Systems Engineering Techniques for ALS Decision Making

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodriquez, Luis F.; Drysdale, Alan E.; Jones, Harry; Levri, Julie A.

2004-01-01

The Advanced Life Support (ALS) Metric is the predominant tool for predicting the cost of ALS systems. Metric goals for the ALS Program are daunting, requiring a threefold increase in the ALS Metric by 2010. Confounding the problem, the rate new ALS technologies reach the maturity required for consideration in the ALS Metric and the rate at which new configurations are developed is slow, limiting the search space and potentially giving the perspective of a ALS technology, the ALS Metric may remain elusive. This paper is a sequel to a paper published in the proceedings of the 2003 ICES conference entitled, "Managing to the metric: an approach to optimizing life support costs." The conclusions of that paper state that the largest contributors to the ALS Metric should be targeted by ALS researchers and management for maximum metric reductions. Certainly, these areas potentially offer large potential benefits to future ALS missions; however, the ALS Metric is not the only decision-making tool available to the community. To facilitate decision-making within the ALS community a combination of metrics should be utilized, such as the Equivalent System Mass (ESM)-based ALS metric, but also those available through techniques such as life cycle costing and faithful consideration of the sensitivity of the assumed models and data. Often a lack of data is cited as the reason why these techniques are not considered for utilization. An existing database development effort within the ALS community, known as OPIS, may provide the opportunity to collect the necessary information to enable the proposed systems analyses. A review of these additional analysis techniques is provided, focusing on the data necessary to enable these. The discussion is concluded by proposing how the data may be utilized by analysts in the future.

Experimental Evaluation of the Synthetic Solid Electrolyte Interface (SSEI) Concept for the Primary Ca-SOCl2 Battery System

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-12-01

coatings based on the Ca(Sr,Y)- Ge-S system can serve as an effective SSEI for Ca anodes in Ca-SOC12 primary cells using 1 M Ca(AlCl4 )2 as the electrolyte...I iy - LFI. CDY 4 EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF THE SYNTHETIC SOLID ELECTROLYTE INTERFACE ( SSEI ) CONCEPT FOR THE PRIMARY Ca-SOC1 2 BA LERY SYSTEM...apply the concept of a synthetic solid electrolyte interface ( SSEI ) to overcome the problem of Ca corro- sion in Ca-SOC 2 primary cells. / To this end

Distribution and size of lava shields on the Al Haruj al Aswad and the Al Haruj al Abyad Volcanic Systems, Central Libya

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elshaafi, Abdelsalam; Gudmundsson, Agust

2017-05-01

The Al Haruj Volcanic Province (AHVP) consists of two distinct volcanic systems. In the north is the system of Al Haruj al Aswad, covering an area of 34,200 km2, while in the south the system of Al Haruj al Abyad, covering an area of 7,850 km2. The systems have produced some 432 monogenetic volcanoes, primarily scoria (cinder) cones, lava shields, and maars. The density distribution of the volcanoes in each system, plotted as eruption points or sites, has a roughly elliptical surface expression, suggesting similar plan-view geometry of the magma sources, here suggested as deep-seated reservoirs. More specifically, the Al Haruj al Aswad magma reservoir has major and minor axes of 210 km and 119 km, respectively, and an area of 19,176 km2, the corresponding figures for the Haruj al Abyad reservoir being 108 km and 74 km, for the axes, and 6209 km2 for the area. We measured 55 lava shields on the AHVP. They are mostly restricted to the northern and southern parts of AHVP and date from late Miocene to (at least) the end of Pleistocene, while some may have been active into Holocene. In fact, although primarily monogenetic, some of the lava shields show evidence of (possibly Holocene) fissure eruptions in the summit parts. The early lava shields tend to be located at the edges of volcanic systems and with greater volumes than later (more central) shields. The average lava shield basal diameter is 4.5 km and height 63 m. There is strong linear correlation between lava shield volume and basal area, the coefficient of determination (R2) being about 0.75. When 22 Holocene Icelandic lava shields are added to the dataset, for comparison, the correlation between volume and basal area becomes R2 = 0.95. Numerical models suggest that the local stress fields favoured rupture and dyke injection at the margins of the source reservoirs during late Miocene - early Pliocene, in agreement with the distribution of the early, large-volume shields.

Formation of Al3Ti/Mg composite by powder metallurgy of Mg-Al-Ti system.

PubMed

Yang, Zi R; Qi Wang, Shu; Cui, Xiang H; Zhao, Yu T; Gao, Ming J; Wei, Min X

2008-07-01

An in situ titanium trialuminide (Al 3 Ti)-particle-reinforced magnesium matrix composite has been successfully fabricated by the powder metallurgy of a Mg-Al-Ti system. The reaction processes and formation mechanism for synthesizing the composite were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), x-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Al 3 Ti particles are found to be synthesized in situ in the Mg alloy matrix. During the reaction sintering of the Mg-Al-Ti system, Al 3 Ti particles are formed through the reaction of liquid Al with as-dissolved Ti around the Ti particles. The formed intermetallic particles accumulate at the original sites of the Ti particles. As sintering time increases, the accumulated intermetallic particles disperse and reach a relatively homogeneous distribution in the matrix. It is found that the reaction process of the Mg-Al-Ti system is almost the same as that of the Al-Ti system. Mg also acts as a catalytic agent and a diluent in the reactions and shifts the reactions of Al and Ti to lower temperatures. An additional amount of Al is required for eliminating residual Ti and solid-solution strengthening of the Mg matrix.

Influence of AlN(0001) Surface Reconstructions on the Wettability of an Al/AlN System: A First-Principle Study.

PubMed

Cao, Junhua; Liu, Yang; Ning, Xiao-Shan

2018-05-11

A successful application of a hot dip coating process that coats aluminum (Al) on aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramics, revealed that Al had a perfect wettability to the ceramics under specific circumstances, which was different from previous reports. In order to elucidate the mechanism that controlled the supernormal wetting phenomenon during the dip coating, a first-principle calculation of an Al(111)/AlN(0001) interface, based on the density functional theory (DFT), was employed. The wettability of the Al melt on the AlN(0001) surface, as well as the effect that the surface reconstruction of AlN and the oxygen adsorption had on Al for the adhesion and the wettability of the Al/AlN system, were studied. The results revealed that a LCM (laterally contracted monolayer) reconstruction could improve the adhesion and wettability of the system. Oxygen adsorption on the free surface of Al decreased the contact angle, because the adsorption reduced of the surface tension of Al. A prefect wetting was obtained only after some of the oxygen atoms adsorbed on the free surface of Al. The supernormal wetting phenomenon came from the surface reconstruction of the AlN and the adsorption of oxygen atoms on the Al melt surface.

QUALITY OF HEALTH EDUCATION POSTERS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTERS IN AL-KHOBAR TOWN, EASTERN PROVINCE

PubMed Central

Al-Sowielem, Latifa S.

2001-01-01

Background: Health Education (HE) is vital to each of the seven other central ele-ments of Public Health Care (PHC). HE must be carefully planned and implemented. A crucial part of HE is planning, production and placement of effective HE posters. Objective: Assess the quality of health education posters in Al-Khobar PHC centers. Methods: A cross-sectional study of a sample of 138 HE posters in three PHC centers in Al-Khobar was conducted. The quality of posters in relation to set criteria was measured using a data sheet and scoring system developed by the investigator. Results: The health education subjects displayed were among the common health problems in Saudi Arabia in 134 (97.1 %) of the posters.More than one-third (34.8%) had been displayed for more than one year. In 74 (53.6%) of the posters, the source of scientific information was unknown. The assessment showed that 109 (79%) posters were of optimal quality. Conclusion: The study showed that the health education posters in PHC centers in Al-Khobar were relatively satisfactory, though they did not fulfill some of the required criteria. Health education posters should be included in the assessment of health education programs in primary health care centers. PMID:23008635

Elevation of Plasmin-α2-plasmin Inhibitor Complex Predicts the Diagnosis of Systemic AL Amyloidosis in Patients with Monoclonal Protein.

PubMed

Ishiguro, Kazuya; Hayashi, Toshiaki; Yokoyama, Yoshihiro; Aoki, Yuka; Onodera, Kei; Ikeda, Hiroshi; Ishida, Tadao; Nakase, Hiroshi

2018-03-15

Objective The complication of systemic immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis in patients with monoclonal immunoglobulin affects the prognosis, but amyloid deposition in tissues is sometimes difficult to detect due to bleeding tendencies and preferential distributions. However, fibrinolysis is known to be exacerbated in patients with systemic AL amyloidosis specifically. We therefore explored new biomarkers for predicting a diagnosis of systemic AL amyloidosis focusing on coagulation and fibrinolysis markers. Methods We reviewed the clinical features and treatment outcomes of patients with serum monoclonal protein, including primary systemic AL amyloidosis and multiple myeloma (MM), treated at our hospital between January 2008 and December 2014. Results Among several biomarkers, only the serum level of plasmin-α2-plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC) in patients with systemic AL amyloidosis (n=26) at the diagnosis was significantly higher than in patients with MM without AL amyloidosis (n=26) (mean±standard deviation, 3.69±2.82 μg/mL vs. 1.23±0.97 μg/mL, p<0.01). The cut-off for predicting a diagnosis of systemic AL amyloidosis in patients with serum monoclonal protein was 1.72 μg/mL with 84.6% sensitivity and 80.8% specificity. Hepatic involvement resulted in a significantly higher PIC level than no involvement in patients with systemic AL amyloidosis. The serum PIC level was also associated with the hematological response of systemic AL amyloidosis. Conclusion PIC is a useful biomarker for the diagnosis and management of patients with systemic AL amyloidosis.

Binary asteroid orbit evolution due to primary shape deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirabayashi, Masatoshi; Jacobson, Seth A.; Davis, Alex

2017-10-01

About a sixth of all small asteroid systems are binary [Margot et al., Science, 2002]. Many binary asteroids consist of an elongated synchronous secondary body orbiting a fast-rotating spheroidal primary body with ridges on its equator. The primary in such systems has experienced a long-term spin-up due to the YORP effect [Vokrouhlick'y et al., Asteroid IV, 2015]. This spin-up process can make the primary reach its spin barrier inducing shape deformation processes that ease the structural condition for failure inside the primary [e.g., Holsapple, Icarus, 2010]. Earlier works have shown that structural heterogeneities in the primary such as the shape and density distribution induce asymmetric deformation [Sánchez and Scheeres, Icarus, 2016]. Here, we investigate how asymmetric shape deformation in the primary affects the mutual motion of a binary system. We use a dynamics model for an irregularly shaped binary system that accounts for possible deformation of the primary [Hirabayashi et al., LPSC, 2017]. In this model, we consider asymmetric deformation that occurs based on structural failure in the primary and thus it modifies the location of the center of mass of the system. Using 1999 KW4 as an example, we study a hypothetical case in which the primary is initially identical to the current shape [Ostro et al., Science, 2006] with an aspect ratio (AR) of 0.83 and then suddenly changes its shape to an AR of 0.76. The results show that the asymmetric deformation process and the shift of the center of mass excite the eccentricity of the mutual orbit. Considering that the original mutual orbit has an eccentricity of 0.0004, after the primary shape change the eccentricity reaches values up to 0.15. Also, since the gravity field is modified after deformation, the secondary’s spin is desynchronized from the mutual orbit. Since synchronicity is a requirement for the binary YORP (BYORP) effect, which modifies the semi-major axis of binary asteroids, a primary shape

Enthalpies of mixing of liquid systems for lead free soldering: Al-Cu-Sn system.

PubMed

Flandorfer, Hans; Rechchach, Meryem; Elmahfoudi, A; Bencze, László; Popovič, Arkadij; Ipser, Herbert

2011-11-01

The present work refers to high-temperature drop calorimetric measurements on liquid Al-Cu, Al-Sn, and Al-Cu-Sn alloys. The binary systems have been investigated at 973 K, up to 40 at.% Cu in case of Al-Cu, and over the entire concentrational range in case of Al-Sn. Measurements in the ternary Al-Cu-Sn system were performed along the following cross-sections: x(Al)/x(Cu) = 1:1, x(Al)/x(Sn) = 1:1, x(Cu)/x(Sn) = 7:3, x(Cu)/x(Sn) = 1:1, and x(Cu)/x(Sn) = 3:7 at 1273 K. Experimental data were used to find ternary interaction parameters by applying the Redlich-Kister-Muggianu model for substitutional solutions, and a full set of parameters describing the concentration dependence of the enthalpy of mixing was derived. From these, the isoenthalpy curves were constructed for 1273 K. The ternary system shows an exothermic enthalpy minimum of approx. -18,000 J/mol in the Al-Cu binary and a maximum of approx. 4000 J/mol in the Al-Sn binary system. The Al-Cu-Sn system is characterized by considerable repulsive ternary interactions as shown by the positive ternary interaction parameters.

Morphologies of Primary Silicon in Hypereutectic Al-Si Alloys: Phase-Field Simulation Supported by Key Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Kai; Wei, Ming; Zhang, Lijun; Du, Yong

2016-04-01

We realized a three-dimensional visualization of the morphology evolution and the growth behavior of the octahedral primary silicon in hypereutectic Al-20wtpctSi alloy during solidification in a real length scale by utilizing the phase-field simulation coupled with CALPHAD databases, and supported by key experiments. Moreover, through two-dimensional cut of the octahedral primary silicon at random angles, different morphologies observed in experiments, including triangle, square, trapezoid, rhombic, pentagon, and hexagon, were well reproduced.

Mechanistic Selection and Growth of Twinned Bicrystalline Primary Si in Near Eutectic Al-Si Alloys

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

Jung, Choonho

2006-01-01

Morphological evolution and selection of angular primary silicon is investigated in near-eutectic Al-Si alloys. Angular silicon arrays are grown directionally in a Bridgman furnace at velocities in the regime of 10 -3 m/sec and with a temperature gradient of 7.5 x 10 3 K/m. Under these conditions, the primary Si phase grows as an array of twinned bicrystalline dendrites, where the twinning gives rise to a characteristic 8-pointed star-shaped primary morphology. While this primary Si remains largely faceted at the growth front, a complex structure of coherent symmetric twin boundaries enables various adjustment mechanisms which operate to optimize the characteristicmore » spacings within the primary array. In the work presented here, this primary silicon growth morphology is examined in detail. In particular, this thesis describes the investigation of: (1) morphological selection of the twinned bicrystalline primary starshape morphology; (2) primary array behavior, including the lateral propagation of the starshape grains and the associated evolution of a strong <100> texture; (3) the detailed structure of the 8-pointed star-shaped primary morphology, including the twin boundary configuration within the central core; (4) the mechanisms of lateral propagation and spacing adjustment during array evolution; and (5) the thermosolutal conditions (i.e. operating state) at the primary growth front, including composition and phase fraction in the vicinity of the primary tip.« less

A dichotomy in primary marine organic aerosol-cloud-climate system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ceburnis, D.; Ovadnevaite, J.; Martucci, G.; Bialek, J.; Monahan, C.; Rinaldi, M.; Facchini, C.; Berresheim, H.; Worsnop, D. R.; O'Dowd, C.

2011-12-01

D. Ceburnis1, J. Ovadnevaite1, G. Martucci1, J. Bialek1, C. Monahan1, M. Rinaldi2, M. C. Facchini2, H. Berresheim1, D. R. Worsnop3,4 and C. D. O'Dowd1 1School of Physics & Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland 2Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, National Research Council, Bologna, 20129, Italy. 3 Aerodyne Research, Inc., 45 Manning Road, Billerica, MA 01821-3976, USA 4 Physics Department, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 64, 00014, Helsinki, Finland Organic matter has been observed to significantly contribute to particulate matter in every environment including pristine remote oceans. A significant if not dominant contribution of insoluble organic matter to marine aerosol has been proved to be of biogenic origin1,2. High time resolution measurements of marine organic matter have demonstrated a dynamic system with regular organic matter plume events occurring during summer3 as well as frequent open ocean particle formation events4. High-time resolution measurements of primary marine organic sea-spray physico-chemical properties reveal an apparent dichotomous behavior in terms of water uptake: specifically sea-spray aerosol enriched in organic matter possesses a low hygroscopic Growth Factor (GF~1.25) while simultaneously having a cloud condensation nucleus/condensation nuclei (CCN/CN) activation efficiency of between 83% at 0.25% supersaturation and 100% at 0.75%5. Simultaneous retrieval of Cloud Droplet Number Concentration (CDNC) during primary organic aerosol plumes reveal CDNC concentrations of 350 cm-3 in newly formed marine stratocumulus cloud for boundary layer organic mass concentrations of 3-4 ug m-36. It is suggested that marine hydrogels are responsible for this dichotomous behavior which has profound impacts to aerosol-cloud-climate system along with a better understood process analysis of aerosol formation by sea-spray7. A hydrophobic character of organic matter

Effects of Al2O3 and CaO/SiO2 Ratio on Phase Equilbria in the ZnO-"FeO"-Al2O3-CaO-SiO2 System in Equilibrium with Metallic Iron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Baojun; Hayes, Peter C.; Jak, Evgueni

2011-02-01

The phase equilibria and liquidus temperatures in the ZnO-"FeO"-Al2O3-CaO-SiO2 system in equilibrium with metallic iron have been determined experimentally in the temperature range 1383 K to 1573 K (1150 °C to 1300 °C). The experimental conditions were selected to characterize lead blast furnace and imperial smelting furnace slags. The results are presented in a form of pseudoternary sections ZnO-"FeO"-(Al2O3 + CaO + SiO2) with fixed CaO/SiO2 and (CaO + SiO2)/Al2O3 ratios. It was found that wustite and spinel are the major primary phases in the composition range investigated. Effects of Al2O3 concentration as well as the CaO/SiO2 ratio on the primary phase field, the liquidus temperature, and the partitioning of ZnO between liquid and solid phases have been discussed for zinc-containing slags.

Phase Equilibria in the System "FeO"-CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-MgO at Different CaO/SiO2 Ratios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Kyoung-oh; Ma, Xiaodong; Zhu, Jinming; Xu, Haifa; Wang, Geoff; Zhao, Baojun

2017-06-01

The "FeO"-containing slags play an important role in the operation of an ironmaking blast furnace (BF), in particular the primary slags such as the system "FeO"-CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-2 mass pct MgO with CaO/SiO2 weight ratios of 1.3, 1.5, and 1.8 saturated with metallic iron. To investigate the characteristics of such a slag system and its behavior in BF, the phase equilibria and liquidus temperatures in the slag system have been experimentally determined using the high-temperature equilibration and quenching technique followed by an electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPMA). Isotherms between 1553 K and 1603 K (1280 °C and 1330 °C) were determined in the primary phase fields of dicalcium silicate, melilite, spinel, and monoxide [(Mg,Fe2+)O]. Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams of (CaO + SiO2)-Al2O3-"FeO" with a fixed MgO concentration at 2 mass pct and at CaO/SiO2 ratios of 1.3, 1.5, and 1.8 have been discussed, respectively, simplifying the complexity of the slag system for easy understanding and applying in BF operation. It was found that the liquidus temperatures increase in melilite and spinel primary phase fields, but decrease in dicalcium silicate and monoxide primary phase fields with increasing Al2O3/(CaO + SiO2) ratio. In addition, the liquidus temperatures decrease with increasing "FeO" concentration in dicalcium silicate and melilite primary phase fields, while showing an increasing trend in the spinel and monoxide primary phase fields. The data resulted from this study can be used to improve and optimize currently available database of thermodynamic models used in FactSage.

Combustion synthesis of ceramic-metal composite materials - The TiC-Al2O3-Al system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feng, H. J.; Moore, John J.; Wirth, D. G.

1992-01-01

Combustion synthesis was applied for producing ceramic-metal composites with reduced levels of porosity, by allowing an excess amount of liquid metal, generated by the exothermic reaction during synthesis, to infiltrate the pores. It is shown that this method, when applied to TiC-Al2O3 system, led to a decreased level of porosity in the resulting TiC-Al2O3-Al product, as compared with that of TiC-Al2O3 system. This in situ procedure is more efficient than the two-stage conventional processes (i.e., sintering followed by liquid metal infiltration), although there are limitations with respect to total penetration of the liquid metal and maintaining a stable propagation of the combustion reaction.

Primary Culture System for Germ Cells from Caenorhabditis elegans Tumorous Germline Mutants

PubMed Central

Vagasi, Alexandra S.; Rahman, Mohammad M.; Chaudhari, Snehal N.; Kipreos, Edward T.

2017-01-01

The Caenorhabditis elegans germ line is an important model system for the study of germ stem cells. Wild-type C. elegans germ cells are syncytial and therefore cannot be isolated in in vitro cultures. In contrast, the germ cells from tumorous mutants can be fully cellularized and isolated intact from the mutant animals. Here we describe a detailed protocol for the isolation of germ cells from tumorous mutants that allows the germ cells to be maintained for extended periods in an in vitro primary culture. This protocol has been adapted from Chaudhari et al., 2016. PMID:28868332

A sustainable primary care system: lessons from the Netherlands.

PubMed

Faber, Marjan J; Burgers, Jako S; Westert, Gert P

2012-01-01

The Dutch primary care system has drawn international attention, because of its high performance at low cost. Primary care practices are easily accessible during office hours and collaborate in a unique out-of-hours system. After the reforms in 2006, there are no copayments for patients receiving care in the primary care practice in which they are registered. Financial incentives support the transfer of care from hospital specialists to primary care physicians, and task delegation from primary care physicians to practice nurses. Regional collaborative care groups of primary care practices offer disease management programs. The quality assessment system and the electronic medical record system are predominantly driven by health care professionals. Bottom-up and top-down activities contributed to a successful Dutch primary care system.

Comment on 'The remote sensing of ocean primary productivity - Use of a new data compilation to test satellite algorithms' by William Balch et al

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Platt, Trevor; Sathyendranath, Shubha

1993-01-01

Various conclusions by Balch et al. (1992) about the current state of modeling primary production in the sea (lack of improvement in primary production models, since 1957, utility of analytical models, and merits or weaknesses of complex models) are commented on. It is argued that since they are based on a false premise, these conclusions are not robust, and that the approach used by Balch et al. (the model of Platt and Sathyendranath, 1988) was inadequate for the question they set out to address. The present criticism is based mainly on the issue of whether implementation was correct with respect to parameter selection. It is concluded that the findings of Balch et al. with respect to the model of Platt and Sathyendranath is unreliable. Balch replies that satellite-derived estimates of primary production should be compared directly to that measured in situ in as many regions as possible. This will provide a first-order estimate of the magnitude of the error involved in estimating primary production from space.

Lattice crossover and phase transitions in NdAlO{sub 3}-GdAlO{sub 3} system

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

Vasylechko, L., E-mail: crystal-lov@polynet.lviv.ua; Shmanko, H.; Ohon, N.

2013-02-15

Phase and structural behaviour in the (1-x)NdAlO{sub 3}-xGdAlO{sub 3} system in a whole concentration range has been studied by means of in situ high-resolution X-ray synchrotron powder diffraction technique and differential thermal analysis. Two kinds of solid solutions Nd{sub 1-x}Gd{sub x}AlO{sub 3} have been found at room temperature: one with rhombohedral (x<0.15) and one with orthorhombic (x{>=}0.20) symmetry. A morphotropic phase transition occurs at x Almost-Equal-To 0.15, where the co-existence of both phases was observed. Peculiarity of the orthorhombic solid solution is the lattice parameter crossover at the compositions with x=0.33, 0.49 and 0.62. First-order structural transition Pbnm{r_reversible}R3{sup Macron }cmore » has been detected both from in situ powder diffraction and thermal analysis data. Continuous phase transformation R3{sup Macron }c{r_reversible}Pm3{sup Macron }m above 2140 K has been predicted for Nd-rich sample Nd{sub 0.85}Gd{sub 0.15}AlO{sub 3} from the extrapolation of high-temperature behaviour of the lattice parameter ratio of the rhombohedral phase. Based on the experimental data, the phase diagram of the pseudo-binary system NdAlO{sub 3}-GdAlO{sub 3} has been constructed. - Graphical abstract: Concentration dependencies of normalized lattice parameters of Nd{sub 1-x}Gd{sub x}AlO{sub 3} perovskite solid solutions. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Two kinds of solid solutions Nd{sub 1-x}Gd{sub x}AlO{sub 3} were found in the NdAlO{sub 3}-GdAlO{sub 3} system. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Morphotropic transition between both perovskite phases occurs at x Almost-Equal-To 0.15. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Lattice parameter crossover was found in orthorhombic solid solution. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Temperature driven first-order phase transition Pbnm{r_reversible}R3{sup Macron }c was found in Nd{sub 1-x}Gd{sub x}AlO{sub 3}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Phase diagram of the pseudo-binary system NdAlO{sub 3}-GdAlO{sub 3

Diaphragm pacing system implanted in a patient with ALS.

PubMed

Kotan, Dilcan; Kaymak, Kamil; Gündogdu, Aslı Aksoy

2016-08-10

The diaphragm pacing system (DPS) is a life quality improving operation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients who need mechanical ventilation or have chronic respiratory insufficiency. This procedure is gaining in popularity, and the number of centers implanting diaphragm pacing systems (DPS) is increasing. DPS delays the need for a ventilation machine in the early stages of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease. In this case study, we present a young female ALS patient. A DPS was implanted after respiratory insufficiency began. In the one-year follow-up period following her operation, her need for ventilatory support disappeared.

Reaction diffusion in the NiCrAl and CoCrAl systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levine, S. R.

1978-01-01

The paper assesses the effect of overlay coating and substrate composition on the kinetics of coating depletion by interdiffusion. This is accomplished by examining the constitution, kinetics and activation energies for a series of diffusion couples primarily of the NiCrAl/Ni-10Cr or CoCrAl/Ni-10Cr type annealed at temperatures in the range 1000-1205 C for times up to 500 hr. A general procedure is developed for analyzing diffusion in multicomponent multiphase systems. It is shown that by introducing the concept of beta-source strength, which can be determined from appropriate phase diagrams, the Wagner solution for consumption of a second phase in a semiinfinite couple is successfully applied to the analysis of MCrAl couples. Thus, correlation of beta-recession rate constants with couple composition, total and diffusional activation energies, and interdiffusion coefficients are determined.

Tracking the 10Be-26Al source-area signal in sediment-routing systems of arid central Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Struck, Martin; Jansen, John D.; Fujioka, Toshiyuki; Codilean, Alexandru T.; Fink, David; Fülöp, Réka-Hajnalka; Wilcken, Klaus M.; Price, David M.; Kotevski, Steven; Fifield, L. Keith; Chappell, John

2018-05-01

Sediment-routing systems continuously transfer information and mass from eroding source areas to depositional sinks. Understanding how these systems alter environmental signals is critical when it comes to inferring source-area properties from the sedimentary record. We measure cosmogenic 10Be and 26Al along three large sediment-routing systems ( ˜ 100 000 km2) in central Australia with the aim of tracking downstream variations in 10Be-26Al inventories and identifying the factors responsible for these variations. By comparing 56 new cosmogenic 10Be and 26Al measurements in stream sediments with matching data (n = 55) from source areas, we show that 10Be-26Al inventories in hillslope bedrock and soils set the benchmark for relative downstream modifications. Lithology is the primary determinant of erosion-rate variations in source areas and despite sediment mixing over hundreds of kilometres downstream, a distinct lithological signal is retained. Post-orogenic ranges yield catchment erosion rates of ˜ 6-11 m Myr-1 and silcrete-dominant areas erode as slow as ˜ 0.2 m Myr-1. 10Be-26Al inventories in stream sediments indicate that cumulative-burial terms increase downstream to mostly ˜ 400-800 kyr and up to ˜ 1.1 Myr. The magnitude of the burial signal correlates with increasing sediment cover downstream and reflects assimilation from storages with long exposure histories, such as alluvial fans, desert pavements, alluvial plains, and aeolian dunes. We propose that the tendency for large alluvial rivers to mask their 10Be-26Al source-area signal differs according to geomorphic setting. Signal preservation is favoured by (i) high sediment supply rates, (ii) high mean runoff, and (iii) a thick sedimentary basin pile. Conversely, signal masking prevails in landscapes of (i) low sediment supply and (ii) juxtaposition of sediment storages with notably different exposure histories.

Pediatric primary care as a component of systems of care.

PubMed

Brown, Jonathan D

2010-02-01

Systems of care should be defined in a manner that includes primary care. The current definition of systems of care shares several attributes with the definition of primary care: both are defined as community-based services that are accessible, accountable, comprehensive, coordinated, culturally competent, and family focused. However, systems of care is defined as serving only children and youth with serious emotional disturbance and their families and does not fully embrace the concept of primary prevention. Although similarities in the definitions of primary care and systems of care may provide a theoretical foundation for including primary care within the systems of care framework, a definition of systems of care that incorporates the idea of prevention and takes into account the broad population served in primary care would provide communities with a definition that can be used to further the work of integrating primary care into systems of care.

Crystallization Behavior of the CaO-Al2O3-MgO System Studied with a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Sung Suk; Sohn, Il

2012-12-01

The crystallization behavior of a calcium-aluminate system with various MgO content from 2.5 to 7.5 wt pct and CaO/Al2O3 ratios between 0.8 and 1.2 has been examined using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). CCT (continuous cooling transformation) and time temperature transformation (TTT) diagrams were constructed to identify the primary crystal phase of slag at different compositions and at cooling rates between 25 and 800 K/minutes. In the slag at a CaO/Al2O3 ratio of 1.0, crystallization temperature increased during isothermal and continuous cooling with higher MgO content, and the shortest incubation time was observed at 5 wt pct MgO. When MgO content was fixed to be 5 wt pct, crystallization temperature increased with lower CaO/Al2O3 ratio. According to the slag composition, cooling rates and temperature, the primary phase could be CA, or C5A3, or C3A, or C3MA2, or MgO, and the crystal morphology changes from dendrites to faceted crystals to columnar crystals in this composition range.

Primary care training and the evolving healthcare system.

PubMed

Peccoralo, Lauren A; Callahan, Kathryn; Stark, Rachel; DeCherrie, Linda V

2012-01-01

With growing numbers of patient-centered medical homes and accountable care organizations, and the potential implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the provision of primary care in the United States is expanding and changing. Therefore, there is an urgent need to create more primary-care physicians and to train physicians to practice in this environment. In this article, we review the impact that the changing US healthcare system has on trainees, strategies to recruit and retain medical students and residents into primary-care internal medicine, and the preparation of trainees to work in the changing healthcare system. Recruitment methods for medical students include early preclinical exposure to patients in the primary-care setting, enhanced longitudinal patient experiences in clinical clerkships, and primary-care tracks. Recruitment methods for residents include enhanced ambulatory-care training and primary-care programs. Financial-incentive programs such as loan forgiveness may encourage trainees to enter primary care. Retaining residents in primary-care careers may be encouraged via focused postgraduate fellowships or continuing medical education to prepare primary-care physicians as both teachers and practitioners in the changing environment. Finally, to prepare primary-care trainees to effectively and efficiently practice within the changing system, educators should consider shifting ambulatory training to community-based practices, encouraging resident participation in team-based care, providing interprofessional educational experiences, and involving trainees in quality-improvement initiatives. Medical educators in primary care must think innovatively and collaboratively to effectively recruit and train the future generation of primary-care physicians. © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Arsenic entrapment by nanocrystals of Al-magnetite: The role of Al in crystal growth and As retention.

PubMed

Freitas, Erico T F; Stroppa, Daniel G; Montoro, Luciano A; de Mello, Jaime W V; Gasparon, Massimo; Ciminelli, Virginia S T

2016-09-01

The nature of As-Al-Fe co-precipitates aged for 120 days are investigated in detail by High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Scanning TEM (STEM), electron diffraction, Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy (EELS), and Energy Filtered Transmission Electron Microscopy (EFTEM). The Al present in magnetite is shown to favour As incorporation (up to 1.10 wt%) relative to Al-free magnetite and Al-goethite, but As uptake by Al-magnetite decreases with increasing Al substitution (3.53-11.37 mol% Al). Arsenic-bearing magnetite and goethite mesocrystals (MCs) are formed by oriented aggregation (OA) of primary nanoparticles (NPs). Well-crystalline magnetite likely formed by Otswald ripening was predominant in the Al-free system. The As content in Al-goethite MCs (having approximately 13% substituted Al) was close to the EDS detection limit (0.1 wt% As), but was below detection in Al-goethites with 23.00-32.19 mol% Al. Our results show for the first time the capacity of Al-magnetite to incorporate more As than Al-free magnetite, and the role of Al in favouring OA-based crystal growth under the experimental conditions, and therefore As retention in the formed MCs. The proposed mechanism of As incorporation involves adsorption of As onto the newly formed NPs. Arsenic is then trapped in the MCs as they grow by self-assembly OA upon attachment of the NPs. We conclude that Al may diffuse to the crystal faces with high surface energy to reduce the total energy of the system during the attachment events, thus favouring the oriented aggregation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rare Primary Central Nervous System Tumors

PubMed Central

Kubicky, Charlotte Dai; Sahgal, Arjun; Chang, Eric L.; Lo, Simon S.

2014-01-01

There are close to 70,000 new cases of primary central nervous system tumors diagnosed annually in the United States. Meningiomas, gliomas, nerve sheath tumors and pituitary tumors account for 85% of them. There is abundant literature on these commonly occurring tumors but data from the literature on infrequently encountered tumors such as atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor, choroid plexus carcinoma, ganglioglioma, hemangiopericytoma, and pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma are limited. This review provides an overview of the clinicopathologic and therapeutic aspects of these rare primary central nervous system tumors. PMID:25276324

Computational materials design of negative effective U system in the hole-doped Delafossite of CuAlO2, AgAlO2 and AuAlO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakanishi, Akitaka; Fukushima, Tetsuya; Uede, Hiroki; Katayama-Yoshida, Hiroshi

2015-03-01

In order to realize the super-high-TC superconductors (TC>1,000K) based on the general design rules for the negative Ueff system, we have performed computational materials design for theUeff<0 system in the hole-doped two-dimensional (2D) Delafossite CuAlO2, AgAlO2 and AuAlO2 from the first principles. We find the interesting chemical trend of TC in 2D and 3D systems; where the TC increases exponentially in the weak coupling regime (|Ueff (-0.44eV)|< W(2eV), W is the band width) for hole-doped CuFeS2, then the TC goes through a maximum when |Ueff (-4.88eV, -4.14eV)| ~ W (2.8eV, 3.5eV) for hole-doped AgAlO2 and AuAlO2, and the TC decreases with increasing |Ueff|in strong coupling regime, where |Ueff (-4.53eV)|> W(1.7eV) for hole-doped CuAlO2

Electrical conductivity optimization of the Na3AlF6-Al2O3-Sm2O3 molten salts system for Al-Sm intermediate binary alloy production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Chun-fa; Jiao, Yun-fen; Wang, Xu; Cai, Bo-qing; Sun, Qiang-chao; Tang, Hao

2017-09-01

Metal Sm has been widely used in making Al-Sm magnet alloy materials. Conventional distillation technology to produce Sm has the disadvantages of low productivity, high costs, and pollution generation. The objective of this study was to develop a molten salt electrolyte system to produce Al-Sm alloy directly, with focus on the electrical conductivity and optimal operating conditions to minimize the energy consumption. The continuously varying cell constant (CVCC) technique was used to measure the conductivity for the Na3AlF6-AlF3-LiF-MgF2-Al2O3-Sm2O3 electrolysis medium in the temperature range from 905 to 1055°C. The temperature ( t) and the addition of Al2O3 ( W(Al2O3)), Sm2O3 ( W(Sm2O3)), and a combination of Al2O3 and Sm2O3 into the basic fluoride system were examined with respect to their effects on the conductivity ( κ) and activation energy. The experimental results showed that the molten electrolyte conductivity increases with increasing temperature ( t) and decreases with the addition of Al2O3 or Sm2O3 or both. We concluded that the optimal operation conditions for Al-Sm intermediate alloy production in the Na3AlF6-AlF3-LiF-MgF2-Al2O3-Sm2O3 system are W(Al2O3) + W(Sm2O3) = 3wt%, W(Al2O3): W(Sm2O3) = 7:3, and a temperature of 965 to 995°C, which results in satisfactory conductivity, low fluoride evaporation losses, and low energy consumption.

Teachers' Performance Motivation System in Thai Primary Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pasathang, Sarojn; Tesaputa, Kowat; Sataphonwong, Pattananusron

2016-01-01

This research aims to: 1) study the present conditions and desirable condition of the motivation systems as well as how to find methods for motivating the performance of teachers in primary schools, 2) develop a motivation system for the performance of teachers in primary schools, 3) study the effects of using the motivation system for compliance…

47 CFR 11.14 - Primary Entry Point (PEP) System.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Primary Entry Point (PEP) System. 11.14 Section 11.14 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION GENERAL EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM (EAS) General § 11.14 Primary Entry Point (PEP) System. The PEP system is a nationwide network of broadcast...

47 CFR 11.14 - Primary Entry Point (PEP) System.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Primary Entry Point (PEP) System. 11.14 Section 11.14 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION GENERAL EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM (EAS) General § 11.14 Primary Entry Point (PEP) System. The PEP system is a nationwide network of broadcast...

Development of Educational Management System in Small Primary School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alsammarry, Yupayao; Sirisuthi, Chaiyuth; Duangcharthom, Surat

2016-01-01

The purposes of the research were: (1) to study the factors of Educational Management System in Small Primary School; (2) to investigate current situations problems and guidelines of developing educational management in small primary school; (3) to develop Educational Management System in Small Primary School; and (4) to examine the results of…

Primary health care in Canada: systems in motion.

PubMed

Hutchison, Brian; Levesque, Jean-Frederic; Strumpf, Erin; Coyle, Natalie

2011-06-01

During the 1980s and 1990s, innovations in the organization, funding, and delivery of primary health care in Canada were at the periphery of the system rather than at its core. In the early 2000s, a new policy environment emerged. This policy analysis examines primary health care reform efforts in Canada during the last decade, drawing on descriptive information from published and gray literature and from a series of semistructured interviews with informed observers of primary health care in Canada. Primary health care in Canada has entered a period of potentially transformative change. Key initiatives include support for interprofessional primary health care teams, group practices and networks, patient enrollment with a primary care provider, financial incentives and blended-payment schemes, development of primary health care governance mechanisms, expansion of the primary health care provider pool, implementation of electronic medical records, and quality improvement training and support. Canada's experience suggests that primary health care transformation can be achieved voluntarily in a pluralistic system of private health care delivery, given strong government and professional leadership working in concert. © 2011 Milbank Memorial Fund. Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.

Als2 mRNA splicing variants detected in KO mice rescue severe motor dysfunction phenotype in Als2 knock-down zebrafish.

PubMed

Gros-Louis, Francois; Kriz, Jasna; Kabashi, Edor; McDearmid, Jonathan; Millecamps, Stéphanie; Urushitani, Makoto; Lin, Li; Dion, Patrick; Zhu, Qinzhang; Drapeau, Pierre; Julien, Jean-Pierre; Rouleau, Guy A

2008-09-01

Recessive ALS2 mutations are linked to three related but slightly different neurodegenerative disorders: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, hereditary spastic paraplegia and primary lateral sclerosis. To investigate the function of the ALS2 encoded protein, we generated Als2 knock-out (KO) mice and zAls2 knock-down zebrafish. The Als2(-/-) mice lacking exon 2 and part of exon 3 developed mild signs of neurodegeneration compatible with axonal transport deficiency. In contrast, zAls2 knock-down zebrafish had severe developmental abnormalities, swimming deficits and motor neuron perturbation. We identified, by RT-PCR, northern and western blotting novel Als2 transcripts in mouse central nervous system. These Als2 transcripts were present in Als2 null mice as well as in wild-type littermates and some rescued the zebrafish phenotype. Thus, we speculate that the newly identified Als2 mRNA species prevent the Als2 KO mice from developing severe neurodegenerative disease and might also regulate the severity of the motor neurons phenotype observed in ALS2 patients.

Viking orbiter system primary mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goudy, J. R.

1977-01-01

An overview of Viking Orbiter (VO) system and subsystem performances during the primary mission (the time period from VO-1 launch on August 20, 1975, through November 15, 1976) is presented. Brief descriptions, key design requirements, pertinent historical information, unique applications or situations, and predicted versus actual performances are included for all VO-1 and VO-2 subsystems, both individually and as an integrated system.

Cryptanalysis and improvement of Yan et al.'s biometric-based authentication scheme for telecare medicine information systems.

PubMed

Mishra, Dheerendra; Mukhopadhyay, Sourav; Chaturvedi, Ankita; Kumari, Saru; Khan, Muhammad Khurram

2014-06-01

Remote user authentication is desirable for a Telecare Medicine Information System (TMIS) for the safety, security and integrity of transmitted data over the public channel. In 2013, Tan presented a biometric based remote user authentication scheme and claimed that his scheme is secure. Recently, Yan et al. demonstrated some drawbacks in Tan's scheme and proposed an improved scheme to erase the drawbacks of Tan's scheme. We analyze Yan et al.'s scheme and identify that their scheme is vulnerable to off-line password guessing attack, and does not protect anonymity. Moreover, in their scheme, login and password change phases are inefficient to identify the correctness of input where inefficiency in password change phase can cause denial of service attack. Further, we design an improved scheme for TMIS with the aim to eliminate the drawbacks of Yan et al.'s scheme.

Effect of Sulfur on Liquidus Temperatures in the ZnO-"FeO"-Al2O3-CaO-SiO2-S System in Equilibrium with Metallic Iron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Baojun; Hayes, Peter C.; Jak, Evgueni

2011-10-01

The phase equilibria in the ZnO-"FeO"-Al2O3-CaO-SiO2-S system have been determined experimentally in equilibrium with metallic iron. A pseudoternary section of the form ZnO-"FeO"-(Al2O3+CaO+SiO2) for CaO/SiO2 = 0.71 (weight), (CaO+SiO2)/Al2O3 = 5.0 (weight), and fixed 2.0 wt pct S concentration has been constructed. It was found that the addition of 2.0 wt pct S to the liquid extends the spinel primary phase field significantly and decreases the size of the wustite primary phase field. The liquidus temperature in the wustite primary phase field is decreased by approximately 80 K and the liquidus temperature in the spinel primary phase field is decreased by approximately 10 K with addition of 2.0 wt pct S in the composition range investigated. It was also found that iron-zinc sulfides are present in some samples in the spinel primary phase field, which are matte appearing at low zinc concentrations and sphalerite (Zn,Fe)S at higher zinc concentrations. The presence of sulfur in the slag has a minor effect on the partitioning of ZnO between the wustite and liquid phases but no effect on the partitioning of ZnO between the spinel and liquid phases.

Effect of MgO on Liquidus Temperatures in the ZnO-"FeO"-Al2O3-CaO-SiO2-MgO System in Equilibrium with Metallic Iron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Baojun; Hayes, Peter C.; Jak, Evgueni

2011-06-01

The phase equilibria in the ZnO-"FeO"-Al2O3-CaO-SiO2-MgO system have been determined experimentally in equilibrium with metallic iron. Synthetic slags were equilibrated at a high temperature, quenched, and then the compositions of the phases in equilibrium were measured using electron probe X-ray microanalysis. Pseudoternary sections of the form ZnO-"FeO"-(Al2O3 + CaO + SiO2) for CaO/SiO2 = 0.71, (CaO + SiO2)/Al2O3 = 5 and fixed MgO concentrations of 2, 4, and 6 wt pct have been constructed. Wustite (Fe2+,Mg,Zn)O and spinel (Fe2+,Mg,Zn)O·(Al,Fe3+)2O3 are the major primary phases in the temperature and composition ranges investigated. The liquidus temperatures are increased by 140 K in the wustite primary phase field and by 70 K in the spinel primary phase field with the addition of 6 wt pct MgO in the slag. The partitioning of MgO and ZnO between the solid and liquid phases has been discussed.

