheat accessions was used in the present study. There were significant correlations between 1000-grain weight (TGW) and four types of WSC, viz. (1) total WSC at the mid-grain filling stage (14 days after flowering) produced by leaves and non-leaf organs; (2) WSC contributed by current leaf assimilation during the mid-grain filling; (3) WSC in non-leaf organs at the mid-grain filling, excluding the current leaf assimilation; and (4) WSC used for respiration and remobilization during the mid-grain filling. Association and favorable allele analyses of 209 genome-wide SSR markers and the four types of WSC were conducted using a mixed linear model. Seven novel favorable WSC alleles exhibited positive individual contributions to TGW, which were verified under 16 environments. Dosage effects of pyramided favorable WSC alleles and significantly linear correlations between the number of favorable WSC alleles and TGW were observed. Our results suggested that pyramiding more favorable WSC alleles was effective for improving both WSC and grain weight in future wheat breeding programs. PMID:25036550

  10. Evaluating the effects of the Lunchtime Enjoyment Activity and Play (LEAP) school playground intervention on children’s quality of life, enjoyment and participation in physical activity

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background An emerging public health strategy is to enhance children’s opportunities to be physically active during school break periods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the Lunchtime Enjoyment Activity and Play (LEAP) school playground intervention on primary school children’s quality of life (QOL), enjoyment and participation in physical activity (PA). Methods This study consisted of a movable/recycled materials intervention that included baseline, a 7-week post-test and an 8-month follow-up data collection phase. Children within an intervention school (n = 123) and a matched control school (n = 152) aged 5-to-12-years-old were recruited for the study. Children’s PA was measured using a combination of pedometers and direct observation (SOPLAY). Quality of life, enjoyment of PA and enjoyment of lunchtime activities were assessed in the 8-12 year children. A multi-level mixed effect linear regression model was applied in STATA (version 12.0) using the xtmixed command to fit linear mixed models to each of the variables to examine whether there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the intervention and control school at the three time points (pre, post and follow-up). Results Significant overall interaction effects (group × time) were identified for children’s mean steps and distance (pedometers) in the intervention school compared to the control school. Intervention school children also spent significantly higher proportions within specified target areas engaged in higher PA intensities in comparison to the control school at both the 7-week post-test and 8-month follow-up. A short-term treatment effect was revealed after 7-weeks for children’s physical health scale QOL, enjoyment of PA and enjoyment of intra-personal play activities. Conclusions Examining the effects of this school playground intervention over a school year suggested that the introduction of movable/recycled materials can have a significant, positive long-term intervention effect on children’s PA. The implications from this simple, low-cost intervention provide impetus for schools to consider introducing the concept of a movable/recycled materials intervention on a wider scale within primary school settings. Trial registration Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registration Number: ACTRN12613001155785. PMID:24524375

  11. Three-dimensional instabilities of natural convection between two differentially heated vertical plates: Linear and nonlinear complementary approaches

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gao, Zhenlan; Podvin, Berengere; Sergent, Anne; Xin, Shihe; Chergui, Jalel

    2018-05-01

    The transition to the chaos of the air flow between two vertical plates maintained at different temperatures is studied in the Boussinesq approximation. After the first bifurcation at critical Rayleigh number Rac, the flow consists of two-dimensional (2D) corotating rolls. The stability of the 2D rolls is examined, confronting linear predictions with nonlinear integration. In all cases the 2D rolls are destabilized in the spanwise direction. Efficient linear stability analysis based on an Arnoldi method shows competition between two eigenmodes, corresponding to different spanwise wavelengths and different types of roll distortion. Nonlinear integration shows that the lower-wave-number mode is always dominant. A partial route to chaos is established through the nonlinear simulations. The flow becomes temporally chaotic for Ra =1.05 Rac , but remains characterized by the spatial patterns identified by linear stability analysis. This highlights the complementary role of linear stability analysis and nonlinear simulation.

  12. Construction of Protograph LDPC Codes with Linear Minimum Distance

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Divsalar, Dariush; Dolinar, Sam; Jones, Christopher

    2006-01-01

    A construction method for protograph-based LDPC codes that simultaneously achieve low iterative decoding threshold and linear minimum distance is proposed. We start with a high-rate protograph LDPC code with variable node degrees of at least 3. Lower rate codes are obtained by splitting check nodes and connecting them by degree-2 nodes. This guarantees the linear minimum distance property for the lower-rate codes. Excluding checks connected to degree-1 nodes, we show that the number of degree-2 nodes should be at most one less than the number of checks for the protograph LDPC code to have linear minimum distance. Iterative decoding thresholds are obtained by using the reciprocal channel approximation. Thresholds are lowered by using either precoding or at least one very high-degree node in the base protograph. A family of high- to low-rate codes with minimum distance linearly increasing in block size and with capacity-approaching performance thresholds is presented. FPGA simulation results for a few example codes show that the proposed codes perform as predicted.

  13. The stability of stratified spatially periodic shear flows at low Péclet number

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

    Garaud, Pascale, E-mail: pgaraud@ucsc.edu; Gallet, Basile; Bischoff, Tobias

    2015-08-15

    This work addresses the question of the stability of stratified, spatially periodic shear flows at low Péclet number but high Reynolds number. This little-studied limit is motivated by astrophysical systems, where the Prandtl number is often very small. Furthermore, it can be studied using a reduced set of “low-Péclet-number equations” proposed by Lignières [“The small-Péclet-number approximation in stellar radiative zones,” Astron. Astrophys. 348, 933–939 (1999)]. Through a linear stability analysis, we first determine the conditions for instability to infinitesimal perturbations. We formally extend Squire’s theorem to the low-Péclet-number equations, which shows that the first unstable mode is always two-dimensional. Wemore » then perform an energy stability analysis of the low-Péclet-number equations and prove that for a given value of the Reynolds number, above a critical strength of the stratification, any smooth periodic shear flow is stable to perturbations of arbitrary amplitude. In that parameter regime, the flow can only be laminar and turbulent mixing does not take place. Finding that the conditions for linear and energy stability are different, we thus identify a region in parameter space where finite-amplitude instabilities could exist. Using direct numerical simulations, we indeed find that the system is subject to such finite-amplitude instabilities. We determine numerically how far into the linearly stable region of parameter space turbulence can be sustained.« less

  14. Linear growth of children on a ketogenic diet: does the protein-to-energy ratio matter?

    PubMed

    Nation, Judy; Humphrey, Maureen; MacKay, Mark; Boneh, Avihu

    2014-11-01

    Ketogenic diet is a structured effective treatment for children with intractable epilepsy. Several reports have indicated poor linear growth in children on the diet but the mechanism of poor growth has not been elucidated. We aimed to explore whether the protein to energy ratio plays a role in linear growth of children on ketogenic diet. Data regarding growth and nutrition were, retrospectively, collected from the clinical histories of 35 children who were treated with ketogenic diet for at least 6 months between 2002 and 2010. Patients were stratified into groups according to periods of satisfactory or poor linear growth. Poor linear growth was associated with protein or caloric intake of <80% recommended daily intake, and with a protein-to-energy ratio consistently ≤1.4 g protein/100 kcal even when protein and caloric intakes were adequate. We recommend a protein-to-energy ratio of 1.5 g protein/100 kcal be prescribed to prevent growth retardation. © The Author(s) 2013.

  15. Oxygen Vacancy Linear Clustering in a Perovskite Oxide

    DOE PAGES

    Eom, Kitae; Choi, Euiyoung; Choi, Minsu; ...

    2017-07-14

    Oxygen vacancies have been implicitly assumed isolated ones, and understanding oxide materials possibly containing oxygen vacancies remains elusive within the scheme of the isolated vacancies, although the oxygen vacancies have been playing a decisive role in oxide materials. We report the presence of oxygen vacancy linear clusters and their orientation along a specific crystallographic direction in SrTiO 3, a representative of a perovskite oxide. The presence of the linear clusters and associated electron localization was revealed by an electronic structure represented in the increase in the Ti 2+ valence state or corresponding Ti 3d 2 electronic configuration along with divacancymore » cluster model analysis and transport measurement. The orientation of the linear clusters along the [001] direction in perovskite SrTiO 3 was verified by further X-ray diffuse scattering analysis. And because SrTiO 3 is an archetypical perovskite oxide, the vacancy linear clustering with the specific aligned direction and electron localization can be extended to a wide variety of the perovskite oxides.« less

  16. Oxygen Vacancy Linear Clustering in a Perovskite Oxide

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

    Eom, Kitae; Choi, Euiyoung; Choi, Minsu

    Oxygen vacancies have been implicitly assumed isolated ones, and understanding oxide materials possibly containing oxygen vacancies remains elusive within the scheme of the isolated vacancies, although the oxygen vacancies have been playing a decisive role in oxide materials. We report the presence of oxygen vacancy linear clusters and their orientation along a specific crystallographic direction in SrTiO 3, a representative of a perovskite oxide. The presence of the linear clusters and associated electron localization was revealed by an electronic structure represented in the increase in the Ti 2+ valence state or corresponding Ti 3d 2 electronic configuration along with divacancymore » cluster model analysis and transport measurement. The orientation of the linear clusters along the [001] direction in perovskite SrTiO 3 was verified by further X-ray diffuse scattering analysis. And because SrTiO 3 is an archetypical perovskite oxide, the vacancy linear clustering with the specific aligned direction and electron localization can be extended to a wide variety of the perovskite oxides.« less

  17. Epidemiology and return to play following isolated syndesmotic injuries of the ankle: a prospective cohort study of 3677 male professional footballers in the UEFA Elite Club Injury Study.

    PubMed

    Lubberts, Bart; D'Hooghe, Pieter; Bengtsson, Håkan; DiGiovanni, Christopher W; Calder, James; Ekstrand, Jan

    2017-12-21

    To determine the epidemiology of isolated syndesmotic injuries in professional football players. Data from 15 consecutive seasons of European professional football between 2001 and 2016 contributed to the dataset of this study. Match play and training data from a total of 3677 players from 61 teams across 17 countries have been included. Team medical staff recorded player exposure and time loss injuries. Injury incidence was defined as the number of injuries per 1000 player-hours. Injury burden was defined as number of days absence per 1000 player-hours. Seasonal trends for isolated syndesmotic injury incidence, isolated syndesmotic injury proportion of ankle ligament injuries and isolated syndesmotic injury burden were analysed via linear regression. The isolated syndesmotic injury incidence was 0.05 injuries per 1000 hours of exposure (95% CI 0.04 to 0.06) or one injury per team every three seasons. The injury incidence during match play was 13 times higher compared with during training, 0.21 (95% CI 0.16 to 0.26) and 0.02 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.02), respectively. Out of the 1320 ankle ligament injuries registered during the 15 seasons, 94 (7%) were diagnosed as isolated syndesmotic injuries. An annual increase in injury incidence was observed (R 2 =0.495, b=0.003, 95% CI 0.001 to 0.004, P=0.003). However, no significant annual change of injury burden was observed (R 2 =0.033, b=0.032, 95% CI -0.073 to 0.138, P=0.520). Seventy-four per cent of the injuries were contact related, and the mean (±SD) absence following an isolated syndesmotic injury was 39 (±28) days. The incidence of isolated syndesmotic injuries in elite professional European football annually increased between 2001 and 2016. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

  18. Play Therapy in School Counseling

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Trice-Black, Shannon; Bailey, Carrie Lynn; Kiper Riechel, Morgan E.

    2013-01-01

    Play therapy is an empirically supported intervention used to address a number of developmental issues faced in childhood. Through the natural language of play, children and adolescents communicate feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Schools provide an ideal setting for play therapy in many ways; however, several challenges exist in implementing…

  19. AZTEC: A parallel iterative package for the solving linear systems

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

    Hutchinson, S.A.; Shadid, J.N.; Tuminaro, R.S.

    1996-12-31

    We describe a parallel linear system package, AZTEC. The package incorporates a number of parallel iterative methods (e.g. GMRES, biCGSTAB, CGS, TFQMR) and preconditioners (e.g. Jacobi, Gauss-Seidel, polynomial, domain decomposition with LU or ILU within subdomains). Additionally, AZTEC allows for the reuse of previous preconditioning factorizations within Newton schemes for nonlinear methods. Currently, a number of different users are using this package to solve a variety of PDE applications.

  20. Scalable Multiplexed Ion Trap (SMIT) Program

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-12-08

    an integrated micromirror . The symmetric cross and the mirror trap had a number of complex design features. Both traps shaped the electrodes in...genetic algorithm. 6. Integrated micromirror . The Gen II linear trap (as well as the linear sections of the mirror and the cross) had a number of new...conventional imaging system constructed by off-the-shelf optical components and a micromirror located very close to the ion. A large fraction of photons

  1. Helicopter Controllability

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-09-01

    106 3. Program CC Systems Technology, Inc. (STI) of Hawthorne, CA., develops and markets PC control system analysis and design software including...is marketed in Palo Alto, Ca., by Applied i and can be used for both linear and non- linear control system analysis. Using TUTSIM involves developing...gravity centroid ( ucg ) can be calculated as 112 n m pi - 2 zi acg n i (7-5) where pi = poles zi = zeroes n = number of poles m = number of zeroes If K

  2. From Feynman rules to conserved quantum numbers, I

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nogueira, P.

    2017-05-01

    In the context of Quantum Field Theory (QFT) there is often the need to find sets of graph-like diagrams (the so-called Feynman diagrams) for a given physical model. If negative, the answer to the related problem 'Are there any diagrams with this set of external fields?' may settle certain physical questions at once. Here the latter problem is formulated in terms of a system of linear diophantine equations derived from the Lagrangian density, from which necessary conditions for the existence of the required diagrams may be obtained. Those conditions are equalities that look like either linear diophantine equations or linear modular (i.e. congruence) equations, and may be found by means of fairly simple algorithms that involve integer computations. The diophantine equations so obtained represent (particle) number conservation rules, and are related to the conserved (additive) quantum numbers that may be assigned to the fields of the model.

  3. Rotary encoding device using polygonal mirror with diffraction gratings on each facet

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Leviton, Douglas B. (Inventor)

    1993-01-01

    A device for position encoding of a rotating shaft in which a polygonal mirror having a number of facets is mounted to the shaft and a monochromatic light beam is directed towards the facets. The facets of the polygonal mirror each have a low line density diffraction grating to diffract the monochromatic light beam into a number of diffracted light beams such that a number of light spots are created on a linear array detector. An analog-to-digital converter is connected to the linear array detector for reading the position of the spots on the linear array detector means. A microprocessor with memory is connected to the analog-to-digital converter to hold and manipulate the data provided by the analog-to-digital converter on the position of the spots and to compute the position of the shaft based upon the data from the analog-to-digital converter.

  4. Ultrahigh-Dimensional Multiclass Linear Discriminant Analysis by Pairwise Sure Independence Screening

    PubMed Central

    Pan, Rui; Wang, Hansheng; Li, Runze

    2016-01-01

    This paper is concerned with the problem of feature screening for multi-class linear discriminant analysis under ultrahigh dimensional setting. We allow the number of classes to be relatively large. As a result, the total number of relevant features is larger than usual. This makes the related classification problem much more challenging than the conventional one, where the number of classes is small (very often two). To solve the problem, we propose a novel pairwise sure independence screening method for linear discriminant analysis with an ultrahigh dimensional predictor. The proposed procedure is directly applicable to the situation with many classes. We further prove that the proposed method is screening consistent. Simulation studies are conducted to assess the finite sample performance of the new procedure. We also demonstrate the proposed methodology via an empirical analysis of a real life example on handwritten Chinese character recognition. PMID:28127109

  5. ADER schemes for scalar non-linear hyperbolic conservation laws with source terms in three-space dimensions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Toro, E. F.; Titarev, V. A.

    2005-01-01

    In this paper we develop non-linear ADER schemes for time-dependent scalar linear and non-linear conservation laws in one-, two- and three-space dimensions. Numerical results of schemes of up to fifth order of accuracy in both time and space illustrate that the designed order of accuracy is achieved in all space dimensions for a fixed Courant number and essentially non-oscillatory results are obtained for solutions with discontinuities. We also present preliminary results for two-dimensional non-linear systems.

  6. Modelling female fertility traits in beef cattle using linear and non-linear models.

    PubMed

    Naya, H; Peñagaricano, F; Urioste, J I

    2017-06-01

    Female fertility traits are key components of the profitability of beef cattle production. However, these traits are difficult and expensive to measure, particularly under extensive pastoral conditions, and consequently, fertility records are in general scarce and somehow incomplete. Moreover, fertility traits are usually dominated by the effects of herd-year environment, and it is generally assumed that relatively small margins are kept for genetic improvement. New ways of modelling genetic variation in these traits are needed. Inspired in the methodological developments made by Prof. Daniel Gianola and co-workers, we assayed linear (Gaussian), Poisson, probit (threshold), censored Poisson and censored Gaussian models to three different kinds of endpoints, namely calving success (CS), number of days from first calving (CD) and number of failed oestrus (FE). For models involving FE and CS, non-linear models overperformed their linear counterparts. For models derived from CD, linear versions displayed better adjustment than the non-linear counterparts. Non-linear models showed consistently higher estimates of heritability and repeatability in all cases (h 2  < 0.08 and r < 0.13, for linear models; h 2  > 0.23 and r > 0.24, for non-linear models). While additive and permanent environment effects showed highly favourable correlations between all models (>0.789), consistency in selecting the 10% best sires showed important differences, mainly amongst the considered endpoints (FE, CS and CD). In consequence, endpoints should be considered as modelling different underlying genetic effects, with linear models more appropriate to describe CD and non-linear models better for FE and CS. © 2017 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

  7. A step beyond--the relevance of depressed mood and mastery in the interplay between the number of social roles and alcohol use.

    PubMed

    Kuntsche, Sandra; Knibbe, Ronald A; Gmel, Gerhard

    2010-11-01

    The present study examines whether depressed mood and external control mediate or moderate the relationship between the number of social roles and alcohol use. The analysis was based on a national representative sample of 25- to 45-year-old male and female drinkers in Switzerland. The influence of depressed mood and external control on the relationship between the number of social roles (parenthood, partnership, employment) and alcohol use was examined in linear structural equation models (mediation) and in multiple regressions (moderation) stratified by gender. All analyses were adjusted for age and education level. Holding more roles was associated with lower alcohol use, lower external control and lower depressed mood. The study did not find evidence of depressed mood or external control mediating the social roles-alcohol relationship. A moderation effect was identified among women only, whereby a protective effect of having more roles could not be found among those who scored high on external control. In general, a stronger link was observed between roles and alcohol use, while depressed mood and external control acted independently on drinking. With the exception of women with high external control, the study found no link between a higher number of social roles and greater alcohol use. Our results indicate that drinking behaviours are more strongly linked to external control and depressed mood than they are to the number of social roles. The study also demonstrates that in any effective alcohol prevention policy, societal actions that enable individuals to combine more social roles play a central role. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. CuCl Complexation in the Vapor Phase: Insights from Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Simulations

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

    Mei, Yuan; Liu, Weihua; Migdiov, A. A.

    We invesmore » tigated the hydration of the CuCl 0 complex in HCl-bearing water vapor at 350°C and a vapor-like fluid density between 0.02 and 0.09 g/cm 3 using ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The simulations reveal that one water molecule is strongly bonded to Cu(I) (first coordination shell), forming a linear [H 2O-Cu-Cl] 0 moiety. The second hydration shell is highly dynamic in nature, and individual configurations have short life-spans in such low-density vapors, resulting in large fluctuations in instantaneous hydration numbers over a timescale of picoseconds. The average hydration number in the second shell (m) increased from ~0.5 to ~3.5 and the calculated number of hydrogen bonds per water molecule increased from 0.09 to 0.25 when fluid density (which is correlated to water activity) increased from 0.02 to 0.09 g/cm 3 ( f H 2O 1.72 to 2.05). These changes of hydration number are qualitatively consistent with previous solubility studies under similar conditions, although the absolute hydration numbers from MD were much lower than the values inferred by correlating experimental Cu fugacity with water fugacity. This could be due to the uncertainties in the MD simulations and uncertainty in the estimation of the fugacity coefficients for these highly nonideal “vapors” in the experiments. Finally, our study provides the first theoretical confirmation that beyond-first-shell hydrated metal complexes play an important role in metal transport in low-density hydrothermal fluids, even if it is highly disordered and dynamic in nature.« less

  9. CuCl Complexation in the Vapor Phase: Insights from Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Simulations

    DOE PAGES

    Mei, Yuan; Liu, Weihua; Migdiov, A. A.; ...

    2018-05-02

    We invesmore » tigated the hydration of the CuCl 0 complex in HCl-bearing water vapor at 350°C and a vapor-like fluid density between 0.02 and 0.09 g/cm 3 using ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The simulations reveal that one water molecule is strongly bonded to Cu(I) (first coordination shell), forming a linear [H 2O-Cu-Cl] 0 moiety. The second hydration shell is highly dynamic in nature, and individual configurations have short life-spans in such low-density vapors, resulting in large fluctuations in instantaneous hydration numbers over a timescale of picoseconds. The average hydration number in the second shell (m) increased from ~0.5 to ~3.5 and the calculated number of hydrogen bonds per water molecule increased from 0.09 to 0.25 when fluid density (which is correlated to water activity) increased from 0.02 to 0.09 g/cm 3 ( f H 2O 1.72 to 2.05). These changes of hydration number are qualitatively consistent with previous solubility studies under similar conditions, although the absolute hydration numbers from MD were much lower than the values inferred by correlating experimental Cu fugacity with water fugacity. This could be due to the uncertainties in the MD simulations and uncertainty in the estimation of the fugacity coefficients for these highly nonideal “vapors” in the experiments. Finally, our study provides the first theoretical confirmation that beyond-first-shell hydrated metal complexes play an important role in metal transport in low-density hydrothermal fluids, even if it is highly disordered and dynamic in nature.« less

  10. International migration beyond gravity: A statistical model for use in population projections

    PubMed Central

    Cohen, Joel E.; Roig, Marta; Reuman, Daniel C.; GoGwilt, Cai

    2008-01-01

    International migration will play an increasing role in the demographic future of most nations if fertility continues to decline globally. We developed an algorithm to project future numbers of international migrants from any country or region to any other. The proposed generalized linear model (GLM) used geographic and demographic independent variables only (the population and area of origins and destinations of migrants, the distance between origin and destination, the calendar year, and indicator variables to quantify nonrandom characteristics of individual countries). The dependent variable, yearly numbers of migrants, was quantified by 43653 reports from 11 countries of migration from 228 origins and to 195 destinations during 1960–2004. The final GLM based on all data was selected by the Bayesian information criterion. The number of migrants per year from origin to destination was proportional to (population of origin)0.86(area of origin)−0.21(population of destination)0.36(distance)−0.97, multiplied by functions of year and country-specific indicator variables. The number of emigrants from an origin depended on both its population and its population density. For a variable initial year and a fixed terminal year 2004, the parameter estimates appeared stable. Multiple R2, the fraction of variation in log numbers of migrants accounted for by the starting model, improved gradually with recentness of the data: R2 = 0.57 for data from 1960 to 2004, R2 = 0.59 for 1985–2004, R2 = 0.61 for 1995–2004, and R2 = 0.64 for 2000–2004. The migration estimates generated by the model may be embedded in deterministic or stochastic population projections. PMID:18824693

  11. Combining large number of weak biomarkers based on AUC.

    PubMed

    Yan, Li; Tian, Lili; Liu, Song

    2015-12-20

    Combining multiple biomarkers to improve diagnosis and/or prognosis accuracy is a common practice in clinical medicine. Both parametric and non-parametric methods have been developed for finding the optimal linear combination of biomarkers to maximize the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), primarily focusing on the setting with a small number of well-defined biomarkers. This problem becomes more challenging when the number of observations is not order of magnitude greater than the number of variables, especially when the involved biomarkers are relatively weak. Such settings are not uncommon in certain applied fields. The first aim of this paper is to empirically evaluate the performance of existing linear combination methods under such settings. The second aim is to propose a new combination method, namely, the pairwise approach, to maximize AUC. Our simulation studies demonstrated that the performance of several existing methods can become unsatisfactory as the number of markers becomes large, while the newly proposed pairwise method performs reasonably well. Furthermore, we apply all the combination methods to real datasets used for the development and validation of MammaPrint. The implication of our study for the design of optimal linear combination methods is discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  12. Combining large number of weak biomarkers based on AUC

    PubMed Central

    Yan, Li; Tian, Lili; Liu, Song

    2018-01-01

    Combining multiple biomarkers to improve diagnosis and/or prognosis accuracy is a common practice in clinical medicine. Both parametric and non-parametric methods have been developed for finding the optimal linear combination of biomarkers to maximize the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), primarily focusing on the setting with a small number of well-defined biomarkers. This problem becomes more challenging when the number of observations is not order of magnitude greater than the number of variables, especially when the involved biomarkers are relatively weak. Such settings are not uncommon in certain applied fields. The first aim of this paper is to empirically evaluate the performance of existing linear combination methods under such settings. The second aim is to propose a new combination method, namely, the pairwise approach, to maximize AUC. Our simulation studies demonstrated that the performance of several existing methods can become unsatisfactory as the number of markers becomes large, while the newly proposed pairwise method performs reasonably well. Furthermore, we apply all the combination methods to real datasets used for the development and validation of MammaPrint. The implication of our study for the design of optimal linear combination methods is discussed. PMID:26227901

  13. Understanding How to Support Intergenerational Play through Educational Video Games

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Siyahhan, Sinem

    2011-01-01

    The limited number of studies on intergenerational play suggests that not many parents play video games with their children (Lenhart, Jones, & Macgill, 2008). However, when intentionally designed to support intergenerational play, video game could provide an opportunity for parents and children to connect in new and powerful ways, especially…

  14. Non-linear behavior of fiber composite laminates

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hashin, Z.; Bagchi, D.; Rosen, B. W.

    1974-01-01

    The non-linear behavior of fiber composite laminates which results from lamina non-linear characteristics was examined. The analysis uses a Ramberg-Osgood representation of the lamina transverse and shear stress strain curves in conjunction with deformation theory to describe the resultant laminate non-linear behavior. A laminate having an arbitrary number of oriented layers and subjected to a general state of membrane stress was treated. Parametric results and comparison with experimental data and prior theoretical results are presented.

  15. Parallel/distributed direct method for solving linear systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lin, Avi

    1990-01-01

    A new family of parallel schemes for directly solving linear systems is presented and analyzed. It is shown that these schemes exhibit a near optimal performance and enjoy several important features: (1) For large enough linear systems, the design of the appropriate paralleled algorithm is insensitive to the number of processors as its performance grows monotonically with them; (2) It is especially good for large matrices, with dimensions large relative to the number of processors in the system; (3) It can be used in both distributed parallel computing environments and tightly coupled parallel computing systems; and (4) This set of algorithms can be mapped onto any parallel architecture without any major programming difficulties or algorithmical changes.

  16. An efficient finite element technique for sound propagation in axisymmetric hard wall ducts carrying high subsonic Mach number flows

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tag, I. A.; Lumsdaine, E.

    1978-01-01

    The general non-linear three-dimensional equation for acoustic potential is derived by using a perturbation technique. The linearized axisymmetric equation is then solved by using a finite element algorithm based on the Galerkin formulation for a harmonic time dependence. The solution is carried out in complex number notation for the acoustic velocity potential. Linear, isoparametric, quadrilateral elements with non-uniform distribution across the duct section are implemented. The resultant global matrix is stored in banded form and solved by using a modified Gauss elimination technique. Sound pressure levels and acoustic velocities are calculated from post element solutions. Different duct geometries are analyzed and compared with experimental results.

  17. Diffusion by one wave and by many waves

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Albert, J. M.

    2010-03-01

    Radiation belt electrons and chorus waves are an outstanding instance of the important role cyclotron resonant wave-particle interactions play in the magnetosphere. Chorus waves are particularly complex, often occurring with large amplitude, narrowband but drifting frequency and fine structure. Nevertheless, modeling their effect on radiation belt electrons with bounce-averaged broadband quasi-linear theory seems to yield reasonable results. It is known that coherent interactions with monochromatic waves can cause particle diffusion, as well as radically different phase bunching and phase trapping behavior. Here the two formulations of diffusion, while conceptually different, are shown to give identical diffusion coefficients, in the narrowband limit of quasi-linear theory. It is further shown that suitably averaging the monochromatic diffusion coefficients over frequency and wave normal angle parameters reproduces the full broadband quasi-linear results. This may account for the rather surprising success of quasi-linear theory in modeling radiation belt electrons undergoing diffusion by chorus waves.

  18. On Markov parameters in system identification

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Phan, Minh; Juang, Jer-Nan; Longman, Richard W.

    1991-01-01

    A detailed discussion of Markov parameters in system identification is given. Different forms of input-output representation of linear discrete-time systems are reviewed and discussed. Interpretation of sampled response data as Markov parameters is presented. Relations between the state-space model and particular linear difference models via the Markov parameters are formulated. A generalization of Markov parameters to observer and Kalman filter Markov parameters for system identification is explained. These extended Markov parameters play an important role in providing not only a state-space realization, but also an observer/Kalman filter for the system of interest.

