An integrated platform for simultaneous multi-well field potential recording and Fura-2-based calcium transient ratiometry in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes.

PubMed

Rast, Georg; Weber, Jürgen; Disch, Christoph; Schuck, Elmar; Ittrich, Carina; Guth, Brian D

2015-01-01

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes are available from various sources and they are being evaluated for safety testing. Several platforms are available offering different assay principles and read-out parameters: patch-clamp and field potential recording, imaging or photometry, impedance measurement, and recording of contractile force. Routine use will establish which assay principle and which parameters best serve the intended purpose. We introduce a combination of field potential recording and calcium ratiometry from spontaneously beating cardiomyocytes as a novel assay providing a complementary read-out parameter set. Field potential recording is performed using a commercial multi-well multi-electrode array platform. Calcium ratiometry is performed using a fiber optic illumination and silicon avalanche photodetectors. Data condensation and statistical analysis are designed to enable statistical inference of differences and equivalence with regard to a solvent control. Simultaneous recording of field potentials and calcium transients from spontaneously beating monolayers was done in a nine-well format. Calcium channel blockers (e.g. nifedipine) and a blocker of calcium store release (ryanodine) can be recognized and discriminated based on the calcium transient signal. An agonist of L-type calcium channels, FPL 64176, increased and prolonged the calcium transient, whereas BAY K 8644, another L-type calcium channel agonist, had no effect. Both FPL 64176 and various calcium channel antagonists have chronotropic effects, which can be discriminated from typical "chronotropic" compounds, like (±)isoprenaline (positive) and arecaidine propargyl ester (negative), based on their effects on the calcium transient. Despite technical limitations in temporal resolution and exact matching of composite calcium transient with the field potential of a subset of cells, the combined recording platform enables a refined interpretation of the field potential recording and a more reliable identification of drug effects on calcium handling. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Occupational Exposure to Magnetic Fields and Motor Neuron Disease Mortality in a Population-Based Cohort

PubMed Central

Parlett, Lauren E.; Bowman, Joseph D.; van Wijngaarden, Edwin

2015-01-01

Objective Epidemiologic evidence for the association between electromagnetic fields and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the most common form of motor neuron disease (MND), has been inconclusive. We evaluated the association between electromagnetic fields and MND among workers in occupations potentially exposed to magnetic fields. Methods MND mortality (ICD-9 335.2) was examined in the National Longitudinal Mortality Study using multivariable proportional hazards models. Occupational exposure to magnetic fields was determined on the basis of a population-based job-exposure matrix. Age at entry, education, race, sex, and income were considered for inclusion as covariates. Results After adjusting for age, sex, and education, there were no increased risks of MND mortality in relation to potential magnetic field exposure, with hazard ratios around the null in all magnetic field exposure quartiles. Conclusions Our study does not provide evidence for an association between magnetic field exposure and MND mortality. PMID:22076040

Inter-layer potential for hexagonal boron nitride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leven, Itai; Azuri, Ido; Kronik, Leeor; Hod, Oded

2014-03-01

A new interlayer force-field for layered hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) based structures is presented. The force-field contains three terms representing the interlayer attraction due to dispersive interactions, repulsion due to anisotropic overlaps of electron clouds, and monopolar electrostatic interactions. With appropriate parameterization, the potential is able to simultaneously capture well the binding and lateral sliding energies of planar h-BN based dimer systems as well as the interlayer telescoping and rotation of double walled boron-nitride nanotubes of different crystallographic orientations. The new potential thus allows for the accurate and efficient modeling and simulation of large-scale h-BN based layered structures.

Creating analytically divergence-free velocity fields from grid-based data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ravu, Bharath; Rudman, Murray; Metcalfe, Guy; Lester, Daniel R.; Khakhar, Devang V.

2016-10-01

We present a method, based on B-splines, to calculate a C2 continuous analytic vector potential from discrete 3D velocity data on a regular grid. A continuous analytically divergence-free velocity field can then be obtained from the curl of the potential. This field can be used to robustly and accurately integrate particle trajectories in incompressible flow fields. Based on the method of Finn and Chacon (2005) [10] this new method ensures that the analytic velocity field matches the grid values almost everywhere, with errors that are two to four orders of magnitude lower than those of existing methods. We demonstrate its application to three different problems (each in a different coordinate system) and provide details of the specifics required in each case. We show how the additional accuracy of the method results in qualitatively and quantitatively superior trajectories that results in more accurate identification of Lagrangian coherent structures.

Graphic comparison of reserve-growth models for conventional oil and accumulation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Klett, T.R.

2003-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) periodically assesses crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids resources of the world. The assessment procedure requires estimated recover-able oil and natural gas volumes (field size, cumulative production plus remaining reserves) in discovered fields. Because initial reserves are typically conservative, subsequent estimates increase through time as these fields are developed and produced. The USGS assessment of petroleum resources makes estimates, or forecasts, of the potential additions to reserves in discovered oil and gas fields resulting from field development, and it also estimates the potential fully developed sizes of undiscovered fields. The term ?reserve growth? refers to the commonly observed upward adjustment of reserve estimates. Because such additions are related to increases in the total size of a field, the USGS uses field sizes to model reserve growth. Future reserve growth in existing fields is a major component of remaining U.S. oil and natural gas resources and has therefore become a necessary element of U.S. petroleum resource assessments. Past and currently proposed reserve-growth models compared herein aid in the selection of a suitable set of forecast functions to provide an estimate of potential additions to reserves from reserve growth in the ongoing National Oil and Gas Assessment Project (NOGA). Reserve growth is modeled by construction of a curve that represents annual fractional changes of recoverable oil and natural gas volumes (for fields and reservoirs), which provides growth factors. Growth factors are used to calculate forecast functions, which are sets of field- or reservoir-size multipliers. Comparisons of forecast functions were made based on datasets used to construct the models, field type, modeling method, and length of forecast span. Comparisons were also made between forecast functions based on field-level and reservoir- level growth, and between forecast functions based on older and newer data. The reserve-growth model used in the 1995 USGS National Assessment and the model currently used in the NOGA project provide forecast functions that yield similar estimates of potential additions to reserves. Both models are based on the Oil and Gas Integrated Field File from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), but different vintages of data (from 1977 through 1991 and 1977 through 1996, respectively). The model based on newer data can be used in place of the previous model, providing similar estimates of potential additions to reserves. Fore-cast functions for oil fields vary little from those for gas fields in these models; therefore, a single function may be used for both oil and gas fields, like that used in the USGS World Petroleum Assessment 2000. Forecast functions based on the field-level reserve growth model derived from the NRG Associates databases (from 1982 through 1998) differ from those derived from EIA databases (from 1977 through 1996). However, the difference may not be enough to preclude the use of the forecast functions derived from NRG data in place of the forecast functions derived from EIA data. Should the model derived from NRG data be used, separate forecast functions for oil fields and gas fields must be employed. The forecast function for oil fields from the model derived from NRG data varies significantly from that for gas fields, and a single function for both oil and gas fields may not be appropriate.

Representation of magnetic fields in space. [special attention to Geomagnetic fields and Magnetospheric models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stern, D. P.

1976-01-01

Several mathematical methods which are available for the description of magnetic fields in space are reviewed. Examples of the application of such methods are given, with particular emphasis on work related to the geomagnetic field, and their individual properties and associated problems are described. The methods are grouped in five main classes: (1) methods based on the current density, (2) methods using the scalar magnetic potential, (3) toroidal and poloidal components of the field and spherical vector harmonics, (4) Euler potentials, and (5) local expansions of the field near a given reference point. Special attention is devoted to models of the magnetosphere, to the uniqueness of the scalar potential as derived from observed data, and to the L parameter.

Conductance of graphene based normal-superconductor junction with double magnetic barriers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdollahipour, B.; Mohebalipour, A.; Maleki, M. A.

2018-05-01

We study conductance of a graphene based normal metal-superconductor junction with two magnetic barriers. The magnetic barriers are induced via two applied magnetic fields with the same magnitudes and opposite directions accompanied by an applied electrostatic potential. We solve Dirac-Bogoliubov-De-Gennes (DBdG) equation to calculate conductance of the junction. We find that applying the magnetic field leads to suppression of the Andreev reflection and conductance for all energies. On the other hand, we observe a crossover from oscillatory to tunneling behavior of the conductance as a function of the applied potential by increasing the magnetic field.

Bunker probe: A plasma potential probe almost insensitive to its orientation with the magnetic field

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

Costea, S., E-mail: stefan.costea@uibk.ac.at; Schneider, B. S.; Schrittwieser, R.

Due to their ability to suppress a large part of the electron current and thus measuring directly the plasma potential, ion sensitive probes have begun to be widely tested and used in fusion devices. For these probes to work, almost perfect alignment with the total magnetic field is necessary. This condition cannot always be fulfilled due to the curvature of magnetic fields, complex magnetic structure, or magnetic field reconnection. In this perspective, we have developed a plasma potential probe (named Bunker probe) based on the principle of the ion sensitive probe but almost insensitive to its orientation with the totalmore » magnetic field. Therefore it can be used to measure the plasma potential inside fusion devices, especially in regions with complex magnetic field topology. Experimental results are presented and compared with Ball-Pen probe measurements taken under identical conditions. We have observed that the floating potential of the Bunker probe is indeed little affected by its orientation with the magnetic field for angles ranging from 90° to 30°, in contrast to the Ball-Pen probe whose floating potential decreases towards that of a Langmuir probe if not properly aligned with the magnetic field.« less

Self-constrained inversion of potential fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paoletti, V.; Ialongo, S.; Florio, G.; Fedi, M.; Cella, F.

2013-11-01

We present a potential-field-constrained inversion procedure based on a priori information derived exclusively from the analysis of the gravity and magnetic data (self-constrained inversion). The procedure is designed to be applied to underdetermined problems and involves scenarios where the source distribution can be assumed to be of simple character. To set up effective constraints, we first estimate through the analysis of the gravity or magnetic field some or all of the following source parameters: the source depth-to-the-top, the structural index, the horizontal position of the source body edges and their dip. The second step is incorporating the information related to these constraints in the objective function as depth and spatial weighting functions. We show, through 2-D and 3-D synthetic and real data examples, that potential field-based constraints, for example, structural index, source boundaries and others, are usually enough to obtain substantial improvement in the density and magnetization models.

Satellite-based assessment of yield variation and its determinants in smallholder African systems

PubMed Central

Lobell, David B.

2017-01-01

The emergence of satellite sensors that can routinely observe millions of individual smallholder farms raises possibilities for monitoring and understanding agricultural productivity in many regions of the world. Here we demonstrate the potential to track smallholder maize yield variation in western Kenya, using a combination of 1-m Terra Bella imagery and intensive field sampling on thousands of fields over 2 y. We find that agreement between satellite-based and traditional field survey-based yield estimates depends significantly on the quality of the field-based measures, with agreement highest (R2 up to 0.4) when using precise field measures of plot area and when using larger fields for which rounding errors are smaller. We further show that satellite-based measures are able to detect positive yield responses to fertilizer and hybrid seed inputs and that the inferred responses are statistically indistinguishable from estimates based on survey-based yields. These results suggest that high-resolution satellite imagery can be used to make predictions of smallholder agricultural productivity that are roughly as accurate as the survey-based measures traditionally used in research and policy applications, and they indicate a substantial near-term potential to quickly generate useful datasets on productivity in smallholder systems, even with minimal or no field training data. Such datasets could rapidly accelerate learning about which interventions in smallholder systems have the most positive impact, thus enabling more rapid transformation of rural livelihoods. PMID:28202728

Satellite-based assessment of yield variation and its determinants in smallholder African systems.

PubMed

Burke, Marshall; Lobell, David B

2017-02-28

The emergence of satellite sensors that can routinely observe millions of individual smallholder farms raises possibilities for monitoring and understanding agricultural productivity in many regions of the world. Here we demonstrate the potential to track smallholder maize yield variation in western Kenya, using a combination of 1-m Terra Bella imagery and intensive field sampling on thousands of fields over 2 y. We find that agreement between satellite-based and traditional field survey-based yield estimates depends significantly on the quality of the field-based measures, with agreement highest ([Formula: see text] up to 0.4) when using precise field measures of plot area and when using larger fields for which rounding errors are smaller. We further show that satellite-based measures are able to detect positive yield responses to fertilizer and hybrid seed inputs and that the inferred responses are statistically indistinguishable from estimates based on survey-based yields. These results suggest that high-resolution satellite imagery can be used to make predictions of smallholder agricultural productivity that are roughly as accurate as the survey-based measures traditionally used in research and policy applications, and they indicate a substantial near-term potential to quickly generate useful datasets on productivity in smallholder systems, even with minimal or no field training data. Such datasets could rapidly accelerate learning about which interventions in smallholder systems have the most positive impact, thus enabling more rapid transformation of rural livelihoods.

Scalar/Vector potential formulation for compressible viscous unsteady flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morino, L.

1985-01-01

A scalar/vector potential formulation for unsteady viscous compressible flows is presented. The scalar/vector potential formulation is based on the classical Helmholtz decomposition of any vector field into the sum of an irrotational and a solenoidal field. The formulation is derived from fundamental principles of mechanics and thermodynamics. The governing equations for the scalar potential and vector potential are obtained, without restrictive assumptions on either the equation of state or the constitutive relations or the stress tensor and the heat flux vector.

Palaeomagnetic dating method accounting for post-depositional remanence and its application to geomagnetic field modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nilsson, A.; Suttie, N.

2016-12-01

Sedimentary palaeomagnetic data may exhibit some degree of smoothing of the recorded field due to the gradual processes by which the magnetic signal is `locked-in' over time. Here we present a new Bayesian method to construct age-depth models based on palaeomagnetic data, taking into account and correcting for potential lock-in delay. The age-depth model is built on the widely used "Bacon" dating software by Blaauw and Christen (2011, Bayesian Analysis 6, 457-474) and is designed to combine both radiocarbon and palaeomagnetic measurements. To our knowledge, this is the first palaeomagnetic dating method that addresses the potential problems related post-depositional remanent magnetisation acquisition in age-depth modelling. Age-depth models, including site specific lock-in depth and lock-in filter function, produced with this method are shown to be consistent with independent results based on radiocarbon wiggle match dated sediment sections. Besides its primary use as a dating tool, our new method can also be used specifically to identify the most likely lock-in parameters for a specific record. We explore the potential to use these results to construct high-resolution geomagnetic field models based on sedimentary palaeomagnetic data, adjusting for smoothing induced by post-depositional remanent magnetisation acquisition. Potentially, this technique could enable reconstructions of Holocene geomagnetic field with the same amplitude of variability observed in archaeomagnetic field models for the past three millennia.

Agent-based modeling as a tool for program design and evaluation.

PubMed

Lawlor, Jennifer A; McGirr, Sara

2017-12-01

Recently, systems thinking and systems science approaches have gained popularity in the field of evaluation; however, there has been relatively little exploration of how evaluators could use quantitative tools to assist in the implementation of systems approaches therein. The purpose of this paper is to explore potential uses of one such quantitative tool, agent-based modeling, in evaluation practice. To this end, we define agent-based modeling and offer potential uses for it in typical evaluation activities, including: engaging stakeholders, selecting an intervention, modeling program theory, setting performance targets, and interpreting evaluation results. We provide demonstrative examples from published agent-based modeling efforts both inside and outside the field of evaluation for each of the evaluative activities discussed. We further describe potential pitfalls of this tool and offer cautions for evaluators who may chose to implement it in their practice. Finally, the article concludes with a discussion of the future of agent-based modeling in evaluation practice and a call for more formal exploration of this tool as well as other approaches to simulation modeling in the field. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analytical Tools for Investigating and Modeling Agent-Based Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-06-01

of Black Holes Cluster 10 : Juan M. Maldacena (1924), Journal of High Energy Physics Field theory models for tachyon and gauge field string dy...namics; Super-Poincare Invariant Superstring Field The- ory; Level Four Approximation to the Tachyon Potential in Superstring Field Theory; SO(32) Spinors

Stability of parallel electroosmotic flow subject to an axial modulated electric field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suresh, Vinod; Homsy, George

2001-11-01

The stability of parallel electroosmotic flow in a micro-channel subjected to an AC electric field is studied. A spatially uniform time harmonic electric field is applied along the length of a two-dimensional micro-channel containing a dilute electrolytic solution, resulting in a time periodic parallel flow. The top and bottom walls of the channel are maintained at constant potential. The base state ion concentrations and double layer potential are determined using the Poisson-Boltzmann equation in the Debye-Hückel approximation. Experiments by other workers (Santiago et. al., unpublished) have shown that such a system can exhibit instabilities that take the form of mixing motion occurring in the bulk flow outside the double layer. It is shown that such instabilities can potentially result from the coupling of disturbances in the ion concentrations or electric potential to the base state velocity or ion concentrations, respectively. The stability boundary of the system is determined using Floquet theory and its dependence on the modulation frequency and amplitude of the axial electric field is studied.

Development of a Josephson vortex two-state system based on a confocal annular Josephson junction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monaco, Roberto; Mygind, Jesper; Koshelets, Valery P.

2018-07-01

We report theoretical and experimental work on the development of a Josephson vortex two-state system based on a confocal annular Josephson tunnel junction (CAJTJ). The key ingredient of this geometrical configuration is a periodically variable width that generates a spatial vortex potential with bistable states. This intrinsic vortex potential can be tuned by an externally applied magnetic field and tilted by a bias current. The two-state system is accurately modeled by a one-dimensional sine-Gordon like equation by means of which one can numerically calculate both the magnetic field needed to set the vortex in a given state as well as the vortex-depinning currents. Experimental data taken at 4.2 {{K}} on high-quality Nb/Al-AlOx/Nb CAJTJs with an individual trapped fluxon advocate the presence of a robust and finely tunable double-well potential for which reliable manipulation of the vortex state has been classically demonstrated. The vortex is prepared in a given potential by means of an externally applied magnetic field, while the state readout is accomplished by measuring the vortex-depinning current in a small magnetic field. Our proof of principle experiment convincingly demonstrates that the proposed vortex two-state system based on CAJTJs is robust and workable.

Field emitter displays for future avionics applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, Susan K.; Jones, Gary W.; Zimmerman, Steven M.; Blazejewski, Edward R.

1995-06-01

Field emitter array-based display technology offers CRT-like characteristics in a thin flat-panel display with many potential applications for vehicle-mounted, crew workstation, and helmet-mounted displays, as well as many other military and commercial applications. In addition to thinness, high brightness, wide viewing angle, wide temperature range, and low weight, field emitter array displays also offer potential advantages such as row-at-a-time matrix addressability and the ability to be segmented.

High field CdS detector for infrared radiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tyagi, R. C.; Robertson, J. B.; Boer, K. W.; Hadley, H. C., Jr. (Inventor)

1974-01-01

An infrared radiation detector including a cadmium sulfide platelet having a cathode formed on one of its ends and an anode formed on its other end is presented. The platelet is suitably doped such that stationary high-field domains are formed adjacent the cathode when based in the negative differential conductivity region. A negative potential is applied to the cathode such that a high-field domain is formed adjacent to the cathode. A potential measuring probe is located between the cathode and the anode at the edge of the high-field domain and means are provided for measuring the potential at the probe whereby this measurement is indicative of the infrared radiation striking the platelet.

Potential roughness near lithographically fabricated atom chips

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

Krueger, P.; Laboratoire Kastler Brossel, Ecole Normale Superieure, 24 Rue Lhomond, F-75005 Paris; Andersson, L. M.

2007-12-15

Potential roughness has been reported to severely impair experiments in magnetic microtraps. We show that these obstacles can be overcome as we measure disorder potentials that are reduced by two orders of magnitude near lithographically patterned high-quality gold layers on semiconductor atom chip substrates. The spectrum of the remaining field variations exhibits a favorable scaling. A detailed analysis of the magnetic field roughness of a 100-{mu}m-wide wire shows that these potentials stem from minute variations of the current flow caused by local properties of the wire rather than merely from rough edges. A technique for further reduction of potential roughnessmore » by several orders of magnitude based on time-orbiting magnetic fields is outlined.« less

Field resonance propulsion concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holt, A. C.

1979-01-01

A propulsion concept was developed based on a proposed resonance between coherent, pulsed electromagnetic wave forms, and gravitational wave forms (or space-time metrics). Using this concept a spacecraft propulsion system potentially capable of galactic and intergalactic travel without prohibitive travel times was designed. The propulsion system utilizes recent research associated with magnetic field line merging, hydromagnetic wave effects, free-electron lasers, laser generation of megagauss fields, and special structural and containment metals. The research required to determine potential, field resonance characteristics and to evaluate various aspects of the spacecraft propulsion design is described.

Evaluating Differences in Landscape Interpretation between Webcam and Field-Based Experiences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kolivras, Korine N.; Luebbering, Candice R.; Resler, Lynn M.

2012-01-01

Field trips have become less common due to issues including budget constraints and large class sizes. Research suggests that virtual field trips can substitute for field visits, but the role of webcams has not been evaluated. To investigate the potential for webcams to substitute for field trips, participants viewed urban and physical landscapes…

Non-singular spherical harmonic expressions of geomagnetic vector and gradient tensor fields in the local north-oriented reference frame

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, J.; Chen, C.; Lesur, V.; Wang, L.

2015-07-01

General expressions of magnetic vector (MV) and magnetic gradient tensor (MGT) in terms of the first- and second-order derivatives of spherical harmonics at different degrees/orders are relatively complicated and singular at the poles. In this paper, we derived alternative non-singular expressions for the MV, the MGT and also the third-order partial derivatives of the magnetic potential field in the local north-oriented reference frame. Using our newly derived formulae, the magnetic potential, vector and gradient tensor fields and also the third-order partial derivatives of the magnetic potential field at an altitude of 300 km are calculated based on a global lithospheric magnetic field model GRIMM_L120 (GFZ Reference Internal Magnetic Model, version 0.0) with spherical harmonic degrees 16-90. The corresponding results at the poles are discussed and the validity of the derived formulas is verified using the Laplace equation of the magnetic potential field.

Global height datum unification: a new approach in gravity potential space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ardalan, A. A.; Safari, A.

2005-12-01

The problem of “global height datum unification” is solved in the gravity potential space based on: (1) high-resolution local gravity field modeling, (2) geocentric coordinates of the reference benchmark, and (3) a known value of the geoid’s potential. The high-resolution local gravity field model is derived based on a solution of the fixed-free two-boundary-value problem of the Earth’s gravity field using (a) potential difference values (from precise leveling), (b) modulus of the gravity vector (from gravimetry), (c) astronomical longitude and latitude (from geodetic astronomy and/or combination of (GNSS) Global Navigation Satellite System observations with total station measurements), (d) and satellite altimetry. Knowing the height of the reference benchmark in the national height system and its geocentric GNSS coordinates, and using the derived high-resolution local gravity field model, the gravity potential value of the zero point of the height system is computed. The difference between the derived gravity potential value of the zero point of the height system and the geoid’s potential value is computed. This potential difference gives the offset of the zero point of the height system from geoid in the “potential space”, which is transferred into “geometry space” using the transformation formula derived in this paper. The method was applied to the computation of the offset of the zero point of the Iranian height datum from the geoid’s potential value W 0=62636855.8 m2/s2. According to the geometry space computations, the height datum of Iran is 0.09 m below the geoid.

Environmental characterisation of coal mine waste rock in the field: an example from New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hughes, J.; Craw, D.; Peake, B.; Lindsay, P.; Weber, P.

2007-08-01

Characterisation of mine waste rock with respect to acid generation potential is a necessary part of routine mine operations, so that environmentally benign waste rock stacks can be constructed for permanent storage. Standard static characterisation techniques, such as acid neutralisation capacity (ANC), maximum potential acidity, and associated acid-base accounting, require laboratory tests that can be difficult to obtain rapidly at remote mine sites. We show that a combination of paste pH and a simple portable carbonate dissolution test, both techniques that can be done in the field in a 15 min time-frame, is useful for distinguishing rocks that are potentially acid-forming from those that are acid-neutralising. Use of these techniques could allow characterisation of mine wastes at the metre scale during mine excavation operations. Our application of these techniques to pyrite-bearing (total S = 1-4 wt%) but variably calcareous coal mine overburden shows that there is a strong correlation between the portable carbonate dissolution technique and laboratory-determined ANC measurements (range of 0-10 wt% calcite equivalent). Paste pH measurements on the same rocks are bimodal, with high-sulphur, low-calcite rocks yielding pH near 3 after 10 min, whereas high-ANC rocks yield paste pH of 7-8. In our coal mine example, the field tests were most effective when used in conjunction with stratigraphy. However, the same field tests have potential for routine use in any mine in which distinction of acid-generating rocks from acid-neutralising rocks is required. Calibration of field-based acid-base accounting characteristics of the rocks with laboratory-based static and/or kinetic tests is still necessary.

Fate of inflation and the natural reduction of vacuum energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamichi, Akika; Morikawa, Masahiro

2014-04-01

In the standard cosmology, an artificial fine tuning of the potential is inevitable for vanishing cosmological constant, though slow-rolling uniform scalar field easily causes cosmic inflation. We focus on the general fact that any potential with negative region can temporally halt the cosmic expansion at the end of inflation, where the field tends to diverge. This violent evolution naturally causes particle production and strong instability of the uniform configuration of the fields. Decaying of this uniform scalar field would leave vanishing cosmological constant as well as locally collapsed objects. The universe then continues to evolve into the standard Freedman model. We study the detail of the instability, based on the linear analysis, and the subsequent fate of the scalar field, based on the non-linear numerical analysis. The collapsed scalar field would easily exceed the Kaup limiting mass and forms primordial black holes, which may play an important role in galaxy formation in later stages of cosmic expansion. We systematically describe the above scenario by identifying the scalar field as the boson field condensation (BEC) and the inflation as the process of phase transition of them.

Support vector machines-based modelling of seismic liquefaction potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pal, Mahesh

2006-08-01

This paper investigates the potential of support vector machines (SVM)-based classification approach to assess the liquefaction potential from actual standard penetration test (SPT) and cone penetration test (CPT) field data. SVMs are based on statistical learning theory and found to work well in comparison to neural networks in several other applications. Both CPT and SPT field data sets is used with SVMs for predicting the occurrence and non-occurrence of liquefaction based on different input parameter combination. With SPT and CPT test data sets, highest accuracy of 96 and 97%, respectively, was achieved with SVMs. This suggests that SVMs can effectively be used to model the complex relationship between different soil parameter and the liquefaction potential. Several other combinations of input variable were used to assess the influence of different input parameters on liquefaction potential. Proposed approach suggest that neither normalized cone resistance value with CPT data nor the calculation of standardized SPT value is required with SPT data. Further, SVMs required few user-defined parameters and provide better performance in comparison to neural network approach.

3D reconstruction of the magnetic vector potential using model based iterative reconstruction

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

Prabhat, K. C.; Aditya Mohan, K.; Phatak, Charudatta

Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations of magnetic nanoparticles contain information on the magnetic and electrostatic potentials. Vector field electron tomography (VFET) can be used to reconstruct electromagnetic potentials of the nanoparticles from their corresponding LTEM images. The VFET approach is based on the conventional filtered back projection approach to tomographic reconstructions and the availability of an incomplete set of measurements due to experimental limitations means that the reconstructed vector fields exhibit significant artifacts. In this paper, we outline a model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) algorithm to reconstruct the magnetic vector potential of magnetic nanoparticles. We combine a forward model formore » image formation in TEM experiments with a prior model to formulate the tomographic problem as a maximum a-posteriori probability estimation problem (MAP). The MAP cost function is minimized iteratively to determine the vector potential. Here, a comparative reconstruction study of simulated as well as experimental data sets show that the MBIR approach yields quantifiably better reconstructions than the VFET approach.« less

3D reconstruction of the magnetic vector potential using model based iterative reconstruction.

PubMed

Prabhat, K C; Aditya Mohan, K; Phatak, Charudatta; Bouman, Charles; De Graef, Marc

2017-11-01

Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations of magnetic nanoparticles contain information on the magnetic and electrostatic potentials. Vector field electron tomography (VFET) can be used to reconstruct electromagnetic potentials of the nanoparticles from their corresponding LTEM images. The VFET approach is based on the conventional filtered back projection approach to tomographic reconstructions and the availability of an incomplete set of measurements due to experimental limitations means that the reconstructed vector fields exhibit significant artifacts. In this paper, we outline a model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) algorithm to reconstruct the magnetic vector potential of magnetic nanoparticles. We combine a forward model for image formation in TEM experiments with a prior model to formulate the tomographic problem as a maximum a-posteriori probability estimation problem (MAP). The MAP cost function is minimized iteratively to determine the vector potential. A comparative reconstruction study of simulated as well as experimental data sets show that the MBIR approach yields quantifiably better reconstructions than the VFET approach. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

3D reconstruction of the magnetic vector potential using model based iterative reconstruction

DOE PAGES

Prabhat, K. C.; Aditya Mohan, K.; Phatak, Charudatta; ...

2017-07-03

Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations of magnetic nanoparticles contain information on the magnetic and electrostatic potentials. Vector field electron tomography (VFET) can be used to reconstruct electromagnetic potentials of the nanoparticles from their corresponding LTEM images. The VFET approach is based on the conventional filtered back projection approach to tomographic reconstructions and the availability of an incomplete set of measurements due to experimental limitations means that the reconstructed vector fields exhibit significant artifacts. In this paper, we outline a model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) algorithm to reconstruct the magnetic vector potential of magnetic nanoparticles. We combine a forward model formore » image formation in TEM experiments with a prior model to formulate the tomographic problem as a maximum a-posteriori probability estimation problem (MAP). The MAP cost function is minimized iteratively to determine the vector potential. Here, a comparative reconstruction study of simulated as well as experimental data sets show that the MBIR approach yields quantifiably better reconstructions than the VFET approach.« less

Tower Illuminance Model

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

Ho, Clifford K.; Sims, Cianan

TIM is a real-time interactive concentrating solar field simulation. TIM models a concentrating tower (receiver), heliostat field, and potential reflected glare based on user-specified parameters such as field capacity, tower height and location. TIM provides a navigable 3D interface, allowing the user to “fly” around the field to determine the potential glare hazard from off-target heliostats. Various heliostat aiming strategies are available for specifying how heliostats behave when in standby mode. Strategies include annulus, point-per-group, up-aiming and single-point-focus. Additionally, TIM includes an avian path feature for approximating the irradiance and feather temperature of a bird flying through the field airspace.

Coupled fluid-structure interaction. Part 1: Theory. Part 2: Application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Felippa, Carlos A.; Ohayon, Roger

1991-01-01

A general three dimensional variational principle is obtained for the motion of an acoustic field enclosed in a rigid or flexible container by the method of canonical decomposition applied to a modified form of the wave equation in the displacement potential. The general principle is specialized to a mixed two-field principle that contains the fluid displacement potential and pressure as independent fields. Semidiscrete finite element equations of motion based on this principle are derived and sample cases are given.

Recent developments in trapping and manipulation of atoms with adiabatic potentials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garraway, Barry M.; Perrin, Hélène

2016-09-01

A combination of static and oscillating magnetic fields can be used to ‘dress’ atoms with radio-frequency (RF), or microwave, radiation. The spatial variation of these fields can be used to create an enormous variety of traps for ultra-cold atoms and quantum gases. This article reviews the type and character of these adiabatic traps and the applications which include atom interferometry and the study of low-dimensional quantum systems. We introduce the main concepts of magnetic traps leading to adiabatic dressed traps. The concept of adiabaticity is discussed in the context of the Landau-Zener model. The first bubble trap experiment is reviewed together with the method used for loading it. Experiments based on atom chips show the production of double wells and ring traps. Dressed atom traps can be evaporatively cooled with an additional RF field, and a weak RF field can be used to probe the spectroscopy of the adiabatic potentials. Several approaches to ring traps formed from adiabatic potentials are discussed, including those based on atom chips, time-averaged adiabatic potentials and induction methods. Several proposals for adiabatic lattices with dressed atoms are also reviewed.

The Role of Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics in Medical Countermeasures Against Radiation

PubMed Central

Patterson, Andrew D.; Lanz, Christian; Gonzalez, Frank J.; Idle, Jeffrey R.

2013-01-01

Radiation metabolomics can be defined as the global profiling of biological fluids to uncover latent, endogenous small molecules whose concentrations change in a dose-response manner following exposure to ionizing radiation. In response to the potential threat of nuclear or radiological terrorism, the Center for High-Throughput Minimally Invasive Radiation Biodosimetry (CMCR) was established to develop field-deployable biodosimeters based, in principle, on rapid analysis by mass spectrometry of readily and easily obtainable biofluids. In this review, we briefly summarize radiation biology and key events related to actual and potential nuclear disasters, discuss the important contributions the field of mass spectrometry has made to the field of radiation metabolomics, and summarize current discovery efforts to use mass spectrometry-based metabolomics to identify dose-responsive urinary constituents, and ultimately to build and deploy a noninvasive high-throughput biodosimeter. PMID:19890938

Using object-based image analysis to guide the selection of field sample locations

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

One of the most challenging tasks for resource management and research is designing field sampling schemes to achieve unbiased estimates of ecosystem parameters as efficiently as possible. This study focused on the potential of fine-scale image objects from object-based image analysis (OBIA) to be u...

The contribution of inductive electric fields to particle energization in the inner magnetosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilie, R.; Toth, G.; Liemohn, M. W.; Chan, A. A.

2017-12-01

Assessing the relative contribution of potential versus inductive electric fields at the energization of the hot ion population in the inner magnetosphere is only possible by thorough examination of the time varying magnetic field and current systems using global modeling of the entire system. We present here a method to calculate the inductive and potential components of electric field in the entire magnetosphere region. This method is based on the Helmholtz vector decomposition of the motional electric field as calculated by the BATS-R-US model, and is subject to boundary conditions. This approach removes the need to trace independent field lines and lifts the assumption that the magnetic field lines can be treated as frozen in a stationary ionosphere. In order to quantify the relative contributions of potential and inductive electric fields at driving plasma sheet ions into the inner magnetosphere, we apply this method for the March 17th, 2013 geomagnetic storm. We present here the consequences of slow continuous changes in the geomagnetic field as well as the strong tail dipolarizations on the distortion of the near-Earth magnetic field and current systems. Our findings indicate that the inductive component of the electric field is comparable, and even higher at times than the potential component, suggesting that the electric field induced by the time varying magnetic field plays a crucial role in the overall particle energization in the inner magnetosphere.

Dual metal gate tunneling field effect transistors based on MOSFETs: A 2-D analytical approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramezani, Zeinab; Orouji, Ali A.

2018-01-01

A novel 2-D analytical drain current model of novel Dual Metal Gate Tunnel Field Effect Transistors Based on MOSFETs (DMG-TFET) is presented in this paper. The proposed Tunneling FET is extracted from a MOSFET structure by employing an additional electrode in the source region with an appropriate work function to induce holes in the N+ source region and hence makes it as a P+ source region. The electric field is derived which is utilized to extract the expression of the drain current by analytically integrating the band to band tunneling generation rate in the tunneling region based on the potential profile by solving the Poisson's equation. Through this model, the effects of the thin film thickness and gate voltage on the potential, the electric field, and the effects of the thin film thickness on the tunneling current can be studied. To validate our present model we use SILVACO ATLAS device simulator and the analytical results have been compared with it and found a good agreement.

On-orbit assembly of a team of flexible spacecraft using potential field based method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ti; Wen, Hao; Hu, Haiyan; Jin, Dongping

2017-04-01

In this paper, a novel control strategy is developed based on artificial potential field for the on-orbit autonomous assembly of four flexible spacecraft without inter-member collision. Each flexible spacecraft is simplified as a hub-beam model with truncated beam modes in the floating frame of reference and the communication graph among the four spacecraft is assumed to be a ring topology. The four spacecraft are driven to a pre-assembly configuration first and then to the assembly configuration. In order to design the artificial potential field for the first step, each spacecraft is outlined by an ellipse and a virtual leader of circle is introduced. The potential field mainly depends on the attitude error between the flexible spacecraft and its neighbor, the radial Euclidian distance between the ellipse and the circle and the classical Euclidian distance between the centers of the ellipse and the circle. It can be demonstrated that there are no local minima for the potential function and the global minimum is zero. If the function is equal to zero, the solution is not a certain state, but a set. All the states in the set are corresponding to the desired configurations. The Lyapunov analysis guarantees that the four spacecraft asymptotically converge to the target configuration. Moreover, the other potential field is also included to avoid the inter-member collision. In the control design of the second step, only small modification is made for the controller in the first step. Finally, the successful application of the proposed control law to the assembly mission is verified by two case studies.

Key anticipated regulatory issues for clinical use of human induced pluripotent stem cells.

PubMed

Knoepfler, Paul S

2012-09-01

The production of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) has greatly expanded the realm of possible stem cell-based regenerative medicine therapies and has particularly exciting potential for autologous therapies. However, future therapies based on hiPSCs will first have to address not only similar regulatory issues as those facing human embryonic stem cells with the US FDA and international regulatory agencies, but also hiPSCs have raised unique concerns as well. While the first possible clinical use of hiPSCs remains down the road, as a field it would be wise for us to anticipate potential roadblocks and begin formulating solutions. In this article, I discuss the potential regulatory issues facing hiPSCs and propose some potential changes in the direction of the field in response.

Simultaneous imaging of cellular morphology and multiple biomarkers using an acousto-optic tunable filter-based bright field microscope.

PubMed

Wachman, Elliot S; Geyer, Stanley J; Recht, Joel M; Ward, Jon; Zhang, Bill; Reed, Murray; Pannell, Chris

2014-05-01

An acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF)-based multispectral imaging microscope system allows the combination of cellular morphology and multiple biomarker stainings on a single microscope slide. We describe advances in AOTF technology that have greatly improved spectral purity, field uniformity, and image quality. A multispectral imaging bright field microscope using these advances demonstrates pathology results that have great potential for clinical use.

Physically consistent data assimilation method based on feedback control for patient-specific blood flow analysis.

PubMed

Ii, Satoshi; Adib, Mohd Azrul Hisham Mohd; Watanabe, Yoshiyuki; Wada, Shigeo

2018-01-01

This paper presents a novel data assimilation method for patient-specific blood flow analysis based on feedback control theory called the physically consistent feedback control-based data assimilation (PFC-DA) method. In the PFC-DA method, the signal, which is the residual error term of the velocity when comparing the numerical and reference measurement data, is cast as a source term in a Poisson equation for the scalar potential field that induces flow in a closed system. The pressure values at the inlet and outlet boundaries are recursively calculated by this scalar potential field. Hence, the flow field is physically consistent because it is driven by the calculated inlet and outlet pressures, without any artificial body forces. As compared with existing variational approaches, although this PFC-DA method does not guarantee the optimal solution, only one additional Poisson equation for the scalar potential field is required, providing a remarkable improvement for such a small additional computational cost at every iteration. Through numerical examples for 2D and 3D exact flow fields, with both noise-free and noisy reference data as well as a blood flow analysis on a cerebral aneurysm using actual patient data, the robustness and accuracy of this approach is shown. Moreover, the feasibility of a patient-specific practical blood flow analysis is demonstrated. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Evidence-Based Practices and Implementation Science in Special Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cook, Bryan G.; Odom, Samuel L.

2013-01-01

Establishing a process for identifying evidence-based practices (EBPs) in special education has been a significant advance for the field because it has the potential for generating more effective educational programs and producing more positive outcomes for students with disabilities. However, the potential benefit of EBPs is bounded by the…

Assessing the influence of field- and GIS-based inquiry on student attitude and conceptual knowledge in an undergraduate ecology lab.

PubMed

Simmons, M E; Wu, X B; Knight, S L; Lopez, R R

2008-01-01

Combining field experience with use of information technology has the potential to create a problem-based learning environment that engages learners in authentic scientific inquiry. This study, conducted over a 2-yr period, determined differences in attitudes and conceptual knowledge between students in a field lab and students with combined field and geographic information systems (GIS) experience. All students used radio-telemetry equipment to locate fox squirrels, while one group of students was provided an additional data set in a GIS to visualize and quantify squirrel locations. Pre/postsurveys and tests revealed that attitudes improved in year 1 for both groups of students, but differences were minimal between groups. Attitudes generally declined in year 2 due to a change in the authenticity of the field experience; however, attitudes for students that used GIS declined less than those with field experience only. Conceptual knowledge also increased for both groups in both years. The field-based nature of this lab likely had a greater influence on student attitude and conceptual knowledge than did the use of GIS. Although significant differences were limited, GIS did not negatively impact student attitude or conceptual knowledge but potentially provided other benefits to learners.

A combined field and numerical approach to understanding dilute pyroclastic density current dynamics and hazard potential: Auckland Volcanic Field, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brand, Brittany D.; Gravley, Darren M.; Clarke, Amanda B.; Lindsay, Jan M.; Bloomberg, Simon H.; Agustin-Flores, Javier; Németh, Károly

2014-04-01

The most dangerous and deadly hazards associated with phreatomagmatic eruptions in the Auckland Volcanic Field (AVF; Auckland, New Zealand) are those related to volcanic base surges - dilute, ground-hugging, particle laden currents with dynamic pressures capable of severe to complete structural damage. We use the well-exposed base surge deposits of the Maungataketake tuff ring (Manukau coast, Auckland), to reconstruct flow dynamics and destructive potential of base surges produced during the eruption. The initial base surge(s) snapped trees up to 0.5 m in diameter near their base as far as 0.7-0.9 km from the vent. Beyond this distance the trees were encapsulated and buried by the surge in growth position. Using the tree diameter and yield strength of the wood we calculate that dynamic pressures (Pdyn) in excess of 12-35 kPa are necessary to cause the observed damage. Next we develop a quantitative model for flow of and sedimentation from a radially-spreading, dilute pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) to determine the damage potential of the base surges produced during the early phases of the eruption and explore the implications of this potential on future eruptions in the region. We find that initial conditions with velocities on the order of 65 m s- 1, bulk density of 38 kg m- 3 and initial, near-vent current thicknesses of 60 m reproduce the field-based Pdyn estimates and runout distances. A sensitivity analysis revealed that lower initial bulk densities result in shorter run-out distances, more rapid deceleration of the current and lower dynamic pressures. Initial velocity does not have a strong influence on run-out distance, although higher initial velocity and slope slightly decrease runout distance due to higher rates of atmospheric entrainment. Using this model we determine that for base surges with runout distances of up to 4 km, complete destruction can be expected within 0.5 km from the vent, moderate destruction can be expected up to 2 km, but much less damage is expected up to the final runout distance of 4 km. For larger eruptions (base surge runout distance 4-6 km), Pdyn of > 35 kPa can be expected up to 2.5 km from source, ensuring complete destruction within this area. Moderate damage to reinforced structures and damage to weaker structures can be expected up to 6 km from source. In both cases hot ash may still cause damage due to igniting flammable materials in the distal-most regions of a base surge. This work illustrates our ability to combine field observations and numerical models to explore the depositional mechanisms, macroscale current dynamics, and potential impact of dilute PDCs. Thus, this approach may serve as a tool to understand the damage potential and extent of previous and potential future eruptions in the AVF.

Equivalent magnetic vector potential model for low-frequency magnetic exposure assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diao, Y. L.; Sun, W. N.; He, Y. Q.; Leung, S. W.; Siu, Y. M.

2017-10-01

In this paper, a novel source model based on a magnetic vector potential for the assessment of induced electric field strength in a human body exposed to the low-frequency (LF) magnetic field of an electrical appliance is presented. The construction of the vector potential model requires only a single-component magnetic field to be measured close to the appliance under test, hence relieving considerable practical measurement effort—the radial basis functions (RBFs) are adopted for the interpolation of discrete measurements; the magnetic vector potential model can then be directly constructed by summing a set of simple algebraic functions of RBF parameters. The vector potentials are then incorporated into numerical calculations as the equivalent source for evaluations of the induced electric field in the human body model. The accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed model are demonstrated by comparing the induced electric field in a human model to that of the full-wave simulation. This study presents a simple and effective approach for modelling the LF magnetic source. The result of this study could simplify the compliance test procedure for assessing an electrical appliance regarding LF magnetic exposure.

Equivalent magnetic vector potential model for low-frequency magnetic exposure assessment.

PubMed

Diao, Y L; Sun, W N; He, Y Q; Leung, S W; Siu, Y M

2017-09-21

In this paper, a novel source model based on a magnetic vector potential for the assessment of induced electric field strength in a human body exposed to the low-frequency (LF) magnetic field of an electrical appliance is presented. The construction of the vector potential model requires only a single-component magnetic field to be measured close to the appliance under test, hence relieving considerable practical measurement effort-the radial basis functions (RBFs) are adopted for the interpolation of discrete measurements; the magnetic vector potential model can then be directly constructed by summing a set of simple algebraic functions of RBF parameters. The vector potentials are then incorporated into numerical calculations as the equivalent source for evaluations of the induced electric field in the human body model. The accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed model are demonstrated by comparing the induced electric field in a human model to that of the full-wave simulation. This study presents a simple and effective approach for modelling the LF magnetic source. The result of this study could simplify the compliance test procedure for assessing an electrical appliance regarding LF magnetic exposure.

Specific storage and hydraulic conductivity tomography through the joint inversion of hydraulic heads and self-potential data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, A. Soueid; Jardani, A.; Revil, A.; Dupont, J. P.

2016-03-01

Transient hydraulic tomography is used to image the heterogeneous hydraulic conductivity and specific storage fields of shallow aquifers using time series of hydraulic head data. Such ill-posed and non-unique inverse problem can be regularized using some spatial geostatistical characteristic of the two fields. In addition to hydraulic heads changes, the flow of water, during pumping tests, generates an electrical field of electrokinetic nature. These electrical field fluctuations can be passively recorded at the ground surface using a network of non-polarizing electrodes connected to a high impedance (> 10 MOhm) and sensitive (0.1 mV) voltmeter, a method known in geophysics as the self-potential method. We perform a joint inversion of the self-potential and hydraulic head data to image the hydraulic conductivity and specific storage fields. We work on a 3D synthetic confined aquifer and we use the adjoint state method to compute the sensitivities of the hydraulic parameters to the hydraulic head and self-potential data in both steady-state and transient conditions. The inverse problem is solved using the geostatistical quasi-linear algorithm framework of Kitanidis. When the number of piezometers is small, the record of the transient self-potential signals provides useful information to characterize the hydraulic conductivity and specific storage fields. These results show that the self-potential method reveals the heterogeneities of some areas of the aquifer, which could not been captured by the tomography based on the hydraulic heads alone. In our analysis, the improvement on the hydraulic conductivity and specific storage estimations were based on perfect knowledge of electrical resistivity field. This implies that electrical resistivity will need to be jointly inverted with the hydraulic parameters in future studies and the impact of its uncertainty assessed with respect to the final tomograms of the hydraulic parameters.

Toward Theory-Based Research in Political Communication.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simon, Adam F.; Iyengar, Shanto

1996-01-01

Praises the theoretical and methodological potential of the field of political communication. Calls for greater interaction and cross fertilization among the fields of political science, sociology, economics, and psychology. Briefly discusses relevant research methodologies. (MJP)

Alignment-independent comparison of binding sites based on DrugScore potential fields encoded by 3D Zernike descriptors.

PubMed

Nisius, Britta; Gohlke, Holger

2012-09-24

Analyzing protein binding sites provides detailed insights into the biological processes proteins are involved in, e.g., into drug-target interactions, and so is of crucial importance in drug discovery. Herein, we present novel alignment-independent binding site descriptors based on DrugScore potential fields. The potential fields are transformed to a set of information-rich descriptors using a series expansion in 3D Zernike polynomials. The resulting Zernike descriptors show a promising performance in detecting similarities among proteins with low pairwise sequence identities that bind identical ligands, as well as within subfamilies of one target class. Furthermore, the Zernike descriptors are robust against structural variations among protein binding sites. Finally, the Zernike descriptors show a high data compression power, and computing similarities between binding sites based on these descriptors is highly efficient. Consequently, the Zernike descriptors are a useful tool for computational binding site analysis, e.g., to predict the function of novel proteins, off-targets for drug candidates, or novel targets for known drugs.

Competing phases in a model of Pr-based cobaltites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sotnikov, A.; Kuneš, J.

2017-12-01

Motivated by the physics of Pr-based cobaltites, we study the effect of the external magnetic field in the hole-doped two-band Hubbard model close to instabilities toward the excitonic condensation and ferromagnetic ordering. Using the dynamical mean-field theory we observe a field-driven suppression of the excitonic condensate. The onset of a magnetically ordered phase at the fixed chemical potential is accompanied by a sizable change of the electron density. This leads us to predict that Pr3 + abundance increases on the high-field side of the transition.

Dynamics Explorer guest investigator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sojka, Jan J.

1991-01-01

A data base of satellite particle, electric field, image, and plasma data was used to determine correlations between the fields and the particle auroral boundaries. A data base of 8 days of excellent coverage from all instruments was completed. The geomagnetic conditions associated with each of the selected data periods, the number of UV image passes per study day that were obtained, and the total number of UV images for each day are given in tabular form. For each of the days listed in Table 1, both Vector Electric Field Instrument (VEFI) electric potential data and LAPI integrated particle energy fluxes were obtained. On the average, between 8 and 11 passes of useful data per day were obtained. These data are displayed in a format such that either the statistical electric field model potential or the statistical precipitation energy flux could be superimposed. The Heppner and Maynard (1987) and Hardy et al. (1987) models were used for the electric potential and precipitation, respectively. In addition, the auroral image intensity along the Dynamics Explorer-2 satellite pass could be computed and plotted along with the LAPI precipitation data and Hardy et al. (1987) values.

Dual stage potential field method for robotic path planning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Pradyumna Kumar; Parida, Pramod Kumar

2018-04-01

Path planning for autonomous mobile robots are the root for all autonomous mobile systems. Various methods are used for optimization of path to be followed by the autonomous mobile robots. Artificial potential field based path planning method is one of the most used methods for the researchers. Various algorithms have been proposed using the potential field approach. But in most of the common problems are encounters while heading towards the goal or target. i.e. local minima problem, zero potential regions problem, complex shaped obstacles problem, target near obstacle problem. In this paper we provide a new algorithm in which two types of potential functions are used one after another. The former one is to use to get the probable points and later one for getting the optimum path. In this algorithm we consider only the static obstacle and goal.

Improved side-chain torsion potentials for the Amber ff99SB protein force field

PubMed Central

Lindorff-Larsen, Kresten; Piana, Stefano; Palmo, Kim; Maragakis, Paul; Klepeis, John L; Dror, Ron O; Shaw, David E

2010-01-01

Recent advances in hardware and software have enabled increasingly long molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of biomolecules, exposing certain limitations in the accuracy of the force fields used for such simulations and spurring efforts to refine these force fields. Recent modifications to the Amber and CHARMM protein force fields, for example, have improved the backbone torsion potentials, remedying deficiencies in earlier versions. Here, we further advance simulation accuracy by improving the amino acid side-chain torsion potentials of the Amber ff99SB force field. First, we used simulations of model alpha-helical systems to identify the four residue types whose rotamer distribution differed the most from expectations based on Protein Data Bank statistics. Second, we optimized the side-chain torsion potentials of these residues to match new, high-level quantum-mechanical calculations. Finally, we used microsecond-timescale MD simulations in explicit solvent to validate the resulting force field against a large set of experimental NMR measurements that directly probe side-chain conformations. The new force field, which we have termed Amber ff99SB-ILDN, exhibits considerably better agreement with the NMR data. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. PMID:20408171

Scattering of charged particles on two spatially separated time-periodic optical fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szabó, Lóránt Zs.; Benedict, Mihály G.; Földi, Péter

2017-12-01

We consider a monoenergetic beam of moving charged particles interacting with two separated oscillating electric fields. Time-periodic linear potential is assumed to model the light-particle interaction using a nonrelativistic, quantum mechanical description based on Gordon-Volkov states. Applying Floquet theory, we calculate transmission probabilities as a function of the laser field parameters. The transmission resonances in this Ramsey-like setup are interpreted as if they originated from a corresponding static double-potential barrier with heights equal to the ponderomotive potential resulting from the oscillating field. Due to the opening of new "Floquet channels," the resonances are repeated at input energies when the corresponding frequency is shifted by an integer multiple of the exciting frequency. These narrow resonances can be used as precise energy filters. The fine structure of the transmission spectra is determined by the phase difference between the two oscillating light fields, allowing for the optical control of the transmission.

General solution for quantitative dark-field contrast imaging with grating interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strobl, M.

2014-11-01

Grating interferometer based imaging with X-rays and neutrons has proven to hold huge potential for applications in key research fields conveying biology and medicine as well as engineering and magnetism, respectively. The thereby amenable dark-field imaging modality implied the promise to access structural information beyond reach of direct spatial resolution. However, only here a yet missing approach is reported that finally allows exploiting this outstanding potential for non-destructive materials characterizations. It enables to obtain quantitative structural small angle scattering information combined with up to 3-dimensional spatial image resolution even at lab based x-ray or at neutron sources. The implied two orders of magnitude efficiency gain as compared to currently available techniques in this regime paves the way for unprecedented structural investigations of complex sample systems of interest for material science in a vast range of fields.

Near-field nano-Raman imaging of Si device structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atesang, Jacob; Geer, Robert

2005-05-01

Apertureless-based, near-field Raman imaging holds the potential for nanoscale stress metrology in emerging Si devices. Preliminary application of near-field Raman imaging on Si device structures has demonstrated the potential for stress measurements. However, detailed investigations have not been published regarding the effect of tip radius on observed near-field enhancement. Such investigations are important to understand the fundamental limits regarding the signal-to-noise ratio of the measurement and the spatial resolution that can potentially be achieved before wide application to semiconductor metrology can be considered. Investigations are presented into near-field enhancement of Raman scattering from Si device structures using a modified near-field optical microscope (NSOM). The nano-Raman system utilizes an off-axis (45°) backscattering NSOM geometry with free-space collection optics. The spectroscopic configuration utilizes a single-bounce spectrometer incorporating a holographic notch filter assembly utilized as a secondary beam-splitter for an apertureless backscattering collection geometry. Near-field enhancement is observed for both Al- and Ag-coated probes. An inverse square power-law relationship is observed between near-field enhancement factor and tip radius.

Covariant kaon dynamics and kaon flow in heavy ion collisions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Yu-Ming; Fuchs, C.; Faessler, Amand; Shekhter, K.; Yan, Yu-Peng; Kobdaj, Chinorat

2004-03-01

The influence of the chiral mean field on the K+ transverse flow in heavy ion collisions at SIS energy is investigated within covariant kaon dynamics. For the kaon mesons inside the nuclear medium a quasiparticle picture including scalar and vector fields is adopted and compared to the standard treatment with a static potential. It is confirmed that a Lorentz force from spatial component of the vector field provides an important contribution to the in-medium kaon dynamics and strongly counterbalances the influence of the vector potential on the K+ in-plane flow. The FOPI data can be reasonably described using in-medium kaon potentials based on effective chiral models. The information on the in-medium K+ potential extracted from kaon flow is consistent with the knowledge from other sources.

Permutation on hybrid natural inflation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carone, Christopher D.; Erlich, Joshua; Ramos, Raymundo; Sher, Marc

2014-09-01

We analyze a model of hybrid natural inflation based on the smallest non-Abelian discrete group S3. Leading invariant terms in the scalar potential have an accidental global symmetry that is spontaneously broken, providing a pseudo-Goldstone boson that is identified as the inflaton. The S3 symmetry restricts both the form of the inflaton potential and the couplings of the inflaton field to the waterfall fields responsible for the end of inflation. We identify viable points in the model parameter space. Although the power in tensor modes is small in most of the parameter space of the model, we identify parameter choices that yield potentially observable values of r without super-Planckian initial values of the inflaton field.

A Brave New World: Considering the Pedagogic Potential of Virtual World Field Trips (VWFTs) in Initial Teacher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fitzsimons, Sabrina; Farren, Margaret

2016-01-01

In its broadest and historical sense, place-based education refers to education that occurs outside of the physical boundaries of a school building (Dewey 1910; Sobel 1996; Theobald 1997; Woodhouse and Knapp 2000). Place-based education, colloquially referred to as the "field trip", is predominantly considered a pedagogic tool of the…

Zonal harmonic model of Saturn's magnetic field from Voyager 1 and 2 observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Connerney, J. E. P.; Ness, N. F.; Acuna, M. H.

1982-01-01

An analysis of the magnetic field of Saturn is presented which takes into account both the Voyager 1 and 2 vector magnetic field observations. The analysis is based on the traditional spherical harmonic expansion of a scale potential to derive the magnetic field within 8 Saturn radii. A third-order zonal harmonic model fitted to Voyager 1 and 2 observations is found to be capable of predicting the magnetic field characteristics at one encounter based on those observed at another, unlike models including dipole and quadrupole terms only. The third-order model is noted to lead to significantly enhanced polar surface field intensities with respect to dipole models, and probably represents the axisymmetric part of a complex dynamo field.

Auxiliary field loop expansion of the effective action for a class of stochastic partial differential equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooper, Fred; Dawson, John F.

2016-02-01

We present an alternative to the perturbative (in coupling constant) diagrammatic approach for studying stochastic dynamics of a class of reaction diffusion systems. Our approach is based on an auxiliary field loop expansion for the path integral representation for the generating functional of the noise induced correlation functions of the fields describing these systems. The systems we consider include Langevin systems describable by the set of self interacting classical fields ϕi(x , t) in the presence of external noise ηi(x , t) , namely (∂t - ν∇2) ϕ - F [ ϕ ] = η, as well as chemical reaction annihilation processes obtained by applying the many-body approach of Doi-Peliti to the Master Equation formulation of these problems. We consider two different effective actions, one based on the Onsager-Machlup (OM) approach, and the other due to Janssen-deGenneris based on the Martin-Siggia-Rose (MSR) response function approach. For the simple models we consider, we determine an analytic expression for the Energy landscape (effective potential) in both formalisms and show how to obtain the more physical effective potential of the Onsager-Machlup approach from the MSR effective potential in leading order in the auxiliary field loop expansion. For the KPZ equation we find that our approximation, which is non-perturbative and obeys broken symmetry Ward identities, does not lead to the appearance of a fluctuation induced symmetry breakdown. This contradicts the results of earlier studies.

Calculation of surface potentials at the silica–water interface using molecular dynamics: Challenges and opportunities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lowe, Benjamin M.; Skylaris, Chris-Kriton; Green, Nicolas G.; Shibuta, Yasushi; Sakata, Toshiya

2018-04-01

Continuum-based methods are important in calculating electrostatic properties of interfacial systems such as the electric field and surface potential but are incapable of providing sufficient insight into a range of fundamentally and technologically important phenomena which occur at atomistic length-scales. In this work a molecular dynamics methodology is presented for interfacial electric field and potential calculations. The silica–water interface was chosen as an example system, which is highly relevant for understanding the response of field-effect transistors sensors (FET sensors). Detailed validation work is presented, followed by the simulated surface charge/surface potential relationship. This showed good agreement with experiment at low surface charge density but at high surface charge density the results highlighted challenges presented by an atomistic definition of the surface potential. This methodology will be used to investigate the effect of surface morphology and biomolecule addition; both factors which are challenging using conventional continuum models.

Statistical properties of nonlinear one-dimensional wave fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chalikov, D.

2005-06-01

A numerical model for long-term simulation of gravity surface waves is described. The model is designed as a component of a coupled Wave Boundary Layer/Sea Waves model, for investigation of small-scale dynamic and thermodynamic interactions between the ocean and atmosphere. Statistical properties of nonlinear wave fields are investigated on a basis of direct hydrodynamical modeling of 1-D potential periodic surface waves. The method is based on a nonstationary conformal surface-following coordinate transformation; this approach reduces the principal equations of potential waves to two simple evolutionary equations for the elevation and the velocity potential on the surface. The numerical scheme is based on a Fourier transform method. High accuracy was confirmed by validation of the nonstationary model against known solutions, and by comparison between the results obtained with different resolutions in the horizontal. The scheme allows reproduction of the propagation of steep Stokes waves for thousands of periods with very high accuracy. The method here developed is applied to simulation of the evolution of wave fields with large number of modes for many periods of dominant waves. The statistical characteristics of nonlinear wave fields for waves of different steepness were investigated: spectra, curtosis and skewness, dispersion relation, life time. The prime result is that wave field may be presented as a superposition of linear waves is valid only for small amplitudes. It is shown as well, that nonlinear wave fields are rather a superposition of Stokes waves not linear waves. Potential flow, free surface, conformal mapping, numerical modeling of waves, gravity waves, Stokes waves, breaking waves, freak waves, wind-wave interaction.

Wave propagation characteristics of a magnetic granular chain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leng, Dingxin; Liu, Guijie; Sun, Lingyu; Wang, Xiaojie

2017-10-01

We investigate the wave propagation characteristics of a horizontal alignment of magnetic grains under a non-uniform magnetic field. The magnetic force of each grain is obtained using Maxwell's principle. The contact interaction of grains is based on Hertz potential. The effects of magnetic field strength on the dynamic responses of a granular chain under strong, intermediate, and weak amplitudes of incident impulses in comparison with static precompression force are studied. Different wave propagation modes induced by the magnetic field are observed. The applied field strength demonstrably reinforces the granular-position-dependent behaviors of decreasing amplitude and increasing wave propagation velocity. The magnetic field-induced features of a magnetic granular chain have potential applications in adaptive structures for shock attenuation.