Study on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hypereutectic Al-18Si Alloy Modified with Al-3B.

PubMed

Gong, Chunjie; Tu, Hao; Wu, Changjun; Wang, Jianhua; Su, Xuping

2018-03-20

An hypereutectic Al-18Si alloy was modified via an Al-3B master alloy. The effect of the added Al-3B and the modification temperature on the microstructure, tensile fracture morphologies, and mechanical properties of the alloy were investigated using an optical microscope, Image-Pro Plus 6.0, a scanning electron microscope, and a universal testing machine. The results show that the size of the primary Si and its fraction decreased at first, and then increased as an additional amount of Al-3B was added. When the added Al-3B reached 0.2 wt %, the fraction of the primary Si in the Al-18Si alloy decreased with an increase in temperature. Compared with the unmodified Al-18Si alloy, the tensile strength and elongation of the alloy modified at 850 °C with 0.2 wt % Al-3B increased by 25% and 81%, respectively. The tensile fracture of the modified Al-18Si alloy exhibited partial ductile fracture characteristics, but there were more areas with ductile characteristics compared with that of the unmodified Al-18Si alloy.

Primary Dendrite Arm Spacing and Trunk Diameter in Al-7-Weight-Percentage Si Alloy Directionally Solidified Aboard the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ghods, M.; Tewari, S. N.; Lauer, M.; Poirier, D. R.; Grugel, R. N.

2016-01-01

Under a NASA-ESA collaborative research project, three Al-7-weight-percentage Si samples (MICAST-6, MICAST-7 and MICAST 2-12) were directionally solidified aboard the International Space Station to determine the effect of mitigating convection on the primary dendrite array. The samples were approximately 25 centimeters in length with a diameter of 7.8 millimeter-diameter cylinders that were machined from [100] oriented terrestrially grown dendritic Al-7Si samples and inserted into alumina ampoules within the Sample Cartridge Assembly (SCA) inserts of the Low Gradient Furnace (LGF). The feed rods were partially remelted in space and directionally solidified to effect the [100] dendrite-orientation. MICAST-6 was grown at 5 microns per second for 3.75 centimeters and then at 50 microns per second for its remaining 11.2 centimeters of its length. MICAST-7 was grown at 20 microns per second for 8.5 centimeters and then at 10 microns per second for 9 centimeters of its remaining length. MICAST2-12 was grown at 40 microns per second for 11 centimeters. The thermal gradient at the liquidus temperature varied from 22 to 14 degrees Kelvin per centimeter during growth of MICAST-6, from 26 to 24 degrees Kelvin per centimeter for MICAST-7 and from 33 to 31 degrees Kelvin per centimeter for MICAST2-12. Microstructures on the transverse sections along the sample length were analyzed to determine nearest-neighbor spacing of the primary dendrite arms and trunk diameters of the primary dendrite-arrays. This was done along the lengths where steady-state growth prevailed and also during the transients associated with the speed-changes. The observed nearest-neighbor spacings during steady-state growth of the MICAST samples show a very good agreement with predictions from the Hunt-Lu primary spacing model for diffusion controlled growth. The observed primary dendrite trunk diameters during steady-state growth of these samples also agree with predictions from a coarsening-based model

Primary propulsion/large space system interactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dergance, R. H.

1980-01-01

Three generic types of structural concepts and nonstructural surface densities were selected and combined to represent potential LSS applications. The design characteristics of various classes of large space systems that are impacted by primary propulsion thrust required to effect orbit transfer were identified. The effects of propulsion system thrust-to-mass ratio, thrust transients, and performance on the mass, area, and orbit transfer characteristics of large space systems were determined.

Apollo experience report guidance and control systems: Primary guidance, navigation, and control system development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holley, M. D.; Swingle, W. L.; Bachman, S. L.; Leblanc, C. J.; Howard, H. T.; Biggs, H. M.

1976-01-01

The primary guidance, navigation, and control systems for both the lunar module and the command module are described. Development of the Apollo primary guidance systems is traced from adaptation of the Polaris Mark II system through evolution from Block I to Block II configurations; the discussion includes design concepts used, test and qualification programs performed, and major problems encountered. The major subsystems (inertial, computer, and optical) are covered. Separate sections on the inertial components (gyroscopes and accelerometers) are presented because these components represent a major contribution to the success of the primary guidance, navigation, and control system.

49 CFR 214.529 - In-service failure of primary braking system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false In-service failure of primary braking system. 214... Maintenance Machines and Hi-Rail Vehicles § 214.529 In-service failure of primary braking system. (a) In the event of a total in-service failure of its primary braking system, an on-track roadway maintenance...

49 CFR 214.529 - In-service failure of primary braking system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false In-service failure of primary braking system. 214... Maintenance Machines and Hi-Rail Vehicles § 214.529 In-service failure of primary braking system. (a) In the event of a total in-service failure of its primary braking system, an on-track roadway maintenance...

49 CFR 214.529 - In-service failure of primary braking system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Maintenance Machines and Hi-Rail Vehicles § 214.529 In-service failure of primary braking system. (a) In the event of a total in-service failure of its primary braking system, an on-track roadway maintenance... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false In-service failure of primary braking system. 214...

Synthesis of MAX Phases in the Hf-Al-C System.

PubMed

Lapauw, Thomas; Tunca, Bensu; Cabioc'h, Thierry; Lu, Jun; Persson, Per O Å; Lambrinou, Konstantina; Vleugels, Jozef

2016-11-07

For the first time, MAX phases in the Hf-Al-C system were experimentally synthesized using reactive hot pressing. HfC was observed as the main competing phase. The lattice parameters of Hf 2 AlC and Hf 3 AlC 2 were determined by Rietveld refinement based on the X-ray diffraction data. The atomic stacking sequence was revealed by high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. Mixtures of 211 and 312 stacking were observed within the same grain, including 523 layers. This transition in atomic structure is discussed.

Global Gross Primary Productivity for 2015 Inferred from OCO-2 SIF and a Carbon-Cycle Data Assimilation System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norton, A.; Rayner, P. J.; Scholze, M.; Koffi, E. N. D.

2016-12-01

The intercomparison study CMIP5 among other studies (e.g. Bodman et al., 2013) has shown that the land carbon flux contributes significantly to the uncertainty in projections of future CO2 concentration and climate (Friedlingstein et al., 2014)). The main challenge lies in disaggregating the relatively well-known net land carbon flux into its component fluxes, gross primary production (GPP) and respiration. Model simulations of these processes disagree considerably, and accurate observations of photosynthetic activity have proved a hindrance. Here we build upon the Carbon Cycle Data Assimilation System (CCDAS) (Rayner et al., 2005) to constrain estimates of one of these uncertain fluxes, GPP, using satellite observations of Solar Induced Fluorescence (SIF). SIF has considerable benefits over other proxy observations as it tracks not just the presence of vegetation but actual photosynthetic activity (Walther et al., 2016; Yang et al., 2015). To combine these observations with process-based simulations of GPP we have coupled the model SCOPE with the CCDAS model BETHY. This provides a mechanistic relationship between SIF and GPP, and the means to constrain the processes relevant to SIF and GPP via model parameters in a data assimilation system. We ingest SIF observations from NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2 (OCO-2) for 2015 into the data assimilation system to constrain estimates of GPP in space and time, while allowing for explicit consideration of uncertainties in parameters and observations. Here we present first results of the assimilation with SIF. Preliminary results indicate a constraint on global annual GPP of at least 75% when using SIF observations, reducing the uncertainty to < 3 PgC yr-1. A large portion of the constraint is propagated via parameters that describe leaf phenology. These results help to bring together state-of-the-art observations and model to improve understanding and predictive capability of GPP.

Chemical abundances of primary stars in the Sirius-like binary systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kong, X. M.; Zhao, G.; Zhao, J. K.; Shi, J. R.; Kumar, Y. Bharat; Wang, L.; Zhang, J. B.; Wang, Y.; Zhou, Y. T.

2018-05-01

Study of primary stars lying in Sirius-like systems with various masses of white dwarf (WD) companions and orbital separations is one of the key aspects to understand the origin and nature of barium (Ba) stars. In this paper, based on high-resolution and high-S/N spectra, we present systematic analysis of photospheric abundances for 18 FGK primary stars of Sirius-like systems including six giants and 12 dwarfs. Atmospheric parameters, stellar masses, and abundances of 24 elements (C, Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Sr, Y, Zr, Ba, La, Ce, and Nd) are determined homogeneously. The abundance patterns in these sample stars show that most of the elements in our sample follow the behaviour of field stars with similar metallicity. As expected, s-process elements in four known Ba giants show overabundance. A weak correlation was found between anomalies of s-process elemental abundance and orbital separation, suggesting that the orbital separation of the binaries could not be the main constraint to differentiate strong Ba stars from mild Ba stars. Our study shows that the large mass (>0.51 M⊙) of a WD companion in a binary system is not a sufficient condition to form a Ba star, even if the separation between the two components is small. Although not sufficient, it seems to be a necessary condition since Ba stars with lower mass WDs in the observed sample were not found. Our results support that [s/Fe] and [hs/ls] ratios of Ba stars are anti-correlated with the metallicity. However, the different levels of s-process overabundance among Ba stars may not be dominated mainly by the metallicity.

[Primary systemic amyloidosis].

PubMed

Tanasilović, Srdan; Zivanović, Dubravka; Nikolić, Milos; Tomović, Maja; Elezović, Ivo; Medenica, Ljiljana

2007-12-01

Systemic amyloidosis is a rare disorder which usually occurs in aged persons and has a poor prognosis. Systemic amyloidosis can be primary, occasionally associated with multiple myeloma, or secondary, associated with another disease. We presented a 72-year-old male patient with periocular purpura ("racoon sign") and waxy papules, petechiae and ecchymoses on the neck and thoracic area. Purpuric macules were present also on the lips and tongue which was edematous (macroglossia). The skin lesions occurred two years earlier, the patient lost more than 15 kilograms of the body mass for less than a year. Immunoelectrophoresis of urine and serum demonstrated the presence of immunoglobulin light chains of the circulating monoclonal protein. Histopathological examination of skin lesions showed Congo red positive deposits in the derm. Cardiac evaluation revealed the signs of heart failure, and renal evaluation revealed nephrotic syndrome, with excessive protein lost. He was treated with oral melphalan and prednisolone, and died 7 days after starting the therapy due to heart failure. This patient considered as a rare case with systemic amyloidosis highlights the importance of histopathological and physical examination in any cases with periocular purpura, petechiae, ecchymoses and macroglossia.

Pediatric Primary Care as a Component of Systems of Care

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Jonathan D.

2010-01-01

Systems of care should be defined in a manner that includes primary care. The current definition of systems of care shares several attributes with the definition of primary care: both are defined as community-based services that are accessible, accountable, comprehensive, coordinated, culturally competent, and family focused. However, systems of…

Ti, Al and N adatom adsorption and diffusion on rocksalt cubic AlN (001) and (011) surfaces: Ab initio calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mastail, C.; David, M.; Nita, F.; Michel, A.; Abadias, G.

2017-11-01

We use ab initio calculations to determine the preferred nucleation sites and migration pathways of Ti, Al and N adatoms on cubic NaCl-structure (B1) AlN surfaces, primary inputs towards a further thin film growth modelling of the TiAlN alloy system. The potential energy landscape is mapped out for both metallic species and nitrogen adatoms for two different AlN surface orientations, (001) and (110), using density functional theory. For all species, the adsorption energies on AlN(011) surface are larger than on AlN(001) surface. Ti and Al adatom adsorption energy landscapes determined at 0 K by ab initio show similar features, with stable binding sites being located in, or near, epitaxial surface positions, with Ti showing a stronger binding compared to Al. In direct contrast, N adatoms (Nad) adsorb preferentially close to N surface atoms (Nsurf), thus forming strong N2-molecule-like bonds on both AlN(001) and (011). Similar to N2 desorption mechanisms reported for other cubic transition metal nitride surfaces, in the present work we investigate Nad/Nsurf desorption on AlN(011) using a drag calculation method. We show that this process leaves a Nsurf vacancy accompanied with a spontaneous surface reconstruction, highlighting faceting formation during growth.

A systems-based partnership learning model for strengthening primary healthcare

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Strengthening primary healthcare systems is vital to improving health outcomes and reducing inequity. However, there are few tools and models available in published literature showing how primary care system strengthening can be achieved on a large scale. Challenges to strengthening primary healthcare (PHC) systems include the dispersion, diversity and relative independence of primary care providers; the scope and complexity of PHC; limited infrastructure available to support population health approaches; and the generally poor and fragmented state of PHC information systems. Drawing on concepts of comprehensive PHC, integrated quality improvement (IQI) methods, system-based research networks, and system-based participatory action research, we describe a learning model for strengthening PHC that addresses these challenges. We describe the evolution of this model within the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary healthcare context, successes and challenges in its application, and key issues for further research. Discussion IQI approaches combined with system-based participatory action research and system-based research networks offer potential to support program implementation and ongoing learning across a wide scope of primary healthcare practice and on a large scale. The Partnership Learning Model (PLM) can be seen as an integrated model for large-scale knowledge translation across the scope of priority aspects of PHC. With appropriate engagement of relevant stakeholders, the model may be applicable to a wide range of settings. In IQI, and in the PLM specifically, there is a clear role for research in contributing to refining and evaluating existing tools and processes, and in developing and trialling innovations. Achieving an appropriate balance between funding IQI activity as part of routine service delivery and funding IQI related research will be vital to developing and sustaining this type of PLM. Summary This paper draws together

A first principles calculation and statistical mechanics modeling of defects in Al-H system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Min; Wang, Cai-Zhuang; Ho, Kai-Ming

2007-03-01

The behavior of defects and hydrogen in Al was investigated by first principles calculations and statistical mechanics modeling. The formation energy of different defects in Al+H system such as Al vacancy, H in institution and multiple H in Al vacancy were calculated by first principles method. Defect concentration in thermodynamical equilibrium was studied by total free energy calculation including configuration entropy and defect-defect interaction from low concentration limit to hydride limit. In our grand canonical ensemble model, hydrogen chemical potential under different environment plays an important role in determing the defect concentration and properties in Al-H system.

Predictions of thermomagnetic properties of Laves phase compounds: TbAl2, GdAl2 and SmAl2 performed with ATOMIC MATTERS MFA computation system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michalski, Rafał; Zygadło, Jakub

2018-04-01

Recent calculations of properties of TbAl2 GdAl2 and SmAl2 single crystals, performed with our new computation system called ATOMIC MATTERS MFA are presented. We applied localized electron approach to describe the thermal evolution of Fine Electronic Structure of Tb3+, Gd3+ and Sm3+ ions over a wide temperature range and estimate Magnetocaloric Effect (MCE). Thermomagnetic properties of TbAl2, GdAl2 and SmAl2 were calculated based on the fine electronic structure of the 4f8, 4f7 and 4f5 electronic configuration of the Tb3+ and Gd3+ and Sm3+ ions, respectively. Our calculations yielded: magnetic moment value and direction; single-crystalline magnetization curves in zero field and in external magnetic field applied in various directions m(T,Bext); the 4f-electronic components of specific heat c4f(T,Bext); and temperature dependence of the magnetic entropy and isothermal entropy change with external magnetic field - ΔS(T,Bext). The cubic universal CEF parameters values used for all CEF calculations was taken from literature and recalculated for universal cubic parameters set for the RAl2 series: A4 = +7.164 Ka04 and A6 = -1.038 Ka06. Magnetic properties were found to be anisotropic due to cubic Laves phase C15 crystal structure symmetry. These studies reveal the importance of multipolar charge interactions when describing thermomagnetic properties of real 4f electronic systems and the effectiveness of an applied self-consistent molecular field in calculations for magnetic phase transition simulation.

Oxidation behavior of thermal barrier coating systems with Al interlayer under isothermal loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, I.; Sokołowski, P.; Grund, T.; Pawłowski, L.; Lampke, T.

2018-06-01

In the present study, the phenomena related to the Thermally Grown Oxides (TGO) in atmospheric plasma sprayed Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs) are discussed. CoNiCrAlY bond coatings were sprayed on Inconel 600 substrates. Subsequently, thin Al layers were deposited by DC-Magnetron sputtering. Finally, yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) top coatings were deposited to form a three-layered TBC system. The thus produced aluminum interlayer containing thermal barrier coatings (Al-TBC) were subjected to isothermal exposure with different holding times at 1150 °C and compared with reference TBCs of the same kind, but without Al interlayers (R-TBC). The oxide film formation in the interface between bond coating (BC) and top coating (TC) was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) after 100 and 300 h of high temperature isothermal exposure. The growth of this oxide film as a function of the isothermal exposure time was studied. As a result, the designed Al-TBC system exhibited better oxidation resistance in the BC/TC interface than the two-layered R-TBC system. This was lead back to the Al enrichment, which slows down the formation rate of transition metal oxides during thermal loading.

Al-Mg isotopic evidence for episodic alteration of Ca-Al-rich inclusions from Allende

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fagan, T. J.; Guan, Y.; MacPherson, G. J.

2007-08-01

Textures, mineral assemblages, and Al-Mg isotope systematics indicate a protracted, episodic secondary mineralization history for Allende Ca-Al-rich inclusions (CAIs). Detailed observations from one type B1 CAI, one B2, one compact type A (CTA), and one fluffy type A (FTA) indicate that these diverse types of CAIs are characterized by two distinct textural and mineralogic types of secondary mineralization: (1) grossular-rich domains, concentrated along melilite grain boundaries in CAI interiors, and (2) feldspathoid-bearing domains, confined mostly to CAI margins just interior to the Wark-Lovering rim sequence. The Al-Mg isotopic compositions of most secondary minerals in the type B1 CAI, and some secondary minerals in the other CAIs, show no resolvable excesses of 26Mg, whereas the primary CAI phases mostly yield correlated excesses of 26Mg with increasing Al/Mg corresponding to "canonical" initial 26Al/27Al ˜ 4.5-5 × 10-5. These secondary minerals formed at least 3 Ma after the primary CAI minerals. All but two analyses of secondary minerals from the fluffy type-A CAI define a correlated increase in 26Mg/24Mg with increasing Al/Mg, yielding (26Al/27Al)0 = (4.9 ± 2.8) × 10-6. The secondary minerals in this CAI formed 1.8-3.2 Ma after the primary CAI minerals. In both cases, the timing of secondary alteration is consistent with, but does not necessarily require, alteration in an asteroidal setting. One grossular from the type B2 CAI, and several grossular and secondary feldspar analyses from the compact type A CAI, have excesses of 26Mg consistent with initial 26Al/27Al ˜ 4.5 × 10-5. Especially in the compact type A CAI, where 26Mg/24Mg in grossular correlates with increasing Al/Mg, these 26Mg excesses are almost certainly due to in situ decay of 26Al. They indicate a nebular setting for formation of the grossular. The preservation of these diverse isotopic patterns indicates that heating on the Allende parent body was not pervasive enough to reset isotopic

MODIS-Derived Terrestrial Primary Production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Maosheng; Running, Steven; Heinsch, Faith Ann; Nemani, Ramakrishna

Temporal and spatial changes in terrestrial biological productivity have a large impact on humankind because terrestrial ecosystems not only create environments suitable for human habitation, but also provide materials essential for survival, such as food, fiber and fuel. A recent study estimated that consumption of terrestrial net primary production (NPP; a list of all the acronyms is available in the appendix at the end of the chapter) by the human population accounts for about 14-26% of global NPP (Imhoff et al. 2004). Rapid global climate change is induced by increased atmospheric greenhouse gas concentration, especially CO2, which results from human activities such as fossil fuel combustion and deforestation. This directly impacts terrestrial NPP, which continues to change in both space and time (Melillo et al. 1993; Prentice et al. 2001; Nemani et al. 2003), and ultimately impacts the well-being of human society (Milesi et al. 2005). Additionally, substantial evidence show that the oceans and the biosphere, especially terrestrial ecosystems, currently play a major role in reducing the rate of the atmospheric CO2 increase (Prentice et al. 2001; Schimel et al. 2001). NPP is the first step needed to quantify the amount of atmospheric carbon fixed by plants and accumulated as biomass. Continuous and accurate measurements of terrestrial NPP at the global scale are possible using satellite data. Since early 2000, for the first time, the MODIS sensors onboard the Terra and Aqua satellites, have operationally provided scientists with near real-time global terrestrial gross primary production (GPP) and net photosynthesis (PsnNet) data. These data are provided at 1 km spatial resolution and an 8-day interval, and annual NPP covers 109,782,756 km2 of vegetated land. These GPP, PsnNet and NPP products are collectively known as MOD17 and are part of a larger suite of MODIS land products (Justice et al. 2002), one of the core Earth System or Climate Data Records (ESDR or

Top-level modeling of an als system utilizing object-oriented techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez, L. F.; Kang, S.; Ting, K. C.

The possible configuration of an Advanced Life Support (ALS) System capable of supporting human life for long-term space missions continues to evolve as researchers investigate potential technologies and configurations. To facilitate the decision process the development of acceptable, flexible, and dynamic mathematical computer modeling tools capable of system level analysis is desirable. Object-oriented techniques have been adopted to develop a dynamic top-level model of an ALS system.This approach has several advantages; among these, object-oriented abstractions of systems are inherently modular in architecture. Thus, models can initially be somewhat simplistic, while allowing for adjustments and improvements. In addition, by coding the model in Java, the model can be implemented via the World Wide Web, greatly encouraging the utilization of the model. Systems analysis is further enabled with the utilization of a readily available backend database containing information supporting the model. The subsystem models of the ALS system model include Crew, Biomass Production, Waste Processing and Resource Recovery, Food Processing and Nutrition, and the Interconnecting Space. Each subsystem model and an overall model have been developed. Presented here is the procedure utilized to develop the modeling tool, the vision of the modeling tool, and the current focus for each of the subsystem models.

Thermodynamic assessments and inter-relationships between systems involving Al, Am, Ga, Pu, and U

DOE PAGES

Perron, A.; Turchi, P. E. A.; Landa, A.; ...

2016-12-01

We present a newly developed self-consistent CALPHAD thermodynamic database involving Al, Am, Ga, Pu, and U. A first optimization of the slightly characterized Am-Al and completely unknown Am-Ga phase diagrams is proposed. To this end, phase diagram features as crystal structures, stoichiometric compounds, solubility limits, and melting temperatures have been studied along the U-Al → Pu-Al → Am-Al, and U-Ga → Pu-Ga → Am-Ga series, and the thermodynamic assessments involving Al and Ga alloying are compared. In addition, two distinct optimizations of the Pu-Al phase diagram are proposed to account for the low temperature and Pu-rich region controversy. We includedmore » the previously assessed thermodynamics of the other binary systems (Am-Pu, Am-U, Pu-U, and Al-Ga) in the database and is briefly described in the present work. In conclusion, predictions on phase stability of ternary and quaternary systems of interest are reported to check the consistency of the database.« less

Thermodynamic assessments and inter-relationships between systems involving Al, Am, Ga, Pu, and U

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perron, A.; Turchi, P. E. A.; Landa, A.; Oudot, B.; Ravat, B.; Delaunay, F.

2016-12-01

A newly developed self-consistent CALPHAD thermodynamic database involving Al, Am, Ga, Pu, and U is presented. A first optimization of the slightly characterized Am-Al and completely unknown Am-Ga phase diagrams is proposed. To this end, phase diagram features as crystal structures, stoichiometric compounds, solubility limits, and melting temperatures have been studied along the U-Al → Pu-Al → Am-Al, and U-Ga → Pu-Ga → Am-Ga series, and the thermodynamic assessments involving Al and Ga alloying are compared. In addition, two distinct optimizations of the Pu-Al phase diagram are proposed to account for the low temperature and Pu-rich region controversy. The previously assessed thermodynamics of the other binary systems (Am-Pu, Am-U, Pu-U, and Al-Ga) is also included in the database and is briefly described in the present work. Finally, predictions on phase stability of ternary and quaternary systems of interest are reported to check the consistency of the database.

Thermally Induced Interdiffusion and Precipitation in a Ni/Ni 3 Al System

DOE PAGES

Sun, C.; Martinez, E.; Aguiar, J. A.; ...

2015-05-20

Ordered Ni 3Al intermetallic precipitates constitute the main hardening sources of Ni-based superalloys. Here, we report the interdiffusion and precipitation behavior in a Ni/Ni3Al model system. The deposition of Ni3Al on a pure Ni layer at 500°C generated L12-structured γ' (Ni3Al) precipitates, preferentially at the interface. After annealing at 800°C for 1 h, interdiffusion between Ni and Ni3Al layers occurred, and the γ' precipitates that grew near the parent Ni/Ni 3Al interface are ~2.8 times larger in size than those formed in the matrix. In conclusion, Monte Carlo simulations indicate that vacancies preferentially diffuse along the Ni/Ni 3Al interface, increasingmore » the probability of precipitation.« less

Synthesis of MAX Phases in the Zr-Ti-Al-C System.

PubMed

Tunca, Bensu; Lapauw, Thomas; Karakulina, Olesia M; Batuk, Maria; Cabioc'h, Thierry; Hadermann, Joke; Delville, Rémi; Lambrinou, Konstantina; Vleugels, Jozef

2017-03-20

This study reports on the synthesis and characterization of MAX phases in the (Zr,Ti) n+1 AlC n system. The MAX phases were synthesized by reactive hot pressing and pressureless sintering in the 1350-1700 °C temperature range. The produced ceramics contained large fractions of 211 and 312 (n = 1, 2) MAX phases, while strong evidence of a 413 (n = 3) stacking was found. Moreover, (Zr,Ti)C, ZrAl 2 , ZrAl 3 , and Zr 2 Al 3 were present as secondary phases. In general, the lattice parameters of the hexagonal 211 and 312 phases followed Vegard's law over the complete Zr-Ti solid solution range, but the 312 phase showed a non-negligible deviation from Vegard's law around the (Zr 0.33 ,Ti 0.67 ) 3 Al 1.2 C 1.6 stoichiometry. High-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with X-ray diffraction demonstrated ordering of the Zr and Ti atoms in the 312 phase, whereby Zr atoms occupied preferentially the central position in the close-packed M 6 X octahedral layers. The same ordering was also observed in 413 stackings present within the 312 phase. The decomposition of the secondary (Zr,Ti)C phase was attributed to the miscibility gap in the ZrC-TiC system.

Primary central nervous system B-cell lymphoma in a young dog

PubMed Central

Kim, Na-Hyun; Ciesielski, Thomas; Kim, Jung H.; Yhee, Ji-Young; Im, Keum-Soon; Nam, Hae-Mi; Kim, Il-Hwan; Kim, Jong-Hyuk; Sur, Jung-Hyang

2012-01-01

This report describes a primary central nervous system B-cell lymphoma in a 3-year-old intact female Maltese dog. Canine primary central nervous system lymphomas constitute about 4% of all intracranial primary neoplasms, but comprehensive histopathologic classifications have rarely been carried out. This is the first report of this disease in a young adult dog. PMID:23115372

A primary mirror metrology system for the GMT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rakich, A.

2016-07-01

The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT)1 is a 25 m "doubly segmented" telescope composed of seven 8.4 m "unit Gregorian telescopes", on a common mount. Each primary and secondary mirror segment will ideally lie on the geometrical surface of the corresponding rotationally symmetrical full aperture optical element. Therefore, each primary and conjugated secondary mirror segment will feed a common instrument interface, their focal planes co-aligned and cophased. First light with a subset of four unit telescopes is currently scheduled for 2022. The project is currently considering an important aspect of the assembly, integration and verification (AIV) phase of the project. This paper will discuss a dedicated system to directly characterize the on-sky performance of the M1 segments, independently of the M2 subsystem. A Primary Mirror Metrology System (PMS) is proposed. The main purpose of this system will be to he4lp determine the rotation axis of an instrument rotator (the Gregorian Instrument Rotator or GIR in this case) and then to characterize the deflections and deformations of the M1 segments with respect to this axis as a function of gravity and temperature. The metrology system will incorporate a small (180 mm diameter largest element) prime focus corrector (PFC) that simultaneously feeds a <60" square acquisition and guiding camera field, and a Shack Hartmann wavefront sensor. The PMS is seen as a significant factor in risk reduction during AIV; it allows an on-sky characterization of the primary mirror segments and cells, without the complications of other optical elements. The PMS enables a very useful alignment strategy that constrains each primary mirror segments' optical axes to follow the GIR axis to within a few arc seconds. An additional attractive feature of the incorporation of the PMS into the AIV plan, is that it allows first on-sky telescope operations to occur with a system of considerably less optical and control complexity than the final doubly

Development of Effective Academic Affairs Administration System in Thai Primary Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thongnoi, Niratchakorn; Srisa-ard, Boonchom; Sri-ampai, Anan

2013-01-01

This research aimed to: 1) study current situations and problems of academic affairs administration system in Primary Schools. 2) develop an effective academic affairs administration system, and 3) evaluate the implementation of the developed system in the primary school, Thailand. Research and Development (R&D) was employed which consisted of…

A continuous hyperspatial monitoring system of evapotranspiration and gross primary productivity from Unmanned Aerial Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Sheng; Bandini, Filippo; Jakobsen, Jakob; Zarco-Tejada, Pablo J.; Köppl, Christian Josef; Haugård Olesen, Daniel; Ibrom, Andreas; Bauer-Gottwein, Peter; Garcia, Monica

2017-04-01

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) can collect optical and thermal hyperspatial (<1m) imagery with low cost and flexible revisit times regardless of cloudy conditions. The reflectance and radiometric temperature signatures of the land surface, closely linked with the vegetation structure and functioning, are already part of models to predict Evapotranspiration (ET) and Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) from satellites. However, there remain challenges for an operational monitoring using UAS compared to satellites: the payload capacity of most commercial UAS is less than 2 kg, but miniaturized sensors have low signal to noise ratios and small field of view requires mosaicking hundreds of images and accurate orthorectification. In addition, wind gusts and lower platform stability require appropriate geometric and radiometric corrections. Finally, modeling fluxes on days without images is still an issue for both satellite and UAS applications. This study focuses on designing an operational UAS-based monitoring system including payload design, sensor calibration, based on routine collection of optical and thermal images in a Danish willow field to perform a joint monitoring of ET and GPP dynamics over continuous time at daily time steps. The payload (<2 kg) consists of a multispectral camera (Tetra Mini-MCA6), a thermal infrared camera (FLIR Tau 2), a digital camera (Sony RX-100) used to retrieve accurate digital elevation models (DEMs) for multispectral and thermal image orthorectification, and a standard GNSS single frequency receiver (UBlox) or a real time kinematic double frequency system (Novatel Inc. flexpack6+OEM628). Geometric calibration of the digital and multispectral cameras was conducted to recover intrinsic camera parameters. After geometric calibration, accurate DEMs with vertical errors about 10cm could be retrieved. Radiometric calibration for the multispectral camera was conducted with an integrating sphere (Labsphere CSTM-USS-2000C) and the laboratory

Systemic malignancies presenting as primary osteolytic lesion.

PubMed

Sirelkhatim, A; Kaiserova, E; Kolenova, A; Puskacova, J; Subova, Z; Petrzalkova, D; Banikova, K; Suvada, J; Sejnova, D

2009-01-01

The tumor formation may be the earliest manifestation preceeding other symptoms, signs and bone marrow evidence of systemic malignancy - leukemia/lymphoma. Here we present three cases of systemic malignancy in which bone lesions were the first manifested signs of the disease. All three cases were thought to be orthopedic cases and had been treated as so without genuing improvement. We would like to draw an attention to children who present with multifocal musculoskeletal pain and the importance of whole-body scaning. We describe interesting cases of diffuse large cell lymphoma and leukemia that initially presented as primary osteolytic bone lesion and discuss the differential diagnosis, literature review of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma arising in bone as the primary site (Tab. 1, Fig. 3, Ref. 18). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

75 FR 36689 - United States, et al. v. Election Systems & Software, Inc.; Public Comments and Response on...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-28

... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Antitrust Division United States, et al. v. Election Systems & Software, Inc... proposed Final Judgment in United States, et al. v. Election Systems & Software Inc., Case No. 1:10-00380... America, et al., Plaintiffs, v. Election Systems and Software, Inc., Defendant. Case No.: 1:10-cv-00380...

Comparison of the King's and MiToS staging systems for ALS.

PubMed

Fang, Ton; Al Khleifat, Ahmad; Stahl, Daniel R; Lazo La Torre, Claudia; Murphy, Caroline; Young, Carolyn; Shaw, Pamela J; Leigh, P Nigel; Al-Chalabi, Ammar

2017-05-01

To investigate and compare two ALS staging systems, King's clinical staging and Milano-Torino (MiToS) functional staging, using data from the LiCALS phase III clinical trial (EudraCT 2008-006891-31). Disease stage was derived retrospectively for each system from the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised subscores using standard methods. The two staging methods were then compared for timing of stages using box plots, correspondence using chi-square tests, agreement using a linearly weighted kappa coefficient and concordance using Spearman's rank correlation. For both systems, progressively higher stages occurred at progressively later proportions of the disease course, but the distribution differed between the two methods. King's stage 3 corresponded to MiToS stage 1 most frequently, with earlier King's stages 1 and 2 largely corresponding to MiToS stage 0 or 1. The Spearman correlation was 0.54. There was fair agreement between the two systems with kappa coefficient of 0.21. The distribution of timings shows that the two systems are complementary, with King's staging showing greatest resolution in early to mid-disease corresponding to clinical or disease burden, and MiToS staging having higher resolution for late disease, corresponding to functional involvement. We therefore propose using both staging systems when describing ALS.

1073 K (800 °C) Isothermal Section of the Co-Al-V System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Guangjing; Yin, Fucheng; Liu, Ye; Zhao, Manxiu

2017-08-01

The isothermal section of the Co-Al-V ternary system at 1073 K (800 °C) has been determined by means of X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Thirteen three-phase regions have been confirmed experimentally. A new ternary compound named `T' phase (Al2CoV) is found in this study which possesses a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure with a lattice parameter of 11.7224 Å. The T phase can be in equilibrium with Al3V, Al8V5, α-V, Al5Co2, and AlCo. The maximum solubility of Al in Co3V, σ-CoV, and CoV3 is 5.6, 6.3, and 4 at. pct, respectively. The maximum solubility of Co in Al3V, Al8V5, and α-V is 1.1, 2.5, and 24.9 at. pct, respectively. The maximum solubility of V in Al9Co2, Al13Co4, Al3Co, Al5Co2, AlCo, and α-Co is 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 2.1, 35.0, and 16.4 at. pct, respectively.

High prevalence of recurrent nocturnal desaturations in systemic AL amyloidosis: a cross-sectional pilot study.

PubMed

Mahmood, Shameem; Sovani, Milind; Smith, Peter; George, Leena; Quarta, Christina C; Sachchithanantham, Sajitha; Fontana, Marianna; Whelan, Carol J; Lachmann, Helen J; Gillmore, Julian D; Hawkins, Philip N; Wechalekar, Ashutosh D

2017-04-01

Cardiac involvement and/or macroglossia with soft tissue deposits are risk factors for central sleep apnoea (CSA) and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), and common features of systemic AL amyloidosis. Little data exist on the occurrence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) or recurrent nocturnal hypoxia in amyloidosis, which this study sought to investigate. A total of 72 consecutive patients with systemic amyloidosis (mean age 69 years and mean BMI 25) were evaluated for occurrence of SDB, by overnight continuous pulse oximetry, and completed Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) and STOPBANG questionnaires. Patients included: AL cardiac (AL-C), AL macroglossia (AL-M), AL both (AL-CM) and transthyretin (ATTR). Mean overnight oxygen saturations were 93% (SD ± 2, 95% CI 87-96) with abnormal oximetry (4% oxygen desaturation index (ODI) >5/hour): AC-C 84%, AL-M 57%, AL-CM 62% and ATTR 47%. NYHA class directly correlated with a higher 4% ODI, NYHA class I vs 3, (p = 0.01). Two-thirds of patients had STOPBANG scores >3 and abnormally high ESS scores (>10) were seen in up to 30% of patients. Recurrent nocturnal hypoxaemia, suggestive of sleep-disordered breathing, is frequent in systemic AL amyloidosis. The higher incidence in cardiac amyloidosis highlights CSA and recurrent hypoxia as possible mechanisms for morbidity/mortality in these cases. A detailed polysomnography study is planned to clarify and further investigate these findings. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Continuous estimation of evapotranspiration and gross primary productivity from an Unmanned Aerial System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, S.; Bandini, F.; Jakobsen, J.; J Zarco-Tejada, P.; Liu, X.; Haugård Olesen, D.; Ibrom, A.; Bauer-Gottwein, P.; Garcia, M.

2017-12-01

Model prediction of evapotranspiration (ET) and gross primary productivity (GPP) using optical and thermal satellite imagery is biased towards clear-sky conditions. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) can collect optical and thermal signals at unprecedented very high spatial resolution (< 1 meter) under sunny and cloudy weather conditions. However, methods to obtain model outputs between image acquisitions are still needed. This study uses UAS based optical and thermal observations to continuously estimate daily ET and GPP in a Danish willow forest for an entire growing season of 2016. A hexacopter equipped with multispectral and thermal infrared cameras and a real-time kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System was used. The Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Temperature Vegetation Dryness Index (TVDI) were used as proxies for leaf area index and soil moisture conditions, respectively. To obtain continuously daily records between UAS acquisitions, UAS surface temperature was assimilated by the ensemble Kalman filter into a prognostic land surface model (Noilhan and Planton, 1989), which relies on the force-restore method, to simulate the continuous land surface temperature. NDVI was interpolated into daily time steps by the cubic spline method. Using these continuous datasets, a joint ET and GPP model, which combines the Priestley-Taylor Jet Propulsion Laboratory ET model (Fisher et al., 2008; Garcia et al., 2013) and the Light Use Efficiency GPP model (Potter et al., 1993), was applied. The simulated ET and GPP were compared with the footprint of eddy covariance observations. The simulated daily ET has a RMSE of 14.41 W•m-2 and a correlation coefficient of 0.83. The simulated daily GPP has a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.56 g•C•m-2•d-1 and a correlation coefficient of 0.87. This study demonstrates the potential of UAS based multispectral and thermal mapping to continuously estimate ET and GPP for both sunny and cloudy weather

Development of glue type potentials for the Al-Pb system: computer simulation of Pb/Al interfaces and phase diagram calculation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Landa, Alex; Wynblatt, Paul; Siegel, Donald; Adams, Jim; Johnson, Erik; Dahmen, Uli

2000-03-01

Empirical many-body potentials have been constructed for the Al-Pb system using the ``force matching" method. The potentials have been fitted to a set of the ground state physical quantities calculated within ab initio approach and a massive quantum mechanical forces database for samples of bulk Al-Pb liquid alloys generated using ab initio molecular dynamics program VASP. Monte Carlo simulations using these potentials have been employed to compute an Al-Pb phase diagram, which is in fair agreement with experimental data, and to model the structure of (111) and (100) Pb/Al interfaces. The calculated free energy ratios for the Pb/Al 100 and 111 interfaces are in good agreement with recent high-resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements. The constructed glue potentials correctly reflects the large change in anisotropy which is observed experimentally between isolated Pb crystals and Pb crystals embedded in Al. Support by the DOE under grants DE-FG02-99ER45773 and DE-AC03-76SF00098, the NSF under grant DMR9619353 and the Danish Natural Sciences Research Council.

Cooling Performance Analysis of ThePrimary Cooling System ReactorTRIGA-2000Bandung

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irianto, I. D.; Dibyo, S.; Bakhri, S.; Sunaryo, G. R.

2018-02-01

The conversion of reactor fuel type will affect the heat transfer process resulting from the reactor core to the cooling system. This conversion resulted in changes to the cooling system performance and parameters of operation and design of key components of the reactor coolant system, especially the primary cooling system. The calculation of the operating parameters of the primary cooling system of the reactor TRIGA 2000 Bandung is done using ChemCad Package 6.1.4. The calculation of the operating parameters of the cooling system is based on mass and energy balance in each coolant flow path and unit components. Output calculation is the temperature, pressure and flow rate of the coolant used in the cooling process. The results of a simulation of the performance of the primary cooling system indicate that if the primary cooling system operates with a single pump or coolant mass flow rate of 60 kg/s, it will obtain the reactor inlet and outlet temperature respectively 32.2 °C and 40.2 °C. But if it operates with two pumps with a capacity of 75% or coolant mass flow rate of 90 kg/s, the obtained reactor inlet, and outlet temperature respectively 32.9 °C and 38.2 °C. Both models are qualified as a primary coolant for the primary coolant temperature is still below the permitted limit is 49.0 °C.

Advising potential recipients on the use of organs from donors with primary central nervous system tumors.

PubMed

Warrens, Anthony N; Birch, Rhiannon; Collett, David; Daraktchiev, Maren; Dark, John H; Galea, George; Gronow, Katie; Neuberger, James; Hilton, David; Whittle, Ian R; Watson, Christopher J E

2012-02-27

Deciding to use an organ from a donor with a primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor necessitates offsetting the risk of tumor transmission with the chances of survival if the patient waits for another offer of a transplant. Published data vary in the quoted risk of tumor transmission. We used data obtained by reviewing 246 UK recipients of organs taken from donors with CNS tumors and found no evidence of a difference in overall patient mortality for recipients of a kidney, liver, or cardiothoracic organ, compared with recipients of organs from donors without a CNS tumor. Recent publication of the UK experience of transplanting organs from CNS tumor donors found no transmission in 448 recipients of organs from 177 donors with a primary CNS tumor (Watson et al., Am J Transplant 2010; 10: 1437). This 0% transmission rate is associated with an upper 95% confidence interval limit of 1.5%. Using a series of assumptions of risk, we compared the risks of dying as a result of the transmission of a primary brain tumor with the risks of dying if not transplanted. On this basis, the use of kidneys from a donor with a primary CNS tumor provides a further 8 years of life over someone who waited for a donor who did not have a primary CNS tumor, in addition to the life years gained by the transplant itself. The benefits for the recipients of livers and cardiothoracic organs were less, but there was no disadvantage in the impact on life expectancy.

Oxidation of primary amines to oximes with molecular oxygen using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and WO3/Al2O3 as catalysts.

PubMed

Suzuki, Ken; Watanabe, Tomonari; Murahashi, Shun-Ichi

2013-03-15

The oxidative transformation of primary amines to their corresponding oximes proceeds with high efficiency under molecular oxygen diluted with molecular nitrogen (O2/N2 = 7/93 v/v, 5 MPa) in the presence of the catalysts 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and tungusten oxide/alumina (WO3/Al2O3). The method is environmentally benign, because the reaction requires only molecular oxygen as the terminal oxidant and gives water as a side product. Various alicyclic amines and aliphatic amines can be converted to their corresponding oximes in excellent yields. It is noteworthy that the oxidative transformation of primary amines proceeds chemoselectively in the presence of other functional groups. The key step of the present oxidation is a fast electron transfer from the primary amine to DPPH followed by proton transfer to give the α-aminoalkyl radical intermediate, which undergoes reaction with molecular oxygen and hydrogen abstraction to give α-aminoalkyl hydroperoxide. Subsequent reaction of the peroxide with WO3/Al2O3 gives oximes. The aerobic oxidation of secondary amines gives the corresponding nitrones. Aerobic oxidative transformation of cyclohexylamines to cyclohexanone oximes is important as a method for industrial production of ε-caprolactam, a raw material for Nylon 6.