  19. NBS1 plays a synergistic role with telomerase in the maintenance of telomeres in Arabidopsis thaliana.

    PubMed

    Najdekrova, Lucie; Siroky, Jiri

    2012-09-17

    Telomeres, as elaborate nucleo-protein complexes, ensure chromosomal stability. When impaired, the ends of linear chromosomes can be recognised by cellular repair mechanisms as double-strand DNA breaks and can be healed by non-homologous-end-joining activities to produce dicentric chromosomes. During cell divisions, particularly during anaphase, dicentrics can break, thus producing naked chromosome tips susceptible to additional unwanted chromosome fusion. Many telomere-building protein complexes are associated with telomeres to ensure their proper capping function. It has been found however, that a number of repair complexes also contribute to telomere stability. We used Arabidopsis thaliana to study the possible functions of the DNA repair subunit, NBS1, in telomere homeostasis using knockout nbs1 mutants. The results showed that although NBS1-deficient plants were viable, lacked any sign of developmental aberration and produced fertile seeds through many generations upon self-fertilisation, plants also missing the functional telomerase (double mutants), rapidly, within three generations, displayed severe developmental defects. Cytogenetic inspection of cycling somatic cells revealed a very early onset of massive genome instability. Molecular methods used for examining the length of telomeres in double homozygous mutants detected much faster telomere shortening than in plants deficient in telomerase gene alone. Our findings suggest that NBS1 acts in concert with telomerase and plays a profound role in plant telomere renewal.

  20. Region-of-interest image reconstruction with intensity weighting in circular cone-beam CT for image-guided radiation therapy

    PubMed Central

    Cho, Seungryong; Pearson, Erik; Pelizzari, Charles A.; Pan, Xiaochuan

    2009-01-01

    Imaging plays a vital role in radiation therapy and with recent advances in technology considerable emphasis has been placed on cone-beam CT (CBCT). Attaching a kV x-ray source and a flat panel detector directly to the linear accelerator gantry has enabled progress in target localization techniques, which can include daily CBCT setup scans for some treatments. However, with an increasing number of CT scans there is also an increasing concern for patient exposure. An intensity-weighted region-of-interest (IWROI) technique, which has the potential to greatly reduce CBCT dose, in conjunction with the chord-based backprojection-filtration (BPF) reconstruction algorithm, has been developed and its feasibility in clinical use is demonstrated in this article. A nonuniform filter is placed in the x-ray beam to create regions of two different beam intensities. In this manner, regions outside the target area can be given a reduced dose but still visualized with a lower contrast to noise ratio. Image artifacts due to transverse data truncation, which would have occurred in conventional reconstruction algorithms, are avoided and image noise levels of the low- and high-intensity regions are well controlled by use of the chord-based BPF reconstruction algorithm. The proposed IWROI technique can play an important role in image-guided radiation therapy. PMID:19472624

  1. Having mentors and campus social networks moderates the impact of worries and video gaming on depressive symptoms: a moderated mediation analysis

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background Easy access to the internet has spawned a wealth of research to investigate the effects of its use on depression. However, one limitation of many previous studies is that they disregard the interactive mechanisms of risk and protective factors. The aim of the present study was to investigate a resilience model in the relationship between worry, daily internet video game playing, daily sleep duration, mentors, social networks and depression, using a moderated mediation analysis. Methods 6068 Korean undergraduate and graduate students participated in this study. The participants completed a web-based mental health screening questionnaire including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and information about number of worries, number of mentors, number of campus social networks, daily sleep duration, daily amount of internet video game playing and daily amount of internet searching on computer or smartphone. A moderated mediation analysis was carried out using the PROCESS macro which allowed the inclusion of mediators and moderator in the same model. Results The results showed that the daily amount of internet video game playing and daily sleep duration partially mediated the association between the number of worries and the severity of depression. In addition, the mediating effect of the daily amount of internet video game playing was moderated by both the number of mentors and the number of campus social networks. Conclusions The current findings indicate that the negative impact of worry on depression through internet video game playing can be buffered when students seek to have a number of mentors and campus social networks. Interventions should therefore target individuals who have higher number of worries but seek only a few mentors or campus social networks. Social support via campus mentorship and social networks ameliorate the severity of depression in university students. PMID:24884864

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

    Malek, Ali; Balawender, Robert, E-mail: rbalawender@ichf.edu.pl

    The chemical reactivity indices as the equilibrium state-function derivatives are revisited. They are obtained in terms of the central moments (fluctuation formulas). To analyze the role of the chemical hardness introduced by Pearson [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 105, 7512 (1983)], the relations between the derivatives up to the third-order and the central moments are obtained. As shown, the chemical hardness and the chemical potential are really the principal indices of the chemical reactivity theory. It is clear from the results presented here that the chemical hardness is not the derivative of the Mulliken chemical potential (this means also not themore » second derivative of the energy at zero-temperature limit). The conventional quadratic dependence of energy, observed at finite temperature, reduces to linear dependence on the electron number at zero-temperature limit. The chemical hardness plays a double role in the admixture of ionic states to the reference neutral state energy: it determines the amplitude of the admixture and regulates the damping of its thermal factor.« less

  3. The Scientific Competitiveness of Nations.

    PubMed

    Cimini, Giulio; Gabrielli, Andrea; Sylos Labini, Francesco

    2014-01-01

    We use citation data of scientific articles produced by individual nations in different scientific domains to determine the structure and efficiency of national research systems. We characterize the scientific fitness of each nation-that is, the competitiveness of its research system-and the complexity of each scientific domain by means of a non-linear iterative algorithm able to assess quantitatively the advantage of scientific diversification. We find that technological leading nations, beyond having the largest production of scientific papers and the largest number of citations, do not specialize in a few scientific domains. Rather, they diversify as much as possible their research system. On the other side, less developed nations are competitive only in scientific domains where also many other nations are present. Diversification thus represents the key element that correlates with scientific and technological competitiveness. A remarkable implication of this structure of the scientific competition is that the scientific domains playing the role of "markers" of national scientific competitiveness are those not necessarily of high technological requirements, but rather addressing the most "sophisticated" needs of the society.

  4. Fracture spacing in tensile brittle layers adhering to a rigid substrate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lazarus, Véronique

    2017-01-01

    A natural question arising when observing crack networks in brittle layers such as, e.g., paints, muds, skins, pottery glazes, coatings, ceramics, is what determines the distance between cracks. This apparently simple question received a wealth of more or less complex and appropriate answers, but no consensus has emerged. Here, we show that the cracks interact mutually as soon as the spacing between them is smaller than ten times the thickness of the layer. Then, a simple Griffith-type balance between the elastic deformation energy and the fracture bulk and debonding costs captures a broad number of observations, going from the square-root or linear increase of the spacing with the thickness, to its decrease with loading until saturation. The adhesion strength is identified as playing a key role in these behaviour changes. As illustration, we show how the model can be applied to study the influence of the layer thickness on crack patterns. We believe that the versatility of the approach should permit wide applicability, from geosciences to engineering.

  5. Anisotropy Induced Switching Field Distribution in High-Density Patterned Media

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Talapatra, A.; Mohanty, J.

    We present here micromagnetic study of variation of switching field distribution (SFD) in a high-density patterned media as a function of magnetic anisotropy of the system. We consider the manifold effect of magnetic anisotropy in terms of its magnitude, tilt in anisotropy axis and random arrangements of magnetic islands with random anisotropy values. Our calculation shows that reduction in anisotropy causes linear decrease in coercivity because the anisotropy energy tries to align the spins along a preferred crystallographic direction. Tilt in anisotropy axis results in decrease in squareness of the hysteresis loop and hence facilitates switching. Finally, the experimental challenges like lithographic distribution of magnetic islands, their orientation, creation of defects, etc. demanded the distribution of anisotropy to be random along with random repetitions. We have explained that the range of anisotropy values and the number of bits with different anisotropy play a key role over SFD, whereas the position of the bits and their repetitions do not show a considerable contribution.

  6. Imaging characterization of a new gamma ray detector based on CRY019 scintillation crystal for PET and SPECT applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Polito, C.; Pani, R.; Trigila, C.; Cinti, M. N.; Fabbri, A.; Frantellizzi, V.; De Vincentis, G.; Pellegrini, R.; Pani, R.

    2017-02-01

    In the last 40 years, in the field of Molecular Medicine imaging there has been a huge growth in the employment and in the improvement of detectors for PET and SPECT applications in order to reach accurate diagnosis of the diseases. The most important feature required to these detectors is an high quality of images that is usually obtained benefitting from the development of a wide number of new scintillation crystals with high imaging performances. In this contest, features like high detection efficiency, short decay time, great spectral match with photodetectors, absence of afterglow and low costs are surely attractive. However, there are other factors playing an important role in the realization of high quality images such as energy and spatial resolutions, position linearity and contrast resolution. With the aim to realize an high performace gamma ray detector for PET and SPECT applications, this work is focused on the evaluation of the imaging characteristics of a recently developed scintillation crystal, CRY019.

  7. Instabilities and Turbulence Generation by Pick-Up Ion Distributions in the Outer Heliosheath

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Weichman, K.; Roytershteyn, V.; Delzanno, G. L.; Pogorelov, N.

    2017-12-01

    Pick-up ions (PUIs) play a significant role in the dynamics of the heliosphere. One problem that has attracted significant attention is the stability of ring-like distributions of PUIs and the electromagnetic fluctuations that could be generated by PUI distributions. For example, PUI stability is relevant to theories attempting to identify the origins of the IBEX ribbon. PUIs have previously been investigated by linear stability analysis of model (e.g. Gaussian) rings and corresponding computer simulations. The majority of these simulations utilized particle-in-cell methods which suffer from accuracy limitations imposed by the statistical noise associated with representing the plasma by a relatively small number of computational particles. In this work, we utilize highly accurate spectral Vlasov simulations conducted using the fully kinetic implicit code SPS (Spectral Plasma Solver) to investigate the PUI distributions inferred from a global heliospheric model (Heerikhuisen et al., 2016). Results are compared with those obtained by hybrid and fully kinetic particle-in-cell methods.

  8. Linear and Nonlinear Infrasound Propagation to 1000 km

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-12-15

    Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) AFRL /RVBYE 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER(S) AFRL -RV-PS-TR-2016-0017 12...distribution is unlimited. 30 DISTRIBUTION LIST DTIC/OCP 8725 John J. Kingman Rd, Suite 0944 Ft Belvoir, VA 22060-6218 1 cy AFRL /RVIL Kirtland ... AFRL -RV-PS- AFRL -RV-PS- TR-2016-0017 TR-2016-0017 LINEAR AND NONLINEAR INFRASOUND PROPAGATION TO 1000 KM Catherine de Groot-Hedlin Scripps

  9. Non-Linear Optical Studies of IR Materials with Infrared Femtosecond Laser

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-12-15

    Laboratory 3550 Aberdeen Avenue SE Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776 AFRL /RDHP 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER(S) AFRL -RD-PS-TR-2016-0055 12...6218 1 cy AFRL /RVIL Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776 1 cy Official Record Copy AFRL /RDHP/Andreas Schmitt-Sody 1 cy Approved for Public... AFRL -RD-PS- AFRL -RD-PS- TR-2016-0055 TR-2016-0055 NON-LINEAR OPTICAL STUDIES OF IR MATERIALS WITH INFRARED FEMTOSECOND LASER Enam

  10. Using Linear Regression To Determine the Number of Factors To Retain in Factor Analysis and the Number of Issues To Retain in Delphi Studies and Other Surveys.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jurs, Stephen; And Others

    The scree test and its linear regression technique are reviewed, and results of its use in factor analysis and Delphi data sets are described. The scree test was originally a visual approach for making judgments about eigenvalues, which considered the relationships of the eigenvalues to one another as well as their actual values. The graph that is…

  11. Linear Transceiver Design for Interference Alignment: Complexity and Computation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-07-01

    restriction on the choice of beamforming vector of node b. Thus, for any fixed transmit node b in H , there are multiple restriction sets, each...signal space can be chosen. The receive nodes in H can achieve interference alignment if and only if these restricted sets of one-dimensional signal...total number of restriction sets is at most linear in the number of edges in H and each restriction set contains at most two one-dimensional

  12. Finding Strong Bridges and Strong Articulation Points in Linear Time

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Italiano, Giuseppe F.; Laura, Luigi; Santaroni, Federico

    Given a directed graph G, an edge is a strong bridge if its removal increases the number of strongly connected components of G. Similarly, we say that a vertex is a strong articulation point if its removal increases the number of strongly connected components of G. In this paper, we present linear-time algorithms for computing all the strong bridges and all the strong articulation points of directed graphs, solving an open problem posed in [2].

  13. Linear and Nonlinear Time-Frequency Analysis for Parameter Estimation of Resident Space Objects

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-02-22

    AFRL-AFOSR-UK-TR-2017-0023 Linear and Nonlinear Time -Frequency Analysis for Parameter Estimation of Resident Space Objects Marco Martorella...estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing   data sources, gathering and maintaining the...Nonlinear Time -Frequency Analysis for Parameter Estimation of Resident Space Objects 5a.  CONTRACT NUMBER 5b.  GRANT NUMBER FA9550-14-1-0183 5c.  PROGRAM

  14. An Analytic Approach to Projectile Motion in a Linear Resisting Medium

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stewart, Sean M.

    2006-01-01

    The time of flight, range and the angle which maximizes the range of a projectile in a linear resisting medium are expressed in analytic form in terms of the recently defined Lambert W function. From the closed-form solutions a number of results characteristic to the motion of the projectile in a linear resisting medium are analytically confirmed,…

  15. Assessing Approaches to Teaching Systems Thinking: Reading Article vs. Game Play

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pfirman, S. L.; O'Garra, T.; Lee, J.; Bachrach, E.; Bachman, G.; Orlove, B. S.

    2016-12-01

    Problem-solving in the complex domain of climate change requires consideration of the dynamics of systems as wholes. The long time frame, coupled with multiple interacting elements is challenging to teach through traditionally linear approaches, such as lectures or reading. On the other hand some have claimed that games are potentially useful in teaching system skills, due to their iterative, interacting, and problem solving character. In this experiment, we evaluated the impact of the EcoChains: Arctic Crisis card game on participants' mental models using a `fuzzy cognitive mapping' approach. The study population included 41 participants randomly assigned to the treatment/game play n=21 and the control/reading illustrated article: n=20. To obtain cognitive maps from participants, the first step was explaining how to draw a map, using an unrelated map as an example. Following the explanation, participants were handed large sheets of paper and asked to write down all the concepts they could think of related to: Arctic marine & sea-ice ecosystems, including the species & inhabitants of these ecosystems, all the different factors that negatively affect the health of Arctic marine & sea-ice ecosystems, its species & inhabitants, all the different factors that positively affect the health of Arctic marine & sea-ice ecosystems, its species & inhabitants. Once participants had drafted their list of concepts, they were asked to construct maps with the concepts in the center followed by arrows drawn between them to represent the direction of relationships between concepts. After the intervention - either playing the EcoChains card game or reading the illustrated article - participants were handed back their maps, together with a different colored pencil from the one they used previously, and asked to adjust the maps based on what they had learned from playing Ecochains/reading the article. Results indicate that both playing EcoChains and reading an illustrated article with similar information, increased systems thinking. Assessment indicates that the text-based approach had greater quantitative gains as evaluated through the number of nodes and types of connections. Additional analysis is ongoing to examine potential differences in the quality of learning gains.

  16. The relationship between violent video games, acculturation, and aggression among Latino adolescents.

    PubMed

    Escobar-Chaves, S Liliana; Kelder, Steve; Orpinas, Pamela

    2002-12-01

    Multiple factors are involved in the occurrence of aggressive behavior. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hypotheses that Latino middle school children exposed to higher levels of video game playing will exhibit a higher level of aggression and fighting compared to children exposed to lower levels and that the more acculturated middle school Latino children will play more video games and will prefer more violent video games compared to less acculturated middle school Latino children. This study involved 5,831 students attending eight public schools in Texas. A linear relationship was observed between the time spent playing video games and aggression scores. Higher aggression scores were significantly associated with heavier video playing for boys and girls (p < 0.0001). The more students played video games, the more they fought at school (p < 0.0001). As Latino middle school students were more acculturated, their preference for violent video game playing increased, as well as the amount of time they played video games. Students who reported speaking more Spanish at home and with their friends were less likely to spend large amounts of time playing video games and less likely to prefer violent video games (p < 0.05).

  17. Assessment of the effects of azimuthal mode number perturbations upon the implosion processes of fluids in cylinders

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lindstrom, Michael

    2017-06-01

    Fluid instabilities arise in a variety of contexts and are often unwanted results of engineering imperfections. In one particular model for a magnetized target fusion reactor, a pressure wave is propagated in a cylindrical annulus comprised of a dense fluid before impinging upon a plasma and imploding it. Part of the success of the apparatus is a function of how axially-symmetric the final pressure pulse is upon impacting the plasma. We study a simple model for the implosion of the system to study how imperfections in the pressure imparted on the outer circumference grow due to geometric focusing. Our methodology entails linearizing the compressible Euler equations for mass and momentum conservation about a cylindrically symmetric problem and analysing the perturbed profiles at different mode numbers. The linearized system gives rise to singular shocks and through analysing the perturbation profiles at various times, we infer that high mode numbers are dampened through the propagation. We also study the Linear Klein-Gordon equation in the context of stability of linear cylindrical wave formation whereby highly oscillatory, bounded behaviour is observed in a far field solution.

  18. Frequency assignments for HFDF receivers in a search and rescue network

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Johnson, Krista E.

    1990-03-01

    This thesis applies a multiobjective linear programming approach to the problem of assigning frequencies to high frequency direction finding (HFDF) receivers in a search-and-rescue network in order to maximize the expected number of geolocations of vessels in distress. The problem is formulated as a multiobjective integer linear programming problem. The integrality of the solutions is guaranteed by the totally unimodularity of the A-matrix. Two approaches are taken to solve the multiobjective linear programming problem: (1) the multiobjective simplex method as implemented in ADBASE; and (2) an iterative approach. In this approach, the individual objective functions are weighted and combined in a single additive objective function. The resulting single objective problem is expressed as a network programming problem and solved using SAS NETFLOW. The process is then repeated with different weightings for the objective functions. The solutions obtained from the multiobjective linear programs are evaluated using a FORTRAN program to determine which solution provides the greatest expected number of geolocations. This solution is then compared to the sample mean and standard deviation for the expected number of geolocations resulting from 10,000 random frequency assignments for the network.

  19. Nonlinear Excitation of the Ablative Rayleigh-Taylor Instability for All Wave Numbers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, H.; Betti, R.; Gopalaswamy, V.; Aluie, H.; Yan, R.

    2017-10-01

    Small-scale modes of the ablative Rayleigh-Taylor instability (ARTI) are often neglected because they are linearly stable when their wavelength is shorter than a linear cutoff. Using 2-D and 3-D numerical simulations, it is shown that linearly stable modes of any wavelength can be destabilized. This instability regime requires finite amplitude initial perturbations. Compared to 2-D, linearly stable ARTI modes are more easily destabilized in 3-D and the penetrating bubbles have a higher density because of enhanced vorticity. It is shown that for conditions found in laser fusion targets, short-wavelength ARTI modes are more efficient at driving mixing of ablated material throughout the target since the nonlinear bubble density increases with the wave number and small-scale bubbles carry a larger mass flux of mixed material. This work was supported by the Office of Fusion Energy Sciences Nos. DE-FG02-04ER54789, DE-SC0014318, the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration under Award No. DE-NA0001944, the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion of Spain (Grant No. ENE2011-28489), and the NANL LDRD program through Project Number 20150568ER.

  20. ABCs of Early Mathematics Experiences

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hensen, Laurie E.

    2005-01-01

    Children begin to develop mathematical thinking before they enter school. Art, baking, playing with blocks, counting numbers, games, puzzles, singing, playing with pretend money, water play all these early mathematical experiences help the children to learn in the elementary school years.

  1. Incidence, size and spatial structure of clones in second-growth stands of coast redwood, Sequoia sempervirens (Cupressaceae).

    PubMed

    Douhovnikoff, Vladimir; Cheng, Adelaide M; Dodd, Richard S

    2004-07-01

    The ecology and evolutionary potential of coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) is significantly influenced by the important role clonal spread plays in its reproduction and site persistence. In nine second-growth stands, amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) were used to identify redwood clonal architecture. Clones (multistem genets) dominated sites by representing an average of 70% of stems measured, ranging in size from two to 20 stems. As a result, a relatively small number of genets can monopolize a disproportionate amount of site resources, are more likely to persist over time, and have greater on-site genetic representation. Clones were not limited to fairy-ring structures, but consisted of a wide range of shapes including concentric rings, ring chains, disjunct, and linear structures. Between-ramet distances of up to 40 m were measured, indicating that clonal reproduction is not limited to basal stump resprouting. Clonal structure in second-growth stands was similar to earlier reports from old growth, emphasizing the importance of site persistence and long-term, gradual site development. Smaller ramet numbers per genet in old growth is probably due to local within-genet self thinning. Management and conservation of redwoods will benefit from a better understanding of the dynamics and structure of clonal spread in these forests.

  2. On the transonic aerodynamics of a compressor blade row

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Erickson, J. C., Jr.; Lordi, J. A.; Rae, W. J.

    1971-01-01

    Linearized analyses have been carried out for the induced velocity and pressure fields within a compressor blade row operating in an infinite annulus at transonic Mach numbers of the flow relative to the blades. In addition, the relationship between the induced velocity and the shape of the mean blade surface has been determined. A computational scheme has been developed for evaluating the blade mean surface ordinates and surface pressure distributions. The separation of the effects of a specified blade thickness distribution from the effects of a specified distribution of the blade lift has been established. In this way, blade mean surface shapes that are necessary for the blades to be locally nonlifting have been computed and are presented for two examples of blades with biconvex parabolic arc sections of radially tapering thickness. Blade shapes that are required to achieve a zero thickness, uniform chordwise loading, constant work spanwise loading are also presented for two examples. In addition, corresponding surface pressure distributions are given. The flow relative to the blade tips has a high subsonic Mach number in the examples that have been computed. The results suggest that at near-sonic relative tip speeds the effective blade shape is dominated by the thickness distribution, with the lift distribution playing only a minor role.

  3. Orthogonal recursive bisection as data decomposition strategy for massively parallel cardiac simulations.

    PubMed

    Reumann, Matthias; Fitch, Blake G; Rayshubskiy, Aleksandr; Pitman, Michael C; Rice, John J

    2011-06-01

    We present the orthogonal recursive bisection algorithm that hierarchically segments the anatomical model structure into subvolumes that are distributed to cores. The anatomy is derived from the Visible Human Project, with electrophysiology based on the FitzHugh-Nagumo (FHN) and ten Tusscher (TT04) models with monodomain diffusion. Benchmark simulations with up to 16,384 and 32,768 cores on IBM Blue Gene/P and L supercomputers for both FHN and TT04 results show good load balancing with almost perfect speedup factors that are close to linear with the number of cores. Hence, strong scaling is demonstrated. With 32,768 cores, a 1000 ms simulation of full heart beat requires about 6.5 min of wall clock time for a simulation of the FHN model. For the largest machine partitions, the simulations execute at a rate of 0.548 s (BG/P) and 0.394 s (BG/L) of wall clock time per 1 ms of simulation time. To our knowledge, these simulations show strong scaling to substantially higher numbers of cores than reported previously for organ-level simulation of the heart, thus significantly reducing run times. The ability to reduce runtimes could play a critical role in enabling wider use of cardiac models in research and clinical applications.

  4. Search asymmetry: a diagnostic for preattentive processing of separable features.

    PubMed

    Treisman, A; Souther, J

    1985-09-01

    The search rate for a target among distractors may vary dramatically depending on which stimulus plays the role of target and which that of distractors. For example, the time required to find a circle distinguished by an intersecting line is independent of the number of regular circles in the display, whereas the time to find a regular circle among circles with lines increases linearly with the number of distractors. The pattern of performance suggests parallel processing when the target has a unique distinguishing feature and serial self-terminating search when the target is distinguished only by the absence of a feature that is present in all the distractors. The results are consistent with feature-integration theory (Treisman & Gelade, 1980), which predicts that a single feature should be detected by the mere presence of activity in the relevant feature map, whereas tasks that require subjects to locate multiple instances of a feature demand focused attention. Search asymmetries may therefore offer a new diagnostic to identify the primitive features of early vision. Several candidate features are examined in this article: Colors, line ends or terminators, and closure (in the sense of a partly or wholly enclosed area) appear to be functional features; connectedness, intactness (absence of an intersecting line), and acute angles do not.

  5. Internal-Modified Dithiol DNA–Directed Au Nanoassemblies: Geometrically Controlled Self–Assembly and Quantitative Surface–Enhanced Raman Scattering Properties

    PubMed Central

    Yan, Yuan; Shan, Hangyong; Li, Min; Chen, Shu; Liu, Jianyu; Cheng, Yanfang; Ye, Cui; Yang, Zhilin; Lai, Xuandi; Hu, Jianqiang

    2015-01-01

    In this work, a hierarchical DNA–directed self–assembly strategy to construct structure–controlled Au nanoassemblies (NAs) has been demonstrated by conjugating Au nanoparticles (NPs) with internal–modified dithiol single-strand DNA (ssDNA) (Au–B–A or A–B–Au–B–A). It is found that the dithiol–ssDNA–modified Au NPs and molecule quantity of thiol–modified ssDNA grafted to Au NPs play critical roles in the assembly of geometrically controlled Au NAs. Through matching Au–DNA self–assembly units, geometrical structures of the Au NAs can be tailored from one–dimensional (1D) to quasi–2D and 2D. Au–B–A conjugates readily give 1D and quasi–2D Au NAs while 2D Au NAs can be formed by A–B–Au–B–A building blocks. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements and 3D finite–difference time domain (3D-FDTD) calculation results indicate that the geometrically controllable Au NAs have regular and linearly “hot spots”–number–depended SERS properties. For a certain number of NPs, the number of “hot spots” and accordingly enhancement factor of Au NAs can be quantitatively evaluated, which open a new avenue for quantitative analysis based on SERS technique. PMID:26581251

  6. Long-range intercellular Ca2+ wave patterns

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tabi, C. B.; Maïna, I.; Mohamadou, A.; Ekobena, H. P. F.; Kofané, T. C.

    2015-10-01

    Modulational instability is utilized to investigate intercellular Ca2+ wave propagation in an array of diffusively coupled cells. Cells are supposed to be connected via paracrine signaling, where long-range effects, due to the presence of extracellular messengers, are included. The multiple-scale expansion is used to show that the whole dynamics of Ca2+ waves, from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol, can be reduced to a single differential-difference nonlinear equation whose solutions are assumed to be plane waves. Their linear stability analysis is studied, with emphasis on the impact of long-range coupling, via the range parameter s. It is shown that s, as well as the number of interacting cells, importantly modifies the features of modulational instability, as small values of s imply a strong coupling, and increasing its value rather reduces the problem to a first-neighbor one. Our theoretical findings are numerically tested, as the generic equations are fully integrated, leading to the emergence of nonlinear patterns of Ca2+ waves. Strong long-range coupling is pictured by extended trains of breather-like structures whose frequency decreases with increasing s. We also show numerically that the number of interacting cells plays on the spatio-temporal formation of Ca2+ patterns, whilst the quasi-perfect intercellular communication depends on the paracrine coupling parameter.

  7. Multi-static networked 3D ladar for surveillance and access control

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Y.; Ogirala, S. S. R.; Hu, B.; Le, Han Q.

    2007-04-01

    A theoretical design and simulation of a 3D ladar system concept for surveillance, intrusion detection, and access control is described. It is a non-conventional system architecture that consists of: i) multi-static configuration with an arbitrarily scalable number of transmitters (Tx's) and receivers (Rx's) that form an optical wireless code-division-multiple-access (CDMA) network, and ii) flexible system architecture with modular plug-and-play components that can be deployed for any facility with arbitrary topology. Affordability is a driving consideration; and a key feature for low cost is an asymmetric use of many inexpensive Rx's in conjunction with fewer Tx's, which are generally more expensive. The Rx's are spatially distributed close to the surveyed area for large coverage, and capable of receiving signals from multiple Tx's with moderate laser power. The system produces sensing information that scales as NxM, where N, M are the number of Tx's and Rx's, as opposed to linear scaling ~N in non-network system. Also, for target positioning, besides laser pointing direction and time-of-flight, the algorithm includes multiple point-of-view image fusion and triangulation for enhanced accuracy, which is not applicable to non-networked monostatic ladars. Simulation and scaled model experiments on some aspects of this concept are discussed.

  8. Growth mechanisms of perturbations in boundary layers over a compliant wall

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Malik, M.; Skote, Martin; Bouffanais, Roland

    2018-01-01

    The temporal modal and nonmodal growth of three-dimensional perturbations in the boundary layer flow over an infinite compliant flat wall is considered. Using a wall-normal velocity and wall-normal vorticity formalism, the dynamic boundary condition at the compliant wall admits a linear dependence on the eigenvalue parameter, as compared to a quadratic one in the canonical formulation of the problem. As a consequence, the continuous spectrum is accurately obtained. This enables us to effectively filter the pseudospectra, which is a prerequisite to the transient growth analysis. An energy-budget analysis for the least-decaying hydroelastic (static divergence, traveling wave flutter, and near-stationary transitional) and Tollmien-Schlichting modes in the parameter space reveals the primary routes of energy flow. Moreover, the maximum transient growth rate increases more slowly with the Reynolds number than for the solid wall case. The slowdown is due to a complex dependence of the wall-boundary condition with the Reynolds number, which translates into a transition of the fluid-solid interaction from a two-way to a one-way coupling. Unlike the solid-wall case, viscosity plays a pivotal role in the transient growth. The initial and optimal perturbations are compared with the boundary layer flow over a solid wall; differences and similarities are discussed.