Any Light Particle Search (ALPS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spector, Aaron; Any Light Particle Search (ALPS) Collaboration

2016-03-01

High power laser fields enabled by technologies developed for ground-based gravitational-wave observatories open up new opportunities for fundamental physics studies. One of these options is the search for axions and axion-like particles in a pure laboratory experiment. The axion is a solution to the strong CP-problem and a potential dark matter candidate. The axion has also been proposed as an additional channel to cool stars as well as a potential explanation for the TeV transparency problem. The German-US ALPS collaboration is setting up a light-shining-through-walls (LSW) experiment at DESY. LSW experiments are based on the simple idea that a high power laser field traversing a static magnetic field will transform partly into a relativistic axion field. This axion field will travel through an opaque wall into a second static magnetic field region where it turns partly back into an electromagnetic wave field with the same frequency as the laser. The ALPS collaboration is working towards a large scale LSW experiment at DESY in Hamburg, Germany. I will report on the status of the ALPS experiment. This work is supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, PRISMA, the Helmholtz Association, the National Science Foundation and the Heising-Simons Foundation.

Multiple field-based methods to assess the potential impacts of seismic surveys on scallops.

PubMed

Przeslawski, Rachel; Huang, Zhi; Anderson, Jade; Carroll, Andrew G; Edmunds, Matthew; Hurt, Lynton; Williams, Stefan

2018-04-01

Marine seismic surveys are an important tool to map geology beneath the seafloor and manage petroleum resources, but they are also a source of underwater noise pollution. A mass mortality of scallops in the Bass Strait, Australia occurred a few months after a marine seismic survey in 2010, and fishing groups were concerned about the potential relationship between the two events. The current study used three field-based methods to investigate the potential impact of marine seismic surveys on scallops in the region: 1) dredging and 2) deployment of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) were undertaken to examine the potential response of two species of scallops (Pecten fumatus, Mimachlamys asperrima) before, two months after, and ten months after a 2015 marine seismic survey; and 3) MODIS satellite data revealed patterns of sea surface temperatures from 2006-2016. Results from the dredging and AUV components show no evidence of scallop mortality attributable to the seismic survey, although sub-lethal effects cannot be excluded. The remote sensing revealed a pronounced thermal spike in the eastern Bass Strait between February and May 2010, overlapping the scallop beds that suffered extensive mortality and coinciding almost exactly with dates of operation for the 2010 seismic survey. The acquisition of in situ data coupled with consideration of commercial seismic arrays meant that results were ecologically realistic, while the paired field-based components (dredging, AUV imagery) provided a failsafe against challenges associated with working wholly in the field. This study expands our knowledge of the potential environmental impacts of marine seismic survey and will inform future applications for marine seismic surveys, as well as the assessment of such applications by regulatory authorities. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Estimation of potential loss of two pesticides in runoff in Fillmore County, Minnesota using a field-scale process-based model and a geographic information system

USGS Publications Warehouse

Capel, P.D.; Zhang, H.

2000-01-01

In assessing the occurrence, behavior, and effects of agricultural chemicals in surface water, the scales of study (i.e., watershed, county, state, and regional areas) are usually much larger than the scale of agricultural fields, where much of the understanding of processes has been developed. Field-scale areas are characterized by relatively homogeneous conditions. The combination of process-based simulation models and geographic information system technology can be used to help extend our understanding of field processes to water-quality concerns at larger scales. To demonstrate this, the model "Groundwater Loading Effects of Agricultural Management Systems" was used to estimate the potential loss of two pesticides (atrazine and permethrin) in runoff to surface water in Fillmore County in southeastern Minnesota. The county was divided into field-scale areas on the basis of a 100 m by 100 m grid, and the influences of soil type and surface topography on the potential losses of the two pesticides in runoff was evaluated for each individual grid cell. The results could be used for guidance for agricultural management and regulatory decisions, for planning environmental monitoring programs, and as an educational tool for the public.

Sensitivity of Force Fields on Mechanical Properties of Metals Predicted by Atomistic Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rassoulinejad-Mousavi, Seyed Moein; Zhang, Yuwen

Increasing number of micro/nanoscale studies for scientific and engineering applications, leads to huge deployment of atomistic simulations such as molecular dynamics and Monte-Carlo simulation. Many complains from users in the simulation community arises for obtaining wrong results notwithstanding of correct simulation procedure and conditions. Improper choice of force field, known as interatomic potential is the likely causes. For the sake of users' assurance, convenience and time saving, several interatomic potentials are evaluated by molecular dynamics. Elastic properties of multiple FCC and BCC pure metallic species are obtained by LAMMPS, using different interatomic potentials designed for pure species and their alloys at different temperatures. The potentials created based on the Embedded Atom Method (EAM), Modified EAM (MEAM) and ReaX force fields, adopted from available open databases. Independent elastic stiffness constants of cubic single crystals for different metals are obtained. The results are compared with the experimental ones available in the literature and deviations for each force field are provided at each temperature. Using current work, users of these force fields can easily judge on the one they are going to designate for their problem.

The modeling of attraction characteristics regarding passenger flow in urban rail transit network based on field theory

PubMed Central

Jia, Limin

2017-01-01

Aimed at the complicated problems of attraction characteristics regarding passenger flow in urban rail transit network, the concept of the gravity field of passenger flow is proposed in this paper. We establish the computation methods of field strength and potential energy to reveal the potential attraction relationship among stations from the perspective of the collection and distribution of passenger flow and the topology of network. As for the computation methods of field strength, an optimum path concept is proposed to define betweenness centrality parameter. Regarding the computation of potential energy, Compound Simpson’s Rule Formula is applied to get a solution to the function. Taking No. 10 Beijing Subway as a practical example, an analysis of simulation and verification is conducted, and the results shows in the following ways. Firstly, the bigger field strength value between two stations is, the stronger passenger flow attraction is, and the greater probability of the formation of the largest passenger flow of section is. Secondly, there is the greatest passenger flow volume and circulation capacity between two zones of high potential energy. PMID:28863175

[Leaf water potential of spring wheat and field pea under different tillage patterns and its relationships with environmental factors].

PubMed

Zhang, Ming; Zhang, Ren-Zhi; Cai, Li-Qun

2008-07-01

Based on a long-term experiment, the leaf water potential of spring wheat and field pea, its relationships with environmental factors, and the diurnal variations of leaf relative water content and water saturation deficient under different tillage patterns were studied. The results showed that during whole growth period, field pea had an obviously higher leaf water potential than spring wheat, but the two crops had similar diurnal variation trend of their leaf water potential, i.e., the highest in early morning, followed by a descent, and a gradual ascent after the descent. For spring wheat, the maximum leaf water potential appeared at its jointing and heading stages, followed by at booting and flowering stages, and the minimum appeared at filling stage. For field pea, the maximum leaf water potential achieved at squaring stage, followed by at branching and flowering stages, and the minimum was at podding stage. The leaf relative water content of spring wheat was the highest at heading stage, followed by at jointing and flowering stages, and achieved the minimum at filling stage; while the water saturation deficient was just in adverse. With the growth of field pea, its leaf relative water content decreased, but leaf water saturation deficient increased. The leaf water potential of both spring wheat and field pea had significant correlations with environmental factors, including soil water content, air temperature, solar radiation, relative air humidity, and air water potential. Path analysis showed that the meteorological factor which had the strongest effect on the diurnal variation of spring wheat' s and field pea' s leaf water potential was air water potential and air temperature, respectively. Compared with conventional tillage, the protective tillage patterns no-till, no-till plus straw mulching, and conventional tillage plus straw returning increased the leaf water potential and relative water content of test crops, and the effect of no-till plus straw mulching was most significant.

From Models to Measurements: Comparing Downed Dead Wood Carbon Stock Estimates in the U.S. Forest Inventory

PubMed Central

Domke, Grant M.; Woodall, Christopher W.; Walters, Brian F.; Smith, James E.

2013-01-01

The inventory and monitoring of coarse woody debris (CWD) carbon (C) stocks is an essential component of any comprehensive National Greenhouse Gas Inventory (NGHGI). Due to the expense and difficulty associated with conducting field inventories of CWD pools, CWD C stocks are often modeled as a function of more commonly measured stand attributes such as live tree C density. In order to assess potential benefits of adopting a field-based inventory of CWD C stocks in lieu of the current model-based approach, a national inventory of downed dead wood C across the U.S. was compared to estimates calculated from models associated with the U.S.’s NGHGI and used in the USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis program. The model-based population estimate of C stocks for CWD (i.e., pieces and slash piles) in the conterminous U.S. was 9 percent (145.1 Tg) greater than the field-based estimate. The relatively small absolute difference was driven by contrasting results for each CWD component. The model-based population estimate of C stocks from CWD pieces was 17 percent (230.3 Tg) greater than the field-based estimate, while the model-based estimate of C stocks from CWD slash piles was 27 percent (85.2 Tg) smaller than the field-based estimate. In general, models overestimated the C density per-unit-area from slash piles early in stand development and underestimated the C density from CWD pieces in young stands. This resulted in significant differences in CWD C stocks by region and ownership. The disparity in estimates across spatial scales illustrates the complexity in estimating CWD C in a NGHGI. Based on the results of this study, it is suggested that the U.S. adopt field-based estimates of CWD C stocks as a component of its NGHGI to both reduce the uncertainty within the inventory and improve the sensitivity to potential management and climate change events. PMID:23544112

From models to measurements: comparing downed dead wood carbon stock estimates in the U.S. forest inventory.

PubMed

Domke, Grant M; Woodall, Christopher W; Walters, Brian F; Smith, James E

2013-01-01

The inventory and monitoring of coarse woody debris (CWD) carbon (C) stocks is an essential component of any comprehensive National Greenhouse Gas Inventory (NGHGI). Due to the expense and difficulty associated with conducting field inventories of CWD pools, CWD C stocks are often modeled as a function of more commonly measured stand attributes such as live tree C density. In order to assess potential benefits of adopting a field-based inventory of CWD C stocks in lieu of the current model-based approach, a national inventory of downed dead wood C across the U.S. was compared to estimates calculated from models associated with the U.S.'s NGHGI and used in the USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis program. The model-based population estimate of C stocks for CWD (i.e., pieces and slash piles) in the conterminous U.S. was 9 percent (145.1 Tg) greater than the field-based estimate. The relatively small absolute difference was driven by contrasting results for each CWD component. The model-based population estimate of C stocks from CWD pieces was 17 percent (230.3 Tg) greater than the field-based estimate, while the model-based estimate of C stocks from CWD slash piles was 27 percent (85.2 Tg) smaller than the field-based estimate. In general, models overestimated the C density per-unit-area from slash piles early in stand development and underestimated the C density from CWD pieces in young stands. This resulted in significant differences in CWD C stocks by region and ownership. The disparity in estimates across spatial scales illustrates the complexity in estimating CWD C in a NGHGI. Based on the results of this study, it is suggested that the U.S. adopt field-based estimates of CWD C stocks as a component of its NGHGI to both reduce the uncertainty within the inventory and improve the sensitivity to potential management and climate change events.

Using vertical Fourier transforms to invert potential-field data to magnetization or density models in the presence of topography

USGS Publications Warehouse

Phillips, Jeffrey

2014-01-01

A physical property inversion approach based on the use of 3D (or 2D) Fourier transforms to calculate the potential-field within a 3D (or 2D) volume from a known physical property distribution within the volume is described. Topographic surfaces and observations at arbitrary locations are easily accommodated. The limitations of the approach and applications to real data are considered.

Bioassays and field immersion tests: a comparison of the antifouling activity of copper-free poly(methacrylic)-based coatings containing tertiary amines and ammonium salt groups.

PubMed

Bressy, C; Hellio, C; Marechal, J P; Tanguy, B; Margaillan, A

2010-10-01

This paper focuses on the activity spectrum of three dimethylalkyl tertiary amines as potential active molecules and the corresponding ammonium salt-based antifouling (AF) paints. Bioassays (using marine bacteria, microalgae and barnacles) and field tests were combined to assess the AF activity of coatings. Bioassay results demonstrated that the ammonium salt-based paints did not inhibit the growth of microorganisms (except the dimethyldodecylammonium-based coatings) and that the tertiary amines were potent towards bacteria, diatoms, and barnacle larvae at non-toxic concentrations (therapeutic ratio, LC50/EC50, <1). The results from field tests indicated that the ammonium salt-based coatings inhibited the settlement of macrofouling and the dimethylhexadecylammonium-based coatings provided protection against slime in comparison with PVC blank panels. Thus, results from laboratory assays did not fully concur with the AF activity of the paints in the field trial.

Antimatter Production at a Potential Boundary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

LaPointe, Michael R.; Reddy, Dhanireddy (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Current antiproton production techniques rely on high-energy collisions between beam particles and target nuclei to produce particle and antiparticle pairs, but inherently low production and capture efficiencies render these techniques impractical for the cost-effective production of antimatter for space propulsion and other commercial applications. Based on Dirac's theory of the vacuum field, a new antimatter production concept is proposed in which particle-antiparticle pairs are created at the boundary of a steep potential step formed by the suppression of the local vacuum fields. Current antimatter production techniques are reviewed, followed by a description of Dirac's relativistic quantum theory of the vacuum state and corresponding solutions for particle tunneling and reflection from a potential barrier. The use of the Casimir effect to suppress local vacuum fields is presented as a possible technique for generating the sharp potential gradients required for particle-antiparticle pair creation.

Combined magnetic vector-scalar potential finite element computation of 3D magnetic field and performance of modified Lundell alternators in Space Station applications. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Ren H.

1991-01-01

A method of combined use of magnetic vector potential (MVP) based finite element (FE) formulations and magnetic scalar potential (MSP) based FE formulations for computation of three-dimensional (3D) magnetostatic fields is developed. This combined MVP-MSP 3D-FE method leads to considerable reduction by nearly a factor of 3 in the number of unknowns in comparison to the number of unknowns which must be computed in global MVP based FE solutions. This method allows one to incorporate portions of iron cores sandwiched in between coils (conductors) in current-carrying regions. Thus, it greatly simplifies the geometries of current carrying regions (in comparison with the exclusive MSP based methods) in electric machinery applications. A unique feature of this approach is that the global MSP solution is single valued in nature, that is, no branch cut is needed. This is again a superiority over the exclusive MSP based methods. A Newton-Raphson procedure with a concept of an adaptive relaxation factor was developed and successfully used in solving the 3D-FE problem with magnetic material anisotropy and nonlinearity. Accordingly, this combined MVP-MSP 3D-FE method is most suited for solution of large scale global type magnetic field computations in rotating electric machinery with very complex magnetic circuit geometries, as well as nonlinear and anisotropic material properties.

Initial experimental test of a helicon plasma based mass filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gueroult, R.; Evans, E. S.; Zweben, S. J.; Fisch, N. J.; Levinton, F.

2016-06-01

High throughput plasma mass separation requires rotation control in a high density multi-species plasmas. A preliminary mass separation device based on a helicon plasma operating in gas mixtures and featuring concentric biasable ring electrodes is introduced. Plasma profile shows strong response to electrode biasing. In light of floating potential measurements, the density response is interpreted as the consequence of a reshaping of the radial electric field in the plasma. This field can be made confining or de-confining depending on the imposed potential at the electrodes, in a way which is consistent with single particle orbit radial stability. Concurrent spatially resolved spectroscopic measurements suggest ion separation, with heavy to light ion emission line ratio increasing with radius when a specific potential gradient is applied to the electrodes.

Effects of large vessel on temperature distribution based on photothermal coupling interaction model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhifang; Zhang, Xiyang; Li, Zuoran; Li, Hui

2016-10-01

This paper is based on the finite element analysis method for studying effects of large blood vessel on temperature based on photothermal coupling interaction model, and it couples the physical field of optical transmission with the physical field of heat transfer in biological tissue by using COMSOL Multiphysics 4.4 software. The results demonstrate the cooling effect of large blood vessel, which can be potential application for the treatment of liver tumors.

A Field-Based Biomimicry Exercise Helps Students Discover Connections among Biodiversity, Form and Function, and Species Conservation during Earth's Sixth Extinction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Soja, Constance M.

2014-01-01

In a first-year seminar on mass extinctions, a field-based, paleontology-focused exercise promotes active learning about Earth's biodiversity, form and function, and the biomimicry potential of ancient and modern life. Students study Devonian fossils at a local quarry and gain foundational experience in describing anatomy and relating form to…

Are gay men and lesbians discriminated against when applying for jobs? A four-city, Internet-based field experiment.

PubMed

Bailey, John; Wallace, Michael; Wright, Bradley

2013-01-01

An Internet-based field experiment was conducted to examine potential hiring discrimination based on sexual orientation; specifically, the "first contact" between job applicants and employers was looked at. In response to Internet job postings on CareerBuilder.com®, more than 4,600 resumes were sent to employers in 4 U.S. cities: Philadelphia, Chicago, Dallas, and San Francisco. The resumes varied randomly with regard to gender, implied sexual orientation, and other characteristics. Two hypotheses were tested: first, that employers' response rates vary by the applicants' assumed sexuality; and second, that employers' Response Rates by Sexuality vary by city. Effects of city were controlled for to hold constant any variation in labor market conditions in the 4 cities. Based on employer responses to the applications, it was concluded that there is no evidence that gay men or lesbians are discriminated against in their first encounter with employers, and no significant variation across cities in these encounters was found. Implications of these results for the literature on hiring discrimination based on sexual orientation, the strengths and limitations of the research, and the potential for the Internet-based field experiment design in future studies of discrimination are discussed.

[Some comments on ecological field].

PubMed

Wang, D

2000-06-01

Based on the data of plant ecological field studies, this paper reviewed the conception of ecological field, field eigenfunctions, graphs of ecological field and its application of ecological field theory in explaining plant interactions. It is suggested that the basic character of ecological field is material, and based on the current research level, it is not sure whether ecological field is a kind of specific field different from general physical field. The author gave some comments on the formula and estimation of parameters of basic field function-ecological potential model on ecological field. Both models have their own characteristics and advantages in specific conditions. The author emphasized that ecological field had even more meaning of ecological methodology, and applying ecological field theory in describing the types and processes of plant interactions had three characteristics: quantitative, synthetic and intuitionistic. Field graphing might provide a new way to ecological studies, especially applying the ecological field theory might give an appropriate quantitative explanation for the dynamic process of plant populations (coexistence and interference competition).

Extension of Gibbs-Duhem equation including influences of external fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guangze, Han; Jianjia, Meng

2018-03-01

Gibbs-Duhem equation is one of the fundamental equations in thermodynamics, which describes the relation among changes in temperature, pressure and chemical potential. Thermodynamic system can be affected by external field, and this effect should be revealed by thermodynamic equations. Based on energy postulate and the first law of thermodynamics, the differential equation of internal energy is extended to include the properties of external fields. Then, with homogeneous function theorem and a redefinition of Gibbs energy, a generalized Gibbs-Duhem equation with influences of external fields is derived. As a demonstration of the application of this generalized equation, the influences of temperature and external electric field on surface tension, surface adsorption controlled by external electric field, and the derivation of a generalized chemical potential expression are discussed, which show that the extended Gibbs-Duhem equation developed in this paper is capable to capture the influences of external fields on a thermodynamic system.

A universal strategy for the creation of machine learning-based atomistic force fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huan, Tran Doan; Batra, Rohit; Chapman, James; Krishnan, Sridevi; Chen, Lihua; Ramprasad, Rampi

2017-09-01

Emerging machine learning (ML)-based approaches provide powerful and novel tools to study a variety of physical and chemical problems. In this contribution, we outline a universal strategy to create ML-based atomistic force fields, which can be used to perform high-fidelity molecular dynamics simulations. This scheme involves (1) preparing a big reference dataset of atomic environments and forces with sufficiently low noise, e.g., using density functional theory or higher-level methods, (2) utilizing a generalizable class of structural fingerprints for representing atomic environments, (3) optimally selecting diverse and non-redundant training datasets from the reference data, and (4) proposing various learning approaches to predict atomic forces directly (and rapidly) from atomic configurations. From the atomistic forces, accurate potential energies can then be obtained by appropriate integration along a reaction coordinate or along a molecular dynamics trajectory. Based on this strategy, we have created model ML force fields for six elemental bulk solids, including Al, Cu, Ti, W, Si, and C, and show that all of them can reach chemical accuracy. The proposed procedure is general and universal, in that it can potentially be used to generate ML force fields for any material using the same unified workflow with little human intervention. Moreover, the force fields can be systematically improved by adding new training data progressively to represent atomic environments not encountered previously.

Molecular Dynamics in Physiological Solutions: Force Fields, Alkali Metal Ions, and Ionic Strength.

PubMed

Zhang, Chao; Raugei, Simone; Eisenberg, Bob; Carloni, Paolo

2010-07-13

The monovalent ions Na(+) and K(+) and Cl(-) are present in any living organism. The fundamental thermodynamic properties of solutions containing such ions is given as the excess (electro-)chemical potential differences of single ions at finite ionic strength. This quantity is key for many biological processes, including ion permeation in membrane ion channels and DNA-protein interaction. It is given by a chemical contribution, related to the ion activity, and an electric contribution, related to the Galvani potential of the water/air interface. Here we investigate molecular dynamics based predictions of these quantities by using a variety of ion/water force fields commonly used in biological simulation, namely the AMBER (the newly developed), CHARMM, OPLS, Dang95 with TIP3P, and SPC/E water. Comparison with experiment is made with the corresponding values for salts, for which data are available. The calculations based on the newly developed AMBER force field with TIP3P water agrees well with experiment for both KCl and NaCl electrolytes in water solutions, as previously reported. The simulations based on the CHARMM-TIP3P and Dang95-SPC/E force fields agree well for the KCl and NaCl solutions, respectively. The other models are not as accurate. Single cations excess (electro-)chemical potential differences turn out to be similar for all the force fields considered here. In the case of KCl, the calculated electric contribution is consistent with higher level calculations. Instead, such agreement is not found with NaCl. Finally, we found that the calculated activities for single Cl(-) ions turn out to depend clearly on the type of counterion used, with all the force fields investigated. The implications of these findings for biomolecular systems are discussed.

Complementary analyses of hollow cylindrical unioriented permanent magnet (HCM) with high permeability external layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lobo, Carlos M. S.; Tosin, Giancarlo; Baader, Johann E.; Colnago, Luiz A.

2017-10-01

In this article, several studies based on analytical expressions and computational simulations on Hollow Cylindrical Magnets with an external soft ferromagnetic material (HCM magnets) are presented. Electromagnetic configurations, as well as permanent-magnet-based structures, are studied in terms of magnetic field strength and homogeneity. Permanent-magnet-based structures are further analyzed in terms of the anisotropy of the magnetic permeability. It was found that the HCM magnets produce a highly homogeneous magnetic field as long as the magnetic material is isotropic. The dependency of the magnetic field strength and homogeneity in terms of the anisotropy of the magnetic permeability is also explored here. These magnets can potentially be used in medium-resolution NMR spectrometers and high-field NMR spectrometers.

Large reversible magnetostrictive effect of MnCoSi-based compounds prepared by high-magnetic-field solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Q. B.; Hu, Y.; Zhang, S.; Tang, W.; He, X. J.; Li, Z.; Cao, Q. Q.; Wang, D. H.; Du, Y. W.

2018-01-01

The MnCoSi compound is a potential magnetostriction material since the magnetic field can drive a metamagnetic transition from an antiferromagnetic phase to a high magnetization phase in it, which accompanies a large lattice distortion. However, a large driving magnetic field, magnetic hysteresis, and poor mechanical properties seriously hinder its application for magnetostriction. By substituting Fe for Mn and introducing vacancies of the Mn element, textured and dense Mn0.97Fe0.03CoSi and Mn0.88CoSi compounds are prepared through a high-magnetic-field solidification approach. As a result, large room-temperature and reversible magnetostriction effects are observed in these compounds at a low magnetic field. The origin of this large magnetostriction effect and potential applications are discussed.

Transfer function of multimode fiber links using an electric field propagation model: Application to Radio over Fibre Systems.

PubMed

Gasulla, I; Capmany, J

2006-10-02

We present a closed-form expression for the evaluation of the transfer function of a multimode fiber (MMF) link based on the electric field propagation model. After validating the result we investigate the potential for broadband transmission in regions far from baseband. We find that MMFs offer the potential for broadband ROF transmission in the microwave and millimetre wave regions in short and middle reach distances.

Interaction of the geomagnetic field with northward interplanetary magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattarai, Shree Krishna

The interaction of the solar wind with Earth's magnetic field causes the transfer of momentum and energy from the solar wind to geospace. The study of this interaction is gaining significance as our society is becoming more and more space based, due to which, predicting space weather has become more important. The solar wind interacts with the geomagnetic field primarily via two processes: viscous interaction and the magnetic reconnection. Both of these interactions result in the generation of an electric field in Earth's ionosphere. The overall topology and dynamics of the magnetosphere, as well as the electric field imposed on the ionosphere, vary with speed, density, and magnetic field orientation of the solar wind as well as the conductivity of the ionosphere. In this dissertation, I will examine the role of northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) and discuss the global topology of the magnetosphere and the interaction with the ionosphere using results obtained from the Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry (LFM) simulation. The electric potentials imposed on the ionosphere due to viscous interaction and magnetic reconnection are called the viscous and the reconnection potentials, respectively. A proxy to measure the overall effect of these potentials is to measure the cross polar potential (CPP). The CPP is defined as the difference between the maximum and the minimum of the potential in a given polar ionosphere. I will show results from the LFM simulation showing saturation of the CPP during periods with purely northward IMF of sufficiently large magnitude. I will further show that the viscous potential, which was assumed to be independent of IMF orientation until this work, is reduced during periods of northward IMF. Furthermore, I will also discuss the implications of these results for a simulation of an entire solar rotation.

Accuracy of Protein Embedding Potentials: An Analysis in Terms of Electrostatic Potentials.

PubMed

Olsen, Jógvan Magnus Haugaard; List, Nanna Holmgaard; Kristensen, Kasper; Kongsted, Jacob

2015-04-14

Quantum-mechanical embedding methods have in recent years gained significant interest and may now be applied to predict a wide range of molecular properties calculated at different levels of theory. To reach a high level of accuracy in embedding methods, both the electronic structure model of the active region and the embedding potential need to be of sufficiently high quality. In fact, failures in quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM)-based embedding methods have often been associated with the QM/MM methodology itself; however, in many cases the reason for such failures is due to the use of an inaccurate embedding potential. In this paper, we investigate in detail the quality of the electronic component of embedding potentials designed for calculations on protein biostructures. We show that very accurate explicitly polarizable embedding potentials may be efficiently designed using fragmentation strategies combined with single-fragment ab initio calculations. In fact, due to the self-interaction error in Kohn-Sham density functional theory (KS-DFT), use of large full-structure quantum-mechanical calculations based on conventional (hybrid) functionals leads to less accurate embedding potentials than fragment-based approaches. We also find that standard protein force fields yield poor embedding potentials, and it is therefore not advisable to use such force fields in general QM/MM-type calculations of molecular properties other than energies and structures.

Algal Biomass Analysis by Laser-Based Analytical Techniques—A Review

PubMed Central

Pořízka, Pavel; Prochazková, Petra; Prochazka, David; Sládková, Lucia; Novotný, Jan; Petrilak, Michal; Brada, Michal; Samek, Ota; Pilát, Zdeněk; Zemánek, Pavel; Adam, Vojtěch; Kizek, René; Novotný, Karel; Kaiser, Jozef

2014-01-01

Algal biomass that is represented mainly by commercially grown algal strains has recently found many potential applications in various fields of interest. Its utilization has been found advantageous in the fields of bioremediation, biofuel production and the food industry. This paper reviews recent developments in the analysis of algal biomass with the main focus on the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and partly Laser-Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma techniques. The advantages of the selected laser-based analytical techniques are revealed and their fields of use are discussed in detail. PMID:25251409

Towards the development of tamper-resistant, ground-based mobile sensor nodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mascarenas, David; Stull, Christopher; Farrar, Charles

2011-11-01

Mobile sensor nodes hold great potential for collecting field data using fewer resources than human operators would require and potentially requiring fewer sensors than a fixed-position sensor array. It would be very beneficial to allow these mobile sensor nodes to operate unattended with a minimum of human intervention. In order to allow mobile sensor nodes to operate unattended in a field environment, it is imperative that they be capable of identifying and responding to external agents that may attempt to tamper with, damage or steal the mobile sensor nodes, while still performing their data collection mission. Potentially hostile external agents could include animals, other mobile sensor nodes, or humans. This work will focus on developing control policies to help enable a mobile sensor node to identify and avoid capture by a hostile un-mounted human. The work is developed in a simulation environment, and demonstrated using a non-holonomic, ground-based mobile sensor node. This work will be a preliminary step toward ensuring the cyber-physical security of ground-based mobile sensor nodes that operate unattended in potentially unfriendly environments.

Analysis of space charge fields using the Lienard-Wiechert potential and the method of images during the photoemission of the electron beam from the cathode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salah, Wa'el

2017-01-01

We present a numerical analysis of the space charge effect and the effect of image charge force on the cathode surface for a laser-driven RF-photocathode gun. In this numerical analysis, in the vicinity of the cathode surface, we used an analytical method based on Lienard-Weichert retarded potentials. The analytical method allows us to calculate longitudinal and radial electric fields, and the azimuth magnetic field due to both space charge effect and the effect of the image charge force. We calculate the electro-magnetic fields in the following two conditions for the "ELSA" photoinjector. The first condition is in the progress of photoemission, which corresponds to the inside of the emitted beam, and the second condition is at the end of the photoemission. The electromagnetic fields due to the space charge effect and the effect of the image charge force, and the sum of them, which corresponds to the global electro-magnetic fields, are shown. Based on these numerical results, we discussed the effects of the space charge and the image charge in the immediate vicinity of the cathode.

Toward a Quantitative Comparison of Magnetic Field Extrapolations and Observed Coronal Loops

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warren, Harry P.; Crump, Nicholas A.; Ugarte-Urra, Ignacio; Sun, Xudong; Aschwanden, Markus J.; Wiegelmann, Thomas

2018-06-01

It is widely believed that loops observed in the solar atmosphere trace out magnetic field lines. However, the degree to which magnetic field extrapolations yield field lines that actually do follow loops has yet to be studied systematically. In this paper, we apply three different extrapolation techniques—a simple potential model, a nonlinear force-free (NLFF) model based on photospheric vector data, and an NLFF model based on forward fitting magnetic sources with vertical currents—to 15 active regions that span a wide range of magnetic conditions. We use a distance metric to assess how well each of these models is able to match field lines to the 12202 loops traced in coronal images. These distances are typically 1″–2″. We also compute the misalignment angle between each traced loop and the local magnetic field vector, and find values of 5°–12°. We find that the NLFF models generally outperform the potential extrapolation on these metrics, although the differences between the different extrapolations are relatively small. The methodology that we employ for this study suggests a number of ways that both the extrapolations and loop identification can be improved.

Preliminary Prioritization of California Oil and Gas Fields for Regional Groundwater Monitoring Based on Intensity of Petroleum Resource Development and Proximity to Groundwater Resources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, T. A.; Landon, M. K.; Bennett, G.

2016-12-01

The California State Water Resources Control Board is collaborating with the U.S. Geological Survey to implement a Regional Monitoring Program (RMP) to assess where and to what degree groundwater resources may be at risk of contamination from oil and gas development activities including stimulation, well integrity issues, produced water ponds, and underground injection. A key issue in the implementation of the RMP is that the state has 487 onshore oil fields covering 8,785 square kilometers but detailed characterization work can only be done in a few oil fields annually. The first step in the RMP is to prioritize fields using available data that indicate potential risk to groundwater from oil and gas development, including vertical proximity of groundwater and oil/gas resources, density of petroleum and water wells, and volume of water injected in oil fields. This study compiled data for these factors, computed summary metrics for each oil field, analyzed statewide distributions of summary metrics, used those distributions to define relative categories of potential risk for each factor, and combined these into an overall priority ranking. Aggregated results categorized 22% (107 fields) of the total number of onshore oil and gas fields in California as high priority, 23% as moderate priority, and 55% as low priority. On an area-weighted basis, 41% of the fields ranked high, 30% moderate, and 29% low, highlighting that larger fields tend to have higher potential risk because of greater intensity of development, sometimes coupled with closer proximity to groundwater. More than half of the fields ranked as high priority were located in the southern Central Valley or the Los Angeles Basin. The prioritization does not represent an assessment of groundwater risk from oil and gas development; rather, such assessments are planned to follow based on detailed analysis of data from the RMP near the oil fields selected for study in the future.

Application of the scalar and vector potentials to the aerodynamics of jets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Russell, H. L.; Skifstad, J. G.

1973-01-01

The applicability of a method based on the Stokes potentials (vector and scalar potentials) to computations associated with the aerodynamics of jets was examined. The aerodynamic field near the nozzle could be represented and that the influence of a nonuniform velocity profile at the nozzle exit plane could be determined. Also computations were made for an axisymmetric jet exhausting into a quiescient atmosphere. The velocity at the axis of the jet, and the location of the half-velocity points along the jet yield accurate aerodynamic field computations. Inconsistencies among the different theoretical characterizations of jet flowfields are shown.

Ambient occlusion - A powerful algorithm to segment shell and skeletal intrapores in computed tomography data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Titschack, J.; Baum, D.; Matsuyama, K.; Boos, K.; Färber, C.; Kahl, W.-A.; Ehrig, K.; Meinel, D.; Soriano, C.; Stock, S. R.

2018-06-01

During the last decades, X-ray (micro-)computed tomography has gained increasing attention for the description of porous skeletal and shell structures of various organism groups. However, their quantitative analysis is often hampered by the difficulty to discriminate cavities and pores within the object from the surrounding region. Herein, we test the ambient occlusion (AO) algorithm and newly implemented optimisations for the segmentation of cavities (implemented in the software Amira). The segmentation accuracy is evaluated as a function of (i) changes in the ray length input variable, and (ii) the usage of AO (scalar) field and other AO-derived (scalar) fields. The results clearly indicate that the AO field itself outperforms all other AO-derived fields in terms of segmentation accuracy and robustness against variations in the ray length input variable. The newly implemented optimisations improved the AO field-based segmentation only slightly, while the segmentations based on the AO-derived fields improved considerably. Additionally, we evaluated the potential of the AO field and AO-derived fields for the separation and classification of cavities as well as skeletal structures by comparing them with commonly used distance-map-based segmentations. For this, we tested the zooid separation within a bryozoan colony, the stereom classification of an ophiuroid tooth, the separation of bioerosion traces within a marble block and the calice (central cavity)-pore separation within a dendrophyllid coral. The obtained results clearly indicate that the ideal input field depends on the three-dimensional morphology of the object of interest. The segmentations based on the AO-derived fields often provided cavity separations and skeleton classifications that were superior to or impossible to obtain with commonly used distance-map-based segmentations. The combined usage of various AO-derived fields by supervised or unsupervised segmentation algorithms might provide a promising target for future research to further improve the results for this kind of high-end data segmentation and classification. Furthermore, the application of the developed segmentation algorithm is not restricted to X-ray (micro-)computed tomographic data but may potentially be useful for the segmentation of 3D volume data from other sources.

Numerical Computation of Electric Field and Potential Along Silicone Rubber Insulators Under Contaminated and Dry Band Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arshad; Nekahi, A.; McMeekin, S. G.; Farzaneh, M.

2016-09-01

Electrical field distribution along the insulator surface is considered one of the important parameters for the performance evaluation of outdoor insulators. In this paper numerical simulations were carried out to investigate the electric field and potential distribution along silicone rubber insulators under various polluted and dry band conditions. Simulations were performed using commercially available simulation package Comsol Multiphysics based on the finite element method. Various pollution severity levels were simulated by changing the conductivity of pollution layer. Dry bands of 2 cm width were inserted at the high voltage end, ground end, middle part, shed, sheath, and at the junction of shed and sheath to investigate the effect of dry band location and width on electric field and potential distribution. Partial pollution conditions were simulated by applying pollution layer on the top and bottom surface respectively. It was observed from the simulation results that electric field intensity was higher at the metal electrode ends and at the junction of dry bands. Simulation results showed that potential distribution is nonlinear in the case of clean and partially polluted insulator and linear for uniform pollution layer. Dry band formation effect both potential and electric field distribution. Power dissipated along the insulator surface and the resultant heat generation was also studied. The results of this study could be useful in the selection of polymeric insulators for contaminated environments.

Chirp-modulated visual evoked potential as a generalization of steady state visual evoked potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tu, Tao; Xin, Yi; Gao, Xiaorong; Gao, Shangkai

2012-02-01

Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) are of great concern in cognitive and clinical neuroscience as well as in the recent research field of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). In this study, a chirp-modulated stimulation was employed to serve as a novel type of visual stimulus. Based on our empirical study, the chirp stimuli visual evoked potential (Chirp-VEP) preserved frequency features of the chirp stimulus analogous to the steady state evoked potential (SSVEP), and therefore it can be regarded as a generalization of SSVEP. Specifically, we first investigated the characteristics of the Chirp-VEP in the time-frequency domain and the fractional domain via fractional Fourier transform. We also proposed a group delay technique to derive the apparent latency from Chirp-VEP. Results on EEG data showed that our approach outperformed the traditional SSVEP-based method in efficiency and ease of apparent latency estimation. For the recruited six subjects, the average apparent latencies ranged from 100 to 130 ms. Finally, we implemented a BCI system with six targets to validate the feasibility of Chirp-VEP as a potential candidate in the field of BCIs.

LEAKAGE CHARACTERISTICS OF BASE OF RIVERBANK BY SELF POTENTIAL METHOD AND EXAMINATION OF EFFECTIVENESS OF SELF POTENTIAL METHOD TO HEALTH MONITORING OF BASE OF RIVERBANK

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsumoto, Kensaku; Okada, Takashi; Takeuchi, Atsuo; Yazawa, Masato; Uchibori, Sumio; Shimizu, Yoshihiko

Field Measurement of Self Potential Method using Copper Sulfate Electrode was performed in base of riverbank in WATARASE River, where has leakage problem to examine leakage characteristics. Measurement results showed typical S-shape what indicates existence of flow groundwater. The results agreed with measurement results by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport with good accuracy. Results of 1m depth ground temperature detection and Chain-Array detection showed good agreement with results of the Self Potential Method. Correlation between Self Potential value and groundwater velocity was examined model experiment. The result showed apparent correlation. These results indicate that the Self Potential Method was effective method to examine the characteristics of ground water of base of riverbank in leakage problem.

Comparison between field mill and corona point instrumentation at Kennedy Space Center - Use of these data with a model to determine cloudbase electric fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Markson, R.; Anderson, B.; Govaert, J.; Fairall, C. W.

1989-01-01

A novel coronal current-determining instrument is being used at NASA-KSC which overcomes previous difficulties with wind sensitivity and a voltage-threshold 'deadband'. The mounting of the corona needle at an elevated location reduces coronal and electrode layer space-charge influences on electric fields, rendering the measurement of space charge density possible. In conjunction with a space-charge compensation model, these features allow a more realistic estimation of cloud base electric fields and the potential for lightning strike than has previously been possible with ground-based sensors.

Eulerian velocity reconstruction in ideal atmospheric dynamics using potential vorticity and potential temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blender, R.

2009-04-01

An approach for the reconstruction of atmospheric flow is presented which uses space- and time-dependent fields of density ?, potential vorticity Q and potential temperature Î& cedil;[J. Phys. A, 38, 6419 (2005)]. The method is based on the fundamental equations without approximation. The basic idea is to consider the time-dependent continuity equation as a condition for zero divergence of momentum in four dimensions (time and space, with unit velocity in time). This continuity equation is solved by an ansatz for the four-dimensional momentum using three conserved stream functions, the potential vorticity, potential temperature and a third field, denoted as ?-potential. In zonal flows, the ?-potential identifies the initial longitude of particles, whereas potential vorticity and potential temperature identify mainly meridional and vertical positions. Since the Lagrangian tracers Q, Î&,cedil; and ? determine the Eulerian velocity field, the reconstruction combines the Eulerian and the Lagrangian view of hydrodynamics. In stationary flows, the ?-potential is related to the Bernoulli function. The approach requires that the gradients of the potential vorticity and potential temperature do not vanish when the velocity remains finite. This behavior indicates a possible interrelation with stability conditions. Examples with analytical solutions are presented for a Rossby wave and zonal and rotational shear flows.

Geohydrology and Potential for Upward Movement of Saline Water in the Cocoa Well Field, East Orange County, Florida

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-01-01

11 8. Map showing chloride concentration in water from the Upper...not move upward. Upconing of saline water probably is not taking place in the center and western part of the well field, based on the low vertical...zone of low hydraulic conductivity, based on the geophysical logs of well R (fig. 5). Chloride concentrations increase sharply in water from both

Initial review of rapid moisture measurement for roadway base and subgrade.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-05-01

This project searched available moisture-measurement technologies using gravimetric, dielectric, electrical conductivity, and suction-based methods, as potential replacements for the nuclear gauge to provide rapid moisture measurement on field constr...

Thickness-modulated tungsten-carbon superconducting nanostructures grown by focused ion beam induced deposition for vortex pinning up to high magnetic fields.

PubMed

Serrano, Ismael García; Sesé, Javier; Guillamón, Isabel; Suderow, Hermann; Vieira, Sebastián; Ibarra, Manuel Ricardo; De Teresa, José María

2016-01-01

We report efficient vortex pinning in thickness-modulated tungsten-carbon-based (W-C) nanostructures grown by focused ion beam induced deposition (FIBID). By using FIBID, W-C superconducting films have been created with thickness modulation properties exhibiting periodicity from 60 to 140 nm, leading to a strong pinning potential for the vortex lattice. This produces local minima in the resistivity up to high magnetic fields (2.2 T) in a broad temperature range due to commensurability effects between the pinning potential and the vortex lattice. The results show that the combination of single-step FIBID fabrication of superconducting nanostructures with built-in artificial pinning landscapes and the small intrinsic random pinning potential of this material produces strong periodic pinning potentials, maximizing the opportunities for the investigation of fundamental aspects in vortex science under changing external stimuli (e.g., temperature, magnetic field, electrical current).

Bridging Fields at a Critical Time

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baggaley, Jon

2014-01-01

The launch of the "Journal of Learning for Development" occurs at a critical time for the education and development field. The "massive open online course" concept currently being implemented by Western educators is considered as a potential cost-saver in developing nations also. MOOCs based on reliable pedagogical principles…

Initial experimental test of a helicon plasma based mass filter

DOE PAGES

Gueroult, R.; Evans, E. S.; Zweben, S. J.; ...

2016-05-12

High throughput plasma mass separation requires rotation control in a high density multi-species plasmas. A preliminary mass separation device based on a helicon plasma operating in gas mixtures and featuring concentric biasable ring electrodes is introduced. Plasma profile shows strong response to electrode biasing. In light of floating potential measurements, the density response is interpreted as the consequence of a reshaping of the radial electric field in the plasma. This field can be made confining or de-confining depending on the imposed potential at the electrodes, in a way which is consistent with single particle orbit radial stability. In conclusion, concurrentmore » spatially resolved spectroscopic measurements suggest ion separation, with heavy to light ion emission line ratio increasing with radius when a specific potential gradient is applied to the electrodes.« less

Two-field analysis of no-scale supergravity inflation

DOE PAGES

Ellis, John; Garcia, Marcos A. G.; Nanopoulos, Dimitri V.; ...

2015-01-08

Since the building-blocks of supersymmetric models include chiral superfields containing pairs of effective scalar fields, a two-field approach is particularly appropriate for models of inflation based on supergravity. In this paper, we generalize the two-field analysis of the inflationary power spectrum to supergravity models with arbitrary Kähler potential. We show how two-field effects in the context of no-scale supergravity can alter the model predictions for the scalar spectral index n s and the tensor-to-scalar ratio r, yielding results that interpolate between the Planck-friendly Starobinsky model and BICEP2-friendly predictions. In particular, we show that two-field effects in a chaotic no-scale inflationmore » model with a quadratic potential are capable of reducing r to very small values << 0.1. Here, we also calculate the non-Gaussianity measure f NL, finding that is well below the current experimental sensitivity.« less

Non-singular spherical harmonic expressions of geomagnetic vector and gradient tensor fields in the local north-oriented reference frame

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, J.; Chen, C.; Lesur, V.; Wang, L.

2014-12-01

General expressions of magnetic vector (MV) and magnetic gradient tensor (MGT) in terms of the first- and second-order derivatives of spherical harmonics at different degrees and orders, are relatively complicated and singular at the poles. In this paper, we derived alternative non-singular expressions for the MV, the MGT and also the higher-order partial derivatives of the magnetic field in local north-oriented reference frame. Using our newly derived formulae, the magnetic potential, vector and gradient tensor fields at an altitude of 300 km are calculated based on a global lithospheric magnetic field model GRIMM_L120 (version 0.0) and the main magnetic field model of IGRF11. The corresponding results at the poles are discussed and the validity of the derived formulas is verified using the Laplace equation of the potential field.

Verification of the Rigidity of the Coulomb Field in Motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blinov, S. V.; Bulyzhenkov, I. É.

2018-06-01

Laplace, analyzing the stability of the Solar System, was the first to calculate that the velocity of the motion of force fields can significantly exceed the velocity of light waves. In electrodynamics, the Coulomb field should rigidly accompany its source for instantaneous force action in distant regions. Such rigid motion was recently inferred from experiments at the Frascati Beam Test Facility with short beams of relativistic electrons. The comments of the authors on their observations are at odds with the comments of theoreticians on retarded potentials, which motivates a detailed study of the positions of both sides. Predictions of measurements, based on the Lienard-Wiechert potentials, are used to propose an unambiguous scheme for testing the rigidity of the Coulomb field. Realization of the proposed experimental scheme could independently refute or support the assertions of the Italian physicists regarding the rigid motion of Coulomb fields and likewise the nondual field approach to macroscopic reality.

Analytical and numerical solutions of the potential and electric field generated by different electrode arrays in a tumor tissue under electrotherapy.

PubMed

Bergues Pupo, Ana E; Reyes, Juan Bory; Bergues Cabrales, Luis E; Bergues Cabrales, Jesús M

2011-09-24

Electrotherapy is a relatively well established and efficient method of tumor treatment. In this paper we focus on analytical and numerical calculations of the potential and electric field distributions inside a tumor tissue in a two-dimensional model (2D-model) generated by means of electrode arrays with shapes of different conic sections (ellipse, parabola and hyperbola). Analytical calculations of the potential and electric field distributions based on 2D-models for different electrode arrays are performed by solving the Laplace equation, meanwhile the numerical solution is solved by means of finite element method in two dimensions. Both analytical and numerical solutions reveal significant differences between the electric field distributions generated by electrode arrays with shapes of circle and different conic sections (elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic). Electrode arrays with circular, elliptical and hyperbolic shapes have the advantage of concentrating the electric field lines in the tumor. The mathematical approach presented in this study provides a useful tool for the design of electrode arrays with different shapes of conic sections by means of the use of the unifying principle. At the same time, we verify the good correspondence between the analytical and numerical solutions for the potential and electric field distributions generated by the electrode array with different conic sections.

Kinetic Model of Electric Potentials in Localized Collisionless Plasma Structures under Steady Quasi-gyrotropic Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schindler, K.; Birn, J.; Hesse, M.

2012-01-01

Localized plasma structures, such as thin current sheets, generally are associated with localized magnetic and electric fields. In space plasmas localized electric fields not only play an important role for particle dynamics and acceleration but may also have significant consequences on larger scales, e.g., through magnetic reconnection. Also, it has been suggested that localized electric fields generated in the magnetosphere are directly connected with quasi-steady auroral arcs. In this context, we present a two-dimensional model based on Vlasov theory that provides the electric potential for a large class of given magnetic field profiles. The model uses an expansion for small deviation from gyrotropy and besides quasineutrality it assumes that electrons and ions have the same number of particles with their generalized gyrocenter on any given magnetic field line. Specializing to one dimension, a detailed discussion concentrates on the electric potential shapes (such as "U" or "S" shapes) associated with magnetic dips, bumps, and steps. Then, it is investigated how the model responds to quasi-steady evolution of the plasma. Finally, the model proves useful in the interpretation of the electric potentials taken from two existing particle simulations.

Piezoelectric potential gated field-effect transistor based on a free-standing ZnO wire.

PubMed

Fei, Peng; Yeh, Ping-Hung; Zhou, Jun; Xu, Sheng; Gao, Yifan; Song, Jinhui; Gu, Yudong; Huang, Yanyi; Wang, Zhong Lin

2009-10-01

We report an external force triggered field-effect transistor based on a free-standing piezoelectric fine wire (PFW). The device consists of an Ag source electrode and an Au drain electrode at two ends of a ZnO PFW, which were separated by an insulating polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) thin layer. The working principle of the sensor is proposed based on the piezoelectric potential gating effect. Once subjected to a mechanical impact, the bent ZnO PFW cantilever creates a piezoelectric potential distribution across it width at its root and simultaneously produces a local reverse depletion layer with much higher donor concentration than normal, which can dramatically change the current flowing from the source electrode to drain electrode when the device is under a fixed voltage bias. Due to the free-standing structure of the sensor device, it has a prompt response time less than 20 ms and quite high and stable sensitivity of 2%/microN. The effect from contact resistance has been ruled out.

Expanding the Playing Field: Immune-Based Therapy Shows Potential for Lung, Other Cancers

Cancer.gov

Results from two early-phase clinical trials presented at the 2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting provide further evidence that priming the immune system to attack tumors has potential as a treatment for certain cancers.

Combination Rules for Morse-Based van der Waals Force Fields.

PubMed

Yang, Li; Sun, Lei; Deng, Wei-Qiao

2018-02-15

In traditional force fields (FFs), van der Waals interactions have been usually described by the Lennard-Jones potentials. Conventional combination rules for the parameters of van der Waals (VDW) cross-termed interactions were developed for the Lennard-Jones based FFs. Here, we report that the Morse potentials were a better function to describe VDW interactions calculated by highly precise quantum mechanics methods. A new set of combination rules was developed for Morse-based FFs, in which VDW interactions were described by Morse potentials. The new set of combination rules has been verified by comparing the second virial coefficients of 11 noble gas mixtures. For all of the mixed binaries considered in this work, the combination rules work very well and are superior to all three other existing sets of combination rules reported in the literature. We further used the Morse-based FF by using the combination rules to simulate the adsorption isotherms of CH 4 at 298 K in four covalent-organic frameworks (COFs). The overall agreement is great, which supports the further applications of this new set of combination rules in more realistic simulation systems.

Model-based coefficient method for calculation of N leaching from agricultural fields applied to small catchments and the effects of leaching reducing measures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kyllmar, K.; Mårtensson, K.; Johnsson, H.

2005-03-01

A method to calculate N leaching from arable fields using model-calculated N leaching coefficients (NLCs) was developed. Using the process-based modelling system SOILNDB, leaching of N was simulated for four leaching regions in southern Sweden with 20-year climate series and a large number of randomised crop sequences based on regional agricultural statistics. To obtain N leaching coefficients, mean values of annual N leaching were calculated for each combination of main crop, following crop and fertilisation regime for each leaching region and soil type. The field-NLC method developed could be useful for following up water quality goals in e.g. small monitoring catchments, since it allows normal leaching from actual crop rotations and fertilisation to be determined regardless of the weather. The method was tested using field data from nine small intensively monitored agricultural catchments. The agreement between calculated field N leaching and measured N transport in catchment stream outlets, 19-47 and 8-38 kg ha -1 yr -1, respectively, was satisfactory in most catchments when contributions from land uses other than arable land and uncertainties in groundwater flows were considered. The possibility of calculating effects of crop combinations (crop and following crop) is of considerable value since changes in crop rotation constitute a large potential for reducing N leaching. When the effect of a number of potential measures to reduce N leaching (i.e. applying manure in spring instead of autumn; postponing ploughing-in of ley and green fallow in autumn; undersowing a catch crop in cereals and oilseeds; and increasing the area of catch crops by substituting winter cereals and winter oilseeds with corresponding spring crops) was calculated for the arable fields in the catchments using field-NLCs, N leaching was reduced by between 34 and 54% for the separate catchments when the best possible effect on the entire potential area was assumed.

Junction-based field emission structure for field emission display

DOEpatents

Dinh, Long N.; Balooch, Mehdi; McLean, II, William; Schildbach, Marcus A.

2002-01-01

A junction-based field emission display, wherein the junctions are formed by depositing a semiconducting or dielectric, low work function, negative electron affinity (NEA) silicon-based compound film (SBCF) onto a metal or n-type semiconductor substrate. The SBCF can be doped to become a p-type semiconductor. A small forward bias voltage is applied across the junction so that electron transport is from the substrate into the SBCF region. Upon entering into this NEA region, many electrons are released into the vacuum level above the SBCF surface and accelerated toward a positively biased phosphor screen anode, hence lighting up the phosphor screen for display. To turn off, simply switch off the applied potential across the SBCF/substrate. May be used for field emission flat panel displays.

Complementary analyses of hollow cylindrical unioriented permanent magnet (HCM) with high permeability external layer.

PubMed

Lobo, Carlos M S; Tosin, Giancarlo; Baader, Johann E; Colnago, Luiz A

2017-10-01

In this article, several studies based on analytical expressions and computational simulations on Hollow Cylindrical Magnets with an external soft ferromagnetic material (HCM magnets) are presented. Electromagnetic configurations, as well as permanent-magnet-based structures, are studied in terms of magnetic field strength and homogeneity. Permanent-magnet-based structures are further analyzed in terms of the anisotropy of the magnetic permeability. It was found that the HCM magnets produce a highly homogeneous magnetic field as long as the magnetic material is isotropic. The dependency of the magnetic field strength and homogeneity in terms of the anisotropy of the magnetic permeability is also explored here. These magnets can potentially be used in medium-resolution NMR spectrometers and high-field NMR spectrometers. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Non-invasive continuous imaging of drug release from soy-based skin equivalent using wide-field interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gabai, Haniel; Baranes-Zeevi, Maya; Zilberman, Meital; Shaked, Natan T.

2013-04-01

We propose an off-axis interferometric imaging system as a simple and unique modality for continuous, non-contact and non-invasive wide-field imaging and characterization of drug release from its polymeric device used in biomedicine. In contrast to the current gold-standard methods in this field, usually based on chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, our method requires no user intervention during the experiment, and only one test-tube is prepared. We experimentally demonstrate imaging and characterization of drug release from soy-based protein matrix, used as skin equivalent for wound dressing with controlled anesthetic, Bupivacaine drug release. Our preliminary results demonstrate the high potential of our method as a simple and low-cost modality for wide-field imaging and characterization of drug release from drug delivery devices.

Density-controlled, solution-based growth of ZnO nanorod arrays via layer-by-layer polymer thin films for enhanced field emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weintraub, Benjamin; Chang, Sehoon; Singamaneni, Srikanth; Han, Won Hee; Choi, Young Jin; Bae, Joonho; Kirkham, Melanie; Tsukruk, Vladimir V.; Deng, Yulin

2008-10-01

A simple, scalable, and cost-effective technique for controlling the growth density of ZnO nanorod arrays based on a layer-by-layer polyelectrolyte polymer film is demonstrated. The ZnO nanorods were synthesized using a low temperature (T = 90 °C), solution-based method. The density-control technique utilizes a polymer thin film pre-coated on the substrate to control the mass transport of the reactant to the substrate. The density-controlled arrays were investigated as potential field emission candidates. The field emission results revealed that an emitter density of 7 nanorods µm-2 and a tapered nanorod morphology generated a high field enhancement factor of 5884. This novel technique shows promise for applications in flat panel display technology.

Developing Standards-Based Geography Curricular Materials from Overseas Field Experiences for K-12 Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oberle, Alex; Palacios, Fabian Araya

2012-01-01

Overseas experiences provide educators with exceptional opportunities to incorporate field study, firsthand experiences, and tangible artifacts into the classroom. Despite this potential, teachers must consider curricular standards that direct how such international endeavors can be integrated. Furthermore, geography curriculum development is more…

Remote sensing for mapping soil moisture and drainage potential in semi-arid regions: Applications to the Campidano plain of Sardinia, Italy.

PubMed

Filion, Rébecca; Bernier, Monique; Paniconi, Claudio; Chokmani, Karem; Melis, Massimo; Soddu, Antonino; Talazac, Manon; Lafortune, Francois-Xavier

2016-02-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of radar (ENVISAT ASAR and RADARSAT-2) and LANDSAT data to generate reliable soil moisture maps to support water management and agricultural practice in Mediterranean regions, particularly during dry seasons. The study is based on extensive field surveys conducted from 2005 to 2009 in the Campidano plain of Sardinia, Italy. A total of 12 small bare soil fields were sampled for moisture, surface roughness, and texture values. From field scale analysis with ENVISAT ASAR (C-band, VV polarized, descending mode, incidence angle from 15.0° to 31.4°), an empirical model for estimating bare soil moisture was established, with a coefficient of determination (R(2)) of 0.85. LANDSAT TM5 images were also used for soil moisture estimation using the TVX slope (temperature/vegetation index), and in this case the best linear relationship had an R(2) of 0.81. A cross-validation on the two empirical models demonstrated the potential of C-band SAR data for estimation of surface moisture, with and R(2) of 0.76 (bias +0.3% and RMSE 7%) for ENVISAT ASAR and 0.54 (bias +1.3% and RMSE 5%) for LANDSAT TM5. The two models developed at plot level were then applied over the Campidano plain and assessed via multitemporal and spatial analyses, in the latter case against soil permeability data from a pedological map of Sardinia. Encouraging estimated soil moisture (ESM) maps were obtained for the SAR-based model, whereas the LANDSAT-based model would require a better field data set for validation, including ground data collected on vegetated fields. ESM maps showed sensitivity to soil drainage qualities or drainage potential, which could be useful in irrigation management and other agricultural applications. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of optimal reservoir prospectivity using acoustic-impedance model inversion: A case study of an offshore field, western Niger Delta, Nigeria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oyeyemi, Kehinde D.; Olowokere, Mary T.; Aizebeokhai, Ahzegbobor P.

2017-12-01

The evaluation of economic potential of any hydrocarbon field involves the understanding of the reservoir lithofacies and porosity variations. This in turns contributes immensely towards subsequent reservoir management and field development. In this study, integrated 3D seismic data and well log data were employed to assess the quality and prospectivity of the delineated reservoirs (H1-H5) within the OPO field, western Niger Delta using a model-based seismic inversion technique. The model inversion results revealed four distinct sedimentary packages based on the subsurface acoustic impedance properties and shale contents. Low acoustic impedance model values were associated with the delineated hydrocarbon bearing units, denoting their high porosity and good quality. Application of model-based inverted velocity, density and acoustic impedance properties on the generated time slices of reservoirs also revealed a regional fault and prospects within the field.

Use of terrestrial field studies in the derivation of bioaccumulation potential of chemicals

USGS Publications Warehouse

van den Brink, Nico W.; Arblaster, Jennifer A.; Bowman, Sarah R.; Conder, Jason M.; Elliott, John E.; Johnson, Mark S.; Muir, Derek C.G.; Natal-da-Luz, Tiago; Rattner, Barnett A.; Sample, Bradley E.; Shore, Richard F.

2016-01-01

Field-based studies are an essential component of research addressing the behavior of organic chemicals, and a unique line of evidence that can be used to assess bioaccumulation potential in chemical registration programs and aid in development of associated laboratory and modeling efforts. To aid scientific and regulatory discourse on the application of terrestrial field data in this manner, this article provides practical recommendations regarding the generation and interpretation of terrestrial field data. Currently, biota-to-soil-accumulation factors (BSAFs), biomagnification factors (BMFs), and bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) are the most suitable bioaccumulation metrics that are applicable to bioaccumulation assessment evaluations and able to be generated from terrestrial field studies with relatively low uncertainty. Biomagnification factors calculated from field-collected samples of terrestrial carnivores and their prey appear to be particularly robust indicators of bioaccumulation potential. The use of stable isotope ratios for quantification of trophic relationships in terrestrial ecosystems needs to be further developed to resolve uncertainties associated with the calculation of terrestrial trophic magnification factors (TMFs). Sampling efforts for terrestrial field studies should strive for efficiency, and advice on optimization of study sample sizes, practical considerations for obtaining samples, selection of tissues for analysis, and data interpretation is provided. Although there is still much to be learned regarding terrestrial bioaccumulation, these recommendations provide some initial guidance to the present application of terrestrial field data as a line of evidence in the assessment of chemical bioaccumulation potential and a resource to inform laboratory and modeling efforts.

Electromagnetic fields and potentials generated by massless charged particles

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

Azzurli, Francesco, E-mail: francesco.azzurli@gmail.com; Lechner, Kurt, E-mail: lechner@pd.infn.it; INFN, Sezione di Padova, Via F. Marzolo, 8, 35131 Padova

2014-10-15

We provide for the first time the exact solution of Maxwell’s equations for a massless charged particle moving on a generic trajectory at the speed of light. In particular we furnish explicit expressions for the vector potential and the electromagnetic field, which were both previously unknown, finding that they entail different physical features for bounded and unbounded trajectories. With respect to the standard Liénard–Wiechert field the electromagnetic field acquires singular δ-like contributions whose support and dimensionality depend crucially on whether the motion is (a) linear, (b) accelerated unbounded, (c) accelerated bounded. In the first two cases the particle generates amore » planar shock-wave-like electromagnetic field traveling along a straight line. In the second and third cases the field acquires, in addition, a δ-like contribution supported on a physical singularity-string attached to the particle. For generic accelerated motions a genuine radiation field is also present, represented by a regular principal-part type distribution diverging on the same singularity-string. - Highlights: • First exact solution of Maxwell’s equations for massless charges in arbitrary motion. • Explicit expressions of electromagnetic fields and potentials. • Derivations are rigorous and based on distribution theory. • The form of the field depends heavily on whether the motion is bounded or unbounded. • The electromagnetic field contains unexpected Dirac-delta-function contributions.« less

Identification of anomalous motion of thunderstorms using daily rainfall fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moral, Anna del; Llasat, María del Carmen; Rigo, Tomeu

2017-03-01

Most of the adverse weather phenomena in Catalonia (northeast Iberian Peninsula) are caused by convective events, which can produce heavy rains, large hailstones, strong winds, lightning and/or tornadoes. These thunderstorms usually have marked paths. However, their trajectories can vary sharply at any given time, completely changing direction from the path they have previously followed. Furthermore, some thunderstorms split or merge with each other, creating new formations with different behaviour. In order to identify the potentially anomalous movements that some thunderstorms make, this paper presents a two-step methodology using a database with 8 years of daily rainfall fields data for the Catalonia region (2008-2015). First, it classifies daily rainfall fields between days with "no rain", "non-potentially convective rain" and "potentially convective rain", based on daily accumulated precipitation and extension thresholds. Second, it categorises convective structures within rainfall fields and briefly identifies their main features, distinguishing whether there were any anomalous thunderstorm movements in each case. This methodology has been applied to the 2008-2015 period, and the main climatic features of convective and non-convective days were obtained. The methodology can be exported to other regions that do not have the necessary radar-based algorithms to detect convective cells, but where there is a good rain gauge network in place.