Primary Central Nervous System Fibrosarcoma.

PubMed

Vinodh, V P; Harun, Rahmat; Sellamuthu, Pulivendhan; Kandasamy, Regunath

2017-08-01

We report a rare case of a young female with primary brain fibrosarcoma, and to the best of our knowledge, we believe that only <50 cases have been reported or described worldwide so far. Fibrosarcoma is a malignant neoplasm, in which histologically the predominant cells are fibroblasts that divide excessively without cellular control and they can invade local tissues or metastasize. Primary central nervous system fibrosarcomas are very aggressive neoplasms and generally have a poor prognosis. This tumor is either from sarcomatous transformation of a meningioma or arises de novo within the brain parenchyma. Our patient, a 48-year-old woman, who presented with progressive speech disorder over the period of 4 months, showed a left temporoparietal lesion with surrounding edema and local mass effect. Total surgical resection was achieved. Histopathology revealed classical fibrosarcoma features and secondary screening revealed no other distant lesion as diagnosis of primary brain fibrosarcoma was established. This case is deemed to be extremely rare because most reports claim that recurrence is within 6 months with poor prognosis; however, this patient is currently recurrence-free at 3 years. This would suggest of the possibility for a relook into this disease's course and recurrence rate when complete excision is achieved. Due to extreme rarity of these tumors, more comparative studies will be needed to improve the disease outcome.

AlGaInN laser diode technology and systems for defence and security applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najda, Stephen P.; Perlin, Piotr; Suski, Tadek; Marona, Lucja; Boćkowski, Mike; Leszczyński, Mike; Wisniewski, Przemek; Czernecki, Robert; Kucharski, Robert; Targowski, Grzegorz; Watson, Scott; Kelly, Antony E.

2015-05-01

The latest developments in AlGaInN laser diode technology are reviewed for defence and security applications such as underwater communications. The AlGaInN material system allows for laser diodes to be fabricated over a very wide range of wavelengths from u.v., ~380nm, to the visible ~530nm, by tuning the indium content of the laser GaInN quantum well. Thus AlGaInN laser diode technology is a key enabler for the development of new disruptive system level applications in displays, telecom, defence and other industries.

Developing Primary Science Teacher Expertise: Thinking about the System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bull, Ally

2016-01-01

This report comes from an exploratory project looking at professional learning and development for primary science teachers. In recent years there has been increased interest in science in New Zealand for social and economic reasons. However, there has been concern that the primary school system is not preparing students as well as it could in…

AlGaInN laser diode technology for systems applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najda, S. P.; Perlin, P.; Suski, T.; Marona, L.; Bockowski, M.; Leszczyński, M.; Wisniewski, P.; Czernecki, R.; Kucharski, R.; Targowski, G.; Watson, S.; Kelly, A. E.

2016-02-01

Gallium Nitride (GaN) laser diodes fabricated from the AlGaInN material system is an emerging technology that allows laser diodes to be fabricated over a very wide wavelength range from u.v. to the visible, and is a key enabler for the development of new system applications such as (underwater and terrestrial) telecommunications, quantum technologies, display sources and medical instrumentation.

Primary Care Providers and a System Problem

PubMed Central

Wiener, Renda Soylemez; Sullivan, Donald; Ganzini, Linda; Slatore, Christopher G.

2015-01-01

BACKGROUND: As lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scanning is implemented, an increasing number of people will be diagnosed with pulmonary nodules. Primary care clinicians care for the vast majority of these patients, but their experiences with communication and managing distress in this population are not well understood. METHODS: We conducted qualitative interviews of 15 primary care providers (PCPs) at two academic medical centers who care for patients with pulmonary nodules. We used qualitative description analysis, focusing on clinicians’ information exchange and other communication behaviors. RESULTS: Most PCPs believed they had inadequate information to counsel patients regarding lung nodules, although this information is desired. PCPs were concerned patients could “fall through the cracks” but did not have access to a reliable system to ensure follow-up adherence. They were limited by time, knowledge, and resources in providing the preferred level of care. Most PCPs did not discuss the specific risk a nodule was lung cancer, in part because they did not have ready access to this information. PCPs believed most patients did not have substantial distress as a result of nodule detection. Most PCPs did not include patients when making decisions about the follow-up plan. CONCLUSIONS: PCPs often lack systemic resources to optimize patient-centered approaches when discussing incidental pulmonary nodules with patients. With the advent of lung cancer screening, pulmonologists can assist primary care colleagues by providing accurate information to counsel patients and assisting in managing conversations about the risk of cancer. Pulmonologists should support efforts to implement reliable systems to ensure adherence to follow-up. PMID:25790082

Preliminary Validation of a Screening Tool for Adolescent Panic Disorder in Pediatric Primary Care Clinics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Queen, Alexander H.; Ehrenreich-May, Jill; Hershorin, Eugene R.

2012-01-01

This study examines the validity of a brief screening tool for adolescent panic disorder (PD) in a primary care setting. A total of 165 participants (ages 12-17 years) seen in two pediatric primary care clinics completed the Autonomic Nervous System Questionnaire (ANS; Stein et al. in Psychosomatic Med 61:359-364, 40). A subset of those screening…

[Clinical analysis of 138 multiple primary cancers diagnosed of digestive system malignant tumor initially].

PubMed

Lyu, J M; Xiong, H C; Wu, B; Zhou, X Q; Hu, J

2018-02-23

Objective: To study the clinical characteristics, strategy of treatment and prognosis of multiple primary cancers(MPC) diagnosed of digestive system malignant tumor firstly. Methods: From January, 2000 to December, 2015, the clinical, follow-up and prognostic data of 138 MPC patients diagnosed of digestive system malignant tumor firstly were retrospectively analyzed. Results: 138 cases were found in 10 580 cases with malignant tumors, and the incidence was 1.30%. There were 129 cases of duplex primary cancers, 8 cases of triple primary cancers and 1 case of quintuple primary cancers. The repetitive primary cancer was occurred in digestive system (61cases, 44.2%) most frequently, with the next in respiratory system (46 cases, 33.3%). 52.2% (72 cases) suffered second primary cancer in 2 years after first primary cancer diagnosed, and 75.4% (104 cases) in 5 years. The median overall survival in patients with all cancer lesions radically treated was 168 months, better than any other treatment (68 months, P <0.05). Conclusions: The second primary cancers of MPC cases initially diagnosed of digestive system malignant tumor most frequently occurred in the digestive system and respiratory system. More concern should be attracted in follow-up, especially in the first 5 years. The key to improve patient' prognosis was radical treatment to every primary cancer.

Establishment and outcomes of a model primary care pharmacy service system.

PubMed

Carmichael, Jannet M; Alvarez, Autumn; Chaput, Ryan; DiMaggio, Jennifer; Magallon, Heather; Mambourg, Scott

2004-03-01

The establishment and outcomes of a model primary care pharmacy service system are described. A primary care pharmacy practice model was established at a government health care facility in March 1996. The original objective was to establish a primary pharmacy practice model that would demonstrate improved patient outcomes and maximize the pharmacist's contributions to drug therapy. Since its inception, many improvements have been realized and supported by advanced computer and automated systems, expanded disease state management practices, and unique practitioner and administrative support. Many outcomes studies have been performed on the pharmacist-initiated and -managed clinics, leading to improved patient care and conveying the quality-conscious and cost-effective role pharmacists can play as independent practitioners in this environment. These activities demonstrate cutting-edge leadership in health-system pharmacy. Redesign has been used to improve consistent access to a medication expert and has significantly improved the quality of patient care while easing physicians' workload without increasing health care costs. A system using pharmacists as independent practitioners to promote primary care has achieved high-quality and cost-effective patient care.

Evaluation of an Al-Ce alloy for laser additive manufacturing

DOE PAGES

Plotkowski, A.; Rios, O.; Sridharan, N.; ...

2016-12-27

Our present research in metal additive manufacturing (AM) focuses on designing processing parameters around existing alloys designed for traditional manufacturing. However, to maximize the benefits of AM, alloys should be designed to specifically take advantage of the unique thermal conditions of these processes. Furthermore, our study focuses on the development of a design methodology for alloys in AM, using a newly developed Al-Ce alloy as an initial case study. To evaluate the candidacy of this system for fusion based additive manufacturing, single-line laser melts were made on cast Al-12Ce plates using three different beam velocities (100, 200, and 300 mm/min).more » The microstructure was evaluated in the as-melted and heat treated conditions (24 hrs at 300°C). An extremely fine microstructure was observed within the weld pools, evolving from eutectic at the outer solid-liquid boundaries to a primary Al FCC dendritic/cellular structure nearer the melt-pool centerline. We rationalized the observed microstructures through the construction of a microstructure selection map for the Al-Ce binary system, which will be used to enable future alloy design. Interestingly, the heat treated samples exhibited no microstructural coarsening.« less

EARLY SOLAR NEBULA CONDENSATES WITH CANONICAL, NOT SUPRACANONICAL, INITIAL {sup 26}Al/{sup 27}Al RATIOS

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

MacPherson, G. J.; Bullock, E. S.; Janney, P. E.

2010-03-10

The short-lived radionuclide {sup 26}Al existed throughout the solar nebula 4.57 Ga ago, and the initial abundance ratio ({sup 26}Al/{sup 27}Al){sub 0}, as inferred from magnesium isotopic compositions of calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) in chondritic meteorites, has become a benchmark for understanding early solar system chronology. Internal mineral isochrons in most CAIs measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) give ({sup 26}Al/{sup 27}Al){sub 0} {approx} (4-5) x 10{sup -5}, called 'canonical'. Some recent high-precision analyses of (1) bulk CAIs measured by multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS), (2) individual CAI minerals and their mixtures measured by laser-ablation MC-ICPMS, and (3)more » internal isochrons measured by multicollector (MC)-SIMS indicated a somewhat higher 'supracanonical' ({sup 26}Al/{sup 27}Al){sub 0} ranging from (5.85 {+-} 0.05) x 10{sup -5} to >7 x 10{sup -5}. These measurements were done on coarse-grained Type B and Type A CAIs that probably formed by recrystallization and/or melting of fine-grained condensate precursors. Thus the supracanonical ratios might record an earlier event, the actual nebular condensation of the CAI precursors. We tested this idea by performing in situ high-precision magnesium isotope measurements of individual minerals in a fine-grained CAI whose structures and volatility-fractionated trace element abundances mark it as a primary solar nebula condensate. Such CAIs are ideal candidates for the fine-grained precursors to the coarse-grained CAIs, and thus should best preserve a supracanonical ratio. Yet, our measured internal isochron yields ({sup 26}Al/{sup 27}Al){sub 0} = (5.27 {+-} 0.17) x 10{sup -5}. Thus our data do not support the existence of supracanonical ({sup 26}Al/{sup 27}Al){sub 0} = (5.85-7) x 10{sup -5}. There may not have been a significant time interval between condensation of the CAI precursors and their subsequent melting into coarse

Phase Equilibria Studies in the System ZnO-``FeO''-Al2O3-CaO-SiO2 Relevant to Imperial Smelting Furnace Slags: Part I

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Baojun; Hayes, Peter C.; Jak, Evgueni

2010-04-01

The phase equilibria and liquidus temperatures in the system ZnO-“FeO”-Al2O3-CaO-SiO2 in equilibrium with metallic iron have been determined experimentally in the temperature range of 1423 K to 1553 K. The experimental conditions were focused on the composition range relevant to Imperial Smelting Furnace slags. The results are presented in the form of a pseudo-ternary section ZnO-“FeO”-(CaO + SiO2 + Al2O3) in which CaO/SiO2 = 0.93 and (CaO + SiO2)/Al2O3 = 7.0. It was found that wustite and spinel are the major primary phases and that zincite and melilite are also present in the composition range investigated. Wustite (Fe2+,Zn)O and spinel (Fe2+,Zn)O (A1,Fe3+)2O3 solid solutions are formed in this system, and the ZnO concentration in the spinel phase is found to be much greater than in the liquid phase.

Investigation on AlP as the heterogeneous nucleus of Mg2Si in Al-Mg2Si alloys by experimental observation and first-principles calculation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Jiayue; Li, Chong; Liu, Xiangfa; Yu, Liming; Li, Huijun; Liu, Yongchang

2018-03-01

The microstructural evolution of primary Mg2Si in Al-20%Mg2Si with Al-3%P master alloy was observed by scanning electron microscope. And the interfacial properties of AlP/Mg2Si interface were investigated using first-principles calculations. The calculation results show that AlP(1 0 0)/Mg2Si(2 1 1) and AlP(3 3 1)/Mg2Si(1 1 0) interfaces can form steadily. P-terminated AlP(1 0 0)/Mg2Si(2 1 1) interface with the largest work of adhesion (4.13 J/m2) is theoretically the most stable. The interfacial electronic structure reveals that there are covalent Si-Al, Si-P and Mg-P bonds existing between AlP and Mg2Si slabs. Due to the AlP particles as effective heterogeneous nucleus of Mg2Si, primary Mg2Si particles change from dendrite to octahedron/truncated octahedron, and their sizes decrease to ∼20 μm.

Study on Preparing Al2O3 Particles Reinforced ZL109 Composite by in Situ Reaction of Fe2O3/Al System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jing; Yu, Huashun; Zhao, Qi; Wang, Haitao; Min, Guanghui

Al2O3 particles reinforced ZL109 composite was prepared by in situ reaction between Fe2O3 and Al. The phases were identified by XRD and the microstructures were observed by SEM and TEM. The Al2O3 particles in sub-micron size distribute uniformly in the matrix and Fe displaced from the in situ reaction forms net-like alloy phases with Cu, Ni, Al, Mn ect. The hardness and the tensile strength at room temperature of the composites have a small increase compared with the matrix. However, the tensile strength at 350°C can reach 92.18 MPa, which is 18.87 MPa higher than that of the matrix. The mechanism of the reaction in the Fe2O3/Al system was studied by DSC. The reaction between Fe2O3 and Al involves two steps. The first step in which Fe2O3 reacts with Al to form FeO and Al2O3 takes place at the matrix alloy melting temperature. The second step in which FeO reacts with Al to form Fe and Al2O3 takes place at a higher temperature.

[Validation of an adverse event reporting system in primary care].

PubMed

de Lourdes Rojas-Armadillo, María; Jiménez-Báez, María Valeria; Chávez-Hernández, María Margarita; González-Fondón, Araceli

2016-01-01

Patient safety is a priority issue in health systems, due to the damage costs, institutional weakening, lack of credibility, and frustration on those who committed an error that resulted in an adverse event. There is no standardized instrument for recording, reporting, and analyzing sentinel or adverse events (AE) in primary care. Our aim was to design and validate a surveillance system for recording sentinel events, adverse events and near miss incidents in primary care. We made a review of systems for recording and reporting adverse events in primary care. Then, we proposed an instrument to record these events, and register faults in the structure and process, in primary health care units in the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. We showed VENCER-MF format to 35 subjects. Out of them, 100% identified a failure in care process, 90% recorded a sentinel event, 85% identified the cause of this event, 75% of them suggested some measures for avoiding the recurrence of adverse events. We used a Cronbach's alpha of 0.6, p=0.03. The instrument VENCER-MF has a good consistency for the identification of adverse events.

Bridging the gap between primary care and the cancer system

PubMed Central

Sisler, Jeffrey; McCormack-Speak, Pat

2009-01-01

ABSTRACT PROBLEM BEING ADDRESSED Patient care is poorly coordinated between family physicians and the cancer system and the working relationships are not strong. OBJECTIVE OF PROGRAM To improve integration of patient care and communication between FPs and cancer specialists; enhance FPs’ knowledge of cancer and the cancer system; and promote the role of primary care within the cancer care system. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Uniting Primary Care and Oncology (UPCON) Network of CancerCare Manitoba has created partnerships with 12 primary care clinics in Winnipeg, Man, by providing the following: access to the provincial electronic medical record for cancer; small group continuing professional development for a “lead physician” from each clinic to make him or her the local cancer resource; educational outreach to all clinic staff; and changes within CancerCare Manitoba to highlight the role of FPs. CONCLUSION Lead physicians are appreciated by their clinic colleagues, and these FPs are the main users of the cancer electronic medical record. A strong cancer continuing professional development program has been implemented and a voice for primary care has been created within the agency. The UPCON Network is now expanding throughout Manitoba. PMID:19282538

AL Amyloidoma of the Skin/Subcutis: Cutaneous Amyloidosis, Plasma Cell Dyscrasia or a Manifestation of Primary Cutaneous Marginal Zone Lymphoma?

PubMed

Walsh, Noreen M; Lano, Ian Marie; Green, Peter; Gallant, Christopher; Pasternak, Sylvia; Ly, Thai Yen; Requena, Luis; Kutzner, Heinz; Chott, Andreas; Cerroni, Lorenzo

2017-08-01

It is unclear whether AL amyloidoma of the skin/subcutis represents a distinct entity, an indolent precursor of systemic amyloidosis, or a manifestation of cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (cMZL). We collected 10 cases of cutaneous AL amyloidoma in order to better characterize the clinicopathologic features of this elusive entity (M:F=4:6; median age: 62.5 y, range: 31 to 82 y). Nine patients had a solitary nodule or plaque on the lower extremity (n=7), upper extremity (n=1), or chin (n=1). One patient had an AL amyloidoma on the right thigh and a second lesion on the right arm showing histopathologic features of cMZL without amyloid deposits. Clinical investigations excluded relevant systemic disease in all cases. Microscopically, dermal/subcutaneous deposits of amyloid were associated with sparse to moderate perivascular infiltrates of lymphocytes and monotypic plasma cells (7 with kappa and 3 with lambda light chain restriction). The plasma cells expressed CD56 in one of 9 studied cases. One case was characterized by a t(14;18)(q32;q21)/IGH-MALT1 translocation. Follow-up was available in 8 cases. All remain systemically well after a median time of 86.5 months (range: 40 to 144 mo). Local recurrence of disease was observed in 3 patients. A fourth patient presented with a cMZL without amyloid deposits 8 years after excision of the cutaneous AL amyloidoma. Although our series is small, careful categorization and follow-up of the cases, together with updated information in the literature, show clinical and biological links between AL amyloidomas of the skin/subcutis and cMZL, suggesting that at least a subset of cutaneous AL amyloidoma may represent an unusual manifestation of cMZL (cutaneous mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas).

Systemic treatment and primary tumor location in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

PubMed

Antoniou, Efstathios; Andreatos, Nikolaos; Margonis, Georgios A; Papalois, Apostolos; Wang, Jaeyun; Damaskos, Christos; Garmpis, Nikolaos; Buettner, Stefan; Deshwar, Amar; Pappas, Vasilios; Weiss, Matthew J; Pawlik, Timothy M; Pikoulis, Emmanouel

2017-01-01

Tumor location (right-sided vs. left-sided) is known to exert a significant influence on the prognosis of primary colorectal cancer (CRC). Given the genetic continuity between primary and metastatic lesions, we aimed to summarize the existing literature on the prognostic implications of primary tumor site as well as to examine the response to chemotherapy by primary tumor location in patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC). A structured review of the literature was performed between 6/1/2016-7/1/2016 using the Pubmed database. Original research articles published between 1/1/2000- 07/01/2016 were considered eligible. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS)/ progression free survival (PFS) and response to systemic treatment in patients with mCRC. Eleven studies were included. Tumor site was a strong independent predictor of worse OS/PFS in 9 studies, with right-sided tumors having worse prognosis in all cases. Furthermore, 6 studies demonstrated an inferior response to systemic treatment or worse prognosis following the administration of specific regimens among patients with right-sided cancers. As such, there is significant evidence that right-sided lesions are associated with poor outcomes and resistance to systemic treatment. Consequently, primary tumor location should be a consideration, when the administration of systemic therapy is contemplated in mCRC.

Antifriction coating of Cu-Fe-Al-Pb system for plain bearings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotenkov, Pavel; Kontsevoi, Yurii; Mejlakh, Anna; Pastukhov, Eduard; Shubin, Alexey; Goyda, Eduard; Sipatov, Ivan

2017-09-01

Aluminium, copper and their compounds are used in common as basis for antifriction coatings of plain bearings. Antifriction testing of plain bearings (based on Al and Cu) made by leading automotive manufacturers from Germany, Japan, USA, United Kingdom and Russia were carried out to make judicious selection of basis for development of new antifriction material. Testing was carried out using friction machine. It was defined that materials based on Cu provide better durability and robustness of plain bearings in comparison with Al based ones. The new antifriction composite coatings based on copper were developed taking into account the requirements specified for plain bearings of internal-combustion engine. Pilot samples of plain bearings with antifriction coatings of Cu-Fe-Al-Pb system were produced. The antifriction composite having Cu-5Fe-5Al5Fe2-10Pb (mass %) composition has demonstrated low friction factor and high wear-resistance. Metallographic analysis of pilot samples was carried out by means of optical and scanning electron microscopy.

Thermodynamic modeling and experimental validation of the Fe-Al-Ni-Cr-Mo alloy system

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

Teng, Zhenke; Zhang, F; Miller, Michael K

2012-01-01

NiAl-type precipitate-strengthened ferritic steels have been known as potential materials for the steam turbine applications. In this study, thermodynamic descriptions of the B2-NiAl type nano-scaled precipitates and body-centered-cubic (BCC) Fe matrix phase for four alloys based on the Fe-Al-Ni-Cr-Mo system were developed as a function of the alloy composition at the aging temperature. The calculated phase structure, composition, and volume fraction were validated by the experimental investigations using synchrotron X-ray diffraction and atom probe tomography. With the ability to accurately predict the key microstructural features related to the mechanical properties in a given alloy system, the established thermodynamic model inmore » the current study may significantly accelerate the alloy design process of the NiAl-strengthened ferritic steels.« less

Phase and structural behavior of SmAlO{sub 3}–RAlO{sub 3} (R = Eu, Gd) systems

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

Ohon, N.; Vasylechko, L., E-mail: crystal-lov@polynet.lviv.ua; Prots, Yu.

2014-02-01

Highlights: • Continuous solid solutions exist in the SmAlO{sub 3}–RAlO{sub 3} (R = Eu, Gd) systems. • Lattice parameter crossover was found in solid solutions Sm{sub 1−x}R{sub x}AlO{sub 3} (R = Eu, Gd). • Thermally induced lattice crossovers occur in Sm{sub 0.9}R{sub 0.1}AlO{sub 3} at elevated temperatures. • First-order structural phase transition Pbnm↔R3{sup ¯}c was found in Sm{sub 1−x}R{sub x}AlO{sub 3} (R = Eu, Gd). • Phase diagram of the systems SmAlO{sub 3}–EuAlO{sub 3} and SmAlO{sub 3}–GdAlO{sub 3} has been constructed. - Abstract: Phase and structural behavior in the SmAlO{sub 3}–RAlO{sub 3} (R = Eu, Gd) systems has been studiedmore » in a whole concentration range by means of laboratory X-ray diffraction, in situ synchrotron powder diffraction and differential thermal analysis techniques. Continuous solid solutions with orthorhombic perovskite structure have been found in both systems. Peculiarity of the solid solutions of Sm{sub 1−x}Eu{sub x}AlO{sub 3} and Sm{sub 1−x}Gd{sub x}AlO{sub 3} is the existence of two lattice parameter crossovers in each system occurred at x{sub Eu} = 0.07 and 0.62 and at x{sub Gd} = 0.04 and 0.33, respectively. The temperature induced lattice crossovers in the Sm{sub 0.9}Eu{sub 0.1}AlO{sub 3} and Sm{sub 0.9}Gd{sub 0.1}AlO{sub 3} samples have been found at 387 and 922 K and at 501 and 894 K. First-order reversible structural phase transformations Pbnm↔R3{sup ¯}c have been detected in both systems at the elevated temperatures. The temperatures of these transitions increase linearly with the decreasing of the samarium content. Phase diagrams of the pseudo-binary systems SmAlO{sub 3}–EuAlO{sub 3} and SmAlO{sub 3}–GdAlO{sub 3} have been constructed.« less

Targetable genetic features of primary testicular and primary central nervous system lymphomas

PubMed Central

Chapuy, Bjoern; Roemer, Margaretha G. M.; Stewart, Chip; Tan, Yuxiang; Abo, Ryan P.; Zhang, Liye; Dunford, Andrew J.; Meredith, David M.; Thorner, Aaron R.; Jordanova, Ekaterina S.; Liu, Gang; Feuerhake, Friedrich; Ducar, Matthew D.; Illerhaus, Gerald; Gusenleitner, Daniel; Linden, Erica A.; Sun, Heather H.; Homer, Heather; Aono, Miyuki; Pinkus, Geraldine S.; Ligon, Azra H.; Ligon, Keith L.; Ferry, Judith A.; Freeman, Gordon J.; van Hummelen, Paul; Golub, Todd R.; Getz, Gad; Rodig, Scott J.; de Jong, Daphne; Monti, Stefano

2016-01-01

Primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs) and primary testicular lymphomas (PTLs) are extranodal large B-cell lymphomas (LBCLs) with inferior responses to current empiric treatment regimens. To identify targetable genetic features of PCNSL and PTL, we characterized their recurrent somatic mutations, chromosomal rearrangements, copy number alterations (CNAs), and associated driver genes, and compared these comprehensive genetic signatures to those of diffuse LBCL and primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBL). These studies identify unique combinations of genetic alterations in discrete LBCL subtypes and subtype-selective bases for targeted therapy. PCNSLs and PTLs frequently exhibit genomic instability, and near-uniform, often biallelic, CDKN2A loss with rare TP53 mutations. PCNSLs and PTLs also use multiple genetic mechanisms to target key genes and pathways and exhibit near-uniform oncogenic Toll-like receptor signaling as a result of MYD88 mutation and/or NFKBIZ amplification, frequent concurrent B-cell receptor pathway activation, and deregulation of BCL6. Of great interest, PCNSLs and PTLs also have frequent 9p24.1/PD-L1/PD-L2 CNAs and additional translocations of these loci, structural bases of immune evasion that are shared with PMBL. PMID:26702065

Solidification of Al-Sn-Cu Based Immiscible Alloys under Intense Shearing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotadia, H. R.; Doernberg, E.; Patel, J. B.; Fan, Z.; Schmid-Fetzer, R.

2009-09-01

The growing importance of Al-Sn based alloys as materials for engineering applications necessitates the development of uniform microstructures with improved performance. Guided by the recently thermodynamically assessed Al-Sn-Cu system, two model immiscible alloys, Al-45Sn-10Cu and Al-20Sn-10Cu, were selected to investigate the effects of intensive melt shearing provided by the novel melt conditioning by advanced shear technology (MCAST) unit on the uniform dispersion of the soft Sn phase in a hard Al matrix. Our experimental results have confirmed that intensive melt shearing is an effective way to achieve fine and uniform dispersion of the soft phase without macro-demixing, and that such dispersed microstructure can be further refined in alloys with precipitation of the primary Al phase prior to the demixing reaction. In addition, it was found that melt shearing at 200 rpm and 60 seconds will be adequate to produce fine and uniform dispersion of the Sn phase, and that higher shearing speed and prolonged shearing time can only achieve minor further refinement.

System requirements for a computerised patient record information system at a busy primary health care clinic.

PubMed

Blignaut, P J; McDonald, T; Tolmie, C J

2001-05-01

A prototyping approach was used to determine the essential system requirements of a computerised patient record information system for a typical township primary health care clinic. A pilot clinic was identified and the existing manual system and business processes in this clinic was studied intensively before the first prototype was implemented. Interviews with users, incidental observations and analysis of actual data entered were used as primary techniques to refine the prototype system iteratively until a system with an acceptable data set and adequate functionalities were in place. Several non-functional and user-related requirements were also discovered during the prototyping period.

Genetics of Familial and Sporadic ALS

ClinicalTrials.gov

2018-03-27

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS); Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis With Frontotemporal Dementia; Lou Gehrig's Disease; Motor Neuron Disease; Primary Lateral Sclerosis

Halo Formation During Solidification of Refractory Metal Aluminide Ternary Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Souza, N.; Feitosa, L. M.; West, G. D.; Dong, H. B.

2018-02-01

The evolution of eutectic morphologies following primary solidification has been studied in the refractory metal aluminide (Ta-Al-Fe, Nb-Al-Co, and Nb-Al-Fe) ternary systems. The undercooling accompanying solid growth, as related to the extended solute solubility in the primary and secondary phases can be used to account for the evolution of phase morphologies during ternary eutectic solidification. For small undercooling, the conditions of interfacial equilibrium remain valid, while in the case of significant undercooling when nucleation constraints occur, there is a departure from equilibrium leading to unexpected phases. In Ta-Al-Fe, an extended solubility of Fe in σ was observed, which was consistent with the formation of a halo of μ phase on primary σ. In Nb-Al-Co, a halo of C14 is formed on primary CoAl, but very limited vice versa. However, in the absence of a solidus projection it was not possible to definitively determine the extended solute solubility in the primary phase. In Nb-Al-Fe when nucleation constraints arise, the inability to initiate coupled growth of NbAl3 + C14 leads to the occurrence of a two-phase halo of C14 + Nb2Al, indicating a large undercooling and departure from equilibrium.

Experimental Investigation of the 1073 K (800 °C) Isothermal Section of the Al-V-Zr Ternary System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yude; Ouyang, Xuemei; Yin, Fucheng; Zhao, Manxiu; Lou, Jia

2018-03-01

This work is focused on an experimental investigation of the phase equilibria of the Al-V-Zr system at 1073 K (800 °C). The phase equilibria were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive spectrometry and X-ray diffraction. The results confirmed the presence of twelve three-phase regions and one ternary compound, Τ, which contains 10.0 to 16.5 at. pct Zr, 52.8 to 55.2 at. pct Al, and 29.3 to 36.3 at. pct V. The T phase can be in equilibrium with Al8V5, Al3Zr, Al2Zr, and α-V. The T phase belongs to the tetragonal crystal system with confirmed lattice parameters of a = 0.658531 nm and c = 0.517334 nm. The Al2Zr phase region is extraordinarily large and can be in equilibrium with all the compounds in the Al-Zr and V-Zr systems, with the exception of the AlZr phase.

Study on the Anti-Poison Performance of Al-Y-P Master Alloy for Impurity Ca in Aluminum Alloys.

PubMed

Zuo, Min; Dong, Yu; Zhao, Degang; Wang, Yan; Teng, Xinying

2017-11-26

In this article, the anti-poison performance of novel Al-6Y-2P master alloy for impurity Ca in hypereutectic Al-Si alloys was investigated in detail. According to the microstructural analysis, it can be found that the primary Si and eutectic Si particles could be relatively modified and refined. In order to investigate the influence mechanism of Ca on the limited refinement performance of Al-6Y-2P master alloy, types of Al-xSi-2Ca-3Y-1P (x = 0, 6, 12, 18, and 30) alloys were prepared. It is observed that Ca takes the form of more stable Ca3P2 compounds by reacting with YP, and the surface of Ca3P2 particles are unsmooth, and even some have wrinkles in Al Al-2Ca-3Y-1P alloy. With the increase of Si content in Al-xSi-2Ca-3Y-1P (x = 6, 12, 18 and 30) systems, the multi-encapsulation structures, i.e., the phosphide (AlP and YP), hexagonal Al2Si2Ca, the Al3Si2Y2 or primary Si from inside to outside in order were examined.The excapsulation of YP and AlP caused by Al2Si2Ca might be the reason for the limited refinement effect of Al-6Y-2P master alloy for hypereutectic Al-18Si alloys.

Comparison of the King’s and MiToS staging systems for ALS

PubMed Central

Fang, Ton; Al Khleifat, Ahmad; Stahl, Daniel R; Lazo La Torre, Claudia; Murphy, Caroline; Young, Carolyn; Shaw, Pamela J; Leigh, P Nigel; Al-Chalabi, Ammar

2017-01-01

Abstract Objective: To investigate and compare two ALS staging systems, King’s clinical staging and Milano-Torino (MiToS) functional staging, using data from the LiCALS phase III clinical trial (EudraCT 2008-006891-31). Methods: Disease stage was derived retrospectively for each system from the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised subscores using standard methods. The two staging methods were then compared for timing of stages using box plots, correspondence using chi-square tests, agreement using a linearly weighted kappa coefficient and concordance using Spearman’s rank correlation. Results: For both systems, progressively higher stages occurred at progressively later proportions of the disease course, but the distribution differed between the two methods. King’s stage 3 corresponded to MiToS stage 1 most frequently, with earlier King’s stages 1 and 2 largely corresponding to MiToS stage 0 or 1. The Spearman correlation was 0.54. There was fair agreement between the two systems with kappa coefficient of 0.21. Conclusion: The distribution of timings shows that the two systems are complementary, with King’s staging showing greatest resolution in early to mid-disease corresponding to clinical or disease burden, and MiToS staging having higher resolution for late disease, corresponding to functional involvement. We therefore propose using both staging systems when describing ALS. PMID:28054828

Application of Total Quality Management System in Thai Primary Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Prueangphitchayathon, Setthiya; Tesaputa, Kowat; Somprach, Kanokorn

2015-01-01

The present study seeks to develop a total quality management (TQM) system that can be applied to primary schools. The approach focuses on customer orientation, total involvement of all constituencies and continuous improvement. TQM principles were studied and synthesized according to case studies of the best practices in 3 primary schools (small,…

Computational materials design of attractive Fermion system with large negative effective Ueff in the hole-doped Delafossite of CuAlO2, AgAlO2 and AuAlO2: Charge-excitation induced Ueff < 0

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakanishi, A.; Fukushima, T.; Uede, H.; Katayama-Yoshida, H.

2015-12-01

On the basis of general design rules for negative effective U(Ueff) systems by controlling purely-electronic and attractive Fermion mechanisms, we perform computational materials design (CMD®) for the negative Ueff system in hole-doped two-dimensional (2D) Delafossite CuAlO2, AgAlO2 and AuAlO2 by ab initio calculations with local density approximation (LDA) and self-interaction corrected-LDA (SIC-LDA). It is found that the large negative Ueff in the hole-doped attractive Fermion systems for CuAlO2 (UeffLDA = - 4.53 eV and UeffSIC-LDA = - 4.20 eV), AgAlO2 (UeffLDA = - 4.88 eV and UeffSIC-LDA = - 4.55 eV) and AuAlO2 (UeffLDA = - 4.14 eV and UeffSIC-LDA = - 3.55 eV). These values are 10 times larger than that in hole-doped three-dimensional (3D) CuFeS2 (Ueff = - 0.44 eV). For future calculations of Tc and phase diagram by quantum Monte Carlo simulations, we propose the negative Ueff Hubbard model with the anti-bonding single π-band model for CuAlO2, AgAlO2 and AuAlO2 using the mapped parameters obtained from ab initio electronic structure calculations. Based on the theory of negative Ueff Hubbard model (Noziéres and Schmitt-Rink, 1985), we discuss |Ueff| dependence of superconducting critical temperature (Tc) in the 2D Delafossite of CuAlO2, AgAlO2 and AuAlO2 and 3D Chalcopyrite of CuFeS2, which shows the interesting chemical trend, i.e., Tc increases exponentially (Tc ∝ exp [ - 1 / | Ueff | ]) in the weak coupling regime | Ueff(- 0.44 eV) | < W(∼ 2 eV) (where W is the band width of the negative Ueff Hubbard model) for the hole-doped CuFeS2, and then Tc goes through a maximum when | Ueff(- 4.88 eV , - 4.14 eV) | ∼ W(2.8 eV , 3.5 eV) for the hole-doped AgAlO2 and AuAlO2, and finally Tc decreases with increasing |Ueff| in the strong coupling regime, where | Ueff(- 4.53 eV) | > W(1.7 eV) , for the hole-doped CuAlO2.

Measuring primary care practice performance within an integrated delivery system: a case study.

PubMed

Stewart, Louis J; Greisler, David

2002-01-01

This article examines the use of an integrated performance measurement system to plan and control primary care service delivery within an integrated delivery system. We review a growing body of literature that focuses on the development and implementation of management reporting systems among healthcare providers. Our study extends the existing literature by examining the use of performance information generated by an integrated performance measurement system within a healthcare organization. We conduct our examination through a case study of the WMG Primary Care Medicine Group, the primary care medical group practice of WellSpan Health System. WellSpan Health System is an integrated delivery system that serves south central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. Our study examines the linkage between WellSpan Health's strategic objectives and its primary care medicine group's integrated performance measurement system. The conceptual design of this integrated performance measurement system combines financial metrics with practice management and clinical operating metrics to provide a more complete picture of medical group performance. Our findings demonstrate that WellSpan Health was able to achieve superior financial results despite a weak linkage between its integrated performance measurement system and its strategic objectives. WellSpan Health achieved this objective for its primary care medicine group by linking clinical performance information to physician compensation and reporting practice management performance through the use of statistical process charts. They found that the combined mechanisms of integrated performance measurement and statistical process control charts improved organizational learning and communications between organizational stakeholders.

Primary Exhaust Cooler at the Propulsion Systems Laboratory

NASA Image and Video Library

1952-09-21

One of the two primary coolers at the Propulsion Systems Laboratory at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory. Engines could be run in simulated altitude conditions inside the facility’s two 14-foot-diameter and 24-foot-long test chambers. The Propulsion Systems Laboratory was the nation’s only facility that could run large full-size engine systems in controlled altitude conditions. At the time of this photograph, construction of the facility had recently been completed. Although not a wind tunnel, the Propulsion Systems Laboratory generated high-speed airflow through the interior of the engine. The air flow was pushed through the system by large compressors, adjusted by heating or refrigerating equipment, and de-moisturized by air dryers. The exhaust system served two roles: reducing the density of the air in the test chambers to simulate high altitudes and removing hot gases exhausted by the engines being tested. It was necessary to reduce the temperature of the extremely hot engine exhaust before the air reached the exhauster equipment. As the air flow exited through exhaust section of the test chamber, it entered into the giant primary cooler seen in this photograph. Narrow fins or vanes inside the cooler were filled with water. As the air flow passed between the vanes, its heat was transferred to the cooling water. The cooling water was cycled out of the system, carrying with it much of the exhaust heat.

Analysis and design of segment control system in segmented primary mirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Wenhao; Li, Bin; Chen, Mo; Xian, Hao

2017-10-01

Segmented primary mirror will be adopted widely in giant telescopes in future, such as TMT, E-ELT and GMT. High-performance control technology of the segmented primary mirror is one of the difficult technologies for telescopes using segmented primary mirror. The control of each segment is the basis of control system in segmented mirror. Correcting the tilt and tip of single segment is the main work of this paper which is divided into two parts. Firstly, harmonic response done in finite element model of single segment matches the Bode diagram of a two-order system whose natural frequency is 45 hertz and damping ratio is 0.005. Secondly, a control system model is established, and speed feedback is introduced in control loop to suppress resonance point gain and increase the open-loop bandwidth, up to 30Hz or even higher. Corresponding controller is designed based on the control system model described above.

75 FR 12256 - United States, et al. v. Election Systems and Software, Inc.; Proposed Final Judgment and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-15

... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Antitrust Division United States, et al. v. Election Systems and Software... Columbia in United States, et al. v. Election Systems and Software Inc., Civil Action No. 10-00380. On... Systems and Software, Inc., (``ES&S'') of Premier Election Services, Inc., and PES Holdings, Inc. violated...

Component Activity Measurements in the Ti-Al-O System by Knudsen Cell Mass Spectrometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Copland, Evan; Jacobson, Nathan S.

2003-01-01

Titanium-aluminides (containing (alpha)2-Ti3Al and gamma-TiAl intermetallic phases) have received continued research focus due to their potential as low-density materials for structural applications at intermediate temperatures. However their application above about 850C is hindered by poor oxidation resistance, characterized by the formation of a non-protective TiO2+Al2O3 scale and an oxygen-enriched subsurface zone. Consistent with this are measured titanium and aluminum activities in "oxygen-free" titanium-aluminides, which indicate Al2O3 is only stable for aluminum concentrations greater then 54 atom percent at 1373 K. However, the inability to form a protective Al2O3 scale is in apparent conflict with phase diagram studies, as experimental isothermal sections of the Ti-Al-O system show gamma-TiAl + alpha2-Ti3Al structures are in equilibrium only with Al2O3. The apparent resolution to this conflict lies in the inclusion of oxygen effects in the thermodynamic measurements

Iraqi primary care system in Kurdistan region: providers' perspectives on problems and opportunities for improvement.

PubMed

Shabila, Nazar P; Al-Tawil, Namir G; Al-Hadithi, Tariq S; Sondorp, Egbert; Vaughan, Kelsey

2012-09-27

As part of a comprehensive study on the primary health care system in Iraq, we sought to explore primary care providers' perspectives about the main problems influencing the provision of primary care services and opportunities to improve the system. A qualitative study based on four focus groups involving 40 primary care providers from 12 primary health care centres was conducted in Erbil governorate in the Iraqi Kurdistan region between July and October 2010. A topic guide was used to lead discussions and covered questions on positive aspects of and current problems with the primary care system in addition to the priority needs for its improvement. The discussions were fully transcribed and the qualitative data was analyzed by content analysis, followed by a thematic analysis. Problems facing the primary care system included inappropriate health service delivery (irrational use of health services, irrational treatment, poor referral system, poor infrastructure and poor hygiene), health workforce challenges (high number of specialists, uneven distribution of the health workforce, rapid turnover, lack of training and educational opportunities and discrepancies in the salary system), shortage in resources (shortage and low quality of medical supplies and shortage in financing), poor information technology and poor leadership/governance. The greatest emphasis was placed on poor organization of health services delivery, particularly the irrational use of health services and the related overcrowding and overload on primary care providers and health facilities. Suggestions for improving the system included application of a family medicine approach and ensuring effective planning and monitoring. This study has provided a comprehensive understanding of the factors that negatively affect the primary care system in Iraq's Kurdistan region from the perspective of primary care providers. From their experience, primary care providers have a role in informing the community and

a System Dynamics Model to Study the Importance of Infrastructure Facilities on Quality of Primary Education System in Developing Countries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedamallu, Chandra Sekhar; Ozdamar, Linet; Weber, Gerhard-Wilhelm; Kropat, Erik

2010-06-01

The system dynamics approach is a holistic way of solving problems in real-time scenarios. This is a powerful methodology and computer simulation modeling technique for framing, analyzing, and discussing complex issues and problems. System dynamics modeling and simulation is often the background of a systemic thinking approach and has become a management and organizational development paradigm. This paper proposes a system dynamics approach for study the importance of infrastructure facilities on quality of primary education system in developing nations. The model is proposed to be built using the Cross Impact Analysis (CIA) method of relating entities and attributes relevant to the primary education system in any given community. We offer a survey to build the cross-impact correlation matrix and, hence, to better understand the primary education system and importance of infrastructural facilities on quality of primary education. The resulting model enables us to predict the effects of infrastructural facilities on the access of primary education by the community. This may support policy makers to take more effective actions in campaigns.