  9. Spatial patterns of dengue cases in Brazil

    PubMed Central

    Antonio, Fernando Jose; de Picoli, Sergio; Teixeira, Jorge Juarez Vieira; Mendes, Renio dos Santos

    2017-01-01

    Dengue infection plays a central role in our society, since it is the most prevalent vector-borne viral disease affecting humans. We statistically investigated patterns concerning the spatial spreading of dengue epidemics in Brazil, as well as their temporal evolution in all Brazilian municipalities for a period of 12 years. We showed that the distributions of cases in municipalities follow power laws persistent in time and that the infection scales linearly with the population of the municipalities. We also found that the average number of dengue cases does not have a clear dependence on the longitudinal position of municipalities. On the other hand, we found that the average distribution of cases varies with the latitudinal position of municipalities, displaying an almost constant growth from high latitudes until reaching the Tropic of Capricorn leveling to a plateau closer to the Equator. We also characterized the spatial correlation of the number of dengue cases between pairs of municipalities, where our results showed that the spatial correlation function decays with the increase of distance between municipalities, following a power-law with an exponential cut-off. This regime leads to a typical dengue traveling distance. Finally, we considered modeling this last behaviour within the framework of a Edwards-Wilkinson equation with a fractional derivative on space. PMID:28715435

  10. Children's Early Mental Number Line: Logarithmic or Decomposed Linear?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Moeller, Korbinean; Pixner, Silvia; Kaufmann, Liane; Nuerk, Hans-Christoph

    2009-01-01

    Recently, the nature of children's mental number line has received much investigation. In the number line task, children are required to mark a presented number on a physical number line with fixed endpoints. Typically, it was observed that the estimations of younger/inexperienced children were accounted for best by a logarithmic function, whereas…

  11. Video Games: Competing with Machines.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hanson, Jarice

    This study was designed to compare the attitudinal and lifestyle patterns of video game players with the amount of time they play, the number of games they play, and the types of video games they play, to determine whether their personal use of time and attitude toward leisure is different when playing video games. Subjects were 200 individuals…

  12. Parents' Play Beliefs and the Relationship to Children's Social Competence

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lin, Yen-Chun; Yawkey, Thomas D.

    2014-01-01

    The purpose of the study was to examine parents' play beliefs and see whether their perceptions of play impact children's social competence. A total number of 142 Taiwanese parents with different social class backgrounds participated in the survey. Results revealed that most Taiwanese parents highly agreed that play contributes to children's…

  13. Playground usage and physical activity levels of children based on playground spatial features.

    PubMed

    Reimers, Anne K; Knapp, Guido

    2017-01-01

    Being outdoors is one of the strongest correlates of physical activity in children. Playgrounds are spaces especially designed to enable and foster physical activity in children. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the spatial features of public playgrounds and the usage and physical activity levels of children playing in them. A quantitative, observational study was conducted of ten playgrounds in one district of a middle-sized town in Germany. Playground spatial features were captured using an audit instrument and the playground manual of the town. Playground usage and physical activity levels of children were assessed using a modified version of the System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth. Negative binomial models were used to analyze the count data. The number of children using the playgrounds and the number of children actively playing in them were higher in those with more varied facilities and without naturalness. Girls played more actively in playgrounds without multi-purpose areas. Cleanliness, esthetics, play facility quality, division of functional areas and playground size were not related to any outcome variable. Playground spatial features are related to playground usage and activity levels of the children in the playgrounds. Playgrounds should offer a wide variety of play facilities and provide spaces for diverse play activities to respond to the needs of large numbers of different children and to provide activity-friendly areas enabling their healthy development.

  14. DNA is structured as a linear "jigsaw puzzle" in the genomes of Arabidopsis, rice, and budding yeast.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yun-Hua; Zhang, Meiping; Wu, Chengcang; Huang, James J; Zhang, Hong-Bin

    2014-01-01

    Knowledge of how a genome is structured and organized from its constituent elements is crucial to understanding its biology and evolution. Here, we report the genome structuring and organization pattern as revealed by systems analysis of the sequences of three model species, Arabidopsis, rice and yeast, at the whole-genome and chromosome levels. We found that all fundamental function elements (FFE) constituting the genomes, including genes (GEN), DNA transposable elements (DTE), retrotransposable elements (RTE), simple sequence repeats (SSR), and (or) low complexity repeats (LCR), are structured in a nonrandom and correlative manner, thus leading to a hypothesis that the DNA of the species is structured as a linear "jigsaw puzzle". Furthermore, we showed that different FFE differ in their importance in the formation and evolution of the DNA jigsaw puzzle structure between species. DTE and RTE play more important roles than GEN, LCR, and SSR in Arabidopsis, whereas GEN and RTE play more important roles than LCR, SSR, and DTE in rice. The genes having multiple recognized functions play more important roles than those having single functions. These results provide useful knowledge necessary for better understanding genome biology and evolution of the species and for effective molecular breeding of rice.

  15. Intense beams at the micron level for the Next Linear Collider

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

    Seeman, J.T.

    1991-08-01

    High brightness beams with sub-micron dimensions are needed to produce a high luminosity for electron-positron collisions in the Next Linear Collider (NLC). To generate these small beam sizes, a large number of issues dealing with intense beams have to be resolved. Over the past few years many have been successfully addressed but most need experimental verification. Some of these issues are beam dynamics, emittance control, instrumentation, collimation, and beam-beam interactions. Recently, the Stanford Linear Collider (SLC) has proven the viability of linear collider technology and is an excellent test facility for future linear collider studies.

  16. Safe-Play Knowledge, Aggression, and Head-Impact Biomechanics in Adolescent Ice Hockey Players

    PubMed Central

    Schmidt, Julianne D.; Pierce, Alice F.; Guskiewicz, Kevin M.; Register-Mihalik, Johna K.; Pamukoff, Derek N.; Mihalik, Jason P.

    2016-01-01

    Context:  Addressing safe-play knowledge and player aggression could potentially improve ice hockey sport safety. Objectives:  To compare (1) safe-play knowledge and aggression between male and female adolescent ice hockey players and (2) head-impact frequency and severity between players with high and low levels of safe-play knowledge and aggression during practices and games. Design:  Cohort study. Setting:  On field. Patients or Other Participants:  Forty-one male (n = 29) and female (n = 12) adolescent ice hockey players. Intervention(s):  Players completed the Safe Play Questionnaire (0 = less knowledge, 7 = most knowledge) and Competitive Aggressiveness and Anger Scale (12 = less aggressive, 60 = most aggressive) at midseason. Aggressive penalty minutes were recorded throughout the season. The Head Impact Telemetry System was used to capture head-impact frequency and severity (linear acceleration [g], rotational acceleration [rad/s2], Head Impact Technology severity profile) at practices and games. Main Outcome Measure(s):  One-way analyses of variance were used to compare safe play knowledge and aggression between sexes. Players were categorized as having high or low safe-play knowledge and aggression using a median split. A 2 × 2 mixed-model analysis of variance was used to compare head-impact frequency, and random-intercept general linear models were used to compare head-impact severity between groups (high, low) and event types (practice, game). Results:  Boys (5.8 of 7 total; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.3, 6.3) had a trend toward better safe-play knowledge compared with girls (4.9 of 7 total; 95% CI = 3.9, 5.9; F1,36 = 3.40, P = .073). Less aggressive male players sustained significantly lower head rotational accelerations during practices (1512.8 rad/s2, 95% CI = 1397.3, 1637.6 rad/s2) versus games (1754.8 rad/s2, 95% CI = 1623.9, 1896.2 rad/s2) and versus high-aggression players during practices (1773.5 rad/s2, 95% CI = 1607.9, 1956.3 rad/s2; F1,26 = 6.04, P = .021). Conclusions:  Coaches and sports medicine professionals should ensure that athletes of all levels, ages, and sexes have full knowledge of safe play and should consider aggression interventions for reducing head-impact severity among aggressive players during practice. PMID:27111585

  17. Informal Training in Staff Networks to Support Dissemination of Health Promotion Programs

    PubMed Central

    Ramanadhan, Shoba; Wiecha, Jean L.; Gortmaker, Steven L.; Emmons, Karen M.; Viswanath, Kasisomayajula

    2011-01-01

    Purpose To study informal skill transfer via staff networks as a complement to formal training among afterschool childcare providers implementing a health promotion program. Design Cross-sectional, sociometric network analysis. Setting Boston Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) afterschool programs implementing the iPLAY program. Participants All 91 staff members at 20 sites were eligible; 80 completed the survey (88% response rate). Measures At the network level, network density measured system-level connectedness. At the staff level, the independent variable was out degree, the number of individuals to whom respondents noted a program-related connection. The dependent variable was skill gains, the number of key implementation skills gained from the network. Analysis We mapped the staff program-related social network. We utilized multiple linear regression to estimate the relationship between out degree and skill gains, and we adjusted for clustering of staff in sites. Results Most staff (77%) reported gaining at least one skill from the network, but only 2% of potential network connections were established. The regression model showed that out degree (i.e., number of program-related contacts) was significantly associated with skill gains (β = .48, p < .01) independent of other variables. Conclusion Informal skill transfer in staff networks may be a useful complement to formal training for implementation of health promotion programs, but informal skill transfer was likely underutilized in this network. Future research employing longitudinal and/or multisite data should examine these findings in greater detail. PMID:20809826

  18. Passive dendrites enable single neurons to compute linearly non-separable functions.

    PubMed

    Cazé, Romain Daniel; Humphries, Mark; Gutkin, Boris

    2013-01-01

    Local supra-linear summation of excitatory inputs occurring in pyramidal cell dendrites, the so-called dendritic spikes, results in independent spiking dendritic sub-units, which turn pyramidal neurons into two-layer neural networks capable of computing linearly non-separable functions, such as the exclusive OR. Other neuron classes, such as interneurons, may possess only a few independent dendritic sub-units, or only passive dendrites where input summation is purely sub-linear, and where dendritic sub-units are only saturating. To determine if such neurons can also compute linearly non-separable functions, we enumerate, for a given parameter range, the Boolean functions implementable by a binary neuron model with a linear sub-unit and either a single spiking or a saturating dendritic sub-unit. We then analytically generalize these numerical results to an arbitrary number of non-linear sub-units. First, we show that a single non-linear dendritic sub-unit, in addition to the somatic non-linearity, is sufficient to compute linearly non-separable functions. Second, we analytically prove that, with a sufficient number of saturating dendritic sub-units, a neuron can compute all functions computable with purely excitatory inputs. Third, we show that these linearly non-separable functions can be implemented with at least two strategies: one where a dendritic sub-unit is sufficient to trigger a somatic spike; another where somatic spiking requires the cooperation of multiple dendritic sub-units. We formally prove that implementing the latter architecture is possible with both types of dendritic sub-units whereas the former is only possible with spiking dendrites. Finally, we show how linearly non-separable functions can be computed by a generic two-compartment biophysical model and a realistic neuron model of the cerebellar stellate cell interneuron. Taken together our results demonstrate that passive dendrites are sufficient to enable neurons to compute linearly non-separable functions.

  19. Passive Dendrites Enable Single Neurons to Compute Linearly Non-separable Functions

    PubMed Central

    Cazé, Romain Daniel; Humphries, Mark; Gutkin, Boris

    2013-01-01

    Local supra-linear summation of excitatory inputs occurring in pyramidal cell dendrites, the so-called dendritic spikes, results in independent spiking dendritic sub-units, which turn pyramidal neurons into two-layer neural networks capable of computing linearly non-separable functions, such as the exclusive OR. Other neuron classes, such as interneurons, may possess only a few independent dendritic sub-units, or only passive dendrites where input summation is purely sub-linear, and where dendritic sub-units are only saturating. To determine if such neurons can also compute linearly non-separable functions, we enumerate, for a given parameter range, the Boolean functions implementable by a binary neuron model with a linear sub-unit and either a single spiking or a saturating dendritic sub-unit. We then analytically generalize these numerical results to an arbitrary number of non-linear sub-units. First, we show that a single non-linear dendritic sub-unit, in addition to the somatic non-linearity, is sufficient to compute linearly non-separable functions. Second, we analytically prove that, with a sufficient number of saturating dendritic sub-units, a neuron can compute all functions computable with purely excitatory inputs. Third, we show that these linearly non-separable functions can be implemented with at least two strategies: one where a dendritic sub-unit is sufficient to trigger a somatic spike; another where somatic spiking requires the cooperation of multiple dendritic sub-units. We formally prove that implementing the latter architecture is possible with both types of dendritic sub-units whereas the former is only possible with spiking dendrites. Finally, we show how linearly non-separable functions can be computed by a generic two-compartment biophysical model and a realistic neuron model of the cerebellar stellate cell interneuron. Taken together our results demonstrate that passive dendrites are sufficient to enable neurons to compute linearly non-separable functions. PMID:23468600

  20. Projection of angular momentum via linear algebra

    DOE PAGES

    Johnson, Calvin W.; O'Mara, Kevin D.

    2017-12-01

    Projection of many-body states with good angular momentum from an initial state is usually accomplished by a three-dimensional integral. Here, we show how projection can instead be done by solving a straightforward system of linear equations. We demonstrate the method and give sample applications tomore » $$^{48}$$Cr and $$^{60}$$Fe in the $pf$ shell. This new projection scheme, which is competitive against the standard numerical quadrature, should also be applicable to other quantum numbers such as isospin and particle number.« less

  1. Projection of angular momentum via linear algebra

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

    Johnson, Calvin W.; O'Mara, Kevin D.

    Projection of many-body states with good angular momentum from an initial state is usually accomplished by a three-dimensional integral. Here, we show how projection can instead be done by solving a straightforward system of linear equations. We demonstrate the method and give sample applications tomore » $$^{48}$$Cr and $$^{60}$$Fe in the $pf$ shell. This new projection scheme, which is competitive against the standard numerical quadrature, should also be applicable to other quantum numbers such as isospin and particle number.« less

  2. An approximately factored incremental strategy for calculating consistent discrete aerodynamic sensitivity derivatives

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Korivi, V. M.; Taylor, A. C., III; Newman, P. A.; Hou, G. J.-W.; Jones, H. E.

    1992-01-01

    An incremental strategy is presented for iteratively solving very large systems of linear equations, which are associated with aerodynamic sensitivity derivatives for advanced CFD codes. It is shown that the left-hand side matrix operator and the well-known factorization algorithm used to solve the nonlinear flow equations can also be used to efficiently solve the linear sensitivity equations. Two airfoil problems are considered as an example: subsonic low Reynolds number laminar flow and transonic high Reynolds number turbulent flow.

  3. Application of Logic to Integer Sequences: A Survey

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Makowsky, Johann A.

    Chomsky and Schützenberger showed in 1963 that the sequence d L (n), which counts the number of words of a given length n in a regular language L, satisfies a linear recurrence relation with constant coefficients for n, or equivalently, the generating function g_L(x)=sumn d_L(n) x^n is a rational function. In this talk we survey results concerning sequences a(n) of natural numbers which satisfy linear recurrence relations over ℤ or ℤ m , and

  4. Projection of angular momentum via linear algebra

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Johnson, Calvin W.; O'Mara, Kevin D.

    2017-12-01

    Projection of many-body states with good angular momentum from an initial state is usually accomplished by a three-dimensional integral. We show how projection can instead be done by solving a straightforward system of linear equations. We demonstrate the method and give sample applications to 48Cr and 60Fe in the p f shell. This new projection scheme, which is competitive against the standard numerical quadrature, should also be applicable to other quantum numbers such as isospin and particle number.

  5. Linear or Exponential Number Lines

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stafford, Pat

    2011-01-01

    Having decided to spend some time looking at one's understanding of numbers, the author was inspired by "Alex's Adventures in Numberland," by Alex Bellos to look at one's innate appreciation of number. Bellos quotes research studies suggesting that an individual's natural appreciation of numbers is more likely to be exponential rather…

  6. The Shock and Vibration Digest. Volume 18, Number 12

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1986-12-01

    practical msthods for fracture mechanics analysis. Linear elastic methods can yield useful results. Elas- dc-plasdc methods are becoming useful with...geometry factors. Fracture mechanics analysis based on linear elastic concepts developed in the 1960s has become established during the last decade as...2) is slightly conservative [2,3]. Materials that ran be treated with linear elastic fracture mechanics usually belong in this category. No

  7. Climbing robot. [caterpillar design

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kerley, James J. (Inventor); May, Edward L. (Inventor); Ecklund, Wayne D. (Inventor)

    1993-01-01

    A mobile robot for traversing any surface consisting of a number of interconnected segments, each interconnected segment having an upper 'U' frame member, a lower 'U' frame member, a compliant joint between the upper 'U' frame member and the lower 'U' frame member, a number of linear actuators between the two frame members acting to provide relative displacement between the frame members, a foot attached to the lower 'U' frame member for adherence of the segment to the surface, an inter-segment attachment attached to the upper 'U' frame member for interconnecting the segments, a power source connected to the linear actuator, and a computer/controller for independently controlling each linear actuator in each interconnected segment such that the mobile robot moves in a caterpillar like fashion.

  8. Fundamental optical properties of linear and cyclic alkanes: VUV absorbance and index of refraction.

    PubMed

    Costner, Elizabeth A; Long, Brian K; Navar, Carlos; Jockusch, Steffen; Lei, Xuegong; Zimmerman, Paul; Campion, Alan; Turro, Nicholas J; Willson, C Grant

    2009-08-20

    VUV absorbance and index of refraction data for a series of linear and cyclic alkanes have been collected in order to understand the relationship between the electronic excitation wavelength (or absorbance edge), index of refraction, and molecular structure. The absorbance edge and index for a homologous series of both linear and cyclic alkanes increase with increasing carbon number. The optical properties of complex cycloalkanes do not vary predictably with increasing carbon number but instead depend on variations in the hydrocarbon structure in addition to hydrocarbon size. An understanding of the fundamental optical properties of this class of compounds is directly applicable to the identification of a high index and low-absorbance fluid for 193 nm immersion lithography.

  9. Calculation of Linear Stability of a Stratified Gas-Liquid Flow in an Inclined Plane Channel

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Trifonov, Yu. Ya.

    2018-01-01

    Linear stability of liquid and gas counterflows in an inclined channel is considered. The full Navier-Stokes equations for both phases are linearized, and the dynamics of periodic disturbances is determined by means of solving a spectral problem in wide ranges of Reynolds numbers for the liquid and vapor velocity. Two unstable modes are found in the examined ranges: surface mode (corresponding to the Kapitsa waves at small velocities of the gas) and shear mode in the gas phase. The wave length and the phase velocity of neutral disturbances of both modes are calculated as functions of the Reynolds number for the liquid. It is shown that these dependences for the surface mode are significantly affected by the gas velocity.

  10. National Football League Skilled and Unskilled Positions Vary in Opportunity and Yield in Return to Play After an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

    PubMed Central

    Yang, JaeWon; Hodax, Jonathan D.; Machan, Jason T.; Secrist, Eric S.; Durand, Wesley M.; Owens, Brett D.; Eltorai, Adam E.M.; Dodson, Christopher C.

    2017-01-01

    Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries pose a significant risk to the careers of players in the National Football League (NFL). The relationships between draft round and position on return to play (RTP) among NFL players are not well understood, and the ability to return to preinjury performance levels remains unknown for most positions. Purpose: To test for differences in RTP rates and changes in performance after an ACL injury by position and draft round. We hypothesized that skilled positions would return at a lower rate compared to unskilled positions. We further hypothesized that early draft-round status would relate to a greater rate of RTP and that skilled positions and a lower draft round would correlate with decreased performance for players who return to sport. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Utilizing a previously established database of publicly available information regarding ACL tears among NFL players, athletes with ACL tears occurring between the 2010 and 2013 seasons were identified. Generalized linear models and Kaplan-Meier time-to-event models were used to test the study hypotheses. Results: The overall RTP rate was 61.7%, with skilled players and unskilled players returning at rates of 64.1% and 60.4%, respectively (P = .74). Early draft-round players and unskilled late draft-round players had greater rates of RTP compared to skilled late draft-round players and both unskilled and skilled undrafted free agents (UDFAs). Skilled early draft-round players constituted the only cohort that played significantly fewer games after an injury. Unskilled UDFAs constituted the only cohort to show a significant increase in the number of games started and ratio of games started to games played, starting more games in which they played, after an injury. Conclusion: Early draft-round and unskilled players were more likely to return compared to their later draft-round and skilled peers. Skilled early draft-round players, who displayed relatively high rates of RTP, constituted the only cohort to show a decline in performance. Unskilled UDFAs, who exhibited relatively low rates of RTP, constituted the only cohort to show an increase in performance. The significant effect of draft round and position type on RTP may be caused by a combination of differences in talent levels and in opportunities given to returning to play. PMID:28975136

  11. Magnetohydrodynamics Nanofluid Flow Containing Gyrotactic Microorganisms Propagating Over a Stretching Surface by Successive Taylor Series Linearization Method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shahid, A.; Zhou, Z.; Bhatti, M. M.; Tripathi, D.

    2018-03-01

    Nanofluid dynamics with magnetohydrodynamics has tremendously contributed in industrial applications recently since presence of nanoparticle in base fluids enhances the specific chemical and physical properties. Owing to the relevance of nanofluid dynamics, we analyze the nanofluid flow in the presence of gyrotactic microorganism and magnetohydrodynamics through a stretching/shrinking plate. The impacts of chemical reaction and thermal radiation on flow characteristics are also studied. To simplify the governing equations of microorganisms, velocity, concentration and temperature, the similarity transformations are employed. The couple governing equations are numerically solved using Successive Taylor Series Linearization Method (STSLM). The velocity profile, motile microorganism density profile, concentration profile, temperature profile as well as Nusselt number, skin friction coefficient, Sherwood number and density number of motile microorganisms are discussed using tables and graphs against all the sundry parameters. A numerical comparison is also given for Nusselt number, Sherwood number, skin friction, and density number of motile microorganisms with previously published results to validate the present model. The results show that Nusselt number, Sherwood number and density number diminish with increasing the magnetic field effects.

  12. Formation of Linear Amplicons with Inverted Duplications in Leishmania Requires the MRE11 Nuclease

    PubMed Central

    Laffitte, Marie-Claude N.; Genois, Marie-Michelle; Mukherjee, Angana; Légaré, Danielle; Masson, Jean-Yves; Ouellette, Marc

    2014-01-01

    Extrachromosomal DNA amplification is frequent in the protozoan parasite Leishmania selected for drug resistance. The extrachromosomal amplified DNA is either circular or linear, and is formed at the level of direct or inverted homologous repeated sequences that abound in the Leishmania genome. The RAD51 recombinase plays an important role in circular amplicons formation, but the mechanism by which linear amplicons are formed is unknown. We hypothesized that the Leishmania infantum DNA repair protein MRE11 is required for linear amplicons following rearrangements at the level of inverted repeats. The purified LiMRE11 protein showed both DNA binding and exonuclease activities. Inactivation of the LiMRE11 gene led to parasites with enhanced sensitivity to DNA damaging agents. The MRE11−/− parasites had a reduced capacity to form linear amplicons after drug selection, and the reintroduction of an MRE11 allele led to parasites regaining their capacity to generate linear amplicons, but only when MRE11 had an active nuclease activity. These results highlight a novel MRE11-dependent pathway used by Leishmania to amplify portions of its genome to respond to a changing environment. PMID:25474106

  13. Children's Virtual Play Worlds Culture, Learning, and Participation. New Literacies and Digital Epistemologies. Volume 58

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Burke, Anne, Ed.; Marsh, Jackie, Ed.

    2013-01-01

    As children's digital lives become more relevant to schools and educators, the question of play and learning is being revisited in new and interesting ways. "Children's Virtual Play Worlds: Culture, Learning, and Participation" provides a more reasoned account of children's play engagements in virtual worlds through a number of scholarly…

  14. Pretending to Play or Playing to Pretend: The Case of Autism

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kasari, Connie; Chang, Ya-Chih; Patterson, Stephanie

    2013-01-01

    An article by Angeline S. Lillard and others published in the January 2013 issue of "Psychological Bulletin" about the impact of pretend play on child development raised a number of issues about play studies and child psychology. The article claimed that, contrary to current theories on the subject, the evidence of many studies does not…

  15. Limits of localized control in extended nonlinear systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Handel, Andreas

    We investigate the limits of localized linear control in spatially extended, nonlinear systems. Spatially extended, nonlinear systems can be found in virtually every field of engineering and science. An important category of such systems are fluid flows. Fluid flows play an important role in many commercial applications, for instance in the chemical, pharmaceutical and food-processing industries. Other important fluid flows include air- or water flows around cars, planes or ships. In all these systems, it is highly desirable to control the flow of the respective fluid. For instance control of the air flow around an airplane or car leads to better fuel-economy and reduced noise production. Usually, it is impossible to apply control everywhere. Consider an airplane: It would not be feasibly to cover the whole body of the plane with control units. Instead, one can place the control units at localized regions, such as points along the edge of the wings, spaced as far apart from each other as possible. These considerations lead to an important question: For a given system, what is the minimum number of localized controllers that still ensures successful control? Too few controllers will not achieve control, while using too many leads to unnecessary expenses and wastes resources. To answer this question, we study localized control in a class of model equations. These model equations are good representations of many real fluid flows. Using these equations, we show how one can design localized control that renders the system stable. We study the properties of the control and derive several expressions that allow us to determine the limits of successful control. We show how the number of controllers that are needed for successful control depends on the size and type of the system, as well as the way control is implemented. We find that especially the nonlinearities and the amount of noise present in the system play a crucial role. This analysis allows us to determine under which circumstances a given number of controllers can successfully stabilize a given system.

  16. Interplay effect on a 6-MV flattening-filter-free linear accelerator with high dose rate and fast multi-leaf collimator motion treating breast and lung phantoms.

    PubMed

    Netherton, Tucker; Li, Yuting; Nitsch, Paige; Shaitelman, Simona; Balter, Peter; Gao, Song; Klopp, Ann; Muruganandham, Manickam; Court, Laurence

    2018-06-01

    Using a new linear accelerator with high dose rate (800 MU/min), fast MLC motions (5.0 cm/s), fast gantry rotation (15 s/rotation), and 1 cm wide MLCs, we aimed to quantify the effects of complexity, arc number, and fractionation on interplay for breast and lung treatments under target motion. To study lung interplay, eight VMAT plans (1-6 arcs) and four-nine-field sliding-window IMRT plans varying in complexity were created. For the breast plans, four-four-field sliding-window IMRT plans were created. Using the Halcyon 1.0 linear accelerator, each plan was delivered five times each under sinusoidal breathing motion to a phantom with 20 implanted MOSFET detectors; MOSFET dose (cGy), delivery time, and MU/cGy values were recorded. Maximum and mean dose deviations were calculated from MOSFET data. The number of MOSFETs with at least 19 of 20 detectors agreeing with their expected dose within 5% per fraction was calculated across 10 6 iterations to model dose deviation as function of fraction number for all plan variants. To put interplay plans into clinical context, additional IMRT and VMAT plans were created and delivered for the sites of head and neck, prostate, whole brain, breast, pelvis, and lung. Average modulation and interplay effect were compared to those from conventional linear accelerators, as reported from previous studies. The mean beam modulation for plans created for the Halcyon 1.0 linear accelerator was 2.9 MU/cGy (two- to four-field IMRT breast plans), 6.2 MU/cGy (at least five-field IMRT), and 3.6 MU/cGy (four-arc VMAT). To achieve treatment plan objectives, Halcyon 1.0 VMAT plans require more arcs and modulation than VMAT on conventional linear accelerators. Maximum and mean dose deviations increased with increasing plan complexity under tumor motion for breast and lung treatments. Concerning VMAT plans under motion, maximum, and mean dose deviations were higher for one arc than for two arcs regardless of plan complexity. For plan variants with maximum dose deviations greater than 3.7%, dose deviation as a function of fraction number was protracted. For treatments on the Halcyon 1.0 linear accelerator, the convergence of dose deviation with fraction number happened more slowly than reported for conventional linear accelerators. However, if plan complexity is reduced for IMRT and if tumor motion is less than ~10-mm, interplay is greatly reduced. To minimize dose deviations across multiple fractions for dynamic targets, we recommend limiting treatment plan complexity and avoiding one-arc VMAT on the Halcyon 1.0 linear accelerator when interplay is a concern. © 2018 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

  17. Inception of supraglacial channelization under turbulent flow conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mantelli, E.; Camporeale, C.; Ridolfi, L.