Cellulose-Based Smart Fluids under Applied Electric Fields

PubMed Central

Choi, Kisuk; Gao, Chun Yan; Nam, Jae Do

2017-01-01

Cellulose particles, their derivatives and composites have special environmentally benign features and are abundant in nature with their various applications. This review paper introduces the essential properties of several types of cellulose and their derivatives obtained from various source materials, and their use in electro-responsive electrorheological (ER) suspensions, which are smart fluid systems that are actively responsive under applied electric fields, while, at zero electric field, ER fluids retain a liquid-like state. Given the actively controllable characteristics of cellulose-based smart ER fluids under an applied electric field regarding their rheological and dielectric properties, they can potentially be applied for various industrial devices including dampers and haptic devices. PMID:28891966

Doubling the critical current density in superconducting FeSe 0.5Te 0.5 thin films by low temperature oxygen annealing

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

Zhang, Cheng; Si, Weidong; Li, Qiang

Iron chalcogenide superconducting thin films and coated conductors are attractive for potential high field applications at liquid helium temperature for their high critical current densities J c, low anisotropies, and relatively strong grain couplings. Embedding flux pinning defects is a general approach to increase the in-field performance of superconductors. However, many effective pinning defects can adversely affect the zero field or self-field J c, particularly in cuprate high temperature superconductors. Here, we report the doubling of the self-field J c in FeSe 0.5Te 0.5 films by low temperature oxygen annealing, reaching ~3 MA/cm 2. In-field performance is also dramatically enhanced.more » In conclusion, our results demonstrate that low temperature oxygen annealing is a simple and cost-efficient post-treatment technique which can greatly help to accelerate the potential high field applications of the iron-based superconductors.« less

Doubling the critical current density in superconducting FeSe 0.5Te 0.5 thin films by low temperature oxygen annealing

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Cheng; Si, Weidong; Li, Qiang

2016-11-14

Iron chalcogenide superconducting thin films and coated conductors are attractive for potential high field applications at liquid helium temperature for their high critical current densities J c, low anisotropies, and relatively strong grain couplings. Embedding flux pinning defects is a general approach to increase the in-field performance of superconductors. However, many effective pinning defects can adversely affect the zero field or self-field J c, particularly in cuprate high temperature superconductors. Here, we report the doubling of the self-field J c in FeSe 0.5Te 0.5 films by low temperature oxygen annealing, reaching ~3 MA/cm 2. In-field performance is also dramatically enhanced.more » In conclusion, our results demonstrate that low temperature oxygen annealing is a simple and cost-efficient post-treatment technique which can greatly help to accelerate the potential high field applications of the iron-based superconductors.« less

Comparison of interpretation methods of thermocouple psychrometer readouts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guz, Łukasz; Majerek, Dariusz; Sobczuk, Henryk; Guz, Ewa; Połednik, Bernard

2017-07-01

Thermocouple psychrometers allow to determine the water potential, which can be easily recalculated into relative humidity of air in cavity of porous materials. The available typical measuring range of probe is very narrow. The lower limit of water potential measurements is about -200 kPa. On the other hand, the upper limit is approximately equal to -7000 kPa and depends on many factors. These paper presents a comparison of two interpretation methods of thermocouple microvolt output regarding: i) amplitude of voltage during wet-bulb temperature depression, ii) field under microvolt output curve. Previous results of experiments indicate that there is a robust correlation between water potential and field under microvolt output curve. In order to obtain correct results of water potential, each probe should be calibrated. The range of NaCl salt solutions with molality from 0.75M to 2.25M was used for calibration, which enable to obtain the osmotic potential from -3377 kPa to -10865 kPa. During measurements was applied 5mA heating current over a span 5 s and 5 mA cooling current aver a span 30s. The conducted study proves that using only different interpretation method based on field under microvolt output it is possible to achieve about 1000 kPa wider range of water potential. The average relative mean square error (RMSE) of this interpretation method is 1199 kPa while voltage amplitude based method yields average RMSE equaling 1378 kPa during calibration in temperature not stabilized conditions.

Satellite-driven modeling approach for monitoring lava flow hazards during the 2017 Etna eruption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Del Negro, C.; Bilotta, G.; Cappello, A.; Ganci, G.; Herault, A.; Zago, V.

2017-12-01

The integration of satellite data and modeling represents an efficient strategy that may provide immediate answers to the main issues raised at the onset of a new effusive eruption. Satellite-based thermal remote sensing of hotspots related to effusive activity can effectively provide a variety of products suited to timing, locating, and tracking the radiant character of lava flows. Hotspots show the location and occurrence of eruptive events (vents). Discharge rate estimates may indicate the current intensity (effusion rate) and potential magnitude (volume). High-spatial resolution multispectral satellite data can complement field observations for monitoring the front position (length) and extension of flows (area). Physics-based models driven, or validated, by satellite-derived parameters are now capable of fast and accurate forecast of lava flow inundation scenarios (hazard). Here, we demonstrate the potential of the integrated application of satellite remote-sensing techniques and lava flow models during the 2017 effusive eruption at Mount Etna in Italy. This combined approach provided insights into lava flow field evolution by supplying detailed views of flow field construction (e.g., the opening of ephemeral vents) that were useful for more accurate and reliable forecasts of eruptive activity. Moreover, we gave a detailed chronology of the lava flow activity based on field observations and satellite images, assessed the potential extent of impacted areas, mapped the evolution of lava flow field, and executed hazard projections. The underside of this combination is the high sensitivity of lava flow inundation scenarios to uncertainties in vent location, discharge rate, and other parameters, which can make interpreting hazard forecasts difficult during an effusive crisis. However, such integration at last makes timely forecasts of lava flow hazards during effusive crises possible at the great majority of volcanoes for which no monitoring exists.

Theory of plasma contactors in ground-based experiments and low Earth orbit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gerver, M. J.; Hastings, Daniel E.; Oberhardt, M. R.

1990-01-01

Previous theoretical work on plasma contactors as current collectors has fallen into two categories: collisionless double layer theory (describing space charge limited contactor clouds) and collisional quasineutral theory. Ground based experiments at low current are well explained by double layer theory, but this theory does not scale well to power generation by electrodynamic tethers in space, since very high anode potentials are needed to draw a substantial ambient electron current across the magnetic field in the absence of collisions (or effective collisions due to turbulence). Isotropic quasineutral models of contactor clouds, extending over a region where the effective collision frequency upsilon sub e exceeds the electron cyclotron frequency omega sub ce, have low anode potentials, but would collect very little ambient electron current, much less than the emitted ion current. A new model is presented, for an anisotropic contactor cloud oriented along the magnetic field, with upsilon sub e less than omega sub ce. The electron motion along the magnetic field is nearly collisionless, forming double layers in that direction, while across the magnetic field the electrons diffuse collisionally and the potential profile is determined by quasineutrality. Using a simplified expression for upsilon sub e due to ion acoustic turbulence, an analytic solution has been found for this model, which should be applicable to current collection in space. The anode potential is low and the collected ambient electron current can be several times the emitted ion current.

Numerical solution of a multi-ion one-potential model for electroosmotic flow in two-dimensional rectangular microchannels.

PubMed

Van Theemsche, Achim; Deconinck, Johan; Van den Bossche, Bart; Bortels, Leslie

2002-10-01

A new more general numerical model for the simulation of electrokinetic flow in rectangular microchannels is presented. The model is based on the dilute solution model and the Navier-Stokes equations and has been implemented in a finite-element-based C++ code. The model includes the ion distribution in the Helmholtz double layer and considers only one single electrical' potential field variable throughout the domain. On a charged surface(s) the surface charge density, which is proportional to the local electrical field, is imposed. The zeta potential results, then, from this boundary condition and depends on concentrations, temperature, ion valence, molecular diffusion coefficients, and geometric conditions. Validation cases show that the model predicts accurately known analytical results, also for geometries having dimensions comparable to the Debye length. As a final study, the electro-osmotic flow in a controlled cross channel is investigated.

[Hardware Implementation of Numerical Simulation Function of Hodgkin-Huxley Model Neurons Action Potential Based on Field Programmable Gate Array].

PubMed

Wang, Jinlong; Lu, Mai; Hu, Yanwen; Chen, Xiaoqiang; Pan, Qiangqiang

2015-12-01

Neuron is the basic unit of the biological neural system. The Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) model is one of the most realistic neuron models on the electrophysiological characteristic description of neuron. Hardware implementation of neuron could provide new research ideas to clinical treatment of spinal cord injury, bionics and artificial intelligence. Based on the HH model neuron and the DSP Builder technology, in the present study, a single HH model neuron hardware implementation was completed in Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The neuron implemented in FPGA was stimulated by different types of current, the action potential response characteristics were analyzed, and the correlation coefficient between numerical simulation result and hardware implementation result were calculated. The results showed that neuronal action potential response of FPGA was highly consistent with numerical simulation result. This work lays the foundation for hardware implementation of neural network.

A Multi-Parametric Device with Innovative Solid Electrodes for Long-Term Monitoring of pH, Redox-Potential and Conductivity in a Nuclear Waste Repository

PubMed Central

Daoudi, Jordan; Betelu, Stephanie; Tzedakis, Theodore; Bertrand, Johan; Ignatiadis, Ioannis

2017-01-01

We present an innovative electrochemical probe for the monitoring of pH, redox potential and conductivity in near-field rocks of deep geological radioactive waste repositories. The probe is composed of a monocrystalline antimony electrode for pH sensing, four AgCl/Ag-based reference or Cl− selective electrodes, one Ag2S/Ag-based reference or S2− selective electrode, as well as four platinum electrodes, a gold electrode and a glassy-carbon electrode for redox potential measurements. Galvanostatic electrochemistry impedance spectroscopy using AgCl/Ag-based and platinum electrodes measure conductivity. The use of such a multi-parameter probe provides redundant information, based as it is on the simultaneous behaviour under identical conditions of different electrodes of the same material, as well as on that of electrodes made of different materials. This identifies the changes in physical and chemical parameters in a solution, as well as the redox reactions controlling the measured potential, both in the solution and/or at the electrode/solution interface. Understanding the electrochemical behaviour of selected materials thus is a key point of our research, as provides the basis for constructing the abacuses needed for developing robust and reliable field sensors. PMID:28608820

A Multi-Parametric Device with Innovative Solid Electrodes for Long-Term Monitoring of pH, Redox-Potential and Conductivity in a Nuclear Waste Repository.

PubMed

Daoudi, Jordan; Betelu, Stephanie; Tzedakis, Theodore; Bertrand, Johan; Ignatiadis, Ioannis

2017-06-13

We present an innovative electrochemical probe for the monitoring of pH, redox potential and conductivity in near-field rocks of deep geological radioactive waste repositories. The probe is composed of a monocrystalline antimony electrode for pH sensing, four AgCl/Ag-based reference or Cl - selective electrodes, one Ag₂S/Ag-based reference or S 2- selective electrode, as well as four platinum electrodes, a gold electrode and a glassy-carbon electrode for redox potential measurements. Galvanostatic electrochemistry impedance spectroscopy using AgCl/Ag-based and platinum electrodes measure conductivity. The use of such a multi-parameter probe provides redundant information, based as it is on the simultaneous behaviour under identical conditions of different electrodes of the same material, as well as on that of electrodes made of different materials. This identifies the changes in physical and chemical parameters in a solution, as well as the redox reactions controlling the measured potential, both in the solution and/or at the electrode/solution interface. Understanding the electrochemical behaviour of selected materials thus is a key point of our research, as provides the basis for constructing the abacuses needed for developing robust and reliable field sensors.

Effect of Membrane Tension on the Electric Field and Dipole Potential of Lipid Bilayer Membrane

PubMed Central

Warshaviak, Dora Toledo; Muellner, Michael J.; Chachisvilis, Mirianas

2011-01-01

The dipole potential of lipid bilayer membrane controls the difference in permeability of the membrane to oppositely charged ions. We have combined molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and experimental studies to determine changes in electric field and electrostatic potential of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) lipid bilayer in response to applied membrane tension. MD simulations based on CHARMM36 force field showed that electrostatic potential of DOPC bilayer decreases by ~45 mV in the physiologically relevant range of membrane tension values (0 to 15 dyn/cm). The electrostatic field exhibits a peak (~0.8×109 V/m) near the water/lipid interface which shifts by 0.9 Å towards the bilayer center at 15 dyn/cm. Maximum membrane tension of 15 dyn/cm caused 6.4% increase in area per lipid, 4.7% decrease in bilayer thickness and 1.4% increase in the volume of the bilayer. Dipole-potential sensitive fluorescent probes were used to detect membrane tension induced changes in DOPC vesicles exposed to osmotic stress. Experiments confirmed that dipole potential of DOPC bilayer decreases at higher membrane tensions. These results are suggestive of a potentially new mechanosensing mechanism by which mechanically induced structural changes in the lipid bilayer membrane could modulate the function of membrane proteins by altering electrostatic interactions and energetics of protein conformational states. PMID:21722624

Sector magnets or transverse electromagnetic fields in cylindrical coordinates

DOE PAGES

Zolkin, T.

2017-04-10

Laplace’s equation is considered for scalar and vector potentials describing electric or magnetic fields in cylindrical coordinates, with invariance along the azimuthal coordinate. In a series, we found special functions which, when expanded to lowest order in power series in radial and vertical coordinates, replicate harmonic polynomials in two variables. These functions are based on radial harmonics found by Edwin M. McMillan forty years ago. In addition to McMillan’s harmonics, a second family of radial harmonics is introduced to provide a symmetric description between electric and magnetic fields and to describe fields and potentials in terms of the same functions.more » Formulas are provided which relate any transverse fields specified by the coefficients in the power series expansion in radial or vertical planes in cylindrical coordinates with the set of new functions. Our result is important for potential theory and for theoretical study, design and proper modeling of sector dipoles, combined function dipoles and any general sector element for accelerator physics. All results are presented in connection with these problems.« less

Sector magnets or transverse electromagnetic fields in cylindrical coordinates

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

Zolkin, T.

Laplace’s equation is considered for scalar and vector potentials describing electric or magnetic fields in cylindrical coordinates, with invariance along the azimuthal coordinate. In a series, we found special functions which, when expanded to lowest order in power series in radial and vertical coordinates, replicate harmonic polynomials in two variables. These functions are based on radial harmonics found by Edwin M. McMillan forty years ago. In addition to McMillan’s harmonics, a second family of radial harmonics is introduced to provide a symmetric description between electric and magnetic fields and to describe fields and potentials in terms of the same functions.more » Formulas are provided which relate any transverse fields specified by the coefficients in the power series expansion in radial or vertical planes in cylindrical coordinates with the set of new functions. Our result is important for potential theory and for theoretical study, design and proper modeling of sector dipoles, combined function dipoles and any general sector element for accelerator physics. All results are presented in connection with these problems.« less

Electrically-controlled near-field radiative thermal modulator made of graphene-coated silicon carbide plates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yue; Wang, Liping

2017-08-01

In this work, we propose a hybrid near-field radiative thermal modulator made of two graphene-covered silicon carbide (SiC) plates separated by a nanometer vacuum gap. The near-field photon tunneling between the emitter and receiver is modulated by changing graphene chemical potentials with symmetrically or asymmetrically applied voltage biases. The radiative heat flux calculated from fluctuational electrodynamics significantly varies with graphene chemical potentials due to tunable near-field coupling strength between graphene plasmons across the vacuum gap. Thermal modulation and switching, which are the key functionalities required for a thermal modulator, are theoretically realized and analyzed. Newly introduced quantities of the modulation factor, the sensitivity factor and switching factor are studied quite extensively in a large parameter range for both graphene chemical potential and vacuum gap distance. This opto-electronic device with faster operating mode, which is in principle only limited by electronics and not by the thermal inertia, will facilitate the practical application of active thermal management, thermal circuits, and thermal computing with photon-based near-field thermal transport.

Perturbative stability of SFT-based cosmological models

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

Galli, Federico; Koshelev, Alexey S., E-mail: fgalli@tena4.vub.ac.be, E-mail: alexey.koshelev@vub.ac.be

2011-05-01

We review the appearance of multiple scalar fields in linearized SFT based cosmological models with a single non-local scalar field. Some of these local fields are canonical real scalar fields and some are complex fields with unusual coupling. These systems only admit numerical or approximate analysis. We introduce a modified potential for multiple scalar fields that makes the system exactly solvable in the cosmological context of Friedmann equations and at the same time preserves the asymptotic behavior expected from SFT. The main part of the paper consists of the analysis of inhomogeneous cosmological perturbations in this system. We show numericallymore » that perturbations corresponding to the new type of complex fields always vanish. As an example of application of this model we consider an explicit construction of the phantom divide crossing and prove the perturbative stability of this process at the linear order. The issue of ghosts and ways to resolve it are briefly discussed.« less

Field Model: An Object-Oriented Data Model for Fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moran, Patrick J.

2001-01-01

We present an extensible, object-oriented data model designed for field data entitled Field Model (FM). FM objects can represent a wide variety of fields, including fields of arbitrary dimension and node type. FM can also handle time-series data. FM achieves generality through carefully selected topological primitives and through an implementation that leverages the potential of templated C++. FM supports fields where the nodes values are paired with any cell type. Thus FM can represent data where the field nodes are paired with the vertices ("vertex-centered" data), fields where the nodes are paired with the D-dimensional cells in R(sup D) (often called "cell-centered" data), as well as fields where nodes are paired with edges or other cell types. FM is designed to effectively handle very large data sets; in particular FM employs a demand-driven evaluation strategy that works especially well with large field data. Finally, the interfaces developed for FM have the potential to effectively abstract field data based on adaptive meshes. We present initial results with a triangular adaptive grid in R(sup 2) and discuss how the same design abstractions would work equally well with other adaptive-grid variations, including meshes in R(sup 3).

Mapping Pesticide Partition Coefficients By Electromagnetic Induction

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A potential method for reducing pesticide leaching is to base application rates on the leaching potential of a specific chemical and soil combination. However, leaching is determined in part by the partitioning of the chemical between the soil and soil solution, which varies across a field. Standard...

Electric field encephalography for brain activity monitoring.

PubMed

Versek, Craig William; Frasca, Tyler; Zhou, Jianlin; Chowdhury, Kaushik; Sridhar, Srinivas

2018-05-11

Objective - We describe an early-stage prototype of a new wireless electrophysiological sensor system, called NeuroDot, which can measure neuroelectric potentials and fields at the scalp in a new modality called Electric Field Encephalography (EFEG). We aim to establish the physical validity of the EFEG modality, and examine some of its properties and relative merits compared to EEG. Approach - We designed a wireless neuroelectric measurement device based on the Texas Instrument ADS1299 Analog Front End platform and a sensor montage, using custom electrodes, to simultaneously measure EFEG and spatially averaged EEG over a localized patch of the scalp (2cm x 2cm). The signal properties of each modality were compared across tests of noise floor, Berger effect, steady-state Visually Evoked Potential (ssVEP), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and others. In order to compare EFEG to EEG modalities in the frequency domain, we use a novel technique to compute spectral power densities and derive narrow-band SNR estimates for ssVEP signals. A simple binary choice brain-computer-interface (BCI) concept based on ssVEP is evaluated. Also, we present examples of high quality recording of transient Visually Evoked Potentials and Fields (tVEPF) that could be used for neurological studies. Main results - We demonstrate the capability of the NeuroDot system to record high quality EEG signals comparable to some recent clinical and research grade systems on the market. We show that the locally-referenced EFEG metric is resistant to certain types of movement artifacts. In some ssVEP based measurements, the EFEG modality shows promising results, demonstrating superior signal to noise ratios than the same recording processed as an analogous EEG signal. We show that by using EFEG based ssVEP SNR estimates to perform a binary classification in a model BCI, the optimal information transfer rate (ITR) can be raised from 15 to 30 bits per minute - though these preliminary results are likely sensitive to inter-subject variations and choice of scalp locations, so require further investigation. Significance - Enhancement of ssVEP SNR using EFEG has the potential to improve visually based BCIs and diagnostic paradigms. The time domain analysis of tVEPF signals shows robust features in the electric field components that might have clinical relevance beyond classical VEP approaches. . © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Selective field evaporation in field-ion microscopy for ordered alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Xi-jin; Chen, Nan-xian; Zhang, Wen-qing; Zhu, Feng-wu

1999-04-01

Semiempirical pair potentials, obtained by applying the Chen-inversion technique to a cohesion equation of Rose et al. [Phys. Rev. B 29, 2963 (1984)], are employed to assess the bonding energies of surface atoms of intermetallic compounds. This provides a new calculational model of selective field evaporation in field-ion microscopy (FIM). Based on this model, a successful interpretation of FIM image contrasts for Fe3Al, PtCo, Pt3Co, Ni4Mo, Ni3Al, and Ni3Fe is given.

Simulating protein folding initiation sites using an alpha-carbon-only knowledge-based force field

PubMed Central

Buck, Patrick M.; Bystroff, Christopher

2015-01-01

Protein folding is a hierarchical process where structure forms locally first, then globally. Some short sequence segments initiate folding through strong structural preferences that are independent of their three-dimensional context in proteins. We have constructed a knowledge-based force field in which the energy functions are conditional on local sequence patterns, as expressed in the hidden Markov model for local structure (HMMSTR). Carbon-alpha force field (CALF) builds sequence specific statistical potentials based on database frequencies for α-carbon virtual bond opening and dihedral angles, pairwise contacts and hydrogen bond donor-acceptor pairs, and simulates folding via Brownian dynamics. We introduce hydrogen bond donor and acceptor potentials as α-carbon probability fields that are conditional on the predicted local sequence. Constant temperature simulations were carried out using 27 peptides selected as putative folding initiation sites, each 12 residues in length, representing several different local structure motifs. Each 0.6 μs trajectory was clustered based on structure. Simulation convergence or representativeness was assessed by subdividing trajectories and comparing clusters. For 21 of the 27 sequences, the largest cluster made up more than half of the total trajectory. Of these 21 sequences, 14 had cluster centers that were at most 2.6 Å root mean square deviation (RMSD) from their native structure in the corresponding full-length protein. To assess the adequacy of the energy function on nonlocal interactions, 11 full length native structures were relaxed using Brownian dynamics simulations. Equilibrated structures deviated from their native states but retained their overall topology and compactness. A simple potential that folds proteins locally and stabilizes proteins globally may enable a more realistic understanding of hierarchical folding pathways. PMID:19137613

76 FR 12343 - Technology and Media Services for Individuals With Disabilities-Steppingstones of Technology...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-07

... two phases: (1) Development and (2) research on effectiveness. Abstracts of projects funded under... approaches. Phase 2 projects must subject technology-based approaches to rigorous field-based research to... scientifically rigorous research or theory, that demonstrates the potential effectiveness of the technology-based...

Self-Similar Apical Sharpening of an Ideal Perfecting Conducting Fluid Subject to Maxwell Stresses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Chengzhe; Troian, Sandra M.

2016-11-01

We examine the apical behavior of an ideal, perfectly conducting incompressible fluid surrounded by vacuum in circumstances where the capillary, Maxwell and inertial forces contribute to formation of a liquid cone. A previous model based on potential flow describes a family of self-similar solutions with conic cusps whose interior angles approach the Taylor cone angle. These solutions were obtained by matching powers of the leading order terms in the velocity and electric field potential to the asymptotic form dictated by a stationary cone shape. In re-examining this earlier work, we have found a more important, neglected leading order term in the velocity and field potentials, which satisfies the governing, interfacial and far-field conditions as well. This term allows for the development of additional self-similar, sharpening apical shapes, including time reversed solutions for conic tip recoil after fluid ejection. We outline the boundary-element technique for solving the exact similarity solutions, which have parametric dependence on the far-field conditions, and discuss consequences of our findings.

Determination of the rockfall source in an urban settlement area by using a rule-based fuzzy evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aksoy, H.; Ercanoglu, M.

2006-10-01

The evaluation of the rockfall initiation mechanism and the simulation of the runout behavior is an important issue in the prevention and remedial measures for potential rockfall hazards in highway protection, in forest preservation, and especially in urban settlement areas. In most of the studies in the literature, the extent of the rockfall hazard was determined by various techniques basing on the selection of a rockfall source, generally defined as zones of rock bodies having slope angles higher than a certain value, proposed by general practice. In the present study, it was aimed to carry out a rule-based fuzzy analysis on the discontinuity data of andesites in the city of Ankara, Turkey, in order to bring a different and rather systematic approach to determine the source areas for rockfall hazard in an urban settlement, based on the discontinuity and natural slope features. First, to obtain rock source areas (RSAs), data obtained from the field studies were combined with a rule-based fuzzy evaluation, incorporating the altitude difference, the number of discontinuities, the number of wedges and the number of potential slides as the parameters of the fuzzy sets. After processing the outputs of the rule-based fuzzy system and producing the linguistic definitions, it could be possible to obtain potential RSAs. According to the RSA maps, 1.7% of the study area was found to have "high RSA", and 5.8% of the study area was assigned as "medium RSA". Then, potential rockfall hazard map was prepared. At the final stage, based upon the high and medium RSAs, 3.6% of the study area showed "high rockfall potential", while areal distribution of "medium rockfall potential" was found as 7.9%. Both RSA and potential rockfall hazard map were in accordance with the observations performed in the field.

Assessment of the Appalachian Basin Geothermal Field: Combining Risk Factors to Inform Development of Low Temperature Projects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, J. D.; Whealton, C.; Camp, E. R.; Horowitz, F.; Frone, Z. S.; Jordan, T. E.; Stedinger, J. R.

2015-12-01

Exploration methods for deep geothermal energy projects must primarily consider whether or not a location has favorable thermal resources. Even where the thermal field is favorable, other factors may impede project development and success. A combined analysis of these factors and their uncertainty is a strategy for moving geothermal energy proposals forward from the exploration phase at the scale of a basin to the scale of a project, and further to design of geothermal systems. For a Department of Energy Geothermal Play Fairway Analysis we assessed quality metrics, which we call risk factors, in the Appalachian Basin of New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. These included 1) thermal field variability, 2) productivity of natural reservoirs from which to extract heat, 3) potential for induced seismicity, and 4) presence of thermal utilization centers. The thermal field was determined using a 1D heat flow model for 13,400 bottomhole temperatures (BHT) from oil and gas wells. Steps included the development of i) a set of corrections to BHT data and ii) depth models of conductivity stratigraphy at each borehole based on generalized stratigraphy that was verified for a select set of wells. Wells are control points in a spatial statistical analysis that resulted in maps of the predicted mean thermal field properties and of the standard error of the predicted mean. Seismic risk was analyzed by comparing earthquakes and stress orientations in the basin to gravity and magnetic potential field edges at depth. Major edges in the potential fields served as interpolation boundaries for the thermal maps (Figure 1). Natural reservoirs were identified from published studies, and productivity was determined based on the expected permeability and dimensions of each reservoir. Visualizing the natural reservoirs and population centers on a map of the thermal field communicates options for viable pilot sites and project designs (Figure 1). Furthermore, combining the four risk factors at favorable sites enables an evaluation of project feasibility across sites based on tradeoffs in the risk factors. Uncertainties in each risk factor can also be considered to determine if the tradeoffs in risk factors between sites are meaningful.

Terahertz response in the quantum-Hall-effect regime of a quantum-well-based charge-sensitive infrared phototransistor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakagawa, Daisuke; Takizawa, Kazuhiro; Ikushima, Kenji; Kim, Sunmi; Patrashin, Mikhail; Hosako, Iwao; Komiyama, Susumu

2018-04-01

The characteristics of a charge-sensitive infrared phototransistor (CSIP) based on a GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum-well (QW) structure are studied under a magnetic field. In the CSIP, the upper QWs serve as a floating gate that is charged by photoexcitation. The photoinduced charges are detected using the resistance of the lowest QW conducting channel. The conducting channel exhibits the integer quantum Hall effect (QHE) in a perpendicular high magnetic field, yielding the magnetic field dependence of the terahertz (THz) response ΔR. We found two different features of ΔR. One is that ΔR switches sign across the QHE plateau, which is explained simply by an increased electron density in the conducting channel. The other feature is observed as an enhanced positive ΔR when a potential barrier is formed in the conducting channel. The latter mechanism can be interpreted as the promotion of edge/bulk scattering due to photoinduced charges. These findings suggest ways to enhance the THz response by using magnetic fields and potential barriers.

Collision Models for Particle Orbit Code on SSX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fisher, M. W.; Dandurand, D.; Gray, T.; Brown, M. R.; Lukin, V. S.

2011-10-01

Coulomb collision models are being developed and incorporated into the Hamiltonian particle pushing code (PPC) for applications to the Swarthmore Spheromak eXperiment (SSX). A Monte Carlo model based on that of Takizuka and Abe [JCP 25, 205 (1977)] performs binary collisions between test particles and thermal plasma field particles randomly drawn from a stationary Maxwellian distribution. A field-based electrostatic fluctuation model scatters particles from a spatially uniform random distribution of positive and negative spherical potentials generated throughout the plasma volume. The number, radii, and amplitude of these potentials are chosen to mimic the correct particle diffusion statistics without the use of random particle draws or collision frequencies. An electromagnetic fluctuating field model will be presented, if available. These numerical collision models will be benchmarked against known analytical solutions, including beam diffusion rates and Spitzer resistivity, as well as each other. The resulting collisional particle orbit models will be used to simulate particle collection with electrostatic probes in the SSX wind tunnel, as well as particle confinement in typical SSX fields. This work has been supported by US DOE, NSF and ONR.

Instrumentation issues in implementation science.

PubMed

Martinez, Ruben G; Lewis, Cara C; Weiner, Bryan J

2014-09-04

Like many new fields, implementation science has become vulnerable to instrumentation issues that potentially threaten the strength of the developing knowledge base. For instance, many implementation studies report findings based on instruments that do not have established psychometric properties. This article aims to review six pressing instrumentation issues, discuss the impact of these issues on the field, and provide practical recommendations. This debate centers on the impact of the following instrumentation issues: use of frameworks, theories, and models; role of psychometric properties; use of 'home-grown' and adapted instruments; choosing the most appropriate evaluation method and approach; practicality; and need for decision-making tools. Practical recommendations include: use of consensus definitions for key implementation constructs; reporting standards (e.g., regarding psychometrics, instrument adaptation); when to use multiple forms of observation and mixed methods; and accessing instrument repositories and decision aid tools. This debate provides an overview of six key instrumentation issues and offers several courses of action to limit the impact of these issues on the field. With careful attention to these issues, the field of implementation science can potentially move forward at the rapid pace that is respectfully demanded by community stakeholders.

Effective potential in ultraviolet completions for composite Higgs models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golterman, Maarten; Shamir, Yigal

2018-05-01

We consider a class of composite Higgs models based on asymptotically free S O (d ) gauge theories with d odd, with fermions in two irreducible representations, and in which the Higgs field arises as a pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone boson and the top quark is partially composite. The Nambu-Goldstone coset containing the Higgs field, or Higgs coset, is either S U (4 )/S p (4 ) or S U (5 )/S O (5 ), whereas the top partners live in two-index representations of the relevant flavor group [S U (4 ) or S U (5 )]. In both cases, there is a large number of terms in the most general four-fermion Lagrangian describing the interaction of third-generation quarks with the top partners. We derive the top-induced effective potential for the Higgs coset together with the singlet pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone boson associated with the non-anomalous axial symmetry, to leading order in the couplings between the third-generation quarks and the composite sector. We obtain expressions for the low-energy constants in terms of top-partner two-point functions. We revisit the effective potential of another composite Higgs model that we have studied previously, which is based on an S U (4 ) gauge theory and provides a different realization of the S U (5 )/S O (5 ) coset. The top partners of this model live in the fundamental representation of S U (5 ), and, as a result, the effective potential of this model is qualitatively different from the S O (d ) gauge theories. We also discuss the role of the isospin-triplet fields contained in the S U (5 )/S O (5 ) coset, and show that, without further constraints on the four-fermion couplings, an expectation value for the Higgs field will trigger the subsequent condensation of an isospin-triplet field.

CMOS-based carbon nanotube pass-transistor logic integrated circuits

PubMed Central

Ding, Li; Zhang, Zhiyong; Liang, Shibo; Pei, Tian; Wang, Sheng; Li, Yan; Zhou, Weiwei; Liu, Jie; Peng, Lian-Mao

2012-01-01

Field-effect transistors based on carbon nanotubes have been shown to be faster and less energy consuming than their silicon counterparts. However, ensuring these advantages are maintained for integrated circuits is a challenge. Here we demonstrate that a significant reduction in the use of field-effect transistors can be achieved by constructing carbon nanotube-based integrated circuits based on a pass-transistor logic configuration, rather than a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor configuration. Logic gates are constructed on individual carbon nanotubes via a doping-free approach and with a single power supply at voltages as low as 0.4 V. The pass-transistor logic configurarion provides a significant simplification of the carbon nanotube-based circuit design, a higher potential circuit speed and a significant reduction in power consumption. In particular, a full adder, which requires a total of 28 field-effect transistors to construct in the usual complementary metal-oxide semiconductor circuit, uses only three pairs of n- and p-field-effect transistors in the pass-transistor logic configuration. PMID:22334080

Electromagnetic holographic sensitivity field of two-phase flow in horizontal wells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Kuo; Wu, Xi-Ling; Yan, Jing-Fu; Cai, Jia-Tie

2017-03-01

Electromagnetic holographic data are characterized by two modes, suggesting that image reconstruction requires a dual-mode sensitivity field as well. We analyze an electromagnetic holographic field based on tomography theory and Radon inverse transform to derive the expression of the electromagnetic holographic sensitivity field (EMHSF). Then, we apply the EMHSF calculated by using finite-element methods to flow simulations and holographic imaging. The results suggest that the EMHSF based on the partial derivative of radius of the complex electric potential φ is closely linked to the Radon inverse transform and encompasses the sensitivities of the amplitude and phase data. The flow images obtained with inversion using EMHSF better agree with the actual flow patterns. The EMHSF overcomes the limitations of traditional single-mode sensitivity fields.

Assessing field vulnerability to phosphorus loss in Beijing agricultural area using Revised Field Phosphorus Ranking Scheme.

PubMed

Li, Qi; Chen, Li-ding; Qi, Xin; Zhang, Xin-yu; Ma, Yan; Fu, Bo-jie

2007-01-01

Guanting Reservoir, one of the drinking water supply sources of Beijing, suffers from water eutrophication. It is mainly supplied by Guishui River. Thus, to investigate the reasons of phosphorus (P) loss and improve the P management strategies in Guishui River watershed are important for the safety of drinking water in this region. In this study, a Revised Field P Ranking Scheme (PRS) was developed to reflect the field vulnerability of P loss at the field scale based on the Field PRS. In this new scheme, six factors are included, and each one was assigned a relative weight and a determination method. The affecting factors were classified into transport factors and source factors, and, the standards of environmental quality on surface water and soil erosion classification and degradation of the China were used in this scheme. By the new scheme, thirty-four fields in the Guishui River were categorized as "low", "medium" or "high" potential for P loss into the runoff. The results showed that the P loss risks of orchard and vegetable fields were higher than that of corn and soybean fields. The source factors were the main factors to affect P loss from the study area. In the study area, controlling P input and improving P usage efficiency are critical to decrease P loss. Based on the results, it was suggested that more attention should be paid on the fields of vegetable and orchard since they have extremely high usage rate of P and high soil test of P. Compared with P surplus by field measurements, the Revised Field PRS was more suitable for reflecting the characteristics of fields, and had higher potential capacity to identify critical source areas of P loss than PRS.

Analytical approximation schemes for solving exact renormalization group equations in the local potential approximation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bervillier, C.; Boisseau, B.; Giacomini, H.

2008-02-01

The relation between the Wilson-Polchinski and the Litim optimized ERGEs in the local potential approximation is studied with high accuracy using two different analytical approaches based on a field expansion: a recently proposed genuine analytical approximation scheme to two-point boundary value problems of ordinary differential equations, and a new one based on approximating the solution by generalized hypergeometric functions. A comparison with the numerical results obtained with the shooting method is made. A similar accuracy is reached in each case. Both two methods appear to be more efficient than the usual field expansions frequently used in the current studies of ERGEs (in particular for the Wilson-Polchinski case in the study of which they fail).

Electrostatic potential map modelling with COSY Infinity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maloney, J. A.; Baartman, R.; Planche, T.; Saminathan, S.

2016-06-01

COSY Infinity (Makino and Berz, 2005) is a differential-algebra based simulation code which allows accurate calculation of transfer maps to arbitrary order. COSY's existing internal procedures were modified to allow electrostatic elements to be specified using an array of field potential data from the midplane. Additionally, a new procedure was created allowing electrostatic elements and their fringe fields to be specified by an analytic function. This allows greater flexibility in accurately modelling electrostatic elements and their fringe fields. Applied examples of these new procedures are presented including the modelling of a shunted electrostatic multipole designed with OPERA, a spherical electrostatic bender, and the effects of different shaped apertures in an electrostatic beam line.

Thorough exploration of complex environments with a space-based potential field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kenealy, Alina; Primiano, Nicholas; Keyes, Alex; Lyons, Damian M.

2015-01-01

Robotic exploration, for the purposes of search and rescue or explosive device detection, can be improved by using a team of multiple robots. Potential field navigation methods offer natural and efficient distributed exploration algorithms in which team members are mutually repelled to spread out and cover the area efficiently. However, they also suffer from field minima issues. Liu and Lyons proposed a Space-Based Potential Field (SBPF) algorithm that disperses robots efficiently and also ensures they are driven in a distributed fashion to cover complex geometry. In this paper, the approach is modified to handle two problems with the original SBPF method: fast exploration of enclosed spaces, and fast navigation of convex obstacles. Firstly, a "gate-sensing" function was implemented. The function draws the robot to narrow openings, such as doors or corridors that it might otherwise pass by, to ensure every room can be explored. Secondly, an improved obstacle field conveyor belt function was developed which allows the robot to avoid walls and barriers while using their surface as a motion guide to avoid being trapped. Simulation results, where the modified SPBF program controls the MobileSim Pioneer 3-AT simulator program, are presented for a selection of maps that capture difficult to explore geometries. Physical robot results are also presented, where a team of Pioneer 3-AT robots is controlled by the modified SBPF program. Data collected prior to the improvements, new simulation results, and robot experiments are presented as evidence of performance improvements.

Analytical and numerical solutions of the potential and electric field generated by different electrode arrays in a tumor tissue under electrotherapy

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Electrotherapy is a relatively well established and efficient method of tumor treatment. In this paper we focus on analytical and numerical calculations of the potential and electric field distributions inside a tumor tissue in a two-dimensional model (2D-model) generated by means of electrode arrays with shapes of different conic sections (ellipse, parabola and hyperbola). Methods Analytical calculations of the potential and electric field distributions based on 2D-models for different electrode arrays are performed by solving the Laplace equation, meanwhile the numerical solution is solved by means of finite element method in two dimensions. Results Both analytical and numerical solutions reveal significant differences between the electric field distributions generated by electrode arrays with shapes of circle and different conic sections (elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic). Electrode arrays with circular, elliptical and hyperbolic shapes have the advantage of concentrating the electric field lines in the tumor. Conclusion The mathematical approach presented in this study provides a useful tool for the design of electrode arrays with different shapes of conic sections by means of the use of the unifying principle. At the same time, we verify the good correspondence between the analytical and numerical solutions for the potential and electric field distributions generated by the electrode array with different conic sections. PMID:21943385

Overpressure and hydrocarbon accumulations in Tertiary strata, Gulf Coast of Louisiana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nelson, Philip H.

2012-01-01

Many oil and gas reservoirs in Tertiary strata of southern Louisiana are located close to the interface between a sand-rich, normally pressured sequence and an underlying sand-poor, overpressured sequence. This association, recognized for many years by Gulf Coast explorationists, is revisited here because of its relevance to an assessment of undiscovered oil and gas potential in the Gulf Coast of Louisiana. The transition from normally pressured to highly overpressured sediments is documented by converting mud weights to pressure, plotting all pressure data from an individual field as a function of depth, and selecting a top and base of the pressure transition zone. Vertical extents of pressure transition zones in 34 fields across southern onshore Louisiana range from 300 to 9000 ft and are greatest in younger strata and in the larger fields. Display of pressure transition zones on geologic cross sections illustrates the relative independence of the depth of the pressure transition zone and geologic age. Comparison of the depth distribution of pressure transition zones with production intervals confirms previous findings that production intervals generally overlap the pressure transition zone in depth and that the median production depth lies above the base of the pressure transition zone in most fields. However, in 11 of 55 fields with deep drilling, substantial amounts of oil and gas have been produced from depths deeper than 2000 ft below the base of the pressure transition zone. Mud-weight data in 7 fields show that "local" pressure gradients range from 0.91 to 1.26 psi/ft below the base of the pressure transition zone. Pressure gradients are higher and computed effective stress gradients are negative in younger strata in coastal areas, indicating that a greater potential for fluid and sediment movement exists there than in older Tertiary strata.

Use of High-Throughput Cell-Based and Model Organism Assays for Understanding the Potential Toxicity of Engineered Nanomaterials

EPA Science Inventory

The rapidly expanding field of nanotechnology is introducing a large number and diversity of engineered nanomaterials into research and commerce with concordant uncertainty regarding the potential adverse health and ecological effects. With costs and time of traditional animal to...

Controllable synthesis of rice-shape Alq3 nanoparticles with single crystal structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Wanfeng; Fan, Jihui; Song, Hui; Jiang, Feng; Yuan, Huimin; Wei, Zhixian; Ji, Ziwu; Pang, Zhiyong; Han, Shenghao

2016-10-01

We report the controllable growth of rice-shape nanoparticles of Alq3 by an extremely facile self-assembly approach. Possible mechanisms have been proposed to interpret the formation and controlled process of the single crystal nanoparticles. The field-emission performances (turn-on field 7 V μm-1, maximum current density 2.9 mA cm-2) indicate the potential application on miniaturized nano-optoelectronics devices of Alq3-based. This facile method can potentially be used for the controlled synthesis of other functional complexes and organic nanostructures.

Global fields of soil moisture and land surface evapotranspiration derived from observed precipitation and surface air temperature

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mintz, Y.; Walker, G. K.

1993-01-01

The global fields of normal monthly soil moisture and land surface evapotranspiration are derived with a simple water budget model that has precipitation and potential evapotranspiration as inputs. The precipitation is observed and the potential evapotranspiration is derived from the observed surface air temperature with the empirical regression equation of Thornthwaite (1954). It is shown that at locations where the net surface radiation flux has been measured, the potential evapotranspiration given by the Thornthwaite equation is in good agreement with those obtained with the radiation-based formulations of Priestley and Taylor (1972), Penman (1948), and Budyko (1956-1974), and this provides the justification for the use of the Thornthwaite equation. After deriving the global fields of soil moisture and evapotranspiration, the assumption is made that the potential evapotranspiration given by the Thornthwaite equation and by the Priestley-Taylor equation will everywhere be about the same; the inverse of the Priestley-Taylor equation is used to obtain the normal monthly global fields of net surface radiation flux minus ground heat storage. This and the derived evapotranspiration are then used in the equation for energy conservation at the surface of the earth to obtain the global fields of normal monthly sensible heat flux from the land surface to the atmosphere.

Diamond-Based Magnetic Imaging with Fourier Optical Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Backlund, Mikael P.; Kehayias, Pauli; Walsworth, Ronald L.

2017-11-01

Diamond-based magnetic field sensors have attracted great interest in recent years. In particular, wide-field magnetic imaging using nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond has been previously demonstrated in condensed matter, biological, and paleomagnetic applications. Vector magnetic imaging with NV ensembles typically requires a significant applied field (>10 G ) to resolve the contributions from four crystallographic orientations, hindering studies of magnetic samples that require measurement in low or independently specified bias fields. Here we model and measure the complex amplitude distribution of NV emission at the microscope's Fourier plane and show that by modulating this collected light at the Fourier plane, one can decompose the NV ensemble magnetic resonance spectrum into its constituent orientations by purely optical means. This decomposition effectively extends the dynamic range at a given bias field and enables wide-field vector magnetic imaging at arbitrarily low bias fields, thus broadening potential applications of NV imaging and sensing. Our results demonstrate that NV-based microscopy stands to benefit greatly from Fourier optical approaches, which have already found widespread utility in other branches of microscopy.

Longitudinal wave function control in single quantum dots with an applied magnetic field

PubMed Central

Cao, Shuo; Tang, Jing; Gao, Yunan; Sun, Yue; Qiu, Kangsheng; Zhao, Yanhui; He, Min; Shi, Jin-An; Gu, Lin; Williams, David A.; Sheng, Weidong; Jin, Kuijuan; Xu, Xiulai

2015-01-01

Controlling single-particle wave functions in single semiconductor quantum dots is in demand to implement solid-state quantum information processing and spintronics. Normally, particle wave functions can be tuned transversely by an perpendicular magnetic field. We report a longitudinal wave function control in single quantum dots with a magnetic field. For a pure InAs quantum dot with a shape of pyramid or truncated pyramid, the hole wave function always occupies the base because of the less confinement at base, which induces a permanent dipole oriented from base to apex. With applying magnetic field along the base-apex direction, the hole wave function shrinks in the base plane. Because of the linear changing of the confinement for hole wave function from base to apex, the center of effective mass moves up during shrinking process. Due to the uniform confine potential for electrons, the center of effective mass of electrons does not move much, which results in a permanent dipole moment change and an inverted electron-hole alignment along the magnetic field direction. Manipulating the wave function longitudinally not only provides an alternative way to control the charge distribution with magnetic field but also a new method to tune electron-hole interaction in single quantum dots. PMID:25624018

Longitudinal wave function control in single quantum dots with an applied magnetic field.

PubMed

Cao, Shuo; Tang, Jing; Gao, Yunan; Sun, Yue; Qiu, Kangsheng; Zhao, Yanhui; He, Min; Shi, Jin-An; Gu, Lin; Williams, David A; Sheng, Weidong; Jin, Kuijuan; Xu, Xiulai

2015-01-27

Controlling single-particle wave functions in single semiconductor quantum dots is in demand to implement solid-state quantum information processing and spintronics. Normally, particle wave functions can be tuned transversely by an perpendicular magnetic field. We report a longitudinal wave function control in single quantum dots with a magnetic field. For a pure InAs quantum dot with a shape of pyramid or truncated pyramid, the hole wave function always occupies the base because of the less confinement at base, which induces a permanent dipole oriented from base to apex. With applying magnetic field along the base-apex direction, the hole wave function shrinks in the base plane. Because of the linear changing of the confinement for hole wave function from base to apex, the center of effective mass moves up during shrinking process. Due to the uniform confine potential for electrons, the center of effective mass of electrons does not move much, which results in a permanent dipole moment change and an inverted electron-hole alignment along the magnetic field direction. Manipulating the wave function longitudinally not only provides an alternative way to control the charge distribution with magnetic field but also a new method to tune electron-hole interaction in single quantum dots.

A machine learning approach to the potential-field method for implicit modeling of geological structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonçalves, Ítalo Gomes; Kumaira, Sissa; Guadagnin, Felipe

2017-06-01

Implicit modeling has experienced a rise in popularity over the last decade due to its advantages in terms of speed and reproducibility in comparison with manual digitization of geological structures. The potential-field method consists in interpolating a scalar function that indicates to which side of a geological boundary a given point belongs to, based on cokriging of point data and structural orientations. This work proposes a vector potential-field solution from a machine learning perspective, recasting the problem as multi-class classification, which alleviates some of the original method's assumptions. The potentials related to each geological class are interpreted in a compositional data framework. Variogram modeling is avoided through the use of maximum likelihood to train the model, and an uncertainty measure is introduced. The methodology was applied to the modeling of a sample dataset provided with the software Move™. The calculations were implemented in the R language and 3D visualizations were prepared with the rgl package.

Potential sources of precipitation in Lake Baikal basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shukurov, K. A.; Mokhov, I. I.

2017-11-01

Based on the data of long-term measurements at 23 meteorological stations in the Russian part of the Lake Baikal basin the probabilities of daily precipitation with different intensity and their contribution to the total precipitation are estimated. Using the trajectory model HYSPLIT_4 for each meteorological station for the period 1948-2016 the 10-day backward trajectories of air parcels, the height of these trajectories and distribution of specific humidity along the trajectories are calculated. The average field of power of potential sources of daily precipitation (less than 10 mm) for all meteorological stations in the Russian part of the Lake Baikal basin was obtained using the CWT (concentration weighted trajectory) method. The areas have been identified from which within 10 days water vapor can be transported to the Lake Baikal basin, as well as regions of the most and least powerful potential sources. The fields of the mean height of air parcels trajectories and the mean specific humidity along the trajectories are compared with the field of mean power of potential sources.

Alternating Magnetic Field Controlled, Multifunctional Nano-Reservoirs: Intracellular Uptake and Improved Biocompatibility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Santaneel; Ghoshmitra, Somesree; Cai, Tong; Diercks, David R.; Mills, Nathaniel C.; Hynds, Dianna L.

2010-01-01

Biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles hold great therapeutic potential, but conventional particles can be toxic. Here, we report the synthesis and alternating magnetic field dependent actuation of a remotely controllable, multifunctional nano-scale system and its marked biocompatibility with mammalian cells. Monodisperse, magnetic nanospheres based on thermo-sensitive polymer network poly(ethylene glycol) ethyl ether methacrylate- co-poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate were synthesized using free radical polymerization. Synthesized nanospheres have oscillating magnetic field induced thermo-reversible behavior; exhibiting desirable characteristics comparable to the widely used poly- N-isopropylacrylamide-based systems in shrinkage plus a broader volumetric transition range. Remote heating and model drug release were characterized for different field strengths. Nanospheres containing nanoparticles up to an iron concentration of 6 mM were readily taken up by neuron-like PC12 pheochromocytoma cells and had reduced toxicity compared to other surface modified magnetic nanocarriers. Furthermore, nanosphere exposure did not inhibit the extension of cellular processes (neurite outgrowth) even at high iron concentrations (6 mM), indicating minimal negative effects in cellular systems. Excellent intracellular uptake and enhanced biocompatibility coupled with the lack of deleterious effects on neurite outgrowth and prior Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of PEG-based carriers suggest increased therapeutic potential of this system for manipulating axon regeneration following nervous system injury.

Extension of the Cerro Prieto field and zones in the Mexicali Valley with geothermal possibilities in the future

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

Fonseca L, H.L.; de la Pena L, A.; Puente C, I.

This study concerns the possible extension of the Cerro Prieto field and identification of other zones in the Mexicali Valley with geothermal development potential by assessing the structural geologic conditions in relation to the regional tectonic framework and the integration of geologic and geophysical surveys carried out at Cerro Prieto. This study is based on data obtained from the wells drilled to date and the available geological and geophysical information. With this information, a geologic model of the field is developed as a general description of the geometry of what might be the geothermal reservoir of the Cerro Prieto field.more » In areas with geothermal potential within the Mexicali Valley, the location of irrigation wells with anomalous temperatures was taken as a point of departure for subsequent studies. Based on this initial information, gravity and magnetic surveys were made, followed by seismic reflection and refraction surveys and the drilling of 1200-m-deep multiple-use wells. Based on the results of the final integration of these studies with the geology of the region, it is suggested that the following areas should be explored further: east of Cerro Prieto, Tulecheck, Riito, Aeropuerto-Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora.« less

Yield estimation of corn with multispectral data and the potential of using imaging spectrometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bach, Heike

1997-05-01

In the frame of the special yield estimation, a regular procedure conducted for the European Union to more accurately estimate agricultural yield, a project was conducted for the state minister for Rural Environment, Food and Forestry of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany) to test remote sensing data with advanced yield formation models for accuracy and timelines of yield estimation of corn. The methodology employed uses field-based plant parameter estimation from atmospherically corrected multitemporal/multispectral LANDSAT-TM data. An agrometeorological plant-production-model is used for yield prediction. Based solely on 4 LANDSAT-derived estimates and daily meteorological data the grain yield of corn stands was determined for 1995. The modeled yield was compared with results independently gathered within the special yield estimation for 23 test fields in the Upper Rhine Valley. The agrement between LANDSAT-based estimates and Special Yield Estimation shows a relative error of 2.3 percent. The comparison of the results for single fields shows, that six weeks before harvest the grain yield of single corn fields was estimated with a mean relative accuracy of 13 percent using satellite information. The presented methodology can be transferred to other crops and geographical regions. For future applications hyperspectral sensors show great potential to further enhance the results or yield prediction with remote sensing.

THE POSSIBLE IMPACT OF L5 MAGNETOGRAMS ON NON-POTENTIAL SOLAR CORONAL MAGNETIC FIELD SIMULATIONS

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

Weinzierl, Marion; Yeates, Anthony R.; Mackay, Duncan H.

The proposed Carrington-L5 mission would bring instruments to the L5 Lagrange point to provide us with crucial data for space weather prediction. To assess the importance of including a magnetograph, we consider the possible differences in non-potential solar coronal magnetic field simulations when magnetograph observations are available from the L5 point, compared with an L1-based field of view (FOV). A timeseries of synoptic radial magnetic field maps is constructed to capture the emergence of two active regions from the L5 FOV. These regions are initially absent in the L1 magnetic field maps, but are included once they rotate into themore » L1 FOV. Non-potential simulations for these two sets of input data are compared in detail. Within the bipolar active regions themselves, differences in the magnetic field structure can exist between the two simulations once the active regions are included in both. These differences tend to reduce within 5 days of the active region being included in L1. The delayed emergence in L1 can, however, lead to significant persistent differences in long-range connectivity between the active regions and the surrounding fields, and also in the global magnetic energy. In particular, the open magnetic flux and the location of open magnetic footpoints, are sensitive to capturing the real-time of emergence. These results suggest that a magnetograph at L5 could significantly improve predictions of the non-potential corona, the interplanetary magnetic field, and of solar wind source regions on the Sun.« less

The correlated molecular electrostatic potential and electric field of 2 (1H)-pyrimidone and 2-hydroxypyrimidine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leś, Andrzej; Adamowicz, Ludwik

1991-06-01

The molecular electrostatic potential and molecular electric field have been estimated by means of the expectation values of the respective one-electron operators. We used the molecular density matrix that includes the electron correlation effects up to the second-order of the many body perturbation theory. The results show that around the 2(1H)-pyrimidone molecule one may distinguish the electrophilic and nucleophilic regions, the latter characterized by two potential minima of -2.9 V. In the tautomeric form, 2-hydroxypyrimidine, a third potential minimum of -2.1 V appears close to the N1 nitrogen atom. For both molecules strong orientational forces acting on polar solvents are predicted in the vicinity of oxygen (O7) and nitrogen (N3) atoms. The electron correlation effects do not significantly alter the SCF values of the electrostatic potential and electric field at the distances within the van der Waals envelope of the pyrimidine bases. At larger distances, however, the correlation correction is significant, particularly in the direction facing the proton transfer path.

Polarizable Force Field for DNA Based on the Classical Drude Oscillator: I. Refinement Using Quantum Mechanical Base Stacking and Conformational Energetics.

PubMed

Lemkul, Justin A; MacKerell, Alexander D

2017-05-09

Empirical force fields seek to relate the configuration of a set of atoms to its energy, thus yielding the forces governing its dynamics, using classical physics rather than more expensive quantum mechanical calculations that are computationally intractable for large systems. Most force fields used to simulate biomolecular systems use fixed atomic partial charges, neglecting the influence of electronic polarization, instead making use of a mean-field approximation that may not be transferable across environments. Recent hardware and software developments make polarizable simulations feasible, and to this end, polarizable force fields represent the next generation of molecular dynamics simulation technology. In this work, we describe the refinement of a polarizable force field for DNA based on the classical Drude oscillator model by targeting quantum mechanical interaction energies and conformational energy profiles of model compounds necessary to build a complete DNA force field. The parametrization strategy employed in the present work seeks to correct weak base stacking in A- and B-DNA and the unwinding of Z-DNA observed in the previous version of the force field, called Drude-2013. Refinement of base nonbonded terms and reparametrization of dihedral terms in the glycosidic linkage, deoxyribofuranose rings, and important backbone torsions resulted in improved agreement with quantum mechanical potential energy surfaces. Notably, we expand on previous efforts by explicitly including Z-DNA conformational energetics in the refinement.

Method for confining the magnetic field of the cross-tail current inside the magnetopause

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sotirelis, T.; Tsyganenko, N. A.; Stern, D. P.

1994-01-01

A method is presented for analytically representing the magnetic field due to the cross-tail current and its closure on the magnetopause. It is an extension of a method used by Tsyganenko (1989b) to confine the dipole field inside an ellipsoidal magnetopause using a scalar potential. Given a model of the cross-tail current, the implied net magnetic field is obtained by adding to the cross-tail current field a potential field B = - del gamma, which makes all field lines divide into two disjoint groups, separated by the magnetopause (i.e., the combined field is made to have zero normal component with the magnetopause). The magnetopause is assumed to be an ellipsoid of revolution (a prolate spheroid) as an approximation to observations (Sibeck et al., 1991). This assumption permits the potential gamma to be expressed in spheroidal coordinates, expanded in spheroidal harmonics and its terms evaluated by performing inversion integrals. Finally, the field outside the magnetopause is replaced by zero, resulting in a consistent current closure along the magnetopause. This procedure can also be used to confine the modeled field of any other interior magnetic source, though the model current must always flow in closed circuits. The method is demonstrated on the T87 cross-tail current, examples illustrate the effect of changing the size and shape of the prescribed magnetopause and a comparison is made to an independent numerical scheme based on the Biot-Savart equation.

A framework for estimating potential fluid flow from digital imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luttman, Aaron; Bollt, Erik M.; Basnayake, Ranil; Kramer, Sean; Tufillaro, Nicholas B.

2013-09-01

Given image data of a fluid flow, the flow field, ⟨u,v⟩, governing the evolution of the system can be estimated using a variational approach to optical flow. Assuming that the flow field governing the advection is the symplectic gradient of a stream function or the gradient of a potential function—both falling under the category of a potential flow—it is natural to re-frame the optical flow problem to reconstruct the stream or potential function directly rather than the components of the flow individually. There are several advantages to this framework. Minimizing a functional based on the stream or potential function rather than based on the components of the flow will ensure that the computed flow is a potential flow. Next, this approach allows a more natural method for imposing scientific priors on the computed flow, via regularization of the optical flow functional. Also, this paradigm shift gives a framework—rather than an algorithm—and can be applied to nearly any existing variational optical flow technique. In this work, we develop the mathematical formulation of the potential optical flow framework and demonstrate the technique on synthetic flows that represent important dynamics for mass transport in fluid flows, as well as a flow generated by a satellite data-verified ocean model of temperature transport.

Orbitals for classical arbitrary anisotropic colloidal potentials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Girard, Martin; Nguyen, Trung Dac; de la Cruz, Monica Olvera

2017-11-01

Coarse-grained potentials are ubiquitous in mesoscale simulations. While various methods to compute effective interactions for spherically symmetric particles exist, anisotropic interactions are seldom used, due to their complexity. Here we describe a general formulation, based on a spatial decomposition of the density fields around the particles, akin to atomic orbitals. We show that anisotropic potentials can be efficiently computed in numerical simulations using Fourier-based methods. We validate the field formulation and characterize its computational efficiency with a system of colloids that have Gaussian surface charge distributions. We also investigate the phase behavior of charged Janus colloids immersed in screened media, with screening lengths comparable to the colloid size. The system shows rich behaviors, exhibiting vapor, liquid, gel, and crystalline morphologies, depending on temperature and screening length. The crystalline phase only appears for symmetric Janus particles. For very short screening lengths, the system undergoes a direct transition from a vapor to a crystal on cooling; while, for longer screening lengths, a vapor-liquid-crystal transition is observed. The proposed formulation can be extended to model force fields that are time or orientation dependent, such as those in systems of polymer-grafted particles and magnetic colloids.

Non-linear non-local molecular electrodynamics with nano-optical fields.

PubMed

Chernyak, Vladimir Y; Saurabh, Prasoon; Mukamel, Shaul

2015-10-28

The interaction of optical fields sculpted on the nano-scale with matter may not be described by the dipole approximation since the fields may vary appreciably across the molecular length scale. Rather than incrementally adding higher multipoles, it is advantageous and more physically transparent to describe the optical process using non-local response functions that intrinsically include all multipoles. We present a semi-classical approach for calculating non-local response functions based on the minimal coupling Hamiltonian. The first, second, and third order response functions are expressed in terms of correlation functions of the charge and the current densities. This approach is based on the gauge invariant current rather than the polarization, and on the vector potential rather than the electric and magnetic fields.

Biomagnetic effects: a consideration in fusion reactor development.

