Study of Benefits of Passenger Protective Breathing Equipment from Analysis of Past Accidents

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-03-01

Rodeos (Tenerife) El 27 De Marzo De 1977 2. ICAO Aircraft Accident Digest No. 23, No. 2 B-30 AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT SUMMARY Carrier - Continental Airways...than FPL. However, a I’)-second donning de -lay of PBE may have resulted in a net disbenefit. k~f ¶ ~ 17. Key Words 18. Distributiion Stotement...in C-133 Test Article 23 with Postcrash Fire Conditions 5 Accident Profiles for 3/5/67 Varig DC-8 24 6 Accident Profiles for 4/8/68 British Overseas

Public Health, Ethics, and Autonomous Vehicles

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

With the potential to save nearly 30 000 lives per year in the United States, autonomous vehicles portend the most significant advance in auto safety history by shifting the focus from minimization of postcrash injury to collision prevention. I have delineated the important public health implications of autonomous vehicles and provided a brief analysis of a critically important ethical issue inherent in autonomous vehicle design. The broad expertise, ethical principles, and values of public health should be brought to bear on a wide range of issues pertaining to autonomous vehicles. PMID:28207327

Crash and Wait? The impact of the Great Recession on Retirement Planning of Older Americans

PubMed Central

McFall, Brooke Helppie

2012-01-01

This study uses data from pre- and post-crash surveys from the Cognitive Economics study to examine the impact of recent stock and labor market wealth losses on the planned retirement ages of older Americans. Regression estimates imply that the average wealth loss between July 2008 and May/June 2009 is associated with an increase in planned retirement age of approximately 2.5 months. Furthermore, pessimism about future stock market returns is found to amplify the impact of wealth losses on retirement timing. PMID:23413315

Public Health, Ethics, and Autonomous Vehicles.

PubMed

Fleetwood, Janet

2017-04-01

With the potential to save nearly 30 000 lives per year in the United States, autonomous vehicles portend the most significant advance in auto safety history by shifting the focus from minimization of postcrash injury to collision prevention. I have delineated the important public health implications of autonomous vehicles and provided a brief analysis of a critically important ethical issue inherent in autonomous vehicle design. The broad expertise, ethical principles, and values of public health should be brought to bear on a wide range of issues pertaining to autonomous vehicles.

Measurements of the response of transport aircraft ceiling panels to fuel pool fires

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bankston, C. P.; Back, L. H.

1985-01-01

Tests were performed to characterize the responses of various aircraft ceiling panel configurations to a simulated post-crash fire. Attention was given to one currently used and four new ceiling configurations exposed to a fuel pool fire in a circulated air enclosure. The tests were controlled to accurately represent conditions in a real fire. The panels were constructed of fiberglass-epoxy, graphite-phenolic resin, fiberglass-phenolic resin, Kevlar-epoxy, and Kevlar-phenolic resin materials. The phenolic resin-backed sheets performed the best under the circumstances, except when combined with Kevlar, which became porous when charred.

Key issues in application of composites to transport aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stone, M.

1978-01-01

The application of composite materials to transport aircraft was identified and reviewed including the major contributing disciplines of design, manufacturing, and processing. Factors considered include: crashworthiness considerations (structural integrity, postcrash fires, and structural fusing), electrical/avionics subsystems integration, lightning, and P-static protection design; manufacturing development, evaluation, selection, and refining of tooling and curing procedures; and major joint design considerations. Development of the DC-10 rudder, DC-10 vertical stabilizer, and the DC-9 wing study project was reviewed. The Federal Aviation Administration interface and the effect on component design of compliance with Federal Aviation Regulation 25 Composite Guidelines are discussed.

Designing for auto safety

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Driver, E. T.

1971-01-01

Safety design features in the motor vehicle and highway construction fields result from systems analysis approach to prevent or lessen death, injury, and property damage results. Systems analysis considers the prevention of crashes, increased survivability in crashes, and prompt medical attention to injuries as well as other postcrash salvage measures. The interface of these system elements with the driver, the vehicle, and the environment shows that action on the vehicle system produces the greatest safety payoff through design modifications. New and amended safety standards developed through hazard analysis technique improved accident statistics in the 70'; these regulations include driver qualifications and countermeasures to identify the chronic drunken driver who is involved in more than two-thirds of all auto deaths.

A computer simulation of aircraft evacuation with fire

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Middleton, V. E.

1983-01-01

A computer simulation was developed to assess passenger survival during the post-crash evacuation of a transport category aircraft when fire is a major threat. The computer code, FIREVAC, computes individual passenger exit paths and times to exit, taking into account delays and congestion caused by the interaction among the passengers and changing cabin conditions. Simple models for the physiological effects of the toxic cabin atmosphere are included with provision for including more sophisticated models as they become available. Both wide-body and standard-body aircraft may be simulated. Passenger characteristics are assigned stochastically from experimentally derived distributions. Results of simulations of evacuation trials and hypothetical evacuations under fire conditions are presented.

Remote control of an impact demonstration vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harney, P. F.; Craft, J. B., Jr.; Johnson, R. G.

1985-01-01

Uplink and downlink telemetry systems were installed in a Boeing 720 aircraft that was remotely flown from Rogers Dry Lake at Edwards Air Force Base and impacted into a designated crash site on the lake bed. The controlled impact demonstration (CID) program was a joint venture by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to test passenger survivability using antimisting kerosene (AMK) to inhibit postcrash fires, improve passenger seats and restraints, and improve fire-retardent materials. The uplink telemetry system was used to remotely control the aircraft and activate onboard systems from takeoff until after impact. Aircraft systems for remote control, aircraft structural response, passenger seat and restraint systems, and anthropomorphic dummy responses were recorded and displayed by the downlink stems. The instrumentation uplink and downlink systems are described.

Functional recovery patterns in seriously injured automotive crash victims.

PubMed

McMurry, Timothy L; Poplin, Gerald S; Crandall, Jeff

2016-09-01

The functional capacity index (FCI) is designed to predict functional loss 12 months post-injury for each injury in the 2008 Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) manual on a scale from 0 (death) to 100 (full recovery), but FCI has never been validated. This study compared FCI predicted loss with patient-reported 12-month outcomes as measured through the Short Form 36 (SF-36) health assessment survey. Using follow-up data collected on 2,858 adult car crash occupants in the Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network (CIREN) database, we compared FCI predicted outcomes to occupants' Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores, which are weighted averages of the SF-36 items addressing physical function. Our analyses included descriptive statistics, plots of typical recovery patterns, and a mixed effects regression model that describes PCS as a function of FCI, demographics, comorbidities, and injury pattern while also adjusting for the occupants' pre-crash physical capabilities. We further examined injuries in patients who report a significant drop in PCS 12 months post-crash despite being predicted to fully recover. At baseline, the CIREN population exhibited PCS scores similar to the overall population (mean = 51.1, SD = 10.3). Twelve months post-crash, occupants with predicted impairment (FCI < 100) report a substantial decrease in physical function, and those who were predicted to fully recover still report some, albeit less, impairment. In the multivariate mixed-effects regression model, FCI is a strongly significant (P-value <.0001) predictor of PCS, with each 1-point drop in FCI predicting a 0.27-point drop in PCS. Maximum AIS severities in the head, spine, and lower extremity body regions were also significantly associated with PCS (P-values <.05). Among occupants who were expected to fully recover but who report a significant drop in PCS at 12 months, spinal fractures without cord involvement account for 5 of the 10 most common AIS 2+ injuries. FCI was associated with 12-month outcomes but may not adequately describe the recovery from some head, spine, and lower extremity injuries. Some occupants who were expected to recover still report functional loss 12 months post-injury.

Overview of the NASA Systems Approach to Crashworthiness Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Lisa E.

2002-01-01

The NASA Aviation Safety Program was developed in response to the federal government's goal to reduce the fatal accident rate for aviation by 80% within 10 years. Accident Mitigation is a primary element of the Aviation Safety Program. The overall Accident Mitigation goal is to provide technology to the air transport industry to enable a decrease in the rate of fatalities and injury from crash loads and from in-flight and post-crash explosion and/or fire. Accident Mitigation is divided into two main elements - Fire Prevention and Systems Approach to Crashworthiness. The Systems Approach to Crashworthiness goal is to develop and promote technology that will increase the human survival rate or reduce the fatality rate in survivable accidents. The technical background and planning, selected technical activities, and summary of future efforts will be presented in this paper.

Reduction and mitigation of thermal injuries: what can be done?

PubMed

Voisine, J J; Albano, J P

1996-01-01

Soon after the introduction of the crashworthy fuel system and Nomex flight apparel, morbidity and mortality rates from thermal injuries in aviation were reduced to zero. Although the incidence of aircraft mishaps involving postcrash fires have remained the same, there has been a recent increase in thermal injury morbidity. These case reports describe three different aircraft accidents in which fire was caused by factors other than the crashworthy fuel system. They also describe sustained thermal injuries and compare them to personal protection equipment. We found that the condition of the personal protective equipment and unauthorized use of unapproved apparel were responsible for the sustained injuries. We maintain that personal protection equipment is effective if worn in the manner for which it was designed. We believe that the lessons learned apply to all military operations where the risk of fire is high, not solely aviation. A proactive program focused on education would reduce the thermal injury morbidity.

Advances in crash dynamics for aircraft safety

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guida, M.; Marulo, F.; Abrate, S.

2018-04-01

This paper studies the ability of the fuselage's lower lobe to absorb the energy during a crash landing, where the introduction of the composite materials can improve the crash survivability thanks to the crushing capability of structural parts to limit the effects of deceleration on the occupants. Providing a protective shell around the occupants and minimizing the risks of injuries during and immediately after the crash in the post-crash regime is a safety requirement. This study consists of: (1) numerical and experimental investigations on small components to verify design concepts using high performance composite materials; (2) analyses of full scale crashes of fuselage lower lobes. This paper outlines an approach for demonstrating the crashworthiness characteristics of the airframe performing a drop test at low velocity impact to validate a numerical model obtained by assembling structural components and materials' properties previously obtained by testing coupons and sub-elements.

Increase in lake trout reproduction in Lake Huron following the collapse of alewife: Relief from thiamine deficiency or larval predation?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fitzsimons, J.D.; Brown, S.; Brown, L.; Honeyfield, D.; He, J.; Johnson, J.E.

2010-01-01

In the Great Lakes there is still uncertainty as to the population level effects of a thiamine deficiency on salmonines caused by high consumption of alewives Alosa pseudoharengus. A resurgence of lake trout Salvelinus namaycush reproduction in Lake Huron following the crash of alewife stocks between 2002 and 2004 provided an opportunity to evaluate the relative effects of this crash on reproduction through relief from either alewife mediated thiamine deficiency or alewife predation on larval lake trout relative to possible changes in the size of the lake trout spawning stock. Changes in mean lake trout egg thiamine concentration post crash at one spawning reef in Parry Sound, where mean thiamine concentration increased by almost two-fold, were consistent with diet switching from alewives to rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax, the next most abundant prey fish in Lake Huron. Although thiamine levels for lake trout collected at a second reef in Parry Sound did not change post-crash, levels both pre- and post-crash were consistent with a rainbow smelt diet. A reef specific fry emergence index was found to be positively related to reef specific egg thiamine concentration but negatively related to reef specific occurrence of EMS, a thiamine deficiency related mortality syndrome. We found little evidence for overlap between the timing of spring shoreward migration of alewives and lake trout emergence, suggesting that relief from alewife predation effects had relatively little effect on the observed increase in lake trout recruitment. Numbers of spawners in the north, north-central, and southern zones of the lake increased from 2000 onwards. Overall the abundance post-2003 was higher than from pre-2004, suggesting that spawner abundance may also have contributed to increased lake trout reproduction. However, predicted numbers of spawners and measured abundance of wild recruits in assessment gear were poorly correlated suggesting that the increase in reproduction was not totally spawner dependent and hence relief from thiamine deficiency was also likely involved. We conclude from this that eliminating the effects of an alewife diet mediated thiamine deficiency can have positive effects on lake trout reproduction but more research is required to understand the effect of spawner number and the role of spawning habitat availability.

The 2006-2008 oil bubble: Evidence of speculation, and prediction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sornette, Didier; Woodard, Ryan; Zhou, Wei-Xing

2009-04-01

We present an analysis of oil prices in USD and in other major currencies that diagnoses unsustainable faster-than-exponential behavior. This supports the hypothesis that the recent oil price run-up was amplified by speculative behavior of the type found during a bubble-like expansion. We also attempt to unravel the information hidden in the oil supply-demand data reported by two leading agencies, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the International Energy Agency (IEA). We suggest that the found increasing discrepancy between the EIA and IEA figures provides a measure of the estimation errors. Rather than a clear transition to a supply restricted regime, we interpret the discrepancy between the IEA and EIA as a signature of uncertainty, and there is no better fuel than uncertainty to promote speculation! Our post-crash analysis confirms that the oil peak in July 2008 occurred within the expected 80% confidence interval predicted with data available in our pre-crash analysis.

Crash-Energy Absorbing Composite Structure and Method of Fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kellas, Sotiris (Inventor); Carden, Huey D. (Inventor)

1996-01-01

A stand-alone, crash-energy absorbing structure and fabrication method are provided. A plurality of adjoining rigid cells are each constructed of resin-cured fiber reinforcement and are arranged in a geometric configuration. The fiber reinforcement can be in the form of a fabric or braided fibers wrapped about a core that is either left in place or removed from the ultimate cured structure. The geometric configuration of cells is held together with more fiber reinforcement (in the form of fabric or braided fibers) in order to integrate the cells in the geometric configuration. The additional fiber reinforcement is resin-cured to the cells. Curing of the cells and ultimate structure can occur in a single step. In applications where post-crash integrity is necessary, ductile fibers can be used to integrate the cells in the geometric configuration. The novelty of the present invention is that simple fabrication techniques are used to create structures that can be formed in a variety of net stable shapes without additional reinforcement and can withstand combined loading while crushing in a desired direction.

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

Buttner, William; Rivkin, Carl; Burgess, Robert

The United Nations Global Technical Regulation (GTR) Number 13 (Global Technical Regulation on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Vehicles) is the defining document regulating safety requirements in hydrogen vehicles, and in particular fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). GTR Number 13 has been formally implemented and will serve as the basis for the national regulatory standards for FCEV safety in North America (Canada, United States), Japan, Korea, and the European Union. The GTR defines safety requirement for these vehicles, including specifications on the allowable hydrogen levels in vehicle enclosures during in-use and post-crash conditions and on the allowable hydrogen emissions levels inmore » vehicle exhaust during certain modes of normal operation. However, in order to be incorporated into national regulations, that is, in order to be binding, methods to verify compliance to the specific requirements must exist. In a collaborative program, the Sensor Laboratories at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the United States and the Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy and Transport in the Netherlands have been evaluating and developing analytical methods that can be used to verify compliance to the hydrogen release requirement as specified in the GTR.« less

Effect of fiber and dye degradation products (FDP) on burn wound healing.

PubMed

Knox, F S; Wachtel, T L; McCahan, G R; Knapp, S C

1979-10-01

Upon exposure to the thermal environment of an aircraft fire, many fire retardant fabrics off-gas fiber and dye degradation products (FDP). Condensation of these products on human skin raises questions concerning possible deleterious effects on burn wound healing. A porcine bioassay was used to study the physiological effects of FDP. Selected areas of living skin, protected by dyed aromatic polyamides and polybenzimidazole fabrics, were exposed to a thermal source adjusted to simulate a postcrash JP-4 fuel fire. Burn sites contaminated with FDP were evaluated by clinical observation ane to begin epithelialization, time to closure of an open wound, and the amount and type of cicatrix formation. The experiment showed that each fabric has unique off-gasing products. The greatest amount of FDP was deposited on the skin when the skin was covered by a single layer of shell fabric separated by a 6.35-mm air gap. The presence of an intervening cotton T-shirt decreased the amount of FDP deposited on the skin. We found no evidence that FDP caused alterations in wound healing.

Does expecting mean achieving? The association between expecting to return to work and recovery in whiplash associated disorders: a population-based prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Ozegovic, Dejan; Carroll, Linda J; David Cassidy, J

2009-06-01

To determine the association between expectations to return to work and self-assessed recovery. Positive expectations predict better outcomes in many health conditions, but to date the relationship between expecting to return to work after traffic-related whiplash-associated disorders and actual recovery has not been reported. We assessed early expectations for return to work in a cohort of 2,335 individuals with traffic-related whiplash injury to the neck. Using multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis we assessed the association between return to work expectations and self-perceived recovery during the first year following the event. After adjusting for the effects of sociodemographic characteristics, initial pain and symptoms, post-crash mood, prior health status and collision-related factors, those who expected to return to work reported global recovery 42% more quickly than those who did not have positive expectations (HRR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.26-1.60). Knowledge of return to work expectation provides an important prognostic tool to clinicians for recovery.

Hydrogen monitoring requirements in the global technical regulation on hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles

DOE PAGES

Buttner, William; Rivkin, C.; Burgess, R.; ...

2017-02-04

Here, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Global Technical Regulation (GTR) Number 13 ( Global Technical Regulation on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Vehicles) is the defining document regulating safety requirements in hydrogen vehicles, and in particular, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). GTR Number 13 has been formally adopted and will serve as the basis for the national regulatory standards for FCEV safety in North America (led by the United States), Japan, Korea, and the European Union. The GTR defines safety requirements for these vehicles, including specifications on the allowable hydrogen levels in vehicle enclosures during in-use and post-crash conditionsmore » and on the allowable hydrogen emissions levels in vehicle exhaust during certain modes of normal operation. However, in order to be incorporated into national regulations, that is, to be legally binding, methods to verify compliance with the specific requirements must exist. In a collaborative program, the Sensor Laboratories at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the United States and the Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy and Transport in the Netherlands have been evaluating and developing analytical methods that can be used to verify compliance with the hydrogen release requirements as specified in the GTR.« less

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

Buttner, William; Rivkin, C.; Burgess, R.

Here, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Global Technical Regulation (GTR) Number 13 ( Global Technical Regulation on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Vehicles) is the defining document regulating safety requirements in hydrogen vehicles, and in particular, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). GTR Number 13 has been formally adopted and will serve as the basis for the national regulatory standards for FCEV safety in North America (led by the United States), Japan, Korea, and the European Union. The GTR defines safety requirements for these vehicles, including specifications on the allowable hydrogen levels in vehicle enclosures during in-use and post-crash conditionsmore » and on the allowable hydrogen emissions levels in vehicle exhaust during certain modes of normal operation. However, in order to be incorporated into national regulations, that is, to be legally binding, methods to verify compliance with the specific requirements must exist. In a collaborative program, the Sensor Laboratories at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the United States and the Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy and Transport in the Netherlands have been evaluating and developing analytical methods that can be used to verify compliance with the hydrogen release requirements as specified in the GTR.« less

Thermal performance of aircraft polyurethane seat cushions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kourtides, D. A.; Parker, J. A.

1982-01-01

Measurements were conducted on 7.6 x 7.6 cm samples of polyurethane seat cushion material in a modified National Bureau of Standards smoke density chamber to simulate real life conditions for an onboard aircraft fire or post-crash fire. In this study, a non-flaming heat radiation condition was simulated. Two aluminized polymeric fabrics (Norfab 11HT-26-A and Preox 1100-4) and one neoprene type material in two thicknesses (Vonar 2 and 3) were tested as heat blocking layers to protect the urethane foam from rapid heat degradation. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were performed to characterize thermally the materials tested. It was found that Vonar 2 or 3 provided approximately equal thermal protection to F.R. urethane as the aluminized fabrics, but at a significant weight penalty. The efficiency of the foams to absorb heat per unit mass loss when protected with the heat blocking layer decreases in the heating range of 2.5-5.0 W/sq cm, but remains unchanged or slightly increases in the range of 5.0-7.5 W/sq cm. The results show that at all heat flux ranges tested the usage of a heat blocking layer in aircraft seats significantly improves their thermal performance.

A robust estimation of the effects of motorcycle autonomous emergency braking (MAEB) based on in-depth crashes in Australia.

PubMed

Savino, Giovanni; Mackenzie, Jamie; Allen, Trevor; Baldock, Matthew; Brown, Julie; Fitzharris, Michael

2016-09-01

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is a safety system that detects imminent forward collisions and reacts by slowing down the host vehicle without any action from the driver. AEB effectiveness in avoiding and mitigating real-world crashes has recently been demonstrated. Research suggests that a translation of AEB to powered 2-wheelers could also be beneficial. Previous studies have estimated the effects of a motorcycle AEB system (MAEB) via computer simulations. Though effects of MAEB were computed for motorcycle crashes derived from in-depth crash investigation, there may be some inaccuracies due to limitations of postcrash investigation (e.g., inaccuracies in preimpact velocity of the motorcycle). Furthermore, ideal MAEB technology was assumed, which may lead to overestimation of the benefits. This study sought to evaluate the sensitivity of the simulations to variations in reconstructed crash cases and the capacity of the MAEB system in order to provide a more robust estimation of MAEB effects. First, a comprehensive classification of accidents was used to identify scenarios in which MAEB was likely to apply, and representative crash cases from those available for this study were populated for each crash scenario. Second, 100 variant cases were generated by randomly varying a set of simulation parameters with given normal distributions around the baseline values. Variants reflected uncertainties in the original data. Third, the effects of MAEB were estimated in terms of the difference in the impact speed of the host motorcycle with and without the system via computer simulations of each variant case. Simulations were repeated assuming both an idealized and a realistic MAEB system. For each crash case, the results in the baseline case and in the variants were compared. A total of 36 crash cases representing 11 common crash scenarios were selected from 3 Australian in-depth data sets: 12 cases from New South Wales, 13 cases from Victoria, and 11 cases from South Australia. The reduction in impact speed elicited by MAEB in the baseline cases ranged from 2.8 to 10.0 km/h. The baseline cases over- or underestimated the mean impact speed reduction of the variant cases by up to 20%. Constraints imposed by simulating more realistic capabilities for an MAEB system produced a decrease in the estimated impact speed reduction of up to 14% (mean 5%) compared to an idealized system. The small difference between the baseline and variant case results demonstrates that the potential effects of MAEB computed from the cases described in in-depth crash reports are typically a good approximation, despite limitations of postcrash investigation. Furthermore, given that MAEB intervenes very close to the point of impact, limitations of the currently available technologies were not found to have a dramatic influence on the effects of the system.

An examination of some safety issues among commercial motorcyclists in Nigeria: a case study.

PubMed

Arosanyin, Godwin Tunde; Olowosulu, Adekunle Taiwo; Oyeyemi, Gafar Matanmi

2013-01-01

The reduction of road crashes and injuries among motorcyclists in Nigeria requires a system inquiry into some safety issues at pre-crash, crash and post-crash stages to guide action plans. This paper examines safety issues such as age restriction, motorcycle engine capacity, highway code awareness, licence holding, helmet usage, crash involvement, rescue and payment for treatment among commercial motorcyclists. The primary data derived from a structured questionnaire administered to 334 commercial motorcyclists in Samaru, Zaria were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression technique. There was total compliance with age restriction and motorcycle engine capacity. About 41.8% of the operators were not aware of the existence of the highway code. The odds of licence holding increased with highway code awareness, education with above senior secondary as the reference category and earnings. The odds of crash involvement decreased with highway code awareness, earnings and mode of operation. About 84% of the motorcyclists did not use crash helmet, in spite of being aware of the benefit, and 65.4% of motorcycle crashes was found to be with other road users. The promotion of safety among motorcyclists therefore requires strict traffic law enforcement and modification of road design to segregate traffic and protect pedestrians.

The socioeconomic inequality in traffic-related disability among Chinese adults: the application of concentration index.

PubMed

Chen, He; Du, Wei; Li, Ning; Chen, Gong; Zheng, Xiaoying

2013-06-01

Traffic crashes have become the fifth leading cause of burden of diseases and injuries in China. More importantly, it may further aggravate the degree of health inequality among Chinese population, which is still under-investigated. Based on a nationally representative data, we calculated the concentration index (CI) to measure the socioeconomic inequality in traffic-related disability (TRD), and decomposed CI into potential sources of the inequality. Results show that more than 1.5 million Chinese adults were disabled by traffic crashes and the adults with financial disadvantage bear disproportionately heavier burden of TRD. Besides, strategies of reducing income inequality and protecting the safety of poor road users, are of great importance. Residence appears to counteract the socioeconomic inequality in TRD, however, it does not necessarily come to an optimistic conclusion. In addition to the worrying income gap between rural and urban areas, other possible mechanisms, e.g. the low level of post-crash medical resources in rural area, need further studies. China is one of the developing countries undergoing fast motorization and our findings could provide other countries in similar context with some insights about how to maintain socioeconomic equality in road safety. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Spatial analysis and socio-economic burden of road crashes in south-western Nigeria.

PubMed

Ipingbemi, Olusiyi

2008-06-01

Road traffic accidents are a major health problem in Nigeria. Death and injuries resulting from road crashes in the country have been on the increase over the years. For instance, fatality rate rose from 5.3 in 1970 to 5.8 in 2005. The purpose of the paper is to assess the pattern and socio-economic burden of road crashes on road accident victims in south-western Nigeria. The study relied on the administration of 438 questionnaires to road accident victims in both public and private hospitals in south-western Nigeria. The data were presented using descriptive statistics. Findings indicated that more than 70% of the accident victims were within the productive age group of between 15-45 years, with over 60% of them living below the poverty line. Motorcycles and buses accounted for 70% of the vehicles while about 40% of the victims were pedestrians. Each victim on average spent a minimum of US$17 per day on medical expenses and had at least one person attached to him/her throughout the period of admission. This has grave implications on the welfare of the families and the socio-economic development of the country. The paper calls for the use of preventive methods and post-crash management initiatives in order to reduce the magnitude and burden of road crashes on members of the society in south-western Nigeria.

Changes in baseline concussion assessment scores following a school bus crash.

PubMed

Poland, Kristin M; McKay, Mary Pat; Zonfrillo, Mark R; Barth, Thomas H; Kaminski, Ronald

2016-09-01

The objective of this article is to present concussion assessment data for 30 male athletes prior to and after being involved in a large school bus crash. The athletes on the bus, all male and aged 14-18 years, were participants in their school's concussion management program that included baseline and postinjury testing using Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT). This case study described changes in concussion assessment scores for 30 male athletes following a primarily frontal school bus crash. Data from the school's concussion management program, including baseline test data and postinjury assessment data, were reviewed. Athletes who required multiple postinjury assessments by the program were identified as having had significant cognitive changes as a result of the bus crash. Twenty-nine of 30 athletes were injured. One had lumbar compression fractures; others had various lacerations, abrasions, contusions, sprains, and nasal fractures. ImPACT data (postcrash) were available for all 30 athletes and 28 had available precrash baseline data. A total of 16 athletes (53.3%) had significant cognitive changes indicated by changes in their concussion assessment scores, some of which took months to improve. This case study highlights a unique opportunity to evaluate concussion assessment data from 30 male athletes involved in a high-speed school bus crash. Further, these data provide additional insight into assessing the effectiveness of current school bus occupant protection systems.

McDonnell FH-1 Phantom Destroyed for the NACA Crash Fire Program

NASA Image and Video Library

1955-04-21

Researchers at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory purposely wreck a McDonnell FH-1 Phantom as part of the laboratory’s Crash Fire Program. NACA Lewis researchers created the program in 1949 to investigate methods for improving survival rates for take-off and landing-type crashes. In these types of crashes, the passengers often survived the impact only to perish in the ensuing fire. Previously there had been little information on the nature of post-crash fires, and it was difficult to use analytical studies in this area. Irving Pinkel, Chief of the Lewis Flight Propulsion Division, was the primary researcher. He enlisted flight safety specialist and aeronautics researchers G. Merritt Preston and Gerard Pesman, mechanical engineer Dugald Black, and others. The tests were conducted at the nearby Ravenna Arsenal using decommissioned Air Force fighter and transport aircraft. The pilotless aircraft were accelerated down a rail on a 1700-foot track at take-off speeds and run into barriers to simulate a variety of different types of crashes. The first barrier stripped off the landing gears and another briefly sent the aircraft off the ground before it crashed into a dirt mound. Telemetry and high-speed cameras were crucial elements in these studies. NACA Lewis photographer Bill Wynne developed a method for inserting timekeeping devices on test film that were able to show time to one thousandth of a second.

Cirrus Airframe Parachute System and Odds of a Fatal Accident in Cirrus Aircraft Crashes.

PubMed

Alaziz, Mustafa; Stolfi, Adrienne; Olson, Dean M

2017-06-01

General aviation (GA) accidents have continued to demonstrate high fatality rates. Recently, ballistic parachute recovery systems (BPRS) have been introduced as a safety feature in some GA aircraft. This study evaluates the effectiveness and associated factors of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) at reducing the odds of a fatal accident in Cirrus aircraft crashes. Publicly available Cirrus aircraft crash reports were obtained from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) database for the period of January 1, 2001-December 31, 2016. Accident metrics were evaluated through univariate and multivariate analyses regarding odds of a fatal accident and use of the parachute system. Included in the study were 268 accidents. For CAPS nondeployed accidents, 82 of 211 (38.9%) were fatal as compared to 8 of 57 (14.0%) for CAPS deployed accidents. After controlling for all other factors, the adjusted odds ratio for a fatal accident when CAPS was not deployed was 13.1. The substantial increased odds of a fatal accident when CAPS was not deployed demonstrated the effectiveness of CAPS at providing protection of occupants during an accident. Injuries were shifted from fatal to serious or minor with the use of CAPS and postcrash fires were significantly reduced. These results suggest that BPRS could play a significant role in the next major advance in improving GA accident survival.Alaziz M, Stolfi A, Olson DM. Cirrus Airframe Parachute System and odds of a fatal accident in Cirrus aircraft crashes. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(6):556-564.

Patterns and Predictors of Failed and Sustained Return-to-Work in Transport Injury Insurance Claimants.

PubMed

Gray, Shannon E; Hassani-Mahmooei, Behrooz; Cameron, Ian D; Kendall, Elizabeth; Kenardy, Justin; Collie, Alex

2018-02-12

Purpose To determine the incidence of employed people who try and fail to return-to-work (RTW) following a transport crash. To identify predictors of RTW failure. A historical cohort study was conducted in the state of Victoria, Australia. People insured through the state-based compulsory third party transport accident compensation scheme were included. Inclusion criteria included date of crash between 2003 and 2012 (inclusive), age 15-70 years at the time of crash, sustained a non-catastrophic injury and received at least 1 day of income replacement. A matrix was created from an administrative payments dataset that mapped their RTW pattern for each day up to 3 years' post-crash. A gap of 7 days of no payment followed by resumption of a payment was considered a RTW failure and was flagged. These event flags were then entered into a regression analysis to determine the odds of having a failed RTW attempt. 17% of individuals had a RTW fail, with males having 20% lower odds of experiencing RTW failure. Those who were younger, had minor injuries (sprains, strains, contusions, abrasions, non-limb fractures), or were from more advantaged socio-economic group, were less likely to experience a RTW failure. Most likely to experience a RTW failure were individuals with whiplash, dislocations or particularly those admitted to hospital. Understanding the causes and predictors of failed RTW can help insurers, employers and health systems identify at-risk individuals. This can enable earlier and more targeted support and more effective employment outcomes.

Association of seat belt use with death: a comparison of estimates based on data from police and estimates based on data from trained crash investigators

PubMed Central

Cummings, P

2002-01-01

Objective: Estimates of any protective effect of seat belts could be exaggerated if some crash survivors falsely claimed to police that they were belted in order to avoid a fine. The aim of this study was to determine whether estimates of seat belt effectiveness differed when based on belt use as recorded by the police and belt use determined by trained crash investigators. Design: Matched cohort study. Setting: United States. Subjects: Adult driver-passenger pairs in the same vehicle with at least one death (n=1689) sampled from crashes during 1988–2000; data from the National Accident Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System. Main outcome measure: Risk ratio for death among belted occupants compared with those not belted. Results: Trained investigators determined post-crash seat belt use by vehicle inspections for 92% of the occupants, confidential interviews with survivors for 5%, and medical or autopsy reports for 3%. Using this information, the adjusted risk ratio for belted persons was 0.36 (95% confidence interval 0.29 to 0.46). The risk ratio was also 0.36 using police reported belt use for the same crashes. Conclusions: Estimates of seat belt effects based upon police data were not substantially different from estimates which used data obtained by trained crash investigators who were not police officers. These results were from vehicles in which at least one front seat occupant died; these findings may not apply to estimates which use data from crashes without a death. PMID:12460976

Injury risk functions for frontal oblique collisions.

PubMed

Andricevic, Nino; Junge, Mirko; Krampe, Jonas

2018-03-09

The objective of this article was the construction of injury risk functions (IRFs) for front row occupants in oblique frontal crashes and a comparison to IRF of nonoblique frontal crashes from the same data set. Crashes of modern vehicles from GIDAS (German In-Depth Accident Study) were used as the basis for the construction of a logistic injury risk model. Static deformation, measured via displaced voxels on the postcrash vehicles, was used to calculate the energy dissipated in the crash. This measure of accident severity was termed objective equivalent speed (oEES) because it does not depend on the accident reconstruction and thus eliminates reconstruction biases like impact direction and vehicle model year. Imputation from property damage cases was used to describe underrepresented low-severity crashes-a known shortcoming of GIDAS. Binary logistic regression was used to relate the stimuli (oEES) to the binary outcome variable (injured or not injured). IRFs for the oblique frontal impact and nonoblique frontal impact were computed for the Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale (MAIS) 2+ and 3+ levels for adults (18-64 years). For a given stimulus, the probability of injury for a belted driver was higher in oblique crashes than in nonoblique frontal crashes. For the 25% injury risk at MAIS 2+ level, the corresponding stimulus for oblique crashes was 40 km/h but it was 64 km/h for nonoblique frontal crashes. The risk of obtaining MAIS 2+ injuries is significantly higher in oblique crashes than in nonoblique crashes. In the real world, most MAIS 2+ injuries occur in an oEES range from 30 to 60 km/h.

Factors associated with pilot fatalities in work-related aircraft crashes--Alaska, 1990-1999.

PubMed

2002-04-26

Despite its large geographic area, Alaska has only 12,200 miles of public roads, and 90% of the state's communities are not connected to a highway system. Commuter and air-taxi flights are essential for transportation of passengers and delivery of goods, services, and mail to outlying communities (Figure 1). Because of the substantial progress in decreasing fatalities in the fishing and logging industries, aviation crashes are the leading cause of occupational death in Alaska. During 1990-1999, aircraft crashes in Alaska caused 107 deaths among workers classified as civilian pilots. This is equivalent to 410 fatalities per 100,000 pilots each year, approximately five times the death rate for all U.S. pilots and approximately 100 times the death rate for all U.S. workers. As part of a collaborative aviation safety initiative that CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is implementing with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and the National Weather Service, CDC analyzed data from NTSB crash reports to determine factors associated with pilot fatalities in work-related aviation crashes in Alaska. This report summarizes the result of this analysis, which found that the following factors were associated with pilot fatalities: crashes involving a post-crash fire, flights in darkness or weather conditions requiring instrument use, crashes occurring away from an airport, and crashes in which the pilot was not using a shoulder restraint. Additional pilot training, improved fuel systems that are less likely to ignite in crashes, and company policies that discourage flying in poor weather conditions might help decrease pilot fatalities. More detailed analyses of crash data, collaborations with aircraft operators to improve safety, and evaluation of new technologies are needed.

Car crash fatalities associated with fire in Sweden.

PubMed

Viklund, Åsa; Björnstig, Johanna; Larsson, Magnus; Björnstig, Ulf

2013-01-01

To study the epidemiology and causes of death in fatal car crashes on Swedish roads in which the victim's vehicle caught fire. The data set is from the Swedish Transport Administrations in-depth studies of fatal crashes 1998-2008. Autopsies from all cases provided data on injuries, toxicological analyses, and cause of death. In total, 181 people died in 133 burning cars, accounting for 5 percent of all deaths in passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and minibuses during 1998 to 2008. The cause of death for a third of the victims was fire related, as burns and/or smoke inhalation injuries, with no fatal trauma injuries. Twenty-five of these 55 deaths were persons 19 years or younger and included 15 of 18 rear seat deaths. Over half of the 181 deaths were in vehicles that had collided with another vehicle and, of these cases, half were killed in collisions with heavy vehicles. The percentage of drivers with illegal blood alcohol concentrations (27%) and suicides (5.5%) were not higher than in other fatal crashes on Swedish roads. The ignition point of the fire was indicated in only half of the cases and, of those, half started in the engine compartment and one fourth started around the fuel tank or lines. Car fires are a deadly postcrash problem. Reducing this risk would be primarily a responsibility for the automotive industry. A multifactor approach could be considered as follows: risk-reducing design, insulation, reduced flammability in motor compartment fluids and plastics, and automatic fire extinguishing equipment. Inspiration could be found in how, for example, the auto racing and aviation industries handle this problem.

Identification and validation of a logistic regression model for predicting serious injuries associated with motor vehicle crashes.

PubMed

Kononen, Douglas W; Flannagan, Carol A C; Wang, Stewart C

2011-01-01

A multivariate logistic regression model, based upon National Automotive Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System (NASS-CDS) data for calendar years 1999-2008, was developed to predict the probability that a crash-involved vehicle will contain one or more occupants with serious or incapacitating injuries. These vehicles were defined as containing at least one occupant coded with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of greater than or equal to 15, in planar, non-rollover crash events involving Model Year 2000 and newer cars, light trucks, and vans. The target injury outcome measure was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-led National Expert Panel on Field Triage in their recent revision of the Field Triage Decision Scheme (American College of Surgeons, 2006). The parameters to be used for crash injury prediction were subsequently specified by the National Expert Panel. Model input parameters included: crash direction (front, left, right, and rear), change in velocity (delta-V), multiple vs. single impacts, belt use, presence of at least one older occupant (≥ 55 years old), presence of at least one female in the vehicle, and vehicle type (car, pickup truck, van, and sport utility). The model was developed using predictor variables that may be readily available, post-crash, from OnStar-like telematics systems. Model sensitivity and specificity were 40% and 98%, respectively, using a probability cutpoint of 0.20. The area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve for the final model was 0.84. Delta-V (mph), seat belt use and crash direction were the most important predictors of serious injury. Due to the complexity of factors associated with rollover-related injuries, a separate screening algorithm is needed to model injuries associated with this crash mode. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Photo-oxidative degradation of motorcycle helmets in Hanoi, Vietnam: A prospective preliminary study.

PubMed

Ramli, Roszalina; Che Man, Zuraidah; Nordin, Rifqah; Abdul Karim, Fadzlina; Rashdi, Muhd Fazlynizam; Oxley, Jennie; Viet Cuong, Pham

2016-09-01

Vietnamese spend hours travelling on the road using their motorcycles. Their helmets are exposed continuously to sunlight and rain. The objectives of this study were to determine the association between the effect of photo-oxidative degradation (POD) of the outer shells and helmet age on helmet damage. The micro-structural change of the outer shell was also investigated. This was a prospective, cross sectional study recruiting injured motorcyclists from Hanoi, Vietnam hospital. The participants were interviewed by a trained researcher. The participants' helmets were collected post-crash. Initially, the helmets were examined for their type and external characteristics. A 3 cm × 3 cm cut was made on the helmet in the impacted and non-impacted areas (control). These areas were investigated for evidence of POD and presence of micro-cracks and material disintegration. 50 participants were enrolled. Sources of information included questionnaire and laboratory analyses. The helmet factors of interest were age of the helmet, exposure of helmet to sunlight and rain (duration/day) and history of previous impact. Laboratory analyses included Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) for degradation and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for micro-structural examination. Majority of the helmets was the open-face type, 40 (80.0%). 31 (62.0%) helmets aged less than three years (LTY) and 19 (38.0%) were three years old or more (MTY). 19 (61.3%) of the LTY helmets and 12 (63.2%) MTY helmets showed evidence of POD. The duration of helmet exposure to sunlight was between 93 to 6570 hours (mean 2347.74 hours; SD 1733.39). The SEM showed 15 helmets (30%) with micro-fractures, 21 helmets (42.0%) with material disintegration. Prolonged uv exposure to the ABS helmets resulted in changes in the helmet material in the form of material disintegration and microcracks and this association was statistically significant (p = 0.03). POD occurs due to routine exposure to the ultraviolet light. Prolonged uv exposure affects outer shell surface material integrity.

Examining the influence of aggressive driving behavior on driver injury severity in traffic crashes.

PubMed

Paleti, Rajesh; Eluru, Naveen; Bhat, Chandra R

2010-11-01

In this paper, we capture the moderating effect of aggressive driving behavior while assessing the influence of a comprehensive set of variables on injury severity. In doing so, we are able to account for the indirect effects of variables on injury severity through their influence on aggressive driving behavior, as well as the direct effect of variables on injury severity. The methodology used in the paper to accommodate the moderating effect of aggressive driving behavior takes the form of two models--one for aggressive driving and another for injury severity. These are appropriately linked to obtain the indirect and direct effects of variables. The data for estimation is obtained from the National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Study (NMVCCS). From an empirical standpoint, we consider a fine age categorization until 20 years of age when examining age effects on aggressive driving behavior and injury severity. There are several important results from the empirical analysis undertaken in the current paper based on post-crash data collection on aggressive behavior participation just prior to the crash and injury severity sustained in a crash. Young drivers (especially novice drivers between 16 and 17 years of age), drivers who are not wearing seat belt, under the influence of alcohol, not having a valid license, and driving a pick-up are found to be most likely to behave aggressively. Situational, vehicle, and roadway factors such as young drivers traveling with young passengers, young drivers driving an SUV or a pick-up truck, driving during the morning rush hour, and driving on roads with high speed limits are also found to trigger aggressive driving behavior. In terms of vehicle occupants, the safest situation from a driver injury standpoint is when there are two or more passengers in the vehicle, at least one of whom is above the age of 20 years. These and many other results are discussed, along with implications of the result for graduated driving licensing (GDL) programs. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design and analysis of the federal aviation administration next generation fire test burner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ochs, Robert Ian

The United States Federal Aviation Administration makes use of threat-based fire test methods for the certification of aircraft cabin materials to enhance the level of safety in the event of an in-flight or post-crash fire on a transport airplane. The global nature of the aviation industry results in these test methods being performed at hundreds of laboratories around the world; in some cases testing identical materials at multiple labs but yielding different results. Maintenance of this standard for an elevated level of safety requires that the test methods be as well defined as possible, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of critical test method parameters. The tests have evolved from simple Bunsen burner material tests to larger, more complicated apparatuses, requiring greater understanding of the device for proper application. The FAA specifies a modified home heating oil burner to simulate the effects of large, intense fires for testing of aircraft seat cushions, cargo compartment liners, power plant components, and thermal acoustic insulation. Recently, the FAA has developed a Next Generation (NexGen) Fire Test burner to replace the original oil burner that has become commercially unavailable. The NexGen burner design is based on the original oil burner but with more precise control of the air and fuel flow rates with the addition of a sonic nozzle and a pressurized fuel system. Knowledge of the fundamental flow properties created by various burner configurations is desired to develop an updated and standardized burner configuration for use around the world for aircraft materials fire testing and airplane certification. To that end, the NexGen fire test burner was analyzed with Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) to resolve the non-reacting exit flow field and determine the influence of the configuration of burner components. The correlation between the measured flow fields and the standard burner performance metrics of flame temperature and burnthrough time was studied. Potential design improvements were also evaluated that could simplify burner set up and operation.

Comparison and validation of injury risk classifiers for advanced automated crash notification systems.

PubMed

Kusano, Kristofer; Gabler, Hampton C

2014-01-01

The odds of death for a seriously injured crash victim are drastically reduced if he or she received care at a trauma center. Advanced automated crash notification (AACN) algorithms are postcrash safety systems that use data measured by the vehicles during the crash to predict the likelihood of occupants being seriously injured. The accuracy of these models are crucial to the success of an AACN. The objective of this study was to compare the predictive performance of competing injury risk models and algorithms: logistic regression, random forest, AdaBoost, naïve Bayes, support vector machine, and classification k-nearest neighbors. This study compared machine learning algorithms to the widely adopted logistic regression modeling approach. Machine learning algorithms have not been commonly studied in the motor vehicle injury literature. Machine learning algorithms may have higher predictive power than logistic regression, despite the drawback of lacking the ability to perform statistical inference. To evaluate the performance of these algorithms, data on 16,398 vehicles involved in non-rollover collisions were extracted from the NASS-CDS. Vehicles with any occupants having an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 15 or greater were defined as those requiring victims to be treated at a trauma center. The performance of each model was evaluated using cross-validation. Cross-validation assesses how a model will perform in the future given new data not used for model training. The crash ΔV (change in velocity during the crash), damage side (struck side of the vehicle), seat belt use, vehicle body type, number of events, occupant age, and occupant sex were used as predictors in each model. Logistic regression slightly outperformed the machine learning algorithms based on sensitivity and specificity of the models. Previous studies on AACN risk curves used the same data to train and test the power of the models and as a result had higher sensitivity compared to the cross-validated results from this study. Future studies should account for future data; for example, by using cross-validation or risk presenting optimistic predictions of field performance. Past algorithms have been criticized for relying on age and sex, being difficult to measure by vehicle sensors, and inaccuracies in classifying damage side. The models with accurate damage side and including age/sex did outperform models with less accurate damage side and without age/sex, but the differences were small, suggesting that the success of AACN is not reliant on these predictors.

Estimate of mortality reduction with implementation of advanced automatic collision notification.

PubMed

Lee, Ellen; Wu, Jingshu; Kang, Thomas; Craig, Matthew

2017-05-29

Advanced Automatic Collision Notification (AACN) is a system on a motor vehicle that notifies a public safety answering point (PSAP), either directly or through a third party, that the vehicle has had a crash. AACN systems enable earlier notification of a motor vehicle crash and provide an injury prediction that can help dispatchers and first responders make better decisions about how and where to transport the patient, thus getting the patient to definitive care sooner. The purposes of the current research are to identify the target population that could benefit from AACN, and to develop a reasonable estimate range of potential lives saved with implementation of AACN within the vehicle fleet. Data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) years 2009-2015 and National Automotive Sampling System-Crashworthiness Data System (NASS-CDS) years 2000-2015 were obtained. FARS data were used to determine absolute estimates of the target population who may receive benefit from AACN. These estimates accounted for a number of factors, such as whether a fatal occupant had nearby access to a trauma center and also was correctly identified by the injury severity prediction algorithm as having a "high probability of severe injury." NASS-CDS data were used to provide relative comparisons among subsets of the population. Specifically, relative survival rate ratios between occupants treated at trauma centers versus at non-trauma centers were determined using the nonparametric Kaplan-Meier estimator. Finally, the fatality reduction rate associated with trauma center care was combined with the previously published fatality reduction rate for faster notification time to develop a range for possible lives saved. Two relevant target populations were identified. A larger subset of 6893 fatalities can benefit only from earlier notification associated with AACN. A smaller subgroup of between 1495 and 2330 fatalities can benefit from both earlier notification and change in treatment destination (i.e., non-trauma center to trauma center). A Kaplan-Meier life curve and a multiple proportional hazard model were used to predict the benefits associated with transport to a trauma center. The resulting range for potential lives saved annually was 360 to 721. This analysis provides the estimates of lives that could potentially be saved with full implementation of AACN and universal cell coverage availability. This represents a fatality reduction of approximately 1.6% to 3.3% per year, and more than double the lives saved by earlier notification alone. In conclusion, AACN is a postcrash technology with a promising potential for safety benefit. AACN is therefore a key component of integrated safety systems that aim to protect occupants across the entire crash spectrum.

Super-sensitive two-wavelength fringe projection profilometry with 2-sensitivities temporal unwrapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Servin, Manuel; Padilla, Moises; Garnica, Guillermo

2018-07-01

Since the early 1970s, optical two-wavelength phase-metrology (TWPM) has been used in a wide variety of experimental set ups. In TWPM one may compute the phase-sum and the phase-difference of two close phase measurements. Early TWPM optically computed the phase difference and phase sum by double exposure holography. However soon after, TWPM became almost synonymous to calculating the phase-difference only. The more sensitive phase-sum was largely forgotten. The standard application for phase-difference TWPM is to extend the phase measurement depth without phase-unwrapping for discontinuous phase-objects. This phase-difference, while non-wrapped, decreases however the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the estimated phase. On the other hand, the phase-sum increases the phase sensitivity, and the SNR of the estimated phase. In spite of these two great advantages, the use of the phase-sum in TWPM has been almost ignored. In this paper we review and set the stage for digital TWPM for super-sensitive phase-sum estimation. This is coupled with two-sensitivity phase-unwrapping to obtain extended-range super-sensitive fringe-projection profilometry estimations. Here we mathematically prove, and experimentally show that using the phase-sum one obtains a huge increase in SNR with respect to using the phase-difference alone. The pioneer works on double exposure TWPM holography that uses the phase-difference and phase-sum are also properly acknowledged. Finally, two experimental results from fringe-projection profilometry that clearly show the huge SNR gain of the phase-sum, with respect to the phase-difference is now mathematically well established.

CARBON DIOXIDE SEPARATION BY PHASE ENHANCED GAS-LIQUID ABSORPTION

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

Liang Hu

A new process called phase enhanced gas-liquid absorption has been developed in its early stage. It was found that adding another phase into the absorption system of gas/aqueous phase could enhance the absorption rate. A system with three phases was studied. In the system, gas phase was carbon dioxide. Two liquid phases were used. One was organic phase. Another was aqueous phase. By addition of organic phase into the absorption system of CO{sub 2}-aqueous phase, the absorption rate of CO{sub 2} was increased significantly. CO{sub 2} finally accumulated into aqueous phase. The experimental results proved that (1) Absorption rate ofmore » carbon dioxide was enhanced by adding organic phase into gas aqueous phase system; (2) Organic phase played the role of transportation of gas solute (CO{sub 2}). Carbon dioxide finally accumulated into aqueous phase.« less

Active phase locking of thirty fiber channels using multilevel phase dithering method

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

Huang, Zhimeng; Luo, Yongquan, E-mail: yongquan-l@sina.com; Liu, Cangli

2016-03-15

An active phase locking of a large-scale fiber array with thirty channels has been demonstrated experimentally. In the experiment, the first group of thirty phase controllers is used to compensate the phase noises between the elements and the second group of thirty phase modulators is used to impose additional phase disturbances to mimic the phase noises in the high power fiber amplifiers. A multi-level phase dithering algorithm using dual-level rectangular-wave phase modulation and time division multiplexing can achieve the same phase control as single/multi-frequency dithering technique, but without coherent demodulation circuit. The phase locking efficiency of 30 fiber channels ismore » achieved about 98.68%, 97.82%, and 96.50% with no additional phase distortion, modulated phase distortion I (±1 rad), and phase distortion II (±2 rad), corresponding to the phase error of λ/54, λ/43, and λ/34 rms. The contrast of the coherent combined beam profile is about 89%. Experimental results reveal that the multi-level phase dithering technique has great potential in scaling to a large number of laser beams.« less

In situ phase transformation of Laves phase from Chi-phase in Mo-containing Fe–Cr–Ni alloys

DOE PAGES

Tan, L.; Yang, Y.

2015-11-01

For an in situ phase transformation of the Chi (χ) phase to the Laves phase we observed in a Fe–Cr–Ni–Mo model alloy. The morphology, composition, and crystal structure of the χ and Laves phases, and their orientation relationship with the matrix austenite phase were investigated. The resulted Laves phase has larger lattice mismatch with the matrix phase than the χ phase, leading to the increase of local strain fields and the formation of dislocations. Moreover, this finding is helpful to understand the precipitation behavior of the intermetallic phases in the Mo-containing austenitic stainless steels.

Microstructural characteristics of σ phase and P phase in Ru-containing single crystal superalloys

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

Huo, Jiajie, E-mail: jiajiehuo0618@163.com

Microstructural instability caused by topologically close-packed (TCP) phase precipitation restricts the useful compositional range of advanced Ni-base single crystal superalloys in industrial applications. Limited systematic investigations of TCP formers (Cr and Mo) additions on microstructural evolution of both the σ phase and the P phase in Ru-containing single crystal superalloys have been reported. In this study, the microstructural characteristics of σ phase and P phase were investigated in three Ru-containing superalloys with different levels of Cr and Mo additions at 950 °C and 1100 °C by using phase extraction, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and high resolution transmission electron microscopy.more » The experimental results indicated that the high level additions of Cr and Mo promoted the formation of σ phase and P phase, respectively. The amount of σ phase was much higher than that of P phase after long term exposure at 950 °C and 1100 °C. The sheet-like σ phase existed in the alloy with higher Cr addition after thermal exposure at 950 °C and 1100 °C for 1000 h, while the needle-like P phase precipitated in high Mo content alloy after thermal exposure at 1100 °C for 1000 h and the intergrowth of σ phase and P phase was observed after thermal exposure at 950 °C for 500 h. Both the σ phase and P phase were enriched in Re, W, Cr and Mo, but the σ phase contained more Re and Cr while the P phase contained more Mo and Ni, and Ru was found in both phases. The nucleation of σ phase was much easier than P phase due to the more ledge steps in the interfacial structure between σ phase and matrix, as well as the higher partitioning ratios of Re, Cr and Mo. This study is helpful to understand the microstructural evolution of σ phase and P phase, and to optimize the alloy design in Ru-containing superalloys. - Highlights: •Microstructures of σ phase and P phase were characterized in detail. •Cr and Mo influenced the precipitation of σ phase and P phase, respectively. •Partitioning ratios and interfacial relationship decided precipitation behaviors.« less

Digital phase-lock loop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, Jr., Jess B. (Inventor)

1991-01-01

An improved digital phase lock loop incorporates several distinctive features that attain better performance at high loop gain and better phase accuracy. These features include: phase feedback to a number-controlled oscillator in addition to phase rate; analytical tracking of phase (both integer and fractional cycles); an amplitude-insensitive phase extractor; a more accurate method for extracting measured phase; a method for changing loop gain during a track without loss of lock; and a method for avoiding loss of sampled data during computation delay, while maintaining excellent tracking performance. The advantages of using phase and phase-rate feedback are demonstrated by comparing performance with that of rate-only feedback. Extraction of phase by the method of modeling provides accurate phase measurements even when the number-controlled oscillator phase is discontinuously updated.

Temperature-Controlled High-Speed AFM: Real-Time Observation of Ripple Phase Transitions.

PubMed

Takahashi, Hirohide; Miyagi, Atsushi; Redondo-Morata, Lorena; Scheuring, Simon

2016-11-01

With nanometer lateral and Angstrom vertical resolution, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has contributed unique data improving the understanding of lipid bilayers. Lipid bilayers are found in several different temperature-dependent states, termed phases; the main phases are solid and fluid phases. The transition temperature between solid and fluid phases is lipid composition specific. Under certain conditions some lipid bilayers adopt a so-called ripple phase, a structure where solid and fluid phase domains alternate with constant periodicity. Because of its narrow regime of existence and heterogeneity ripple phase and its transition dynamics remain poorly understood. Here, a temperature control device to high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) to observe dynamics of phase transition from ripple phase to fluid phase reversibly in real time is developed and integrated. Based on HS-AFM imaging, the phase transition processes from ripple phase to fluid phase and from ripple phase to metastable ripple phase to fluid phase could be reversibly, phenomenologically, and quantitatively studied. The results here show phase transition hysteresis in fast cooling and heating processes, while both melting and condensation occur at 24.15 °C in quasi-steady state situation. A second metastable ripple phase with larger periodicity is formed at the ripple phase to fluid phase transition when the buffer contains Ca 2+ . The presented temperature-controlled HS-AFM is a new unique experimental system to observe dynamics of temperature-sensitive processes at the nanoscopic level. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Digital Phase Meter for a Laser Heterodyne Interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loya, Frank

2008-01-01

The Digital Phase Meter is based on a modified phase-locked loop. When phase alignment between the reference input and the phase-shifted metrological input is achieved, the loop locks and the phase shift of the digital phase shifter equals the phase difference that one seeks to measure. This digital phase meter is being developed for incorporation into a laser heterodyne interferometer in a metrological apparatus, but could also be adapted to other uses. Relative to prior phase meters of similar capability, including digital ones, this digital phase meter is smaller, less complex, and less expensive. The phase meter has been constructed and tested in the form of a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) cadastral and right of way data sharing pilot project : phase 1 and phase 2 summary report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-12-10

The Cadastral and Right of Way Data Sharing Pilot Project is divided into three phases: Phase 1 Identify Information to Share, Phase 2 Information Collection, Phase 3 Web-based Information Access and Transfer. The Phase 1 and Phase 2 Summary Report d...

Sub-pixel spatial resolution wavefront phase imaging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stahl, H. Philip (Inventor); Mooney, James T. (Inventor)

2012-01-01

A phase imaging method for an optical wavefront acquires a plurality of phase images of the optical wavefront using a phase imager. Each phase image is unique and is shifted with respect to another of the phase images by a known/controlled amount that is less than the size of the phase imager's pixels. The phase images are then combined to generate a single high-spatial resolution phase image of the optical wavefront.

14 CFR 1216.304 - Major decision points.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... facility projects, generally have four distinct phases: The conceptual study phase; the detailed planning/definition phase; the development/construction phase; and the operation phase. (Other NASA activities have fewer, less well-defined phases, but can still be characterized by phases representing general or...

On the Size Dependence of Molar and Specific Properties of Independent Nano-phases and Those in Contact with Other Phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaptay, George

2018-05-01

Nano-materials are materials with at least one nano-phase. A nano-phase is a phase with at least one of its dimensions below 100 nm. It is shown here that nano-phases have at least 1% of their atoms along their surface layer. The ratio of surface atoms is proportional to the specific surface area of the phase, defined as the ratio of its surface area to its volume. Each specific/molar property has its bulk value and its surface value for the given phase, being always different, as the energetic states of the atoms in the bulk and in the surface layer of a phase are different. The average specific/molar property of a nano-phase is modeled here as a linear combination of the bulk and surface values of the same property, scaled with the ratio of the surface atoms. That makes the performance of all nano-phases proportional to their specific surface area. As the characteristic size of the nano-phase is inversely proportional to its specific surface area, all specific/molar properties of nano-phases are inversely proportional to the characteristic size of the phase. This is applied to the size dependence of the molar Gibbs energy of the nano-phase, which appears to be in agreement with the thermodynamics of Gibbs. This agreement proves the general validity of the present model on the size dependence of the specific/molar properties of independent nano-phases. It is shown that the properties of nano-phases are different for independent nano-phases (surrounded only by their equilibrium vapor phase) and for nano-phases in multi-phase situations, such as a liquid nano-droplet in the sessile drop configuration.

Analysis of phase II studies on targeted agents and subsequent phase III trials: what are the predictors for success?

PubMed

Chan, John K; Ueda, Stefanie M; Sugiyama, Valerie E; Stave, Christopher D; Shin, Jacob Y; Monk, Bradley J; Sikic, Branimir I; Osann, Kathryn; Kapp, Daniel S

2008-03-20

To identify the characteristics of phase II studies that predict for subsequent "positive" phase III trials (those that reached the proposed primary end points of study or those wherein the study drug was superior to the standard regimen investigating targeted agents in advanced tumors. We identified all phase III clinical trials of targeted therapies against advanced cancers published from 1985 to 2005. Characteristics of the preceding phase II studies were reviewed to identify predictive factors for success of the subsequent phase III trial. Data were analyzed using the chi(2) test and logistic regression models. Of 351 phase II studies, 167 (47.6%) subsequent phase III trials were positive and 184 (52.4%) negative. Phase II studies from multiple rather than single institutions were more likely to precede a successful trial (60.4% v 39.4%; P < .001). Positive phase II results were more likely to lead to a successful phase III trial (50.8% v 22.5%; P = .003). The percentage of successful trials from pharmaceutical companies was significantly higher compared with academic, cooperative groups, and research institutes (89.5% v 44.2%, 45.2%, and 46.3%, respectively; P = .002). On multivariate analysis, these factors and shorter time interval between publication of phase II results and III study publication were independent predictive factors for a positive phase III trial. In phase II studies of targeted agents, multiple- versus single-institution participation, positive phase II trial, pharmaceutical company-based trials, and shorter time period between publication of phase II to phase III trial were independent predictive factors of success in a phase III trial. Investigators should be cognizant of these factors in phase II studies before designing phase III trials.

Quantum phase transitions and string orders in the spin-1/2 Heisenberg-Ising alternating chain with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction.

PubMed

Liu, Guang-Hua; You, Wen-Long; Li, Wei; Su, Gang

2015-04-29

Quantum phase transitions (QPTs) and the ground-state phase diagram of the spin-1/2 Heisenberg-Ising alternating chain (HIAC) with uniform Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (DM) interaction are investigated by a matrix-product-state (MPS) method. By calculating the odd- and even-string order parameters, we recognize two kinds of Haldane phases, i.e. the odd- and even-Haldane phases. Furthermore, doubly degenerate entanglement spectra on odd and even bonds are observed in odd- and even-Haldane phases, respectively. A rich phase diagram including four different phases, i.e. an antiferromagnetic (AF), AF stripe, odd- and even-Haldane phases, is obtained. These phases are found to be separated by continuous QPTs: the topological QPT between the odd- and even-Haldane phases is verified to be continuous and corresponds to conformal field theory with central charge c = 1; while the rest of the phase transitions in the phase diagram are found to be c = 1/2. We also revisit, with our MPS method, the exactly solvable case of HIAC model with DM interactions only on odd bonds and find that the even-Haldane phase disappears, but the other three phases, i.e. the AF, AF stripe and odd-Haldane phases, still remain in the phase diagram. We exhibit the evolution of the even-Haldane phase by tuning the DM interactions on the even bonds gradually.

Speedup of minimum discontinuity phase unwrapping algorithm with a reference phase distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yihang; Han, Yu; Li, Fengjiao; Zhang, Qican

2018-06-01

In three-dimensional (3D) shape measurement based on phase analysis, the phase analysis process usually produces a wrapped phase map ranging from - π to π with some 2 π discontinuities, and thus a phase unwrapping algorithm is necessary to recover the continuous and nature phase map from which 3D height distribution can be restored. Usually, the minimum discontinuity phase unwrapping algorithm can be used to solve many different kinds of phase unwrapping problems, but its main drawback is that it requires a large amount of computations and has low efficiency in searching for the improving loop within the phase's discontinuity area. To overcome this drawback, an improvement to speedup of the minimum discontinuity phase unwrapping algorithm by using the phase distribution on reference plane is proposed. In this improved algorithm, before the minimum discontinuity phase unwrapping algorithm is carried out to unwrap phase, an integer number K was calculated from the ratio of the wrapped phase to the nature phase on a reference plane. And then the jump counts of the unwrapped phase can be reduced by adding 2K π, so the efficiency of the minimum discontinuity phase unwrapping algorithm is significantly improved. Both simulated and experimental data results verify the feasibility of the proposed improved algorithm, and both of them clearly show that the algorithm works very well and has high efficiency.