    2013-12-01

    Glacier surfaces exhibit an amazing variety of meltwater-induced morphologies, ranging from small scale ripples and dunes on the bed of supraglacial channels to meandering patterns, till to large scale drainage networks. Even though the structure and geometry of these morphologies play a key role in the glacier melting processes, the physical-based modeling of such spatial patterns have attracted less attention than englacial and subglacial channels. In order to partially fill this gap, our work concerns the large scale channelization occurring on the ice slopes and focuses on the role of turbulence on the wavelength selection processes during the channelization inception. In a recent study[1], two of us showed that the morphological instability induced by a laminar film flowing over an ice bed is characterized by transversal length scales of order of centimeters. Being these scales much smaller than the spacing observed in the channelization of supraglacial drainage networks (that are of order of meters) and considering that the water films flowing on glaciers can exhibit Reynolds numbers larger than 104, we investigated the role of turbulence in the inception of channelization. The flow-field is modeled by means of two-dimensional shallow water equations, where Reynolds stresses are also considered. In the depth-averaged heat balance equation an incoming heat flux from air is assumed and forced convection heat exchange with the wall is taken into account, in addition to convection and diffusion in the liquid. The temperature profile in the ice is finally coupled to the liquid through Stefan equation. We then perform a linear stability analysis and, under the assumption of small Stefan number, we solve the differential eigenvalue problem analytically. As main outcome of such an analysis, the morphological instability of the ice-water interface is detected and investigated in a wide range of the independent parameters: longitudinal and transversal wavenumbers, glacier surface slope, and Froude number and temperature of the water stream. The most remarkable result is that critical transversal wavelengths of order of meters are obtained, which are in general agreement with the patterns observed on glaciers during the melting season. Moreover, the key role played by the free surface of the water film, turbulent heat transfer and Reynolds stresses on the inception of channelization is highlighted and discussed. [1] Camporeale, C. & Ridolfi, L. (2012) Ice ripple formation at large Reynolds number. J. Fluid Mech. 694, 225-251.

  18. Results of Skylab investigation over Italy. [Sicily and Sardinia

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cassinis, R.; Lechi, G. M.; Tonelli, A. M. (Principal Investigator)

    1975-01-01

    The author has identified the following significant results. Multispectral high resolution photography of S190A was successfully applied to the detection of paleoriverbeds in flat lands. Results of SL-3 mission were compared to those of LANDSAT for two regional geological surveys (linear structures) on the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. On Sicily, the seasonal conditions were unfavorable for Skylab while LANDSAT played a major role in discovering long, unknown lineaments of great interest for the geodynamics of the area. On Sardinia, owing to the vegetation type and to the geomorphic conditions, the Skylab imagery was successfully employed to describe the network of linears, both regional and local. Results can be used to study the relationship between linears, actual fracturing and the occurrence of mineral deposits.

  19. Circularized Chromosome with a Large Palindromic Structure in Streptomyces griseus Mutants

    PubMed Central

    Uchida, Tetsuya; Ishihara, Naoto; Zenitani, Hiroyuki; Hiratsu, Keiichiro; Kinashi, Haruyasu

    2004-01-01

    Streptomyces linear chromosomes display various types of rearrangements after telomere deletion, including circularization, arm replacement, and amplification. We analyzed the new chromosomal deletion mutants Streptomyces griseus 301-22-L and 301-22-M. In these mutants, chromosomal arm replacement resulted in long terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) at both ends; different sizes were deleted again and recombined inside the TIRs, resulting in a circular chromosome with an extremely large palindrome. Short palindromic sequences were found in parent strain 2247, and these sequences might have played a role in the formation of this unique structure. Dynamic structural changes of Streptomyces linear chromosomes shown by this and previous studies revealed extraordinary strategies of members of this genus to keep a functional chromosome, even if it is linear or circular. PMID:15150216

  20. High Angular Sensitivity, Absolute Rotary Encoding Device with Polygonal Mirror and Stand-Alone Diffraction Gratings

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Leviton, Douglas B. (Inventor)

    1996-01-01

    A device for position encoding of a rotating shaft in which a polygonal mirror having a number of facets is mounted to the shaft and a monochromatic light beam is directed towards the facets. The facets of the polygonal mirror direct the light beam to a stand-alone low line density diffraction grating to diffract the monochromatic light beam into a number of diffracted light beams such that a number of light spots are created on a linear array detector. An analog-to-digital converter is connected to the linear array detector for reading the position of the spots on the linear array detector means. A microprocessor with memory is connected to the analog-to-digital converter to hold and manipulate the data provided by the analog-to-digital converter on the position of the spots and to compute the position of the shaft based upon the data from the analog-lo-digital converter.

  1. Topologically trivial and nontrivial edge bands in graphene induced by irradiation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Mou; Cai, Zhi-Jun; Wang, Rui-Qiang; Bai, Yan-Kui

    2016-08-01

    We proposed a minimal model to describe the Floquet band structure of two-dimensional materials with light-induced resonant inter-band transition. We applied it to graphene to study the band features caused by the light irradiation. Linearly polarized light induces pseudo gaps (gaps are functions of wavevector), and circularly polarized light causes real gaps on the quasi-energy spectrum. If the polarization of light is linear and along the longitudinal direction of zigzag ribbons, flat edge bands appear in the pseudo gaps, and if it is in the lateral direction of armchair ribbons, curved edge bands can be found. For the circularly polarized cases, edge bands arise and intersect in the gaps of both types of ribbons. The edge bands induced by the circularly polarized light are helical and those by linearly polarized light are topologically trivial ones. The Chern number of the Floquet band, which reflects the number of pairs of helical edge bands in graphene ribbons, can be reduced into the winding number at resonance.

  2. Numerical solution of mixed convection flow of an MHD Jeffery fluid over an exponentially stretching sheet in the presence of thermal radiation and chemical reaction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shateyi, Stanford; Marewo, Gerald T.

    2018-05-01

    We numerically investigate a mixed convection model for a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Jeffery fluid flowing over an exponentially stretching sheet. The influence of thermal radiation and chemical reaction is also considered in this study. The governing non-linear coupled partial differential equations are reduced to a set of coupled non-linear ordinary differential equations by using similarity functions. This new set of ordinary differential equations are solved numerically using the Spectral Quasi-Linearization Method. A parametric study of physical parameters involved in this study is carried out and displayed in tabular and graphical forms. It is observed that the velocity is enhanced with increasing values of the Deborah number, buoyancy and thermal radiation parameters. Furthermore, the temperature and species concentration are decreasing functions of the Deborah number. The skin friction coefficient increases with increasing values of the magnetic parameter and relaxation time. Heat and mass transfer rates increase with increasing values of the Deborah number and buoyancy parameters.

  3. Performance bounds for modal analysis using sparse linear arrays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Yuanxin; Pezeshki, Ali; Scharf, Louis L.; Chi, Yuejie

    2017-05-01

    We study the performance of modal analysis using sparse linear arrays (SLAs) such as nested and co-prime arrays, in both first-order and second-order measurement models. We treat SLAs as constructed from a subset of sensors in a dense uniform linear array (ULA), and characterize the performance loss of SLAs with respect to the ULA due to using much fewer sensors. In particular, we claim that, provided the same aperture, in order to achieve comparable performance in terms of Cramér-Rao bound (CRB) for modal analysis, SLAs require more snapshots, of which the number is about the number of snapshots used by ULA times the compression ratio in the number of sensors. This is shown analytically for the case with one undamped mode, as well as empirically via extensive numerical experiments for more complex scenarios. Moreover, the misspecified CRB proposed by Richmond and Horowitz is also studied, where SLAs suffer more performance loss than their ULA counterpart.

  4. A linear cavity multiwavelength fiber laser with adjustable lasing line number for fixed spectral regions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tian, J. J.; Yao, Y.

    2011-03-01

    We report an experimental demonstration of muliwavelength erbium-doped fiber laser with adjustable wavelength number based on a power-symmetric nonlinear optical loop mirror (NOLM) in a linear cavity. The intensity-dependent loss (IDL) induced by the NOLM is used to suppress the mode competition and realize the stable multiwavelength oscillation. The controlling of the wavelength number is achieved by adjusting the strength of IDL, which is dependent on the pump power. As the pump power increases from 40 to 408 mW, 1-7 lasing line(s) at fixed wavelength around 1601 nm are obtained. The output power stability is also investigated. The most power fluctuation of single wavelength is less than 0.9 dB, when the wavelength number is increased from 1-7.

  5. Linear Strength Vortex Panel Method for NACA 4412 Airfoil

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Han

    2018-03-01

    The objective of this article is to formulate numerical models for two-dimensional potential flow over the NACA 4412 Airfoil using linear vortex panel methods. By satisfying the no penetration boundary condition and Kutta condition, the circulation density on each boundary points (end point of every panel) are obtained and according to which, surface pressure distribution and lift coefficients of the airfoil are predicted and validated by Xfoil, an interactive program for the design and analysis of airfoil. The sensitivity of results to the number of panels is also investigated in the end, which shows that the results are sensitive to the number of panels when panel number ranges from 10 to 160. With the increasing panel number (N>160), the results become relatively insensitive to it.

  6. A comparison of several methods of solving nonlinear regression groundwater flow problems

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Cooley, Richard L.

    1985-01-01

    Computational efficiency and computer memory requirements for four methods of minimizing functions were compared for four test nonlinear-regression steady state groundwater flow problems. The fastest methods were the Marquardt and quasi-linearization methods, which required almost identical computer times and numbers of iterations; the next fastest was the quasi-Newton method, and last was the Fletcher-Reeves method, which did not converge in 100 iterations for two of the problems. The fastest method per iteration was the Fletcher-Reeves method, and this was followed closely by the quasi-Newton method. The Marquardt and quasi-linearization methods were slower. For all four methods the speed per iteration was directly related to the number of parameters in the model. However, this effect was much more pronounced for the Marquardt and quasi-linearization methods than for the other two. Hence the quasi-Newton (and perhaps Fletcher-Reeves) method might be more efficient than either the Marquardt or quasi-linearization methods if the number of parameters in a particular model were large, although this remains to be proven. The Marquardt method required somewhat less central memory than the quasi-linearization metilod for three of the four problems. For all four problems the quasi-Newton method required roughly two thirds to three quarters of the memory required by the Marquardt method, and the Fletcher-Reeves method required slightly less memory than the quasi-Newton method. Memory requirements were not excessive for any of the four methods.

  7. Generating AN Optimum Treatment Plan for External Beam Radiation Therapy.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kabus, Irwin

    1990-01-01

    The application of linear programming to the generation of an optimum external beam radiation treatment plan is investigated. MPSX, an IBM linear programming software package was used. All data originated from the CAT scan of an actual patient who was treated for a pancreatic malignant tumor before this study began. An examination of several alternatives for representing the cross section of the patient showed that it was sufficient to use a set of strategically placed points in the vital organs and tumor and a grid of points spaced about one half inch apart for the healthy tissue. Optimum treatment plans were generated from objective functions representing various treatment philosophies. The optimum plans were based on allowing for 216 external radiation beams which accounted for wedges of any size. A beam reduction scheme then reduced the number of beams in the optimum plan to a number of beams small enough for implementation. Regardless of the objective function, the linear programming treatment plan preserved about 95% of the patient's right kidney vs. 59% for the plan the hospital actually administered to the patient. The clinician, on the case, found most of the linear programming treatment plans to be superior to the hospital plan. An investigation was made, using parametric linear programming, concerning any possible benefits derived from generating treatment plans based on objective functions made up of convex combinations of two objective functions, however, this proved to have only limited value. This study also found, through dual variable analysis, that there was no benefit gained from relaxing some of the constraints on the healthy regions of the anatomy. This conclusion was supported by the clinician. Finally several schemes were found that, under certain conditions, can further reduce the number of beams in the final linear programming treatment plan.

  8. A multichain polymer slip-spring model with fluctuating number of entanglements for linear and nonlinear rheology

    DOE PAGES

    Ramírez-Hernández, Abelardo; Peters, Brandon L.; Andreev, Marat; ...

    2015-12-15

    A theoretically informed entangled polymer simulation approach is presented for description of the linear and non-linear rheology of entangled polymer melts. The approach relies on a many-chain representation and introduces the topological effects that arise from the non-crossability of molecules through effective fluctuating interactions, mediated by slip-springs, between neighboring pairs of macromolecules. The total number of slip-springs is not preserved but, instead, it is controlled through a chemical potential that determines the average molecular weight between entanglements. The behavior of the model is discussed in the context of a recent theory for description of homogeneous materials, and its relevance ismore » established by comparing its predictions to experimental linear and non-linear rheology data for a series of well-characterized linear polyisoprene melts. Furthermore, the results are shown to be in quantitative agreement with experiment and suggest that the proposed formalism may also be used to describe the dynamics of inhomogeneous systems, such as composites and copolymers. Importantly, the fundamental connection made here between our many-chain model and the well-established, thermodynamically consistent single-chain mean-field models provides a path to systematic coarse-graining for prediction of polymer rheology in structurally homogeneous and heterogeneous materials.« less

  9. Linear relations in microbial reaction systems: a general overview of their origin, form, and use.

    PubMed

    Noorman, H J; Heijnen, J J; Ch A M Luyben, K

    1991-09-01

    In microbial reaction systems, there are a number of linear relations among net conversion rates. These can be very useful in the analysis of experimental data. This article provides a general approach for the formation and application of the linear relations. Two type of system descriptions, one considering the biomass as a black box and the other based on metabolic pathways, are encountered. These are defined in a linear vector and matrix algebra framework. A correct a priori description can be obtained by three useful tests: the independency, consistency, and observability tests. The independency are different. The black box approach provides only conservations relations. They are derived from element, electrical charge, energy, and Gibbs energy balances. The metabolic approach provides, in addition to the conservation relations, metabolic and reaction relations. These result from component, energy, and Gibbs energy balances. Thus it is more attractive to use the metabolic description than the black box approach. A number of different types of linear relations given in the literature are reviewed. They are classified according to the different categories that result from the black box or the metabolic system description. Validation of hypotheses related to metabolic pathways can be supported by experimental validation of the linear metabolic relations. However, definite proof from biochemical evidence remains indispensable.

  10. Phylogenetic mixtures and linear invariants for equal input models.

    PubMed

    Casanellas, Marta; Steel, Mike

    2017-04-01

    The reconstruction of phylogenetic trees from molecular sequence data relies on modelling site substitutions by a Markov process, or a mixture of such processes. In general, allowing mixed processes can result in different tree topologies becoming indistinguishable from the data, even for infinitely long sequences. However, when the underlying Markov process supports linear phylogenetic invariants, then provided these are sufficiently informative, the identifiability of the tree topology can be restored. In this paper, we investigate a class of processes that support linear invariants once the stationary distribution is fixed, the 'equal input model'. This model generalizes the 'Felsenstein 1981' model (and thereby the Jukes-Cantor model) from four states to an arbitrary number of states (finite or infinite), and it can also be described by a 'random cluster' process. We describe the structure and dimension of the vector spaces of phylogenetic mixtures and of linear invariants for any fixed phylogenetic tree (and for all trees-the so called 'model invariants'), on any number n of leaves. We also provide a precise description of the space of mixtures and linear invariants for the special case of [Formula: see text] leaves. By combining techniques from discrete random processes and (multi-) linear algebra, our results build on a classic result that was first established by James Lake (Mol Biol Evol 4:167-191, 1987).

  11. Acoustic wave propagation in a temporal evolving shear-layer for low-Mach number perturbations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hau, Jan-Niklas; Müller, Björn

    2018-01-01

    We study wave packets with the small perturbation/gradient Mach number interacting with a smooth shear-layer in the linear regime of small amplitude perturbations. In particular, we investigate the temporal evolution of wave packets in shear-layers with locally curved regions of variable size using non-modal linear analysis and direct numerical simulations of the two-dimensional gas-dynamical equations. Depending on the wavenumber of the initially imposed wave packet, three different types of behavior are observed: (i) The wave packet passes through the shear-layer and constantly transfers energy back to the mean flow. (ii) It is turned around (or reflected) within the sheared region and extracts energy from the base flow. (iii) It is split into two oppositely propagating packages when reaching the upper boundary of the linearly sheared region. The conducted direct numerical simulations confirm that non-modal linear stability analysis is able to predict the wave packet dynamics, even in the presence of non-linearly sheared regions. In the light of existing studies in this area, we conclude that the sheared regions are responsible for the highly directed propagation of linearly generated acoustic waves when there is a dominating source, as it is the case for jet flows.

  12. Estimation of perceptible water vapor of atmosphere using artificial neural network, support vector machine and multiple linear regression algorithm and their comparative study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shastri, Niket; Pathak, Kamlesh

    2018-05-01

    The water vapor content in atmosphere plays very important role in climate. In this paper the application of GPS signal in meteorology is discussed, which is useful technique that is used to estimate the perceptible water vapor of atmosphere. In this paper various algorithms like artificial neural network, support vector machine and multiple linear regression are use to predict perceptible water vapor. The comparative studies in terms of root mean square error and mean absolute errors are also carried out for all the algorithms.

  13. Complete characterization of fourth-order symplectic integrators with extended-linear coefficients.

    PubMed

    Chin, Siu A

    2006-02-01

    The structure of symplectic integrators up to fourth order can be completely and analytically understood when the factorization (split) coefficients are related linearly but with a uniform nonlinear proportional factor. The analytic form of these extended-linear symplectic integrators greatly simplified proofs of their general properties and allowed easy construction of both forward and nonforward fourth-order algorithms with an arbitrary number of operators. Most fourth-order forward integrators can now be derived analytically from this extended-linear formulation without the use of symbolic algebra.

  14. A study of the use of linear programming techniques to improve the performance in design optimization problems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Young, Katherine C.; Sobieszczanski-Sobieski, Jaroslaw

    1988-01-01

    This project has two objectives. The first is to determine whether linear programming techniques can improve performance when handling design optimization problems with a large number of design variables and constraints relative to the feasible directions algorithm. The second purpose is to determine whether using the Kreisselmeier-Steinhauser (KS) function to replace the constraints with one constraint will reduce the cost of total optimization. Comparisons are made using solutions obtained with linear and non-linear methods. The results indicate that there is no cost saving using the linear method or in using the KS function to replace constraints.

  15. Number Line Estimation in Children with Developmental Dyscalculia

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sella, Francesco; Berteletti, Ilaria; Martina, Brazzolotto; Lucangeli, Daniela; Zorzi, Marco

    2013-01-01

    In the number to position task, several studies have shown that typically developing children shift from a biased (logarithmic) to an accurate (linear) mapping of symbolic digits onto a spatial position on a line. The initial pattern of overestimation of small numbers and the underestimation of larger numbers is compensated by means of age and…

  16. How Many Is a Zillion? Sources of Number Distortion

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rips, Lance J.

    2013-01-01

    When young children attempt to locate the positions of numerals on a number line, the positions are often logarithmically rather than linearly distributed. This finding has been taken as evidence that the children represent numbers on a mental number line that is logarithmically calibrated. This article reports a statistical simulation showing…

  17. Acoustic radiation damping of flat rectangular plates subjected to subsonic flows

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lyle, Karen Heitman

    1993-01-01

    The acoustic radiation damping for various isotropic and laminated composite plates and semi-infinite strips subjected to a uniform, subsonic and steady flow has been predicted. The predictions are based on the linear vibration of a flat plate. The fluid loading is characterized as the perturbation pressure derived from the linearized Bernoulli and continuity equations. Parameters varied in the analysis include Mach number, mode number and plate size, aspect ratio and mass. The predictions are compared with existing theoretical results and experimental data. The analytical results show that the fluid loading can significantly affect realistic plate responses. Generally, graphite/epoxy and carbon/carbon plates have higher acoustic radiation damping values than similar aluminum plates, except near plate divergence conditions resulting from aeroelastic instability. Universal curves are presented where the acoustic radiation damping normalized by the mass ratio is a linear function of the reduced frequency. A separate curve is required for each Mach number and plate aspect ratio. In addition, acoustic radiation damping values can be greater than or equal to the structural component of the modal critical damping ratio (assumed as 0.01) for the higher subsonic Mach numbers. New experimental data were acquired for comparison with the analytical results.

  18. Low-rank regularization for learning gene expression programs.

    PubMed

    Ye, Guibo; Tang, Mengfan; Cai, Jian-Feng; Nie, Qing; Xie, Xiaohui

    2013-01-01

    Learning gene expression programs directly from a set of observations is challenging due to the complexity of gene regulation, high noise of experimental measurements, and insufficient number of experimental measurements. Imposing additional constraints with strong and biologically motivated regularizations is critical in developing reliable and effective algorithms for inferring gene expression programs. Here we propose a new form of regulation that constrains the number of independent connectivity patterns between regulators and targets, motivated by the modular design of gene regulatory programs and the belief that the total number of independent regulatory modules should be small. We formulate a multi-target linear regression framework to incorporate this type of regulation, in which the number of independent connectivity patterns is expressed as the rank of the connectivity matrix between regulators and targets. We then generalize the linear framework to nonlinear cases, and prove that the generalized low-rank regularization model is still convex. Efficient algorithms are derived to solve both the linear and nonlinear low-rank regularized problems. Finally, we test the algorithms on three gene expression datasets, and show that the low-rank regularization improves the accuracy of gene expression prediction in these three datasets.

  19. Scattering of surface water waves involving semi-infinite floating elastic plates on water of finite depth

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chakrabarti, Aloknath; Mohapatra, Smrutiranjan

    2013-09-01

    Two problems of scattering of surface water waves involving a semi-infinite elastic plate and a pair of semi-infinite elastic plates, separated by a gap of finite width, floating horizontally on water of finite depth, are investigated in the present work for a two-dimensional time-harmonic case. Within the frame of linear water wave theory, the solutions of the two boundary value problems under consideration have been represented in the forms of eigenfunction expansions. Approximate values of the reflection and transmission coefficients are obtained by solving an over-determined system of linear algebraic equations in each problem. In both the problems, the method of least squares as well as the singular value decomposition have been employed and tables of numerical values of the reflection and transmission coefficients are presented for specific choices of the parameters for modelling the elastic plates. Our main aim is to check the energy balance relation in each problem which plays a very important role in the present approach of solutions of mixed boundary value problems involving Laplace equations. The main advantage of the present approach of solutions is that the results for the values of reflection and transmission coefficients obtained by using both the methods are found to satisfy the energy-balance relations associated with the respective scattering problems under consideration. The absolute values of the reflection and transmission coefficients are presented graphically against different values of the wave numbers.

  20. Theoretical and experimental studies in support of the geophysical fluid flow experiment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hart, J.; Toomre, J.

    1985-01-01

    Meteorologists and astrophysicists interested in large scale planetary and solar circulations have come to recognize the importance of rotation and stratification in determining the character of these flows. In particular, the effect of latitude-dependent Coriolis force on nonlinear convection is thought to play a crucial role in such phenomena as differential rotation on the Sun, cloud band orientation on Jupiter, and the generation of magnetic fields in thermally driven dynamos. The continuous low-gravity environment of the orbiting space shuttle offers a unique opportunity to make laboratory studies of such large-scale thermally driven flows under the constraint imposed by rotation and sphericity. This is possible because polarization forces in a dielectric liquid, which are linearly dependent on fluid temperature, give rise to an effectively radial buoyancy force when a radial electrostatic field is imposed. The Geophysical Fluid Flow Cell (GFFC) is an implementation of this ideal in which fluid is contained between two rotating hemispheres that are differentially heated and stressed with a large a-c voltage. The experiment, to be flown on Spacelab III (currently set for launch April 29, 1985), will explore non-linear mode selection and high Rayleigh number turbulence in a rotating convecting spherical shell of liquid. Experiments will be carried out in a low driving parameter range where some limited numerical experimentation is currently feasible, as well as in a parameter range significantly beyond numerical computation for many years.

  1. Evaluating the impact of bike network indicators on cyclist safety using macro-level collision prediction models.

    PubMed

    Osama, Ahmed; Sayed, Tarek

    2016-12-01

    Many cities worldwide are recognizing the important role that cycling plays in creating green and livable communities. However, vulnerable road users such as cyclists are usually subjected to an elevated level of injury risk which discourages many road users to cycle. This paper studies cyclist-vehicle collisions at 134 traffic analysis zones in the city of Vancouver to assess the impact of bike network structure on cyclist safety. Several network indicators were developed using Graph theory and their effect on cyclist safety was investigated. The indicators included measures of connectivity, directness, and topography of the bike network. The study developed several macro-level (zonal) collision prediction models that explicitly incorporated bike network indicators as explanatory variables. As well, the models incorporated the actual cyclist exposure (bike kilometers travelled) as opposed to relying on proxies such as population or bike network length. The macro-level collision prediction models were developed using generalized linear regression and full Bayesian techniques, with and without spatial effects. The models showed that cyclist collisions were positively associated with bike and vehicle exposure. The exponents of the exposure variables were less than one which supports the "safety in numbers" hypothesis. Moreover, the models showed positive associations between cyclist collisions and the bike network connectivity and linearity indicators. In contrast, negative associations were found between cyclist collisions and the bike network continuity and topography indicators. The spatial effects were statistically significant in all of the developed models. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Weakly nonlinear incompressible Rayleigh-Taylor instability growth at cylindrically convergent interfaces

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

    Wang, L. F.; He, X. T.; HEDPS, Center for Applied Physics and Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871

    2013-04-15

    A weakly nonlinear (WN) model has been developed for the incompressible Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI) in cylindrical geometry. The transition from linear to nonlinear growth is analytically investigated via a third-order solutions for the cylindrical RTI initiated by a single-mode velocity perturbation. The third-order solutions can depict the early stage of the interface asymmetry due to the bubble-spike formation, as well as the saturation of the linear (exponential) growth of the fundamental mode. The WN results in planar RTI [Wang et al., Phys. Plasmas 19, 112706 (2012)] are recovered in the limit of high-mode number perturbations. The difference between the WNmore » growth of the RTI in cylindrical geometry and in planar geometry is discussed. It is found that the interface of the inward (outward) development spike/bubble is extruded (stretched) by the additional inertial force in cylindrical geometry compared with that in planar geometry. For interfaces with small density ratios, the inward growth bubble can grow fast than the outward growth spike in cylindrical RTI. Moreover, a reduced formula is proposed to describe the WN growth of the RTI in cylindrical geometry with an acceptable precision, especially for small-amplitude perturbations. Using the reduced formula, the nonlinear saturation amplitude of the fundamental mode and the phases of the Fourier harmonics are studied. Thus, it should be included in applications where converging geometry effects play an important role, such as the supernova explosions and inertial confinement fusion implosions.« less

  3. Theoretical models and simulation codes to investigate bystander effects and cellular communication at low doses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ballarini, F.; Alloni, D.; Facoetti, A.; Mairani, A.; Nano, R.; Ottolenghi, A.

    Astronauts in space are continuously exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation from Galactic Cosmic Rays During the last ten years the effects of low radiation doses have been widely re-discussed following a large number of observations on the so-called non targeted effects in particular bystander effects The latter consist of induction of cytogenetic damage in cells not directly traversed by radiation most likely as a response to molecular messengers released by directly irradiated cells Bystander effects which are observed both for lethal endpoints e g clonogenic inactivation and apoptosis and for non-lethal ones e g mutations and neoplastic transformation tend to show non-linear dose responses This might have significant consequences in terms of low-dose risk which is generally calculated on the basis of the Linear No Threshold hypothesis Although the mechanisms underlying bystander effects are still largely unknown it is now clear that two types of cellular communication i e via gap junctions and or release of molecular messengers into the extracellular environment play a fundamental role Theoretical models and simulation codes can be of help in elucidating such mechanisms In the present paper we will review different available modelling approaches including one that is being developed at the University of Pavia The focus will be on the different assumptions adopted by the various authors and on the implications of such assumptions in terms of non-targeted radiobiological damage and more generally low-dose

  4. Decreased Anti-Tumor Cytotoxic Immunity among Microsatellite-Stable Colon Cancers from African Americans.

    PubMed

    Basa, Ranor C B; Davies, Vince; Li, Xiaoxiao; Murali, Bhavya; Shah, Jinel; Yang, Bing; Li, Shi; Khan, Mohammad W; Tian, Mengxi; Tejada, Ruth; Hassan, Avan; Washington, Allen; Mukherjee, Bhramar; Carethers, John M; McGuire, Kathleen L

    2016-01-01

    Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer related deaths in the U.S., with African-Americans having higher incidence and mortality rates than Caucasian-Americans. Recent studies have demonstrated that anti-tumor cytotoxic T lymphocytes provide protection to patients with colon cancer while patients deficient in these responses have significantly worse prognosis. To determine if differences in cytotoxic immunity might play a role in racial disparities in colorectal cancer 258 microsatellite-stable colon tumors were examined for infiltrating immune biomarkers via immunohistochemistry. Descriptive summary statistics were calculated using two-sample Wilcoxon rank sum tests, while linear regression models with log-transformed data were used to assess differences in race and Pearson and Spearman correlations were used to correlate different biomarkers. The association between different biomarkers was also assessed using linear regression after adjusting for covariates. No significant differences were observed in CD8+ (p = 0.83), CD57+ (p = 0.55), and IL-17-expressing (p = 0.63) cell numbers within the tumor samples tested. When infiltration of granzyme B+ cells was analyzed, however, a significant difference was observed, with African Americans having lower infiltration of cells expressing this cytotoxic marker than Caucasians (p<0.01). Analysis of infiltrating granzyme B+ cells at the invasive borders of the tumor revealed an even greater difference by race (p<0.001). Taken together, the data presented suggest differences in anti-tumor immune cytotoxicity may be a contributing factor in the racial disparities observed in colorectal cancer.