PubMed Central

Mahlum, D D

1977-01-01

Fusion reactors will utilize powerful magnetic fields for the confinement and heating of plasma and for the diversion of impurities. Large dipole fields generated by the plasma current and the divertor and transformer coils will radiate outward for several hundred meters, resulting in magnetic fields up to 450 gauss in working areas. Since occupational personnel could be exposed to substantial magnetic fields in a fusion power plant, an attempt has been made to assess the possible biological and health consequences of such exposure, using the existing literature. The available data indicate that magnetic fields can interact with biological material to produce effects, although the reported effects are usually small in magnitude and often unconfirmed. The existing data base is judged to be totally inadequate for assessment of potential health and environmental consequences of magnetic fields and for the establishment of appropriate standards. Requisite studies to provide an adequate data base are outlined. PMID:598345

Electrokinetic Aggregation of Colloidal Particles on Electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, John L.; Solomentsev, Yuri E.; Guelcher, Scott A.

1999-11-01

Colloidal particles deposited on an electrode have been observed to attract each other and form clusters in the presence of an applied electric field. This aggregation is important to the formation of dense monolayer films during electrophoretic depositon processes. Under dc fields two particles attract each other over a length scale comparable to the particle size, and the velocity of approach between two particles is proportional to the applied electric field and the particles' zeta potential. We have developed a theory for particle aggregation based on electroosmotic flow about each deposited particle. Experimental results for the relative motion of two particles are in good quantitative agreement with the theory. Our recent experiments with ac fields also show attraction between particles that is roughly proportional to the rms electric field but inversely proportional to the frequency. We discuss here a model based on electrokinetic processes that can account for some of the observations in ac fields.

Improved model predictive control of resistive wall modes by error field estimator in EXTRAP T2R

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setiadi, A. C.; Brunsell, P. R.; Frassinetti, L.

2016-12-01

Many implementations of a model-based approach for toroidal plasma have shown better control performance compared to the conventional type of feedback controller. One prerequisite of model-based control is the availability of a control oriented model. This model can be obtained empirically through a systematic procedure called system identification. Such a model is used in this work to design a model predictive controller to stabilize multiple resistive wall modes in EXTRAP T2R reversed-field pinch. Model predictive control is an advanced control method that can optimize the future behaviour of a system. Furthermore, this paper will discuss an additional use of the empirical model which is to estimate the error field in EXTRAP T2R. Two potential methods are discussed that can estimate the error field. The error field estimator is then combined with the model predictive control and yields better radial magnetic field suppression.

Carrier Propagation Dependence on Applied Potentials in Pentacene Organic Field Effect Transistors Investigated by Impedance Spectroscopy and Electrical Time-of-Flight Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Jack; Weis, Martin; Taguchi, Dai; Manaka, Takaaki; Iwamoto, Mitsumasa

2011-04-01

Transient measurements of impedance spectroscopy and electrical time-of-flight (TOF) techniques were used for the evaluation of carrier propagation dependence on applied potentials in a pentacene organic field effect transistor (OFET). These techniques are based on carrier propagation, thus isolates the effect of charge density. The intrinsic mobility which is free from contact resistance effects was obtained by measurement of various channel lengths. The obtained intrinsic mobility shows good correspondence with steady-state current-voltage measurement's saturation mobility. However, their power law relations on mobility vs applied potential resulted in different exponents, suggesting different carrier propagation mechanisms, which is attributable to filling of traps or space charge field in the channel region. The hypothesis was verified by a modified electrical TOF experiment which demonstrated how the accumulated charges in the channel influence the effective mobility.

Isothermal magnetostatic atmospheres. II - Similarity solutions with current proportional to the magnetic potential cubed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Webb, G. M.

1988-01-01

The paper presents a family of isothermal magnetostatic atmospheres with one ignorable coordinate corresponding to a uniform gravitational field in a plane geometry. The distributed current in the model J is directed along the x-axis, where x is the horizontal ignorable coordinate. The current J is taken to be proportional to the cube of the magnetostatic potential A and falls off exponentially with distance vertical to the base with an e-folding distance equal to the gravitational scale height. A range of similarity solution examples are displayed depending on the values of the similarity parameters. Each similarity parameter corresponds to a symmetry of the underlying nonlinear elliptic equation for A. The similarity parameters also determine the source currents for the potential field solution of the family. The solutions show the interplay between the gravitational force, the J & B force (B, magnetic field induction) and the gas pressure gradient.

Portable Data Assistants: Potential in Evidence-Based Practice Autism Treatment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dunkel-Jackson, Sarah M.; Dixon, Mark R.; Szekely, Susan

2012-01-01

The emerging era of "evidence-based practice" emphasizes that human service agencies need to find effective and efficient means of training staff and implementing systems change based on scientific evidence. Additional advancements in technology use across populations and settings within the field have also served as a catalyst for the development…

Numerical assessment of low-frequency dosimetry from sampled magnetic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freschi, Fabio; Giaccone, Luca; Cirimele, Vincenzo; Canova, Aldo

2018-01-01

Low-frequency dosimetry is commonly assessed by evaluating the electric field in the human body using the scalar potential finite difference method. This method is effective only when the sources of the magnetic field are completely known and the magnetic vector potential can be analytically computed. The aim of the paper is to present a rigorous method to characterize the source term when only the magnetic flux density is available at discrete points, e.g. in case of field measurements. The method is based on the solution of the discrete magnetic curl equation. The system is restricted to the independent set of magnetic fluxes and circulations of magnetic vector potential using the topological information of the computational mesh. The solenoidality of the magnetic flux density is preserved using a divergence-free interpolator based on vector radial basis functions. The analysis of a benchmark problem shows that the complexity of the proposed algorithm is linearly dependent on the number of elements with a controllable accuracy. The method proposed in this paper also proves to be useful and effective when applied to a real world scenario, where the magnetic flux density is measured in proximity of a power transformer. A 8 million voxel body model is then used for the numerical dosimetric analysis. The complete assessment is completed in less than 5 min, that is more than acceptable for these problems.

Numerical assessment of low-frequency dosimetry from sampled magnetic fields.

PubMed

Freschi, Fabio; Giaccone, Luca; Cirimele, Vincenzo; Canova, Aldo

2017-12-29

Low-frequency dosimetry is commonly assessed by evaluating the electric field in the human body using the scalar potential finite difference method. This method is effective only when the sources of the magnetic field are completely known and the magnetic vector potential can be analytically computed. The aim of the paper is to present a rigorous method to characterize the source term when only the magnetic flux density is available at discrete points, e.g. in case of field measurements. The method is based on the solution of the discrete magnetic curl equation. The system is restricted to the independent set of magnetic fluxes and circulations of magnetic vector potential using the topological information of the computational mesh. The solenoidality of the magnetic flux density is preserved using a divergence-free interpolator based on vector radial basis functions. The analysis of a benchmark problem shows that the complexity of the proposed algorithm is linearly dependent on the number of elements with a controllable accuracy. The method proposed in this paper also proves to be useful and effective when applied to a real world scenario, where the magnetic flux density is measured in proximity of a power transformer. A 8 million voxel body model is then used for the numerical dosimetric analysis. The complete assessment is completed in less than 5 min, that is more than acceptable for these problems.

Microneedles for enhanced transdermal and intraocular drug delivery.

PubMed

Moffatt, Kurtis; Wang, Yujing; Raj Singh, Thakur Raghu; Donnelly, Ryan F

2017-10-01

Microneedle mediated delivery based research has garnered great interest in recent years. In the past, the initial focus was delivery of macromolecules of biological origin, however the field has now broadened its scope to include transdermal delivery of conventional low molecular weight drug molecules. Great success has been demonstrated utilising this approach, particularly in the field of vaccine delivery. Current technological advances have permitted an enhancement in design formulation, allowing delivery of therapeutic doses of small molecule drugs and biomolecules, aided by larger patch sizes and scalable manufacture. In addition, it has been recently shown that microneedles are beneficial in localisation of drug delivery systems within targeted ocular tissues. Microneedles have the capacity to modify the means in which therapeutics and formulations are delivered to the eye. However, further research is still required due to potential drawbacks and challenges. Indeed, no true microneedle-based transdermal or ocular drug delivery system has yet been marketed. Some concerns have been raised regarding regulatory issues and manufacturing processes of such systems, and those in the field are now actively working to address them. Microneedle-based transdermal and ocular drug delivery systems have the potential to greatly impact not only patient benefits, but also industry, and through diligence, innovation and collaboration, their true potential will begin to be realised within the next 3-5 years. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evolving perspectives on the exposure risks from magnetic fields.

PubMed Central

Trappier, A.; Lorio, P.; Johnson, L. P.

1990-01-01

Based on information from suggesting effects of positive and negative polarity on cancer cells, surveys were performed on magnetic resonance imaging devices, as well as other types of equipment capable of producing appreciable magnetic fields. These surveys were performed in areas where there was a potential for both occupational and general public exposure. PMID:2213910

The World through Glass: Developing Novel Methods with Wearable Computing for Urban Videographic Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paterson, Mark; Glass, Michael R.

2015-01-01

Google Glass was deployed in an Urban Studies field course to gather videographic data for team-based student research projects. We evaluate the potential for wearable computing technology such as Glass, in combination with other mobile computing devices, to enhance reflexive research skills, and videography in particular, during field research.…

Estimating and validating surface energy fluxes at field scale over a heterogeneous land surfaces based on two-source energy balance model (TSEB)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Accurate estimation of surface energy fluxes at field scale over large areas has the potential to improve agricultural water management in arid and semiarid watersheds. Remote sensing may be the only viable approach for mapping fluxes over heterogeneous landscapes. The Two-Source Energy Balance mode...

Biomedical applications of a real-time terahertz color scanner

PubMed Central

Schirmer, Markus; Fujio, Makoto; Minami, Masaaki; Miura, Jiro; Araki, Tsutomu; Yasui, Takeshi

2010-01-01

A real-time THz color scanner has the potential to further expand the application scope of THz spectral imaging based on its rapid image acquisition rate. We demonstrated three possible applications of a THz color scanner in the biomedical field: imaging of pharmaceutical tablets, human teeth, and human hair. The first application showed the scanner’s potential in total inspection for rapid quality control of pharmaceutical tablets moving on a conveyor belt. The second application demonstrated that the scanner can be used to identify a potential indicator for crystallinity of dental tissue. In the third application, the scanner was successfully used to visualize the drying process of wet hairs. These demonstrations indicated the high potential of the THz color scanner for practical applications in the biomedical field. PMID:21258472

Vector Potential Generation for Numerical Relativity Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silberman, Zachary; Faber, Joshua; Adams, Thomas; Etienne, Zachariah; Ruchlin, Ian

2017-01-01

Many different numerical codes are employed in studies of highly relativistic magnetized accretion flows around black holes. Based on the formalisms each uses, some codes evolve the magnetic field vector B, while others evolve the magnetic vector potential A, the two being related by the curl: B=curl(A). Here, we discuss how to generate vector potentials corresponding to specified magnetic fields on staggered grids, a surprisingly difficult task on finite cubic domains. The code we have developed solves this problem in two ways: a brute-force method, whose scaling is nearly linear in the number of grid cells, and a direct linear algebra approach. We discuss the success both algorithms have in generating smooth vector potential configurations and how both may be extended to more complicated cases involving multiple mesh-refinement levels. NSF ACI-1550436

Agreements between ground-based and satellite-based observations. [of earth magnetospheric currents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Akasofu, S.-I.; Weimer, D.; Iijima, T.; Ahn, B.-H.; Kamide, Y.

1990-01-01

The polar ionospheric parameters obtained by the meridian chain of magnetometers are compared with those obtained by satellites, and a number of ionospheric quantities including the distribution of the electric potential, field-aligned currents, ionospheric currents and their equatorial counterparts, and the relationship between the AE index and the cross-polar cap potential is determined. It is noted that the agreement observed between the ground-based and satellite-based results allows to reduce the search for the driving mechanism of the ionospheric Pedersen current to identifying the driving mechanism of the Pedersen counterpart current in the equatorial plane.

Oceanic lithospheric magnetisation: Forward modelling and analysis using vector spherical harmonics (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masterton, S. M.; Gubbins, D.; Müller, D.; Williams, S.

2013-12-01

The lithospheric contribution to the geomagnetic field arises from magnetised rocks that are cooler than the Curie temperature of their constituent minerals. Inversion of the magnetic field for this magnetisation is subject to inherent non-uniqueness, as many magnetisation distributions yield no potential field outside of the lithosphere. Such distributions are termed annihilators. We use a complete set of orthogonal vector spherical harmonics that separate the part of the magnetisation responsible for the magnetic field observed above the Earth's surface from the annihilators. A similar set of vector harmonics has been developed in Cartesian geometry suitable for small scale, industrial applications. In an attempt to quantify the significance of the annihilators, we first construct a global model of vertically integrated magnetisation (VIM) by combining a model of remanent magnetisation for the oceans with a previous model of induced magnetisation for the whole Earth. Remanence is computed by assigning magnetisations to the oceanic lithosphere acquired at the location and time of formation. The magnetising field is assumed to be an axial dipole that switches polarity with the reversal time scale. The magnetisation evolves with time by decay of thermal remanence and acquisition of chemical remanence. Remanence directions are calculated by implementing finite rotations of the original geomagnetic field direction with respect to an absolute reference frame. We then represent our estimated VIM in terms of vector spherical harmonics, to allow us to evaluate its relative contributions to a potential field that is observable outside of the lithosphere and to fields (both potential and non-potential) that are not observable. This analysis shows that our model of magnetisation is dominated by a part of the magnetisation that produces a potential field restricted to Earth's sub-lithospheric interior; it therefore contributes significantly to the huge null space in the inversion of lithospheric magnetic anomaly data for VIM. We calculate the observable potential field that arises from our magnetisation estimates and compare it with a model that is based upon satellite data (MF7); this allows us to evaluate our magnetisation estimates and suggest likely sources of error in areas with high misfit between our predictions and the observed magnetic field. For example, under-prediction of the observed magnetic field may be indicative of poorly-known magnetisation deep in the crust or upper mantle, locally underplated continental lithosphere or anomalous oceanic crust.

MRI non-uniformity correction through interleaved bias estimation and B-spline deformation with a template.

PubMed

Fletcher, E; Carmichael, O; Decarli, C

2012-01-01

We propose a template-based method for correcting field inhomogeneity biases in magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the human brain. At each algorithm iteration, the update of a B-spline deformation between an unbiased template image and the subject image is interleaved with estimation of a bias field based on the current template-to-image alignment. The bias field is modeled using a spatially smooth thin-plate spline interpolation based on ratios of local image patch intensity means between the deformed template and subject images. This is used to iteratively correct subject image intensities which are then used to improve the template-to-image deformation. Experiments on synthetic and real data sets of images with and without Alzheimer's disease suggest that the approach may have advantages over the popular N3 technique for modeling bias fields and narrowing intensity ranges of gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid. This bias field correction method has the potential to be more accurate than correction schemes based solely on intrinsic image properties or hypothetical image intensity distributions.

MRI Non-Uniformity Correction Through Interleaved Bias Estimation and B-Spline Deformation with a Template*

PubMed Central

Fletcher, E.; Carmichael, O.; DeCarli, C.

2013-01-01

We propose a template-based method for correcting field inhomogeneity biases in magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the human brain. At each algorithm iteration, the update of a B-spline deformation between an unbiased template image and the subject image is interleaved with estimation of a bias field based on the current template-to-image alignment. The bias field is modeled using a spatially smooth thin-plate spline interpolation based on ratios of local image patch intensity means between the deformed template and subject images. This is used to iteratively correct subject image intensities which are then used to improve the template-to-image deformation. Experiments on synthetic and real data sets of images with and without Alzheimer’s disease suggest that the approach may have advantages over the popular N3 technique for modeling bias fields and narrowing intensity ranges of gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid. This bias field correction method has the potential to be more accurate than correction schemes based solely on intrinsic image properties or hypothetical image intensity distributions. PMID:23365843

Polarization leakage in epoch of reionization windows - III. Wide-field effects of narrow-field arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asad, K. M. B.; Koopmans, L. V. E.; Jelić, V.; de Bruyn, A. G.; Pandey, V. N.; Gehlot, B. K.

2018-05-01

Leakage of polarized Galactic diffuse emission into total intensity can potentially mimic the 21-cm signal coming from the epoch of reionization (EoR), as both of them might have fluctuating spectral structure. Although we are sensitive to the EoR signal only in small fields of view, chromatic side-lobes from further away can contaminate the inner region. Here, we explore the effects of leakage into the `EoR window' of the cylindrically averaged power spectra (PS) within wide fields of view using both observation and simulation of the 3C196 and North Celestial Pole (NCP) fields, two observing fields of the LOFAR-EoR project. We present the polarization PS of two one-night observations of the two fields and find that the NCP field has higher fluctuations along frequency, and consequently exhibits more power at high-k∥ that could potentially leak to Stokes I. Subsequently, we simulate LOFAR observations of Galactic diffuse polarized emission based on a model to assess what fraction of polarized power leaks into Stokes I because of the primary beam. We find that the rms fractional leakage over the instrumental k-space is 0.35 {per cent} in the 3C196 field and 0.27 {per cent} in the NCP field, and it does not change significantly within the diameters of 15°, 9°, and 4°. Based on the observed PS and simulated fractional leakage, we show that a similar level of leakage into Stokes I is expected in the 3C196 and NCP fields, and the leakage can be considered to be a bias in the PS.

Whole-body FDG PET-MR oncologic imaging: pitfalls in clinical interpretation related to inaccurate MR-based attenuation correction.

PubMed

Attenberger, Ulrike; Catana, Ciprian; Chandarana, Hersh; Catalano, Onofrio A; Friedman, Kent; Schonberg, Stefan A; Thrall, James; Salvatore, Marco; Rosen, Bruce R; Guimaraes, Alexander R

2015-08-01

Simultaneous data collection for positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MR) is now a reality. While the full benefits of concurrently acquiring PET and MR data and the potential added clinical value are still being evaluated, initial studies have identified several important potential pitfalls in the interpretation of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/MRI in oncologic whole-body imaging, the majority of which being related to the errors in the attenuation maps created from the MR data. The purpose of this article was to present such pitfalls and artifacts using case examples, describe their etiology, and discuss strategies to overcome them. Using a case-based approach, we will illustrate artifacts related to (1) Inaccurate bone tissue segmentation; (2) Inaccurate air cavities segmentation; (3) Motion-induced misregistration; (4) RF coils in the PET field of view; (5) B0 field inhomogeneity; (6) B1 field inhomogeneity; (7) Metallic implants; (8) MR contrast agents.

Using Geothermal Play Types as an Analogue for Estimating Potential Resource Size

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

Terry, Rachel; Young, Katherine

Blind geothermal systems are becoming increasingly common as more geothermal fields are developed. Geothermal development is known to have high risk in the early stages of a project development because reservoir characteristics are relatively unknown until wells are drilled. Play types (or occurrence models) categorize potential geothermal fields into groups based on geologic characteristics. To aid in lowering exploration risk, these groups' reservoir characteristics can be used as analogues in new site exploration. The play type schemes used in this paper were Moeck and Beardsmore play types (Moeck et al. 2014) and Brophy occurrence models (Brophy et al. 2011). Operatingmore » geothermal fields throughout the world were classified based on their associated play type, and then reservoir characteristics data were catalogued. The distributions of these characteristics were plotted in histograms to develop probability density functions for each individual characteristic. The probability density functions can be used as input analogues in Monte Carlo estimations of resource potential for similar play types in early exploration phases. A spreadsheet model was created to estimate resource potential in undeveloped fields. The user can choose to input their own values for each reservoir characteristic or choose to use the probability distribution functions provided from the selected play type. This paper also addresses the United States Geological Survey's 1978 and 2008 assessment of geothermal resources by comparing their estimated values to reported values from post-site development. Information from the collected data was used in the comparison for thirty developed sites in the United States. No significant trends or suggestions for methodologies could be made by the comparison.« less

Recent progress of carbon nanotube field emitters and their application.

PubMed

Seelaboyina, Raghunandan; Choi, Wonbong

2007-01-01

The potential of utilizing carbon nanotube field emission properties is an attractive feature for future vacuum electronic devices including: high power microwave, miniature x-ray, backlight for liquid crystal displays and flat panel displays. Their high emission current, nano scale geometry, chemical inertness and low threshold voltage for emission are attractive features for the field emission applications. In this paper we review the recent developments of carbon nanotube field emitters and their device applications. We also discuss the latest results on field emission current amplification achieved with an electron multiplier microchannel plate, and emission performance of multistage field emitter based on oxide nanowire operated in poor vacuum.

Direct observation of single-charge-detection capability of nanowire field-effect transistors.

PubMed

Salfi, J; Savelyev, I G; Blumin, M; Nair, S V; Ruda, H E

2010-10-01

A single localized charge can quench the luminescence of a semiconductor nanowire, but relatively little is known about the effect of single charges on the conductance of the nanowire. In one-dimensional nanostructures embedded in a material with a low dielectric permittivity, the Coulomb interaction and excitonic binding energy are much larger than the corresponding values when embedded in a material with the same dielectric permittivity. The stronger Coulomb interaction is also predicted to limit the carrier mobility in nanowires. Here, we experimentally isolate and study the effect of individual localized electrons on carrier transport in InAs nanowire field-effect transistors, and extract the equivalent charge sensitivity. In the low carrier density regime, the electrostatic potential produced by one electron can create an insulating weak link in an otherwise conducting nanowire field-effect transistor, modulating its conductance by as much as 4,200% at 31 K. The equivalent charge sensitivity, 4 × 10(-5) e Hz(-1/2) at 25 K and 6 × 10(-5) e Hz(-1/2) at 198 K, is orders of magnitude better than conventional field-effect transistors and nanoelectromechanical systems, and is just a factor of 20-30 away from the record sensitivity for state-of-the-art single-electron transistors operating below 4 K (ref. 8). This work demonstrates the feasibility of nanowire-based single-electron memories and illustrates a physical process of potential relevance for high performance chemical sensors. The charge-state-detection capability we demonstrate also makes the nanowire field-effect transistor a promising host system for impurities (which may be introduced intentionally or unintentionally) with potentially long spin lifetimes, because such transistors offer more sensitive spin-to-charge conversion readout than schemes based on conventional field-effect transistors.

Testing the Test: A Study of PARCC Field Trials in Two School Districts. Policy Brief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy, 2015

2015-01-01

The potential use of computer-based assessments has raised concerns from educators, policymakers, and parents about information technology infrastructure in school districts and the preparation of staff and students to use new technologies for assessment purposes, and the potential impact of testing activities on core school functions,…

Computational Modeling of Single Neuron Extracellular Electric Potentials and Network Local Field Potentials using LFPsim.

PubMed

Parasuram, Harilal; Nair, Bipin; D'Angelo, Egidio; Hines, Michael; Naldi, Giovanni; Diwakar, Shyam

2016-01-01

Local Field Potentials (LFPs) are population signals generated by complex spatiotemporal interaction of current sources and dipoles. Mathematical computations of LFPs allow the study of circuit functions and dysfunctions via simulations. This paper introduces LFPsim, a NEURON-based tool for computing population LFP activity and single neuron extracellular potentials. LFPsim was developed to be used on existing cable compartmental neuron and network models. Point source, line source, and RC based filter approximations can be used to compute extracellular activity. As a demonstration of efficient implementation, we showcase LFPs from mathematical models of electrotonically compact cerebellum granule neurons and morphologically complex neurons of the neocortical column. LFPsim reproduced neocortical LFP at 8, 32, and 56 Hz via current injection, in vitro post-synaptic N2a, N2b waves and in vivo T-C waves in cerebellum granular layer. LFPsim also includes a simulation of multi-electrode array of LFPs in network populations to aid computational inference between biophysical activity in neural networks and corresponding multi-unit activity resulting in extracellular and evoked LFP signals.

A Social Potential Fields Approach for Self-Deployment and Self-Healing in Hierarchical Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks

PubMed Central

González-Parada, Eva; Cano-García, Jose; Aguilera, Francisco; Sandoval, Francisco; Urdiales, Cristina

2017-01-01

Autonomous mobile nodes in mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSN) allow self-deployment and self-healing. In both cases, the goals are: (i) to achieve adequate coverage; and (ii) to extend network life. In dynamic environments, nodes may use reactive algorithms so that each node locally decides when and where to move. This paper presents a behavior-based deployment and self-healing algorithm based on the social potential fields algorithm. In the proposed algorithm, nodes are attached to low cost robots to autonomously navigate in the coverage area. The proposed algorithm has been tested in environments with and without obstacles. Our study also analyzes the differences between non-hierarchical and hierarchical routing configurations in terms of network life and coverage. PMID:28075364

A Social Potential Fields Approach for Self-Deployment and Self-Healing in Hierarchical Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks.

PubMed

González-Parada, Eva; Cano-García, Jose; Aguilera, Francisco; Sandoval, Francisco; Urdiales, Cristina

2017-01-09

Autonomous mobile nodes in mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSN) allow self-deployment and self-healing. In both cases, the goals are: (i) to achieve adequate coverage; and (ii) to extend network life. In dynamic environments, nodes may use reactive algorithms so that each node locally decides when and where to move. This paper presents a behavior-based deployment and self-healing algorithm based on the social potential fields algorithm. In the proposed algorithm, nodes are attached to low cost robots to autonomously navigate in the coverage area. The proposed algorithm has been tested in environments with and without obstacles. Our study also analyzes the differences between non-hierarchical and hierarchical routing configurations in terms of network life and coverage.

Influence of an external electric field on the potential-energy surface of alkali-metal-decorated C60

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De, Deb Sankar; Saha, Santanu; Genovese, Luigi; Goedecker, Stefan

2018-06-01

We present a fully ab initio, unbiased structure search of the configurational space of decorated C60 fullerenes in the presence of an electric field. We observed that the potential-energy surface is significantly perturbed by an external electric field and that the energetic ordering of low-energy isomers differs with and without electric field. We identify the energetically lowest configuration for a varying number of decorating atoms (1 ≤n ≤12 ) for Li and (1 ≤n ≤6 ) for K on the C60 surface at different electric-field strengths. Using the correct geometric ground state in the electric field for the calculation of the dipole we obtain better agreement with the experimentally measured values than previous calculations based on the ground state in absence of an electric field. Since the lowest-energy structures are typically nearly degenerate in energy, a combination of different structures is expected to be found at room temperature. The experimentally measured dipole is therefore also expected to contain significant contributions from several low-energy structures.

Impact of large-scale atmospheric refractive structures on optical wave propagation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nunalee, Christopher G.; He, Ping; Basu, Sukanta; Vorontsov, Mikhail A.; Fiorino, Steven T.

2014-10-01

Conventional techniques used to model optical wave propagation through the Earth's atmosphere typically as- sume flow fields based on various empirical relationships. Unfortunately, these synthetic refractive index fields do not take into account the influence of transient macroscale and mesoscale (i.e. larger than turbulent microscale) atmospheric phenomena. Nevertheless, a number of atmospheric structures that are characterized by various spatial and temporal scales exist which have the potential to significantly impact refractive index fields, thereby resulting dramatic impacts on optical wave propagation characteristics. In this paper, we analyze a subset of spatio-temporal dynamics found to strongly affect optical waves propagating through these atmospheric struc- tures. Analysis of wave propagation was performed in the geometrical optics approximation using a standard ray tracing technique. Using a numerical weather prediction (NWP) approach, we simulate multiple realistic atmospheric events (e.g., island wakes, low-level jets, etc.), and estimate the associated refractivity fields prior to performing ray tracing simulations. By coupling NWP model output with ray tracing simulations, we demon- strate the ability to quantitatively assess the potential impacts of coherent atmospheric phenomena on optical ray propagation. Our results show a strong impact of spatio-temporal characteristics of the refractive index field on optical ray trajectories. Such correlations validate the effectiveness of NWP models as they offer a more comprehensive representation of atmospheric refractivity fields compared to conventional methods based on the assumption of horizontal homogeneity.

Ground-based studies of ionospheric convection associated with substorm expansion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kamide, Y.; Richmond, A. D.; Emery, B. A.; Hutchins, C. F.; Ahn, B.-H.; De La Beaujardiere, O.; Foster, J. C.; Heelis, R. A.; Kroehl, H. W.; Rich, F. J.

1994-01-01

The instantaneous patterns of electric fields and currents in the high-latitude ionosphere are deduced by combining satellite and radar measurements of the ionospheric drift velocity, along with ground-based magnetometer observations for October 25, 1981. The period under study was characterized by a relatively stable southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), so that the obtained electric field patterns do reflect, in general, the state of sustained and enhanced plasma convection in the magnetosphere. During one of the satellite passes, however, an intense westward electrojet caused by a substorm intruded into the satellite (DE2) and radar (Chatanika, Alaska) field of view in the premidnight sector, providing a unique opportunity to differentiate the enhanced convection and substorm expansion fields. The distributions of the calculated electric potential for the expansion and maximum phases of the substorm show the first clear evidence of the coexistence of two physically different systems in the global convection pattern. The changes in the convection pattern during the substorm indicate that the large-scale potential distributions are indeed of general two-cell patterns representing the southward IMF status, but the night-morning cell has two positive peaks, one in the midnight sector and the other in the late morning hours, corresponding to the substorm expansion and the convection enhancement, respectively.

Radiation and matter: Electrodynamics postulates and Lorenz gauge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bobrov, V. B.; Trigger, S. A.; van Heijst, G. J.; Schram, P. P.

2016-11-01

In general terms, we have considered matter as the system of charged particles and quantized electromagnetic field. For consistent description of the thermodynamic properties of matter, especially in an extreme state, the problem of quantization of the longitudinal and scalar potentials should be solved. In this connection, we pay attention that the traditional postulates of electrodynamics, which claim that only electric and magnetic fields are observable, is resolved by denial of the statement about validity of the Maxwell equations for microscopic fields. The Maxwell equations, as the generalization of experimental data, are valid only for averaged values. We show that microscopic electrodynamics may be based on postulation of the d'Alembert equations for four-vector of the electromagnetic field potential. The Lorenz gauge is valid for the averages potentials (and provides the implementation of the Maxwell equations for averages). The suggested concept overcomes difficulties under the electromagnetic field quantization procedure being in accordance with the results of quantum electrodynamics. As a result, longitudinal and scalar photons become real rather than virtual and may be observed in principle. The longitudinal and scalar photons provide not only the Coulomb interaction of charged particles, but also allow the electrical Aharonov-Bohm effect.

Analysis of rainfall-induced slope instability using a field of local factor of safety

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lu, Ning; Şener-Kaya, Başak; Wayllace, Alexandra; Godt, Jonathan W.

2012-01-01

Slope-stability analyses are mostly conducted by identifying or assuming a potential failure surface and assessing the factor of safety (FS) of that surface. This approach of assigning a single FS to a potentially unstable slope provides little insight on where the failure initiates or the ultimate geometry and location of a landslide rupture surface. We describe a method to quantify a scalar field of FS based on the concept of the Coulomb stress and the shift in the state of stress toward failure that results from rainfall infiltration. The FS at each point within a hillslope is called the local factor of safety (LFS) and is defined as the ratio of the Coulomb stress at the current state of stress to the Coulomb stress of the potential failure state under the Mohr-Coulomb criterion. Comparative assessment with limit-equilibrium and hybrid finite element limit-equilibrium methods show that the proposed LFS is consistent with these approaches and yields additional insight into the geometry and location of the potential failure surface and how instability may initiate and evolve with changes in pore water conditions. Quantitative assessments applying the new LFS field method to slopes under infiltration conditions demonstrate that the LFS has the potential to overcome several major limitations in the classical FS methodologies such as the shape of the failure surface and the inherent underestimation of slope instability. Comparison with infinite-slope methods, including a recent extension to variably saturated conditions, shows further enhancement in assessing shallow landslide occurrence using the LFS methodology. Although we use only a linear elastic solution for the state of stress with no post-failure analysis that require more sophisticated elastoplastic or other theories, the LFS provides a new means to quantify the potential instability zones in hillslopes under variably saturated conditions using stress-field based methods.

Semiclassical theory of the self-consistent vibration-rotation fields and its application to the bending-rotation interaction in the H{sub 2}O molecule

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

Skalozub, A.S.; Tsaune, A.Ya.

1994-12-01

A new approach for analyzing the highly excited vibration-rotation (VR) states of nonrigid molecules is suggested. It is based on the separation of the vibrational and rotational terms in the molecular VR Hamiltonian by introducing periodic auxiliary fields. These fields transfer different interactions within a molecule and are treated in terms of the mean-field approximation. As a result, the solution of the stationary Schroedinger equation with the VR Hamiltonian amounts to a quantization of the Berry phase in a problem of the molecular angular-momentum motion in a certain periodic VR field (rotational problem). The quantization procedure takes into account themore » motion of the collective vibrational variables in the appropriate VR potentials (vibrational problem). The quantization rules, the mean-field configurations of auxiliary interactions, and the solutions to the Schrodinger equations for the vibrational and rotational problems are self-consistently connected with one another. The potentialities of the theory are demonstrated by the bending-rotation interaction modeled by the Bunker-Landsberg potential function in the H{sub 2} molecule. The calculations are compared with both the results of the exact computations and those of other approximate methods. 32 refs., 4 tabs.« less

Local sensor based on nanowire field effect transistor from inhomogeneously doped silicon on insulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Presnov, Denis E.; Bozhev, Ivan V.; Miakonkikh, Andrew V.; Simakin, Sergey G.; Trifonov, Artem S.; Krupenin, Vladimir A.

2018-02-01

We present the original method for fabricating a sensitive field/charge sensor based on field effect transistor (FET) with a nanowire channel that uses CMOS-compatible processes only. A FET with a kink-like silicon nanowire channel was fabricated from the inhomogeneously doped silicon on insulator wafer very close (˜100 nm) to the extremely sharp corner of a silicon chip forming local probe. The single e-beam lithographic process with a shadow deposition technique, followed by separate two reactive ion etching processes, was used to define the narrow semiconductor nanowire channel. The sensors charge sensitivity was evaluated to be in the range of 0.1-0.2 e /√{Hz } from the analysis of their transport and noise characteristics. The proposed method provides a good opportunity for the relatively simple manufacture of a local field sensor for measuring the electrical field distribution, potential profiles, and charge dynamics for a wide range of mesoscopic objects. Diagnostic systems and devices based on such sensors can be used in various fields of physics, chemistry, material science, biology, electronics, medicine, etc.

Parallel Electric Field on Auroral Magnetic Field Lines.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeh, Huey-Ching Betty

1982-03-01

The interaction of Birkeland (magnetic-field-aligned) current carriers and the Earth's magnetic field results in electrostatic potential drops along magnetic field lines. The statistical distributions of the field-aligned potential difference (phi)(,(PARLL)) were determined from the energy spectra of electron inverted "V" events observed at ionospheric altitude for different conditions of geomagnetic activity as indicated by the AE index. Data of 1270 electron inverted "V"'s were obtained from Low-Energy Electron measurements of the Atmosphere Explorer-C and -D Satellite (despun mode) in the interval January 1974-April 1976. In general, (phi)(,(PARLL)) is largest in the dusk to pre-midnight sector, smaller in the post-midnight to dawn sector, and smallest in the near noon sector during quiet and disturbed geomagnetic conditions; there is a steady dusk-dawn-noon asymmetry of the global (phi)(,(PARLL)) distribution. As the geomagnetic activity level increases, the (phi)(,(PARLL)) pattern expands to lower invariant latitudes, and the magnitude of (phi)(,(PARLL)) in the 13-24 magnetic local time sector increases significantly. The spatial structure and intensity variation of the global (phi)(,(PARLL)) distribution are statistically more variable, and the magnitudes of (phi)(,(PARLL)) have smaller correlation with the AE-index, in the post-midnight to dawn sector. A strong correlation is found to exist between upward Birkeland current systems and global parallel potential drops, and between auroral electron precipitation patterns and parallel potential drops, regarding their mophology, their intensity and their dependence of geomagnetic activity. An analysis of the fine-scale simultaneous current-voltage relationship for upward Birkeland currents in Region 1 shows that typical field-aligned potential drops are consistent with model predictions based on linear acceleration of the charge carriers through an electrostatic potential drop along convergent magnetic field lines to maintain current continuity. In a steady state, this model of simple electrostatic acceleration without anomalous resistivity also predicts observable relations between global parallel currents and parallel potential drops and between global energy deposition and parallel potential drops. The temperature, density, and species of the unaccelerated charge carriers are the relevant parameters of the model. The dusk-dawn -noon asymmetry of the global (phi)(,(PARLL)) distribution can be explained by the above steady-state (phi)(,(PARLL)) process if we associate the source regions of upward Birkeland current carriers in Region 1, Region 2, and the cusp region with the plasma sheet boundary layer, the near-Earth plasma sheet, and the magnetosheath, respectively. The results of this study provide observational information on the global distribution of parallel potential drops and the prevailing process of generating and maintaining potential gradients (parallel electric fields) along auroral magnetic field lines.

Evaluation of Rgb-Based Vegetation Indices from Uav Imagery to Estimate Forage Yield in Grassland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lussem, U.; Bolten, A.; Gnyp, M. L.; Jasper, J.; Bareth, G.

2018-04-01

Monitoring forage yield throughout the growing season is of key importance to support management decisions on grasslands/pastures. Especially on intensely managed grasslands, where nitrogen fertilizer and/or manure are applied regularly, precision agriculture applications are beneficial to support sustainable, site-specific management decisions on fertilizer treatment, grazing management and yield forecasting to mitigate potential negative impacts. To support these management decisions, timely and accurate information is needed on plant parameters (e.g. forage yield) with a high spatial and temporal resolution. However, in highly heterogeneous plant communities such as grasslands, assessing their in-field variability non-destructively to determine e.g. adequate fertilizer application still remains challenging. Especially biomass/yield estimation, as an important parameter in assessing grassland quality and quantity, is rather laborious. Forage yield (dry or fresh matter) is mostly measured manually with rising plate meters (RPM) or ultrasonic sensors (handheld or mounted on vehicles). Thus the in-field variability cannot be assessed for the entire field or only with potential disturbances. Using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) equipped with consumer grade RGB cameras in-field variability can be assessed by computing RGB-based vegetation indices. In this contribution we want to test and evaluate the robustness of RGB-based vegetation indices to estimate dry matter forage yield on a recently established experimental grassland site in Germany. Furthermore, the RGB-based VIs are compared to indices computed from the Yara N-Sensor. The results show a good correlation of forage yield with RGB-based VIs such as the NGRDI with R2 values of 0.62.

SHEDS-HT: An Integrated Probabilistic Exposure Model for Prioritizing Exposures to Chemicals with Near-Field and Dietary Sources

EPA Science Inventory

United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) researchers are developing a strategy for highthroughput (HT) exposure-based prioritization of chemicals under the ExpoCast program. These novel modeling approaches for evaluating chemicals based on their potential for biologi...

Alteration mineral mapping for iron prospecting using ETM+ data, Tonkolili iron field, northern Sierra Leone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mansaray, Lamin R.; Liu, Lei; Zhou, Jun; Ma, Zhimin

2013-10-01

The Tonkolili iron field in northern Sierra Leone has the largest known iron ore deposit in Africa. It occurs in a greenstone belt in an Achaean granitic basement. This study focused mainly on mapping areas with iron-oxide and hydroxyl bearing minerals, and identifying potential areas for haematite mineralization and banded iron formations (BIFs) in Tonkolili. The predominant mineral assemblage at the surface (laterite duricrust) of this iron field is haematitegoethite- limonite ±magnetite. The mineralization occurs in quartzitic banded ironstones, layered amphibolites, granites, schists and hornblendites. In this study, Crosta techniques were applied on Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+) data to enhance areas with alteration minerals and target potential areas of haematite and BIF units in the Tonkolili iron field. Synthetic analysis shows that alteration zones mapped herein are consistent with the already discovered magnetite BIFs in Tonkolili. Based on the overlaps of the simplified geological map and the remote sensing-based alteration mineral maps obtained in this study, three new haematite prospects were inferred within, and one new haematite prospect was inferred outside the tenement boundary of the Tonkolili exploration license. As the primary iron mineral in Tonkolili is magnetite, the study concludes that, these haematite prospects could also be underlain by magnetite BIFs. This study also concludes that, the application of Crosta techniques on ETM+ data is effective not only in mapping iron-oxide and hydroxyl alterations but can also provide a basis for inferring areas of potential iron resources in Algoma-type banded iron formations (BIFs), such as those in the Tonkolili field.

A partition function-based weighting scheme in force field parameter development using ab initio calculation results in global configurational space.

PubMed

Wu, Yao; Dai, Xiaodong; Huang, Niu; Zhao, Lifeng

2013-06-05

In force field parameter development using ab initio potential energy surfaces (PES) as target data, an important but often neglected matter is the lack of a weighting scheme with optimal discrimination power to fit the target data. Here, we developed a novel partition function-based weighting scheme, which not only fits the target potential energies exponentially like the general Boltzmann weighting method, but also reduces the effect of fitting errors leading to overfitting. The van der Waals (vdW) parameters of benzene and propane were reparameterized by using the new weighting scheme to fit the high-level ab initio PESs probed by a water molecule in global configurational space. The molecular simulation results indicate that the newly derived parameters are capable of reproducing experimental properties in a broader range of temperatures, which supports the partition function-based weighting scheme. Our simulation results also suggest that structural properties are more sensitive to vdW parameters than partial atomic charge parameters in these systems although the electrostatic interactions are still important in energetic properties. As no prerequisite conditions are required, the partition function-based weighting method may be applied in developing any types of force field parameters. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Feature-based attention elicits surround suppression in feature space.

PubMed

Störmer, Viola S; Alvarez, George A

2014-09-08

It is known that focusing attention on a particular feature (e.g., the color red) facilitates the processing of all objects in the visual field containing that feature [1-7]. Here, we show that such feature-based attention not only facilitates processing but also actively inhibits processing of similar, but not identical, features globally across the visual field. We combined behavior and electrophysiological recordings of frequency-tagged potentials in human observers to measure this inhibitory surround in feature space. We found that sensory signals of an attended color (e.g., red) were enhanced, whereas sensory signals of colors similar to the target color (e.g., orange) were suppressed relative to colors more distinct from the target color (e.g., yellow). Importantly, this inhibitory effect spreads globally across the visual field, thus operating independently of location. These findings suggest that feature-based attention comprises an excitatory peak surrounded by a narrow inhibitory zone in color space to attenuate the most distracting and potentially confusable stimuli during visual perception. This selection profile is akin to what has been reported for location-based attention [8-10] and thus suggests that such center-surround mechanisms are an overarching principle of attention across different domains in the human brain. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A magnetoelectric flux gate: new approach for weak DC magnetic field detection.

PubMed

Chu, Zhaoqiang; Shi, Huaduo; PourhosseiniAsl, Mohammad Javad; Wu, Jingen; Shi, Weiliang; Gao, Xiangyu; Yuan, Xiaoting; Dong, Shuxiang

2017-08-17

The magnetic flux gate sensors based on Faraday's Law of Induction are widely used for DC or extremely low frequency magnetic field detection. Recently, as the fast development of multiferroics and magnetoelectric (ME) composite materials, a new technology based on ME coupling effect is emerging for potential devices application. Here, we report a magnetoelectric flux gate sensor (MEFGS) for weak DC magnetic field detection for the first time, which works on a similar magnetic flux gate principle, but based on ME coupling effect. The proposed MEFGS has a shuttle-shaped configuration made of amorphous FeBSi alloy (Metglas) serving as both magnetic and magnetostrictive cores for producing a closed-loop high-frequency magnetic flux and also a longitudinal vibration, and one pair of embedded piezoelectric PMN-PT fibers ([011]-oriented Pb(Mg,Nb)O 3 -PbTiO 3 single crystal) serving as ME flux gate in a differential mode for detecting magnetic anomaly. In this way, the relative change in output signal of the MEFGS under an applied DC magnetic anomaly of 1 nT was greatly enhanced by a factor of 4 to 5 in comparison with the previous reports. The proposed ME flux gate shows a great potential for magnetic anomaly detections, such as magnetic navigation, magnetic based medical diagnosis, etc.

Electrostatic frequency maps for amide-I mode of β-peptide: Comparison of molecular mechanics force field and DFT calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Kaicong; Zheng, Xuan; Du, Fenfen

2017-08-01

The spectroscopy of amide-I vibrations has been widely utilized for the understanding of dynamical structure of polypeptides. For the modeling of amide-I spectra, two frequency maps were built for β-peptide analogue (N-ethylpropionamide, NEPA) in a number of solvents within different schemes (molecular mechanics force field based, GM map; DFT calculation based, GD map), respectively. The electrostatic potentials on the amide unit that originated from solvents and peptide backbone were correlated to the amide-I frequency shift from gas phase to solution phase during map parameterization. GM map is easier to construct with negligible computational cost since the frequency calculations for the samples are purely based on force field, while GD map utilizes sophisticated DFT calculations on the representative solute-solvent clusters and brings insight into the electronic structures of solvated NEPA and its chemical environments. The results show that the maps' predicted amide-I frequencies present solvation environmental sensitivities and exhibit their specific characters with respect to the map protocols, and the obtained vibrational parameters are in satisfactory agreement with experimental amide-I spectra of NEPA in solution phase. Although different theoretical schemes based maps have their advantages and disadvantages, the present maps show their potentials in interpreting the amide-I spectra for β-peptides, respectively.

Determining polarizable force fields with electrostatic potentials from quantum mechanical linear response theory

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

Wang, Hao; Yang, Weitao, E-mail: weitao.yang@duke.edu; Department of Physics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708

We developed a new method to calculate the atomic polarizabilities by fitting to the electrostatic potentials (ESPs) obtained from quantum mechanical (QM) calculations within the linear response theory. This parallels the conventional approach of fitting atomic charges based on electrostatic potentials from the electron density. Our ESP fitting is combined with the induced dipole model under the perturbation of uniform external electric fields of all orientations. QM calculations for the linear response to the external electric fields are used as input, fully consistent with the induced dipole model, which itself is a linear response model. The orientation of the uniformmore » external electric fields is integrated in all directions. The integration of orientation and QM linear response calculations together makes the fitting results independent of the orientations and magnitudes of the uniform external electric fields applied. Another advantage of our method is that QM calculation is only needed once, in contrast to the conventional approach, where many QM calculations are needed for many different applied electric fields. The molecular polarizabilities obtained from our method show comparable accuracy with those from fitting directly to the experimental or theoretical molecular polarizabilities. Since ESP is directly fitted, atomic polarizabilities obtained from our method are expected to reproduce the electrostatic interactions better. Our method was used to calculate both transferable atomic polarizabilities for polarizable molecular mechanics’ force fields and nontransferable molecule-specific atomic polarizabilities.« less

Active spacecraft potential control: An ion emitter experiment. [Cluster mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riedler, W.; Goldstein, R.; Hamelin, M.; Maehlum, B. N.; Troim, J.; Olsen, R. C.; Pedersen, A.; Grard, R. J. L.; Schmidt, R.; Rudenauer, F.

1988-01-01

The cluster spacecraft are instrumented with ion emitters for charge neutralization. The emitters produce indium ions at 6 keV. The ion current is adjusted in a feedback loop with instruments measuring the spacecraft potential. The system is based on the evaporation of indium in the apex field of a needle. The design of the active spacecraft potential control instruments, and the ion emitters is presented.

Photo-based estimators for the Nevada photo-based inventory

Treesearch

Paul L. Patterson

2012-01-01

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis Program conducted the Nevada Photo-Based Inventory Pilot in an effort to improve precision in estimates of forest parameters, reduce field data collection costs on margin lands that are covered by slow growing woodland species, and address the potential of strategic-level inventory on...

A theoretical method for the analysis and design of axisymmetric bodies. [flow distribution and incompressible fluids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beatty, T. D.

1975-01-01

A theoretical method is presented for the computation of the flow field about an axisymmetric body operating in a viscous, incompressible fluid. A potential flow method was used to determine the inviscid flow field and to yield the boundary conditions for the boundary layer solutions. Boundary layer effects in the forces of displacement thickness and empirically modeled separation streamlines are accounted for in subsequent potential flow solutions. This procedure is repeated until the solutions converge. An empirical method was used to determine base drag allowing configuration drag to be computed.

The immune boundaries for stem cell based therapies: problems and prospective solutions

PubMed Central

Abdelkrim, Hmadcha; Juan, Domínguez-Bendala; Jane, Wakeman; Mohamed, Arredouani; Bernat, Soria

2009-01-01

Stem cells have fascinated the scientific and clinical communities for over a century. Despite the controversy that surrounds this field, it is clear that stem cells have the potential to revolutionize medicine. However, a number of significant hurdles still stand in the way of the realization of this potential. Chiefly among these are safety concerns, differentiation efficiency and overcoming immune rejection. Here we review current progress made in this field to optimize the safe use of stem cells with particular emphasis on prospective interventions to deal with challenges generated by immune rejection. PMID:19583810

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

Miyao, Tadahiro; Spohn, Herbert

The retarded van der Waals potential, as first obtained by Casimir and Polder, is usually computed on the basis of nonrelativistic quantum electrodynamics . The Hamiltonian describes two infinitely heavy nuclei, charge e, separated by a distance R and two spinless electrons, charge -e, nonrelativistically coupled to the quantized radiation field. Casimir and Polder used the dipole approximation and small coupling to the Maxwell field. We employ here the full Hamiltonian and determine the asymptotic strength of the leading -R{sup -7} potential, which is valid for all e. Our computation is based on a path integral representation and expands inmore » 1/R, rather than in e.« less

Decoding gripping force based on local field potentials recorded from subthalamic nucleus in humans

PubMed Central

Tan, Huiling; Pogosyan, Alek; Ashkan, Keyoumars; Green, Alexander L; Aziz, Tipu; Foltynie, Thomas; Limousin, Patricia; Zrinzo, Ludvic; Hariz, Marwan; Brown, Peter

2016-01-01

The basal ganglia are known to be involved in the planning, execution and control of gripping force and movement vigour. Here we aim to define the nature of the basal ganglia control signal for force and to decode gripping force based on local field potential (LFP) activities recorded from the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes. We found that STN LFP activities in the gamma (55–90 Hz) and beta (13–30m Hz) bands were most informative about gripping force, and that a first order dynamic linear model with these STN LFP features as inputs can be used to decode the temporal profile of gripping force. Our results enhance the understanding of how the basal ganglia control gripping force, and also suggest that deep brain LFPs could potentially be used to decode movement parameters related to force and movement vigour for the development of advanced human-machine interfaces. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.19089.001 PMID:27855780

The ReaxFF reactive force-field: Development, applications, and future directions

DOE PAGES

Senftle, Thomas; Hong, Sungwook; Islam, Md Mahbubul; ...

2016-03-04

The reactive force-field (ReaxFF) interatomic potential is a powerful computational tool for exploring, developing and optimizing material properties. Methods based on the principles of quantum mechanics (QM), while offering valuable theoretical guidance at the electronic level, are often too computationally intense for simulations that consider the full dynamic evolution of a system. Alternatively, empirical interatomic potentials that are based on classical principles require significantly fewer computational resources, which enables simulations to better describe dynamic processes over longer timeframes and on larger scales. Such methods, however, typically require a predefined connectivity between atoms, precluding simulations that involve reactive events. The ReaxFFmore » method was developed to help bridge this gap. Approaching the gap from the classical side, ReaxFF casts the empirical interatomic potential within a bond-order formalism, thus implicitly describing chemical bonding without expensive QM calculations. As a result, this article provides an overview of the development, application, and future directions of the ReaxFF method.« less

Evidence-based creativity: Working between art and science in the field of fine dining.

PubMed

Borkenhagen, Chad

2017-10-01

This article examines how scientific knowledge drives creativity in the small but influential culinary movement of 'modernist cuisine'. Originating in the mid-1990s, modernist cuisine began with a small group of avant-garde chefs using science to produce wildly innovative culinary creations. Since then, many of the movement's innovations, as well as its more general 'science-based' approach to cooking, have gained adoption among a diverse range of culinary professionals. But while science has enabled modernist chefs to produce a wide array of innovations and refinements, the group's embrace of scientific values poses a potential threat to the subjective, intuition-driven logic of culinary creativity. Using data gathered through interviews and participant observation, I describe how modernist chefs navigate the potential challenges of using science in a creative field. I find that advocates of modernist cuisine address these challenges by adopting two separate rhetorical repertoires - one emphasizing science-based cooking's advantages over traditional methods, and another that minimizes the differences between these approaches. Observing the strategic deployment of these repertoires illustrates the challenges to incorporating science into creative fields and reveals a complex and nuanced relationship between objectivity, evidence, and aesthetic judgement.

Predictors of Instructional Strategy Use of Faculty in Career and Technical Education Programs: Signature Pedagogies of the Field

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fletcher, Edward C., Jr.; Djajalaksana, Yenni

2014-01-01

The purpose of this research study was to identify potential signature pedagogies in the field of CTE as well as specific disciplines within CTE, and to explain instructional strategy use by faculty's demographic characteristics, course delivery modes, and academic discipline. Based on a national survey of CTE faculty teaching at the postsecondary…

Cost effective spectral sensor solutions for hand held and field applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reetz, Edgar; Correns, Martin; Notni, Gunther

2015-05-01

Optical spectroscopy is without doubt one of the most important non-contact measurement principles. It is used in a wide range of applications from bio-medical to industrial fields. One recent trend is to miniaturize spectral sensors to address new areas of application. The most common spectral sensor type is based on diffraction gratings, while other types are based on micro mechanical systems (MEMS) or filter technologies. The authors represent the opinion that there is a potentially wide spread field of applications for spectrometers, but the market limits the range of applications since they cannot keep up with targeted cost requirements for consumer products. The present article explains an alternative approach for miniature multichannel spectrometer to enhance robustness for hand held field applications at a cost efficient price point.

A Field-Portable Cell Analyzer without a Microscope and Reagents.

PubMed

Seo, Dongmin; Oh, Sangwoo; Lee, Moonjin; Hwang, Yongha; Seo, Sungkyu

2017-12-29

This paper demonstrates a commercial-level field-portable lens-free cell analyzer called the NaviCell (No-stain and Automated Versatile Innovative cell analyzer) capable of automatically analyzing cell count and viability without employing an optical microscope and reagents. Based on the lens-free shadow imaging technique, the NaviCell (162 × 135 × 138 mm³ and 1.02 kg) has the advantage of providing analysis results with improved standard deviation between measurement results, owing to its large field of view. Importantly, the cell counting and viability testing can be analyzed without the use of any reagent, thereby simplifying the measurement procedure and reducing potential errors during sample preparation. In this study, the performance of the NaviCell for cell counting and viability testing was demonstrated using 13 and six cell lines, respectively. Based on the results of the hemocytometer ( de facto standard), the error rate (ER) and coefficient of variation (CV) of the NaviCell are approximately 3.27 and 2.16 times better than the commercial cell counter, respectively. The cell viability testing of the NaviCell also showed an ER and CV performance improvement of 5.09 and 1.8 times, respectively, demonstrating sufficient potential in the field of cell analysis.

Health system reform and the role of field sites based upon demographic and health surveillance.

PubMed Central

Tollman, S. M.; Zwi, A. B.

2000-01-01

Field sites for demographic and health surveillance have made well-recognized contributions to the evaluation of new or untested interventions, largely through efficacy trials involving new technologies or the delivery of selected services, e.g. vaccines, oral rehydration therapy and alternative contraceptive methods. Their role in health system reform, whether national or international, has, however, proved considerably more limited. The present article explores the characteristics and defining features of such field sites in low-income and middle-income countries and argues that many currently active sites have a largely untapped potential for contributing substantially to national and subnational health development. Since the populations covered by these sites often correspond with the boundaries of districts or subdistricts, the strategic use of information generated by demographic surveillance can inform the decentralization efforts of national and provincial health authorities. Among the areas of particular importance are the following: making population-based information available and providing an information resource; evaluating programmes and interventions; and developing applications to policy and practice. The question is posed as to whether their potential contribution to health system reform justifies arguing for adaptations to these field sites and expanded investment in them. PMID:10686747

Dual and mixed nonsymmetric stress-based variational formulations for coupled thermoelastodynamics with second sound effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tóth, Balázs

2018-03-01

Some new dual and mixed variational formulations based on a priori nonsymmetric stresses will be developed for linearly coupled irreversible thermoelastodynamic problems associated with second sound effect according to the Lord-Shulman theory. Having introduced the entropy flux vector instead of the entropy field and defining the dissipation and the relaxation potential as the function of the entropy flux, a seven-field dual and mixed variational formulation will be derived from the complementary Biot-Hamilton-type variational principle, using the Lagrange multiplier method. The momentum-, the displacement- and the infinitesimal rotation vector, and the a priori nonsymmetric stress tensor, the temperature change, the entropy field and its flux vector are considered as the independent field variables of this formulation. In order to handle appropriately the six different groups of temporal prescriptions in the relaxed- and/or the strong form, two variational integrals will be incorporated into the seven-field functional. Then, eliminating the entropy from this formulation through the strong fulfillment of the constitutive relation for the temperature change with the use of the Legendre transformation between the enthalpy and Gibbs potential, a six-field dual and mixed action functional is obtained. As a further development, the elimination of the momentum- and the velocity vector from the six-field principle through the a priori satisfaction of the kinematic equation and the constitutive relation for the momentum vector leads to a five-field variational formulation. These principles are suitable for the transient analyses of the structures exposed to a thermal shock of short temporal domain or a large heat flux.

On finding the analytic dependencies of the external field potential on the control function when optimizing the beam dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ovsyannikov, A. D.; Kozynchenko, S. A.; Kozynchenko, V. A.

2017-12-01

When developing a particle accelerator for generating the high-precision beams, the injection system design is of importance, because it largely determines the output characteristics of the beam. At the present paper we consider the injection systems consisting of electrodes with given potentials. The design of such systems requires carrying out simulation of beam dynamics in the electrostatic fields. For external field simulation we use the new approach, proposed by A.D. Ovsyannikov, which is based on analytical approximations, or finite difference method, taking into account the real geometry of the injection system. The software designed for solving the problems of beam dynamics simulation and optimization in the injection system for non-relativistic beams has been developed. Both beam dynamics and electric field simulations in the injection system which use analytical approach and finite difference method have been made and the results presented in this paper.

Mixed variational formulations of finite element analysis of elastoacoustic/slosh fluid-structure interaction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Felippa, Carlos A.; Ohayon, Roger

1991-01-01

A general three-field variational principle is obtained for the motion of an acoustic fluid enclosed in a rigid or flexible container by the method of canonical decomposition applied to a modified form of the wave equation in the displacement potential. The general principle is specialized to a mixed two-field principle that contains the fluid displacement potential and pressure as independent fields. This principle contains a free parameter alpha. Semidiscrete finite-element equations of motion based on this principle are displayed and applied to the transient response and free-vibrations of the coupled fluid-structure problem. It is shown that a particular setting of alpha yields a rich set of formulations that can be customized to fit physical and computational requirements. The variational principle is then extended to handle slosh motions in a uniform gravity field, and used to derive semidiscrete equations of motion that account for such effects.

Computer-Game-Based Tutoring of Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ke, Fengfeng

2013-01-01

This in-situ, descriptive case study examined the potential of implementing computer mathematics games as an anchor for tutoring of mathematics. Data were collected from middle school students at a rural pueblo school and an urban Hispanic-serving school, through in-field observation, content analysis of game-based tutoring-learning interactions,…

Retrospective estimation of the electric and magnetic field exposure conditions in in vitro experimental reports reveal considerable potential for uncertainty.

PubMed

Portelli, Lucas A; Falldorf, Karsten; Thuróczy, György; Cuppen, Jan

2018-04-01

Experiments on cell cultures exposed to extremely low frequency (ELF, 3-300 Hz) magnetic fields are often subject to multiple sources of uncertainty associated with specific electric and magnetic field exposure conditions. Here we systemically quantify these uncertainties based on exposure conditions described in a group of bioelectromagnetic experimental reports for a representative sampling of the existing literature. The resulting uncertainties, stemming from insufficient, ambiguous, or erroneous description, design, implementation, or validation of the experimental methods and systems, were often substantial enough to potentially make any successful reproduction of the original experimental conditions difficult or impossible. Without making any assumption about the true biological relevance of ELF electric and magnetic fields, these findings suggest another contributing factor which may add to the overall variability and irreproducibility traditionally associated with experimental results of in vitro exposures to low-level ELF magnetic fields. Bioelectromagnetics. 39:231-243, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Microfluidic opportunities in the field of nutrition

PubMed Central

Li, Sixing; Kiehne, Justin; Sinoway, Lawrence I.; Cameron, Craig E.

2013-01-01

Nutrition has always been closely related to human health, which is a constant motivational force driving research in a variety of disciplines. Over the years, the rapidly emerging field of microfluidics has been pushing forward the healthcare industry with the development of microfluidic-based, point-of-care (POC) diagnostic devices. Though a great deal of work has been done in developing microfluidic platforms for disease diagnoses, potential microfluidic applications in the field of nutrition remain largely unexplored. In this Focus article, we would like to investigate the potential chances for microfluidics in the field of nutrition. We will first highlight some of the recent advances in microfluidic blood analysis systems that have the capacity to detect biomarkers of nutrition. Then we will examine existing examples of microfluidic devices for the detection of specific biomarkers of nutrition or nutrient content in food. Finally, we will discuss the challenges in this field and provide some insight into the future of applied microfluidics in nutrition. PMID:24056522

Extra high speed modified Lundell alternator parameters and open/short-circuit characteristics from global 3D-FE magnetic field solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, R.; Demerdash, N. A.

1992-06-01

The combined magnetic vector potential - magnetic scalar potential method of computation of 3D magnetic fields by finite elements, introduced in a companion paper, is used for global 3D field analysis and machine performance computations under open-circuit and short-circuit conditions for an example 14.3 kVA modified Lundell alternator, whose magnetic field is of intrinsic 3D nature. The computed voltages and currents under these machine test conditions were verified and found to be in very good agreement with corresponding test data. Results of use of this modelling and computation method in the study of a design alteration example, in which the stator stack length of the example alternator is stretched in order to increase voltage and volt-ampere rating, are given here. These results demonstrate the inadequacy of conventional 2D-based design concepts and the imperative of use of this type of 3D magnetic field modelling in the design and investigation of such machines.