Force-induced desorption of 3-star polymers: a self-avoiding walk model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janse van Rensburg, E. J.; Whittington, S. G.

2018-05-01

We consider a simple cubic lattice self-avoiding walk model of 3-star polymers adsorbed at a surface and then desorbed by pulling with an externally applied force. We determine rigorously the free energy of the model in terms of properties of a self-avoiding walk, and show that the phase diagram includes four phases, namely a ballistic phase where the extension normal to the surface is linear in the length, an adsorbed phase and a mixed phase, in addition to the free phase where the model is neither adsorbed nor ballistic. In the adsorbed phase all three branches or arms of the star are adsorbed at the surface. In the ballistic phase two arms of the star are pulled into a ballistic phase, while the remaining arm is in a free phase. In the mixed phase two arms in the star are adsorbed while the third arm is ballistic. The phase boundaries separating the ballistic and mixed phases, and the adsorbed and mixed phases, are both first order phase transitions. The presence of the mixed phase is interesting because it does not occur for pulled, adsorbed self-avoiding walks. In an atomic force microscopy experiment it would appear as an additional phase transition as a function of force.

Enriched classification of parafermionic gapped phases with time-reversal symmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Wen-Tao; Zhang, Guang-Ming

2018-03-01

Based on the recently established parafermionic matrix product states, we study the classification of one-dimensional gapped phases of parafermions with time-reversal (TR) symmetry satisfying T2=1 . Without extra symmetry, it has been found that Zp parafermionic gapped phases can be classified as topological phases, spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB) phases, and a trivial phase, which are uniquely labeled by the divisors n of p . In the presence of TR symmetry, however, the enriched classification is characterized by three indices n , κ , and μ , where κ ∈Z2 denotes the linear or projective TR actions on the edges, and μ ∈Z2 indicates the commutation relations between the TR and (fractionalized) charge operator. For the Zr-symmetric parafermionic ground states, where r =p for trivial or topological phases, and r =p /n for SSB phases, each original gapped phase with odd r is divided into two phases, while each phase with even r is further separated into four phases. The gapped parafermionic phases with the TR symmetry include the symmetry protected topological phases, symmetry enriched topological phases, and the SSB coexisting symmetry protected topological phases. From analyzing the structures and symmetries of their reduced density matrices of these resulting topological phases, we can obtain the topologically protected degeneracies of their entanglement spectra.

RF power recovery feedback circulator

DOEpatents

Sharamentov, Sergey I [Bolingbrook, IL

2011-03-29

A device and method for improving the efficiency of RF systems having a Reflective Load. In the preferred embodiment, Reflected Energy from a superconducting resonator of a particle accelerator is reintroduced to the resonator after the phase of the Reflected Energy is aligned with the phase of the Supply Energy from a RF Energy Source. In one embodiment, a Circulator is used to transfer Reflected Energy from the Reflective Load into a Phase Adjuster which aligns the phase of the Reflected Energy with that of the Supply Energy. The phase-aligned energy is then combined with the Supply Energy, and reintroduced into the Reflective Load. In systems having a constant phase shift, the Phase Adjuster may be designed to shift the phase of the Reflected Energy by a constant amount using a Phase Shifter. In systems having a variety (variable) phase shifts, a Phase Shifter controlled by a phase feedback loop comprising a Phase Detector and a Feedback Controller to account for the various phase shifts is preferable.

MARMOT Phase-Field Model for the U-Si System

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

Aagesen, Larry Kenneth; Schwen, Daniel

2016-09-01

A phase-field model for the U-Si system has been implemented in MARMOT. The free energies for the phases relevant to accident-tolerant fuel applications (U 3Si 2, USi, U 3Si, and liquid) were implemented as free energy materials within MARMOT. A new three-phase phase-field model based on the concepts of the Kim-Kim-Suzuki two-phase model was developed and implemented in the MOOSE phase-field module. Key features of this model are that two-phase interfaces are stable with respect to formation of the third phase, and that arbitrary phase free energies can be used. The model was validated using a simplified three-phase system andmore » the U-Si system. In the U-Si system, the model correctly reproduced three-phase coexistence in a U 3Si 2-liquid-USi system at the eutectic temperature, solidification of a three-phase mixture below the eutectic temperature, and complete melting of a three-phase mixture above the eutectic temperature.« less

Phases, phase equilibria, and phase rules in low-dimensional systems

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

Frolov, T., E-mail: timfrol@berkeley.edu; Mishin, Y., E-mail: ymishin@gmu.edu

2015-07-28

We present a unified approach to thermodynamic description of one, two, and three dimensional phases and phase transformations among them. The approach is based on a rigorous definition of a phase applicable to thermodynamic systems of any dimensionality. Within this approach, the same thermodynamic formalism can be applied for the description of phase transformations in bulk systems, interfaces, and line defects separating interface phases. For both lines and interfaces, we rigorously derive an adsorption equation, the phase coexistence equations, and other thermodynamic relations expressed in terms of generalized line and interface excess quantities. As a generalization of the Gibbs phasemore » rule for bulk phases, we derive phase rules for lines and interfaces and predict the maximum number of phases than may coexist in systems of the respective dimensionality.« less

Small Business Innovation Research GRC Phase I, Phase II, and Post-Phase II Opportunity Assessment for 2015

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyen, Hung D.; Steele, Gynelle C.

2016-01-01

This report outlines the 2015 Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Phase I, Phase II, and Post-Phase II opportunity contract award results associated with NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD), Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD), Science Mission Directorate (SMD), and Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) for NASA Glenn Research Center. The report also highlights the number of Phase I, Phase II, and Post-Phase II contracts awarded by mission directorate. The 2015 Phase I contract awards to companies in Ohio and their corresponding technologies are also discussed.

Phase transformations during the growth of paracetamol crystals from the vapor phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belyaev, A. P.; Rubets, V. P.; Antipov, V. V.; Bordei, N. S.

2014-07-01

Phase transformations during the growth of paracetamol crystals from the vapor phase are studied by differential scanning calorimetry. It is found that the vapor-crystal phase transition is actually a superposition of two phase transitions: a first-order phase transition with variable density and a second-order phase transition with variable ordering. The latter, being a diffuse phase transition, results in the formation of a new, "pretransition," phase irreversibly spent in the course of the transition, which ends in the appearance of orthorhombic crystals. X-ray diffraction data and micrograph are presented.

Carrier phase synchronization system for improved amplitude modulation and television broadcast reception

DOEpatents

Smith, Stephen F [Loudon, TN; Moore, James A [Powell, TN

2011-02-01

Systems and methods are described for carrier phase synchronization for improved AM and TV broadcast reception. A method includes synchronizing the phase of a carrier frequency of a broadcast signal with the phase of a remote reference frequency. An apparatus includes a receiver to detect the phase of a reference signal; a phase comparator coupled to the reference signal-phase receiver; a voltage controlled oscillator coupled to the phase comparator; and a phase-controlled radio frequency output coupled to the voltage controlled oscillator.

Durability of lightweight concrete : Phase II : wetting and drying tests, Phase III : freezing and thawing tests.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1966-12-01

This report describes a laboratory research program on the durability of lightweight concrete. Two phases of a three phase study are covered by this report, while the remaining phase is still under study. The two phases being reported are Phase II - ...

Gene expression profiles of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in the early stationary phase.

PubMed

Meng, L; Alter, T; Aho, T; Huehn, S

2015-09-01

Vibrio (V.) parahaemolyticus is an aquatic bacterium capable of causing foodborne gastroenteritis. In the environment or the food chain, V. parahaemolyticus cells are usually forced into the stationary phase, the common phase for bacterial survival in the environment. So far, little is known about whole genomic expression of V. parahaemolyticus in the early stationary phase compared with the exponential growth phase. We performed whole transcriptomic profiling of V. parahaemolyticus cells in both phases (exponential and early stationary phase). Our data showed in total that 172 genes were induced in early stationary phase, while 61 genes were repressed in early stationary phase compared with the exponential phase. Three functional categories showed stable gene expression in the early stationary phase. Eleven functional categories showed that up-regulation of genes was dominant over down-regulation in the early stationary phase. Although genes related to endogenous metabolism were repressed in the early stationary phase, massive regulation of gene expression occurred in the early stationary phase, indicating the expressed gene set of V. parahaemolyticus in the early stationary phase impacts environmental survival. Vibrio (V.) parahaemolyticus is one of the main bacterial causes of foodborne intestinal infections. This bacterium usually is forced into stationary phase in the environment, which includes, e.g. seafood. When bacteria are in stationary phase, physiological changes can lead to a resistance to many stresses, including physical and chemical challenges during food processing. To the best of our knowledge, highlighting the whole genome expression changes in the early stationary phase compared with exponential phase, as well as the investigation of physiological changes of V. parahaemolyticus such as the survival mechanism in the stationary phase has been the very first study in this field. © 2015 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Temperature-dependent phase-specific deformation mechanisms in a directionally solidified NiAl-Cr(Mo) lamellar composite

DOE PAGES

Yu, Dunji; An, Ke; Chen, Xu; ...

2015-10-09

Phase-specific thermal expansion and mechanical deformation behaviors of a directionally solidified NiAl–Cr(Mo) lamellar in situ composite were investigated by using real-time in situ neutron diffraction during compression at elevated temperatures up to 800 °C. Tensile and compressive thermal residual stresses were found to exist in the NiAl phase and Crss (solid solution) phase, respectively. Then, based on the evolution of lattice spacings and phase stresses, the phase-specific deformation behavior was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Moreover, estimates of phase stresses were derived by Hooke's law on the basis of a simple method for the determination of stress-free lattice spacing in inmore » situ composites. During compressive loading, the NiAl phase yields earlier than the Crss phase. The Crss phase carries much higher stress than the NiAl phase, and displays consistent strain hardening at all temperatures. The NiAl phase exhibits strain hardening at relatively low temperatures and softening at high temperatures. During unloading, the NiAl phase yields in tension whereas the Crss phase unloads elastically. Additionally, post-test microstructural observations show phase-through cracks at room temperature, micro cracks along phase interfaces at 600 °C and intact lamellae kinks at 800 °C, which is due to the increasing deformability of both phases as temperature rises.« less

Phase change based cooling for high burst mode heat loads with temperature regulation above the phase change temperature

DOEpatents

The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy

2009-12-15

An apparatus and method for transferring thermal energy from a heat load is disclosed. In particular, use of a phase change material and specific flow designs enables cooling with temperature regulation well above the fusion temperature of the phase change material for medium and high heat loads from devices operated intermittently (in burst mode). Exemplary heat loads include burst mode lasers and laser diodes, flight avionics, and high power space instruments. Thermal energy is transferred from the heat load to liquid phase change material from a phase change material reservoir. The liquid phase change material is split into two flows. Thermal energy is transferred from the first flow via a phase change material heat sink. The second flow bypasses the phase change material heat sink and joins with liquid phase change material exiting from the phase change material heat sink. The combined liquid phase change material is returned to the liquid phase change material reservoir. The ratio of bypass flow to flow into the phase change material heat sink can be varied to adjust the temperature of the liquid phase change material returned to the liquid phase change material reservoir. Varying the flowrate and temperature of the liquid phase change material presented to the heat load determines the magnitude of thermal energy transferred from the heat load.

As-Cast Icosashedral Quasicrystals in Ti-Zr-Ni Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Geun Woo; Gangopadhyay, Anup K.; Kelton, Kenneth F.

2002-03-01

Most Ti-based icosahedral quasicrystals (i-phase) obtained by rapid quenching from the melt are metastable and disordered. In contrast, the Ti-Zr-Ni i-phase prepared by low temperature annealing is stable and better ordered. This i-phase is formed by a solid-state transformation from C14 Laves phase and α (Ti/Zr) solid-solution phase. It has not been possible previously to grow this i-phase directly from the liquid. Here, the nucleation and growth of the i-phase from the liquid in as-cast Ti-Zr-Ni alloys is reported. Pentagonal growth ledges in as-cast Ti-Zr-Ni ingots are clearly observed. Transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction studies confirm the phase identity. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements show an endothermic transformation from the i-phase to a phase mixture of the C14 Laves and solid-solution phases, demonstrating that this i-phase is also stable. The short time that the liquid remains in the Laves phase-forming-field and the higher nucleation rate of the i-phase, owing to the presumed similarity between the local atomic structures of the i-phase and liquid, allows the i-phase to nucleate and grow directly from the liquid. Container-less solidification studies using electrostatic levitation (ESL) techniques support this conclusion.

Phase Control in Nonlinear Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zambrano, Samuel; Seoane, Jesús M.; Mariño, Inés P.; Sanjuán, Miguel A. F.; Meucci, Riccardo

The following sections are included: * Introduction * Phase Control of Chaos * Description of the model * Numerical exploration of phase control of chaos * Experimental evidence of phase control of chaos * Phase Control of Intermittency in Dynamical Systems * Crisis-induced intermittency and its control * Experimental setup and implementation of the phase control scheme * Phase control of the laser in the pre-crisis regime * Phase control of the intermittency after the crisis * Phase control of the intermittency in the quadratic map * Phase Control of Escapes in Open Dynamical Systems * Control of open dynamical systems * Model description * Numerical simulations and heuristic arguments * Experimental implementation in an electronic circuit * Conclusions and Discussions * Acknowledgments * References

Research on effects of phase error in phase-shifting interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hongjun; Wang, Zhao; Zhao, Hong; Tian, Ailing; Liu, Bingcai

2007-12-01

Referring to phase-shifting interferometry technology, the phase shifting error from the phase shifter is the main factor that directly affects the measurement accuracy of the phase shifting interferometer. In this paper, the resources and sorts of phase shifting error were introduction, and some methods to eliminate errors were mentioned. Based on the theory of phase shifting interferometry, the effects of phase shifting error were analyzed in detail. The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) as a new shifter has advantage as that the phase shifting can be controlled digitally without any mechanical moving and rotating element. By changing coded image displayed on LCD, the phase shifting in measuring system was induced. LCD's phase modulation characteristic was analyzed in theory and tested. Based on Fourier transform, the effect model of phase error coming from LCD was established in four-step phase shifting interferometry. And the error range was obtained. In order to reduce error, a new error compensation algorithm was put forward. With this method, the error can be obtained by process interferogram. The interferogram can be compensated, and the measurement results can be obtained by four-step phase shifting interferogram. Theoretical analysis and simulation results demonstrate the feasibility of this approach to improve measurement accuracy.

The phase transitions between Z n × Z n bosonic topological phases in 1 + 1D, and a constraint on the central charge for the critical points between bosonic symmetry protected topological phases

DOE PAGES

Tsui, Lokman; Huang, Yen-Ta; Jiang, Hong-Chen; ...

2017-03-27

The study of continuous phase transitions triggered by spontaneous symmetry breaking has brought revolutionary ideas to physics. Recently, through the discovery of symmetry protected topological phases, it is realized that continuous quantum phase transition can also occur between states with the same symmetry but different topology. Here in this paper we study a specific class of such phase transitions in 1+1 dimensions – the phase transition between bosonic topological phases protected by Z n × Z n. We find in all cases the critical point possesses two gap opening relevant operators: one leads to a Landau-forbidden symmetry breaking phase transitionmore » and the other to the topological phase transition. We also obtained a constraint on the central charge for general phase transitions between symmetry protected bosonic topological phases in 1+1D.« less

The phase transitions between Z n × Z n bosonic topological phases in 1 + 1D, and a constraint on the central charge for the critical points between bosonic symmetry protected topological phases

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

Tsui, Lokman; Huang, Yen-Ta; Jiang, Hong-Chen

The study of continuous phase transitions triggered by spontaneous symmetry breaking has brought revolutionary ideas to physics. Recently, through the discovery of symmetry protected topological phases, it is realized that continuous quantum phase transition can also occur between states with the same symmetry but different topology. Here in this paper we study a specific class of such phase transitions in 1+1 dimensions – the phase transition between bosonic topological phases protected by Z n × Z n. We find in all cases the critical point possesses two gap opening relevant operators: one leads to a Landau-forbidden symmetry breaking phase transitionmore » and the other to the topological phase transition. We also obtained a constraint on the central charge for general phase transitions between symmetry protected bosonic topological phases in 1+1D.« less

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

Smith, Stephen F; Moore, James A

Systems and methods are described for carrier phase synchronization for improved AM and TV broadcast reception. A method includes synchronizing the phase of a carrier frequency of a broadcast signal with the phase of a remote reference frequency. An apparatus includes a receiver to detect the phase of a reference signal; a phase comparator coupled to the reference signal-phase receiver; a voltage controlled oscillator coupled to the phase comparator; and a phase-controlled radio frequency output coupled to the voltage controlled oscillator.

Vertical cross-spectral phases in atmospheric flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chougule, A.; Mann, J.; Kelly, M.

2014-11-01

The cross-spectral phases between velocity components at two heights are analyzed from observations at the Høvsøre test site under diabatic conditions. These phases represent the degree to which turbulence sensed at one height leads (or lags) in time the turbulence sensed at the other height. The phase angle of the cross-wind component is observed to be significantly greater than the phase for the along-wind component, which in turn is greater than the phase for the vertical component. The cross-wind and along-wind phases increase with stream-wise wavenumber and vertical separation distance, but there is no significant change in the phase angle of vertical velocity. The phase angles for all atmospheric stabilities show similar order in phasing. The phase angles from the Høvsøre observations under neutral condition are compared with a rapid distortion theory model which show similar order in phase shift.

Quantum phases in circuit QED with a superconducting qubit array

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yuanwei; Yu, Lixian; Liang, J. -Q; Chen, Gang; Jia, Suotang; Nori, Franco

2014-01-01

Circuit QED on a chip has become a powerful platform for simulating complex many-body physics. In this report, we realize a Dicke-Ising model with an antiferromagnetic nearest-neighbor spin-spin interaction in circuit QED with a superconducting qubit array. We show that this system exhibits a competition between the collective spin-photon interaction and the antiferromagnetic nearest-neighbor spin-spin interaction, and then predict four quantum phases, including: a paramagnetic normal phase, an antiferromagnetic normal phase, a paramagnetic superradiant phase, and an antiferromagnetic superradiant phase. The antiferromagnetic normal phase and the antiferromagnetic superradiant phase are new phases in many-body quantum optics. In the antiferromagnetic superradiant phase, both the antiferromagnetic and superradiant orders can coexist, and thus the system possesses symmetry. Moreover, we find an unconventional photon signature in this phase. In future experiments, these predicted quantum phases could be distinguished by detecting both the mean-photon number and the magnetization. PMID:24522250

Phase correction, phase resetting, and phase shifts after subliminal timing perturbations in sensorimotor synchronization.

PubMed

Repp, B H

2001-06-01

Recent studies of synchronized finger tapping have shown that perceptually subliminal phase shifts in an auditory sequence are rapidly compensated for in the motor activity (B. H. Repp, 2000a). Experiment 1 used a continuation-tapping task to confirm that this compensation is indeed a phase correction, not an adjustment of the central timekeeper period. Experiments 2-5 revealed that this phase correction occurs even when there is no ordinary sensorimotor asynchrony--when the finger taps are in antiphase or arbitrary phase relative to the auditory sequence (Experiments 2 and 3) or when the tap coinciding with the sequence phase shift is withheld (Experiments 4 and 5). The phase correction observed in the latter conditions was instantaneous, which suggests that phase resetting occurs when the motor activity is discontinuous. A prolonged phase shift suggestive of overcompensation was observed in some conditions, which poses a challenge to pure phase correction models.

Phase-space evolution of x-ray coherence in phase-sensitive imaging.

PubMed

Wu, Xizeng; Liu, Hong

2008-08-01

X-ray coherence evolution in the imaging process plays a key role for x-ray phase-sensitive imaging. In this work we present a phase-space formulation for the phase-sensitive imaging. The theory is reformulated in terms of the cross-spectral density and associated Wigner distribution. The phase-space formulation enables an explicit and quantitative account of partial coherence effects on phase-sensitive imaging. The presented formulas for x-ray spectral density at the detector can be used for performing accurate phase retrieval and optimizing the phase-contrast visibility. The concept of phase-space shearing length derived from this phase-space formulation clarifies the spatial coherence requirement for phase-sensitive imaging with incoherent sources. The theory has been applied to x-ray Talbot interferometric imaging as well. The peak coherence condition derived reveals new insights into three-grating-based Talbot-interferometric imaging and gratings-based x-ray dark-field imaging.

A Physical Model for Three-Phase Compaction in Silicic Magma Reservoirs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huber, Christian; Parmigiani, Andrea

2018-04-01

We develop a model for phase separation in magma reservoirs containing a mixture of silicate melt, crystals, and fluids (exsolved volatiles). The interplay between the three phases controls the dynamics of phase separation and consequently the chemical and physical evolution of magma reservoirs. The model we propose is based on the two-phase damage theory approach of Bercovici et al. (2001, https://doi.org/10.1029/2000JB900430) and Bercovici and Ricard (2003, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-246X.2003.01854.x) because it offers the leverage of considering interface (in the macroscopic limit) between phases that can deform depending on the mechanical work and phase changes taking place locally in the magma. Damage models also offer the advantage that pressure is defined uniquely to each phase and does not need to be equal among phases, which will enable us to consider, in future studies, the large capillary pressure at which fluids are mobilized in mature, crystal-rich, magma bodies. In this first analysis of three-phase compaction, we solve the three-phase compaction equations numerically for a simple 1-D problem where we focus on the effect of fluids on the efficiency of melt-crystal separation considering the competition between viscous and buoyancy stresses only. We contrast three sets of simulations to explore the behavior of three-phase compaction, a melt-crystal reference compaction scenario (two-phase compaction), a three-phase scenario without phase changes, and finally a three-phase scenario with a parameterized second boiling (crystallization-induced exsolution). The simulations show a dramatic difference between two-phase (melt crystals) and three-phase (melt-crystals-exsolved volatiles) compaction-driven phase separation. We find that the presence of a lighter, significantly less viscous fluid hinders melt-crystal separation.

Probabilistic physical characteristics of phase transitions at highway bottlenecks: incommensurability of three-phase and two-phase traffic-flow theories.

PubMed

Kerner, Boris S; Klenov, Sergey L; Schreckenberg, Michael

2014-05-01

Physical features of induced phase transitions in a metastable free flow at an on-ramp bottleneck in three-phase and two-phase cellular automaton (CA) traffic-flow models have been revealed. It turns out that at given flow rates at the bottleneck, to induce a moving jam (F → J transition) in the metastable free flow through the application of a time-limited on-ramp inflow impulse, in both two-phase and three-phase CA models the same critical amplitude of the impulse is required. If a smaller impulse than this critical one is applied, neither F → J transition nor other phase transitions can occur in the two-phase CA model. We have found that in contrast with the two-phase CA model, in the three-phase CA model, if the same smaller impulse is applied, then a phase transition from free flow to synchronized flow (F → S transition) can be induced at the bottleneck. This explains why rather than the F → J transition, in the three-phase theory traffic breakdown at a highway bottleneck is governed by an F → S transition, as observed in real measured traffic data. None of two-phase traffic-flow theories incorporates an F → S transition in a metastable free flow at the bottleneck that is the main feature of the three-phase theory. On the one hand, this shows the incommensurability of three-phase and two-phase traffic-flow theories. On the other hand, this clarifies why none of the two-phase traffic-flow theories can explain the set of fundamental empirical features of traffic breakdown at highway bottlenecks.

Challenges Facing Early Phase Trials Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute: An Analysis of Corrective Action Plans to Improve Accrual

PubMed Central

Massett, Holly A.; Mishkin, Grace; Rubinstein, Larry; Ivy, S. Percy; Denicoff, Andrea; Godwin, Elizabeth; DiPiazza, Kate; Bolognese, Jennifer; Zwiebel, James A.; Abrams, Jeffrey S.

2016-01-01

Accruing patients in a timely manner represents a significant challenge to early phase cancer clinical trials. The NCI Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program analyzed 19 months of corrective action plans (CAPs) received for slow-accruing Phase 1 and 2 trials to identify slow accrual reasons, evaluate whether proposed corrective actions matched these reasons, and assess the CAP impact on trial accrual, duration, and likelihood of meeting primary scientific objectives. Of the 135 CAPs analyzed, 69 were for Phase 1 trials and 66 for Phase 2 trials. Primary reasons cited for slow accrual were safety/toxicity (Phase 1: 48%), design/protocol concerns (Phase 1: 42%, Phase 2: 33%), and eligibility criteria (Phase 1: 41%, Phase 2: 35%). The most commonly proposed corrective actions were adding institutions (Phase 1: 43%, Phase 2: 85%) and amending the trial to change eligibility or design (Phase 1: 55%, Phase 2: 44%). Only 40% of CAPs provided proposed corrective actions that matched the reasons given for slow accrual. Seventy percent of trials were closed to accrual at time of analysis (Phase 1=48; Phase 2=46). Of these, 67% of Phase 1 and 70% of Phase 2 trials met their primary objectives, but they were active three times longer than projected. Among closed trials, 24% had an accrual rate increase associated with a greater likelihood of meeting their primary scientific objectives. Ultimately, trials receiving CAPs saw improved accrual rates. Future trials may benefit from implementing CAPs early in trial lifecycles, but it may be more beneficial to invest in earlier accrual planning. PMID:27401246

Phase diagram of a symmetric electron–hole bilayer system: a variational Monte Carlo study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Rajesh O.; Saini, L. K.; Prasad Bahuguna, Bhagwati

2018-05-01

We study the phase diagram of a symmetric electron–hole bilayer system at absolute zero temperature and in zero magnetic field within the quantum Monte Carlo approach. In particular, we conduct variational Monte Carlo simulations for various phases, i.e. the paramagnetic fluid phase, the ferromagnetic fluid phase, the anti-ferromagnetic Wigner crystal phase, the ferromagnetic Wigner crystal phase and the excitonic phase, to estimate the ground-state energy at different values of in-layer density and inter-layer spacing. Slater–Jastrow style trial wave functions, with single-particle orbitals appropriate for different phases, are used to construct the phase diagram in the (r s , d) plane by finding the relative stability of trial wave functions. At very small layer separations, we find that the fluid phases are stable, with the paramagnetic fluid phase being particularly stable at and the ferromagnetic fluid phase being particularly stable at . As the layer spacing increases, we first find that there is a phase transition from the ferromagnetic fluid phase to the ferromagnetic Wigner crystal phase when d reaches 0.4 a.u. at r s   =  20, and before there is a return to the ferromagnetic fluid phase when d approaches 1 a.u. However, for r s   <  20 and a.u., the excitonic phase is found to be stable. We do not find that the anti-ferromagnetic Wigner crystal is stable over the considered range of r s and d. We also find that as r s increases, the critical layer separations for Wigner crystallization increase.

Direct phase selection of initial phases from single-wavelength anomalous dispersion (SAD) for the improvement of electron density and ab initio structure determination.

PubMed

Chen, Chung-De; Huang, Yen-Chieh; Chiang, Hsin-Lin; Hsieh, Yin-Cheng; Guan, Hong-Hsiang; Chuankhayan, Phimonphan; Chen, Chun-Jung

2014-09-01

Optimization of the initial phasing has been a decisive factor in the success of the subsequent electron-density modification, model building and structure determination of biological macromolecules using the single-wavelength anomalous dispersion (SAD) method. Two possible phase solutions (φ1 and φ2) generated from two symmetric phase triangles in the Harker construction for the SAD method cause the well known phase ambiguity. A novel direct phase-selection method utilizing the θ(DS) list as a criterion to select optimized phases φ(am) from φ1 or φ2 of a subset of reflections with a high percentage of correct phases to replace the corresponding initial SAD phases φ(SAD) has been developed. Based on this work, reflections with an angle θ(DS) in the range 35-145° are selected for an optimized improvement, where θ(DS) is the angle between the initial phase φ(SAD) and a preliminary density-modification (DM) phase φ(DM)(NHL). The results show that utilizing the additional direct phase-selection step prior to simple solvent flattening without phase combination using existing DM programs, such as RESOLVE or DM from CCP4, significantly improves the final phases in terms of increased correlation coefficients of electron-density maps and diminished mean phase errors. With the improved phases and density maps from the direct phase-selection method, the completeness of residues of protein molecules built with main chains and side chains is enhanced for efficient structure determination.

Resolution Of Phase Ambiguities In QPSK

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyen, Tien M.

1992-01-01

Report discusses several techniques for resolution of phase ambiguities in detection and decoding of radio signals modulated by coherent quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) and offset QPSK (OQPSK). Eight ambiguities: four associated with phase of carrier signal in absence of ambiguity in direction of rotation of carrier phase, and another four associated with carrier phase in presence of phase-rotation ambiguity.

Demographic-Based Perceptions of Adequacy of Software Security's Presence within Individual Phases of the Software Development Life Cycle

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kramer, Aleksey

2013-01-01

The topic of software security has become paramount in information technology (IT) related scholarly research. Researchers have addressed numerous software security topics touching on all phases of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC): requirements gathering phase, design phase, development phase, testing phase, and maintenance phase.…

HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials

MedlinePlus

... Participants Studies with Female Participants What's this? Age Group: What's this? Child (birth-17) Adult (18-65) Senior (66+) Phase: What's this? Early Phase 1 Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Funded By: What's this? NIH Other U.S. Federal ...

First principles investigation of Fe and Al bearing phase H

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuchiya, J.; Tsuchiya, T.

2015-12-01

The global circulation of water in the earth is important to investigate the evolution history and dynamics of the earth, since the physical properties (e.g. atomic diffusivity, melting temperature, electrical conductivity and seismic velocities) of the constituent minerals are considerably changed by the presence of water. It has been believed that water is carried into the deep Earth's interior by hydrous minerals such as the dense hydrous magnesium silicates (DHMSs) which are also known as alphabet phases (phase A, superhydrous phase B, and phase D etc.) in the descending cold plate. It has been thought that the relay of these hydrous phases was terminated at ~1200 km depth by the dehydration of phase D which was the highest pressure phase of DHMSs. Recently, we have theoretically predicted the high pressure phase of phase D and experimentally confirmed the existence of this new DHMS in lower mantle pressure conditions above ~45 GPa. This phase has MgSiO4H2chemical composition and named as phase H. At the lower mantle pressure conditions, Al and H-bearing SiO2, δ-AlOOH, ɛ-FeOOH and phase H may be the relevant hydrous phases in the subducting slabs. Interestingly, the crystal structure of these hydrous phases are almost same and have CaCl2type structure. This suggests that these hydrous phases may potentially be able to make the wide range of solid solution. Some experimental studies already reported that Al preferentially partitioned into phase H and the stability of phase H drastically increased by incorporation of Al (Nishi et al. 2014, Ohira et al. 2014). The density of subducted MORB is reported to be denser than that of pyrolite in the lower mantle (e.g. Kawai et al. 2009). Therefore, there is a possibility that phase H containing Al and Fe in subducted MORB survive down to the bottom of lower mantle and the melting of phase H at the core mantle boundary may contribute to the cause of ultra-low velocity zones. In this study, we further extends our exploration of these hydrous phases, such as the spin transition of Fe in phase H and the possibility of further phase transition of this new hydrous mineral using first principles calculation techniques and discuss the possible effects of this hydrous phase at the bottom of lower mantle.

Low Temperature Phase Transformations in Copper-Quenched Ti-44.5Al-8Nb-2.5V Alloy

PubMed Central

Cao, Shouzhen; Xiao, Shulong; Chen, Yuyong; Xu, Lijuan; Wang, Xiaopeng; Han, Jianchao

2017-01-01

In this study, an easily controlled transformation similar to the β + α → β + α + γ and the analysis of metastable phases in a β solidifying Ti-44.5Al-8Nb-2.5V alloy were investigated. Therefore, a liquid alloy copper-quenching followed by annealing at an application temperature (850 °C) has been carried out. Following quenching, a microstructure composed of several supersaturated phases—the basket-weave β0 (βbv) phase, the plate-like α2 (αp) phase and the stripe-like γ (γs) phase—was obtained. In the annealing processes, phase transformations in the prior βbv and αp phases domain corresponded nicely to the β + α → β + α + γ transformation during solidification. Also, in the annealed γs phase, the kinetics of the phase transformations involving the metastable L12 phase was firstly detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The L12 phase had a lattice structure similar to the γ phase, whereas the composition of the phase was similar to the α2 phase. The formation of the γ pre-twin phase with an anti-phase boundary (APB) was detected in the γs phase of the matrix. The orientation relationships between the γs and precipitated: γ (γp) phase are <101]γs//<114]γp, (101¯)γs//(1¯10)γp and (01¯0)γs//(221¯)γp. PMID:28772561

Emergence of superconductivity and magnetic ordering tuned by Fe-vacancy in alkali-metal Fe chalcogenides RbxFe2-ySe2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Yoshiaki; Kototani, Shouhei; Itoh, Masayuki; Sato, Masatoshi

2014-12-01

Samples of RbxFe2-ySe2 exhibiting superconductivity [superconducting (SC) samples] undergo a phase-separation into two phases, a Fe-vacancy ordered phase with antiferromagnetic (AFM) transition at TN1~500 K (AFM1 phase) and a phase with little Fe- vacancy and SC transition at Tc~30 K (SC phase). The samples of RbxFe2-ySe2 exhibiting no SC behaviour (non-SC samples) are phase-separated into three phases, the AFM1 phase, another AFM phase with TN2 ~150 K (AFM2 phase), and a paramagnetic phase with no SC transitions (paramagnetic non-SC phase). In this paper, we present the experimental results of magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity, and NMR measurements on single crystals of RbxFe2-ySe2 to reveal physical properties of these co-existing phases in the SC and non-SC samples. The 87Rb and 77Se NMR spectra show that the Fe vacancy concentration is very small in the Fe planes of the SC phase, whereas the AFM2 and paramagnetic non-SC phases in non-SC samples have larger amount of Fe vacancies. The randomness induced by the Fe vacancy in the non-SC samples makes the AFM2 and paramagnetic non-SC phases insulating/semiconducting and magnetically active, resulting in the absence of the superconductivity in RbxFe2-ySe2.

Phase accuracy evaluation for phase-shifting fringe projection profilometry based on uniform-phase coded image

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chunwei; Zhao, Hong; Zhu, Qian; Zhou, Changquan; Qiao, Jiacheng; Zhang, Lu

2018-06-01

Phase-shifting fringe projection profilometry (PSFPP) is a three-dimensional (3D) measurement technique widely adopted in industry measurement. It recovers the 3D profile of measured objects with the aid of the fringe phase. The phase accuracy is among the dominant factors that determine the 3D measurement accuracy. Evaluation of the phase accuracy helps refine adjustable measurement parameters, contributes to evaluating the 3D measurement accuracy, and facilitates improvement of the measurement accuracy. Although PSFPP has been deeply researched, an effective, easy-to-use phase accuracy evaluation method remains to be explored. In this paper, methods based on the uniform-phase coded image (UCI) are presented to accomplish phase accuracy evaluation for PSFPP. These methods work on the principle that the phase value of a UCI can be manually set to be any value, and once the phase value of a UCI pixel is the same as that of a pixel of a corresponding sinusoidal fringe pattern, their phase accuracy values are approximate. The proposed methods provide feasible approaches to evaluating the phase accuracy for PSFPP. Furthermore, they can be used to experimentally research the property of the random and gamma phase errors in PSFPP without the aid of a mathematical model to express random phase error or a large-step phase-shifting algorithm. In this paper, some novel and interesting phenomena are experimentally uncovered with the aid of the proposed methods.

Pressure dependence of band-gap and phase transitions in bulk CuX (X = Cl, Br, I)

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

Azhikodan, Dilna; Nautiyal, Tashi; Sharma, S.

2016-05-06

Usually a phase transition, in theoretical studies, is explored or verified by studying the total energy as a function of the volume considering various plausible phases. The intersection point, if any, of the free energy vs. volume curves for the different phases is then the indicator of the phase transition(s). The question is, can the theoretical study of a single phase alone indicate a phase transition? i.e. can we look beyond the phase under consideration through such a study? Using density-functional theory, we report a novel approach to suggest phase transition(s) through theoretical study of a single phase. Copper halidesmore » have been engaged for this study. These are direct band-gap semiconductors, with zinc blende structure at ambient conditions, and are reported to exhibit many phase transitions. We show that the study of volume dependence of energy band-gap in a single phase facilitates looking beyond the phase under consideration. This, when translated to pressures, reflects the phase transition pressures for CuX (X = Cl, Br, I) with an encouraging accuracy. This work thus offers a simple, yet reliable, approach based on electronic structure calculations to investigate new semiconducting materials for phase changes under pressure.« less

Phase-ambiguity resolution for QPSK modulation systems. Part 2: A method to resolve offset QPSK

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyen, Tien Manh

1989-01-01

Part 2 presents a new method to resolve the phase-ambiguity for Offset QPSK modulation systems. When an Offset Quaternary Phase-Shift-Keyed (OQPSK) communications link is utilized, the phase ambiguity of the reference carrier must be resolved. At the transmitter, two different unique words are separately modulated onto the quadrature carriers. At the receiver, the recovered carrier may have one of four possible phases, 0, 90, 180, or 270 degrees, referenced to the nominally correct phase. The IF portion of the channel may cause a phase-sense reversal, i.e., a reversal in the direction of phase rotation for a specified bit pattern. Hence, eight possible phase relationships (the so-called eight ambiguous phase conditions) between input and output of the demodulator must be resolved. Using the In-phase (I)/Quadrature (Q) channel reversal correcting property of an OQPSK Costas loop with integrated symbol synchronization, four ambiguous phase conditions are eliminated. Thus, only four possible ambiguous phase conditions remain. The errors caused by the remaining ambiguous phase conditions can be corrected by monitoring and detecting the polarity of the two unique words. The correction of the unique word polarities results in the complete phase-ambiguity resolution for the OQPSK system.

Using phase II data for the analysis of phase III studies: An application in rare diseases.

PubMed

Wandel, Simon; Neuenschwander, Beat; Röver, Christian; Friede, Tim

2017-06-01

Clinical research and drug development in orphan diseases are challenging, since large-scale randomized studies are difficult to conduct. Formally synthesizing the evidence is therefore of great value, yet this is rarely done in the drug-approval process. Phase III designs that make better use of phase II data can facilitate drug development in orphan diseases. A Bayesian meta-analytic approach is used to inform the phase III study with phase II data. It is particularly attractive, since uncertainty of between-trial heterogeneity can be dealt with probabilistically, which is critical if the number of studies is small. Furthermore, it allows quantifying and discounting the phase II data through the predictive distribution relevant for phase III. A phase III design is proposed which uses the phase II data and considers approval based on a phase III interim analysis. The design is illustrated with a non-inferiority case study from a Food and Drug Administration approval in herpetic keratitis (an orphan disease). Design operating characteristics are compared to those of a traditional design, which ignores the phase II data. An analysis of the phase II data reveals good but insufficient evidence for non-inferiority, highlighting the need for a phase III study. For the phase III study supported by phase II data, the interim analysis is based on half of the patients. For this design, the meta-analytic interim results are conclusive and would justify approval. In contrast, based on the phase III data only, interim results are inconclusive and require further evidence. To accelerate drug development for orphan diseases, innovative study designs and appropriate methodology are needed. Taking advantage of randomized phase II data when analyzing phase III studies looks promising because the evidence from phase II supports informed decision-making. The implementation of the Bayesian design is straightforward with public software such as R.

Wafer-Fused Orientation-Patterned GaAs

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-02-13

frequencies utilizing existing industrial foundries. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Orientation-patterned Gallium Arsenide, hydride vapor phase epitaxy, quasi-phase... Gallium Arsenide, hydride vapor phase epitaxy, quasi-phase-matching, nonlinear frequency conversion 1. INTRODUCTION Quasi-phase-matching (QPM)1...and E. Lallier, “Second harmonic generation of CO2 laser using thick quasi-phase-matched GaAs layer grown by hydride vapour phase epitaxy

Silicon RFIC Techniques for Reconfigurable Military Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

21 3.2.1 Motivation ...2008-295 21 3.2 Distributed Cascode LNAs at 20 GHz 3.2.1 Motivation Millimetrewave integrated circuits are traditionally implemented using...ZRef=50. Ohm Phase=-45. PhaseShiftSML PS4 ZRef=50. Ohm Phase=-22.5 PhaseShiftSML PS7 ZRef=50. Ohm Phase=-180 PhaseShiftSML PS8 ZRef=50. Ohm Phase=-180

A Robust Parameterization of Human Gait Patterns Across Phase-Shifting Perturbations

PubMed Central

Villarreal, Dario J.; Poonawala, Hasan A.; Gregg, Robert D.

2016-01-01

The phase of human gait is difficult to quantify accurately in the presence of disturbances. In contrast, recent bipedal robots use time-independent controllers relying on a mechanical phase variable to synchronize joint patterns through the gait cycle. This concept has inspired studies to determine if human joint patterns can also be parameterized by a mechanical variable. Although many phase variable candidates have been proposed, it remains unclear which, if any, provide a robust representation of phase for human gait analysis or control. In this paper we analytically derive an ideal phase variable (the hip phase angle) that is provably monotonic and bounded throughout the gait cycle. To examine the robustness of this phase variable, ten able-bodied human subjects walked over a platform that randomly applied phase-shifting perturbations to the stance leg. A statistical analysis found the correlations between nominal and perturbed joint trajectories to be significantly greater when parameterized by the hip phase angle (0.95+) than by time or a different phase variable. The hip phase angle also best parameterized the transient errors about the nominal periodic orbit. Finally, interlimb phasing was best explained by local (ipsilateral) hip phase angles that are synchronized during the double-support period. PMID:27187967

Molecular-level comparison of alkylsilane and polar-embedded reversed-phase liquid chromatography systems.

PubMed

Rafferty, Jake L; Siepmann, J Ilja; Schure, Mark R

2008-08-15

Stationary phases with embedded polar groups possess several advantages over conventional alkylsilane phases, such as reduced peak tailing, enhanced selectivity for specific functional groups, and the ability to use a highly aqueous mobile phase. To gain a deeper understanding of the retentive properties of these reversed-phase packings, molecular simulations were carried out for three different stationary phases in contact with mobile phases of various water/methanol ratios. Two polar-embedded phases were modeled, namely, amide and ether containing, and compared to a conventional octadecylsilane phase. The simulations show that, due to specific hydrogen bond interactions, the polar-embedded phases take up significantly more solvent and are more ordered than their alkyl counterparts. Alkane and alcohol probe solutes indicate that the polar-embedded phases are less retentive than alkyl phases for nonpolar species, whereas polar species are more retained by them due to hydrogen bonding with the embedded groups and the increased amount of solvent within the stationary phase. This leads to a significant reduction of the free-energy barrier for the transfer of polar species from the mobile phase to residual silanols, and this reduced barrier provides a possible explanation for reduced peak tailing.

Method and system of doppler correction for mobile communications systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Georghiades, Costas N. (Inventor); Spasojevic, Predrag (Inventor)

1999-01-01

Doppler correction system and method comprising receiving a Doppler effected signal comprising a preamble signal (32). A delayed preamble signal (48) may be generated based on the preamble signal (32). The preamble signal (32) may be multiplied by the delayed preamble signal (48) to generate an in-phase preamble signal (60). The in-phase preamble signal (60) may be filtered to generate a substantially constant in-phase preamble signal (62). A plurality of samples of the substantially constant in-phase preamble signal (62) may be accumulated. A phase-shifted signal (76) may also be generated based on the preamble signal (32). The phase-shifted signal (76) may be multiplied by the delayed preamble signal (48) to generate an out-of-phase preamble signal (80). The out-of-phase preamble signal (80) may be filtered to generate a substantially constant out-of-phase preamble signal (82). A plurality of samples of the substantially constant out-of-phase signal (82) may be accumulated. A sum of the in-phase preamble samples and a sum of the out-of-phase preamble samples may be normalized relative to each other to generate an in-phase Doppler estimator (92) and an out-of-phase Doppler estimator (94).

Phase noise mitigation of QPSK signal utilizing phase-locked multiplexing of signal harmonics and amplitude saturation.

PubMed

Mohajerin-Ariaei, Amirhossein; Ziyadi, Morteza; Chitgarha, Mohammad Reza; Almaiman, Ahmed; Cao, Yinwen; Shamee, Bishara; Yang, Jeng-Yuan; Akasaka, Youichi; Sekiya, Motoyoshi; Takasaka, Shigehiro; Sugizaki, Ryuichi; Touch, Joseph D; Tur, Moshe; Langrock, Carsten; Fejer, Martin M; Willner, Alan E

2015-07-15

We demonstrate an all-optical phase noise mitigation scheme based on the generation, delay, and coherent summation of higher order signal harmonics. The signal, its third-order harmonic, and their corresponding delayed variant conjugates create a staircase phase-transfer function that quantizes the phase of quadrature-phase-shift-keying (QPSK) signal to mitigate phase noise. The signal and the harmonics are automatically phase-locked multiplexed, avoiding the need for phase-based feedback loop and injection locking to maintain coherency. The residual phase noise converts to amplitude noise in the quantizer stage, which is suppressed by parametric amplification in the saturation regime. Phase noise reduction of ∼40% and OSNR-gain of ∼3  dB at BER 10(-3) are experimentally demonstrated for 20- and 30-Gbaud QPSK input signals.

Recursive approach to the moment-based phase unwrapping method.

PubMed

Langley, Jason A; Brice, Robert G; Zhao, Qun

2010-06-01

The moment-based phase unwrapping algorithm approximates the phase map as a product of Gegenbauer polynomials, but the weight function for the Gegenbauer polynomials generates artificial singularities along the edge of the phase map. A method is presented to remove the singularities inherent to the moment-based phase unwrapping algorithm by approximating the phase map as a product of two one-dimensional Legendre polynomials and applying a recursive property of derivatives of Legendre polynomials. The proposed phase unwrapping algorithm is tested on simulated and experimental data sets. The results are then compared to those of PRELUDE 2D, a widely used phase unwrapping algorithm, and a Chebyshev-polynomial-based phase unwrapping algorithm. It was found that the proposed phase unwrapping algorithm provides results that are comparable to those obtained by using PRELUDE 2D and the Chebyshev phase unwrapping algorithm.

30 CFR 203.35 - What administrative steps must I take to use the RSV earned by a qualified phase 2 or phase 3...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... the RSV earned by a qualified phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? 203.35 Section 203.35 Mineral... steps must I take to use the RSV earned by a qualified phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? To use an RSV... of the size of the RSV earned by your lease. (2) If you produced from a qualified phase 2 or phase 3...

30 CFR 203.35 - What administrative steps must I take to use the RSV earned by a qualified phase 2 or phase 3...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... the RSV earned by a qualified phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? 203.35 Section 203.35 Mineral... steps must I take to use the RSV earned by a qualified phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? To use an RSV... of the size of the RSV earned by your lease. (2) If you produced from a qualified phase 2 or phase 3...

30 CFR 203.35 - What administrative steps must I take to use the RSV earned by a qualified phase 2 or phase 3...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... the RSV earned by a qualified phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? 203.35 Section 203.35 Mineral... steps must I take to use the RSV earned by a qualified phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? To use an RSV... of the size of the RSV earned by your lease. (2) If you produced from a qualified phase 2 or phase 3...

Robust terahertz self-heterodyne system using a phase noise compensation technique.

PubMed

Song, Hajun; Song, Jong-In

2015-08-10

We propose and demonstrate a robust terahertz self-heterodyne system using a phase noise compensation technique. Conventional terahertz self-heterodyne systems suffer from degraded phase noise performance due to phase noise of the laser sources. The proposed phase noise compensation technique uses an additional photodiode and a simple electric circuit to produce phase noise identical to that observed in the terahertz signal produced by the self-heterodyne system. The phase noise is subsequently subtracted from the terahertz signal produced by the self-heterodyne system using a lock-in amplifier. While the terahertz self-heterodyne system using a phase noise compensation technique offers improved phase noise performance, it also provides a reduced phase drift against ambient temperature variations. The terahertz self-heterodyne system using a phase noise compensation technique shows a phase noise of 0.67 degree in terms of a standard deviation value even without using overall delay balance control. It also shows a phase drift of as small as approximately 10 degrees in an open-to-air measurement condition without any strict temperature control.

Nature of phase transitions in crystalline and amorphous GeTe-Sb2Te3 phase change materials.

PubMed

Kalkan, B; Sen, S; Clark, S M

2011-09-28

The thermodynamic nature of phase stabilities and transformations are investigated in crystalline and amorphous Ge(1)Sb(2)Te(4) (GST124) phase change materials as a function of pressure and temperature using high-resolution synchrotron x-ray diffraction in a diamond anvil cell. The phase transformation sequences upon compression, for cubic and hexagonal GST124 phases are found to be: cubic → amorphous → orthorhombic → bcc and hexagonal → orthorhombic → bcc. The Clapeyron slopes for melting of the hexagonal and bcc phases are negative and positive, respectively, resulting in a pressure dependent minimum in the liquidus. When taken together, the phase equilibria relations are consistent with the presence of polyamorphism in this system with the as-deposited amorphous GST phase being the low entropy low-density amorphous phase and the laser melt-quenched and high-pressure amorphized GST being the high entropy high-density amorphous phase. The metastable phase boundary between these two polyamorphic phases is expected to have a negative Clapeyron slope. © 2011 American Institute of Physics

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

Ortiz, E.; Kraatz, M.; Luthy, R.G.

The dissolution of naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene from viscous organic phases into water was studied in continuous-flow systems for time periods ranging from several months to more than 1 year. By selecting nonaqueous phases ranging from low viscosity to semisolid, i.e., from a light lubricating oil to paraffin, the governance of mass transfer was shown to vary from water phase control to nonaqueous phase control. An advancing depleted-zone model is proposed to explain the dissolution of PAHs from a viscous organic phase wherein the formation of a depleted zone within the organic phase increases the organic phase resistance to themore » dissolution of PAHs. The experimental data suggest the formation of a depleted zone within the organic phase for systems comprising a high-viscosity oil, petrolatum (petroleum jelly), and paraffin. Organic phase resistance to naphthalene dissolution became dominant over aqueous phase resistance after flushing for several days. Such effects were not evident for low viscosity lubricating oil. The transition from aqueous-phase dissolution control to nonaqueous-phase dissolution control appears predictable, and this provides a more rational framework to assess long-term release of HOCs from viscous nonaqueous phase liquids and semisolids.« less

Role of phase synchronisation in turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moradi, Sara; Teaca, Bogdan; Anderson, Johan

2017-11-01

The role of the phase dynamics in turbulence is investigated. As a demonstration of the importance of the phase dynamics, a simplified system is used, namely the one-dimensional Burgers equation, which is evolved numerically. The system is forced via a known external force, with two components that are added into the evolution equations of the amplitudes and the phase of the Fourier modes, separately. In this way, we are able to control the impact of the force on the dynamics of the phases. In the absence of the direct forcing in the phase equation, it is observed that the phases are not stochastic as assumed in the Random Phase Approximation (RPA) models, and in contrast, the non-linear couplings result in intermittent locking of the phases to ± π/2. The impact of the force, applied purely on the phases, is to increase the occurrence of the phase locking events in which the phases of the modes in a wide k range are now locked to ± π/2, leading to a change in the dynamics of both phases and amplitudes, with a significant localization of the real space flow structures.

Challenges Facing Early Phase Trials Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute: An Analysis of Corrective Action Plans to Improve Accrual.

PubMed

Massett, Holly A; Mishkin, Grace; Rubinstein, Larry; Ivy, S Percy; Denicoff, Andrea; Godwin, Elizabeth; DiPiazza, Kate; Bolognese, Jennifer; Zwiebel, James A; Abrams, Jeffrey S

2016-11-15

Accruing patients in a timely manner represents a significant challenge to early phase cancer clinical trials. The NCI Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program analyzed 19 months of corrective action plans (CAP) received for slow-accruing phase I and II trials to identify slow accrual reasons, evaluate whether proposed corrective actions matched these reasons, and assess the CAP impact on trial accrual, duration, and likelihood of meeting primary scientific objectives. Of the 135 CAPs analyzed, 69 were for phase I trials and 66 for phase II trials. Primary reasons cited for slow accrual were safety/toxicity (phase I: 48%), design/protocol concerns (phase I: 42%, phase II: 33%), and eligibility criteria (phase I: 41%, phase II: 35%). The most commonly proposed corrective actions were adding institutions (phase I: 43%, phase II: 85%) and amending the trial to change eligibility or design (phase I: 55%, phase II: 44%). Only 40% of CAPs provided proposed corrective actions that matched the reasons given for slow accrual. Seventy percent of trials were closed to accrual at time of analysis (phase I = 48; phase II = 46). Of these, 67% of phase I and 70% of phase II trials met their primary objectives, but they were active three times longer than projected. Among closed trials, 24% had an accrual rate increase associated with a greater likelihood of meeting their primary scientific objectives. Ultimately, trials receiving CAPs saw improved accrual rates. Future trials may benefit from implementing CAPs early in trial life cycles, but it may be more beneficial to invest in earlier accrual planning. Clin Cancer Res; 22(22); 5408-16. ©2016 AACRSee related commentary by Mileham and Kim, p. 5397. ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

Phase diagram of a symmetric electron-hole bilayer system: a variational Monte Carlo study.

PubMed

Sharma, Rajesh O; Saini, L K; Bahuguna, Bhagwati Prasad

2018-05-10

We study the phase diagram of a symmetric electron-hole bilayer system at absolute zero temperature and in zero magnetic field within the quantum Monte Carlo approach. In particular, we conduct variational Monte Carlo simulations for various phases, i.e. the paramagnetic fluid phase, the ferromagnetic fluid phase, the anti-ferromagnetic Wigner crystal phase, the ferromagnetic Wigner crystal phase and the excitonic phase, to estimate the ground-state energy at different values of in-layer density and inter-layer spacing. Slater-Jastrow style trial wave functions, with single-particle orbitals appropriate for different phases, are used to construct the phase diagram in the (r s , d) plane by finding the relative stability of trial wave functions. At very small layer separations, we find that the fluid phases are stable, with the paramagnetic fluid phase being particularly stable at [Formula: see text] and the ferromagnetic fluid phase being particularly stable at [Formula: see text]. As the layer spacing increases, we first find that there is a phase transition from the ferromagnetic fluid phase to the ferromagnetic Wigner crystal phase when d reaches 0.4 a.u. at r s   =  20, and before there is a return to the ferromagnetic fluid phase when d approaches 1 a.u. However, for r s   <  20 and [Formula: see text] a.u., the excitonic phase is found to be stable. We do not find that the anti-ferromagnetic Wigner crystal is stable over the considered range of r s and d. We also find that as r s increases, the critical layer separations for Wigner crystallization increase.

Method Of Wire Insertion For Electric Machine Stators

DOEpatents

Brown, David L; Stabel, Gerald R; Lawrence, Robert Anthony

2005-02-08

A method of inserting coils in slots of a stator is provided. The method includes interleaving a first set of first phase windings and a first set of second phase windings on an insertion tool. The method also includes activating the insertion tool to radially insert the first set of first phase windings and the first set of second phase windings in the slots of the stator. In one embodiment, interleaving the first set of first phase windings and the first set of second phase windings on the insertion tool includes forming the first set of first phase windings in first phase openings defined in the insertion tool, and forming the first set of second phase windings in second phase openings defined in the insertion tool.

A study of pedestrian compliance with traffic signals for exclusive and concurrent phasing.

PubMed

Ivan, John N; McKernan, Kevin; Zhang, Yaohua; Ravishanker, Nalini; Mamun, Sha A

2017-01-01

This paper describes a comparison of pedestrian compliance at traffic signals with two types of pedestrian phasing: concurrent, where both pedestrians and vehicular traffic are directed to move in the same directions at the same time, and exclusive, where pedestrians are directed to move during their own dedicated phase while all vehicular traffic is stopped. Exclusive phasing is usually perceived to be safer, especially by senior and disabled advocacy groups, although these safety benefits depend upon pedestrians waiting for the walk signal. This paper investigates whether or not there are differences between pedestrian compliance at signals with exclusive pedestrian phasing and those with concurrent phasing and whether these differences continue to exist when compliance at exclusive phasing signals is evaluated as if they had concurrent phasing. Pedestrian behavior was observed at 42 signalized intersections in central Connecticut with both concurrent and exclusive pedestrian phasing. Binary regression models were estimated to predict pedestrian compliance as a function of the pedestrian phasing type and other intersection characteristics, such as vehicular and pedestrian volume, crossing distance and speed limit. We found that pedestrian compliance is significantly higher at intersections with concurrent pedestrian phasing than at those with exclusive pedestrian phasing, but this difference is not significant when compliance at exclusive phase intersections is evaluated as if it had concurrent phasing. This suggests that pedestrians treat exclusive phase intersections as though they have concurrent phasing, rendering the safety benefits of exclusive pedestrian phasing elusive. No differences were observed for senior or non-senior pedestrians. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Mean phase predictor for maximum a posteriori demodulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Altes, Richard A. (Inventor)

1996-01-01

A system and method for optimal maximum a posteriori (MAP) demodulation using a novel mean phase predictor. The mean phase predictor conducts cumulative averaging over multiple blocks of phase samples to provide accurate prior mean phases, to be input into a MAP phase estimator.

Benzocaine polymorphism: pressure-temperature phase diagram involving forms II and III.

PubMed

Gana, Inès; Barrio, Maria; Do, Bernard; Tamarit, Josep-Lluís; Céolin, René; Rietveld, Ivo B

2013-11-18

Understanding the phase behavior of an active pharmaceutical ingredient in a drug formulation is required to avoid the occurrence of sudden phase changes resulting in decrease of bioavailability in a marketed product. Benzocaine is known to possess three crystalline polymorphs, but their stability hierarchy has so far not been determined. A topological method and direct calorimetric measurements under pressure have been used to construct the topological pressure-temperature diagram of the phase relationships between the solid phases II and III, the liquid, and the vapor phase. In the process, the transition temperature between solid phases III and II and its enthalpy change have been determined. Solid phase II, which has the highest melting point, is the more stable phase under ambient conditions in this phase diagram. Surprisingly, solid phase I has not been observed during the study, even though the scarce literature data on its thermal behavior appear to indicate that it might be the most stable one of the three solid phases. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nucleation via an unstable intermediate phase.

PubMed

Sear, Richard P

2009-08-21

The pathway for crystallization from dilute vapors and solutions is often observed to take a detour via a liquid or concentrated-solution phase. For example, in moist subzero air, droplets of liquid water form, which then freeze. In this example and in many others, an intermediate phase (here liquid water) is dramatically accelerating the kinetics of a phase transition between two other phases (water vapor and ice). Here we study this phenomenon via exact computer simulations of a simple lattice model. Surprisingly, we find that the rate of nucleation of the new equilibrium phase is actually fastest when the intermediate phase is slightly unstable in the bulk, i.e., has a slightly higher free energy than the phase we start in. Nucleation occurs at a concave part of the surface and microscopic amounts of the intermediate phase can form there even before the phase is stable in the bulk. As the nucleus of the equilibrium phase is microscopic, this allows nucleation to occur effectively in the intermediate phase before it is stable in the bulk.

Global phase diagram of the spinless Falicov-Kimball model in d = 3 : renormalization-group theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sariyer, Ozan S.; Hinczewski, Michael; Berker, A. Nihat

2011-03-01

The global phase diagram of the spinless Falicov-Kimball model in d = 3 spatial dimensions is obtained by renormalization-group theory. This global phase diagram exhibits five distinct phases. Four of these phases are charge-ordered (CO) phases, in which the system forms two sublattices with different electron densities. The phase boundaries are second order, except for an intermediate interaction regime, where a first-order phase boundary between two CO phases occurs. The first-order phase boundary is delimited by special bicritical points. The cross-sections of the global phase diagram with respect to the chemical potentials of the localized and mobile electrons, at all representative interaction and hopping strengths, are calculated and exhibit three distinct topologies. The phase diagrams with respect to electron densities are also calculated. This research was supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBITAK), and the Academy of Sciences of Turkey.

Single phase inverter for a three phase power generation and distribution system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindena, S. J.

1976-01-01

A breadboard design of a single-phase inverter with sinusoidal output voltage for a three-phase power generation and distribution system was developed. The three-phase system consists of three single-phase inverters, whose output voltages are connected in a delta configuration. Upon failure of one inverter the two remaining inverters will continue to deliver three-phase power. Parallel redundancy as offered by two three-phase inverters is substituted by one three-phase inverter assembly with high savings in volume, weight, components count and complexity, and a considerable increase in reliability. The following requirements must be met: (1) Each single-phase, current-fed inverter must be capable of being synchronized to a three-phase reference system such that its output voltage remains phaselocked to its respective reference voltage. (2) Each single-phase, current-fed inverter must be capable of accepting leading and lagging power factors over a range from -0.7 through 1 to +0.7.

Digital Phase-Locked Loop With Phase And Frequency Feedback

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, J. Brooks

1991-01-01

Advanced design for digital phase-lock loop (DPLL) allows loop gains higher than those used in other designs. Divided into two major components: counterrotation processor and tracking processor. Notable features include use of both phase and rate-of-change-of-phase feedback instead of frequency feedback alone, normalized sine phase extractor, improved method for extracting measured phase, and improved method for "compressing" output rate.

Magnetic Ordering of Erbium and Uranium NICKEL(2) SILICON(2) by Neutron Scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Hong

The magnetic ordering has been studied in UNi _2Si_2 and erbium single crystals by elastic neutron scattering. Abundant results are given regarding the magnetic structure, magnetic phase transitions, and the effect of a magnetic field on these properties. Three ordered phases are observed in UNi _2Si_2. They have been determined to be an incommensurate longitudinal spin density wave with a magnetic wave vector around q = 0.74c ^* in the high temperature phase, a simple body-centred antiferromagnet in the intermediate temperature phase, and a square wave in the low temperature phase. This square wave can be viewed equivalently as a longitudinal spin density wave with q = 2/3c ^* superimposed on a ferromagnetic component. Hysteresis and sample dependence are observed in the low-temperature phase transition. The two lower temperature phase transitions are both first order. The transition to paramagnetism is second order with a critical exponent beta = 0.35 +/- 0.03. When a magnetic field is applied along the c axis, the intermediate temperature phase is destabilised and disappears above a field of 3.5T. Although there is no new phase induced by the field, there exists a reentrant point where the three ordered phases can coexist. Erbium has three distinct ordered phases: the cone phase at low temperatures, the c-axis modulated (CAM) phase at higher temperatures, and the intermediate phase with moments modulated both along c and perpendicular to c. Within these phases the modulation of the moments may lock in to the lattice. The observed weak harmonics of the wave vector q in the basal plane for the cone phase and the q = 1/4c^* structure in the intermediate phase can be explained by a basal-plane spin slip model. The effect of magnetic field along the c axis on the magnetic structure is to stabilise the cone phase and to destabilise the intermediate phase. A new lock-in structure with q = 1/4c^* in the cone phase is induced by fields above 1.8T. The presence of the field also stabilises the lock-in structure with q = 2/7c^* in both the intermediate and the CAM phases.