Microstructural Change and Mechanical Properties with Isochronal Aging in Al-Ni-Gd Metallic Glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kato, Hideomi; Hirosawa, Shoichi; Matsuda, Kenji; Shiflet, Gary J.

The changes of precipitation microstructures and mechanical properties during isochronal aging have been studied for melt-spun metallic glasses of Al-Ni-Gd ternary system. The fabricated Al90Ni3Gd7, Al87Ni7Gd6 and Al85Ni7Gd8 ribbons were isochronally aged up to 400°C and then examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX). It was found that two different intermetallic compounds of Al23Ni6Gd4 and Al19Ni5Gd3 as well as primary crystallized α-Al are formed by the isochronal aging in good agreement with the fact that three exothermic peaks are detected in the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves. The highest nanoindentation hardness and Young's modulus were obtained for the isochronally-aged Al85Ni7Gd8, suggesting that not only the increase in Ni and Gd contents but also the isochronal aging is quite effective in strengthening the melt-spun Al-Ni-Gd alloys.

Semisolid Microstructural Evolution during Partial Remelting of a Bulk Alloy Prepared by Cold Pressing of the Ti-Al-2024Al Powder Mixture

PubMed Central

Qin, Yahong; Chen, Tijun; Wang, Yingjun; Zhang, Xuezheng; Li, Pubo

2016-01-01

A new method, powder thixoforming, has been proposed to fabricate an in situ Al3Tip/2024Al composite. During partial remelting, the microstructural evolution of the bulk alloy prepared by cold pressing of the Ti, Al, 2024Al powder mixture was investigated, and the formation mechanism of the Al3Ti particles produced by the reaction between the Ti powder and the Al alloy melt is also discussed in detail. The results indicate that the microstructural evolution of the 2024 alloy matrix can be divided into three stages: a rapid coarsening of the powder grains; a formation of primary α-Al particles surrounded with a continuous liquid film; and a slight coarsening of the primary α-Al particles. Simultaneously, a reaction layer of Al3Ti can be formed on the Ti powder surface when the bulk is heated for 10 min at 640 °C The thickness (X) of the reaction layer increases with the time according to the parabolic law of X=−0.43t2+4.21t+0.17. The stress generated in the reaction layer due to the volume dilatation can be calculated by using the equation σAl3Ti=−EAl3Ti6(1−υAl3Ti)t2Al3TitTi(1R−1R0). Comparing the obtained data with the results of the drip experiment, the reaction rate for the Ti powder and Al powder mixture is greater than that for the Ti plate and Al alloy mixture, respectively.

Primary Dendrite Arm Spacings in Al-7Si Alloy Directionally Solidified on the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Angart, Samuel; Lauer, Mark; Poirier, David; Tewari, Surendra; Rajamure, Ravi; Grugel, Richard

2015-01-01

Samples from directionally solidified Al- 7 wt. % Si have been analyzed for primary dendrite arm spacing (lambda) and radial macrosegregation. The alloy was directionally solidified (DS) aboard the ISS to determine the effect of mitigating convection on lambda and macrosegregation. Samples from terrestrial DS-experiments thermal histories are discussed for comparison. In some experiments, lambda was measured in microstructures that developed during the transition from one speed to another. To represent DS in the presence of no convection, the Hunt-Lu model was used to represent diffusion controlled growth under steady-state conditions. By sectioning cross-sections throughout the entire length of a solidified sample, lambda was measured and calculated using the model. During steady-state, there was reasonable agreement between the measured and calculated lambda's in the space-grown samples. In terrestrial samples, the differences between measured and calculated lambda's indicated that the dendritic growth was influenced by convection.

Process for preparing high-transition-temperature superconductors in the Nb-Al-Ge system

DOEpatents

Giorgi, A.L.; Szklarz, E.G.

1973-01-30

The patent describes a process for preparing superconducting materials in the Nb-Al-Ge system having transition temperatures in excess of 19K. The process comprises premixing powdered constituents, pressing them into a plug, heating the plug to 1,450-1,800C for 30 minutes to an hour under vacuum or an inert atmosphere, and annealing at moderate temperatures for reasonably long times (approximately 50 hours). High transition-temperature superconductors, including those in the Nb3(Al,Ge) system, prepared in accordance with this process exhibit little degradation in the superconducting transition temperature on being ground to -200 mesh powder. (GRA)

High Density Hydrogen Storage System Demonstration Using NaAlH4 Based Complex Compound Hydrides

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

Daniel A. Mosher; Xia Tang; Ronald J. Brown

2007-07-27

This final report describes the motivations, activities and results of the hydrogen storage independent project "High Density Hydrogen Storage System Demonstration Using NaAlH4 Based Complex Compound Hydrides" performed by the United Technologies Research Center under the Department of Energy Hydrogen Program, contract # DE-FC36-02AL67610. The objectives of the project were to identify and address the key systems technologies associated with applying complex hydride materials, particularly ones which differ from those for conventional metal hydride based storage. This involved the design, fabrication and testing of two prototype systems based on the hydrogen storage material NaAlH4. Safety testing, catalysis studies, heat exchangermore » optimization, reaction kinetics modeling, thermochemical finite element analysis, powder densification development and material neutralization were elements included in the effort.« less

AlGaInN laser diode technology and systems for defence and security applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najda, Stephen P.; Perlin, Piotr; Suski, Tadek; Marona, Lujca; Boćkowski, Mike; Leszczyński, Mike; Wisniewski, Przemek; Czernecki, Robert; Kucharski, Robert; Targowski, Grzegorz; Watson, Scott; Kelly, Antony E.

2015-10-01

AlGaInN laser diodes is an emerging technology for defence and security applications such as underwater communications and sensing, atomic clocks and quantum information. The AlGaInN material system allows for laser diodes to be fabricated over a very wide range of wavelengths from u.v., ~380nm, to the visible ~530nm, by tuning the indium content of the laser GaInN quantum well. Thus AlGaInN laser diode technology is a key enabler for the development of new disruptive system level applications in displays, telecom, defence and other industries. Ridge waveguide laser diodes are fabricated to achieve single mode operation with optical powers up to 100mW with the 400-440nm wavelength range with high reliability. Visible free-space and underwater communication at frequencies up to 2.5GHz is reported using a directly modulated 422nm GaN laser diode. Low defectivity and highly uniform GaN substrates allow arrays and bars to be fabricated. High power operation operation of AlGaInN laser bars with up to 20 emitters have been demonstrated at optical powers up to 4W in a CS package with common contact configuration. An alternative package configuration for AlGaInN laser arrays allows for each individual laser to be individually addressable allowing complex free-space or optical fibre system integration with a very small form-factor.

Vapor/Mist Used to Lubricate Gears After Loss of Primary Lubrication System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Handschuh, Robert F.; Morales, Wilfredo

2001-01-01

Loss of lubrication in rotorcraft drive systems is a demanding requirement placed on drive system manufacturers. The drive system must operate for at least 30 minutes once the primary lubrication system has failed. This test is a military requirement that must be passed prior to certification of the aircraft. As new aircraft engines, operating at higher speeds, are fielded, the requirements for the drive system become increasingly more difficult. Also, the drive system must be lightweight, which minimizes the opportunity to use the gear bodies to absorb the tremendous amount of heating that takes place. In many cases, the amount of heat generated because of the high speed and load requires an emergency lubrication system that negatively impacts the aircraft's weight, complexity, and cost. A single mesh spur gear test rig is being used at the NASA Glenn Research Center to investigate possible emergency lubrication system improvements that will minimize the impact of having these systems onboard rotorcraft. A technique currently being investigated uses a vapor/mist system to lubricate the contacting surfaces after the primary lubrication system has been shut down. A number of tests were conducted in which the vapor/mist used the same lubricant as the primary system, but at a greatly reduced flow rate. Each test was initiated with the primary lubrication system operational and at steady-state conditions for a given speed and load. Then the primary lubrication system was shut down, and the vapor/mist lubrication system was initiated. An example of the tests conducted is shown in the figures. These preliminary tests have uncovered a mechanism that provides a lubricious, carbonaceous solid on the surface that actually reduces the surface temperature of the meshing gear teeth during operation. Surface analysis of the carbonaceous solid revealed it was graphitic. This mechanism is the synthetic lubricant "coking" on the active profile of the gears, which reduces the

[Primary malignant melanoma of the central nervous system: A diagnostic challenge].

PubMed

Quillo-Olvera, Javier; Uribe-Olalde, Juan Salvador; Alcántara-Gómez, Leopoldo Alberto; Rejón-Pérez, Jorge Dax; Palomera-Gómez, Héctor Guillermo

2015-01-01

The rare incidence of primary malignant melanoma of the central nervous system and its ability to mimic other melanocytic tumors on images makes it a diagnostic challenge for the neurosurgeon. A 51-year-old patient, with a tumor located in the right forniceal callosum area. Total surgical excision was performed. Histopathological result was consistent with the diagnosis of primary malignant melanoma of the central nervous system, after ruling out extra cranial and extra spinal melanocytic lesions. The primary malignant melanoma of the central nervous system is extremely rare. There are features in magnetic resonance imaging that increase the diagnostic suspicion; nevertheless there are other tumors with more prevalence that share some of these features through image. Since there is not an established therapeutic standard its prognosis is discouraging. Copyright © 2015 Academia Mexicana de Cirugía A.C. Published by Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

RASC-AL (Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts-Academic Linkage): 2002 Advanced Concept Design Presentation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

The Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts-Academic Linkage (RASC-AL) is a program of the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in collaboration with the Universities Space Research Association's (USRA) ICASE institute through the NASA Langley Research Center. The RASC-AL key objectives are to develop relationships between universities and NASA that lead to opportunities for future NASA research and programs, and to develop aerospace systems concepts and technology requirements to enable future NASA missions. The program seeks to look decades into the future to explore new mission capabilities and discover what's possible. NASA seeks concepts and technologies that can make it possible to go anywhere, at anytime, safely, reliably, and affordably to accomplish strategic goals for science, exploration, and commercialization. University teams were invited to submit research topics from the following themes: Human and Robotic Space Exploration, Orbital Aggregation & Space Infrastructure Systems (OASIS), Zero-Emissions Aircraft, and Remote Sensing. RASC-AL is an outgrowth of the HEDS-UP (University Partners) Program sponsored by the LPI. HEDS-UP was a program of the Lunar and Planetary Institute designed to link universities with NASA's Human Exploration and Development of Space (HEDS) enterprise. The first RASC-AL Forum was held November 5-8, 2002, at the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Hotel in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Representatives from 10 university teams presented student research design projects at this year's Forum. Each team contributed a written report and these reports are presented.

Genetics Home Reference: juvenile primary lateral sclerosis

MedlinePlus

... the ALS2 gene cause most cases of juvenile primary lateral sclerosis . This gene provides instructions for making a protein called alsin. Alsin is abundant in motor neurons , but its function is not fully understood. Mutations in the ALS2 ...

Health system challenges to integration of mental health delivery in primary care in Kenya--perspectives of primary care health workers.

PubMed

Jenkins, Rachel; Othieno, Caleb; Okeyo, Stephen; Aruwa, Julyan; Kingora, James; Jenkins, Ben

2013-09-30

Health system weaknesses in Africa are broadly well known, constraining progress on reducing the burden of both communicable and non-communicable disease (Afr Health Monitor, Special issue, 2011, 14-24), and the key challenges in leadership, governance, health workforce, medical products, vaccines and technologies, information, finance and service delivery have been well described (Int Arch Med, 2008, 1:27). This paper uses focus group methodology to explore health worker perspectives on the challenges posed to integration of mental health into primary care by generic health system weakness. Two ninety minute focus groups were conducted in Nyanza province, a poor agricultural region of Kenya, with 20 health workers drawn from a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the impact of a mental health training programme for primary care, 10 from the intervention group clinics where staff had received the training programme, and 10 health workers from the control group where staff had not received the training). These focus group discussions suggested that there are a number of generic health system weaknesses in Kenya which impact on the ability of health workers to care for clients with mental health problems and to implement new skills acquired during a mental health continuing professional development training programmes. These weaknesses include the medicine supply, health management information system, district level supervision to primary care clinics, the lack of attention to mental health in the national health sector targets, and especially its absence in district level targets, which results in the exclusion of mental health from such district level supervision as exists, and the lack of awareness in the district management team about mental health. The lack of mental health coverage included in HIV training courses experienced by the health workers was also striking, as was the intensive focus during district supervision on HIV to the detriment of other

Interfacial Phenomena in Al/Al, Al/Cu, and Cu/Cu Joints Soldered Using an Al-Zn Alloy with Ag or Cu Additions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pstruś, Janusz; Gancarz, Tomasz

2014-05-01

The studies of soldered joints were carried out in systems: Al/solder/Al, Al/solder/Cu, Cu/solder/Cu, where the solder was (Al-Zn)EUT, (Al-Zn)EUT with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 at.% of Ag and (Al-Zn)EUT with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 at.% of Cu addition. Brazing was performed at 500 °C for 3 min. The EDS analysis indicated that the composition of the layers starting from the Cu pad was CuZn, Cu5Zn8, and CuZn4, respectively. Wetting tests were performed at 500 °C for 3, 8, 15, and 30 min, respectively. Thickness of the layers and their kinetics of growth were measured based on the SEM micrographs. The formation of interlayers was not observed from the side of Al pads. On the contrary, dissolution of the Al substrate and migration of Al-rich particles into the bulk of the solder were observed.

Open communication: Recommendations for enhancing communication among primary care and mental health providers, services, and systems.

PubMed

Wong, Shale L; Talmi, Ayelet

2015-06-01

Comments on the article "Please break the silence: Parents' views on communication between pediatric primary care and mental health providers" by Greene et al. (see record 2015-14521-001). The article highlights the need to improve communication between primary care and mental health care providers to better serve children and families. The report reaffirms that parents understand the value and necessity of collaborative care, as evidenced by the identification of gaps in consistency of bidirectional communication between providers in traditional and separate practice settings and the desire for improved care coordination. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

Effect of adsorbed films on friction of Al2O3-metal systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pepper, S. V.

1976-01-01

The kinetic friction of polycrystalline Al2O3 sliding on Cu, Ni, and Fe in ultrahigh vacuum was studied as a function of the surface chemistry of the metal. Clean metal surfaces were exposed to O2, Cl2, C2H4, and C2H3Cl, and the change in friction due to the adsorbed species was observed. Auger electron spectroscopy assessed the elemental composition of the metal surface. It was found that the systems exposed to Cl2 exhibited low friction, interpreted as the van der Waals force between the Al2O3 and metal chloride. The generation of metal oxide by oxygen exposures resulted in an increase in friction, interpreted as due to strong interfacial bonds established by reaction of metal oxide with Al2O3 to form the complex oxide (spinel). The only effect of C2H4 was to increase the friction of the Fe system, but C2H3Cl exposures decreases friction in both Ni and Fe systems, indicating the dominance of the chlorine over the ethylene complex on the surface

Benefits and costs of alcoholic relationships and recovery through Al-Anon.

PubMed

Young, Lance Brendan; Timko, Christine

2015-01-01

Codependence is an ambiguous and disputed term often used to characterize both those who maintain relationships with alcoholics and those who seek help through resources such as Al-Anon Family Groups. The purpose of this article is to better understand non-pathological reasons for maintaining alcoholic relationships and for help-seeking by detailing the costs and benefits of those choices. The costs and benefits both of remaining in an alcoholic relationship and of seeking help in Al-Anon were identified through a review of available research on alcoholic family systems, Al-Anon, and other mutual-support groups. Alcoholic relationships may benefit concerned others by preserving self-identity, social identity, values, security, stability, and hope. Costs of alcoholic relationships include physical symptoms, injury, mental problems, financial difficulty, legal troubles, and relational distress. Al-Anon is perceived beneficial for six primary reasons: Al-Anon philosophy, format, social support, accessibility, effectiveness, and potential to change the drinker's behavior. Possible costs of Al-Anon include marginalization of the concerned other, blame, codependent pathology, sexist stereotyping, substitute dependency, and perpetuating victimization. Conclusions/Importance: The identified costs and benefits of alcoholic relationships and help-seeking in Al-Anon can help to model decision-making processes using existing behavioral health frameworks without defaulting to the stigmatized and ambiguous codependence terminology.

Atomistic modeling for interfacial properties of Ni-Al-V ternary system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Wei-ping; Lee, Byeong-Joo; Chen, Zheng

2014-05-01

Interatomic potentials for Ni-Al-V ternary systems have been developed based on the second-nearest-neighbor modified embedded-atom method potential formalism. The potentials can describe various fundamental physical properties of the relevant materials in good agreement with experimental information. The potential is utilized for an atomistic computation of interfacial properties of Ni-Al-V alloys. It is found that vanadium atoms segregate on the γ-fcc/L12 interface and this segregation affects the interfacial properties. The applicability of the atomistic approach to an elaborate alloy design of advanced Ni-based superalloys through the investigation of the effect of alloying elements on interfacial properties is discussed.

Postperovskite phase equilibria in the MgSiO3-Al2O3 system.

PubMed

Tsuchiya, Jun; Tsuchiya, Taku

2008-12-09

We investigate high-P,T phase equilibria of the MgSiO(3)-Al(2)O(3) system by means of the density functional ab initio computation methods with multiconfiguration sampling. Being different from earlier studies based on the static substitution properties with no consideration of Rh(2)O(3)(II) phase, present calculations demonstrate that (i) dissolving Al(2)O(3) tends to decrease the postperovskite transition pressure of MgSiO(3) but the effect is not significant ( approximately -0.2 GPa/mol% Al(2)O(3)); (ii) Al(2)O(3) produces the narrow perovskite+postperovskite coexisting P,T area (approximately 1 GPa) for the pyrolitic concentration (x(Al2O3) approximately 6 mol%), which is sufficiently responsible to the deep-mantle D'' seismic discontinuity; (iii) the transition would be smeared (approximately 4 GPa) for the basaltic Al-rich composition (x(Al2O3) approximately 20 mol%), which is still seismically visible unless iron has significant effects; and last (iv) the perovskite structure spontaneously changes to the Rh(2)O(3)(II) with increasing the Al concentration involving small displacements of the Mg-site cations.

Co-existence of a few and sub micron inhomogeneities in Al-rich AlGaN/AlN quantum wells

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

Iwata, Yoshiya; Oto, Takao; Banal, Ryan G.

2015-03-21

Inhomogeneity in Al-rich AlGaN/AlN quantum wells is directly observed using our custom-built confocal microscopy photoluminescence (μ-PL) apparatus with a reflective system. The μ-PL system can reach the AlN bandgap in the deep ultra-violet spectral range with a spatial resolution of 1.8 μm. In addition, cathodoluminescence (CL) measurements with a higher spatial resolution of about 100 nm are performed. A comparison of the μ-PL and CL measurements reveals that inhomogeneities, which have different spatial distributions of a few- and sub-micron scales that are superimposed, play key roles in determining the optical properties.

An Exploratory Study on How Primary Pupils Approach Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koski, Marja-Ilona; de Vries, Marc

2013-01-01

This paper presents a study of systems thinking among 27 primary pupils (8-10 years old) and their teacher. The study included a pre-test for the teacher and the pupils, lesson planning, the actual lesson and a post-test for the pupils. The research focused on finding an answer to three questions: (1) do pupils see a system as a structure…

CVD Fiber Coatings for Al2O3/NiAl Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boss, Daniel E.

1995-01-01

While sapphire-fiber-reinforced nickel aluminide (Al2O3/NiAl) composites are an attractive candidate for high-temperature structures, the significant difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the NiAl matrix and the sapphire fiber creates substantial residual stresses in the composite. This study seeks to produce two fiber-coating systems with the potential to reduce the residual stresses in the sapphire/NiAl composite system. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) was used to produce both the compensating and compliant-fiber coatings for use in sapphire/NiAl composites. A special reactor was designed and built to produce the FGM and to handle the toxic nickel precursors. This process was successfully used to produce 500-foot lengths of fiber with coating thicknesses of approximately 3 microns, 5 microns, and 10 microns.

Using systems science for population health management in primary care.

PubMed

Li, Yan; Kong, Nan; Lawley, Mark A; Pagán, José A

2014-10-01

Population health management is becoming increasingly important to organizations managing and providing primary care services given ongoing changes in health care delivery and payment systems. The objective of this study is to show how systems science methodologies could be incorporated into population health management to compare different interventions and improve health outcomes. The New York Academy of Medicine Cardiovascular Health Simulation model (an agent-based model) and data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were used to evaluate a lifestyle program that could be implemented in primary care practice settings. The program targeted Medicare-age adults and focused on improving diet and exercise and reducing weight. The simulation results suggest that there would be significant reductions projected in the proportion of the Medicare-age population with diabetes after the implementation of the proposed lifestyle program for a relatively long term (3 and 5 years). Similar results were found for the subpopulations with high cholesterol, but the proposed intervention would not have a significant effect in the proportion of the population with hypertension over a time period of <5 years. Systems science methodologies can be useful to compare the health outcomes of different interventions. These tools can become an important component of population health management because they can help managers and other decision makers evaluate alternative programs in primary care settings. © The Author(s) 2014.

Interdiffusion and Intrinsic Diffusion in the Mg-Al System

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

Brennan, Sarah; Bermudez, Katrina; Sohn, Yong Ho

2012-01-01

Solid-to-solid diffusion couples were assembled and annealed to examine the diffusion between pure Mg (99.96%) and Al (99.999%). Diffusion anneals were carried out at 300 , 350 , and 400 C for 720, 360, and 240 hours, respectively. Optical and scanning electron microscopes were utilized to identify the formation of the intermetallic phases, -Al12Mg17 and -Al3Mg2 and absence of the -phase in the diffusion couples. Thicknesses of the -Al12Mg17 and -Al3Mg2 phases were measured and the parabolic growth constants were calculated to determine the activation energies for the growth, 165 and 86 KJ/mole, respectively. Concentration profiles were determined with electronmore » microprobe analysis using pure elemental standards. Composition-dependent interdiffusion coefficients in Mg-solid solution, -Al12Mg17 and - Al3Mg2 and Al-solid solutions were calculated based on the Boltzmann-Matano analysis. Average effective interdiffusion coefficients for each phase were also calculated, and the magnitude was the highest for the -Al3Mg2 phase, followed by -Al12Mg17, Al-solid solution and Mg-solid solution. Intrinsic diffusion coefficients based on Huemann s analysis (e.g., marker plane) were determined for the ~38 at.% Mg in the -Al3Mg2 phase. Activation energies and the pre-exponential factors for the inter- and intrinsic diffusion coefficients were calculated for the temperature range examined. The -Al3Mg2 phase was found to have the lowest activation energies for growth and interdiffusion among all four phases studied. At the marker location in the -Al3Mg2 phase, the intrinsic diffusion of Al was found to be faster than that of Mg. Extrapolations of the impurity diffusion coefficients in the terminal solid solutions were made and compared to the available self- and impurity diffusion data from literature. Thermodynamic factor, tracer diffusion coefficients and atomic mobilities at the marker plane composition were approximated using available literature values of Mg activity in

Radar evidence for diverse shapes of the primaries among binary near-Earth asteroids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brozovic, Marina; Benner, Lance; Ford, Thomas; Springmann, Alessondra; Taylor, Patrick; Shepard, Michael; Margot, Jean-Luc; Naidu, Shantanu; Nolan, Michael; Howell, Ellen; Busch, Michael; Giorgini, Jon; Magri, Christopher

2014-11-01

The Arecibo and Goldstone planetary radars have been exceptionally valuable instruments for the discovery of binary and triple asteroids in the near-Earth asteroid (NEA) population. To date, 34 out of 46 known binaries and two ternaries 71% objects total) have been discovered by radar. One of the first discovered and most well studied binary systems is (66391) 1999 KW4 (Ostro et al., 2006). This was the first system with radar evidence for a prominent equatorial bulge, sloped hemispheres, and polar flattening. 1999 KW4 Alpha became a “canonical shape model” for many theoretical studies and numerical simulations on the nature of the binary systems. As the number of binaries detected by radar grew, evidence mounted that not all primaries look like 1999 KW4 Alpha. In fact, (276049) 2002 CE26 (Shepard et al., 2006) and (285263) 1998 QE2 (Springmann et al., 2014) have very rounded shapes without an obvious presence of equatorial ridges. Furthermore, (164121) 2003 YT1 (Nolan et al., in prep.), (1862) Apollo (Ford et al., in prep.), and (363599) 2006 VV2 all have irregular, moderately elongated shapes that show the presence of a bulge at only selected longitudes. All three objects also show elongations of 1.2-1.3, which is still smaller than the mean elongation of ~1.5 in the NEA radar sample. Nevertheless, numerous other primaries have KW4-like shapes such as (185851) 2000 DP107 (Naidu et al., 2011), (311066) 2004 DC (Taylor et al, 2008), and (175706) 1996 FG3 (Benner et al., in prep.). We estimate the abundance of KW4-like objects to be at least 40% of the multiple system population, based on the 41 radar-detected cases. Our results only give the lower bound because not all the dataset have the sufficient SNRs and/or the rotational coverage. Recent Goldstone delay-Doppler images of 2013 WT44 were obtained at nearly pole-on subradar latitude and clearly show evidence of an equatorial bulge, sloped hemispheres, and polar flattening. This has provided one of the

Photocatalytic degradation of isoproturon herbicide over TiO2/Al-MCM-41 composite systems using solar light.

PubMed

Phanikrishna Sharma, M V; Durga Kumari, V; Subrahmanyam, M

2008-06-01

The present investigation covers immobilization of TiO2 using a simple solid state dispersion technique over mesoporous Al-MCM-41 support for the treatment of isoproturon herbicide. Catalysts are characterized by XRD, X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS), surface area, UV-Vis diffused reflectance spectra (DRS), SEM and TEM. A detailed photocatalytic degradation study of isoproturon under solar light in aqueous suspensions is reported. The 10 wt% TiO2/Al-MCM-41 composite system found to be optimum with high degradation activity. The reaction follows pseudo-first order kinetics. The parameters like TiO2 loading over Al-MCM-41, amount of catalyst, concentration of substrate, pH effect, durability of the catalyst, activity comparison of TiO2 and Al-MCM-41 supported system are studied. The mineralization of isoproturon is monitored by TOC. Based on the degradation products detected through LC-MS, a plausible degradation mechanism is proposed. The data indicates that TiO2/Al-MCM-41 composite system is an effective photocatalyst for treatment of isoproturon in contaminated water.

Impact of pollutants on fish collected from different parts of Shatt Al-Arab River: a histopathological study.

PubMed

Yasser, Amaal Gh; Naser, Murtada D

2011-10-01

In this study, a total of 120 fish specimens of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), were caught at four different stations in Shatt Al-Arab (Hareer, Garmat Ali, Al-Maqal and Abual-Khasib). The histological changes in the gills of fish were detected microscopically. Results show that the Shatt Al-Arab is polluted by some different sources of pollutants including power stations, paper industry, oil refineries, petrochemical industry, chemical fertilizer companies and the sewage system and overfishing and the application of pesticides. As a result of these analyses, histopathological changes in the gills of fish specimens, such as hyperplasia, loss of regular shape of secondary lamellae, separation of lamellar epithelium, clavate structure, atrophy of secondary gills lamellae, necrosis, dilation of lamellar capillaries, loss of secondary lamellae, fusion of secondary lamellae, edema, proliferation of cartilage in primary lamellae and curving of primary lamellae, were observed. The histopathological changes in fish gill samples from the Hareer region were much more prevalent than samples caught from other stations.

Influence of primary α-phase volume fraction on the mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V alloy at different strain rates and temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Yu; Zhou, Shimeng; Luo, Wenbo; Xue, Zhiyong; Zhang, Yajing

2018-03-01

Bimodal microstructures with primary α-phase volume fractions ranging from 14.3% to 57.1% were gained in Ti-6Al-4V (Ti-64) alloy through annealed in two-phase region at various temperatures below the β-transus point. Then the influence of the primary α-phase volume fraction on the mechanical properties of Ti-64 were studied. The results show that, at room temperature and a strain rate of 10‑3 s‑1, the yield stress decreases but the fracture strain augments with added primary α-phase volume fraction. The equiaxed primary α-phase possesses stronger ability to coordinate plastic deformation, leading to the improvement of the ductile as well as degradation of the strength of Ti-64 with higher primary α-phase volume fraction. As the temperature goes up to 473 K, the quasi-static yield stress and ultimate strength decrease first and then increase with the incremental primary α-phase volume fraction, due to the interaction between the work hardening and the softening caused by the DRX and the growth of the primary α-phase. At room temperature and a strain rate of 3×103 s‑1, the varying pattern of strength with the primary α-phase volume fraction resembles that at a quasi-static strain rate. However, the flow stress significantly increases but the strain-hardening rate decreases compared to those at quasi-static strain rate due to the competition between the strain rate hardening and the thermal softening during dynamic compression process.

Seasonal and interannual patterns in primary production ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Measurements of primary production and respiration provide fundamental information about the trophic status of aquatic ecosystems, yet such measurements are logistically difficult and expensive to sustain as part of long-term monitoring programs. However, ecosystem metabolism parameters can be inferred from high frequency water quality data collections using autonomous logging instruments. For this study, we analyzed such time series datasets from three Gulf of Mexico estuaries: Grand Bay, MS, Weeks Bay AL and Apalachicola Bay FL. Data were acquired from NOAA's National Estuarine Research Reserve System Wide Monitoring Program and used to calculate gross primary production (GPP), ecosystem respiration (ER) and net ecosystem metabolism (NEM) using Odum's open water method. The three systems present a diversity of estuaries typical of the Gulf of Mexico region, varying by as much as 2 orders of magnitude in key physical characteristics, such as estuarine area, watershed area, freshwater flow, and nutrient loading. In all three systems, gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) displayed strong seasonality, peaking in summer and being lowest during winter. Peak rates of GPP and ER exceeded 200 mmol O2 m-2 d-1 52 in all three estuaries. To our knowledge, this is the only study examining long term trends in rates of GPP, ER and NEM in estuaries. Variability in metabolism tended to be small among sites within each estuary. Nitrogen loading was high

Study on the Impact Resistance of Bionic Layered Composite of TiC-TiB2/Al from Al-Ti-B4C System

PubMed Central

Zhao, Qian; Liang, Yunhong; Zhang, Zhihui; Li, Xiujuan; Ren, Luquan

2016-01-01

Mechanical property and impact resistance mechanism of bionic layered composite was investigated. Due to light weight and high strength property, white clam shell was chosen as bionic model for design of bionic layered composite. The intercoupling model between hard layer and soft layer was identical to the layered microstructure and hardness tendency of the white clam shell, which connected the bionic design and fabrication. TiC-TiB2 reinforced Al matrix composites fabricated from Al-Ti-B4C system with 40 wt. %, 50 wt. % and 30 wt. % Al contents were treated as an outer layer, middle layer and inner layer in hard layers. Pure Al matrix was regarded as a soft layer. Compared with traditional homogenous Al-Ti-B4C composite, bionic layered composite exhibited high mechanical properties including flexural strength, fracture toughness, compressive strength and impact toughness. The intercoupling effect of layered structure and combination model of hard and soft played a key role in high impact resistance of the bionic layered composite, proving the feasibility and practicability of the bionic model of a white clam shell. PMID:28773827

The SWRL Audio Laboratory System (ALS): An Integrated Configuration for Psychomusicology Research. Technical Report 51.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, David Brian; Hoskin, Richard K.

This report describes features of the Audio Laboratory System (ALS), a device which supports research activities of the Southwest Regional Laboratory's Music Program. The ALS is used primarily to generate recorded audio tapes for psychomusicology research related to children's perception and learning of music concepts such as pitch, loudness,…

Experimental Determination of the Phase Diagram of the CaO-SiO2-5 pctMgO-10 pctAl2O3-TiO2 System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Junjie; Sun, Lifeng; Zhang, Bo; Liu, Xuqiang; Qiu, Jiyu; Wang, Zhaoyun; Jiang, Maofa

2016-02-01

Ti-bearing CaO-SiO2-MgO-Al2O3-TiO2 slags are important for the smelting of vanadium-titanium bearing magnetite. In the current study, the pseudo-melting temperatures were determined by the single-hot thermocouple technique for the specified content of 5 to 25 pct TiO2 in the CaO-SiO2-5 pctMgO-10 pctAl2O3-TiO2 phase diagram system. The 1573 K to 1773 K (1300 °C to 1500 °C) liquidus lines were first calculated based on the pseudo-melting temperatures according to thermodynamic equations in the specific primary crystal field. The phase equilibria at 1573 K (1300 °C) were determined experimentally using the high-temperature equilibrium and quench method followed by X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope analysis; the liquid phase, melilite solid solution phase (C2MS2,C2AS)ss, and perovskite phase of CaO·TiO2 were found. Therefore, the phase diagram was constructed for the specified region of the CaO-SiO2-5 pctMgO-10 pctAl2O3-TiO2 system.

A basin-hopping Monte Carlo investigation of the structural and energetic properties of 55- and 561-atom bimetallic nanoclusters: the examples of the ZrCu, ZrAl, and CuAl systems.

PubMed

De Souza, Douglas G; Cezar, Henrique M; Rondina, Gustavo G; de Oliveira, Marcelo F; Da Silva, Juarez L F

2016-05-05

We report a basin-hopping Monte Carlo investigation within the embedded-atom method of the structural and energetic properties of bimetallic ZrCu, ZrAl, and CuAl nanoclusters with 55 and 561 atoms. We found that unary Zr55, Zr561, Cu55, Cu561, Al55, and Al561 systems adopt the well known compact icosahedron (ICO) structure. The excess energy is negative for all systems and compositions, which indicates an energetic preference for the mixing of both chemical species. The ICO structure is preserved if a few atoms of the host system are replaced by different species, however, the composition limit in which the ICO structure is preserved depends on both the host and new chemical species. Using several structural analyses, three classes of structures, namely ideal ICO, nearly ICO, and distorted ICO structures, were identified. As the amounts of both chemical species change towards a more balanced composition, configurations far from the ICO structure arise and the dominant structures are nearly spherical, which indicates a strong minimization of the surface energy by decreasing the number of atoms with lower coordination on the surface. The average bond lengths follow Vegard's law almost exactly for ZrCu and ZrAl, however, this is not the case for CuAl. Furthermore, the radial distribution allowed us to identify the presence of an onion-like behavior in the surface of the 561-atom CuAl nanocluster with the Al atoms located in the outermost surface shell, which can be explained by the lower surface energies of the Al surfaces compared with the Cu surfaces. In ZrCu and ZrAl the radial distribution indicates a nearly homogeneous distribution for the chemical species, however, with a slightly higher concentration of Al atoms on the ZrAl surface, which can also be explained by the lower surface energy.

Investigation of the phase relations in the U-Al-Ge ternary system: Influence of the Al/Ge substitution on the properties of the intermediate phases

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

Moussa, C.; El Sayah, Z.; Chajewski, G.

The phase relations within the U-Al-Ge ternary system were studied for two isothermal sections, at 673 K for the whole Gibbs triangle and at 1173 K for the concentration range 25–100 at% U. The identification of the phases, their composition ranges and stability were determined by x-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy dispersive spectroscopy and differential thermal analysis. The tie-lines and the solubility domains were determined for the U-Ge and U-Al binaries, the UAl{sub 3}-UGe{sub 3} solid-solution and for the unique ternary intermediate phase U{sub 3}Al{sub 2−x}Ge{sub 3+x}. The experimental isopleth section of the pseudo-binary UAl{sub 3}-UGe{submore » 3} reveals an isomorphous solid solution based on the Cu{sub 3}Au-type below the solidus. The U{sub 3}Al{sub 2−x}Ge{sub 3+x} solid solution extends for −0.1≤x≤1.35 and −0.2≤x≤1.5 at 673 K and 1173 K respectively. It crystallizes in the I-centered tetragonal symmetry. The reciprocal lattice of several compositions of the U{sub 3}Al{sub 2−x}Ge{sub 3+x} solid solution was examined by electron diffraction at room temperature, revealing the presence of a c-glide plane. Their crystal structure was refined by single crystal x-ray diffraction suggesting an isomorphous solid solution best described with the non-centrosymmetric space group I4cm in the paramagnetic domain. The magnetic measurements confirm the ferromagnetic ordering of the solid solution U{sub 3}Al{sub 2−x}Ge{sub 3+x} with an increase of Tc with the Al content. The thermal variation of the specific heat bear out the magnetic transitions with some delocalized character of the uranium 5f electrons. - Graphical abstract: The phase relations within the U-Al-Ge ternary system were experimentally assessed for two isothermal sections, at 673 K for the whole Gibbs triangle and at 1173 K for the concentration range 25–100 at% U. A complete UAl{sub 3}-UGe{sub 3} solid-solution based on the Cu{sub 3}Au

A Rechargeable Al/S Battery with an Ionic-Liquid Electrolyte.

PubMed

Gao, Tao; Li, Xiaogang; Wang, Xiwen; Hu, Junkai; Han, Fudong; Fan, Xiulin; Suo, Liumin; Pearse, Alex J; Lee, Sang Bok; Rubloff, Gary W; Gaskell, Karen J; Noked, Malachi; Wang, Chunsheng

2016-08-16

Aluminum metal is a promising anode material for next generation rechargeable batteries owing to its abundance, potentially dendrite-free deposition, and high capacity. The rechargeable aluminum/sulfur (Al/S) battery is of great interest owing to its high energy density (1340 Wh kg(-1) ) and low cost. However, Al/S chemistry suffers poor reversibility owing to the difficulty of oxidizing AlSx . Herein, we demonstrate the first reversible Al/S battery in ionic-liquid electrolyte with an activated carbon cloth/sulfur composite cathode. Electrochemical, spectroscopic, and microscopic results suggest that sulfur undergoes a solid-state conversion reaction in the electrolyte. Kinetics analysis identifies that the slow solid-state sulfur conversion reaction causes large voltage hysteresis and limits the energy efficiency of the system. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Viking 75 project: Viking lander system primary mission performance report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooley, C. G.

1977-01-01

Viking Lander hardware performance during launch, interplanetary cruise, Mars orbit insertion, preseparation, separation through landing, and the primary landed mission, with primary emphasis on Lander engineering and science hardware operations, the as-flown mission are described with respect to Lander system performance and anomalies during the various mission phases. The extended mission and predicted Lander performance is discussed along with a summary of Viking goals, mission plans, and description of the Lander, and its subsystem definitions.

Effects of Mn addition on microstructure and hardness of Al-12.6Si alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biswas, Prosanta; Patra, Surajit; Mondal, Manas Kumar

2018-03-01

In this work, eutectic Al-12.6Si alloy with and without manganese (Mn) have been developed through gravity casting route. The effect of Mn concentration (0.0 wt.%, 1 wt%, 2 wt% and 3 wt%) on microstructural morphology and hardness property of the alloy has been investigated. The eutectic Al-12.6 Si alloy exhibits the presence of combine plate, needle and rod-like eutectic silicon phase with very sharp corners and coarser primary silicon particles within the α-Al phase. In addition of 1wt.% of Mn in the eutectic Al-12.6Si alloy, sharp corners of the primary Si and needle-like eutectic Si are became blunt and particles size is reduced. Further, increase in Mn concentration (2.0 wt.%) in the Al-12.6Si alloy, irregular plate shape Al6(Mn,Fe) intermetallics are formed inside the α-Al phase, but the primary and eutectic phase morphology is similar to the eutectic Al-12.6Si alloy. The volume fraction of Al6(Mn,Fe) increases and Al6(Mn,Fe) particles appear as like chain structure in the alloy with 3 wt.% Mn. An increase in Mn concentration in the Al-12.6Si alloys result in the increase in bulk hardness of the alloy as an effects of microstructure modification as well as the presence of harder Al6(Mn,Fe) phase in the developed alloy.

Displacement Threshold Energy and Recovery in an Al-Ti Nanolayered System with Intrinsic Point Defect Partitioning

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

Gerboth, Matthew D.; Setyawan, Wahyu; Henager, Charles H.

2014-01-07

A method is established and validated using molecular dynamics (MD) to determine the displacement threshold energies as Ed in nanolayered, multilayered systems of dissimilar metals. The method is applied to specifically oriented nanolayered films of Al-Ti where the crystal structure and interface orientations are varied in atomic models and Ed is calculated. Methods for defect detection are developed and discussed based on prior research in the literature and based on specific crystallographic directions available in the nanolayered systems. These are compared and contrasted to similar calculations in corresponding bulk materials, including fcc Al, fcc Ti, hcp Al, and hcp Ti.more » In all cases, the calculated Ed in the multilayers are intermediate to the corresponding bulk values but exhibit some important directionality. In the nanolayer, defect detection demonstrated systematic differences in the behavior of Ed in each layer. Importantly, collision cascade damage exhibits significant defect partitioning within the Al and Ti layers that is hypothesized to be an intrinsic property of dissimilar nanolayered systems. This type of partitioning could be partly responsible for observed asymmetric radiation damage responses in many multilayered systems. In addition, a pseudo-random direction was introduced to approximate the average Ed without performing numerous simulations with random directions.« less

[Differences and similarities of primary care in the German and Spanish health care systems].

PubMed

Salvador Comino, María Rosa; Krane, Sibylla; Schelling, Jörg; Regife García, Víctor

2016-02-01

An efficient primary care is of particular importance for any countries' health care system. Many differences exist on how distinctive countries try to obtain the goal of an efficient, cost-effective primary care for its population. In this article we conducted a selective literature review, which includes both scientific and socio-political publications. The findings are complemented with the experience of a Spanish physician from Seville in her last year of training in family medicine, who completed a four months long rotation in the German health care system. We highlighted different features by comparing both countries, including their health care expenditure, the relation between primary and secondary care, the organization in the academic field and the training of future primary care physicians. It is clear that primary care in both countries plays a central role, have to deal with shortcomings, and in some points one system can learn from the other. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

High strength nanostructured Al-based alloys through optimized processing of rapidly quenched amorphous precursors.

PubMed

Kim, Song-Yi; Lee, Gwang-Yeob; Park, Gyu-Hyeon; Kim, Hyeon-Ah; Lee, A-Young; Scudino, Sergio; Prashanth, Konda Gokuldoss; Kim, Do-Hyang; Eckert, Jürgen; Lee, Min-Ha

2018-01-18

We report the methods increasing both strength and ductility of aluminum alloys transformed from amorphous precursor. The mechanical properties of bulk samples produced by spark-plasma sintering (SPS) of amorphous Al-Ni-Co-Dy powders at temperatures above 673 K are significantly enhanced by in-situ crystallization of nano-scale intermetallic compounds during the SPS process. The spark plasma sintered Al 84 Ni 7 Co 3 Dy 6 bulk specimens exhibit 1433 MPa compressive yield strength and 1773 MPa maximum strength together with 5.6% plastic strain, respectively. The addition of Dy enhances the thermal stability of primary fcc Al in the amorphous Al-TM -RE alloy. The precipitation of intermetallic phases by crystallization of the remaining amorphous matrix plays important role to restrict the growth of the fcc Al phase and contributes to the improvement of the mechanical properties. Such fully crystalline nano- or ultrafine-scale Al-Ni-Co-Dy systems are considered promising for industrial application because their superior mechanical properties in terms of a combination of very high room temperature strength combined with good ductility.

A strategy for the implementation of a quality indicator system in German primary care.