Currents and Associated Electron Scattering and Bouncing Near the Diffusion Region at Earth's Magnetopause

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lavraud, B.; Zhang, Y. C.; Vernisse, Y.; Gershman, D. J.; Dorelli, J.; Cassak, P. A.; Dargent, J.; Pollock, C.; Giles, B.; Aunai, N.;

Extra high speed modified Lundell alternator parameters and open/short-circuit characteristics from global 3D-FE magnetic field solutions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, R.; Demerdash, N. A.

1992-01-01

The combined magnetic vector potential - magnetic scalar potential method of computation of 3D magnetic fields by finite elements, introduced in a companion paper, is used for global 3D field analysis and machine performance computations under open-circuit and short-circuit conditions for an example 14.3 kVA modified Lundell alternator, whose magnetic field is of intrinsic 3D nature. The computed voltages and currents under these machine test conditions were verified and found to be in very good agreement with corresponding test data. Results of use of this modelling and computation method in the study of a design alteration example, in which the stator stack length of the example alternator is stretched in order to increase voltage and volt-ampere rating, are given here. These results demonstrate the inadequacy of conventional 2D-based design concepts and the imperative of use of this type of 3D magnetic field modelling in the design and investigation of such machines.

Novel treatment strategies for feline chronic kidney disease: A critical look at the potential of mesenchymal stem cell therapy.

PubMed

Quimby, J M; Dow, S W

2015-06-01

Stem cell therapy is an innovative field of scientific investigation with tremendous potential for clinical application that holds promise for the treatment of a variety of diseases in veterinary medicine. Based on the known desirable properties of mesenchymal stem cells, the therapy has potential for treatment of both acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease in cats. This review details terminology commonly used in this field of study, sources of mesenchymal stem cells and their proposed mechanism of action particularly as it relates to renal repair. Studies performed in rodent models of chronic kidney disease and feline clinical trial results are also summarized with the aim of providing an overview of the current status of this treatment modality and its potential for the future. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cochlear potential difference between endolymph fluid and the hair cell's interior: a retold interpretation based on the Goldman equation.

PubMed

Kurbel, Sven; Borzan, Vladimir; Golem, Hilda; Dinjar, Kristijan

2017-02-01

Reported cochlear potential values of near 150 mV are often attributed to endolymph itself, although membrane potentials result from ion fluxes across the adjacent semipermeable membranes due to concentration gradients. Since any two fluids separated by a semipermeable membrane develop potential due to differences in solute concentrations, a proposed interpretation here is that positive potential emanates from the Reissner membrane due to small influx of sodium from perilymph to endolymph. Basolateral hair cell membranes leak potassium into the interstitial fluid and this negative potential inside hair cells further augments the electric gradient of cochlear potential. Taken together as a sum, these two potentials are near the reported values of cochlear potential. This is based on reported data for cochlear fluids used for the calculation of Nernst and Goldman potentials. The reported positive potential of Reissner membrane can be explained almost entirely by the traffic of Na+ that enters endolymph through this membrane. At the apical membrane of hair cells, acoustic stimulation modulates stereocillia permeability to potassium. Potassium concentration gradients on the apical membrane are low (the calculated Nernst value is <+3 mV), suggesting that the potassium current is not caused by the local potassium concentration gradient, but an electric field between the positive sodium generated potential on the Reissner membrane and negative inside hair cells. Potassium is forced by this overall electric field to enter hair cells when stereocilia are permeable due to mechanical bending. Copyright© by the Medical Assotiation of Zenica-Doboj Canton.

Quantum dot-based local field imaging reveals plasmon-based interferometric logic in silver nanowire networks.

PubMed

Wei, Hong; Li, Zhipeng; Tian, Xiaorui; Wang, Zhuoxian; Cong, Fengzi; Liu, Ning; Zhang, Shunping; Nordlander, Peter; Halas, Naomi J; Xu, Hongxing

2011-02-09

We show that the local electric field distribution of propagating plasmons along silver nanowires can be imaged by coating the nanowires with a layer of quantum dots, held off the surface of the nanowire by a nanoscale dielectric spacer layer. In simple networks of silver nanowires with two optical inputs, control of the optical polarization and phase of the input fields directs the guided waves to a specific nanowire output. The QD-luminescent images of these structures reveal that a complete family of phase-dependent, interferometric logic functions can be performed on these simple networks. These results show the potential for plasmonic waveguides to support compact interferometric logic operations.

High-resolution quantitative determination of dielectric function by using scattering scanning near-field optical microscopy

PubMed Central

Tranca, D. E.; Stanciu, S. G.; Hristu, R.; Stoichita, C.; Tofail, S. A. M.; Stanciu, G. A.

2015-01-01

A new method for high-resolution quantitative measurement of the dielectric function by using scattering scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) is presented. The method is based on a calibration procedure that uses the s-SNOM oscillating dipole model of the probe-sample interaction and quantitative s-SNOM measurements. The nanoscale capabilities of the method have the potential to enable novel applications in various fields such as nano-electronics, nano-photonics, biology or medicine. PMID:26138665

Vibrational multiconfiguration self-consistent field theory: implementation and test calculations.

PubMed

Heislbetz, Sandra; Rauhut, Guntram

2010-03-28

A state-specific vibrational multiconfiguration self-consistent field (VMCSCF) approach based on a multimode expansion of the potential energy surface is presented for the accurate calculation of anharmonic vibrational spectra. As a special case of this general approach vibrational complete active space self-consistent field calculations will be discussed. The latter method shows better convergence than the general VMCSCF approach and must be considered the preferred choice within the multiconfigurational framework. Benchmark calculations are provided for a small set of test molecules.

Relevant Optical Issues of the SPM-Twin Telescopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González, J. J.; Orlov, V.

2007-06-01

Most technical aspects of the SPM-Twin Telescopes have been basically solved by the Magellan and MMT projects. However, the Spectroscopic "Wide Field Telescope" will be the first of its kind and an optical solution based on Magellan needs to be further investigated. In addition, the requirements for adaptive optics for the Standard Field Telescope need to be worked out. In this contribution we will compare optical wide field conceptual designs and the potential scope of AO for SPM-Twin.

Surface-micromachined and high-aspect ratio electrostatic actuators for aeronautic and space applications: design and lifetime considerations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vescovo, P.; Joseph, E.; Bourbon, G.; Le Moal, P.; Minotti, P.; Hibert, C.; Pont, G.

2003-09-01

This paper focuses on recent advances in the field of MEMS-based actuators and distributed microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). IC-processed actuators (e.g. actuators that are machined using integrated circuit batch processes) are expected to open a wide range of industrial applications on the near term. The most promising investigations deal with high-aspect ratio electric field driven microactuators suitable for use in numerous technical fields such as aeronautics and space industry. Because the silicon micromachining technology have the potential to integrate both mechanical components and control circuits within a single process, MEMS-based active control of microscopic and macroscopic structures appears to be one of the most promising challenges for the next decade. As a first step towards new generations of MEMS-based smart structures, recent investigations dealing with silicon mechanisms involving MEMS-based actuators are briefly discussed in this paper.

Installation Restoration Program. Phase 1. Records Search for the 167th Tactical Airlift Group, Shepherd Field Air National Guard Base, Martinsburg, West Virginia. Revised.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-03-01

Evaluation of Past Operations ] at Listed Sites Contamination Delee StesPotential for I De’ere tesI Migrationl S Potential for IOther N Environmental... Microbiology , New Orleans. Louisiana. March 1983. Effect of particles on degradation of bromobenzene in a simulated groundwater environment

The Potential Role of Artificial Intelligence Technology in Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salem, Abdel-Badeeh M.

The field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Education has traditionally a technology-based focus, looking at the ways in which AI can be used in building intelligent educational software. In addition AI can also provide an excellent methodology for learning and reasoning from the human experiences. This paper presents the potential role of AI in…

Cold atmospheric plasma jet in an axial DC electric field

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

Lin, Li, E-mail: lilin@gwu.edu, E-mail: keidar@gwu.edu; Keidar, Michael, E-mail: lilin@gwu.edu, E-mail: keidar@gwu.edu

2016-08-15

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) jet is currently intensively investigated as a tool for new and potentially transformative cancer treatment modality. However, there are still many unknowns about the jet behavior that requires attention. In this paper, a helium CAP jet is tested in an electrostatic field generated by a copper ring. Using Rayleigh microwave scattering method, some delays of the electron density peaks for different ring potentials are observed. Meanwhile, a similar phenomenon associated with the bullet velocity is found. Chemical species distribution along the jet is analyzed based on the jet optical emission spectra. The spectra indicate that amore » lower ring potential, i.e., lower DC background electric field, can increase the amount of excited N{sub 2}, N{sub 2}{sup +}, He, and O in the region before the ring, but can decrease the amount of excited NO and HO almost along the entire jet. Combining all the results above, we discovered that an extra DC potential mainly affects the temporal plasma jet properties. Also, it is possible to manipulate the chemical compositions of the jet using a ring with certain electric potentials.« less

Electromagnetic potentials basis for energy density and power flux

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puthoff, H. E.

2016-09-01

In rounding out the education of students in advanced courses in applied electromagnetics it is incumbent on us as mentors to raise issues that encourage appreciation of certain subtle aspects that are often overlooked during first exposure to the field. One of these has to do with the interplay between fields and potentials, with the latter often seen as just a convenient mathematical artifice useful in solving Maxwell’s equations. Nonetheless, to those practiced in application it is well understood that various alternatives in the use of fields and potentials are available within electromagnetic (EM) theory for the definitions of energy density, momentum transfer, EM stress-energy tensor, and so forth. Although the various options are all compatible with the basic equations of electrodynamics (e.g., Maxwell’s equations, Lorentz force law, gauge invariance), nonetheless certain alternative formulations lend themselves to being seen as preferable to others with regard to the transparency of their application to physical problems of interest. Here we argue for the transparency of an energy density/power flux option based on the EM potentials alone.

A general framework of automorphic inflation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schimmrigk, Rolf

2016-05-01

Automorphic inflation is an application of the framework of automorphic scalar field theory, based on the theory of automorphic forms and representations. In this paper the general framework of automorphic and modular inflation is described in some detail, with emphasis on the resulting stratification of the space of scalar field theories in terms of the group theoretic data associated to the shift symmetry, as well as the automorphic data that specifies the potential. The class of theories based on Eisenstein series provides a natural generalization of the model of j-inflation considered previously.

Applications of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in cancer biology

PubMed Central

Sánchez-Rivera, Francisco J.; Jacks, Tyler

2015-01-01

Preface The prokaryotic type II clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 system is rapidly revolutionizing the field of genetic engineering, allowing researchers to alter the genomes of a large variety of organisms with relative ease. Experimental approaches based on this versatile technology have the potential to transform the field of cancer genetics. Here we review current approaches based on CRISPR-Cas9 for functional studies of cancer genes, with emphasis on its applicability for the development of the next-generation models of human cancer. PMID:26040603

Trapped-ion quantum logic gates based on oscillating magnetic fields.

PubMed

Ospelkaus, C; Langer, C E; Amini, J M; Brown, K R; Leibfried, D; Wineland, D J

2008-08-29

Oscillating magnetic fields and field gradients can be used to implement single-qubit rotations and entangling multiqubit quantum gates for trapped-ion quantum information processing (QIP). With fields generated by currents in microfabricated surface-electrode traps, it should be possible to achieve gate speeds that are comparable to those of optically induced gates for realistic distances between the ion crystal and the electrode surface. Magnetic-field-mediated gates have the potential to significantly reduce the overhead in laser-beam control and motional-state initialization compared to current QIP experiments with trapped ions and will eliminate spontaneous scattering, a fundamental source of decoherence in laser-mediated gates.

Continued development of mature field: west Cameron Block 45 field, Gulf of Mexico

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

Brand, S.R.; Fox, J.F.

Initial acreage acquisition and exploration of the West Cameron Block 45 field, located offshore Louisiana, were based on reconnaissance gravity surveys that revealed an anomalous high across the area. Several phases of development drilling activity have been conducted in the field since its discovery in March 1949. Nearly four decades after initial exploration began, an integrated field study incorporating all available geological, geophysical, petrophysical, and engineering data was undertaken to evaluate the remaining potential of the field. As a result of this study, a detailed structural and stratigraphic framework was developed, the controls on reservoir production performance were established, andmore » additional drillable prospects were delineated.« less

Telemetry-based mortality estimates of juvenile spot in two North Carolina estuarine creeks

USGS Publications Warehouse

Friedl, Sarah E.; Buckel, Jeffery A.; Hightower, Joseph E.; Scharf, Frederick S.; Pollock, Kenneth H.

2013-01-01

We estimated natural mortality rates (M) of age-1 Spot Leiostomus xanthurus by using a sonic telemetry approach. Sonic transmitters were surgically implanted into a total of 123 age-1 Spot in two North Carolina estuarine creeks during spring 2009 and 2010, and the fish were monitored by using a stationary acoustic receiver array and manual tracking. Fates of telemetered Spot were inferred based on telemetry information from estimated locations and swimming speeds. Potential competitors of age-1 Spot were assessed through simultaneous otter trawl sampling, while potential predators of Spot were collected using gill nets and trammel nets. The number of inferred natural mortalities was zero in 2009 (based on 29 telemetered Spot at risk) and four in 2010 (based on 52 fish at risk), with fish being at risk for up to about 70 d each year. Catches of potential competitors or predators did not differ between years, and age-1 Spot were not found in analyzed stomach contents of potential predators. Our estimated 30-d M of 0.03 (95% credible interval = 0.01–0.07) was lower than that predicted from weight-based (M = 0.07) and life-history-based (M = 0.06–0.36) estimates. Our field-based estimate of M for age-1 Spot in this estuarine system can assist in the assessment and management of Spot by allowing a direct comparison with M-values predicted from fish size or life history characteristics. The field telemetry and statistical analysis techniques developed here provide guidance for future telemetry studies of relatively small fish in open, dynamic habitat systems, as they highlight strengths and weaknesses of using a telemetry approach to estimate M.

Development of an attract-and-infect system to control Rhynchophorus ferrugineus with the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana.

PubMed

Dembilio, Óscar; Moya, Pilar; Vacas, Sandra; Ortega-García, Lola; Quesada-Moraga, Enrique; Jaques, Josep A; Navarro-Llopis, Vicente

2018-02-09

A new Beauveria bassiana-based attract and infect device (AID) to control Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was developed. The virulence and persistence of the fungal formulation used in the AID were evaluated in the laboratory. Semi-field and field trials were carried out to validate the results and establish the potential of this device as a control tool. In laboratory conditions, a 50% lethal time (LT 50 ) of 4.33 days was obtained when adults (7-10 days old) were exposed to the inoculation tunnel (IT) containing 1 × 10 10 conidia g -1 in an oil-based fungal formulation. This formulation maintained conidium viability at 50% for up to 2 months. Moreover, when adults were exposed to 2.5-month field-aged ITs, mortality still reached 50% 40 days after exposure. In addition, no differences were observed between ITs aged in early spring and those aged in summer, suggesting that the fungal formulation is not strongly affected by environmental factors in Mediterranean basin conditions. Semi-field assays showed that the device allowed an easy transit of weevils through the IT, which were effectively attracted and infected. Using the AIDs in 4-ha plot field trials, a reduction of >50% in the percentage of infested sentinel palms was obtained. Based on the results obtained in terms of the efficacy and persistence of this new AID in the field and its potential in reducing R. ferrugineus populations and palm infestation, this device could become a key tool for the management of R. ferrugineus. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Opto-mechatronics issues in solid immersion lens based near-field recording

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, No-Cheol; Yoon, Yong-Joong; Lee, Yong-Hyun; Kim, Joong-Gon; Kim, Wan-Chin; Choi, Hyun; Lim, Seungho; Yang, Tae-Man; Choi, Moon-Ho; Yang, Hyunseok; Rhim, Yoon-Chul; Park, Young-Pil

2007-06-01

We analyzed the effects of an external shock on a collision problem in a solid immersion lens (SIL) based near-field recording (NFR) through a shock response analysis and proposed a possible solution to this problem with adopting a protector and safety mode. With this proposed method the collision between SIL and media can be avoided. We showed possible solution for contamination problem in SIL based NFR through a numerical air flow analysis. We also introduced possible solid immersion lens designs to increase the fabrication and assembly tolerances of an optical head with replicated lens. Potentially, these research results could advance NFR technology for commercial product.

Virtual local target method for avoiding local minimum in potential field based robot navigation.

PubMed

Zou, Xi-Yong; Zhu, Jing

2003-01-01

A novel robot navigation algorithm with global path generation capability is presented. Local minimum is a most intractable but is an encountered frequently problem in potential field based robot navigation. Through appointing appropriately some virtual local targets on the journey, it can be solved effectively. The key concept employed in this algorithm are the rules that govern when and how to appoint these virtual local targets. When the robot finds itself in danger of local minimum, a virtual local target is appointed to replace the global goal temporarily according to the rules. After the virtual target is reached, the robot continues on its journey by heading towards the global goal. The algorithm prevents the robot from running into local minima anymore. Simulation results showed that it is very effective in complex obstacle environments.

Northeastern Brazilian margin: Regional tectonic evolution based on integrated analysis of seismic reflection and potential field data and modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blaich, Olav A.; Tsikalas, Filippos; Faleide, Jan Inge

2008-10-01

Integration of regional seismic reflection and potential field data along the northeastern Brazilian margin, complemented by crustal-scale gravity modelling, is used to reveal and illustrate onshore-offshore crustal structure correlation, the character of the continent-ocean boundary, and the relationship of crustal structure to regional variation of potential field anomalies. The study reveals distinct along-margin structural and magmatic changes that are spatially related to a number of conjugate Brazil-West Africa transfer systems, governing the margin segmentation and evolution. Several conceptual tectonic models are invoked to explain the structural evolution of the different margin segments in a conjugate margin context. Furthermore, the constructed transects, the observed and modelled Moho relief, and the potential field anomalies indicate that the Recôncavo, Tucano and Jatobá rift system may reflect a polyphase deformation rifting-mode associated with a complex time-dependent thermal structure of the lithosphere. The constructed transects and available seismic reflection profiles, indicate that the northern part of the study area lacks major breakup-related magmatic activity, suggesting a rifted non-volcanic margin affinity. In contrast, the southern part of the study area is characterized by abrupt crustal thinning and evidence for breakup magmatic activity, suggesting that this region evolved, partially, with a rifted volcanic margin affinity and character.

Electrodiffusion Models of Neurons and Extracellular Space Using the Poisson-Nernst-Planck Equations—Numerical Simulation of the Intra- and Extracellular Potential for an Axon Model

PubMed Central

Pods, Jurgis; Schönke, Johannes; Bastian, Peter

2013-01-01

In neurophysiology, extracellular signals—as measured by local field potentials (LFP) or electroencephalography—are of great significance. Their exact biophysical basis is, however, still not fully understood. We present a three-dimensional model exploiting the cylinder symmetry of a single axon in extracellular fluid based on the Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations of electrodiffusion. The propagation of an action potential along the axonal membrane is investigated by means of numerical simulations. Special attention is paid to the Debye layer, the region with strong concentration gradients close to the membrane, which is explicitly resolved by the computational mesh. We focus on the evolution of the extracellular electric potential. A characteristic up-down-up LFP waveform in the far-field is found. Close to the membrane, the potential shows a more intricate shape. A comparison with the widely used line source approximation reveals similarities and demonstrates the strong influence of membrane currents. However, the electrodiffusion model shows another signal component stemming directly from the intracellular electric field, called the action potential echo. Depending on the neuronal configuration, this might have a significant effect on the LFP. In these situations, electrodiffusion models should be used for quantitative comparisons with experimental data. PMID:23823244

The molecular shape and the field similarities as criteria to interpret SAR studies for fragment-based design of platinum(IV) anticancer agents. Correlation of physicochemical properties with cytotoxicity.

PubMed

Lorenzo, Julia; Montaña, Ángel M

2016-09-01

Molecular shape similarity and field similarity have been used to interpret, in a qualitative way, the structure-activity relationships in a selected series of platinum(IV) complexes with anticancer activity. MM and QM calculations have been used to estimate the electron density, electrostatic potential maps, partial charges, dipolar moments and other parameters to correlate the stereo-electronic properties with the differential biological activity of complexes. Extended Electron Distribution (XED) field similarity has been also evaluated for the free 1,4-diamino carrier ligands, in a fragment-based drug design approach, comparing Connolly solvent excluded surface, hydrophobicity field surface, Van der Waals field surface, nucleophilicity field surface, electrophilicity field surface and the extended electron-distribution maxima field points. A consistency has been found when comparing the stereo-electronic properties of the studied series of platinum(IV) complexes and/or the free ligands evaluated and their in vitro anticancer activity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Field-based rice classification in Wuhua county through integration of multi-temporal Sentinel-1A and Landsat-8 OLI data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Huijin; Pan, Bin; Wu, Wenfu; Tai, Jianhao

2018-07-01

Rice is one of the most important cereals in the world. With the change of agricultural land, it is urgently necessary to update information about rice planting areas. This study aims to map rice planting areas with a field-based approach through the integration of multi-temporal Sentinel-1A and Landsat-8 OLI data in Wuhua County of South China where has many basins and mountains. This paper, using multi-temporal SAR and optical images, proposes a methodology for the identification of rice-planting areas. This methodology mainly consists of SSM applied to time series SAR images for the calculation of a similarity measure, image segmentation process applied to the pan-sharpened optical image for the searching of homogenous objects, and the integration of SAR and optical data for the elimination of some speckles. The study compares the per-pixel approach with the per-field approach and the results show that the highest accuracy (91.38%) based on the field-based approach is 1.18% slightly higher than that based on the pixel-based approach for VH polarization, which is brought by eliminating speckle noise through comparing the rice maps of these two approaches. Therefore, the integration of Sentinel-1A and Landsat-8 OLI images with a field-based approach has great potential for mapping rice or other crops' areas.

Scaling up from field to region for wind erosion prediction using a field-scale wind erosion model and GIS

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zobeck, T.M.; Parker, N.C.; Haskell, S.; Guoding, K.

2000-01-01

Factors that affect wind erosion such as surface vegetative and other cover, soil properties and surface roughness usually change spatially and temporally at the field-scale to produce important field-scale variations in wind erosion. Accurate estimation of wind erosion when scaling up from fields to regions, while maintaining meaningful field-scale process details, remains a challenge. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of using a field-scale wind erosion model with a geographic information system (GIS) to scale up to regional levels and to quantify the differences in wind erosion estimates produced by different scales of soil mapping used as a data layer in the model. A GIS was used in combination with the revised wind erosion equation (RWEQ), a field-scale wind erosion model, to estimate wind erosion for two 50 km2 areas. Landsat Thematic Mapper satellite imagery from 1993 with 30 m resolution was used as a base map. The GIS database layers included land use, soils, and other features such as roads. The major land use was agricultural fields. Data on 1993 crop management for selected fields of each crop type were collected from local government agency offices and used to 'train' the computer to classify land areas by crop and type of irrigation (agroecosystem) using commercially available software. The land area of the agricultural land uses was overestimated by 6.5% in one region (Lubbock County, TX, USA) and underestimated by about 21% in an adjacent region (Terry County, TX, USA). The total estimated wind erosion potential for Terry County was about four times that estimated for adjacent Lubbock County. The difference in potential erosion among the counties was attributed to regional differences in surface soil texture. In a comparison of different soil map scales in Terry County, the generalised soil map had over 20% more of the land area and over 15% greater erosion potential in loamy sand soils than did the detailed soil map. As a result, the wind erosion potential determined using the generalised soil map Was about 26% greater than the erosion potential estimated by using the detailed soil map in Terry County. This study demonstrates the feasibility of scaling up from fields to regions to estimate wind erosion potential by coupling a field-scale wind erosion model with GIS and identifies possible sources of error with this approach.

Margins of freedom: a field-theoretic approach to class-based health dispositions and practices.

PubMed

Burnett, Patrick John; Veenstra, Gerry

2017-09-01

Pierre Bourdieu's theory of practice situates social practices in the relational interplay between experiential mental phenomena (habitus), resources (capitals) and objective social structures (fields). When applied to class-based practices in particular, the overarching field of power within which social classes are potentially made manifest is the primary field of interest. Applying relational statistical techniques to original survey data from Toronto and Vancouver, Canada, we investigated whether smoking, engaging in physical activity and consuming fruit and vegetables are dispersed in a three-dimensional field of power shaped by economic and cultural capitals and cultural dispositions and practices. We find that aesthetic dispositions and flexibility of developing and established dispositions are associated with positioning in the Canadian field of power and embedded in the logics of the health practices dispersed in the field. From this field-theoretic perspective, behavioural change requires the disruption of existing relations of harmony between the habitus of agents, the fields within which the practices are enacted and the capitals that inform and enforce the mores and regularities of the fields. The three-dimensional model can be explored at: http://relational-health.ca/margins-freedom. © 2017 Foundation for the Sociology of Health & Illness.

Magnitude of parallel pseudo potential in a magnetosonic shock wave

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohsawa, Yukiharu

2018-05-01

The parallel pseudo potential F, which is the integral of the parallel electric field along the magnetic field, in a large-amplitude magnetosonic pulse (shock wave) is theoretically studied. Particle simulations revealed in the late 1990's that the product of the elementary charge and F can be much larger than the electron temperature in shock waves, i.e., the parallel electric field can be quite strong. However, no theory was presented for this unexpected result. This paper first revisits the small-amplitude theory for F and then investigates the parallel pseudo potential F in large-amplitude pulses based on the two-fluid model with finite thermal pressures. It is found that the magnitude of F in a shock wave is determined by the wave amplitude, the electron temperature, and the kinetic energy of an ion moving with the Alfvén speed. This theoretically obtained expression for F is nearly identical to the empirical relation for F discovered in the previous simulation work.

Reconstructions of the dark-energy equation of state and the inflationary potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrow, John D.; Paliathanasis, Andronikos

2018-07-01

We use a mathematical approach based on the constraints systems in order to reconstruct the equation of state and the inflationary potential for the inflaton field from the observed spectral indices for the density perturbations ns and the tensor to scalar ratio r. From the astronomical data, we can observe that the measured values of these two indices lie on a two-dimensional surface. We express these indices in terms of the Hubble slow-roll parameters and we assume that ns-1=h( r) . For the function h( r) , we consider three cases, where h( r) is constant, linear and quadratic, respectively. From this, we derive second-order equations whose solutions provide us with the explicit forms for the expansion scale-factor, the scalar-field potential, and the effective equation of state for the scalar field. Finally, we show that for there exist mappings which transform one cosmological solution to another and allow new solutions to be generated from existing ones.

Surface currents on the plasma-vacuum interface in MHD equilibria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanson, James D.

2016-10-01

The VMEC non-axisymmetric MHD equilibrium code can compute free-boundary equilibria. Since VMEC assumes that magnetic fields within the plasma form closed and nested flux surfaces, the plasma-vacuum interface is a flux surface, and the total magnetic field there has no normal component. VMEC imposes this condition of zero normal field using the potential formulation of Merkel, and solves a Neumann problem for the magnetic potential in the exterior region. This boundary condition necessarily admits the possibility of a surface current on the plasma-vacuum interface. While this current may be small in MHD equilibrium, this current may be readily computed in terms of a magnetic potential in both the interior and exterior regions. Examples of the surface current for VMEC equilibria will be shown. This material is based upon work supported by Auburn University and the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Fusion Energy Sciences under Award Number DE-FG02-03ER54692.

Identification of potential wetlands in training areas on Ravenna Army Ammunition Plant, Ohio, and guidelines for their management

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schalk, C.W.; Tertuliani, J.S.; Darner, R.A.

1999-01-01

Potential wetlands in training areas on Ravenna Army Ammunition Plant, Ohio, were mapped by use of geographic information system (GIS) data layers and field inspection. The GIS data layers were compiled from existing sources and interpretation of aerial photography. Data layers used in the GIS analysis were wetland-plant communities, hydric soils, National Wetlands Inventory designated areas, and wet areas based on photogrammetry. According to review of these data layers, potential wetlands constitute almost one-third of the land in the training areas. A composite map of these four data layers was compiled for use during inspection of the training areas. Field inspection focused on the presence of hydrophytic vegetation and macroscopic evidences of wetland hydrology. Results of the field inspection were in general agreement with those predicted by the GIS analysis, except that some wet areas were more extensive than predicted because of high amounts of precipitation during critical periods of 1995 and 1996. Guidelines for managing wetlands in the training areas are presented.

UAV formation control design with obstacle avoidance in dynamic three-dimensional environment.

PubMed

Chang, Kai; Xia, Yuanqing; Huang, Kaoli

2016-01-01

This paper considers the artificial potential field method combined with rotational vectors for a general problem of multi-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems tracking a moving target in dynamic three-dimensional environment. An attractive potential field is generated between the leader and the target. It drives the leader to track the target based on the relative position of them. The other UAVs in the formation are controlled to follow the leader by the attractive control force. The repulsive force affects among the UAVs to avoid collisions and distribute the UAVs evenly on the spherical surface whose center is the leader-UAV. Specific orders or positions of the UAVs are not required. The trajectories of avoidance obstacle can be obtained through two kinds of potential field with rotation vectors. Every UAV can choose the optimal trajectory to avoid the obstacle and reconfigure the formation after passing the obstacle. Simulations study on UAV are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed method.

Hierarchical Shared Control of Cane-Type Walking-Aid Robot

PubMed Central

Tao, Chunjing

2017-01-01

A hierarchical shared-control method of the walking-aid robot for both human motion intention recognition and the obstacle emergency-avoidance method based on artificial potential field (APF) is proposed in this paper. The human motion intention is obtained from the interaction force measurements of the sensory system composed of 4 force-sensing registers (FSR) and a torque sensor. Meanwhile, a laser-range finder (LRF) forward is applied to detect the obstacles and try to guide the operator based on the repulsion force calculated by artificial potential field. An obstacle emergency-avoidance method which comprises different control strategies is also assumed according to the different states of obstacles or emergency cases. To ensure the user's safety, the hierarchical shared-control method combines the intention recognition method with the obstacle emergency-avoidance method based on the distance between the walking-aid robot and the obstacles. At last, experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed hierarchical shared-control method. PMID:29093805

A model-reduction approach in micromechanics of materials preserving the variational structure of constitutive relations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michel, Jean-Claude; Suquet, Pierre

2016-05-01

In 2003 the authors proposed a model-reduction technique, called the Nonuniform Transformation Field Analysis (NTFA), based on a decomposition of the local fields of internal variables on a reduced basis of modes, to analyze the effective response of composite materials. The present study extends and improves on this approach in different directions. It is first shown that when the constitutive relations of the constituents derive from two potentials, this structure is passed to the NTFA model. Another structure-preserving model, the hybrid NTFA model of Fritzen and Leuschner, is analyzed and found to differ (slightly) from the primal NTFA model (it does not exhibit the same variational upper bound character). To avoid the "on-line" computation of local fields required by the hybrid model, new reduced evolution equations for the reduced variables are proposed, based on an expansion to second order (TSO) of the potential of the hybrid model. The coarse dynamics can then be entirely expressed in terms of quantities which can be pre-computed once for all. Roughly speaking, these pre-computed quantities depend only on the average and fluctuations per phase of the modes and of the associated stress fields. The accuracy of the new NTFA-TSO model is assessed by comparison with full-field simulations. The acceleration provided by the new coarse dynamics over the full-field computations (and over the hybrid model) is then spectacular, larger by three orders of magnitude than the acceleration due to the sole reduction of unknowns.

Magnetic Properties of Strongly Correlated Hubbard Model and Quantum Spin-One Ferromagnets with Arbitrary Crystal-Field Potential: Linked Cluster Series Expansion Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Kok-Kwei

We have generalized the linked cluster expansion method to solve more many-body quantum systems, such as quantum spin systems with crystal-field potentials and the Hubbard model. The technique sums up all connected diagrams to a certain order of the perturbative Hamiltonian. The modified multiple-site Wick reduction theorem and the simple tau dependence of the standard basis operators have been used to facilitate the evaluation of the integration procedures in the perturbation expansion. Computational methods are developed to calculate all terms in the series expansion. As a first example, the perturbation series expansion of thermodynamic quantities of the single-band Hubbard model has been obtained using a linked cluster series expansion technique. We have made corrections to all previous results of several papers (up to fourth order). The behaviors of the three dimensional simple cubic and body-centered cubic systems have been discussed from the qualitative analysis of the perturbation series up to fourth order. We have also calculated the sixth-order perturbation series of this model. As a second example, we present the magnetic properties of spin-one Heisenberg model with arbitrary crystal-field potential using a linked cluster series expansion. The calculation of the thermodynamic properties using this method covers the whole range of temperature, in both magnetically ordered and disordered phases. The series for the susceptibility and magnetization have been obtained up to fourth order for this model. The method sums up all perturbation terms to certain order and estimates the result using a well -developed and highly successful extrapolation method (the standard ratio method). The dependence of critical temperature on the crystal-field potential and the magnetization as a function of temperature and crystal-field potential are shown. The critical behaviors at zero temperature are also shown. The range of the crystal-field potential for Ni(2+) compounds is roughly estimated based on this model using known experimental results.

Magnetic field sensor based on cascaded microfiber coupler with magnetic fluid

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

Mao, Lianmin; Su, Delong; Wang, Zhaofang

A kind of magnetic field sensor based on cascaded microfiber coupler with magnetic fluid is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The magnetic fluid is utilized as the cladding of the fused regions of the cascaded microfiber coupler. As the interference valley wavelength of the sensing structure is sensitive to the ambient variation, considering the magnetic-field-dependent refractive index of magnetic fluid, the proposed structure is employed for magnetic field sensing. The effective coupling length for each coupling region of the as-fabricated cascaded microfiber coupler is 6031 μm. The achieved sensitivity is 125 pm/Oe, which is about three times larger than that of the previouslymore » similar structure based on the single microfiber coupler. Experimental results indicate that the sensing sensitivity can be easily improved by increasing the effective coupling length or cascading more microfiber couplers. The proposed magnetic field sensor is attractive due to its low cost, immunity to electromagnetic interference, as well as high sensitivity, which also has the potentials in other tunable all-fiber photonic devices, such as filter.« less

Initiation of vacuum breakdown and failure mechanism of the carbon nanotube during thermal field emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dan, Cai; Lie, Liu; Jin-Chuan, Ju; Xue-Long, Zhao; Hong-Yu, Zhou; Xiao, Wang

2016-04-01

The carbon nanotube (CNT)-based materials can be used as vacuum device cathodes. Owing to the excellent field emission properties of CNT, it has great potentials in the applications of an explosive field emission cathode. The falling off of CNT from the substrate, which frequently appears in experiments, restricts its application. In addition, the onset time of vacuum breakdown limits the performance of the high-power explosive-emission-cathode-based diode. In this paper, the characteristics of the CNT, electric field strength, contact resistance and the kind of substrate material are varied to study the parameter effects on the onset time of vacuum breakdown and failure mechanism of the CNT by using the finite element method. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11305263 and 61401484).

Analysis of high field effects on the steady-state current-voltage response of semi-insulating 4H-SiC for photoconductive switch applications

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

Tiskumara, R.; Joshi, R. P., E-mail: ravi.joshi@ttu.edu; Mauch, D.

A model-based analysis of the steady-state, current-voltage response of semi-insulating 4H-SiC is carried out to probe the internal mechanisms, focusing on electric field driven effects. Relevant physical processes, such as multiple defects, repulsive potential barriers to electron trapping, band-to-trap impact ionization, and field-dependent detrapping, are comprehensively included. Results of our model match the available experimental data fairly well over orders of magnitude variation in the current density. A number of important parameters are also extracted in the process through comparisons with available data. Finally, based on our analysis, the possible presence of holes in the samples can be discounted upmore » to applied fields as high as ∼275 kV/cm.« less

Novel effects-based monitoring approaches to evaluate chemicals of emerging concern in Great Lakes areas of concern

EPA Science Inventory

As part of an on-going program of research in support of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, we have been developing effects-based biomonitoring tools to evaluate the occurrence and potential hazards associated with Chemicals of Emerging Concern (CECs). Over three field seaso...

Proposed Directions for Research in Computer-Based Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waugh, Michael L.

Several directions for potential research efforts in the field of computer-based education (CBE) are discussed. (For the purposes of this paper, CBE is defined as any use of computers to promote learning with no intended inference as to the specific nature or organization of the educational application under discussion.) Efforts should be directed…

A Reason to Respond: Finding Agency through the Arts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Griffin, Shelley M.; Rowsell, Jennifer; Winters, Kari-Lynn; Vietgen, Peter; McLauchlan, Debra; McQueen-Fuentes, Glenys

2017-01-01

The arts have long been known as a central medium for nurturing artistic expression and aesthetic responses. Notions of arts-based teaching are combined with concepts of literacy and composition, focusing on the fact that these separate fields have the potential for relational meaning making. In this article, three arts-based, qualitative research…

Communication in a Web-Based Conferencing System: The Quality of Computer-Mediated Interactions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Angeli, Charoula; Valanides, Nicos; Bonk, Curtis J.

2003-01-01

Describes a study of undergraduates that investigated the extent to which an electronic conferencing system, COW (Conferencing on the Web) facilitated preservice teachers' communication outside their classroom when discussing teaching cases from their field experiences, and the potential of COW and case-based instruction to foster quality…

Feature-based attention potentiates recovery of fine direction discrimination in cortically blind patients.

PubMed

Cavanaugh, Matthew R; Barbot, Antoine; Carrasco, Marisa; Huxlin, Krystel R

2017-12-10

Training chronic, cortically-blind (CB) patients on a coarse [left-right] direction discrimination and integration (CDDI) task recovers performance on this task at trained, blind field locations. However, fine direction difference (FDD) thresholds remain elevated at these locations, limiting the usefulness of recovered vision in daily life. Here, we asked if this FDD impairment can be overcome by training CB subjects with endogenous, feature-based attention (FBA) cues. Ten CB subjects were recruited and trained on CDDI and FDD with an FBA cue or FDD with a neutral cue. After completion of each training protocol, FDD thresholds were re-measured with both neutral and FBA cues at trained, blind-field locations and at corresponding, intact-field locations. In intact portions of the visual field, FDD thresholds were lower when tested with FBA than neutral cues. Training subjects in the blind field on the CDDI task improved FDD performance to the point that a threshold could be measured, but these locations remained impaired relative to the intact field. FDD training with neutral cues resulted in better blind field FDD thresholds than CDDI training, but thresholds remained impaired relative to intact field levels, regardless of testing cue condition. Importantly, training FDD in the blind field with FBA lowered FDD thresholds relative to CDDI training, and allowed the blind field to reach thresholds similar to the intact field, even when FBA trained subjects were tested with a neutral rather than FBA cue. Finally, FDD training appeared to also recover normal integration thresholds at trained, blind-field locations, providing an interesting double dissociation with respect to CDDI training. In summary, mechanisms governing FBA appear to function normally in both intact and impaired regions of the visual field following V1 damage. Our results mark the first time that FDD thresholds in CB fields have been seen to reach intact field levels of performance. Moreover, FBA can be leveraged during visual training to recover normal, fine direction discrimination and integration performance at trained, blind-field locations, potentiating visual recovery of more complex and precise aspects of motion perception in cortically-blinded fields. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Efficient Band-to-Trap Tunneling Model Including Heterojunction Band Offset

DOE PAGES

Gao, Xujiao; Huang, Andy; Kerr, Bert

2017-10-25

In this paper, we present an efficient band-to-trap tunneling model based on the Schenk approach, in which an analytic density-of-states (DOS) model is developed based on the open boundary scattering method. The new model explicitly includes the effect of heterojunction band offset, in addition to the well-known field effect. Its analytic form enables straightforward implementation into TCAD device simulators. It is applicable to all one-dimensional potentials, which can be approximated to a good degree such that the approximated potentials lead to piecewise analytic wave functions with open boundary conditions. The model allows for simulating both the electric-field-enhanced and band-offset-enhanced carriermore » recombination due to the band-to-trap tunneling near the heterojunction in a heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT). Simulation results of an InGaP/GaAs/GaAs NPN HBT show that the proposed model predicts significantly increased base currents, due to the hole-to-trap tunneling enhanced by the emitter-base junction band offset. Finally, the results compare favorably with experimental observation.« less

Efficient Band-to-Trap Tunneling Model Including Heterojunction Band Offset

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

Gao, Xujiao; Huang, Andy; Kerr, Bert

In this paper, we present an efficient band-to-trap tunneling model based on the Schenk approach, in which an analytic density-of-states (DOS) model is developed based on the open boundary scattering method. The new model explicitly includes the effect of heterojunction band offset, in addition to the well-known field effect. Its analytic form enables straightforward implementation into TCAD device simulators. It is applicable to all one-dimensional potentials, which can be approximated to a good degree such that the approximated potentials lead to piecewise analytic wave functions with open boundary conditions. The model allows for simulating both the electric-field-enhanced and band-offset-enhanced carriermore » recombination due to the band-to-trap tunneling near the heterojunction in a heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT). Simulation results of an InGaP/GaAs/GaAs NPN HBT show that the proposed model predicts significantly increased base currents, due to the hole-to-trap tunneling enhanced by the emitter-base junction band offset. Finally, the results compare favorably with experimental observation.« less

Development of Ocean Noise "Budgets"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Spain, G. L.; Miller, J. H.; Frisk, G. V.; Bradley, D. L.

2003-12-01

The National Oceanographic Partnership Program recently sponsored the third U.S. National Academy of Sciences study on the potential impact of manmade sound on the marine environment. Several recommendations for future research are made by the 11-member committee in their report titled Ocean Noise and Marine Mammals (National Academies Press, 2003). This presentation will focus on the subset of recommendations related to a "noise budget", i.e., an accounting of the relative contributions of various sources to the ocean noise field. A noise budget is defined in terms of a specific metric of the sound field. The metric, or budget "currency", typically considered is the acoustic pressure spectrum integrated over space and time, which is proportional to the total mechanical energy in the acoustic field. However, this currency may not be the only one of relevance to marine animals. Each of the various ways in which sound can potentially impact these animals, e.g., temporary threshold shift, masking, behavior disruption, etc, probably depends upon a different property, or set of properties, of the sound field. Therefore, a family of noise budgets based on various currencies will be required for complete evaluation of the potential impact of manmade noise on the marine environment. Validation of noise budgets will require sustained, long term measurements of the underwater noise field.

Weak-field precession of nano-pillar spin-torque oscillators using MgO-based perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Changxin; Fang, Bin; Wang, Bochong; Zeng, Zhongming

2018-04-01

This paper presents a steady auto-oscillation in a spin-torque oscillator using MgO-based magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) with a perpendicular polarizer and a perpendicular free layer. As the injected d.c. current varied from 1.5 to 3.0 mA under a weak magnetic field of 290 Oe, the oscillation frequency decreased from 1.85 to 1.3 GHz, and the integrated power increased from 0.1 to 74 pW. A narrow linewidth down to 7 MHz corresponding to a high Q factor of 220 was achieved at 2.7 mA, which was ascribed to the spatial coherent procession of the free layer magnetization. Moreover, the oscillation frequency was quite sensitive to the applied field, about 3.07 MHz/Oe, indicating the potential applications as a weak magnetic field detector. These results suggested that the MgO-based MTJ with perpendicular magnetic easy axis could be helpful for developing spin-torque oscillators with narrow-linewidth and high sensitive.

Daily GRACE gravity field solutions track major flood events in the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gouweleeuw, Ben T.; Kvas, Andreas; Gruber, Christian; Gain, Animesh K.; Mayer-Gürr, Thorsten; Flechtner, Frank; Güntner, Andreas

2018-05-01

Two daily gravity field solutions based on observations from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission are evaluated against daily river runoff data for major flood events in the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta (GBD) in 2004 and 2007. The trends over periods of a few days of the daily GRACE data reflect temporal variations in daily river runoff during major flood events. This is especially true for the larger flood in 2007, which featured two distinct periods of critical flood level exceedance in the Brahmaputra River. This first hydrological evaluation of daily GRACE gravity field solutions based on a Kalman filter approach confirms their potential for gravity-based large-scale flood monitoring. This particularly applies to short-lived, high-volume floods, as they occur in the GBD with a 4-5-year return period. The release of daily GRACE gravity field solutions in near-real time may enable flood monitoring for large events.

Evolution of the Active Region NOAA 12443 based on magnetic field extrapolations: preliminary results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chicrala, André; Dallaqua, Renato Sergio; Antunes Vieira, Luis Eduardo; Dal Lago, Alisson; Rodríguez Gómez, Jenny Marcela; Palacios, Judith; Coelho Stekel, Tardelli Ronan; Rezende Costa, Joaquim Eduardo; da Silva Rockenbach, Marlos

2017-10-01

The behavior of Active Regions (ARs) is directly related to the occurrence of some remarkable phenomena in the Sun such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections (CME). In this sense, changes in the magnetic field of the region can be used to uncover other relevant features like the evolution of the ARs magnetic structure and the plasma flow related to it. In this work we describe the evolution of the magnetic structure of the active region AR NOAA12443 observed from 2015/10/30 to 2015/11/10, which may be associated with several X-ray flares of classes C and M. The analysis is based on observations of the solar surface and atmosphere provided by HMI and AIA instruments on board of the SDO spacecraft. In order to investigate the magnetic energy buildup and release of the ARs, we shall employ potential and linear force free extrapolations based on the solar surface magnetic field distribution and the photospheric velocity fields.

A New Self-Constrained Inversion Method of Potential Fields Based on Probability Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, S.; Chen, C.; WANG, H.; Wang, Q.

2014-12-01

The self-constrained inversion method of potential fields uses a priori information self-extracted from potential field data. Differing from external a priori information, the self-extracted information are generally parameters derived exclusively from the analysis of the gravity and magnetic data (Paoletti et al., 2013). Here we develop a new self-constrained inversion method based on probability tomography. Probability tomography doesn't need any priori information, as well as large inversion matrix operations. Moreover, its result can describe the sources, especially the distribution of which is complex and irregular, entirely and clearly. Therefore, we attempt to use the a priori information extracted from the probability tomography results to constrain the inversion for physical properties. The magnetic anomaly data was taken as an example in this work. The probability tomography result of magnetic total field anomaly(ΔΤ) shows a smoother distribution than the anomalous source and cannot display the source edges exactly. However, the gradients of ΔΤ are with higher resolution than ΔΤ in their own direction, and this characteristic is also presented in their probability tomography results. So we use some rules to combine the probability tomography results of ∂ΔΤ⁄∂x, ∂ΔΤ⁄∂y and ∂ΔΤ⁄∂z into a new result which is used for extracting a priori information, and then incorporate the information into the model objective function as spatial weighting functions to invert the final magnetic susceptibility. Some magnetic synthetic examples incorporated with and without a priori information extracted from the probability tomography results were made to do comparison, results of which show that the former are more concentrated and with higher resolution of the source body edges. This method is finally applied in an iron mine in China with field measured ΔΤ data and performs well. ReferencesPaoletti, V., Ialongo, S., Florio, G., Fedi, M. & Cella, F., 2013. Self-constrained inversion of potential fields, Geophys J Int.This research is supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for Institute for Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences (Grant Nos. WHS201210 and WHS201211).

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

Migunov, V., E-mail: v.migunov@fz-juelich.de; Dunin-Borkowski, R. E.; London, A.

The one-dimensional charge density distribution along an electrically biased Fe atom probe needle is measured using a model-independent approach based on off-axis electron holography in the transmission electron microscope. Both the mean inner potential and the magnetic contribution to the phase shift are subtracted by taking differences between electron-optical phase images recorded with different voltages applied to the needle. The measured one-dimensional charge density distribution along the needle is compared with a similar result obtained using model-based fitting of the phase shift surrounding the needle. On the assumption of cylindrical symmetry, it is then used to infer the three-dimensional electricmore » field and electrostatic potential around the needle with ∼10 nm spatial resolution, without needing to consider either the influence of the perturbed reference wave or the extension of the projected potential outside the field of view of the electron hologram. The present study illustrates how a model-independent approach can be used to measure local variations in charge density in a material using electron holography in the presence of additional contributions to the phase, such as those arising from changes in mean inner potential and specimen thickness.« less

[Development and application of electroanalytical methods in biomedical fields].

PubMed

Kusu, Fumiyo

2015-01-01

To summarize our electroanalytical research in the biomedical field over the past 43 years, this review describes studies on specular reflection measurement, redox potential determination, amperometric acid sensing, HPLC with electrochemical detection, and potential oscillation across a liquid membrane. The specular reflection method was used for clarifying the adsorption of neurotransmitters and their related drugs onto a gold electrode and the interaction between dental alloys and compound iodine glycerin. A voltammetric screening test using a redox potential for the antioxidative effect of flavonoids was proposed. Amperometric acid sensing based on the measurement of the reduction prepeak current of 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (VK3) or 3,5-di-tert-buty1-1,2-benzoquinone (DBBQ) was applied to determine acid values of fats and oils, titrable acidity of coffee, and enzyme activity of lipase, free fatty acids (FFAs) in serum, short-chain fatty acids in feces, etc. The electrode reactions of phenothiazines, catechins, and cholesterol were applied to biomedical analysis using HPLC with electrochemical detection. A three-channel electrochemical detection system was utilized for the sensitive determination of redox compounds in Chinese herbal medicines. The behavior of barbituric acid derivatives was examined based on potential oscillation measurements.

The minimal number of parameters in triclinic crystal-field potentials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulak, J.

2003-09-01

The optimal parametrization schemes of the crystal-field (CF) potential in fitting procedures are those based on the smallest numbers of parameters. The surplus parametrizations usually lead to artificial and non-physical solutions. Therefore, the symmetry adapted reference systems are commonly used. Instead of them, however, the coordinate systems with the z-axis directed along the principal axes of the CF multipoles (2 k-poles) can be applied successfully, particularly for triclinic CF potentials. Due to the irreducibility of the D(k) representations such a choice can reduce the number of the k-order parameters by 2 k: from 2 k+1 (in the most general case) to only 1 (the axial one). Unfortunately, in general, the numbers of other order CF parameters stay then unrestricted. In this way, the number of parameters for the k-even triclinic CF potentials can be reduced by 4, 8 or 12, for k=2,4 or 6, respectively. Hence, the parametrization schemes based on maximum 14 parameters can be in use solely. For higher point symmetries this number is usually greater than that for the symmetry adapted systems. Nonetheless, many instructive correlations between the multipole contributions to the CF interaction are attainable in this way.

ALEX neutral beam probe

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

Pourrezaei, K.

1982-01-01

A neutral beam probe capable of measuring plasma space potential in a fully 3-dimensional magnetic field geometry has been developed. This neutral beam was successfully used to measure an arc target plasma contained within the ALEX baseball magnetic coil. A computer simulation of the experiment was performed to refine the experimental design and to develop a numerical model for scaling the ALEX neutral beam probe to other cases of fully 3-dimensional magnetic field. Based on this scaling a 30 to 50 keV neutral cesium beam probe capable of measuring space potential in the thermal barrier region of TMX Upgrade wasmore » designed.« less

Black hole algorithm for determining model parameter in self-potential data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sungkono; Warnana, Dwa Desa

2018-01-01

Analysis of self-potential (SP) data is increasingly popular in geophysical method due to its relevance in many cases. However, the inversion of SP data is often highly nonlinear. Consequently, local search algorithms commonly based on gradient approaches have often failed to find the global optimum solution in nonlinear problems. Black hole algorithm (BHA) was proposed as a solution to such problems. As the name suggests, the algorithm was constructed based on the black hole phenomena. This paper investigates the application of BHA to solve inversions of field and synthetic self-potential (SP) data. The inversion results show that BHA accurately determines model parameters and model uncertainty. This indicates that BHA is highly potential as an innovative approach for SP data inversion.

Tree crown mapping in managed woodlands (parklands) of semi-arid West Africa using WorldView-2 imagery and geographic object based image analysis.

PubMed

Karlson, Martin; Reese, Heather; Ostwald, Madelene

2014-11-28

Detailed information on tree cover structure is critical for research and monitoring programs targeting African woodlands, including agroforestry parklands. High spatial resolution satellite imagery represents a potentially effective alternative to field-based surveys, but requires the development of accurate methods to automate information extraction. This study presents a method for tree crown mapping based on Geographic Object Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA) that use spectral and geometric information to detect and delineate individual tree crowns and crown clusters. The method was implemented on a WorldView-2 image acquired over the parklands of Saponé, Burkina Faso, and rigorously evaluated against field reference data. The overall detection rate was 85.4% for individual tree crowns and crown clusters, with lower accuracies in areas with high tree density and dense understory vegetation. The overall delineation error (expressed as the difference between area of delineated object and crown area measured in the field) was 45.6% for individual tree crowns and 61.5% for crown clusters. Delineation accuracies were higher for medium (35-100 m(2)) and large (≥100 m(2)) trees compared to small (<35 m(2)) trees. The results indicate potential of GEOBIA and WorldView-2 imagery for tree crown mapping in parkland landscapes and similar woodland areas.

Tree Crown Mapping in Managed Woodlands (Parklands) of Semi-Arid West Africa Using WorldView-2 Imagery and Geographic Object Based Image Analysis

PubMed Central

Karlson, Martin; Reese, Heather; Ostwald, Madelene

2014-01-01

Detailed information on tree cover structure is critical for research and monitoring programs targeting African woodlands, including agroforestry parklands. High spatial resolution satellite imagery represents a potentially effective alternative to field-based surveys, but requires the development of accurate methods to automate information extraction. This study presents a method for tree crown mapping based on Geographic Object Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA) that use spectral and geometric information to detect and delineate individual tree crowns and crown clusters. The method was implemented on a WorldView-2 image acquired over the parklands of Saponé, Burkina Faso, and rigorously evaluated against field reference data. The overall detection rate was 85.4% for individual tree crowns and crown clusters, with lower accuracies in areas with high tree density and dense understory vegetation. The overall delineation error (expressed as the difference between area of delineated object and crown area measured in the field) was 45.6% for individual tree crowns and 61.5% for crown clusters. Delineation accuracies were higher for medium (35–100 m2) and large (≥100 m2) trees compared to small (<35 m2) trees. The results indicate potential of GEOBIA and WorldView-2 imagery for tree crown mapping in parkland landscapes and similar woodland areas. PMID:25460815

Electrostatic frequency maps for amide-I mode of β-peptide: Comparison of molecular mechanics force field and DFT calculations.

PubMed

Cai, Kaicong; Zheng, Xuan; Du, Fenfen

2017-08-05

The spectroscopy of amide-I vibrations has been widely utilized for the understanding of dynamical structure of polypeptides. For the modeling of amide-I spectra, two frequency maps were built for β-peptide analogue (N-ethylpropionamide, NEPA) in a number of solvents within different schemes (molecular mechanics force field based, GM map; DFT calculation based, GD map), respectively. The electrostatic potentials on the amide unit that originated from solvents and peptide backbone were correlated to the amide-I frequency shift from gas phase to solution phase during map parameterization. GM map is easier to construct with negligible computational cost since the frequency calculations for the samples are purely based on force field, while GD map utilizes sophisticated DFT calculations on the representative solute-solvent clusters and brings insight into the electronic structures of solvated NEPA and its chemical environments. The results show that the maps' predicted amide-I frequencies present solvation environmental sensitivities and exhibit their specific characters with respect to the map protocols, and the obtained vibrational parameters are in satisfactory agreement with experimental amide-I spectra of NEPA in solution phase. Although different theoretical schemes based maps have their advantages and disadvantages, the present maps show their potentials in interpreting the amide-I spectra for β-peptides, respectively. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electric-field responsive contrast agent based on liquid crystals and magnetic nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mair, Lamar O.; Martinez-Miranda, Luz J.; Kurihara, Lynn K.; Nacev, Aleksandar; Hilaman, Ryan; Chowdhury, Sagar; Jafari, Sahar; Ijanaten, Said; da Silva, Claudian; Baker-McKee, James; Stepanov, Pavel Y.; Weinberg, Irving N.

2018-05-01

The properties of liquid crystal-magnetic nanoparticle composites have potential for sensing in the body. We study the response of a liquid crystal-magnetic nanoparticle (LC-MNP) composite to applied potentials of hundreds of volts per meter. Measuring samples using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and imaging composites using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we demonstrate that electric potentials applied across centimeter scale LC-MNP composite samples can be detected using XRD and MRI techniques.

Analysis of superconducting electromagnetic finite elements based on a magnetic vector potential variational principle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schuler, James J.; Felippa, Carlos A.

1991-01-01

Electromagnetic finite elements are extended based on a variational principle that uses the electromagnetic four potential as primary variable. The variational principle is extended to include the ability to predict a nonlinear current distribution within a conductor. The extension of this theory is first done on a normal conductor and tested on two different problems. In both problems, the geometry remains the same, but the material properties are different. The geometry is that of a 1-D infinite wire. The first problem is merely a linear control case used to validate the new theory. The second problem is made up of linear conductors with varying conductivities. Both problems perform well and predict current densities that are accurate to within a few ten thousandths of a percent of the exact values. The fourth potential is then removed, leaving only the magnetic vector potential, and the variational principle is further extended to predict magnetic potentials, magnetic fields, the number of charge carriers, and the current densities within a superconductor. The new element produces good results for the mean magnetic field, the vector potential, and the number of superconducting charge carriers despite a relatively high system condition number. The element did not perform well in predicting the current density. Numerical problems inherent to this formulation are explored and possible remedies to produce better current predicting finite elements are presented.

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Probed with Insulator-Based Dielectrophoresis

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) offer unique electrical and optical properties. Common synthesis processes yield SWNTs with large length polydispersity (several tens of nanometers up to centimeters) and heterogeneous electrical and optical properties. Applications often require suitable selection and purification. Dielectrophoresis is one manipulation method for separating SWNTs based on dielectric properties and geometry. Here, we present a study of surfactant and single-stranded DNA-wrapped SWNTs suspended in aqueous solutions manipulated by insulator-based dielectrophoresis (iDEP). This method allows us to manipulate SWNTs with the help of arrays of insulating posts in a microfluidic device around which electric field gradients are created by the application of an electric potential to the extremities of the device. Semiconducting SWNTs were imaged during dielectrophoretic manipulation with fluorescence microscopy making use of their fluorescence emission in the near IR. We demonstrate SWNT trapping at low-frequency alternating current (AC) electric fields with applied potentials not exceeding 1000 V. Interestingly, suspended SWNTs showed both positive and negative dielectrophoresis, which we attribute to their ζ potential and the suspension properties. Such behavior agrees with common theoretical models for nanoparticle dielectrophoresis. We further show that the measured ζ potentials and suspension properties are in excellent agreement with a numerical model predicting the trapping locations in the iDEP device. This study is fundamental for the future application of low-frequency AC iDEP for technological applications of SWNTs. PMID:29131586

Evaluation of military field-water quality: Volume 9, Data for assessing health risks in potential theaters of operation for US military forces: (Final report)

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

Daniels, J.I.; Layton, D.W.

1988-02-01

Data are presented in this volume for assessing the health risks in populations of military personnel that could result as a consequence of exposure to field waters containing constituents or infectious organisms of military concern, which are from natural and anthropogenic sources, at levels above those recommended as field-water-quality standards (i.e., above safe levels). Turbidity and color are the physical properties that are of military concern in field water. The other constituents that are of military concern in field water are (1) total dissolved solids, (2) chloride, (3) magnesium, (4) sulfate, (5) arsenic, (6) cyanide, (7) the pesticide lindane, andmore » (8) metabolites of algae and associated bacteria. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites (e.g., protozoa and helminths) are categories of water-related infectious organisms that are of military concern. Figures were developed from dose-response data to enable military risk managers to quickly assess the potential performance-degrading effects in personnel exposed to a measured concentration of a particular constituent in field water. The general physical, chemical, and biological quality of field waters in geographic regions worldwide, representing potential theaters of operation for U.S. military forces, also are evaluated. This analysis is based on available water-quality monitoring data and indicators of likely water-quality conditions (e.g., geohydrology, climate, sanitation, industrialization, etc.). Accompanying our evaluation are maps and tables alerting military planners and risk managers to the physical, chemical, or biological quality of field water that can be expected generally in geographic regions of concern.« less

New light field camera based on physical based rendering tracing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chung, Ming-Han; Chang, Shan-Ching; Lee, Chih-Kung

2014-03-01

Even though light field technology was first invented more than 50 years ago, it did not gain popularity due to the limitation imposed by the computation technology. With the rapid advancement of computer technology over the last decade, the limitation has been uplifted and the light field technology quickly returns to the spotlight of the research stage. In this paper, PBRT (Physical Based Rendering Tracing) was introduced to overcome the limitation of using traditional optical simulation approach to study the light field camera technology. More specifically, traditional optical simulation approach can only present light energy distribution but typically lack the capability to present the pictures in realistic scenes. By using PBRT, which was developed to create virtual scenes, 4D light field information was obtained to conduct initial data analysis and calculation. This PBRT approach was also used to explore the light field data calculation potential in creating realistic photos. Furthermore, we integrated the optical experimental measurement results with PBRT in order to place the real measurement results into the virtually created scenes. In other words, our approach provided us with a way to establish a link of virtual scene with the real measurement results. Several images developed based on the above-mentioned approaches were analyzed and discussed to verify the pros and cons of the newly developed PBRT based light field camera technology. It will be shown that this newly developed light field camera approach can circumvent the loss of spatial resolution associated with adopting a micro-lens array in front of the image sensors. Detailed operational constraint, performance metrics, computation resources needed, etc. associated with this newly developed light field camera technique were presented in detail.