  5. Rational design and synthesis of altered peptide ligands based on human myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35-55 epitope: inhibition of chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice.

    PubMed

    Tselios, Theodore; Aggelidakis, Mihalis; Tapeinou, Anthi; Tseveleki, Vivian; Kanistras, Ioannis; Gatos, Dimitrios; Matsoukas, John

    2014-11-04

    Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system and is an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Although the etiology of MS remains unclear, there is evidence T-cell recognition of immunodominant epitopes of myelin proteins, such as the 35-55 epitope of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), plays a pathogenic role in the induction of chronic EAE. Cyclization of peptides is of great interest since the limited stability of linear peptides restricts their potential use as therapeutic agents. Herein, we have designed and synthesized a number of linear and cyclic peptides by mutating crucial T cell receptor (TCR) contact residues of the human MOG35-55 epitope. In particular, we have designed and synthesized cyclic altered peptide ligands (APLs) by mutating Arg41 with Ala or Arg41 and Arg46 with Ala. The peptides were synthesized in solid phase on 2-chlorotrityl chloride resin (CLTR-Cl) using the Fmoc/t-Bu methodology. The purity of final products was verified by RP-HPLC and their identification was achieved by ESI-MS. It was found that the substitutions of Arg at positions 41 and 46 with Ala results in peptide analogues that reduce the severity of MOG-induced EAE clinical symptoms in C57BL/6 mice when co-administered with mouse MOG35-55 peptide at the time of immunization.

  6. The relationship between erythrocyte membrane fatty acid levels and cardiac autonomic function in obese children.

    PubMed

    Mustafa, Gulgun; Kursat, Fidanci Muzaffer; Ahmet, Tas; Alparslan, Genc Fatih; Omer, Gunes; Sertoglu, Erdem; Erkan, Sarı; Ediz, Yesilkaya; Turker, Turker; Ayhan, Kılıc

    Childhood obesity is a worldwide health concern. Studies have shown autonomic dysfunction in obese children. The exact mechanism of this dysfunction is still unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between erythrocyte membrane fatty acid (EMFA) levels and cardiac autonomic function in obese children using heart rate variability (HRV). A total of 48 obese and 32 healthy children were included in this case-control study. Anthropometric and biochemical data, HRV indices, and EMFA levels in both groups were compared statistically. HRV parameters including standard deviation of normal-to-normal R-R intervals (NN), root mean square of successive differences, the number of pairs of successive NNs that differ by >50 ms (NN50), the proportion of NN50 divided by the total number of NNs, high-frequency power, and low-frequency power were lower in obese children compared to controls, implying parasympathetic impairment. Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid levels were lower in the obese group (p<0.001 and p=0.012, respectively). In correlation analysis, in the obese group, body mass index standard deviation and linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein levels showed a linear correlation with one or more HRV parameter, and age, eicosapentaenoic acid, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure correlated with mean heart rate. In linear regression analysis, age, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, body mass index standard deviation, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein were related to HRV parameters, implying an effect on cardiac autonomic function. There is impairment of cardiac autonomic function in obese children. It appears that levels of EMFAs such as linoleic acid, arachidonic acid and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid play a role in the regulation of cardiac autonomic function in obese children. Copyright © 2017 Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  7. Echocardiographic Image Quality Deteriorates with Age in Children and Young Adults with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

    PubMed

    Power, Alyssa; Poonja, Sabrina; Disler, Dal; Myers, Kimberley; Patton, David J; Mah, Jean K; Fine, Nowell M; Greenway, Steven C

    2017-01-01

    Advances in medical care for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) have resulted in improved survival and an increased prevalence of cardiomyopathy. Serial echocardiographic surveillance is recommended to detect early cardiac dysfunction and initiate medical therapy. Clinical anecdote suggests that echocardiographic quality diminishes over time, impeding accurate assessment of left ventricular systolic function. Furthermore, evidence-based guidelines for the use of cardiac imaging in DMD, including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), are limited. The objective of our single-center, retrospective study was to quantify the deterioration in echocardiographic image quality with increasing patient age and identify an age at which CMR should be considered. We retrospectively reviewed and graded the image quality of serial echocardiograms obtained in young patients with DMD. The quality of 16 left ventricular segments in two echocardiographic views was visually graded using a binary scoring system. An endocardial border delineation percentage (EBDP) score was calculated by dividing the number of segments with adequate endocardial delineation in each imaging window by the total number of segments present in that window and multiplying by 100. Linear regression analysis was performed to model the relationship between the EBDP scores and patient age. Fifty-five echocardiograms from 13 patients (mean age 11.6 years, range 3.6-19.9) were systematically reviewed. By 13 years of age, 50% of the echocardiograms were classified as suboptimal with ≥30% of segments inadequately visualized, and by 15 years of age, 78% of studies were suboptimal. Linear regression analysis revealed a negative correlation between patient age and EBDP score ( r  = -2.49, 95% confidence intervals -4.73, -0.25; p  = 0.032), with the score decreasing by 2.5% for each 1 year increase in age. Echocardiographic image quality declines with increasing age in DMD. Alternate imaging modalities may play a role in cases of poor echocardiographic image quality.

  8. Opening the Door on Triangular Numbers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McMartin, Kimberley; McMaster, Heather

    2016-01-01

    As an alternative to looking solely at linear functions, a three-lesson learning progression developed for Year 6 students that incorporates triangular numbers to develop children's algebraic thinking is described and evaluated.

  9. Unit Reynolds number, Mach number and pressure gradient effects on laminar-turbulent transition in two-dimensional boundary layers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Risius, Steffen; Costantini, Marco; Koch, Stefan; Hein, Stefan; Klein, Christian

    2018-05-01

    The influence of unit Reynolds number (Re_1=17.5× 106-80× 106 {m}^{-1}), Mach number (M= 0.35-0.77) and incompressible shape factor (H_{12} = 2.50-2.66) on laminar-turbulent boundary layer transition was systematically investigated in the Cryogenic Ludwieg-Tube Göttingen (DNW-KRG). For this investigation the existing two-dimensional wind tunnel model, PaLASTra, which offers a quasi-uniform streamwise pressure gradient, was modified to reduce the size of the flow separation region at its trailing edge. The streamwise temperature distribution and the location of laminar-turbulent transition were measured by means of temperature-sensitive paint (TSP) with a higher accuracy than attained in earlier measurements. It was found that for the modified PaLASTra model the transition Reynolds number (Re_{ {tr}}) exhibits a linear dependence on the pressure gradient, characterized by H_{12}. Due to this linear relation it was possible to quantify the so-called `unit Reynolds number effect', which is an increase of Re_{ {tr}} with Re_1. By a systematic variation of M, Re_1 and H_{12} in combination with a spectral analysis of freestream disturbances, a stabilizing effect of compressibility on boundary layer transition, as predicted by linear stability theory, was detected (`Mach number effect'). Furthermore, two expressions were derived which can be used to calculate the transition Reynolds number as a function of the amplitude of total pressure fluctuations, Re_1 and H_{12}. To determine critical N-factors, the measured transition locations were correlated with amplification rates, calculated by incompressible and compressible linear stability theory. By taking into account the spectral level of total pressure fluctuations at the frequency of the most amplified Tollmien-Schlichting wave at transition location, the scatter in the determined critical N-factors was reduced. Furthermore, the receptivity coefficients dependence on incidence angle of acoustic waves was used to correct the determined critical N-factors. Thereby, a found dependency of the determined critical N-factors on H_{12} decreased, leading to an average critical N-factor of about 9.5 with a standard deviation of σ ≈ 0.8.

  10. Influence of Milk-Feeding Type and Genetic Risk of Developing Coeliac Disease on Intestinal Microbiota of Infants: The PROFICEL Study

    PubMed Central

    De Palma, Giada; Capilla, Amalia; Nova, Esther; Castillejo, Gemma; Varea, Vicente; Pozo, Tamara; Garrote, José Antonio; Polanco, Isabel; López, Ana; Ribes-Koninckx, Carmen; Marcos, Ascensión; García-Novo, María Dolores; Calvo, Carmen; Ortigosa, Luis; Peña-Quintana, Luis; Palau, Francesc; Sanz, Yolanda

    2012-01-01

    Interactions between environmental factors and predisposing genes could be involved in the development of coeliac disease (CD). This study has assessed whether milk-feeding type and HLA-genotype influence the intestinal microbiota composition of infants with a family history of CD. The study included 164 healthy newborns, with at least one first-degree relative with CD, classified according to their HLA-DQ genotype by PCR-SSP DQB1 and DQA1 typing. Faecal microbiota was analysed by quantitative PCR at 7 days, and at 1 and 4 months of age. Significant interactions between milk-feeding type and HLA-DQ genotype on bacterial numbers were not detected by applying a linear mixed-model analysis for repeated measures. In the whole population, breast-feeding promoted colonization of C. leptum group, B. longum and B. breve, while formula-feeding promoted that of Bacteroides fragilis group, C. coccoides-E. rectale group, E. coli and B. lactis. Moreover, increased numbers of B. fragilis group and Staphylococcus spp., and reduced numbers of Bifidobacterium spp. and B. longum were detected in infants with increased genetic risk of developing CD. Analyses within subgroups of either breast-fed or formula-fed infants indicated that in both cases increased risk of CD was associated with lower numbers of B. longum and/or Bifidobacterium spp. In addition, in breast-fed infants the increased genetic risk of developing CD was associated with increased C. leptum group numbers, while in formula-fed infants it was associated with increased Staphylococcus and B. fragilis group numbers. Overall, milk-feeding type in conjunction with HLA-DQ genotype play a role in establishing infants' gut microbiota; moreover, breast-feeding reduced the genotype-related differences in microbiota composition, which could partly explain the protective role attributed to breast milk in this disorder. PMID:22319588

  11. Influence of milk-feeding type and genetic risk of developing coeliac disease on intestinal microbiota of infants: the PROFICEL study.

    PubMed

    Palma, Giada De; Capilla, Amalia; Nova, Esther; Castillejo, Gemma; Varea, Vicente; Pozo, Tamara; Garrote, José Antonio; Polanco, Isabel; López, Ana; Ribes-Koninckx, Carmen; Marcos, Ascensión; García-Novo, María Dolores; Calvo, Carmen; Ortigosa, Luis; Peña-Quintana, Luis; Palau, Francesc; Sanz, Yolanda

    2012-01-01

    Interactions between environmental factors and predisposing genes could be involved in the development of coeliac disease (CD). This study has assessed whether milk-feeding type and HLA-genotype influence the intestinal microbiota composition of infants with a family history of CD. The study included 164 healthy newborns, with at least one first-degree relative with CD, classified according to their HLA-DQ genotype by PCR-SSP DQB1 and DQA1 typing. Faecal microbiota was analysed by quantitative PCR at 7 days, and at 1 and 4 months of age. Significant interactions between milk-feeding type and HLA-DQ genotype on bacterial numbers were not detected by applying a linear mixed-model analysis for repeated measures. In the whole population, breast-feeding promoted colonization of C. leptum group, B. longum and B. breve, while formula-feeding promoted that of Bacteroides fragilis group, C. coccoides-E. rectale group, E. coli and B. lactis. Moreover, increased numbers of B. fragilis group and Staphylococcus spp., and reduced numbers of Bifidobacterium spp. and B. longum were detected in infants with increased genetic risk of developing CD. Analyses within subgroups of either breast-fed or formula-fed infants indicated that in both cases increased risk of CD was associated with lower numbers of B. longum and/or Bifidobacterium spp. In addition, in breast-fed infants the increased genetic risk of developing CD was associated with increased C. leptum group numbers, while in formula-fed infants it was associated with increased Staphylococcus and B. fragilis group numbers. Overall, milk-feeding type in conjunction with HLA-DQ genotype play a role in establishing infants' gut microbiota; moreover, breast-feeding reduced the genotype-related differences in microbiota composition, which could partly explain the protective role attributed to breast milk in this disorder.

  12. Utility and recognition of lines and linear patterns on electronic displays depicting aeronautical charting information

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2009-01-01

    This report describes a study conducted to explore the utility and recognition of lines and linear patterns on electronic displays depicting aeronautical charting information. The study gathered data from a large number of pilots who conduct all type...

  13. Cardinal Equivalence of Small Number in Young Children.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kingma, J.; Roelinga, U.

    1982-01-01

    Children completed three types of equivalent cardination tasks which assessed the influence of different stimulus configurations (linear, linear-nonlinear, and nonlinear), and density of object spacing. Prior results reported by Siegel, Brainerd, and Gelman and Gallistel were not replicated. Implications for understanding cardination concept…

  14. The Stability Region for Feedback Control of the Wake Behind Twin Oscillating Cylinders

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Borggaard, Jeff; Gugercin, Serkan; Zietsman, Lizette

    2016-11-01

    Linear feedback control has the ability to stabilize vortex shedding behind twin cylinders where cylinder rotation is the actuation mechanism. Complete elimination of the wake is only possible for certain Reynolds numbers and cylinder spacing. This is related to the presence of asymmetric unstable modes in the linearized system. We investigate this region of parameter space using a number of closed-loop simulations that bound this region. We then consider the practical issue of designing feedback controls based on limited state measurements by building a nonlinear compensator using linear robust control theory with and incorporating the nonlinear terms in the compensator (e.g., using the extended Kalman filter). Interpolatory model reduction methods are applied to the large discretized, linearized Navier-Stokes system and used for computing the control laws and compensators. Preliminary closed-loop simulations of a three-dimensional version of this problem will also be presented. Supported in part by the National Science Foundation.

  15. A study of the limitations of linear theory methods as applied to sonic boom calculations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Darden, Christine M.

    1990-01-01

    Current sonic boom minimization theories have been reviewed to emphasize the capabilities and flexibilities of the methods. Flexibility is important because it is necessary for the designer to meet optimized area constraints while reducing the impact on vehicle aerodynamic performance. Preliminary comparisons of sonic booms predicted for two Mach 3 concepts illustrate the benefits of shaping. Finally, for very simple bodies of revolution, sonic boom predictions were made using two methods - a modified linear theory method and a nonlinear method - for signature shapes which were both farfield N-waves and midfield waves. Preliminary analysis on these simple bodies verified that current modified linear theory prediction methods become inadequate for predicting midfield signatures for Mach numbers above 3. The importance of impulse is sonic boom disturbance and the importance of three-dimensional effects which could not be simulated with the bodies of revolution will determine the validity of current modified linear theory methods in predicting midfield signatures at lower Mach numbers.

  16. Unified treatment of microscopic boundary conditions and efficient algorithms for estimating tangent operators of the homogenized behavior in the computational homogenization method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nguyen, Van-Dung; Wu, Ling; Noels, Ludovic

    2017-03-01

    This work provides a unified treatment of arbitrary kinds of microscopic boundary conditions usually considered in the multi-scale computational homogenization method for nonlinear multi-physics problems. An efficient procedure is developed to enforce the multi-point linear constraints arising from the microscopic boundary condition either by the direct constraint elimination or by the Lagrange multiplier elimination methods. The macroscopic tangent operators are computed in an efficient way from a multiple right hand sides linear system whose left hand side matrix is the stiffness matrix of the microscopic linearized system at the converged solution. The number of vectors at the right hand side is equal to the number of the macroscopic kinematic variables used to formulate the microscopic boundary condition. As the resolution of the microscopic linearized system often follows a direct factorization procedure, the computation of the macroscopic tangent operators is then performed using this factorized matrix at a reduced computational time.

  17. Electricity Consumption in the Industrial Sector of Jordan: Application of Multivariate Linear Regression and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Techniques

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Samhouri, M.; Al-Ghandoor, A.; Fouad, R. H.

    2009-08-01

    In this study two techniques, for modeling electricity consumption of the Jordanian industrial sector, are presented: (i) multivariate linear regression and (ii) neuro-fuzzy models. Electricity consumption is modeled as function of different variables such as number of establishments, number of employees, electricity tariff, prevailing fuel prices, production outputs, capacity utilizations, and structural effects. It was found that industrial production and capacity utilization are the most important variables that have significant effect on future electrical power demand. The results showed that both the multivariate linear regression and neuro-fuzzy models are generally comparable and can be used adequately to simulate industrial electricity consumption. However, comparison that is based on the square root average squared error of data suggests that the neuro-fuzzy model performs slightly better for future prediction of electricity consumption than the multivariate linear regression model. Such results are in full agreement with similar work, using different methods, for other countries.

  18. The whole number axis integer linear transformation reversible information hiding algorithm on wavelet domain

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, Zhuo; Xie, Chengjun

    2013-12-01

    This paper improved the algorithm of reversible integer linear transform on finite interval [0,255], which can realize reversible integer linear transform in whole number axis shielding data LSB (least significant bit). Firstly, this method use integer wavelet transformation based on lifting scheme to transform the original image, and select the transformed high frequency areas as information hiding area, meanwhile transform the high frequency coefficients blocks in integer linear way and embed the secret information in LSB of each coefficient, then information hiding by embedding the opposite steps. To extract data bits and recover the host image, a similar reverse procedure can be conducted, and the original host image can be lossless recovered. The simulation experimental results show that this method has good secrecy and concealment, after conducted the CDF (m, n) and DD (m, n) series of wavelet transformed. This method can be applied to information security domain, such as medicine, law and military.

  19. Phase properties of elastic waves in systems constituted of adsorbed diatomic molecules on the (001) surface of a simple cubic crystal

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deymier, P. A.; Runge, K.

    2018-03-01

    A Green's function-based numerical method is developed to calculate the phase of scattered elastic waves in a harmonic model of diatomic molecules adsorbed on the (001) surface of a simple cubic crystal. The phase properties of scattered waves depend on the configuration of the molecules. The configurations of adsorbed molecules on the crystal surface such as parallel chain-like arrays coupled via kinks are used to demonstrate not only linear but also non-linear dependency of the phase on the number of kinks along the chains. Non-linear behavior arises for scattered waves with frequencies in the vicinity of a diatomic molecule resonance. In the non-linear regime, the variation in phase with the number of kinks is formulated mathematically as unitary matrix operations leading to an analogy between phase-based elastic unitary operations and quantum gates. The advantage of elastic based unitary operations is that they are easily realizable physically and measurable.

  20. Quadratic Blind Linear Unmixing: A Graphical User Interface for Tissue Characterization

    PubMed Central

    Gutierrez-Navarro, O.; Campos-Delgado, D.U.; Arce-Santana, E. R.; Jo, Javier A.

    2016-01-01

    Spectral unmixing is the process of breaking down data from a sample into its basic components and their abundances. Previous work has been focused on blind unmixing of multi-spectral fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (m-FLIM) datasets under a linear mixture model and quadratic approximations. This method provides a fast linear decomposition and can work without a limitation in the maximum number of components or end-members. Hence this work presents an interactive software which implements our blind end-member and abundance extraction (BEAE) and quadratic blind linear unmixing (QBLU) algorithms in Matlab. The options and capabilities of our proposed software are described in detail. When the number of components is known, our software can estimate the constitutive end-members and their abundances. When no prior knowledge is available, the software can provide a completely blind solution to estimate the number of components, the end-members and their abundances. The characterization of three case studies validates the performance of the new software: ex-vivo human coronary arteries, human breast cancer cell samples, and in-vivo hamster oral mucosa. The software is freely available in a hosted webpage by one of the developing institutions, and allows the user a quick, easy-to-use and efficient tool for multi/hyper-spectral data decomposition. PMID:26589467

  1. An Evaluation of Linear Instability Waves as Sources of Sound in a Supersonic Turbulent Jet

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mohseni, Kamran; Colonius, Tim; Freund, Jonathan B.

    2002-01-01

    Mach wave radiation from supersonic jets is revisited to better quantify the extent to which linearized equations represent the details of the actual mechanism. To this end, we solve the linearized Navier-Stokes equations (LNS) with precisely the same mean flow and inflow disturbances as a previous direct numerical simulation (DNS) of a perfectly expanded turbulent M = 1.92 jet. We restrict our attention to the first two azimuthal modes, n = 0 and n = 1, which constitute most of the acoustic field. The direction of peak radiation and the peak Strouhal number matches the DNS reasonably well, which is in accord with previous experimental justification of the linear theory. However, it is found that the sound pressure level predicted by LNS is significantly lower than that from DNS. In order to investigate the discrepancy, individual frequency components of the solution are examined. These confirm that near the peak Strouhal number, particularly for the first helical mode n = 1, the amplification of disturbances in the LNS closely matches the DNS. However, away from the peak frequency (and generally for the azimuthal mode n = 0), modes in the LNS are damped while those in the DNS grow at rates comparable to those at the peak Strouhal number.

  2. Quadratic blind linear unmixing: A graphical user interface for tissue characterization.

    PubMed

    Gutierrez-Navarro, O; Campos-Delgado, D U; Arce-Santana, E R; Jo, Javier A

    2016-02-01

    Spectral unmixing is the process of breaking down data from a sample into its basic components and their abundances. Previous work has been focused on blind unmixing of multi-spectral fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (m-FLIM) datasets under a linear mixture model and quadratic approximations. This method provides a fast linear decomposition and can work without a limitation in the maximum number of components or end-members. Hence this work presents an interactive software which implements our blind end-member and abundance extraction (BEAE) and quadratic blind linear unmixing (QBLU) algorithms in Matlab. The options and capabilities of our proposed software are described in detail. When the number of components is known, our software can estimate the constitutive end-members and their abundances. When no prior knowledge is available, the software can provide a completely blind solution to estimate the number of components, the end-members and their abundances. The characterization of three case studies validates the performance of the new software: ex-vivo human coronary arteries, human breast cancer cell samples, and in-vivo hamster oral mucosa. The software is freely available in a hosted webpage by one of the developing institutions, and allows the user a quick, easy-to-use and efficient tool for multi/hyper-spectral data decomposition. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Bit error rate tester using fast parallel generation of linear recurring sequences

    DOEpatents

    Pierson, Lyndon G.; Witzke, Edward L.; Maestas, Joseph H.

    2003-05-06

    A fast method for generating linear recurring sequences by parallel linear recurring sequence generators (LRSGs) with a feedback circuit optimized to balance minimum propagation delay against maximal sequence period. Parallel generation of linear recurring sequences requires decimating the sequence (creating small contiguous sections of the sequence in each LRSG). A companion matrix form is selected depending on whether the LFSR is right-shifting or left-shifting. The companion matrix is completed by selecting a primitive irreducible polynomial with 1's most closely grouped in a corner of the companion matrix. A decimation matrix is created by raising the companion matrix to the (n*k).sup.th power, where k is the number of parallel LRSGs and n is the number of bits to be generated at a time by each LRSG. Companion matrices with 1's closely grouped in a corner will yield sparse decimation matrices. A feedback circuit comprised of XOR logic gates implements the decimation matrix in hardware. Sparse decimation matrices can be implemented with minimum number of XOR gates, and therefore a minimum propagation delay through the feedback circuit. The LRSG of the invention is particularly well suited to use as a bit error rate tester on high speed communication lines because it permits the receiver to synchronize to the transmitted pattern within 2n bits.

  4. On the Statistical Errors of RADAR Location Sensor Networks with Built-In Wi-Fi Gaussian Linear Fingerprints

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Mu; Xu, Yu Bin; Ma, Lin; Tian, Shuo

    2012-01-01

    The expected errors of RADAR sensor networks with linear probabilistic location fingerprints inside buildings with varying Wi-Fi Gaussian strength are discussed. As far as we know, the statistical errors of equal and unequal-weighted RADAR networks have been suggested as a better way to evaluate the behavior of different system parameters and the deployment of reference points (RPs). However, up to now, there is still not enough related work on the relations between the statistical errors, system parameters, number and interval of the RPs, let alone calculating the correlated analytical expressions of concern. Therefore, in response to this compelling problem, under a simple linear distribution model, much attention will be paid to the mathematical relations of the linear expected errors, number of neighbors, number and interval of RPs, parameters in logarithmic attenuation model and variations of radio signal strength (RSS) at the test point (TP) with the purpose of constructing more practical and reliable RADAR location sensor networks (RLSNs) and also guaranteeing the accuracy requirements for the location based services in future ubiquitous context-awareness environments. Moreover, the numerical results and some real experimental evaluations of the error theories addressed in this paper will also be presented for our future extended analysis. PMID:22737027

  5. On the statistical errors of RADAR location sensor networks with built-in Wi-Fi Gaussian linear fingerprints.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Mu; Xu, Yu Bin; Ma, Lin; Tian, Shuo

    2012-01-01

    The expected errors of RADAR sensor networks with linear probabilistic location fingerprints inside buildings with varying Wi-Fi Gaussian strength are discussed. As far as we know, the statistical errors of equal and unequal-weighted RADAR networks have been suggested as a better way to evaluate the behavior of different system parameters and the deployment of reference points (RPs). However, up to now, there is still not enough related work on the relations between the statistical errors, system parameters, number and interval of the RPs, let alone calculating the correlated analytical expressions of concern. Therefore, in response to this compelling problem, under a simple linear distribution model, much attention will be paid to the mathematical relations of the linear expected errors, number of neighbors, number and interval of RPs, parameters in logarithmic attenuation model and variations of radio signal strength (RSS) at the test point (TP) with the purpose of constructing more practical and reliable RADAR location sensor networks (RLSNs) and also guaranteeing the accuracy requirements for the location based services in future ubiquitous context-awareness environments. Moreover, the numerical results and some real experimental evaluations of the error theories addressed in this paper will also be presented for our future extended analysis.

  6. Hydrodynamic turbulence cannot transport angular momentum effectively in astrophysical disks.

    PubMed

    Ji, Hantao; Burin, Michael; Schartman, Ethan; Goodman, Jeremy

    2006-11-16

    The most efficient energy sources known in the Universe are accretion disks. Those around black holes convert 5-40 per cent of rest-mass energy to radiation. Like water circling a drain, inflowing mass must lose angular momentum, presumably by vigorous turbulence in disks, which are essentially inviscid. The origin of the turbulence is unclear. Hot disks of electrically conducting plasma can become turbulent by way of the linear magnetorotational instability. Cool disks, such as the planet-forming disks of protostars, may be too poorly ionized for the magnetorotational instability to occur, and therefore essentially unmagnetized and linearly stable. Nonlinear hydrodynamic instability often occurs in linearly stable flows (for example, pipe flows) at sufficiently large Reynolds numbers. Although planet-forming disks have extreme Reynolds numbers, keplerian rotation enhances their linear hydrodynamic stability, so the question of whether they can be turbulent and thereby transport angular momentum effectively is controversial. Here we report a laboratory experiment, demonstrating that non-magnetic quasi-keplerian flows at Reynolds numbers up to millions are essentially steady. Scaled to accretion disks, rates of angular momentum transport lie far below astrophysical requirements. By ruling out purely hydrodynamic turbulence, our results indirectly support the magnetorotational instability as the likely cause of turbulence, even in cool disks.

  7. Large-scale linear rankSVM.

    PubMed

    Lee, Ching-Pei; Lin, Chih-Jen

    2014-04-01

    Linear rankSVM is one of the widely used methods for learning to rank. Although its performance may be inferior to nonlinear methods such as kernel rankSVM and gradient boosting decision trees, linear rankSVM is useful to quickly produce a baseline model. Furthermore, following its recent development for classification, linear rankSVM may give competitive performance for large and sparse data. A great deal of works have studied linear rankSVM. The focus is on the computational efficiency when the number of preference pairs is large. In this letter, we systematically study existing works, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and propose an efficient algorithm. We discuss different implementation issues and extensions with detailed experiments. Finally, we develop a robust linear rankSVM tool for public use.

  8. The Effect of Ability, Achievement, and Number of Plays on Learning from a Simulation Game. Report Number 115.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Edwards, Keith J.

    This study examines the effect on learning of repeated plays of the simulation game "Trade and Develop" (T/D). It also examines the effects of students' ability, using a general measure (determined by school tracking procedures) and a specific measure (achievement test in the specific class). The results of the study indicate that, after playing…

  9. Fair Play Game: A Group Contingency Strategy to Increase Students' Active Behaviours in Physical Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vidoni, Carla; Lee, Chang-Hung; Azevedo, L. B.

    2014-01-01

    A dependent group contingency strategy called Fair Play Game was applied to promote increase in number of steps during physical education classes for sixth-grade students. Results from a multiple baseline design across three classes showed that the mean number of steps for baseline vs. intervention were: Class 1: 43 vs. 64 steps/minute; Class 2:…

  10. The assessment of nanofluid in a Von Karman flow with temperature relied viscosity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tanveer, Anum; Salahuddin, T.; Khan, Mumtaz; Alshomrani, Ali Saleh; Malik, M. Y.

    2018-06-01

    This work endeavor to study the heat and mass transfer viscous nanofluid features in a Von Karman flow invoking the variable viscosity mechanism. Moreover, we have extended our study in view of heat generation and uniform suction effects. The flow triggering non-linear partial differential equations are inscribed in the non-dimensional form by manipulating suitable transformations. The resulting non-linear ordinary differential equations are solved numerically via implicit finite difference scheme in conjecture with the Newton's linearization scheme afterwards. The sought solutions are plotted graphically to present comparison between MATLAB routine bvp4c and implicit finite difference schemes. Impact of different parameters on the concentration/temperature/velocity profiles are highlighted. Further Nusselt number, skin friction and Sherwood number characteristics are discussed for better exposition.