PubMed

van den Heuvel, Henricus

2011-01-01

The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) has had a major impact on the quality of care in British general practice. It is seen as a major innovation amongst quality indicator systems and as a result various countries are looking at whether such initiatives could be used in their primary care. In Germany also the development of similar schemes has started. To propose a strategy indicating key issues for the implementation of a quality indicator scheme in German primary care. Literature review with a focus on the QOF and German quality indicator literature. There are major differences between the German and British healthcare and primary care systems. The development of quality indicator systems for German general practice is in progress and there is a net force for the implementation of such systems. The following ten key factors are suggested for the successful implementation of such a system in German primary care: involvement of general practitioners (GPs) at all levels of the development, a clear implementation process, investment in practice information technology (IT) systems, an accepted quality indicator set, a quality indicator setting institution and data collection organisation, clear financial and non-financial incentives, a 'practice registration' structure, an exception reporting mechanism, delegation of routine clinical data collection tasks to practice assistants, a stepped implementation approach and adequate evaluation processes. For the successful implementation of a quality indicator system in German primary care a number of key issues, as presented in this article, need to be taken into account.

Implementation of an integrated primary care cardiometabolic risk prevention and management network in Montréal: does greater coordination of care with primary care physicians have an impact on health outcomes?

PubMed

Provost, Sylvie; Pineault, Raynald; Grimard, Dominique; Pérez, José; Fournier, Michel; Lévesque, Yves; Desforges, Johanne; Tousignant, Pierre; Borgès Da Silva, Roxane

2017-04-01

Chronic disease management requires substantial services integration. A cardiometabolic risk management program inspired by the Chronic Care Model was implemented in Montréal for patients with diabetes or hypertension. One of this study's objectives was to assess the impact of care coordination between the interdisciplinary teams and physicians on patient participation in the program, lifestyle improvements and disease control. We obtained data on health outcomes from a register of clinical data, questionnaires completed by patients upon entry into the program and at the 12-month mark, and we drew information on the program's characteristics from the implementation analysis. We conducted multiple regression analyses, controlling for patient sociodemographic and health characteristics, to measure the association between interdisciplinary team coordination with primary care physicians and various health outcomes. A total of 1689 patients took part in the study (60.1% participation rate). Approximately 40% of patients withdrew from the program during the first year. At the 12-month follow-up (n = 992), we observed a significant increase in the proportion of patients achieving the various clinical targets. The perception by the interdisciplinary team of greater care coordination with primary care physicians was associated with increased participation in the program and the achievement of better clinical results. Greater coordination of patient services between interdisciplinary teams and primary care physicians translates into benefits for patients.

Glass Formation, Phase Equilibria, and Thermodynamic Assessment of the Al-Ce-Co System Assisted by First-Principles Energy Calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Michael C.; Ünlü, Necip; Mihalkovic, Marek; Widom, Michael; Shiflet, G. J.

2007-10-01

This study investigates glass formation, phase equilibria, and thermodynamic descriptions of the Al-rich Al-Ce-Co ternary system using a novel approach that combines critical experiments, CALPHAD modeling, and first-principles (FP) calculations. The glass formation range (GFR) and a partial 500 °C isotherm are determined using a range of experimental techniques including melt spinning, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), X-ray diffraction, and differential thermal analysis (DTA). Three stable ternary phases are confirmed, namely, Al8CeCo2, Al4CeCo, and AlCeCo, while a metastable phase, Al5CeCo2, was discovered. The equilibrium and metastable phases identified by the present and earlier reported experiments, together with many hypothetical ternary compounds, are further studied by FP calculations. Based on new experimental data and FP calculations, the thermodynamics of the Al-rich Al-Co-Ce system is optimized using the CALPHAD method. Application to glass formation is discussed in light of present studies.

The 747 primary flight control systems reliability and maintenance study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

The major operational characteristics of the 747 Primary Flight Control Systems (PFCS) are described. Results of reliability analysis for separate control functions are presented. The analysis makes use of a NASA computer program which calculates reliability of redundant systems. Costs for maintaining the 747 PFCS in airline service are assessed. The reliabilities and cost will provide a baseline for use in trade studies of future flight control system design.

A liquid-metal filling system for pumped primary loop space reactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crandall, D. L.; Reed, W. C.

Some concepts for the SP-100 space nuclear power reactor use liquid metal as the primary coolant in a pumped loop. Prior to filling ground engineering test articles or reactor systems, the liquid metal must be purified and circulated through the reactor primary system to remove contaminants. If not removed, these contaminants enhance corrosion and reduce reliability. A facility was designed and built to support Department of Energy Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor tests conducted at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory. This test program used liquid sodium to cool nuclear fuel in in-pile experiments; thus, a system was needed to store and purify sodium inventories and fill the experiment assemblies. This same system, with modifications and potential changeover to lithium or sodium-potassium (NaK), can be used in the Space Nuclear Power Reactor Program. This paper addresses the requirements, description, modifications, operation, and appropriateness of using this liquid-metal system to support the SP-100 space reactor program.

Direct Metal Deposition of Functional Graded Structures in Ti- Al System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shishkovsky, I.; Missemer, F.; Smurov, I.

A direct laser metal deposition (DLMD) technology with co-axial powder injection is used to fabricate a complex functional graded structure (FGS) fabrication. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the possibility to produce intermetallic phases in the Ti-Al powder systems in the course of a single-step DMD process. Besides, relationships between the main laser cladding parameters and the intermetallic phase structures of the built-up objects have been studied. In our research we applied the optical microscopy, X-ray analysis, microhardness measurement and SEM with EDX analysis of the laser-fabricated intermetallics. The discussion of the mechanisms of Ti x Al y (x,y = 1.3) intermetallic transformations in exothermal reactions is also offered in the report.

Reaction paths in the system Al 2O 3-hBN-Y

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reichert, K.; Oreshina, O.; Cremer, R.; Neuschütz, D.

2001-07-01

As part of the investigations on the suitability of a new concept for a tailored fiber-matrix interface in sapphire fiber reinforced NiAl matrix composites for application as a high-temperature structural material, the interfacial reactions in the system alumina-hexagonal boron nitride-yttrium (Al 2O 3-hBN-Y) have been examined in the temperature range of 1100-1300°C. For this, alumina substrates were coated with hBN by means of CVD and subsequently with sputter deposited yttrium. Afterwards the samples were annealed for up to 16 h under inert atmosphere. Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) served to analyze the phases formed by diffusion processes in the reaction zone. The peak intensities in these diffraction patterns were used to evaluate the sequence of phases formed due to diffusion and reaction. After the initial formation of YN and YB 2, the phases Y 2O 3, Al 2Y, and YB 4 were observed. Even longer annealing times or higher temperatures, respectively, led to the formation of the ternary oxides YAlO 3 and Y 3Al 5O 12 as well as metallic aluminum.

40 CFR 141.544 - What if my system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

..., ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection? 141.544 Section 141.544 Protection of Environment... Benchmark § 141.544 What if my system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection? If your system uses chloramines, ozone or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection your system must...

40 CFR 141.544 - What if my system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

..., ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection? 141.544 Section 141.544 Protection of Environment... Benchmark § 141.544 What if my system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection? If your system uses chloramines, ozone or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection your system must...

40 CFR 141.544 - What if my system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

..., ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection? 141.544 Section 141.544 Protection of Environment... Benchmark § 141.544 What if my system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection? If your system uses chloramines, ozone or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection your system must...

40 CFR 141.544 - What if my system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection? 141.544 Section 141.544 Protection of Environment... Benchmark § 141.544 What if my system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection? If your system uses chloramines, ozone or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection your system must...

Postperovskite phase equilibria in the MgSiO3–Al2O3 system

PubMed Central

Tsuchiya, Jun; Tsuchiya, Taku

2008-01-01

We investigate high-P,T phase equilibria of the MgSiO3–Al2O3 system by means of the density functional ab initio computation methods with multiconfiguration sampling. Being different from earlier studies based on the static substitution properties with no consideration of Rh2O3(II) phase, present calculations demonstrate that (i) dissolving Al2O3 tends to decrease the postperovskite transition pressure of MgSiO3 but the effect is not significant (≈-0.2 GPa/mol% Al2O3); (ii) Al2O3 produces the narrow perovskite+postperovskite coexisting P,T area (≈1 GPa) for the pyrolitic concentration (xAl2O3 ≈6 mol%), which is sufficiently responsible to the deep-mantle D″ seismic discontinuity; (iii) the transition would be smeared (≈4 GPa) for the basaltic Al-rich composition (xAl2O3 ≈20 mol%), which is still seismically visible unless iron has significant effects; and last (iv) the perovskite structure spontaneously changes to the Rh2O3(II) with increasing the Al concentration involving small displacements of the Mg-site cations. PMID:19036928

Educating Primary Teachers to Teach Physical Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tsangaridou, Niki

2012-01-01

Research evidence suggests that, worldwide, physical education in early years is mainly taught by primary teachers (Graber et al., 2008; Hunter, 2006; Kirk, 2005). Descriptions of primary teachers' experiences of teaching physical education are particularly essential as an avenue for developing better-quality teacher training for teaching primary…

Discharge properties of Mg-Al-Mn-Ca and Mg-Al-Mn alloys as anode materials for primary magnesium-air batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuasa, Motohiro; Huang, Xinsheng; Suzuki, Kazutaka; Mabuchi, Mamoru; Chino, Yasumasa

2015-11-01

The discharge behaviors of rolled Mg-6 mass%Al-0.3 mass%Mn-2 mass%Ca (AMX602) and Mg-6 mass%Al-0.3 mass%Mn (AM60) alloys used as anodes for Magnesium-air batteries were investigated. The AMX602 alloy exhibited superior discharge properties compared to the AM60 alloy, especially at low current density. The discharge products of the AMX602 alloy were dense and thin, and many cracks were observed at all current densities. In addition, the discharge products were detached at some sites. These sites often corresponded to the positions of Al2Ca particles. The comparison of the discharge and corrosion tests indicated that the dense and thin discharge products of AMX602 were easily cracked by dissolution of the Mg matrix around Al2Ca particles, and the cracks promoted the penetration of the electrolyte into the discharge products, retaining the discharge activity. In contrast, concerning the AM60 alloy, thick discharge products were formed on the surface during discharge, and cracking of the discharge products hardly occurred, degrading the discharge properties. Localized and deeply corroded pits that could result from the detachment of metal pieces from the anode during discharge were partly observed in the AM60 alloy. It is suggested that these detached metal pieces are another reason for the low discharge properties of the AM60 alloy.

26Al- 26Mg dating of asteroidal magmatism in the young Solar System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schiller, Martin; Baker, Joel A.; Bizzarro, Martin

2010-08-01

We present high-precision Mg isotope data for most classes of basaltic meteorites including eucrites, mesosiderite silicate clasts, angrites and the ungrouped Northwest Africa (NWA) 2976 measured by pseudo-high-resolution multiple-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and utilising improved techniques for chemical purification of Mg. With the exception of the angrites Angra dos Reis, Lewis Cliff (LEW) 86010, NWA 1296 and NWA 2999 and the diogenite Bilanga, which have either been shown to have young ages by other dating techniques or have low Al/Mg ratios, all bulk samples of basaltic meteorites have 26Mg excesses ( δ26Mg=+0.0135 to +0.0392‰). The 26Mg excesses cannot be explained by analytical artefacts, cosmogenic effects or heterogeneity of initial 26Al/ 27Al, Al/Mg ratios or Mg isotopes in asteroidal parent bodies as compared to Earth or chondrites. The 26Mg excesses record asteroidal melting and formation of basaltic magmas with super-chondritic Al/Mg and confirm that radioactive decay of short-lived 26Al was the primary heat source that melted planetesimals. Model 26Al- 26Mg ages for magmatism on the eucrite/mesosiderite, angrite and NWA 2976 parent bodies are 2.6-3.2, 3.9-4.1 and 3.5 Myr, respectively, after formation of calcium-aluminium-rich inclusions (CAIs). However, the validity of these model ages depends on whether the elevated Al/Mg ratios of basaltic meteorites result from magma ocean evolution on asteroids through fractional crystallisation or directly during partial melting. Mineral isochrons for the angrites Sahara (Sah) 99555 and D'Orbigny, and NWA 2976, yield ages of 5.06-0.05+0.06Myr and 4.86-0.09+0.10Myr, respectively, after CAI formation. Both isochrons have elevated initial δ26Mg values. Given the brecciated and equilibrated texture of NWA 2976 it is probable that its isochron age and elevated initial δ26Mg(+0.0175±0.0034‰) reflects thermal resetting during an impact event and slow cooling on its parent body. However

Feasibility of using a knowledge-based system concept for in-flight primary flight display research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ricks, Wendell R.

1991-01-01

A study was conducted to determine the feasibility of using knowledge-based systems architectures for inflight research of primary flight display information management issues. The feasibility relied on the ability to integrate knowledge-based systems with existing onboard aircraft systems. And, given the hardware and software platforms available, the feasibility also depended on the ability to use interpreted LISP software with the real time operation of the primary flight display. In addition to evaluating these feasibility issues, the study determined whether the software engineering advantages of knowledge-based systems found for this application in the earlier workstation study extended to the inflight research environment. To study these issues, two integrated knowledge-based systems were designed to control the primary flight display according to pre-existing specifications of an ongoing primary flight display information management research effort. These two systems were implemented to assess the feasibility and software engineering issues listed. Flight test results were successful in showing the feasibility of using knowledge-based systems inflight with actual aircraft data.

Treatment and prognosis of primary thymic carcinoma.

PubMed

Yano, T; Hara, N; Ichinose, Y; Asoh, H; Yokoyama, H; Ohta, M

1993-04-01

From 1972 to 1990, we treated eight cases of thymic carcinoma (6 squamous cell and 2 small cell carcinomas). According to the classification by Masaoka et al., they consisted of one stage I, four stage III, one stage IVa, and two stage IVb. A complete resection of the primary tumour could be done in only three patients; the others had diagnostic biopsy and then radiation treatment. Four of five patients had a prolonged regression of the primary tumors after irradiation at 40-61.2 Gy. Six patients suffered from extrathoracic metastases. All patients received systemic chemotherapy with different regimens to counter either metastatic or locally recurrent lesions. Only two patients (with a regimen including cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine) obtained a partial response. The median survival of the eight patients was 70 months after surgical operation. The identification of an effective drug combination may thus improve the long-term prognosis of thymic carcinoma since radiotherapy is able to control primary lesions, even in the case of unresectable advanced disease.

Intention and Usage of Computer Based Information Systems in Primary Health Centers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hosizah; Kuntoro; Basuki N., Hari

2016-01-01

The computer-based information system (CBIS) is adopted by almost all of in health care setting, including the primary health center in East Java Province Indonesia. Some of softwares available were SIMPUS, SIMPUSTRONIK, SIKDA Generik, e-puskesmas. Unfortunately they were most of the primary health center did not successfully implemented. This…

Primary and secondary precipitates in a hierarchical-precipitate-strengthened ferritic alloy

DOE PAGES

Song, Gian; Sun, Zhiqian; Poplawsky, Jonathan D.; ...

2017-02-27

The microstructures of a hierarchical-precipitate-strengthened ferritic alloy are characterized, using transmission-electron microscopy (TEM) and atom-probe tomography (APT). The alloy shows duplex precipitates. The primary precipitate with an average edge length of 90 nm consists of NiAl- and Ni2TiAl-type phases, while the secondary precipitate with an average radius of 2 nm is a NiAl-type phase. Based on the APT results, the volume fractions of the primary and secondary precipitates were calculated, using the lever rule to be 17.3 and 2.3 %, respectively.

High Temperature Aerogels in the Al2O3-SiO2 System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hurwitz, Frances I.; Aranda, Denisse V.; Gallagher, Meghan E.

2008-01-01

Al2O3-SiO2 aerogels are of interest as constituents of thermal insulation systems for use at high temperatures. Al2O3 and mullite aerogels are expected to crystallize at higher temperatures than their SiO2 counterparts, hence avoiding the shrinkages that accompany the formation of lower temperature SiO2 phases and preserving pore structures into higher temperature regimes. The objective of this work is to determine the influence of processing parameters on shrinkage, gel structure (including surface area, pore size and distribution) and pyrolysis behavior.

Ultrasound assisted combustion synthesis of TiC in Al-Ti-C system.

PubMed

Liu, Zhiwei; Rakita, Milan; Xu, Wilson; Wang, Xiaoming; Han, Qingyou

2015-11-01

This research investigated the effects of high-intensity ultrasound on the combustion synthesis of TiC particles in Al-Ti-C system. The process involved that high-intensity ultrasound was applied on the surface of a compacted Al-Ti-C pellet directly through a Nb probe during the thermal explosion reaction. By comparing with the sample without ultrasonic treatment, it was found that the thermal explosion reaction for synthesizing TiC phase could take place thoroughly in the ultrasonically treated sample. During the process of synthesizing TiC phase, the dissolution of solid graphite particles into the Al-Ti melt, as well as the nucleation and growth of TiC particles could be promoted effectively due to the effects of ultrasound, leading to an enhancement of the formation of TiC particles. Ultrasound assisted combustion synthesis as a simple and effective approach was proposed for synthesizing materials in this research. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Gd-Co-Al system at 870/1070 K as a representative of the rare earth-Co-Al family and new rare-earth cobalt aluminides: Crystal structure and magnetic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morozkin, A. V.; Garshev, A. V.; Knotko, A. V.; Yapaskurt, V. O.; Mozharivskyj, Y.; Yuan, Fang; Yao, Jinlei; Nirmala, R.; Quezado, S.; Malik, S. K.

2018-05-01

The Gd-Co-Al system has been investigated at 870/1070 K by X-ray and elemental EDS analyses. The existence of the known compounds Gd2Co3Al9 (Y2Co3Ga9-type), Gd3Co4.5Al11.5 (Gd3Co4.6Al11) (Gd3Ru4Al12-type), Gd3Co6-7.4Al3-1.6 (CeNi3-type), GdCo1.15-0.65Al0.85-1.35 (MgZn2-type), Gd2Co2Al (Mo2NiB2-type) and Gd3Co3.5-3.25Al0.5-0.75 (W3CoB3-type) has been confirmed at 870/1070 K. Structure types have been determined for Gd2Co6Al19 (U2Co6Al19-type), Gd7Co6Al7 (Pr7Co6Al7-type), Gd6Co2-2.21Al1-0.79 (Ho6Co2Ga-type) and Gd14Co3.2Al2.8 (Gd14Co2.58Al3.42 at 970 K) (Lu14Co3In3-type). The structures of Gd6Co2Al, Gd6Co2.21Al0.79 and Gd14Co2.58Al3.42 flux-grown at 970 K have been refined from the single crystal X-ray diffraction data. Additionally, new ternary compounds Gd2Co5.7-5.3Al1.3-1.7 (Er2Co7-type) and Gd58Co20Al22 (unknown type structure) have been identified. Quasi-binary solid solutions were detected for Gd2Co17, GdCo5, Gd2Co7, GdCo3, GdCo2 and GdAl2 at 870/1070 K, while no appreciable solubility was observed for the other binary compounds in the Gd-Co-Al system. Magnetic properties of the Gd2Co3Al9, Gd3Co4.6Al11, Gd7Co6Al7, Gd6Co2.2Al0.8 and Gd14Co2.58Al3.42 compounds have been studied and are presented in this work. Gd6Co2.2Al0.8, Gd3Co4.6Al11, Gd7Co6Al7 and Gd14Co2.58Al3.42 order ferromagnetically, while Gd2Co3Al9 displays antiferromagnetic transition. Additionally, {Y, Sm, Tb - Tm}2Co6Al19 (U2Co6Al19-type), Yb2Co3Al9 (Y2Co3Ga9-type), {Y, Sm, Tm, Yb}3Co4.6Al11 (Gd3Ru4Al12-type) and Tb7Co6Al7 (Pr7Co6Al7-type) compounds have been synthesized and investigated.

Influence of Al content on non-equilibrium solidification behavior of Ni-Al-Ta model single crystal alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ai, Cheng; Zhou, Jian; Zhang, Heng; Zhao, Xinbao; Pei, Yanling; Li, Shusuo; Gong, Shengkai

2016-01-01

The non-equilibrium solidification behaviors of five Ni-Al-Ta ternary model single crystal alloys with different Al contents were investigated by experimental analysis and theoretical calculation (by JMatPro) in this study. These model alloys respectively represented the γ' phase with various volume fractions (100%, 75%, 50%, 25% and 0%) at 900 °C. It was found that with decreasing Al content, liquidus temperature of experimental alloys first decreased and then increased. Meanwhile, the solidification range showed a continued downward trend. In addition, with decreasing Al content, the primary phases of non-equilibrium solidified model alloys gradually transformed from γ' phase to γ phase, and the area fraction of which first decreased and then increased. Moreover, the interdendritic/intercellular precipitation of model alloys changed from β phase (for 100% γ') to (γ+γ')Eutectic (for 75% γ'), (γ+γ')Eutectic+γ' (for 50% γ' and 25% γ') and none interdendritic precipitation (for 0% γ'), and the last stage non-equilibrium solidification sequence of model alloys was determined by the nominal Al content and different microsegregation behaviors of Al element.

Characterization of novel microstructures in Al-Fe-V-Si and Al-Fe-V-Si-Y alloys processed at intermediate cooling rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marshall, Ryan

Samples of an Al-Fe-V-Si alloy with and without small Y additions were prepared by copper wedge-mold casting. Analysis of the microstructures developed at intermediate cooling rates revealed the formation of an atypical morphology of the cubic alpha-Al12(Fe/V)3Si phase (Im 3 space group with a = 1.26 nm) in the form of a microeutectic with alpha-Al that forms in relatively thick sections. This structure was determined to exhibit promising hardness and thermal stability when compared to the commercial rapidly solidified and processed Al-Fe-V-Si (RS8009) alloy. In addition, convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED) and selected area electron diffraction (SAD) were used to characterize a competing intermetallic phase, namely, a hexagonal phase identified as h-AlFeSi (P6/mmm space group with a = 2.45 nm c = 1.25 nm) with evidence of a structural relationship to the icosahedral quasicrystalline (QC) phase (it is a QC approximant) and a further relationship to the more desirable alpha-Al12(Fe/V) 3Si phase, which is also a QC approximant. The analysis confirmed the findings of earlier studies in this system, which suggested the same structural relationships using different methods. As will be shown, both phases form across a range of cooling rates and appear to have good thermal stabilities. Additions of Y to the alloy were also studied and found to cause the formation of primary YV2Al20 particles on the order of 1 microm in diameter distributed throughout the microstructure, which otherwise appeared essentially identical to that of the Y-free 8009 alloy. The implications of these results on the possible development of these structures will be discussed in some detail.

Al-26 from red giants. [connections with anomalous Mg-26 content in meteorites and solar system formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norgaard, H.

1980-01-01

Simplified models of thermally pulsing red giants are investigated, with particular emphasis on predicting the extent to which nuclear processing at the base of the convective envelope in conjunction with processing in the thermally unstable He shell can synthesize Al-26 (tau/1/2/ = 7.2 x 10 to the 5th yr). Values of Al-26/Al-27 of about 0.5-1, with Al-27/Al-27(solar) of about 1-2, are predicted in some cases. It is pointed out that such results can lead to isotope shifts in the absorption lines of AlH and AlO, which should be observationally identifiable in some late-type supergiants. The possible connection with the anomalous Mg-26 content (assigned to the decay of Al-26) detected in some meteorites and the connection with formation of the solar system are also touched on.

Effect of high power ultrasound on mechanical properties of Al-Si alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srivastava, N.; Gupta, R.; Chaudhari, G. P.

2018-03-01

Effect of high power ultrasonic treatment on the solidification microstructures of Al-Si alloys containing varying content of solute Si (1, 2, 3 and 5 wt %) is investigated. Large variation in microstructures is seen and refinement of primary α-Al grains is observed. It is observed that increasing the weight percentage of solute along with ultrasonic treatment resulted in finer primary phase. By increasing the solute content from 1% to 5 wt.% in Al-Si alloys, hardness increased by about 38% without and 48% with ultrasonic treatment. Tensile strength of the alloys with ultrasonic treatment is higher as compared to those without ultrasonic treated.

26Al- 26Mg and 207Pb- 206Pb systematics of Allende CAIs: Canonical solar initial 26Al/ 27Al ratio reinstated

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobsen, Benjamin; Yin, Qing-zhu; Moynier, Frederic; Amelin, Yuri; Krot, Alexander N.; Nagashima, Kazuhide; Hutcheon, Ian D.; Palme, Herbert

2008-07-01

The precise knowledge of the initial 26Al/ 27Al ratio [( 26Al/ 27Al) 0] is crucial if we are to use the very first solid objects formed in our Solar System, calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) as the "time zero" age-anchor and guide future work with other short-lived radio-chronometers in the early Solar System, as well as determining the inventory of heat budgets from radioactivities for early planetary differentiation. New high-precision multi-collector inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) measurements of 27Al/ 24Mg ratios and Mg-isotopic compositions of nine whole-rock CAIs (six mineralogically characterized fragments and three micro-drilled inclusions) from the CV carbonaceous chondrite, Allende yield a well-defined 26Al- 26Mg fossil isochron with an ( 26Al/ 27Al) 0 of (5.23 ± 0.13) × 10 - 5 . Internal mineral isochrons obtained for three of these CAIs ( A44A, AJEF, and A43) are consistent with the whole-rock CAI isochron. The mineral isochron of AJEF with ( 26Al/ 27Al) 0 = (4.96 ± 0.25) × 10 - 5 , anchored to our precisely determined absolute 207Pb- 206Pb age of 4567.60 ± 0.36 Ma for the same mineral separates, reinstate the "canonical" ( 26Al/ 27Al) 0 of 5 × 10 - 5 for the early Solar System. The uncertainty in ( 26Al/ 27Al) 0 corresponds to a maximum time span of ± 20 Ka (thousand years), suggesting that the Allende CAI formation events were culminated within this time span. Although all Allende CAIs studied experienced multistage formation history, including melting and evaporation in the solar nebula and post-crystallization alteration likely on the asteroidal parent body, the 26Al- 26Mg and U-Pb-isotopic systematics of the mineral separates and bulk CAIs behaved largely as closed-system since their formation. Our data do not support the "supra-canonical" 26Al/ 27Al ratio of individual minerals or their mixtures in CV CAIs, suggesting that the supra-canonical 26Al/ 27Al ratio in the CV CAIs may have resulted from post

Gender Differences in the Primary Representational System according to Neurolinguistic Programming.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cassiere, M. F.; And Others

Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) is a currently popular therapeutic modality in which individuals organize information through three basic sensory systems, one of which is the Primary Representational System (PRS). This study was designed to investigate gender differences in PRS according to the predicate preference method. It was expected that…

75 FR 65279 - Schedule for Rating Disabilities; AL Amyloidosis (Primary Amyloidosis)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-22

... DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 38 CFR Part 4 RIN 2900-AN75 Schedule for Rating Disabilities; AL... document proposes to amend the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Schedule for Rating Disabilities (rating... establish criteria for disability evaluation to fully implement the decision by the Secretary of Veterans...

Primary propulsion/large space system interaction study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coyner, J. V.; Dergance, R. H.; Robertson, R. I.; Wiggins, J. V.

1981-01-01

An interaction study was conducted between propulsion systems and large space structures to determine the effect of low thrust primary propulsion system characteristics on the mass, area, and orbit transfer characteristics of large space systems (LSS). The LSS which were considered would be deployed from the space shuttle orbiter bay in low Earth orbit, then transferred to geosynchronous equatorial orbit by their own propulsion systems. The types of structures studied were the expandable box truss, hoop and column, and wrap radial rib each with various surface mesh densities. The impact of the acceleration forces on system sizing was determined and the effects of single point, multipoint, and transient thrust applications were examined. Orbit transfer strategies were analyzed to determine the required velocity increment, burn time, trip time, and payload capability over a range of final acceleration levels. Variables considered were number of perigee burns, delivered specific impulse, and constant thrust and constant acceleration modes of propulsion. Propulsion stages were sized for four propellant combinations; oxygen/hydrogen, oxygen/methane, oxygen/kerosene, and nitrogen tetroxide/monomethylhydrazine, for pump fed and pressure fed engine systems. Two types of tankage configurations were evaluated, minimum length to maximize available payload volume and maximum performance to maximize available payload mass.

Suicidal ideations, plans and attempts in primary care: cross-sectional study of consultants at primary health care system in Morocco.

PubMed

Oneib, Bouchra; Sabir, Maria; Otheman, Yassine; Abda, Naima; Ouanass, Abderrazzak

2016-01-01

The aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence of suicidal ideation among Moroccan consultants in primary health care system. We conducted a cross sectional survey in three health care centers in two cities of Morocco to estimate the prevalence of suicidal ideation, plan and suicide attempts among 396 consultants in the primary health care system, using the Mini International neuropsychiatric interview. Patients were 18 years and older, without known psychiatric or chronic somatic disease. Statistical analysis was performed by the SPSS 13.0 software. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 5.3%, and 2.7% of the patients planned their suicide and 1.2% tried to commit suicide. The multivariate analysis did not demonstrate significant association. Suicidal ideation, plan and suicide attempts are prevalent in primary health care patients, but they are still under diagnosed. An adequate training of physicians and the establishment of education programs is essential to reduce the rate of suicide.

An Icosahedral Quasicrystal and Its 1/0 Crystalline Approximant in the Ca–Au–Al System

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

Pham, Joyce; Kreyssig, Andreas; Goldman, Alan I.

2016-10-17

A new icosahedral quasicrystalline phase, CaAu4.5–xAl1.5+x [0.11 ≤ x ≤ 0.40(6); CaAu4.4Al1.6, aQC = 5.383(4) Å, and Pm35], and its lowest-order 1/0 cubic crystalline approximant phase, CaAu3+xAl1–x [0 ≤ x ≤ 0.31(1); a = 9.0766(5)–9.1261(8) Å, Pa3(No. 205), and Pearson symbol cP40], have been discovered in the Ca-poor region of the Ca–Au–Al system. In the crystalline approximant, eight [Au3–xAl1+x] tetrahedra fill the unit cell, and each tetrahedron is surrounded by four Ca atoms, thus forming a three-dimensional network of {Ca4/4[Au3–xAl1+x]} tetrahedral stars. A computational study of Au and Al site preferences concurs with the experimental results, which indicate a preferencemore » for near-neighbor Au–Al interactions over Au–Au and Al–Al interactions. Analysis of the electronic density of states and the associated crystal orbital Hamilton population curves was used to rationalize the descriptions of CaAu4.5–xAl1.5+x [0.11 ≤ x ≤ 0.46(6)] and CaAu3+xAl1–x [0 ≤ x ≤ 0.31(1)] as polar intermetallic species, whereby Ca atoms engage in polar covalent bonding with the electronegative, electron-deficient [Au3–xAl1+x] tetrahedral clusters and the observed phase width of the crystalline approximant.« less

Distribution Behavior of B and P during Al-Si Melt Directional Solidification with Open-Ended Crucible

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Xiaolong; Ban, Boyuan; Li, Jingwei; Peng, Zhijian; Chen, Jian

2018-03-01

Distribution behavior of B and P during directional solidification of Al-20Si, Al-30Si and Al-40Si alloys has been investigated. Macrostructure of the Al-Si alloy ingots and concentration profile of elements B and P reveal that the elements segregate to eutectic Al-Si melt during growth of primary Si flakes, and P gradually segregates to the top of the ingots during directional solidification. An apparent segregation coefficient, ka, is introduced to describe the segregation behavior of B and P between the primary Si and the Al-Si melt and compared with thermodynamic theoretical equilibrium coefficients. The apparent segregation coefficients of B and P decrease with increase of solidification temperature.

Advances in single mode and high power AlGaInN laser diode technology for systems applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najda, Stephen P.; Perlin, Piotr; Suski, Tadek; Marona, Lujca; Boćkowski, Michal; Leszczyński, Mike; Wisniewski, Przemek; Czernecki, Robert; Kucharski, Robert; Targowski, Grzegorz; Smalc-Koziorowska, Julita; Stanczyk, Szymon; Watson, Scott; Kelly, Antony E.

2015-03-01

The AlGaInN material system allows for laser diodes to be fabricated over a very wide range of wavelengths from u.v., ~380nm, to the visible ~530nm, by tuning the indium content of the laser GaInN quantum well. Thus AlGaInN laser diode technology is a key enabler for the development of new disruptive system level applications in displays, telecom, defence and other industries.

Fatigue Performance of Ti-6Al-4V Additively Manufactured Specimens with Integrated Capillaries of an Embedded Structural Health Monitoring System

PubMed Central

Hinderdael, Michaël; Strantza, Maria; De Baere, Dieter; Devesse, Wim; De Graeve, Iris; Terryn, Herman; Guillaume, Patrick

2017-01-01

Additive manufacturing (AM) of metals offers new possibilities for the production of complex structures. Up to now, investigations on the mechanical response of AM metallic parts show a significant spread and unexpected failures cannot be excluded. In this work, we focus on the detection of fatigue cracks through the integration of a Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system in Ti-6Al-4V specimens. The working principle of the presented system is based on the integration of small capillaries that are capable of detecting fatigue cracks. Four-point bending fatigue tests have been performed on Ti-6Al-4V specimens with integrated capillaries and compared to the reference specimenswithout capillaries. Specimens were produced by conventional subtractive manufacturing of wrought material and AM, using the laser based Directed Energy Deposition (DED) process. In this study, we investigated the effect of the presence of the capillary on the fatigue strength and fatigue initiation location. Finite element (FEM) simulations were performed to validate the experimental test results. The presence of a drilled capillary in the specimens did not alter the fatigue initiation location. However, the laser based DED production process introduced roughness on the capillary surface that altered the fatigue initiation location to the capillary surface. The fatigue performance was greatly reduced when considering a printed capillary. It is concluded that the surface quality of the integrated capillary is of primary importance in order not to influence the structural integrity of the component to be monitored. PMID:28841186

Fatigue Performance of Ti-6Al-4V Additively Manufactured Specimens with Integrated Capillaries of an Embedded Structural Health Monitoring System.

PubMed

Hinderdael, Michaël; Strantza, Maria; De Baere, Dieter; Devesse, Wim; De Graeve, Iris; Terryn, Herman; Guillaume, Patrick

2017-08-25

Additive manufacturing (AM) of metals offers new possibilities for the production of complex structures. Up to now, investigations on the mechanical response of AM metallic parts show a significant spread and unexpected failures cannot be excluded. In this work, we focus on the detection of fatigue cracks through the integration of a Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system in Ti-6Al-4V specimens. The working principle of the presented system is based on the integration of small capillaries that are capable of detecting fatigue cracks. Four-point bending fatigue tests have been performed on Ti-6Al-4V specimens with integrated capillaries and compared to the reference specimenswithout capillaries. Specimens were produced by conventional subtractive manufacturing of wrought material and AM, using the laser based Directed Energy Deposition (DED) process. In this study, we investigated the effect of the presence of the capillary on the fatigue strength and fatigue initiation location. Finite element (FEM) simulations were performed to validate the experimental test results. The presence of a drilled capillary in the specimens did not alter the fatigue initiation location. However, the laser based DED production process introduced roughness on the capillary surface that altered the fatigue initiation location to the capillary surface. The fatigue performance was greatly reduced when considering a printed capillary. It is concluded that the surface quality of the integrated capillary is of primary importance in order not to influence the structural integrity of the component to be monitored.

Primary Emotional Systems and Personality: An Evolutionary Perspective

PubMed Central

Montag, Christian; Panksepp, Jaak

2017-01-01

The present article highlights important concepts of personality including stability issues from the perspective of situational demands and stability over the life-course. Following this more introductory section, we argue why individual differences in primary emotional systems may represent the phylogenetically oldest parts of human personality. Our argumentation leads to the need to increasingly consider individual differences in the raw affects/emotions of people to understand human personality in a bottom–up fashion, which can be coordinated with top–down perspectives. In support of this idea, we also review existing evidence linking individual differences in primal emotions as assessed with the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales and the widely accepted Big Five Model of Personality. In this context, we provide additional evidence on the link between primal emotions and personality in German and Chinese sample populations. In short, this article addresses evolutionary perspectives in the evaluation of human personality, highlighting some of the ancestral emotional urges that probably still control variations in the construction of human personality structures. Moreover, we address how individual differences in primary emotional systems can illuminate linkages to major human psychopathologies and the potential advantages and disadvantages of carrying a certain personality trait within certain cultural/environmental niches. PMID:28443039

Relationships between Digestive, Circulatory, and Urinary Systems in Portuguese Primary Textbooks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carvalho, Graça S.; Clèment, Pierre

2007-01-01

In this study, 63 Portuguese primary schoolbooks (1920-2005) were analyzed. The analysis focused on text information (reference to blood absorption and association of the digestive system to other human systems) and on information from images (presence or absence of image "confusion" (when the sequence of the digestive tract is not…

FUV Detection of the Primary Star of eta Carinae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davidson, K.; Smith, N.

2006-06-01

Using FUSE data, Iping et al (2005, ApJ 633, L37) report a direct detection of the elusive hot companion of eta Car. We argue, however, that much of the observed emission represents the primary star, with no proof that any of it comes from a secondary star. The hypothetical companion should dominate the ionizing radiation below 912 A, but this is not true for wavelengths around 1100 A observed with FUSE. Moreover, since a companion's UV would be partially reprocessed by the primary star's wind, any detection is likely to be ambiguous.The non-spherical primary wind allows production of strong UV radiation at low latitudes (Smith et al 2003, ApJ 586, 432), an effect that spherical models don't include. The N II 1085 feature, the relatively slow wind velocities seen by FUSE, and other details are characteristic of the primary wind, not the secondary. Zanella et al. (1984, A&A 137, 79) suggested that eta Car's far UV disappears during a spectroscopic event due to a shell ejection. The FUSE observations may be regarded as confirmation of that conjecture, which made no reference to a secondary star. The 2003 spectroscopic event was probably a mass ejection or a wind-disturbance episode, not merely an eclipse as assumed by Iping et al. A hot companion star seems likely to account for the ionizing UV and the X-ray variability, but the FUSE data do not confirm its existence.

Primary reaction control system/remote manipulator system interaction with loaded arm. Space shuttle engineering and operations support

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, E. C.; Davis, J. D.

1978-01-01

A study of the interaction between the orbiter primary reaction control system (PRCS) and the remote manipulator system (RMS) with a loaded arm is documented. This analysis was performed with the Payload Deployment and Retrieval Systems Simulation (PDRSS) program with the passive arm bending option. The passive-arm model simulates the arm as massless elastic links with locked joints. The study was divided into two parts. The first part was the evaluation of the response of the arm to step inputs (i.e. constant jet torques) about each of the orbiter body axes. The second part of the study was the evaluation of the response of the arm to minimum impulse primary RCS jet firings with both single pulse and pulse train inputs.

Structural ordering at solid-liquid interfaces in Al-Sm system: A molecular-dynamics study

DOE PAGES

Sun, Yang; Zhang, Feng; Ye, Zhuo; ...

2016-07-12

The structural ordering at solid-liquid interfaces far from equilibrium is studied with molecular dynamics simulations for the Al-Sm system. Using the van-Hove self-correlation function as the criterion to identify attachment/detachment events that occur at the interface, we are able to determine the time-dependent interface position, and characterize the detailed interfacial structure ordering surrounding the attached atoms. For the interface between an undercooled Al90Sm10 liquid and a metastable cubic structure, the solid induces the crystalline order of the cubic phase in the liquid layers, promoting the continuous growth of the crystal phase. When the same liquid is put in contact withmore » f.c.c. Al, Sm from the liquid can still attach to the solid interface despite its insolubility in the Al lattice. Non-f.c.c. order is revealed surrounding the attached Sm atoms. Lastly, we show that the local structure ordering at interface is highly correlated to solid packing and liquid ordering.« less

Effect of AlF3 on the Density and Elastic Properties of Zinc Tellurite Glass Systems

PubMed Central

Sidek, Haji Abdul Aziz; Rosmawati, Shaharuddin; Halimah, Mohamed Kamari; Matori, Khamirul Amin; Talib, Zainal Abidin

2012-01-01

This paper presents the results of the physical and elastic properties of the ternary zinc oxyfluoro tellurite glass system. Systematic series of glasses (AlF3)x(ZnO)y(TeO2)z with x = 0–19, y = 0–20 and z = 80, 85, 90 mol% were synthesized by the conventional rapid melt quenching technique. The composition dependence of the physical, mainly density and molar volume, and elastic properties is discussed in term of the AlF3 modifiers addition that are expected to produce quite substantial changes in their physical properties. The absence of any crystalline peaks in the X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the present glass samples indicates the amorphous nature. The addition of AlF3 lowered the values of the densities in ternary oxyfluorotellurite glass systems. The longitudinal and transverse ultrasonic waves propagated in each glass sample were measured using a MBS8020 ultrasonic data acquisition system. All the velocity data were taken at 5 MHz frequency and room temperature. The longitudinal modulus (L), shear modulus (G), Young’s modulus (E), bulk modulus (K) and Poisson’s ratio (σ) are obtained from both velocities data and their respective density. Experimental data shows the density and elastic moduli of each AlF3-ZnO-TeO2 series are found strongly depend upon the glass composition. The addition of AlF3 modifiers into the zinc tellurite causes substantial changes in their density, molar volume as well as their elastic properties.

Hydrogen permeation in FeCrAl alloys for LWR cladding application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Xunxiang; Terrani, Kurt A.; Wirth, Brian D.; Snead, Lance L.

2015-06-01

FeCrAl, an advanced oxidation-resistant iron-based alloy class, is a highly prevalent candidate as an accident-tolerant fuel cladding material. Compared with traditional zirconium alloy fuel cladding, increased tritium permeation through FeCrAl fuel cladding to the primary coolant is expected, raising potential safety concerns. In this study, the hydrogen permeability of several FeCrAl alloys was obtained using a static permeation test station, which was calibrated and validated using 304 stainless steel. The high hydrogen permeability of FeCrAl alloys leads to concerns with respect to potentially significant tritium release when used for fuel cladding in LWRs. The total tritium inventory inside the primary coolant of a light water reactor was quantified by applying a 1-dimensional steady state tritium diffusion model to demonstrate the dependence of tritium inventory on fuel cladding type. Furthermore, potential mitigation strategies for tritium release from FeCrAl fuel cladding were discussed and indicate the potential for application of an alumina layer on the inner clad surface to serve as a tritium barrier. More effort is required to develop a robust, economical mitigation strategy for tritium permeation in reactors using FeCrAl clad fuel assemblies.

40 CFR 141.535 - What if my system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

..., ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection? 141.535 Section 141.535 Protection of Environment... § 141.535 What if my system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection? If your system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection, you must also...

40 CFR 141.535 - What if my system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection? 141.535 Section 141.535 Protection of Environment... § 141.535 What if my system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection? If your system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection, you must also...

40 CFR 141.535 - What if my system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

..., ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection? 141.535 Section 141.535 Protection of Environment... § 141.535 What if my system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection? If your system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection, you must also...

40 CFR 141.535 - What if my system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

..., ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection? 141.535 Section 141.535 Protection of Environment... § 141.535 What if my system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection? If your system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection, you must also...