Accuracy Test of the OPLS-AA Force Field for Calculating Free Energies of Mixing and Comparison with PAC-MAC

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

We have calculated the excess free energy of mixing of 1053 binary mixtures with the OPLS-AA force field using two different methods: thermodynamic integration (TI) of molecular dynamics simulations and the Pair Configuration to Molecular Activity Coefficient (PAC-MAC) method. PAC-MAC is a force field based quasi-chemical method for predicting miscibility properties of various binary mixtures. The TI calculations yield a root mean squared error (RMSE) compared to experimental data of 0.132 kBT (0.37 kJ/mol). PAC-MAC shows a RMSE of 0.151 kBT with a calculation speed being potentially 1.0 × 104 times greater than TI. OPLS-AA force field parameters are optimized using PAC-MAC based on vapor–liquid equilibrium data, instead of enthalpies of vaporization or densities. The RMSE of PAC-MAC is reduced to 0.099 kBT by optimizing 50 force field parameters. The resulting OPLS-PM force field has a comparable accuracy as the OPLS-AA force field in the calculation of mixing free energies using TI. PMID:28418655

Fabrication of 1-dimension nano-material-based device and its electrical characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xing; Zhou, Zhaoying; Zheng, Fuzhong; Zhang, Min

2008-12-01

In recent years, many kinds of 1-dimension nano-materials (Carbon nanotube, ZnO nanobelt and nanowire etc.) continue to emerge which exhibit distinct and unique electromechanical, piezoelectric, photoelectrical properties. In this paper, a 1-dimension nano-materials-based device was proposed. The bottom-up and top-down combined process were used for constructing CNT-array-based device and ZnO nanowire device. The electrical characteristics of the 1D nano-materials-based devices were also investigated. The measurement results of electrical characteristics demonstrate that it is ohm electrical contact behavior between the nano-material and micro-electrodes in the proposed device which also have the field effect. The proposed 1D nano-material-based device shows the application potential in the sensing fields.

Pressure calculation in hybrid particle-field simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milano, Giuseppe; Kawakatsu, Toshihiro

2010-12-01

In the framework of a recently developed scheme for a hybrid particle-field simulation techniques where self-consistent field (SCF) theory and particle models (molecular dynamics) are combined [J. Chem. Phys. 130, 214106 (2009)], we developed a general formulation for the calculation of instantaneous pressure and stress tensor. The expressions have been derived from statistical mechanical definition of the pressure starting from the expression for the free energy functional in the SCF theory. An implementation of the derived formulation suitable for hybrid particle-field molecular dynamics-self-consistent field simulations is described. A series of test simulations on model systems are reported comparing the calculated pressure with those obtained from standard molecular dynamics simulations based on pair potentials.

The report of the Gravity Field Workshop

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, D. E.

1982-04-01

A Gravity Field Workshop was convened to review the actions which could be taken prior to a GRAVSAT mission to improve the Earth's gravity field model. This review focused on the potential improvements in the Earth's gravity field which could be obtained using the current satellite and surface gravity data base. In particular, actions to improve the quality of the gravity field determination through refined measurement corrections, selected data augmentation and a more accurate reprocessing of the data were considered. In addition, recommendations were formulated which define actions which NASA should take to develop the necessary theoretical and computation techniques for gravity model determination and to use these approaches to improve the accuracy of the Earth's gravity model.

On the presence of electric currents in the solar atmosphere. I - A theoretical framework

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hagyard, M.; Low, B. C.; Tandberg-Hanssen, E.

1981-01-01

The general magnetic field above the solar photosphere is divided by an elementary analysis based on Ampere's law into two parts: a potential field due to electric currents below the photosphere and a field produced by electric currents above the photosphere combined with the induced mirror currents. The latter, by symmetry, has a set of field lines lying in the plane taken to be the photosphere which may be constructed from given vector magnetograph measurements. These field lines also represent all the information on the electric currents above the photosphere that a magnetograph can provide. Theoretical illustrations are given, and implications for data analysis are discussed.

Field application of pathogen detection technologies

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

Straub, Tim M.; Call, Douglas R.; Bruckner-Lea, Cindy J.

Over the last 10 years there has been a significant increase in commercial products designed for field-based detection of microbial pathogens. This is due, in part, to the anthrax attacks in the United States in 2001, and the need for first responders to quickly identify the composition of suspected white powders and other potential biothreats. Demand for rapid detection is also driven by the need to ensure safe food, water, and environmental systems. From a technology perspective, rapid identification methods have largely capitalized on PCR and other molecular recognition techniques that can be deployed as robust field instrumentation. Examples ofmore » the relevant needs include the ability to: 1) declare a water distribution system free of microbial pathogens after a pipe/main break repair; 2) assess risks of contamination such as when produce production and processing plants are located near concentrated animal feeing operations; 3) evaluate the safety of ready-to-eat products; 4) determine the extent of potential serious disease outbreaks in remote and/or disaster stricken areas where access to clinical laboratories is not an immediate option; and 5) quickly assess credible biological terrorism events. Many of the principles underlying rapid detection methods are derived from methods for environmental microbiology, but there is a dearth of literature describing and evaluating field-based detection systems. Thus, the aims of this chapter are to: 1) summarize the different kinds of commercially available sampling kits and field-based biological detectors; 2) highlight some of the continued challenges of sample preparation to stimulate new research towards minimizing the impact of inhibitors on PCR-based detection systems; 3) describe our general rationale and statistically-based approach for instrument evaluation; 4) provide statistical and spatial guidelines for developing valid sampling plans; and 5) summarize some current needs and emerging technologies. This information is presented both to highlight the state of the field, and to also highlight major questions that students may wish to consider investigating further. Where possible we will cite studies that have been conducted and published either in traditional peer-reviewed or other literature (e.g., AOAC International Methods).« less

Overcoming the Barriers to Uptake: A Study of 6 Danish Health-Based Serious Games Projects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Damian

2013-01-01

Serious gaming for health benefits is moving out of the realm of being potentially interesting, and the authors are starting to see a growing maturity in the field. This study of six serious gaming projects based either wholly or partly in Denmark investigates the changes taking place in the healthcare area based on experiences with serious gaming…

Magnetoconductance signatures of subband structure in semiconductor nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holloway, Gregory; Haapamaki, Chris; Lapierre, Ray; Baugh, Jonathan

2015-03-01

Understanding the subband structure due to radial confinement in semiconductor nanowires can benefit technologies ranging from optical sensors to quantum information processing. An axial magnetic field couples to the orbital angular momentum, giving rise to non-trivial features in electronic transport as a function of magnetic field. Previous reports focused on conduction electrons confined to a thin shell near the nanowire surface, which lead to flux-periodic energies and conductance oscillations. Here, we calculate the eigenstates for more general radial potentials with moderate to low surface band bending such that electrons are distributed more uniformly across the nanowire cross-section. It is found that the energy spectrum becomes aperiodic in both gate voltage and magnetic field as the radial potential becomes flatter. The behavior of an energy level is dictated by its angular momentum, and this allows, in principle, each state to be identified based on its dependence on magnetic field and the chemical potential. We experimentally investigate a short-channel InAs nanowire FET in search of conductance features that reveal this subband structure. A quantitative measure for assigning conductance features to specific transverse states is introduced and applied to this device.

Development and Testing of a Smartphone-Based Cognitive/Neuropsychological Evaluation System for Substance Abusers.

PubMed

Pal, Reshmi; Mendelson, John; Clavier, Odile; Baggott, Mathew J; Coyle, Jeremy; Galloway, Gantt P

2016-01-01

In methamphetamine (MA) users, drug-induced neurocognitive deficits may help to determine treatment, monitor adherence, and predict relapse. To measure these relationships, we developed an iPhone app (Neurophone) to compare lab and field performance of N-Back, Stop Signal, and Stroop tasks that are sensitive to MA-induced deficits. Twenty healthy controls and 16 MA-dependent participants performed the tasks in-lab using a validated computerized platform and the Neurophone before taking the latter home and performing the tasks twice daily for two weeks. N-Back task: there were no clear differences in performance between computer-based vs. phone-based in-lab tests and phone-based in-lab vs. phone-based in-field tests. Stop-Signal task: difference in parameters prevented comparison of computer-based and phone-based versions. There was significant difference in phone performance between field and lab. Stroop task: response time measured by the speech recognition engine lacked precision to yield quantifiable results. There was no learning effect over time. On an average, each participant completed 84.3% of the in-field NBack tasks and 90.4% of the in-field Stop Signal tasks (MA-dependent participants: 74.8% and 84.3%; healthy controls: 91.4% and 95.0%, respectively). Participants rated Neurophone easy to use. Cognitive tasks performed in-field using Neurophone have the potential to yield results comparable to those obtained in a laboratory setting. Tasks need to be modified for use as the app's voice recognition system is not yet adequate for timed tests.

Spatio-temporal monitoring of cotton cultivation using ground-based and airborne multispectral sensors in GIS environment.

PubMed

Papadopoulos, Antonis; Kalivas, Dionissios; Theocharopoulos, Sid

2017-07-01

Multispectral sensor capability of capturing reflectance data at several spectral channels, together with the inherent reflectance responses of various soils and especially plant surfaces, has gained major interest in crop production. In present study, two multispectral sensing systems, a ground-based and an aerial-based, were applied for the multispatial and temporal monitoring of two cotton fields in central Greece. The ground-based system was Crop Circle ACS-430, while the aerial consisted of a consumer-level quadcopter (Phantom 2) and a modified Hero3+ Black digital camera. The purpose of the research was to monitor crop growth with the two systems and investigate possible interrelations between the derived well-known normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Five data collection campaigns were conducted during the cultivation period and concerned scanning soil and plants with the ground-based sensor and taking aerial photographs of the fields with the unmanned aerial system. According to the results, both systems successfully monitored cotton growth stages in terms of space and time. The mean values of NDVI changes through time as retrieved by the ground-based system were satisfactorily modelled by a second-order polynomial equation (R 2 0.96 in Field 1 and 0.99 in Field 2). Further, they were highly correlated (r 0.90 in Field 1 and 0.74 in Field 2) with the according values calculated via the aerial-based system. The unmanned aerial system (UAS) can potentially substitute crop scouting as it concerns a time-effective, non-destructive and reliable way of soil and plant monitoring.

Thiophene-Based Organic Semiconductors.

PubMed

Turkoglu, Gulsen; Cinar, M Emin; Ozturk, Turan

2017-10-24

Thiophene-based π-conjugated organic small molecules and polymers are the research subject of significant current interest owing to their potential use as organic semiconductors in material chemistry. Despite simple and similar molecular structures, the hitherto reported properties of thiophene-based organic semiconductors are rather diverse. Design of high performance organic semiconducting materials requires a thorough understanding of inter- and intra-molecular interactions, solid-state packing, and the influence of both factors on the charge carrier transport. In this chapter, thiophene-based organic semiconductors, which are classified in terms of their chemical structures and their structure-property relationships, are addressed for the potential applications as organic photovoltaics (OPVs), organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) and organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs).

Field Effect Flow Control in a Polymer T-Intersection Microfluidic Network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sniadecki, Nathan J.; Chang, Richard; Beamesderfer, Mike; Lee, Cheng S.; DeVoe, Don L.

2003-01-01

We present a study of induced pressure pumping in a polymer microchannel due to differential electroosmotic flow @OF) rates via field-effect flow control (FEFC). The experimental results demonstrate that the induced pressure pumping is dependent on the distance of the FEFC gate from the cathodic gate. A proposed flow model based on a linearly-decaying zeta potential profile is found to successfully predict experimental trends.

Infrasound Signals from Ground-Motion Sources

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

signals as a basis for discriminants between underground nuclear tests ( UGT ) and earthquakes (EQ). In an earlier program, infrasound signals from... UGTs and EQs were collected at ranges of a few hundred kilometers, in the far-field. Analysis of these data revealed two parameters that had potential...well. To study the near-field signals, we are using computational techniques based on modeled ground motions from UGTs and EQs. One is the closed

A Field-Portable Cell Analyzer without a Microscope and Reagents

PubMed Central

Oh, Sangwoo; Lee, Moonjin; Hwang, Yongha

2017-01-01

This paper demonstrates a commercial-level field-portable lens-free cell analyzer called the NaviCell (No-stain and Automated Versatile Innovative cell analyzer) capable of automatically analyzing cell count and viability without employing an optical microscope and reagents. Based on the lens-free shadow imaging technique, the NaviCell (162 × 135 × 138 mm3 and 1.02 kg) has the advantage of providing analysis results with improved standard deviation between measurement results, owing to its large field of view. Importantly, the cell counting and viability testing can be analyzed without the use of any reagent, thereby simplifying the measurement procedure and reducing potential errors during sample preparation. In this study, the performance of the NaviCell for cell counting and viability testing was demonstrated using 13 and six cell lines, respectively. Based on the results of the hemocytometer (de facto standard), the error rate (ER) and coefficient of variation (CV) of the NaviCell are approximately 3.27 and 2.16 times better than the commercial cell counter, respectively. The cell viability testing of the NaviCell also showed an ER and CV performance improvement of 5.09 and 1.8 times, respectively, demonstrating sufficient potential in the field of cell analysis. PMID:29286336

AuthorSynth: a collaboration network and behaviorally-based visualization tool of activation reports from the neuroscience literature.

PubMed

Sochat, Vanessa V

2015-01-01

Targeted collaboration is becoming more challenging with the ever-increasing number of publications, conferences, and academic responsibilities that the modern-day researcher must synthesize. Specifically, the field of neuroimaging had roughly 10,000 new papers in PubMed for the year 2013, presenting tens of thousands of international authors, each a potential collaborator working on some sub-domain in the field. To remove the burden of synthesizing an entire corpus of publications, talks, and conference interactions to find and assess collaborations, we combine meta-analytical neuroimaging informatics methods with machine learning and network analysis toward this goal. We present "AuthorSynth," a novel application prototype that includes (1) a collaboration network to identify researchers with similar results reported in the literature; and (2) a 2D plot-"brain lattice"-to visually summarize a single author's contribution to the field, and allow for searching of authors based on behavioral terms. This method capitalizes on intelligent synthesis of the neuroimaging literature, and demonstrates that data-driven approaches can be used to confirm existing collaborations, reveal potential ones, and identify gaps in published knowledge. We believe this tool exemplifies how methods from neuroimaging informatics can better inform researchers about progress and knowledge in the field, and enhance the modern workflow of finding collaborations.

Broadening the application of evolutionarily based genetic pest management.

PubMed

Gould, Fred

2008-02-01

Insect- and tick-vectored diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease cause human suffering, and current approaches for prevention are not adequate. Invasive plants and animals such as Scotch broom, zebra mussels, and gypsy moths continue to cause environmental damage and economic losses in agriculture and forestry. Rodents transmit diseases and cause major pre- and postharvest losses, especially in less affluent countries. Each of these problems might benefit from the developing field of Genetic Pest Management that is conceptually based on principles of evolutionary biology. This article briefly describes the history of this field, new molecular tools in this field, and potential applications of those tools. There will be a need for evolutionary biologists to interact with researchers and practitioners in a variety of other fields to determine the most appropriate targets for genetic pest management, the most appropriate methods for specific targets, and the potential of natural selection to diminish the effectiveness of genetic pest management. In addition to producing environmentally sustainable pest management solutions, research efforts in this area could lead to new insights about the evolution of selfish genetic elements in natural systems and will provide students with the opportunity to develop a more sophisticated understanding of the role of evolutionary biology in solving societal problems.

From synchrotron radiation to lab source: advanced speckle-based X-ray imaging using abrasive paper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hongchang; Kashyap, Yogesh; Sawhney, Kawal

2016-02-01

X-ray phase and dark-field imaging techniques provide complementary and inaccessible information compared to conventional X-ray absorption or visible light imaging. However, such methods typically require sophisticated experimental apparatus or X-ray beams with specific properties. Recently, an X-ray speckle-based technique has shown great potential for X-ray phase and dark-field imaging using a simple experimental arrangement. However, it still suffers from either poor resolution or the time consuming process of collecting a large number of images. To overcome these limitations, in this report we demonstrate that absorption, dark-field, phase contrast, and two orthogonal differential phase contrast images can simultaneously be generated by scanning a piece of abrasive paper in only one direction. We propose a novel theoretical approach to quantitatively extract the above five images by utilising the remarkable properties of speckles. Importantly, the technique has been extended from a synchrotron light source to utilise a lab-based microfocus X-ray source and flat panel detector. Removing the need to raster the optics in two directions significantly reduces the acquisition time and absorbed dose, which can be of vital importance for many biological samples. This new imaging method could potentially provide a breakthrough for numerous practical imaging applications in biomedical research and materials science.

Ligand- and receptor-based docking with LiBELa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

dos Santos Muniz, Heloisa; Nascimento, Alessandro S.

2015-08-01

Methodologies on molecular docking are constantly improving. The problem consists on finding an optimal interplay between the computational cost and a satisfactory physical description of ligand-receptor interaction. In pursuit of an advance in current methods we developed a mixed docking approach combining ligand- and receptor-based strategies in a docking engine, where tridimensional descriptors for shape and charge distribution of a reference ligand guide the initial placement of the docking molecule and an interaction energy-based global minimization follows. This hybrid docking was evaluated with soft-core and force field potentials taking into account ligand pose and scoring. Our approach was found to be competitive to a purely receptor-based dock resulting in improved logAUC values when evaluated with DUD and DUD-E. Furthermore, the smoothed potential as evaluated here, was not advantageous when ligand binding poses were compared to experimentally determined conformations. In conclusion we show that a combination of ligand- and receptor-based strategy docking with a force field energy model results in good reproduction of binding poses and enrichment of active molecules against decoys. This strategy is implemented in our tool, LiBELa, available to the scientific community.

Behavioral Responses Of Fish To A Current-Based Hydrokinetic Turbine Under Mutlipe Operational Conditions: Final Report

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

Grippo, Mark A.; Shen, Haixue; Zydlewski, Gayle

There is significant interest in the interaction of aquatic organisms with current-based marine and hydrokinetic (MHK) technologies. Determining the potential impacts of MHK devices on fish behavior is critical to addressing the environmental concerns that could act as barriers to the permitting and deployment of MHK devices. To address these concerns, we use field monitoring and fish behavior models to characterize the behavioral responses of fish to MHK turbines and infer potential stimuli that may have elicited the observed behavioral changes.

Time delayed Ensemble Nudging Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, Zhe; Abarbanel, Henry

Optimal nudging method based on time delayed embedding theory has shows potentials on analyzing and data assimilation in previous literatures. To extend the application and promote the practical implementation, new nudging assimilation method based on the time delayed embedding space is presented and the connection with other standard assimilation methods are studied. Results shows the incorporating information from the time series of data can reduce the sufficient observation needed to preserve the quality of numerical prediction, making it a potential alternative in the field of data assimilation of large geophysical models.

High-Voltage Isolation Transformer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clatterbuck, C. H.; Ruitberg, A. P.

1985-01-01

Arcing and field-included surface erosion reduced by electrostatic shields around windings and ferromagnetic core of 80-kilovolt isolation transformer. Fabricated from high-resistivity polyurethane-based material brushed on critical surfaces, shields maintained at approximately half potential difference of windings.

7 CFR 658.5 - Criteria.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... information from several sources including national cooperative soil surveys or other acceptable soil surveys, NRCS field office technical guides, soil potential ratings or soil productivity ratings, land capability classifications, and important farmland determinations. Based on this information, groups of soils...

7 CFR 658.5 - Criteria.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... information from several sources including national cooperative soil surveys or other acceptable soil surveys, NRCS field office technical guides, soil potential ratings or soil productivity ratings, land capability classifications, and important farmland determinations. Based on this information, groups of soils...

Numerical simulation of the vortical flow around a pitching airfoil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Xiang; Li, Gaohua; Wang, Fuxin

2017-04-01

In order to study the dynamic behaviors of the flapping wing, the vortical flow around a pitching NACA0012 airfoil is investigated. The unsteady flow field is obtained by a very efficient zonal procedure based on the velocity-vorticity formulation and the Reynolds number based on the chord length of the airfoil is set to 1 million. The zonal procedure divides up the whole computation domain in to three zones: potential flow zone, boundary layer zone and Navier-Stokes zone. Since the vorticity is absent in the potential flow zone, the vorticity transport equation needs only to be solved in the boundary layer zone and Navier-Stokes zone. Moreover, the boundary layer equations are solved in the boundary layer zone. This arrangement drastically reduces the computation time against the traditional numerical method. After the flow field computation, the evolution of the vortices around the airfoil is analyzed in detail.

Field-based high throughput phenotyping rapidly identifies genomic regions controlling yield components in rice

PubMed Central

Tanger, Paul; Klassen, Stephen; Mojica, Julius P.; Lovell, John T.; Moyers, Brook T.; Baraoidan, Marietta; Naredo, Maria Elizabeth B.; McNally, Kenneth L.; Poland, Jesse; Bush, Daniel R.; Leung, Hei; Leach, Jan E.; McKay, John K.

2017-01-01

To ensure food security in the face of population growth, decreasing water and land for agriculture, and increasing climate variability, crop yields must increase faster than the current rates. Increased yields will require implementing novel approaches in genetic discovery and breeding. Here we demonstrate the potential of field-based high throughput phenotyping (HTP) on a large recombinant population of rice to identify genetic variation underlying important traits. We find that detecting quantitative trait loci (QTL) with HTP phenotyping is as accurate and effective as traditional labor-intensive measures of flowering time, height, biomass, grain yield, and harvest index. Genetic mapping in this population, derived from a cross of an modern cultivar (IR64) with a landrace (Aswina), identified four alleles with negative effect on grain yield that are fixed in IR64, demonstrating the potential for HTP of large populations as a strategy for the second green revolution. PMID:28220807

Diode‐based transmission detector for IMRT delivery monitoring: a validation study

PubMed Central

Li, Taoran; Wu, Q. Jackie; Matzen, Thomas; Yin, Fang‐Fang

2016-01-01

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the potential of a new transmission detector for real‐time quality assurance of dynamic‐MLC‐based radiotherapy. The accuracy of detecting dose variation and static/dynamic MLC position deviations was measured, as well as the impact of the device on the radiation field (surface dose, transmission). Measured dose variations agreed with the known variations within 0.3%. The measurement of static and dynamic MLC position deviations matched the known deviations with high accuracy (0.7–1.2 mm). The absorption of the device was minimal (∼ 1%). The increased surface dose was small (1%–9%) but, when added to existing collimator scatter effects could become significant at large field sizes (≥30×30 cm2). Overall the accuracy and speed of the device show good potential for real‐time quality assurance. PACS number(s): 87.55.Qr PMID:27685115

Development of a Polarizable Force Field for Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Poly (Ethylene Oxide) in Aqueous Solution.

PubMed

Starovoytov, Oleg N; Borodin, Oleg; Bedrov, Dmitry; Smith, Grant D

2011-06-14

We have developed a quantum chemistry-based polarizable potential for poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in aqueous solution based on the APPLE&P polarizable ether and the SWM4-DP polarizable water models. Ether-water interactions were parametrized to reproduce the binding energy of water with 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) determined from high-level quantum chemistry calculations. Simulations of DME-water and PEO-water solutions at room temperature using the new polarizable potentials yielded thermodynamic properties in good agreement with experimental results. The predicted miscibility of PEO and water as a function of the temperature was found to be strongly correlated with the predicted free energy of solvation of DME. The developed nonbonded force field parameters were found to be transferrable to poly(propylene oxide) (PPO), as confirmed by capturing, at least qualitatively, the miscibility of PPO in water as a function of the molecular weight.

European research efforts in medical knowledge-based systems.

PubMed

Stefanelli, M

1993-04-01

This article describes the major projects going on in Europe in the field of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine. The important role of the Commission of the European Communities in providing the needed resources is stressed throughout the paper. Particular attention is given to the methodological and technological issues addressed by the European research teams, since the results which these teams accomplish are fundamental for a more extensive diffusion of knowledge-based systems in real medical settings. The variety of medical problems tackled shows that there is no field of medicine where the potential of advanced informatics technologies has not yet been assessed.

Fusion of approaches to the treatment of organ failure.

PubMed

Ogle, Brenda; Cascalho, Marilia; Platt, Jeffrey L

2004-01-01

Because organ transplantation is the preferred treatment for organ failure, the demand for human organs for transplantation is large and growing. From this demand, several fields based on new technologies for the replacement or repair of damaged tissues and organs have emerged. These fields include stem cell biology, cloning, tissue engineering and xenotransplantation. Here we evaluate the potential contribution of these to the devising of alternative approaches to organ replacement. We present our vision for the development of two structurally complex organs - the lung and the kidney - based on a 'fusion' of new and established technologies.

Finite element model for MOI applications using A-V formulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xuan, L.; Shanker, B.; Udpa, L.; Shih, W.; Fitzpatrick, G.

2001-04-01

Magneto-optic imaging (MOI) is a relatively new sensor application of an extension of bubble memory technology to NDT and produce easy-to-interpret, real time analog images. MOI systems use a magneto-optic (MO) sensor to produce analog images of magnetic flux leakage from surface and subsurface defects. The instrument's capability in detecting the relatively weak magnetic fields associated with subsurface defects depends on the sensitivity of the magneto-optic sensor. The availability of a theoretical model that can simulate the MOI system performance is extremely important for optimization of the MOI sensor and hardware system. A nodal finite element model based on magnetic vector potential formulation has been developed for simulating MOI phenomenon. This model has been used for predicting the magnetic fields in simple test geometry with corrosion dome defects. In the case of test samples with multiple discontinuities, a more robust model using the magnetic vector potential Ā and electrical scalar potential V is required. In this paper, a finite element model based on A-V formulation is developed to model complex circumferential crack under aluminum rivets in dimpled countersink.

Novel design of electrical sensing interface for prosthetic limbs using optical micro cavities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Amir R.; Kamel, Mohamed A.

2018-04-01

This paper uses optical whispering galley modes (WGM) cavities to construct a new electrical sensing interface between prosthetic limb and the brain. The sensing element will detect the action potential signal in the neural membrane and the prosthetic limb will be actuated accordingly. The element is a WGM dielectric polymeric cavity. WGM based optical cavities can achieve very high values of sensitivity and quality factor; thus, any minute perturbations in the morphology of the cavity can be captured and measured. The action potential signal will produce an applied external electric field on the dielectric cavity causing it to deform due to the electrostriction effect. The resulting deformation will cause WGM shifts in the transmission spectrum of the cavity. Thus, the action potential or the applied electric field can be measured using these shifts. In this paper the action potential signal will be simulated through the use of a function generator and two metal electrodes. The sensing element will be situated between these electrodes to detect the electrical signal passing through. The achieved sensitivity is 27.5 pm/V in measuring the simulated action potential signal; and 0.32 pm/V.m-1 in measuring the applied electric field due to the passage of the simulated signal.

Field coupling-induced pattern formation in two-layer neuronal network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Huixin; Wang, Chunni; Cai, Ning; An, Xinlei; Alzahrani, Faris

2018-07-01

The exchange of charged ions across membrane can generate fluctuation of membrane potential and also complex effect of electromagnetic induction. Diversity in excitability of neurons induces different modes selection and dynamical responses to external stimuli. Based on a neuron model with electromagnetic induction, which is described by magnetic flux and memristor, a two-layer network is proposed to discuss the pattern control and wave propagation in the network. In each layer, gap junction coupling is applied to connect the neurons, while field coupling is considered between two layers of the network. The field coupling is approached by using coupling of magnetic flux, which is associated with distribution of electromagnetic field. It is found that appropriate intensity of field coupling can enhance wave propagation from one layer to another one, and beautiful spatial patterns are formed. The developed target wave in the second layer shows some difference from target wave triggered in the first layer of the network when two layers are considered by different excitabilities. The potential mechanism could be pacemaker-like driving from the first layer will be encoded by the second layer.

Modulation of band gap by an applied electric field in BN-based heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, M.; Xu, Y. E.; Zhang, Q. X.

2018-05-01

First-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations are performed on the structural and electronic properties of the SiC/BN van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures under an external electric field (E-field). Our results reveal that the SiC/BN vdW heterostructure has a direct band gap of 2.41 eV in the raw. The results also imply that electrons are likely to transfer from BN to SiC monolayer due to the deeper potential of BN monolayer. It is also observed that, by applying an E-field, ranging from -0.50 to +0.65 V/Å, the band gap decreases from 2.41 eV to zero, which presents a parabola-like relationship around 0.0 V/Å. Through partial density of states (PDOS) plots, it is revealed that, p orbital of Si, C, B, and N atoms are responsible for the significant variations of band gap. These obtained results predict that, the electric field tunable band gap of the SiC/BN vdW heterostructures carries potential applications for nanoelectronics and spintronic device applications.

Investigation of Condensed Media in Weak Fields by the Method of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davydov, V. V.; Myazin, N. S.; Dudkin, V. I.; Velichko, E. N.

2018-05-01

A compact design of a rapid-response nuclear magnetic spectrometer for investigation of condensed media in weak fields is reported. As a result of investigation of different condensed media, special features of recording a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal in a weak magnetic field from a small volume of the medium under study are established. For the first time the NMR absorption spectra of condensed media in a weak field are collected. Based on the results of experimental studies, the potential of using a compact NMR-spectrometer for condensed media monitoring in a rapid response mode is determined.

Electron-polar optical phonon scattering suppression and mobility enhancement in wurtzite heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pokatilov, E. P.; Nika, D. L.; Zincenco, N. D.; Balandin, A. A.

2007-12-01

We have shown theoretically that the electron mobility in wurtzite AlN/GaN/AlN heterostructures can be enhanced by compensating the built-in electric field with the externally applied perpendicular electric field and by introducing a shallow InxGa1-xN channel in the center of GaN potential well. It was found that two- to fivefold increase of the room temperature electron mobility can be achieved. The tuning of the electron mobility with the external electric field or InxGa1-xN channel can be useful for the design of GaN-based field-effect transistors and optoelectronic devices.

Characterizing the Utility and Limitations of Repurposing an Open-Field Optical Imaging Device for Fluorescence-Guided Surgery in Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

PubMed

Moore, Lindsay S; Rosenthal, Eben L; Chung, Thomas K; de Boer, Esther; Patel, Neel; Prince, Andrew C; Korb, Melissa L; Walsh, Erika M; Young, E Scott; Stevens, Todd M; Withrow, Kirk P; Morlandt, Anthony B; Richman, Joshua S; Carroll, William R; Zinn, Kurt R; Warram, Jason M

2017-02-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the potential of U.S. Food and Drug Administration-cleared devices designed for indocyanine green-based perfusion imaging to identify cancer-specific bioconjugates with overlapping excitation and emission wavelengths. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated potential for fluorescence-guided surgery, but the time and cost of the approval process may impede clinical translation. To expedite this translation, we explored the feasibility of repurposing existing optical imaging devices for fluorescence-guided surgery. Consenting patients (n = 15) scheduled for curative resection were enrolled in a clinical trial evaluating the safety and specificity of cetuximab-IRDye800 (NCT01987375). Open-field fluorescence imaging was performed preoperatively and during the surgical resection. Fluorescence intensity was quantified using integrated instrument software, and the tumor-to-background ratio characterized fluorescence contrast. In the preoperative clinic, the open-field device demonstrated potential to guide preoperative mapping of tumor borders, optimize the day of surgery, and identify occult lesions. Intraoperatively, the device demonstrated robust potential to guide surgical resections, as all peak tumor-to-background ratios were greater than 2 (range, 2.2-14.1). Postresection wound bed fluorescence was significantly less than preresection tumor fluorescence (P < 0.001). The repurposed device also successfully identified positive margins. The open-field imaging device was successfully repurposed to distinguish cancer from normal tissue in the preoperative clinic and throughout surgical resection. This study illuminated the potential for existing open-field optical imaging devices with overlapping excitation and emission spectra to be used for fluorescence-guided surgery. © 2017 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

Harnessing mass differential confinement effects in magnetized rotating plasmas to address new separation needs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gueroult, R.; Rax, J.-M.; Zweben, S. J.; Fisch, N. J.

2018-01-01

The ability to separate large volumes of mixed species based on atomic mass appears desirable for a variety of emerging applications with high societal impact. One possibility to meet this objective consists in leveraging mass differential effects in rotating plasmas. Beyond conventional centrifugation, rotating plasmas offer in principle additional ways to separate elements based on mass. Single ion orbits show that ion radial mass separation in a uniform magnetized plasma column can be achieved by applying a tailored electric potential profile across the column, or by driving a rotating magnetic field within the column. Furthermore, magnetic pressure and centrifugal effects can be combined in a non-uniform geometry to separate ions based on mass along the field lines. Practical application of these separation schemes hinges on the ability to produce the desirable electric and magnetic field configuration within the plasma column.

Detecting fluid leakage of a reservoir dam based on streaming self-potential measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Seo Young; Kim, Bitnarae; Nam, Myung Jin; Lim, Sung Keun

2015-04-01

Between many reservoir dams for agriculture in suburban area of South Korea, water leakage has been reported several times. The dam under consideration in this study, which is located in Gyeong-buk, in the south-east of the Korean Peninsula, was reported to have a large leakage at the right foot of downstream side of the reservoir dam. For the detection of the leakage, not only geological survey but also geophysical explorations have been made for precision safety diagnosis, since the leakage can lead to dam failure. Geophysical exploration includes both electrical-resistivity and self-potential surveys, while geological surveys water permeability test, standard penetration test, and sampling for undisturbed sample during the course of the drilling investigation. The geophysical explorations were made not only along the top of dam but also transverse the heel of dam. The leakage of water installations can change the known-heterogeneous structure of the dam body but also cause streaming spontaneous (self) potential (SP) anomaly, which can be detected by electrical resistivity and SP measurements, respectively. For the interpretation of streaming SP, we used trial-and-error method by comparing synthetic SP data with field SP data for model update. For the computation, we first invert the resistivity data to obtain the distorted resistivity structure of the dam levee then make three-dimensional electrical-resistivity modeling for the streaming potential distribution of the dam levee. Our simulation algorithm of streaming SP distribution based on the integrated finite difference scheme computes two-dimensional (2D) SP distribution based on the distribution of calculated flow velocities of fluid for a given permeability structure together with physical properties. This permeability is repeatedly updated based on error between synthetic and field SP data, until the synthetic data match the field data. Through this trial-and-error-based SP interpretation, we locate the leakage of reservoir-water formed locally inside the levee body of the reservoir dam within the limitation due to the 2D nature of stream SP simulation.

The Design Consideration for Game-Based Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liang, Chaoyun; Lee, Yuan-Zone; Chou, Wen-Shou

2010-01-01

The integration of game playing with online education has recently become one of the most discussed issues in the e-learning field for its potentially positive impact on the development of related industries and on the social lives of young people. In this article, the authors propose a set of design considerations to assist game-based learning…

Forest habitat types of northern Idaho: A second approximation

Treesearch

Stephen V. Cooper; Kenneth E. Neiman; David W. Roberts

1991-01-01

The addition of more than 900 plots to the Daubenmire's original 181-plot database has resulted in a refinement of their potential natural vegetation-based land classification for northern Idaho. A diagnostic, indicator species-based key is provided for field identification of the eight climax series, 46 habitat types, and 60 phases. Recognized syntaxa are...

13 CFR 119.12 - What criteria will SBA use to evaluate applications for funding under the PRIME program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... based on expertise and ability to fulfill the purposes of the Act. (2) SBA will evaluate organizational... communication capabilities (or potential for same). SBA will also evaluate data collection capabilities... product to the field. (d) Applications for Discretionary Grants will be evaluated based on the goals and...

13 CFR 119.12 - What criteria will SBA use to evaluate applications for funding under the PRIME program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... based on expertise and ability to fulfill the purposes of the Act. (2) SBA will evaluate organizational... communication capabilities (or potential for same). SBA will also evaluate data collection capabilities... product to the field. (d) Applications for Discretionary Grants will be evaluated based on the goals and...

13 CFR 119.12 - What criteria will SBA use to evaluate applications for funding under the PRIME program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... based on expertise and ability to fulfill the purposes of the Act. (2) SBA will evaluate organizational... communication capabilities (or potential for same). SBA will also evaluate data collection capabilities... product to the field. (d) Applications for Discretionary Grants will be evaluated based on the goals and...

13 CFR 119.12 - What criteria will SBA use to evaluate applications for funding under the PRIME program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... based on expertise and ability to fulfill the purposes of the Act. (2) SBA will evaluate organizational... communication capabilities (or potential for same). SBA will also evaluate data collection capabilities... product to the field. (d) Applications for Discretionary Grants will be evaluated based on the goals and...

From the Games Industry: Ten Lessons for Game-Based Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hollins, Paul; Whitton, Nicola

2011-01-01

This paper draws on lessons learned from the development process of the entertainment games industry and discusses how they can be applied to the field of game-based learning. This paper examines policy makers and those wishing to commission or develop games for learning and highlights potential opportunities as well as pitfalls. The paper focuses…

Location Dependency and Antenna/Body/Sensor-Lead Interaction Effects in a Cell-Phone Based GSM 1800 Telemedicine Link

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-10-25

The error-free requirement of today’s cell - phone based telemedicine systems demands investigations into the potential causes of service degradation...to the handset’s antenna can have on system performance Changes in lead orientation in the near field of the radiating unit ( cell - phone & antenna

Superconducting characteristics in purified tantalum-foils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Qinghua; Wang, Zhihe

2018-07-01

We have conducted extensive investigations on the electrical transport and magnetization on a purified tantalum foil with extremely sharp resistive transition (transition width ΔTc < 0.02 K) at 0 T and residual resistivity ratio ρ290K/ρ5K= 16.75. Many effects, such as anisotropic field-induced resistive broadening and second peak of the magnetization-hysteresis loop, are observed in the sample. The maximum upper critical field determined by criteria of R/Rn = 0.9 is about 1.08 T rather weak compared to that in cuprate and/or iron-based superconductors. Although the value of upper critical field Hc2(0) and the field dependence of effective pinning energy U show that the flux pinning potential is weaker, the critical current density Jc(2 K, 0 T) = 1.145 × 105 A/cm2 and the effect of second peak indicate that there should be higher collective vortex pinning potential in the tantalum foil. The carriers are dominated by holes with the density n = 6.6 × 1022/cm3.

Algorithms for Computing the Magnetic Field, Vector Potential, and Field Derivatives for Circular Current Loops in Cylindrical Coordinates

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

Walstrom, Peter Lowell

A numerical algorithm for computing the field components B r and B z and their r and z derivatives with open boundaries in cylindrical coordinates for circular current loops is described. An algorithm for computing the vector potential is also described. For the convenience of the reader, derivations of the final expressions from their defining integrals are given in detail, since their derivations (especially for the field derivatives) are not all easily found in textbooks. Numerical calculations are based on evaluation of complete elliptic integrals using the Bulirsch algorithm cel. Since cel can evaluate complete elliptic integrals of a fairlymore » general type, in some cases the elliptic integrals can be evaluated without first reducing them to forms containing standard Legendre forms. The algorithms avoid the numerical difficulties that many of the textbook solutions have for points near the axis because of explicit factors of 1=r or 1=r 2 in the some of the expressions.« less

But I Don't Want to Be a Professor! The Innovations of an Online Practitioner Doctorate Focused on Educational Technology Leadership

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Christopher T.; Curry, John H.

2014-01-01

There is growing potential for the development of practitioner-based doctor of education (EdD) programs as potential students in the field recognize that they do not need to leave their current work positions to obtain a doctorate particularly if it enhances their work. This article chronicles 1 university's process in developing an innovative…

Effect of Organic Blocking Layer on the Energy Storage Characteristics of High-Permittivity Sol-Gel Thin Film Based on Neat 2-Cyanoethyltrimethoxysilane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Yunsang; Kathaperumal, Mohanalingam; Pan, Ming-Jen; Perry, Joseph

2014-03-01

Organic-inorganic hybrid sol-gel materials with polar groups that can undergo reorientational polarization provide a potential route to dielectric materials for energy storage. We have investigated the influence of nanoscale polymeric layer on dielectric and energy storage properties of 2-cyanoethyltrimethoxysilane (CNETMS) films. Two polymeric materials, fluoropolymer (CYTOP) and poly(p-phenylene oxide, PPO), are examined as potential materials to control charge injection from electrical contacts into CNETMS films by means of a potential barrier, whose width and height are defined by thickness and permittivity. Blocking layers ranging from 20 nm to 200 nm were deposited on CNETMS films by spin casting and subjected to thermal treatment. Polarization-electric field measurements show 30% increase in extractable energy density with PPO/CNETMS bilayers, relative to CNETMS alone, due to improved breakdown strength. Conduction current of the bilayers indicate that onset of charge conduction at high field is much delayed, which can be translated into effective suppression of charge injection and probability of breakdown events. The results will be discussed in regards to film morphology, field partitioning, width and height of potential barrier, charge trapping and loss of bilayers.

Outlining social physics for modern societies—locating culture, economics, and politics: The Enlightenment reconsidered

PubMed Central

Iberall, A. S.

1985-01-01

A groundwork is laid for a formulation of the modern human social system as a field continuum. As in a simple material physical field, the independent implied relationships of materials or processes in flux have to be based on local conservations of mass, energy, and momentum. In complex fields, the transport fluctuations of momentum are transformed into action modes (e.g., [unk] pdq = ΣHi = H, a characteristic quantum of action over a characteristic cycle time). In complex living systems, a fourth local conservation of population number, the demographic variable, has to be added as a renormalized variable. Modern man, settled in place via agriculture, urbanized, and engaged largely in trade and war, invents a fifth local conservation—value-in-trade, the economic variable. The potentials that drive these five fluxes are also enumerated. Among the more evident external and internal physical-chemical potentials, the driving potentials include a sheaf of internal potential-like components that represent the command-control system emergent as politics. In toto, culture represents the social solvent with the main processes of economics and politics being driven by a social pressure. PMID:16593594

Vibration energy harvesting based on stress-induced polarization switching: a phase field approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Dan; Wang, Linxiang; Melnik, Roderick

2017-06-01

Different from the traditional piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting, a new strategy based on stress-induced polarization switching has been proposed in the current paper. Two related prototypes are presented and the associated advantages and drawbacks have been discussed in detail. It has been demonstrated that, with the assistance of a bias electric field, the robustness of the energy harvesters is improved. Furthermore, the real-space phase-field model has been employed to study the nonlinear hysteretic behavior involved in the proposed energy harvesting process. A substantially larger electric current associated with the stress-induced polarization switching has been demonstrated when compared with that with piezoelectric effect. In addition, the effects of bias electric potential, bias resistance, mechanical boundary conditions, charge leakage and electrodes arrangements have also been investigated by the phase-field simulation, which provides a guidance for future real implementations.

Domain Adaptation Methods for Improving Lab-to-field Generalization of Cocaine Detection using Wearable ECG.

PubMed

Natarajan, Annamalai; Angarita, Gustavo; Gaiser, Edward; Malison, Robert; Ganesan, Deepak; Marlin, Benjamin M

2016-09-01

Mobile health research on illicit drug use detection typically involves a two-stage study design where data to learn detectors is first collected in lab-based trials, followed by a deployment to subjects in a free-living environment to assess detector performance. While recent work has demonstrated the feasibility of wearable sensors for illicit drug use detection in the lab setting, several key problems can limit lab-to-field generalization performance. For example, lab-based data collection often has low ecological validity, the ground-truth event labels collected in the lab may not be available at the same level of temporal granularity in the field, and there can be significant variability between subjects. In this paper, we present domain adaptation methods for assessing and mitigating potential sources of performance loss in lab-to-field generalization and apply them to the problem of cocaine use detection from wearable electrocardiogram sensor data.

Compact Feeding Network for Array Radiations of Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jun Jun; Yin, Jia Yuan; Zhang, Hao Chi; Cui, Tie Jun

2016-03-01

We propose a splitter feeding network for array radiations of spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), which are guided by ultrathin corrugated metallic strips. Based on the coupled mode theory, SPP fields along a single waveguide in a certain frequency range can be readily coupled into two adjacent branch waveguides with the same propagation constants. We propose to load U-shaped particles anti-symmetrically at the ends of such two branch waveguides, showing a high integration degree of the feeding network. By controlling linear phase modulations produced by the U-shaped particle chain, we demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that the SPP fields based on bound modes can be efficiently radiated to far fields in broadside direction. The proposed method shows that the symmetry of electromagnetic field modes can be exploited to the SPP transmission network, providing potential solutions to compact power dividers and combiners for microwave and optical devices and systems.

The first law of black hole mechanics for fields with internal gauge freedom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prabhu, Kartik

2017-02-01

We derive the first law of black hole mechanics for physical theories based on a local, covariant and gauge-invariant Lagrangian where the dynamical fields transform non-trivially under the action of some internal gauge transformations. The theories of interest include General Relativity formulated in terms of tetrads, Einstein-Yang-Mills theory and Einstein-Dirac theory. Since the dynamical fields of these theories have some internal gauge freedom, we argue that there is no natural group action of diffeomorphisms of spacetime on such dynamical fields. In general, such fields cannot even be represented as smooth, globally well-defined tensor fields on spacetime. Consequently the derivation of the first law by Iyer and Wald cannot be used directly. Nevertheless, we show how such theories can be formulated on a principal bundle and that there is a natural action of automorphisms of the bundle on the fields. These bundle automorphisms encode both spacetime diffeomorphisms and internal gauge transformations. Using this reformulation we define the Noether charge associated to an infinitesimal automorphism and the corresponding notion of stationarity and axisymmetry of the dynamical fields. We first show that we can define certain potentials and charges at the horizon of a black hole so that the potentials are constant on the bifurcate Killing horizon, giving a generalised zeroth law for bifurcate Killing horizons. We further identify the gravitational potential and perturbed charge as the temperature and perturbed entropy of the black hole which gives an explicit formula for the perturbed entropy analogous to the Wald entropy formula. We then obtain a general first law of black hole mechanics for such theories. The first law relates the perturbed Hamiltonians at spatial infinity and the horizon, and the horizon contributions take the form of a ‘potential times perturbed charge’ term. We also comment on the ambiguities in defining a prescription for the total entropy for black holes.

Geomatics for Mapping of Groundwater Potential Zones in Northern Part of the United Arab Emiratis - Sharjah City

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Ruzouq, R.; Shanableh, A.; Merabtene, T.

2015-04-01

In United Arab Emirates (UAE) domestic water consumption has increased rapidly over the last decade. The increased demand for high-quality water, create an urgent need to evaluate the groundwater production of aquifers. The development of a reasonable model for groundwater potential is therefore crucial for future systematic developments, efficient management, and sustainable use of groundwater resources. The objective of this study is to map the groundwater potential zones in northern part of UAE and assess the contributing factors for exploration of potential groundwater resources. Remote sensing data and geographic information system will be used to locate potential zones for groundwater. Various maps (i.e., base, soil, geological, Hydro-geological, Geomorphologic Map, structural, drainage, slope, land use/land cover and average annual rainfall map) will be prepared based on geospatial techniques. The groundwater availability of the basin will qualitatively classified into different classes based on its hydro-geo-morphological conditions. The land use/land cover map will be also prepared for the different seasons using a digital classification technique with a ground truth based on field investigation.

Assessment of potential exposure to friable insulation materials containing asbestos

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, W. S.; Kuivinen, D. E.

1980-01-01

Asbestos and the procedures for assessing potential exposure hazards are discussed. Assessment includes testing a bulk sample of the suspected material for the presence of asbestos, and monitoring the air, if necessary. Based on field inspections and laboratory analyses, the health hazard is evaluated, and abatement measures are taken if a potential hazard exists. Throughout the assessment and abatement program, all applicable regulations are administered as specified by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Human health risk assessment of synthetic turf fields based upon investigation of five fields in Connecticut.

PubMed

Ginsberg, Gary; Toal, Brian; Simcox, Nancy; Bracker, Anne; Golembiewski, Brian; Kurland, Tara; Hedman, Curtis

2011-01-01

Questions have been raised regarding possible exposures when playing sports on synthetic turf fields cushioned with crumb rubber. Rubber is a complex mixture with some components possessing toxic and carcinogenic properties. Exposure is possible via inhalation, given that chemicals emitted from rubber might end up in the breathing zone of players and these players have high ventilation rates. Previous studies provide useful data but are limited with respect to the variety of fields and scenarios evaluated. The State of Connecticut investigated emissions associated with four outdoor and one indoor synthetic turf field under summer conditions. On-field and background locations were sampled using a variety of stationary and personal samplers. More than 20 chemicals of potential concern (COPC) were found to be above background and possibly field-related on both indoor and outdoor fields. These COPC were entered into separate risk assessments (1) for outdoor and indoor fields and (2) for children and adults. Exposure concentrations were prorated for time spent away from the fields and inhalation rates were adjusted for play activity and for children's greater ventilation than adults. Cancer and noncancer risk levels were at or below de minimis levels of concern. The scenario with the highest exposure was children playing on the indoor field. The acute hazard index (HI) for this scenario approached unity, suggesting a potential concern, although there was great uncertainty with this estimate. The main contributor was benzothiazole, a rubber-related semivolatile organic chemical (SVOC) that was 14-fold higher indoors than outdoors. Based upon these findings, outdoor and indoor synthetic turf fields are not associated with elevated adverse health risks. However, it would be prudent for building operators to provide adequate ventilation to prevent a buildup of rubber-related volatile organic chemicals (VOC) and SVOC at indoor fields. The current results are generally consistent with the findings from studies conducted by New York City, New York State, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Norway, which tested different kinds of fields and under a variety of weather conditions.

Recent Advances of MEMS Resonators for Lorentz Force Based Magnetic Field Sensors: Design, Applications and Challenges.

PubMed

Herrera-May, Agustín Leobardo; Soler-Balcazar, Juan Carlos; Vázquez-Leal, Héctor; Martínez-Castillo, Jaime; Vigueras-Zuñiga, Marco Osvaldo; Aguilera-Cortés, Luz Antonio

2016-08-24

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) resonators have allowed the development of magnetic field sensors with potential applications such as biomedicine, automotive industry, navigation systems, space satellites, telecommunications and non-destructive testing. We present a review of recent magnetic field sensors based on MEMS resonators, which operate with Lorentz force. These sensors have a compact structure, wide measurement range, low energy consumption, high sensitivity and suitable performance. The design methodology, simulation tools, damping sources, sensing techniques and future applications of magnetic field sensors are discussed. The design process is fundamental in achieving correct selection of the operation principle, sensing technique, materials, fabrication process and readout systems of the sensors. In addition, the description of the main sensing systems and challenges of the MEMS sensors are discussed. To develop the best devices, researches of their mechanical reliability, vacuum packaging, design optimization and temperature compensation circuits are needed. Future applications will require multifunctional sensors for monitoring several physical parameters (e.g., magnetic field, acceleration, angular ratio, humidity, temperature and gases).

Recent Advances of MEMS Resonators for Lorentz Force Based Magnetic Field Sensors: Design, Applications and Challenges

PubMed Central

Herrera-May, Agustín Leobardo; Soler-Balcazar, Juan Carlos; Vázquez-Leal, Héctor; Martínez-Castillo, Jaime; Vigueras-Zuñiga, Marco Osvaldo; Aguilera-Cortés, Luz Antonio

2016-01-01

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) resonators have allowed the development of magnetic field sensors with potential applications such as biomedicine, automotive industry, navigation systems, space satellites, telecommunications and non-destructive testing. We present a review of recent magnetic field sensors based on MEMS resonators, which operate with Lorentz force. These sensors have a compact structure, wide measurement range, low energy consumption, high sensitivity and suitable performance. The design methodology, simulation tools, damping sources, sensing techniques and future applications of magnetic field sensors are discussed. The design process is fundamental in achieving correct selection of the operation principle, sensing technique, materials, fabrication process and readout systems of the sensors. In addition, the description of the main sensing systems and challenges of the MEMS sensors are discussed. To develop the best devices, researches of their mechanical reliability, vacuum packaging, design optimization and temperature compensation circuits are needed. Future applications will require multifunctional sensors for monitoring several physical parameters (e.g., magnetic field, acceleration, angular ratio, humidity, temperature and gases). PMID:27563912

Nonlinear scalar forcing based on a reaction analogy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daniel, Don; Livescu, Daniel

2017-11-01

We present a novel reaction analogy (RA) based forcing method for generating stationary passive scalar fields in incompressible turbulence. The new method can produce more general scalar PDFs (e.g. double-delta) than current methods, while ensuring that scalar fields remain bounded, unlike existent forcing methodologies that can potentially violate naturally existing bounds. Such features are useful for generating initial fields in non-premixed combustion or for studying non-Gaussian scalar turbulence. The RA method mathematically models hypothetical chemical reactions that convert reactants in a mixed state back into its pure unmixed components. Various types of chemical reactions are formulated and the corresponding mathematical expressions derived. For large values of the scalar dissipation rate, the method produces statistically steady double-delta scalar PDFs. Gaussian scalar statistics are recovered for small values of the scalar dissipation rate. In contrast, classical forcing methods consistently produce unimodal Gaussian scalar fields. The ability of the new method to produce fully developed scalar fields is discussed using 2563, 5123, and 10243 periodic box simulations.

Southern high latitude dune fields on Mars: Morphology, aeolian inactivity, and climate change

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fenton, L.K.; Hayward, R.K.

2010-01-01

In a study area spanning the martian surface poleward of 50?? S., 1190 dune fields have been identified, mapped, and categorized based on dune field morphology. Dune fields in the study area span ??? 116400km2, leading to a global dune field coverage estimate of ???904000km2, far less than that found on Earth. Based on distinct morphological features, the dune fields were grouped into six different classes that vary in interpreted aeolian activity level from potentially active to relatively inactive and eroding. The six dune field classes occur in specific latitude zones, with a sequence of reduced activity and degradation progressing poleward. In particular, the first signs of stabilization appear at ???60?? S., which broadly corresponds to the edge of high concentrations of water-equivalent hydrogen content (observed by the Neutron Spectrometer) that have been interpreted as ground ice. This near-surface ground ice likely acts to reduce sand availability in the present climate state on Mars, stabilizing high latitude dunes and allowing erosional processes to change their morphology. As a result, climatic changes in the content of near-surface ground ice are likely to influence the level of dune activity. Spatial variation of dune field classes with longitude is significant, suggesting that local conditions play a major role in determining dune field activity level. Dune fields on the south polar layered terrain, for example, appear either potentially active or inactive, indicating that at least two generations of dune building have occurred on this surface. Many dune fields show signs of degradation mixed with crisp-brinked dunes, also suggesting that more than one generation of dune building has occurred since they originally formed. Dune fields superposed on early and late Amazonian surfaces provide potential upper age limits of ???100My on the south polar layered deposits and ???3Ga elsewhere at high latitudes. No craters are present on any identifiable dune fields, which can provide a lower age limit through crater counting: assuming all relatively stabilized dune fields represent a single noncontiguous surface of uniform age, their estimated crater retention age is

Geometrical control of pure spin current induced domain wall depinning.

PubMed

Pfeiffer, A; Reeve, R M; Voto, M; Savero-Torres, W; Richter, N; Vila, L; Attané, J P; Lopez-Diaz, L; Kläui, Mathias

2017-03-01

We investigate the pure spin-current assisted depinning of magnetic domain walls in half ring based Py/Al lateral spin valve structures. Our optimized geometry incorporating a patterned notch in the detector electrode, directly below the Al spin conduit, provides a tailored pinning potential for a transverse domain wall and allows for a precise control over the magnetization configuration and as a result the domain wall pinning. Due to the patterned notch, we are able to study the depinning field as a function of the applied external field for certain applied current densities and observe a clear asymmetry for the two opposite field directions. Micromagnetic simulations show that this can be explained by the asymmetry of the pinning potential. By direct comparison of the calculated efficiencies for different external field and spin current directions, we are able to disentangle the different contributions from the spin transfer torque, Joule heating and the Oersted field. The observed high efficiency of the pure spin current induced spin transfer torque allows for a complete depinning of the domain wall at zero external field for a charge current density of [Formula: see text] A m -2 , which is attributed to the optimal control of the position of the domain wall.

Source imaging of potential fields through a matrix space-domain algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baniamerian, Jamaledin; Oskooi, Behrooz; Fedi, Maurizio

2017-01-01

Imaging of potential fields yields a fast 3D representation of the source distribution of potential fields. Imaging methods are all based on multiscale methods allowing the source parameters of potential fields to be estimated from a simultaneous analysis of the field at various scales or, in other words, at many altitudes. Accuracy in performing upward continuation and differentiation of the field has therefore a key role for this class of methods. We here describe an accurate method for performing upward continuation and vertical differentiation in the space-domain. We perform a direct discretization of the integral equations for upward continuation and Hilbert transform; from these equations we then define matrix operators performing the transformation, which are symmetric (upward continuation) or anti-symmetric (differentiation), respectively. Thanks to these properties, just the first row of the matrices needs to be computed, so to decrease dramatically the computation cost. Our approach allows a simple procedure, with the advantage of not involving large data extension or tapering, as due instead in case of Fourier domain computation. It also allows level-to-drape upward continuation and a stable differentiation at high frequencies; finally, upward continuation and differentiation kernels may be merged into a single kernel. The accuracy of our approach is shown to be important for multi-scale algorithms, such as the continuous wavelet transform or the DEXP (depth from extreme point method), because border errors, which tend to propagate largely at the largest scales, are radically reduced. The application of our algorithm to synthetic and real-case gravity and magnetic data sets confirms the accuracy of our space domain strategy over FFT algorithms and standard convolution procedures.

A statistical study of the inner edge of the electron plasma sheet and the net convection potential as a function of geomagnetic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, F.; Kivelson, M. G.; Walker, R. J.; Khurana, K. K.; Angelopoulos, V.; Hsu, T.

2011-06-01

A widely accepted explanation of the location of the inner edge of the electron plasma sheet and its dependence on electron energy is based on drift motions of individual particles. The boundary is identified as the separatrix between drift trajectories linking the tail to the dayside magnetopause (open paths) and trajectories closed around the Earth. A statistical study of the inner edge of the electron plasma sheet using THEMIS Electrostatic Analyzer plasma data from November 2007 to April 2009 enabled us to examine this model. Using a dipole magnetic field and a Volland-Stern electric field with shielding, we find that a steady state drift boundary model represents the average location of the electron plasma sheet boundary and reflects its variation with the solar wind electric field in the local time region between 21:00 and 06:00, except at high activity levels. However, the model does not reproduce the observed energy dispersion of the boundaries. We have also used the location of the inner edge of the electron plasma sheet to parameterize the potential drop of the tail convection electric field as a function of solar wind electric field (Esw) and geomagnetic activity. The range of Esw examined is small because the data were acquired near solar minimum. For the range of values tested (meaningful statistics only for Esw < 2 mV/m), reasonably good agreement is found between the potential drop of the tail convection electric field inferred from the location of the inner edge and the polar cap potential drop calculated from the model of Boyle et al. (1997).

Preliminary investigation of submerged aquatic vegetation mapping using hyperspectral remote sensing.

PubMed

William, David J; Rybicki, Nancy B; Lombana, Alfonso V; O'Brien, Tim M; Gomez, Richard B

2003-01-01

The use of airborne hyperspectral remote sensing imagery for automated mapping of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in the tidal Potomac River was investigated for near to real-time resource assessment and monitoring. Airborne hyperspectral imagery and field spectrometer measurements were obtained in October of 2000. A spectral library database containing selected ground-based and airborne sensor spectra was developed for use in image processing. The spectral library is used to automate the processing of hyperspectral imagery for potential real-time material identification and mapping. Field based spectra were compared to the airborne imagery using the database to identify and map two species of SAV (Myriophyllum spicatum and Vallisneria americana). Overall accuracy of the vegetation maps derived from hyperspectral imagery was determined by comparison to a product that combined aerial photography and field based sampling at the end of the SAV growing season. The algorithms and databases developed in this study will be useful with the current and forthcoming space-based hyperspectral remote sensing systems.

Recent Advances in Edible Polymer Based Hydrogels as a Sustainable Alternative to Conventional Polymers.

PubMed

Ali, Akbar; Ahmed, Shakeel

2018-06-26

The over increasing demand of eco-friendly materials to counter various problems, such as environmental issues, economics, sustainability, biodegradability, and biocompatibility, open up new fields of research highly focusing on nature-based products. Edible polymer based materials mainly consisting of polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids could be a prospective contender to handle such problems. Hydrogels based on edible polymer offer many valuable properties compared to their synthetic counterparts. Edible polymers can contribute to the reduction of environmental contamination, advance recyclability, provide sustainability, and thereby increase its applicability along with providing environmentally benign products. This review is highly emphasizing on toward the development of hydrogels from edible polymer, their classification, properties, chemical modification, and their potential applications. The application of edible polymer hydrogels covers many areas including the food industry, agricultural applications, drug delivery to tissue engineering in the biomedical field and provide more safe and attractive products in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and environmental fields, etc.

SQUIDs vs. Induction Coils for Ultra-Low Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: Experimental and Simulation Comparison

PubMed Central

Matlashov, Andrei N.; Schultz, Larry J.; Espy, Michelle A.; Kraus, Robert H.; Savukov, Igor M.; Volegov, Petr L.; Wurden, Caroline J.

2011-01-01

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is widely used in medicine, chemistry and industry. One application area is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Recently it has become possible to perform NMR and MRI in the ultra-low field (ULF) regime requiring measurement field strengths of the order of only 1 Gauss. This technique exploits the advantages offered by superconducting quantum interference devices or SQUIDs. Our group has built SQUID based MRI systems for brain imaging and for liquid explosives detection at airport security checkpoints. The requirement for liquid helium cooling limits potential applications of ULF MRI for liquid identification and security purposes. Our experimental comparative investigation shows that room temperature inductive magnetometers may provide enough sensitivity in the 3–10 kHz range and can be used for fast liquid explosives detection based on ULF NMR technique. We describe experimental and computer-simulation results comparing multichannel SQUID based and induction coils based instruments that are capable of performing ULF MRI for liquid identification. PMID:21747638

Does a dynamic chair increase office workers' movements? - Results from a combined laboratory and field study.