Recovery of cesium

DOEpatents

Izatt, Reed M.; Christensen, James J.; Hawkins, Richard T.

1984-01-01

A process of recovering cesium ions from mixtures of ions containing them and other ions, e.g., a solution of nuclear waste materials, which comprises establishing a separate source phase containing such a mixture of ions, establishing a separate recipient phase, establishing a liquid membrane phase in interfacial contact with said source and recipient phases, said membrane phase containing a ligand, preferably a selected calixarene as depicted in the drawing, maintaining said interfacial contact for a period of time long enough to transport by said ligand a substantial portion of the cesium ion from the source phase to the recipient phase, and recovering the cesium ion from the recipient phase. The separation of the source and recipient phases may be by the membrane phase only, e.g., where these aqueous phases are emulsified as dispersed phases in a continuous membrane phase, or may include a physical barrier as well, e.g., an open-top outer container with an inner open-ended container of smaller cross-section mounted in the outer container with its open bottom end spaced from and above the closed bottom of the outer container so that the membrane phase may fill the outer container to a level above the bottom of the inner container and have floating on its upper surface a source phase and a recipient phase separated by the wall of the inner container as a physical barrier. A preferred solvent for the ligand is a mixture of methylene chloride and carbon tetrachloride.

Quantum multicriticality in disordered Weyl semimetals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Xunlong; Xu, Baolong; Ohtsuki, Tomi; Shindou, Ryuichi

2018-01-01

In electronic band structure of solid-state material, two band-touching points with linear dispersion appear in pairs in the momentum space. When they annihilate each other, the system undergoes a quantum phase transition from a three-dimensional (3D) Weyl semimetal (WSM) phase to a band insulator phase such as a Chern band insulator (CI) phase. The phase transition is described by a new critical theory with a "magnetic dipole"-like object in the momentum space. In this paper, we reveal that the critical theory hosts a novel disorder-driven quantum multicritical point, which is encompassed by three quantum phases: a renormalized WSM phase, a CI phase, and a diffusive metal (DM) phase. Based on the renormalization group argument, we first clarify scaling properties around the band-touching points at the quantum multicritical point as well as all phase boundaries among these three phases. Based on numerical calculations of localization length, density of states, and critical conductance distribution, we next prove that a localization-delocalization transition between the CI phase with a finite zero-energy density of states (zDOS) and DM phase belongs to an ordinary 3D unitary class. Meanwhile, a localization-delocalization transition between the Chern insulator phase with zero zDOS and a renormalized WSM phase turns out to be a direct phase transition whose critical exponent ν =0.80 ±0.01 . We interpret these numerical results by a renormalization group analysis on the critical theory.

Analysis and comparison of different phase shifters for Stirling pulse tube cryocooler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lei, Tian; Pfotenhauer, John M.; Zhou, Wenjie

2016-12-01

Investigations of phase shifters and power recovery mechanisms are of sustainable interest for developing Stirling pulse tube cryocoolers (SPTC) with higher power density, more compact design and higher efficiency. This paper investigates the phase shifting capacity and the applications of four different phase shifters, including conventional inertance tube, gas-liquid and spring-oscillator phase shifters, as well as a power recovery displacer. Distributed models based on the electro-acoustic analogy are developed to estimate the phase shifting capacity and the acoustic power dissipation of the three phase shifters without power recovery. The results show that both gas-liquid and spring-oscillator phase shifters have the distinctive capacity of phase shifting with a significant reduction in the inertial component length. Furthermore, full distributed models of SPTCs connected with different phase shifters are developed. The cooling performance of SPTCs using all four phase shifters are presented and typical phase relations are analyzed. The comparison reveals that the power recovery displacer with a more complicated configuration provides the highest efficiency. The gas-liquid and spring-oscillator phase shifters show equivalent efficiency compared with the inertance tube phase shifter. Approximately 10-20% of the acoustic power is dissipated by the phase shifters without power recovery, while 15-20% of the acoustic power can be recovered by the power recovery displacer, leading to a maximum coefficient of performance (COP) above 0.14 at 80 K. A merit analysis is also done by presenting the pros and cons of different phase shifters.

Instability of the layered orthorhombic post-perovskite phase of SrTiO3 and other candidate orthorhombic phases under pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhandari, Churna; Lambrecht, Walter R. L.

2018-06-01

While the tetragonal antiferro-electrically distorted (AFD) phase with space group I 4 / mcm is well known for SrTiO3 to occur below 105 K, there are also some hints in the literature of an orthorhombic phase, either at the lower temperature or at high pressure. A previously proposed orthorhombic layered structure of SrTiO3, known as the post-perovskite or CaIrO3 structure with space group Cmcm is shown to have significantly higher energy than the cubic or tetragonal phase and to have its minimum volume at larger volume than cubic perovskite. The Cmcm structure is thus ruled out. We also study an alternative Pnma phase obtained by two octahedral rotations about different axes. This phase is found to have slightly lower energy than the I 4 / mcm phase in spite of the fact that its parent, in-phase tilted P 4 / mbm phase is not found to occur. Our calculated enthalpies of formation show that the I 4 / mcm phase occurs at slightly higher volume than the cubic phase and has a negative transition pressure relative to the cubic phase, which suggests that it does not correspond to the high-pressure tetragonal phase. The enthalpy of the Pnma phase is almost indistinguishable from the I 4 / mcm phase. Alternative ferro-electric tetragonal and orthorhombic structures previously suggested in literature are discussed.

Phase-locking behavior in a high-frequency gymnotiform weakly electric fish, Adontosternarchus.

PubMed

Kawasaki, Masashi; Leonard, John

2017-02-01

An apteronotid weakly electric fish, Adontosternarchus, emits high-frequency electric organ discharges (700-1500 Hz) which are stable in frequency if no other fish or artificial signals are present. When encountered with an artificial signal of higher frequency than the fish's discharge, the fish raised its discharge frequency and eventually matched its own frequency to that of the artificial signal. At this moment, phase locking was observed, where the timing of the fish's discharge was precisely stabilized at a particular phase of the artificial signal over a long period of time (up to minutes) with microsecond precision. Analyses of the phase-locking behaviors revealed that the phase values of the artificial stimulus at which the fish stabilizes the phase of its own discharge (called lock-in phases) have three populations between -180° and +180°. During the frequency rise and the phase-locking behavior, the electrosensory system is exposed to the mixture of feedback signals from its electric organ discharges and the artificial signal. Since the signal mixture modulates in both amplitude and phase, we explored whether amplitude or phase information participated in driving the phase-locking behavior, using a numerical model. The model which incorporates only amplitude information well predicted the three populations of lock-in phases. When phase information was removed from the electrosensory stimulus, phase-locking behavior was still observed. These results suggest that phase-locking behavior of Adontosternarchus requires amplitude information but not phase information available in the electrosensory stimulus.

Quantitative phase imaging using four interferograms with special phase shifts by dual-wavelength in-line phase-shifting interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Xiaoqing; Wang, Yawei; Ji, Ying; Xu, Yuanyuan; Xie, Ming; Han, Hao

2018-05-01

A new approach of quantitative phase imaging using four interferograms with special phase shifts in dual-wavelength in-line phase-shifting interferometry is presented. In this method, positive negative 2π phase shifts are employed to easily separate the incoherent addition of two single-wavelength interferograms by combining the phase-shifting technique with the subtraction procedure, then the quantitative phase at one of both wavelengths can be achieved based on two intensities without the corresponding dc terms by the use of the character of the trigonometric function. The quantitative phase of the other wavelength can be retrieved from two dc-term suppressed intensities obtained by employing the two-step phase-shifting technique or the filtering technique in the frequency domain. The proposed method is illustrated with theory, and its effectiveness is demonstrated by simulation experiments of the spherical cap and the HeLa cell, respectively.

Reduced vibration motor winding arrangement

DOEpatents

Slavik, C.J.; Rhudy, R.G.; Bushman, R.E.

1997-11-11

An individual phase winding arrangement having a sixty electrical degree phase belt width for use with a three phase motor armature includes a delta connected phase winding portion and a wye connected phase winding portion. Both the delta and wye connected phase winding portions have a thirty electrical degree phase belt width. The delta and wye connected phase winding portions are each formed from a preselected number of individual coils each formed, in turn, from an unequal number of electrical conductor turns in the approximate ratio of {radical}3. The individual coils of the delta and wye connected phase winding portions may either be connected in series or parallel. This arrangement provides an armature winding for a three phase motor which retains the benefits of the widely known and utilized thirty degree phase belt concept, including improved mmf waveform and fundamental distribution factor, with consequent reduced vibrations and improved efficiency. 4 figs.

Method and apparatus for optical phase error correction

DOEpatents

DeRose, Christopher; Bender, Daniel A.

2014-09-02

The phase value of a phase-sensitive optical device, which includes an optical transport region, is modified by laser processing. At least a portion of the optical transport region is exposed to a laser beam such that the phase value is changed from a first phase value to a second phase value, where the second phase value is different from the first phase value. The portion of the optical transport region that is exposed to the laser beam can be a surface of the optical transport region or a portion of the volume of the optical transport region. In an embodiment of the invention, the phase value of the optical device is corrected by laser processing. At least a portion of the optical transport region is exposed to a laser beam until the phase value of the optical device is within a specified tolerance of a target phase value.

Application of phase-change materials in memory taxonomy.

PubMed

Wang, Lei; Tu, Liang; Wen, Jing

2017-01-01

Phase-change materials are suitable for data storage because they exhibit reversible transitions between crystalline and amorphous states that have distinguishable electrical and optical properties. Consequently, these materials find applications in diverse memory devices ranging from conventional optical discs to emerging nanophotonic devices. Current research efforts are mostly devoted to phase-change random access memory, whereas the applications of phase-change materials in other types of memory devices are rarely reported. Here we review the physical principles of phase-change materials and devices aiming to help researchers understand the concept of phase-change memory. We classify phase-change memory devices into phase-change optical disc, phase-change scanning probe memory, phase-change random access memory, and phase-change nanophotonic device, according to their locations in memory hierarchy. For each device type we discuss the physical principles in conjunction with merits and weakness for data storage applications. We also outline state-of-the-art technologies and future prospects.

Three-dimensional imaging of dislocation dynamics during the hydriding phase transformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ulvestad, A.; Welland, M. J.; Cha, W.; Liu, Y.; Kim, J. W.; Harder, R.; Maxey, E.; Clark, J. N.; Highland, M. J.; You, H.; Zapol, P.; Hruszkewycz, S. O.; Stephenson, G. B.

2017-05-01

Crystallographic imperfections significantly alter material properties and their response to external stimuli, including solute-induced phase transformations. Despite recent progress in imaging defects using electron and X-ray techniques, in situ three-dimensional imaging of defect dynamics remains challenging. Here, we use Bragg coherent diffractive imaging to image defects during the hydriding phase transformation of palladium nanocrystals. During constant-pressure experiments we observe that the phase transformation begins after dislocation nucleation close to the phase boundary in particles larger than 300 nm. The three-dimensional phase morphology suggests that the hydrogen-rich phase is more similar to a spherical cap on the hydrogen-poor phase than to the core-shell model commonly assumed. We substantiate this using three-dimensional phase field modelling, demonstrating how phase morphology affects the critical size for dislocation nucleation. Our results reveal how particle size and phase morphology affects transformations in the PdH system.

Reduced vibration motor winding arrangement

DOEpatents

Slavik, Charles J.; Rhudy, Ralph G.; Bushman, Ralph E.

1997-01-01

An individual phase winding arrangement having a sixty electrical degree phase belt width for use with a three phase motor armature includes a delta connected phase winding portion and a wye connected phase winding portion. Both the delta and wye connected phase winding portions have a thirty electrical degree phase belt width. The delta and wye connected phase winding portions are each formed from a preselected number of individual coils each formed, in turn, from an unequal number of electrical conductor turns in the approximate ratio of .sqroot.3. The individual coils of the delta and wye connected phase winding portions may either be connected in series or parallel. This arrangement provides an armature winding for a three phase motor which retains the benefits of the widely known and utilized thirty degree phase belt concept, including improved mmf waveform and fundamental distribution factor, with consequent reduced vibrations and improved efficiency.

Absence of rotational activity detected using 2-dimensional phase mapping in the corresponding 3-dimensional phase maps in human persistent atrial fibrillation.

PubMed

Pathik, Bhupesh; Kalman, Jonathan M; Walters, Tomos; Kuklik, Pawel; Zhao, Jichao; Madry, Andrew; Sanders, Prashanthan; Kistler, Peter M; Lee, Geoffrey

2018-02-01

Current phase mapping systems for atrial fibrillation create 2-dimensional (2D) maps. This process may affect the accurate detection of rotors. We developed a 3-dimensional (3D) phase mapping technique that uses the 3D locations of basket electrodes to project phase onto patient-specific left atrial 3D surface anatomy. We sought to determine whether rotors detected in 2D phase maps were present at the corresponding time segments and anatomical locations in 3D phase maps. One-minute left atrial atrial fibrillation recordings were obtained in 14 patients using the basket catheter and analyzed off-line. Using the same phase values, 2D and 3D phase maps were created. Analysis involved determining the dominant propagation patterns in 2D phase maps and evaluating the presence of rotors detected in 2D phase maps in the corresponding 3D phase maps. Using 2D phase mapping, the dominant propagation pattern was single wavefront (36.6%) followed by focal activation (34.0%), disorganized activity (23.7%), rotors (3.3%), and multiple wavefronts (2.4%). Ten transient rotors were observed in 9 of 14 patients (64%). The mean rotor duration was 1.1 ± 0.7 seconds. None of the 10 rotors observed in 2D phase maps were seen at the corresponding time segments and anatomical locations in 3D phase maps; 4 of 10 corresponded with single wavefronts in 3D phase maps, 2 of 10 with 2 simultaneous wavefronts, 1 of 10 with disorganized activity, and in 3 of 10 there was no coverage by the basket catheter at the corresponding 3D anatomical location. Rotors detected in 2D phase maps were not observed in the corresponding 3D phase maps. These findings may have implications for current systems that use 2D phase mapping. Copyright © 2017 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Identification of sigma and chi phases in duplex stainless steels

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

Llorca-Isern, Núria, E-mail: nullorca@ub.edu; López-Luque, Héctor, E-mail: hlopezlu7@alumnes.ub.edu; López-Jiménez, Isabel, E-mail: ilopezji9@alumnes.ub.edu

The aim of this work is to find out the most suitable method for detecting and analyzing accurately the formation conditions of secondary phases, particularly Sigma-phase (σ-phase) and Chi-phase (χ-phase) in duplex stainless steels (UNS S32205 and UNS S32750). The microstructure was characterized after a solution annealing at 1080 °C followed by an isothermal heating at 830 °C for different time ranges, ranging from 1 min to 9 h, in order to enlighten the controversial point concerning the mechanism of χ-phase nucleation in relation with the σ-phase. Etched samples were observed using optical microscopy (MO), and scanning electron microscopy (FESEM)more » with a backscattered electron detector (BSE) was used on unetched samples. Compositional microanalysis (EDS) was carried out for identifying the different phases present in the steels. Sigma phase was easily observed using different etching procedures, whereas χ-phase was only clearly detected with FESEM–BSE on unetched samples. The compositional analyses showed that the molybdenum content in χ-phase almost doubles the content of this element in σ-phase, and as a result the kinetics of nucleation and growth were also found to be remarkably faster when the alloy content in the steel is higher. In addition, chromium nitrides and carbides were also observed to precipitate as a result of the heat treatments and, in the case of the chromium nitrides, they act as a favorable site for the nucleation of σ-phase and χ-phase. - Highlights: • Microscopy was used on heat treated duplex steels for microstructure identification. • FESEM–BSE observation on unetched samples provided the best contrast between phases. • Analyses of carbides, nitrides, chi and sigma phases were possible by EDS and WDS. • Chromium nitrides act as favorable site for the nucleation of chi and sigma phases. • Secondary phases nucleation kinetics are faster in superduplex than in duplex steels.« less

Plastic behavior of two-phase intermetallic compounds based on L1{sub 2}-type (Al,Cr){sub 3}Ti

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

Park, J.Y.; Wee, D.M.; Oh, M.H.

Plastic behavior of two-phase intermetallic compounds based on L1{sub 2}-type (Al,Cr){sub 3}Ti was investigated using compression test at R.T. and 77K. L1{sub 2} single phase alloys and two-phase alloys consisting of mainly L1{sub 2} phase and a few or 20% (mole percent) second phases were selected from Al-Ti-Cr phase diagram. In general, compared with L1{sub 2} single phase, two-phase alloys consisting of 20% second phase showed relatively high yield strength and poor ductility. Among the alloys, however, Al-21Ti-23Cr alloy consisting of 20% Cr{sub 2}Al phase showed available ductility as well as high yield strength. Plastic behavior of L1{sub 2} singlemore » phase alloys and two-phase alloys consisting of a few Cr{sub 2}Al was also investigated. Homogenization of arc melted ingots substantially reduced the amount of second phases but introduced extensive pore. When Cr content increased in L1{sub 2} single phase alloys after the homogenization, the volume fraction of pores in the alloys decreased, and no residual porosity was observed in two-phase alloys consisting of a few% Cr{sub 2}Al phase. Environmental effect on the ductility of the alloys was investigated using compression test at different strain rates (1.2 {times} 10{sup {minus}4}/s and 1.2 {times} 10{sup {minus}2}/s). Environmental embrittlement was least significant in Al-25Ti-10Cr alloy consisting of L1{sub 2} single phase among the alloys tested in this study. However, based on the combined estimation of the pore formation, environmental embrittlement and ingot cast structure, it could be supposed that Al-21Ti-23Cr alloy consisting of 20% Cr{sub 2}Al as a second phase is expected to show the best tensile elongation behavior among the materials tested.« less

Imputation of missing genotypes from sparse to high density using long-range phasing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Related individuals share potentially long chromosome segments that trace to a common ancestor. A phasing algorithm (ChromoPhase) that utilizes this characteristic of finite populations was developed to phase large sections of a chromosome. In addition to phasing, ChromoPhase imputes missing genotyp...

Installation Restoration Program. Phase II: Stage 1 Problem Confirmation Study, Duluth International Airport, Duluth, Minnesota.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-10-01

8 iii "i t-. Table of Contents (cont.) Section Title Page -APPENDIX A Acronyms, Definitions, Nomenclature and Units of Measure B Scope of Work, Task...Identification/Records Search Phase II - Problem Confirmation and Quantification Phase III - Technology Base Development Phase IV - Corrective Action Only...Problem Identification/Records Search Phase II - Problem Confirmation and Quantification Phase III - Technology Base Development Phase IV - Corrective

Study of a structural phase transition by two dimensional Fourier transform NMR method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trokiner, A.; Man, P. P.; Théveneau, H.; Papon, P.

1985-09-01

The fluoroperovskite RbCaF 3 undergoes a structural phase transition at 195.5 K, from a cubic phase where the 87Rb nuclei have no quadrupolar interaction ( ωQ= 0) to a tetragonal phase where ω Q ≠ O. The transition is weakly first-order. A two-dimensional FT NMR experiment has been performed on 87Rb ( I = {3}/{2}) in a single crystal in both phases and in the vicinity of the phase transition. Our results show the coexistence of the two phases at the phase transition.

Properties of two-mode squeezed number states

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chizhov, Alexei V.; Murzakhmetov, B. K.

1994-01-01

Photon statistics and phase properties of two-mode squeezed number states are studied. It is shown that photon number distribution and Pegg-Barnett phase distribution for such states have similar (N + 1)-peak structure for nonzero value of the difference in the number of photons between modes. Exact analytical formulas for phase distributions based on different phase approaches are derived. The Pegg-Barnett phase distribution and the phase quasiprobability distribution associated with the Wigner function are close to each other, while the phase quasiprobability distribution associated with the Q function carries less phase information.

Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking of Domain Walls in Phase-Competing Regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishizuka, Hiroaki; Yamada, Yasusada; Nagaosa, Naoto

2018-05-01

In this study, we investigate the nature of domain walls in an ordered phase in the phase-competing region of two Ising-type order parameters. We consider a two-component ϕ4 theory and show that the domain wall of the ground-state (primary) order parameter shows a second-order phase transition associated with the secondary order parameter of the competing phase; the effective theory of the phase transition is given by the Landau theory of an Ising-type phase transition. We find that the phase boundary of this phase transition is different from the spinodal line of the competing order. The phase transition is detected experimentally by the divergence of the susceptibility corresponding to the secondary order when the temperature is quenched to introduce the domain walls.

Floating liquid phase in sedimenting colloid-polymer mixtures.

PubMed

Schmidt, Matthias; Dijkstra, Marjolein; Hansen, Jean-Pierre

2004-08-20

Density functional theory and computer simulation are used to investigate sedimentation equilibria of colloid-polymer mixtures within the Asakura-Oosawa-Vrij model of hard sphere colloids and ideal polymers. When the ratio of buoyant masses of the two species is comparable to the ratio of differences in density of the coexisting bulk (colloid) gas and liquid phases, a stable "floating liquid" phase is found, i.e., a thin layer of liquid sandwiched between upper and lower gas phases. The full phase diagram of the mixture under gravity shows coexistence of this floating liquid phase with a single gas phase or a phase involving liquid-gas equilibrium; the phase coexistence lines meet at a triple point. This scenario remains valid for general asymmetric binary mixtures undergoing bulk phase separation.

Chronology and pyroclastic stratigraphy of the May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens, Washington

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Criswell, C. William

1987-01-01

The eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980 can be subdivided into six phases: the paroxysmal phase I, the early Plinian phase II, the early ash flow phase III, the climactic phase IV, the late ash flow phase V, and phase VI, the activity of which consisted of a low-energy ash plume. These phases are correlated with stratigraphic subunits of ash-fall tephra and pyroclastic flow deposits. Sustained vertical discharge of phase II produced evolved dacite with high S/Cl ratios. Ash flow activity of phase III is attributed to decreases in gas content, indicated by reduced S/Cl ratios and increased clast density of the less evolved gray pumice. Climactic events are attributed to vent clearing and exhaustion of the evolved dacite.

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

Wang, Meng; Yi, Ming; Tian, Wei

Here, the complex interdigitated phases have greatly frustrated attempts to document the basic features of the superconductivity in the alkali metal intercalated iron chalcogenides. Here, using elastic neutron scattering, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and resistivity measurements, we elucidate the relations of these phases in Rb xFe ySe 2-zS z. We find (i) the iron content is crucial in stabilizing the stripe antiferromagnetic (AF) phase with rhombic iron vacancy order (y ≈ 1.5), the block AF phase with root 5 x root 5 iron vacancy order (y ≈ 1.6), and the iron vacancy-free phase (y ≈ 2); and (ii) the iron vacancy-freemore » superconducting phase (z = 0) evolves into an iron vacancy-free metallic phase with sulfur substitution (z > 1.5) due to the progressive decrease of the electronic correlation strength. Both the stripe AF phase and the block AF phase are Mott insulators. The iron-rich compounds (y > 1.6) undergo a first order transition from an iron vacancy disordered phase at high temperatures into the √5 x √5 iron vacancy ordered phase and the iron vacancy-free phase below T s. Our data demonstrate that there are miscibility gaps between these three phases. The existence of the miscibility gaps in the iron content is a key to understanding the relationship between these complicated phases.« less

A 2-phase labeling and choice architecture intervention to improve healthy food and beverage choices.

PubMed

Thorndike, Anne N; Sonnenberg, Lillian; Riis, Jason; Barraclough, Susan; Levy, Douglas E

2012-03-01

We assessed whether a 2-phase labeling and choice architecture intervention would increase sales of healthy food and beverages in a large hospital cafeteria. Phase 1 was a 3-month color-coded labeling intervention (red = unhealthy, yellow = less healthy, green = healthy). Phase 2 added a 3-month choice architecture intervention that increased the visibility and convenience of some green items. We compared relative changes in 3-month sales from baseline to phase 1 and from phase 1 to phase 2. At baseline (977,793 items, including 199,513 beverages), 24.9% of sales were red and 42.2% were green. Sales of red items decreased in both phases (P < .001), and green items increased in phase 1 (P < .001). The largest changes occurred among beverages. Red beverages decreased 16.5% during phase 1 (P < .001) and further decreased 11.4% in phase 2 (P < .001). Green beverages increased 9.6% in phase 1 (P < .001) and further increased 4.0% in phase 2 (P < .001). Bottled water increased 25.8% during phase 2 (P < .001) but did not increase at 2 on-site comparison cafeterias (P < .001). A color-coded labeling intervention improved sales of healthy items and was enhanced by a choice architecture intervention.

A geometrical shift results in erroneous appearance of low frequency tissue eddy current induced phase maps.

PubMed

Mandija, Stefano; van Lier, Astrid L H M W; Katscher, Ulrich; Petrov, Petar I; Neggers, Sebastian F W; Luijten, Peter R; van den Berg, Cornelis A T

2016-09-01

Knowledge on low frequency (LF) tissue conductivity is relevant for various biomedical purposes. To obtain this information, LF phase maps arising from time-varying imaging gradients have been demonstrated to create a LF conductivity contrast. Essential in this methodology is the subtraction of phase images acquired with opposite gradient polarities to separate LF and RF phase effects. Here we demonstrate how sensitive these subtractions are with respect to geometrical distortions. The effect of geometrical distortions on LF phase maps is mathematically defined. After quantifying typical geometrical distortions, their effects on LF phase maps are evaluated using conductive phantoms. For validation, electromagnetic simulations of LF phase maps were performed. Even sub-voxel distortions of 10% of the voxel size, measured for a typical LF MR sequence, cause leakage of RF phase into LF phase of several milli-radians, leading to a misleading pattern of LF phase maps. This leakage is mathematically confirmed, while simulations indicate that the expected LF phase should be in order of micro-radians. The conductivity scaling of LF phase maps is attributable to the RF phase leakage, thus dependent on the RF conductivity. In fact, simulations show that the LF phase is not measurable. Magn Reson Med 76:905-912, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of Phase Contiguity and Morphology on the Evolution of Deformation Texture in Two-Phase Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gurao, N. P.; Suwas, Satyam

2017-02-01

Deformation texture evolution in two-phase xFe- yNi-(100- x- y)Cr model alloys and Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy was studied during rolling to develop an understanding of micro-mechanisms of deformation in industrially relevant two-phase FCC-BCC steels and HCP-BCC titanium alloys, respectively. It was found that volume fraction and contiguity of phases lead to systematic changes in texture, while morphology affects the strength of texture. There was a characteristic change in texture from typical Brass-type to a weaker Copper-type texture in the austenite phase accompanied with a change from alpha fiber to gamma fiber in ferrite phase for Fe-Ni-Cr alloys with increase in fraction of harder ferrite phase. However, similar characteristic texture evolution was noted in both α and β phase irrespective of the different initial morphologies in Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy. Viscoplastic self-consistent simulations with two-phase scheme were able to qualitatively predict texture evolution in individual phases. It is proposed that the transition from iso-strain-type behavior for equiaxed microstructure at low strain to iso-stress-type behavior at higher strain is aided by the presence of higher volume fraction of the second phase and increasing aspect ratio of individual phases in two-phase alloys.

Phase-field modeling of mixing/demixing of regular binary mixtures with a composition-dependent viscosity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamorgese, A.; Mauri, R.

2017-04-01

We simulate the mixing (demixing) process of a quiescent binary liquid mixture with a composition-dependent viscosity which is instantaneously brought from the two-phase (one-phase) to the one-phase (two-phase) region of its phase diagram. Our theoretical approach follows a standard diffuse-interface model of partially miscible regular binary mixtures wherein convection and diffusion are coupled via a nonequilibrium capillary force, expressing the tendency of the phase-separating system to minimize its free energy. Based on 2D simulation results, we discuss the influence of viscosity ratio on basic statistics of the mixing (segregation) process triggered by a rapid heating (quench), assuming that the ratio of capillary to viscous forces (a.k.a. the fluidity coefficient) is large. We show that, for a phase-separating system, at a fixed value of the fluidity coefficient (with the continuous phase viscosity taken as a reference), the separation depth and the characteristic length of single-phase microdomains decrease monotonically for increasing values of the viscosity of the dispersed phase. This variation, however, is quite small, in agreement with experimental results. On the other hand, as one might expect, at a fixed viscosity of the dispersed phase both of the above statistics increase monotonically as the viscosity of the continuous phase decreases. Finally, we show that for a mixing system the attainment of a single-phase equilibrium state by coalescence and diffusion is retarded by an increase in the viscosity ratio at a fixed fluidity for the dispersed phase. In fact, for large enough values of the viscosity ratio, a thin film of the continuous phase becomes apparent when two drops of the minority phase approach each other, which further retards coalescence.

Phenomenological model and phase behavior of saturated and unsaturated lipids and cholesterol.

PubMed

Putzel, G Garbès; Schick, M

2008-11-15

We present a phenomenological theory for the phase behavior of ternary mixtures of cholesterol and saturated and unsaturated lipids, one that describes both liquid and gel phases. It leads to the following description of the mechanism of the phase behavior: In a binary system of the lipids, phase separation occurs when the saturated chains are well ordered, as in the gel phase, simply due to packing effects. In the liquid phase, the saturated ones are not sufficiently well ordered for separation to occur. The addition of cholesterol, however, increases the saturated lipid order to the point that phase separation is once again favorable. Our theory addresses this last mechanism-the means by which cholesterol-mediated ordering of membrane lipids leads to liquid-liquid immiscibility. It produces, for the system above the main chain transition of the saturated lipid, phase diagrams in which there can be liquid-liquid phase separation in the ternary system but not in any of the binary ones, while below that temperature it yields the more common phase diagram in which a gel phase, rich in saturated lipid, appears in addition to the two liquid phases.

Structural phase transition in monolayer MoTe2 driven by electrostatic doping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ying; Xiao, Jun; Zhu, Hanyu; Li, Yao; Alsaid, Yousif; Fong, King Yan; Zhou, Yao; Wang, Siqi; Shi, Wu; Wang, Yuan; Zettl, Alex; Reed, Evan J.; Zhang, Xiang

2017-10-01

Monolayers of transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) exhibit numerous crystal phases with distinct structures, symmetries and physical properties. Exploring the physics of transitions between these different structural phases in two dimensions may provide a means of switching material properties, with implications for potential applications. Structural phase transitions in TMDs have so far been induced by thermal or chemical means; purely electrostatic control over crystal phases through electrostatic doping was recently proposed as a theoretical possibility, but has not yet been realized. Here we report the experimental demonstration of an electrostatic-doping-driven phase transition between the hexagonal and monoclinic phases of monolayer molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2). We find that the phase transition shows a hysteretic loop in Raman spectra, and can be reversed by increasing or decreasing the gate voltage. We also combine second-harmonic generation spectroscopy with polarization-resolved Raman spectroscopy to show that the induced monoclinic phase preserves the crystal orientation of the original hexagonal phase. Moreover, this structural phase transition occurs simultaneously across the whole sample. This electrostatic-doping control of structural phase transition opens up new possibilities for developing phase-change devices based on atomically thin membranes.

Identifying Effective Design Approaches to Allocate Genotypes in Two-Phase Designs: A Case Study in Pelargonium zonale.

PubMed

Molenaar, Heike; Boehm, Robert; Piepho, Hans-Peter

2017-01-01

Robust phenotypic data allow adequate statistical analysis and are crucial for any breeding purpose. Such data is obtained from experiments laid out to best control local variation. Additionally, experiments frequently involve two phases, each contributing environmental sources of variation. For example, in a former experiment we conducted to evaluate production related traits in Pelargonium zonale , there were two consecutive phases, each performed in a different greenhouse. Phase one involved the propagation of the breeding strains to obtain the stem cutting count, and phase two involved the assessment of root formation. The evaluation of the former study raised questions regarding options for improving the experimental layout: (i) Is there a disadvantage to using exactly the same design in both phases? (ii) Instead of generating a separate layout for each phase, can the design be optimized across both phases, such that the mean variance of a pair-wise treatment difference (MVD) can be decreased? To answer these questions, alternative approaches were explored to generate two-phase designs either in phase-wise order (Option 1) or across phases (Option 2). In Option 1 we considered the scenarios (i) using in both phases the same experimental design and (ii) randomizing each phase separately. In Option 2, we considered the scenarios (iii) generating a single design with eight replicates and splitting these among the two phases, (iv) separating the block structure across phases by dummy coding, and (v) design generation with optimal alignment of block units in the two phases. In both options, we considered the same or different block structures in each phase. The designs were evaluated by the MVD obtained by the intra-block analysis and the joint inter-block-intra-block analysis. The smallest MVD was most frequently obtained for designs generated across phases rather than for each phase separately, in particular when both phases of the design were separated with a single pseudo-level. The joint optimization ensured that treatment concurrences were equally balanced across pairs, one of the prerequisites for an efficient design. The proposed alternative approaches can be implemented with any model-based design packages with facilities to formulate linear models for treatment and block structures.

Improving Mixed-phase Cloud Parameterization in Climate Model with the ACRF Measurements

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

Wang, Zhien

Mixed-phase cloud microphysical and dynamical processes are still poorly understood, and their representation in GCMs is a major source of uncertainties in overall cloud feedback in GCMs. Thus improving mixed-phase cloud parameterizations in climate models is critical to reducing the climate forecast uncertainties. This study aims at providing improved knowledge of mixed-phase cloud properties from the long-term ACRF observations and improving mixed-phase clouds simulations in the NCAR Community Atmosphere Model version 5 (CAM5). The key accomplishments are: 1) An improved retrieval algorithm was developed to provide liquid droplet concentration for drizzling or mixed-phase stratiform clouds. 2) A new ice concentrationmore » retrieval algorithm for stratiform mixed-phase clouds was developed. 3) A strong seasonal aerosol impact on ice generation in Arctic mixed-phase clouds was identified, which is mainly attributed to the high dust occurrence during the spring season. 4) A suite of multi-senor algorithms was applied to long-term ARM observations at the Barrow site to provide a complete dataset (LWC and effective radius profile for liquid phase, and IWC, Dge profiles and ice concentration for ice phase) to characterize Arctic stratiform mixed-phase clouds. This multi-year stratiform mixed-phase cloud dataset provides necessary information to study related processes, evaluate model stratiform mixed-phase cloud simulations, and improve model stratiform mixed-phase cloud parameterization. 5). A new in situ data analysis method was developed to quantify liquid mass partition in convective mixed-phase clouds. For the first time, we reliably compared liquid mass partitions in stratiform and convective mixed-phase clouds. Due to the different dynamics in stratiform and convective mixed-phase clouds, the temperature dependencies of liquid mass partitions are significantly different due to much higher ice concentrations in convective mixed phase clouds. 6) Systematic evaluations of mixed-phase cloud simulations by CAM5 were performed. Measurement results indicate that ice concentrations control stratiform mixed-phase cloud properties. The improvement of ice concentration parameterization in the CAM5 was done in close collaboration with Dr. Xiaohong Liu, PNNL (now at University of Wyoming).« less

Phase noise optimization in temporal phase-shifting digital holography with partial coherence light sources and its application in quantitative cell imaging.

PubMed

Remmersmann, Christian; Stürwald, Stephan; Kemper, Björn; Langehanenberg, Patrik; von Bally, Gert

2009-03-10

In temporal phase-shifting-based digital holographic microscopy, high-resolution phase contrast imaging requires optimized conditions for hologram recording and phase retrieval. To optimize the phase resolution, for the example of a variable three-step algorithm, a theoretical analysis on statistical errors, digitalization errors, uncorrelated errors, and errors due to a misaligned temporal phase shift is carried out. In a second step the theoretically predicted results are compared to the measured phase noise obtained from comparative experimental investigations with several coherent and partially coherent light sources. Finally, the applicability for noise reduction is demonstrated by quantitative phase contrast imaging of pancreas tumor cells.

Airflow-aligned helical nanofilament (B4) phase in topographic confinement

PubMed Central

Gim, Min-Jun; Kim, Hanim; Chen, Dong; Shen, Yongqiang; Yi, Youngwoo; Korblova, Eva; Walba, David M.; Clark, Noel A.; Yoon, Dong Ki

2016-01-01

We investigated a controlled helical nanofilament (HNF: B4) phase under topographic confinement with airflow that can induce a shear force and temperature gradient on the sample. The resulting orientation and ordering of the B4 phase in this combinational effort was directly investigated using microscopy. The structural freedom of the complex B7 phase, which is a higher temperature phase than the B4 phase, can result in relatively complex microscopic arrangements of HNFs compared with the B4 phase generated from the simple layer structure of the B2 phase. This interesting chiral/polar nanofilament behaviour offers new opportunities for further exploration of the exotic physical properties of the B4 phase. PMID:27384747

Phase-step retrieval for tunable phase-shifting algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayubi, Gastón A.; Duarte, Ignacio; Perciante, César D.; Flores, Jorge L.; Ferrari, José A.

2017-12-01

Phase-shifting (PS) is a well-known technique for phase retrieval in interferometry, with applications in deflectometry and 3D-profiling, which requires a series of intensity measurements with certain phase-steps. Usually the phase-steps are evenly spaced, and its knowledge is crucial for the phase retrieval. In this work we present a method to extract the phase-step between consecutive interferograms. We test the proposed technique with images corrupted by additive noise. The results were compared with other known methods. We also present experimental results showing the performance of the method when spatial filters are applied to the interferograms and the effect that they have on their relative phase-steps.

Tube Radial Distribution Flow Separation in a Microchannel Using an Ionic Liquid Aqueous Two-Phase System Based on Phase Separation Multi-Phase Flow.

PubMed

Nagatani, Kosuke; Shihata, Yoshinori; Matsushita, Takahiro; Tsukagoshi, Kazuhiko

2016-01-01

Ionic liquid aqueous two-phase systems were delivered into a capillary tube to achieve tube radial distribution flow (TRDF) or annular flow in a microspace. The phase diagram, viscosity of the phases, and TRDF image of the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride and NaOH system were examined. The TRDF was formed with inner ionic liquid-rich and outer ionic liquid-poor phases in the capillary tube. The phase configuration was explained using the viscous dissipation principle. We also examined the distribution of rhodamine B in a three-branched microchannel on a microchip with ionic liquid aqueous two-phase systems for the first time.

PhasePApy: A robust pure Python package for automatic identification of seismic phases

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chen, Chen; Holland, Austin

2016-01-01

We developed a Python phase identification package: the PhasePApy for earthquake data processing and near‐real‐time monitoring. The package takes advantage of the growing number of Python libraries including Obspy. All the data formats supported by Obspy can be supported within the PhasePApy. The PhasePApy has two subpackages: the PhasePicker and the Associator, aiming to identify phase arrival onsets and associate them to phase types, respectively. The PhasePicker and the Associator can work jointly or separately. Three autopickers are implemented in the PhasePicker subpackage: the frequency‐band picker, the Akaike information criteria function derivative picker, and the kurtosis picker. All three autopickers identify picks with the same processing methods but different characteristic functions. The PhasePicker triggers the pick with a dynamic threshold and can declare a pick with false‐pick filtering. Also, the PhasePicker identifies a pick polarity and uncertainty for further seismological analysis, such as focal mechanism determination. Two associators are included in the Associator subpackage: the 1D Associator and 3D Associator, which assign phase types to picks that can best fit potential earthquakes by minimizing root mean square (rms) residuals of the misfits in distance and time, respectively. The Associator processes multiple picks from all channels at a seismic station and aggregates them to increase computational efficiencies. Both associators use travel‐time look up tables to determine the best estimation of the earthquake location and evaluate the phase type for picks. The PhasePApy package has been used extensively for local and regional earthquakes and can work for active source experiments as well.

Inducing jet-lag in older people: directional asymmetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Monk, T. H.; Buysse, D. J.; Carrier, J.; Kupfer, D. J.

2000-01-01

Twenty healthy elderly subjects (12 female, 8 male; mean age 81 years, range 67-87 years) each experienced a 15-day time isolation protocol in which they lived individually in a special laboratory apartment in which sleep and circadian rhythm measures could be taken. There were two experiments: one (6 females, 4 males) involved a 6-h phase advance of the sleep/wake cycle, and the other (6 females, 4 males) a 6-h phase delay. Each started with 5 baseline days, immediately followed by the phase shift. The subject was then held to the phase shifted routine for the remainder of the study. Rectal temperatures were recorded minute-by-minute throughout the entire experiment and each night of sleep was recorded using polysomnography. A directional asymmetry in phase-shift effects was apparent, with significantly more sleep disruption and circadian rhythm amplitude disruption after the phase advance than after the phase delay. Sleep disruption was reflected in reduced time spent asleep, and in changed REM latency, which increased in the phase advance direction but decreased in the phase delay direction. Although the phase advance led to a significant increase in wakefulness in the first half of the night, the phase delay did not lead to an equivalent increase in wakefulness during the second half of the night. Examination of both raw and 'demasked' circadian rectal temperature rhythms confirmed that phase adjustment was slow in both directions, but was less slow (and more monotonic) after the phase delay than after the phase advance. Subjective alertness suffered more disruption after the phase advance than after the phase delay.

A pseudo-3D approach based on electron backscatter diffraction and backscatter electron imaging to study the character of phase boundaries between Mg and long period stacking ordered phase in a Mg–2Y–Zn alloy

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

Afshar, Mehran, E-mail: m.afshar@mpie.de; Zaefferer, Stefan, E-mail: s.zaefferer@mpie.de

2015-03-15

In Mg–2 at.% Y–1 at.% Zn alloys, the LPSO (Long Period Stacking Ordered) phase is important to improve mechanical properties of the material. The aim of this paper is to present a study on the phase boundary character in these two-phase alloys. Using EBSD pattern analysis it was found that the 24R structure is the dominant LPSO phase structure in the current alloy. The phase boundary character between the Mg matrix and the LPSO phase was investigated using an improved pseudo-3D EBSD (electron backscatter diffraction) technique in combination with BSE or SE (backscatter or secondary electron) imaging. A large amountmore » of very low-angle phase boundaries was detected. The (0 0 0 2) plane in the Mg matrix which is parallel to the (0 0 0 24) plane in the LPSO phase was found to be the most frequent plane for these phase boundaries. This plane is supposed to be the habit plane of the eutectic co-solidification of the Mg matrix and the LPSO phase. - Highlights: • It is shown that for the investigated alloy the LPSO phase has mainly 24R crystal structure. • A new method is presented which allows accurate determination of the 5-parameter grain or phase boundary character. • It is found that the low-angle phase boundaries appearing in the alloy all have basal phase boundary planes.« less

Symmetric Topological Phases and Tensor Network States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Shenghan

Classification and simulation of quantum phases are one of main themes in condensed matter physics. Quantum phases can be distinguished by their symmetrical and topological properties. The interplay between symmetry and topology in condensed matter physics often leads to exotic quantum phases and rich phase diagrams. Famous examples include quantum Hall phases, spin liquids and topological insulators. In this thesis, I present our works toward a more systematically understanding of symmetric topological quantum phases in bosonic systems. In the absence of global symmetries, gapped quantum phases are characterized by topological orders. Topological orders in 2+1D are well studied, while a systematically understanding of topological orders in 3+1D is still lacking. By studying a family of exact solvable models, we find at least some topological orders in 3+1D can be distinguished by braiding phases of loop excitations. In the presence of both global symmetries and topological orders, the interplay between them leads to new phases termed as symmetry enriched topological (SET) phases. We develop a framework to classify a large class of SET phases using tensor networks. For each tensor class, we can write down generic variational wavefunctions. We apply our method to study gapped spin liquids on the kagome lattice, which can be viewed as SET phases of on-site symmetries as well as lattice symmetries. In the absence of topological order, symmetry could protect different topological phases, which are often referred to as symmetry protected topological (SPT) phases. We present systematic constructions of tensor network wavefunctions for bosonic symmetry protected topological (SPT) phases respecting both onsite and spatial symmetries.

Reconstruction of Porous Media with Multiple Solid Phases

PubMed

Losic; Thovert; Adler

1997-02-15

A process is proposed to generate three-dimensional multiphase porous media with fixed phase probabilities and an overall correlation function. By varying the parameters, a specific phase can be located either at the interface between two phases or within a single phase. When the interfacial phase has a relatively small probability, its shape can be chosen as granular or lamellar. The influence of a third phase on the macroscopic conductivity of a medium is illustrated.

Method for in situ characterization of a medium of dispersed matter in a continuous phase

DOEpatents

Kaufman, Eric N.

1995-01-01

A method for in situ characterization of a medium of a dispersed phase in a continuous phase, including the steps of adding a fluorescent dye to one phase capable of producing fluorescence therein when the fluorescent dye is optically excited, optically exciting the fluorescent dye at a wavelength to produce fluorescence in the one phase, and monitoring the fluorescence to distinguish the continuous phase from the dispersed phase.

Method for Predicting Hypergolic Mixture Flammability Limits

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-02-01

liquid phase, in the gas phase, at the liquid / liquid interface and at the gas / liquid interface during hypergolic ignition and the interactions...of what happens in the liquid phase, in the gas phase, at the liquid / liquid interface and at the gas / liquid interface during hypergolic ignition...and the interactions of all these phases. The ignition happens in the gas -phase but products formed here and there (in the liquid phase or at

30 CFR 77.905 - Connection of single-phase loads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.905 Connection of single-phase loads. Single-phase loads shall be connected phase-to-phase in resistance grounded systems. ...

30 CFR 77.905 - Connection of single-phase loads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.905 Connection of single-phase loads. Single-phase loads shall be connected phase-to-phase in resistance grounded systems. ...

30 CFR 77.905 - Connection of single-phase loads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.905 Connection of single-phase loads. Single-phase loads shall be connected phase-to-phase in resistance grounded systems. ...

Quasicrystal-reinforced Mg alloys.

PubMed

Kyun Kim, Young; Tae Kim, Won; Hyang Kim, Do

2014-04-01

The formation of the icosahedral phase (I-phase) as a secondary solidification phase in Mg-Zn-Y and Mg-Zn-Al base systems provides useful advantages in designing high performance wrought magnesium alloys. The strengthening in two-phase composites (I-phase + α -Mg) can be explained by dispersion hardening due to the presence of I-phase particles and by the strong bonding property at the I-phase/matrix interface. The presence of an additional secondary solidification phase can further enhance formability and mechanical properties. In Mg-Zn-Y alloys, the co-presence of I and Ca 2 Mg 6 Zn 3 phases by addition of Ca can significantly enhance formability, while in Mg-Zn-Al alloys, the co-presence of the I-phase and Mg 2 Sn phase leads to the enhancement of mechanical properties. Dynamic and static recrystallization are significantly accelerated by addition of Ca in Mg-Zn-Y alloy, resulting in much smaller grain size and more random texture. The high strength of Mg-Zn-Al-Sn alloys is attributed to the presence of finely distributed Mg 2 Sn and I-phase particles embedded in the α -Mg matrix.

Quasicrystal-reinforced Mg alloys

PubMed Central

Kyun Kim, Young; Tae Kim, Won; Hyang Kim, Do

2014-01-01

The formation of the icosahedral phase (I-phase) as a secondary solidification phase in Mg–Zn–Y and Mg–Zn–Al base systems provides useful advantages in designing high performance wrought magnesium alloys. The strengthening in two-phase composites (I-phase + α-Mg) can be explained by dispersion hardening due to the presence of I-phase particles and by the strong bonding property at the I-phase/matrix interface. The presence of an additional secondary solidification phase can further enhance formability and mechanical properties. In Mg–Zn–Y alloys, the co-presence of I and Ca2Mg6Zn3 phases by addition of Ca can significantly enhance formability, while in Mg–Zn–Al alloys, the co-presence of the I-phase and Mg2Sn phase leads to the enhancement of mechanical properties. Dynamic and static recrystallization are significantly accelerated by addition of Ca in Mg–Zn–Y alloy, resulting in much smaller grain size and more random texture. The high strength of Mg–Zn–Al–Sn alloys is attributed to the presence of finely distributed Mg2Sn and I-phase particles embedded in the α-Mg matrix. PMID:27877660

Collapse of superconductivity in cuprates via ultrafast quenching of phase coherence

DOE PAGES

Boschini, F.; da Silva Neto, E. H.; Razzoli, E.; ...

2018-04-02

The possibility of driving phase transitions in low-density condensates through the loss of phase coherence alone has far-reaching implications for the study of quantum phases of matter. This has inspired the development of tools to control and explore the collective properties of condensate phases via phase fluctuations. Electrically gated oxide interfaces, ultracold Fermi atoms and cuprate superconductors, which are characterized by an intrinsically small phase stiffness, are paradigmatic examples where these tools are having a dramatic impact. In this study, we use light pulses shorter than the internal thermalization time to drive and probe the phase fragility of the Bimore » 2Sr 2CaCu 2O 8+δ cuprate superconductor, completely melting the superconducting condensate without affecting the pairing strength. The resulting ultrafast dynamics of phase fluctuations and charge excitations are captured and disentangled by time-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. This work demonstrates the dominant role of phase coherence in the superconductor-to-normal state phase transition and offers a benchmark for non-equilibrium spectroscopic investigations of the cuprate phase diagram.« less

Ab Initio Simulations of Temperature Dependent Phase Stability and Martensitic Transitions in NiTi

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haskins, Justin B.; Thompson, Alexander E.; Lawson, John W.

2016-01-01

For NiTi based alloys, the shape memory effect is governed by a transition from a low-temperature martensite phase to a high-temperature austenite phase. Despite considerable experimental and computational work, basic questions regarding the stability of the phases and the martensitic phase transition remain unclear even for the simple case of binary, equiatomic NiTi. We perform ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to describe the temperature-dependent behavior of NiTi and resolve several of these outstanding issues. Structural correlation functions and finite temperature phonon spectra are evaluated to determine phase stability. In particular, we show that finite temperature, entropic effects stabilize the experimentally observed martensite (B19') and austenite (B2) phases while destabilizing the theoretically predicted (B33) phase. Free energy computations based on ab initio thermodynamic integration confirm these results and permit estimates of the transition temperature between the phases. In addition to the martensitic phase transition, we predict a new transition between the B33 and B19' phases. The role of defects in suppressing these phase transformations is discussed.

Phase unwrapping algorithm using polynomial phase approximation and linear Kalman filter.

PubMed

Kulkarni, Rishikesh; Rastogi, Pramod

2018-02-01

A noise-robust phase unwrapping algorithm is proposed based on state space analysis and polynomial phase approximation using wrapped phase measurement. The true phase is approximated as a two-dimensional first order polynomial function within a small sized window around each pixel. The estimates of polynomial coefficients provide the measurement of phase and local fringe frequencies. A state space representation of spatial phase evolution and the wrapped phase measurement is considered with the state vector consisting of polynomial coefficients as its elements. Instead of using the traditional nonlinear Kalman filter for the purpose of state estimation, we propose to use the linear Kalman filter operating directly with the wrapped phase measurement. The adaptive window width is selected at each pixel based on the local fringe density to strike a balance between the computation time and the noise robustness. In order to retrieve the unwrapped phase, either a line-scanning approach or a quality guided strategy of pixel selection is used depending on the underlying continuous or discontinuous phase distribution, respectively. Simulation and experimental results are provided to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method.

Simulated molecular-scale interaction of supercritical fluid mobile and stationary phases.

PubMed

Siders, Paul D

2017-12-08

In supercritical fluid chromatography, molecules from the mobile phase adsorb on the stationary phase. Stationary-phase alkylsilane-terminated silica surfaces might adsorb molecules at the silica, among the silanes, on a silane layer, or in pore space between surfaces. Mobile phases of carbon dioxide, pure and modified with methanol, and stationary phases were simulated at the molecular scale. Classical atomistic force fields were used in Gibbs-ensemble hybrid Monte Carlo calculations. Excess adsorption of pure carbon dioxide mobile phase peaked at fluid densities of 0.002-0.003Å -3 . Mobile phase adsorption from 7% methanol in carbon dioxide peaked at lower fluid density. Methanol was preferentially adsorbed from the mixed fluid. Surface silanes prevented direct interaction of fluid-phase molecules with silica. Some adsorbed molecules mixed with tails of bonded silanes; some formed layers above the silanes. Much adsorption occurred by filling the space between surfaces in the stationary-phase model. The distribution in the stationary phase of methanol molecules from a modified fluid phase varied with pressure. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hybrid diversity method utilizing adaptive diversity function for recovering unknown aberrations in an optical system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dean, Bruce H. (Inventor)

2009-01-01

A method of recovering unknown aberrations in an optical system includes collecting intensity data produced by the optical system, generating an initial estimate of a phase of the optical system, iteratively performing a phase retrieval on the intensity data to generate a phase estimate using an initial diversity function corresponding to the intensity data, generating a phase map from the phase retrieval phase estimate, decomposing the phase map to generate a decomposition vector, generating an updated diversity function by combining the initial diversity function with the decomposition vector, generating an updated estimate of the phase of the optical system by removing the initial diversity function from the phase map. The method may further include repeating the process beginning with iteratively performing a phase retrieval on the intensity data using the updated estimate of the phase of the optical system in place of the initial estimate of the phase of the optical system, and using the updated diversity function in place of the initial diversity function, until a predetermined convergence is achieved.

Collapse of superconductivity in cuprates via ultrafast quenching of phase coherence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boschini, F.; da Silva Neto, E. H.; Razzoli, E.; Zonno, M.; Peli, S.; Day, R. P.; Michiardi, M.; Schneider, M.; Zwartsenberg, B.; Nigge, P.; Zhong, R. D.; Schneeloch, J.; Gu, G. D.; Zhdanovich, S.; Mills, A. K.; Levy, G.; Jones, D. J.; Giannetti, C.; Damascelli, A.

2018-05-01

The possibility of driving phase transitions in low-density condensates through the loss of phase coherence alone has far-reaching implications for the study of quantum phases of matter. This has inspired the development of tools to control and explore the collective properties of condensate phases via phase fluctuations. Electrically gated oxide interfaces1,2, ultracold Fermi atoms3,4 and cuprate superconductors5,6, which are characterized by an intrinsically small phase stiffness, are paradigmatic examples where these tools are having a dramatic impact. Here we use light pulses shorter than the internal thermalization time to drive and probe the phase fragility of the Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ cuprate superconductor, completely melting the superconducting condensate without affecting the pairing strength. The resulting ultrafast dynamics of phase fluctuations and charge excitations are captured and disentangled by time-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. This work demonstrates the dominant role of phase coherence in the superconductor-to-normal state phase transition and offers a benchmark for non-equilibrium spectroscopic investigations of the cuprate phase diagram.

Optimized phase gradient measurements and phase-amplitude interplay in optical coherence elastography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaitsev, Vladimir Y.; Matveyev, Alexander L.; Matveev, Lev A.; Gelikonov, Grigory V.; Sovetsky, Aleksandr A.; Vitkin, Alex

2016-11-01

In compressional optical coherence elastography, phase-variation gradients are used for estimating quasistatic strains created in tissue. Using reference and deformed optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans, one typically compares phases from pixels with the same coordinates in both scans. Usually, this limits the allowable strains to fairly small values < to 10-3, with the caveat that such weak phase gradients may become corrupted by stronger measurement noises. Here, we extend the OCT phase-resolved elastographic methodology by (1) showing that an order of magnitude greater strains can significantly increase the accuracy of derived phase-gradient differences, while also avoiding error-phone phase-unwrapping procedures and minimizing the influence of decorrelation noise caused by suprapixel displacements, (2) discussing the appearance of artifactual stiff inclusions in resultant OCT elastograms in the vicinity of bright scatterers due to the amplitude-phase interplay in phase-variation measurements, and (3) deriving/evaluating methods of phase-gradient estimation that can outperform conventionally used least-square gradient fitting. We present analytical arguments, numerical simulations, and experimental examples to demonstrate the advantages of the proposed optimized phase-variation methodology.

Phase diagram for a two-dimensional, two-temperature, diffusive XY model.

PubMed

Reichl, Matthew D; Del Genio, Charo I; Bassler, Kevin E

2010-10-01

Using Monte Carlo simulations, we determine the phase diagram of a diffusive two-temperature conserved order parameter XY model. When the two temperatures are equal the system becomes the equilibrium XY model with the continuous Kosterlitz-Thouless (KT) vortex-antivortex unbinding phase transition. When the two temperatures are unequal the system is driven by an energy flow from the higher temperature heat-bath to the lower temperature one and reaches a far-from-equilibrium steady state. We show that the nonequilibrium phase diagram contains three phases: A homogenous disordered phase and two phases with long range, spin texture order. Two critical lines, representing continuous phase transitions from a homogenous disordered phase to two phases of long range order, meet at the equilibrium KT point. The shape of the nonequilibrium critical lines as they approach the KT point is described by a crossover exponent φ=2.52±0.05. Finally, we suggest that the transition between the two phases with long-range order is first-order, making the KT-point where all three phases meet a bicritical point.

Collapse of superconductivity in cuprates via ultrafast quenching of phase coherence

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

Boschini, F.; da Silva Neto, E. H.; Razzoli, E.

The possibility of driving phase transitions in low-density condensates through the loss of phase coherence alone has far-reaching implications for the study of quantum phases of matter. This has inspired the development of tools to control and explore the collective properties of condensate phases via phase fluctuations. Electrically gated oxide interfaces, ultracold Fermi atoms and cuprate superconductors, which are characterized by an intrinsically small phase stiffness, are paradigmatic examples where these tools are having a dramatic impact. In this study, we use light pulses shorter than the internal thermalization time to drive and probe the phase fragility of the Bimore » 2Sr 2CaCu 2O 8+δ cuprate superconductor, completely melting the superconducting condensate without affecting the pairing strength. The resulting ultrafast dynamics of phase fluctuations and charge excitations are captured and disentangled by time-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. This work demonstrates the dominant role of phase coherence in the superconductor-to-normal state phase transition and offers a benchmark for non-equilibrium spectroscopic investigations of the cuprate phase diagram.« less

30 CFR 77.806 - Connection of single-phase loads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... COAL MINES Surface High-Voltage Distribution § 77.806 Connection of single-phase loads. Single-phase loads, such as transformer primaries, shall be connected phase to phase in resistance grounded systems. ...

Polymer-stabilized liquid crystal blue phases.

PubMed

Kikuchi, Hirotsugu; Yokota, Masayuki; Hisakado, Yoshiaki; Yang, Huai; Kajiyama, Tisato

2002-09-01

Blue phases are types of liquid crystal phases that appear in a temperature range between a chiral nematic phase and an isotropic liquid phase. Because blue phases have a three-dimensional cubic structure with lattice periods of several hundred nanometres, they exhibit selective Bragg reflections in the range of visible light corresponding to the cubic lattice. From the viewpoint of applications, although blue phases are of interest for fast light modulators or tunable photonic crystals, the very narrow temperature range, usually less than a few kelvin, within which blue phases exist has always been a problem. Here we show the stabilization of blue phases over a temperature range of more than 60 K including room temperature (260-326 K). Furthermore, we demonstrate an electro-optical switching with a response time of the order of 10(-4) s for the stabilized blue phases at room temperature.

Characterization of the Solid-Phase Behavior of n-Nonylammonium Tetrachlorocuprate by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ning, Guo

1995-06-01

The solid-phase behavior of [n-C9H19NH3]2CuCl4 was investigated by infrared spectroscopy. The nature of the three solid phases (phase I, phase II, and phase III) is discussed. A temperature-dependent study of infrared spectra provides evidence for the occurrence of structural phase transitions related to the dynamics of the alkyl chains and -NH3 polar heads. The phase transition at Tc1 (22°C) arises from variation in the interaction and packing structure of the chain. The phase transition at Tc2 (34°C) is related to variation in partial conformational order-disorder at the intramolecular level. The GTG or GTG‧ and small concentration of TG structures near the CH3 group are generated in phase III (above 38°C).

Close-form expression of one-tap normalized LMS carrier phase recovery in optical communication systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Tianhua; Jacobsen, Gunnar; Popov, Sergei; Li, Jie; Liu, Tiegen; Zhang, Yimo

2016-10-01

The performance of long-haul high speed coherent optical fiber communication systems is significantly degraded by the laser phase noise and the equalization enhanced phase noise (EEPN). In this paper, the analysis of the one-tap normalized least-mean-square (LMS) carrier phase recovery (CPR) is carried out and the close-form expression is investigated for quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) coherent optical fiber communication systems, in compensating both laser phase noise and equalization enhanced phase noise. Numerical simulations have also been implemented to verify the theoretical analysis. It is found that the one-tap normalized least-mean-square algorithm gives the same analytical expression for predicting CPR bit-error-rate (BER) floors as the traditional differential carrier phase recovery, when both the laser phase noise and the equalization enhanced phase noise are taken into account.

Stability and Oil Migration of Oil-in-Water Emulsions Emulsified by Phase-Separating Biopolymer Mixtures.

PubMed

Yang, Nan; Mao, Peng; Lv, Ruihe; Zhang, Ke; Fang, Yapeng; Nishinari, Katsuyoshi; Phillips, Glyn O

2016-08-01

Oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions with varying concentration of oil phase, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), were prepared using phase-separating gum arabic (GA)/sugar beet pectin (SBP) mixture as an emulsifier. Stability of the emulsions including emulsion phase separation, droplet size change, and oil migration were investigated by means of visual observation, droplet size analysis, oil partition analysis, backscattering of light, and interfacial tension measurement. It was found that in the emulsions prepared with 4.0% GA/1.0% SBP, when the concentration of MCT was greater than 2.0%, emulsion phase separation was not observed and the emulsions were stable with droplet size unchanged during storage. This result proves the emulsification ability of phase-separating biopolymer mixtures and their potential usage as emulsifiers to prepare O/W emulsion. However, when the concentration of MCT was equal or less than 2.0%, emulsion phase separation occurred after preparation resulting in an upper SBP-rich phase and a lower GA-rich phase. The droplet size increased in the upper phase whereas decreased slightly in the lower phase with time, compared to the freshly prepared emulsions. During storage, the oil droplets exhibited a complex migration process: first moving to the SBP-rich phase, then to the GA-rich phase and finally gathering at the interface between the two phases. The mechanisms of the emulsion stability and oil migration in the phase-separated emulsions were discussed. © 2016 Institute of Food Technologists®

General phase regularized reconstruction using phase cycling.