A safety incident reporting system for primary care. A systematic literature review and consensus procedure by the LINNEAUS collaboration on patient safety in primary care

PubMed Central

Klemp, Kerstin; Zwart, Dorien; Hansen, Jørgen; Hellebek, Torben; Luettel, Dagmar; Verstappen, Wim; Beyer, Martin; Gerlach, Ferdin M.; Hoffmann, Barbara; Esmail, Aneez

2015-01-01

Background: Incident reporting is widely used in both patient safety improvement programmes, and in research on patient safety. Objective: To identify the key requirements for incident reporting systems in primary care; to develop an Internet-based incident reporting and learning system for primary care. Methods: A literature review looking at the purpose, design and requirements of an incident reporting system (IRS) was used to update an existing incident reporting system, widely used in Germany. Then, an international expert panel with knowledge on IRS developed the criteria for the design of a new web-based incident reporting system for European primary care. A small demonstration project was used to create a web-based reporting system, to be made freely available for practitioners and researchers. The expert group compiled recommendations regarding the desirable features of an incident reporting system for European primary care. These features covered the purpose of reporting, who should be involved in reporting, the mode of reporting, design considerations, feedback mechanisms and preconditions necessary for the implementation of an IRS. Results: A freely available web-based reporting form was developed, based on these criteria. It can be modified for local contexts. Practitioners and researchers can use this system as a means of recording patient safety incidents in their locality and use it as a basis for learning from errors. Conclusion: The LINNEAUS collaboration has provided a freely available incident reporting system that can be modified for a local context and used throughout Europe. PMID:26339835

Crystal structures of hydrates of simple inorganic salts. III. Water-rich aluminium halide hydrates: AlCl3 · 15H2O, AlBr3 · 15H2O, AlI3 · 15H2O, AlI3 · 17H2O and AlBr3 · 9H2O.

PubMed

Schmidt, Horst; Hennings, Erik; Voigt, Wolfgang

2014-09-01

Water-rich aluminium halide hydrate structures are not known in the literature. The highest known water content per Al atom is nine for the perchlorate and fluoride. The nonahydrate of aluminium bromide, stable pentadecahydrates of aluminium chloride, bromide and iodide, and a metastable heptadecahydrate of the iodide have now been crystallized from low-temperature solutions. The structures of these hydrates were determined and are discussed in terms of the development of cation hydration spheres. The pentadecahydrate of the chloride and bromide are isostructural. In AlI(3) · 15H2O, half of the Al(3+) cations are surrounded by two complete hydration spheres, with six H2O in the primary and 12 in the secondary. For the heptadecahydrate of aluminium iodide, this hydration was found for every Al(3+).

Primary electric power generation systems for advanced-technology engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cronin, M. J.

1983-01-01

The advantages of the all electric airplane are discussed. In the all electric airplane the generator is the sole source of electric power; it powers the primary and secondary flight controls, the environmentals, and the landing gear. Five candidates for all electric power systems are discussed and compared. Cost benefits of the all electric airplane are discussed.

Early accretion of protoplanets inferred from a reduced inner solar system 26Al inventory

PubMed Central

Schiller, Martin; Connelly, James N.; Glad, Aslaug C.; Mikouchi, Takashi; Bizzarro, Martin

2016-01-01

The mechanisms and timescales of accretion of 10–1000 km sized planetesimals, the building blocks of planets, are not yet well understood. With planetesimal melting predominantly driven by the decay of the short-lived radionuclide 26Al (26Al→26Mg; t1/2 = 0.73 Ma), its initial abundance determines the permissible timeframe of planetesimal-scale melting and its subsequent cooling history. Currently, precise knowledge about the initial 26Al abundance [(26Al/27Al)0] exists only for the oldest known solids, calcium aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) – the so-called canonical value. We have determined the 26Al/27Al of three angrite meteorites, D’Orbigny, Sahara 99555 and NWA 1670, at their time of crystallization, which corresponds to (3.98 ± 0.15)×10−7, (3.64 ± 0.18)×10−7, and (5.92 ± 0.59)×10−7, respectively. Combined with a newly determined absolute U-corrected Pb–Pb age for NWA 1670 of 4564.39 ± 0.24 Ma and published U-corrected Pb–Pb ages for the other two angrites, this allows us to calculate an initial (26Al/27Al)0 of (1.33−0.18+0.21)×10−5 for the angrite parent body (APB) precursor material at the time of CAI formation, a value four times lower than the accepted canonical value of 5.25 × 10−5. Based on their similar 54Cr/52Cr ratios, most inner solar system materials likely accreted from material containing a similar 26Al/27Al ratio as the APB precursor at the time of CAI formation. To satisfy the abundant evidence for widespread planetesimal differentiation, the subcanonical 26Al budget requires that differentiated planetesimals, and hence protoplanets, accreted rapidly within 0.25 ± 0.15 Ma of the formation of canonical CAIs. PMID:27429474

Primary Health Care and Public Health: Foundations of Universal Health Systems

PubMed Central

White, Franklin

2015-01-01

The aim of this review is to advocate for more integrated and universally accessible health systems, built on a foundation of primary health care and public health. The perspective outlined identified health systems as the frame of reference, clarified terminology and examined complementary perspectives on health. It explored the prospects for universal and integrated health systems from a global perspective, the role of healthy public policy in achieving population health and the value of the social-ecological model in guiding how best to align the components of an integrated health service. The importance of an ethical private sector in partnership with the public sector is recognized. Most health systems around the world, still heavily focused on illness, are doing relatively little to optimize health and minimize illness burdens, especially for vulnerable groups. This failure to improve the underlying conditions for health is compounded by insufficient allocation of resources to address priority needs with equity (universality, accessibility and affordability). Finally, public health and primary health care are the cornerstones of sustainable health systems, and this should be reflected in the health policies and professional education systems of all nations wishing to achieve a health system that is effective, equitable, efficient and affordable. PMID:25591411

Primary health care and public health: foundations of universal health systems.

PubMed

White, Franklin

2015-01-01

The aim of this review is to advocate for more integrated and universally accessible health systems, built on a foundation of primary health care and public health. The perspective outlined identified health systems as the frame of reference, clarified terminology and examined complementary perspectives on health. It explored the prospects for universal and integrated health systems from a global perspective, the role of healthy public policy in achieving population health and the value of the social-ecological model in guiding how best to align the components of an integrated health service. The importance of an ethical private sector in partnership with the public sector is recognized. Most health systems around the world, still heavily focused on illness, are doing relatively little to optimize health and minimize illness burdens, especially for vulnerable groups. This failure to improve the underlying conditions for health is compounded by insufficient allocation of resources to address priority needs with equity (universality, accessibility and affordability). Finally, public health and primary health care are the cornerstones of sustainable health systems, and this should be reflected in the health policies and professional education systems of all nations wishing to achieve a health system that is effective, equitable, efficient and affordable. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Research on numerical control system based on S3C2410 and MCX314AL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Qiang; Jiang, Tingbiao

2008-10-01

With the rapid development of micro-computer technology, embedded system, CNC technology and integrated circuits, numerical control system with powerful functions can be realized by several high-speed CPU chips and RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) chips which have small size and strong stability. In addition, the real-time operating system also makes the attainment of embedded system possible. Developing the NC system based on embedded technology can overcome some shortcomings of common PC-based CNC system, such as the waste of resources, low control precision, low frequency and low integration. This paper discusses a hardware platform of ENC (Embedded Numerical Control) system based on embedded processor chip ARM (Advanced RISC Machines)-S3C2410 and DSP (Digital Signal Processor)-MCX314AL and introduces the process of developing ENC system software. Finally write the MCX314AL's driver under the embedded Linux operating system. The embedded Linux operating system can deal with multitask well moreover satisfy the real-time and reliability of movement control. NC system has the advantages of best using resources and compact system with embedded technology. It provides a wealth of functions and superior performance with a lower cost. It can be sure that ENC is the direction of the future development.

Viscosity of SiO2-"FeO"-Al2O3 System in Equilibrium with Metallic Fe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Mao; Raghunath, Sreekanth; Zhao, Baojun

2013-08-01

The present study delivered the measurements of viscosities in SiO2-"FeO"-Al2O3 system in equilibrium with metallic Fe. The rotational spindle technique was used in the measurements at the temperature range of 1473 K to 1773 K (1200 °C to 1500 °C). Molybdenum crucibles and spindles were employed in all measurements. The Fe saturation condition was maintained by an iron plate placed at the bottom of the crucible. The equilibrium compositions of the slags were measured by EPMA after the viscosity measurements. The effect of up to 20 mol. pct Al2O3 on the viscosity of the SiO2-"FeO" slag was investigated. The "charge compensation effect" of the Al2O3 and FeO association has been discussed. The modified quasi-chemical viscosity model has been optimized in the SiO2-"FeO"-Al2O3 system in equilibrium with metallic Fe to describe the viscosity measurements of the present study.

Attitude-referenced radiometer study. Part 2: Primary calibration system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williamson, W. R.; Otte, A. A.

1971-01-01

A primary calibration system, PCS, for infrared radiometers has been developed, built, and tested. The system allows radiometers to be calibrated with less than 1 percent error for use in earth coverage horizon measurements, earth resources surveys, and synoptic meteorological measurement. The final design, fabrication and test of the PCS are reported. A detailed description of the PCS construction is presented, along with the results of a complete series of functional tests. Test to verify the source thermal characteristics, collimator reflectance, and output beam characteristics are described and their results presented.

Al2O3-based nanofluids: a review

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Ultrahigh performance cooling is one of the important needs of many industries. However, low thermal conductivity is a primary limitation in developing energy-efficient heat transfer fluids that are required for cooling purposes. Nanofluids are engineered by suspending nanoparticles with average sizes below 100 nm in heat transfer fluids such as water, oil, diesel, ethylene glycol, etc. Innovative heat transfer fluids are produced by suspending metallic or nonmetallic nanometer-sized solid particles. Experiments have shown that nanofluids have substantial higher thermal conductivities compared to the base fluids. These suspended nanoparticles can change the transport and thermal properties of the base fluid. As can be seen from the literature, extensive research has been carried out in alumina-water and CuO-water systems besides few reports in Cu-water-, TiO2-, zirconia-, diamond-, SiC-, Fe3O4-, Ag-, Au-, and CNT-based systems. The aim of this review is to summarize recent developments in research on the stability of nanofluids, enhancement of thermal conductivities, viscosity, and heat transfer characteristics of alumina (Al2O3)-based nanofluids. The Al2O3 nanoparticles varied in the range of 13 to 302 nm to prepare nanofluids, and the observed enhancement in the thermal conductivity is 2% to 36%. PMID:21762528

Primary Systemic Amyloidosis and High Levels of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme: Two Case Reports

PubMed Central

Praena-Segovia, J.; Sanchez-Gastaldo, A.; Bernabeu-Wittel, M.; Ocete-Pérez, R.; Ávila-Polo, R.; Martino, M. L.

2013-01-01

Infiltrative heart diseases are caused by a heterogeneous group of disorders; amyloidosis and sarcoidosis are two frequent causes of myocardial infiltration, which differ in clinical and biological outcome and treatment issues. The presence of high levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in a patient with infiltrative heart disease may increase suspicion of sarcoidosis. Nevertheless, no mention about increased ACE levels in extracerebral primary systemic amyloidosis is available. We present two cases of primary systemic amyloidosis, which are cardiac involvement and elevated ACE levels. PMID:24826302

Utilities on the primary road system.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1992-05-01

This chapter covers initial placement, adjustment, improvement, relocation, replacement and maintenance of utility facilities in, on, above, or below the right-of-way of primary highways, including attachments to primary highway structures. It embodi...

Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to understand a community's primary care needs.

PubMed

Dulin, Michael F; Ludden, Thomas M; Tapp, Hazel; Blackwell, Joshua; de Hernandez, Brisa Urquieta; Smith, Heather A; Furuseth, Owen J

2010-01-01

A key element for reducing health care costs and improving community health is increased access to primary care and preventative health services. Geographic information systems (GIS) have the potential to assess patterns of health care utilization and community-level attributes to identify geographic regions most in need of primary care access. GIS, analytical hierarchy process, and multiattribute assessment and evaluation techniques were used to examine attributes describing primary care need and identify areas that would benefit from increased access to primary care services. Attributes were identified by a collaborative partnership working within a practice-based research network using tenets of community-based participatory research. Maps were created based on socioeconomic status, population density, insurance status, and emergency department and primary care safety-net utilization. Individual and composite maps identified areas in our community with the greatest need for increased access to primary care services. Applying GIS to commonly available community- and patient-level data can rapidly identify areas most in need of increased access to primary care services. We have termed this a Multiple Attribute Primary Care Targeting Strategy. This model can be used to plan health services delivery as well as to target and evaluate interventions designed to improve health care access.

Equity in primary health care delivery: an examination of the cohesiveness of strategies relating to the primary healthcare system, the health workforce and hepatitis C.

PubMed

Scarborough, Jane; Eliott, Jaklin; Miller, Emma; Aylward, Paul

2015-04-01

To suggest ways of increasing the cohesiveness of national primary healthcare strategies and hepatitis C strategies, with the aim of ensuring that all these strategies include ways to address barriers and facilitators to access to primary healthcare and equity for people with hepatitis C. A critical review was conducted of the first national Primary Healthcare System Strategy and Health Workforce Strategy with the concurrent Hepatitis C Strategy. Content relating to provision of healthcare in private general practice was examined, focussing on issues around access and equity. In all strategies, achieving access to care and equity was framed around providing sufficient medical practitioners for particular locations. Equity statements were present in all policies but only the Hepatitis C Strategy identified discrimination as a barrier to equity. Approaches detailed in the Primary Healthcare System Strategy and Health Workforce Strategy regarding current resource allocation, needs assessment and general practitioner incentives were limited to groups defined within these documents and may not identify or meet the needs of people with hepatitis C. Actions in the primary healthcare system and health workforce strategies should be extended to additional groups beyond those listed as priority groups within the strategies. Future hepatitis C strategies should outline appropriate, detailed needs assessment methodologies and specify how actions in the broad strategies can be applied to benefit the primary healthcare needs of people with hepatitis C.

Structural and Contextual Dimensions of Iranian Primary Health Care System at Local Level

PubMed Central

Zanganeh Baygi, Mehdi; Seyedin, Hesam; Salehi, Masoud; Jafari Sirizi, Mehdi

2014-01-01

Background: In recent years, family physician plan was established as the main strategy of health system in Iran, while organizational structure of the primary health care system has remained the same as thirty years ago. Objectives: This study was performed to illustrate structural and contextual dimensions of organizational structure and relationship between them in Iranian primary health care system at local level. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted from January to June 2013, during which 121 questionnaires were distributed among senior and junior managers of city health centers at Medical Sciences universities in Iran. Validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by experts (CVI = 0.089 and CVR more than 0.85) and Cronbach α was utilized for reliability (α = 0.904). We used multistage sampling method in this study and analysis of the data was performed by SPSS software using different tests. Results: Local level of primary health care system in Iran had mechanical structure, but in contextual dimensions the results showed different types. There was a significant relationship between structural and contextual dimensions (r = 0.642, P value < 0.001). Goals and culture dimensions had strongest effects on structural dimensions. Conclusions: Because of the changes in goals and strategies of Iranian health system in recent years, it is urgently recommended to reform the current structure to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the system. PMID:25763257

Structural and contextual dimensions of Iranian primary health care system at local level.

PubMed

Zanganeh Baygi, Mehdi; Seyedin, Hesam; Salehi, Masoud; Jafari Sirizi, Mehdi

2015-01-01

In recent years, family physician plan was established as the main strategy of health system in Iran, while organizational structure of the primary health care system has remained the same as thirty years ago. This study was performed to illustrate structural and contextual dimensions of organizational structure and relationship between them in Iranian primary health care system at local level. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted from January to June 2013, during which 121 questionnaires were distributed among senior and junior managers of city health centers at Medical Sciences universities in Iran. Validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by experts (CVI = 0.089 and CVR more than 0.85) and Cronbach α was utilized for reliability (α = 0.904). We used multistage sampling method in this study and analysis of the data was performed by SPSS software using different tests. Local level of primary health care system in Iran had mechanical structure, but in contextual dimensions the results showed different types. There was a significant relationship between structural and contextual dimensions (r = 0.642, P value < 0.001). Goals and culture dimensions had strongest effects on structural dimensions. Because of the changes in goals and strategies of Iranian health system in recent years, it is urgently recommended to reform the current structure to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the system.

Metallographic assessment of Al-12Si high-pressure die casting escalator steps.

PubMed

Vander Voort, George Frederic; Suárez-Peña, Beatriz; Asensio-Lozano, Juan

2014-10-01

A microstructural characterization study was performed on high-pressure die cast specimens extracted from escalator steps manufactured from an Al-12 wt.% Si alloy designed for structural applications. Black and white, color light optical imaging and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to conduct the microstructural analysis. Most regions in the samples studied contained globular-rosette primary α-Al grains surrounded by an Al-Si eutectic aggregate, while primary dendritic α-Al grains were present in the surface layer. This dendritic microstructure was observed in the regions where the melt did not impinge directly on the die surface during cavity filling. Consequently, microstructures in the surface layer were nonuniform. Utilizing physical metallurgy principles, these results were analyzed in terms of the applied pressure and filling velocity during high-pressure die casting. The effects of these parameters on solidification at different locations of the casting are discussed.

Combined heat and power systems for commercial buildings: investigating cost, emissions, and primary energy reduction based on system components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Amanda D.

Combined heat and power (CHP) systems produce electricity and useful heat from fuel. When power is produced near a building which consumes power, transmission losses are averted, and heat which is a byproduct of power production may be useful to the building. That thermal energy can be used for hot water or space heating, among other applications. This dissertation focuses on CHP systems using natural gas, a common fuel, and systems serving commercial buildings in the United States. First, the necessary price difference between purchased electricity and purchased fuel is analyzed in terms of the efficiencies of system components by comparing CHP with a conventional separate heat and power (SHP) configuration, where power is purchased from the electrical grid and heat is provided by a gas boiler. Similarly, the relationship between CDE due to electricity purchases and due to fuel purchases is analyzed as well as the relationship between primary energy conversion factors for electricity and fuel. The primary energy conversion factor indicates the quantity of source energy necessary to produce the energy purchased at the site. Next, greenhouse gas emissions are investigated for a variety of commercial buildings using CHP or SHP. The relationship between the magnitude of the reduction in emissions and the parameters of the CHP system is explored. The cost savings and reduction in primary energy consumption are evaluated for the same buildings. Finally, a CHP system is analyzed with the addition of a thermal energy storage (TES) component, which can store excess thermal energy and deliver it later if necessary. The potential for CHP with TES to reduce cost, emissions, and primary energy consumption is investigated for a variety of buildings. A case study is developed for one building for which TES does provide additional benefits over a CHP system alone, and the requirements for a water tank TES device are examined.

Hydrogen permeation in FeCrAl alloys for LWR cladding application

DOE PAGES

Hu, Xunxiang; Terrani, Kurt A.; Wirth, Brian D.; ...

2015-03-19

FeCrAl is an advanced oxidation-resistant iron-based alloy class, is a highly prevalent candidate as an accident-tolerant fuel cladding material. Compared with traditional zirconium alloy fuel cladding, increased tritium permeation through FeCrAl fuel cladding to the primary coolant is expected, raising potential safety concerns. In our study, the hydrogen permeability of several FeCrAl alloys was obtained using a static permeation test station, which was calibrated and validated using 304 stainless steel. The high hydrogen permeability of FeCrAl alloys leads to concerns with respect to potentially significant tritium release when used for fuel cladding in LWRs. Also, the total tritium inventory insidemore » the primary coolant of a light water reactor was quantified by applying a 1-dimensional steady state tritium diffusion model to demonstrate the dependence of tritium inventory on fuel cladding type. Furthermore, potential mitigation strategies for tritium release from FeCrAl fuel cladding were discussed and indicate the potential for application of an alumina layer on the inner clad surface to serve as a tritium barrier. More effort is required to develop a robust, economical mitigation strategy for tritium permeation in reactors using FeCrAl clad fuel assemblies.« less

Clinical profile and treatment outcome of older (>75 years) patients with systemic AL amyloidosis

PubMed Central

Sachchithanantham, Sajitha; Offer, Mark; Venner, Christopher; Mahmood, Shameem A.; Foard, Darren; Rannigan, Lisa; Lane, Thirusha; Gillmore, Julian D.; Lachmann, Helen J.; Hawkins, Philip N.; Wechalekar, Ashutosh D.

2015-01-01

Systemic AL amyloidosis, a disease with improving outcomes using novel therapies, is increasingly recognized in the elderly but treatment and outcomes have not been systematically studied in this group of patients in whom comorbidities and frailty may compound morbidity and mortality. We report the outcomes of 295 patients with systemic AL amyloidosis ≥75 years seen at the UK National Amyloidosis Centre from 2005–2012. The median age was 78.5 years. The median overall survival was 20 months. Two hundred and thirty-eight patients received chemotherapy and 57 elected for supportive care only (overall survival – 24 and 8.4 months, respectively). On intention-to-treat analysis, 44% achieved a hematologic response including a very good partial response or better in 23%. The median overall survival was 6.2 years in patients achieving very good partial response or better at the 6-month landmark analysis and 1.5 years in non-responders. Factors independently indicating a poor prognosis were: cardiac involvement, performance status ≥2; systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg and, on landmark analysis, achieving less than a very good partial response. Treatment of systemic AL amyloidosis in the elderly is challenging. Deep clonal responses are associated with excellent survival and organ responses. Achieving a response to the first-line regimen appears particularly important as outcomes of non-responders are similar to those of untreated patients. Prospective trials with lower toxicity, outpatient treatment regimens are needed. PMID:26294730

Stabilisation of Ce-Cu-Fe amorphous alloys by addition of Al

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelhar, Luka; Ferčič, Jana; Boulet, Pascal; Maček-Kržmanc, Marjeta; Šturm, Sašo; Lamut, Martin; Markoli, Boštjan; Kobe, Spomenka; Dubois, Jean-Marie

2016-10-01

The present work describes the formation of amorphous alloys in the (Al1-xCex)62Cu25Fe13 quaternary system (0 ≤ x ≤ 1). When the amount of Ce falls in the range 0.67 ≤ x ≤ 0.83, the alloys obtained exhibit a completely amorphous structure confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction. Otherwise, at compositions x = 0.5, 0.58, 0.92 and 1, a primary crystalline phase forms together with an amorphous matrix. The crystallisation temperature (Tx) decreases with increasing Ce content, varying from 593 K for x = 0.5-383 K for x = 1. Composition x = 0.75 is considered as the best glass former, exhibiting a large supercooled liquid region of 40 K width that precedes crystallisation. In order to form bulk amorphous alloys, ribbons with this later composition were consolidated into few millimetre thick discs using pulsed electric current sintering at different temperatures, yet preserving the amorphous structure. Meanwhile, increasing temperature above 483 K triggers crystallisation of a primary phase isostructural to AlCe3. Further increase in the temperature up to 573 K yields a higher fraction of the crystalline phase. Testing mechanical properties, using nanoindentation, revealed that both elastic modulus (E) and hardness (H) depend on the Al content, ranging from E = 85.6 ± 3.7 GPa and H = 6.2 ± 0.7 GPa for x = 0.5 down to E = 39.8 ± 1.0 GPa and H = 3.1 ± 0.2 GPa for x = 0.92.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of zirconium doped NiAl/Cr(Mo) hypoeutectic alloy prepared by injection casting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheng, L. Y.; Du, B. N.; Guo, J. T.

2017-01-01

NiAl based materials has been considered as most potential candidate of turbine blade, due to its excellent high-temperature properties. However the bad room-temperature properties handicap its application. In the present paper, the zirconium doped NiAl/Cr(Mo) hypoeutectic alloy is fabricated by conventional casting and injection casting technology to improve its room-temperature properties. The microstructure and compressive properties at different temperatures of the conventionally-cast and injection-cast were investigated. The results exhibit that the conventionally-cast alloy comprises coarse primary NiAl phase and eutectic cell, which is dotted with irregular Ni2AlZr Heusler phase. Compared with the conventionally-cast alloy, the injection-cast alloy possesses refined the primary NiAl, eutectic cell and eutectic lamella. In addition, the Ni2AlZr Heusler phase become smaller and distribute uniformly. Moreover, the injection casting decrease the area fraction of primary NiAl phase at the cell interior or cell boundaries. The compressive ductility and yield strength of the injection-cast alloy at room temperature increase by about 100% and 35% over those of conventionally-cast alloy, which should be ascribed to the microstructure optimization.

Generation of Primary Kilauea Magmas: Constraints on Pressure, Temperature and Composition of Melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gudfinnsson, G. H.; Presnall, D. C.

2004-12-01

Picrite glasses from the submarine extension of Kilauea, Puna Ridge, which contain up to 15.0 wt% MgO, are the most magnesian glass samples reported from Hawaii. Their compositions form a distinct olivine fractionation trend. A comparison of this trend with phase relations of garnet lherzolite in the CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 (CMAS) and CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-Na2O-FeO (CMASNF) system indicates that melts parental to the Hawaiian picrites are produced by melting of a garnet lherzolite source at a pressure of 5 ± 1 GPa. The primary melt composition for Kilauea proposed by Clague et al. (1995), which has 18.4 wt% MgO, is close to the expected 5 GPa melt composition. By using the pressure-independent CMASNF geothermometer (Gudfinnsson and Presnall, 2001), we obtain a temperature of formation of 1450° C for the most magnesian Puna Ridge glass after correction for the presence of 0.4 wt% H2O and 0.7 wt% CO2. This assumes that the glass is not much modified after separation from the lherzolite source. However, comparison with phase relations in the CMAS system strongly suggests that the most magnesian Puna Ridge glasses are the product of some olivine fractionation, and therefore give temperature considerably lower than that of the source. When applied to the proposed Kilauea primary melt composition of Clague et al. (1995), the CMASNF geothermometer gives a melting temperature of 1596° C or about 1565° C after correction for the presence of volatiles. This compares well with the anhydrous solidus temperature of 1600 ± 15° C at 5 GPa for the fertile KR4003 lherzolite (Lesher et al., 2003), which has the complete garnet lherzolite phase assemblage present at the solidus at this pressure. This consistency supports use of phase relations from the CMAS system and the CMASNF geothermometer to the Puna Ridge picrite compositions. With the pressure and temperature of melting known, one can calculate the potential temperature of the Hawaiian mantle, provided certain conditions are met

Evidence for integrating eye health into primary health care in Africa: a health systems strengthening approach

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The impact of unmet eye care needs in sub-Saharan Africa is compounded by barriers to accessing eye care, limited engagement with communities, a shortage of appropriately skilled health personnel, and inadequate support from health systems. The renewed focus on primary health care has led to support for greater integration of eye health into national health systems. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate available evidence of integration of eye health into primary health care in sub-Saharan Africa from a health systems strengthening perspective. Methods A scoping review method was used to gather and assess information from published literature, reviews, WHO policy documents and examples of eye and health care interventions in sub-Saharan Africa. Findings were compiled using a health systems strengthening framework. Results Limited information is available about eye health from a health systems strengthening approach. Particular components of the health systems framework lacking evidence are service delivery, equipment and supplies, financing, leadership and governance. There is some information to support interventions to strengthen human resources at all levels, partnerships and community participation; but little evidence showing their successful application to improve quality of care and access to comprehensive eye health services at the primary health level, and referral to other levels for specialist eye care. Conclusion Evidence of integration of eye health into primary health care is currently weak, particularly when applying a health systems framework. A realignment of eye health in the primary health care agenda will require context specific planning and a holistic approach, with careful attention to each of the health system components and to the public health system as a whole. Documentation and evaluation of existing projects are required, as are pilot projects of systematic approaches to interventions and application of best practices

Balancing low cost with reliable operation in the rotordynamic design of the ALS Liquid Hydrogen Fuel Turbopump

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greenhill, L. M.

1990-01-01

The Air Force/NASA Advanced Launch System (ALS) Liquid Hydrogen Fuel Turbopump (FTP) has primary design goals of low cost and high reliability, with performance and weight having less importance. This approach is atypical compared with other rocket engine turbopump design efforts, such as on the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME), which emphasized high performance and low weight. Similar to the SSME turbopumps, the ALS FTP operates supercritically, which implies that stability and bearing loads strongly influence the design. In addition, the use of low cost/high reliability features in the ALS FTP such as hydrostatic bearings, relaxed seal clearances, and unshrouded turbine blades also have a negative influence on rotordynamics. This paper discusses the analysis conducted to achieve a balance between low cost and acceptable rotordynamic behavior, to ensure that the ALS FTP will operate reliably without subsynchronous instabilities or excessive bearing loads.

Compositionally graded relaxed AlGaN buffers on semipolar GaN for mid-ultraviolet emission

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

Young, Erin C.; Wu Feng; Haeger, Daniel A.

In this Letter, we report on the growth and properties of relaxed, compositionally graded Al{sub x}Ga{sub 1-x}N buffer layers on freestanding semipolar (2021) GaN substrates. Continuous and step compositional grades with Al concentrations up to x = 0.61 have been achieved, with emission wavelengths in the mid-ultraviolet region as low as 265 nm. Coherency stresses were relaxed progressively throughout the grades by misfit dislocation generation via primary (basal) slip and secondary (non-basal) slip systems. Threading dislocation densities in the final layers of the grades were less than 10{sup 6}/cm{sup 2} as confirmed by plan-view transmission electron microscopy and cathodoluminescence studies.

Fatigue Performance of Ti-6Al-4V Additively Manufactured Specimens with Integrated Capillaries of an Embedded Structural Health Monitoring System

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

Hinderdael, Michaël; Strantza, Maria; De Baere, Dieter

Additive manufacturing (AM) of metals offers new possibilities for the production of complex structures. Up to now, investigations on the mechanical response of AM metallic parts show a significant spread and unexpected failures cannot be excluded. In this work, we focus on the detection of fatigue cracks through the integration of a Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system in Ti-6Al-4V specimens. The working principle of the presented system is based on the integration of small capillaries that are capable of detecting fatigue cracks. Four-point bending fatigue tests have been performed on Ti-6Al-4V specimens with integrated capillaries and compared to the referencemore » specimenswithout capillaries. Specimens were produced by conventional subtractive manufacturing of wrought material and AM, using the laser based Directed Energy Deposition (DED) process. In this study, we investigated the effect of the presence of the capillary on the fatigue strength and fatigue initiation location. Finite element (FEM) simulations were performed to validate the experimental test results. The presence of a drilled capillary in the specimens did not alter the fatigue initiation location. However, the laser based DED production process introduced roughness on the capillary surface that altered the fatigue initiation location to the capillary surface. The fatigue performance was greatly reduced when considering a printed capillary. It is concluded that the surface quality of the integrated capillary is of primary importance in order not to influence the structural integrity of the component to be monitored.« less

Fatigue Performance of Ti-6Al-4V Additively Manufactured Specimens with Integrated Capillaries of an Embedded Structural Health Monitoring System

DOE PAGES

Hinderdael, Michaël; Strantza, Maria; De Baere, Dieter; ...

2017-08-25

Additive manufacturing (AM) of metals offers new possibilities for the production of complex structures. Up to now, investigations on the mechanical response of AM metallic parts show a significant spread and unexpected failures cannot be excluded. In this work, we focus on the detection of fatigue cracks through the integration of a Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system in Ti-6Al-4V specimens. The working principle of the presented system is based on the integration of small capillaries that are capable of detecting fatigue cracks. Four-point bending fatigue tests have been performed on Ti-6Al-4V specimens with integrated capillaries and compared to the referencemore » specimenswithout capillaries. Specimens were produced by conventional subtractive manufacturing of wrought material and AM, using the laser based Directed Energy Deposition (DED) process. In this study, we investigated the effect of the presence of the capillary on the fatigue strength and fatigue initiation location. Finite element (FEM) simulations were performed to validate the experimental test results. The presence of a drilled capillary in the specimens did not alter the fatigue initiation location. However, the laser based DED production process introduced roughness on the capillary surface that altered the fatigue initiation location to the capillary surface. The fatigue performance was greatly reduced when considering a printed capillary. It is concluded that the surface quality of the integrated capillary is of primary importance in order not to influence the structural integrity of the component to be monitored.« less

Gaps In Primary Care And Health System Performance In Six Latin American And Caribbean Countries.

PubMed

Macinko, James; Guanais, Frederico C; Mullachery, Pricila; Jimenez, Geronimo

2016-08-01

The rapid demographic and epidemiological transitions occurring in Latin America and the Caribbean have led to high levels of noncommunicable diseases in the region. In addition to reduced risk factors for chronic conditions, a strong health system for managing chronic conditions is vital. This study assessed the extent to which populations in six Latin American and Caribbean countries receive high-quality primary care, and it examined the relationship between experiences with care and perceptions of health system performance. We applied a validated survey on access, use, and satisfaction with health care services to nationally representative samples of the populations of Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Jamaica, Mexico, and Panama. Respondents reported considerable gaps in the ways in which primary care is organized, financed, and delivered. Nearly half reported using the emergency department for a condition they considered treatable in a primary care setting. Reports of more primary care problems were associated with worse perceptions of health system performance and quality and less receipt of preventive care. Urgent attention to primary care performance is required as the region's population continues to age at an unprecedented rate. Project HOPE—The People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc.

EBSD investigation of the effect of the solidification rate on the nucleation behavior of eutectic components in a hypoeutectic Al-Si-Cu alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohsen Sadrossadat, S.; Johansson, Sten; Peng, Ru Lin

2012-06-01

This article represents a study of the influence of the solidification rate on the crystallographic orientation of eutectic components with respect to the primary α-Al in the tested hypoeutectic alloy. Electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) patterns were produced from the Al-Si cast specimens that were solidified with different cooling rates and prepared via ion etch polishing as a complementary method after mechanical polishing. The results indicated a strong orientation relationship between the primary α-Al and eutectic Al phase at all cooling rates. It was also found that the silicon eutectic flakes were heterogeneously nucleated in the interdendritic eutectic liquid. The increase of the cooling rate from 2 to 80 mm/min was found to be effective in lowering the intensity of the relationship between the primary α-Al and eutectic Al phases, and changing the misorientation angle clustering between the primary α-Al and eutectic Si phases in the interval from 41-60° to lower angle intervals.

Rheed Investigation of Pd/Al Bimetallic System on KCl(001) Substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masek, K.; Moroz, V.; Matolín, V.

Pd/Al alloys have very interesting properties from the point of view of their possible application in heterogeneous catalysis. Preparation of small heteroepitaxial Pd/Al alloy particles opens a new way in studies of the influence of Pd/Al crystallographic structure on the alloy catalytic properties. Pd/Al alloy particles were grown by the molecular beam epitaxy method. Their crystallographical structure was controlled by reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED). It was found that Pd deposited on epitaxial 3D Al particles grown on KCl is intermixing with Al. This process is accompanied by the variation of lattice parameter from the Al value to the Pd one.

Temperature dependence of the dielectric response of anodized Al-Al2O3-metal capacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hickmott, T. W.

2003-03-01

The temperature dependence of capacitance, CM, and conductance, GM, of Al-Al2O3-metal capacitors with Cu, Ag, and Au electrodes has been measured between 100 and 340 K at seven frequencies between 10 kHz and 1 MHz. Al2O3 films between 15 and 64 nm thick were formed by anodizing evaporated Al films in borate-glycol or borate-H2O electrolyte. The interface capacitance at the Al2O3-metal interface, CI, which is in series with the capacitance CD due to the Al2O3 dielectric, is determined from plots of 1/CM versus insulator thickness. CI is not fixed for a given metal-insulator interface but depends on the vacuum system used to deposit the metal electrode. CI is nearly temperature independent. When CI is taken into account the dielectric constant of Al2O3 determined from capacitance measurements is ˜8.3 at 295 K. The dielectric constant does not depend on anodizing electrolyte, insulator thickness, metal electrode, deposition conditions for the metal electrode or measurement frequency. By contrast, GM of Al-Al2O3-metal capacitors depends on both the deposition conditions of the metal and on the metal. For Al-Al2O3-Cu capacitors, GM is larger for capacitors with large values of 1/CI that result when Cu is evaporated in an oil-pumped vacuum system. For Al-Al2O3-Ag capacitors, GM does not depend on the Ag deposition conditions.

Automated conversation system before pediatric primary care visits: a randomized trial.

PubMed

Adams, William G; Phillips, Barrett D; Bacic, Janine D; Walsh, Kathleen E; Shanahan, Christopher W; Paasche-Orlow, Michael K

2014-09-01

Interactive voice response systems integrated with electronic health records have the potential to improve primary care by engaging parents outside clinical settings via spoken language. The objective of this study was to determine whether use of an interactive voice response system, the Personal Health Partner (PHP), before routine health care maintenance visits could improve the quality of primary care visits and be well accepted by parents and clinicians. English-speaking parents of children aged 4 months to 11 years called PHP before routine visits and were randomly assigned to groups by the system at the time of the call. Parents' spoken responses were used to provide tailored counseling and support goal setting for the upcoming visit. Data were transferred to the electronic health records for review during visits. The study occurred in an urban hospital-based pediatric primary care center. Participants were called after the visit to assess (1) comprehensiveness of screening and counseling, (2) assessment of medications and their management, and (3) parent and clinician satisfaction. PHP was able to identify and counsel in multiple areas. A total of 9.7% of parents responded to the mailed invitation. Intervention parents were more likely to report discussing important issues such as depression (42.6% vs 25.4%; P < .01) and prescription medication use (85.7% vs 72.6%; P = .04) and to report being better prepared for visits. One hundred percent of clinicians reported that PHP improved the quality of their care. Systems like PHP have the potential to improve clinical screening, counseling, and medication management. Copyright © 2014 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Rechargeable Al/Cl2 battery with molten AlCl4/-/ electrolyte.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holleck, G. L.; Giner, J.; Burrows, B.

1972-01-01

A molten salt system based on Al- and Cl2 carbon electrodes, with an AlCl3 alkali chloride eutectic as electrolyte, offers promise as a rechargeable, high energy density battery which can operate at a relatively low temperature. Electrode kinetic studies showed that the electrode reactions at the Al anode were rapid and that the observed passivation phenomena were due to the formation at the electrode surface of a solid salt layer resulting from concentration changes on anodic or cathodic current flow. It was established that carbon electrodes were intrinsically active for chlorine reduction in AlCl3-alkali chloride melts. By means of a rotating vitreous carbon disk electrode, the kinetic parameters were determined.

Softening and Hardening of Alloys of the Al - Zn System Under Plastic Deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skvortsov, A. I.; Polev, V. V.

2017-11-01

The proportion of hardening and softening under plastic deformation at room temperature in metals and alloys of the Al - Zn system has been studied as dependent on the regime of preliminary heat treatment. The influence of the strain rate on the dependence of alloy hardness on the degree of plastic deformation is estimated.

Free-energy based pair-additive potentials for bulk Ni-Al systems: Application to study Ni-Al reactive alloying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Izvekov, Sergei; Rice, Betsy M.

2012-09-01

We present new numerical pair-additive Al, Ni, and Al-Ni potentials by force-matching (FM) ionic force and virial data from single (bulk liquid) phase ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using the Born-Oppenheimer method. The potentials are represented by piece-wise functions (splines) and, therefore, are not constrained to a particular choice of analytical functional form. The FM method with virial constraint naturally yields a potential which maps out the ionic free-energy surface of the reference ensemble. To further improve the free energetics of the FM ensemble, the FM procedure is modified to bias the potentials to reproduce the experimental melting temperatures of the reference (FCC-Al, FCC-Ni, B2-NiAl) phases, the only macroscopic data included in the fitting set. The performance of the resultant potentials in simulating bulk metallic phases is then evaluated. The new model is applied to perform MD simulations of self-propagating exothermic reaction in Ni-Al bilayers at P = 0-5 GPa initiated at T = 1300 K. Consistent with experimental observations, the new model describes realistically a sequence of peritectic phase transformations throughout the reaction and at a realistic rate. The reaction proceeds through interlayer diffusion of Al and Ni atoms at the interface with formation of B2-NiAl in the Al melt. Such material responses have, in the past, been proven to be difficult to observe with then-existing potentials.

Formation of gamma'-Ni3Al via the Peritectoid Reaction: gamma plus beta (+Al2O3) equals gamma'(+Al2O3)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Copland, Evan

2008-01-01

The activities of Al and Ni were measured using multi-cell Knudsen effusion-cell mass spectrometry (multi-cell KEMS), over the composition range 8 - 32 at.%Al and temperature range T = 1400 - 1750 K in the Ni-Al-O system. These measurements establish that equilibrium solidification of gamma'-Ni3Al-containing alloys occurs by the eutectic reaction, L (+ Al2O3) = gamma + beta (+ Al2O3), at 1640 plus or minus 1 K and a liquid composition of 24.8 plus or minus 0.2 at.%Al (at an unknown oxygen content). The {gamma + beta + Al2O3} phase field is stable over the temperature range 1633 - 1640 K, and gamma'-Ni3Al forms via the peritectiod, gamma + beta (+ Al2O3) = gamma'(+ Al2O3), at 1633 plus or minus 1 K. This behavior is inconsistent with the current Ni-Al phase diagram and a new diagram is proposed. This new Ni-Al phase diagram explains a number of unusual steady state solidification structures reported previously and provides a much simpler reaction scheme in the vicinity of the gamma'-Ni3Al phase field.

Primary Sjogren's syndrome with central nervous system involvement.

PubMed

Alhomoud, Iftetah A; Bohlega, Saeed A; Alkawi, Mohammed Z; Alsemari, Abdulaziz M; Omer, Saleh M; Alsenani, Fahmi M

2009-08-01

To describe the clinical, laboratory, and radiological features of Primary Sjogren's syndrome (PSS) with central nervous system (CNS) involvement. A retrospective case series of 12 female patients with PSS and CNS involvement at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 1991-2009. The diagnosis of PSS is defined by the American-European Diagnostic Criteria. We analyzed the clinical, radiological, and immunological features. The mean age was 40 years (range 16-58 years); all patient were females and presented with active neurological symptoms. The neurological involvement preceded the classic sicca symptoms (33%). Eight patients (66%) presented with myelopathy, 9 patients (75%) had optic neuritis, and the rest had variable neurological signs. Immunological tests (anti-Sjogren's syndrome A and anti-Sjogren's syndrome B) were high in 7 patients (58%). Minor salivary gland biopsy revealed inflammatory cell infiltrate in 11 patients (92%). Brain MRI showed scattered white matter changes in 7 patients (58%). Spine MRI showed multiple foci of hyperintensity in T2-weighted image in 6 patients (50%), and long segment of hyperintensity at the cervical spinal cord in 2 patients (16%). Our findings demonstrate that CNS involvements in PSS have great clinical variability and could precede the classic sicca symptoms by years. Primary Sjogren's syndrome can mimic multiple sclerosis (primary progressive multiple sclerosis or relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis), therefore a screening test for PSS should be considered in suspected cases. A well-defined management protocol awaits studies with larger case numbers.