PubMed

Grooten, Wilhelmus J A; Äng, Björn O; Hagströmer, Maria; Conradsson, David; Nero, Håkan; Franzén, Erika

2017-04-01

Dynamic chairs have the potential to facilitate movements that could counteract health problems associated with sedentary office work. This study aimed to evaluate whether a dynamic chair can increase movements during desk-based office work. Fifteen healthy subjects performed desk-based office work using a dynamic office chair and compared to three other conditions in a movement laboratory. In a field study, the dynamic office chair was studied during three working days using accelerometry. Equivocal results showed that the dynamic chair increased upper body and chair movements as compared to the conventional chair, but lesser movements were found compared to standing. No differences were found between the conditions in the field study. A dynamic chair may facilitate movements in static desk-based office tasks, but the results were not consistent for all outcome measures. Validation of measuring protocols for assessing movements during desk-based office work is warranted. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multi-Modal Intelligent Traffic Signal Systems (MMITSS) impacts assessment.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-08-01

The study evaluates the potential network-wide impacts of the Multi-Modal Intelligent Transportation Signal System (MMITSS) based on a field data analysis utilizing data collected from a MMITSS prototype and a simulation analysis. The Intelligent Tra...

Magnetoviscoelastic characteristics of superparamagnetic oxides (Fe, Ni) based ferrofluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katiyar, Ajay; Dhar, Purbarun; Nandi, Tandra; Das, Sarit K.

2017-08-01

Ferrofluids have been popular among the academic and scientific communities owing to their intelligent physical characteristics under external stimuli and are in fact among the first nanotechnology products to be employed in real world applications. However, studies on the magnetoviscoelastic behavior of concentrated ferrofluids, especially of superparamagnetic oxides of iron and nickel are rare. The present article comprises the formulation of magneto-colloids utilizing the three various metal oxides nanoparticles viz. Iron (II, III) oxide (Fe3O4), Iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3) and Nickel oxide (NiO) in oil. Iron (II, III) oxide based colloids demonstrate high magnetoviscous characteristics over the other oxides based colloids under external magnetic fields. The maximum magnitude of yield stress and viscosity is found to be 3.0 kPa and 2.9 kPa.s, respectively for iron (II, III) oxide based colloids at 2.6 vol% particle concentration and 1.2 T magnetic field. Experimental investigations reveal that the formulated magneto-nanocolloids are stable, even in high magnetic fields and almost reversible when exposed to rising and drop of magnetic fields of the same magnitude. Observations also reveal that the elastic behavior dominates over the viscous behavior with enhanced relaxation and creep characteristics under the magnetic field. The effect of temperature on viscosity and yield stress of magneto-nanocolloids under magnetic fields has also been discussed. Thus, the present findings have potential applications in various fields such as electromagnetic clutch and brakes of automotive, damping, sealing, optics, nanofinishing etc.

Comparisons of measured and calculated potential magnetic fields. [in solar corona

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hagyard, M. J.; Teuber, D.

1978-01-01

Photospheric line-of-sight and transverse-magnetic-field data obtained, with a vector magnetograph system for an isolated sunspot are described. A study of the linear polarization patterns and of the calculated transverse field lines indicates that the magnetic field of the region is very nearly potential. The H-alpha fibril structures of this region as seen in high-resolution photographs corroborate this conclusion. Consequently, a potential-field calculation is described using the measured line-of-sight fields together with assumed Neumann boundary conditions; both are necessary and sufficient for a unique solution. The computed transverse fields are then compared with the measured transverse fields to verify the potential-field model and assumed boundary values. The implications of these comparisons for the validity of magnetic-field extrapolations using potential theory are discussed.

Real-Space Multiple-Scattering Theory and Its Applications at Exascale

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

Eisenbach, Markus; Wang, Yang

In recent decades, the ab initio methods based on density functional theory (DFT) (Hohenberg and Kohn 1964, Kohn and Sham 1965) have become a widely used tool in computational materials science, which allows theoretical prediction of physical properties of materials from the first principles and theoretical interpretation of new physical phenomena found in experiments. In the framework of DFT, the original problem that requires solving a quantum mechanical equation for a many-electron system is reduced to a one-electron problem that involves an electron moving in an effective field, while the effective field potential is made up of an electrostatic potential,more » also known as Hartree potential, arising from the electronic and ion charge distribution in space and an exchange–correlation potential, which is a function of the electron density and encapsulates the exchange and correlation effects of the many-electron system. Even though the exact functional form of the exchange-correlation potential is formally unknown, a local density approximation (LDA) or a generalized gradient approximation (GGA) is usually applied so that the calculation of the exchange–correlation potential, as well as the exchange–correlation energy, becomes tractable while a required accuracy is retained. Based on DFT, ab initio electronic structure calculations for a material generally involve a self-consistent process that iterates between two computational tasks: (1) solving an one-electron Schrödinger equation, also known as Kohn–Sham equation, to obtain the electron density and, if needed, the magnetic moment density, and (2) solving the Poisson equation to obtain the electrostatic potential corresponding to the electron density and constructing the effective potential by adding the exchange–correlation potential to the electrostatic potential. This self-consistent process proceeds until a convergence criteria is reached.« less

Finite element analysis of time-independent superconductivity. Ph.D. Thesis Final Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schuler, James J.

1993-01-01

The development of electromagnetic (EM) finite elements based upon a generalized four-potential variational principle is presented. The use of the four-potential variational principle allows for downstream coupling of EM fields with the thermal, mechanical, and quantum effects exhibited by superconducting materials. The use of variational methods to model an EM system allows for a greater range of applications than just the superconducting problem. The four-potential variational principle can be used to solve a broader range of EM problems than any of the currently available formulations. It also reduces the number of independent variables from six to four while easily dealing with conductor/insulator interfaces. This methodology was applied to a range of EM field problems. Results from all these problems predict EM quantities exceptionally well and are consistent with the expected physical behavior.

Examining the Potential of Forest Residue-Based Amendments for Post-Wildfire Rehabilitation in Colorado, USA

PubMed Central

Minatre, Kerri L.; Pierson, Derek N.; Fegel, Timothy S.; Cotrufo, M. Francesca; Kelly, Eugene F.

2017-01-01

Wildfire is a natural disturbance, though elemental losses and changes that occur during combustion and post-fire erosion can have long-term impacts on soil properties, ecosystem productivity, and watershed condition. Here we evaluate the potential of forest residue-based materials to rehabilitate burned soils. We compare soil nutrient and water availability, and plant recovery after application of 37 t ha−1 of wood mulch, 20 t ha−1 of biochar, and the combination of the two amendments with untreated, burned soils. We also conducted a greenhouse trial to examine how biochar influenced soil nutrient and water content under two wetting regimes. The effects of wood mulch on plant-available soil N and water content were significant and seasonally consistent during the three-year field study. Biochar applied alone had few effects under field conditions, but significantly increased soil pH, Ca, P, and water in the greenhouse. The mulched biochar treatment had the greatest effects on soil N and water availability and increased cover of the most abundant native plant. We found that rehabilitation treatments consisting of forest residue-based products have potential to enhance soil N and water dynamics and plant recovery following severe wildfire and may be justified where erosion risk or water supply protection are crucial. PMID:28321358

Examining the Potential of Forest Residue-Based Amendments for Post-Wildfire Rehabilitation in Colorado, USA.

PubMed

Rhoades, Charles C; Minatre, Kerri L; Pierson, Derek N; Fegel, Timothy S; Cotrufo, M Francesca; Kelly, Eugene F

2017-01-01

Wildfire is a natural disturbance, though elemental losses and changes that occur during combustion and post-fire erosion can have long-term impacts on soil properties, ecosystem productivity, and watershed condition. Here we evaluate the potential of forest residue-based materials to rehabilitate burned soils. We compare soil nutrient and water availability, and plant recovery after application of 37 t ha -1 of wood mulch, 20 t ha -1 of biochar, and the combination of the two amendments with untreated, burned soils. We also conducted a greenhouse trial to examine how biochar influenced soil nutrient and water content under two wetting regimes. The effects of wood mulch on plant-available soil N and water content were significant and seasonally consistent during the three-year field study. Biochar applied alone had few effects under field conditions, but significantly increased soil pH, Ca, P, and water in the greenhouse. The mulched biochar treatment had the greatest effects on soil N and water availability and increased cover of the most abundant native plant. We found that rehabilitation treatments consisting of forest residue-based products have potential to enhance soil N and water dynamics and plant recovery following severe wildfire and may be justified where erosion risk or water supply protection are crucial.

A PARAMETRIC STUDY OF BCS RF SURFACE IMPEDANCE WITH MAGNETIC FIELD USING THE XIAO CODE

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

Reece, Charles E.; Xiao, Binping

2013-09-01

A recent new analysis of field-dependent BCS rf surface impedance based on moving Cooper pairs has been presented.[1] Using this analysis coded in Mathematica TM, survey calculations have been completed which examine the sensitivities of this surface impedance to variation of the BCS material parameters and temperature. The results present a refined description of the "best theoretical" performance available to potential applications with corresponding materials.

M-X Environmental Technical Report. Alternative Potential Operating Base Locations.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-12-22

baseball recreation area School District 10 acres field. 4 lighted tennis courts, gym Middle School Millard County 7 acres Play area; basketball...recreation area School District 7 standard gym Elementary School Millard County 5 acres Playground equipment, ball recreation area School District field 4097... ict res. The iperiods of growth and departure will cause great fluctuations in property v.-du.s. In addition, the character of the comnuni ties will

Field theory of pattern identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agu, Masahiro

1988-06-01

Based on the psychological experimental fact that images in mental space are transformed into other images for pattern identification, a field theory of pattern identification of geometrical patterns is developed with the use of gauge field theory in Euclidean space. Here, the ``image'' or state function ψ[χ] of the brain reacting to a geometrical pattern χ is made to correspond to the electron's wave function in Minkowski space. The pattern identification of the pattern χ with the modified pattern χ+Δχ is assumed to be such that their images ψ[χ] and ψ[χ+Δχ] in the brain are transformable with each other through suitable transformation groups such as parallel transformation, dilatation, or rotation. The transformation group is called the ``image potential'' which corresponds to the vector potential of the gauge field. An ``image field'' derived from the image potential is found to be induced in the brain when the two images ψ[χ] and ψ[χ+Δχ] are not transformable through suitable transformation groups or gauge transformations. It is also shown that, when the image field exists, the final state of the image ψ[χ] is expected to be different, depending on the paths of modifications of the pattern χ leading to a final pattern. The above fact is interpreted as a version of the Aharonov and Bohm effect of the electron's wave function [A. Aharonov and D. Bohm, Phys. Rev. 115, 485 (1959)]. An excitation equation of the image field is also derived by postulating that patterns are identified maximally for the purpose of minimizing the number of memorized standard patterns.

Dark field microscopic analysis of discrete Au nanostructures: Understanding the correlation of scattering with stoichiometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Guoqing; Bu, Tong; Zako, Tamotsu; Watanabe-Tamaki, Ryoko; Tanaka, Takuo; Maeda, Mizuo

2017-09-01

Due to the potential of gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based trace analysis, the discrimination of small AuNP clusters with different assembling stoichiometry is a subject of fundamental and technological importance. Here we prepare oligomerized AuNPs with controlled stoichiometry through DNA-directed assembly, and demonstrate that AuNP monomers, dimers and trimers can be clearly distinguished using dark field microscopy (DFM). The scattering intensity for of AuNP structures with stoichiometry ranging from 1 to 3 agrees well with our theoretical calculations. This study demonstrates the potential of utilizing the DFM approach in ultra-sensitive detection as well as the use of DNA-directed assembly for plasmonic nano-architectures.

On the topology of the inflaton field in minimal supergravity models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2014-04-01

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

Definition of the relativistic geoid in terms of isochronometric surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Philipp, Dennis; Perlick, Volker; Puetzfeld, Dirk; Hackmann, Eva; Lämmerzahl, Claus

2017-05-01

We present a definition of the geoid that is based on the formalism of general relativity without approximations; i.e., it allows for arbitrarily strong gravitational fields. For this reason, it applies not only to the Earth and other planets but also to compact objects such as neutron stars. We define the geoid as a level surface of a time-independent redshift potential. Such a redshift potential exists in any stationary spacetime. Therefore, our geoid is well defined for any rigidly rotating object with constant angular velocity and a fixed rotation axis that is not subject to external forces. Our definition is operational because the level surfaces of a redshift potential can be realized with the help of standard clocks, which may be connected by optical fibers. Therefore, these surfaces are also called "isochronometric surfaces." We deliberately base our definition of a relativistic geoid on the use of clocks since we believe that clock geodesy offers the best methods for probing gravitational fields with highest precision in the future. However, we also point out that our definition of the geoid is mathematically equivalent to a definition in terms of an acceleration potential, i.e., that our geoid may also be viewed as a level surface orthogonal to plumb lines. Moreover, we demonstrate that our definition reduces to the known Newtonian and post-Newtonian notions in the appropriate limits. As an illustration, we determine the isochronometric surfaces for rotating observers in axisymmetric static and axisymmetric stationary solutions to Einstein's vacuum field equation, with the Schwarzschild metric, the Erez-Rosen metric, the q metric, and the Kerr metric as particular examples.

A zonal method for modeling powered-lift aircraft flow fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, D. W.

1989-01-01

A zonal method for modeling powered-lift aircraft flow fields is based on the coupling of a three-dimensional Navier-Stokes code to a potential flow code. By minimizing the extent of the viscous Navier-Stokes zones the zonal method can be a cost effective flow analysis tool. The successful coupling of the zonal solutions provides the viscous/inviscid interations that are necessary to achieve convergent and unique overall solutions. The feasibility of coupling the two vastly different codes is demonstrated. The interzone boundaries were overlapped to facilitate the passing of boundary condition information between the codes. Routines were developed to extract the normal velocity boundary conditions for the potential flow zone from the viscous zone solution. Similarly, the velocity vector direction along with the total conditions were obtained from the potential flow solution to provide boundary conditions for the Navier-Stokes solution. Studies were conducted to determine the influence of the overlap of the interzone boundaries and the convergence of the zonal solutions on the convergence of the overall solution. The zonal method was applied to a jet impingement problem to model the suckdown effect that results from the entrainment of the inviscid zone flow by the viscous zone jet. The resultant potential flow solution created a lower pressure on the base of the vehicle which produces the suckdown load. The feasibility of the zonal method was demonstrated. By enhancing the Navier-Stokes code for powered-lift flow fields and optimizing the convergence of the coupled analysis a practical flow analysis tool will result.

Weak scattering of scalar and electromagnetic random fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tong, Zhisong

This dissertation encompasses several studies relating to the theory of weak potential scattering of scalar and electromagnetic random, wide-sense statistically stationary fields from various types of deterministic or random linear media. The proposed theory is largely based on the first Born approximation for potential scattering and on the angular spectrum representation of fields. The main focus of the scalar counterpart of the theory is made on calculation of the second-order statistics of scattered light fields in cases when the scattering medium consists of several types of discrete particles with deterministic or random potentials. It is shown that the knowledge of the correlation properties for the particles of the same and different types, described with the newly introduced pair-scattering matrix, is crucial for determining the spectral and coherence states of the scattered radiation. The approach based on the pair-scattering matrix is then used for solving an inverse problem of determining the location of an "alien" particle within the scattering collection of "normal" particles, from several measurements of the spectral density of scattered light. Weak scalar scattering of light from a particulate medium in the presence of optical turbulence existing between the scattering centers is then approached using the combination of the Born's theory for treating the light interaction with discrete particles and the Rytov's theory for light propagation in extended turbulent medium. It is demonstrated how the statistics of scattered radiation depend on scattering potentials of particles and the power spectra of the refractive index fluctuations of turbulence. This theory is of utmost importance for applications involving atmospheric and oceanic light transmission. The second part of the dissertation includes the theoretical procedure developed for predicting the second-order statistics of the electromagnetic random fields, such as polarization and linear momentum, scattered from static media. The spatial distribution of these properties of scattered fields is shown to be substantially dependent on the correlation and polarization properties of incident fields and on the statistics of the refractive index distribution within the scatterers. Further, an example is considered which illustrates the usefulness of the electromagnetic scattering theory of random fields in the case when the scattering medium is a thin bio-tissue layer with the prescribed power spectrum of the refractive index fluctuations. The polarization state of the scattered light is shown to be influenced by correlation and polarization states of the illumination as well as by the particle size distribution of the tissue slice.

Catalytic dimer nanomotors: continuum theory and microscopic dynamics.

PubMed

Reigh, Shang Yik; Kapral, Raymond

2015-04-28

Synthetic chemically-powered motors with various geometries have potentially new applications involving dynamics on very small scales. Self-generated concentration and fluid flow fields, which depend on geometry, play essential roles in motor dynamics. Sphere-dimer motors, comprising linked catalytic and noncatalytic spheres, display more complex versions of such fields, compared to the often-studied spherical Janus motors. By making use of analytical continuum theory and particle-based simulations we determine the concentration fields, and both the complex structure of the near-field and point-force dipole nature of the far-field behavior of the solvent velocity field that are important for studies of collective motor motion. We derive the dependence of motor velocity on geometric factors such as sphere size and dimer bond length and, thus, show how to construct motors with specific characteristics.

Resonant Magnetic Field Sensors Based On MEMS Technology.

PubMed

Herrera-May, Agustín L; Aguilera-Cortés, Luz A; García-Ramírez, Pedro J; Manjarrez, Elías

2009-01-01

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology allows the integration of magnetic field sensors with electronic components, which presents important advantages such as small size, light weight, minimum power consumption, low cost, better sensitivity and high resolution. We present a discussion and review of resonant magnetic field sensors based on MEMS technology. In practice, these sensors exploit the Lorentz force in order to detect external magnetic fields through the displacement of resonant structures, which are measured with optical, capacitive, and piezoresistive sensing techniques. From these, the optical sensing presents immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and reduces the read-out electronic complexity. Moreover, piezoresistive sensing requires an easy fabrication process as well as a standard packaging. A description of the operation mechanisms, advantages and drawbacks of each sensor is considered. MEMS magnetic field sensors are a potential alternative for numerous applications, including the automotive industry, military, medical, telecommunications, oceanographic, spatial, and environment science. In addition, future markets will need the development of several sensors on a single chip for measuring different parameters such as the magnetic field, pressure, temperature and acceleration.

Resonant Magnetic Field Sensors Based On MEMS Technology

PubMed Central

Herrera-May, Agustín L.; Aguilera-Cortés, Luz A.; García-Ramírez, Pedro J.; Manjarrez, Elías

2009-01-01

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology allows the integration of magnetic field sensors with electronic components, which presents important advantages such as small size, light weight, minimum power consumption, low cost, better sensitivity and high resolution. We present a discussion and review of resonant magnetic field sensors based on MEMS technology. In practice, these sensors exploit the Lorentz force in order to detect external magnetic fields through the displacement of resonant structures, which are measured with optical, capacitive, and piezoresistive sensing techniques. From these, the optical sensing presents immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and reduces the read-out electronic complexity. Moreover, piezoresistive sensing requires an easy fabrication process as well as a standard packaging. A description of the operation mechanisms, advantages and drawbacks of each sensor is considered. MEMS magnetic field sensors are a potential alternative for numerous applications, including the automotive industry, military, medical, telecommunications, oceanographic, spatial, and environment science. In addition, future markets will need the development of several sensors on a single chip for measuring different parameters such as the magnetic field, pressure, temperature and acceleration. PMID:22408480

Novel Nanotechnology Strategies for the Treatment and Prevention of HIV Infection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Jian Jun; Sun, Xiao Hui; Ma, Xue Ting; Guan, Jian Qing; Wang, Cun Xin

2013-09-01

It is a hard work to develop an hightly effective cure and prevention of HIV/AIDS. The widespread used of some therapy approaches such as highly active anti retroviral therapy (HAART) has improved life quality and span of infected individuals. However, some limitations of these approaches prevent them achieving further advancement. Recent research on drug delivery approaches indicates that engineered nanosystems may bring positive effect on the improvement of current antiretroviral therapy. Furthermore, the basic researches of nanotechnology- based systems which prevent HIV transmission have been started. Therefore, nanotechnology may become a potential approach in the field of HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention. This chapter reviews the latest advancement in the field of nanotechnology-based systems which improve the fields of HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention.

Development of a high brightness ultrafast Transmission Electron Microscope based on a laser-driven cold field emission source.

PubMed

Houdellier, F; Caruso, G M; Weber, S; Kociak, M; Arbouet, A

2018-03-01

We report on the development of an ultrafast Transmission Electron Microscope based on a cold field emission source which can operate in either DC or ultrafast mode. Electron emission from a tungsten nanotip is triggered by femtosecond laser pulses which are tightly focused by optical components integrated inside a cold field emission source close to the cathode. The properties of the electron probe (brightness, angular current density, stability) are quantitatively determined. The measured brightness is the largest reported so far for UTEMs. Examples of imaging, diffraction and spectroscopy using ultrashort electron pulses are given. Finally, the potential of this instrument is illustrated by performing electron holography in the off-axis configuration using ultrashort electron pulses. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

NanoLuc: A Small Luciferase is Brightening up the Field of Bioluminescence

PubMed Central

Cai, Weibo

2016-01-01

The biomedical field has greatly benefited from the discovery of bioluminescent proteins. Currently, scientists employ bioluminescent systems for numerous biomedical applications, ranging from highly sensitive cellular assays to bioluminescence-based molecular imaging. Traditionally, these systems are based on Firefly and Renilla luciferases; however, the applicability of these enzymes is limited by their size, stability, and luminescence efficiency. NanoLuc (NLuc), a novel bioluminescence platform, offers several advantages over established systems, including enhanced stability, smaller size, and >150-fold increase in luminescence. In addition, the substrate for NLuc displays enhanced stability and lower background activity, opening up new possibilities in the field of bioluminescence imaging. The NLuc system is incredibly versatile and may be utilized for a wide array of applications. The increased sensitivity, high stability, and small size of the NLuc system have the potential to drastically change the field of reporter assays in the future. However, as with all such technology, NLuc has limitations (including a non-ideal emission for in vivo applications and its unique substrate) which may cause it to find restricted use in certain areas of molecular biology. As this unique technology continues to broaden, NLuc may have a significant impact in both preclinical and clinical fields, with potential roles in disease detection, molecular imaging, and therapeutic monitoring. This review will present the NLuc technology to the scientific community in a non-biased manner, allowing the audience to adopt their own views of this novel system. PMID:27045664

A study on assimilating potential vorticity data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yong; Ménard, Richard; Riishøjgaard, Lars Peter; Cohn, Stephen E.; Rood, Richard B.

1998-08-01

The correlation that exists between the potential vorticity (PV) field and the distribution of chemical tracers such as ozone suggests the possibility of using tracer observations as proxy PV data in atmospheric data assimilation systems. Especially in the stratosphere, there are plentiful tracer observations but a general lack of reliable wind observations, and the correlation is most pronounced. The issue investigated in this study is how model dynamics would respond to the assimilation of PV data. First, numerical experiments of identical-twin type were conducted with a simple univariate nuding algorithm and a global shallow water model based on PV and divergence (PV-D model). All model fields are successfully reconstructed through the insertion of complete PV data alone if an appropriate value for the nudging coefficient is used. A simple linear analysis suggests that slow modes are recovered rapidly, at a rate nearly independent of spatial scale. In a more realistic experiment, appropriately scaled total ozone data from the NIMBUS-7 TOMS instrument were assimilated as proxy PV data into the PV-D model over a 10-day period. The resulting model PV field matches the observed total ozone field relatively well on large spatial scales, and the PV, geopotential and divergence fields are dynamically consistent. These results indicate the potential usefulness that tracer observations, as proxy PV data, may offer in a data assimilation system.

Biot-Savart helicity versus physical helicity: A topological description of ideal flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahihi, Taliya; Eshraghi, Homayoon

2014-08-01

For an isentropic (thus compressible) flow, fluid trajectories are considered as orbits of a family of one parameter, smooth, orientation-preserving, and nonsingular diffeomorphisms on a compact and smooth-boundary domain in the Euclidian 3-space which necessarily preserve a finite measure, later interpreted as the fluid mass. Under such diffeomorphisms the Biot-Savart helicity of the pushforward of a divergence-free and tangent to the boundary vector field is proved to be conserved and since these circumstances present an isentropic flow, the conservation of the "Biot-Savart helicity" is established for such flows. On the other hand, the well known helicity conservation in ideal flows which here we call it "physical helicity" is found to be an independent constant with respect to the Biot-Savart helicity. The difference between these two helicities reflects some topological features of the domain as well as the velocity and vorticity fields which is discussed and is shown for simply connected domains the two helicities coincide. The energy variation of the vorticity field is shown to be formally the same as for the incompressible flow obtained before. For fluid domains consisting of several disjoint solid tori, at each time, the harmonic knot subspace of smooth vector fields on the fluid domain is found to have two independent base sets with a special type of orthogonality between these two bases by which a topological description of the vortex and velocity fields depending on the helicity difference is achieved since this difference is shown to depend only on the harmonic knot parts of velocity, vorticity, and its Biot-Savart vector field. For an ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) flow three independent constant helicities are reviewed while the helicity of magnetic potential is generalized for non-simply connected domains by inserting a special harmonic knot field in the dynamics of the magnetic potential. It is proved that the harmonic knot part of the vorticity in hydrodynamics and the magnetic field in MHD is presented by constant coefficients (fluxes) when expanded in terms of one of the time dependent base functions.

Implementation of MEPDG for asphalt pavement with RAP.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-06-01

This study explored the potential of using high reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) content with hot mix asphalt (HMA) in base and surface courses for conditions prevailing in Oklahoma. A total of eight Superpave mixes (four mixes for each of two field ...

Field strength measurements of speed measuring radar units

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1981-06-01

The objective of this project was to measure the microwave radiation emitted by speed measuring radar units to obtain a data base for evaluating the potential radiation hazards of these devices. Measurements were taken both in free-space and with the...

MRI diffusion tensor reconstruction with PROPELLER data acquisition.

PubMed

Cheryauka, Arvidas B; Lee, James N; Samsonov, Alexei A; Defrise, Michel; Gullberg, Grant T

2004-02-01

MRI diffusion imaging is effective in measuring the diffusion tensor in brain, cardiac, liver, and spinal tissue. Diffusion tensor tomography MRI (DTT MRI) method is based on reconstructing the diffusion tensor field from measurements of projections of the tensor field. Projections are obtained by appropriate application of rotated diffusion gradients. In the present paper, the potential of a novel data acquisition scheme, PROPELLER (Periodically Rotated Overlapping ParallEL Lines with Enhanced Reconstruction), is examined in combination with DTT MRI for its capability and sufficiency for diffusion imaging. An iterative reconstruction algorithm is used to reconstruct the diffusion tensor field from rotated diffusion weighted blades by appropriate rotated diffusion gradients. DTT MRI with PROPELLER data acquisition shows significant potential to reduce the number of weighted measurements, avoid ambiguity in reconstructing diffusion tensor parameters, increase signal-to-noise ratio, and decrease the influence of signal distortion.

Brownian Motion in a Speckle Light Field: Tunable Anomalous Diffusion and Selective Optical Manipulation

PubMed Central

Volpe, Giorgio; Volpe, Giovanni; Gigan, Sylvain

2014-01-01

The motion of particles in random potentials occurs in several natural phenomena ranging from the mobility of organelles within a biological cell to the diffusion of stars within a galaxy. A Brownian particle moving in the random optical potential associated to a speckle pattern, i.e., a complex interference pattern generated by the scattering of coherent light by a random medium, provides an ideal model system to study such phenomena. Here, we derive a theory for the motion of a Brownian particle in a speckle field and, in particular, we identify its universal characteristic timescale. Based on this theoretical insight, we show how speckle light fields can be used to control the anomalous diffusion of a Brownian particle and to perform some basic optical manipulation tasks such as guiding and sorting. Our results might broaden the perspectives of optical manipulation for real-life applications. PMID:24496461

A reconfigurable waveguide for energy-efficient transmission and local manipulation of information in a nanomagnetic device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haldar, Arabinda; Kumar, Dheeraj; Adeyeye, Adekunle Olusola

2016-05-01

Spin-wave-based devices promise to usher in an era of low-power computing where information is carried by the precession of the electrons' spin instead of dissipative translation of their charge. This potential is, however, undermined by the need for a bias magnetic field, which must remain powered on to maintain an anisotropic device characteristic. Here, we propose a reconfigurable waveguide design that can transmit and locally manipulate spin waves without the need for any external bias field once initialized. We experimentally demonstrate the transmission of spin waves in straight as well as curved waveguides without a bias field, which has been elusive so far. Furthermore, we experimentally show a binary gating of the spin-wave signal by controlled switching of the magnetization, locally, in the waveguide. The results have potential implications in high-density integration and energy-efficient operation of nanomagnetic devices at room temperature.

Potential field cellular automata model for pedestrian flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Peng; Jian, Xiao-Xia; Wong, S. C.; Choi, Keechoo

2012-02-01

This paper proposes a cellular automata model of pedestrian flow that defines a cost potential field, which takes into account the costs of travel time and discomfort, for a pedestrian to move to an empty neighboring cell. The formulation is based on a reconstruction of the density distribution and the underlying physics, including the rule for resolving conflicts, which is comparable to that in the floor field cellular automaton model. However, we assume that each pedestrian is familiar with the surroundings, thereby minimizing his or her instantaneous cost. This, in turn, helps reduce the randomness in selecting a target cell, which improves the existing cellular automata modelings, together with the computational efficiency. In the presence of two pedestrian groups, which are distinguished by their destinations, the cost distribution for each group is magnified due to the strong interaction between the two groups. As a typical phenomenon, the formation of lanes in the counter flow is reproduced.

A Gibbs point field model for the spatial pattern of coronary capillaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karch, R.; Neumann, M.; Neumann, F.; Ullrich, R.; Neumüller, J.; Schreiner, W.

2006-09-01

We propose a Gibbs point field model for the pattern of coronary capillaries in transverse histologic sections from human hearts, based on the physiology of oxygen supply from capillaries to tissue. To specify the potential energy function of the Gibbs point field, we draw on an analogy between the equation of steady-state oxygen diffusion from an array of parallel capillaries to the surrounding tissue and Poisson's equation for the electrostatic potential of a two-dimensional distribution of identical point charges. The influence of factors other than diffusion is treated as a thermal disturbance. On this basis, we arrive at the well-known two-dimensional one-component plasma, a system of identical point charges exhibiting a weak (logarithmic) repulsive interaction that is completely characterized by a single dimensionless parameter. By variation of this parameter, the model is able to reproduce many characteristics of real capillary patterns.

Simple and Multiple Endmember Mixture Analysis in the Boreal Forest

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, Dar A.; Gamon, John A.; Qiu, Hong-Lie

2000-01-01

A key scientific objective of the original Boreal Ecosystem-Atmospheric Study (BOREAS) field campaign (1993-1996) was to obtain the baseline data required for modeling and predicting fluxes of energy, mass, and trace gases in the boreal forest biome. These data sets are necessary to determine the sensitivity of the boreal forest biome to potential climatic changes and potential biophysical feedbacks on climate. A considerable volume of remotely sensed and supporting field data were acquired by numerous researchers to meet this objective. By design, remote sensing and modeling were considered critical components for scaling efforts, extending point measurements from flux towers and field sites over larger spatial and longer temporal scales. A major focus of the BOREAS Follow-on program was concerned with integrating the diverse remotely sensed and ground-based data sets to address specific questions such as carbon dynamics at local to regional scales.

Idealized model of polar cap currents, fields, and auroras

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cornwall, J. M.

1985-01-01

During periods of northward Bz, the electric field applied to the magnetosphere is generally opposite to that occurring during southward Bz and complicated patterns of convection result, showing some features reversed in comparison with the southward Bz case. A study is conducted of a simple generalization of early work on idealized convection models, which allows for coexistence of sunward convection over the central polar cap and antisunward convection elsewhere in the cap. The present model, valid for By approximately 0, has a four-cell convection pattern and is based on the combination of ionospheric current conservation with a relation between parallel auroral currents and parallel potential drops. Global magnetospheric issues involving, e.g., reconnection are not considered. The central result of this paper is an expression giving the parallel potential drop for polar cap auroras (with By approximately 0) in terms of the polar cap convection field profile.

Transferable Force Field for Metal–Organic Frameworks from First-Principles: BTW-FF

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

We present an ab-initio derived force field to describe the structural and mechanical properties of metal–organic frameworks (or coordination polymers). The aim is a transferable interatomic potential that can be applied to MOFs regardless of metal or ligand identity. The initial parametrization set includes MOF-5, IRMOF-10, IRMOF-14, UiO-66, UiO-67, and HKUST-1. The force field describes the periodic crystal and considers effective atomic charges based on topological analysis of the Bloch states of the extended materials. Transferable potentials were developed for the four organic ligands comprising the test set and for the associated Cu, Zn, and Zr metal nodes. The predicted materials properties, including bulk moduli and vibrational frequencies, are in agreement with explicit density functional theory calculations. The modal heat capacity and lattice thermal expansion are also predicted. PMID:25574157

Integrating field methodology and web-based data collection to assess the reliability of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).

PubMed

Celio, Mark A; Vetter-O'Hagen, Courtney S; Lisman, Stephen A; Johansen, Gerard E; Spear, Linda P

2011-12-01

Field methodologies offer a unique opportunity to collect ecologically valid data on alcohol use and its associated problems within natural drinking environments. However, limitations in follow-up data collection methods have left unanswered questions regarding the psychometric properties of field-based measures. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the reliability of self-report data collected in a naturally occurring environment - as indexed by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) - compared to self-report data obtained through an innovative web-based follow-up procedure. Individuals recruited outside of bars (N=170; mean age=21; range 18-32) provided a BAC sample and completed a self-administered survey packet that included the AUDIT. BAC feedback was provided anonymously through a dedicated web page. Upon sign in, follow-up participants (n=89; 52%) were again asked to complete the AUDIT before receiving their BAC feedback. Reliability analyses demonstrated that AUDIT scores - both continuous and dichotomized at the standard cut-point - were stable across field- and web-based administrations. These results suggest that self-report data obtained from acutely intoxicated individuals in naturally occurring environments are reliable when compared to web-based data obtained after a brief follow-up interval. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the feasibility, utility, and potential of integrating field methods and web-based data collection procedures. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE AS APPLIED TO GENERAL SURGERY

PubMed Central

Orlando, Giuseppe; Wood, Kathryn J; De Coppi, Paolo; Baptista, Pedro M; Binder, Kyle W; Bitar, Khalil N; Breuer, Christopher; Burnett, Luke; Christ, George; Farney, Alan; Figliuzzi, Marina; Holmes, James H; Koch, Kenneth; Macchiarini, Paolo; Sani, Sayed-Hadi Mirmalek; Opara, Emmanuel; Remuzzi, Andrea; Rogers, Jeffrey; Saul, Justin M; Seliktar, Dror; Shapira-Schweitzer, Keren; Smith, Tom; Solomon, Daniel; Van Dyke, Mark; Yoo, James J; Zhang, Yuanyuan; Atala, Anthony; Stratta, Robert J; Soker, Shay

2012-01-01

The present review illustrates the state of the art of regenerative medicine (RM) as applied to surgical diseases and demonstrates that this field has the potential to address some of the unmet needs in surgery. RM is a multidisciplinary field whose purpose is to regenerate in vivo or ex vivo human cells, tissues or organs in order to restore or establish normal function through exploitation of the potential to regenerate, which is intrinsic to human cells, tissues and organs. RM uses cells and/or specially designed biomaterials to reach its goals and RM-based therapies are already in use in several clinical trials in most fields of surgery. The main challenges for investigators are threefold: Creation of an appropriate microenvironment ex vivo that is able to sustain cell physiology and function in order to generate the desired cells or body parts; identification and appropriate manipulation of cells that have the potential to generate parenchymal, stromal and vascular components on demand, both in vivo and ex vivo; and production of smart materials that are able to drive cell fate. PMID:22330032

A new DG nanoscale TFET based on MOSFETs by using source gate electrode: 2D simulation and an analytical potential model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramezani, Zeinab; Orouji, Ali A.

2017-08-01

This paper suggests and investigates a double-gate (DG) MOSFET, which emulates tunnel field effect transistors (M-TFET). We have combined this novel concept into a double-gate MOSFET, which behaves as a tunneling field effect transistor by work function engineering. In the proposed structure, in addition to the main gate, we utilize another gate over the source region with zero applied voltage and a proper work function to convert the source region from N+ to P+. We check the impact obtained by varying the source gate work function and source doping on the device parameters. The simulation results of the M-TFET indicate that it is a suitable case for a switching performance. Also, we present a two-dimensional analytic potential model of the proposed structure by solving the Poisson's equation in x and y directions and by derivatives from the potential profile; thus, the electric field is achieved. To validate our present model, we use the SILVACO ATLAS device simulator. The analytical results have been compared with it.

An extended cost potential field cellular automata model considering behavior variation of pedestrian flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Fang; Li, Xingli; Kuang, Hua; Bai, Yang; Zhou, Huaguo

2016-11-01

The original cost potential field cellular automata describing normal pedestrian evacuation is extended to study more general evacuation scenarios. Based on the cost potential field function, through considering the psychological characteristics of crowd under emergencies, the quantitative formula of behavior variation is introduced to reflect behavioral changes caused by psychology tension. The numerical simulations are performed to investigate the effects of the magnitude of behavior variation, the different pedestrian proportions with different behavior variation and other factors on the evacuation efficiency and process in a room. The spatiotemporal dynamic characteristic during the evacuation process is also discussed. The results show that compared with the normal evacuation, the behavior variation under an emergency does not necessarily lead to the decrease of the evacuation efficiency. At low density, the increase of the behavior variation can improve the evacuation efficiency, while at high density, the evacuation efficiency drops significantly with the increasing amplitude of the behavior variation. In addition, the larger proportion of pedestrian affected by the behavior variation will prolong the evacuation time.

Optical properties in GaAs/AlGaAs semiparabolic quantum wells by the finite difference method: Combined effects of electric field and magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Ru-Yu; Tang, Jian; Zhang, Zhi-Hai; Yuan, Jian-Hui

2018-05-01

In the present work, the optical properties of GaAs/AlGaAs semiparabolic quantum wells (QWs) are studied under the effect of applied electric field and magnetic field by using the compact-density-matrix method. The energy eigenvalues and their corresponding eigenfunctions of the system are calculated by using the differential method. Simultaneously, the nonlinear optical rectification (OR) and optical absorption coefficients (OACs) are investigated, which are modulated by the applied electric field and magnetic field. It is found that the position and the magnitude of the resonant peaks of the nonlinear OR and OACs can depend strongly on the applied electric field, magnetic field and confined potential frequencies. This gives a new way to control the device applications based on the intersubband transitions of electrons in this system.

[Multi-channel in vivo recording techniques: signal processing of action potentials and local field potentials].

PubMed

Xu, Jia-Min; Wang, Ce-Qun; Lin, Long-Nian

2014-06-25

Multi-channel in vivo recording techniques are used to record ensemble neuronal activity and local field potentials (LFP) simultaneously. One of the key points for the technique is how to process these two sets of recorded neural signals properly so that data accuracy can be assured. We intend to introduce data processing approaches for action potentials and LFP based on the original data collected through multi-channel recording system. Action potential signals are high-frequency signals, hence high sampling rate of 40 kHz is normally chosen for recording. Based on waveforms of extracellularly recorded action potentials, tetrode technology combining principal component analysis can be used to discriminate neuronal spiking signals from differently spatially distributed neurons, in order to obtain accurate single neuron spiking activity. LFPs are low-frequency signals (lower than 300 Hz), hence the sampling rate of 1 kHz is used for LFPs. Digital filtering is required for LFP analysis to isolate different frequency oscillations including theta oscillation (4-12 Hz), which is dominant in active exploration and rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, gamma oscillation (30-80 Hz), which is accompanied by theta oscillation during cognitive processing, and high frequency ripple oscillation (100-250 Hz) in awake immobility and slow wave sleep (SWS) state in rodent hippocampus. For the obtained signals, common data post-processing methods include inter-spike interval analysis, spike auto-correlation analysis, spike cross-correlation analysis, power spectral density analysis, and spectrogram analysis.

Development of Optically Active Nanostructures for Potential Applications in Sensing, Therapeutics and Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joshi, Padmanabh

Materials at nanoscale are finding manifold applications in the various fields like sensing, plasmonics, therapeutics, to mention a few. Large amount of development has taken place regarding synthesis and exploring the novel applications of the various types of nanomaterials like organic, inorganic and hybrid of both. Yet, it is believed that the full potential of different nanomaterials is yet to be fully established stimulating researchers to explore more in the field of nanotechnology. Building on the same premise, in the following studies we have developed the nanomaterials in the class of optically active nanoparticles. First part of the study we have successfully designed, synthesized, and characterized Ag-Fe3O4 nanocomposite substrate for potential applications in quantitative Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) measurements. Quantitative SERS-based detection of dopamine was performed successfully. In subsequent study, facile, single-step synthesis of polyethyleneimine (PEI) coated lanthanide based NaYF4 (Yb, Er) nanoparticles was developed and their application as potential photodynamic therapy agent was studied using excitations by light in near infra-red and visible region. In the following and last study, synthesis and characterization of the conjugated polymer nanoparticles was attempted successfully. Functionalization of the conjugated nanoparticles, which is a bottleneck for their potential applications, was successfully performed by encapsulating them in the silica nanoparticles, surface of which was then functionalized by amine group. Three types of optically active nanoparticles were developed for potential applications in sensing, therapeutics and imaging.

TREDI: A self consistent three-dimensional integration scheme for RF-gun dynamics based on the Lienard-Wiechert potentials formalism

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

Giannessi, Luca; Quattromini, Marcello

1997-06-01

We describe the model for the simulation of charged beam dynamics in radiofrequency injectors used in the three dimensional code TREDI, where the inclusion of space charge fields is obtained by means of the Lienard-Wiechert retarded potentials. The problem of charge screening is analyzed in covariant form and some general recipes for charge assignment and noise reduction are given.

A new online computational biology curriculum.

PubMed

Searls, David B

2014-06-01

A recent proliferation of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and other web-based educational resources has greatly increased the potential for effective self-study in many fields. This article introduces a catalog of several hundred free video courses of potential interest to those wishing to expand their knowledge of bioinformatics and computational biology. The courses are organized into eleven subject areas modeled on university departments and are accompanied by commentary and career advice.

Editors' Choice—Field Trials Testing of Mixed Potential Electrochemical Hydrogen Safety Sensors at Commercial California Hydrogen Filling Stations

DOE PAGES

Brosha, Eric Lanich; Romero, Christopher Jesse; Poppe, Daniel; ...

2017-10-27

Hydrogen safety sensors must meet specific performance requirements, mandated by the U.S. Department of Energy, for hydrogen fueling station monitoring. Here, we describe the long-term performance of two zirconia-based mixed potential electrochemical hydrogen gas sensors, developed specifically with a high sensitivity to hydrogen, low cross-sensitivity, and fast response time. Over a two-year period, sensors with tin-doped indium oxide and strontium doped lanthanum chromite electrodes were deployed at two stations in four field trials tests conducted in Los Angeles. The sensors documented the existence of hydrogen plumes ranging in concentration from 100 to as high as 2700 ppm in the areamore » surrounding the dispenser, consistent with depressurization from 700 bar following vehicle refueling. As expected, the hydrogen concentration reported by the mixed potential sensors was influenced by wind direction. Baseline stability testing at a Chino, CA station showed no measureable baseline drift throughout 206 days of uninterrupted data acquisition. The high baseline stability, excellent correlation with logged fueling/depressurization events, and absence of false alarms suggest that the zirconia-based mixed potential sensor platform is a good candidate for protecting hydrogen infrastructure where frequent calibrations or sensor replacement to reduce the false alarm frequency have been shown to be cost prohibitive.« less

Editors' Choice—Field Trials Testing of Mixed Potential Electrochemical Hydrogen Safety Sensors at Commercial California Hydrogen Filling Stations

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

Brosha, Eric Lanich; Romero, Christopher Jesse; Poppe, Daniel

Hydrogen safety sensors must meet specific performance requirements, mandated by the U.S. Department of Energy, for hydrogen fueling station monitoring. Here, we describe the long-term performance of two zirconia-based mixed potential electrochemical hydrogen gas sensors, developed specifically with a high sensitivity to hydrogen, low cross-sensitivity, and fast response time. Over a two-year period, sensors with tin-doped indium oxide and strontium doped lanthanum chromite electrodes were deployed at two stations in four field trials tests conducted in Los Angeles. The sensors documented the existence of hydrogen plumes ranging in concentration from 100 to as high as 2700 ppm in the areamore » surrounding the dispenser, consistent with depressurization from 700 bar following vehicle refueling. As expected, the hydrogen concentration reported by the mixed potential sensors was influenced by wind direction. Baseline stability testing at a Chino, CA station showed no measureable baseline drift throughout 206 days of uninterrupted data acquisition. The high baseline stability, excellent correlation with logged fueling/depressurization events, and absence of false alarms suggest that the zirconia-based mixed potential sensor platform is a good candidate for protecting hydrogen infrastructure where frequent calibrations or sensor replacement to reduce the false alarm frequency have been shown to be cost prohibitive.« less

Creating a Knowledge-Based Economy in the United Arab Emirates: Realising the Unfulfilled Potential of Women in the Science, Technology and Engineering Fields

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aswad, Noor Ghazal; Vidican, Georgeta; Samulewicz, Diana

2011-01-01

As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) moves towards a knowledge-based economy, maximising the participation of the national workforce, especially women, in the transformation process is crucial. Using survey methods and semi-structured interviews, this paper examines the factors that influence women's decisions regarding their degree programme and…

Nanotechnology in bone tissue engineering.

PubMed

Walmsley, Graham G; McArdle, Adrian; Tevlin, Ruth; Momeni, Arash; Atashroo, David; Hu, Michael S; Feroze, Abdullah H; Wong, Victor W; Lorenz, Peter H; Longaker, Michael T; Wan, Derrick C

2015-07-01

Nanotechnology represents a major frontier with potential to significantly advance the field of bone tissue engineering. Current limitations in regenerative strategies include impaired cellular proliferation and differentiation, insufficient mechanical strength of scaffolds, and inadequate production of extrinsic factors necessary for efficient osteogenesis. Here we review several major areas of research in nanotechnology with potential implications in bone regeneration: 1) nanoparticle-based methods for delivery of bioactive molecules, growth factors, and genetic material, 2) nanoparticle-mediated cell labeling and targeting, and 3) nano-based scaffold construction and modification to enhance physicochemical interactions, biocompatibility, mechanical stability, and cellular attachment/survival. As these technologies continue to evolve, ultimate translation to the clinical environment may allow for improved therapeutic outcomes in patients with large bone deficits and osteodegenerative diseases. Traditionally, the reconstruction of bony defects has relied on the use of bone grafts. With advances in nanotechnology, there has been significant development of synthetic biomaterials. In this article, the authors provided a comprehensive review on current research in nanoparticle-based therapies for bone tissue engineering, which should be useful reading for clinicians as well as researchers in this field. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Potential feasibility of dental stem cells for regenerative therapies: stem cell transplantation and whole-tooth engineering.

PubMed

Nakahara, Taka

2011-07-01

Multipotent mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow are expected to be a somatic stem cell source for the development of new cell-based therapy in regenerative medicine. However, dental clinicians are unlikely to carry out autologous cell/tissue collection from patients (i.e., marrow aspiration) as a routine procedure in their clinics; hence, the utilization of bone marrow stem cells seems impractical in the dental field. Dental tissues harvested from extracted human teeth are well known to contain highly proliferative and multipotent stem cell compartments and are considered to be an alternative autologous cell source in cell-based medicine. This article provides a short overview of the ongoing studies for the potential application of dental stem cells and suggests the utilization of 2 concepts in future regenerative medicine: (1) dental stem cell-based therapy for hepatic and other systemic diseases and (2) tooth replacement therapy using the bioengineered human whole tooth, called the "test-tube dental implant." Regenerative therapies will bring new insights and benefits to the fields of clinical medicine and dentistry.

How we compute N matters to estimates of mixing in stratified flows

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

Arthur, Robert S.; Venayagamoorthy, Subhas K.; Koseff, Jeffrey R.

We know that most commonly used models for turbulent mixing in the ocean rely on a background stratification against which turbulence must work to stir the fluid. While this background stratification is typically well defined in idealized numerical models, it is more difficult to capture in observations. Here, a potential discrepancy in ocean mixing estimates due to the chosen calculation of the background stratification is explored using direct numerical simulation data of breaking internal waves on slopes. There are two different methods for computing the buoyancy frequencymore » $N$$, one based on a three-dimensionally sorted density field (often used in numerical models) and the other based on locally sorted vertical density profiles (often used in the field), are used to quantify the effect of$$N$$on turbulence quantities. It is shown that how$$N$$is calculated changes not only the flux Richardson number$$R_{f}$$, which is often used to parameterize turbulent mixing, but also the turbulence activity number or the Gibson number$$Gi$$, leading to potential errors in estimates of the mixing efficiency using$$Gi$-based parameterizations.« less

How we compute N matters to estimates of mixing in stratified flows

DOE PAGES

Arthur, Robert S.; Venayagamoorthy, Subhas K.; Koseff, Jeffrey R.; ...

2017-10-13

We know that most commonly used models for turbulent mixing in the ocean rely on a background stratification against which turbulence must work to stir the fluid. While this background stratification is typically well defined in idealized numerical models, it is more difficult to capture in observations. Here, a potential discrepancy in ocean mixing estimates due to the chosen calculation of the background stratification is explored using direct numerical simulation data of breaking internal waves on slopes. There are two different methods for computing the buoyancy frequencymore » $N$$, one based on a three-dimensionally sorted density field (often used in numerical models) and the other based on locally sorted vertical density profiles (often used in the field), are used to quantify the effect of$$N$$on turbulence quantities. It is shown that how$$N$$is calculated changes not only the flux Richardson number$$R_{f}$$, which is often used to parameterize turbulent mixing, but also the turbulence activity number or the Gibson number$$Gi$$, leading to potential errors in estimates of the mixing efficiency using$$Gi$-based parameterizations.« less

Morphology-Controlled Synthesis of Rhodium Nanoparticles for Cancer Phototherapy.

PubMed

Kang, Seounghun; Shin, Woojun; Choi, Myung-Ho; Ahn, Minchul; Kim, Young-Kwan; Kim, Seongchan; Min, Dal-Hee; Jang, Hongje

2018-06-22

Rhodium nanoparticles are promising transition metal nanocatalysts for electrochemical and synthetic organic chemistry applications. However, notwithstanding their potential, to date, Rh nanoparticles have not been utilized for biological applications; there has been no cytotoxicity study of Rh reported in the literature. In this regard, the absence of a facile and controllable synthetic strategy of Rh nanostructures with various sizes and morphologies might be responsible for the lack of progress in this field. Herein, we have developed a synthetic strategy for Rh nanostructures with controllable morphology through an inverse-directional galvanic replacement reaction. Three types of Rh-based nanostructures-nanoshells, nanoframes, and porous nanoplates-were successfully synthesized. A plausible synthetic mechanism based on thermodynamic considerations has also been proposed. The cytotoxicity, surface functionalization, and photothermal therapeutic effect of manufactured Rh nanostructures were systematically investigated to reveal their potential for in vitro and in vivo biological applications. Considering the comparable behavior of porous Rh nanoplates to that of gold nanostructures that are widely used in nanomedicine, the present study introduces Rh-based nanostructures into the field of biological research.

UAV path planning using artificial potential field method updated by optimal control theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yong-bo; Luo, Guan-chen; Mei, Yue-song; Yu, Jian-qiao; Su, Xiao-long

2016-04-01

The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) path planning problem is an important assignment in the UAV mission planning. Based on the artificial potential field (APF) UAV path planning method, it is reconstructed into the constrained optimisation problem by introducing an additional control force. The constrained optimisation problem is translated into the unconstrained optimisation problem with the help of slack variables in this paper. The functional optimisation method is applied to reform this problem into an optimal control problem. The whole transformation process is deduced in detail, based on a discrete UAV dynamic model. Then, the path planning problem is solved with the help of the optimal control method. The path following process based on the six degrees of freedom simulation model of the quadrotor helicopters is introduced to verify the practicability of this method. Finally, the simulation results show that the improved method is more effective in planning path. In the planning space, the length of the calculated path is shorter and smoother than that using traditional APF method. In addition, the improved method can solve the dead point problem effectively.

FUN3D Grid Refinement and Adaptation Studies for the Ares Launch Vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bartels, Robert E.; Vasta, Veer; Carlson, Jan-Renee; Park, Mike; Mineck, Raymond E.

2010-01-01

This paper presents grid refinement and adaptation studies performed in conjunction with computational aeroelastic analyses of the Ares crew launch vehicle (CLV). The unstructured grids used in this analysis were created with GridTool and VGRID while the adaptation was performed using the Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) code FUN3D with a feature based adaptation software tool. GridTool was developed by ViGYAN, Inc. while the last three software suites were developed by NASA Langley Research Center. The feature based adaptation software used here operates by aligning control volumes with shock and Mach line structures and by refining/de-refining where necessary. It does not redistribute node points on the surface. This paper assesses the sensitivity of the complex flow field about a launch vehicle to grid refinement. It also assesses the potential of feature based grid adaptation to improve the accuracy of CFD analysis for a complex launch vehicle configuration. The feature based adaptation shows the potential to improve the resolution of shocks and shear layers. Further development of the capability to adapt the boundary layer and surface grids of a tetrahedral grid is required for significant improvements in modeling the flow field.

Vacuum selection on axionic landscapes

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

Wang, Gaoyuan; Battefeld, Thorsten, E-mail: gaoyuan.wang@stud.uni-goettingen.de, E-mail: tbattefe@astro.physik.uni-goettingen.de

2016-04-01

We compute the distribution of minima that are reached dynamically on multi-field axionic landscapes, both numerically and analytically. Such landscapes are well suited for inflationary model building due to the presence of shift symmetries and possible alignment effects (the KNP mechanism). The resulting distribution of dynamically reached minima differs considerably from the naive expectation based on counting all vacua. These differences are more pronounced in the presence of many fields due to dynamical selection effects: while low lying minima are preferred as fields roll down the potential, trajectories are also more likely to get trapped by one of the manymore » nearby minima. We show that common analytic arguments based on random matrix theory in the large D-limit to estimate the distribution of minima are insufficient for quantitative arguments pertaining to the dynamically reached ones. This discrepancy is not restricted to axionic potentials. We provide an empirical expression for the expectation value of such dynamically reached minimas' height and argue that the cosmological constant problem is not alleviated in the absence of anthropic arguments. We further comment on the likelihood of inflation on axionic landscapes in the large D-limit.« less

Controlling the electric charge of gold nanoplatelets on an insulator by field emission nc-AFM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baris, Bulent; Alchaar, Mohanad; Prasad, Janak; Gauthier, Sébastien; Dujardin, Erik; Martrou, David

2018-03-01

Charging of 2D Au nanoplatelets deposited on an insulating SiO2 substrate to or from the tip of a non-contact atomic force microscope (nc-AFM) is demonstrated. Charge transfer is controlled by monitoring the resonance frequency shift Δf(V) during the bias voltage ramp V applied to the tip-back electrode junction. The onset of charge transfer is revealed by a transition from a capacitive parabolic behavior to a constant Δf(V) region for both polarities. An analytical model, based on charging by electron field emission, shows that the field-emitted current saturates shortly after the onset of the charging, due to the limiting effect of the charge-induced rise of the Au platelet potential. The value of this current plateau depends only on the rate of the bias voltage ramp and on the value of the platelet/SiO2/back electrode capacitance. This analysis is confirmed by numerical simulations based on a virtual nc-AFM model that faithfully matches the experimental data. Our charging protocol could be used to tune the potential of the platelets at the single charge level.

Modeling of crack growth under mixed-mode loading by a molecular dynamics method and a linear fracture mechanics approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stepanova, L. V.

2017-12-01

Atomistic simulations of the central crack growth process in an infinite plane medium under mixed-mode loading using Large-Scale Atomic/Molecular Massively Parallel Simulator (LAMMPS), a classical molecular dynamics code, are performed. The inter-atomic potential used in this investigation is the Embedded Atom Method (EAM) potential. Plane specimens with an initial central crack are subjected to mixed-mode loadings. The simulation cell contains 400,000 atoms. The crack propagation direction angles under different values of the mixity parameter in a wide range of values from pure tensile loading to pure shear loading in a wide range of temperatures (from 0.1 K to 800 K) are obtained and analyzed. It is shown that the crack propagation direction angles obtained by molecular dynamics coincide with the crack propagation direction angles given by the multi-parameter fracture criteria based on the strain energy density and the multi-parameter description of the crack-tip fields. The multi-parameter fracture criteria are based on the multi-parameter stress field description taking into account the higher order terms of the Williams series expansion of the crack tip fields.

Electromagnetic field analysis and modeling of a relative position detection sensor for high speed maglev trains.

PubMed

Xue, Song; He, Ning; Long, Zhiqiang

2012-01-01

The long stator track for high speed maglev trains has a tooth-slot structure. The sensor obtains precise relative position information for the traction system by detecting the long stator tooth-slot structure based on nondestructive detection technology. The magnetic field modeling of the sensor is a typical three-dimensional (3-D) electromagnetic problem with complex boundary conditions, and is studied semi-analytically in this paper. A second-order vector potential (SOVP) is introduced to simplify the vector field problem to a scalar field one, the solution of which can be expressed in terms of series expansions according to Multipole Theory (MT) and the New Equivalent Source (NES) method. The coefficients of the expansions are determined by the least squares method based on the boundary conditions. Then, the solution is compared to the simulation result through Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The comparison results show that the semi-analytical solution agrees approximately with the numerical solution. Finally, based on electromagnetic modeling, a difference coil structure is designed to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of the sensor.

Electromagnetic Field Analysis and Modeling of a Relative Position Detection Sensor for High Speed Maglev Trains

PubMed Central

Xue, Song; He, Ning; Long, Zhiqiang

2012-01-01

The long stator track for high speed maglev trains has a tooth-slot structure. The sensor obtains precise relative position information for the traction system by detecting the long stator tooth-slot structure based on nondestructive detection technology. The magnetic field modeling of the sensor is a typical three-dimensional (3-D) electromagnetic problem with complex boundary conditions, and is studied semi-analytically in this paper. A second-order vector potential (SOVP) is introduced to simplify the vector field problem to a scalar field one, the solution of which can be expressed in terms of series expansions according to Multipole Theory (MT) and the New Equivalent Source (NES) method. The coefficients of the expansions are determined by the least squares method based on the boundary conditions. Then, the solution is compared to the simulation result through Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The comparison results show that the semi-analytical solution agrees approximately with the numerical solution. Finally, based on electromagnetic modeling, a difference coil structure is designed to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of the sensor. PMID:22778652

Dark-field imaging in coronary atherosclerosis.

PubMed

Hetterich, Holger; Webber, Nicole; Willner, Marian; Herzen, Julia; Birnbacher, Lorenz; Auweter, Sigrid; Schüller, Ulrich; Bamberg, Fabian; Notohamiprodjo, Susan; Bartsch, Harald; Wolf, Johannes; Marschner, Mathias; Pfeiffer, Franz; Reiser, Maximilian; Saam, Tobias

2017-09-01

Dark-field imaging based on small angle X-ray scattering has been shown to be highly sensitive for microcalcifications, e.g. in breast tissue. We hypothesized (i) that high signal areas in dark-field imaging of atherosclerotic plaque are associated with microcalcifications and (ii) that dark-field imaging is more sensitive for microcalcifications than attenuation-based imaging. Fifteen coronary artery specimens were examined at an experimental set-up consisting of X-ray tube (40kV), grating-interferometer and detector. Tomographic dark-field-, attenuation-, and phase-contrast data were simultaneously acquired. Histopathology served as standard of reference. To explore the potential of dark field imaging in a full-body CT system, simulations were carried out with spherical calcifications of different sizes to simulate small and intermediate microcalcifications. Microcalcifications were present in 10/10 (100%) cross-sections with high dark-field signal and without evidence of calcifications in attenuation- or phase contrast. In positive controls with high signal areas in all three modalities, 10/10 (100%) cross-sections showed macrocalcifications. In negative controls without high signal areas, no calcifications were detected. Simulations showed that the microcalcifications generate substantially higher dark-field than attenuation signal. Dark-field imaging is highly sensitive for microcalcifications in coronary atherosclerotic plaque and might provide complementary information in the assessment of plaque instability. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electric potential calculation in molecular simulation of electric double layer capacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhenxing; Olmsted, David L.; Asta, Mark; Laird, Brian B.

2016-11-01

For the molecular simulation of electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs), a number of methods have been proposed and implemented to determine the one-dimensional electric potential profile between the two electrodes at a fixed potential difference. In this work, we compare several of these methods for a model LiClO4-acetonitrile/graphite EDLC simulated using both the traditional fixed-charged method (FCM), in which a fixed charge is assigned a priori to the electrode atoms, or the recently developed constant potential method (CPM) (2007 J. Chem. Phys. 126 084704), where the electrode charges are allowed to fluctuate to keep the potential fixed. Based on an analysis of the full three-dimensional electric potential field, we suggest a method for determining the averaged one-dimensional electric potential profile that can be applied to both the FCM and CPM simulations. Compared to traditional methods based on numerically solving the one-dimensional Poisson’s equation, this method yields better accuracy and no supplemental assumptions.

Wavelet analysis for wind fields estimation.