  11. Plug-in nanoliter pneumatic liquid dispenser with nozzle design flexibility

    PubMed Central

    Choi, In Ho; Kim, Hojin; Lee, Sanghyun; Baek, Seungbum; Kim, Joonwon

    2015-01-01

    This paper presents a novel plug-in nanoliter liquid dispensing system with a plug-and-play interface for simple and reversible, yet robust integration of the dispenser. A plug-in type dispenser was developed to facilitate assembly and disassembly with an actuating part through efficient modularization. The entire process for assembly and operation of the plug-in dispenser is performed via the plug-and-play interface in less than a minute without loss of dispensing quality. The minimum volume of droplets pneumatically dispensed using the plug-in dispenser was 124 nl with a coefficient of variation of 1.6%. The dispensed volume increased linearly with the nozzle size. Utilizing this linear relationship, two types of multinozzle dispensers consisting of six parallel channels (emerging from an inlet) and six nozzles were developed to demonstrate a novel strategy for volume gradient dispensing at a single operating condition. The droplet volume dispensed from each nozzle also increased linearly with nozzle size, demonstrating that nozzle size is a dominant factor on dispensed volume, even for multinozzle dispensing. Therefore, the proposed plug-in dispenser enables flexible design of nozzles and reversible integration to dispense droplets with different volumes, depending on the application. Furthermore, to demonstrate the practicality of the proposed dispensing system, we developed a pencil-type dispensing system as an alternative to a conventional pipette for rapid and reliable dispensing of minute volume droplets. PMID:26594263

  12. Plug-in nanoliter pneumatic liquid dispenser with nozzle design flexibility.

    PubMed

    Choi, In Ho; Kim, Hojin; Lee, Sanghyun; Baek, Seungbum; Kim, Joonwon

    2015-11-01

    This paper presents a novel plug-in nanoliter liquid dispensing system with a plug-and-play interface for simple and reversible, yet robust integration of the dispenser. A plug-in type dispenser was developed to facilitate assembly and disassembly with an actuating part through efficient modularization. The entire process for assembly and operation of the plug-in dispenser is performed via the plug-and-play interface in less than a minute without loss of dispensing quality. The minimum volume of droplets pneumatically dispensed using the plug-in dispenser was 124 nl with a coefficient of variation of 1.6%. The dispensed volume increased linearly with the nozzle size. Utilizing this linear relationship, two types of multinozzle dispensers consisting of six parallel channels (emerging from an inlet) and six nozzles were developed to demonstrate a novel strategy for volume gradient dispensing at a single operating condition. The droplet volume dispensed from each nozzle also increased linearly with nozzle size, demonstrating that nozzle size is a dominant factor on dispensed volume, even for multinozzle dispensing. Therefore, the proposed plug-in dispenser enables flexible design of nozzles and reversible integration to dispense droplets with different volumes, depending on the application. Furthermore, to demonstrate the practicality of the proposed dispensing system, we developed a pencil-type dispensing system as an alternative to a conventional pipette for rapid and reliable dispensing of minute volume droplets.

  13. PlayStation purpura.

    PubMed

    Robertson, Susan J; Leonard, Jane; Chamberlain, Alex J

    2010-08-01

    A 16-year-old boy presented with a number of asymptomatic pigmented macules on the volar aspect of his index fingers. Dermoscopy of each macule revealed a parallel ridge pattern of homogenous reddish-brown pigment. We propose that these lesions were induced by repetitive trauma from a Sony PlayStation 3 (Sony Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) vibration feedback controller. The lesions completely resolved following abstinence from gaming over a number of weeks. Although the parallel ridge pattern is typically the hallmark for early acral lentiginous melanoma, it may be observed in a limited number of benign entities, including subcorneal haematoma.

  14. Effects of membrane deformability and bond formation/dissociation rates on adhesion dynamics of a spherical capsule in shear flow.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Ziying; Du, Jun; Wei, Zhengying; Wang, Zhen; Li, Minghui

    2018-02-01

    Cellular adhesion plays a critical role in biological systems and biomedical applications. Cell deformation and biophysical properties of adhesion molecules are of significance for the adhesion behavior. In the present work, dynamic adhesion of a deformable capsule to a planar substrate, in a linear shear flow, is numerically simulated to investigate the combined influence of membrane deformability (quantified by the capillary number) and bond formation/dissociation rates on the adhesion behavior. The computational model is based on the immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method for the capsule-fluid interaction and a probabilistic adhesion model for the capsule-substrate interaction. Three distinct adhesion states, detachment, rolling adhesion and firm adhesion, are identified and presented in a state diagram as a function of capillary number and bond dissociation rate. The impact of bond formation rate on the state diagram is further investigated. Results show that the critical bond dissociation rate for the transition of rolling or firm adhesion to detachment is strongly related to the capsule deformability. At the rolling-adhesion state, smaller off rates are needed for larger capillary number to increase the rolling velocity and detach the capsule. In contrast, the critical off rate for firm-to-detach transition slightly increases with the capillary number. With smaller on rate, the effect of capsule deformability on the critical off rates is more pronounced and capsules with moderate deformability are prone to detach by the shear flow. Further increasing of on rate leads to large expansion of both rolling-adhesion and firm-adhesion regions. Even capsules with relatively large deformability can maintain stable rolling adhesion at certain off rate.

  15. Selecting algorithms, sensors, and linear bases for optimum spectral recovery of skylight.

    PubMed

    López-Alvarez, Miguel A; Hernández-Andrés, Javier; Valero, Eva M; Romero, Javier

    2007-04-01

    In a previous work [Appl. Opt.44, 5688 (2005)] we found the optimum sensors for a planned multispectral system for measuring skylight in the presence of noise by adapting a linear spectral recovery algorithm proposed by Maloney and Wandell [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A3, 29 (1986)]. Here we continue along these lines by simulating the responses of three to five Gaussian sensors and recovering spectral information from noise-affected sensor data by trying out four different estimation algorithms, three different sizes for the training set of spectra, and various linear bases. We attempt to find the optimum combination of sensors, recovery method, linear basis, and matrix size to recover the best skylight spectral power distributions from colorimetric and spectral (in the visible range) points of view. We show how all these parameters play an important role in the practical design of a real multispectral system and how to obtain several relevant conclusions from simulating the behavior of sensors in the presence of noise.

  16. Linear, multivariable robust control with a mu perspective

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Packard, Andy; Doyle, John; Balas, Gary

    1993-01-01

    The structured singular value is a linear algebra tool developed to study a particular class of matrix perturbation problems arising in robust feedback control of multivariable systems. These perturbations are called linear fractional, and are a natural way to model many types of uncertainty in linear systems, including state-space parameter uncertainty, multiplicative and additive unmodeled dynamics uncertainty, and coprime factor and gap metric uncertainty. The structured singular value theory provides a natural extension of classical SISO robustness measures and concepts to MIMO systems. The structured singular value analysis, coupled with approximate synthesis methods, make it possible to study the tradeoff between performance and uncertainty that occurs in all feedback systems. In MIMO systems, the complexity of the spatial interactions in the loop gains make it difficult to heuristically quantify the tradeoffs that must occur. This paper examines the role played by the structured singular value (and its computable bounds) in answering these questions, as well as its role in the general robust, multivariable control analysis and design problem.

  17. A sequential linear optimization approach for controller design

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Horta, L. G.; Juang, J.-N.; Junkins, J. L.

    1985-01-01

    A linear optimization approach with a simple real arithmetic algorithm is presented for reliable controller design and vibration suppression of flexible structures. Using first order sensitivity of the system eigenvalues with respect to the design parameters in conjunction with a continuation procedure, the method converts a nonlinear optimization problem into a maximization problem with linear inequality constraints. The method of linear programming is then applied to solve the converted linear optimization problem. The general efficiency of the linear programming approach allows the method to handle structural optimization problems with a large number of inequality constraints on the design vector. The method is demonstrated using a truss beam finite element model for the optimal sizing and placement of active/passive-structural members for damping augmentation. Results using both the sequential linear optimization approach and nonlinear optimization are presented and compared. The insensitivity to initial conditions of the linear optimization approach is also demonstrated.

  18. ILUBCG2-11: Solution of 11-banded nonsymmetric linear equation systems by a preconditioned biconjugate gradient routine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Y.-M.; Koniges, A. E.; Anderson, D. V.

    1989-10-01

    The biconjugate gradient method (BCG) provides an attractive alternative to the usual conjugate gradient algorithms for the solution of sparse systems of linear equations with nonsymmetric and indefinite matrix operators. A preconditioned algorithm is given, whose form resembles the incomplete L-U conjugate gradient scheme (ILUCG2) previously presented. Although the BCG scheme requires the storage of two additional vectors, it converges in a significantly lesser number of iterations (often half), while the number of calculations per iteration remains essentially the same.

  19. FINITE ELEMENT MODEL FOR TIDAL AND RESIDUAL CIRCULATION.

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Walters, Roy A.

    1986-01-01

    Harmonic decomposition is applied to the shallow water equations, thereby creating a system of equations for the amplitude of the various tidal constituents and for the residual motions. The resulting equations are elliptic in nature, are well posed and in practice are shown to be numerically well-behaved. There are a number of strategies for choosing elements: the two extremes are to use a few high-order elements with continuous derivatives, or to use a large number of simpler linear elements. In this paper simple linear elements are used and prove effective.

  20. Congruences for central factorial numbers modulo powers of prime.

    PubMed

    Wang, Haiqing; Liu, Guodong

    2016-01-01

    Central factorial numbers are more closely related to the Stirling numbers than the other well-known special numbers, and they play a major role in a variety of branches of mathematics. In the present paper we prove some interesting congruences for central factorial numbers.

  1. On Performance of Linear Multiuser Detectors for Wireless Multimedia Applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Agarwal, Rekha; Reddy, B. V. R.; Bindu, E.; Nayak, Pinki

    In this paper, performance of different multi-rate schemes in DS-CDMA system is evaluated. The analysis of multirate linear multiuser detectors with multiprocessing gain is analyzed for synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems. Variable data rate is achieved by varying the processing gain. Our conclusion is that bit error rate for multirate and single rate systems can be made same with a tradeoff with number of users in linear multiuser detectors.

  2. Linear Reconstruction of Non-Stationary Image Ensembles Incorporating Blur and Noise Models

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1998-03-01

    for phase distortions due to noise which leads to less deblurring as noise increases [41]. In contrast, the vector Wiener filter incorporates some a...AFIT/DS/ENG/98- 06 Linear Reconstruction of Non-Stationary Image Ensembles Incorporating Blur and Noise Models DISSERTATION Stephen D. Ford Captain...Dissertation 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5. FUNDING NUMBERS LINEAR RECONSTRUCTION OF NON-STATIONARY IMAGE ENSEMBLES INCORPORATING BLUR AND NOISE MODELS 6. AUTHOR(S

  3. Universal Linear Fit Identification: A Method Independent of Data, Outliers and Noise Distribution Model and Free of Missing or Removed Data Imputation.

    PubMed

    Adikaram, K K L B; Hussein, M A; Effenberger, M; Becker, T

    2015-01-01

    Data processing requires a robust linear fit identification method. In this paper, we introduce a non-parametric robust linear fit identification method for time series. The method uses an indicator 2/n to identify linear fit, where n is number of terms in a series. The ratio Rmax of amax - amin and Sn - amin*n and that of Rmin of amax - amin and amax*n - Sn are always equal to 2/n, where amax is the maximum element, amin is the minimum element and Sn is the sum of all elements. If any series expected to follow y = c consists of data that do not agree with y = c form, Rmax > 2/n and Rmin > 2/n imply that the maximum and minimum elements, respectively, do not agree with linear fit. We define threshold values for outliers and noise detection as 2/n * (1 + k1) and 2/n * (1 + k2), respectively, where k1 > k2 and 0 ≤ k1 ≤ n/2 - 1. Given this relation and transformation technique, which transforms data into the form y = c, we show that removing all data that do not agree with linear fit is possible. Furthermore, the method is independent of the number of data points, missing data, removed data points and nature of distribution (Gaussian or non-Gaussian) of outliers, noise and clean data. These are major advantages over the existing linear fit methods. Since having a perfect linear relation between two variables in the real world is impossible, we used artificial data sets with extreme conditions to verify the method. The method detects the correct linear fit when the percentage of data agreeing with linear fit is less than 50%, and the deviation of data that do not agree with linear fit is very small, of the order of ±10-4%. The method results in incorrect detections only when numerical accuracy is insufficient in the calculation process.

  4. Gender-Typed Play and Amniotic Testosterone

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Knickmeyer, Rebecca Christine; Wheelwright, Sally; Taylor, Kevin; Raggatt, Peter; Hackett, Gerald; Baron-Cohen, Simon

    2005-01-01

    Sex differences in play are apparent in a number of mammalian species, including humans. Prenatal testosterone may contribute to these differences. The authors report the first attempt to correlate gender-typed play in a normative sample of humans with measurements of amniotic testosterone (aT). Testosterone was measured in the amniotic fluid of…

  5. Play-Based Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gallo-Lopez, Loretta, Ed.; Rubin, Lawrence C., Ed.

    2012-01-01

    "Play-Based Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders" explores the most recognized, researched, and practical methods for using play therapy with the increasing number of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), and shows clinicians how to integrate these methods into their practices. Using a…

  6. Play: Ten Power Boosts for Children's Early Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Honig, Alice

    2007-01-01

    Play is children's work. Alice Honig enumerates from the heart 10 ways in which children learn through play, including building dexterity; social skills; cognitive and language skills; number and time concepts; spatial understanding; reasoning of cause and effect; clarification of pretend versus real; sensory and aesthetic appreciation; extended…

  7. Games Children Play: An Exercise Illustrating Agents of Socialization.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Glasberg, Davita Silfen; Maatita, Florence; Nangle, Barbara; Schauer, Tracy

    1998-01-01

    Argues that children's toys and games contribute to representing and reinforcing dominant conceptions of appropriate social identities. Invites students to play a number of children's games in order to experience the "hidden agendas" concerning race, class, gender, and political socialization conveyed to them while they are playing. (DSK)

  8. Young Children Experiencing Homelessness: The Overlooked Medium of Play

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schlembach, Sue

    2017-01-01

    The number of mothers with young children experiencing homelessness and seeking shelter has increased in the USA over the past decade. Shelters are often characterized as environments offering few opportunities for appropriate play experiences. This article delineates the important role of play for young children experiencing homelessness and…

  9. Identifiability of conservative linear mechanical systems. [applied to large flexible spacecraft structures

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sirlin, S. W.; Longman, R. W.; Juang, J. N.

    1985-01-01

    With a sufficiently great number of sensors and actuators, any finite dimensional dynamic system is identifiable on the basis of input-output data. It is presently indicated that, for conservative nongyroscopic linear mechanical systems, the number of sensors and actuators required for identifiability is very large, where 'identifiability' is understood as a unique determination of the mass and stiffness matrices. The required number of sensors and actuators drops by a factor of two, given a relaxation of the identifiability criterion so that identification can fail only if the system parameters being identified lie in a set of measure zero. When the mass matrix is known a priori, this additional information does not significantly affect the requirements for guaranteed identifiability, though the number of parameters to be determined is reduced by a factor of two.

  10. Boolean linear differential operators on elementary cellular automata

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Martín Del Rey, Ángel

    2014-12-01

    In this paper, the notion of boolean linear differential operator (BLDO) on elementary cellular automata (ECA) is introduced and some of their more important properties are studied. Special attention is paid to those differential operators whose coefficients are the ECA with rule numbers 90 and 150.

  11. The question of nonlinearity in the dose-response relation between particulate matter air pollution and mortality: can Akaike's Information Criterion be trusted to take the right turn?

    PubMed

    Roberts, Steven; Martin, Michael A

    2006-12-15

    The shape of the dose-response relation between particulate matter air pollution and mortality is crucial for public health assessment, and departures of this relation from linearity could have important regulatory consequences. A number of investigators have studied the shape of the particulate matter-mortality dose-response relation and concluded that the relation could be adequately described by a linear model. Some of these researchers examined the hypothesis of linearity by comparing Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) values obtained under linear, piecewise linear, and spline alternative models. However, at the current time, the efficacy of the AIC in this context has not been assessed. The authors investigated AIC as a means of comparing competing dose-response models, using data from Cook County, Illinois, for the period 1987-2000. They found that if nonlinearities exist, the AIC is not always successful in detecting them. In a number of the scenarios considered, AIC was equivocal, picking the correct simulated dose-response model about half of the time. These findings suggest that further research into the shape of the dose-response relation using alternative model selection criteria may be warranted.

  12. Temperament Is Associated With Outdoor Free Play in Young Children: A TARGet Kids! Study.

    PubMed

    Sharp, Julia R; Maguire, Jonathon L; Carsley, Sarah; Abdullah, Kawsari; Chen, Yang; Perrin, Eliana M; Parkin, Patricia C; Birken, Catherine S

    Outdoor free play is important for preschoolers' physical activity, health, and development. Certain temperamental characteristics are associated with obesity, nutrition, and sedentary behaviors in preschoolers, but the relationship between temperament and outdoor play has not been examined. This study examined whether there is an association between temperament and outdoor play in young children. Healthy children aged 1 to 5 years recruited to The Applied Research Group for Kids (TARGet Kids!), a community-based primary care research network, from July 2008 to September 2013 were included. Parent-reported child temperament was assessed using the Childhood Behavior Questionnaire. Outdoor free play and other potential confounding variables were assessed through validated questionnaires. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine the association between temperament and outdoor play, adjusted for potential confounders. There were 3393 children with data on outdoor play. The association between negative affectivity and outdoor play was moderated by sex; in boys, for every 1-point increase in negative affectivity score, mean outdoor play decreased by 4.7 minutes per day. There was no significant association in girls. Surgency was associated with outdoor play; for every 1-point increase in surgency/extraversion, outdoor play increased by 4.6 minutes per day. Young children's temperamental characteristics were associated with their participation in outdoor free play. Consideration of temperament could enhance interventions and strategies to increase outdoor play in young children. Longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between children's early temperament and physical activity. Copyright © 2017 Academic Pediatric Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Analysis of junior high school students' attempt to solve a linear inequality problem

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Taqiyuddin, Muhammad; Sumiaty, Encum; Jupri, Al

    2017-08-01

    Linear inequality is one of fundamental subjects within junior high school mathematics curricula. Several studies have been conducted to asses students' perform on linear inequality. However, it can hardly be found that linear inequality problems are in the form of "ax + b < dx + e" with "a, d ≠ 0", and "a ≠ d" as it can be seen on the textbook used by Indonesian students and several studies. This condition leads to the research questions concerning students' attempt on solving a simple linear inequality problem in this form. In order to do so, the written test was administered to 58 students from two schools in Bandung followed by interviews. The other sources of the data are from teachers' interview and mathematics books used by students. After that, the constant comparative method was used to analyse the data. The result shows that the majority approached the question by doing algebraic operations. Interestingly, most of them did it incorrectly. In contrast, algebraic operations were correctly used by some of them. Moreover, the others performed expected-numbers solution, rewriting the question, translating the inequality into words, and blank answer. Furthermore, we found that there is no one who was conscious of the existence of all-numbers solution. It was found that this condition is reasonably due to how little the learning components concern about why a procedure of solving a linear inequality works and possibilities of linear inequality solution.

  14. Unveiling the "secret" of play in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris): Asymmetry and signals.

    PubMed

    Cordoni, Giada; Nicotra, Velia; Palagi, Elisabetta

    2016-08-01

    Due to their playful propensity, dogs are a good model to test some hypotheses about play dynamics (length, asymmetry, features of players) and communication (play bow [PBOW]; relaxed open-mouth [ROM] display). We video-recorded 203 play sessions between dogs in an off-leash dog park in Palermo, Italy. Contrary to the expectation, play asymmetry (particularly high in this species) did not differ between stranger and familiar dogs, thus suggesting the limited role of play in forming dominance relationships. Asymmetry negatively affected the duration of the session, whereas the increasing number of players was positively linked to the duration of playful interactions. The number of PBOWs exchanged by players may exert a certain influence on the session length as well. PBOWs were performed independently from the kind of play (locomotor vs. contact) the dogs were engaging in. Conversely, ROMs were preferentially emitted during contact play when "face-to-face" interactions were more likely. Body closeness is also required in case opening the mouth has not a signal function but only preludes a bite. However, in the 82% of cases play bites did not follow a ROM, thus suggesting that dogs place ROMs in the appropriate context to optimize signal detectability. In conclusion, 2 tactics may concur in coping with the asymmetry and unpredictability of play sessions in dogs. First, whenever the asymmetry increases dogs shorten the duration of their sessions thus limiting the risk of possible escalation. Second, dogs make use of a good communicative system based on the reciprocal exchange of playful signals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

  15. A NEW DENSITY VARIANCE-MACH NUMBER RELATION FOR SUBSONIC AND SUPERSONIC ISOTHERMAL TURBULENCE

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

    Konstandin, L.; Girichidis, P.; Federrath, C.

    The probability density function of the gas density in subsonic and supersonic, isothermal, driven turbulence is analyzed using a systematic set of hydrodynamical grid simulations with resolutions of up to 1024{sup 3} cells. We perform a series of numerical experiments with root-mean-square (rms) Mach number M ranging from the nearly incompressible, subsonic (M=0.1) to the highly compressible, supersonic (M=15) regime. We study the influence of two extreme cases for the driving mechanism by applying a purely solenoidal (divergence-free) and a purely compressive (curl-free) forcing field to drive the turbulence. We find that our measurements fit the linear relation between themore » rms Mach number and the standard deviation (std. dev.) of the density distribution in a wide range of Mach numbers, where the proportionality constant depends on the type of forcing. In addition, we propose a new linear relation between the std. dev. of the density distribution {sigma}{sub {rho}} and that of the velocity in compressible modes, i.e., the compressible component of the rms Mach number, M{sub comp}. In this relation the influence of the forcing is significantly reduced, suggesting a linear relation between {sigma}{sub {rho}} and M{sub comp}, independent of the forcing, and ranging from the subsonic to the supersonic regime.« less

  16. Plasmon mass scale and quantum fluctuations of classical fields on a real time lattice

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kurkela, Aleksi; Lappi, Tuomas; Peuron, Jarkko

    2018-03-01

    Classical real-time lattice simulations play an important role in understanding non-equilibrium phenomena in gauge theories and are used in particular to model the prethermal evolution of heavy-ion collisions. Above the Debye scale the classical Yang-Mills (CYM) theory can be matched smoothly to kinetic theory. First we study the limits of the quasiparticle picture of the CYM fields by determining the plasmon mass of the system using 3 different methods. Then we argue that one needs a numerical calculation of a system of classical gauge fields and small linearized fluctuations, which correspond to quantum fluctuations, in a way that keeps the separation between the two manifest. We demonstrate and test an implementation of an algorithm with the linearized fluctuation showing that the linearization indeed works and that the Gauss's law is conserved.

  17. Influence of Brownian Motion on Blood Platelet Flow Behavior and Adhesive Dynamics near a Planar Wall

    PubMed Central

    Mody, Nipa A.; King, Michael R.

    2008-01-01

    We used the Platelet Adhesive Dynamics computational method to study the influence of Brownian motion of a platelet on its flow characteristics near a surface in the creeping flow regime. Two important characterizations were done in this regard: (1) quantification of the platelet’s ability to contact the surface by virtue of the Brownian forces and torques acting on it, and (2) determination of the relative importance of Brownian motion in promoting surface encounters in the presence of shear flow. We determined the Peclet number for a platelet undergoing Brownian motion in shear flow, which could be expressed as a simple linear function of height of the platelet centroid, H from the surface Pe (platelet) = γ. · (1.56H + 0.66) for H > 0.3 μm. Our results demonstrate that at timescales relevant to shear flow in blood, Brownian motion plays an insignificant role in influencing platelet motion or creating further opportunities for platelet-surface contact. The platelet Peclet number at shear rates > 100 s-1 is large enough (> 200) to neglect platelet Brownian motion in computational modeling of flow in arteries and arterioles for most practical purposes even at very close distances from the surface. We also conducted adhesive dynamics simulations to determine the effects of platelet Brownian motion on GPIbα-vWF-A1 single-bond dissociation dynamics. Brownian motion was found to have little effect on bond lifetime and caused minimal bond stressing as bond rupture forces were calculated to be less than 0.005 pN. We conclude from our results that for the case of platelet-shaped cells, Brownian motion is not expected to play an important role in influencing flow characteristics, platelet-surface contact frequency and dissociative binding phenomena under flow at physiological shear rates (> 50 s-1). PMID:17417890

  18. Dynein light chain regulates adaptive and innate B cell development by distinctive genetic mechanisms

    PubMed Central

    King, Ashleigh; Li, Lingli; Wong, David M.; Liu, Rui; Bamford, Rebecca; Strasser, Andreas

    2017-01-01

    Mechanistic differences in the development and function of adaptive, high-affinity antibody-producing B-2 cells and innate-like, “natural” antibody-producing B-1a cells remain poorly understood. Here we show that the multi-functional dynein light chain (DYNLL1/LC8) plays important roles in the establishment of B-1a cells in the peritoneal cavity and in the ongoing development of B-2 lymphoid cells in the bone marrow of mice. Epistasis analyses indicate that Dynll1 regulates B-1a and early B-2 cell development in a single, linear pathway with its direct transcriptional activator ASCIZ (ATMIN/ZNF822), and that the two genes also have complementary functions during late B-2 cell development. The B-2 cell defects caused by loss of DYNLL1 were associated with lower levels of the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2, and could be supressed by deletion of pro-apoptotic BIM which is negatively regulated by both DYNLL1 and BCL-2. Defects in B cell development caused by loss of DYNLL1 could also be partially suppressed by a pre-arranged SWHEL Igm-B cell receptor transgene. In contrast to the rescue of B-2 cell numbers, the B-1a cell deficiency in Dynll1-deleted mice could not be suppressed by the loss of Bim, and was further compounded by the SWHEL transgene. Conversely, oncogenic MYC expression, which is synthetic lethal with Dynll1 deletion in B-2 cells, did not further reduce B-1a cell numbers in Dynll1-defcient mice. Finally, we found that the ASCIZ-DYNLL1 axis was also required for the early-juvenile development of aggressive MYC-driven and p53-deficient B cell lymphomas. These results identify ASCIZ and DYNLL1 as the core of a transcriptional circuit that differentially regulates the development of the B-1a and B-2 B lymphoid cell lineages and plays a critical role in lymphomagenesis. PMID:28922373

  19. Morphology and mechanical properties of multi-stranded amyloid fibrils probed by atomistic and coarse-grained simulations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yoon, Gwonchan; Lee, Myeongsang; Kim, Kyungwoo; In Kim, Jae; Chang, Hyun Joon; Baek, Inchul; Eom, Kilho; Na, Sungsoo

    2015-12-01

    Amyloid fibrils are responsible for pathogenesis of various diseases and exhibit the structural feature of an ordered, hierarchical structure such as multi-stranded helical structure. As the multi-strandedness of amyloid fibrils has recently been found to be highly correlated with their toxicity and infectivity, it is necessary to study how the hierarchical (i.e. multi-stranded) structure of amyloid fibril is formed. Moreover, although it has recently been reported that the nanomechanics of amyloid proteins plays a key role on the amyloid-induced pathogenesis, a critical role that the multi-stranded helical structure of the fibrils plays in their nanomechanical properties has not fully characterized. In this work, we characterize the morphology and mechanical properties of multi-stranded amyloid fibrils by using equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation and elastic network model. It is shown that the helical pitch of multi-stranded amyloid fibril is linearly proportional to the number of filaments comprising the amyloid fibril, and that multi-strandedness gives rise to improving the bending rigidity of the fibril. Moreover, we have also studied the morphology and mechanical properties of a single protofilament (filament) in order to understand the effect of cross-β structure and mutation on the structures and mechanical properties of amyloid fibrils. Our study sheds light on the underlying design principles showing how the multi-stranded amyloid fibril is formed and how the structure of amyloid fibrils governs their nanomechanical properties.

  20. Dark matter haloes: a multistream view

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ramachandra, Nesar S.; Shandarin, Sergei F.

    2017-09-01

    Mysterious dark matter constitutes about 85 per cent of all masses in the Universe. Clustering of dark matter plays a dominant role in the formation of all observed structures on scales from a fraction to a few hundreds of Mega-parsecs. Galaxies play a role of lights illuminating these structures so they can be observed. The observations in the last several decades have unveiled opulent geometry of these structures currently known as the cosmic web. Haloes are the highest concentrations of dark matter and host luminous galaxies. Currently the most accurate modelling of dark matter haloes is achieved in cosmological N-body simulations. Identifying the haloes from the distribution of particles in N-body simulations is one of the problems attracting both considerable interest and efforts. We propose a novel framework for detecting potential dark matter haloes using the field unique for dark matter-multistream field. The multistream field emerges at the non-linear stage of the growth of perturbations because the dark matter is collisionless. Counting the number of velocity streams in gravitational collapses supplements our knowledge of spatial clustering. We assume that the virialized haloes have convex boundaries. Closed and convex regions of the multistream field are hence isolated by imposing a positivity condition on all three eigenvalues of the Hessian estimated on the smoothed multistream field. In a single-scale analysis of high multistream field resolution and low softening length, the halo substructures with local multistream maxima are isolated as individual halo sites.