PubMed

Ong, Frank; Cheng, Joseph Y; Lustig, Michael

2018-07-01

To develop a general phase regularized image reconstruction method, with applications to partial Fourier imaging, water-fat imaging and flow imaging. The problem of enforcing phase constraints in reconstruction was studied under a regularized inverse problem framework. A general phase regularized reconstruction algorithm was proposed to enable various joint reconstruction of partial Fourier imaging, water-fat imaging and flow imaging, along with parallel imaging (PI) and compressed sensing (CS). Since phase regularized reconstruction is inherently non-convex and sensitive to phase wraps in the initial solution, a reconstruction technique, named phase cycling, was proposed to render the overall algorithm invariant to phase wraps. The proposed method was applied to retrospectively under-sampled in vivo datasets and compared with state of the art reconstruction methods. Phase cycling reconstructions showed reduction of artifacts compared to reconstructions without phase cycling and achieved similar performances as state of the art results in partial Fourier, water-fat and divergence-free regularized flow reconstruction. Joint reconstruction of partial Fourier + water-fat imaging + PI + CS, and partial Fourier + divergence-free regularized flow imaging + PI + CS were demonstrated. The proposed phase cycling reconstruction provides an alternative way to perform phase regularized reconstruction, without the need to perform phase unwrapping. It is robust to the choice of initial solutions and encourages the joint reconstruction of phase imaging applications. Magn Reson Med 80:112-125, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Analysis of phase error effects in multishot diffusion-prepared turbo spin echo imaging

PubMed Central

Cervantes, Barbara; Kooijman, Hendrik; Karampinos, Dimitrios C.

2017-01-01

Background To characterize the effect of phase errors on the magnitude and the phase of the diffusion-weighted (DW) signal acquired with diffusion-prepared turbo spin echo (dprep-TSE) sequences. Methods Motion and eddy currents were identified as the main sources of phase errors. An analytical expression for the effect of phase errors on the acquired signal was derived and verified using Bloch simulations, phantom, and in vivo experiments. Results Simulations and experiments showed that phase errors during the diffusion preparation cause both magnitude and phase modulation on the acquired data. When motion-induced phase error (MiPe) is accounted for (e.g., with motion-compensated diffusion encoding), the signal magnitude modulation due to the leftover eddy-current-induced phase error cannot be eliminated by the conventional phase cycling and sum-of-squares (SOS) method. By employing magnitude stabilizers, the phase-error-induced magnitude modulation, regardless of its cause, was removed but the phase modulation remained. The in vivo comparison between pulsed gradient and flow-compensated diffusion preparations showed that MiPe needed to be addressed in multi-shot dprep-TSE acquisitions employing magnitude stabilizers. Conclusions A comprehensive analysis of phase errors in dprep-TSE sequences showed that magnitude stabilizers are mandatory in removing the phase error induced magnitude modulation. Additionally, when multi-shot dprep-TSE is employed the inconsistent signal phase modulation across shots has to be resolved before shot-combination is performed. PMID:28516049

Influence of transition group elements on the stability of the δ- and η-phase in nickelbase alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bäker, Martin; Rösler, Joachim; Hentrich, Tatiana; Ackland, Graeme

2018-01-01

To improve the high-temperature capability of 718-type wrought nickel-base superalloys, the γ \\prime -phase ({{Ni}}3{Al}) can be stabilized. However, this also reduces the size of the forging window because forging has to be done above the γ \\prime - and below the solvus temperature of the phase that is used to enable fine-grain forging, i.e. the δ-phase of {{Ni}}3{Nb} type or the η-phase of {{Ni}}3{Ti}-type. Understanding the influence of alloying elements on the formation of these phases is therefore important. In this paper, density functional theory calculations at 0 K are performed to determine the stabilizing effect of aluminium and of the transition group elements on the stability of the δ-phase and η-phase. Most of the transition group elements of 5th and 6th period stabilize the δ-phase, whereas the stabilizing effect on the η-phase is weaker. According to the calculations, Mo, Tc, W, Re, and Os may be expected to stabilize the δ-phase but not the η-phase, whereas Al and Zn strongly stabilize the η-phase. V, Zr, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Hf, Ta, Ir, Pt, Au, and Hg stabilize both phases. For some elements (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co), magnetic effects in the δ and especially in the η-phase are shown to be significant at the concentrations studied here.

[Imaging origins and characteristics analysis of acute and chronic aspiration pneumonia].

PubMed

Wang, Kang; Li, Ming; Wang, Xiongbiao; Qin, Jianmin; Wang, Zhi; Zhao, Zehua; Qin, Le; Hua, Yanqing

2014-11-11

To discuss about the pathologic and imaging origins and characteristics of CT scaning and X-ray radiography for acute and chronic aspiration pneumonia. Imaging data from 30 patients with aspiration pneumonia were retrospectively analyzed, CT scaning was performed in 27 patients, which PMVR reconstruction was performed in 21 cases;3 exammed by X-ray with 2 used by esophagography. Opaque bodies were detected in trachea by CT scaning in 12 patients.7 patients in acute phase rapidly developed into acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS). CT signs of 30 patients with acute and chronic aspiration pneumonia included: centrilobular nodules were detected in 2 cases with acute phase, 4 cases with subacute phase and 4 cases with chronic phase; the imaging of ground glass opacity were detected in 9 cases with acute phase, 2 cases with subacute phase and 3 cases with chronic phase; the imaging of bronchiectasis was detected in 8 cases with chronic phase, which mucilage embolism was detected in 3 of 8 cases; the imaging of atelectasis was detected in 6 cases with chronic phase; the imaging of sheeted consolidation was detected in 5 cases with chronic phase, 8 case with acute phase; the imaging of interstitial fibrosis was detected in 3 cases with chronic phase. Lesions of inferior lobe of right lung were detected in 9 cases with chronic phase, 4 cases with subacute phase, 11 case with acute phase;lesions of inferior lobe of left lung were detected in 6 cases with chronic phase and 3 cases with subacute group, 11 case with acute phase. The imaging features of acute and chronic aspiration pneumonia overlap with GGO and centrilobular nodules in every group. While the imaging features of atelectasis, bronchiectasis or mucilage embolism are found in chronic phase. The chest CT scaning may accurately evaluate the dynamic change of aspiration pneumonia.

Computational Thermodynamic Study to Predict Complex Phase Equilibria in the Nickel-Base Superalloy Rene N6

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Copland, Evan H.; Jacobson, Nathan S.; Ritzert, Frank J.

2001-01-01

A previous study by Ritzert et al. on the formation and prediction of topologically closed packed (TCP) phases in the nickel-base superalloy Rene' N6 is re-examined with computational thermodynamics. The experimental data on phase distribution in forty-four alloys with a composition within the patent limits of the nickel-base superalloy Rene' N6 provide a good basis for comparison to and validation of a commercial nickel superalloy database used with ThermoCalc. Volume fraction of the phases and partitioning of the elements are determined for the forty-four alloys in this dataset. The baseline heat treatment of 400 h at 1366 K was used. This composition set is particularly interesting since small composition differences lead to dramatic changes in phase composition. In general the calculated values follow the experimental trends. However, the calculations indicated no TCP phase formation when the experimental measurements gave a volume percent of TCP phase less than 2 percent. When TCP phases were predicted, the calculations under-predict the volume percent of TCP phases by a factor of 2 to 8. The calculated compositions of the gamma and gamma' phases show fair agreement with the measurements. However, the calculated compositions of the P Phase do not agree with those measured. This may be due to inaccuracies in the model parameters for P phase and/or issues with the microprobe analyses of these phases. In addition, phase fraction diagrams and sigma and P phase solvus temperatures are calculated for each of the alloys. These calculations indicate that P phase is the primary TCP phase formed for the alloys considered here at 1366 K. Finally, a series of isopleths are calculated for each of the seven alloying elements. These show the effect of each alloying element on creating TCP phases.

Grating-based x-ray differential phase contrast imaging with twin peaks in phase-stepping curves—phase retrieval and dewrapping

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

Yang, Yi; Xie, Huiqiao; Tang, Xiangyang, E-mail: xiangyang.tang@emory.edu

Purpose: X-ray differential phase contrast CT implemented with Talbot interferometry employs phase-stepping to extract information of x-ray attenuation, phase shift, and small-angle scattering. Since inaccuracy may exist in the absorption grating G{sub 2} due to an imperfect fabrication, the effective period of G{sub 2} can be as large as twice the nominal period, leading to a phenomenon of twin peaks that differ remarkably in their heights. In this work, the authors investigate how to retrieve and dewrap the phase signal from the phase-stepping curve (PSC) with the feature of twin peaks for x-ray phase contrast imaging. Methods: Based on themore » paraxial Fresnel–Kirchhoff theory, the analytical formulae to characterize the phenomenon of twin peaks in the PSC are derived. Then an approach to dewrap the retrieved phase signal by jointly using the phases of the first- and second-order Fourier components is proposed. Through an experimental investigation using a prototype x-ray phase contrast imaging system implemented with Talbot interferometry, the authors evaluate and verify the derived analytic formulae and the proposed approach for phase retrieval and dewrapping. Results: According to theoretical analysis, the twin-peak phenomenon in PSC is a consequence of combined effects, including the inaccuracy in absorption grating G{sub 2}, mismatch between phase grating and x-ray source spectrum, and finite size of x-ray tube’s focal spot. The proposed approach is experimentally evaluated by scanning a phantom consisting of organic materials and a lab mouse. The preliminary data show that compared to scanning G{sub 2} over only one single nominal period and correcting the measured phase signal with an intuitive phase dewrapping method that is being used in the field, stepping G{sub 2} over twice its nominal period and dewrapping the measured phase signal with the proposed approach can significantly improve the quality of x-ray differential phase contrast imaging in both radiograph and CT. Conclusions: Using the phase retrieval and dewrapping methods proposed to deal with the phenomenon of twin peaks in PSCs and phase wrapping, the performance of grating-based x-ray differential phase contrast radiography and CT can be significantly improved.« less

Calorimetric and spectroscopic studies of the thermotropic phase behavior of lipid bilayer model membranes composed of a homologous series of linear saturated phosphatidylserines.

PubMed Central

Lewis, R N; McElhaney, R N

2000-01-01

The thermotropic phase behavior of lipid bilayer model membranes composed of the even-numbered, N-saturated 1,2-diacyl phosphatidylserines was studied by differential scanning calorimetry and by Fourier-transform infrared and (31)P-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. At pH 7.0, 0.1 M NaCl and in the absence of divalent cations, aqueous dispersions of these lipids, which have not been incubated at low temperature, exhibit a single calorimetrically detectable phase transition that is fully reversible, highly cooperative, and relatively energetic, and the transition temperatures and enthalpies increase progressively with increases in hydrocarbon chain length. Our spectroscopic observations confirm that this thermal event is a lamellar gel (L(beta))-to-lamellar liquid crystalline (L(alpha)) phase transition. However, after low temperature incubation, the L(beta)/L(alpha) phase transition of dilauroyl phosphatidylserine is replaced by a higher temperature, more enthalpic, and less cooperative phase transition, and an additional lower temperature, less enthalpic, and less cooperative phase transition appears in the longer chain phosphatidylserines. Our spectroscopic results indicate that this change in thermotropic phase behavior when incubated at low temperatures results from the conversion of the L(beta) phase to a highly ordered lamellar crystalline (L(c)) phase. Upon heating, the L(c) phase of dilauroyl phosphatidylserine converts directly to the L(alpha) phase at a temperature slightly higher than that of its original L(beta)/L(alpha) phase transition. Calorimetrically, this process is manifested by a less cooperative but considerably more energetic, higher-temperature phase transition, which replaces the weaker L(beta)/L(alpha) phase transition alluded to above. However, with the longer chain compounds, the L(c) phase first converts to the L(beta) phase at temperatures some 10-25 degrees C below that at which the L(beta) phase converts to the L(alpha) phase. Our results also suggest that shorter chain homologues form L(c) phases that are structurally related to, but more ordered than, those formed by the longer chain homologues, but that these L(c) phases are less ordered than those formed by other phospholipids. These studies also suggest that polar/apolar interfaces of the phosphatidylserine bilayers are more hydrated than those of other glycerolipid bilayers, possibly because of interactions between the polar headgroup and carbonyl groups of the fatty acyl chains. PMID:11023908

Feed-forward digital phase and amplitude correction system

DOEpatents

Yu, D.U.L.; Conway, P.H.

1994-11-15

Phase and amplitude modifications in repeatable RF pulses at the output of a high power pulsed microwave amplifier are made utilizing a digital feed-forward correction system. A controlled amount of the output power is coupled to a correction system for processing of phase and amplitude information. The correction system comprises circuitry to compare the detected phase and amplitude with the desired phase and amplitude, respectively, and a digitally programmable phase shifter and attenuator and digital logic circuitry to control the phase shifter and attenuator. The phase and amplitude of subsequent are modified by output signals from the correction system. 11 figs.

Feed-forward digital phase and amplitude correction system

DOEpatents

Yu, David U. L.; Conway, Patrick H.

1994-01-01

Phase and amplitude modifications in repeatable RF pulses at the output of a high power pulsed microwave amplifier are made utilizing a digital feed-forward correction system. A controlled amount of the output power is coupled to a correction system for processing of phase and amplitude information. The correction system comprises circuitry to compare the detected phase and amplitude with the desired phase and amplitude, respectively, and a digitally programmable phase shifter and attenuator and digital logic circuitry to control the phase shifter and attenuator. The Phase and amplitude of subsequent are modified by output signals from the correction system.

Pitfalls and feedback when constructing topological pressure-temperature phase diagrams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ceolin, R.; Toscani, S.; Rietveld, Ivo B.; Barrio, M.; Tamarit, J. Ll.

2017-04-01

The stability hierarchy between different phases of a chemical compound can be accurately reproduced in a topological phase diagram. This type of phase diagrams may appear to be the result of simple extrapolations, however, experimental complications quickly increase in the case of crystalline trimorphism (and higher order polymorphism). To ensure the accurate positioning of stable phase domains, a topological phase diagram needs to be consistent. This paper gives an example of how thermodynamic feedback can be used in the topological construction of phase diagrams to ensure overall consistency in a phase diagram based on the case of piracetam crystalline trimorphism.

Observation of polyamorphism in the phase change alloy Ge1Sb2Te4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalkan, B.; Sen, S.; Cho, J.-Y.; Joo, Y.-C.; Clark, S. M.

2012-10-01

A high-pressure synchrotron x-ray diffraction study of the phase change alloy Ge1Sb2Te4 demonstrates the existence of a polyamorphic phase transition between the "as deposited" low density amorphous (LDA) phase and a high density amorphous (HDA) phase at ˜10 GPa. The entropy of the HDA phase is expected to be higher than that of the LDA phase resulting in a negative Clapeyron slope for this transition. These phase relations may enable the polyamorphic transition to play a role in the memory and data storage applications.

Phase imaging in brain using SWIFT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lehto, Lauri Juhani; Garwood, Michael; Gröhn, Olli; Corum, Curtis Andrew

2015-03-01

The majority of MRI phase imaging is based on gradient recalled echo (GRE) sequences. This work studies phase contrast behavior due to small off-resonance frequency offsets in brain using SWIFT, a FID-based sequence with nearly zero acquisition delay. 1D simulations and a phantom study were conducted to describe the behavior of phase accumulation in SWIFT. Imaging experiments of known brain phase contrast properties were conducted in a perfused rat brain comparing GRE and SWIFT. Additionally, a human brain sample was imaged. It is demonstrated how SWIFT phase is orientation dependent and correlates well with GRE, linking SWIFT phase to similar off-resonance sources as GRE. The acquisition time is shown to be analogous to TE for phase accumulation time. Using experiments with and without a magnetization transfer preparation, the likely effect of myelin water pool contribution is seen as a phase increase for all acquisition times. Due to the phase accumulation during acquisition, SWIFT phase contrast can be sensitized to small frequency differences between white and gray matter using low acquisition bandwidths.

The prediction of a new high-pressure phase of hafnia using first-principles computations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Khatatbeh, Y.; Tarawneh, K.; Hamad, B.

2018-02-01

Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we predicted a new high- pressure phase of hafnia (HfO2). We found the hexagonal phase (Ni2In-type structure; space group: P63 /mmc) to be the stable phase at ultrahigh pressures greater than ~386 GPa. Our findings are consistent with recent calculations performed on the similar dioxide ZrO2 [M. Durandurdu, J. Solid State Chem. 230, 233 (2015)] where this phase has been claimed to be the most stable at pressures greater than 380 GPa. The Birch-Murnaghan equation of state (BM- EOS) of the new phase shows that this phase is more compressible and less dense than Fe2P-type phase. Additionally, the hardness calculations using a scaling model confirmed that our newly predicted phase has a similar hardness compared to the other HfO2 phases, indicating that none of the HfO2 phases can be considered to be superhard.

Comparing phase-sensitive and phase-insensitive echolocation target images using a monaural audible sonar.

PubMed

Kuc, Roman

2018-04-01

This paper describes phase-sensitive and phase-insensitive processing of monaural echolocation waveforms to generate target maps. Composite waveforms containing both the emission and echoes are processed to estimate the target impulse response using an audible sonar. Phase-sensitive processing yields the composite signal envelope, while phase-insensitive processing that starts with the composite waveform power spectrum yields the envelope of the autocorrelation function. Analysis and experimental verification show that multiple echoes form an autocorrelation function that produces near-range phantom-reflector artifacts. These artifacts interfere with true target echoes when the first true echo occurs at a time that is less than the total duration of the target echoes. Initial comparison of phase-sensitive and phase-insensitive maps indicates that both display important target features, indicating that phase is not vital. A closer comparison illustrates the improved resolution of phase-sensitive processing, the near-range phantom-reflectors produced by phase-insensitive processing, and echo interference and multiple reflection artifacts that were independent of the processing.

Propagation based phase retrieval of simulated intensity measurements using artificial neural networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kemp, Z. D. C.

2018-04-01

Determining the phase of a wave from intensity measurements has many applications in fields such as electron microscopy, visible light optics, and medical imaging. Propagation based phase retrieval, where the phase is obtained from defocused images, has shown significant promise. There are, however, limitations in the accuracy of the retrieved phase arising from such methods. Sources of error include shot noise, image misalignment, and diffraction artifacts. We explore the use of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to improve the accuracy of propagation based phase retrieval algorithms applied to simulated intensity measurements. We employ a phase retrieval algorithm based on the transport-of-intensity equation to obtain the phase from simulated micrographs of procedurally generated specimens. We then train an ANN with pairs of retrieved and exact phases, and use the trained ANN to process a test set of retrieved phase maps. The total error in the phase is significantly reduced using this method. We also discuss a variety of potential extensions to this work.

Spectro-microscopic Characterization of Physical Properties and Phase Separations in Individual Atmospheric Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

OBrien, R. E.; Wang, B.; Neu, A.; Kelly, S. T.; Lundt, N.; Epstein, S. A.; MacMillan, A.; You, Y.; Laskin, A.; Nizkorodov, S.; Bertram, A. K.; Moffet, R.; Gilles, M.

2013-12-01

The phase state and liquid-liquid phase separations of ambient and laboratory generated aerosol particles were investigated using (1) scanning transmission x-ray microscopy/near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (STXM/NEXAFS) coupled to a relative humidity (RH) controlled in-situ chamber and (2) environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The phase states of the particles were determined from measurements of their size and optical density. A comparison is made between the observed phase states of ambient samples and of laboratory generated aerosols to determine how well laboratory samples represent the phase of ambient samples. In addition, liquid-liquid phase separations in laboratory generated particles were investigated. Preliminary results showing that liquid-liquid phase separations occur at RH's between the deliquescence and efflorescence points and that the organic phase surrounds the inorganic phase will be presented. The STXM/NEXAFS technique provides insight into the degree of mixing at the deliquescence point and the degree of phase separation for particles of atmospherically relevant sizes.

Phase-separated, epitaxial composite cap layers for electronic device applications and method of making the same

DOEpatents

Aytug, Tolga [Knoxville, TN; Paranthaman, Mariappan Parans [Knoxville, TN; Polat, Ozgur [Knoxville, TN

2012-07-17

An electronic component that includes a substrate and a phase-separated layer supported on the substrate and a method of forming the same are disclosed. The phase-separated layer includes a first phase comprising lanthanum manganate (LMO) and a second phase selected from a metal oxide (MO), metal nitride (MN), a metal (Me), and combinations thereof. The phase-separated material can be an epitaxial layer and an upper surface of the phase-separated layer can include interfaces between the first phase and the second phase. The phase-separated layer can be supported on a buffer layer comprising a composition selected from the group consisting of IBAD MgO, LMO/IBAD-MgO, homoepi-IBAD MgO and LMO/homoepi-MgO. The electronic component can also include an electronically active layer supported on the phase-separated layer. The electronically active layer can be a superconducting material, a ferroelectric material, a multiferroic material, a magnetic material, a photovoltaic material, an electrical storage material, and a semiconductor material.

Relative phase noise induced impairment in M-ary phase-shift-keying coherent optical communication system using distributed fiber Raman amplifier.

PubMed

Cheng, Jingchi; Tang, Ming; Fu, Songnian; Shum, Perry Ping; Liu, Deming

2013-04-01

We show for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, that, in a coherent communication system that employs a phase-shift-keying signal and Raman amplification, besides the pump relative intensity noise (RIN) transfer to the amplitude, the signal's phase will also be affected by pump RIN through the pump-signal cross-phase modulation. Although the average pump power induced linear phase change can be compensated for by the phase-correction algorithm, a relative phase noise (RPN) parameter has been found to characterize pump RIN induced stochastic phase noise. This extra phase noise brings non-negligible system impairments in terms of the Q-factor penalty. The calculation shows that copumping leads to much more stringent requirements to pump RIN, and relatively larger fiber dispersion helps to suppress the RPN induced impairment. A higher-order phase-shift keying (PSK) signal is less tolerant to noise than a lower-order PSK.

[Study on phase correction method of spatial heterodyne spectrometer].

PubMed

Wang, Xin-Qiang; Ye, Song; Zhang, Li-Juan; Xiong, Wei

2013-05-01

Phase distortion exists in collected interferogram because of a variety of measure reasons when spatial heterodyne spectrometers are used in practice. So an improved phase correction method is presented. The phase curve of interferogram was obtained through Fourier inverse transform to extract single side transform spectrum, based on which, the phase distortions were attained by fitting phase slope, so were the phase correction functions, and the convolution was processed between transform spectrum and phase correction function to implement spectrum phase correction. The method was applied to phase correction of actually measured monochromatic spectrum and emulational water vapor spectrum. Experimental results show that the low-frequency false signals in monochromatic spectrum fringe would be eliminated effectively to increase the periodicity and the symmetry of interferogram, in addition when the continuous spectrum imposed phase error was corrected, the standard deviation between it and the original spectrum would be reduced form 0.47 to 0.20, and thus the accuracy of spectrum could be improved.

The A-B transition in superfluid helium-3 under confinement in a thin slab geometry

PubMed Central

Zhelev, N.; Abhilash, T. S.; Smith, E. N.; Bennett, R. G.; Rojas, X.; Levitin, L.; Saunders, J.; Parpia, J. M.

2017-01-01

The influence of confinement on the phases of superfluid helium-3 is studied using the torsional pendulum method. We focus on the transition between the A and B phases, where the A phase is stabilized by confinement and a spatially modulated stripe phase is predicted at the A–B phase boundary. Here we discuss results from superfluid helium-3 contained in a single 1.08-μm-thick nanofluidic cavity incorporated into a high-precision torsion pendulum, and map the phase diagram between 0.1 and 5.6 bar. We observe only small supercooling of the A phase, in comparison to bulk or when confined in aerogel, with evidence for a non-monotonic pressure dependence. This suggests that an intrinsic B-phase nucleation mechanism operates under confinement. Both the phase diagram and the relative superfluid fraction of the A and B phases, show that strong coupling is present at all pressures, with implications for the stability of the stripe phase. PMID:28671184

Pixel-by-pixel absolute phase retrieval using three phase-shifted fringe patterns without markers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Chufan; Li, Beiwen; Zhang, Song

2017-04-01

This paper presents a method that can recover absolute phase pixel by pixel without embedding markers on three phase-shifted fringe patterns, acquiring additional images, or introducing additional hardware component(s). The proposed three-dimensional (3D) absolute shape measurement technique includes the following major steps: (1) segment the measured object into different regions using rough priori knowledge of surface geometry; (2) artificially create phase maps at different z planes using geometric constraints of structured light system; (3) unwrap the phase pixel by pixel for each region by properly referring to the artificially created phase map; and (4) merge unwrapped phases from all regions into a complete absolute phase map for 3D reconstruction. We demonstrate that conventional three-step phase-shifted fringe patterns can be used to create absolute phase map pixel by pixel even for large depth range objects. We have successfully implemented our proposed computational framework to achieve absolute 3D shape measurement at 40 Hz.

Incorporating seismic phase correlations into a probabilistic model of global-scale seismology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arora, Nimar

2013-04-01

We present a probabilistic model of seismic phases whereby the attributes of the body-wave phases are correlated to those of the first arriving P phase. This model has been incorporated into NET-VISA (Network processing Vertically Integrated Seismic Analysis) a probabilistic generative model of seismic events, their transmission, and detection on a global seismic network. In the earlier version of NET-VISA, seismic phase were assumed to be independent of each other. Although this didn't affect the quality of the inferred seismic bulletin, for the most part, it did result in a few instances of anomalous phase association. For example, an S phase with a smaller slowness than the corresponding P phase. We demonstrate that the phase attributes are indeed highly correlated, for example the uncertainty in the S phase travel time is significantly reduced given the P phase travel time. Our new model exploits these correlations to produce better calibrated probabilities for the events, as well as fewer anomalous associations.

Investigation of the Nd-rich phases in the Nd-Fe-B system

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

Tang, W.; Zhou, S.; Wang, R.

1988-11-15

The crystal structures and the compositions of the Nd-rich phases in the Nd-Fe-B system have been investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and Auger spectroscopy techniques. It has been observed that there are two kinds of Nd-rich phases with different structures and compositions. Most of the Nd-rich phases will undergo a phase transformation when the powder is sintered at high temperatures. This phase transformation is accompanied by the introduction of oxygen into the alloy which will change from a ternary system into a quaternary one. Both of the two Nd-rich phases are stable phases in this latermore » system. With the aid of the EDX and the Auger spectroscope, the compositions of the dhcp and the fcc Nd-rich phases have been determined. The Nd contents of the two phases are about 90 and 70 at. %, respectively, with the later phase containing about 15 at. % of oxygen.« less

Application of phase-change materials in memory taxonomy

PubMed Central

Wang, Lei; Tu, Liang; Wen, Jing

2017-01-01

Abstract Phase-change materials are suitable for data storage because they exhibit reversible transitions between crystalline and amorphous states that have distinguishable electrical and optical properties. Consequently, these materials find applications in diverse memory devices ranging from conventional optical discs to emerging nanophotonic devices. Current research efforts are mostly devoted to phase-change random access memory, whereas the applications of phase-change materials in other types of memory devices are rarely reported. Here we review the physical principles of phase-change materials and devices aiming to help researchers understand the concept of phase-change memory. We classify phase-change memory devices into phase-change optical disc, phase-change scanning probe memory, phase-change random access memory, and phase-change nanophotonic device, according to their locations in memory hierarchy. For each device type we discuss the physical principles in conjunction with merits and weakness for data storage applications. We also outline state-of-the-art technologies and future prospects. PMID:28740557

A 2-Phase Labeling and Choice Architecture Intervention to Improve Healthy Food and Beverage Choices

PubMed Central

Sonnenberg, Lillian; Riis, Jason; Barraclough, Susan; Levy, Douglas E.

2012-01-01

Objectives. We assessed whether a 2-phase labeling and choice architecture intervention would increase sales of healthy food and beverages in a large hospital cafeteria. Methods. Phase 1 was a 3-month color-coded labeling intervention (red = unhealthy, yellow = less healthy, green = healthy). Phase 2 added a 3-month choice architecture intervention that increased the visibility and convenience of some green items. We compared relative changes in 3-month sales from baseline to phase 1 and from phase 1 to phase 2. Results. At baseline (977 793 items, including 199 513 beverages), 24.9% of sales were red and 42.2% were green. Sales of red items decreased in both phases (P < .001), and green items increased in phase 1 (P < .001). The largest changes occurred among beverages. Red beverages decreased 16.5% during phase 1 (P < .001) and further decreased 11.4% in phase 2 (P < .001). Green beverages increased 9.6% in phase 1 (P < .001) and further increased 4.0% in phase 2 (P < .001). Bottled water increased 25.8% during phase 2 (P < .001) but did not increase at 2 on-site comparison cafeterias (P < .001). Conclusions. A color-coded labeling intervention improved sales of healthy items and was enhanced by a choice architecture intervention. PMID:22390518

KINETICS OF THE ACTION OF AMPICILLIN ON ESCHERICHIA COLI

PubMed Central

Seligman, Stephen J.; Hewitt, William L.

1963-01-01

Seligman, Stephen J. (University of California, Los Angeles) and William L. Hewitt. Kinetics of the action of ampicillin on Escherichia coli. J. Bacteriol. 85:1160–1164. 1963.—The curve of the number of viable Escherichia coli after exposure to ampicillin can be divided into three phases: a lag phase, a rapid bactericidal phase, and a slow bactericidal phase. Some of the variables affecting the magnitude of the first two of these phases were investigated. Progressive lowering of drug concentration resulted in prolongation of the lag phase and decrease in slope and extent of the rapid bactericidal phase. The production of elongated gram-negative forms and the emergence of a mutant with increased penicillinase activity complicated interpretation of the lower dose curves. With sufficient drug concentration, the length of the lag phase and the slope of the rapid bactericidal curve were independent of the size of inoculum up to 108 organisms. Varying pH revealed that maximal activity, as measured by the shortest lag phase and steepest slope of the rapid bactericidal phase, was present at slightly acid pH levels. Increasing pH resulted principally in prolongation of lag phase. With greater acidity, decrease in slope of the rapid bactericidal phase was more prominent. Cultures studied under conditions of lessened metabolic activity exhibited prolonged lag phase and decreased slope and extent of rapid bactericidal phase. PMID:14044010

Cell segmentation in phase contrast microscopy images via semi-supervised classification over optics-related features.

PubMed

Su, Hang; Yin, Zhaozheng; Huh, Seungil; Kanade, Takeo

2013-10-01

Phase-contrast microscopy is one of the most common and convenient imaging modalities to observe long-term multi-cellular processes, which generates images by the interference of lights passing through transparent specimens and background medium with different retarded phases. Despite many years of study, computer-aided phase contrast microscopy analysis on cell behavior is challenged by image qualities and artifacts caused by phase contrast optics. Addressing the unsolved challenges, the authors propose (1) a phase contrast microscopy image restoration method that produces phase retardation features, which are intrinsic features of phase contrast microscopy, and (2) a semi-supervised learning based algorithm for cell segmentation, which is a fundamental task for various cell behavior analysis. Specifically, the image formation process of phase contrast microscopy images is first computationally modeled with a dictionary of diffraction patterns; as a result, each pixel of a phase contrast microscopy image is represented by a linear combination of the bases, which we call phase retardation features. Images are then partitioned into phase-homogeneous atoms by clustering neighboring pixels with similar phase retardation features. Consequently, cell segmentation is performed via a semi-supervised classification technique over the phase-homogeneous atoms. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed approach produces quality segmentation of individual cells and outperforms previous approaches. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analyzing phase diagrams and phase transitions in networked competing populations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Y.-C.; Yin, H. P.; Xu, C.; Hui, P. M.

2011-03-01

Phase diagrams exhibiting the extent of cooperation in an evolutionary snowdrift game implemented in different networks are studied in detail. We invoke two independent payoff parameters, unlike a single payoff often used in most previous works that restricts the two payoffs to vary in a correlated way. In addition to the phase transition points when a single payoff parameter is used, phase boundaries separating homogeneous phases consisting of agents using the same strategy and a mixed phase consisting of agents using different strategies are found. Analytic expressions of the phase boundaries are obtained by invoking the ideas of the last surviving patterns and the relative alignments of the spectra of payoff values to agents using different strategies. In a Watts-Strogatz regular network, there exists a re-entrant phenomenon in which the system goes from a homogeneous phase into a mixed phase and re-enters the homogeneous phase as one of the two payoff parameters is varied. The non-trivial phase diagram accompanying this re-entrant phenomenon is quantitatively analyzed. The effects of noise and cooperation in randomly rewired Watts-Strogatz networks are also studied. The transition between a mixed phase and a homogeneous phase is identify to belong to the directed percolation universality class. The methods used in the present work are applicable to a wide range of problems in competing populations of networked agents.

Exploring the Clapeyron Equation and the Phase Rule Using a Mechanical Drawing Toy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Darvesh, Katherine V.

2013-01-01

The equilibrium between phases is a key concept from the introductory physical chemistry curriculum. Phase diagrams display which phase is the most stable at a given temperature and pressure. If more than one phase has the lowest Gibbs energy, then those phases are in equilibrium under those conditions. An activity designed to demonstrate the…

Three-Phase and Six-Phase AC at the Lab Bench

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Caplan, George M.

2009-01-01

Utility companies generate three-phase electric power, which consists of three sinusoidal voltages with phase angles of 0 degrees, 120 degrees, and 240 degrees. The ac generators described in most introductory textbooks are single-phase generators, so physics students are not likely to learn about three-phase power. I have developed a simple way…

A composite phase diagram of structure H hydrates using Schreinemakers' geometric approach

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mehta, A.P.; Makogon, T.Y.; Burruss, R.C.; Wendlandt, R.F.; Sloan, E.D.

1996-01-01

A composite phase diagram is presented for Structure H (sH) clathrate hydrates. In this work, we derived the reactions occurring among the various phases along each four-phase (Ice/Liquid water, liquid hydrocarbon, vapor, and hydrate) equilibrium line. A powerful method (though seldom used in chemical engineering) for multicomponent equilibria developed by Schreinemakers is applied to determine the relative location of all quadruple (four-phase) lines emanating from three quintuple (five-phase) points. Experimental evidence validating the approximate phase diagram is also provided. The use of Schreinemakers' rules for the development of the phase diagram is novel for hydrates, but these rules may be extended to resolve the phase space of other more complex systems commonly encountered in chemical engineering.

Mixed phase clouds: observations and theoretical advances (overview)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korolev, Alexei

2013-04-01

Mixed phase clouds play important role in precipitation formation and radiation budget of the Earth. The microphysical measurements in mixed phase clouds are notoriously difficult due to many technical challenges. The airborne instrumentation for characterization of the microstructure of mixed phase clouds is discussed. The results multiyear airborne observations and measurements of frequency of occurrence of mixed phase, characteristic spatial scales, humidity in mixed phase and ice clouds are presented. A theoretical framework describing the thermodynamics and phase transformation of a three phase component system consisting of ice particles, liquid droplets and water vapor is discussed. It is shown that the Wegener-Bergeron-Findeisen process plays different role in clouds with different dynamics. The problem of maintenance and longevity of mixed phase clouds is discussed.

Phase I, open-cycle absorption solar cooling. Part IV. Executive summary analysis and resolution of critical issues and recommendations for Phase II. Final report

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

Wood, B.D.

The objective of this project is to advance lower cost solar cooling technology with the feasibility analysis, design and evaluation of proof-of-concept open cycle solar cooling concepts. The work is divided into three phases, with planned completion of each phase before proceeding with the following phase: Phase I - performance/economic/environmental related analysis and exploratory studies; Phase II - design and construction of an experimental system, including evaluative testing; Phase III - extended system testing during operation and engineering modifications as required. For Phase I, analysis and resolution of critical issues were completed with the objective of developing design specifications formore » an improved prototype OCA system.« less

Phase gradient algorithm based on co-axis two-step phase-shifting interferometry and its application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yawei; Zhu, Qiong; Xu, Yuanyuan; Xin, Zhiduo; Liu, Jingye

2017-12-01

A phase gradient method based on co-axis two-step phase-shifting interferometry, is used to reveal the detailed information of a specimen. In this method, the phase gradient distribution can only be obtained by calculating both the first-order derivative and the radial Hilbert transformation of the intensity difference between two phase-shifted interferograms. The feasibility and accuracy of this method were fully verified by the simulation results for a polystyrene sphere and a red blood cell. The empirical results demonstrated that phase gradient is sensitive to changes in the refractive index and morphology. Because phase retrieval and tedious phase unwrapping are not required, the calculation speed is faster. In addition, co-axis interferometry has high spatial resolution.

Phase behavior of casein micelles/exocellular polysaccharide mixtures: Experiment and theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuinier, R.; de Kruif, C. G.

1999-05-01

Dispersions of casein micelles and an exocellular polysaccharide (EPS), obtained from Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris NIZO B40 EPS, show a phase separation. The phase separation is of the colloidal gas-liquid type. We have determined a phase diagram that describes the separation of skim milk with EPS into a casein-micelle rich phase and an EPS rich phase. We compare the phase diagram with those calculated from theories developed by Vrij, and by Lekkerkerker and co-workers, showing that the experimental phase boundary can be predicted quite well. From dynamic light scattering measurements of the self-diffusion of the casein micelles in the presence of EPS the spinodal could be located and it corresponds with the experimental phase boundary.

Coexistence of a metastable double hcp phase in bcc-fcc structure transition of Te under high pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akahama, Yuichi; Okawa, Naoki; Sugimoto, Toshiyuki; Fujihisa, Hiroshi; Hirao, Naoshisa; Ohishi, Yasuo

2018-02-01

The structural phase transitions of tellurium (Te) are investigated at pressures of up to 330 GPa at 298 K using an X-ray powder diffraction technique. In the experiments, it was found that the high-pressure bcc phase (Te-V) transitioned to the fcc phase (Te-VI) at 99 GPa, although a double hcp phase (dhcp) coexisted with the fcc phase. As the pressure was increased and decreased, the dhcp phase vanished at 255 and 100 GPa, respectively. These results suggest that the dhcp phase is metastable at 298 K and the structure of the highest-pressure phase of Te is fcc. The present results provide important information regarding the high-pressure behavior of group-16 elements.

Analytical Study on the Saturated Polarization Under Electric Field and Phase Equilibrium of Three-Phase Polycrystalline Ferroelectrics by Using the Generalized Inverse-Pole-Figure Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ju, Kyong-Sik; Ryo, Hyok-Su; Pak, Sung-Nam; Pak, Chang-Su; Ri, Sung-Guk; Ri, Dok-Hwan

2018-07-01

By using the generalized inverse-pole-figure model, the numbers of crystalline particles involved in different domain-switching near the triple tetragonal-rhombohedral-orthorhombic (T-R-O) points of three-phase polycrystalline ferroelectrics have been analytically calculated and domain-switching which can bring out phase transformations has been considered. Through polarization by an electric field, different numbers of crystalline particles can be involved in different phase transformations. According to the phase equilibrium conditions, the phase equilibrium compositions of the three phases coexisting near the T-R-O triple point have been evaluated from the results of the numbers of crystalline particles involved in different phase transformations.

Influence of Pressure on Physical Property of Ammonia Borane and its Re-hydrogenation

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

Chen, Jiuhua

The project systematically studied the high pressure behavior of ammonia borane and its derivative lithium amidoborane. Phase transitions in these materials are investigated in the pressure range up to 20 GPa and temperature range from 80 K to 400K. A number of new phase transitions are discovered in this pressure and temperature range including a second order transformation at 5 GPa and a first order transformation at 12 GPa at room temperature, and four new transitions at high pressure and low temperatures. The Clapeyron slopes for both pressure-induce tetragonal (I4mm) phase to orthorhombic (Cmc21) phase and temperature-induce tetragonal (I4mm) phasemore » to orthorhombic (Pmn21) phase are determined to be positive, indicating these phase transitions are exothermic. This result demonstrates that the high pressure orthorhombic phase of ammonia borane has lower enthalpy than that of tetragonal phase at ambient conditions. If we assume decomposition from the orthorhombic phase yields the same products as that from the tetragonal phase, the decomposition of the orthorhombic phase will be less exothermic. Therefore rehydrogenation from the decomposed product into the orthorhombic phase at high pressure may become easier. The project also studied the influences of nanoconfinement on the phase transitions. Comparative study using Raman spectroscopy indicates that the temperature induced I4mm to Pmn21 transition is suppressed from 217 K to 195 K when the sample is confined in SBA15 (7-9 nm pore size). When the pore size is reduced from 7-9 nm to 3-4 nm, this transition is totally suppressed in the temperature down to 80 K. A similar influence of the nanoconfiement on pressure induced phase transitions is also observed using Raman spectroscopy. The phase boundary between the I4mm phase and high pressure Cmc21 phase at ambient temperature shifts from 0.9 GPa to 0.5 GPa; and that between the Cmc21 phase and higher pressure P21 phase shifts from 10.2 GPa to 9.7 GPa.« less

Characterization of On-Orbit U.S. Lab Condensate Vacuum Venting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidl, W. D.; Alred, J. A.; Mikatarian, R.; Soares, C.; Miles, E.

2002-01-01

The venting of liquid streams into a vacuum has been studied extensively for many years. An experiment was performed aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to video tape the U.S. Lab's condensate venting event with cameras located on the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). Images of the vent plume were acquired close to both the port and starboard vent nozzles. The imaging started with a wider view and then zoomed in closer before the shutdown phase of the vent event occurred. The objective of this experiment was to extend our understanding of the properties of venting liquids into space. Data from the video images were analyzed to obtain the approximate cone angle encompassing the core of the vent plume. The condensate vent plume was characterized as having three phases, a startup phase, a nominal phase, and a shutdown phase. The startup phase consisted of the initial period when the vent first started and the liquid first entered the heated line. The nominal phase was the period when the majority of the liquid was vented. The shutdown phase occurs close to the end of the vent event. The shutdown phase was further divided into two parts, the shutdown initial phase, and a later shutdown sputtering phase. The shutdown initial phase occurs when gas becomes entrained in the condensate liquid being vented. The sputtering phase occurred after the vent valve was closed, and the liquid/ice in the line was removed by continuing to heat the line to bake it out. It was determined that the ice particles were ejected at higher angles, but lower velocities, during the startup and shutdown phases. The number and velocities of ice particles ejected outside of the core region, during the startup, initial shutdown and shutdown sputtering phases were determined. The core of liquid ejected during the startup and shutdown phases was contained within a half cone angle of less than 60 degrees. The startup phase took approximately 36 seconds, the shutdown initial phase took approximately 22 seconds, and the shutdown sputtering phase took approximately 32 seconds. Results from the experiment were correlated with the Boeing ISS vent plume model.

New lipid family that forms inverted cubic phases in equilibrium with excess water: molecular structure-aqueous phase structure relationship for lipids with 5,9,13,17-tetramethyloctadecyl and 5,9,13,17-tetramethyloctadecanoyl chains.

PubMed

Yamashita, Jun; Shiono, Manzo; Hato, Masakatsu

2008-10-02

With a view to discovering a new family of lipids that form inverted cubic phases, the aqueous phase behavior of a series of lipids with isoprenoid-type hydrophobic chains has been examined over a temperature range from -40 to 65 degrees C by using optical microscopy, DSC (differential scanning calorimetry), and SAXS (small-angle X-ray scattering) techniques. The lipids examined are those with 5,9,13,17-tetramethyloctadecyl and 5,9,13,17-tetramethyloctadecanoyl chains linked to a series of headgroups, that is, erythritol, pentaerythritol, xylose, and glucose. All of the lipid/water systems displayed a "water + liquid crystalline phase" two-phase coexistence state when sufficiently diluted. The aqueous phase structures of the most diluted liquid crystalline phases in equilibrium with excess water depend both on the lipid molecular structure and on the temperature. Given an isoprenoid chain, the preferred phase consistently follows a phase sequence of an H II (an inverted hexagonal phase) to a Q II (an inverted bicontinuous cubic phase) to an L alpha (a lamellar phase) as A* (cross-section area of the headgroup) increases. For a given lipid/water system, the phase sequence observed as the temperature increases is L alpha to Q II to H II. The present study allowed us to find four cubic phase-forming lipid species, PEOC 18+4 [mono- O-(5,9,13,17-tetramethyloctadecyl)pentaerythritol], beta-XylOC 18+4 [1- O-(5,9,13,17-tetramethyloctadecyl)-beta- d-xylopyranoside], EROCOC 17+4 [1- O-(5,9,13,17-tetramethyloctadecanoyl)erythritol], and PEOCOC 17+4 [mono- O-(5,9,13,17-tetramethyloctadecanoyl)pentaerythritol]. The values of T K (hydrated solid-liquid crystalline phase transition temperature) of the cubic phase-forming lipids are all below 0 degrees C. Quantitative analyses of the lipid molecular structure-aqueous phase structure relationship in terms of the experimentally evaluated "surfactant parameter" allow us to rationally select an optimum combination of hydrophilic/hydrophobic part of a lipid molecule that will form a desired phase in a desired temperature range.

Thermally induced phase transformation in multi-phase iron oxide nanoparticles on vacuum annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anupama, A. V.; Keune, W.; Sahoo, B.

2017-10-01

The evolution of magnetic phases in multi-phase iron oxide nanoparticles, synthesized via the transferred arc plasma induced gas phase condensation method, was investigated by X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. The particles are proposed to be consisting of three different iron oxide phases: α-Fe2O3, γ-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4. These nanoparticles were exposed to high temperature (∼935 K) under vacuum (10-3 mbar He pressure), and the thermally induced phase transformations were investigated. The Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction data corroborates the least-squares fitting of the transmission Mössbauer spectra in confirming the presence of Fe3O4, γ-Fe2O3 and α-Fe2O3 phases before the thermal treatment, while only Fe3O4 and α-Fe2O3 phases exist after thermal treatment. On thermal annealing in vacuum, conversion from γ-Fe2O3 to Fe3O4 and α-Fe2O3 was observed. Interestingly, we have observed a phase transformation occurring in the temperature range ∼498 K-538 K, which is strikingly lower than the phase transformation temperature of γ-Fe2O3 to α-Fe2O3 (573-623 K) in air. Combining the results of Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction patterns and Mössbauer spectroscopy, we have attributed this phase transformation to the phase conversion of a metastable "defected and strained" d-Fe3O4 phase, present in the as-prepared sample, to the α-Fe2O3 phase. Stabilization of the phases by controlling the phase transformations during the use of different iron-oxide nanoparticles is the key factor to select them for a particular application. Our investigation provides insight into the effect of temperature and chemical nature of the environment, which are the primary factors governing the phase stability, suitability and longevity of the iron oxide nanomaterials prepared by the gas-phase condensation method for various applications.

Cardiovascular response to short-term fasting in menstrual phases in young women: an observational study.

PubMed

Ohara, Kumiko; Okita, Yoshimitsu; Kouda, Katsuyasu; Mase, Tomoki; Miyawaki, Chiemi; Nakamura, Harunobu

2015-08-28

Menstrual cycle-related symptoms are an important health issue for many women, and some may affect cardiac autonomic regulation. In the present study, we evaluated the cardiovascular and physiological stress response to 12-h short-term fasting in the menstrual phases of healthy young women. We performed a randomized crossover study. Subjects were seven female university students (age: 22.3 ± 1.0 years). The experiments comprised four sessions: meal intake in the follicular phase, meal intake in the luteal phase, fasting in the follicular phase, and fasting in the luteal phase. All subjects participated in a total of four experimental sessions during two successive phases (follicular and luteal phase in the same menstrual cycle, or luteal phase and follicular phase in the next menstrual cycle) according to a randomized crossover design. R-R intervals were continuously recorded before and after meals, and power spectral analysis of heart rate variability was performed. Other physiological data were obtained before and 20, 40, 60, and 80 min after meal intake or after the corresponding time point of meal intake (fasting in the follicular or luteal phase). Heart rate decreased during fasting in the follicular and luteal phases. High frequency power increased during fasting in the follicular and luteal phases. In addition, salivary cortisol concentrations decreased during fasting in the luteal phase. In the present study, short-term fasting resulted in higher parasympathetic activity and lower cortisol levels in the luteal phase in these young women. These results indicate a possibility to produce an anti-stress effect in the luteal phase, which may reduce menstrual symptoms.

Eigenstate Phase Transitions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Bo

Phase transitions are one of the most exciting physical phenomena ever discovered. The understanding of phase transitions has long been of interest. Recently eigenstate phase transitions have been discovered and studied; they are drastically different from traditional thermal phase transitions. In eigenstate phase transitions, a sharp change is exhibited in properties of the many-body eigenstates of the Hamiltonian of a quantum system, but not the thermal equilibrium properties of the same system. In this thesis, we study two different types of eigenstate phase transitions. The first is the eigenstate phase transition within the ferromagnetic phase of an infinite-range spin model. By studying the interplay of the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis and Ising symmetry breaking, we find two eigenstate phase transitions within the ferromagnetic phase: In the lowest-temperature phase the magnetization can macroscopically oscillate by quantum tunneling between up and down. The relaxation of the magnetization is always overdamped in the remainder of the ferromagnetic phase, which is further divided into phases where the system thermally activates itself over the barrier between the up and down states, and where it quantum tunnels. The second is the many-body localization phase transition. The eigenstates on one side of the transition obey the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis; the eigenstates on the other side are many-body localized, and thus thermal equilibrium need not be achieved for an initial state even after evolving for an arbitrary long time. We study this many-body localization phase transition in the strong disorder renormalization group framework. After setting up a set of coarse-graining rules for a general one dimensional chain, we get a simple "toy model'' and obtain an almost purely analytical solution to the infinite-randomness critical fixed point renormalization group equation. We also get an estimate of the correlation length critical exponent nu ≈ 2.5.

Direct NMR Monitoring of Phase Separation Behavior of Highly Supersaturated Nifedipine Solution Stabilized with Hypromellose Derivatives.

PubMed

Ueda, Keisuke; Higashi, Kenjirou; Moribe, Kunikazu

2017-07-03

We investigated the phase separation behavior and maintenance mechanism of the supersaturated state of poorly water-soluble nifedipine (NIF) in hypromellose (HPMC) derivative solutions. Highly supersaturated NIF formed NIF-rich nanodroplets through phase separation from aqueous solution containing HPMC derivative. Dissolvable NIF concentration in the bulk water phase was limited by the phase separation of NIF from the aqueous solution. HPMC derivatives stabilized the NIF-rich nanodroplets and maintained the NIF supersaturation with phase-separated NIF for several hours. The size of the NIF-rich phase was different depending on the HPMC derivatives dissolved in aqueous solution, although the droplet size had no correlation with the time for which NIF supersaturation was maintained without NIF crystallization. HPMC acetate and HPMC acetate succinate (HPMC-AS) effectively maintained the NIF supersaturation containing phase-separated NIF compared with HPMC. Furthermore, HPMC-AS stabilized NIF supersaturation more effectively in acidic conditions. Solution 1 H NMR measurements of NIF-supersaturated solution revealed that HPMC derivatives distributed into the NIF-rich phase during the phase separation of NIF from the aqueous solution. The hydrophobicity of HPMC derivative strongly affected its distribution into the NIF-rich phase. Moreover, the distribution of HPMC-AS into the NIF-rich phase was promoted at lower pH due to the lower aqueous solubility of HPMC-AS. The distribution of a large amount of HPMC derivatives into NIF-rich phase induced the strong inhibition of NIF crystallization from the NIF-rich phase. Polymer distribution into the drug-rich phase directly monitored by solution NMR technique can be a useful index for the stabilization efficiency of drug-supersaturated solution containing a drug-rich phase.

Formation mechanism of superconducting phase and its three-dimensional architecture in pseudo-single-crystal K xFe 2-ySe 2

DOE PAGES

Liu, Yong; Xing, Qingfeng; Straszheim, Warren E.; ...

2016-02-11

Here, we report how the superconducting phase forms in pseudo-single-crystal K xFe 2-ySe 2. In situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation reveals that, as an order-disorder transition occurs, on cooling, most of the high-temperature iron-vacancy-disordered phase gradually changes into the iron-vacancy-ordered phase whereas a small quantity of the high-temperature phase retains its structure and aggregates to the stripes with more iron concentration but less potassium concentration compared to the iron-vacancy-ordered phase. The stripes that are generally recognized as the superconducting phase are actually formed as a remnant of the high-temperature phase with a compositional change after an “imperfect” order-disorder transition.more » It should be emphasized that the phase separation in pseudo-single-crystal K xFe 2-ySe 2 is caused by the iron-vacancy order-disorder transition. The shrinkage of the high-temperature phase and the expansion of the newly created iron-vacancy-ordered phase during the phase separation rule out the mechanism of spinodal decomposition proposed in an early report [Wang et al, Phys. Rev. B 91, 064513 (2015)]. Since the formation of the superconducting phase relies on the occurrence of the iron-vacancy order-disorder transition, it is impossible to synthesize a pure superconducting phase by a conventional solid state reaction or melt growth. By focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy, we further demonstrate that the superconducting phase forms a contiguous three-dimensional architecture composed of parallelepipeds that have a coherent orientation relationship with the iron-vacancy-ordered phase.« less

Quantification of susceptibility change at high-concentrated SPIO-labeled target by characteristic phase gradient recognition.

PubMed

Zhu, Haitao; Nie, Binbin; Liu, Hua; Guo, Hua; Demachi, Kazuyuki; Sekino, Masaki; Shan, Baoci

2016-05-01

Phase map cross-correlation detection and quantification may produce highlighted signal at superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, and distinguish them from other hypointensities. The method may quantify susceptibility change by performing least squares analysis between a theoretically generated magnetic field template and an experimentally scanned phase image. Because characteristic phase recognition requires the removal of phase wrap and phase background, additional steps of phase unwrapping and filtering may increase the chance of computing error and enlarge the inconsistence among algorithms. To solve problem, phase gradient cross-correlation and quantification method is developed by recognizing characteristic phase gradient pattern instead of phase image because phase gradient operation inherently includes unwrapping and filtering functions. However, few studies have mentioned the detectable limit of currently used phase gradient calculation algorithms. The limit may lead to an underestimation of large magnetic susceptibility change caused by high-concentrated iron accumulation. In this study, mathematical derivation points out the value of maximum detectable phase gradient calculated by differential chain algorithm in both spatial and Fourier domain. To break through the limit, a modified quantification method is proposed by using unwrapped forward differentiation for phase gradient generation. The method enlarges the detectable range of phase gradient measurement and avoids the underestimation of magnetic susceptibility. Simulation and phantom experiments were used to quantitatively compare different methods. In vivo application performs MRI scanning on nude mice implanted by iron-labeled human cancer cells. Results validate the limit of detectable phase gradient and the consequent susceptibility underestimation. Results also demonstrate the advantage of unwrapped forward differentiation compared with differential chain algorithms for susceptibility quantification at high-concentrated iron accumulation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of chain length and double bond on the aqueous behavior of choline carboxylate soaps.

PubMed

Rengstl, Doris; Diat, Olivier; Klein, Regina; Kunz, Werner

2013-02-26

In preceding studies, we demonstrated that choline carboxylates ChC(m) with alkyl chain lengths of m = 12 - 18 are highly water-soluble (for m = 12, soluble up to 93 wt % soap and 0 °C). In addition, choline soaps are featured by an extraordinary lyotropic phase behavior. With decreasing water concentration, the following phases were found: micellar phase (L(1)), discontinuous cubic phase (I(1)' and I(1)"), hexagonal phase (H(1)), bicontinuous cubic phase (V(1)), and lamellar phase (L(α)). The present work is also focused on the lyotropic phase behavior of choline soaps but with shorter alkyl chains or different alkyl chain properties. We have investigated the aqueous phase behavior of choline soaps with C(8) and C(10) chain-lengths (choline octanoate and choline decanoate) and with a C(18) chain-length with a cis-double bond (choline oleate). We found that choline decanoate follows the lyotropic phase behavior of the longer-chain homologues mentioned above. Choline octanoate in water shows no discontinuous cubic phases, but an extended, isotropic micellar solution phase. In addition, choline octanoate is at the limit between a surfactant and a hydrotrope. The double bond in choline oleate leads also to a better solubility in water and a decrease of the solubilization temperature. It also influences the Gaussian curvature of the aggregates which results in a loss of discontinuous cubic phases in the binary phase diagram. The different lyotropic mesophases were identified by the penetration scan technique with polarizing light microscope and visual observations. To clarify the structural behavior small (SAXS) and wide (WAXS) angle X-ray scattering were performed. To further characterize the extended, isotropic micellar solution phase in the binary phase diagram of choline octanoate viscosity and conductivity measurements were also carried out.

Evolution mechanisms of the primary α and β phases during α/β deformation of an α/β titanium alloy TC8

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

Wang, Ke, E-mail: study_ke@cqu.edu.cn

A TC8 titanium alloy was isothermally compressed at the strain rates of 10–50 s{sup −1} in the two-phase region of 820–940 °C, and the evolution mechanisms of the primary α and β phases, including grain morphology, dynamic recovery (DRV) and dynamic recrystallization (DRX), were investigated by optical microscopy (OM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). OM reveals that the phase content and grain morphology are more significantly influenced by the deformation temperature than the strain rate. The β grains achieve refinement only at 940 °C due to DRX in the β phase. TEM reveals the remarkable variations of the DRX grains,more » subgrains, sub-boundaries and dislocations morphology with temperature and strain rate related to DRV and DRX in the primary α phase. The DRX in the primary α phase appears most strongly at a middle temperature of 860 °C, and DRV dominates in the primary α phase at 940 °C. While the dominant mechanism varies from DRV to DRX in the β phase as the temperature increases. Finally, the influence mechanism of deformation parameters on the primary α grain morphology is revealed based on the combined effect of DRV and DRX in the primary α phase and diffusion of the β phase. - Highlights: •The β grains achieve refinement only at 940 °C due to DRX in the β phase. •The DRX in the primary α phase is most remarkable at 860 °C. •The dominant mechanism in β phase varies from DRV to DRX with increasing temperature. •The interaction between the primary α and β phases depends on the phase content.« less

Centrifuge workers study. Phase II, completion report

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

Wooten, H.D.

1994-09-01

Phase II of the Centrifuge Workers Study was a follow-up to the Phase I efforts. The Phase I results had indicated a higher risk than expected among centrifuge workers for developing bladder cancer when compared with the risk in the general population for developing this same type of cancer. However, no specific agent could be identified as the causative agent for these bladder cancers. As the Phase II Report states, Phase I had been limited to workers who had the greatest potential for exposure to substances used in the centrifuge process. Phase II was designed to expand the survey tomore » evaluate the health of all employees who had ever worked in Centrifuge Program Departments 1330-1339 but who had not been interviewed in Phase I. Employees in analytical laboratories and maintenance departments who provided support services for the Centrifuge Program were also included in Phase II. In December 1989, the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), now known as Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was contracted to conduct a follow-up study (Phase II). Phase H of the Centrifuge Workers Study expanded the survey to include all former centrifuge workers who were not included in Phase I. ORISE was chosen because they had performed the Phase I tasks and summarized the corresponding survey data therefrom.« less

Single phase computed tomography is equivalent to dual phase method for localizing hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: a retrospective review

PubMed Central

Morón, Fanny; Delumpa, Alfred; Guffey, Danielle; Dunaway, David

2017-01-01

Objective This study aims to compare the sensitivity of dual phase (non-contrast and arterial) versus single phase (arterial) CT for detection of hyper-functioning parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Methods The CT scans of thirty-two patients who have biochemical evidence of primary hyperparathyroidism, pathologically proven parathyroid adenomas, and pre-operative multiphase parathyroid imaging were evaluated retrospectively in order to compare the adequacy of single phase vs. dual phase CT scans for the detection of parathyroid adenomas. Results The parathyroid adenomas were localized in 83% of cases on single arterial phase CT and 80% of cases on dual phase CT. The specificity for localization of parathyroid tumor was 96% for single phase CT and 97% for dual phase CT. The results were not significantly different (p = 0.695). These results are similar to those found in the literature for multiphase CT of 55–94%. Conclusions Our study supports the use of a single arterial phase CT for the detection of hyperfunctioning parathyroid adenomas. Advances in knowledge: a single arterial phase CT has similar sensitivity for localizing parathyroid adenomas as dual phase CT and significantly reduces radiation dose to the patient. PMID:28828238

Phase-contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Minoda, Hiroki; Tamai, Takayuki; Iijima, Hirofumi; Hosokawa, Fumio; Kondo, Yukihito

2015-06-01

This report introduces the first results obtained using phase-contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy (P-STEM). A carbon-film phase plate (PP) with a small center hole is placed in the condenser aperture plane so that a phase shift is introduced in the incident electron waves except those passing through the center hole. A cosine-type phase-contrast transfer function emerges when the phase-shifted scattered waves interfere with the non-phase-shifted unscattered waves, which passed through the center hole before incidence onto the specimen. The phase contrast resulting in P-STEM is optically identical to that in phase-contrast transmission electron microscopy that is used to provide high contrast for weak phase objects. Therefore, the use of PPs can enhance the phase contrast of the STEM images of specimens in principle. The phase shift resulting from the PP, whose thickness corresponds to a phase shift of π, has been confirmed using interference fringes displayed in the Ronchigram of a silicon single crystal specimen. The interference fringes were found to abruptly shift at the edge of the PP hole by π. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japanese Society of Microscopy. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Phase Misalignment between Suprachiasmatic Neuronal Oscillators Impairs Photic Behavioral Phase Shifts but not Photic Induction of Gene Expression

PubMed Central

Schwartz, Michael D.; Congdon, Seth; de la Iglesia, Horacio O.

2010-01-01

The ability of the circadian pacemaker within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) to respond to light stimulation in a phase-specific manner constitutes the basis for photic entrainment of circadian rhythms. The neural basis for this phase-specificity is unclear. We asked whether a lack of synchrony between SCN neurons, as reflected in phase misalignment between dorsomedial (dmSCN) and ventrolateral (vlSCN) neuronal oscillators in the rat, would impact the pacemaker’s ability to respond to phase-resetting light pulses. Light pulses delivered at maximal phase-misalignment between the vl-and dmSCN oscillators increased expression of Per1 mRNA, irrespective of the circadian phase of the dmSCN. However, phase shifts of locomotor activity were only observed when the vl-and dmSCN were phase-aligned at the time of stimulation. Our results fit a model in which a vlSCN oscillator phase-gates its own response to light and in turn relays light information to a dmSCN oscillator. This model predicts that the phase misalignment that results from circadian internal desynchronization could preserve the ability of light to induce gene expression within the master circadian clock but impair its ability to induce behavioral phase shifts. PMID:20881133

HAL/S-FC and HAL/S-360 compiler system program description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

The compiler is a large multi-phase design and can be broken into four phases: Phase 1 inputs the source language and does a syntactic and semantic analysis generating the source listing, a file of instructions in an internal format (HALMAT) and a collection of tables to be used in subsequent phases. Phase 1.5 massages the code produced by Phase 1, performing machine independent optimization. Phase 2 inputs the HALMAT produced by Phase 1 and outputs machine language object modules in a form suitable for the OS-360 or FCOS linkage editor. Phase 3 produces the SDF tables. The four phases described are written in XPL, a language specifically designed for compiler implementation. In addition to the compiler, there is a large library containing all the routines that can be explicitly called by the source language programmer plus a large collection of routines for implementing various facilities of the language.