ALS-Plus Syndrome: Non-Pyramidal Features in a Large ALS Cohort

PubMed Central

McCluskey, Leo; Vandriel, Shannon; Elman, Lauren; Van Deerlin, Vivianna M.; Powers, John; Boller, Ashley; Wood, Elisabeth McCarty; Woo, John; McMillan, Corey T.; Rascovsky, Katya; Grossman, Murray

2014-01-01

Objective Autopsy studies show widespread pathology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but clinical surveys of multisystem disease in ALS are rare. We investigated ALS-Plus syndrome, an understudied group of patients with clinical features extending beyond pyramidal and neuromuscular systems with or without cognitive/behavioral deficits. Methods In a large, consecutively-ascertained cohort of 550 patients with ALS, we documented atypical clinical manifestations. Genetic screening for C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansions was performed in 343 patients, and SOD1, TARDBP, and VCP were tested in the subgroup of patients with a family history of ALS. Gray matter and white matter imaging was available in a subgroup of 30 patients. Results Seventy-five (13.6%) patients were identified with ALS-Plus syndrome. We found disorders of ocular motility, cerebellar, extrapyramidal and autonomic functioning. Relative to those without ALS-Plus, cognitive impairment (8.0% vs 2.9%, p=0.029), bulbar-onset (49.3% vs 23.2%, p<0.001), and pathogenic mutations (20.0% vs 8.4%, p=0.015) were more than twice as common in ALS-Plus. Survival was significantly shorter in ALS-Plus (29.66 months vs 42.50 months, p=0.02), regardless of bulbar-onset or mutation status. Imaging revealed significantly greater cerebellar and cerebral disease in ALS-Plus compared to those without ALS-Plus. Conclusions ALS-Plus syndrome is not uncommon, and the presence of these atypical features is consistent with neuropathological observations that ALS is a multisystem disorder. ALS-Plus syndrome is associated with increased risk for poor survival and the presence of a pathogenic mutation. PMID:25086858

Correlation between thermal parameters, structures, dendritic spacing and corrosion behavior of Zn Al alloys with columnar to equiaxed transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ares, A. E.; Gassa, L. M.; Gueijman, S. F.; Schvezov, C. E.

2008-04-01

The columnar to equiaxed transition (CET) has been examined for many years and the significance of CET has been treated in several articles. Experimental observations in different alloy systems have shown that the position of the transition is dependent on parameters like cooling rate, velocity of the liquidus and solidus fronts, local solidification time, temperature gradients and recalescence. The dendritic structure in alloys results in microsegregation of solute species which affects significantly the mechanical properties of the material. The main parameters characterizing the microstructure and the length range of microsegregation is the spacing which is classified as primary, secondary and tertiary. Properties like mechanical resistance and ductility are influenced by the dimensions and continuity of the primary branches, while the secondary and tertiary branches permit the isolation of interdendritic phases which can deteriorate the mechanical behavior of the material. Since the morphology and dimensions of the dendritic structure is related to the solidification parameters mentioned above, for each type of alloy it is essential to correlate dimensions and solidification conditions in order to control the structure. The objective of the present research consists on studying the influence of solidification thermal parameters with the type of structure (columnar, equiaxial or with the CET); and with grain size and dendritic spacing (primary and secondary) in Zn-Al (ZA) alloys (Zn—4 wt%Al, Zn—16 wt%Al and Zn—27 wt%Al, weight percent). Also, correlate the thermal parameters, type of structure, grain size and dendritic spacing with the corrosion resistance of these alloys.

Al/Cl2 molten salt battery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giner, J.

1972-01-01

Molten salt battery has been developed with theoretical energy density of 5.2 j/kg (650 W-h/lb). Battery, which operates at 150 C, can be used in primary mode or as rechargeable battery. Battery has aluminum anode and chlorine cathode. Electrolyte is mixture of AlCl3, NaCl, and some alkali metal halide such as KCl.

Thermodynamics of greenhouse systems for the northern latitudes: analysis, evaluation and prospects for primary energy saving.

PubMed

Bronchart, Filip; De Paepe, Michel; Dewulf, Jo; Schrevens, Eddie; Demeyer, Peter

2013-04-15

In Flanders and the Netherlands greenhouse production systems produce economically important quantities of vegetables, fruit and ornamentals. Indoor environmental control has resulted in high primary energy use. Until now, the research on saving primary energy in greenhouse systems has been mainly based on analysis of energy balances. However, according to the thermodynamic theory, an analysis based on the concept of exergy (free energy) and energy can result in new insights and primary energy savings. Therefore in this paper, we analyse the exergy and energy of various processes, inputs and outputs of a general greenhouse system. Also a total system analysis is then performed by linking the exergy analysis with a dynamic greenhouse climate growth simulation model. The exergy analysis indicates that some processes ("Sources") lie at the origin of several other processes, both destroying the exergy of primary energy inputs. The exergy destruction of these Sources is caused primarily by heat and vapour loss. Their impact can be compensated by exergy input from heating, solar radiation, or both. If the exergy destruction of these Sources is reduced, the necessary compensation can also be reduced. This can be accomplished through insulating the greenhouse and making the building more airtight. Other necessary Sources, namely transpiration and loss of CO2, have a low exergy destruction compared to the other Sources. They are therefore the best candidate for "pump" technologies ("vapour heat pump" and "CO2 pump") designed to have a low primary energy use. The combination of these proposed technologies results in an exergy efficient greenhouse with the highest primary energy savings. It can be concluded that exergy analyses add additional information compared to only energy analyses and it supports the development of primary energy efficient greenhouse systems. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fred Hoyle, primary nucleosynthesis and radioactivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clayton, Donald D.

2008-10-01

Primary nucleosynthesis is defined as that which occurs efficiently in stars born of only H and He. It is responsible not only for increasing the metallicity of the galaxy but also for the most abundant gamma-ray-line emitters. Astrophysicists have inappropriately cited early work in this regard. The heavily cited B2FH paper (Burbidge et al., 1957) did not effectively address primary nucleosynthesis whereas Hoyle (Hoyle, 1954) had done so quite thoroughly in his infrequently cited 1954 paper. Even B2FH with Hoyle as coauthor seems strangely to not have appreciated what Hoyle (Hoyle, 1954) had achieved. I speculate that Hoyle must not have thoroughly proofread the draft written in 1956 by E.M. and G.R. Burbidge. The clear roadmap of primary nucleosynthesis advanced in 1954 by Hoyle describes the synthesis yielding the most abundant of the radioactive isotopes for astronomy, although that aspect was unrealized at the time. Secondary nucleosynthesis has also produced many observable radioactive nuclei, including the first gamma-ray-line emitter to be discovered in the galaxy and several others within stardust grains. Primary gamma-ray emitters would have been even more detectable in the early galaxy, when the birth rate of massive stars was greater; but secondary emitters, such as 26Al, would have been produced with smaller yield then owing to smaller abundance of seed nuclei from which to create them.

Liquid Rocket Booster (LRB) for the Space Transportation System (STS) systems study. Appendix F: Performance and trajectory for ALS/LRB launch vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

By simply combining two baseline pump-fed LOX/RP-1 Liquid Rocket Boosters (LRBs) with the Denver core, a launch vehicle (Option 1 Advanced Launch System (ALS)) is obtained that can perform both the 28.5 deg (ALS) mission and the polar orbit ALS mission. The Option 2 LRB was obtained by finding the optimum LOX/LH2 engine for the STS/LRB reference mission (70.5 K lb payload). Then this engine and booster were used to estimate ALS payload for the 28.5 deg inclination ALS mission. Previous studies indicated that the optimum number of STS/LRB engines is four. When the engine/booster sizing was performed, each engine had 478 K lb sea level thrust and the booster carried 625,000 lb of useable propellant. Two of these LRBs combined with the Denver core provided a launch vehicle that meets the payload requirements for both the ALS and STS reference missions. The Option 3 LRB uses common engines for the cores and boosters. The booster engines do not have the nozzle extension. These engines were sized as common ALS engines. An ALS launch vehicle that has six core engines and five engines per booster provides 109,100 lb payload for the 28.5 deg mission. Each of these LOX/LH2 LRBs carries 714,100 lb of useable propellant. It is estimated that the STS/LRB reference mission payload would be 75,900 lb.

Microstructural evolution of single Ni 2TiAl or hierarchical NiAl/Ni 2 TiAl precipitates in Fe-Ni-Al-Cr-Ti ferritic alloys during thermal treatment for elevated-temperature applications

DOE PAGES

Song, Gian; Sun, Zhiqian; Poplawsky, Jonathan D.; ...

2017-01-07

Precipitate features, such as the size, morphology, and distribution, are important parameters determining the mechanical properties of semi- or fully-coherent precipitatehardened alloys at elevated temperatures. In this study, the microstructural formation and evolution of recently-developed Fe-Ni-Al-Cr-Ti alloys with superior creep resistance have been systematically investigated using transmission-electron microscopy (TEM), scanning-electron microscopy (SEM), and atom-probe tomography (APT). These alloys were designed by adding 2 or 4 weight percent (wt. %) Ti into a NiAl-hardened ferritic alloy with a nominal composition of Fe-6.5Al-10Cr-10Ni-3.4Mo-0.25Zr-0.005B in wt. %. These alloys were, then, subjected to a homogenization treatment at 1,473 K for 0.5 hour, followedmore » by aging treatments at 973 K for 1 ~ 500 hours. In the homogenization-treated case, both alloys contain a primary L21-type Ni 2TiAl precipitate, but with the distinct size and morphology of the precipitates and precipitate/matrix interface structures. In the subsequent aging treatments, the 2 wt. % Ti alloy establishes a hierarchical-precipitate structure consisting of a fine network of a B2-type NiAl phase within the parent L2 1-type Ni2TiAl precipitate, while the 4 wt. % Ti alloy retains the single Ni 2TiAl precipitate. It was found that the hierarchical structure is more effective in remaining the coherent interface during the growth/coarsening of the precipitate. The formation of the different types of the precipitates, and their effects on the microstructural evolution are discussed, and the driving forces for these features are identified from the competition between the interface energy and elastic interactions due to the lattice misfit and misfit dislocations.« less

Microstructural evolution of single Ni 2TiAl or hierarchical NiAl/Ni 2 TiAl precipitates in Fe-Ni-Al-Cr-Ti ferritic alloys during thermal treatment for elevated-temperature applications

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

Song, Gian; Sun, Zhiqian; Poplawsky, Jonathan D.

Precipitate features, such as the size, morphology, and distribution, are important parameters determining the mechanical properties of semi- or fully-coherent precipitatehardened alloys at elevated temperatures. In this study, the microstructural formation and evolution of recently-developed Fe-Ni-Al-Cr-Ti alloys with superior creep resistance have been systematically investigated using transmission-electron microscopy (TEM), scanning-electron microscopy (SEM), and atom-probe tomography (APT). These alloys were designed by adding 2 or 4 weight percent (wt. %) Ti into a NiAl-hardened ferritic alloy with a nominal composition of Fe-6.5Al-10Cr-10Ni-3.4Mo-0.25Zr-0.005B in wt. %. These alloys were, then, subjected to a homogenization treatment at 1,473 K for 0.5 hour, followedmore » by aging treatments at 973 K for 1 ~ 500 hours. In the homogenization-treated case, both alloys contain a primary L21-type Ni 2TiAl precipitate, but with the distinct size and morphology of the precipitates and precipitate/matrix interface structures. In the subsequent aging treatments, the 2 wt. % Ti alloy establishes a hierarchical-precipitate structure consisting of a fine network of a B2-type NiAl phase within the parent L2 1-type Ni2TiAl precipitate, while the 4 wt. % Ti alloy retains the single Ni 2TiAl precipitate. It was found that the hierarchical structure is more effective in remaining the coherent interface during the growth/coarsening of the precipitate. The formation of the different types of the precipitates, and their effects on the microstructural evolution are discussed, and the driving forces for these features are identified from the competition between the interface energy and elastic interactions due to the lattice misfit and misfit dislocations.« less

Primary Mirror Figure Maintenance of the Hobby-Eberly Telescope using the Segment Alignment Maintenance System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rakoczy, John; Hall, Drew; Howard, Ricky; Ly, William; Weir, John; Montgomery, Edward; Brantley, Lott W. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The Segment Alignment Maintenance System (SAMs) was installed on McDonald Observatory's Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) in August 2001. The SAMs became fully operational in October 2001. The SAMs uses a system of 480 inductive edge sensors to correct misalignments of the HET's 91 primary mirror segments when the segments are perturbed from their aligned reference positions. A special observer estimated and corrects for the global radius of curvature (GroC) mode, a mode unobservable by the edge sensors. The SAMs edge sensor system and (GroC) estimator are able to maintain HET's primary figure for much longer durations than previously had been observed. Telescope image quality has improved, and the amount of overhead time required from primary mirror alignment has been reduced. This paper gives a functional description of the SAMs control system and presents performance verification data. This paper also describes how the SAMs has improved the operational efficiency of the HET.

Patient-centered primary health care: synergy potential for health systems strengthening.

PubMed

Stender, S C; Christensen, A

2013-10-01

The ultimate goal of government health systems is to provide highly effective equitable services that save lives and reduce morbidity and mortality. The pressure to conform to duplicative global and donor initiatives compounds existing challenges to health systems strengthening such as shortages of human resources for health, weak supply chains, inadequate laboratory services and parallel data management systems. This article illustrates how primary health care, as the point of entry into the health care system for the majority of individuals in sub-Saharan Africa, should be strengthened to ensure that individuals and their communities receive essential, holistic care.

Scaling Lean in primary care: impacts on system performance.

PubMed

Hung, Dorothy Y; Harrison, Michael I; Martinez, Meghan C; Luft, Harold S

2017-03-01

We examined a wide range of performance outcomes after Lean methodology-a leading strategy to enhance efficiency and patient value-was implemented and scaled across all primary care clinics in a nonprofit, ambulatory care delivery system. Using a stepped wedge approach, we assessed changes associated with the phased introduction of Lean-based redesigns across 46 primary care departments in 17 different clinic locations. Longitudinal analysis of operational metrics included: workflow efficiency, physician productivity, operating expenses, clinical quality, and satisfaction among patients, physicians, and staff. We used interrupted time series analysis with generalized linear mixed models to estimate Lean impacts over time. Projected outcomes in the absence of changes (ie, counterfactuals) were compared with observed outcomes after Lean redesigns were implemented, and mean differences were assessed using 95% bias-corrected bootstrap confidence intervals (CIs). We observed systemwide improvements in workflow efficiencies (eg, 95% CI, 5.8-10.4) and physician productivity (95% CI, 3.9-27.2), with no adverse effects on clinical quality. Patient satisfaction increased with respect to access to care (95% CI, 15.2-20.7), handling of personal issues (95% CI, 2.1-6.9), and overall experience of care (95% CI, 11.0-17.0), but decreased with respect to interactions with care providers (95% CI, -13.4 to -5.7). Departmental operating costs decreased, and annual staff and physician satisfaction scores increased particularly among early adopters, with key improvements in employee engagement, connection to purpose, relationships with staff, and physician time spent working. Lean redesigns can benefit primary care patients, physicians, and staff without negatively impacting the quality of clinical care. Study results may lead other delivery system leaders to innovate using Lean techniques and may further enhance support for Lean learning among public and private payers.

Phase Diagram of the Al-Ca-Fe-Si System and Its Application for the Design of Aluminum Matrix Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belov, Nikolay A.; Naumova, Evgeniya A.; Akopyan, Torgom K.; Doroshenko, Vitaliy V.

2018-05-01

The phase composition of aluminum alloys in the Al-Ca-Fe-Si system, including the distribution of phases in the solid state and solidification reactions, has been studied. It is shown that the addition of iron and silicon to Al-Ca alloys leads to the formation of ternary Al2CaSi2 and Al10CaFe2 compounds. The equilibrium between these compounds implies the occurrence of the quaternary L → Al + Al4Ca + Al2CaSi2 + Al10CaFe2 eutectic reaction. The alloys near this eutectic have the best structure, which is typical of aluminum matrix composites. It is shown that Al-Ca alloys can have high manufacturability during both shape casting and rolling. This is due to the combination of a narrow temperature range of solidification and a favorable morphology for the eutectic, which has a fine structure. The combination of the mechanical and physical properties of the Al-Ca eutectic-based alloys significantly exceed those of branded alloys based on aluminum-silicon eutectics.

Tuning the piezoelectric and mechanical properties of the AlN system via alloying with YN and BN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manna, Sukriti; Brennecka, Geoff L.; Stevanović, Vladan; Ciobanu, Cristian V.

2017-09-01

Recent advances in microelectromechanical systems often require multifunctional materials, which are designed so as to optimize more than one property. Using density functional theory calculations for alloyed nitride systems, we illustrate how co-alloying a piezoelectric material (AlN) with different nitrides helps tune both its piezoelectric and mechanical properties simultaneously. Wurtzite AlN-YN alloys display increased piezoelectric response with YN concentration, accompanied by mechanical softening along the crystallographic c direction. Both effects increase the electromechanical coupling coefficients relevant for transducers and actuators. Resonator applications, however, require superior stiffness, thus leading to the need to decouple the increased piezoelectric response from the softened lattice. We show that co-alloying of AlN with YN and BN results in improved elastic properties while retaining some of the piezoelectric enhancements from YN alloying. This finding may lead to new avenues for tuning the design properties of piezoelectrics through composition-property maps.

Primary reflector for solar energy collection systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, C. G. (Inventor); Stephens, J. B.

1978-01-01

A fixed, linear, ground-based primary reflector is disclosed which has an extended curved sawtooth-contoured surface covered with a metalized polymeric reflecting material. The device reflects solar energy to a movably supported collector that is kept at the concentrated line focus of the reflector primary. The primary reflector may be constructed by a process utilizing well-known freeway paving machinery.

Tumor-Like Presentation of Primary Angiitis of the Central Nervous System.

PubMed

de Boysson, Hubert; Boulouis, Grégoire; Dequatre, Nelly; Godard, Sophie; Néel, Antoine; Arquizan, Caroline; Detante, Olivier; Bloch-Queyrat, Coralie; Zuber, Mathieu; Touzé, Emmanuel; Bienvenu, Boris; Aouba, Achille; Guillevin, Loïc; Naggara, Olivier; Pagnoux, Christian

2016-09-01

We aimed to describe the clinical and imaging features of patients with tumor-like presentation of primary angiitis of the central nervous system. We retrospectively analyzed 10 patients enrolled in the French primary angiitis of the central nervous system cohort, who initially presented tumor-like brain lesions and compared them with other patients within the cohort. The 10 patients with tumor-like presentation in the cohort were younger and had more seizures at diagnosis than the other 75 patients (median of 37 [30-48] years versus 46 [18-79] years; P=0.008; 9 [90%] with seizures versus 22 [29%], P<0.001; respectively). All 10 patients had a biopsy (stereotactic procedure in 7 and open-wedge surgery in 3). Histological findings suggestive of vasculitis were observed in 9 patients in whom conventional cerebral angiography and magnetic resonance angiography were negative. In the remaining patient, vascular imaging demonstrated diffuse bilateral large- and medium-sized vessel involvement (biopsy did not reveal vasculitis). All patients with tumor-like presentation received glucocorticoids, combined with cyclophosphamide in 9 cases. With a median follow-up of 27 (12-130) months, 5 (50%) patients relapsed, but achieved remission again after treatment intensification. Patients with tumor-like presentation of primary angiitis of the central nervous system represent a subgroup characterized with mainly small-sized vessel disease that requires histological confirmation because vascular imaging is often normal. Although relapses are not uncommon, global outcomes are good under treatment with glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Assessment of phase constitution on the Al-rich region of rapidly solidified Al-Co-Fe-Cr alloys

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

Wolf, W., E-mail: witorw@gmail.com

The formation of quasicrystalline approximants in rapidly solidified Al-Co-Fe-Cr alloys was investigated. Alloys of atomic composition Al{sub 71}Co{sub 13}Fe{sub 8}Cr{sub 8}, Al{sub 77}Co{sub 11}Fe{sub 6}Cr{sub 6} and Al{sub 76}Co{sub 19}Fe{sub 4}Cr{sub 1} were produced using melt spinning and arc melting methods and their microstructural characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Up to the present there is no consensus in the literature regarding the formation of quasicrystalline phase or quasicrystalline approximants in the Al{sub 71}Co{sub 13}Fe{sub 8}Cr{sub 8} alloy. This work presents, for the first time, a detailed structural characterization of selected alloysmore » in the Al-Co-Fe-Cr system close to the atomic composition Al{sub 71}Co{sub 13}Fe{sub 8}Cr{sub 8}. The results indicated the samples to be composed, mostly, by two intermetallic phases, which are quaternary extensions of Al{sub 5}Co{sub 2} and Al{sub 13}Co{sub 4} and are quasicrystalline approximants. Although the Al{sub 5}Co{sub 2} phase has already been reported in the Al{sub 71}Co{sub 13}Fe{sub 8}Cr{sub 8} alloy, the presence of the monoclinic Al{sub 13}Co{sub 4} is now identified for the first time in the as cast state. In the binary Al-Co system a quasicrystalline phase is known to form in a rapidly solidified alloy with composition close to the monoclinic and orthorhombic Al{sub 13}Co{sub 4} phases. This binary quasicrystalline phase presents an average valence electron per atom (e/a) between 1.7 and 1.9; thus, in addition to the Al{sub 71}Co{sub 13}Fe{sub 8}Cr{sub 8} alloy, the compositions Al{sub 77}Co{sub 11}Fe{sub 6}Cr{sub 6} and Al{sub 76}Co{sub 19}Fe{sub 4}Cr{sub 1} were chosen to be within the region of formation of the quaternary extension of the Al{sub 13}Co{sub 4} phase and also within the (e/a) of 1.7 to 1.9. However, no quasicrystalline phase is present in any of the studied alloys. The Al

TEM analysis of irradiation-induced interaction layers in coated UMo/X/Al trilayer systems (X= Ti, Nb, Zr, and Mo)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiang, H.-Y.; Wiss, T.; Park, S.-H.; Dieste-Blanco, O.; Petry, W.

2018-02-01

Uranium-molybdenum (UMo) alloy powder embedded in an Al matrix is considered as a promising candidate for fuel conversion of research reactors. A modified system with a diffusion barrier X as coating, UMo/X/Al trilayer (X = Ti, Zr, Nb, and Mo), has been investigated to suppress interdiffusion between UMo and the Al matrix. The trilayer systems were tested by swift heavy ion irradiation, the thereby created interaction zone has been analyzed by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Detailed structural characterization are presented and compared to earlier μ-XRD analysis.

Primary healthcare in transition--a qualitative study of how managers perceived a system change.

PubMed

Maun, Andy; Nilsson, Kerstin; Furåker, Carina; Thorn, Jörgen

2013-10-03

Primary healthcare in Sweden has undergone widespread reforms in recent years, including freedom of choice regarding provider, freedom of establishment and increased privatisation. The key aims of the reforms were to strengthen the role of the patient and improve performance in terms of access and responsiveness. The aim of this study was to explore how managers at publicly owned primary healthcare centres perceived the transition of the primary healthcare system and the impact it has had on their work. In this qualitative study, 24 managers of publicly owned primary healthcare centres in the metropolitan region of Gothenburg were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and data were analysed using content analysis inspired by Silverman. The analysis revealed two core themes: The transition is perceived as a rapid change, enforced mainly through financial incentives and Prioritisation conflicts arise between patient groups with different needs, demands and levels of empowerment. The transition has produced powerful and rapid effects that were considered to be both positive and negative. While the new financial incentives were seen as a driving force and a tool for change, they also became a stress factor due to uncertainty, competition with other primary healthcare centres and negative feelings associated with staff cutbacks. The shift in power towards the patient improved access and service but also led to more patients with unreasonable demands. Managers found it difficult to prioritise correctly between patient groups with different needs, demands and levels of empowerment and they were concerned about potentially negative effects on less empowered patients, e.g. multi-morbid patients. Managers also experienced shortcomings in their change management skills. This qualitative study shows the complexity of the system change and describes the different effects and perceptions of the transition from a manager's perspective. This suggests a need for

A human factors systems approach to understanding team-based primary care: a qualitative analysis

PubMed Central

Mundt, Marlon P.; Swedlund, Matthew P.

2016-01-01

Background. Research shows that high-functioning teams improve patient outcomes in primary care. However, there is no consensus on a conceptual model of team-based primary care that can be used to guide measurement and performance evaluation of teams. Objective. To qualitatively understand whether the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model could serve as a framework for creating and evaluating team-based primary care. Methods. We evaluated qualitative interview data from 19 clinicians and staff members from 6 primary care clinics associated with a large Midwestern university. All health care clinicians and staff in the study clinics completed a survey of their communication connections to team members. Social network analysis identified key informants for interviews by selecting the respondents with the highest frequency of communication ties as reported by their teammates. Semi-structured interviews focused on communication patterns, team climate and teamwork. Results. Themes derived from the interviews lent support to the SEIPS model components, such as the work system (Team, Tools and Technology, Physical Environment, Tasks and Organization), team processes and team outcomes. Conclusions. Our qualitative data support the SEIPS model as a promising conceptual framework for creating and evaluating primary care teams. Future studies of team-based care may benefit from using the SEIPS model to shift clinical practice to high functioning team-based primary care. PMID:27578837

Development of Al2O3 fiber-reinforced Al2O3-based ceramics.

PubMed

Tanimoto, Yasuhiro; Nemoto, Kimiya

2004-09-01

The purpose of this study was to use a tape casting technique to develop an Al2O3 fiber-reinforced Al2O3-based ceramic material (Al2O3-fiber/Al2O3 composite) into a new type of dental ceramic. The Al2O3-based ceramic used a matrix consisting of 60 wt% Al2O3 powder and 40 wt% SiO2-B2O3 powder. The prepreg sheets of Al2O3-fiber/Al2O3 composite (in which uniaxially aligned Al2O3 fibers were infiltrated with the Al2O3-based matrix) were fabricated continuously using tape casting technique with a doctor blade system. Multilayer preforms of Al2O3-fiber/Al2O3 composite sheets were then sintered at a maximum temperature of 1000 degrees C under an atmospheric pressure in a furnace. The results showed that the shrinkage and bending properties of Al2O3-fiber/Al2O3 composite exceeded those of unreinforced Al2O3--hence demonstrating the positive effects of fiber reinforcement. In conclusion, the tape casting technique has been utilized to successfully develop a new type of dental ceramic material.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration in the National Airspace System (NAS) Project: Terminal Operations HITL 1B Primary Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rorie, Conrad; Monk, Kevin; Roberts, Zach; Brandt, Summer

2018-01-01

This presentation provides an overview of the primary results from the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration in the National Airspace System (NAS) Project's second Terminal Operations human-in-the-loop simulation. This talk covers the background of this follow-on experiment, which includes an overview of the first Terminal Operations HITL performed by the project. The primary results include a look at the number and durations of detect and avoid (DAA) alerts issued by the two DAA systems under test. It also includes response time metrics and metrics on the ability of the pilot-in-command (PIC) to maintain sufficient separation. Additional interoperability metrics are included to illustrate how pilots interact with the tower controller. Implications and conclusions are covered at the end.

Validation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Diagnosis as the Primary Cause of Renal Failure in the US Renal Data System.

PubMed

Broder, Anna; Mowrey, Wenzhu B; Izmirly, Peter; Costenbader, Karen H

2017-04-01

Using American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) classification as gold standards, we determined sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) of having SLE denoted as the primary cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the US Renal Data System (USRDS). ESRD patients were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes in electronic medical records of 1 large tertiary care center, Montefiore Hospital, from 2006 to 2012. Clinical data were extracted and reviewed to establish SLE diagnosis. Data were linked by social security number, name, and date of birth to the USRDS, where primary causes of ESRD were ascertained. Of 7,396 ESRD patients at Montefiore, 97 met ACR/SLICC SLE criteria, and 86 had SLE by record only. Among the 97 SLE patients, the attributed causes of ESRD in the USRDS were 77 SLE and 12 with other causes (unspecified glomerulonephritis, hypertension, scleroderma), and 8 missing. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for SLE in the USRDS were 79%, 99.9%, 93%, and 99.7%, respectively. Of the 60 patients with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis, 44 (73%) had SLE as primary ESRD cause in the USRDS. Attribution of the primary ESRD causes among SLE patients with ACR/SLICC criteria differed by race, ethnicity, and transplant status. The diagnosis of SLE as the primary cause of ESRD in the USRDS has good sensitivity, and excellent specificity, PPV, and NPV. Nationwide access to medical records and biopsy reports may significantly improve sensitivity of SLE diagnosis. © 2016, American College of Rheumatology.

First-principles study of intermetallic phase stability in the ternary Ti-Al-Nb alloy system

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

Asta, M.; Ormeci, A.; Wills, J.M.

The stability of bcc-based phases in the Ti-Al-Nb alloy system has been studied from first-principles using a combination of ab-initio total energy and cluster variation method (CVM) calculations. Total energies have been computed for 18 binary and ternary bcc superstructures in order to determine low temperature ordering tendencies. From the results of these calculations a set of effective cluster interaction parameters have been derived. These interaction parameters are required input for CVM computations of alloy thermodynamic properties. The CVM has been used to study the effect of composition on finite-temperature ordering tendencies and site preferences for bcc-based phases. Strong orderingmore » tendencies are observed for binary Nb-Al and Ti-Al bcc phases as well as for ternary alloys with compositions near Ti{sub 2}AlNb. For selected superstructures we have also analyzed structural stabilities with respect to tetragonal distortions which transform the bcc into an fcc lattice. Instabilities with respect to such distortions are found to exist for binary but not ternary bcc compounds.« less

Simulation of primary-slag melting behavior in the cohesive zone of a blast furnace, considering the effect of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, Fe{sub t}O, and basicity in the sinter ore

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

Hino, Mitsutaka; Nagasaka, Tetsuya; Katsumata, Akitoshi

1999-08-01

The alumina content in the iron ore imported to Japan is increasing year by year, and some problems in blast furnace operation, due to the use of the high-alumina-containing sinter, have already been reported. In order to clarify the mechanism of the harmful effect of alumina on the blast furnace operation, the behavior of the primary melt, which is formed in the sinter at the cohesive zone of the blast furnace, has been simulated by dripping slag through an iron or oxide funnel. The effects of basicity, Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, and Fe{sub t}O contents in the five slag systems onmore » the dripping temperature and weight of slag remaining on the funnel have been discussed. It was found that the eutectic melt formed in the sinter would play an important role in the dripping behavior of the slag in the blast furnace through the fine porosity of the reduced iron and ore particles. Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} increased the weight of the slag remaining on the funnel, and its effect became very significant in the acidic and low-Fe{sub t}O-containing slag. It was estimated that the increase of the weight of the slag remaining on the funnel by Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} in the ore could result in a harmful effect on the permeability resistance and an indirect reduction rate of the sinter in the blast furnace.« less

Virtualization of System of Systems Test and Evaluation

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-04

computers and is the primary enabler for virtualization. 2. Virtualization System Elements Parmalee, Peterson , Tillman, & Hatfield (1972) outlined the...The work of Abu-Taieh and El Sheikh, based on the work of Balci (1994, 1995), and Balci et al. ( 1996 ), seeks to organize types of tests and to...and testing. In A. Dasso & A. Funes (Eds.), Verification, validation, and testing in software engineering (pp. 155–184). Hershey , PA: Idea Group

Optically pumped cerium-doped LiSrAlF.sub.6 and LiCaAlF.sub.6

DOEpatents

Marshall, Christopher D.; Payne, Stephen A.; Krupke, William F.

1996-01-01

Ce.sup.3+ -doped LiSrAlF.sub.6 crystals are pumped by ultraviolet light which is polarized along the c axis of the crystals to effectively energize the laser system. In one embodiment, the polarized fourth harmonic light output from a conventional Nd:YAG laser operating at 266 nm is arranged to pump Ce:LiSrAlF.sub.6 with the pump light polarized along the c axis of the crystal. The Ce:LiSrAlF.sub.6 crystal may be placed in a laser cavity for generating tunable coherent ultraviolet radiation in the range of 280-320 nm. Additionally, Ce-doped crystals possessing the LiSrAlF.sub.6 type of chemical formula, e.g. Ce-doped LiCaAlF.sub.6 and LiSrGaF.sub.6, can be used. Alternative pump sources include an ultraviolet-capable krypton or argon laser, or ultraviolet emitting flashlamps. The polarization of the pump light will impact operation. The laser system will operate efficiently when light in the 280-320 nm gain region is injected or recirculated in the system such that the beam is also polarized along the c axis of the crystal. The Ce:LiSrAlF.sub.6 laser system can be configured to generate ultrashort pulses, and it may be used to pump other devices, such as an optical parametric oscillator.

Corrosion and protection of heterogeneous cast Al-Si (356) and Al-Si-Cu-Fe (380) alloys by chromate adn cerium inhibitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, Syadwad

In this study, the localized corrosion and conversion coating on cast alloys 356 (Al-7.0Si-0.3Mg) and 380 (Al-8.5Si-3.5Cu-1.6Fe) were characterized. The intermetallic phases presence in the permanent mold cast alloy 356 are primary-Si, Al5FeSi, Al8Si6Mg3Fe and Mg2Si. The die cast alloy 380 is rich in Cu and Fe elements. These alloying elements result in formation of the intermetallic phases Al 5FeSi, Al2Cu and Al(FeCuCr) along with primary-Si. The Cu- and Fe-rich IMPS are cathodic with respect to the matrix phase and strongly govern the corrosion behavior of the two cast alloys in an aggressive environment due to formation of local electrochemical cell in their vicinity. Results have shown that corrosion behavior of permanent mould cast alloy 356 is significantly better than the die cast aluminum alloy 380, primarily due to high content of Cu- and Fe-rich phases such as Al2Cu and Al 5FeSi in the latter. The IMPS also alter the protection mechanism of the cast alloys in the presence of inhibitors in an environment. The presence of chromate in the solution results in reduced cathodic activity on all the phases. Chromate provides some anodic inhibition by increasing pitting potentials and altering corrosion potentials for the phases. Results have shown that performance of CCC was much better on 356 than on 380, primarily due to inhomogeneous and incomplete coating deposition on Cu- and Fe- phases present in alloy 380. XPS and Raman were used to characterize coating deposition on intermetallics. Results show evidence of cyanide complex formation on the intermetallic phases. The presence of this complex is speculated to locally suppress CCC formation. Formation and breakdown of cerium conversion coatings on 356 and 380 was also analyzed. Results showed that deposition of cerium hydroxide started with heavy precipitation on intermetallic particles with the coatings growing outwards onto the matrix. Electrochemical analysis of synthesized intermetallics compounds in the

A Fruitful Endeavor: Modeling ALS in the Fruit Fly

PubMed Central

Casci, Ian; Pandey, Udai Bhan

2014-01-01

For over a century Drosophila melanogaster, commonly known as the fruit fly, has been instrumental in genetics research and disease modeling. In more recent years, it has been a powerful tool for modeling and studying neurodegenerative diseases, including the devastating and fatal amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The success of this model organism in ALS research comes from the availability of tools to manipulate gene/protein expression in a number of desired cell-types, and the subsequent recapitulation of cellular and molecular phenotypic features of the disease. Several Drosophila models have now been developed for studying the roles of ALS-associated genes in disease pathogenesis that allowed us to understand the molecular pathways that lead to motor neuron degeneration in ALS patients. Our primary goal in this review is to highlight the lessons we have learned using Drosophila models pertaining to ALS research. PMID:25289585

Study on Mg/Al Weld Seam Based on Zn–Mg–Al Ternary Alloy

PubMed Central

Liu, Liming; Liu, Fei; Zhu, Meili

2014-01-01

Based on the idea of alloying welding seams, a series of Zn–xAl filler metals was calculated and designed for joining Mg/Al dissimilar metals by gas tungsten arc (GTA) welding. An infrared thermography system was used to measure the temperature of the welding pool during the welding process to investigate the solidification process. It was found that the mechanical properties of the welded joints were improved with the increasing of the Al content in the Zn–xAl filler metals, and when Zn–30Al was used as the filler metal, the ultimate tensile strength could reach a maximum of 120 MPa. The reason for the average tensile strength of the joint increasing was that the weak zone of the joint using Zn–30Al filler metal was generated primarily by α-Al instead of MgZn2. When Zn–40Al was used as the filler metal, a new transition zone, about 20 μm-wide, appeared in the edge of the fusion zone near the Mg base metal. Due to the transition zones consisting of MgZn2- and Al-based solid solution, the mechanical property of the joints was deteriorated. PMID:28788508

Chemical failure modes of AlQ3-based OLEDs: AlQ3 hydrolysis.

PubMed

Knox, John E; Halls, Mathew D; Hratchian, Hrant P; Schlegel, H Bernhard

2006-03-28

Tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum(III), AlQ3, is used in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) as an electron-transport material and emitting layer. The reaction of AlQ3 with trace H2O has been implicated as a major failure pathway for AlQ3-based OLEDs. Hybrid density functional calculations have been carried out to characterize the hydrolysis of AlQ3. The thermochemical and atomistic details for this important reaction are reported for both the neutral and oxidized AlQ3/AlQ3+ systems. In support of experimental conclusions, the neutral hydrolysis reaction pathway is found to be a thermally activated process, having a classical barrier height of 24.2 kcal mol(-1). First-principles infrared and electronic absorption spectra are compared to further characterize AlQ3 and the hydrolysis pathway product, AlQ2OH. The activation energy for the cationic AlQ3 hydrolysis pathway is found to be 8.5 kcal mol(-1) lower than for the neutral reaction, which is significant since it suggests a role for charge imbalance in promoting chemical failure modes in OLED devices.

Differentiation of Enhancing Glioma and Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma by Texture-Based Machine Learning.

PubMed

Alcaide-Leon, P; Dufort, P; Geraldo, A F; Alshafai, L; Maralani, P J; Spears, J; Bharatha, A

2017-06-01

Accurate preoperative differentiation of primary central nervous system lymphoma and enhancing glioma is essential to avoid unnecessary neurosurgical resection in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a machine-learning algorithm by using texture analysis of contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images for differentiation of primary central nervous system lymphoma and enhancing glioma. Seventy-one adult patients with enhancing gliomas and 35 adult patients with primary central nervous system lymphomas were included. The tumors were manually contoured on contrast-enhanced T1WI, and the resulting volumes of interest were mined for textural features and subjected to a support vector machine-based machine-learning protocol. Three readers classified the tumors independently on contrast-enhanced T1WI. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were estimated for each reader and for the support vector machine classifier. A noninferiority test for diagnostic accuracy based on paired areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve was performed with a noninferiority margin of 0.15. The mean areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.877 (95% CI, 0.798-0.955) for the support vector machine classifier; 0.878 (95% CI, 0.807-0.949) for reader 1; 0.899 (95% CI, 0.833-0.966) for reader 2; and 0.845 (95% CI, 0.757-0.933) for reader 3. The mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the support vector machine classifier was significantly noninferior to the mean area under the curve of reader 1 ( P = .021), reader 2 ( P = .035), and reader 3 ( P = .007). Support vector machine classification based on textural features of contrast-enhanced T1WI is noninferior to expert human evaluation in the differentiation of primary central nervous system lymphoma and enhancing glioma. © 2017 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

Formation of gamma(sup prime)-Ni3Al via the Peritectoid Reaction: gamma + beta (+ Al2O3)=gamma(sup prime)(+ Al2O3)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Copeland, Evan

2008-01-01

The activities of Al and Ni were measured using multi-cell Knudsen effusion-cell mass spectrometry (multi-cell KEMS), over the composition range 8-32 at.%Al and temperature range T=1400-1750 K in the Ni-Al-O system. These measurements establish that equilibrium solidification of gamma(sup prime)-Ni3Al-containing alloys occurs by the eutectic reaction, L (+ Al2O3)=gamma + Beta(+ Al2O3), at 1640 +/- 1 K and a liquid composition of 24.8 +/- 0.2 at.%al (at an unknown oxygen content). The {gamma + Beta (+Al2O3} phase field is stable over the temperature range 1633-1640 K, and gamma(sup prime)-Ni3Al forms via the peritectoid, gamma + Beta (+ Al2O3)=gamma(sup prime) (+ Al2O3), at 1633 +/- 1 K. This behavior is consistent with the current Ni-Al phase diagram and a new diagram is proposed. This new Ni-Al phase diagram explains a number of unusual steady-state solidification structures reported previously and provides a much simpler reaction scheme in the vicinity of the gamma(sup prime)-Ni2Al phase field.

The Phase Relations in the In 2O 3-Al 2ZnO 4-ZnO System at 1350°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, Masaki; Kimizuka, Noboru; Mohri, Takahiko; Isobe, Mitsumasa

1993-08-01

Phase relations in the In 2O 3-Al 2ZnO 4-ZnO system at 1350°C are determined by a classical quenching method. This system consists of In 2O 3, Al 2ZnO 4, ZnO, and homologous phases InAlO 3(ZnO) m ( m = 2, 3, …) having solid solutions with LuFeO 3(ZnO) m-type crystal structures. These solid solution ranges are as follows: In 1+ x1Al 1- x1O 3(ZnO) 2 ( x1 = 0.70)-In 1+ x2Al 1- x2O 3(ZnO) 2 ( x2 = 0.316-0.320), In 2O 3(ZnO) 3-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 3 ( x = 0.230), In 2O 3(ZnO) 4-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 4 ( x = 0.15-0.16), In 2O 3(ZnO) 5-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 5 ( x = 0.116-0.130), In 2O 3(ZnO) 6-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 6 ( x = 0.000-0.111), In 2O 3(ZnO) 7-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 7 ( x = 0.08), In 2O 3(ZnO) 8-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 8 ( x: undetermined), and In 2O 3(ZnO) m-InAlO 3(ZnO) m ( m = 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 19). The space groups of these homologous phases belong to R3¯ m for m = odd or P6 3/ mmc for m = even. Their crystal structures, In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) m (0 < x < 1), consist of three kinds of layers: an InO 1.5 layer, an (In xAl 1- xZn)O 2.5 layer, and ZnO layers. A comparison of the phase relations in the In 2O 3- M2ZnO 4-ZnO systems ( M = Fe, Ga, or Al) is made and their characteristic features are discussed in terms of the ionic radii and site preferences of the M cations.

The activation pattern of macrophages in giant cell (temporal) arteritis and primary angiitis of the central nervous system.

PubMed

Mihm, Bernhard; Bergmann, Markus; Brück, Wolfgang; Probst-Cousin, Stefan

2014-06-01

To determine if the pattern of macrophage activation reflects differences in the pathogenesis and clinical presentation of giant cell arteritis and primary angiitis of the central nervous system, specimens of 10 patients with giant cell arteritis and five with primary angiitis of the central nervous system were immunohistochemically studied and the expression of the macrophage activation markers 27E10, MRP14, MRP8 and 25F9 was determined in the vasculitic infiltrates. Thus, a partly different expression pattern of macrophage activation markers in giant cell arteritis and primary angiitis of the central nervous system was observed. The group comparison revealed that giant cell arteritis cases had significantly higher numbers of acute activated MRP14-positive macrophages, whereas primary angiitis of the central nervous system is characterized by a tendency toward more MRP8-positive intermediate/late activated macrophages. Furthermore, in giant cell arteritis comparably fewer CD8-positive lymphocytes were observed. These observations suggest, that despite their histopathological similarities, giant cell arteritis and primary angiitis of the central nervous system appear to represent either distinct entities within the spectrum of granulomatous vasculitides or different stages of similar disease processes. Their discrete clinical presentation is reflected by different activation patterns of macrophages, which may characterize giant cell arteritis as a more acute process and primary angiitis of the central nervous system as a more advanced inflammatory process. © 2013 Japanese Society of Neuropathology.