  1. Linear excitation and detection in Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Grosshans, Peter B.; Chen, Ruidan; Limbach, Patrick A.; Marshall, Alan G.

    1994-11-01

    We present the first Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) ion trap designed to produce both a linear spatial variation of the excitation electric potential field and a linear response of the detection circuit to the motion of the confined ions. With this trap, the magnitude of the detected signal at a given ion cyclotron frequency varies linearly with both the number of ions of given mass-to-charge ratio and also with the magnitude-mode excitation signal at the ion cyclotron orbital frequency; the proportionality constant is mass independent. Interestingly, this linearization may be achieved with any ion trap geometry. The excitation/detection design consists of an array of capacitively coupled electrodes which provide a voltage-divider network that produces a nearly spatially homogeneous excitation electric field throughout the linearized trap; resistive coupling to the electrodes isolates the a.c. excitation (or detection) circuit from the d.c. (trapping) potential. The design is based on analytical expressions for the potential associated with each electrode, from which we are able to compute the deviation from linearity for a trap with a finite number of elements. Based on direct experimental comparisons to an unmodified cubic trap, the linearized trap demonstrates the following performance advantages at the cost of some additional mechanical complexity: (a) signal response linearly proportional to excitation electric field amplitude; (b) vastly reduced axial excitation/ejection for significantly improved ion relative abundance accuracy; (c) elimination of harmonics and sidebands of the fundamental frequencies of ion motion. As a result, FT-ICR mass spectra are now more reproducible. Moreover, the linearized trap should facilitate the characterization of other fundamental aspects of ion behavior in an ICR ion trap, e.g. effects of space charge, non-quadrupolar electrostatic trapping field, etc. Furthermore, this novel design should improve significantly the precision of ion relative abundance and mass accuracy measurements, while removing spectral artifacts of the detection process. We discuss future modifications that linearize the spatial variation of the electrostatic trapping electric field as well, thereby completing the linearization of the entire FT-ICR mass spectrometric techniques. Suggested FT-ICR mass spectrometric applications for the linearized trap are discussed.

  2. Aguas!: An Introduction to Hispanic Plays.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Saldana, Johnny

    1996-01-01

    Notes that the number of Hispanic children in schools is growing. Presents an annotated bibliography of 46 Hispanic plays, sources of information, and organizations dealing with Hispanic themes and ideas. (PA)

  3. Electronic structure of layered quaternary chalcogenide materials for band-gap engineering: The example of Cs2MIIM3IVQ8

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Besse, Rafael; Sabino, Fernando P.; Da Silva, Juarez L. F.

    2016-04-01

    Quaternary chalcogenide materials offer a wide variety of chemical and physical properties, and hence, those compounds have been widely studied for several technological applications. Recently, experimental studies have found that the chalcogenide Cs2MIIM3IVQ8 family (MII = Mg , Zn , Cd , Hg , MIV = Ge , Sn and Q = S , Se , Te ), which includes 24 compounds, yields a wide range of band gaps, namely, from 1.07 to 3.4 eV, and hence, they have attracted great interest. To obtain an improved atomistic understanding of the role of the cations and anions on the physical properties, we performed a first-principles investigation of the 24 Cs2MIIM3IVQ8 compounds employing density functional theory within semilocal and hybrid exchange-correlation energy functionals and the addition of van der Waals corrections to improve the description of the weakly interacting layers. Our lattice parameters are in good agreement with the available experimental data (i.e., 11 compounds), and the equilibrium volume increases linearly by increasing the atomic number of the chalcogen, which can be explained by the increased atomic radius of the chalcogen atoms from S to Te . We found that van der Waals corrections play a crucial role in the lattice parameter in the stacking direction of the Cs2MIIM3IVQ8 layers, while the binding energy per unit area has similar magnitude as obtained for different layered materials. We obtained that the band gaps follow a linear relation as a function of the unit cell volume, which can be explained by the atomic size of the chalcogen atom and the relative position of the Q p states within the band structure. The fundamental and optical band gaps differ by less than 0.1 eV. The band gaps obtained with the hybrid functional are in good agreement with the available experimental data. Furthermore, we found from the Bader analysis, that the Coulomb interations among the cations and anions play a crucial role on the energetic properties.

  4. A Paired Comparison of Initial and Recurrent Concussions Sustained by US High School Athletes Within a Single Athletic Season.

    PubMed

    Currie, Dustin W; Comstock, R Dawn; Fields, Sarah K; Cantu, Robert C

    To compare initial and recurrent concussions regarding average number of days between concussions, acute concussion symptoms and symptom resolution time, and return to play time. High school athletes sustaining multiple concussions linked within sport seasons drawn from a large sports injury surveillance study. Retrospective analysis of longitudinal surveillance data. Number of days between concussions, number of symptoms endorsed, specific symptoms endorsed, symptom resolution time, return to play time. Median time between initial and recurrent concussions was 21 days (interquartile range = 10-43 days). Loss of consciousness, the only significant symptom difference, occurred more frequently in recurrent (6.8%) than initial (1.7%) concussions (P = .04). No significant difference was found in the number of symptoms (P = .84) or symptom resolution time (P = .74). Recurrent concussions kept athletes from play longer than initial concussions (P < .0001); 26.6% of recurrent concussions were season ending. We found that athletes' initial and recurrent concussions had similar symptom presentations and resolution time. Despite these similarities, athletes were restricted from returning to play for longer periods following a recurrent concussion, indicating clinicians are managing recurrent concussions more conservatively. It is probable that concussion recognition and management are superior now compared with when previous studies were published, possibly improving recurrent concussion outcomes.

  5. Study on longitudinal dispersion relation in one-dimensional relativistic plasma: Linear theory and Vlasov simulation

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

    Zhang, H.; Wu, S. Z.; Zhou, C. T.

    2013-09-15

    The dispersion relation of one-dimensional longitudinal plasma waves in relativistic homogeneous plasmas is investigated with both linear theory and Vlasov simulation in this paper. From the Vlasov-Poisson equations, the linear dispersion relation is derived for the proper one-dimensional Jüttner distribution. Numerically obtained linear dispersion relation as well as an approximate formula for plasma wave frequency in the long wavelength limit is given. The dispersion of longitudinal wave is also simulated with a relativistic Vlasov code. The real and imaginary parts of dispersion relation are well studied by varying wave number and plasma temperature. Simulation results are in agreement with establishedmore » linear theory.« less

  6. Correlating non-linear properties with spectral states of RXTE data: possible observational evidences for four different accretion modes around compact objects

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Adegoke, Oluwashina; Dhang, Prasun; Mukhopadhyay, Banibrata; Ramadevi, M. C.; Bhattacharya, Debbijoy

    2018-05-01

    By analysing the time series of RXTE/PCA data, the non-linear variabilities of compact sources have been repeatedly established. Depending on the variation in temporal classes, compact sources exhibit different non-linear features. Sometimes they show low correlation/fractal dimension, but in other classes or intervals of time they exhibit stochastic nature. This could be because the accretion flow around a compact object is a non-linear general relativistic system involving magnetohydrodynamics. However, the more conventional way of addressing a compact source is the analysis of its spectral state. Therefore, the question arises: What is the connection of non-linearity to the underlying spectral properties of the flow when the non-linear properties are related to the associated transport mechanisms describing the geometry of the flow? This work is aimed at addressing this question. Based on the connection between observed spectral and non-linear (time series) properties of two X-ray binaries: GRS 1915+105 and Sco X-1, we attempt to diagnose the underlying accretion modes of the sources in terms of known accretion classes, namely, Keplerian disc, slim disc, advection dominated accretion flow and general advective accretion flow. We explore the possible transition of the sources from one accretion mode to others with time. We further argue that the accretion rate must play an important role in transition between these modes.

  7. Statistical properties of online avatar numbers in a massive multiplayer online role-playing game

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, Zhi-Qiang; Ren, Fei; Gu, Gao-Feng; Tan, Qun-Zhao; Zhou, Wei-Xing

    2010-02-01

    Massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) have been very popular in the past few years. The profit of an MMORPG company is proportional to how many users registered, and the instant number of online avatars is a key factor to assess how popular an MMORPG is. We use the online-offline logs on an MMORPG server to reconstruct the instant number of online avatars per second and investigate its statistical properties. We find that the online avatar number exhibits one-day periodic behavior and clear intraday pattern, the fluctuation distribution of the online avatar numbers has a leptokurtic non-Gaussian shape with power-law tails, and the increments of online avatar numbers after removing the intraday pattern are uncorrelated and the associated absolute values have long-term correlation. In addition, both time series exhibit multifractal nature.

  8. A Linear Algebra Measure of Cluster Quality.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mather, Laura A.

    2000-01-01

    Discussion of models for information retrieval focuses on an application of linear algebra to text clustering, namely, a metric for measuring cluster quality based on the theory that cluster quality is proportional to the number of terms that are disjoint across the clusters. Explains term-document matrices and clustering algorithms. (Author/LRW)

  9. The Transformation App Redux: The Notion of Linearity

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Domenick, Anthony

    2015-01-01

    The notion of linearity is perhaps the most fundamental idea in algebraic thinking. It sets the transition to functions and culminates with the instantaneous rate of change in calculus. Despite its simplicity, this concept poses complexities to a considerable number of first semester college algebra students. The purpose of this observational…

  10. Finding Optimal Gains In Linear-Quadratic Control Problems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Milman, Mark H.; Scheid, Robert E., Jr.

    1990-01-01

    Analytical method based on Volterra factorization leads to new approximations for optimal control gains in finite-time linear-quadratic control problem of system having infinite number of dimensions. Circumvents need to analyze and solve Riccati equations and provides more transparent connection between dynamics of system and optimal gain.

  11. Oxidatively-Stable Linear Poly(propylenimine)-Containing Adsorbents for CO2 Capture from Ultra-Dilute Streams.

    PubMed

    Pang, Simon H; Lively, Ryan P; Jones, Christopher W

    2018-05-29

    Aminopolymer-based solid sorbents have been widely investigated for CO2 capture from dilute streams such as flue gas or ambient air. However, the oxidative stability of the most well-studied aminopolymer, poly(ethylenimine) (PEI), is limited, causing it to lose its CO2 capture capacity after exposure to oxygen at elevated temperatures. Here we demonstrate the use of linear poly(propylenimine) (PPI), synthesized via a simple cationic ring-opening polymerization, as a more oxidatively-stable alternative to PEI with high CO2 capacity and amine efficiency. The performance of linear PPI/SBA-15 composites is investigated over a range of CO2 capture conditions (CO2 partial pressure, adsorption temperature) to examine the trade-off between adsorption capacity and sorption site accessibility, which may be expected to be more limited in linear polymers relative to the prototypical hyperbranched PEI. Linear PPI/SBA-15 composites are more efficient at CO2 capture and retain 65-83% of their CO2 capacity after exposure to a harsh oxidative treatment, compared to 20-40% retention for linear PEI. Additionally, we demonstrate long-term stability of linear PPI sorbents over 50 adsorption/desorption cycles with no loss in performance. Combined with other strategies for improving oxidative stability and adsorption kinetics, linear PPI may play a role as a component of stable, solid adsorbents in commercial applications for CO2 capture. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  12. Microminiature linear split Stirling cryogenic cooler for portable infrared imagers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Veprik, A.; Vilenchik, H.; Riabzev, S.; Pundak, N.

    2007-04-01

    Novel tactics employed in carrying out military and antiterrorist operations call for the development of a new generation of warfare, among which sophisticated portable infrared (IR) imagers for surveillance, reconnaissance, targeting and navigation play an important role. The superior performance of such imagers relies on novel optronic technologies and maintaining the infrared focal plane arrays at cryogenic temperatures using closed cycle refrigerators. Traditionally, rotary driven Stirling cryogenic engines are used for this purpose. As compared to their military off-theshelf linear rivals, they are lighter, more compact and normally consume less electrical power. Latest technological advances in industrial development of high-temperature (100K) infrared detectors initialized R&D activity towards developing microminiature cryogenic coolers, both of rotary and linear types. On this occasion, split linearly driven cryogenic coolers appear to be more suitable for the above applications. Their known advantages include flexibility in the system design, inherently longer life time, low vibration export and superior aural stealth. Moreover, recent progress in designing highly efficient "moving magnet" resonant linear drives and driving electronics enable further essential reduction of the cooler size, weight and power consumption. The authors report on the development and project status of a novel Ricor model K527 microminiature split Stirling linear cryogenic cooler designed especially for the portable infrared imagers.

  13. Gadolinium deposition in the brain: association with various GBCAs using a generalized additive model.

    PubMed

    Bae, Sohi; Lee, Ho-Joon; Han, Kyunghwa; Park, Yae-Won; Choi, Yoon Seong; Ahn, Sung Soo; Kim, Jinna; Lee, Seung-Koo

    2017-08-01

    To determine the relationship between the number of administrations of various gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) and increased T1 signal intensity in the globus pallidus (GP) and dentate nucleus (DN). This retrospective study included 122 patients who underwent double-dose GBCA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Two radiologists calculated GP-to-thalamus (TH) signal intensity ratio, DN-to-pons signal intensity ratio and relative change (R change ) between the baseline and final examinations. Interobserver agreement was evaluated. The relationships between R change and several factors, including number of each GBCA administrations, were analysed using a generalized additive model. Six patients (4.9%) received linear GBCAs (mean 20.8 number of administration; range 15-30), 44 patients (36.1%) received macrocyclic GBCAs (mean 26.1; range 14-51) and 72 patients (59.0%) received both types of GBCAs (mean 31.5; range 12-65). Interobserver agreement was almost perfect (0.99; 95% CI: 0.99-0.99). R change (DN:pons) was associated with gadodiamide (p = 0.006) and gadopentetate dimeglumine (p < 0.001), but not with other GBCAs. R change (GP:TH) was not associated with GBCA administration. Previous administration of linear agents gadoiamide and gadopentetate dimeglumine is associated with increased T1 signal intensity in the DN, whereas macrocyclic GBCAs do not show an association. • Certain linear GBCAs are associated with T1 signal change in the dentate nucleus. • The signal change is related to the administration number of certain linear GBCAs. • Difference in signal change may reflect differences in stability of agents.

  14. Design and analysis of linear cascade DNA hybridization chain reactions using DNA hairpins

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bui, Hieu; Garg, Sudhanshu; Miao, Vincent; Song, Tianqi; Mokhtar, Reem; Reif, John

    2017-01-01

    DNA self-assembly has been employed non-conventionally to construct nanoscale structures and dynamic nanoscale machines. The technique of hybridization chain reactions by triggered self-assembly has been shown to form various interesting nanoscale structures ranging from simple linear DNA oligomers to dendritic DNA structures. Inspired by earlier triggered self-assembly works, we present a system for controlled self-assembly of linear cascade DNA hybridization chain reactions using nine distinct DNA hairpins. NUPACK is employed to assist in designing DNA sequences and Matlab has been used to simulate DNA hairpin interactions. Gel electrophoresis and ensemble fluorescence reaction kinetics data indicate strong evidence of linear cascade DNA hybridization chain reactions. The half-time completion of the proposed linear cascade reactions indicates a linear dependency on the number of hairpins.

  15. An Investigation of Teacher Impact on Student Inquiry Science Performance Using a Hierarchical Linear Model

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Liu, Ou Lydia; Lee, Hee-Sun; Linn, Marcia C.

    2010-01-01

    Teachers play a central role in inquiry science classrooms. In this study, we investigate how seven teacher variables (i.e., gender, experience, perceived importance of inquiry and traditional teaching, workshop attendance, partner teacher, use of technology) affect student knowledge integration understanding of science topics drawing on previous…

  16. State Spending on Higher Education Capital Outlays

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Delaney, Jennifer A.; Doyle, William R.

    2014-01-01

    This paper explores the role that state spending on higher education capital outlays plays in state budgets by considering the functional form of the relationship between state spending on higher education capital outlays and four types of state expenditures. Three possible functional forms are tested: a linear model, a quadratic model, and the…

  17. Exposure to Media Violence and Other Correlates of Aggressive Behavior in Preschool Children

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Daly, Laura A.; Perez, Linda M.

    2009-01-01

    This article examines the play behavior of 70 preschool children and its relationship to television violence and regulatory status. Linear regression analysis showed that violent program content and poor self-regulation were independently and significantly associated with overall and physical aggression. Advanced maternal age and child age and…

  18. The Mission-based Scenario: Rationale and Concepts to Enhance S&T Research Design

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-12-01

    such as brain and cognitive behavior. This suggests that it is not enough to make these environments more interactive, but that reliable methods for...player’s decisions, and role-playing games, where the reaction is performed by a human storyteller (see [14] for a discussion of using linear

  19. Luminosity Limitations of Linear Colliders Based on Plasma Acceleration

    DOE PAGES

    Lebedev, Valeri; Burov, Alexey; Nagaitsev, Sergei

    2016-01-01

    Particle acceleration in plasma creates a possibility of exceptionally high accelerating gradients and appears as a very attractive option for future linear electron-positron and/or photon-photon colliders. These high accelerating gradients were already demonstrated in a number of experiments. Furthermore, a linear collider requires exceptionally high beam brightness which still needs to be demonstrated. In this article we discuss major phenomena which limit the beam brightness of accelerated beam and, consequently, the collider luminosity.

  20. Basic Research in the Mathematical Foundations of Stability Theory, Control Theory and Numerical Linear Algebra.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1979-09-01

    without determinantal divisors, Linear and Multilinear Algebra 7(1979), 107-109. 4. The use of integral operators in number theory (with C. Ryavec and...Gersgorin revisited, to appear in Letters in Linear Algebra. 15. A surprising determinantal inequality for real matrices (with C.R. Johnson), to appear in...Analysis: An Essay Concerning the Limitations of Some Mathematical Methods in the Social , Political and Biological Sciences, David Berlinski, MIT Press

  1. FSILP: fuzzy-stochastic-interval linear programming for supporting municipal solid waste management.

    PubMed

    Li, Pu; Chen, Bing

    2011-04-01

    Although many studies on municipal solid waste management (MSW management) were conducted under uncertain conditions of fuzzy, stochastic, and interval coexistence, the solution to the conventional linear programming problems of integrating fuzzy method with the other two was inefficient. In this study, a fuzzy-stochastic-interval linear programming (FSILP) method is developed by integrating Nguyen's method with conventional linear programming for supporting municipal solid waste management. The Nguyen's method was used to convert the fuzzy and fuzzy-stochastic linear programming problems into the conventional linear programs, by measuring the attainment values of fuzzy numbers and/or fuzzy random variables, as well as superiority and inferiority between triangular fuzzy numbers/triangular fuzzy-stochastic variables. The developed method can effectively tackle uncertainties described in terms of probability density functions, fuzzy membership functions, and discrete intervals. Moreover, the method can also improve upon the conventional interval fuzzy programming and two-stage stochastic programming approaches, with advantageous capabilities that are easily achieved with fewer constraints and significantly reduces consumption time. The developed model was applied to a case study of municipal solid waste management system in a city. The results indicated that reasonable solutions had been generated. The solution can help quantify the relationship between the change of system cost and the uncertainties, which could support further analysis of tradeoffs between the waste management cost and the system failure risk. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Stochastic field-line wandering in magnetic turbulence with shear. I. Quasi-linear theory

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

    Shalchi, A.; Negrea, M.; Petrisor, I.

    2016-07-15

    We investigate the random walk of magnetic field lines in magnetic turbulence with shear. In the first part of the series, we develop a quasi-linear theory in order to compute the diffusion coefficient of magnetic field lines. We derive general formulas for the diffusion coefficients in the different directions of space. We like to emphasize that we expect that quasi-linear theory is only valid if the so-called Kubo number is small. We consider two turbulence models as examples, namely, a noisy slab model as well as a Gaussian decorrelation model. For both models we compute the field line diffusion coefficientsmore » and we show how they depend on the aforementioned Kubo number as well as a shear parameter. It is demonstrated that the shear effect reduces all field line diffusion coefficients.« less

  3. Electron-Phonon Systems on a Universal Quantum Computer

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

    Macridin, Alexandru; Spentzouris, Panagiotis; Amundson, James

    We present an algorithm that extends existing quantum algorithms forsimulating fermion systems in quantum chemistry and condensed matter physics toinclude phonons. The phonon degrees of freedom are represented with exponentialaccuracy on a truncated Hilbert space with a size that increases linearly withthe cutoff of the maximum phonon number. The additional number of qubitsrequired by the presence of phonons scales linearly with the size of thesystem. The additional circuit depth is constant for systems with finite-rangeelectron-phonon and phonon-phonon interactions and linear for long-rangeelectron-phonon interactions. Our algorithm for a Holstein polaron problem wasimplemented on an Atos Quantum Learning Machine (QLM) quantum simulatoremployingmore » the Quantum Phase Estimation method. The energy and the phonon numberdistribution of the polaron state agree with exact diagonalization results forweak, intermediate and strong electron-phonon coupling regimes.« less

  4. The horizon line, linear perspective, interposition, and background brightness as determinants of the magnitude of the pictorial moon illusion.

    PubMed

    Jones, Stephanie A H; Wilson, Alexander E

    2009-01-01

    A total of 110 undergraduate students participated in a series of three experiments that explored the magnitude of the moon illusion in pictures. Experiment 1 examined the role of the number and salience of depth cues and background brightness. Experiment 2 examined the role of the horizon line, linear perspective, interposition, and background brightness. In Experiment 3, comparative distance judgments of the moon as a function of linear perspective, interposition, and the size of the standard moon were obtained. The magnitude of the moon illusion increased as a function of the number and salience of depth cues and changes in background brightness. Experiment 2 failed to support the role of the horizon line in affecting the illusion. Experiment 3 provided additional support for the illusory distance component of the moon illusion.

  5. A Cross-Cultural Investigation of Gender-Bound Language Use in Turkish and English Plays: Implications for Foreign Language Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Genc, Zubeyde Sinem; Armagan, Kiymet Selin

    2018-01-01

    The aim of the study is to investigate gender-bound language use in Turkish and English languages and to identify the differences and similarities across cultures and genders in the plays with family and social themes. Four English and five Turkish plays were chosen randomly for comparison. The number of words in the plays were taken into…

  6. Quality of Play, Social Acceptance and Reciprocal Friendship in Preschool Children

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Coelho, Leandra; Torres, Nuno; Fernandes, Carla; Santos, António J.

    2017-01-01

    Playing with peers is one of the most important contexts for the acquisition of social competencies in early childhood. This study examined the relation between children's play behavior, social acceptance in the peer group, and number of reciprocal friendships. One hundred and twenty eight children, aged between three and five years, participated…

  7. Young Children's Preferences: What Stimulates Children's Cognitive Play in Outdoor Preschools?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zamani, Zahra

    2017-01-01

    A number of studies have identified childcare environments as significant resources for children's development, learning through play, and contact with nature. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how, from a child's perspective, specific outdoor physical environments in preschools stimulate children's cognitive play. Emphasizing on the…

  8. Design optimization of natural laminar flow bodies in compressible flow

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dodbele, Simha S.

    1992-01-01

    An optimization method has been developed to design axisymmetric body shapes such as fuselages, nacelles, and external fuel tanks with increased transition Reynolds numbers in subsonic compressible flow. The new design method involves a constraint minimization procedure coupled with analysis of the inviscid and viscous flow regions and linear stability analysis of the compressible boundary-layer. In order to reduce the computer time, Granville's transition criterion is used to predict boundary-layer transition and to calculate the gradients of the objective function, and linear stability theory coupled with the e(exp n)-method is used to calculate the objective function at the end of each design iteration. Use of a method to design an axisymmetric body with extensive natural laminar flow is illustrated through the design of a tiptank of a business jet. For the original tiptank, boundary layer transition is predicted to occur at a transition Reynolds number of 6.04 x 10(exp 6). For the designed body shape, a transition Reynolds number of 7.22 x 10(exp 6) is predicted using compressible linear stability theory coupled with the e(exp n)-method.

  9. A fast direct method for block triangular Toeplitz-like with tri-diagonal block systems from time-fractional partial differential equations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ke, Rihuan; Ng, Michael K.; Sun, Hai-Wei

    2015-12-01

    In this paper, we study the block lower triangular Toeplitz-like with tri-diagonal blocks system which arises from the time-fractional partial differential equation. Existing fast numerical solver (e.g., fast approximate inversion method) cannot handle such linear system as the main diagonal blocks are different. The main contribution of this paper is to propose a fast direct method for solving this linear system, and to illustrate that the proposed method is much faster than the classical block forward substitution method for solving this linear system. Our idea is based on the divide-and-conquer strategy and together with the fast Fourier transforms for calculating Toeplitz matrix-vector multiplication. The complexity needs O (MNlog2 ⁡ M) arithmetic operations, where M is the number of blocks (the number of time steps) in the system and N is the size (number of spatial grid points) of each block. Numerical examples from the finite difference discretization of time-fractional partial differential equations are also given to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method.

  10. A numerical method for the prediction of high-speed boundary-layer transition using linear theory

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mack, L. M.

    1975-01-01

    A method is described of estimating the location of transition in an arbitrary laminar boundary layer on the basis of linear stability theory. After an examination of experimental evidence for the relation between linear stability theory and transition, a discussion is given of the three essential elements of a transition calculation: (1) the interaction of the external disturbances with the boundary layer; (2) the growth of the disturbances in the boundary layer; and (3) a transition criterion. The computer program which carried out these three calculations is described. The program is first tested by calculating the effect of free-stream turbulence on the transition of the Blasius boundary layer, and is then applied to the problem of transition in a supersonic wind tunnel. The effects of unit Reynolds number and Mach number on the transition of an insulated flat-plate boundary layer are calculated on the basis of experimental data on the intensity and spectrum of free-stream disturbances. Reasonable agreement with experiment is obtained in the Mach number range from 2 to 4.5.

  11. Parallel processing of cognitive and physical demands in left and right prefrontal cortices during smartphone use while walking.

    PubMed

    Takeuchi, Naoyuki; Mori, Takayuki; Suzukamo, Yoshimi; Tanaka, Naofumi; Izumi, Shin-Ichi

    2016-02-01

    Smartphone use while walking is becoming a public concern owing to an increased risk of falling that can result from cognitive-motor interference. We evaluated prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity in participants playing a smartphone game while walking, in order to elucidate the role of the PFC in the allocation of attention between physical and cognitive demands. Sixteen young and 15 older adults participated in this study. Participants were instructed to perform a touch number-selecting game on a smartphone while walking. The numbers of correct and mistake responses were analyzed as a measure of cognitive performance. Linear trunk accelerations were measured by another smartphone and analyzed for step time and acceleration magnitude as an assay of gait performance. PFC activity during the task was measured using a wearable 16-channel near-infrared spectroscopy system. Smartphone game playing while walking decreased the cognitive and gait performances compared with performances of single-task condition in older group more than in young group. There was no difference in PFC activation during smartphone use while walking between young and older groups, but age appeared to mediate correlation magnitude between PFC activation and changes in performance. In young adults, multiple regression analysis revealed an association of the right PFC with a reduction in acceleration magnitude (β = 0.581, p = 0.023), and an association of the left PFC with an increase in game-playing mistakes (β = -0.556, p = 0.032) during smartphone use while walking. In older adults, multiple regression analysis revealed an association of the middle PFC with a prolongation of step time (β = -0.550, p = 0.042) and of the left PFC with a reduction in acceleration magnitude (β = -0.648, p = 0.012). In young adults, the left PFC inhibited inappropriate action and the right PFC stabilized gait performance. In older adults, a less-lateralized PFC activity pattern suppressed the deterioration of gait performance, but this resulted in impairment on a simultaneous cognitive task. These results suggest that lateralization of motor and cognitive tasks aids in efficient task completion during a complex action such as using a smartphone while walking.

  12. Enumeration versus multiple object tracking: the case of action video game players

    PubMed Central

    Green, C.S.; Bavelier, D.