Research on phase locked loop in optical memory servo system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Liqin; Ma, Jianshe; Zhang, Jianyong; Pan, Longfa; Deng, Ming

2005-09-01

Phase locked loop (PLL) is a closed loop automatic control system, which can track the phase of input signal. It widely applies in each area of electronic technology. This paper research the phase locked loop in optical memory servo area. This paper introduces the configuration of digital phase locked loop (PLL) and phase locked servo system, the control theory, and analyses system's stability. It constructs the phase locked loop experiment system of optical disk spindle servo, which based on special chip. DC motor is main object, this system adopted phase locked servo technique and digital signal processor (DSP) to achieve constant linear velocity (CLV) in controlling optical spindle motor. This paper analyses the factors that affect the stability of phase locked loop in spindle servo system, and discusses the affection to the optical disk readout signal and jitter due to the stability of phase locked loop.

Gamma model and its analysis for phase measuring profilometry.

PubMed

Liu, Kai; Wang, Yongchang; Lau, Daniel L; Hao, Qi; Hassebrook, Laurence G

2010-03-01

Phase measuring profilometry is a method of structured light illumination whose three-dimensional reconstructions are susceptible to error from nonunitary gamma in the associated optical devices. While the effects of this distortion diminish with an increasing number of employed phase-shifted patterns, gamma distortion may be unavoidable in real-time systems where the number of projected patterns is limited by the presence of target motion. A mathematical model is developed for predicting the effects of nonunitary gamma on phase measuring profilometry, while also introducing an accurate gamma calibration method and two strategies for minimizing gamma's effect on phase determination. These phase correction strategies include phase corrections with and without gamma calibration. With the reduction in noise, for three-step phase measuring profilometry, analysis of the root mean squared error of the corrected phase will show a 60x reduction in phase error when the proposed gamma calibration is performed versus 33x reduction without calibration.

Reliable two-dimensional phase unwrapping method using region growing and local linear estimation.

PubMed

Zhou, Kun; Zaitsev, Maxim; Bao, Shanglian

2009-10-01

In MRI, phase maps can provide useful information about parameters such as field inhomogeneity, velocity of blood flow, and the chemical shift between water and fat. As phase is defined in the (-pi,pi] range, however, phase wraps often occur, which complicates image analysis and interpretation. This work presents a two-dimensional phase unwrapping algorithm that uses quality-guided region growing and local linear estimation. The quality map employs the variance of the second-order partial derivatives of the phase as the quality criterion. Phase information from unwrapped neighboring pixels is used to predict the correct phase of the current pixel using a linear regression method. The algorithm was tested on both simulated and real data, and is shown to successfully unwrap phase images that are corrupted by noise and have rapidly changing phase. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Controlling the growth of multiple ordered heteromolecular phases by utilizing intermolecular repulsion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henneke, Caroline; Felter, Janina; Schwarz, Daniel; Stefan Tautz, F.; Kumpf, Christian

2017-06-01

Metal/organic interfaces and their structural, electronic, spintronic and thermodynamic properties have been investigated intensively, aiming to improve and develop future electronic devices. In this context, heteromolecular phases add new design opportunities simply by combining different molecules. However, controlling the desired phases in such complex systems is a challenging task. Here, we report an effective way of steering the growth of a bimolecular system composed of adsorbate species with opposite intermolecular interactions--repulsive and attractive, respectively. The repulsive species forms a two-dimensional lattice gas, the density of which controls which crystalline phases are stable. Critical gas phase densities determine the constant-area phase diagram that describes our experimental observations, including eutectic regions with three coexisting phases. We anticipate the general validity of this type of phase diagram for binary systems containing two-dimensional gas phases, and also show that the density of the gas phase allows engineering of the interface structure.

Pairing versus phase coherence of doped holes in distinct quantum spin backgrounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Zheng; Sheng, D. N.; Weng, Zheng-Yu

2018-03-01

We examine the pairing structure of holes injected into two distinct spin backgrounds: a short-range antiferromagnetic phase versus a symmetry protected topological phase. Based on density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) simulation, we find that although there is a strong binding between two holes in both phases, phase fluctuations can significantly influence the pair-pair correlation depending on the spin-spin correlation in the background. Here the phase fluctuation is identified as an intrinsic string operator nonlocally controlled by the spins. We show that while the pairing amplitude is generally large, the coherent Cooper pairing can be substantially weakened by the phase fluctuation in the symmetry-protected topological phase, in contrast to the short-range antiferromagnetic phase. It provides an example of a non-BCS mechanism for pairing, in which the paring phase coherence is determined by the underlying spin state self-consistently, bearing an interesting resemblance to the pseudogap physics in the cuprate.

Methods for testing Zernike phase plates and a report on silicon-based phase plates with reduced charging and improved ageing characteristics

PubMed Central

Marko, Michael; Meng, Xing; Hsieh, Chyongere; Roussie, James; Striemer, Christopher

2013-01-01

Imaging with Zernike phase plates is increasingly being used in cryo-TEM tomography and cryo-EM single-particle applications. However, rapid ageing of the phase plates, together with the cost and effort in producing them, present serious obstacles to widespread adoption. We are experimenting with phase plates based on silicon chips that have thin windows; such phase plates could be mass-produced and made available at moderate cost. The windows are coated with conductive layers to reduce charging, and this considerably extends the useful life of the phase plates compared to traditional pure-carbon phase plates. However, a compromise must be reached between robustness and transmission through the phase-plate film. Details are given on testing phase-plate performance by means of imaging an amorphous thin film and evaluating the power spectra of the images. PMID:23994351

Graphical method to design multilayer phase retarders.

PubMed

Apfel, J H

1981-03-15

When multilayer reflectors are used at nonnormal incidence, the two planes of polarization generally have different phase shifts. This difference, known as phase retardance, depends on the multilayer design, the incidence angle, and the wavelength. Heretofore, the design of reflectors with specific phase retardance has been carried out by computer optimization except for the case of a single layer on a metal substrate. A graph of phase retardance D vs the average phase shift A as a function of layer thickness provides a means for visualization that is useful in reflector designs. A D-A graph predicts the phase properties of a reflector as a function of the index and thickness of an added layer. Graphs of phase retardance vs average phase for two different materials can be superposed to predict the composite performance of a multilayer reflector. This graphical technique is employed to design and analyze reflectors with specified phase retardance.

Phase stabilization for mode locked lasers

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

Baer, M.T.

A method is described for stabilizing a phase relationship between two mode locked lasers, comprising: driving through a power splitter the mode lockers of both lasers from a single stable radio frequency source; monitoring the phase of pulses from each laser utilizing a fast photodiode output of each laser; feeding the output of the fast photodiodes to a phase detector and comparator; measuring a relative phase difference between the lasers with a phase detector and comparator, producing a voltage output signal or phase error signal representing the phase difference; amplifying and filtering the voltage output signal with an amplifier andmore » loop filter; feeding the resulting output signal to a voltage controlled phase delay between the power splitter and one of the lasers; and delaying the RF drive to the one laser to achieve a desired phase relationship, between the two lasers.« less

Phase quantification by X-ray photoemission valence band analysis applied to mixed phase TiO2 powders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breeson, Andrew C.; Sankar, Gopinathan; Goh, Gregory K. L.; Palgrave, Robert G.

2017-11-01

A method of quantitative phase analysis using valence band X-ray photoelectron spectra is presented and applied to the analysis of TiO2 anatase-rutile mixtures. The valence band spectra of pure TiO2 polymorphs were measured, and these spectral shapes used to fit valence band spectra from mixed phase samples. Given the surface sensitive nature of the technique, this yields a surface phase fraction. Mixed phase samples were prepared from high and low surface area anatase and rutile powders. In the samples studied here, the surface phase fraction of anatase was found to be linearly correlated with photocatalytic activity of the mixed phase samples, even for samples with very different anatase and rutile surface areas. We apply this method to determine the surface phase fraction of P25 powder. This method may be applied to other systems where a surface phase fraction is an important characteristic.

Q-band 4-state phase shifter in planar technology: Circuit design and performance analysis.

PubMed

Villa, E; Cagigas, J; Aja, B; de la Fuente, L; Artal, E

2016-09-01

A 30% bandwidth phase shifter with four phase states is designed to be integrated in a radio astronomy receiver. The circuit has two 90° out-of-phase microwave phase-shifting branches which are combined by Wilkinson power dividers. Each branch is composed of a 180° phase shifter and a band-pass filter. The 180° phase shifter is made of cascaded hybrid rings with microwave PIN diodes as switching devices. The 90° phase shift is achieved with the two band-pass filters. Experimental characterization has shown significant results, with average phase shift values of -90.7°, -181.7°, and 88.5° within the operation band, 35-47 GHz, and mean insertion loss of 7.4 dB. The performance of its integration in a polarimetric receiver for radio astronomy is analyzed, which validates the use of the presented phase shifter in such type of receiver.

Competing phases, phase separation, and coexistence in the extended one-dimensional bosonic Hubbard model

DOE PAGES

Batrouni, G. G.; Rousseau, V. G.; Scalettar, R. T.; ...

2014-11-17

Here, we study the phase diagram of the one-dimensional bosonic Hubbard model with contact (U) and near neighbor (V ) interactions focusing on the gapped Haldane insulating (HI) phase which is characterized by an exotic nonlocal order parameter. The parameter regime (U, V and μ) where this phase exists and how it competes with other phases such as the supersolid (SS) phase, is incompletely understood. We use the Stochastic Green Function quantum Monte Carlo algorithm as well as the density matrix renormalization group to map out the phase diagram. The HI exists only at = 1, the SS phase existsmore » for a very wide range of parameters (including commensurate fillings) and displays power law decay in the one body Green function were our main conclusions. Additionally, we show that at fixed integer density, the system exhibits phase separation in the (U, V ) plane.« less

Mechanisms underlying hemodynamic and neuroendocrine stress reactivity at different phases of the menstrual cycle

PubMed Central

Gordon, Jennifer L.; Girdler, Susan S.

2014-01-01

This study examined the association of menstrual cycle phase with stress reactivity as well as the hormonal and neuroendocrine mechanisms contributing to cycle effects. Fifty-seven women underwent a modified Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) during the early follicular, late follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Greater increases in cardiac index (CI) and greater decreases in vascular resistance index (VRI) during speech were observed in the luteal phase relative to other phases, while greater increases in epinephrine (EPI) was observed during the late follicular and luteal phases compared to the early follicular phase. Luteal phase estradiol predicted luteal EPI reactivity but not CI or VRI reactivity while luteal phase EPI reactivity predicted luteal phase CI and VRI reactivity. Thus, cycle-related changes in EPI reactivity may be a stronger determinant of cycle effects on hemodynamic reactivity than sex hormones per se. PMID:24397365

Phase transitions in a system of hard rectangles on the square lattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kundu, Joyjit; Rajesh, R.

2014-05-01

The phase diagram of a system of monodispersed hard rectangles of size m ×mk on a square lattice is numerically determined for m =2,3 and aspect ratio k =1,2,...,7. We show the existence of a disordered phase, a nematic phase with orientational order, a columnar phase with orientational and partial translational order, and a solidlike phase with sublattice order, but no orientational order. The asymptotic behavior of the phase boundaries for large k is determined using a combination of entropic arguments and a Bethe approximation. This allows us to generalize the phase diagram to larger m and k, showing that for k ≥7, the system undergoes three entropy-driven phase transitions with increasing density. The nature of the different phase transitions is established and the critical exponents for the continuous transitions are determined using finite size scaling.

Re-entrant phase behavior for systems with competition between phase separation and self-assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reinhardt, Aleks; Williamson, Alexander J.; Doye, Jonathan P. K.; Carrete, Jesús; Varela, Luis M.; Louis, Ard A.

2011-03-01

In patchy particle systems where there is a competition between the self-assembly of finite clusters and liquid-vapor phase separation, re-entrant phase behavior can be observed, with the system passing from a monomeric vapor phase to a region of liquid-vapor phase coexistence and then to a vapor phase of clusters as the temperature is decreased at constant density. Here, we present a classical statistical mechanical approach to the determination of the complete phase diagram of such a system. We model the system as a van der Waals fluid, but one where the monomers can assemble into monodisperse clusters that have no attractive interactions with any of the other species. The resulting phase diagrams show a clear region of re-entrance. However, for the most physically reasonable parameter values of the model, this behavior is restricted to a certain range of density, with phase separation still persisting at high densities.

Pressure-Induced Phase Transitions of n-Tridecane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamashita, Motoi

Pressure-induced phase transition behavior of n-tridecane from the ordered phase through the rotator phase into the liquid phase has been investigated by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy at 25 °C. The transition between the ordered and rotator phases has been observed in the pressure range of 270-220 MPa and the transition between the rotator and liquid phases has been observed in the pressure range of 171-112 MPa, within the experimental error of ±50 MPa. The populations of the -gtg- + -gtg'-, -gg- and gt- defects determined from the methylene wagging mode are smaller in the rotator phase than in the liquid phase and are smaller under higher pressure in both of the rotator and liquid phases. A relationship has been found between the conformation and the intensity of the 890 cm-1 band, which has been assigned as the methyl rocking mode and has been considered as insensitive to conformation.

Separation of alkylphenols by normal-phase and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

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

Schabron, J.F.; Hurtubise, R.J.; Silver, H.F.

1978-11-01

Empirical correlation factors were developed which relate log k' values for alkylphenols, the naphthols, and two phenylphenols to structural features. Both normal-phase and reversed-phase chromatographic systems were studied. The stationary phases employed in the normal-phase work were ..mu..-Bondapak CN, ..mu..-Bondapak NH/sub 2/, and ..mu..-Porasil. The structural features which affect retention in the normal-phase chromatographic systems are the number of ortho substituents, the number of aliphatic carbons, and the number of aromatic rings. The stationary phases employed in the reversed-phase work were ..mu..-Bondapak C/sub 18/ and ..mu..-Bondapak CN. The structural features which affect retention in the reversed-phase chromatographic systems are themore » number of aliphatic carbons and the number of aromatic double bonds. On ..mu..-Bondapak C/sub 18/, the presence or absence of a nonaromatic ring is of added importance.« less

Circular carrier squeezing interferometry: Suppressing phase shift error in simultaneous phase-shifting point-diffraction interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Donghui; Chen, Lei; Li, Jinpeng; Sun, Qinyuan; Zhu, Wenhua; Anderson, James; Zhao, Jian; Schülzgen, Axel

2018-03-01

Circular carrier squeezing interferometry (CCSI) is proposed and applied to suppress phase shift error in simultaneous phase-shifting point-diffraction interferometer (SPSPDI). By introducing a defocus, four phase-shifting point-diffraction interferograms with circular carrier are acquired, and then converted into linear carrier interferograms by a coordinate transform. Rearranging the transformed interferograms into a spatial-temporal fringe (STF), so the error lobe will be separated from the phase lobe in the Fourier spectrum of the STF, and filtering the phase lobe to calculate the extended phase, when combined with the corresponding inverse coordinate transform, exactly retrieves the initial phase. Both simulations and experiments validate the ability of CCSI to suppress the ripple error generated by the phase shift error. Compared with carrier squeezing interferometry (CSI), CCSI is effective on some occasions in which a linear carrier is difficult to introduce, and with the added benefit of eliminating retrace error.

Inferring Functional Neural Connectivity with Phase Synchronization Analysis: A Review of Methodology

PubMed Central

Sun, Junfeng; Li, Zhijun; Tong, Shanbao

2012-01-01

Functional neural connectivity is drawing increasing attention in neuroscience research. To infer functional connectivity from observed neural signals, various methods have been proposed. Among them, phase synchronization analysis is an important and effective one which examines the relationship of instantaneous phase between neural signals but neglecting the influence of their amplitudes. In this paper, we review the advances in methodologies of phase synchronization analysis. In particular, we discuss the definitions of instantaneous phase, the indexes of phase synchronization and their significance test, the issues that may affect the detection of phase synchronization and the extensions of phase synchronization analysis. In practice, phase synchronization analysis may be affected by observational noise, insufficient samples of the signals, volume conduction, and reference in recording neural signals. We make comments and suggestions on these issues so as to better apply phase synchronization analysis to inferring functional connectivity from neural signals. PMID:22577470

Actinic imaging and evaluation of phase structures on EUV lithography masks

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

Mochi, Iacopo; Goldberg, Kenneth; Huh, Sungmin

2010-09-28

The authors describe the implementation of a phase-retrieval algorithm to reconstruct phase and complex amplitude of structures on EUV lithography masks. Many native defects commonly found on EUV reticles are difficult to detect and review accurately because they have a strong phase component. Understanding the complex amplitude of mask features is essential for predictive modeling of defect printability and defect repair. Besides printing in a stepper, the most accurate way to characterize such defects is with actinic inspection, performed at the design, EUV wavelength. Phase defect and phase structures show a distinct through-focus behavior that enables qualitative evaluation of themore » object phase from two or more high-resolution intensity measurements. For the first time, phase of structures and defects on EUV masks were quantitatively reconstructed based on aerial image measurements, using a modified version of a phase-retrieval algorithm developed to test optical phase shifting reticles.« less

Methods to control phase inversions and enhance mass transfer in liquid-liquid dispersions

DOEpatents

Tsouris, Constantinos; Dong, Junhang

2002-01-01

The present invention is directed to the effects of applied electric fields on liquid-liquid dispersions. In general, the present invention is directed to the control of phase inversions in liquid-liquid dispersions. Because of polarization and deformation effects, coalescence of aqueous drops is facilitated by the application of electric fields. As a result, with an increase in the applied voltage, the ambivalence region is narrowed and shifted toward higher volume fractions of the dispersed phase. This permits the invention to be used to ensure that the aqueous phase remains continuous, even at a high volume fraction of the organic phase. Additionally, the volume fraction of the organic phase may be increased without causing phase inversion, and may be used to correct a phase inversion which has already occurred. Finally, the invention may be used to enhance mass transfer rates from one phase to another through the use of phase inversions.

Ponderomotive phase plate for transmission electron microscopes

DOEpatents

Reed, Bryan W [Livermore, CA

2012-07-10

A ponderomotive phase plate system and method for controllably producing highly tunable phase contrast transfer functions in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) for high resolution and biological phase contrast imaging. The system and method includes a laser source and a beam transport system to produce a focused laser crossover as a phase plate, so that a ponderomotive potential of the focused laser crossover produces a scattering-angle-dependent phase shift in the electrons of the post-sample electron beam corresponding to a desired phase contrast transfer function.

Contingency Contractor Optimization Phase 3 Sustainment Requirements Document Contingency Contractor Optimization Tool - Prototype

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

Bandlow, Alisa; Durfee, Justin David; Frazier, Christopher Rawls

2016-05-01

This requirements document serves as an addendum to the Contingency Contractor Optimization Phase 2, Requirements Document [1] and Phase 3 Requirements Document [2]. The Phase 2 Requirements document focused on the high-level requirements for the tool. The Phase 3 Requirements document provided more detailed requirements to which the engineering prototype was built in Phase 3. This document will provide detailed requirements for features and enhancements being added to the production pilot in the Phase 3 Sustainment.

Method for in situ characterization of a medium of dispersed matter in a continuous phase

DOEpatents

Kaufman, E.N.

1995-03-07

A method is described for the in situ characterization of a medium of a dispersed phase in a continuous phase, including the steps of adding a fluorescent dye to one phase capable of producing fluorescence therein when the fluorescent dye is optically excited, optically exciting the fluorescent dye at a wavelength to produce fluorescence in the one phase, and monitoring the fluorescence to distinguish the continuous phase from the dispersed phase. 2 figs.

[Multi-channel in vivo recording techniques: analysis of phase coupling between spikes and rhythmic oscillations of local field potentials].

PubMed

Wang, Ce-Qun; Chen, Qiang; Zhang, Lu; Xu, Jia-Min; Lin, Long-Nian

2014-12-25

The purpose of this article is to introduce the measurements of phase coupling between spikes and rhythmic oscillations of local field potentials (LFPs). Multi-channel in vivo recording techniques allow us to record ensemble neuronal activity and LFPs simultaneously from the same sites in the brain. Neuronal activity is generally characterized by temporal spike sequences, while LFPs contain oscillatory rhythms in different frequency ranges. Phase coupling analysis can reveal the temporal relationships between neuronal firing and LFP rhythms. As the first step, the instantaneous phase of LFP rhythms can be calculated using Hilbert transform, and then for each time-stamped spike occurred during an oscillatory epoch, we marked instantaneous phase of the LFP at that time stamp. Finally, the phase relationships between the neuronal firing and LFP rhythms were determined by examining the distribution of the firing phase. Phase-locked spikes are revealed by the non-random distribution of spike phase. Theta phase precession is a unique phase relationship between neuronal firing and LFPs, which is one of the basic features of hippocampal place cells. Place cells show rhythmic burst firing following theta oscillation within a place field. And phase precession refers to that rhythmic burst firing shifted in a systematic way during traversal of the field, moving progressively forward on each theta cycle. This relation between phase and position can be described by a linear model, and phase precession is commonly quantified with a circular-linear coefficient. Phase coupling analysis helps us to better understand the temporal information coding between neuronal firing and LFPs.

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

Liu, Yong; Xing, Qingfeng; Straszheim, Warren E.

Here, we report how the superconducting phase forms in pseudo-single-crystal K xFe 2-ySe 2. In situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation reveals that, as an order-disorder transition occurs, on cooling, most of the high-temperature iron-vacancy-disordered phase gradually changes into the iron-vacancy-ordered phase whereas a small quantity of the high-temperature phase retains its structure and aggregates to the stripes with more iron concentration but less potassium concentration compared to the iron-vacancy-ordered phase. The stripes that are generally recognized as the superconducting phase are actually formed as a remnant of the high-temperature phase with a compositional change after an “imperfect” order-disorder transition.more » It should be emphasized that the phase separation in pseudo-single-crystal K xFe 2-ySe 2 is caused by the iron-vacancy order-disorder transition. The shrinkage of the high-temperature phase and the expansion of the newly created iron-vacancy-ordered phase during the phase separation rule out the mechanism of spinodal decomposition proposed in an early report [Wang et al, Phys. Rev. B 91, 064513 (2015)]. Since the formation of the superconducting phase relies on the occurrence of the iron-vacancy order-disorder transition, it is impossible to synthesize a pure superconducting phase by a conventional solid state reaction or melt growth. By focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy, we further demonstrate that the superconducting phase forms a contiguous three-dimensional architecture composed of parallelepipeds that have a coherent orientation relationship with the iron-vacancy-ordered phase.« less

Automated hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction followed by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry for the determination of benzodiazepine drugs in biological samples.

PubMed

Nazaripour, Ali; Yamini, Yadollah; Ebrahimpour, Behnam; Fasihi, Javad

2016-07-01

In this study, two-phase hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction and three-phase hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction based on two immiscible organic solvents were compared for extraction of oxazepam and Lorazepam. Separations were performed on a liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry instrument. Under optimal conditions, three-phase hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction based on two immiscible organic solvents has a better extraction efficiency. In a urine sample, for three-phase hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction based on two immiscible organic solvents, the calibration curves were found to be linear in the range of 0.6-200 and 0.9-200 μg L(-1) and the limits of detection were 0.2 and 0.3 μg L(-1) for oxazepam and lorazepam, respectively. For two-phase hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction, the calibration curves were found to be linear in the range of 1-200 and 1.5-200 μg L(-1) and the limits of detection were 0.3 and 0.5 μg L(-1) for oxazepam and lorazepam, respectively. In a urine sample, for three-phase hollow-fiber-based liquid-phase microextraction based on two immiscible organic solvents, relative standard deviations in the range of 4.2-4.5% and preconcentration factors in the range of 70-180 were obtained for oxazepam and lorazepam, respectively. Also for the two-phase hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction, preconcentration factors in the range of 101-257 were obtained for oxazepam and lorazepam, respectively. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Evaluating the role of phase I expansion cohorts in oncologic drug development.

PubMed

Norris, Robin E; Behtaj, Mohadese; Fu, Pingfu; Dowlati, Afshin

2017-02-01

Importance Use of expansion cohorts (EC) in phase I trials is increasing. However, the utility of phase I EC in aiding drug development is unclear. We sought to determine factors associated with the inclusion of EC in phase I studies and the impact of EC on subsequent clinical development. Methods We performed a systematic review of all phase I trials published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology between June 2004 and May 2014. Presence of an EC, number of participants, funding source, class of agent, tumor type, and maximum tolerated dose (MTD)/recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) were identified. Subsequent conduct of phase II studies and FDA approval of the study agent was also assessed. Results We identified 252 phase I studies. An EC was included in 105 studies. Average accrual on EC studies was 47 compared to 31 in studies without EC (p < 0.0001). There was no impact of time on the inclusion of EC. Only 4 % of phase I studies with an EC provided sample size justification. Source of funding had the only significant association with inclusion of EC. Addition of a phase I EC did not impact the phase I MTD/RP2D, subsequent phase II trial, or FDA approval. Conclusion The importance of including an EC in phase I trials is subject to ongoing debate. Our results demonstrated little benefit to including EC in phase I studies. These findings support that innovative design strategies are needed to optimize the utility of EC in phase I studies.

Calculating phase diagrams using PANDAT and panengine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, S.-L.; Zhang, F.; Xie, F.-Y.; Daniel, S.; Yan, X.-Y.; Chang, Y. A.; Schmid-Fetzer, R.; Oates, W. A.

2003-12-01

Knowledge of phase equilibria or phase diagrams and thermodynamic properties is important in alloy design and materials-processing simulation. In principle, stable phase equilibrium is uniquely determined by the thermodynamic properties of the system, such as the Gibbs energy functions of the phases. PANDAT, a new computer software package for multicomponent phase-diagram calculation, was developed under the guidance of this principle.

Structural phase transition, electronic structure and optical properties of half Heusler alloys LiBeZ (Z = As, Sb)

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

Amudhavalli, A.; Rajeswarapalanichamy, R., E-mail: rajeswarapalanichamy@gmail.com

2016-05-23

Ab initio calculations are performed to investigate the structural stability, electronic structure, mechanical properties and optical properties of half Heusler alloys (LiBeAs and LiBeSb) for three different phases of zinc blende crystal structure. Among the considered phases, α- phase is found to be the most stable phase for these alloys at normal pressure. A pressure induced structural phase transition from α-phase to β- phase is observed for LiBeAs. The electronic structure reveals that these alloys are semiconductors. The optical properties confirm that these alloys are semiconductor in nature.

A theoretical relation between the celerity and trace velocity of infrasonic phases.

PubMed

Lonzaga, Joel B

2015-09-01

This paper presents a relationship between the celerity and trace velocity of infrasound signals propagating in a stratified, windy atmosphere. Despite their importance, known celerity values have only been determined empirically. An infrasonic phase (I-phase) diagram is developed which is useful in identifying different I-phases. Such an I-phase diagram allows for the prediction of the range of values of the celerity and trace velocity for each I-phase. The phase diagram can easily be extended to underwater acoustic and acoustic-gravity waves. An I-phase diagram is compared with data obtained from a ground-truth event where qualitative agreement is obtained.

Phase correction system for automatic focusing of synthetic aperture radar

DOEpatents

Eichel, Paul H.; Ghiglia, Dennis C.; Jakowatz, Jr., Charles V.

1990-01-01

A phase gradient autofocus system for use in synthetic aperture imaging accurately compensates for arbitrary phase errors in each imaged frame by locating highlighted areas and determining the phase disturbance or image spread associated with each of these highlight areas. An estimate of the image spread for each highlighted area in a line in the case of one dimensional processing or in a sector, in the case of two-dimensional processing, is determined. The phase error is determined using phase gradient processing. The phase error is then removed from the uncorrected image and the process is iteratively performed to substantially eliminate phase errors which can degrade the image.

Retention characteristics of a new butylimidazolium-based stationary phase. Part II: anion exchange and partitioning.

PubMed

Van Meter, David S; Sun, Yaqin; Parker, Kevin M; Stalcup, Apryll M

2008-02-01

A surface-confined ionic liquid (SCIL) and a commercial quaternary amine silica-based stationary phase were characterized employing the linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) method in binary methanol/water mobile phases. The retention properties of the stationary phases were evaluated in terms of intermolecular interactions between 28 test solutes and the stationary phases. The comparison reveals a difference in the hydrophobic and hydrogen bond acceptance interaction properties between the two phases. The anion exchange retention mechanism of the SCIL phase was demonstrated using nucleotides. The utility of the SCIL phase in predicting logk (IL/water) values by chromatographic methods is also discussed.

Nanostructures having crystalline and amorphous phases

DOEpatents

Mao, Samuel S; Chen, Xiaobo

2015-04-28

The present invention includes a nanostructure, a method of making thereof, and a method of photocatalysis. In one embodiment, the nanostructure includes a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase in contact with the crystalline phase. Each of the crystalline and amorphous phases has at least one dimension on a nanometer scale. In another embodiment, the nanostructure includes a nanoparticle comprising a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase. The amorphous phase is in a selected amount. In another embodiment, the nanostructure includes crystalline titanium dioxide and amorphous titanium dioxide in contact with the crystalline titanium dioxide. Each of the crystalline and amorphous titanium dioxide has at least one dimension on a nanometer scale.

Accelerated Exploration of Multi-principal Element Alloys for Structural Applications (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-27

SS phases (BCC, HCP and FCC), three silicide phases (M5Si3, M5Si4 and M3Si3), an ordered B2 phase, and two Laves phases (C14 and C15). In total, 453...alloys containing silicide phases (M5Si3, M5Si4, and M3Si2) is probably due to very negative, often below 50 kJ/mol [51 53] enthalpies of formation of...The majority of equiatomic alloys containing two or more phases are (SSþ IM) alloys.5. BCC, HCP and FCC SS phases, three silicide phases (M5Si3, M5Si4

Gas-Liquid Flows and Phase Separation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McQuillen, John

2004-01-01

Common issues for space system designers include:Ability to Verify Performance in Normal Gravity prior to Deployment; System Stability; Phase Accumulation & Shedding; Phase Separation; Flow Distribution through Tees & Manifolds Boiling Crisis; Heat Transfer Coefficient; and Pressure Drop.The report concludes:Guidance similar to "A design that operates in a single phase is less complex than a design that has two-phase flow" is not always true considering the amount of effort spent on pressurizing, subcooling and phase separators to ensure single phase operation. While there is still much to learn about two-phase flow in reduced gravity, we have a good start. Focus now needs to be directed more towards system level problems .

Separation of aqueous two-phase polymer systems in microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vanalstine, J. M.; Harris, J. M.; Synder, S.; Curreri, P. A.; Bamberger, S. B.; Brooks, D. E.

1984-01-01

Phase separation of polymer systems in microgravity is studied in aircraft flights to prepare shuttle experiments. Short duration (20 sec) experiments demonstrate that phase separation proceeds rapidly in low gravity despite appreciable phase viscosities and low liquid interfacial tensions (i.e., 50 cP, 10 micro N/m). Ostwald ripening does not appear to be a satisfactory model for the phase separation mechanism. Polymer coated surfaces are evaluated as a means to localize phases separated in low gravity. Contact angle measurements demonstrate that covalently coupling dextran or PEG to glass drastically alters the 1-g wall wetting behavior of the phases in dextran-PEG two phase systems.

Triple-phase helical computed tomography in dogs with solid splenic masses

PubMed Central

KUTARA, Kenji; SEKI, Mamiko; ISHIGAKI, Kumiko; TESHIMA, Kenji; ISHIKAWA, Chieko; KAGAWA, Yumiko; EDAMURA, Kazuya; NAKAYAMA, Tomohiro; ASANO, Kazushi

2017-01-01

We investigated the utility of triple-phase helical computed tomography (CT) in differentiating between benign and malignant splenic masses in dogs. Forty-two dogs with primary splenic masses underwent triple-phase helical CT scanning (before administration of contrast, and in the arterial phase, portal venous phase, and delayed phase) prior to splenectomy. Tissue specimens were sent for pathological diagnosis; these included hematomas (n=14), nodular hyperplasias (n=12), hemangiosarcomas (n=11), and undifferentiated sarcomas (n=5). The CT findings were compared with the histological findings. Nodular hyperplasia significantly displayed a homogeneous normal enhancement pattern in all phases. Hemangiosarcoma displayed 2 significant contrast-enhancement patterns, including a homogeneous pattern of poor enhancement in all phases, and a heterogeneous remarkable enhancement pattern in the arterial and portal venous phases. Hematoma and undifferentiated sarcoma displayed a heterogeneous normal enhancement pattern in all phases. The contrast-enhanced volumetric ratios of hematoma tended to be greater than those of undifferentiated sarcoma. Our study demonstrated that the characteristic findings on triple-phase helical CT could be useful for the preoperative differentiation of hematoma, nodular hyperplasia, hemangiosarcoma, and undifferentiated sarcoma in dogs. Triple-phase helical CT may be a useful diagnostic tool in dogs with splenic masses. PMID:28993600

Multi-frequency Phase Unwrap from Noisy Data: Adaptive Least Squares Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katkovnik, Vladimir; Bioucas-Dias, José

2010-04-01

Multiple frequency interferometry is, basically, a phase acquisition strategy aimed at reducing or eliminating the ambiguity of the wrapped phase observations or, equivalently, reducing or eliminating the fringe ambiguity order. In multiple frequency interferometry, the phase measurements are acquired at different frequencies (or wavelengths) and recorded using the corresponding sensors (measurement channels). Assuming that the absolute phase to be reconstructed is piece-wise smooth, we use a nonparametric regression technique for the phase reconstruction. The nonparametric estimates are derived from a local least squares criterion, which, when applied to the multifrequency data, yields denoised (filtered) phase estimates with extended ambiguity (periodized), compared with the phase ambiguities inherent to each measurement frequency. The filtering algorithm is based on local polynomial (LPA) approximation for design of nonlinear filters (estimators) and adaptation of these filters to unknown smoothness of the spatially varying absolute phase [9]. For phase unwrapping, from filtered periodized data, we apply the recently introduced robust (in the sense of discontinuity preserving) PUMA unwrapping algorithm [1]. Simulations give evidence that the proposed algorithm yields state-of-the-art performance for continuous as well as for discontinues phase surfaces, enabling phase unwrapping in extraordinary difficult situations when all other algorithms fail.

An overview of the NASA electronic components information management system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kramer, G.; Waterbury, S.

1991-01-01

The NASA Parts Project Office (NPPO) comprehensive data system to support all NASA Electric, Electronic, and Electromechanical (EEE) parts management and technical data requirements is described. A phase delivery approach is adopted, comprising four principal phases. Phases 1 and 2 support Space Station Freedom (SSF) and use a centralized architecture with all data and processing kept on a mainframe computer. Phases 3 and 4 support all NASA centers and projects and implement a distributed system architecture, in which data and processing are shared among networked database servers. The Phase 1 system, which became operational in February of 1990, implements a core set of functions. Phase 2, scheduled for release in 1991, adds functions to the Phase 1 system. Phase 3, to be prototyped beginning in 1991 and delivered in 1992, introduces a distributed system, separate from the Phase 1 and 2 system, with a refined semantic data model. Phase 4 extends the data model and functionality of the Phase 3 system to provide support for the NASA design community, including integration with Computer Aided Design (CAD) environments. Phase 4 is scheduled for prototyping in 1992 to 93 and delivery in 1994.

NASA Processes and Requirements for Conducting Human-in-the-Loop Closed Chamber Tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barta, Daniel J.; Montz, Michael E.

2004-01-01

NASA has specific processes and requirements that must be followed for tests involving human subjects to be conducted in a safe and effective manner. There are five distinct phases of test operations. Phase one, the test request phase, consists of those activities related to initiating, processing, reviewing, and evaluating the test request. Phase two, the test preparation phase consists of those activities related to planning, coordinating, documenting, and building up the test. Phase three, the test readiness phase consists of those activities related to verifying and reviewing the planned test operations. Phase four, the test activity phase, consists of all pretest operations, functional checkouts, emergency drills, and test operations. Phase five, the post test activity phase, consists of those activities performed once the test is completed, including briefings, documentation of anomalies, data reduction and archiving, and reporting. Project management processes must be followed for facility modifications and major test buildup, which include six phases: initiation and assessment, requirements evaluation, preliminary design, detailed design, use readiness review (URR) and acceptance. Compliance with requirements for safety and quality assurance are documented throughout the test buildup and test operation processes. Tests involving human subjects must be reviewed by the applicable Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Safety effects of exclusive and concurrent signal phasing for pedestrian crossing.

PubMed

Zhang, Yaohua; Mamun, Sha A; Ivan, John N; Ravishanker, Nalini; Haque, Khademul

2015-10-01

This paper describes the estimation of pedestrian crash count and vehicle interaction severity prediction models for a sample of signalized intersections in Connecticut with either concurrent or exclusive pedestrian phasing. With concurrent phasing, pedestrians cross at the same time as motor vehicle traffic in the same direction receives a green phase, while with exclusive phasing, pedestrians cross during their own phase when all motor vehicle traffic on all approaches is stopped. Pedestrians crossing at each intersection were observed and classified according to the severity of interactions with motor vehicles. Observation intersections were selected to represent both types of signal phasing while controlling for other physical characteristics. In the nonlinear mixed models for interaction severity, pedestrians crossing on the walk signal at an exclusive signal experienced lower interaction severity compared to those crossing on the green light with concurrent phasing; however, pedestrians crossing on a green light where an exclusive phase was available experienced higher interaction severity. Intersections with concurrent phasing have fewer total pedestrian crashes than those with exclusive phasing but more crashes at higher severity levels. It is recommended that exclusive pedestrian phasing only be used at locations where pedestrians are more likely to comply. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Phased-mission system analysis using Boolean algebraic methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Somani, Arun K.; Trivedi, Kishor S.

1993-01-01

Most reliability analysis techniques and tools assume that a system is used for a mission consisting of a single phase. However, multiple phases are natural in many missions. The failure rates of components, system configuration, and success criteria may vary from phase to phase. In addition, the duration of a phase may be deterministic or random. Recently, several researchers have addressed the problem of reliability analysis of such systems using a variety of methods. A new technique for phased-mission system reliability analysis based on Boolean algebraic methods is described. Our technique is computationally efficient and is applicable to a large class of systems for which the failure criterion in each phase can be expressed as a fault tree (or an equivalent representation). Our technique avoids state space explosion that commonly plague Markov chain-based analysis. A phase algebra to account for the effects of variable configurations and success criteria from phase to phase was developed. Our technique yields exact (as opposed to approximate) results. The use of our technique was demonstrated by means of an example and present numerical results to show the effects of mission phases on the system reliability.

Fourier phase in Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Uttam, Shikhar; Liu, Yang

2015-12-01

Phase of an electromagnetic wave propagating through a sample-of-interest is well understood in the context of quantitative phase imaging in transmission-mode microscopy. In the past decade, Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography has been used to extend quantitative phase imaging to the reflection-mode. Unlike transmission-mode electromagnetic phase, however, the origin and characteristics of reflection-mode Fourier phase are poorly understood, especially in samples with a slowly varying refractive index. In this paper, the general theory of Fourier phase from first principles is presented, and it is shown that Fourier phase is a joint estimate of subresolution offset and mean spatial frequency of the coherence-gated sample refractive index. It is also shown that both spectral-domain phase microscopy and depth-resolved spatial-domain low-coherence quantitative phase microscopy are special cases of this general theory. Analytical expressions are provided for both, and simulations are presented to explain and support the theoretical results. These results are further used to show how Fourier phase allows the estimation of an axial mean spatial frequency profile of the sample, along with depth-resolved characterization of localized optical density change and sample heterogeneity. Finally, a Fourier phase-based explanation of Doppler optical coherence tomography is also provided.

Monte Carlo Simulation Study of Atomic Structure of alnico Permanent Magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Manh Cuong; Wang, Cai-Zhuang; Ho, Kai-Ming

Lattice Monte Carlo simulation based on quinternary cluster expansion energy model is used to investigate nano-scale structure of alnico alloy, which is considered as a candidate material for rare-earth free high performance permanent magnets, especially for high or elevated temperature applications such as electric motor for vehicles. We observe phase decomposition of the master alnico alloy into FeCo-rich magnetic (α1) and NiAl-rich matrix (α2) phases. Concentrations of Fe and Co in α1 phase and Ni and Al in α2 phase are higher for lower annealing temperature. Ti is residing mostly in the α2 phase. The phase boundary between α1 and α2 phases are quite sharp with only few atomic layers. The α1 phase is in B2 ordering with Fe and Al occupying the α-site and Ni and Co occupying the β-site. The α2 phase is in L21 ordering with Al occupying the 4a-site. The phase composition profile again annealing temperature suggests that lower annealing temperature would improve the magnetism of α2 and diminish the magnetism of α2 phase, hence improve shape anisotropy of α1 phase rods and that of alnico.

Phase decomposition of γ-U (bcc) in U-10 wt% Mo fuel alloy during hot isostatic pressing of monolithic fuel plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Y.; Eriksson, N.; Newell, R.; Keiser, D. D.; Sohn, Y. H.

2016-11-01

Eutectoid decomposition of γ-phase (cI2) into α-phase (oC4) and γ‧-phase (tI6) during the hot isostatic pressing (HIP) of the U-10 wt% Mo (U10Mo) alloy was investigated using monolithic fuel plate samples consisting of U10Mo fuel alloy, Zr diffusion barrier and AA6061 cladding. The decomposition of the γ-phase was observed because the HIP process is carried out near the eutectoid temperature, 555 °C. Initially, a cellular structure, consisting of γ‧-phase surrounded by α-phase, developed from the destabilization of the γ-phase. The cellular structure further developed into an alternating lamellar structure of α- and γ‧-phases. Using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, qualitative and quantitative microstructural analyses were carried out to identify the phase constituents, and elucidate the microstructural development based on time-temperature-transformation diagram of the U10Mo alloy. The destabilization of γ -phase into α- and γ‧-phases would be minimized when HIP process was carried out with rapid ramping/cooling rate and dwell temperature higher than 560 °C.

A Motion Detection Algorithm Using Local Phase Information

PubMed Central

Lazar, Aurel A.; Ukani, Nikul H.; Zhou, Yiyin

2016-01-01

Previous research demonstrated that global phase alone can be used to faithfully represent visual scenes. Here we provide a reconstruction algorithm by using only local phase information. We also demonstrate that local phase alone can be effectively used to detect local motion. The local phase-based motion detector is akin to models employed to detect motion in biological vision, for example, the Reichardt detector. The local phase-based motion detection algorithm introduced here consists of two building blocks. The first building block measures/evaluates the temporal change of the local phase. The temporal derivative of the local phase is shown to exhibit the structure of a second order Volterra kernel with two normalized inputs. We provide an efficient, FFT-based algorithm for implementing the change of the local phase. The second processing building block implements the detector; it compares the maximum of the Radon transform of the local phase derivative with a chosen threshold. We demonstrate examples of applying the local phase-based motion detection algorithm on several video sequences. We also show how the locally detected motion can be used for segmenting moving objects in video scenes and compare our local phase-based algorithm to segmentation achieved with a widely used optic flow algorithm. PMID:26880882

Ethanol- and trifluoroethanol-induced changes in phase states of DPPC membranes. Prodan emission-excitation fluorescence spectroscopy supported by PARAFAC analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horochowska, Martyna; Cieślik-Boczula, Katarzyna; Rospenk, Maria

2018-03-01

It has been shown that Prodan emission-excitation fluorescence spectroscopy supported by Parallel Factor (PARAFAC) analysis is a fast, simple and sensitive method used in the study of the phase transition from the noninterdigitated gel (Lβ‧) state to the interdigitated gel (LβI) phase, triggered by ethanol and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) molecules in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholines (DPPC) membranes. The relative contribution of lipid phases with spectral characteristics of each pure phase component has been presented as a function of an increase in alcohol concentration. It has been stated that both alcohol molecules can induce a formation of the LβI phase, but TFE is over six times stronger inducer of the interdigitated phase in DPPC membranes than ethanol molecules. Moreover, in the TFE-mixed DPPC membranes, the transition from the Lβ‧ to LβI phase is accompanied by a formation of the fluid phase, which most probably serves as a boundary phase between the Lβ‧ and LβI regions. Contrary to the three phase-state model of TFE-mixed DPPC membranes, in ethanol-mixed DPPC membranes only the two phase-state model has been detected.

Phase modulated high density collinear holographic data storage system with phase-retrieval reference beam locking and orthogonal reference encoding.

PubMed

Liu, Jinpeng; Horimai, Hideyoshi; Lin, Xiao; Huang, Yong; Tan, Xiaodi

2018-02-19

A novel phase modulation method for holographic data storage with phase-retrieval reference beam locking is proposed and incorporated into an amplitude-encoding collinear holographic storage system. Unlike the conventional phase retrieval method, the proposed method locks the data page and the corresponding phase-retrieval interference beam together at the same location with a sequential recording process, which eliminates piezoelectric elements, phase shift arrays and extra interference beams, making the system more compact and phase retrieval easier. To evaluate our proposed phase modulation method, we recorded and then recovered data pages with multilevel phase modulation using two spatial light modulators experimentally. For 4-level, 8-level, and 16-level phase modulation, we achieved the bit error rate (BER) of 0.3%, 1.5% and 6.6% respectively. To further improve data storage density, an orthogonal reference encoding multiplexing method at the same position of medium is also proposed and validated experimentally. We increased the code rate of pure 3/16 amplitude encoding method from 0.5 up to 1.0 and 1.5 using 4-level and 8-level phase modulation respectively.

Phase transitions in a multistate majority-vote model on complex networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hanshuang; Li, Guofeng

2018-06-01

We generalize the original majority-vote (MV) model from two states to arbitrary p states and study the order-disorder phase transitions in such a p -state MV model on complex networks. By extensive Monte Carlo simulations and a mean-field theory, we show that for p ≥3 the order of phase transition is essentially different from a continuous second-order phase transition in the original two-state MV model. Instead, for p ≥3 the model displays a discontinuous first-order phase transition, which is manifested by the appearance of the hysteresis phenomenon near the phase transition. Within the hysteresis loop, the ordered phase and disordered phase are coexisting, and rare flips between the two phases can be observed due to the finite-size fluctuation. Moreover, we investigate the type of phase transition under a slightly modified dynamics [Melo et al., J. Stat. Mech. (2010) P11032, 10.1088/1742-5468/2010/11/P11032]. We find that the order of phase transition in the three-state MV model depends on the degree heterogeneity of networks. For p ≥4 , both dynamics produce the first-order phase transitions.

Association of menstrual phase with smoking behavior, mood and menstrual phase-associated symptoms among young Japanese women smokers.

PubMed

Sakai, Hiroko; Ohashi, Kazutomo

2013-03-02

Previous studies of the relationship between the menstrual phases and smoking behavior have been problematic, so the association of menstrual phases with smoking behavior and correlations among smoking, psychological and physical conditions in each phase of the menstrual cycle are unclear. To accurately examine the association between menstrual phases and the amount of smoking (number of cigarettes smoked and breath CO concentration), craving of smoking on visual analogue scale (VAS), depression in the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale, and menstrual phase-associated symptoms in the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ), we improved various methodological issues, specifically, 1) Ovulation was confirmed by measuring the basal body temperature and identifying a urinary luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in two cycles; 2) The menstrual, follicular, and luteal phases were clearly defined for subjects with different menstrual cycles; 3) The breath CO concentration was measured every day. A notice was posted on public bulletin boards to recruit research subjects and twenty-nine young Japanese women smokers aged 19 to 25 years old were analyzed. The number of cigarettes smoked was greater and the CO concentration was higher in the luteal phase than in the follicular phase. The levels of craving for smoking (VAS), depressiveness (CES-D), and menstrual phase-associated symptoms (MDQ) in the menstrual and luteal phases were higher than those in the follicular phase. The mean score for CES-D was 16 points (the cut-off value in screening for depression) or higher in the menstrual (16.9 ± 8.2) and luteal phases (17.2 ± 8.4).The number of cigarettes smoked and CO concentration were significantly correlated with the levels of craving for smoking, depressiveness, and menstrual phase-associated symptoms in all phases except for MDQ scores in follicular phase. The amount of smoking in the luteal phase was most strongly correlated with these symptoms. In the menstrual and luteal phases, young Japanese women smokers increased their amount of smoking and suffered from greater craving for smoking, depressiveness and menstrual phase-associated symptoms. The amount of smoking was correlated with these symptoms, but their cause-effect relationship has not been determined yet.

Identifying Effective Design Approaches to Allocate Genotypes in Two-Phase Designs: A Case Study in Pelargonium zonale

PubMed Central

Molenaar, Heike; Boehm, Robert; Piepho, Hans-Peter

2018-01-01

Robust phenotypic data allow adequate statistical analysis and are crucial for any breeding purpose. Such data is obtained from experiments laid out to best control local variation. Additionally, experiments frequently involve two phases, each contributing environmental sources of variation. For example, in a former experiment we conducted to evaluate production related traits in Pelargonium zonale, there were two consecutive phases, each performed in a different greenhouse. Phase one involved the propagation of the breeding strains to obtain the stem cutting count, and phase two involved the assessment of root formation. The evaluation of the former study raised questions regarding options for improving the experimental layout: (i) Is there a disadvantage to using exactly the same design in both phases? (ii) Instead of generating a separate layout for each phase, can the design be optimized across both phases, such that the mean variance of a pair-wise treatment difference (MVD) can be decreased? To answer these questions, alternative approaches were explored to generate two-phase designs either in phase-wise order (Option 1) or across phases (Option 2). In Option 1 we considered the scenarios (i) using in both phases the same experimental design and (ii) randomizing each phase separately. In Option 2, we considered the scenarios (iii) generating a single design with eight replicates and splitting these among the two phases, (iv) separating the block structure across phases by dummy coding, and (v) design generation with optimal alignment of block units in the two phases. In both options, we considered the same or different block structures in each phase. The designs were evaluated by the MVD obtained by the intra-block analysis and the joint inter-block–intra-block analysis. The smallest MVD was most frequently obtained for designs generated across phases rather than for each phase separately, in particular when both phases of the design were separated with a single pseudo-level. The joint optimization ensured that treatment concurrences were equally balanced across pairs, one of the prerequisites for an efficient design. The proposed alternative approaches can be implemented with any model-based design packages with facilities to formulate linear models for treatment and block structures. PMID:29354145

Assessment of Musculoskeletal Strength and Levels of Fatigue during Different Phases of Menstrual Cycle in Young Adults

PubMed Central

D Souza, Urban John; Shivaprakash, G

2017-01-01

Introduction Some of the physiological factors and athletic performance might show variation along the phases of menstrual cycle. The alterations seen in these physiological parameters of various systems relating to oscillations in hormonal levels do affect the autonomic nervous system and metabolic functions. Former studies heave inconclusively about the influence of hormones on exercise performance, predominantly muscle strength and rate of fatigue during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Studies regarding influence of these variations during bleeding phase were not done. Aim To evaluate the muscle strength variations and also the rate of fatigue during various phases of the menstrual cycle in young adults. Materials and Methods This was a prospective study conducted among 100 healthy adult female volunteers aged 18-24 years, with normal regular menstrual cycles persistent between 26- 32 days (average of 28 days), for a minimum of last 6 months. Muscle strength was assessed by calculating the work done and fatigue rate using Mosso’s ergograph and by handgrip dynamometer strength. Each subject was evaluated consecutively for two menstrual cycles in all three phases which were classified as Phase 1- Menstrual phase, Phase 2- Follicular phase and Phase 3- Luteal phase. The data obtained was analysed by statistical tool One-way ANOVA followed by a post-hoc Tukeys test. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results The amount of work done and handgrip strength was significantly higher in phase 2 (p<0.001) and relatively reduced in phase 1 and 3 (p<0.001) of menstrual cycle. In terms of fatigue rate percentage, phase 2 showed significantly lesser values (p<0.001) as compared to phase 1 and 3 of menstrual cycle. Conclusion We conclude that the cyclical variation in endogenous reproductive hormones increases the muscle strength in follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Thus provide support for the influence of these hormones in regulation of these parameters in the premenopausal age group. PMID:28384857

[Improvement of magnetic resonance phase unwrapping method based on Goldstein Branch-cut algorithm].

PubMed

Guo, Lin; Kang, Lili; Wang, Dandan

2013-02-01

The phase information of magnetic resonance (MR) phase image can be used in many MR imaging techniques, but phase wrapping of the images often results in inaccurate phase information and phase unwrapping is essential for MR imaging techniques. In this paper we analyze the causes of errors in phase unwrapping with the commonly used Goldstein Brunch-cut algorithm and propose an improved algorithm. During the unwrapping process, masking, filtering, dipole- remover preprocessor, and the Prim algorithm of the minimum spanning tree were introduced to optimize the residues essential for the Goldstein Brunch-cut algorithm. Experimental results showed that the residues, branch-cuts and continuous unwrapped phase surface were efficiently reduced and the quality of MR phase images was obviously improved with the proposed method.

The history of couple therapy: a millennial review.

PubMed

Gurman, Alan S; Fraenkel, Peter

2002-01-01

In this article, we review the major conceptual and clinical influences and trends in the history of couple therapy to date, and also chronicle the history of research on couple therapy. The evolving patterns in theory and practice are reviewed as having progressed through four distinctive phases: Phase I--Atheoretical Marriage Counseling Formation (1930-1963); Phase II--Psychoanalytic Experimentation (1931-1966); Phase III--Family Therapy Incorporation (1963-1985); and Phase IV--Refinement, Extension, Diversification, and Integration (1986-present). The history of research in the field is described as having passed through three phases: Phase I--A Technique in Search of Some Data (1930-1974), Phase II--Irrational(?) Exuberance (1975-1992), and Phase III--Caution and Extension (1993-present). The article concludes with the identification of Four Great Historical Ironies in the History of Couple Therapy.

Superfluid and Insulating Phases of Fermion Mixtures in Optical Lattices

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

Iskin, M.; Sa de Melo, C. A. R.

2007-08-24

The ground state phase diagram of fermion mixtures in optical lattices is analyzed as a function of interaction strength, fermion filling factor, and tunneling parameters. In addition to standard superfluid, phase-separated or coexisting superfluid-excess-fermion phases found in homogeneous or harmonically trapped systems, fermions in optical lattices have several insulating phases, including a molecular Bose-Mott insulator (BMI), a Fermi-Pauli (band) insulator (FPI), a phase-separated BMI-FPI mixture or a Bose-Fermi checkerboard (BFC). The molecular BMI phase is the fermion mixture counterpart of the atomic BMI found in atomic Bose systems, the BFC or BMI-FPI phases exist in Bose-Fermi mixtures, and lastly themore » FPI phase is particular to the Fermi nature of the constituent atoms of the mixture.« less

Improved detection sensitivity of D-mannitol crystalline phase content using differential spectral phase shift terahertz spectroscopy measurements.

PubMed

Allard, Jean-François; Cornet, Alain; Debacq, Christophe; Meurens, Marc; Houde, Daniel; Morris, Denis

2011-02-28

We report quantitative measurement of the relative proportion of δ- and β-D-mannitol crystalline phases inserted into polyethylene powder pellets, obtained by time-domain terahertz spectroscopy. Nine absorption bands have been identified from 0.2 THz to 2.2 THz. The best quantification of the δ-phase proportion is made using the 1.01 THz absorption band. Coherent detection allows using the spectral phase shift of the transmitted THz waveform to improve the detection sensitivity of the relative δ-phase proportion. We argue that differential phase shift measurements are less sensitive to samples' defects. Using a linear phase shift compensation for pellets of slightly different thicknesses, we were able to distinguish a 0.5% variation in δ-phase proportion.

Phase detector for three-phase power factor controller

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nola, F. J. (Inventor)

1984-01-01

A phase detector for the three phase power factor controller (PFC) is described. The phase detector for each phase includes an operational amplifier which senses the current phase angle for that phase by sensing the voltage across the phase thyristor. Common mode rejection is achieved by providing positive feedback between the input and output of the voltage sensing operational amplifier. this feedback preferably comprises a resistor connected between the output and input of the operational amplifier. The novelty of the invention resides in providing positive feedback such that switching of the operational amplifier is synchronized with switching of the voltage across the thyristor. The invention provides a solution to problems associated with high common mode voltage and enables use of lower cost components than would be required by other approaches.

Digital quadrature phase detection

DOEpatents

Smith, James A.; Johnson, John A.

1992-01-01

A system for detecting the phase of a frequency of phase modulated signal that includes digital quadrature sampling of the frequency or phase modulated signal at two times that are one quarter of a cycle of a reference signal apart, determination of the arctangent of the ratio of a first sampling of the frequency or phase modulated signal to the second sampling of the frequency or phase modulated signal, and a determination of quadrant in which the phase determination is increased by 2.pi. when the quadrant changes from the first quadrant to the fourth quadrant and decreased by 2.pi. when the quadrant changes from the fourth quadrant to the first quadrant whereby the absolute phase of the frequency or phase modulated signal can be determined using an arbitrary reference convention.

Purification of biomaterials by phase partitioning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, J. M.

1984-01-01

A technique which is particularly suited to microgravity environments and which is potentially more powerful than electrophoresis is phase partitioning. Phase partitioning is purification by partitioning between the two immiscible aqueous layers formed by solution of the polymers poly(ethylene glycol) and dextran in water. This technique proved to be very useful for separations in one-g but is limited for cells because the cells are more dense than the phase solutions thus tend to sediment to the bottom of the container before reaching equilibrium with the preferred phase. There are three phases to work in this area: synthesis of new polymers for affinity phase partitioning; development of automated apparatus for ground-based separations; and design of apparatus for performing simple phase partitioning space experiments, including examination of mechanisms for separating phases in the absence of gravity.

Single-shot quantitative phase microscopy with color-multiplexed differential phase contrast (cDPC).

PubMed

Phillips, Zachary F; Chen, Michael; Waller, Laura

2017-01-01

We present a new technique for quantitative phase and amplitude microscopy from a single color image with coded illumination. Our system consists of a commercial brightfield microscope with one hardware modification-an inexpensive 3D printed condenser insert. The method, color-multiplexed Differential Phase Contrast (cDPC), is a single-shot variant of Differential Phase Contrast (DPC), which recovers the phase of a sample from images with asymmetric illumination. We employ partially coherent illumination to achieve resolution corresponding to 2× the objective NA. Quantitative phase can then be used to synthesize DIC and phase contrast images or extract shape and density. We demonstrate amplitude and phase recovery at camera-limited frame rates (50 fps) for various in vitro cell samples and c. elegans in a micro-fluidic channel.

Phases and structures of sunset yellow and disodium cromoglycate mixtures in water.

PubMed

Yamaguchi, Akihiro; Smith, Gregory P; Yi, Youngwoo; Xu, Charles; Biffi, Silvia; Serra, Francesca; Bellini, Tommaso; Zhu, Chenhui; Clark, Noel A

2016-01-01

We study phases and structures of mixtures of two representative chromonic liquid crystal materials, sunset yellow FCF (SSY) and disodium cromoglycate (DSCG), in water. A variety of combinations of isotropic, nematic (N), and columnar (also called M) phases are observed depending on their concentrations, and a phase diagram is made. We find a tendency for DSCG-rich regions to show higher-order phases while SSY-rich regions show lower-order ones. We observe uniform mesophases only when one of the materials is sparse in the N phases. Their miscibility in M phases is so low that essentially complete phase separation occurs. X-ray scattering and spectroscopy studies confirm that SSY and DSCG molecules do not mix when they form chromonic aggregates and neither do their aggregates when they form M phases.

New approach to effective diffusion coefficient evaluation in the nanostructured two-phase media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyashenko, Yu. O.; Liashenko, O. Y.; Morozovich, V. V.

2018-03-01

Most widely used basic and combined models for evaluation of the effective diffusion parameters of inhomogeneous two-phase zone are reviewed. A new combined model of effective medium is analyzed for the description of diffusion processes in the two-phase zones. In this model the effective diffusivity depends on the growth kinetic coefficients of each phase, the volume fractions of phases and on the additional parameter that generally characterizes the structure type of the two-phase zone. Our combined model describes two-phase zone evolution in the binary systems based on consideration of the diffusion fluxes through both phases. The Lattice Monte Carlo method was used to test the validity of different phenomenological models for evaluation of the effective diffusivity in nanostructured two-phase zones with different structural morphology.

Formation of metastable phases by spinodal decomposition

PubMed Central

Alert, Ricard; Tierno, Pietro; Casademunt, Jaume

2016-01-01

Metastable phases may be spontaneously formed from other metastable phases through nucleation. Here we demonstrate the spontaneous formation of a metastable phase from an unstable equilibrium by spinodal decomposition, which leads to a transient coexistence of stable and metastable phases. This phenomenon is generic within the recently introduced scenario of the landscape-inversion phase transitions, which we experimentally realize as a structural transition in a colloidal crystal. This transition exhibits a rich repertoire of new phase-ordering phenomena, including the coexistence of two equilibrium phases connected by two physically different interfaces. In addition, this scenario enables the control of sizes and lifetimes of metastable domains. Our findings open a new setting that broadens the fundamental understanding of phase-ordering kinetics, and yield new prospects of applications in materials science. PMID:27713406

Digital quadrature phase detection

DOEpatents

Smith, J.A.; Johnson, J.A.

1992-05-26

A system for detecting the phase of a frequency or phase modulated signal that includes digital quadrature sampling of the frequency or phase modulated signal at two times that are one quarter of a cycle of a reference signal apart, determination of the arctangent of the ratio of a first sampling of the frequency or phase modulated signal to the second sampling of the frequency or phase modulated signal, and a determination of quadrant in which the phase determination is increased by 2[pi] when the quadrant changes from the first quadrant to the fourth quadrant and decreased by 2[pi] when the quadrant changes from the fourth quadrant to the first quadrant whereby the absolute phase of the frequency or phase modulated signal can be determined using an arbitrary reference convention. 6 figs.