PubMed

Leite, Gladeston C; Ushizima, Daniela M; Medeiros, Fátima N S; de Lima, Gilson G

2010-01-01

Wind field analysis from synthetic aperture radar images allows the estimation of wind direction and speed based on image descriptors. In this paper, we propose a framework to automate wind direction retrieval based on wavelet decomposition associated with spectral processing. We extend existing undecimated wavelet transform approaches, by including à trous with B(3) spline scaling function, in addition to other wavelet bases as Gabor and Mexican-hat. The purpose is to extract more reliable directional information, when wind speed values range from 5 to 10 ms(-1). Using C-band empirical models, associated with the estimated directional information, we calculate local wind speed values and compare our results with QuikSCAT scatterometer data. The proposed approach has potential application in the evaluation of oil spills and wind farms.

Strain-assisted current-induced magnetization reversal in magnetic tunnel junctions: A micromagnetic study with phase-field microelasticity

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

Huang, H. B., E-mail: houbinghuang@gmail.com; Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083; Hu, J. M.

2014-09-22

Effect of substrate misfit strain on current-induced in-plane magnetization reversal in CoFeB-MgO based magnetic tunnel junctions is investigated by combining micromagnetic simulations with phase-field microelasticity theory. It is found that the critical current density for in-plane magnetization reversal decreases dramatically with an increasing substrate strain, since the effective elastic field can drag the magnetization to one of the four in-plane diagonal directions. A potential strain-assisted multilevel bit spin transfer magnetization switching device using substrate misfit strain is also proposed.

On the energy integral formulation of gravitational potential differences from satellite-to-satellite tracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, J. Y.; Shang, K.; Jekeli, C.; Shum, C. K.

2015-04-01

Two approaches have been formulated to compute the gravitational potential difference using low-low satellite-to-satellite tracking data based on energy integral: one in the geocentric inertial reference system, and the other in the terrestrial reference system. The focus of this work is on the approach in the geocentric inertial reference system, where a potential rotation term appears in addition to the potential term. In former formulations, the contribution of the time-variable components of the gravitational potential to the potential term was included, but their contribution to the potential rotation term was neglected. In this work, an improvement to the former formulations is made by reformulating the potential rotation term to include the contribution of the time-variable components of the gravitational potential. A simulation shows that our more accurate formulation of the potential rotation term is necessary to achieve the accuracy for recovering the temporal variation of the Earth's gravity field, such as for use to the Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment GRACE observation data based on this approach.

Streaming current magnetic fields in a charged nanopore.

PubMed

Mansouri, Abraham; Taheri, Peyman; Kostiuk, Larry W

2016-11-11

Magnetic fields induced by currents created in pressure driven flows inside a solid-state charged nanopore were modeled by numerically solving a system of steady state continuum partial differential equations, i.e., Poisson, Nernst-Planck, Ampere and Navier-Stokes equations (PNPANS). This analysis was based on non-dimensional transport governing equations that were scaled using Debye length as the characteristic length scale, and applied to a finite length cylindrical nano-channel. The comparison of numerical and analytical studies shows an excellent agreement and verified the magnetic fields density both inside and outside the nanopore. The radially non-uniform currents resulted in highly non-uniform magnetic fields within the nanopore that decay as 1/r outside the nanopore. It is worth noting that for either streaming currents or streaming potential cases, the maximum magnetic field occurred inside the pore in the vicinity of nanopore wall, as opposed to a cylindrical conductor that carries a steady electric current where the maximum magnetic fields occur at the perimeter of conductor. Based on these results, it is suggested and envisaged that non-invasive external magnetic fields readouts generated by streaming/ionic currents may be viewed as secondary electronic signatures of biomolecules to complement and enhance current DNA nanopore sequencing techniques.

Evaluation of cracks with different hidden depths and shapes using surface magnetic field measurements based on semi-analytical modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Feng; Liu, Shulin

2018-03-01

In this paper, we present a feasibility study for detecting cracks with different hidden depths and shapes using information contained in the magnetic field excited by a rectangular coil with a rectangular cross section. First, we solve for the eigenvalues and the unknown coefficients of the magnetic vector potential by imposing artificial and natural boundary conditions. Thus, a semi-analytical solution for the magnetic field distribution around the surface of a conducting plate that contains a long hidden crack is formulated. Next, based on the proposed modelling, the influences of the different hidden depth cracks on the surface magnetic field are analysed. The results show that the horizontal and vertical components of the magnetic field near the crack are becoming weaker and that the phase information of the magnetic field can be used to qualitatively determine the hidden depth of the crack. In addition, the model is optimised to improve its accuracy in classifying crack types. The relationship between signal features and crack shapes is subsequently established. The modified model is validated by using finite element simulations, visually indicating the change in the magnetic field near the crack.

Streaming current magnetic fields in a charged nanopore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mansouri, Abraham; Taheri, Peyman; Kostiuk, Larry W.

2016-11-01

Magnetic fields induced by currents created in pressure driven flows inside a solid-state charged nanopore were modeled by numerically solving a system of steady state continuum partial differential equations, i.e., Poisson, Nernst-Planck, Ampere and Navier-Stokes equations (PNPANS). This analysis was based on non-dimensional transport governing equations that were scaled using Debye length as the characteristic length scale, and applied to a finite length cylindrical nano-channel. The comparison of numerical and analytical studies shows an excellent agreement and verified the magnetic fields density both inside and outside the nanopore. The radially non-uniform currents resulted in highly non-uniform magnetic fields within the nanopore that decay as 1/r outside the nanopore. It is worth noting that for either streaming currents or streaming potential cases, the maximum magnetic field occurred inside the pore in the vicinity of nanopore wall, as opposed to a cylindrical conductor that carries a steady electric current where the maximum magnetic fields occur at the perimeter of conductor. Based on these results, it is suggested and envisaged that non-invasive external magnetic fields readouts generated by streaming/ionic currents may be viewed as secondary electronic signatures of biomolecules to complement and enhance current DNA nanopore sequencing techniques.

A study on the steady-state solutions of a Bursian diode in the presence of transverse magnetic field, when the electrons of the injected beam are turned back partially or totally

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

Pramanik, Sourav; Chakrabarti, Nikhil; Kuznetsov, V. I.

2015-11-15

The properties of a steady-state planar vacuum diode driven by a cold electron beam have been investigated in the presence of an external transverse magnetic field, employing both the Eulerian and the Lagrangian formalism. With the help of a numerical scheme, the features of the steady-state solutions have been explored in the Eulerian frame, particularly for the case that corresponds to the potential distributions with a virtual cathode. However, exact analytical formulae for the potential and velocity profiles within the inter-electrode region have been derived with the Lagrangian description. In contrast to the previous work [Phys. Plasmas 22, 042110 (2015)],more » here we have emphasized the situation when electrons are reflected back to the emitter by the magnetic field. Both partial and complete reflection of the electrons due to the magnetic field have been taken into account. Using the emitter electric field as a characteristic parameter, steady-state solutions have been evaluated for specific values of diode length, applied voltage, and magnetic field strength. It has been shown that, due to the inclusion of the magnetic field, a new region of non-unique solutions appears. An external magnetic field seems to have a profound effect in controlling fast electronic switches based on the Bursian diode.« less

Optical cylinder designs to increase the field of vision in the osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis.

PubMed

Hull, C C; Liu, C S; Sciscio, A; Eleftheriadis, H; Herold, J

2000-12-01

The single optical cylinders used in the osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP) are known to produce very small visual fields. Values of 40 degrees are typically quoted. The purpose of this paper is to present designs for new optical cylinders that significantly increase the field of view and therefore improve the visual rehabilitation of patients having an OOKP. Computer ray-tracing techniques were used to design and analyse improved one- and two-piece optical cylinders made from polymethyl methacrylate. All designs were required to have a potential visual acuity of 6/6 before consideration was given to the visual field and optimising off-axis image quality. Aspheric surfaces were used where this significantly improved off-axis image quality. Single optical cylinders, with increased posterior cylinder (intraocular) diameters, gave an increase in the theoretical visual field of 18% (from 76 degrees to 90 degrees) over current designs. Two-piece designs based on an inverted telephoto principle gave theoretical field angles over 120 degrees. Aspheric surfaces were shown to improve the off-axis image quality while maintaining a potential visual acuity of at least 6/6. This may well increase the measured visual field by improving the retinal illuminance off-axis. Results demonstrate that it is possible to significantly increase the theoretical maximum visual field through OOKP optical cylinders. Such designs will improve the visual rehabilitation of patients undergoing this procedure.

Photoacoustic imaging velocimetry for flow-field measurement.

PubMed

Ma, Songbo; Yang, Sihua; Xing, Da

2010-05-10

We present the photoacoustic imaging velocimetry (PAIV) method for flow-field measurement based on a linear transducer array. The PAIV method is realized by using a Q-switched pulsed laser, a linear transducer array, a parallel data-acquisition equipment and dynamic focusing reconstruction. Tracers used to track liquid flow field were real-timely detected, two-dimensional (2-D) flow visualization was successfully reached, and flow parameters were acquired by measuring the movement of the tracer. Experimental results revealed that the PAIV method would be developed into 3-D imaging velocimetry for flow-field measurement, and potentially applied to research the security and targeting efficiency of optical nano-material probes. (c) 2010 Optical Society of America.

Remote sensing of Earth's atmosphere and surface using a digital array scanned interferometer: A new type of imaging spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hammer, Philip D.; Valero, Francisco P. J.; Peterson, David L.; Smith, William Hayden

1991-01-01

The capabilities of the digital array scanned interferometer (DASI) class of instruments for measuring terrestrial radiation fields over the visible to mid-infrared are evaluated. DASI's are capable of high throughput, sensitivity and spectral resolution and have the potential for field-of-view spatial discrimination (an imaging spectrometer). The simplicity of design and operation of DASI's make them particularly suitable for field and airborne platform based remote sensing. The long term objective is to produce a versatile field instrument which may be applied toward a variety of atmospheric and surface studies. The operation of DASI and its advantages over other spectrometers are discussed.

Wave-mixing-induced transparency with zero phase shift in atomic vapors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, F.; Zhu, C. J.; Li, Y.

2017-12-01

We present a wave-mixing induced transparency that can lead to a hyper-Raman gain-clamping effect. This new type of transparency is originated from a dynamic gain cancellation effect in a multiphoton process where a highly efficient light field of new frequency is generated and amplified. We further show that this novel dynamic gain cancellation effect not only makes the medium transparent to a probe light field at appropriate frequency but also eliminates the probe field propagation phase shift. This gain-cancellation-based induced transparency holds for many potential applications on optical communication and may lead to effective suppression of parasitic Raman/hyper-Raman noise field generated in high intensity optical fiber transmissions.

Computationally efficient simulation of electrical activity at cell membranes interacting with self-generated and externally imposed electric fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agudelo-Toro, Andres; Neef, Andreas

2013-04-01

Objective. We present a computational method that implements a reduced set of Maxwell's equations to allow simulation of cells under realistic conditions: sub-micron cell morphology, a conductive non-homogeneous space and various ion channel properties and distributions. Approach. While a reduced set of Maxwell's equations can be used to couple membrane currents to extra- and intracellular potentials, this approach is rarely taken, most likely because adequate computational tools are missing. By using these equations, and introducing an implicit solver, numerical stability is attained even with large time steps. The time steps are limited only by the time development of the membrane potentials. Main results. This method allows simulation times of tens of minutes instead of weeks, even for complex problems. The extracellular fields are accurately represented, including secondary fields, which originate at inhomogeneities of the extracellular space and can reach several millivolts. We present a set of instructive examples that show how this method can be used to obtain reference solutions for problems, which might not be accurately captured by the traditional approaches. This includes the simulation of realistic magnitudes of extracellular action potential signals in restricted extracellular space. Significance. The electric activity of neurons creates extracellular potentials. Recent findings show that these endogenous fields act back onto the neurons, contributing to the synchronization of population activity. The influence of endogenous fields is also relevant for understanding therapeutic approaches such as transcranial direct current, transcranial magnetic and deep brain stimulation. The mutual interaction between fields and membrane currents is not captured by today's concepts of cellular electrophysiology, including the commonly used activation function, as those concepts are based on isolated membranes in an infinite, isopotential extracellular space. The presented tool makes simulations with detailed morphology and implicit interactions of currents and fields available to the electrophysiology community.

2D modeling based comprehensive analysis of short channel effects in DMG strained VSTB FET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha, Priyanka; Banerjee, Pritha; Sarkar, Subir Kumar

2018-06-01

The paper aims to develop two dimensional analytical model of the proposed dual material (DM) Vertical Super Thin Body (VSTB) strained Field Effect Transistor (FET) with focus on its short channel behaviour in nanometer regime. Electrostatic potential across gate/channel and dielectric wall/channel interface is derived by solving 2D Poisson's equation with parabolic approximation method by applying appropriate boundary conditions. Threshold voltage is then calculated by using the criteria of minimum surface potential considering both gate and dielectric wall side potential. Performance analysis of the present structure is demonstrated in terms of potential, electric field, threshold voltage characteristics and subthreshold behaviour by varying various device parameters and applied biases. Effect of application of strain in channel is further explored to establish the superiority of the proposed device in comparison to conventional VSTB FET counterpart. All analytical results are compared with Silvaco ATLAS device simulated data to substantiate the accuracy of our derived model.

Pressure and Chemical Potential: Effects Hydrophilic Soils Have on Adsorption and Transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bennethum, L. S.; Weinstein, T.

2003-12-01

Using the assumption that thermodynamic properties of fluid is affected by its proximity to the solid phase, a theoretical model has been developed based on upscaling and fundamental thermodynamic principles (termed Hybrid Mixture Theory). The theory indicates that Darcy's law and the Darcy-scale chemical potential (which determines the rate of adsorption and diffusion) need to be modified in order to apply to soils containing hydrophilic soils. In this talk we examine the Darcy-scale definition of pressure and chemical potential, especially as it applies to hydrophilic soils. To arrive at our model, we used hybrid mixture theory - first pioneered by Hassanizadeh and Gray in 1979. The technique involves averaging the field equations (i.e. conservation of mass, momentum balance, energy balance, etc.) to obtain macroscopic field equations, where each field variable is defined precisely in terms of its microscale counterpart. To close the system consistently with classical thermodynamics, the entropy inequality is exploited in the sense of Coleman and Noll. With the exceptions that the macroscale field variables are defined precisely in terms of their microscale counterparts and that microscopic interfacial equations can also be treated in a similar manner, the resulting system of equations is consistent with those derived using classical mixture theory. Hence the terminology, Hybrid Mixture Theory.

Band-Like Behavior of Localized States of Metal Silicide Precipitate in Silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bondarenko, Anton; Vyvenko, Oleg

2018-03-01

Deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) investigations of energy levels of charge-carrier traps associated with precipitates of metal silicide often show that they behave not like localized monoenergetic traps but as a continuous density of allowed states in the bandgap with fast carrier exchange between these states, so-called band-like behavior. This kind of behavior was ascribed to the dislocation loop bounding the platelet, which in addition exhibits an attractive potential caused by long-range elastic strain. In previous works, the presence of the dislocation-related deformation potential in combination with the external electric field of the Schottky diode was included to obtain a reasonable fit of the proposed model to experimental data. Another well-known particular property of extended defects—the presence of their own strong electric field in their vicinity that is manifested in the logarithmic kinetics of electron capture—was not taken into account. We derive herein a theoretical model that takes into account both the external electric field and the intrinsic electric field of dislocation self-charge as well as its deformation potential, which leads to strong temporal variation of the activation energy during charge-carrier emission. We performed numerical simulations of the DLTS spectra based on such a model for a monoenergetic trap, finding excellent agreement with available experimental data.

Penetration of Nonstationary Ionospheric Electric Fields into Lower Atmospheric Layers in the Global Electric Circuit Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morozov, V. N.

2018-01-01

The problem of the penetration of nonstationary ionospheric electric fields into the lower atmospheric layers is considered based on the model of the global electric circuit in the Earth's atmosphere. For the equation of the electric field potential, a solution that takes into account exponential variation in the electrical conductivity with height has been obtained. Analysis of the solution made it possible to reveal three cases of the dependence of the solution on height. The first case (the case of high frequencies) corresponds to the Coulomb approximation, when the electrical conductivity of the atmosphere can be neglected. In the case of low frequencies (when the frequency of changes in the ionosphere potential is less than the quantity reciprocal to the time of electric relaxation of the atmosphere), a quasi-stationary regime, in which the variation in the electric potential of the atmosphere is determined by the electric conduction currents, occurs. In the third case, due to the increase in the electrical conductivity of the atmosphere, two spherical regions appear: with the Coulomb approximation in the lower region and conduction currents in the upper one. For these three cases, formulas for estimating the electric field strength near the Earth's surface have been obtained.

Global Distributions of Ionospheric Electrostatic Potentials for Various Interplanetary Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kartalev, M.; Papitashvili, V.; Keremidarska, V.; Grigorov, K.; Romanov, D.

2001-12-01

We report on a study of the global ionospheric electrostatic potential distributions obtained from combining two algorithms used for the mapping of high-latitude and middle-latitude ionospheric electrodynamics; that is, the LiMIE (http://www.sprl.umich.edu/mist/) and IMEH (http://geospace.nat.bg) models, respectively. In this combination, the latter model utilizes the LiMIE high-latitude field-aligned current distributions for various IMF conditions and different seasons (summer, winter, equinox). The IMEH model is a mathematical tool, allowing us to study conjugacy (or non-conjugacy) of the ionospheric electric fields on a global scale, from the northern and southern polar regions to the middle- and low-latitudes. The proposed numerical scheme permits testing of different mechanisms of the interhemispheric coupling and mapping to the ionosphere through the appropriate current systems. The scheme is convenient for determining self-consistently the separatrices in both the northern and southern hemispheres. In this study we focus on the global ionospheric electrostatic field distributions neglecting other possible electric field sources. Considering some implications of the proposed technique for the space weather specification and forecasting, we developed a Web-based interface providing global distributions of the ionospheric electrostatic potentials in near-real time from the ACE upstream solar wind observations at L1.

Eye-Tracking as a Tool to Evaluate Functional Ability in Everyday Tasks in Glaucoma.

PubMed

Kasneci, Enkelejda; Black, Alex A; Wood, Joanne M

2017-01-01

To date, few studies have investigated the eye movement patterns of individuals with glaucoma while they undertake everyday tasks in real-world settings. While some of these studies have reported possible compensatory gaze patterns in those with glaucoma who demonstrated good task performance despite their visual field loss, little is known about the complex interaction between field loss and visual scanning strategies and the impact on task performance and, consequently, on quality of life. We review existing approaches that have quantified the effect of glaucomatous visual field defects on the ability to undertake everyday activities through the use of eye movement analysis. Furthermore, we discuss current developments in eye-tracking technology and the potential for combining eye-tracking with virtual reality and advanced analytical approaches. Recent technological developments suggest that systems based on eye-tracking have the potential to assist individuals with glaucomatous loss to maintain or even improve their performance on everyday tasks and hence enhance their long-term quality of life. We discuss novel approaches for studying the visual search behavior of individuals with glaucoma that have the potential to assist individuals with glaucoma, through the use of personalized programs that take into consideration the individual characteristics of their remaining visual field and visual search behavior.

Eye-Tracking as a Tool to Evaluate Functional Ability in Everyday Tasks in Glaucoma

PubMed Central

Black, Alex A.

2017-01-01

To date, few studies have investigated the eye movement patterns of individuals with glaucoma while they undertake everyday tasks in real-world settings. While some of these studies have reported possible compensatory gaze patterns in those with glaucoma who demonstrated good task performance despite their visual field loss, little is known about the complex interaction between field loss and visual scanning strategies and the impact on task performance and, consequently, on quality of life. We review existing approaches that have quantified the effect of glaucomatous visual field defects on the ability to undertake everyday activities through the use of eye movement analysis. Furthermore, we discuss current developments in eye-tracking technology and the potential for combining eye-tracking with virtual reality and advanced analytical approaches. Recent technological developments suggest that systems based on eye-tracking have the potential to assist individuals with glaucomatous loss to maintain or even improve their performance on everyday tasks and hence enhance their long-term quality of life. We discuss novel approaches for studying the visual search behavior of individuals with glaucoma that have the potential to assist individuals with glaucoma, through the use of personalized programs that take into consideration the individual characteristics of their remaining visual field and visual search behavior. PMID:28293433

Photospheric Driving of Non-Potential Coronal Magnetic Field Simulations

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-19

Eh is based only on partial information. In general, it will not be possible to reconstruct Eh uniquely, but with suitable physical assumptions it is...red) builds up the sheared field much more slowly, resulting in a much later eruption (not shown in this figure). 8 The Astrophysical Journal, 823...two curves used =dt h2 . 11 The Astrophysical Journal, 823:55 (16pp), 2016 May 20 Weinzierl et al. Figure 7: Globally integrated quantities for MF

Cropland Field Monitoring: MMV Page 1 Montana Cropland Enrolled Farm Fields Carbon Sequestration Field Sampling, Measurement, Monitoring, and Verification: Application of Visible-Near Infrared Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (VNIR) and Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)

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

Lee Spangler; Ross Bricklemyer; David Brown

2012-03-15

There is growing need for rapid, accurate, and inexpensive methods to measure, and verify soil organic carbon (SOC) change for national greenhouse gas accounting and the development of a soil carbon trading market. Laboratory based soil characterization typically requires significant soil processing, which is time and resource intensive. This severely limits application for large-region soil characterization. Thus, development of rapid and accurate methods for characterizing soils are needed to map soil properties for precision agriculture applications, improve regional and global soil carbon (C) stock and flux estimates and efficiently map sub-surface metal contamination, among others. The greatest gains for efficientmore » soil characterization will come from collecting soil data in situ, thus minimizing soil sample transportation, processing, and lab-based measurement costs. Visible and near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (VisNIR) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) are two complementary, yet fundamentally different spectroscopic techniques that have the potential to meet this need. These sensors have the potential to be mounted on a soil penetrometer and deployed for rapid soil profile characterization at field and landscape scales. Details of sensor interaction, efficient data management, and appropriate statistical analysis techniques for model calibrations are first needed. In situ or on-the-go VisNIR spectroscopy has been proposed as a rapid and inexpensive tool for intensively mapping soil texture and organic carbon (SOC). While lab-based VisNIR has been established as a viable technique for estimating various soil properties, few experiments have compared the predictive accuracy of on-the-go and lab-based VisNIR. Eight north central Montana wheat fields were intensively interrogated using on-the-go and lab-based VisNIR. Lab-based spectral data consistently provided more accurate predictions than on-the-go data. However, neither in situ nor lab-based spectroscopy yielded even semi-quantitative SOC predictions. There was little SOC variability to explain across the eight fields, and on-the-go VisNIR was not able to capture the subtle SOC variability in these Montana soils. With more variation in soil clay content compared to SOC, both lab and on-the-go VisNIR showed better explanatory power. There are several potential explanations for poor on-the-go predictive accuracy: soil heterogeneity, field moisture, consistent sample presentation, and a difference between the spatial support of on-the-go measurements and soil samples collected for laboratory analyses. Though the current configuration of a commercially available on-the-go VisNIR system allows for rapid field scanning, on-the-go soil processing (i.e. drying, crushing, and sieving) could improve soil carbon predictions. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is an emerging elemental analysis technology with the potential to provide rapid, accurate and precise analysis of soil constituents, such as carbon, in situ across landscapes. The research team evaluated the accuracy of LIBS for measuring soil profile carbon in field-moist, intact soil cores simulating conditions that might be encountered by a probe-mounted LIBS instrument measuring soil profile carbon in situ. Over the course of three experiments, more than120 intact soil cores from eight north central Montana wheat fields and the Washington State University (WSU) Cook Agronomy Farm near Pullman, WA were interrogated with LIBS for rapid total carbon (TC), inorganic carbon (IC), and SOC determination. Partial least squares regression models were derived and independently validated at field- and regional scales. Researchers obtained the best LIBS validation predictions for IC followed by TC and SOC. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is fundamentally an elemental analysis technique, yet LIBS PLS2 models appeared to discriminate IC from TC. Regression coefficients from initial models suggested a reliance upon stoichiometric relationships between carbon (247.8 nm) and other elements related to total and inorganic carbon in the soil matrix [Ca (210.2 nm, 211.3 nm, and 220.9 nm), Mg (279.55-280.4 nm, 285.26 nm), and Si (251.6 nm, 288.1 nm)]. Expanding the LIBS spectral range to capture emissions from a broader range of elements related to soil organic matter was explored using two spectrometer systems to improve SOC predictions. Results for increasing the spectral range of LIBS to the full 200-800 nm found modest gains in prediction accuracy for IC, but no gains for predicting TC or SOC. Poor SOC predictions are likely a function of (1) the lack of a consistent/definable molecular composition of SOC, (2) relatively little variation in SOC across field sites, and (3) inorganic carbon constituting the primary form of soil carbon, particularly for Montana soils.« less

Soil profile property estimation with field and laboratory VNIR spectroscopy

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) soil sensors have the potential to provide rapid, high-resolution estimation of multiple soil properties. Although many studies have focused on laboratory-based visible and near-infrared (VNIR) spectroscopy of dried soil samples, previous work has demonstrated ...

Etiology of bronze leaf disease of Populus

Treesearch

Jason A. Smith; R. A. Blanchette; M. E. Ostry; N. A. Anderson

2002-01-01

Bronze leaf disease is a potentially destructive disorder of the Populus section of the genus Populus. The causal agent has been reported to be Apioplagiostoma populi (anarnorph: Discula sp.). Based on etiological and symptomological studies, field observations of symptom development suggest that the pathogen...

Potential effects of maternal contribution on egg and larva population dynamics of striped bass: Integrated individual-based model and directed field sampling

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

Cowan, J.H., Jr.; Rose, K.A.

1991-01-01

We have used a bioenergetically-driven, individual-based model (IBM) of striped bass as a framework for synthesizing available information on population biology and quantifying, in a relative sense, factors that potentially affect year class success. The IBM has been configured to simulate environmental conditions experienced by several striped bass populations; i.e., in the Potomac River, MD; in Hudson River, NY; in the Santee-Cooper River System, SC, and; in the San Joaquin-Sacramento River System CA. These sites represent extremes in the geographic distribution and thus, environmental variability of striped bass spawning. At each location, data describing the physio-chemical and biological characteristics ofmore » the spawning population and nursery area are being collected and synthesized by means of a prioritized, directed field sampling program that is organized by the individual-based recruitment model. Here, we employ the striped bass IBM configured for the Potomac River, MD from spawning into the larval period to evaluate the potential for maternal contribution to affect larva survival and growth. Model simulations in which the size distribution and spawning day of females are altered indicate that larva survival is enhanced (3.3-fold increase) when a high fraction of females in the spawning population are large. Larva stage duration also is less ({bar X} = 18.4 d and 22.2 d) when large and small females, respectively, are mothers in simulations. Although inconclusive, these preliminary results for Potomac River striped bass suggest that the effects of female size, timing of spawning nad maternal contribution on recruitment dynamics potentially are important and illustrate our approach to the study of recruitment in striped bass. We hope to use the model, field collections and management alternatives that vary from site to site, in an iterative manner for some time to come. 54 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.« less

Portable, universal, and visual ion sensing platform based on the light emitting diode-based self-referencing-ion selective field-effect transistor.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaowei; Han, Yanchao; Li, Jing; Zhang, Libing; Jia, Xiaofang; Wang, Erkang

2014-02-04

In this work, a novel and universal ion sensing platform was presented, which enables the visual detection of various ions with high sensitivity and selectivity. Coaxial potential signals (millivolt-scale) of the sample from the self-referencing (SR) ion selective chip can be transferred into the ad620-based amplifier with an output of volt-scale potentials. The amplified voltage is high enough to drive a light emitting diode (LED), which can be used as an amplifier and indicator to report the sample information. With this double amplification device (light emitting diode-based self-referencing-ion selective field-effect transistor, LED-SR-ISFET), a tiny change of the sample concentration can be observed with a distinguishable variation of LED brightness by visual inspection. This LED-based luminescent platform provided a facile, low-cost, and rapid sensing strategy without the need of additional expensive chemiluminescence reagent and instruments. Moreover, the SR mode also endows this device excellent stability and reliability. With this innovative design, sensitive determination of K(+), H(+), and Cl(-) by the naked eye was achieved. It should also be noticed that this sensing strategy can easily be extended to other ions (or molecules) by simply integrating the corresponding ion (or molecule) selective electrode.

Biochemistry and biomedicine of quantum dots: from biodetection to bioimaging, drug discovery, diagnostics, and therapy.

PubMed

Yao, Jun; Li, Pingfan; Li, Lin; Yang, Mei

2018-07-01

According to recent research, nanotechnology based on quantum dots (QDs) has been widely applied in the field of bioimaging, drug delivery, and drug analysis. Therefore, it has become one of the major forces driving basic and applied research. The application of nanotechnology in bioimaging has been of concern. Through in vitro labeling, it was found that luminescent QDs possess many properties such as narrow emission, broad UV excitation, bright fluorescence, and high photostability. The QDs also show great potential in whole-body imaging. The QDs can be combined with biomolecules, and hence, they can be used for targeted drug delivery and diagnosis. The characteristics of QDs make them useful for application in pharmacy and pharmacology. This review focuses on various applications of QDs, especially in imaging, drug delivery, pharmaceutical analysis, photothermal therapy, biochips, and targeted surgery. Finally, conclusions are made by providing some critical challenges and a perspective of how this field can be expected to develop in the future. Quantum dots (QDs) is an emerging field of interdisciplinary subject that involves physics, chemistry, materialogy, biology, medicine, and so on. In addition, nanotechnology based on QDs has been applied in depth in biochemistry and biomedicine. Some forward-looking fields emphatically reflected in some extremely vital areas that possess inspiring potential applicable prospects, such as immunoassay, DNA analysis, biological monitoring, drug discovery, in vitro labelling, in vivo imaging, and tumor target are closely connected to human life and health and has been the top and forefront in science and technology to date. Furthermore, this review has not only involved the traditional biochemical detection but also particularly emphasized its potential applications in life science and biomedicine. Copyright © 2018 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Addressing sub-scan variability of tundra snow properties in ground-based Ku- and X-band scatterometer observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, J. M.; Kasurak, A.; Kelly, R. E.; Duguay, C. R.; Derksen, C.; Rutter, N.; Sandells, M.; Watts, T.

2012-12-01

During the winter of 2010-2011 ground-based Ku- (17.2 GHz) and X-band (9.6 GHz) scatterometers were deployed near Churchill, Manitoba, Canada to evaluate the potential for dual-frequency observation of tundra snow properties. Field-based scatterometer observations when combined with in-situ snowpack properties and physically based models, provide the means necessary to develop and evaluate local scale property retrievals. To form meaningful analysis of the observed physical interaction space, potential sources of bias and error in the observed backscatter must be identified and quantified. This paper explores variation in observed Ku- and X-band backscatter in relation to the physical complexities of shallow tundra snow whose properties evolve at scales smaller than the observing instrument. The University of Waterloo scatterometer (UW-Scat) integrates observations over wide azimuth sweeps, several meters in length, to minimize errors resulting from radar fade and poor signal-to-noise ratios. Under ideal conditions, an assumption is made that the observed snow target is homogeneous. Despite an often-outward appearance of homogeneity, topographic elements of the Canadian open tundra produce significant local scale variability in snow properties, including snow water equivalent (SWE). Snow at open tundra sites observed during this campaign was found to vary by as much as 20 cm in depth and 40 mm in SWE within the scatterometer field of view. Previous studies suggest that changes in snow properties on this order will produce significant variation in backscatter, potentially introducing bias into products used for analysis. To assess the influence of sub-scan variability, extensive snow surveys were completed within the scatterometer field of view immediately after each scan at 32 sites. A standardized sampling protocol captured a grid of geo-located measurements, characterizing the horizontal variability of bulk properties including depth, density, and SWE. Based upon these measurements, continuous surfaces were generated to represent the observed snow target. Two snow pits were also completed within the field of view, quantifying vertical variability in density, permittivity, temperature, grain size, and stratigraphy. A new post-processing method is applied to divide the previously aggregated scatterometer observations into smaller sub-sets, which are then co-located with the physical snow observations. Sub-scan backscatter coefficients and their relationship to tundra snowpack parameters are then explored. The results presented here provide quantitative methods relevant to the radar observation science of snow and, therefore, to potential future space-borne missions such as the Cold Regions Hydrology High-resolution Observatory (CoReH2O), a candidate European Space Agency Earth Explorer mission. Moreover, this paper provides guidelines for future studies exploring ground-based scatterometer observations of tundra snow.

Effects of laser radiation field on energies of hydrogen atom in plasmas

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

Bahar, M. K., E-mail: mussiv58@gmail.com

2015-09-15

In this study, for the first time, the Schrödinger equation with more general exponential cosine screened Coulomb (MGECSC) potential is solved numerically in the presence of laser radiation field within the Ehlotzky approximation using the asymptotic iteration method. The MGECSC potential includes four different potential forms in consideration of different sets of the parameters in the potential. By applying laser field, the total interaction potential of hydrogen atom embedded in plasmas converts to double well-type potential. The plasma screening effects under the influence of laser field as well as confinement effects of laser field on hydrogen atom in Debye andmore » quantum plasmas are investigated by solving the Schrödinger equation with the laser-dressed MGECSC potential. It is resulted that since applying a monochromatic laser field on hydrogen atom embedded in a Debye and quantum plasma causes to shift in the profile of the total interaction potential, the confinement effects of laser field on hydrogen atom in plasmas modeled by the MGECSC potential change localizations of energy states.« less

Developing an outcome-based biodiversity metric in support of the field to market project: Final report

USGS Publications Warehouse

Drew, C. Ashton; Alexander-Vaughn, Louise B.; Collazo, Jaime A.; McKerrow, Alexa; Anderson, John

2013-01-01

Our objective was to create a metric that would calculate the relative impact of common commercial agricultural practices on terrestrial vertebrate richness. We sought to define impacts in fields (including field borders) of the southeastern region’s commercial production of corn, wheat, soy, and cotton. The metric is intended to serve as an educational tool, allowing producers to see how operational decisions made at the field level impact overall vertebrate species richness and to explore decision impacts to targeted species groups (e.g. game, pest, or beneficial species). Agricultural landscapes are often mistakenly thought to be unsuitable habitat for most species. However, as demonstrated by results reported here, even large-scale, conventional agricultural producers are potentially important partners in biodiversity conservation. Many vertebrate species do inhabit agricultural landscapes, benefitting from the provision of water, food, or shelter within cultivated fields and their immediate borders (e.g., Holland et al. 2012). In the Southeastern US, of the 613 terrestrial vertebrate species modeled by the Southeast Gap Analysis Program (SEGAP) (http://www.basic.ncsu.edu/segap/index.html), 263 utilize row crop and associated agricultural land cover classes as potential habitat (Box 1). While some species may be sensitive to certain operational practices (e.g., tillage, pest management, or field border management practices), others are generally tolerant, and some may benefit either directly or indirectly. For example, field margins and ditches often serve as semi-natural habitats providing foraging resources and shelter for vertebrates and are shown to positively influence species richness and abundance (Billeter et al. 2007; Herzon & Helenius 2008; Marshall & Moonen 2002; Shore et al. 2005; Weibull et al. 2003; Wuczyńskia et al. 2011). Biodiversity responses are, therefore, complex, as an individual species’ responses to agricultural production practices depends on that animal’s resource specialization, mobility, and life history strategies (Jeanneret et al. 2003a, b; Jennings & Pocock 2009). The knowledge necessary to define the biodiversity contribution of agricultural lands is specialized, dispersed, and nuanced, and thus not readily accessible. Given access to clearly defined biodiversity tradeoffs between alternative agricultural practices, landowners, land managers and farm operators could collectively enhance the conservation and economic value of agricultural landscapes. Therefore, Field to Market: The Keystone Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture and The Nature Conservancy jointly funded a pilot project to develop a biodiversity metric to integrate into Field to Market’s existing sustainability calculator, The Fieldprint Calculator (http://www. fieldtomarket.org/). Field to Market: The Keystone Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture is an alliance among producers, agribusinesses, food companies, and conservation organizations seeking to create sustainable outcomes for agriculture. The Fieldprint Calculator supports the Keystone Alliance’s vision to achieve safe, accessible, and nutritious food, fiber and fuel in thriving ecosystems to meet the needs of 9 billion people in 2050. In support of this same vision, our project provides proof-of-concept for an outcome-based biodiversity metric for Field to Market to quantify biodiversity impacts of commercial row crop production on terrestrial vertebrate richness. Little research exists examining the impacts of alternative commercial agricultural practices on overall terrestrial biodiversity (McLaughlin & Mineau 1995). Instead, most studies compare organic versus conventional practices (e.g. Freemark & Kirk 2001; Wickramasinghe et al. 2004), and most studies focus on flora, avian, or invertebrate communities (Jeanneret et al. 2003a; Maes et al. 2008; Pollard & Relton 1970). Therefore, we used an expert-knowledge-based approach to develop a metric that predicts expected impacts to shelter and forage resources, individual species, and overall biodiversity (species richness). This approach is modeled after an ecosystems services concept (WRI 2005), except that we examine services (i.e., resources) provided to vertebrate wildlife rather than service provided to the human population. SEGAP predicts species that are potentially present in an area given landscape-scale habitat availability, configuration, and context (e.g., patch size, proximity to resources, connectivity, potential for disturbance). Based on the prediction of species that may be potentially present, the impacts of management decisions within fields and around their borders can be analyzed based on the impact of those practices to the availability of species’ resources. The final metric provides an index of a producer’s relative impact, but perhaps even more importantly, the underlying database allows producers to explore details such as which species are most impacted or how alternative decisions would impact their score. 

Wakefield potentials of corrugated structures

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

Novokhatski, A.

A corrugated structure, which is used in “dechirper” devices, is usually a pipe or two plates with small corrugations (bumps) on the walls. There is a good single-mode description of the wake potentials excited by a relativistic bunch if the wave length of the mode is much longer than the distance between the bumps in the pipe. However, ultrashort bunches, which are now used in free electron lasers, excite much higher frequency fields and the corresponding wake potentials will be very different from the single-mode description. We have made analyses of these wake potentials based on a numerical solution ofmore » Maxwell’s equations. It was confirmed that the behavior of the wakefields of ultrashort bunches in corrugated structures is not much different from the fields excited usually in accelerating structures where the wake potentials are described by the exponential function. For a practical application we present results for the SLAC “dechirper.” We also carried out calculations for a similar device, that was installed and measured at the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, Korea. As a result, we find very good agreement with the experimental results.« less

Wakefield potentials of corrugated structures

DOE PAGES

Novokhatski, A.

2015-10-22

A corrugated structure, which is used in “dechirper” devices, is usually a pipe or two plates with small corrugations (bumps) on the walls. There is a good single-mode description of the wake potentials excited by a relativistic bunch if the wave length of the mode is much longer than the distance between the bumps in the pipe. However, ultrashort bunches, which are now used in free electron lasers, excite much higher frequency fields and the corresponding wake potentials will be very different from the single-mode description. We have made analyses of these wake potentials based on a numerical solution ofmore » Maxwell’s equations. It was confirmed that the behavior of the wakefields of ultrashort bunches in corrugated structures is not much different from the fields excited usually in accelerating structures where the wake potentials are described by the exponential function. For a practical application we present results for the SLAC “dechirper.” We also carried out calculations for a similar device, that was installed and measured at the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, Korea. As a result, we find very good agreement with the experimental results.« less

Estimation of motion fields by non-linear registration for local lung motion analysis in 4D CT image data.

PubMed

Werner, René; Ehrhardt, Jan; Schmidt-Richberg, Alexander; Heiss, Anabell; Handels, Heinz

2010-11-01

Motivated by radiotherapy of lung cancer non- linear registration is applied to estimate 3D motion fields for local lung motion analysis in thoracic 4D CT images. Reliability of analysis results depends on the registration accuracy. Therefore, our study consists of two parts: optimization and evaluation of a non-linear registration scheme for motion field estimation, followed by a registration-based analysis of lung motion patterns. The study is based on 4D CT data of 17 patients. Different distance measures and force terms for thoracic CT registration are implemented and compared: sum of squared differences versus a force term related to Thirion's demons registration; masked versus unmasked force computation. The most accurate approach is applied to local lung motion analysis. Masked Thirion forces outperform the other force terms. The mean target registration error is 1.3 ± 0.2 mm, which is in the order of voxel size. Based on resulting motion fields and inter-patient normalization of inner lung coordinates and breathing depths a non-linear dependency between inner lung position and corresponding strength of motion is identified. The dependency is observed for all patients without or with only small tumors. Quantitative evaluation of the estimated motion fields indicates high spatial registration accuracy. It allows for reliable registration-based local lung motion analysis. The large amount of information encoded in the motion fields makes it possible to draw detailed conclusions, e.g., to identify the dependency of inner lung localization and motion. Our examinations illustrate the potential of registration-based motion analysis.

The problem of deriving the field-induced thermal emission in Poole-Frenkel theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ongaro, R.; Pillonnet, A.

1992-10-01

A discussion is made of the legitimity of implementing the usual model of field-assisted release of electrons, over the lowered potential barrier of donors. It is stressed that no reliable interpretation can avail for the usual modelling of wells, on which Poole-Frenkel (PF) derivations are established. This is so because there does not seem to exist reliable ways of implanting a Coulomb potential well in the gap of a material. In an attempt to bridge the gap between the classical potential-energy approaches and the total-energy approach of Mahapatra and Roy, a Bohr-type model of wells is proposed. In addition, a brief review of quantum treatments of electronic transport in materials is presented, in order to see if more reliable ways of approaching PF effect can be derived on undisputable bases. Finally, it is concluded that, presently, PF effect can be established safely neither theoretically nor experimentally.

The Role of Biomarkers in Detection of Cardio-toxicity.

PubMed

Shah, Kevin S; Yang, Eric H; Maisel, Alan S; Fonarow, Gregg C

2017-06-01

The goal of this paper is to review the current literature on the role of biomarkers in the detection and management of patients with cardio-oncologic disease. The role of biomarker surveillance in patients with known cardiac disease, as a result of chemotherapy or with the potential to develop cardio-toxicity, will be discussed. In addition, the studies surrounding sub-clinical cardiac toxicity monitoring during therapy, identification of high-risk patients prior to therapy, and tailoring oncologic therapies to potential biomarker risk profiles are reviewed. Based on evidence, to date, troponin and natriuretic peptides have the greatest potential to detect sub-clinical cardiac dysfunction and even tailor therapy to prevent progression based on biomarker profiles. Finally, future directions for potential utilization of novel biomarkers for the improvement of care of patients in the field of cardio-oncology are discussed.

Multistable orientation in a nematic liquid crystal cell induced by external field and interfacial interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ong, Hiap Liew; Meyer, Robert B.; Hurd, Alan J.

1984-04-01

The effects of a short-range, arbitrary strength interfacial potential on the magnetic field, electric field, and optical field induced Freedericksz transition in a nematic liquid crystal cell are examined and the exact solution is obtained. By generalizing the criterion for the existence of a first-order optical field induced Freedericksz transition that was obtained previously [H. L. Ong, Phys. Rev. A 28, 2393 (1983)], the general criterion for the transition to be first order is obtained. Based on the existing experimental results, the possibility of surface induced first-order transitions is discussed and three simple empirical approaches are suggested for observing multistable orientation. The early results on the magnetic and electric fields induced Freedericksz transition and the inadequacy of the usual experimental observation methods (phase shift and capacitance measurements) are also discussed.

Tactile sensor of hardness recognition based on magnetic anomaly detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Lingyun; Zhang, Dongfang; Chen, Qingguang; Rao, Huanle; Xu, Ping

2018-03-01

Hardness, as one kind of tactile sensing, plays an important role in the field of intelligent robot application such as gripping, agricultural harvesting, prosthetic hand and so on. Recently, with the rapid development of magnetic field sensing technology with high performance, a number of magnetic sensors have been developed for intelligent application. The tunnel Magnetoresistance(TMR) based on magnetoresistance principal works as the sensitive element to detect the magnetic field and it has proven its excellent ability of weak magnetic detection. In the paper, a new method based on magnetic anomaly detection was proposed to detect the hardness in the tactile way. The sensor is composed of elastic body, ferrous probe, TMR element, permanent magnet. When the elastic body embedded with ferrous probe touches the object under the certain size of force, deformation of elastic body will produce. Correspondingly, the ferrous probe will be forced to displace and the background magnetic field will be distorted. The distorted magnetic field was detected by TMR elements and the output signal at different time can be sampled. The slope of magnetic signal with the sampling time is different for object with different hardness. The result indicated that the magnetic anomaly sensor can recognize the hardness rapidly within 150ms after the tactile moment. The hardness sensor based on magnetic anomaly detection principal proposed in the paper has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, rapid response and it has shown great application potential in the field of intelligent robot.

Study of high breakdown voltage GaN-based current-aperture vertical electron transistor with source-connected field-plates for power applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Haiyong; Mao, Wei; Cong, Guanyu; Wang, Xiaofei; Du, Ming; Zheng, Xuefeng; Wang, Chong; Zhang, Jincheng; Hao, Yue

2018-07-01

A GaN-based current-aperture vertical electron transistor with source-connected field-plates (SFP-CAVET) is proposed and investigated by means of two-dimensional simulations. This device is characterized by the source-connected field-plates (SFP) at both sides, which leads to remarkable improvement of breakdown voltage (BV) without degradation of specific on-resistance (R on). Systematic analyses are conducted to reveal the mechanism of the SFP modulation effect on the potential and the electric field distributions and thus the BV improvement. Optimization and design of SFP-CAVET are performed for the maximum BV. Simulation results exhibit a R on of 2.25 mΩ · cm2 and a significantly enhanced BV of 3610 V in SFP-CAVET, indicating an average breakdown electric field of more than 240 V μm‑1. Compared with conventional CAVET, both BV and average breakdown electric field in SFP-CAVET are increased by more than 121% while R on remains unchanged. And the trade-off performance of BV and R on in SFP-CAVET is also better than that in GaN-based CAVET with superjunctions (SJ CAVET). In addition, the fabrication process issues of the proposed SFP-CAVET are also presented and discussed. These results could break a new path to further improve the trade-off performance of BV and R on in GaN-based vertical devices.

Tectonic environments and local geologic controls of potential hydrothermal fields along the Southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge (12-14°S)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Bing; Shi, Xuefa; Wang, Jixin; Yan, Quanshu; Liu, Chenguang; DY125-21 (Leg 3) Science Party; DY125-22 (Legs 2-5) Science Party; DY125-26 (Leg 3) Science Party

2018-05-01

Systematic hydrothermal exploration and multi-beam bathymetry mapping have been conducted along a 220-km-long section of the Southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge (SMAR) from 12°S (Bode Verde Fracture Zone) to 14°S (Cardno Fracture Zone), and previously reported deposits (Tao et al., 2011) are now being thoroughly investigated. Here, we present the characterization of three possible hydrothermal fields, a complete bathymetry data set of the ridge segment, gravity data, and the petrologic characteristics of collected rock samples. The magmatism characteristics, evolution of the ridge segment, and the local geological controls of the possible hydrothermal fields are then discussed. The studied segment can be divided into two segments by a Non-Transform Discontinuity (NTD). Our morphotectonic analysis shows significant along-axis heterogeneity in the surveyed segments: three distinctive cross-axis grabens were identified in the northern segment, and two were identified in the southern segment. Moreover, based on the gravity data (a relatively low spherical Bouguer anomaly) and petrologic data (low Mg# values and relatively low FeO and relatively high Al2O3 and CaO contents compared to nearby seafloor samples), a volcanic feature, the ZouYu seamount, on this segment is considered to be associated with strong magmatic activity, and the magmatic activity of the inside corner at the southern end of the segment has increased and decreased. The three possible hydrothermal fields occur in different local geological settings: a shallow magmatic seamount (ZouYu), an NTD (TaiJi), and an inside-corner high (CaiFan). These potential hydrothermal fields are significantly different from other fields in similar tectonic settings in terms of local geologic controls and products. The ZouYu field is primarily related to a newly formed cone, resulting in the production of sulfides, and differs from other fields on shallow magmatic seamounts. The TaiJi field is largely controlled by the tectonic evolution of the NTD and is based on mafic rocks. The inside corner containing the CaiFan field is a magmatic seamount rather than an Ocean Core Complex, making it strikingly different from other inside corner-related fields.

Opportunities and Needs for Mobile-Computing Technology to Support U.S. Geological Survey Fieldwork

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wood, Nathan J.; Halsing, David L.

2006-01-01

To assess the opportunities and needs for mobile-computing technology at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), we conducted an internal, Internet-based survey of bureau scientists whose research includes fieldwork. In summer 2005, 144 survey participants answered 65 questions about fieldwork activities and conditions, technology to support field research, and postfieldwork data processing and analysis. Results suggest that some types of mobile-computing technology are already commonplace, such as digital cameras and Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, whereas others are not, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) and tablet-based personal computers (tablet PCs). The potential for PDA use in the USGS is high: 97 percent of respondents record field observations (primarily environmental conditions and water-quality data), and 87 percent take field samples (primarily water-quality data, water samples, and sediment/soil samples). The potential for tablet PC use in the USGS is also high: 59 percent of respondents map environmental features in the field, primarily by sketching in field notebooks, on aerial photographs, or on topographic-map sheets. Results also suggest that efficient mobile-computing-technology solutions could benefit many USGS scientists because most respondents spend at least 1 week per year in the field, conduct field sessions that are least 1 week in duration, have field crews of one to three people, and typically travel on foot about 1 mi from their field vehicles. By allowing researchers to enter data directly into digital databases while in the field, mobile-computing technology could also minimize postfieldwork data processing: 93 percent of respondents enter collected field data into their office computers, and more than 50 percent spend at least 1 week per year on postfieldwork data processing. Reducing postfieldwork data processing could free up additional time for researchers and result in cost savings for the bureau. Generally, respondents support greater use of mobile-computing technology at the USGS and are interested in training opportunities and further discussions related to data archiving, access to additional digital data types, and technology development.

Galaxy Merger Candidates in High-redshift Cluster Environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delahaye, A. G.; Webb, T. M. A.; Nantais, J.; DeGroot, A.; Wilson, G.; Muzzin, A.; Yee, H. K. C.; Foltz, R.; Noble, A. G.; Demarco, R.; Tudorica, A.; Cooper, M. C.; Lidman, C.; Perlmutter, S.; Hayden, B.; Boone, K.; Surace, J.

2017-07-01

We compile a sample of spectroscopically and photometrically selected cluster galaxies from four high-redshift galaxy clusters (1.59< z< 1.71) from the Spitzer Adaptation of the Red-Sequence Cluster Survey (SpARCS), and a comparison field sample selected from the UKIDSS Deep Survey. Using near-infrared imaging from the Hubble Space Telescope, we classify potential mergers involving massive ({M}* ≥slant 3× {10}10 {M}⊙ ) cluster members by eye, based on morphological properties such as tidal distortions, double nuclei, and projected near neighbors within 20 kpc. With a catalog of 23 spectroscopic and 32 photometric massive cluster members across the four clusters and 65 spectroscopic and 26 photometric comparable field galaxies, we find that after taking into account contamination from interlopers, {11.0}-5.6+7.0 % of the cluster members are involved in potential mergers, compared to {24.7}-4.6+5.3 % of the field galaxies. We see no evidence of merger enhancement in the central cluster environment with respect to the field, suggesting that galaxy-galaxy merging is not a stronger source of galaxy evolution in cluster environments compared to the field at these redshifts.

Forensic electrochemistry: indirect electrochemical sensing of the components of the new psychoactive substance "Synthacaine".

PubMed

Cumba, Loanda R; Kolliopoulos, Athanasios V; Smith, Jamie P; Thompson, Paul D; Evans, Peter R; Sutcliffe, Oliver B; do Carmo, Devaney R; Banks, Craig E

2015-08-21

"Synthacaine" is a New Psychoactive Substance which is, due to its inherent psychoactive properties, reported to imitate the effects of cocaine and is therefore consequently branded as "legal cocaine". The only analytical approach reported to date for the sensing of "Synthacaine" is mass spectrometry. In this paper, we explore and evaluate a range of potential analytical techniques for its quantification and potential use in the field screening "Synthacaine" using Raman spectroscopy, presumptive (colour) testing, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and electrochemistry. HPLC analysis of street samples reveals that "Synthacaine" comprises a mixture of methiopropamine (MPA) and 2-aminoindane (2-AI). Raman spectroscopy and presumptive (colour) tests, the Marquis, Mandelin, Simon's and Robadope test, are evaluated towards a potential in-the-field screening approach but are found to not be able to discriminate between the two when they are both present in the same sample, as is the case in the real street samples. We report for the first time a novel indirect electrochemical protocol for the sensing of MPA and 2-AI which is independently validated in street samples with HPLC. This novel electrochemical approach based upon one-shot disposable cost effective screen-printed graphite macroelectrodes holds potential for in-the-field screening for "Synthacaine".

Recent Developments of Graphene Oxide-Based Membranes: A Review

PubMed Central

Ma, Jinxia; Ping, Dan; Dong, Xinfa

2017-01-01

Membrane-based separation technology has attracted great interest in many separation fields due to its advantages of easy-operation, energy-efficiency, easy scale-up, and environmental friendliness. The development of novel membrane materials and membrane structures is an urgent demand to promote membrane-based separation technology. Graphene oxide (GO), as an emerging star nano-building material, has showed great potential in the membrane-based separation field. In this review paper, the latest research progress in GO-based membranes focused on adjusting membrane structure and enhancing their mechanical strength as well as structural stability in aqueous environment is highlighted and discussed in detail. First, we briefly reviewed the preparation and characterization of GO. Then, the preparation method, characterization, and type of GO-based membrane are summarized. Finally, the advancements of GO-based membrane in adjusting membrane structure and enhancing their mechanical strength, as well as structural stability in aqueous environment, are particularly discussed. This review hopefully provides a new avenue for the innovative developments of GO-based membrane in various membrane applications. PMID:28895877

Recent Developments of Graphene Oxide-Based Membranes: A Review.

PubMed

Ma, Jinxia; Ping, Dan; Dong, Xinfa

2017-09-12

Membrane-based separation technology has attracted great interest in many separation fields due to its advantages of easy-operation, energy-efficiency, easy scale-up, and environmental friendliness. The development of novel membrane materials and membrane structures is an urgent demand to promote membrane-based separation technology. Graphene oxide (GO), as an emerging star nano-building material, has showed great potential in the membrane-based separation field. In this review paper, the latest research progress in GO-based membranes focused on adjusting membrane structure and enhancing their mechanical strength as well as structural stability in aqueous environment is highlighted and discussed in detail. First, we briefly reviewed the preparation and characterization of GO. Then, the preparation method, characterization, and type of GO-based membrane are summarized. Finally, the advancements of GO-based membrane in adjusting membrane structure and enhancing their mechanical strength, as well as structural stability in aqueous environment, are particularly discussed. This review hopefully provides a new avenue for the innovative developments of GO-based membrane in various membrane applications.

Diffracted field distributions from the HE11 mode in a hollow optical fibre for an atomic funnel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Yun; Liu, Nanchun; Yin, Jianping

2003-06-01

The diffracted near field distribution from an LP01 mode in a hollow optical fibre was recently calculated using a scalar model based on the weakly waveguiding approximation (Yoo et al 1999 J. Opt. B: Quantum Semiclass. Opt. 1 364). It showed a dominant Gaussian-like distribution with an increased axial intensity in the central region (not a doughnut-like distribution), so the diffracted output beam from the hollow fibre cannot be used to form an atomic funnel. Using exact solutions of the Maxwell equations based on a vector model, however, we calculate the electric field and intensity distributions of the HE11 mode in the same hollow fibre and study the diffracted near- and far-field distributions of the HE11-mode output beam under the Fresnel approximation. We analyse and compare the differences between the output beams from the HE11 and LP01 modes. Our study shows that both the near- and far-field intensity distributions of the HE11-mode output beam are doughnut-like and can be used to form a simple atomic funnel. However, it is not suitable to use the weakly waveguiding approximation to calculate the diffracted near-field distribution of the hollow fibre due to the greater refractive-index difference between the hollow region (n0 = 1) and the core (n1 = 1.45 or 1.5). Finally, the 3D intensity distribution of the HE11-mode output beam is modelled and the corresponding optical potentials for cold atoms are calculated. Some potential applications of the HE11-mode output beam in an atomic guide and funnel are briefly discussed.

Development of feature extraction analysis for a multi-functional optical profiling device applied to field engineering applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Xu; Xie, Guangping; Laflen, Brandon; Jia, Ming; Song, Guiju; Harding, Kevin G.

2015-05-01

In the real application environment of field engineering, a large variety of metrology tools are required by the technician to inspect part profile features. However, some of these tools are burdensome and only address a sole application or measurement. In other cases, standard tools lack the capability of accessing irregular profile features. Customers of field engineering want the next generation metrology devices to have the ability to replace the many current tools with one single device. This paper will describe a method based on the ring optical gage concept to the measurement of numerous kinds of profile features useful for the field technician. The ring optical system is composed of a collimated laser, a conical mirror and a CCD camera. To be useful for a wide range of applications, the ring optical system requires profile feature extraction algorithms and data manipulation directed toward real world applications in field operation. The paper will discuss such practical applications as measuring the non-ideal round hole with both off-centered and oblique axes. The algorithms needed to analyze other features such as measuring the width of gaps, radius of transition fillets, fall of step surfaces, and surface parallelism will also be discussed in this paper. With the assistance of image processing and geometric algorithms, these features can be extracted with a reasonable performance. Tailoring the feature extraction analysis to this specific gage offers the potential for a wider application base beyond simple inner diameter measurements. The paper will present experimental results that are compared with standard gages to prove the performance and feasibility of the analysis in real world field engineering. Potential accuracy improvement methods, a new dual ring design and future work will be discussed at the end of this paper.

The R.E.D. tools: advances in RESP and ESP charge derivation and force field library building.

PubMed

Dupradeau, François-Yves; Pigache, Adrien; Zaffran, Thomas; Savineau, Corentin; Lelong, Rodolphe; Grivel, Nicolas; Lelong, Dimitri; Rosanski, Wilfried; Cieplak, Piotr

2010-07-28

Deriving atomic charges and building a force field library for a new molecule are key steps when developing a force field required for conducting structural and energy-based analysis using molecular mechanics. Derivation of popular RESP charges for a set of residues is a complex and error prone procedure because it depends on numerous input parameters. To overcome these problems, the R.E.D. Tools (RESP and ESP charge Derive, ) have been developed to perform charge derivation in an automatic and straightforward way. The R.E.D. program handles chemical elements up to bromine in the periodic table. It interfaces different quantum mechanical programs employed for geometry optimization and computing molecular electrostatic potential(s), and performs charge fitting using the RESP program. By defining tight optimization criteria and by controlling the molecular orientation of each optimized geometry, charge values are reproduced at any computer platform with an accuracy of 0.0001 e. The charges can be fitted using multiple conformations, making them suitable for molecular dynamics simulations. R.E.D. allows also for defining charge constraints during multiple molecule charge fitting, which are used to derive charges for molecular fragments. Finally, R.E.D. incorporates charges into a force field library, readily usable in molecular dynamics computer packages. For complex cases, such as a set of homologous molecules belonging to a common family, an entire force field topology database is generated. Currently, the atomic charges and force field libraries have been developed for more than fifty model systems and stored in the RESP ESP charge DDataBase. Selected results related to non-polarizable charge models are presented and discussed.

High performance field emission of silicon carbide nanowires and their applications in flexible field emission displays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Yunkang; Chen, Jing; Di, Yunsong; Zhang, Xiaobing; Lei, Wei

2017-12-01

In this paper, a facile method to fabricate the flexible field emission devices (FEDs) based on SiC nanostructure emitters by a thermal evaporation method has been demonstrated. The composition characteristics of SiC nanowires was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), while the morphology was revealed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The results showed that the SiC nanowires grew along the [111] direction with the diameter of ˜110 nm and length of˜30 μm. The flexible FEDs have been fabricated by transferring and screen-printing the SiC nanowires onto the flexible substrates exhibited excellent field emission properties, such as the low turn-on field (˜0.95 V/μm) and threshold field (˜3.26 V/μm), and the high field enhancement factor (β=4670). It is worth noting the current density degradation can be controlled lower than 2% per hour during the stability tests. In addition, the flexible FEDs based on SiC nanowire emitters exhibit uniform bright emission modes under bending test conditions. As a result, this strategy is very useful for its potential application in the commercial flexible FEDs.

Beyond dipolar regime in high-order plasmon mode bowtie antennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cuche, Aurélien; Viarbitskaya, Sviatlana; Kumar, Upkar; Sharma, Jadab; Arbouet, Arnaud; Girard, Christian; Dujardin, Erik

2017-03-01

Optical nanoantennas have shown their great potential for far-field to near-field coupling and for light confinement in subwavelength volumes. Here, we report on a multimodal configuration for bright and polarization-dependent bowtie antenna based on large and highly crystalline gold prisms. Each individual prism constituting an antenna arm sustains high order plasmon modes in the visible and near infrared range that allow for high field confinement and two-dimensional optical information propagation. We demonstrate by scanning two-photon luminescence (TPL) microscopy and numerical simulations based on the Green dyadic method that these bowtie antennas result in intense hot spots in different antenna locations as a function of the incident polarization. Finally, we quantify the local field enhancement above the antennas by computing the normalized total decay rate of a molecular system placed in the near field of the antenna gap as a function of the dipole orientation. We demonstrate the existence of a subtle relation between antenna geometry, polarization dependence and field enhancement. These new multimodal optical antennas are excellent far field to near field converter and they open the door for new strategies in the design of coplanar optical components for a wide range of applications including sensing, energy conversion or integrated information processing.