    2010-01-01

    Here, we demonstrate that action video game play enhances subjects’ ability in two tasks thought to indicate the number of items that can be apprehended. Using an enumeration task, in which participants have to determine the number of quickly flashed squares, accuracy measures showed a near ceiling performance for low numerosities and a sharp drop in performance once a critical number of squares was reached. Importantly, this critical number was higher by about two items in video game players (VGPs) than in non-video game players (NVGPs). A following control study indicated that this improvement was not due to an enhanced ability to instantly apprehend the numerosity of the display, a process known as subitizing, but rather due to an enhancement in the slower more serial process of counting. To confirm that video game play facilitates the processing of multiple objects at once, we compared VGPs and NVGPs on the multiple object tracking task (MOT), which requires the allocation of attention to several items over time. VGPs were able to successfully track approximately two more items than NVGPs. Furthermore, NVGPs trained on an action video game established the causal effect of game playing in the enhanced performance on the two tasks. Together, these studies confirm the view that playing action video games enhances the number of objects that can be apprehended and suggest that this enhancement is mediated by changes in visual short-term memory skills. PMID:16359652

  13. Enumeration versus multiple object tracking: the case of action video game players.

    PubMed

    Green, C S; Bavelier, D

    2006-08-01

    Here, we demonstrate that action video game play enhances subjects' ability in two tasks thought to indicate the number of items that can be apprehended. Using an enumeration task, in which participants have to determine the number of quickly flashed squares, accuracy measures showed a near ceiling performance for low numerosities and a sharp drop in performance once a critical number of squares was reached. Importantly, this critical number was higher by about two items in video game players (VGPs) than in non-video game players (NVGPs). A following control study indicated that this improvement was not due to an enhanced ability to instantly apprehend the numerosity of the display, a process known as subitizing, but rather due to an enhancement in the slower more serial process of counting. To confirm that video game play facilitates the processing of multiple objects at once, we compared VGPs and NVGPs on the multiple object tracking task (MOT), which requires the allocation of attention to several items over time. VGPs were able to successfully track approximately two more items than NVGPs. Furthermore, NVGPs trained on an action video game established the causal effect of game playing in the enhanced performance on the two tasks. Together, these studies confirm the view that playing action video games enhances the number of objects that can be apprehended and suggest that this enhancement is mediated by changes in visual short-term memory skills.

  14. Association between duration of playing video games and bone mineral density in Chinese adolescents.

    PubMed

    Shao, Haiyu; Xu, Shaonan; Zhang, Jun; Zheng, Jiayin; Chen, Jinping; Huang, Yazeng; Ru, Bin; Jin, Yongming; Zhang, Qi; Ying, Qifeng

    2015-01-01

    The aim of the study was to investigate the association between duration of playing video games and bone mineral density (BMD) in Chinese adolescents. Three hundred eighty-four Chinese adolescents aged 14-18 yr (148 males and 236 females) were analyzed. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using standard procedures. Total body and regional BMD were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Duration of playing video games, defined as hours per day, was measured by a self-report questionnaire. We examined the association between duration of playing video games and BMD using multiple linear regression analysis. After adjustment for age, sex, pubertal stage, parental education, body mass index, adolescents with longer video game duration were more likely to have lower legs, trunk, pelvic, spine, and total BMD (p < 0.05). We concluded that duration of video game was negatively associated with BMD in Chinese adolescents. These findings provide support for reducing duration of playing video games as a possible means to increase BMD in adolescents. Future research is needed to elucidate the underlined mechanisms linking playing video games and osteoporosis. Copyright © 2015 The International Society for Clinical Densitometry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Deficiencies of Circulating Mucosal-associated Invariant T Cells and Natural Killer T Cells in Patients with Multiple Trauma.

    PubMed

    Jo, Young Goun; Choi, Hyun Jung; Kim, Jung Chul; Cho, Young Nan; Kang, Jeong Hwa; Jin, Hye Mi; Kee, Seung Jung; Park, Yong Wook

    2017-05-01

    Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells are known to play important roles in autoimmunity, infectious diseases and cancers. However, little is known about the roles of these invariant T cells in multiple trauma. The purposes of this study were to examine MAIT and NKT cell levels in patients with multiple trauma and to investigate potential relationships between these cell levels and clinical parameters. The study cohort was composed of 14 patients with multiple trauma and 22 non-injured healthy controls (HCs). Circulating MAIT and NKT cell levels in the peripheral blood were measured by flow cytometry. The severity of injury was categorised according to the scoring systems, such as Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II, and Injury Severity Score (ISS). Circulating MAIT and NKT cell numbers were significantly lower in multiple trauma patients than in HCs. Linear regression analysis showed that circulating MAIT cell numbers were significantly correlated with age, APACHE II, SAPS II, ISS category, hemoglobin, and platelet count. NKT cell numbers in the peripheral blood were found to be significantly correlated with APACHE II, SAPS II, and ISS category. This study shows numerical deficiencies of circulating MAIT cells and NKT cells in multiple trauma. In addition, these invariant T cell deficiencies were found to be associated with disease severity. These findings provide important information for predicting the prognosis of multiple trauma. © 2017 The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences.

  16. Neighbouring-group composition and within-group relatedness drive extra-group paternity rate in the European badger (Meles meles)

    PubMed Central

    Annavi, G; Newman, C; Dugdale, H L; Buesching, C D; Sin, Y W; Burke, T; Macdonald, D W

    2014-01-01

    Extra-group paternity (EGP) occurs commonly among group-living mammals and plays an important role in mating systems and the dynamics of sexual selection; however, socio-ecological and genetic correlates of EGP have been underexplored. We use 23 years of demographic and genetic data from a high-density European badger (Meles meles) population, to investigate the relationship between the rate of EGP in litters and mate availability, mate incompatibility and mate quality (heterozygosity). Relatedness between within-group assigned mothers and candidate fathers had a negative quadratic effect on EGP, whereas the number of neighbouring-group candidate fathers had a linear positive effect. We detected no effect of mean or maximum heterozygosity of within-group candidate fathers on EGP. Consequently, EGP was associated primarily with mate availability, subject to within-group genetic effects, potentially to mitigate mate incompatibility and inbreeding. In badgers, cryptic female choice, facilitated by superfecundation, superfoetation and delayed implantation, prevents males from monopolizing within-group females. This resonates with a meta-analysis in group-living mammals, which proposed that higher rates of EGP occur when within-group males cannot monopolize within-group females. In contrast to the positive meta-analytic association, however, we found that EGP associated negatively with the number of within-group assigned mothers and the number of within-group candidate fathers; potentially a strategy to counter within-group males committing infanticide. The relationship between the rate of EGP and socio-ecological or genetic factors can therefore be intricate, and the potential for cryptic female choice must be accounted for in comparative studies. PMID:25234113

  17. Changes in snow cover over Northern Eurasia in the last few decades

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bulygina, O. N.; Razuvaev, V. N.; Korshunova, N. N.

    2009-10-01

    Daily snow depth (SD) and snow cover extent around 820 stations are used to analyse variations in snow cover characteristics in Northern Eurasia, a region that encompasses the Russian Federation. These analyses employ nearly five times more stations than in the previous studies and temporally span forty years. A representative judgement on the changes of snow depth over most of Russia is presented here for the first time. The number of days with greater than 50% of the near-station territory covered with snow, and the number of days with the snow depth greater than 1.0 cm, are used to characterize the duration of snow cover (SCD) season. Linear trends of the number of days and snow depth are calculated for each station from 1966 to 2007. This investigation reveals regional features in the change of snow cover characteristics. A decrease in the duration of snow cover is demonstrated in the northern regions of European Russia and in the mountainous regions of southern Siberia. An increase in SCD is found in Yakutia and in the Far East. In the western half of the Russian Federation, the winter-averaged SD is shown to increase, with the maximum trends being observed in Northern West Siberia. In contrast, in the mountainous regions of southern Siberia, the maximum SD decreases as the SCD decreases. While both snow cover characteristics (SCD and SD) play an important role in the hydrological cycle, ecosystems dynamics and societal wellbeing are quite different roles and the differences in their systematic changes (up to differences in the signs of changes) deserve further attention.

  18. Composition-dependence of stacking fault energy in austenitic stainless steels through linear regression with random intercepts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Meric de Bellefon, G.; van Duysen, J. C.; Sridharan, K.

    2017-08-01

    The stacking fault energy (SFE) plays an important role in deformation behavior and radiation damage of FCC metals and alloys such as austenitic stainless steels. In the present communication, existing expressions to calculate SFE in those steels from chemical composition are reviewed and an improved multivariate linear regression with random intercepts is used to analyze a new database of 144 SFE measurements collected from 30 literature references. It is shown that the use of random intercepts can account for experimental biases in these literature references. A new expression to predict SFE from austenitic stainless steel compositions is proposed.

  19. Time evolution of linearized gauge field fluctuations on a real-time lattice

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kurkela, A.; Lappi, T.; Peuron, J.

    2016-12-01

    Classical real-time lattice simulations play an important role in understanding non-equilibrium phenomena in gauge theories and are used in particular to model the prethermal evolution of heavy-ion collisions. Due to instabilities, small quantum fluctuations on top of the classical background may significantly affect the dynamics of the system. In this paper we argue for the need for a numerical calculation of a system of classical gauge fields and small linearized fluctuations in a way that keeps the separation between the two manifest. We derive and test an explicit algorithm to solve these equations on the lattice, maintaining gauge invariance and Gauss' law.

  20. Universal Three-Qubit Entanglement Generation Based on Linear Optical Elements and Quantum Non-Demolition Detectors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Xin-Chang

    2017-02-01

    Recently, entanglement plays an important role in quantum information science. Here we propose an efficient and applicable method which transforms arbitrary three-qubit unknown state to a maximally entangled Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger state, and the proposed method could be further generalized to multi-qubit case. The proposed setup exploits only linear optical elements and quantum non-demolition detectors using cross-Kerr media. As the quantum non-demolition detection could reveal us the output state of the photons without destroying them. This property may make our proposed setup flexible and can be widely used in current quantum information science and technology.

  1. A scaling theory for linear systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Brockett, R. W.; Krishnaprasad, P. S.

    1980-01-01

    A theory of scaling for rational (transfer) functions in terms of transformation groups is developed. Two different four-parameter scaling groups which play natural roles in studying linear systems are identified and the effect of scaling on Fisher information and related statistical measures in system identification are studied. The scalings considered include change of time scale, feedback, exponential scaling, magnitude scaling, etc. The scaling action of the groups studied is tied to the geometry of transfer functions in a rather strong way as becomes apparent in the examination of the invariants of scaling. As a result, the scaling process also provides new insight into the parameterization question for rational functions.

  2. Fine-grained state counting for black holes in loop quantum gravity.

    PubMed

    Ghosh, A; Mitra, P

    2009-04-10

    A state of a black hole in loop quantum gravity is given by a distribution of spins on punctures on the horizon. The distribution is of the Boltzmann type, with the area playing the role of the energy. In investigations where the total area was kept approximately constant, there was a kind of thermal equilibrium between the spins which have the same analogue temperature and the entropy was proportional to the area. If the area is precisely fixed, however, multiple constraints appear, different spins have different analogue temperatures and the entropy is not strictly linear in the area, but is bounded by a linear rise.

  3. Ergonomics study on mobile phones for thumb physiology discomfort

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bendero, J. M. S.; Doon, M. E. R.; Quiogue, K. C. A.; Soneja, L. C.; Ong, N. R.; Sauli, Z.; Vairavan, R.

    2017-09-01

    The study was conducted on Filipino undergraduate college students and aimed to find out about the significant factors associated with mobile phone usage and its effect on thumb pain.A correlation-prediction analysisand Multiple Linear Regression was adopted and used as the main tool in determining the significant factors and coming up with predictive models on thumb related pain. With the use of the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences or SPSS in conducting linear regression, 2 significant factors on thumb-related pain (percentage of time using portrait as screen orientation when text messaging, amount of time playing games using one hand in a day) were found.

  4. Transition Analysis for the Mars Science Laboratory Entry Vehicle

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chang, Chau-Lyan; Choudhari, Meelan M.; Hollis, Brian R.; Li, Fei

    2009-01-01

    Viscous Laminar-turbulent transition plays an important role in the design of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) entry vehicle. The lift-to-drag ratio required for the precision landing trajectory will be achieved via an angle of attack equal to 16 degrees. At this relatively high angle of attack, the boundary layer flow near the leeward meridian is expected to transition early in the trajectory, resulting in substantially increased heating loads. This paper presents stability calculations and transition correlations for a series of wind tunnel models of the MSL vehicle. Experimentally measured transition onset locations are used to correlate with the N-factor calculations for various wind tunnel conditions. Due to relatively low post-shock Mach numbers near the edge of the boundary layer, the dominant instability waves are found to be of the first mode type. The N-factor values correlating with measured transition onset at selected test points from the Mach 6 conventional facility experiments fall between 3.5 and 4.5 and apparently vary linearly with the wind tunnel unit Reynolds number, indicating strong receptivity effect. The small transition N value is consistent with previous correlations for second-mode dominant transition in the same wind tunnel facility. Stability calculations for stationary and traveling crossflow instability waves in selected configurations indicate that an N value of 4 and 6, respectively, correlates reasonably well with transition onset discerned from one experimentally measured thermographic image.

  5. Prediction of virus-host protein-protein interactions mediated by short linear motifs.

    PubMed

    Becerra, Andrés; Bucheli, Victor A; Moreno, Pedro A

    2017-03-09

    Short linear motifs in host organisms proteins can be mimicked by viruses to create protein-protein interactions that disable or control metabolic pathways. Given that viral linear motif instances of host motif regular expressions can be found by chance, it is necessary to develop filtering methods of functional linear motifs. We conduct a systematic comparison of linear motifs filtering methods to develop a computational approach for predicting motif-mediated protein-protein interactions between human and the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1). We implemented three filtering methods to obtain linear motif sets: 1) conserved in viral proteins (C), 2) located in disordered regions (D) and 3) rare or scarce in a set of randomized viral sequences (R). The sets C,D,R are united and intersected. The resulting sets are compared by the number of protein-protein interactions correctly inferred with them - with experimental validation. The comparison is done with HIV-1 sequences and interactions from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The number of correctly inferred interactions allows to rank the interactions by the sets used to deduce them: D∪R and C. The ordering of the sets is descending on the probability of capturing functional interactions. With respect to HIV-1, the sets C∪R, D∪R, C∪D∪R infer all known interactions between HIV1 and human proteins mediated by linear motifs. We found that the majority of conserved linear motifs in the virus are located in disordered regions. We have developed a method for predicting protein-protein interactions mediated by linear motifs between HIV-1 and human proteins. The method only use protein sequences as inputs. We can extend the software developed to any other eukaryotic virus and host in order to find and rank candidate interactions. In future works we will use it to explore possible viral attack mechanisms based on linear motif mimicry.

  6. The dynamics and control of large flexible space structures, 2. Part A: Shape and orientation control using point actuators

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bainum, P. M.; Reddy, A. S. S. R.

    1979-01-01

    The equations of planar motion for a flexible beam in orbit which includes the effects of gravity gradient torques and control torques from point actuators located along the beam was developed. Two classes of theorems are applied to the linearized form of these equations to establish necessary conditions for controlability for preselected actuator configurations. The feedback gains are selected: (1) based on the decoupling of the original coordinates and to obtain proper damping, and (2) by applying the linear regulator problem to the individual model coordinates separately. The linear control laws obtained using both techniques were evaluated by numerical integration of the nonlinear system equations. Numerical examples considering pitch and various number of modes with different combination of actuator numbers and locations are presented. The independent model control concept used earlier with a discretized model of the thin beam in orbit was reviewed for the case where the number of actuators is less than the number of modes. Results indicate that although the system is controllable it is not stable about the nominal (local vertical) orientation when the control is based on modal decoupling. An alternate control law not based on modal decoupling ensures stability of all the modes.

  7. Analysis of Thermo-Diffusive Cellular Instabilities in Continuum Combustion Fronts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Azizi, Hossein; Gurevich, Sebastian; Provatas, Nikolas; Department of Physics, Centre Physics of Materials Team

    We explore numerically the morphological patterns of thermo-diffusive instabilities in combustion fronts with a continuum solid fuel source, within a range of Lewis numbers, focusing on the cellular regime. Cellular and dendritic instabilities are found at low Lewis numbers. These are studied using a dynamic adaptive mesh refinement technique that allows very large computational domains, thus allowing us to reduce finite size effects that can affect or even preclude the emergence of these patterns. The distinct types of dynamics found in the vicinity of the critical Lewis number. These types of dynamics are classified as ``quasi-linear'' and characterized by low amplitude cells that may be strongly affected by the mode selection mechanism and growth prescribed by the linear theory. Below this range of Lewis number, highly non-linear effects become prominent and large amplitude, complex cellular and seaweed dendritic morphologies emerge. The cellular patterns simulated in this work are similar to those observed in experiments of flame propagation over a bed of nano-aluminum powder burning with a counter-flowing oxidizer conducted by Malchi et al. It is noteworthy that the physical dimension of our computational domain is roughly close to their experimental setup. This work was supported by a Canadian Space Agency Class Grant ''Percolating Reactive Waves in Particulate Suspensions''. We thank Compute Canada for computing resources.

  8. Comparison of all atom, continuum, and linear fitting empirical models for charge screening effect of aqueous medium surrounding a protein molecule

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Takahashi, Takuya; Sugiura, Junnnosuke; Nagayama, Kuniaki

    2002-05-01

    To investigate the role hydration plays in the electrostatic interactions of proteins, the time-averaged electrostatic potential of the B1 domain of protein G in an aqueous solution was calculated with full atomic molecular dynamics simulations that explicitly considers every atom (i.e., an all atom model). This all atom calculated potential was compared with the potential obtained from an electrostatic continuum model calculation. In both cases, the charge-screening effect was fairly well formulated with an effective relative dielectric constant which increased linearly with increasing charge-charge distance. This simulated linear dependence agrees with the experimentally determined linear relation proposed by Pickersgill. Cut-off approximations for Coulomb interactions failed to reproduce this linear relation. Correlation between the all atom model and the continuum models was found to be better than the respective correlation calculated for linear fitting to the two models. This confirms that the continuum model is better at treating the complicated shapes of protein conformations than the simple linear fitting empirical model. We have tried a sigmoid fitting empirical model in addition to the linear one. When weights of all data were treated equally, the sigmoid model, which requires two fitting parameters, fits results of both the all atom and the continuum models less accurately than the linear model which requires only one fitting parameter. When potential values are chosen as weighting factors, the fitting error of the sigmoid model became smaller, and the slope of both linear fitting curves became smaller. This suggests the screening effect of an aqueous medium within a short range, where potential values are relatively large, is smaller than that expected from the linear fitting curve whose slope is almost 4. To investigate the linear increase of the effective relative dielectric constant, the Poisson equation of a low-dielectric sphere in a high-dielectric medium was solved and charges distributed near the molecular surface were indicated as leading to the apparent linearity.

  9. Computational manipulation of a radiative MHD flow with Hall current and chemical reaction in the presence of rotating fluid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alias Suba, Subbu; Muthucumaraswamy, R.

    2018-04-01

    A numerical analysis of transient radiative MHD(MagnetoHydroDynamic) natural convective flow of a viscous, incompressible, electrically conducting and rotating fluid along a semi-infinite isothermal vertical plate is carried out taking into consideration Hall current, rotation and first order chemical reaction.The coupled non-linear partial differential equations are expressed in difference form using implicit finite difference scheme. The difference equations are then reduced to a system of linear algebraic equations with a tri-diagonal structure which is solved by Thomas Algorithm. The primary and secondary velocity profiles, temperature profile, concentration profile, skin friction, Nusselt number and Sherwood Number are depicted graphically for a range of values of rotation parameter, Hall parameter,magnetic parameter, chemical reaction parameter, radiation parameter, Prandtl number and Schmidt number.It is recognized that rate of heat transfer and rate of mass transfer decrease with increase in time but they increase with increasing values of radiation parameter and Schmidt number respectively.

  10. Three-Dimensional Simulation of Liquid Drop Dynamics Within Unsaturated Vertical Hele-Shaw Cells

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

    Hai Huang; Paul Meakin

    A three-dimensional, multiphase fluid flow model with volume of fluid-interface tracking was developed and applied to study the multiphase dynamics of moving liquid drops of different sizes within vertical Hele-Shaw cells. The simulated moving velocities are significantly different from those obtained from a first-order analytical approximation, based on simple force-balance concepts. The simulation results also indicate that the moving drops can exhibit a variety of shapes and that the transition among these different shapes is largely determined by the moving velocities. More important, there is a transition from a linear moving regime at small capillary numbers, in which the capillarymore » number scales linearly with the Bond number, to a nonlinear moving regime at large capillary numbers, in which the moving drop releases a train of droplets from its trailing edge. The train of droplets forms a variety of patterns at different moving velocities.« less

  11. Pole-placement Predictive Functional Control for under-damped systems with real numbers algebra.

    PubMed

    Zabet, K; Rossiter, J A; Haber, R; Abdullah, M

    2017-11-01

    This paper presents the new algorithm of PP-PFC (Pole-placement Predictive Functional Control) for stable, linear under-damped higher-order processes. It is shown that while conventional PFC aims to get first-order exponential behavior, this is not always straightforward with significant under-damped modes and hence a pole-placement PFC algorithm is proposed which can be tuned more precisely to achieve the desired dynamics, but exploits complex number algebra and linear combinations in order to deliver guarantees of stability and performance. Nevertheless, practical implementation is easier by avoiding complex number algebra and hence a modified formulation of the PP-PFC algorithm is also presented which utilises just real numbers while retaining the key attributes of simple algebra, coding and tuning. The potential advantages are demonstrated with numerical examples and real-time control of a laboratory plant. Copyright © 2017 ISA. All rights reserved.

  12. Determining the number of fingers in the lifting Hele-Shaw problem

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Miranda, Jose; Dias, Eduardo

    2013-11-01

    The lifting Hele-Shaw cell flow is a variation of the celebrated radial viscous fingering problem for which the upper cell plate is lifted uniformly at a specified rate. This procedure causes the formation of intricate interfacial patterns. Most theoretical studies determine the total number of emerging fingers by maximizing the linear growth rate, but this generates discrepancies between theory and experiments. In this work, we tackle the number of fingers selection problem in the lifting Hele-Shaw cell by employing the recently proposed maximum-amplitude criterion. Our linear stability analysis accounts for the action of capillary, viscous normal stresses, and wetting effects, as well as the cell confinement. The comparison of our results with very precise laboratory measurements for the total number of fingers shows a significantly improved agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental data. We thank CNPq (Brazilian Sponsor) for financial support.

  13. Fluid-Dynamic Properties of Some Simple Sharp- and Blunt-Nosed Shapes at Mach Numbers from 16 to 24 in Helium Flow

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Henderson, Arthur, Jr.; Johnston, Patrick J.

    1959-01-01

    The fluid-dynamic characteristics of flat plates, 5 deg and 10 deg wedges, and 5 deg and 10 deg cones have been investigated at Mach numbers from 16.3 to 23.9 in helium flow. The flat-plate results are for a leading-edge Reynolds number range of 584 to 19,500 and show that the induced pressure distribution is essentially linear with the hypersonic viscous interaction parameter bar X within the scope of this investigation. It is also shown that the rate at which the induced pressure varies with bar X is a linear function of the leading-edge Reynolds number. The wedge and cone results show that as the flow-deflection angle increases, the induced-pressure effects decrease and the measured pressures approach those predicted by inviscid shock theory.

  14. Symbol recognition produced by points of tactile stimulation: the illusion of linear continuity.

    PubMed

    Gonzales, G R

    1996-11-01

    To determine whether tactile receptive communication is possible through the use of a mechanical device that produces the phi phenomenon on the body surface. Twenty-six subjects (11 blind and 15 sighted participants) were tested with use of a tactile communication device (TCD) that produces an illusion of linear continuity forming numbers on the dorsal aspect of the wrist. Recognition of a number or number set was the goal. A TCD with protruding and vibrating solenoids produced sequentially delivered points of cutaneous stimulation along a pattern resembling numbers and created the illusion of dragging a vibrating stylet to form numbers, similar to what might be felt by testing for graphesthesia. Blind subjects recognized numbers with fewer trials than did sighted subjects, although all subjects were able to recognize all the numbers produced by the TCD. Subjects who had been blind since birth and had no prior tactile exposure to numbers were able to draw the numbers after experiencing them delivered by the TCD even though they did not recognize their meaning. The phi phenomenon is probably responsible for the illusion of continuous lines in the shape of numbers as produced by the TCD. This tactile illusion could potentially be used for more complex tactile communications such as letters and words.

  15. Linearized compressible-flow theory for sonic flight speeds

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Heaslet, Max A; Lomax, Harvard; Spreiter, John R

    1950-01-01

    The partial differential equation for the perturbation velocity potential is examined for free-stream Mach numbers close to and equal to one. It is found that, under the assumptions of linearized theory, solutions can be found consistent with the theory for lifting-surface problems both in stationary three-dimensional flow and in unsteady two-dimensional flow. Several examples are solved including a three dimensional swept-back wing and two dimensional harmonically-oscillating wing, both for a free stream Mach number equal to one. Momentum relations for the evaluation of wave and vortex drag are also discussed. (author)

  16. Negative base encoding in optical linear algebra processors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Perlee, C.; Casasent, D.

    1986-01-01

    In the digital multiplication by analog convolution algorithm, the bits of two encoded numbers are convolved to form the product of the two numbers in mixed binary representation; this output can be easily converted to binary. Attention is presently given to negative base encoding, treating base -2 initially, and then showing that the negative base system can be readily extended to any radix. In general, negative base encoding in optical linear algebra processors represents a more efficient technique than either sign magnitude or 2's complement encoding, when the additions of digitally encoded products are performed in parallel.

  17. Play-based procedural preparation and support intervention for cranial radiation

    PubMed Central

    Boles, Jessika; Bailey, Katherine; Cantrell, Kathryn; Kennedy, Amy; Sykes, April; Mandrell, Belinda N.

    2016-01-01

    Purpose The primary objective of this study was to examine the relationship between play-based procedural preparation and support intervention and use of sedation in children with central nervous system (CNS) tumors during radiation therapy. The secondary objective was to analyze the cost-effectiveness of the intervention compared to costs associated with daily sedation. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted, and 116 children aged 5–12 years met criteria for inclusion. Outcome measures included the total number of radiation treatments received, the number of treatments received with and without sedation, and the type and duration of interventions, which consisted of developmentally appropriate play, education, preparation, and distraction provided by a certified child life specialist. Results The results of univariate analyses showed that age, tumor location, and total number and duration of interventions were significantly associated with sedation use during radiation therapy. Multivariate analyses showed that, after adjustment for age, tumor location, and craniospinal radiation, a significant relationship was found between the total number and duration of the interventions and sedation use. The implementation of a play-based procedural preparation and support intervention provided by a certified child life specialist significantly reduced health-care costs by decreasing the necessity of daily sedation. Conclusions Support interventions provided by child life specialists significantly decreased both sedation use and the cost associated with daily sedation during cranial radiation therapy in children with CNS tumors. This study supports the value of the child life professional as a play-based developmental specialist and a crucial component of cost-effective healthcare. PMID:26634562

  18. More on the decoder error probability for Reed-Solomon codes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cheung, K.-M.

    1987-01-01

    The decoder error probability for Reed-Solomon codes (more generally, linear maximum distance separable codes) is examined. McEliece and Swanson offered an upper bound on P sub E (u), the decoder error probability given that u symbol errors occurs. This upper bound is slightly greater than Q, the probability that a completely random error pattern will cause decoder error. By using a combinatoric technique, the principle of inclusion and exclusion, an exact formula for P sub E (u) is derived. The P sub e (u) for the (255, 223) Reed-Solomon Code used by NASA, and for the (31,15) Reed-Solomon code (JTIDS code), are calculated using the exact formula, and the P sub E (u)'s are observed to approach the Q's of the codes rapidly as u gets larger. An upper bound for the expression is derived, and is shown to decrease nearly exponentially as u increases. This proves analytically that P sub E (u) indeed approaches Q as u becomes large, and some laws of large numbers come into play.

  19. A fictitious domain approach for the simulation of dense suspensions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gallier, Stany; Lemaire, Elisabeth; Lobry, Laurent; Peters, François

    2014-01-01

    Low Reynolds number concentrated suspensions do exhibit an intricate physics which can be partly unraveled by the use of numerical simulation. To this end, a Lagrange multiplier-free fictitious domain approach is described in this work. Unlike some methods recently proposed, the present approach is fully Eulerian and therefore does not need any transfer between the Eulerian background grid and some Lagrangian nodes attached to particles. Lubrication forces between particles play an important role in the suspension rheology and have been properly accounted for in the model. A robust and effective lubrication scheme is outlined which consists in transposing the classical approach used in Stokesian Dynamics to our present direct numerical simulation. This lubrication model has also been adapted to account for solid boundaries such as walls. Contact forces between particles are modeled using a classical Discrete Element Method (DEM), a widely used method in granular matter physics. Comprehensive validations are presented on various one-particle, two-particle or three-particle configurations in a linear shear flow as well as some O(103) and O(104) particle simulations.

  20. The Scientific Competitiveness of Nations

    PubMed Central

    Cimini, Giulio; Gabrielli, Andrea; Sylos Labini, Francesco

    2014-01-01

    We use citation data of scientific articles produced by individual nations in different scientific domains to determine the structure and efficiency of national research systems. We characterize the scientific fitness of each nation—that is, the competitiveness of its research system—and the complexity of each scientific domain by means of a non-linear iterative algorithm able to assess quantitatively the advantage of scientific diversification. We find that technological leading nations, beyond having the largest production of scientific papers and the largest number of citations, do not specialize in a few scientific domains. Rather, they diversify as much as possible their research system. On the other side, less developed nations are competitive only in scientific domains where also many other nations are present. Diversification thus represents the key element that correlates with scientific and technological competitiveness. A remarkable implication of this structure of the scientific competition is that the scientific domains playing the role of “markers” of national scientific competitiveness are those not necessarily of high technological requirements, but rather addressing the most “sophisticated” needs of the society. PMID:25493626

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