Electrical system using phase-shifted carrier signals and related operating methods

DOEpatents

Welchko, Brian A; Campbell, Jeremy B

2012-09-18

An automotive drive system and methods for making the same are provided. The system includes a three-phase motor and an inverter module. The three-phase motor includes a first set of windings each having a first magnetic polarity; and a second set of windings each having a second magnetic polarity that is opposite the first magnetic polarity. The first set of windings being electrically isolated from the second set of windings. The inverter module includes a first set of phase legs and a second set of phase legs. Each one of the first set of phase legs is coupled to a corresponding phase of the first set of windings, and each one of the second set of phase legs is coupled to a corresponding phase of the second set of windings.

Analytical estimation of laser phase noise induced BER floor in coherent receiver with digital signal processing.

PubMed

Vanin, Evgeny; Jacobsen, Gunnar

2010-03-01

The Bit-Error-Ratio (BER) floor caused by the laser phase noise in the optical fiber communication system with differential quadrature phase shift keying (DQPSK) and coherent detection followed by digital signal processing (DSP) is analytically evaluated. An in-phase and quadrature (I&Q) receiver with a carrier phase recovery using DSP is considered. The carrier phase recovery is based on a phase estimation of a finite sum (block) of the signal samples raised to the power of four and the phase unwrapping at transitions between blocks. It is demonstrated that errors generated at block transitions cause the dominating contribution to the system BER floor when the impact of the additive noise is negligibly small in comparison with the effect of the laser phase noise. Even the BER floor in the case when the phase unwrapping is omitted is analytically derived and applied to emphasize the crucial importance of this signal processing operation. The analytical results are verified by full Monte Carlo simulations. The BER for another type of DQPSK receiver operation, which is based on differential phase detection, is also obtained in the analytical form using the principle of conditional probability. The principle of conditional probability is justified in the case of differential phase detection due to statistical independency of the laser phase noise induced signal phase error and the additive noise contributions. Based on the achieved analytical results the laser linewidth tolerance is calculated for different system cases.

C1-Continuous relative permeability and hybrid upwind discretization of three phase flow in porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, S. H.; Efendiev, Y.

2016-10-01

Three-phase flow in a reservoir model has been a major challenge in simulation studies due to slowly convergent iterations in Newton solution of nonlinear transport equations. In this paper, we examine the numerical characteristics of three-phase flow and propose a consistent, "C1-continuous discretization" (to be clarified later) of transport equations that ensures a convergent solution in finite difference approximation. First, we examine three-phase relative permeabilities that are critical in solving nonlinear transport equations. Three-phase relative permeabilities are difficult to measure in the laboratory, and they are often correlated with two-phase relative permeabilities (e.g., oil-gas and water-oil systems). Numerical convergence of non-linear transport equations entails that three-phase relative permeability correlations are a monotonically increasing function of the phase saturation and the consistency conditions of phase transitions are satisfied. The Modified Stone's Method II and the Linear Interpolation Method for three-phase relative permeability are closely examined for their mathematical properties. We show that the Linear Interpolation Method yields C1-continuous three-phase relative permeabilities for smooth solutions if the two phase relative permeabilities are monotonic and continuously differentiable. In the second part of the paper, we extend a Hybrid-Upwinding (HU) method of two-phase flow (Lee, Efendiev and Tchelepi, ADWR 82 (2015) 27-38) to three phase flow. In the HU method, the phase flux is divided into two parts based on the driving forces (in general, it can be divided into several parts): viscous and buoyancy. The viscous-driven and buoyancy-driven fluxes are upwinded differently. Specifically, the viscous flux, which is always co-current, is upwinded based on the direction of the total velocity. The pure buoyancy-induced flux is shown to be only dependent on saturation distributions and counter-current. In three-phase flow, the buoyancy effect can be expressed as a sum of two buoyancy effects from two-phase flows, i.e., oil-water and oil-gas systems. We propose an upwind scheme for the buoyancy flux term from three-phase flow as a sum of two buoyancy terms from two-phase flows. The upwind direction of the buoyancy flux in two phase flow is always fixed such that the heavier fluid goes downward and the lighter fluid goes upward. It is shown that the Implicit Hybrid-Upwinding (IHU) scheme for three-phase flow is locally conservative and produces physically-consistent numerical solutions. As in two phase flow, the primary advantage of the IHU scheme is that the flux of a fluid phase remains continuous and differentiable as the flow regime changes between co-current and counter-current conditions as a function of time, or (Newton) iterations. This is in contrast to the standard phase-potential-based upwinding scheme, in which the overall fractional-flow (flux) function is non-differentiable across the transition between co-current and counter-current flows.

DOE SBIR Phase-1 Report on Hybrid CPU-GPU Parallel Development of the Eulerian-Lagrangian Barracuda Multiphase Program

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

Dr. Dale M. Snider

2011-02-28

This report gives the result from the Phase-1 work on demonstrating greater than 10x speedup of the Barracuda computer program using parallel methods and GPU processors (General-Purpose Graphics Processing Unit or Graphics Processing Unit). Phase-1 demonstrated a 12x speedup on a typical Barracuda function using the GPU processor. The problem test case used about 5 million particles and 250,000 Eulerian grid cells. The relative speedup, compared to a single CPU, increases with increased number of particles giving greater than 12x speedup. Phase-1 work provided a path for reformatting data structure modifications to give good parallel performance while keeping a friendlymore » environment for new physics development and code maintenance. The implementation of data structure changes will be in Phase-2. Phase-1 laid the ground work for the complete parallelization of Barracuda in Phase-2, with the caveat that implemented computer practices for parallel programming done in Phase-1 gives immediate speedup in the current Barracuda serial running code. The Phase-1 tasks were completed successfully laying the frame work for Phase-2. The detailed results of Phase-1 are within this document. In general, the speedup of one function would be expected to be higher than the speedup of the entire code because of I/O functions and communication between the algorithms. However, because one of the most difficult Barracuda algorithms was parallelized in Phase-1 and because advanced parallelization methods and proposed parallelization optimization techniques identified in Phase-1 will be used in Phase-2, an overall Barracuda code speedup (relative to a single CPU) is expected to be greater than 10x. This means that a job which takes 30 days to complete will be done in 3 days. Tasks completed in Phase-1 are: Task 1: Profile the entire Barracuda code and select which subroutines are to be parallelized (See Section Choosing a Function to Accelerate) Task 2: Select a GPU consultant company and jointly parallelize subroutines (CPFD chose the small business EMPhotonics for the Phase-1 the technical partner. See Section Technical Objective and Approach) Task 3: Integrate parallel subroutines into Barracuda (See Section Results from Phase-1 and its subsections) Task 4: Testing, refinement, and optimization of parallel methodology (See Section Results from Phase-1 and Section Result Comparison Program) Task 5: Integrate Phase-1 parallel subroutines into Barracuda and release (See Section Results from Phase-1 and its subsections) Task 6: Roadmap of Phase-2 (See Section Plan for Phase-2) With the completion of Phase 1 we have the base understanding to completely parallelize Barracuda. An overview of the work to move Barracuda to a parallelized code is given in Plan for Phase-2.« less

Digital phase shifter synchronizes local oscillators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ali, S. M.

1978-01-01

Digital phase-shifting network is used as synchronous frequency multiplier for applications such as phase-locking two signals that may differ in frequency. Circuit has various phase-shift capability. Possible applications include data-communication systems and hybrid digital/analog phase-locked loops.

Integrated command, control communication and computation system study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

The study was conducted in three phases: a functional requirements phase; a functional architecture phase; and a design plan phase. The major emphasis was on the functional architecture phase and the approaches used for its functional hierarchy, operations concept, and interfaces.

14 CFR 1216.304 - Major decision points.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... technical, economic, and other factors, in the earliest planning. At that stage, the responsible... facility projects, generally have four distinct phases: The conceptual study phase; the detailed planning/definition phase; the development/construction phase; and the operation phase. (Other NASA activities have...

Analysis of phases in the structure determination of an icosahedral virus

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

Plevka, Pavel; Kaufmann, Bärbel; Rossmann, Michael G.

2012-03-15

The constraints imposed on structure-factor phases by noncrystallographic symmetry (NCS) allow phase improvement, phase extension to higher resolution and hence ab initio phase determination. The more numerous the NCS redundancy and the greater the volume used for solvent flattening, the greater the power for phase determination. In a case analyzed here the icosahedral NCS phasing appeared to have broken down, although later successful phase extension was possible when the envelope around the NCS region was tightened. The phases from the failed phase-determination attempt fell into four classes, all of which satisfied the NCS constraints. These four classes corresponded to themore » correct solution, opposite enantiomorph, Babinet inversion and opposite enantiomorph with Babinet inversion. These incorrect solutions can be seeded from structure factors belonging to reciprocal-space volumes that lie close to icosahedral NCS axes where the structure amplitudes tend to be large and the phases tend to be 0 or {pi}. Furthermore, the false solutions can spread more easily if there are large errors in defining the envelope designating the region in which NCS averaging is performed.« less

Analysis of phases in the structure determination of an icosahedral virus.

PubMed

Plevka, Pavel; Kaufmann, Bärbel; Rossmann, Michael G

2011-06-01

The constraints imposed on structure-factor phases by noncrystallographic symmetry (NCS) allow phase improvement, phase extension to higher resolution and hence ab initio phase determination. The more numerous the NCS redundancy and the greater the volume used for solvent flattening, the greater the power for phase determination. In a case analyzed here the icosahedral NCS phasing appeared to have broken down, although later successful phase extension was possible when the envelope around the NCS region was tightened. The phases from the failed phase-determination attempt fell into four classes, all of which satisfied the NCS constraints. These four classes corresponded to the correct solution, opposite enantiomorph, Babinet inversion and opposite enantiomorph with Babinet inversion. These incorrect solutions can be seeded from structure factors belonging to reciprocal-space volumes that lie close to icosahedral NCS axes where the structure amplitudes tend to be large and the phases tend to be 0 or π. Furthermore, the false solutions can spread more easily if there are large errors in defining the envelope designating the region in which NCS averaging is performed. © 2011 International Union of Crystallography

Analysis of phases in the structure determination of an icosahedral virus

PubMed Central

Plevka, Pavel; Kaufmann, Bärbel; Rossmann, Michael G.

2011-01-01

The constraints imposed on structure-factor phases by non­crystallographic symmetry (NCS) allow phase improvement, phase extension to higher resolution and hence ab initio phase determination. The more numerous the NCS redundancy and the greater the volume used for solvent flattening, the greater the power for phase determination. In a case analyzed here the icosahedral NCS phasing appeared to have broken down, although later successful phase extension was possible when the envelope around the NCS region was tightened. The phases from the failed phase-determination attempt fell into four classes, all of which satisfied the NCS constraints. These four classes corresponded to the correct solution, opposite enantiomorph, Babinet inversion and opposite enantiomorph with Babinet inversion. These incorrect solutions can be seeded from structure factors belonging to reciprocal-space volumes that lie close to icosahedral NCS axes where the structure amplitudes tend to be large and the phases tend to be 0 or π. Furthermore, the false solutions can spread more easily if there are large errors in defining the envelope designating the region in which NCS averaging is performed. PMID:21636897

Structures, Phase Transitions and Tricritical Behavior of the Hybrid Perovskite Methyl Ammonium Lead Iodide

DOE PAGES

Whitfield, P. S.; Herron, N.; Guise, W. E.; ...

2016-10-21

Here, we examine the crystal structures and structural phase transitions of the deuterated, partially deuterated and hydrogenous organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite methyl ammonium lead iodide (MAPbI 3) using time-of-flight neutron and synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. Near 330 K the high temperature cubic phases transformed to a body-centered tetragonal phase. The variation of the order parameter Q for this transition scaled with temperature T as Q (T c-T) , where T c is the critical temperature and the exponent was close to , as predicted for a tricritical phase transition. We also observed coexistence of the cubic and tetragonal phases over amore » range of temperature in all cases, demonstrating that the phase transition was in fact first-order, although still very close to tricritical. Upon cooling further, all the tetragonal phases transformed into a low temperature orthorhombic phase around 160 K, again via a first-order phase transition. Finally, based upon these results, we discuss the impact of the structural phase transitions upon photovoltaic performance of MAPbI 3 based solar cells.« less

A wideband photonic microwave phase shifter with 360-degree phase tunable range based on a DP-QPSK modulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yang

2018-03-01

A novel wideband photonic microwave phase shifter with 360-degree phase tunable range is proposed based on a single dual-polarization quadrature phase shift-keying (DP-QPSK) modulator. The two dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulators (DP-MZMs) in the DP-QPSK modulator are properly biased to serve as a carrier-suppressed single-sideband (CS-SSB) modulator and an optical phase shifter (OPS), respectively. The microwave signal is applied to the CS-SSB modulator, while a control direct-current (DC) voltage is applied to the OPS. The first-order optical sideband generated from the CS-SSB modulator and the phase tunable optical carrier from the OPS are combined and then detected in a photodetector, where a microwave signal is generated with its phase controlled by the DC voltage applied to the OPS. The proposed technique is theoretically analyzed and experimentally demonstrated. Microwave signals with a carrier frequency from 10 to 23 GHz are continuously phase shifted over 360-degree phase range. The proposed technique features very compact configuration, easy phase tuning and wide operation bandwidth.

White-light diffraction phase microscopy at doubled space-bandwidth product.

PubMed

Shan, Mingguang; Kandel, Mikhail E; Majeed, Hassaan; Nastasa, Viorel; Popescu, Gabriel

2016-12-12

White light diffraction microscopy (wDPM) is a quantitative phase imaging method that benefits from both temporal and spatial phase sensitivity, granted, respectively, by the common-path geometry and white light illumination. However, like all off-axis quantitative phase imaging methods, wDPM is characterized by a reduced space-bandwidth product compared to phase shifting approaches. This happens essentially because the ultimate resolution of the image is governed by the period of the interferogram and not just the diffraction limit. As a result, off-axis techniques generates single-shot, i.e., high time-bandwidth, phase measurements, at the expense of either spatial resolution or field of view. Here, we show that combining phase-shifting and off-axis, the original space-bandwidth is preserved. Specifically, we developed phase-shifting diffraction phase microscopy with white light, in which we measure and combine two phase shifted interferograms. Due to the white light illumination, the phase images are characterized by low spatial noise, i.e., <1nm pathlength. We illustrate the operation of the instrument with test samples, blood cells, and unlabeled prostate tissue biopsy.

Oviposition behaviour of the soil mite Pergamasus brevicornis (Acari: Parasitidae).

PubMed

Marquardt, Tomasz; Faleńczyk-Koziróg, Katarzyna; Kaczmarek, Sławomir

2013-07-01

We observed the oviposition behaviour of the soil mite Pergamasus brevicornis Berlese (Acari: Parasitidae) using continuous video-monitoring. Oviposition consisted of six sequential phases. The first phase (I) involved inspection of the substrate. In the second phase (II) there were rhythmic movements of the first pair of legs and slight reciprocating movements of the body. The third (III) was a resting phase. In the fourth phase (IV) the gnathosoma was lowered and the body was raised. In the next phase (V) there were two sub-phases. During the first (Va), the female held the egg below the gnathosoma. In the second sub-phase (Vb), the gnathosoma moved up holding the egg, which was then placed on the substrate. The last phase (VI) involved intense 'cleaning' movements of the chelicerae and palps. During Va a protective external eggshell structure is gradually formed, involving a phase where the egg shell is sticky. After moving the egg to the substrate, the female freed her palps and chelicerae from the sticky egg shell and cleaned her gnathosomal appendages. Phases II-V took on average 207 ± 69 s.

Evaluation of phases in Pu-C-O and (U, Pu)-C-O systems by X-ray diffractometry and chemical analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, G. C.; Ganguly, C.

1993-12-01

Preparation and characterisation of the carbides of uranium, plutonium and mixed uranium and plutonium form a part of advanced fuel development programs for fast breeder reactors. In the present study, the compositions of the phases of Pu-C-O and (U.Pu)-C-O systems have been determined by chemical analysis and lattice parameter measurement. The carbide samples have been prepared by vacuum carbothermic synthesis of tabletted oxide-graphite powder mixture. Dependence of stoichiometry of Pu 2C 3 phase on the oxygen content of Pu(C,O) phase in Pu(C,O) + Pu 2C 3 phase mixture has been evaluated. Stoichiometry and oxygen solubility of (U 0.3Pu 0.7)(C,O) phase in multiple phase mixture have been determined. Segregation of plutonium in (U,Pu) 2C 3 phase of (U,Pu)(C,O) + (U,Pu) 2C 3 phase mixture and its dependence on the oxygen content of (U,Pu)(C,O) phase have also been determined from the measurement of the lattice parameter of (U,Pu) 2C 3 phase.

Phase III of Early Restoration | NOAA Gulf Spill Restoration

Science.gov Websites

information about this phase of Early Restoration, including fact sheets on each project. The final Phase III 44 projects are documented in a final Record of Decision. Information about Phase III of Early Archive Home Phase III of Early Restoration Phase III of Early Restoration Beach habitat would be restored

Electronic monitoring and voice prompts improve hand hygiene and decrease nosocomial infections in an intermediate care unit.

PubMed

Swoboda, Sandra M; Earsing, Karen; Strauss, Kevin; Lane, Stephen; Lipsett, Pamela A

2004-02-01

To determine whether electronic monitoring of hand hygiene and voice prompts can improve hand hygiene and decrease nosocomial infection rates in a surgical intermediate care unit. Three-phase quasi-experimental design. Phase I was electronic monitoring and direct observation; phase II was electronic monitoring and computerized voice prompts for failure to perform hand hygiene on room exit; and phase III was electronic monitoring only. Nine-room, 14-bed intermediate care unit in a university, tertiary-care institution. All patient rooms, utility room, and staff lavatory were monitored electronically. All healthcare personnel including physicians, nurses, nursing support personnel, ancillary staff, all visitors and family members, and any other personnel interacting with patients on the intermediate care unit. All patients with an intermediate care unit length of stay >48 hrs were followed for nosocomial infection. Electronic monitoring during all phases, computerized voice prompts during phase II only. We evaluated a total of 283,488 electronically monitored entries into a patient room with 251,526 exits for 420 days (10,080 hrs and 3,549 patient days). Compared with phase I, hand hygiene compliance in patient rooms improved 37% during phase II (odds ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.83) and 41% in phase III (odds ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.84). When adjusting for patient admissions during each phase, point estimates of nosocomial infections decreased by 22% during phase II and 48% during phase III; when adjusting for patient days, the number of infections decreased by 10% during phase II and 40% during phase III. Although the overall rate of nosocomial infections significantly decreased when combining phases II and III, the association between nosocomial infection and individual phase was not significant. Electronic monitoring provided effective ongoing feedback about hand hygiene compliance. During both the voice prompt phase and post-intervention phase, hand hygiene compliance and nosocomial infection rates improved suggesting that ongoing monitoring and feedback had both a short-term and, perhaps, a longer-term effect.

Improving experimental phases for strong reflections prior to density modification

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

Uervirojnangkoorn, Monarin; Hilgenfeld, Rolf; Terwilliger, Thomas C.

Experimental phasing of diffraction data from macromolecular crystals involves deriving phase probability distributions. These distributions are often bimodal, making their weighted average, the centroid phase, improbable, so that electron-density maps computed using centroid phases are often non-interpretable. Density modification brings in information about the characteristics of electron density in protein crystals. In successful cases, this allows a choice between the modes in the phase probability distributions, and the maps can cross the borderline between non-interpretable and interpretable. Based on the suggestions by Vekhter [Vekhter (2005), Acta Cryst. D 61, 899–902], the impact of identifying optimized phases for a small numbermore » of strong reflections prior to the density-modification process was investigated while using the centroid phase as a starting point for the remaining reflections. A genetic algorithm was developed that optimizes the quality of such phases using the skewness of the density map as a target function. Phases optimized in this way are then used in density modification. In most of the tests, the resulting maps were of higher quality than maps generated from the original centroid phases. In one of the test cases, the new method sufficiently improved a marginal set of experimental SAD phases to enable successful map interpretation. Lastly, a computer program, SISA, has been developed to apply this method for phase improvement in macromolecular crystallography.« less

Improving experimental phases for strong reflections prior to density modification

DOE PAGES

Uervirojnangkoorn, Monarin; Hilgenfeld, Rolf; Terwilliger, Thomas C.; ...

2013-09-20

Experimental phasing of diffraction data from macromolecular crystals involves deriving phase probability distributions. These distributions are often bimodal, making their weighted average, the centroid phase, improbable, so that electron-density maps computed using centroid phases are often non-interpretable. Density modification brings in information about the characteristics of electron density in protein crystals. In successful cases, this allows a choice between the modes in the phase probability distributions, and the maps can cross the borderline between non-interpretable and interpretable. Based on the suggestions by Vekhter [Vekhter (2005), Acta Cryst. D 61, 899–902], the impact of identifying optimized phases for a small numbermore » of strong reflections prior to the density-modification process was investigated while using the centroid phase as a starting point for the remaining reflections. A genetic algorithm was developed that optimizes the quality of such phases using the skewness of the density map as a target function. Phases optimized in this way are then used in density modification. In most of the tests, the resulting maps were of higher quality than maps generated from the original centroid phases. In one of the test cases, the new method sufficiently improved a marginal set of experimental SAD phases to enable successful map interpretation. Lastly, a computer program, SISA, has been developed to apply this method for phase improvement in macromolecular crystallography.« less

Quantitative evaluation of phase processing approaches in susceptibility weighted imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ningzhi; Wang, Wen-Tung; Sati, Pascal; Pham, Dzung L.; Butman, John A.

2012-03-01

Susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) takes advantage of the local variation in susceptibility between different tissues to enable highly detailed visualization of the cerebral venous system and sensitive detection of intracranial hemorrhages. Thus, it has been increasingly used in magnetic resonance imaging studies of traumatic brain injury as well as other intracranial pathologies. In SWI, magnitude information is combined with phase information to enhance the susceptibility induced image contrast. Because of global susceptibility variations across the image, the rate of phase accumulation varies widely across the image resulting in phase wrapping artifacts that interfere with the local assessment of phase variation. Homodyne filtering is a common approach to eliminate this global phase variation. However, filter size requires careful selection in order to preserve image contrast and avoid errors resulting from residual phase wraps. An alternative approach is to apply phase unwrapping prior to high pass filtering. A suitable phase unwrapping algorithm guarantees no residual phase wraps but additional computational steps are required. In this work, we quantitatively evaluate these two phase processing approaches on both simulated and real data using different filters and cutoff frequencies. Our analysis leads to an improved understanding of the relationship between phase wraps, susceptibility effects, and acquisition parameters. Although homodyne filtering approaches are faster and more straightforward, phase unwrapping approaches perform more accurately in a wider variety of acquisition scenarios.

Quantum phase transition with dissipative frustration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maile, D.; Andergassen, S.; Belzig, W.; Rastelli, G.

2018-04-01

We study the quantum phase transition of the one-dimensional phase model in the presence of dissipative frustration, provided by an interaction of the system with the environment through two noncommuting operators. Such a model can be realized in Josephson junction chains with shunt resistances and resistances between the chain and the ground. Using a self-consistent harmonic approximation, we determine the phase diagram at zero temperature which exhibits a quantum phase transition between an ordered phase, corresponding to the superconducting state, and a disordered phase, corresponding to the insulating state with localized superconducting charge. Interestingly, we find that the critical line separating the two phases has a nonmonotonic behavior as a function of the dissipative coupling strength. This result is a consequence of the frustration between (i) one dissipative coupling that quenches the quantum phase fluctuations favoring the ordered phase and (ii) one that quenches the quantum momentum (charge) fluctuations leading to a vanishing phase coherence. Moreover, within the self-consistent harmonic approximation, we analyze the dissipation induced crossover between a first and second order phase transition, showing that quantum frustration increases the range in which the phase transition is second order. The nonmonotonic behavior is reflected also in the purity of the system that quantifies the degree of correlation between the system and the environment, and in the logarithmic negativity as an entanglement measure that encodes the internal quantum correlations in the chain.

Changes of trehalose content and expression of relative genes during the bioethanol fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Yi, Chenfeng; Wang, Fenglian; Dong, Shijun; Li, Hao

2016-10-01

Traditionally, trehalose is considered as a protectant to improve the ethanol tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this study, to clarify the changes and roles of trehalose during the bioethanol fermentation, trehalose content and expression of related genes at lag, exponential, and stationary phases (i.e., 2, 8, and 16 h of batch fermentation process) were determined. Although yeast cells at exponential and stationary phase had higher trehalose content than cells at lag phase (P < 0.01), there was no significant difference in trehalose content between exponential and stationary phases (P > 0.05). Moreover, expression of the trehalose degradation-related genes NTH1 and NTH2 decreased at exponential phase in comparison with that at lag phase; compared with cells at lag phase, cells at stationary phase had higher expression of TPS1, ATH1, NTH1, and NTH2 but lower expression of TPS2. During the lag-exponential phase transition, downregulation of NTH1 and NTH2 promoted accumulation of trehalose, and to some extent, trehalose might confer ethanol tolerance to S. cerevisiae before stationary phase. During the exponential-stationary phase transition, upregulation of TPS1 contributed to accumulation of trehalose, and Tps1 protein might be indispensable in yeast cells to withstand ethanol stress at the stationary phase. Moreover, trehalose would be degraded to supply carbon source at stationary phase.

On the role of spatial phase and phase correlation in vision, illusion, and cognition

PubMed Central

Gladilin, Evgeny; Eils, Roland

2015-01-01

Numerous findings indicate that spatial phase bears an important cognitive information. Distortion of phase affects topology of edge structures and makes images unrecognizable. In turn, appropriately phase-structured patterns give rise to various illusions of virtual image content and apparent motion. Despite a large body of phenomenological evidence not much is known yet about the role of phase information in neural mechanisms of visual perception and cognition. Here, we are concerned with analysis of the role of spatial phase in computational and biological vision, emergence of visual illusions and pattern recognition. We hypothesize that fundamental importance of phase information for invariant retrieval of structural image features and motion detection promoted development of phase-based mechanisms of neural image processing in course of evolution of biological vision. Using an extension of Fourier phase correlation technique, we show that the core functions of visual system such as motion detection and pattern recognition can be facilitated by the same basic mechanism. Our analysis suggests that emergence of visual illusions can be attributed to presence of coherently phase-shifted repetitive patterns as well as the effects of acuity compensation by saccadic eye movements. We speculate that biological vision relies on perceptual mechanisms effectively similar to phase correlation, and predict neural features of visual pattern (dis)similarity that can be used for experimental validation of our hypothesis of “cognition by phase correlation.” PMID:25954190

On the role of spatial phase and phase correlation in vision, illusion, and cognition.

PubMed

Gladilin, Evgeny; Eils, Roland

2015-01-01

Numerous findings indicate that spatial phase bears an important cognitive information. Distortion of phase affects topology of edge structures and makes images unrecognizable. In turn, appropriately phase-structured patterns give rise to various illusions of virtual image content and apparent motion. Despite a large body of phenomenological evidence not much is known yet about the role of phase information in neural mechanisms of visual perception and cognition. Here, we are concerned with analysis of the role of spatial phase in computational and biological vision, emergence of visual illusions and pattern recognition. We hypothesize that fundamental importance of phase information for invariant retrieval of structural image features and motion detection promoted development of phase-based mechanisms of neural image processing in course of evolution of biological vision. Using an extension of Fourier phase correlation technique, we show that the core functions of visual system such as motion detection and pattern recognition can be facilitated by the same basic mechanism. Our analysis suggests that emergence of visual illusions can be attributed to presence of coherently phase-shifted repetitive patterns as well as the effects of acuity compensation by saccadic eye movements. We speculate that biological vision relies on perceptual mechanisms effectively similar to phase correlation, and predict neural features of visual pattern (dis)similarity that can be used for experimental validation of our hypothesis of "cognition by phase correlation."

Mesoscopic structural phase progression in photo-excited VO 2 revealed by time-resolved x-ray diffraction microscopy

DOE PAGES

Zhu, Yi; Cai, Zhonghou; Chen, Pice; ...

2016-02-26

Dynamical phase separation during a solid-solid phase transition poses a challenge for understanding the fundamental processes in correlated materials. Critical information underlying a phase transition, such as localized phase competition, is difficult to reveal by measurements that are spatially averaged over many phase seperated regions. The ability to simultanousely track the spatial and temporal evolution of such systems is essential to understanding mesoscopic processes during a phase transition. Using state-of- the-art time-resolved hard x-ray diffraction microscopy, we directly visualize the structural phase progression in a VO 2 film upon photoexcitation. Following a homogenous in-plane optical excitation, the phase transformation ismore » initiated at discrete sites and completed by the growth of one lattice structure into the other, instead of a simultaneous isotropic lattice symmetry change. The time-dependent x-ray diffraction spatial maps show that the in-plane phase progression in laser-superheated VO 2 is via a displacive lattice transformation as a result of relaxation from an excited monoclinic phase into a rutile phase. The speed of the phase front progression is quantitatively measured, which is faster than the process driven by in-plane thermal diffusion but slower than the sound speed in VO 2. Lastly, the direct visualization of localized structural changes in the time domain opens a new avenue to study mesoscopic processes in driven systems.« less

Mesoscopic structural phase progression in photo-excited VO2 revealed by time-resolved x-ray diffraction microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yi; Cai, Zhonghou; Chen, Pice; Zhang, Qingteng; Highland, Matthew J.; Jung, Il Woong; Walko, Donald A.; Dufresne, Eric M.; Jeong, Jaewoo; Samant, Mahesh G.; Parkin, Stuart S. P.; Freeland, John W.; Evans, Paul G.; Wen, Haidan

2016-02-01

Dynamical phase separation during a solid-solid phase transition poses a challenge for understanding the fundamental processes in correlated materials. Critical information underlying a phase transition, such as localized phase competition, is difficult to reveal by measurements that are spatially averaged over many phase separated regions. The ability to simultaneously track the spatial and temporal evolution of such systems is essential to understanding mesoscopic processes during a phase transition. Using state-of-the-art time-resolved hard x-ray diffraction microscopy, we directly visualize the structural phase progression in a VO2 film upon photoexcitation. Following a homogenous in-plane optical excitation, the phase transformation is initiated at discrete sites and completed by the growth of one lattice structure into the other, instead of a simultaneous isotropic lattice symmetry change. The time-dependent x-ray diffraction spatial maps show that the in-plane phase progression in laser-superheated VO2 is via a displacive lattice transformation as a result of relaxation from an excited monoclinic phase into a rutile phase. The speed of the phase front progression is quantitatively measured, and is faster than the process driven by in-plane thermal diffusion but slower than the sound speed in VO2. The direct visualization of localized structural changes in the time domain opens a new avenue to study mesoscopic processes in driven systems.

Mesoscopic structural phase progression in photo-excited VO2 revealed by time-resolved x-ray diffraction microscopy.

PubMed

Zhu, Yi; Cai, Zhonghou; Chen, Pice; Zhang, Qingteng; Highland, Matthew J; Jung, Il Woong; Walko, Donald A; Dufresne, Eric M; Jeong, Jaewoo; Samant, Mahesh G; Parkin, Stuart S P; Freeland, John W; Evans, Paul G; Wen, Haidan

2016-02-26

Dynamical phase separation during a solid-solid phase transition poses a challenge for understanding the fundamental processes in correlated materials. Critical information underlying a phase transition, such as localized phase competition, is difficult to reveal by measurements that are spatially averaged over many phase separated regions. The ability to simultaneously track the spatial and temporal evolution of such systems is essential to understanding mesoscopic processes during a phase transition. Using state-of-the-art time-resolved hard x-ray diffraction microscopy, we directly visualize the structural phase progression in a VO2 film upon photoexcitation. Following a homogenous in-plane optical excitation, the phase transformation is initiated at discrete sites and completed by the growth of one lattice structure into the other, instead of a simultaneous isotropic lattice symmetry change. The time-dependent x-ray diffraction spatial maps show that the in-plane phase progression in laser-superheated VO2 is via a displacive lattice transformation as a result of relaxation from an excited monoclinic phase into a rutile phase. The speed of the phase front progression is quantitatively measured, and is faster than the process driven by in-plane thermal diffusion but slower than the sound speed in VO2. The direct visualization of localized structural changes in the time domain opens a new avenue to study mesoscopic processes in driven systems.

Phenomenology of Polymorphism, III: p, TDiagram and Stability of Piracetam Polymorphs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Céolin, R.; Agafonov, V.; Louër, D.; Dzyabchenko, V. A.; Toscani, S.; Cense, J. M.

1996-02-01

The nootropic drug Piracetam is known to crystallize in three phases. In order to obtain their stability hierarchy from sublimation pressure inequalities, the drawing of a topologicalp,Tdiagram was attempted. For such a purpose and also for quality control, crystallographic and thermodynamic data were required. Powder X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used. Molecular energy calculations were performed. Phase I melts at 426 K (ΔfusH(I) = +180 J·g-1). Phase II transforms into Phase I at 399 K (Δ(II→I)H= +24 J·g-1). Phase III transforms into phase I at 392 K (Δ(III→I)H= +28 J·g-1) or melts at 412 K (ΔfusH(III) = +210 J·g-1). Thep,Tdiagram shows that phase I is stable at higher temperature and phase II at lower temperature, like phase III, which is stable under high pressure. At room temperature, phase II is the more stable form, and phase I the less stable one. This agrees with the spontaneous I → II transformation observed at 298 K within a few hours, and with lattice energies, calculated previously. Molecular energy calculations and crystal structure comparison show how intermolecular hydrogen bonds and H-bonded dimers, in phases II and III, may stabilize conformations higher in energy than those of the isolated molecule and of phase I.

Phase calibration target for quantitative phase imaging with ptychography.

PubMed

Godden, T M; Muñiz-Piniella, A; Claverley, J D; Yacoot, A; Humphry, M J

2016-04-04

Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) utilizes refractive index and thickness variations that lead to optical phase shifts. This gives contrast to images of transparent objects. In quantitative biology, phase images are used to accurately segment cells and calculate properties such as dry mass, volume and proliferation rate. The fidelity of the measured phase shifts is of critical importance in this field. However to date, there has been no standardized method for characterizing the performance of phase imaging systems. Consequently, there is an increasing need for protocols to test the performance of phase imaging systems using well-defined phase calibration and resolution targets. In this work, we present a candidate for a standardized phase resolution target, and measurement protocol for the determination of the transfer of spatial frequencies, and sensitivity of a phase imaging system. The target has been carefully designed to contain well-defined depth variations over a broadband range of spatial frequencies. In order to demonstrate the utility of the target, we measure quantitative phase images on a ptychographic microscope, and compare the measured optical phase shifts with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) topography maps and surface profile measurements from coherence scanning interferometry. The results show that ptychography has fully quantitative nanometer sensitivity in optical path differences over a broadband range of spatial frequencies for feature sizes ranging from micrometers to hundreds of micrometers.

Evaluation of Deicer Impacts on Pervious Concrete Specimens (Phase II)

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2018-05-01

This research examined the chemical degradation of pervious concrete due to calcium chloride or magnesium chloride deicers. The project consisted of Phase I, Phase IIa, and Phase IIb. Phase I was previous work where a testing protocol was developed t...

Digital phase-locked loop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cliff, R. A. (Inventor)

1975-01-01

An digital phase-locked loop is provided for deriving a loop output signal from an accumulator output terminal. A phase detecting exclusive OR gate is fed by the loop digital input and output signals. The output of the phase detector is a bi-level digital signal having a duty cycle indicative of the relative phase of the input and output signals. The accumulator is incremented at a first rate in response to a first output level of the phase detector and at a second rate in response to a second output level of the phase detector.

Edge effects in phase-shifting masks for 0.25-µm lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, Alfred K. K.; Neureuther, Andrew R.

1993-03-01

The impact on image quality of scattering from phase-shifter edges and of interactions between phase-shifter and chrome edges is assessed using rigorous electromagnetic simulation. Effects of edge taper in phase-shift masks, spacing between phase-shifter and chrome edges, small outrigger features with a trench phase-shifter, and of the repair of phase defects by etching to 360 degree(s) are considered. Near field distributions and diffraction efficiencies are examined and images are compared with more approximate results from the commonly used Hopkins' theory of imaging.

First principles and experimental study of the electronic structure and phase stability of bulk thallium bromide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Holland M.; Zhou, Yuzhi; Ciampi, Guido; Kim, Hadong; Cirignano, Leonard J.; Shah, Kanai S.; Haller, E. E.; Chrzan, D. C.

2013-08-01

We apply state-of-art first principle calculations to study the polymorphism and electronic structure of three previously reported phases of TlBr. The calculated band structures of NaCl-structure phase and orthorhombic-structure phase have different features than that of commonly observed CsCl-structure phase. We further interpret photoluminescence spectra based on our calculations. Several peaks close to calculated band gap values of the NaCl-structure phase and the orthorhombic-structure phase are found in unpolished TlBr samples.

Biparticle fluidized bed reactor

DOEpatents

Scott, Charles D.; Marasco, Joseph A.

1995-01-01

A fluidized bed reactor system utilizes a fluid phase, a retained fluidized primary particulate phase, and a migratory second particulate phase. The primary particulate phase is a particle such as a gel bead containing an immobilized biocatalyst. The secondary particulate phase, continuously introduced and removed in either cocurrent or countercurrent mode, acts in a secondary role such as a sorbent to continuously remove a product or by-product constituent from the fluid phase. Introduction and removal of the sorbent phase is accomplished through the use of feed screw mechanisms and multivane slurry valves.

Biparticle fluidized bed reactor

DOEpatents

Scott, Charles D.; Marasco, Joseph A.

1996-01-01

A fluidized bed reactor system which utilizes a fluid phase, a retained fluidized primary particulate phase, and a migratory second particulate phase. The primary particulate phase is a particle such as a gel bead containing an immobilized biocatalyst. The secondary and tertiary particulate phases, continuously introduced and removed simultaneously in the cocurrent and countercurrent mode, act in a role such as a sorbent to continuously remove a product or by-product constituent from the fluid phase. Means for introducing and removing the sorbent phases include feed screw mechanisms and multivane slurry valves.

Biparticle fluidized bed reactor

DOEpatents

Scott, C.D.; Marasco, J.A.

1995-04-25

A fluidized bed reactor system utilizes a fluid phase, a retained fluidized primary particulate phase, and a migratory second particulate phase. The primary particulate phase is a particle such as a gel bead containing an immobilized biocatalyst. The secondary particulate phase, continuously introduced and removed in either cocurrent or countercurrent mode, acts in a secondary role such as a sorbent to continuously remove a product or by-product constituent from the fluid phase. Introduction and removal of the sorbent phase is accomplished through the use of feed screw mechanisms and multivane slurry valves. 3 figs.

Biparticle fluidized bed reactor

DOEpatents

Scott, C.D.

1993-12-14

A fluidized bed reactor system which utilizes a fluid phase, a retained fluidized primary particulate phase, and a migratory second particulate phase is described. The primary particulate phase is a particle such as a gel bead containing an immobilized biocatalyst. The secondary particulate phase, continuously introduced and removed in either cocurrent or countercurrent mode, acts in a secondary role such as a sorbent to continuously remove a product or by-product constituent from the fluid phase. Introduction and removal of the sorbent phase is accomplished through the use of feed screw mechanisms and multivane slurry valves. 3 figures.

Biparticle fluidized bed reactor

DOEpatents

Scott, C.D.; Marasco, J.A.

1996-02-27

A fluidized bed reactor system is described which utilizes a fluid phase, a retained fluidized primary particulate phase, and a migratory second particulate phase. The primary particulate phase is a particle such as a gel bead containing an immobilized biocatalyst. The secondary and tertiary particulate phases, continuously introduced and removed simultaneously in the cocurrent and countercurrent mode, act in a role such as a sorbent to continuously remove a product or by-product constituent from the fluid phase. Means for introducing and removing the sorbent phases include feed screw mechanisms and multivane slurry valves. 3 figs.

Biparticle fluidized bed reactor

DOEpatents

Scott, Charles D.

1993-01-01

A fluidized bed reactor system which utilizes a fluid phase, a retained fluidized primary particulate phase, and a migratory second particulate phase. The primary particulate phase is a particle such as a gel bead containing an immobilized biocatalyst. The secondary particulate phase, continuously introduced and removed in either cocurrent or countercurrent mode, acts in a secondary role such as a sorbent to continuously remove a product or by-product constituent from the fluid phase. Introduction and removal of the sorbent phase is accomplished through the use of feed screw mechanisms and multivane slurry valves.

Geometric phase of mixed states for three-level open systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Yanyan; Ji, Y. H.; Xu, Hualan; Hu, Li-Yun; Wang, Z. S.; Chen, Z. Q.; Guo, L. P.

2010-12-01

Geometric phase of mixed state for three-level open system is defined by establishing in connecting density matrix with nonunit vector ray in a three-dimensional complex Hilbert space. Because the geometric phase depends only on the smooth curve on this space, it is formulated entirely in terms of geometric structures. Under the limiting of pure state, our approach is in agreement with the Berry phase, Pantcharatnam phase, and Aharonov and Anandan phase. We find that, furthermore, the Berry phase of mixed state correlated to population inversions of three-level open system.

Electric Utility Phase I Acid Rain Compliance Strategies for the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990

EIA Publications

1994-01-01

The Acid Rain Program is divided into two time periods; Phase I, from 1995 through 1999, and Phase II, starting in 2000. Phase I mostly affects power plants that are the largest sources of SO2 and NOx . Phase II affects virtually all electric power producers, including utilities and nonutilities. This report is a study of the effects of compliance with Phase I regulations on the costs and operations of electric utilities, but does not address any Phase II impacts.

Phase transformation upon cooling path in Ca2SiO4: Possible geological implication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Yun-Ting; Kung, Jennifer; Hsu, Han

2016-04-01

At the contact metamorphism zone two different Ca2SiO4 phases can be found; calcio-olivine (γ phase) and larnite (β phase). In-situ experiments illustrated the existence of five various polymorphs in Ca2SiO4, i.e., α, α'H, α'L, β and γ. The path of phase transformation and the transformation temperatures are shown as follows. γ → α'L(700° C) → α'H(1100° C) → α (1450° C) α'L → β (680° C) → γ (500° C) Experiments showed that the phase transitions at lower temperature is not reversible and seemed to be complicated; β phase is only stable from 500° C to 680° C upon cooling. To understand the possible mechanism of the β phase being metastable at room temperature, atmosphere condition, we were motivated to investigate the route of phase transition in Ca2SiO4 in different thermal process. Powder samples were synthesized by the solid-state reaction. Pure reagent oxides CaCO3 and SiO2 were mixed in 2:1 stoichiometric mole. Two control factors were designated in the experiments; the sintering temperature of starting materials and the cooling path. The sintering temperature was set within the range of stable phase field of α'L phase (˜900° C) and α'H phase (1300° C). The cooling process was designed in three different routes: 1) the quenched procedure from sintering temperature with rate of 900° C/min and 1300° C/min, 2) the furnace cooling procedure, 3) set a slow cooling rate (0.265 ° C/min). The products were examined for the crystal structure by X-ray powder diffraction. First-principle calculation was also applied to investigate the thermodynamic properties of α'H, β and γ phases. A major finding in this study showed that the γ phase presented in the final product when the sintering temperature was set at the stable field of α'H phase; on the other hand, the β phase would present when the sintering temperature was set within the field of α'L phase. It was noted that the existing phase in the product would be modified by the cooling procedures. Our calculation indicates the enthalpy of beta phase was slightly higher than that of the gamma phase at zero pressure, verifying the metastable β phase observed in the natural. In this meeting we present the detailed experimental results and discuss the potential implication for the thermal history of geological setting using the phase transition path upon cooling of Ca2SiO4.

Characteristics of Precipitation, Cloud, and Latent Heating Associated with the Madden-Julian Oscillation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lau, K-M.; Wu, H-T.

2010-01-01

This study investigates the evolution of cloud and rainfall structures associated with Madden Julian oscillation (MJO) using Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) data. Two complementary indices are used to define MJO phases. Joint probability distribution functions (PDFs) of cloud-top temperature and radar echo-top height are constructed for each of the eight MJO phases. The genesis stage of MJO convection over the western Pacific (phases 1 and 2) features a bottom-heavy PDF, characterized by abundant warm rain, low clouds, suppressed deep convection, and higher sea surface temperature (SST). As MJO convection develops (phases 3 and 4), a transition from the bottom-heavy to top-heavy PDF occurs. The latter is associated with the development of mixed-phase rain and middle-to-high clouds, coupled with rapid SST cooling. At the MJO convection peak (phase 5), a top-heavy PDF contributed by deep convection with mixed-phase and ice-phase rain and high echo-top heights (greater than 5 km) dominates. The decaying stage (phases 6 and 7) is characterized by suppressed SST, reduced total rain, increased contribution from stratiform rain, and increased nonraining high clouds. Phase 7, in particular, signals the beginning of a return to higher SST and increased warm rain. Phase 8 completes the MJO cycle, returning to a bottom-heavy PDF and SST conditions similar to phase 1. The structural changes in rain and clouds at different phases of MJO are consistent with corresponding changes in derived latent heating profiles, suggesting the importance of a diverse mix of warm, mixed-phase, and ice-phase rain associated with low-level, congestus, and high clouds in constituting the life cycle and the time scales of MJO.

The phase behavior of cationic lipid-DNA complexes.

PubMed Central

May, S; Harries, D; Ben-Shaul, A

2000-01-01

We present a theoretical analysis of the phase behavior of solutions containing DNA, cationic lipids, and nonionic (helper) lipids. Our model allows for five possible structures, treated as incompressible macroscopic phases: two lipid-DNA composite (lipoplex) phases, namely, the lamellar (L(alpha)(C)) and hexagonal (H(II)(C)) complexes; two binary (cationic/neutral) lipid phases, that is, the bilayer (L(alpha)) and inverse-hexagonal (H(II)) structures, and uncomplexed DNA. The free energy of the four lipid-containing phases is expressed as a sum of composition-dependent electrostatic, elastic, and mixing terms. The electrostatic free energies of all phases are calculated based on Poisson-Boltzmann theory. The phase diagram of the system is evaluated by minimizing the total free energy of the three-component mixture with respect to all the compositional degrees of freedom. We show that the phase behavior, in particular the preferred lipid-DNA complex geometry, is governed by a subtle interplay between the electrostatic, elastic, and mixing terms, which depend, in turn, on the lipid composition and lipid/DNA ratio. Detailed calculations are presented for three prototypical systems, exhibiting markedly different phase behaviors. The simplest mixture corresponds to a rigid planar membrane as the lipid source, in which case, only lamellar complexes appear in solution. When the membranes are "soft" (i.e., low bending modulus) the system exhibits the formation of both lamellar and hexagonal complexes, sometimes coexisting with each other, and with pure lipid or DNA phases. The last system corresponds to a lipid mixture involving helper lipids with strong propensity toward the inverse-hexagonal phase. Here, again, the phase diagram is rather complex, revealing a multitude of phase transitions and coexistences. Lamellar and hexagonal complexes appear, sometimes together, in different regions of the phase diagram. PMID:10733951

Detecting macroeconomic phases in the Dow Jones Industrial Average time series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, Jian Cheng; Lian, Heng; Cheong, Siew Ann

2009-11-01

In this paper, we perform statistical segmentation and clustering analysis of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) time series between January 1997 and August 2008. Modeling the index movements and log-index movements as stationary Gaussian processes, we find a total of 116 and 119 statistically stationary segments respectively. These can then be grouped into between five and seven clusters, each representing a different macroeconomic phase. The macroeconomic phases are distinguished primarily by their volatilities. We find that the US economy, as measured by the DJI, spends most of its time in a low-volatility phase and a high-volatility phase. The former can be roughly associated with economic expansion, while the latter contains the economic contraction phase in the standard economic cycle. Both phases are interrupted by a moderate-volatility market correction phase, but extremely-high-volatility market crashes are found mostly within the high-volatility phase. From the temporal distribution of various phases, we see a high-volatility phase from mid-1998 to mid-2003, and another starting mid-2007 (the current global financial crisis). Transitions from the low-volatility phase to the high-volatility phase are preceded by a series of precursor shocks, whereas the transition from the high-volatility phase to the low-volatility phase is preceded by a series of inverted shocks. The time scale for both types of transitions is about a year. We also identify the July 1997 Asian Financial Crisis to be the trigger for the mid-1998 transition, and an unnamed May 2006 market event related to corrections in the Chinese markets to be the trigger for the mid-2007 transition.

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

Ning, Yongquan, E-mail: luckyning@nwpu.edu.cn; Huang, Shibo; Fu, M.W.

Microstructural characterization, formation mechanism and fracture behavior of the needle δ phase in Fe–Ni–Cr type superalloys with high Nb content (GH4169, equivalent to Inconel 718) have been quantitatively investigated in this research. The typical microstructures of δ phases with the stick, mixed and needle shapes obviously present in Inconel 718 after the isothermal upsetting at the temperature of 980–1060 °C with the initial strain rate of 10{sup −3}–10{sup −1} s{sup −1}. It is found that the shape of the δ phase has a great effect on the mechanical properties of the alloy, viz., the stick δ phase behaves good plasticitymore » and the needle δ phase has good strength. In addition, the needle δ phase can be used to control the grain size as it can prevent grain growth. The combined effect of the localized necking and microvoid coalescence leads to the final ductile fracture of the GH4169 components with the needle δ phase. Both dislocation motion and atom diffusion are the root-cause for the needle δ phase to be firstly separated at grain boundary and then at sub-boundary. The formation mechanism of the needle δ phase is the new finding in this research. Furthermore, it is the primary mechanism for controlling the needle δ phase in Fe–Ni–Cr type superalloys with high Nb content. - Highlights: • Shape of the δ phase takes great effect on mechanical property. • Needle δ phase plays a great role to prevent grain growth. • Needle δ phase can enhance the fracture strength. • Microstructure mechanism of the needle δ phase has been investigated. • Fracture behavior of the needle δ phase has been studied.« less

Luteal phase hyperprolactinemia.

PubMed

Falk, R J; Anderson, L

1994-01-01

To determine the incidence of both isolated and repetitive prolactin elevations in the luteal phase of otherwise normoprolactinemic women. To see if sporadic luteal-phase hyperprolactinemia is associated with progesterone deficiency, and to explore a possible physiological basis for sporadic hyperprolactinemia by TRH challenge. Hospital-based reproductive endocrinology/infertility service. Prospective measurement of luteal phase serum progesterone and prolactin in normoprolactinemic ovulatory women. TRH stimulation testing in volunteers with repetitive luteal phase hyperprolactinemia and normoprolactinemic controls. 133 sequentially selected infertile, ovulatory women with normal prolactin levels in the proliferative phase of the cycle. Measurement of serum progesterone and prolactin during the luteal phase, based on the day of the LH surge. TRH testing in the midluteal phase of the cycle in patients with two or more luteal phase prolactin elevations, and in five normoprolactinemic volunteers in both the preovulatory and midluteal phase. Of 133 subjects, 85 (64%) had no prolactin level exceeding 20 ng/mL in the luteal phase. Thirty-three (25%) had two or more elevated levels, and were considered to have repetitive luteal phase hyperprolactinemia (LPH). TRH testing in control subjects resulted in a greater prolactin response in the preovulatory phase. The group with LPH demonstrated an initial elevation of prolactin greater than that of the normoprolactinemic controls, but a subsequent drop to levels lower than both preovulatory and midluteal normoprolactinemic controls by 45 minutes. Sporadic luteal-phase hyperprolactinemia is a relatively common event (36% of 133 subjects in the present series). Of these 48 women, 33 (69%) had repetitive elevations, suggesting the elevation in these subjects to be more than a random event. The physiological validity of this observation is further demonstrated by an abnormal response to TRH stimulation, but the normal levels of luteal phase progesterone leave questions as to its pathological importance.

Intrinsic crystal phase separation in the antiferromagnetic superconductor Rb(y)Fe(2-x)Se2: a diffraction study.

PubMed

Yu Pomjakushin, V; Krzton-Maziopa, A; Pomjakushina, E V; Conder, K; Chernyshov, D; Svitlyk, V; Bosak, A

2012-10-31

The crystal and magnetic structures of the superconducting iron-based chalcogenides Rb(y)Fe(2-x)Se(2) have been studied by means of single-crystal synchrotron x-ray and high-resolution neutron powder diffraction in the temperature range 2-570 K. The ground state of the crystal is an intrinsically phase-separated state with two distinct-by-symmetry phases. The main phase has the iron vacancy ordered √5 × √5 superstructure (I4/m space group) with AFM ordered Fe spins. The minority phase does not have √5 × √5-type of ordering and has a smaller in-plane lattice constant a and larger tetragonal c-axis and can be well described by assuming the parent average vacancy disordered structure (I4/mmm space group) with the refined stoichiometry Rb(0.60(5))(Fe(1.10(5))Se)(2). The minority phase amounts to 8-10% mass fraction. The unit cell volume of the minority phase is 3.2% smaller than the one of the main phase at T = 2 K and has quite different temperature dependence. The minority phase merges with the main vacancy ordered phase on heating above the phase separation temperature T(P) = 475 K. The spatial dimensions of the phase domains strongly increase above T(P) from 1000 to >2500 Å due to the integration of the regions of the main phase that were separated by the second phase at low temperatures. Additional annealing of the crystals at a temperature T = 488 K, close to T(P), for a long time drastically reduces the amount of the minority phase.

A phase response curve to single bright light pulses in human subjects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khalsa, Sat Bir S.; Jewett, Megan E.; Cajochen, Christian; Czeisler, Charles A.

2003-01-01

The circadian pacemaker is differentially sensitive to the resetting effects of retinal light exposure, depending upon the circadian phase at which the light exposure occurs. Previously reported human phase response curves (PRCs) to single bright light exposures have employed small sample sizes, and were often based on relatively imprecise estimates of circadian phase and phase resetting. In the present study, 21 healthy, entrained subjects underwent pre- and post-stimulus constant routines (CRs) in dim light (approximately 2-7 lx) with maintained wakefulness in a semi-recumbent posture. The 6.7 h bright light exposure stimulus consisted of alternating 6 min fixed gaze (approximately 10 000 lx) and free gaze (approximately 5000-9000 lx) exposures. Light exposures were scheduled across the circadian cycle in different subjects so as to derive a PRC. Plasma melatonin was used to determine the phase of the onset, offset, and midpoint of the melatonin profiles during the CRs. Phase shifts were calculated as the difference in phase between the pre- and post-stimulus CRs. The resultant PRC of the midpoint of the melatonin rhythm revealed a characteristic type 1 PRC with a significant peak-to-trough amplitude of 5.02 h. Phase delays occurred when the light stimulus was centred prior to the critical phase at the core body temperature minimum, phase advances occurred when the light stimulus was centred after the critical phase, and no phase shift occurred at the critical phase. During the subjective day, no prolonged 'dead zone' of photic insensitivity was apparent. Phase shifts derived using the melatonin onsets showed larger magnitudes than those derived from the melatonin offsets. These data provide a comprehensive characterization of the human PRC under highly controlled laboratory conditions.

Strain-Driven Nanoscale Phase Competition near the Antipolar-Nonpolar Phase Boundary in Bi0.7La0.3FeO3 Thin Films.

PubMed

Dedon, Liv R; Chen, Zuhuang; Gao, Ran; Qi, Yajun; Arenholz, Elke; Martin, Lane W

2018-05-02

Complex-oxide materials tuned to be near phase boundaries via chemistry/composition, temperature, pressure, etc. are known to exhibit large susceptibilities. Here, we observe a strain-driven nanoscale phase competition in epitaxially constrained Bi 0.7 La 0.3 FeO 3 thin films near the antipolar-nonpolar phase boundary and explore the evolution of the structural, dielectric, (anti)ferroelectric, and magnetic properties with strain. We find that compressive and tensile strains can stabilize an antipolar PbZrO 3 -like Pbam phase and a nonpolar Pnma orthorhombic phase, respectively. Heterostructures grown with little to no strain exhibit a self-assembled nanoscale mixture of the two orthorhombic phases, wherein the relative fraction of each phase can be modified with film thickness. Subsequent investigation of the dielectric and (anti)ferroelectric properties reveals an electric-field-driven phase transformation from the nonpolar phase to the antipolar phase. X-ray linear dichroism reveals that the antiferromagnetic-spin axes can be effectively modified by the strain-induced phase transition. This evolution of antiferromagnetic-spin axes can be leveraged in exchange coupling between the antiferromagnetic Bi 0.7 La 0.3 FeO 3 and a ferromagnetic Co 0.9 Fe 0.1 layer to tune the ferromagnetic easy axis of the Co 0.9 Fe 0.1 . These results demonstrate that besides chemical alloying, epitaxial strain is an alternative and effective way to modify subtle phase relations and tune physical properties in rare earth-alloyed BiFeO 3 . Furthermore, the observation of antiferroelectric-antiferromagnetic properties in the Pbam Bi 0.7 La 0.3 FeO 3 phase could be of significant scientific interest and great potential in magnetoelectric devices because of its dual antiferroic nature.

A self-resetting spiking phase-change neuron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cobley, R. A.; Hayat, H.; Wright, C. D.

2018-05-01

Neuromorphic, or brain-inspired, computing applications of phase-change devices have to date concentrated primarily on the implementation of phase-change synapses. However, the so-called accumulation mode of operation inherent in phase-change materials and devices can also be used to mimic the integrative properties of a biological neuron. Here we demonstrate, using physical modelling of nanoscale devices and SPICE modelling of associated circuits, that a single phase-change memory cell integrated into a comparator type circuit can deliver a basic hardware mimic of an integrate-and-fire spiking neuron with self-resetting capabilities. Such phase-change neurons, in combination with phase-change synapses, can potentially open a new route for the realisation of all-phase-change neuromorphic computing.

Approximated transport-of-intensity equation for coded-aperture x-ray phase-contrast imaging.

PubMed

Das, Mini; Liang, Zhihua

2014-09-15

Transport-of-intensity equations (TIEs) allow better understanding of image formation and assist in simplifying the "phase problem" associated with phase-sensitive x-ray measurements. In this Letter, we present for the first time to our knowledge a simplified form of TIE that models x-ray differential phase-contrast (DPC) imaging with coded-aperture (CA) geometry. The validity of our approximation is demonstrated through comparison with an exact TIE in numerical simulations. The relative contributions of absorption, phase, and differential phase to the acquired phase-sensitive intensity images are made readily apparent with the approximate TIE, which may prove useful for solving the inverse phase-retrieval problem associated with these CA geometry based DPC.

Phase selection during crystallization of undercooled liquid eutectic lead-tin alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fecht, H. J.

1991-01-01

During rapid solidification substantial amounts of undercooling are in general required for formation of metastable phases. Crystallization at varying levels of undercooling and melting of metastable phases were studied during slow cooling and heating of emulsified PB-Sn alloys. Besides the experimental demonstration of the reversibility of metastable phase equilibra, two different principal solidification paths have been identified and compared with the established metastable phase diagram and predictions from classical nucleation theory. The results suggest that the most probable solidification path is described by the 'step rule' resulting in the formation of metastable phases at low undercooling, whereas the stable eutectic phase mixture crystallizes without metastable phase formation at high undercooling.

Spin-one bilinear-biquadratic model on a star lattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hyun-Yong; Kawashima, Naoki

2018-05-01

We study the ground-state phase diagram of the S =1 bilinear-biquadratic model (BLBQ) on the star lattice with the state-of-art tensor network algorithms. The system has four phases: the ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic, ferroquadrupolar, and spin-liquid phases. The phases and their phase boundaries are determined by examining various local observables, correlation functions, and transfer matrices exhaustively. The spin-liquid phase, which is the first quantum disordered phase found in the two-dimensional BLBQ model, is gapped and devoid of any conventional long-range order. It is also characterized by fixed-parity virtual bonds in the tensor network formalism, analogous to the Haldane phase, while the parity varies depending on the location of the bond.

Method for identifying and probing phase transitions in materials

DOEpatents

Asay, Blaine W.; Henson, Bryan F.; Sander, Robert K.; Robinson, Jeanne M.; Son, Steven F.; Dickson, Peter M.

2002-01-01

The present invention includes a method for identifying and probing phase transitions in materials. A polymorphic material capable of existing in at least one non-centrosymmetric phase is interrogated with a beam of laser light at a chosen wavelength and frequency. A phase transition is induced in the material while it is interrogated. The intensity of light scattered by the material and having a wavelength equal to one half the wavelength of the interrogating laser light is detected. If the phase transition results in the production of a non-centrosymmetric phase, the intensity of this scattered light increases; if the phase transition results in the disappearance of a non-centrosymmetric phase, the intensity of this scattered light decreases.

Wilson loop's phase transition probed by non-local observable

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hui-Ling; Feng, Zhong-Wen; Yang, Shu-Zheng; Zu, Xiao-Tao

2018-04-01

In order to give further insights into the holographic Van der Waals phase transition, it would be of great interest to investigate the behavior of Wilson loop across the holographic phase transition for a higher dimensional hairy black hole. We offer a possibility to proceed with a numerical calculation in order to discussion on the hairy black hole's phase transition, and show that Wilson loop can serve as a probe to detect a phase structure of the black hole. Furthermore, for a first order phase transition, we calculate numerically the Maxwell's equal area construction; and for a second order phase transition, we also study the critical exponent in order to characterize the Wilson loop's phase transition.

Collective phase description of oscillatory convection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawamura, Yoji; Nakao, Hiroya

2013-12-01

We formulate a theory for the collective phase description of oscillatory convection in Hele-Shaw cells. It enables us to describe the dynamics of the oscillatory convection by a single degree of freedom which we call the collective phase. The theory can be considered as a phase reduction method for limit-cycle solutions in infinite-dimensional dynamical systems, namely, stable time-periodic solutions to partial differential equations, representing the oscillatory convection. We derive the phase sensitivity function, which quantifies the phase response of the oscillatory convection to weak perturbations applied at each spatial point, and analyze the phase synchronization between two weakly coupled Hele-Shaw cells exhibiting oscillatory convection on the basis of the derived phase equations.

Quantitative phase imaging of human red blood cells using phase-shifting white light interference microscopy with colour fringe analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh Mehta, Dalip; Srivastava, Vishal

2012-11-01

We report quantitative phase imaging of human red blood cells (RBCs) using phase-shifting interference microscopy. Five phase-shifted white light interferograms are recorded using colour charge coupled device camera. White light interferograms were decomposed into red, green, and blue colour components. The phase-shifted interferograms of each colour were then processed by phase-shifting analysis and phase maps for red, green, and blue colours were reconstructed. Wavelength dependent refractive index profiles of RBCs were computed from the single set of white light interferogram. The present technique has great potential for non-invasive determination of refractive index variation and morphological features of cells and tissues.

Spinodal decomposition of the gamma-phase upon quenching in the Ti-Al-Nb ternary

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

Rios, Orlando; Ebrahimi, Fereshteh

2010-01-01

The {gamma}-TiAl with L1{sub 0} crystal structure shows extensive solubility for Nb at elevated temperatures. Recently (Rios et al., Acta materialia 2009; 57:6243), we have demonstrated that the high-Nb {gamma}-TiAl phase becomes unstable upon rapid cooling into a nano-scale two-phase microstructure. In this paper, using detailed compositional and microstructural analyses, we have demonstrated that this phase goes through a spinodal decomposition that results in the compositionally distinct phases identified as a lower-Nb {gamma}-phase and the h-phase, which is rich in Nb and forms by the ordering of this element in the {gamma}-phase.

Influences of misalignment of control mirror of axisymmetric-structural CO2 laser on phase locking.

PubMed

Xu, Yonggen; Li, Yude; Qiu, Yi; Feng, Ting; Fu, Fuxing; Guo, Wei

2008-11-20

Based on the principle of phase locking of an axisymmetric-fold combination CO2 laser under the normal state condition, the mechanisms of phase locking are analyzed when the control mirror is misaligned. Then the overlapping rate (OR) of the mode volume is introduced: the main influences on phase locking are the OR, the average life of the light wave, the root mean square phase error, and the mode coupling coefficient; these influences on phase locking are studied. The distribution of the light intensity reflects the effect of phase locking. It is shown that the misaligned angle has little influence on the phase locking if it is within tolerance.

A self-resetting spiking phase-change neuron.

PubMed

Cobley, R A; Hayat, H; Wright, C D

2018-05-11

Neuromorphic, or brain-inspired, computing applications of phase-change devices have to date concentrated primarily on the implementation of phase-change synapses. However, the so-called accumulation mode of operation inherent in phase-change materials and devices can also be used to mimic the integrative properties of a biological neuron. Here we demonstrate, using physical modelling of nanoscale devices and SPICE modelling of associated circuits, that a single phase-change memory cell integrated into a comparator type circuit can deliver a basic hardware mimic of an integrate-and-fire spiking neuron with self-resetting capabilities. Such phase-change neurons, in combination with phase-change synapses, can potentially open a new route for the realisation of all-phase-change neuromorphic computing.

Dual-scale phase-field simulation of Mg-Al alloy solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monas, A.; Shchyglo, O.; Höche, D.; Tegeler, M.; Steinbach, I.

2015-06-01

Phase-field simulations of the nucleation and growth of primary α-Mg phase as well as secondary, β-phase of a Mg-Al alloy are presented. The nucleation model for α- and β-Mg phases is based on the “free growth model” by Greer et al.. After the α-Mg phase solidification we study a divorced eutectic growth of α- and β-Mg phases in a zoomed in melt channel between α-phase dendrites. The simulated cooling curves and final microstructures of α-grains are compared with experiments. In order to further enhance the resolution of the interdendritic region a high-performance computing approach has been used allowing significant simulation speed gain when using supercomputing facilities.

Fringe pattern demodulation with a two-frame digital phase-locked loop algorithm.

PubMed

Gdeisat, Munther A; Burton, David R; Lalor, Michael J

2002-09-10

A novel technique called a two-frame digital phase-locked loop for fringe pattern demodulation is presented. In this scheme, two fringe patterns with different spatial carrier frequencies are grabbed for an object. A digital phase-locked loop algorithm tracks and demodulates the phase difference between both fringe patterns by employing the wrapped phase components of one of the fringe patterns as a reference to demodulate the second fringe pattern. The desired phase information can be extracted from the demodulated phase difference. We tested the algorithm experimentally using real fringe patterns. The technique is shown to be suitable for noncontact measurement of objects with rapid surface variations, and it outperforms the Fourier fringe analysis technique in this aspect. Phase maps produced withthis algorithm are noisy in comparison with phase maps generated with the Fourier fringe analysis technique.

Phase separations in mixtures of a liquid crystal and a nanocolloidal particle.

PubMed

Matsuyama, Akihiko

2009-11-28

We present a mean field theory to describe phase separations in mixtures of a liquid crystal and a nanocolloidal particle. By taking into account a nematic, a smectic A ordering of the liquid crystal, and a crystalline ordering of the nanoparticle, we calculate the phase diagrams on the temperature-concentration plane. We predict various phase separations, such as a smectic A-crystal phase separation and a smectic A-isotropic-crystal triple point, etc., depending on the interactions between the liquid crystal and the colloidal surface. Inside binodal curves, we find new unstable and metastable regions, which are important in the phase ordering dynamics. We also find a crystalline ordering of the nanoparticles dispersed in a smectic A phase and a nematic phase. The cooperative phenomena between liquid-crystalline ordering and crystalline ordering induce a variety of phase diagrams.

Motion-induced error reduction by combining Fourier transform profilometry with phase-shifting profilometry.

PubMed

Li, Beiwen; Liu, Ziping; Zhang, Song

2016-10-03

We propose a hybrid computational framework to reduce motion-induced measurement error by combining the Fourier transform profilometry (FTP) and phase-shifting profilometry (PSP). The proposed method is composed of three major steps: Step 1 is to extract continuous relative phase maps for each isolated object with single-shot FTP method and spatial phase unwrapping; Step 2 is to obtain an absolute phase map of the entire scene using PSP method, albeit motion-induced errors exist on the extracted absolute phase map; and Step 3 is to shift the continuous relative phase maps from Step 1 to generate final absolute phase maps for each isolated object by referring to the absolute phase map with error from Step 2. Experiments demonstrate the success of the proposed computational framework for measuring multiple isolated rapidly moving objects.

Single-shot quantitative phase microscopy with color-multiplexed differential phase contrast (cDPC)

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

We present a new technique for quantitative phase and amplitude microscopy from a single color image with coded illumination. Our system consists of a commercial brightfield microscope with one hardware modification—an inexpensive 3D printed condenser insert. The method, color-multiplexed Differential Phase Contrast (cDPC), is a single-shot variant of Differential Phase Contrast (DPC), which recovers the phase of a sample from images with asymmetric illumination. We employ partially coherent illumination to achieve resolution corresponding to 2× the objective NA. Quantitative phase can then be used to synthesize DIC and phase contrast images or extract shape and density. We demonstrate amplitude and phase recovery at camera-limited frame rates (50 fps) for various in vitro cell samples and c. elegans in a micro-fluidic channel. PMID:28152023

Phase diagrams of vortex matter with multi-scale inter-vortex interactions in layered superconductors.

PubMed

Meng, Qingyou; Varney, Christopher N; Fangohr, Hans; Babaev, Egor

2017-01-25

It was recently proposed to use the stray magnetic fields of superconducting vortex lattices to trap ultracold atoms for building quantum emulators. This calls for new methods for engineering and manipulating of the vortex states. One of the possible routes utilizes type-1.5 superconducting layered systems with multi-scale inter-vortex interactions. In order to explore the possible vortex states that can be engineered, we present two phase diagrams of phenomenological vortex matter models with multi-scale inter-vortex interactions featuring several attractive and repulsive length scales. The phase diagrams exhibit a plethora of phases, including conventional 2D lattice phases, five stripe phases, dimer, trimer, and tetramer phases, void phases, and stable low-temperature disordered phases. The transitions between these states can be controlled by the value of an applied external field.

Kinetics of phase separation and coarsening in dilute surfactant pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, S.; Kubo, Y.; Yokoyama, Y.; Toda, A.; Taguchi, K.; Kajioka, H.

2011-12-01

We investigated the phase separation phenomena in dilute surfactant pentaethylene glycol monodedecyl ether (C12E5) solutions focusing on the growth law of separated domains. The solutions confined between two glass plates were found to exhibit the phase inversion, characteristic of the viscoelastic phase separation; the majority phase (water-rich phase) nucleated as droplets and the minority phase (micelle-rich phase) formed a network temporarily, then they collapsed into an usual sea-island pattern where minority phase formed islands. We found from the real-space microscopic imaging that the dynamic scaling hypothesis did not hold throughout the coarsening process. The power law growth of the domains with the exponent close to 1/3 was observed even though the coarsening was induced mainly by hydrodynamic flow, which was explained by Darcy's law of laminar flow.

Study of anyon condensation and topological phase transitions from a Z4 topological phase using the projected entangled pair states approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iqbal, Mohsin; Duivenvoorden, Kasper; Schuch, Norbert

2018-05-01

We use projected entangled pair states (PEPS) to study topological quantum phase transitions. The local description of topological order in the PEPS formalism allows us to set up order parameters which measure condensation and deconfinement of anyons and serve as substitutes for conventional order parameters. We apply these order parameters, together with anyon-anyon correlation functions and some further probes, to characterize topological phases and phase transitions within a family of models based on a Z4 symmetry, which contains Z4 quantum double, toric code, double semion, and trivial phases. We find a diverse phase diagram which exhibits a variety of different phase transitions of both first and second order which we comprehensively characterize, including direct transitions between the toric code and the double semion phase.

Phase unwrapping using region-based markov random field model.

PubMed

Dong, Ying; Ji, Jim

2010-01-01

Phase unwrapping is a classical problem in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar and Sonar (InSAR/InSAS), fringe pattern analysis, and spectroscopy. Although many methods have been proposed to address this problem, robust and effective phase unwrapping remains a challenge. This paper presents a novel phase unwrapping method using a region-based Markov Random Field (MRF) model. Specifically, the phase image is segmented into regions within which the phase is not wrapped. Then, the phase image is unwrapped between different regions using an improved Highest Confidence First (HCF) algorithm to optimize the MRF model. The proposed method has desirable theoretical properties as well as an efficient implementation. Simulations and experimental results on MRI images show that the proposed method provides similar or improved phase unwrapping than Phase Unwrapping MAx-flow/min-cut (PUMA) method and ZpM method.

Randomly displaced phase distribution design and its advantage in page-data recording of Fourier transform holograms.

PubMed

Emoto, Akira; Fukuda, Takashi

2013-02-20

For Fourier transform holography, an effective random phase distribution with randomly displaced phase segments is proposed for obtaining a smooth finite optical intensity distribution in the Fourier transform plane. Since unitary phase segments are randomly distributed in-plane, the blanks give various spatial frequency components to an image, and thus smooth the spectrum. Moreover, by randomly changing the phase segment size, spike generation from the unitary phase segment size in the spectrum can be reduced significantly. As a result, a smooth spectrum including sidebands can be formed at a relatively narrow extent. The proposed phase distribution sustains the primary functions of a random phase mask for holographic-data recording and reconstruction. Therefore, this distribution is expected to find applications in high-density holographic memory systems, replacing conventional random phase mask patterns.

Core-Shell Structure of Intermediate Precipitates in a Nb-Based Z-Phase Strengthened 12% Cr Steel.

PubMed

Rashidi, Masoud; Andrén, Hans-Olof; Liu, Fang

2017-04-01

In creep resistant Z-phase strengthened 12% Cr steels, MX (M=Nb, Ta, or V, and X=C and/or N) to Z-phase (CrMN, M=Ta, Nb, or V) transformation plays an important role in achieving a fine distribution of Z-phase precipitates for creep strengthening. Atom probe tomography was employed to investigate the phase transformation in a Nb-based Z-phase strengthened trial steel. Using iso-concentration surfaces with different concentration values, and subtracting the matrix contribution enabled us to reveal the core-shell structure of the transient precipitates between MX and Z-phase. It was shown that Z-phase forms by diffusion of Cr into NbN upon ageing, and Z-phase has a composition corresponding to Cr1+x Nb1-x N with x=0.08.

Electrical heating of soils using high efficiency electrode patterns and power phases

DOEpatents

Buettner, Harley M.

1999-01-01

Powerline-frequency electrical (joule) heating of soils using a high efficiency electrode configuration and power phase arrangement. The electrode configuration consists of several heating or current injection electrodes around the periphery of a volume of soil to be heated, all electrodes being connected to one phase of a multi-phase or a single-phase power system, and a return or extraction electrode or electrodes located inside the volume to be heated being connected to the remaining phases of the multi-phase power system or to the neutral side of the single-phase power source. This electrode configuration and power phase arrangement can be utilized anywhere where powerline frequency soil heating is applicable and thus has many potential uses including removal of volatile organic compounds such as gasoline and tricholorethylene (TCE) from contaminated areas.

In-field X-ray and neutron diffraction studies of re-entrant charge-ordering and field induced metastability in La0.175Pr0.45Ca0.375MnO3-δ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Shivani; Shahee, Aga; Yadav, Poonam; da Silva, Ivan; Lalla, N. P.

2017-11-01

Low-temperature high-magnetic field (2 K, 8 T) (LTHM) powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and time of flight powder neutron diffraction (NPD), low-temperature transmission electron microscopic (TEM), and resistivity and magnetization measurements have been carried out to investigate the re-entrant charge ordering (CO), field induced structural phase transitions, and metastability in phase-separated La0.175Pr0.45Ca0.375MnO3-δ (LPCMO). Low-temperature TEM and XRD studies reveal that on cooling under zero-field, paramagnetic Pnma phase transforms to P21/m CO antiferromagnetic (AFM) insulating phase below ˜233 K. Unlike reported literature, no structural signature of CO AFM P21/m to ferromagnetic (FM) Pnma phase-transition during cooling down to 2 K under zero-field was observed. However, the CO phase was found to undergo a re-entrant transition at ˜40 K. Neutron diffraction studies revealed a pseudo CE type spin arrangement of the observed CO phase. The low-temperature resistance, while cooled under zero-field, shows insulator to metal like transition below ˜105 K with minima at ˜25 K. On application of field, the CO P21/m phase was found to undergo field-induced transition to FM Pnma phase, which shows irreversibility on field removal below ˜40 K. Zero-field warming XRD and NPD studies reveal that field-induced FM Pnma phase is a metastable phase, which arise due to the arrest of kinetics of the first-order phase transition of FM Pnma to CO-AFM P21/m phase, below 40 K. Thus, a strong magneto-structural coupling is observed for this system. A field-temperature (H-T) phase-diagram has been constructed based on the LTHM-XRD, which matches very nicely with the reported H-T phase-diagram constructed based on magnetic measurements. Due to the occurrence of gradual growth of the re-entrant CO phase and the absence of a clear structural signature of phase-separation of CO-AFM P21/m and FM Pnma phases, the H-T minima in the phase-diagram of the present LPCMO sample has been attributed to the strengthening of AFM interaction during re-entrant CO transition and not to glass like "dynamic to frozen" transition.

Apoptosis is increased and cell proliferation is decreased in out-of-phase endometria from infertile and recurrent abortion patients.

PubMed

Meresman, Gabriela F; Olivares, Carla; Vighi, Susana; Alfie, Margarita; Irigoyen, Marcela; Etchepareborda, Juan J

2010-10-22

Various endometrial abnormalities have been associated with luteal phase deficiency: a significant dyssynchrony in the maturation of the glandular epithelium and the stroma and a prevalence of out-of-phase endometrial biopsy specimens. Out-of phase endometrium is a controversial disorder related to failed implantation, infertility and early pregnancy loss. Given that the regulation of the apoptotic process in endometrium of luteal phase deficiency is still unknown, the aim of this study was to evaluate cell proliferation, apoptosis and the levels of the main effector caspase, caspase-3 in the luteal in-phase and out-of-phase endometrium. Thirty-seven endometrial samples from sterile or recurrent abortion patients were included in this study: 21 in-phase samples (controls) and 16 samples with out-of-phase endometrium. Biopsy specimens of eutopic endometrium were obtained from all subjects during days 21-25 of the menstrual cycle. The endometrium with endometrial maturity of cycle day 25 or less at the time of menstruation was considered out-of phase. Endometrial tissues were fixed in 10% buffered formaldehyde. For apoptosis quantification, sections were processed for in situ immunohistochemical localization of nuclei exhibiting DNA fragmentation, by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP digoxygenin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) technique. Expressions of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) as a marker of cell proliferation, and of cleaved caspase-3 as a marker of apoptosis, were assessed by immunohistochemistry in the luteal in-phase and out-of-phase endometrium from infertile and recurrent abortion patients. Luteal out-of-phase endometrium had increased apoptosis levels compared to in-phase endometrium (p < 0.05). Caspase-3 evaluation confirmed these results: the luteal out-of-phase endometrium showed augmented cleaved caspase-3 expression (p < 0.005). As well, our data demonstrated that the luteal out-of-phase endometrium expresses decreased PCNA levels (p < 0.05), showing that cell proliferation is diminished in this tissue. this study represents the first report describing variations at the cell proliferation and cell death levels in the out-of-phase endometrium in comparison with in-phase endometrium from infertile and recurrent abortion patients. Further studies are needed to elucidate a potential role of these alterations in the physiopathology of luteal phase deficiency.

Borazine-boron nitride hybrid hydrogen storage system

DOEpatents

Narula, Chaitanya K [Knoxville, TN; Simonson, J Michael [Knoxville, TN; Maya, Leon [Knoxville, TN; Paine, Robert T [Albuquerque, NM

2008-04-22

A hybrid hydrogen storage composition includes a first phase and a second phase adsorbed on the first phase, the first phase including BN for storing hydrogen by physisorption and the second phase including a borazane-borazine system for storing hydrogen in combined form as a hydride.

Room Temperature Monoclinic Phase in BaTiO3 Single Crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denev, Sava; Kumar, Amit; Barnes, Andrew; Vlahos, Eftihia; Shepard, Gabriella; Gopalan, Venkatraman

2010-03-01

BaTiO3 is a well studied ferroelectric material for the last half century. It is well known to show phase transitions to tetragonal, orthorhombic and rhombohedral phases upon cooling. Yet, some old and some recent studies have argued that all these phases co-exist with a second phase with monoclinic distortion. Using optical second harmonic generation (SHG) at room temperature we directly present evidence for such monoclininc phase co-existing with tetragonal phase at room temperature. We observe domains with the expected tetragonal symmetry exhibiting 90^o and 180^o domain walls. However, at points of higher stress at the tips of the interpenetrating tetragonal domains we observe a well pronounced metastable ``staircase pattern'' with a micron-scale fine structure. Polarization studies show that this phase can be explained only by monoclinic symmetry. This phase is very sensitive to external perturbations such as temperature and fields, hence stabilizing this phase at room temperature could lead to large properties' tunability.

Quantitative phase imaging and complex field reconstruction by pupil modulation differential phase contrast

PubMed Central

Lu, Hangwen; Chung, Jaebum; Ou, Xiaoze; Yang, Changhuei

2016-01-01

Differential phase contrast (DPC) is a non-interferometric quantitative phase imaging method achieved by using an asymmetric imaging procedure. We report a pupil modulation differential phase contrast (PMDPC) imaging method by filtering a sample’s Fourier domain with half-circle pupils. A phase gradient image is captured with each half-circle pupil, and a quantitative high resolution phase image is obtained after a deconvolution process with a minimum of two phase gradient images. Here, we introduce PMDPC quantitative phase image reconstruction algorithm and realize it experimentally in a 4f system with an SLM placed at the pupil plane. In our current experimental setup with the numerical aperture of 0.36, we obtain a quantitative phase image with a resolution of 1.73μm after computationally removing system aberrations and refocusing. We also extend the depth of field digitally by 20 times to ±50μm with a resolution of 1.76μm. PMID:27828473

Theory of phase diagrams described by thermodynamic potentials with T d symmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukovnin, A. A.; Talanov, V. M.

2014-09-01

Phase diagrams of crystals induced by irreducible representations with symmetry group ( T d ) are constructed within the phenomenological theory of second-order phase transitions. A model of the Landau thermodynamic potential is studied, state equations of all symmetry-conditioned phases are obtained, and general conditions for their thermodynamic stability are formulated. Equations for the boundaries of phase areas and lines of phase transitions are obtained for the fourth order of expansion of the potential via components of the order parameter. Some types of the collapse of the multicritical point of the phase diagram for the eighth order of potential expansion are studied using computer calculations. The possible existence of phase diagrams that contain one or more triple points and areas of existence of three and four phases is shown for the first time for the potentials with the above symmetry. Examples are given of crystals that undergo phase transitions in the considered symmetry of the order parameter.

Precision phase control for the radio frequency system of K500 superconducting cyclotron at Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata

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

Som, Sumit; Ghosh, Surajit; Seth, Sudeshna

2013-11-15

Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC) has commissioned K500 Superconducting cyclotron (SCC) based on MSU and Texas A and M university cyclotrons. The radio frequency (RF) system of SCC has been commissioned with the stringent requirement of various RF parameters. The three-phase RF system of Superconducting cyclotron has been developed in the frequency range 9–27 MHz with amplitude and phase stability of 100 ppm and ±0.1°, respectively. The phase control system has the option to change the relative phase difference between any two RF cavities and maintain the phase stability within ±0.1° during round-the-clock cyclotron operation. The said precision phase loopmore » consists of both analogue In-phase/Quadrature modulator to achieve faster response and also Direct Digital Synthesis based phase shifter to achieve wide dynamic range as well. This paper discusses detail insights into the various issues of phase control for the K500 SCC at VECC, Kolkata.« less

Dependence of growth of the phases of multiphase binary systems on the diffusion parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molokhina, L. A.; Rogalin, V. E.; Filin, S. A.; Kaplunov, I. A.

2017-12-01

A mathematical model of the diffusion interaction of a binary system with several phases on the equilibrium phase diagram is presented. The theoretical and calculated dependences of the layer thickness of each phase in the multiphase diffusion zone on the isothermal annealing time and the ratio of the diffusion parameters in the neighboring phases with an unlimited supply of both components were constructed. The phase formation and growth in the diffusion zone during "reactive" diffusion corresponds to the equilibrium state diagram for two components, and the order of their appearance in the diffusion zone depends only on the ratio of the diffusion parameters in the phases themselves and on the duration of the incubation periods. The dependence of phase appearance on the incubation periods, annealing time, and difference in the movement rates of the components across the interface boundaries was obtained. An example of the application of the model for processing the experimental data on phase growth in a two-component three-phase system was given.

High-resolution frequency measurement method with a wide-frequency range based on a quantized phase step law.

PubMed

Du, Baoqiang; Dong, Shaofeng; Wang, Yanfeng; Guo, Shuting; Cao, Lingzhi; Zhou, Wei; Zuo, Yandi; Liu, Dan

2013-11-01

A wide-frequency and high-resolution frequency measurement method based on the quantized phase step law is presented in this paper. Utilizing a variation law of the phase differences, the direct different frequency phase processing, and the phase group synchronization phenomenon, combining an A/D converter and the adaptive phase shifting principle, a counter gate is established in the phase coincidences at one-group intervals, which eliminates the ±1 counter error in the traditional frequency measurement method. More importantly, the direct phase comparison, the measurement, and the control between any periodic signals have been realized without frequency normalization in this method. Experimental results show that sub-picosecond resolution can be easily obtained in the frequency measurement, the frequency standard comparison, and the phase-locked control based on the phase quantization processing technique. The method may be widely used in navigation positioning, space techniques, communication, radar, astronomy, atomic frequency standards, and other high-tech fields.

Origin of phase transition in VO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu, Raktima; Sardar, Manas; Dhara, Sandip

2018-04-01

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) exhibits a reversible first-order metal to insulator transition (MIT) along with a structural phase transition (SPT) from monoclinic M1 to rutile tetragonal R via another two intermediate phases of monoclinic M2 and triclinic T at a technologically important temperature of 340K. In the present work, besides synthesizing M1 phase of VO2, we also stabilized M2 and T phases at room temperature by introducing native defects in the system and observed an increase in transition temperature with increase in native defects. Raman spectroscopic measurements were carried out to confirm the pure VO2 phases. Since the MIT is accompanied by SPT in these systems, the origin of the phase transition is still under debate. The controversy between MIT and SPT, whether electron-phonon coupling or strong electron-electron correlation triggers the phase transition in VO2 is also resolved by examining the presence of intermediate phase M2 during phase transition.

Absolute phase estimation: adaptive local denoising and global unwrapping.

PubMed

Bioucas-Dias, Jose; Katkovnik, Vladimir; Astola, Jaakko; Egiazarian, Karen

2008-10-10

The paper attacks absolute phase estimation with a two-step approach: the first step applies an adaptive local denoising scheme to the modulo-2 pi noisy phase; the second step applies a robust phase unwrapping algorithm to the denoised modulo-2 pi phase obtained in the first step. The adaptive local modulo-2 pi phase denoising is a new algorithm based on local polynomial approximations. The zero-order and the first-order approximations of the phase are calculated in sliding windows of varying size. The zero-order approximation is used for pointwise adaptive window size selection, whereas the first-order approximation is used to filter the phase in the obtained windows. For phase unwrapping, we apply the recently introduced robust (in the sense of discontinuity preserving) PUMA unwrapping algorithm [IEEE Trans. Image Process.16, 698 (2007)] to the denoised wrapped phase. Simulations give evidence that the proposed algorithm yields state-of-the-art performance, enabling strong noise attenuation while preserving image details. (c) 2008 Optical Society of America

Phase transformation and deformation behavior of NiTi-Nb eutectic joined NiTi wires

PubMed Central

Wang, Liqiang; Wang, Cong; Zhang, Lai-Chang; Chen, Liangyu; Lu, Weijie; Zhang, Di

2016-01-01

NiTi wires were brazed together via eutectic reaction between NiTi and Nb powder deposited at the wire contact region. Phase transformation and deformation behavior of the NiTi-Nb eutectic microstructure were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and cyclic loading-unloading tests. Results show that R phase and B19′ martensite transformation are induced by plastic deformation. R phase transformation, which significantly contributes to superelasticity, preferentially occurs at the interfaces between NiTi and eutectic region. Round-shaped Nb-rich phase with rod-like and lamellar-type eutectics are observed in eutectic regions. These phases appear to affect the deformation behavior of the brazed NiTi-Nb region via five distinct stages in stress-strain curves: (I) R phase reorientation, (II) R phase transformation from parent phase, (III) elastic deformation of reoriented martensite accompanied by the plastic deformation of Nb-rich phase and lamellar NiTi-Nb eutectic, (IV) B19′ martensitic transformation, and (V) plastic deformation of the specimen. PMID:27049025

Integral equation theory study on the phase separation in star polymer nanocomposite melts.

PubMed

Zhao, Lei; Li, Yi-Gui; Zhong, Chongli

2007-10-21

The polymer reference interaction site model theory is used to investigate phase separation in star polymer nanocomposite melts. Two kinds of spinodal curves were obtained: classic fluid phase boundary for relatively low nanoparticle-monomer attraction strength and network phase boundary for relatively high nanoparticle-monomer attraction strength. The network phase boundaries are much more sensitive with nanoparticle-monomer attraction strength than the fluid phase boundaries. The interference among the arm number, arm length, and nanoparticle-monomer attraction strength was systematically investigated. When the arm lengths are short, the network phase boundary shows a marked shift toward less miscibility with increasing arm number. When the arm lengths are long enough, the network phase boundaries show opposite trends. There exists a crossover arm number value for star polymer nanocomposite melts, below which the network phase separation is consistent with that of chain polymer nanocomposite melts. However, the network phase separation shows qualitatively different behaviors when the arm number is larger than this value.

Fiber-optic projected-fringe digital interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mercer, Carolyn R.; Beheim, Glenn

1990-01-01

A phase-stepped projected-fringe interferometer was developed which uses a closed-loop fiber-optic phase-control system to make very accurate surface profile measurements. The closed-loop phase-control system greatly reduces phase-stepping error, which is frequently the dominant source of error in digital interferometers. Two beams emitted from a fiber-optic coupler are combined to form an interference fringe pattern on a diffusely reflecting object. Reflections off of the fibers' output faces are used to create a phase-indicating signal for the closed-loop optical phase controller. The controller steps the phase difference between the two beams by pi/2 radians in order to determine the object's surface profile using a solid-state camera and a computer. The system combines the ease of alignment and automated data reduction of phase-stepping projected-fringe interferometry with the greatly improved phase-stepping accuracy of our closed-loop phase-controller. The system is demonstrated by measuring the profile of a plate containing several convex surfaces whose heights range from 15 to 25 micron high.

Design principles for enhancing phase sensitivity and suppressing phase fluctuations simultaneously in biochemical oscillatory systems.

PubMed

Fei, Chenyi; Cao, Yuansheng; Ouyang, Qi; Tu, Yuhai

2018-04-12

Biological systems need to function accurately in the presence of strong noise and at the same time respond sensitively to subtle external cues. Here we study design principles in biochemical oscillatory circuits to achieve these two seemingly incompatible goals. We show that energy dissipation can enhance phase sensitivity linearly by driving the phase-amplitude coupling and increase timing accuracy by suppressing phase diffusion. Two general design principles in the key underlying reaction loop formed by two antiparallel pathways are found to optimize oscillation performance with a given energy budget: balancing the forward-to-backward flux ratio between the two pathways to reduce phase diffusion and maximizing the net flux of the phase-advancing pathway relative to that of the phase-retreating pathway to enhance phase sensitivity. Experimental evidences consistent with these design principles are found in the circadian clock of cyanobacteria. Future experiments to test the predicted dependence of phase sensitivity on energy dissipation are proposed.

Phase relationship in three-phase composites which include a void phase

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Price, H. L.; Nelson, J. B.

1976-01-01

The paper shows the relationship among polymer, particles, and voids in a three-phase composite and how some of the properties of a composite may be changed by changing the proportions of the phases. The three-phase composite is an aggregate of microspheres bonded together with a small amount of polymer which may not form a continuous matrix. The void space (third phase) is obtained by limiting the amount of polymer which is mixed with the microspheres. A ternary phase diagram is used to show the proportional relationship among the three phases, with each apex representing a volume fraction of unity for a constituent while the side opposite the apex represents a volume fraction of zero for that constituent. The vertical dimension represents some composite property such as density or strength. The effect of composition on composite properties is shown by plotting them on a binary phase diagram which represents a perpendicular plane coincident with the 0.60 volume fraction microsphere line.

Phase transformations involving the [alpha][sub 2] and O phases in Ti-Al-Nb alloys. [Ti-28. 5Al-13Nb

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

Muraleedharan, K.; Banerjee, D.

1993-08-15

An orthorhombic (O) phase with Cmcm space group and Ti[sub 2]AlNb composition has ben established in the Ti-Al-Nb system. Efforts to develop alloys with this orthorhombic phase as a major phase, in place of the [alpha][sub 2] (Ti[sub 3]Al) phase, resulted in compositions with superior combinations of strength and toughness. The determination of phase diagrams for the Ti-Al-Nb system is a continuing effort. Bendersky et al. considered possible transformation paths and the hierarchy of structures in going from the [beta] phase to [alpha][sub 2] or O phases through displacive or replacive reactions. Microstructures predicted by these considerations have been documentedmore » in the particularly well investigated [beta]-->O transformation. Very little work has however been carried out on the [alpha][sub 2]-->O phase transformation. In this paper, the authors report preliminary results of isothermal aging study of this transformation.« less

A wide-band fiber optic frequency distribution system employing thermally controlled phase compensation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Dean; Calhoun, Malcolm; Sydnor, Richard; Lutes, George

1993-01-01

An active wide-band fiber optic frequency distribution system employing a thermally controlled phase compensator to stabilize phase variations induced by environmental temperature changes is described. The distribution system utilizes bidirectional dual wavelength transmission to provide optical feedback of induced phase variations of 100 MHz signals propagating along the distribution cable. The phase compensation considered differs from earlier narrow-band phase compensation designs in that it uses a thermally controlled fiber delay coil rather than a VCO or phase modulation to compensate for induced phase variations. Two advantages of the wide-band system over earlier designs are (1) that it provides phase compensation for all transmitted frequencies, and (2) the compensation is applied after the optical interface rather than electronically ahead of it as in earlier schemes. Experimental results on the first prototype shows that the thermal stabilizer reduces phase variations and Allan deviation by a factor of forty over an equivalent uncompensated fiber optic distribution system.

Soaking it up: new lipid sponge phases and their applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brasnett, Christopher; Seddon, Annela

Recent work has demonstrated that cubic lipid systems may be doped with charged lipids, with important consequences for their physical properties. Among others, Tyler et al. have reported some of the largest lipid cubic phases seen to date using this technique. The sponge phase is a disordered bicontinuous phase, formed when the membrane curvature of a cubic phase is reduced through the addition of butane diol. Additionally, it is known that sponge phases may be converted back into highly ordered cubic ones. Whilst past work has concentrated on sponge phases formed from monoolein, we have investigated the properties and behaviour of a bipartite sponge phase formed of monoolein and DOPG, and their conversion to cubic phases using shear. Furthermore, as both the sponge and cubic phase are of interest with respect to their applications in protein crystallography, we have explored the interaction of the protein light-harvesting complex with the lipid system. CB is supported by a University of Bristol EPSRC funded studentship.

Exploration of phase transition in ThS under pressure: An ab-initio investigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahoo, B. D.; Mukherjee, D.; Joshi, K. D.; Kaushik, T. C.

2018-04-01

The ab-initio total energy calculations have been performed in thorium sulphide (ThS) to explore its high pressure phase stability. Our calculations predict a phase transformation from ambient rocksalt type structure (B1 phase) to a rhombohedral structure (R-3m phase) at ˜ 15 GPa and subsequently R-3m phase transforms to CsCl type structure (B2 phase) at ˜ 45 GPa. The first phase transition has been identified as second order type; whereas, the second transition is of first order type with volume discontinuity of 6.5%. The predicted high pressure R-3m phase is analogous to the experimentally observed hexagonal (distorted fcc) phase (Benedict et al., J. Less-Common Met., 1984) above 20 GPa. Further, using these calculations we have derived the equation of state which has been utilized to determine various physical quantities such as zero pressure equilibrium volume, bulk modulus, and pressure derivative of bulk modulus at ambient conditions.

Dielectric spectroscopy of the SmQ* phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perkowski, P.; Bubnov, A.; Piecek, W.; Ogrodnik, K.; Hamplová, V.; Kašpar, M.

2011-11-01

Liquid crystal possessing two biphenyl moieties in the molecular core and lateral chlorine substitution far from the chiral chain has been studied by dielectric spectroscopy. On cooling from the isotropic phase, the material possesses the frustrated smectic Q* (SmQ*) and SmCA* phases. It has been confirmed by dielectric spectroscopy that the SmQ* phase can be related to the SmCA* anti-ferroelectric phase. However, only one relaxation process has been observed in the SmQ* phase, while in the SmCA*, two relaxations are clearly detectable. It seems that the mode found in the SmQ* can be connected with high-frequency anti-phase mode observed in the SmCA* phase. Its relaxation frequency is similar to PH relaxation frequency, but is weaker. The same relaxation has been observed even a few degrees above the SmQ*-Iso phase transition. Another explanation for the mode detected in SmQ* and isotropic phases can be molecular motions around short molecular axis.

Phase-noise limitations in continuous-variable quantum key distribution with homodyne detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corvaja, Roberto

2017-02-01

In continuous-variables quantum key distribution with coherent states, the advantage of performing the detection by using standard telecoms components is counterbalanced by the lack of a stable phase reference in homodyne detection due to the complexity of optical phase-locking circuits and to the unavoidable phase noise of lasers, which introduces a degradation on the achievable secure key rate. Pilot-assisted phase-noise estimation and postdetection compensation techniques are used to implement a protocol with coherent states where a local laser is employed and it is not locked to the received signal, but a postdetection phase correction is applied. Here the reduction of the secure key rate determined by the laser phase noise, for both individual and collective attacks, is analytically evaluated and a scheme of pilot-assisted phase estimation proposed, outlining the tradeoff in the system design between phase noise and spectral efficiency. The optimal modulation variance as a function of the phase-noise amount is derived.

Methods, systems, and apparatus for storage, transfer and/or control of information via matter wave dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vestergaard Hau, Lene (Inventor)

2012-01-01

Methods, systems and apparatus for generating atomic traps, and for storing, controlling and transferring information between first and second spatially separated phase-coherent objects, or using a single phase-coherent object. For plural objects, both phase-coherent objects have a macroscopic occupation of a particular quantum state by identical bosons or identical BCS-paired fermions. The information may be optical information, and the phase-coherent object(s) may be Bose-Einstein condensates, superfluids, or superconductors. The information is stored in the first phase-coherent object at a first storage time and recovered from the second phase-coherent object, or the same first phase-coherent object, at a second revival time. In one example, an integrated silicon wafer-based optical buffer includes an electrolytic atom source to provide the phase-coherent object(s), a nanoscale atomic trap for the phase-coherent object(s), and semiconductor-based optical sources to cool the phase-coherent object(s) and provide coupling fields for storage and transfer of optical information.

The Interferometric Measurement of Phase Mismatch in Potential Second Harmonic Generators.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinofsky, Edward Lawrence

This dissertation combines aspects of lasers, nonlinear optics and interferometry to measure the linear optical properties involved in phase matched second harmonic generation, (SHG). A new measuring technique has been developed to rapidly analyze the phase matching performance of potential SHGs. The data taken is in the form of interferograms produced by the self referencing nonlinear Fizeau interferometer (NLF), and correctly predicts when phase matched SHG will occur in the sample wedge. Data extracted from the interferograms produced by the NLF, allows us to predict both phase matching temperatures for noncritically phase matchable crystals and crystal orientation for angle tuned crystals. Phase matching measurements can be made for both Type I and Type II configurations. Phase mismatch measurements were made at the fundamental wavelength of 1.32 (mu)m, for: calcite, lithium niobate, and gadolinium molybdate (GMO). Similar measurements were made at 1.06 (mu)m. for calcite. Phase matched SHG was demonstrated in calcite, lithium niobate and KTP, while phase matching by temperature tuning is ruled out for GMO.

Determining Individual Phase Properties in a Multi-phase Q&P Steel using Multi-scale Indentation Tests

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

Cheng, Guang; Choi, Kyoo Sil; Hu, Xiaohua

2016-01-15

A new inverse method was developed to predict the stress-strain behaviors of constituent phases in a multi-phase steel using the load-depth curves measured in nanoindentation tests combined with microhardness measurements. A power law hardening response was assumed for each phase, and an empirical relationship between hardness and yield strength was assumed. Adjustment was made to eliminate the indentation size effect and indenter bluntness effect. With the newly developed inverse method and statistical analysis of the hardness histogram for each phase, the average stress-strain curves of individual phases in a quench and partitioning (Q&P) steel, including austenite, tempered martensite and untemperedmore » martensite, were calculated and the results were compared with the phase properties obtained by in-situ high energy X-ray diffraction (HEXRD) test. It is demonstrated that multi-scale instrumented indentation tests together with the new inverse method are capable of determining the individual phase flow properties in multi-phase alloys.« less

The Cu-Li-Sn Phase Diagram: Isopleths, Liquidus Projection and Reaction Scheme

PubMed Central

Flandorfer, Hans

2016-01-01

The Cu-Li-Sn phase diagram was constructed based on XRD and DTA data of 60 different alloy compositions. Eight ternary phases and 14 binary solid phases form 44 invariant ternary reactions, which are illustrated by a Scheil-Schulz reaction scheme and a liquidus projection. Phase equilibria as a function of concentration and temperature are shown along nine isopleths. This report together with an earlier publication of our group provides for the first time comprehensive investigations of phase equilibria and respective phase diagrams. Most of the phase equilibria could be established based on our experimental results. Only in the Li-rich part where many binary and ternary compounds are present estimations had to be done which are all indicated by dashed lines. A stable ternary miscibility gap could be found which was predicted by modelling the liquid ternary phase in a recent work. The phase diagrams are a crucial input for material databases and thermodynamic optimizations regarding new anode materials for high-power Li-ion batteries. PMID:27788175

Phase-amplitude coupling supports phase coding in human ECoG

PubMed Central

Watrous, Andrew J; Deuker, Lorena; Fell, Juergen; Axmacher, Nikolai

2015-01-01

Prior studies have shown that high-frequency activity (HFA) is modulated by the phase of low-frequency activity. This phenomenon of phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) is often interpreted as reflecting phase coding of neural representations, although evidence for this link is still lacking in humans. Here, we show that PAC indeed supports phase-dependent stimulus representations for categories. Six patients with medication-resistant epilepsy viewed images of faces, tools, houses, and scenes during simultaneous acquisition of intracranial recordings. Analyzing 167 electrodes, we observed PAC at 43% of electrodes. Further inspection of PAC revealed that category specific HFA modulations occurred at different phases and frequencies of the underlying low-frequency rhythm, permitting decoding of categorical information using the phase at which HFA events occurred. These results provide evidence for categorical phase-coded neural representations and are the first to show that PAC coincides with phase-dependent coding in the human brain. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.07886.001 PMID:26308582

Application of ANFIS to Phase Estimation for Multiple Phase Shift Keying

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Drake, Jeffrey T.; Prasad, Nadipuram R.

2000-01-01

The paper discusses a novel use of Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS) for estimating phase in Multiple Phase Shift Keying (M-PSK) modulation. A brief overview of communications phase estimation is provided. The modeling of both general open-loop, and closed-loop phase estimation schemes for M-PSK symbols with unknown structure are discussed. Preliminary performance results from simulation of the above schemes are presented.

Entanglement convertibility by sweeping through the quantum phases of the alternating bonds XXZ chain

PubMed Central

Tzeng, Yu-Chin; Dai, Li; Chung, Ming-Chiang; Amico, Luigi; Kwek, Leong-Chuan

2016-01-01

We study the entanglement structure and the topological edge states of the ground state of the spin-1/2 XXZ model with bond alternation. We employ parity-density matrix renormalization group with periodic boundary conditions. The finite-size scaling of Rényi entropies S2 and S∞ are used to construct the phase diagram of the system. The phase diagram displays three possible phases: Haldane type (an example of symmetry protected topological ordered phases), Classical Dimer and Néel phases, the latter bounded by two continuous quantum phase transitions. The entanglement and non-locality in the ground state are studied and quantified by the entanglement convertibility. We found that, at small spatial scales, the ground state is not convertible within the topological Haldane dimer phase. The phenomenology we observe can be described in terms of correlations between edge states. We found that the entanglement spectrum also exhibits a distinctive response in the topological phase: the effective rank of the reduced density matrix displays a specifically large “susceptibility” in the topological phase. These findings support the idea that although the topological order in the ground state cannot be detected by local inspection, the ground state response at local scale can tell the topological phases apart from the non-topological phases. PMID:27216970

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

Zhu, Yi; Cai, Zhonghou; Chen, Pice

Dynamical phase separation during a solid-solid phase transition poses a challenge for understanding the fundamental processes in correlated materials. Critical information underlying a phase transition, such as localized phase competition, is difficult to reveal by measurements that are spatially averaged over many phase seperated regions. The ability to simultanousely track the spatial and temporal evolution of such systems is essential to understanding mesoscopic processes during a phase transition. Using state-of- the-art time-resolved hard x-ray diffraction microscopy, we directly visualize the structural phase progression in a VO 2 film upon photoexcitation. Following a homogenous in-plane optical excitation, the phase transformation ismore » initiated at discrete sites and completed by the growth of one lattice structure into the other, instead of a simultaneous isotropic lattice symmetry change. The time-dependent x-ray diffraction spatial maps show that the in-plane phase progression in laser-superheated VO 2 is via a displacive lattice transformation as a result of relaxation from an excited monoclinic phase into a rutile phase. The speed of the phase front progression is quantitatively measured, which is faster than the process driven by in-plane thermal diffusion but slower than the sound speed in VO 2. Lastly, the direct visualization of localized structural changes in the time domain opens a new avenue to study mesoscopic processes in driven systems.« less

Film thickness measurement based on nonlinear phase analysis using a Linnik microscopic white-light spectral interferometer.

PubMed

Guo, Tong; Chen, Zhuo; Li, Minghui; Wu, Juhong; Fu, Xing; Hu, Xiaotang

2018-04-20

Based on white-light spectral interferometry and the Linnik microscopic interference configuration, the nonlinear phase components of the spectral interferometric signal were analyzed for film thickness measurement. The spectral interferometric signal was obtained using a Linnik microscopic white-light spectral interferometer, which includes the nonlinear phase components associated with the effective thickness, the nonlinear phase error caused by the double-objective lens, and the nonlinear phase of the thin film itself. To determine the influence of the effective thickness, a wavelength-correction method was proposed that converts the effective thickness into a constant value; the nonlinear phase caused by the effective thickness can then be determined and subtracted from the total nonlinear phase. A method for the extraction of the nonlinear phase error caused by the double-objective lens was also proposed. Accurate thickness measurement of a thin film can be achieved by fitting the nonlinear phase of the thin film after removal of the nonlinear phase caused by the effective thickness and by the nonlinear phase error caused by the double-objective lens. The experimental results demonstrated that both the wavelength-correction method and the extraction method for the nonlinear phase error caused by the double-objective lens improve the accuracy of film thickness measurements.

Phase behavior and formation of o/w nano-emulsion in vegetable oil/ mixture of polyglycerol polyricinoleate and polyglycerin fatty acid ester/water systems.

PubMed

Wakisaka, Satoshi; Nakanishi, Masami; Gohtani, Shoichi

2014-01-01

It is reported that mixing polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) and polyglycerol laurilester has a great emulsifying capacity, and consequently fine oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions can be formed. However, the role of PGPR is not clear. The objective of this research is to investigate the phase behavior of vegetable oil/mixture of PGPR and polyglycerol fatty acid ester/water systems, and to clarify the role of PGPR in making a fine emulsion. Phase diagrams were constructed to elucidate the optimal process for preparing fine emulsions. In all the systems examined in this study, the phases, including the liquid crystal phase (L(c)) and sponge phase (L(3)), spread widely in the phase diagrams. We examined droplet size of the emulsions prepared from each phase and found that o/w nano-emulsions with droplet sizes as small as 50 nm were formed by emulsifying either from a single L(3) phase or a two-phase region, L(c) + L(3). These results indicate that a sponge phase L(3) or liquid crystal phase L(c) or both is necessary to form an o/w nano-emulsion whose average droplet diameter is less than 50 nm for PGPR and polyglycerin fatty acid ester mixtures used as surfactant.

Grain size dependent phase stabilities and presence of a monoclinic (Pm) phase in the morphotropic phase boundary region of (1-x)Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3-xPbTiO3 piezoceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Upadhyay, Ashutosh; Singh, Akhilesh Kumar

2015-04-01

Results of the room temperature structural studies on (1-x)Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3-xPbTiO3 ceramics using Rietveld analysis of the powder x-ray diffraction data in the composition range 0.28 ≤ x ≤ 0.45 are presented. The morphotropic phase boundary region exhibits coexistence of monoclinic (space group Pm) and tetragonal (space group P4 mm) phases in the composition range 0.33 ≤ x ≤ 0.40. The structure is nearly single phase monoclinic (space group Pm) in the composition range 0.28 ≤ x ≤ 0.32. The structure for the compositions with x ≥ 0.45 is found to be predominantly tetragonal with space group P4 mm. Rietveld refinement of the structure rules out the coexistence of rhombohedral and tetragonal phases in the morphotropic phase boundary region reported by earlier authors. The Rietveld structure analysis for the sample x = .35 calcined at various temperatures reveals that phase fraction of the coexisting phases in the morphotropic phase boundary region varies with grain size. The structural parameters of the two coexisting phases also change slightly with changing grain size.

A study of suppressed formation of low-conductivity phases in doped Li 7La 3Zr 2O 12 garnets by in situ neutron diffraction

DOE PAGES

Chen, Yan; Rangasamy, Ezhiylmurugan; dela Cruz, Clarina R.; ...

2015-09-28

Doped Li 7La 3Zr 2O 12 garnets, oxide-based solids with good Li + conductivity and compatibility, show great potential as leading electrolyte material candidates for all-solid-state lithium ion batteries. Still yet, the conductive bulk usually suffers from the presence of secondary phases and the transition towards a low-conductivity tetragonal phase during synthesis. Dopants are designed to stabilize the high-conductive cubic phase and suppress the formation of the low-conductivity phases. In situ neutron diffraction enables a direct observation of the doping effects by monitoring the phase evolutions during garnet synthesis. It reveals the reaction mechanism involving the temporary presence of intermediatemore » phases. The off-stoichiometry due to the liquid Li 2CO 3 evaporation leads to the residual of the low-conductivity intermediate phase in the as-synthesized bulk. Appropriate doping of an active element may alter the component of the intermediate phases and promote the completion of the reaction. While the dopants aid to stabilize most of the cubic phase, a small amount of tetragonal phase tends to form under a diffusion process. Lastly, the in situ observations provide the guideline of process optimization to suppress the formation of unwanted low-conductivity phases.« less

Fourier phase in Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography

PubMed Central

Uttam, Shikhar; Liu, Yang

2015-01-01

Phase of an electromagnetic wave propagating through a sample-of-interest is well understood in the context of quantitative phase imaging in transmission-mode microscopy. In the past decade, Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography has been used to extend quantitative phase imaging to the reflection-mode. Unlike transmission-mode electromagnetic phase, however, the origin and characteristics of reflection-mode Fourier phase are poorly understood, especially in samples with a slowly varying refractive index. In this paper, the general theory of Fourier phase from first principles is presented, and it is shown that Fourier phase is a joint estimate of subresolution offset and mean spatial frequency of the coherence-gated sample refractive index. It is also shown that both spectral-domain phase microscopy and depth-resolved spatial-domain low-coherence quantitative phase microscopy are special cases of this general theory. Analytical expressions are provided for both, and simulations are presented to explain and support the theoretical results. These results are further used to show how Fourier phase allows the estimation of an axial mean spatial frequency profile of the sample, along with depth-resolved characterization of localized optical density change and sample heterogeneity. Finally, a Fourier phase-based explanation of Doppler optical coherence tomography is also provided. PMID:26831383

Entanglement convertibility by sweeping through the quantum phases of the alternating bonds XXZ chain.

PubMed

Tzeng, Yu-Chin; Dai, Li; Chung, Ming-Chiang; Amico, Luigi; Kwek, Leong-Chuan

2016-05-24

We study the entanglement structure and the topological edge states of the ground state of the spin-1/2 XXZ model with bond alternation. We employ parity-density matrix renormalization group with periodic boundary conditions. The finite-size scaling of Rényi entropies S2 and S∞ are used to construct the phase diagram of the system. The phase diagram displays three possible phases: Haldane type (an example of symmetry protected topological ordered phases), Classical Dimer and Néel phases, the latter bounded by two continuous quantum phase transitions. The entanglement and non-locality in the ground state are studied and quantified by the entanglement convertibility. We found that, at small spatial scales, the ground state is not convertible within the topological Haldane dimer phase. The phenomenology we observe can be described in terms of correlations between edge states. We found that the entanglement spectrum also exhibits a distinctive response in the topological phase: the effective rank of the reduced density matrix displays a specifically large "susceptibility" in the topological phase. These findings support the idea that although the topological order in the ground state cannot be detected by local inspection, the ground state response at local scale can tell the topological phases apart from the non-topological phases.

Magnetic quasi-long-range ordering in nematic systems due to competition between higher-order couplings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Žukovič, Milan; Kalagov, Georgii

2018-05-01

Critical properties of the two-dimensional X Y model involving solely nematic-like terms of the second and third orders are investigated by spin-wave analysis and Monte Carlo simulation. It is found that, even though neither of the nematic-like terms alone can induce magnetic ordering, their coexistence and competition leads to an extended phase of the magnetic quasi-long-range-order phase, wedged between the two nematic-like phases induced by the respective couplings. Thus, except for the multicritical point, at which all the phases meet, for any finite value of the coupling parameters ratio there are two phase transition: one from the paramagnetic phase to one of the two nematic-like phases followed by another one at lower temperatures to the magnetic phase. The finite-size scaling analysis indicates that the phase transitions between the magnetic and nematic-like phases belong to the Ising and three-state Potts universality classes. Inside the competition-induced algebraic magnetic phase, the spin-pair correlation function is found to decay even much more slowly than in the standard X Y model with purely magnetic interactions. Such a magnetic phase is characterized by an extremely low vortex-antivortex pair density attaining a minimum close to the point at which the two couplings are of about equal strength.

Temperature-dependent Raman and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy studies on phase transition behavior of VO{sub 2} films with M1 and M2 phases

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

Okimura, Kunio, E-mail: okifn@keyaki.cc.u-tokai.ac.jp; Hanis Azhan, Nurul; Hajiri, Tetsuya

Structural and electronic phase transitions behavior of two polycrystalline VO{sub 2} films, one with pure M1 phase and the other with pure M2 phase at room temperature, were investigated by temperature-controlled Raman spectroscopy and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). We observed characteristic transient dynamics in which the Raman modes at 195 cm{sup −1} (V-V vibration) and 616 cm{sup −1} (V-O vibration) showed remarkable hardening along the temperature in M1 phase film, indicating the rearrangements of V-V pairs and VO{sub 6} octahedra. It was also shown that the M1 Raman mode frequency approached those of invariant M2 peaks before entering rutile phase. In UPSmore » spectra with high energy resolution of 0.03 eV for the M2 phase film, narrower V{sub 3d} band was observed together with smaller gap compared to those of M1 phase film, supporting the nature of Mott insulator of M2 phase even in the polycrystalline film. Cooperative behavior of lattice rearrangements and electronic phase transition was suggested for M1 phase film.« less

Phase formation and UV luminescence of Gd3+ doped perovskite-type YScO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimizu, Yuhei; Ueda, Kazushige

2016-10-01

Synthesis of pure and Gd3+doped perovskite-type YScO3 was attempted by a polymerized complex (PC) method and solid state reaction (SSR) method. Crystalline phases and UV luminescence of samples were examined with varying heating temperatures. The perovskite-type single phase was not simply formed in the SSR method, as reported in some literatures, and two cubic C-type phases of starting oxide materials remained forming slightly mixed solid solutions. UV luminescence of Gd3+ doped samples increased with an increase in heating temperatures and volume of the perovskite-type phase. In contrast, a non-crystalline precursor was crystallized to a single C-type phase at 800 °C in the PC method forming a completely mixed solid solution. Then, the phase of perovskite-type YScO3 formed at 1200 °C and its single phase was obtained at 1400 °C. It was revealed that high homogeneousness of cations was essential to generate the single perovskite-phase of YScO3. Because Gd3+ ions were also dissolved into the single C-type phase in Gd3+ doped samples, intense UV luminescence was observed above 800 °C in both C-type phase and perovskite-type phase.

Improving experimental phases for strong reflections prior to density modification

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

Uervirojnangkoorn, Monarin; University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck; Hilgenfeld, Rolf, E-mail: hilgenfeld@biochem.uni-luebeck.de

A genetic algorithm has been developed to optimize the phases of the strongest reflections in SIR/SAD data. This is shown to facilitate density modification and model building in several test cases. Experimental phasing of diffraction data from macromolecular crystals involves deriving phase probability distributions. These distributions are often bimodal, making their weighted average, the centroid phase, improbable, so that electron-density maps computed using centroid phases are often non-interpretable. Density modification brings in information about the characteristics of electron density in protein crystals. In successful cases, this allows a choice between the modes in the phase probability distributions, and the mapsmore » can cross the borderline between non-interpretable and interpretable. Based on the suggestions by Vekhter [Vekhter (2005 ▶), Acta Cryst. D61, 899–902], the impact of identifying optimized phases for a small number of strong reflections prior to the density-modification process was investigated while using the centroid phase as a starting point for the remaining reflections. A genetic algorithm was developed that optimizes the quality of such phases using the skewness of the density map as a target function. Phases optimized in this way are then used in density modification. In most of the tests, the resulting maps were of higher quality than maps generated from the original centroid phases. In one of the test cases, the new method sufficiently improved a marginal set of experimental SAD phases to enable successful map interpretation. A computer program, SISA, has been developed to apply this method for phase improvement in macromolecular crystallography.« less

Amplitude-phase cross talk as a deterioration factor of signal-to-noise ratio in phase-detection noise-cancellation technique for spectral pump/probe measurements and compensation of the amplitude-phase cross talk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seto, Keisuke; Tarumi, Takashi; Tokunaga, Eiji

2018-06-01

Noise cancellation of the light source is an important method to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and facilitate high-speed detection in pump/probe measurements. We developed a method to eliminate the noise for the multichannel spectral pump/probe measurements with a spectral dispersion of a white probe pulse light. In this method, the sample-induced intensity modulation is converted to the phase modulation of the pulse repetition irrespective of the intensity noise of the light source. The SNR is enhanced through the phase detection of the observed signal with the signal synchronized to the pulse repetition serving as the phase reference (synchronized signal). However, the shot-noise limited performance is not achieved with an intense probe light. In this work, we demonstrate that the performance limitation below the shot noise limit is caused by the amplitude-phase cross talk. It converts the amplitude noise into the phase noise and is caused by the space-charge effect in the photodetector, the reverse bias voltage drop across the load impedance, and the phase detection circuit. The phase delay occurs with an intense light at a PIN photodiode, whereas the phase is advanced in an avalanche photodiode. Although the amplitude distortion characteristics also reduce the performance, the distortion effect is equivalent to the amplitude-phase cross talk. We also propose possible ways to compensate the cross talk effect by using the phase modulation of the synchronized signal for the phase detection based on the instantaneous amplitude.

Using the phase-space imager to analyze partially coherent imaging systems: bright-field, phase contrast, differential interference contrast, differential phase contrast, and spiral phase contrast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehta, Shalin B.; Sheppard, Colin J. R.

2010-05-01

Various methods that use large illumination aperture (i.e. partially coherent illumination) have been developed for making transparent (i.e. phase) specimens visible. These methods were developed to provide qualitative contrast rather than quantitative measurement-coherent illumination has been relied upon for quantitative phase analysis. Partially coherent illumination has some important advantages over coherent illumination and can be used for measurement of the specimen's phase distribution. However, quantitative analysis and image computation in partially coherent systems have not been explored fully due to the lack of a general, physically insightful and computationally efficient model of image formation. We have developed a phase-space model that satisfies these requirements. In this paper, we employ this model (called the phase-space imager) to elucidate five different partially coherent systems mentioned in the title. We compute images of an optical fiber under these systems and verify some of them with experimental images. These results and simulated images of a general phase profile are used to compare the contrast and the resolution of the imaging systems. We show that, for quantitative phase imaging of a thin specimen with matched illumination, differential phase contrast offers linear transfer of specimen information to the image. We also show that the edge enhancement properties of spiral phase contrast are compromised significantly as the coherence of illumination is reduced. The results demonstrate that the phase-space imager model provides a useful framework for analysis, calibration, and design of partially coherent imaging methods.

Phase transitions in a system of hard Y-shaped particles on the triangular lattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mandal, Dipanjan; Nath, Trisha; Rajesh, R.

2018-03-01

We study the different phases and the phase transitions in a system of Y-shaped particles, examples of which include immunoglobulin-G and trinaphthylene molecules, on a triangular lattice interacting exclusively through excluded volume interactions. Each particle consists of a central site and three of its six nearest neighbors chosen alternately, such that there are two types of particles which are mirror images of each other. We study the equilibrium properties of the system using grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations that implement an algorithm with cluster moves that is able to equilibrate the system at densities close to full packing. We show that, with increasing density, the system undergoes two entropy-driven phase transitions with two broken-symmetry phases. At low densities, the system is in a disordered phase. As intermediate phases, there is a solidlike sublattice phase in which one type of particle is preferred over the other and the particles preferentially occupy one of four sublattices, thus breaking both particle symmetry as well as translational invariance. At even higher densities, the phase is a columnar phase, where the particle symmetry is restored, and the particles preferentially occupy even or odd rows along one of the three directions. This phase has translational order in only one direction, and breaks rotational invariance. From finite-size scaling, we demonstrate that both the transitions are first order in nature. We also show that the simpler system with only one type of particle undergoes a single discontinuous phase transition from a disordered phase to a solidlike sublattice phase with an increasing density of particles.

Tomographic phase analysis to detect the site of accessory conduction pathway in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

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

Nakajima, K.; Bunko, H.; Tada, A.

1984-01-01

Phase analysis has been applied to Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW) to detect the site of accessory conduction pathway (ACP); however, there was a limitation to estimate the precise location of ACP by planar phase analysis. In this study, the authors applied phase analysis to gated blood pool tomography. Twelve patients with WPW who underwent epicardial mapping and surgical division of ACP were studied by both of gated emission computed tomography (GECT) and routine gated blood pool study (GBPS). The GBPS was performed with Tc-99m red blood cells in multiple projections; modified left anterior oblique, right anterior oblique and/or left lateral views.more » In GECT, short axial, horizontal and vertical long axial blood pool images were reconstructed. Phase analysis was performed using fundamental frequency of the Fourier transform in both GECT and GBPS images, and abnormal initial contractions on both the planar and tomographic phase analysis were compared with the location of surgically confirmed ACPs. In planar phase analysis, abnormal initial phase was identified in 7 out of 12 (58%) patients, while in tomographic phase analysis, the localization of ACP was predicted in 11 out of 12 (92%) patients. Tomographic phase analysis is superior to planar phase images in 8 out of 12 patients to estimate the location of ACP. Phase analysis by GECT can avoid overlap of blood pool in cardiac chambers and has advantage to identify the propagation of phase three-dimensionally. Tomographic phase analysis is a good adjunctive method for patients with WPW to estimate the site of ACP.« less

Labour management and Obstetric outcomes among pregnant women admitted in latent phase compared to active phase of labour at Bugando Medical Centre in Tanzania

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Interventions given to women admitted in latent or active phase of labor may influence the outcomes of labor and ameliorate complications which can affect the mother and fetus. Labour management, maternal and fetal outcomes among low risk women presenting both in latent phase and active phase of labour in Tanzania have not recently been explored. Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. It was done from February to April 2013. Case notes were collected serially until the sample size was reached. A structured checklist was used to extract data. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17. A p < 0.05 was considered significant at 95% confidence interval. Results Five hundred case notes of low risk pregnant women were collected, half of each presented in latent phase and active phase of labour. Key interventions including augmentation with oxytocin, artificial rupture of membranes and caesarean section were significantly higher in the latent phase group than the active phase group 84(33.6%) versus 52(20.8%) p < 0.05; 96(38.6%) versus 56(22.4%) p < 0.05 and 87(34.8%) versus 60(24.0%) p < 0.05 respectively. Spontaneous vertex delivery was higher among pregnant women admitted initially in active phase than in latent phase groups 180(72.0%), versus 153(61.2%) p > 0.01). There were more women in the active phase group who sustained genital tract tear and postpartum haemorrhage than in the latent phase group 101(18.6%), versus 38(15.6%) p < 0.01 and 46(18.4%), versus 17(6.6%) p < 0.05 respectively. Conclusions Pregnant women admitted at BMC in latent phase of labour are subjected to more obstetric interventions than those admitted in the active phase. There is need to produce guidelines on management of women admitted in latent phase of labour at BMC to reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions. PMID:24521301

Labour management and Obstetric outcomes among pregnant women admitted in latent phase compared to active phase of labour at Bugando Medical Centre in Tanzania.

PubMed

Chuma, Clotrida; Kihunrwa, Albert; Matovelo, Dismas; Mahendeka, Marietha

2014-02-12

Interventions given to women admitted in latent or active phase of labor may influence the outcomes of labor and ameliorate complications which can affect the mother and fetus. Labour management, maternal and fetal outcomes among low risk women presenting both in latent phase and active phase of labour in Tanzania have not recently been explored. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. It was done from February to April 2013. Case notes were collected serially until the sample size was reached. A structured checklist was used to extract data. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17. A p < 0.05 was considered significant at 95% confidence interval. Five hundred case notes of low risk pregnant women were collected, half of each presented in latent phase and active phase of labour. Key interventions including augmentation with oxytocin, artificial rupture of membranes and caesarean section were significantly higher in the latent phase group than the active phase group 84(33.6%) versus 52(20.8%) p < 0.05; 96(38.6%) versus 56(22.4%) p < 0.05 and 87(34.8%) versus 60(24.0%) p < 0.05 respectively. Spontaneous vertex delivery was higher among pregnant women admitted initially in active phase than in latent phase groups 180(72.0%), versus 153(61.2%) p > 0.01). There were more women in the active phase group who sustained genital tract tear and postpartum haemorrhage than in the latent phase group 101(18.6%), versus 38(15.6%) p < 0.01 and 46(18.4%), versus 17(6.6%) p < 0.05 respectively. Pregnant women admitted at BMC in latent phase of labour are subjected to more obstetric interventions than those admitted in the active phase. There is need to produce guidelines on management of women admitted in latent phase of labour at BMC to reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions.

A positivity preserving and conservative variational scheme for phase-field modeling of two-phase flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joshi, Vaibhav; Jaiman, Rajeev K.

2018-05-01

We present a positivity preserving variational scheme for the phase-field modeling of incompressible two-phase flows with high density ratio. The variational finite element technique relies on the Allen-Cahn phase-field equation for capturing the phase interface on a fixed Eulerian mesh with mass conservative and energy-stable discretization. The mass conservation is achieved by enforcing a Lagrange multiplier which has both temporal and spatial dependence on the underlying solution of the phase-field equation. To make the scheme energy-stable in a variational sense, we discretize the spatial part of the Lagrange multiplier in the phase-field equation by the mid-point approximation. The proposed variational technique is designed to reduce the spurious and unphysical oscillations in the solution while maintaining the second-order accuracy of both spatial and temporal discretizations. We integrate the Allen-Cahn phase-field equation with the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations for modeling a broad range of two-phase flow and fluid-fluid interface problems. The coupling of the implicit discretizations corresponding to the phase-field and the incompressible flow equations is achieved via nonlinear partitioned iterative procedure. Comparison of results between the standard linear stabilized finite element method and the present variational formulation shows a remarkable reduction of oscillations in the solution while retaining the boundedness of the phase-indicator field. We perform a standalone test to verify the accuracy and stability of the Allen-Cahn two-phase solver. We examine the convergence and accuracy properties of the coupled phase-field solver through the standard benchmarks of the Laplace-Young law and a sloshing tank problem. Two- and three-dimensional dam break problems are simulated to assess the capability of the phase-field solver for complex air-water interfaces involving topological changes on unstructured meshes. Finally, we demonstrate the phase-field solver for a practical offshore engineering application of wave-structure interaction.

New ordered metastable phases between the gel and subgel phases in hydrated phospholipids.

PubMed Central

Tenchov, B; Koynova, R; Rapp, G

2001-01-01

Formation of low-temperature ordered gel phases in several fully hydrated phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs) and phosphatidylcholines (PCs) with saturated chains as well as in dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) was observed by synchrotron x-ray diffraction, microcalorimetry, and densitometry. The diffraction patterns recorded during slow cooling show that the gel-phase chain reflection cooperatively splits into two reflections, signaling a transformation of the usual gel phase into a more ordered phase, with an orthorhombic chain packing (the Y-transition). This transition is associated with a small decrease (2-4 microl/g) or inflection of the partial specific volume. It is fully reversible with the temperature and displays in heating direction as a small (0.1-0.7 kcal/mol) endothermic event. We recorded a Y-transition in distearoyl PE, dipalmitoyl PE (DPPE), mono and dimethylated DPPE, distearoyl PC, dipalmitoyl PC, diC(15)PC, and DPPG. No such transition exists in dimyristoyl PE and dilauroyl PE where the gel L(beta) phase transforms directly into subgel L(c) phase, as well as in the unsaturated dielaidoyl PE. The PE and PC low-temperature phases denoted L(R1) and SGII, respectively, have different hydrocarbon chain packing. The SGII phase is with tilted chains, arranged in an orthorhombic lattice of two-nearest-neighbor type. Except for the PCs, it was also registered in ionized DPPG. In the L(R1) phase, the chains are perpendicular to the bilayer plane and arranged in an orthorhombic lattice of four-nearest-neighbor type. It was observed in PEs and in protonated DPPG. The L(R1) and SGII phases are metastable phases, which may only be formed by cooling the respective gel L(beta) and L(beta') phases, and not by heating the subgel L(c) phase. Whenever present, they appear to represent an indispensable intermediate step in the formation of the latter phase. PMID:11259300

Machine-Learning Inspired Seismic Phase Detection for Aftershocks of the 2008 MW7.9 Wenchuan Earthquake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, L.; Li, Z.; Li, C.; Wang, B.; Chen, Z.; McClellan, J. H.; Peng, Z.

2017-12-01

Spatial-temporal evolution of aftershocks is important for illumination of earthquake physics and for rapid response of devastative earthquakes. To improve aftershock catalogs of the 2008 MW7.9 Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan, China, Alibaba cloud and China Earthquake Administration jointly launched a seismological contest in May 2017 [Fang et al., 2017]. This abstract describes how we handle this problem in this competition. We first used Short-Term Average/Long-Term Average (STA/LTA) and Kurtosis function to obtain over 55000 candidate phase picks (P or S). Based on Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), about 40000 phases (P or S) are selected. So far, these 40000 phases have a hit rate of 40% among the manually picks. The causes include that 1) there exist false picks (neither P nor S); 2) some P and S arrivals are mis-labeled. To improve our results, we correlate the 40000 phases over continuous waveforms to obtain the phases missed by during the first pass. This results in 120,000 events. After constructing an affinity matrix based on the cross-correlation for newly detected phases, subspace clustering methods [Vidal 2011] are applied to group those phases into separated subspaces. Initial results show good agreement between empirical and clustered labels of P phases. Half of the empirical S phases are clustered into the P phase cluster. This may be a combined effect of 1) mislabeling isolated P phases to S phases and 2) clustering errors due to a small incomplete sample pool. Phases that were falsely detected in the initial results can be also teased out. To better characterize P and S phases, our next step is to apply subspace clustering methods directly to the waveforms, instead of using the cross-correlation coefficients of detected phases. After that, supervised learning, e.g., a convolutional neural network, can be employed to improve the pick accuracy. Updated results will be presented at the meeting.

Adaptation of Mycobacterium smegmatis to Stationary Phase

PubMed Central

Smeulders, Marjan J.; Keer, Jacquie; Speight, Richard A.; Williams, Huw D.

1999-01-01

Mycobacterium tuberculosis can persist for many years within host lung tissue without causing clinical disease. Little is known about the state in which the bacilli survive, although it is frequently referred to as dormancy. Some evidence suggests that cells survive in nutrient-deprived stationary phase. Therefore, we are studying stationary-phase survival of Mycobacterium smegmatis as a model for mycobacterial persistence. M. smegmatis cultures could survive 650 days of either carbon, nitrogen, or phosphorus starvation. In carbon-limited medium, cells entered stationary phase before the carbon source (glycerol) had been completely depleted and glycerol uptake from the medium continued during the early stages of stationary phase. These results suggest that the cells are able to sense when the glycerol is approaching limiting concentrations and initiate a shutdown into stationary phase, which involves the uptake of the remaining glycerol from the medium. During early stationary phase, cells underwent reductive cell division and became more resistant to osmotic and acid stress and pool mRNA stabilized. Stationary-phase cells were also more resistant to oxidative stress, but this resistance was induced during late exponential phase in a cell-density-dependent manner. Upon recovery in fresh medium, stationary-phase cultures showed an immediate increase in protein synthesis irrespective of culture age. Colony morphology variants accumulated in stationary-phase cultures. A flat colony variant was seen in 75% of all long-term-stationary-phase cultures and frequently took over the whole population. Cryo scanning electron microscopy showed that the colony organization was different in flat colony strains, flat colonies appearing less well organized than wild-type colonies. Competition experiments with an exponential-phase-adapted wild-type strain showed that the flat strain had a competitive advantage in stationary phase, as well a providing evidence that growth and cell division occur in stationary-phase cultures of M. smegmatis. These results argue against stationary-phase M. smegmatis cultures entering a quiescent state akin to dormancy but support the idea that they are a dynamic population of cells. PMID:9864340

Speaker Recognition by Combining MFCC and Phase Information in Noisy Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Longbiao; Minami, Kazue; Yamamoto, Kazumasa; Nakagawa, Seiichi

In this paper, we investigate the effectiveness of phase for speaker recognition in noisy conditions and combine the phase information with mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs). To date, almost speaker recognition methods are based on MFCCs even in noisy conditions. For MFCCs which dominantly capture vocal tract information, only the magnitude of the Fourier Transform of time-domain speech frames is used and phase information has been ignored. High complement of the phase information and MFCCs is expected because the phase information includes rich voice source information. Furthermore, some researches have reported that phase based feature was robust to noise. In our previous study, a phase information extraction method that normalizes the change variation in the phase depending on the clipping position of the input speech was proposed, and the performance of the combination of the phase information and MFCCs was remarkably better than that of MFCCs. In this paper, we evaluate the robustness of the proposed phase information for speaker identification in noisy conditions. Spectral subtraction, a method skipping frames with low energy/Signal-to-Noise (SN) and noisy speech training models are used to analyze the effect of the phase information and MFCCs in noisy conditions. The NTT database and the JNAS (Japanese Newspaper Article Sentences) database added with stationary/non-stationary noise were used to evaluate our proposed method. MFCCs outperformed the phase information for clean speech. On the other hand, the degradation of the phase information was significantly smaller than that of MFCCs for noisy speech. The individual result of the phase information was even better than that of MFCCs in many cases by clean speech training models. By deleting unreliable frames (frames having low energy/SN), the speaker identification performance was improved significantly. By integrating the phase information with MFCCs, the speaker identification error reduction rate was about 30%-60% compared with the standard MFCC-based method.

Binaural interaction in low-frequency neurons in inferior colliculus of the cat. II. Effects of changing rate and direction of interaural phase.

PubMed

Yin, T C; Kuwada, S

1983-10-01

We used the binaural beat stimulus to study the interaural phase sensitivity of inferior colliculus (IC) neurons in the cat. The binaural beat, produced by delivering tones of slightly different frequencies to the two ears, generates continuous and graded changes in interaural phase. Over 90% of the cells that exhibit a sensitivity to changes in the interaural delay also show a sensitivity to interaural phase disparities with the binaural beat. Cells respond with a burst of impulses with each complete cycle of the beat frequency. The period histogram obtained by binning the poststimulus time histogram on the beat frequency gives a measure of the interaural phase sensitivity of the cell. In general, there is good correspondence in the shapes of the period histograms generated from binaural beats and the interaural phase curves derived from interaural delays and in the mean interaural phase angle calculated from them. The magnitude of the beat frequency determines the rate of change of interaural phase and the sign determines the direction of phase change. While most cells respond in a phase-locked manner up to beat frequencies of 10 Hz, there are some cells tht will phase lock up to 80 Hz. Beat frequency and mean interaural phase angle are linearly related for most cells. Most cells respond equally in the two directions of phase change and with different rates of change, at least up to 10 Hz. However, some IC cells exhibit marked sensitivity to the speed of phase change, either responding more vigorously at low beat frequencies or at high beat frequencies. In addition, other cells demonstrate a clear directional sensitivity. The cells that show sensitivity to the direction and speed of phase changes would be expected to demonstrate a sensitivity to moving sound sources in the free field. Changes in the mean interaural phase of the binaural beat period histograms are used to determine the effects of changes in average and interaural intensity on the phase sensitivity of the cells. The effects of both forms of intensity variation are continuously distributed. The binaural beat offers a number of advantages for studying the interaural phase sensitivity of binaural cells. The dynamic characteristics of the interaural phase can be varied so that the speed and direction of phase change are under direct control. The data can be obtained in a much more efficient manner, as the binaural beat is about 10 times faster in terms of data collection than the interaural delay.

Theta EEG dynamics of the error-related negativity.

PubMed

Trujillo, Logan T; Allen, John J B

2007-03-01

The error-related negativity (ERN) is a response-locked brain potential (ERP) occurring 80-100ms following response errors. This report contrasts three views of the genesis of the ERN, testing the classic view that time-locked phasic bursts give rise to the ERN against the view that the ERN arises from a pure phase-resetting of ongoing theta (4-7Hz) EEG activity and the view that the ERN is generated - at least in part - by a phase-resetting and amplitude enhancement of ongoing theta EEG activity. Time-domain ERP analyses were augmented with time-frequency investigations of phase-locked and non-phase-locked spectral power, and inter-trial phase coherence (ITPC) computed from individual EEG trials, examining time courses and scalp topographies. Simulations based on the assumptions of the classic, pure phase-resetting, and phase-resetting plus enhancement views, using parameters from each subject's empirical data, were used to contrast the time-frequency findings that could be expected if one or more of these hypotheses adequately modeled the data. Error responses produced larger amplitude activity than correct responses in time-domain ERPs immediately following responses, as expected. Time-frequency analyses revealed that significant error-related post-response increases in total spectral power (phase- and non-phase-locked), phase-locked power, and ITPC were primarily restricted to the theta range, with this effect located over midfrontocentral sites, with a temporal distribution from approximately 150-200ms prior to the button press and persisting up to 400ms post-button press. The increase in non-phase-locked power (total power minus phase-locked power) was larger than phase-locked power, indicating that the bulk of the theta event-related dynamics were not phase-locked to response. Results of the simulations revealed a good fit for data simulated according to the phase-locking with amplitude enhancement perspective, and a poor fit for data simulated according to the classic view and the pure phase-resetting view. Error responses produce not only phase-locked increases in theta EEG activity, but also increases in non-phase-locked theta, both of which share a similar topography. The findings are thus consistent with the notion advanced by Luu et al. [Luu P, Tucker DM, Makeig S. Frontal midline theta and the error-related negativity; neurophysiological mechanisms of action regulation. Clin Neurophysiol 2004;115:1821-35] that the ERN emerges, at least in part, from a phase-resetting and phase-locking of ongoing theta-band activity, in the context of a general increase in theta power following errors.

Profilometry of three-dimensional discontinuous solids by combining two-steps temporal phase unwrapping, co-phased profilometry and phase-shifting interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Servin, Manuel; Padilla, Moises; Garnica, Guillermo; Gonzalez, Adonai

2016-12-01

In this work we review and combine two techniques that have been recently published for three-dimensional (3D) fringe projection profilometry and phase unwrapping, namely: co-phased profilometry and 2-steps temporal phase-unwrapping. By combining these two methods we get a more accurate, higher signal-to-noise 3D profilometer for discontinuous industrial objects. In single-camera single-projector (standard) profilometry, the camera and the projector must form an angle between them. The phase-sensitivity of the profilometer depends on this angle, so it cannot be avoided. This angle produces regions with self-occluding shadows and glare from the solid as viewed from the camera's perspective, making impossible the demodulation of the fringe-pattern there. In other words, the phase data is undefined at those shadow regions. As published recently, this limitation can be solved by using several co-phased fringe-projectors and a single camera. These co-phased projectors are positioned at different directions towards the object, and as a consequence most shadows are compensated. In addition to this, most industrial objects are highly discontinuous, which precludes the use of spatial phase-unwrappers. One way to avoid spatial unwrapping is to decrease the phase-sensitivity to a point where the demodulated phase is bounded to one lambda, so the need for phase-unwrapping disappears. By doing this, however, the recovered non-wrapped phase contains too much harmonic distortion and noise. Using our recently proposed two-step temporal phase-unwrapping technique, the high-sensitivity phase is unwrapped using the low-frequency one as initial gross estimation. This two-step unwrapping technique solves the 3D object discontinuities while keeping the accuracy of the high-frequency profilometry data. In scientific research, new art are derived as logical and consistent result of previous efforts in the same direction. Here we present a new 3D-profilometer combining these two recently published methods: co-phased profilometry and two-steps temporal phase-unwrapping. By doing this, we obtain a new and more powerful 3D profilometry technique which overcomes the two main limitations of previous fringe-projection profilometers namely: high phase-sensitivity digitalization of discontinuous objects and solid's self-generated shadow minimization. This new 3D profilometer is demonstrated by an experiment digitizing a discontinuous 3D industrial-solid where the advantages of this new profilometer with respect to previous art are clearly shown.

Enhanced Night Visibility Series, Volume XII : Overview of Phase II and Development of Phase III Experimental Plan

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-12-01

This volume provides an overview of the six studies that compose Phase II of the Enhanced Night Visibility project and the experimental plan for its third and final portion, Phase III. The Phase II studies evaluated up to 12 vision enhancement system...

40 CFR 80.45 - Complex emissions model.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...) VOCW% = Percentage change in winter VOC emissions from baseline levels (8) Phase II total VOC emissions... its domain Phase I = The years 1995-1999 Phase II = Year 2000 and beyond (b) Weightings and baselines... appropriate pollutant and Phase: Table 1—Normal and Higher Emitter Weightings for Exhaust Emissions Phase I...

48 CFR 2152.237-70 - Continuity of services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Government or another Contractor, may continue them. The Contractor agrees to furnish phase-in training and...) The Contractor shall, upon the Contracting Officer's written notice, (1) furnish phase-in and phase... with a successor to determine the nature and extent of phase-in and phase-out services required. The...

A ground based phase control system for the solar power satellite. Executive summary, volume 1, phase 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chie, C. M.

1980-01-01

The Solar Power Satellite (SPS) concept and the reference phase control system investigated in earlier efforts are reviewed. A summary overview of the analysis and selection of the pilot signal and power transponder design is presented along with the SOLARSIM program development and the simulated SPS phase control performance. Evaluations of the ground based phase control system as an alternate phase control concept are summarized.

Thermal history-based etching

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

Simpson, John T.

A method for adjusting an etchability of a first borosilicate glass by heating the first borosilicate glass; combining the first borosilicate glass with a second borosilicate glass to form a composite; and etching the composite with an etchant. A material having a protrusive phase and a recessive phase, where the protrusive phase protrudes from the recessive phase to form a plurality of nanoscale surface features, and where the protrusive phase and the recessive phase have the same composition.

Phased models for evaluating the performability of computing systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, L. T.; Meyer, J. F.

1979-01-01

A phase-by-phase modelling technique is introduced to evaluate a fault tolerant system's ability to execute different sets of computational tasks during different phases of the control process. Intraphase processes are allowed to differ from phase to phase. The probabilities of interphase state transitions are specified by interphase transition matrices. Based on constraints imposed on the intraphase and interphase transition probabilities, various iterative solution methods are developed for calculating system performability.

30 CFR 203.30 - Which leases are eligible for royalty relief as a result of drilling a phase 2 or phase 3 ultra...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... a result of drilling a phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? 203.30 Section 203.30 Mineral Resources... for royalty relief as a result of drilling a phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? Your lease may... longitude in water depths entirely less than 400 meters deep. (b) The lease has not produced gas or oil from...

30 CFR 203.30 - Which leases are eligible for royalty relief as a result of drilling a phase 2 or phase 3 ultra...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... a result of drilling a phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? 203.30 Section 203.30 Mineral Resources... for royalty relief as a result of drilling a phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? Your lease may... longitude in water depths entirely less than 400 meters deep. (b) The lease has not produced gas or oil from...

30 CFR 203.30 - Which leases are eligible for royalty relief as a result of drilling a phase 2 or phase 3 ultra...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... a result of drilling a phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? 203.30 Section 203.30 Mineral Resources... for royalty relief as a result of drilling a phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? Your lease may... longitude in water depths entirely less than 400 meters deep. (b) The lease has not produced gas or oil from...

Phase behavior of ternary polymer brushes

DOE PAGES

Simocko, Chester K.; Frischknecht, Amalie L.; Huber, Dale L.

2016-01-07

Ternary polymer brushes consisting of polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), and poly(4-vinylpyridine) have been synthesized. These brushes laterally phase separate into several distinct phases and can be tailored by altering the relative polymer composition. Self-consistent field theory has been used to predict the phase diagram and model both the horizontal and vertical phase behavior of the polymer brushes. As a result, all phase behaviors observed experimentally correlate well with the theoretical model.

Cross-phase modulation spectral shifting: nonlinear phase contrast in a pump-probe microscope

PubMed Central

Wilson, Jesse W.; Samineni, Prathyush; Warren, Warren S.; Fischer, Martin C.

2012-01-01

Microscopy with nonlinear phase contrast is achieved by a simple modification to a nonlinear pump-probe microscope. The technique measures cross-phase modulation by detecting a pump-induced spectral shift in the probe pulse. Images with nonlinear phase contrast are acquired both in transparent and absorptive media. In paraffin-embedded biopsy sections, cross-phase modulation complements the chemically-specific pump-probe images with structural context. PMID:22567580

Synthesis and evaluation of phase detectors for active bit synchronizers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcbride, A. L.

1974-01-01

Self-synchronizing digital data communication systems usually use active or phase-locked loop (PLL) bit synchronizers. The three main elements of PLL synchronizers are the phase detector, loop filter, and the voltage controlled oscillator. Of these three elements, phase detector synthesis is the main source of difficulty, particularly when the received signals are demodulated square-wave signals. A phase detector synthesis technique is reviewed that provides a physically realizable design for bit synchronizer phase detectors. The development is based upon nonlinear recursive estimation methods. The phase detector portion of the algorithm is isolated and analyzed.

Stochastic Kuramoto oscillators with discrete phase states.

PubMed

Jörg, David J

2017-09-01

We present a generalization of the Kuramoto phase oscillator model in which phases advance in discrete phase increments through Poisson processes, rendering both intrinsic oscillations and coupling inherently stochastic. We study the effects of phase discretization on the synchronization and precision properties of the coupled system both analytically and numerically. Remarkably, many key observables such as the steady-state synchrony and the quality of oscillations show distinct extrema while converging to the classical Kuramoto model in the limit of a continuous phase. The phase-discretized model provides a general framework for coupled oscillations in a Markov chain setting.

Stochastic Kuramoto oscillators with discrete phase states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jörg, David J.

2017-09-01

We present a generalization of the Kuramoto phase oscillator model in which phases advance in discrete phase increments through Poisson processes, rendering both intrinsic oscillations and coupling inherently stochastic. We study the effects of phase discretization on the synchronization and precision properties of the coupled system both analytically and numerically. Remarkably, many key observables such as the steady-state synchrony and the quality of oscillations show distinct extrema while converging to the classical Kuramoto model in the limit of a continuous phase. The phase-discretized model provides a general framework for coupled oscillations in a Markov chain setting.

High-speed optical phase-shifting apparatus

DOEpatents

Zortman, William A.

2016-11-08

An optical phase shifter includes an optical waveguide, a plurality of partial phase shifting elements arranged sequentially, and control circuitry electrically coupled to the partial phase shifting elements. The control circuitry is adapted to provide an activating signal to each of the N partial phase shifting elements such that the signal is delayed by a clock cycle between adjacent partial phase shifting elements in the sequence. The transit time for a guided optical pulse train between the input edges of consecutive partial phase shifting elements in the sequence is arranged to be equal to a clock cycle, thereby enabling pipelined processing of the optical pulses.

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

Tucker, Eric; Boreman, Glenn, E-mail: gboreman@uncc.edu; D'Archangel, Jeffrey

Near- and far-field measurements of phase-ramped loop and patch structures are presented and compared to simulations. The far-field deflection measurements show that the phase-ramped structures can deflect a beam away from specular reflection, consistent with simulations. Scattering scanning near-field optical microscopy of the elements comprising the phase ramped structures reveals part of the underlying near-field phase contribution that dictates the far-field deflection, which correlates with the far-field phase behavior that was expected. These measurements provide insight into the resonances, coupling, and spatial phase variation among phase-ramped frequency selective surface (FSS) elements, which are important for the performance of FSS reflectarrays.

Frequency stabilization in nonlinear MEMS and NEMS oscillators

DOEpatents

Lopez, Omar Daniel; Antonio, Dario

2014-09-16

An illustrative system includes an amplifier operably connected to a phase shifter. The amplifier is configured to amplify a voltage from an oscillator. The phase shifter is operably connected to a driving amplitude control, wherein the phase shifter is configured to phase shift the amplified voltage and is configured to set an amplitude of the phase shifted voltage. The oscillator is operably connected to the driving amplitude control. The phase shifted voltage drives the oscillator. The oscillator is at an internal resonance condition, based at least on the amplitude of the phase shifted voltage, that stabilizes frequency oscillations in the oscillator.

The Quantum Phase-Dynamical Properties of the Squeezed Vacuum State Intensity-Couple Interacting with the Atom

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fan, An-Fu; Sun, Nian-Chun; Zhou, Xin

1996-01-01

The Phase-dynamical properties of the squeezed vacuum state intensity-couple interacting with the two-level atom in an ideal cavity are studied using the Hermitian phase operator formalism. Exact general expressions for the phase distribution and the associated expectation value and variance of the phase operator have been derived. we have also obtained the analytic results of the phase variance for two special cases-weakly and strongly squeezed vacuum. The results calculated numerically show that squeezing has a significant effect on the phase properties of squeezed vacuum.

Paraelectric-antiferroelectric phase transition in achiral liquid crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pociecha, Damian; Gorecka, Ewa; Čepič, Mojca; Vaupotič, Nataša; Gomola, Kinga; Mieczkowski, Jozef

2005-12-01

Critical freezing of molecular rotation in an achiral smectic phase, which leads to polar ordering through the second order paraelectric-antiferroelectric (Sm-A→Sm-APA) phase transition is studied theoretically and experimentally. Strong softening of the polar mode in the Sm-A phase and highly intensive dielectric mode in the Sm-APA phase are observed due to weak antiferroelectric interactions in the system. In the Sm-APA phase the dielectric response behaves critically upon biasing by a dc electric field. Such a behavior is found general for the antiferroelectric smectic phase with significant quadrupolar interlayer coupling.

Optical ranging and communication method based on all-phase FFT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zening; Chen, Gang

2014-10-01

This paper describes an optical ranging and communication method based on all-phase fast fourier transform (FFT). This kind of system is mainly designed for vehicle safety application. Particularly, the phase shift of the reflecting orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol is measured to determine the signal time of flight. Then the distance is calculated according to the time of flight. Several key factors affecting the phase measurement accuracy are studied. The all-phase FFT, which can reduce the effects of frequency offset, phase noise and the inter-carrier interference (ICI), is applied to measure the OFDM symbol phase shift.

Glassy phases and driven response of the phase-field-crystal model with random pinning.

PubMed

Granato, E; Ramos, J A P; Achim, C V; Lehikoinen, J; Ying, S C; Ala-Nissila, T; Elder, K R

2011-09-01

We study the structural correlations and the nonlinear response to a driving force of a two-dimensional phase-field-crystal model with random pinning. The model provides an effective continuous description of lattice systems in the presence of disordered external pinning centers, allowing for both elastic and plastic deformations. We find that the phase-field crystal with disorder assumes an amorphous glassy ground state, with only short-ranged positional and orientational correlations, even in the limit of weak disorder. Under increasing driving force, the pinned amorphous-glass phase evolves into a moving plastic-flow phase and then, finally, a moving smectic phase. The transverse response of the moving smectic phase shows a vanishing transverse critical force for increasing system sizes.

An Interactive Tool for Discrete Phase Analysis in Two-Phase Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dejong, Frederik J.; Thoren, Stephen J.

1993-01-01

Under a NASA MSFC SBIR Phase 1 effort an interactive software package has been developed for the analysis of discrete (particulate) phase dynamics in two-phase flows in which the discrete phase does not significantly affect the continuous phase. This package contains a Graphical User Interface (based on the X Window system and the Motif tool kit) coupled to a particle tracing program, which allows the user to interactively set up and run a case for which a continuous phase grid and flow field are available. The software has been applied to a solid rocket motor problem, to demonstrate its ease of use and its suitability for problems of engineering interest, and has been delivered to NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.

Fabricating fiber Bragg gratings with two phase masks based on reconstruction-equivalent-chirp technique.

PubMed

Gao, Liang; Chen, Xiangfei; Xiong, Jintian; Liu, Shengchun; Pu, Tao

2012-01-30

Based on reconstruction-equivalent-chirp (REC) technique, a novel solution for fabricating low-cost long fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) with desired properties is proposed and initially studied. A proof-of-concept experiment is demonstrated with two conventional uniform phase masks and a submicron-precision translation stage, successfully. It is shown that the original phase shift (OPS) caused by phase mismatch of the two phase masks can be compensated by the equivalent phase shift (EPS) at the ±1st channels of sampled FBGs, separately. Furthermore, as an example, a π phase-shifted FBG of about 90 mm is fabricated by using these two 50mm-long uniform phase masks based on the presented method.

Collective phase description of oscillatory convection

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

Kawamura, Yoji, E-mail: ykawamura@jamstec.go.jp; Nakao, Hiroya

We formulate a theory for the collective phase description of oscillatory convection in Hele-Shaw cells. It enables us to describe the dynamics of the oscillatory convection by a single degree of freedom which we call the collective phase. The theory can be considered as a phase reduction method for limit-cycle solutions in infinite-dimensional dynamical systems, namely, stable time-periodic solutions to partial differential equations, representing the oscillatory convection. We derive the phase sensitivity function, which quantifies the phase response of the oscillatory convection to weak perturbations applied at each spatial point, and analyze the phase synchronization between two weakly coupled Hele-Shawmore » cells exhibiting oscillatory convection on the basis of the derived phase equations.« less

Tau-independent Phase Analysis: A Novel Method for Accurately Determining Phase Shifts.

PubMed

Tackenberg, Michael C; Jones, Jeff R; Page, Terry L; Hughey, Jacob J

2018-06-01

Estimations of period and phase are essential in circadian biology. While many techniques exist for estimating period, comparatively few methods are available for estimating phase. Current approaches to analyzing phase often vary between studies and are sensitive to coincident changes in period and the stage of the circadian cycle at which the stimulus occurs. Here we propose a new technique, tau-independent phase analysis (TIPA), for quantifying phase shifts in multiple types of circadian time-course data. Through comprehensive simulations, we show that TIPA is both more accurate and more precise than the standard actogram approach. TIPA is computationally simple and therefore will enable accurate and reproducible quantification of phase shifts across multiple subfields of chronobiology.

Evidence of monotropic hexatic tilted smectic phase in the phase sequence of ferroelectric liquid crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Różycka, Anna; Deptuch, Aleksandra; Jaworska-Gołąb, Teresa; Węgłowska, Dorota; Marzec, Monika

2018-02-01

Physical properties of a new ferroelectric liquid crystal have been studied by complementary methods: differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing optical microscopy, dielectric and X-ray diffraction. It was found that next to enantiotropic ferroelectric smectic C* phase, the monotropic smectic phase appears at cooling. X-ray diffraction measurements allowed to identify this phase as hexatic tilted smectic. Temperature dependence of spontaneous polarization, tilt angle of molecules and switching time were found in both liquid crystalline phases at cooling. Based on the dielectric results, the dielectric processes were identified as Goldstone mode in the smectic C* phase, whereas as the bond-orientation-like phason and the bulk domain mode in the monotropic hexatic tilted smectic phase.

Electric field controlled emulsion phase contactor

DOEpatents

Scott, Timothy C.

1995-01-01

A system for contacting liquid phases comprising a column for transporting a liquid phase contacting system, the column having upper and lower regions. The upper region has a nozzle for introducing a dispersed phase and means for applying thereto a vertically oriented high intensity pulsed electric field. This electric field allows improved flow rates while shattering the dispersed phase into many micro-droplets upon exiting the nozzle to form a dispersion within a continuous phase. The lower region employs means for applying to the dispersed phase a horizontally oriented high intensity pulsed electric field so that the dispersed phase undergoes continuous coalescence and redispersion while being urged from side to side as it progresses through the system, increasing greatly the mass transfer opportunity.

Method of using an electric field controlled emulsion phase contactor

DOEpatents

Scott, Timothy C.

1993-01-01

A system for contacting liquid phases comprising a column for transporting a liquid phase contacting system, the column having upper and lower regions. The upper region has a nozzle for introducing a dispersed phase and means for applying thereto a vertically oriented high intensity pulsed electric field. This electric field allows improved flow rates while shattering the dispersed phase into many micro-droplets upon exiting the nozzle to form a dispersion within a continuous phase. The lower region employs means for applying to the dispersed phase a horizontally oriented high intensity pulsed electric field so that the dispersed phase undergoes continuous coalescence and redispersion while being urged from side to side as it progresses through the system, increasing greatly the mass transfer opportunity.

Electric field controlled emulsion phase contactor

DOEpatents

Scott, T.C.

1995-01-31

A system is described for contacting liquid phases comprising a column for transporting a liquid phase contacting system, the column having upper and lower regions. The upper region has a nozzle for introducing a dispersed phase and means for applying thereto a vertically oriented high intensity pulsed electric field. This electric field allows improved flow rates while shattering the dispersed phase into many micro-droplets upon exiting the nozzle to form a dispersion within a continuous phase. The lower region employs means for applying to the dispersed phase a horizontally oriented high intensity pulsed electric field so that the dispersed phase undergoes continuous coalescence and redispersion while being urged from side to side as it progresses through the system, increasing greatly the mass transfer opportunity. 5 figs.

Improved phase sensitivity in spectral domain phase microscopy using line-field illumination and self phase-referencing

PubMed Central

Yaqoob, Zahid; Choi, Wonshik; Oh, Seungeun; Lue, Niyom; Park, Yongkeun; Fang-Yen, Christopher; Dasari, Ramachandra R.; Badizadegan, Kamran; Feld, Michael S.

2010-01-01

We report a quantitative phase microscope based on spectral domain optical coherence tomography and line-field illumination. The line illumination allows self phase-referencing method to reject common-mode phase noise. The quantitative phase microscope also features a separate reference arm, permitting the use of high numerical aperture (NA > 1) microscope objectives for high resolution phase measurement at multiple points along the line of illumination. We demonstrate that the path-length sensitivity of the instrument can be as good as 41 pm/Hz, which makes it suitable for nanometer scale study of cell motility. We present the detection of natural motions of cell surface and two-dimensional surface profiling of a HeLa cell. PMID:19550464

Zeeman-Field-Tuned Topological Phase Transitions in a Two-Dimensional Class-DIII Superconductor

PubMed Central

Deng, W. Y.; Geng, H.; Luo, W.; Sheng, L.; Xing, D. Y.

2016-01-01

We investigate the topological phase transitions in a two-dimensional time-reversal invariant topological superconductor in the presence of a Zeeman field. Based on the spin Chern number theory, we find that the system exhibits a number of topologically distinct phases with changing the out-of-plane component of the Zeeman field, including a quantum spin Hall-like phase, quantum anomalous Hall-like phases with total Chern number C = −2, −1, 1 and 2, and a topologically trivial superconductor phase. The BdG band gap closes at each boundary of the phase transitions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the zero bias conductance provides clear transport signatures of the different topological phases, which are robust against symmetry-breaking perturbations. PMID:27148675

Phase locking of moving magnetic vortices in bridge-coupled nanodisks

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

Zhu, Qiyuan; Zheng, Qi; Liu, Xianyin

2015-05-07

In this paper, phase locking dynamics of vortices induced by spin transfer torque in bridge-coupled nanodisks are studied by micromagnetic simulations. In the presence of the bridge coupling, the required time for the phase locking is dramatically reduced, and the phase difference between the two vortices keeps at a nonzero value after the phase locking. Moreover, the phase difference is affected significantly by bridge coupling, Oersted field distribution, nanodisk size, as well as in-plane bias magnetic field. In addition, the coupled gyrotropic frequency of vortices depends linearly on the perpendicular magnetic field. This systematic study of phase locking parameters, especiallymore » the phase difference, is important for the applications of vortex-based spin-torque nano-oscillators.« less

Quantitative differential phase contrast imaging at high resolution with radially asymmetric illumination.

PubMed

Lin, Yu-Zi; Huang, Kuang-Yuh; Luo, Yuan

2018-06-15

Half-circle illumination-based differential phase contrast (DPC) microscopy has been utilized to recover phase images through a pair of images along multiple axes. Recently, the half-circle based DPC using 12-axis measurements significantly provides a circularly symmetric phase transfer function to improve accuracy for more stable phase recovery. Instead of using half-circle-based DPC, we propose a new scheme of DPC under radially asymmetric illumination to achieve circularly symmetric phase transfer function and enhance the accuracy of phase recovery in a more stable and efficient fashion. We present the design, implementation, and experimental image data demonstrating the ability of our method to obtain quantitative phase images of microspheres, as well as live fibroblast cell samples.

Mapping the phase inhomogeneity across first order spin flop transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tripathi, Malvika; Majumder, Supriyo; Choudhary, R. J.; Phase, D. M.

2018-04-01

As a consequence of spin reorientation phase transition (SRPT, TSRPT = 34K) in SmCrO3, the two phases, high temperature uncompensated anti-ferromagnetic Γ4 configuration and low temperature collinear anti-ferromagnetic phase Γ1 coexist in the vicinity of transition. The observed unexpectedly huge coercivity (Hc ˜2T) below SRPT at 25K questions on the behavior of two co-existing phases. In the present study, we have used the FORC diagrams to monitor the distribution of clusters related to different phases and to understand the nature of interaction among the clusters of distinct phases. We observed that the nature of interaction has indeed magnetic effect and the pining across phase boundaries may cause the enhancement of coercivity at 25K.

Vapor-crystal phase transition in synthesis of paracetamol films by vacuum evaporation and condensation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belyaev, A. P.; Rubets, V. P.; Antipov, V. V.; Bordei, N. S.; Zarembo, V. I.

2014-03-01

We report on the structural and technological investigations of the vapor-crystal phase transition during synthesis of paracetamol films of the monoclinic system by vacuum evaporation and condensation in the temperature range 220-320 K. The complex nature of the transformation accompanied by the formation of a gel-like phase is revealed. The results are interpreted using a model according to which the vapor-crystal phase transition is not a simple first-order phase transition, but is a nonlinear superposition of two phase transitions: a first-order transition with a change in density and a second-order phase transition with a change in ordering. Micrographs of the surface of the films are obtained at different phases of formation.

Formation of the molecular crystal structure during the vacuum sublimation of paracetamol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belyaev, A. P.; Rubets, V. P.; Antipov, V. V.; Bordei, N. S.

2015-04-01

The results from structural and thermal studies on the formation of molecular crystals during the vacuum sublimation of paracetamol from its vapor phase are given. It is established that the vapor-crystal phase transition proceeds in a complicated way as the superposition of two phase transitions: a first-order phase transition with a change in density, and a second-order phase transition with a change in ordering. It is shown that the latter is a smeared phase transition that proceeds with the formation of a pretransitional phase that is irreversibly dissipated during phase transformation, leading to the formation of crystals of the rhombic syngony. Data from differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analysis are presented along with microphotographs.

Reconstruction of phase maps from the configuration of phase singularities in two-dimensional manifolds.

PubMed

Herlin, Antoine; Jacquemet, Vincent

2012-05-01

Phase singularity analysis provides a quantitative description of spiral wave patterns observed in chemical or biological excitable media. The configuration of phase singularities (locations and directions of rotation) is easily derived from phase maps in two-dimensional manifolds. The question arises whether one can construct a phase map with a given configuration of phase singularities. The existence of such a phase map is guaranteed provided that the phase singularity configuration satisfies a certain constraint associated with the topology of the supporting medium. This paper presents a constructive mathematical approach to numerically solve this problem in the plane and on the sphere as well as in more general geometries relevant to atrial anatomy including holes and a septal wall. This tool can notably be used to create initial conditions with a controllable spiral wave configuration for cardiac propagation models and thus help in the design of computer experiments in atrial electrophysiology.

Phase-factor-dependent symmetries and quantum phases in a three-level cavity QED system.

PubMed

Fan, Jingtao; Yu, Lixian; Chen, Gang; Jia, Suotang

2016-05-03

Unlike conventional two-level particles, three-level particles may support some unitary-invariant phase factors when they interact coherently with a single-mode quantized light field. To gain a better understanding of light-matter interaction, it is thus necessary to explore the phase-factor-dependent physics in such a system. In this report, we consider the collective interaction between degenerate V-type three-level particles and a single-mode quantized light field, whose different components are labeled by different phase factors. We mainly establish an important relation between the phase factors and the symmetry or symmetry-broken physics. Specifically, we find that the phase factors affect dramatically the system symmetry. When these symmetries are breaking separately, rich quantum phases emerge. Finally, we propose a possible scheme to experimentally probe the predicted physics of our model. Our work provides a way to explore phase-factor-induced nontrivial physics by introducing additional particle levels.

A Consistent Definition of Phase Resetting Using Hilbert Transform.

PubMed

Oprisan, Sorinel A

2017-01-01

A phase resetting curve (PRC) measures the transient change in the phase of a neural oscillator subject to an external perturbation. The PRC encapsulates the dynamical response of a neural oscillator and, as a result, it is often used for predicting phase-locked modes in neural networks. While phase is a fundamental concept, it has multiple definitions that may lead to contradictory results. We used the Hilbert Transform (HT) to define the phase of the membrane potential oscillations and HT amplitude to estimate the PRC of a single neural oscillator. We found that HT's amplitude and its corresponding instantaneous frequency are very sensitive to membrane potential perturbations. We also found that the phase shift of HT amplitude between the pre- and poststimulus cycles gives an accurate estimate of the PRC. Moreover, HT phase does not suffer from the shortcomings of voltage threshold or isochrone methods and, as a result, gives accurate and reliable estimations of phase resetting.

Small Angle Neutron Scattering (sans) Studies on "SIDE-END FIXED" and "SIDE-ON FIXED" Liquid Crystal Polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hardouin, F.; Noirez, L.; Keller, P.; Leroux, N.; Cotton, J. P.

The following sections are included: * Introduction * Experimental * Results and discussion * Determination of the backbone conformation in the nematic and smectic A phases of "side-end fixed" L.C. polymethacrylates (PMA) or polyacrylates (PA) * Determination of the global and backbone conformation in the nematic and smectic A phases of "side-end fixed" L.C. polysiloxanes (PMS) * Determination of the backbone conformation in the unique nematic phase (without smectic A phase) or in the reentrant nematic phase (below smectic A phase) of "side-end fixed" L.C. polyacrylates (PA) * Determination of the global conformation in the nematic phase of "side-on fixed" L.C. polysiloxanes (PMS) * Determination of the global conformation in the nematic phase of "diluted side-on fixed" L.C. copolysiloxanes * Determination of the backbone conformation in the nematic phase of "side-on fixed" L.C. polyacrylates * Conclusions * References

Monolithic optical phased-array transceiver in a standard SOI CMOS process.

PubMed

Abediasl, Hooman; Hashemi, Hossein

2015-03-09

Monolithic microwave phased arrays are turning mainstream in automotive radars and high-speed wireless communications fulfilling Gordon Moores 1965 prophecy to this effect. Optical phased arrays enable imaging, lidar, display, sensing, and holography. Advancements in fabrication technology has led to monolithic nanophotonic phased arrays, albeit without independent phase and amplitude control ability, integration with electronic circuitry, or including receive and transmit functions. We report the first monolithic optical phased array transceiver with independent control of amplitude and phase for each element using electronic circuitry that is tightly integrated with the nanophotonic components on one substrate using a commercial foundry CMOS SOI process. The 8 × 8 phased array chip includes thermo-optical tunable phase shifters and attenuators, nano-photonic antennas, and dedicated control electronics realized using CMOS transistors. The complex chip includes over 300 distinct optical components and over 74,000 distinct electrical components achieving the highest level of integration for any electronic-photonic system.

Agile high resolution arbitrary waveform generator with jitterless frequency stepping

DOEpatents

Reilly, Peter T. A.; Koizumi, Hideya

2010-05-11

Jitterless transition of the programmable clock waveform is generated employing a set of two coupled direct digital synthesis (DDS) circuits. The first phase accumulator in the first DDS circuit runs at least one cycle of a common reference clock for the DDS circuits ahead of the second phase accumulator in the second DDS circuit. As a phase transition through the beginning of a phase cycle is detected from the first phase accumulator, a first phase offset word and a second phase offset word for the first and second phase accumulators are calculated and loaded into the first and second DDS circuits. The programmable clock waveform is employed as a clock input for the RAM address controller. A well defined jitterless transition in frequency of the arbitrary waveform is provided which coincides with the beginning of the phase cycle of the DDS output signal from the second DDS circuit.

Possibility of designing catalysts beyond the traditional volcano curve: a theoretical framework for multi-phase surfaces.

PubMed

Wang, Ziyun; Wang, Hai-Feng; Hu, P

2015-10-01

The current theory of catalyst activity in heterogeneous catalysis is mainly obtained from the study of catalysts with mono-phases, while most catalysts in real systems consist of multi-phases, the understanding of which is far short of chemists' expectation. Density functional theory (DFT) and micro-kinetics simulations are used to investigate the activities of six mono-phase and nine bi-phase catalysts, using CO hydrogenation that is arguably the most typical reaction in heterogeneous catalysis. Excellent activities that are beyond the activity peak of traditional mono-phase volcano curves are found on some bi-phase surfaces. By analyzing these results, a new framework to understand the unexpected activities of bi-phase surfaces is proposed. Based on the framework, several principles for the design of multi-phase catalysts are suggested. The theoretical framework extends the traditional catalysis theory to understand more complex systems.

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

Fernandez-Gutierrez, Sulmer, E-mail: sulmer.a.fernandez.gutierrez@intel.com; Browning, Jim; Lin, Ming-Chieh

Phase-control of a magnetron is studied via simulation using a combination of a continuous current source and a modulated current source. The addressable, modulated current source is turned ON and OFF at the magnetron operating frequency in order to control the electron injection and the spoke phase. Prior simulation work using a 2D model of a Rising Sun magnetron showed that the use of 100% modulated current controlled the magnetron phase and allowed for dynamic phase control. In this work, the minimum fraction of modulated current source needed to achieve a phase control is studied. The current fractions (modulated versusmore » continuous) were varied from 10% modulated current to 100% modulated current to study the effects on phase control. Dynamic phase-control, stability, and start up time of the device were studied for all these cases showing that with 10% modulated current and 90% continuous current, a phase shift of 180° can be achieved demonstrating dynamic phase control.« less

Identification and characterization of the intermediate phase in hybrid organic-inorganic MAPbI3 perovskite.

PubMed

Guo, Xin; McCleese, Christopher; Kolodziej, Charles; Samia, Anna C S; Zhao, Yixin; Burda, Clemens

2016-03-07

Perovskite films were prepared using single step solution deposition at different annealing temperatures and annealing times. The crystal structure, phases and grain size were investigated with XRD, XPS and SEM/EDX. The prepared films show a typical orientation of tetragonal perovskite phase and a gradual transition at room temperature from the yellow intermediate phase to the black perovskite phase. Films with high purity were obtained by sintering at 100 °C. In addition, the chemical composition and crystal structure of intermediate phase were investigated in detail. FTIR, UV-vis and NMR spectra revealed the occurance of DMF complexes. Interestingly, the intermediate phase could be transformed to the black perovskite phase upon X-ray irradiation. In addition, the recovery of the aged perovskite films from a yellow intermediate phase back to the black perovskite was shown to be viable via heating and X-ray irradiation.

Genetic Algorithm Phase Retrieval for the Systematic Image-Based Optical Alignment Testbed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, Jaime; Rakoczy, John; Steincamp, James

2003-01-01

Phase retrieval requires calculation of the real-valued phase of the pupil fimction from the image intensity distribution and characteristics of an optical system. Genetic 'algorithms were used to solve two one-dimensional phase retrieval problem. A GA successfully estimated the coefficients of a polynomial expansion of the phase when the number of coefficients was correctly specified. A GA also successfully estimated the multiple p h e s of a segmented optical system analogous to the seven-mirror Systematic Image-Based Optical Alignment (SIBOA) testbed located at NASA s Marshall Space Flight Center. The SIBOA testbed was developed to investigate phase retrieval techniques. Tiphilt and piston motions of the mirrors accomplish phase corrections. A constant phase over each mirror can be achieved by an independent tip/tilt correction: the phase Conection term can then be factored out of the Discrete Fourier Tranform (DFT), greatly reducing computations.

A novel phase retrieval method from three-wavelength in-line phase-shifting interferograms based on positive negative 2π phase shifts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Xiaoqing; Wang, Yawei; Ji, Ying; Xu, Yuanyuan; Xie, Ming

2018-01-01

A new method to extract quantitative phases for each wavelength from three-wavelength in-line phase-shifting interferograms is proposed. Firstly, seven interferograms with positive negative 2π phase shifts are sequentially captured by using the phase-shifting technique. Secondly, six dc-term suppressed intensities can be achieved by the use of the algebraic algorithm. Finally, the wrapped phases at the three wavelengths can be acquired simultaneously from these six interferograms add-subtracting by employing the trigonometric function method. The surface morphology with increased ambiguity-free range at synthetic beat wavelength can be obtained, while maintaining the low noise precision of the single wavelength measurement, by combining this method with three-wavelength phase unwrapping method. We illustrate the principle of this algorithm, and the simulated experiments of the spherical cap and the HeLa cell are conducted to prove our proposed method, respectively.

Phase Coexistence in a Dynamic Phase Diagram.

PubMed

Gentile, Luigi; Coppola, Luigi; Balog, Sandor; Mortensen, Kell; Ranieri, Giuseppe A; Olsson, Ulf

2015-08-03

Metastability and phase coexistence are important concepts in colloidal science. Typically, the phase diagram of colloidal systems is considered at the equilibrium without the presence of an external field. However, several studies have reported phase transition under mechanical deformation. The reason behind phase coexistence under shear flow is not fully understood. Here, multilamellar vesicle (MLV)-to-sponge (L3 ) and MLV-to-Lα transitions upon increasing temperature are detected using flow small-angle neutron scattering techniques. Coexistence of Lα and MLV phases at 40 °C under shear flow is detected by using flow NMR spectroscopy. The unusual rheological behavior observed by studying the lamellar phase of a non-ionic surfactant is explained using (2) H NMR and diffusion flow NMR spectroscopy with the coexistence of planar lamellar-multilamellar vesicles. Moreover, a dynamic phase diagram over a wide range of temperatures is proposed. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Robust dynamic 3-D measurements with motion-compensated phase-shifting profilometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Shijie; Zuo, Chao; Tao, Tianyang; Hu, Yan; Zhang, Minliang; Chen, Qian; Gu, Guohua

2018-04-01

Phase-shifting profilometry (PSP) is a widely used approach to high-accuracy three-dimensional shape measurements. However, when it comes to moving objects, phase errors induced by the movement often result in severe artifacts even though a high-speed camera is in use. From our observations, there are three kinds of motion artifacts: motion ripples, motion-induced phase unwrapping errors, and motion outliers. We present a novel motion-compensated PSP to remove the artifacts for dynamic measurements of rigid objects. The phase error of motion ripples is analyzed for the N-step phase-shifting algorithm and is compensated using the statistical nature of the fringes. The phase unwrapping errors are corrected exploiting adjacent reliable pixels, and the outliers are removed by comparing the original phase map with a smoothed phase map. Compared with the three-step PSP, our method can improve the accuracy by more than 95% for objects in motion.

Comprehensive modeling of a liquid rocket combustion chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liang, P.-Y.; Fisher, S.; Chang, Y. M.

1985-01-01

An analytical model for the simulation of detailed three-phase combustion flows inside a liquid rocket combustion chamber is presented. The three phases involved are: a multispecies gaseous phase, an incompressible liquid phase, and a particulate droplet phase. The gas and liquid phases are continuum described in an Eulerian fashion. A two-phase solution capability for these continuum media is obtained through a marriage of the Implicit Continuous Eulerian (ICE) technique and the fractional Volume of Fluid (VOF) free surface description method. On the other hand, the particulate phase is given a discrete treatment and described in a Lagrangian fashion. All three phases are hence treated rigorously. Semi-empirical physical models are used to describe all interphase coupling terms as well as the chemistry among gaseous components. Sample calculations using the model are given. The results show promising application to truly comprehensive modeling of complex liquid-fueled engine systems.

Dual-phase-shift spherical Fizeau interferometer for reduction of noise due to internally scattered light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumagai, Toshiki; Hibino, Kenichi; Nagaike, Yasunari

2017-03-01

Internally scattered light in a Fizeau interferometer is generated from dust, defects, imperfect coating of the optical components, and multiple reflections inside the collimator lens. It produces additional noise fringes in the observed interference image and degrades the repeatability of the phase measurement. A method to reduce the phase measurement error is proposed, in which the test surface is mechanically translated between each phase measurement in addition to an ordinary phase shift of the reference surface. It is shown that a linear combination of several measured phases at different test surface positions can reduce the phase errors caused by the scattered light. The combination can also compensate for the nonuniformity of the phase shift that occurs in spherical tests. A symmetric sampling of the phase measurements can cancel the additional primary spherical aberrations that occur when the test surface is out of the null position of the confocal configuration.

Time-domain full waveform inversion using instantaneous phase information with damping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Jingrui; Wu, Ru-Shan; Gao, Fuchun

2018-06-01

In time domain, the instantaneous phase can be obtained from the complex seismic trace using Hilbert transform. The instantaneous phase information has great potential in overcoming the local minima problem and improving the result of full waveform inversion. However, the phase wrapping problem, which comes from numerical calculation, prevents its application. In order to avoid the phase wrapping problem, we choose to use the exponential phase combined with the damping method, which gives instantaneous phase-based multi-stage inversion. We construct the objective functions based on the exponential instantaneous phase, and also derive the corresponding gradient operators. Conventional full waveform inversion and the instantaneous phase-based inversion are compared with numerical examples, which indicates that in the case without low frequency information in seismic data, our method is an effective and efficient approach for initial model construction for full waveform inversion.

Phase distribution of spliceosomal introns: implications for intron origin

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Hung D; Yoshihama, Maki; Kenmochi, Naoya

2006-01-01

Background The origin of spliceosomal introns is the central subject of the introns-early versus introns-late debate. The distribution of intron phases is non-uniform, with an excess of phase-0 introns. Introns-early explains this by speculating that a fraction of present-day introns were present between minigenes in the progenote and therefore must lie in phase-0. In contrast, introns-late predicts that the nonuniformity of intron phase distribution reflects the nonrandomness of intron insertions. Results In this paper, we tested the two theories using analyses of intron phase distribution. We inferred the evolution of intron phase distribution from a dataset of 684 gene orthologs from seven eukaryotes using a maximum likelihood method. We also tested whether the observed intron phase distributions from 10 eukaryotes can be explained by intron insertions on a genome-wide scale. In contrast to the prediction of introns-early, the inferred evolution of intron phase distribution showed that the proportion of phase-0 introns increased over evolution. Consistent with introns-late, the observed intron phase distributions matched those predicted by an intron insertion model quite well. Conclusion Our results strongly support the introns-late hypothesis of the origin of spliceosomal introns. PMID:16959043

The phase diagram of ammonium nitrate.

PubMed

Chellappa, Raja S; Dattelbaum, Dana M; Velisavljevic, Nenad; Sheffield, Stephen

2012-08-14

The pressure-temperature (P-T) phase diagram of ammonium nitrate (AN) [NH(4)NO(3)] has been determined using synchrotron x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy measurements. Phase boundaries were established by characterizing phase transitions to the high temperature polymorphs during multiple P-T measurements using both XRD and Raman spectroscopy measurements. At room temperature, the ambient pressure orthorhombic (Pmmn) AN-IV phase was stable up to 45 GPa and no phase transitions were observed. AN-IV phase was also observed to be stable in a large P-T phase space. The phase boundaries are steep with a small phase stability regime for high temperature phases. A P-V-T equation of state based on a high temperature Birch-Murnaghan formalism was obtained by simultaneously fitting the P-V isotherms at 298, 325, 446, and 467 K, thermal expansion data at 1 bar, and volumes from P-T ramping experiments. Anomalous thermal expansion behavior of AN was observed at high pressure with a modest negative thermal expansion in the 3-11 GPa range for temperatures up to 467 K. The role of vibrational anharmonicity in this anomalous thermal expansion behavior has been established using high P-T Raman spectroscopy.

The phase diagram of ammonium nitrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chellappa, Raja S.; Dattelbaum, Dana M.; Velisavljevic, Nenad; Sheffield, Stephen

2012-08-01

The pressure-temperature (P-T) phase diagram of ammonium nitrate (AN) [NH4NO3] has been determined using synchrotron x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy measurements. Phase boundaries were established by characterizing phase transitions to the high temperature polymorphs during multiple P-T measurements using both XRD and Raman spectroscopy measurements. At room temperature, the ambient pressure orthorhombic (Pmmn) AN-IV phase was stable up to 45 GPa and no phase transitions were observed. AN-IV phase was also observed to be stable in a large P-T phase space. The phase boundaries are steep with a small phase stability regime for high temperature phases. A P-V-T equation of state based on a high temperature Birch-Murnaghan formalism was obtained by simultaneously fitting the P-V isotherms at 298, 325, 446, and 467 K, thermal expansion data at 1 bar, and volumes from P-T ramping experiments. Anomalous thermal expansion behavior of AN was observed at high pressure with a modest negative thermal expansion in the 3-11 GPa range for temperatures up to 467 K. The role of vibrational anharmonicity in this anomalous thermal expansion behavior has been established using high P-T Raman spectroscopy.

Ultra-wideband microwave photonic phase shifter with a 360° tunable phase shift based on an erbium-ytterbium co-doped linearly chirped FBG.

PubMed

Liu, Weilin; Yao, Jianping

2014-02-15

A simple photonic approach to implementing an ultra-wideband microwave phase shifter based on an erbium-ytterbium (Er/Yb) co-doped linearly chirped fiber Bragg grating (LCFBG) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The LCFBG is designed to have a constant magnitude response over a reflection band, and a phase response that is linear and nonlinear in two sections in the reflection band. When an optical single-sideband with carrier (OSSB+C) signal is sent to the LCFBG, by locating the optical carrier at the section corresponding to the nonlinear phase response and the sideband at the section corresponding to the linear phase response, a phase shift is introduced to the optical carrier, which is then translated to the microwave signal by beating the optical carrier and the sideband at a photodetector. The tuning of the phase shift is realized by optically pumping the Er/Yb co-doped LCFBG by a 980-nm laser diode. The proposed ultra-wideband microwave photonic phase shifter is experimentally demonstrated. A phase shifter with a full 360° phase shift with a bandwidth from 10 to 40 GHz is experimentally demonstrated.

Phase Transition and Physical Properties of InS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hai-Yan; Li, Xiao-Feng; Xu, Lei; Li, Xu-Sheng; Hu, Qian-Ku

2018-02-01

Using the crystal structure prediction method based on particle swarm optimization algorithm, three phases (Pnnm, C2/m and Pm-3m) for InS are predicted. The new phase Pm-3m of InS under high pressure is firstly reported in the work. The structural features and electronic structure under high pressure of InS are fully investigated. We predicted the stable ground-state structure of InS was the Pnnm phase and phase transformation of InS from Pnnm phase to Pm-3m phase is firstly found at the pressure of about 29.5 GPa. According to the calculated enthalpies of InS with four structures in the pressure range from 20 GPa to 45 GPa, we find the C2/m phase is a metastable phase. The calculated band gap value of about 2.08 eV for InS with Pnnm structure at 0 GPa agrees well with the experimental value. Moreover, the electronic structure suggests that the C2/m and Pm-3m phase are metallic phases. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos. 11404099, 11304140, 11147167 and Funds of Outstanding Youth of Henan Polytechnic University, China under Grant No. J2014-05

Countercurrent distribution of biological cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

It is known that the addition of phosphate buffer to two polymer aqueous phase systems has a strong effect on the partition behavior of cells and other particles in such mixtures. The addition of sodium phosphate to aqueous poly(ethylene glycol) dextran phase systems causes a concentration-dependent shift in binodial on the phase diagram, progressively lowering the critical conditions for phase separation as the phosphate concentration is increased. Sodium chloride produces no significant shift in the critical point relative to the salt-free case. Accurate determinations of the phase diagram require measurements of the density of the phases; data is presented which allows this parameter to be calculated from polarimetric measurements of the dextran concentrations of both phases. Increasing polymer concentrations in the phase systems produce increasing preference of the phosphate for the dextran-rich bottom phase. Equilibrium dialysis experiments showed that poly(ethylene glycol) effectively rejected phosphate, and to a lesser extent chloride, but that dextran had little effect on the distribution of either salt. Increasing ionic strength via addition of 0.15 M NaCl to phase systems containing 0.01 M phosphate produces an increased concentration of phosphate ions in the bottom dextran-rich phase, the expected effect in this type of Donnan distribution.

Highly noise-tolerant hybrid algorithm for phase retrieval from a single-shot spatial carrier fringe pattern

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Zhichao; Cheng, Haobo

2018-01-01

A highly noise-tolerant hybrid algorithm (NTHA) is proposed in this study for phase retrieval from a single-shot spatial carrier fringe pattern (SCFP), which effectively combines the merits of spatial carrier phase shift method and two dimensional continuous wavelet transform (2D-CWT). NTHA firstly extracts three phase-shifted fringe patterns from the SCFP with one pixel malposition; then calculates phase gradients by subtracting the reference phase from the other two target phases, which are retrieved respectively from three phase-shifted fringe patterns by 2D-CWT; finally, reconstructs the phase map by a least square gradient integration method. Its typical characters include but not limited to: (1) doesn't require the spatial carrier to be constant; (2) the subtraction mitigates edge errors of 2D-CWT; (3) highly noise-tolerant, because not only 2D-CWT is noise-insensitive, but also the noise in the fringe pattern doesn't directly take part in the phase reconstruction as in previous hybrid algorithm. Its feasibility and performances are validated extensively by simulations and contrastive experiments to temporal phase shift method, Fourier transform and 2D-CWT methods.