A human factors systems approach to understanding team-based primary care: a qualitative analysis.

PubMed

Mundt, Marlon P; Swedlund, Matthew P

2016-12-01

Research shows that high-functioning teams improve patient outcomes in primary care. However, there is no consensus on a conceptual model of team-based primary care that can be used to guide measurement and performance evaluation of teams. To qualitatively understand whether the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model could serve as a framework for creating and evaluating team-based primary care. We evaluated qualitative interview data from 19 clinicians and staff members from 6 primary care clinics associated with a large Midwestern university. All health care clinicians and staff in the study clinics completed a survey of their communication connections to team members. Social network analysis identified key informants for interviews by selecting the respondents with the highest frequency of communication ties as reported by their teammates. Semi-structured interviews focused on communication patterns, team climate and teamwork. Themes derived from the interviews lent support to the SEIPS model components, such as the work system (Team, Tools and Technology, Physical Environment, Tasks and Organization), team processes and team outcomes. Our qualitative data support the SEIPS model as a promising conceptual framework for creating and evaluating primary care teams. Future studies of team-based care may benefit from using the SEIPS model to shift clinical practice to high functioning team-based primary care. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Primary lymphoma of the central nervous system and HTLV-I infection.

PubMed

Calderón, Enrique J; Japón, Miguel A; Chinchón, Isidoro; Soriano, Vicente; Capote, Francisco J

2002-01-01

Only a few cases of AIDS-related primary lymphomas of the central nervous system (CNS) show a T-cell phenotype. We have recently studied two intravenous drug users with HIV infection who had primary CNS T-cell lymphomas. In both cases, the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for HTLV gave a positive result. In the first case, study by western-blot (WB) and specific PCR confirmed the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) infection and serological study by EIA for HTLV of his mother was negative. In the second case, analysis of ante-mortem serum samples by two different WBs showed an indeterminate pattern suggestive of HTLV-I infection, but adequate samples for PCR were not available. We speculate about the possibility that the horizontal transmission of HTLV-I infection could have facilitated the devepolment of a primary CNS T-cell lymphoma in these HIV patients, although they cannot be strictly considered as ATLL cases.

Primary and secondary room temperature molten salt electrochemical cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reynolds, G. F.; Dymek, C. J., Jr.

1985-07-01

Three novel primary cells which use room temperature molten salt electrolytes are examined and found to have high open circuit potentials in the 1.75-2.19 V range, by comparison with the Al/AlCl3-MEICl concentration cell; their cathodes were of FeCl3-MEICl, WCl6-MEICl, and Br2/reticulated vitreous carbon together with Pt. Also, secondary electrochemical cell candidates were examined which combined the reversible Al/AlCl3-MEICl electrode with reversible zinc and cadmium molten salt electrodes to yield open circuit potentials of about 0.7 and 1.0 V, respectively. Room temperature molten salts' half-cell reduction potentials are given.

Developing Tomorrow's Integrated Community Health Systems: A Leadership Challenge for Public Health and Primary Care

PubMed Central

Welton, William E.; Kantner, Theodore A.; Katz, Sheila Moriber

1997-01-01

As the nation's health system moves away from earlier models to one grounded in population health and market-based systems of care, new challenges arise for public health professionals, primary care practitioners, health plan and institutional managers, and community leaders. Among the challenges are the need to develop creative concepts of organization and accountability and to assure that dynamic, system-oriented structures support the new kind of leadership that is required. Developing tomorrow's integrated community health systems will challenge the leadership skills and integrative abilities of public health professionals, primary care practitioners, and managers. These leaders and their new organizations must, in turn, assume increased accountability for improving community health. PMID:9184684

Optimal investments in digital communication systems in primary exchange area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia, R.; Hornung, R.

1980-11-01

Integer linear optimization theory, following Gomory's method, was applied to the model planning of telecommunication networks in which all future investments are made in digital systems only. The integer decision variables are the number of digital systems set up on cable or radiorelay links that can be installed. The objective function is the total cost of the extension of the existing line capacity to meet the demand between primary and local exchanges. Traffic volume constraints and flow conservation in transit nodes complete the model. Results indicating computing time and method efficiency are illustrated by an example.

Loss of Ductility Caused by AlN Precipitation in Hadfield Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radis, Rene; Schlacher, Christian; Kozeschnik, Ernst; Mayr, Peter; Enzinger, Norbert; Schröttner, Hartmuth; Sommitsch, Christof

2012-04-01

Two modified X120Mn12 Hadfield steels, differing in the amount of the alloying elements Al and N, are analyzed with respect to AlN precipitation and its effects on ductility. Charpy impact tests are performed, demonstrating the loss of ductility in the one grade containing a high density of AlN precipitates. The characterization of the precipitates is carried out by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM). Depending on chemical composition, primary and secondary AlN precipitates are detected on prior austenite grain boundaries and within the bulk volume. The experimental observations are confirmed by thermokinetic simulations, using the software package MatCalc (Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria).

[Influences of R2O-Al2O3-B2O3-SiO2 system glass and superfine alpha-Al2O3 on the sintering and phase transition of hydroxyapatite ceramics].

PubMed

Wang, Zhiqiang; Chen, Xiaoxu; Cai, Yingji; Lü, Bingling

2003-06-01

The effects of R2O-Al2O3-B2O3-SiO2 system glass and superfine alpha-Al2O3 on the sintering and phase transition of hydroxyapatite (HAP) ceramics were assessed. The results showed that alpha-Al2O3 impeded the sintering of HAP and raised the sintering temperature. When glass and alpha-Al2O3 were used together to reinforce HAP ceramics, better results could be obtained; the bending strength of multiphase HAP ceramics approached 106 MPa when 10% (wt) alpha-Al2O3 and 20%(wt) glass were used and sintered at 1200 for 1 h.

Aerodynamics of the advanced launch system (ALS) propulsion and avionics (P/A) module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferguson, Stan; Savage, Dick

1992-01-01

This paper discusses the design and testing of candidate Advanced Launch System (ALS) Propulsion and Avionics (P/A) Module configurations. The P/A Module is a key element of future launch systems because it is essential to the recovery and reuse of high-value propulsion and avionics hardware. The ALS approach involves landing of first stage (booster) and/or second stage (core) P/A modules near the launch site to minimize logistics and refurbishment cost. The key issue addressed herein is the aerodynamic design of the P/A module, including the stability characteristics and the lift-to-drag (L/D) performance required to achieve the necessary landing guidance accuracy. The reference P/A module configuration was found to be statically stable for the desired flight regime, to provide adequate L/D for targeting, and to have effective modulation of the L/D performance using a body flap. The hypersonic aerodynamic trends for nose corner radius, boattail angle and body flap deflections were consistent with pretest predictions. However, the levels for the L/D and axial force for hypersonic Mach numbers were overpredicted by impact theories.

Predictive value of Tokuhashi scoring systems in spinal metastases, focusing on various primary tumor groups: evaluation of 448 patients in the Aarhus spinal metastases database.

PubMed

Wang, Miao; Bünger, Cody Eric; Li, Haisheng; Wu, Chunsen; Høy, Kristian; Niedermann, Bent; Helmig, Peter; Wang, Yu; Jensen, Anders Bonde; Schättiger, Katrin; Hansen, Ebbe Stender

2012-04-01

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 448 patients with spinal metastases from a variety of cancer groups. To determine the specific predictive value of the Tokuhashi scoring system (T12) and its revised version (T15) in spinal metastases of various primary tumors. The life expectancy of patients with spinal metastases is one of the most important factors in selecting the treatment modality. Tokuhashi et al formulated a prognostic scoring system with a total sum of 12 points for preoperative prediction of life expectancy in 1990 and revised it in 2005 to a total sum of 15 points. There is a lack of knowledge about the specific predictive value of those scoring systems in patients with spinal metastases from a variety of cancer groups. We included 448 patients with vertebral metastases who underwent surgical treatment during November 1992 to November 2009 in Aarhus University Hospital NBG. Data were retrieved from Aarhus Metastases Database. Scores based on T12 and T15 were calculated prospectively for each patient. We divided all the patients into different groups dictated by the site of their primary tumor. Predictive value and accuracy rate of the 2 scoring systems were compared in each cancer group. Both the T12 and T15 scoring systems showed statistically significant predictive value when the 448 patients were analyzed in total (T12, P < 0.0001; T15, P < 0.0001). The accuracy rate was significantly higher in T15 (P < 0.0001) than in T12. The further analyses by primary cancer groups showed that the predictive value of T12 and T15 was primarily determined by the prostate (P = 0.0003) and breast group (P = 0.0385). Only T12 displayed predictive value in the colon group (P = 0.0011). Neither of the scoring systems showed significant predictive value in the lung (P > 0.05), renal (P > 0.05), or miscellaneous primary tumor groups (P > 0.05). The accuracy rate of prognosis in T15 was significantly improved in the prostate (P = 0.0032) and breast group (P < 0

Structural and optical properties of low temperature grown AlN films on sapphire using helicon sputtering system

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

Chen, Meei-Ru; Chen, Hou-Guang; Kao, Hui-Ling, E-mail: hlkao@cycu.edu.tw

2015-05-15

AlN thin films have been deposited directly on c-plane sapphire substrates at low temperatures by a helicon sputtering system. The structural quality of AlN epitaxial films was characterized by x-ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy. The films exhibit smooth surface with root-mean-square roughness as small as 0.7 nm evaluated by atomic force microscope. The optical transmittance spectra show a steep absorption edge at the wavelength of 200 nm and a high transmittance of over 80% in the visible range. The band-edge transition (6.30 eV) of AlN film was observed in the cathodoluminescence spectrum recorded at 11 K. The spectral response of metal–semiconductor–metal photodetectors constructedmore » with AlN/sapphire reveals the peak responsivity at 200 nm and a UV/visible rejection ratio of about two orders of magnitude. The results of this low temperature deposition suggest the feasibility of the epitaxial growth of AlN on sapphire substrates and the incorporation of the AlN films in the surface acoustic wave devices and the optical devices at deep ultraviolet region.« less

Oil-air mist lubrication as an emergency system and as a primary lubrication system. [for helicopter engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loomis, W. R.

1976-01-01

The feasibility of an emergency aspirator once-through lubrication system was demonstrated as a viable survivability concept for Army helicopter mainshaft engine bearings for periods as long as 30 minutes. It was also shown in an experimental study using a 46-mm bore bearing test machine that an oil-air mist once-through system with auxiliary air cooling is an effective primary lubrication system at speeds up to 2,500,000 DN for extended operating periods of at least 50 hours.

Fosetyl-al

Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)

Integrated Risk Information System ( IRIS ) Chemical Assessment Summary U.S . Environmental Protection Agency National Center for Environmental Assessment This IRIS Summary has been removed from the IRIS database and is available for historical reference purposes . ( July 2016 ) Fosetyl - al ; CASRN

The ALS patient care database: goals, design, and early results. ALS C.A.R.E. Study Group.

PubMed

Miller, R G; Anderson, F A; Bradley, W G; Brooks, B R; Mitsumoto, H; Munsat, T L; Ringel, S P

2000-01-11

The ALS Patient Care Database was created to improve the quality of care for patients with ALS by 1) providing neurologists with data to evaluate and improve their practices, 2) publishing data on temporal trends in the care of patients with ALS, and 3) developing hypotheses to be tested during formal clinical trials. Substantial variations exist in managing ALS, but there has been no North American database to measure outcomes in ALS until now. This observational database is open to all neurologists practicing in North America, who are encouraged to enroll both incident and prevalent ALS patients. Longitudinal data are collected at intervals of 3 to 6 months by using standard data collection instruments. Forms are submitted to a central data coordinating center, which mails quarterly reports to participating neurologists. Beginning in September 1996 through November 30, 1998, 1,857 patients were enrolled at 83 clinical sites. On enrollment, patients had a mean age of 58.6 years +/-12.9 (SD) years (range, 20.1 to 95.1 years), 92% were white, and 61% were men. The mean interval between onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 1.2+/-1.6 years (range, 0 to 31.9 years). Riluzole was the most frequently used disease-specific therapy (48%). Physical therapy was the most common nonpharmacologic intervention (45%). The primary caregiver was generally the spouse (77%). Advance directives were in place at the time of death for 70% of 213 enrolled patients who were reported to have died. The ALS Patient Care Database appears to provide valuable data on physician practices and patient-focused outcomes in ALS.

Optically pumped cerium-doped LiSrAlF{sub 6} and LiCaAlF{sub 6}

DOEpatents

Marshall, C.D.; Payne, S.A.; Krupke, W.F.

1996-05-14

Ce{sup 3+}-doped LiSrAlF{sub 6} crystals are pumped by ultraviolet light which is polarized along the c axis of the crystals to effectively energize the laser system. In one embodiment, the polarized fourth harmonic light output from a conventional Nd:YAG laser operating at 266 nm is arranged to pump Ce:LiSrAlF{sub 6} with the pump light polarized along the c axis of the crystal. The Ce:LiSrAlF{sub 6} crystal may be placed in a laser cavity for generating tunable coherent ultraviolet radiation in the range of 280-320 nm. Additionally, Ce-doped crystals possessing the LiSrAlF{sub 6} type of chemical formula, e.g. Ce-doped LiCaAlF{sub 6} and LiSrGaF{sub 6}, can be used. Alternative pump sources include an ultraviolet-capable krypton or argon laser, or ultraviolet emitting flashlamps. The polarization of the pump light will impact operation. The laser system will operate efficiently when light in the 280-320 nm gain region is injected or recirculated in the system such that the beam is also polarized along the c axis of the crystal. The Ce:LiSrAlF{sub 6} laser system can be configured to generate ultrashort pulses, and it may be used to pump other devices, such as an optical parametric oscillator. 10 figs.

Development of a personal dosimetry system based on optically stimulated luminescence of alpha-Al2O3:C for mixed radiation fields.

PubMed

Lee, S Y; Lee, K J

2001-04-01

To develop a personal optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimetry system for mixed radiation fields using alpha-Al2O3:C, a discriminating badge filter system was designed by taking advantage of its optically stimulable properties and energy dependencies. This was done by designing a multi-element badge system for powder layered alpha-Al2O3:C material and an optical reader system based on high-intensity blue light-emitting diode (LED). The design of the multielement OSL dosimeter badge system developed allows the measurement of a personal dose equivalent value Hp(d) in mixed radiation fields of beta and gamma. Dosimetric properties of the personal OSL dosimeter badge system investigated here were the dose response, energy response and multi-readability. Based on the computational simulations and experiments of the proposed dosimeter design, it was demonstrated that a multi-element dosimeter system with an OSL technology based on alpha-Al2O3:C is suitable to obtain personal dose equivalent information in mixed radiation fields.

Network biology: Describing biological systems by complex networks. Comment on "Network science of biological systems at different scales: A review" by M. Gosak et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jalili, Mahdi

2018-03-01

I enjoyed reading Gosak et al. review on analysing biological systems from network science perspective [1]. Network science, first started within Physics community, is now a mature multidisciplinary field of science with many applications ranging from Ecology to biology, medicine, social sciences, engineering and computer science. Gosak et al. discussed how biological systems can be modelled and described by complex network theory which is an important application of network science. Although there has been considerable progress in network biology over the past two decades, this is just the beginning and network science has a great deal to offer to biology and medical sciences.

Visible light CrO4(2-) reduction using the new CuAlO2/CdS hetero-system.

PubMed

Brahimi, R; Bessekhouad, Y; Nasrallah, N; Trari, M

2012-06-15

In this study, 64% of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) reduction from the initial concentration (10(-4) M) is reported under visible light using the (CuAlO(2)/CdS) hetero-system. In this new hetero-system, low doped CuAlO(2) delafossite, synthesized by sol-gel works as an electrons reservoir with a wide space charge region (440 nm). In this case, the electron transfer to chromate is mediated via the hexagonal CdS variety, whose conduction band level is at -1.08 V with respect to the saturated calomel electrode which is more negative than the CrO(4)(2-)/Cr(3+) level. This high reduction rate is achieved under optimized pH and CuAlO(2) percentage. Moreover, salicylic acid gives the best performance among hole scavengers and CuAlO(2) approaches 100% photostability at pH 7.5. The photo-catalytic process follows a pseudo first order kinetic with a half life of 2h. The reaction products are identified by UV-visible spectrophotometry and linear voltametry at a platinum rotating electrode. The results reveal the presence of Cr(3+) after irradiation. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Use of Fuzzy Logic Systems for Assessment of Primary Faults

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrović, Ivica; Jozsa, Lajos; Baus, Zoran

2015-09-01

In electric power systems, grid elements are often subjected to very complex and demanding disturbances or dangerous operating conditions. Determining initial fault or cause of those states is a difficult task. When fault occurs, often it is an imperative to disconnect affected grid element from the grid. This paper contains an overview of possibilities for using fuzzy logic in an assessment of primary faults in the transmission grid. The tool for this task is SCADA system, which is based on information of currents, voltages, events of protection devices and status of circuit breakers in the grid. The function model described with the membership function and fuzzy logic systems will be presented in the paper. For input data, diagnostics system uses information of protection devices tripping, states of circuit breakers and measurements of currents and voltages before and after faults.

Microstructure and Tensile/Corrosion Properties Relationships of Directionally Solidified Al-Cu-Ni Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodrigues, Adilson V.; Lima, Thiago S.; Vida, Talita A.; Brito, Crystopher; Garcia, Amauri; Cheung, Noé

2018-03-01

Al-Cu-Ni alloys are of scientific and technological interest due to high strength/high temperature applications, based on the reinforcement originated from the interaction between the Al-rich phase and intermetallic composites. The nature, morphology, size, volume fraction and dispersion of IMCs particles throughout the Al-rich matrix are important factors determining the resulting mechanical and chemical properties. The present work aims to evaluate the effect of the addition of 1wt%Ni into Al-5wt%Cu and Al-15wt%Cu alloys on the solidification rate, macrosegregation, microstructure features and the interrelations of such characteristics on tensile and corrosion properties. A directional solidification technique is used permitting a wide range of microstructural scales to be examined. Experimental growth laws relating the primary and secondary dendritic spacings to growth rate and solidification cooling rate are proposed, and Hall-Petch type equations are derived relating the ultimate tensile strength and elongation to the primary dendritic spacing. Considering a compromise between ultimate tensile strength and corrosion resistance of the examined alloys samples from both alloys castings it is shown that the samples having more refined microstructures are associated with the highest values of such properties.

A Preliminary Assessment of Phase Separator Ground-Based and Reduced-Gravity Testing for ALS Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hall, Nancy Rabel

2006-01-01

A viewgraph presentation of phase separator ground-based and reduced-gravity testing for Advanced Life Support (ALS) systems is shown. The topics include: 1) Multiphase Flow Technology Program; 2) Types of Separators; 3) MOBI Phase Separators; 4) Experiment set-up; and 5) Preliminary comparison/results.

Spatial distribution of clinical computer systems in primary care in England in 2016 and implications for primary care electronic medical record databases: a cross-sectional population study.

PubMed

Kontopantelis, Evangelos; Stevens, Richard John; Helms, Peter J; Edwards, Duncan; Doran, Tim; Ashcroft, Darren M

2018-02-28

UK primary care databases (PCDs) are used by researchers worldwide to inform clinical practice. These databases have been primarily tied to single clinical computer systems, but little is known about the adoption of these systems by primary care practices or their geographical representativeness. We explore the spatial distribution of clinical computing systems and discuss the implications for the longevity and regional representativeness of these resources. Cross-sectional study. English primary care clinical computer systems. 7526 general practices in August 2016. Spatial mapping of family practices in England in 2016 by clinical computer system at two geographical levels, the lower Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG, 209 units) and the higher National Health Service regions (14 units). Data for practices included numbers of doctors, nurses and patients, and area deprivation. Of 7526 practices, Egton Medical Information Systems (EMIS) was used in 4199 (56%), SystmOne in 2552 (34%) and Vision in 636 (9%). Great regional variability was observed for all systems, with EMIS having a stronger presence in the West of England, London and the South; SystmOne in the East and some regions in the South; and Vision in London, the South, Greater Manchester and Birmingham. PCDs based on single clinical computer systems are geographically clustered in England. For example, Clinical Practice Research Datalink and The Health Improvement Network, the most popular primary care databases in terms of research outputs, are based on the Vision clinical computer system, used by <10% of practices and heavily concentrated in three major conurbations and the South. Researchers need to be aware of the analytical challenges posed by clustering, and barriers to accessing alternative PCDs need to be removed. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

High-pressure Phase Relation In The MgAl2O4-Mg2SiO4 System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kojitani, H.; Hisatomi, R.; Akaogi, M.

2005-12-01

High-pressure and high-temperature experiments indicate that high-pressure phases of oceanic basalts contain Al-rich phases. MgAl2O4 with calcium ferrite-type crystal structure is considered as a main component of such the Al-rich phases. Since the calcium ferrite-type MgAl2O4 can be synthesized at only the maximum pressure of a Kawai-type high-pressure apparatus with tungsten carbide (WC) anvils, the amount of a synthesized sample is very limited. Therefore, the crystal structure of the calcium ferrite-type MgAl2O4 has been hardly known in detail due to these difficulties in sample synthesis. In our high-pressure experiments in the MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 system, it was shown that Mg2SiO4 component could be dissolved in the MgAl2O4 calcium ferrite. In this study, we tried to synthesize a single phase MgAl2O4 calcium ferrite sample and to make the Rietveld refinement of the XRD pattern of the sample. The high-pressure phase relations in the MgAl2O4-Mg2SiO4 system were studied to know the stability field of the MgAl2O4-Mg2SiO4 calcium ferrite solid solutions. Lattice parameters-composition relation of the MgAl2O4-Mg2SiO4 calcium ferrite solid solutions was also determined. High-pressure and high-temperature experiments were performed by using a Kawai-type high-pressure apparatus at Gakushuin University. WC anvils with truncated edge length of 1.5 mm were used. Heating was made by a Re heater. Temperature was measured by a Pt/Pt-13%Rh thermocouple. Starting materials for the phase relation experiments were the mixture of MgO, Al2O3 and SiO2 with bulk compositions of MgAl2O4:Mg2SiO4 = 90:10, 78:22, 70:30 and 50:50. The starting materials were held at 21-27 GPa and 1600 °C for 3 hours and then were recovered by the quenching method. The MgAl2O4 calcium ferrite sample for the Rietveld analysis was prepared by heating MgAl2O4 spinel at 27 GPa and about 2200 °C for one hour. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) profiles of obtained samples were measured by using a X-ray diffractometer

Primary healthcare in transition – a qualitative study of how managers perceived a system change

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Primary healthcare in Sweden has undergone widespread reforms in recent years, including freedom of choice regarding provider, freedom of establishment and increased privatisation. The key aims of the reforms were to strengthen the role of the patient and improve performance in terms of access and responsiveness. The aim of this study was to explore how managers at publicly owned primary healthcare centres perceived the transition of the primary healthcare system and the impact it has had on their work. Methods In this qualitative study, 24 managers of publicly owned primary healthcare centres in the metropolitan region of Gothenburg were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and data were analysed using content analysis inspired by Silverman. Results The analysis revealed two core themes: The transition is perceived as a rapid change, enforced mainly through financial incentives and Prioritisation conflicts arise between patient groups with different needs, demands and levels of empowerment. The transition has produced powerful and rapid effects that were considered to be both positive and negative. While the new financial incentives were seen as a driving force and a tool for change, they also became a stress factor due to uncertainty, competition with other primary healthcare centres and negative feelings associated with staff cutbacks. The shift in power towards the patient improved access and service but also led to more patients with unreasonable demands. Managers found it difficult to prioritise correctly between patient groups with different needs, demands and levels of empowerment and they were concerned about potentially negative effects on less empowered patients, e.g. multi-morbid patients. Managers also experienced shortcomings in their change management skills. Conclusions This qualitative study shows the complexity of the system change and describes the different effects and perceptions of the transition from a manager�

76 FR 56215 - John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System; Baldwin and Mobile Counties, AL; Availability of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-12

... aquatic habitat. These areas are depicted on a series of maps entitled ``John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier...] John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System; Baldwin and Mobile Counties, AL; Availability of Draft... availability of a John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) draft revised map, dated September 22...

Critical behavior of magnetization in URhAl: Quasi-two-dimensional Ising system with long-range interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tateiwa, Naoyuki; Pospíšil, Jiří; Haga, Yoshinori; Yamamoto, Etsuji

2018-02-01

The critical behavior of dc magnetization in the uranium ferromagnet URhAl with the hexagonal ZrNiAl-type crystal structure has been studied around the ferromagnetic transition temperature TC. The critical exponent β for the temperature dependence of the spontaneous magnetization below TC,γ for the magnetic susceptibility, and δ for the magnetic isotherm at TC, have been obtained with a modified Arrott plot, a Kouvel-Fisher plot, the critical isotherm analysis, and the scaling analysis. We have determined the critical exponents as β =0.287 ±0.005 , γ =1.47 ±0.02 , and δ =6.08 ±0.04 by the scaling analysis and the critical isotherm analysis. These critical exponents satisfy the Widom scaling law δ =1 +γ /β . URhAl has strong uniaxial magnetic anisotropy, similar to its isostructural UCoAl that has been regarded as a three-dimensional (3D) Ising system in previous studies. However, the universality class of the critical phenomenon in URhAl does not belong to the 3D Ising model (β =0.325 , γ =1.241 , and δ =4.82 ) with short-range exchange interactions between magnetic moments. The determined exponents can be explained with the results of the renormalization group approach for a two-dimensional (2D) Ising system coupled with long-range interactions decaying as J (r ) ˜r-(d +σ ) with σ =1.44 . We suggest that the strong hybridization between the uranium 5 f and rhodium 4 d electrons in the U-RhI layer in the hexagonal crystal structure is a source of the low-dimensional magnetic property. The present result is contrary to current understandings of the physical properties in a series of isostructural UTX uranium ferromagnets (T: transition metals, X: p -block elements) based on the 3D Ising model.

Effect of alumina on grain refinement of Al-Si hypereutectic alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majhi, J.; Sahoo, S. K.; Patnaik, S. C.; Sarangi, B.; Sachan, N. K.

2018-03-01

The size, volume fraction and distribution of primary as well as eutectic silicon affect the mechanical properties of the Al-Si hypereutectic alloys. It is very difficult for the simultaneous refinement and modification of primary and secondary Si particles in hypereutectic Al-Si alloys through traditional processes. This paper explores the role of γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles on Si particles in the course of solidification in hypereutectic Al-Si alloys at particular pouring temperature. The present study involves incorporation of varying contents dispersed γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles into a molten base metal during stir casting and followed by solidification. It has been reported that the synthesized composites having good interfacial bonding (wetting) between the dispersed phase and the liquid matrix was achieved in order to provide improved mechanical properties of the composite. The cast product of hypereutectic Al-16Si alloy with the reinforcement of nanoparticles, illustrated a significant improvement in both wear behaviour and hardness. The dry sliding wear test has been performed on a group of specimens with varying parameters (different loads and sliding velocities) in a pin on disc wear testing machine. Moreover, the wear rate and specific wear rate also affected in different load and different sliding velocities. However in XRD analysis of the samples, the enhancement of wear resistance as well as hardness was due to the formation of brittle phases like SiO2, Al2O3 and Al-rich intermetallic compounds. The hardness value of the materials increases nearly 6% in addition to increase in the density of only 0.8%. As per literature, the large plate eutectic Si particles were modified in to the fine core particles and it acquires enough potential for various applications.

Reliability Analysis of RSG-GAS Primary Cooling System to Support Aging Management Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deswandri; Subekti, M.; Sunaryo, Geni Rina

2018-02-01

Multipurpose Research Reactor G.A. Siwabessy (RSG-GAS) which has been operating since 1987 is one of the main facilities on supporting research, development and application of nuclear energy programs in BATAN. Until now, the RSG-GAS research reactor has been successfully operated safely and securely. However, because it has been operating for nearly 30 years, the structures, systems and components (SSCs) from the reactor would have started experiencing an aging phase. The process of aging certainly causes a decrease in reliability and safe performances of the reactor, therefore the aging management program is needed to resolve the issues. One of the programs in the aging management is to evaluate the safety and reliability of the system and also screening the critical components to be managed.One method that can be used for such purposes is the Fault Tree Analysis (FTA). In this papers FTA method is used to screening the critical components in the RSG-GAS Primary Cooling System. The evaluation results showed that the primary isolation valves are the basic events which are dominant against the system failure.

Architecture for a PACS primary diagnosis workstation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shastri, Kaushal; Moran, Byron

1990-08-01

A major factor in determining the overall utility of a medical Picture Archiving and Communications (PACS) system is the functionality of the diagnostic workstation. Meyer-Ebrecht and Wendler [1] have proposed a modular picture computer architecture with high throughput and Perry et.al [2] have defined performance requirements for radiology workstations. In order to be clinically useful, a primary diagnosis workstation must not only provide functions of current viewing systems (e.g. mechanical alternators [3,4]) such as acceptable image quality, simultaneous viewing of multiple images, and rapid switching of image banks; but must also provide a diagnostic advantage over the current systems. This includes window-level functions on any image, simultaneous display of multi-modality images, rapid image manipulation, image processing, dynamic image display (cine), electronic image archival, hardcopy generation, image acquisition, network support, and an easy user interface. Implementation of such a workstation requires an underlying hardware architecture which provides high speed image transfer channels, local storage facilities, and image processing functions. This paper describes the hardware architecture of the Siemens Diagnostic Reporting Console (DRC) which meets these requirements.

Comparative Analysis of Protaper and Waveone Systems to Reduce Enterococcus Faecalis from Root Canal System in Primary Molars--An in Vitro Study.

PubMed

Pinheiro, Sérgio Luiz; Pessoa, Carolina; da Silva, Josianne Neres; Gonçalves, Rafael Orro; Duarte, Danilo Antonio; da Silveira Bueno, Carlos Eduardo

2016-01-01

To assess, in vitro, the ability of the ProTaper(™) and WaveOne(™) systems to reduce Enterococcus faecalis contamination in primary molars. Sixty roots of primary molars were contaminated with E. faecalis. Roots were randomly allocated to one of four groups (n=20): ProTaper(™), WaveOne(™), control A, or control B. The files used were S1 and S2/F1 and F2 (ProTaper(™) system) and 25.08 (WaveOne(™) system). In control group A, the root canal was left uninstrumented, whereas in control group B, the root canal was irrigated with NaCl 0.9%. E. faecalis was sampled from the root canal system before and after instrumentation and the Wilcoxon test and Mann-Whitney U were used. There were no differences in E. faecalis counts between pre-instrumentation counts in the ProTaper™ and WaveOne(™) (p>0.05). The ProTaper(™) system led to an 89.36% reduction in E. faecalis burden, versus 78.10% with the WaveOne(™) system (p>0.05). Instrumentation time was shorter with WaveOne(™) (p<0.0001). The ProTaper(™) and WaveOne™ systems were equally effective in reducing Enterococcus faecalis in primary molars. The WaveOne(™) system was associated with shorter instrumentation time.

Primary lymphoma of the brain

MedlinePlus

Brain lymphoma; Cerebral lymphoma; Primary lymphoma of the central nervous system; Lymphoma - brain ... The cause of primary brain lymphoma is not known. People with a weakened immune system are at high risk for primary lymphoma of the brain. ...

Offline identification and characterization of biogenic primary emissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bozzetti, Carlo; El-Haddad, Imad; Dällenbach, Kaspar Rudolf; Sciare, Jean; Kasper-Giebl, Anne; Hueglin, Christoph; Canonaco, Francesco; Flasch, Mira; Wolf, Robert; Krepelova, Adela; Gates Slowik, Jay; Baltensperger, Urs; Prévôt, André Stéphan Henry

2014-05-01

Primary biological particles (e.g. pollen, spores) are known to have adverse influence on human health. Several studies illustrated also their ice-nuclei activity (Vali et al., 1976) showing their potential role in the climate changes. Nevertheless, the contribution and the chemical characterization of the biogenic emissions are poorly understood. The Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS, Aerodyne) has significantly advanced real-time PM1 monitoring. The AMS provides both quantitative measurements of the non-refractory (NR) components (organic aerosol (OA), Cl-, NO3-, NH4+, SO42-) and organic fraction mass spectra of the submicron fraction. Application of the positive matrix factorization (PMF) and other statistical tools such as ME-2 (Paatero, 1999; Canonaco et al., 2013) demonstrated that OA AMS mass spectra contain enough information to differentiate several factors subsequently associated with different aerosol sources (Jimenez et al., 2009). However, AMS measurements are restricted to the PM1 fraction and the AMS deployment remains complex and expensive, limiting long-term sampling and the spatial coverage. We explored a novel offline AMS application (Dällenbach et al., 2014) including a water extraction of the particulate matter from quartz filters by sonication. The resulting liquid extracts are nebulized generating an aerosol analyzed by High-Resolution-Time-of-Flight-AMS. The approach allows registering mass spectra and monitoring different particle size fractions not available by normal online AMS measurement (e.g. PM10). Moreover it broadens the sampling coverage since the filters are relatively easy and inexpensive to be collected and stored, furthermore filter samples are already routinely collected at many air quality stations worldwide. PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 filter samples from Payerne (a rural site on the Swiss Plateau)were collected both in summer and in winter. We clearly identified using PMF the contribution of biogenic primary emissions in

AL Amyloidosis

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Definition of the disease AL amyloidosis results from extra-cellular deposition of fibril-forming monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) light chains (LC) (most commonly of lambda isotype) usually secreted by a small plasma cell clone. Most patients have evidence of isolated monoclonal gammopathy or smoldering myeloma, and the occurrence of AL amyloidosis in patients with symptomatic multiple myeloma or other B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders is unusual. The key event in the development of AL amyloidosis is the change in the secondary or tertiary structure of an abnormal monoclonal LC, which results in instable conformation. This conformational change is responsible for abnormal folding of the LC, rich in β leaves, which assemble into monomers that stack together to form amyloid fibrils. Epidemiology AL amyloidosis is the most common type of systemic amyloidois in developed countries with an estimated incidence of 9 cases/million inhabitant/year. The average age of diagnosed patients is 65 years and less than 10% of patients are under 50. Clinical description The clinical presentation is protean, because of the wide number of tissues or organs that may be affected. The most common presenting symptoms are asthenia and dyspnoea, which are poorly specific and may account for delayed diagnosis. Renal manifestations are the most frequent, affecting two thirds of patients at presentation. They are characterized by heavy proteinuria, with nephrotic syndrome and impaired renal function in half of the patients. Heart involvement, which is present at diagnosis in more than 50% of patients, leading to restrictive cardiopathy, is the most serious complication and engages prognosis. Diagnostic methods The diagnosis relies on pathological examination of an involved site showing Congo red-positive amyloid deposits, with typical apple-green birefringence under polarized light, that stain positive with an anti-LC antibody by immunohistochemistry and/or immunofluorescence. Due to the

An in vitro screening cascade to identify neuroprotective antioxidants in ALS

PubMed Central

Barber, Siân C.; Higginbottom, Adrian; Mead, Richard J.; Barber, Stuart; Shaw, Pamela J.

2009-01-01

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease, characterized by progressive dysfunction and death of motor neurons. Although evidence for oxidative stress in ALS pathogenesis is well described, antioxidants have generally shown poor efficacy in animal models and human clinical trials. We have developed an in vitro screening cascade to identify antioxidant molecules capable of rescuing NSC34 motor neuron cells expressing an ALS-associated mutation of superoxide dismutase 1. We have tested known antioxidants and screened a library of 2000 small molecules. The library screen identified 164 antioxidant molecules, which were refined to the 9 most promising molecules in subsequent experiments. Analysis of the in silico properties of hit compounds and a review of published literature on their in vivo effectiveness have enabled us to systematically identify molecules with antioxidant activity combined with chemical properties necessary to penetrate the central nervous system. The top-performing molecules identified include caffeic acid phenethyl ester, esculetin, and resveratrol. These compounds were tested for their ability to rescue primary motor neuron cultures after trophic factor withdrawal, and the mechanisms of action of their antioxidant effects were investigated. Subsequent in vivo studies can be targeted using molecules with the greatest probability of success. PMID:19439221

Fluidic emergency roll control system. [for emergency aircraft control following failure of primary roll control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haefner, K. B.; Honda, T. S.

1973-01-01

A fluidic emergency roll control system for aircraft stabilization in the event of primary flight control failure was evaluated. The fluidic roll control units were designed to provide roll torque proportional to an electrical command as operated by two diametrically opposed thrust nozzles located in the wing tips. The control package consists of a solid propellant gas generator, two diametrically opposed vortex valve modulated thrust nozzles, and an electromagnetic torque motor. The procedures for the design, development, and performance testing of the system are described.

Application of Cu/Mg/Al-chitosan-O3 system for landfill leachate treatment: Experimental and economic evaluation data.

PubMed

Vakilabadi, Dariush Ranjbar; Ramavandi, Bahman; Hassani, Amir Hessam; Omrani, Ghasemali

2017-10-01

Landfill leachate contains heavy organic pollutants, which pollute ground and surface waters. This dataset applied a newly-introduced catalyst, Cu/Mg/Al-chitosan, for a landfill leachate treatment during a catalytic oxidation. The data of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and colour removal from the leachate was reported as a function of reaction time (20-460 min). Economic evaluation data of the Cu/Mg/Al-chitosan-O 3 system showed that the current cost of the system for treating each m 3 leachate is US$ 18 and for catalyst synthesis is US$ 54.5. Data could be useful from environmental and economic perspectives to those concerned about landfill leachate threats.

Amplitude and Width Manipulations in Fitts' Paradigm: Comment on Heath et al. (2011) and Heath et al. (2016).

PubMed

Hoffmann, Errol R

2017-01-01

Heath, Weiler, Marriott, Elliott, and Binstead ( 2011 ) and Heath, Samani, Tremblay, and Elliott ( 2016 ) have claimed that there are dissociable movement times for amplitude and width manipulations in the Fitts' paradigm. This may to some extent be true, but the Heath et al. ( 2011 ) and Heath et al. ( 2016 ) data do not support that contention, as shown in this comment. It is shown that data from the research of Heath et al. is not in the range of index of difficulty where ongoing visual control would be used and hence their fits of data to Fitts' law are spurious. The data of Heath et al. ( 2011 ) for arm movements and for the primary eye saccade submovements of Heath et al. ( 2016 ) are well correlated by the ballistic movement time equation of Hoffmann ( 1981 ) and Gan and Hoffmann ( 1988 ). When the ballistic equation is used to model data for constant amplitude and constant target width conditions, the effects of the amplitude and width manipulations disappear. Other research indicates that the independent effects of movement amplitude occur due to changes in the time for the distance-covering phase of the movement.

Burden of Multidrug Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Among New Cases in Al-Madinah Al-Monawarah, Saudi Arabia.

PubMed

Elhassan, Mogahid M; Hemeg, Hassan A; Elmekki, Miskelyemen A; Turkistani, Khalid A; Abdul-Aziz, Ahmed A

2017-01-01

The pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis susceptibility to first line drugs and multidrug resistance in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, a seasonally overcrowded are during Hajj and Omrah, is not well studied. This study aimed to investigate anti-tuberculosis drug resistance and its distribution among new cases in Al-Madinah Al-Monawarah. Study subjects included 622 patients with first time confirmed TB referred to the central tuberculosis laboratory in Al-Madinah between January 2012 and December 2014. Out of the 622 isolates, 99 (15.9%) were Mycobacteria Other Than Tuberculosis (MOTTS) and 25 (4.0%), three of which (12%) were children under five years of age, revealed multidrug resistance (MDR). Monoresistance to isoniazid (H) was (1.8%), to rifampin (R) was (1.4%), to streptomycin (S) was (1.9 %) to ethambutol (E) was (1.1 %) and to pyrazinamide (Z) was (2.1%). Being among the new cases, multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) is supposed to be caused by strains which are originally multidrug resistant. Neither nationality nor gender was found to be associated with MDR TB. Since 12% of MDR cases were among children, a probability of primary infection with MDR strains is to be considered. Moreover, mass gathering during Hajj and Omrah seasons does not seem to increase the burden of MDR in the region. However, further investigation is needed to molecularly characterize MDR isolates and their phylogenetics and geographical origin. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Unprecedented Al supersaturation in single-phase rock salt structure VAlN films by Al+ subplantation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greczynski, G.; Mráz, S.; Hans, M.; Primetzhofer, D.; Lu, J.; Hultman, L.; Schneider, J. M.

2017-05-01

Modern applications of refractory ceramic thin films, predominantly as wear-protective coatings on cutting tools and on components utilized in automotive engines, require a combination of excellent mechanical properties, thermal stability, and oxidation resistance. Conventional design approaches for transition metal nitride coatings with improved thermal and chemical stability are based on alloying with Al. It is well known that the solubility of Al in NaCl-structure transition metal nitrides is limited. Hence, the great challenge is to increase the Al concentration substantially while avoiding precipitation of the thermodynamically favored wurtzite-AlN phase, which is detrimental to mechanical properties. Here, we use VAlN as a model system to illustrate a new concept for the synthesis of metastable single-phase NaCl-structure thin films with the Al content far beyond solubility limits obtained with conventional plasma processes. This supersaturation is achieved by separating the film-forming species in time and energy domains through synchronization of the 70-μs-long pulsed substrate bias with intense periodic fluxes of energetic Al+ metal ions during reactive hybrid high power impulse magnetron sputtering of the Al target and direct current magnetron sputtering of the V target in the Ar/N2 gas mixture. Hereby, Al is subplanted into the cubic VN grains formed by the continuous flux of low-energy V neutrals. We show that Al subplantation enables an unprecedented 42% increase in metastable Al solubility limit in V1-xAlxN, from x = 0.52 obtained with the conventional method to 0.75. The elastic modulus is 325 ± 5 GPa, in excellent agreement with density functional theory calculations, and approximately 50% higher than for corresponding films grown by dc magnetron sputtering. The extension of the presented strategy to other Al-ion-assisted vapor deposition methods or materials systems is straightforward, which opens up the way for producing supersaturated single

Describing the primary care system capacity for the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases in rural Vietnam.

PubMed

Van Minh, Hoang; Do, Young Kyung; Bautista, Mary Ann Cruz; Tuan Anh, Tran

2014-01-01

The primary care system in Vietnam has been shown to play a crucial role in disease prevention and health promotion. This study described the primary care system in a selected rural area in Vietnam in terms of its capacity for prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The study was conducted in 2011 in Dong Hy district, Thai Nguyen province-a rural community located in northern Vietnam. Mixed methods were used, including quantitative and qualitative and literature review approaches, to collect data on the current status of the six building blocks of the primary care system in Dong Hy district. Selected health workers and stakeholders in the selected healthcare facilities were surveyed. A description of Dong Hy district's primary care capacity for NCD prevention and control is reported. (i) Service delivery: The current practice in NCD prevention and treatment is mainly based on a single risk factor rather than a combination of cardiovascular disease risks. (ii) Governance: At the primary care level, multi-sectoral collaborations are limited, and there is insufficient integration of NCD preventive activities. (iii) Financing: A national budget for NCD prevention and control is lacking. The cost of treatment and medicines is high, whereas the health insurance scheme limits the list of available medicines and the reimbursement ceiling level. Health workers have low remuneration despite their important roles in NCD prevention. (iv) Human resources: The quantity and quality of health staff working at the primary care level, especially those in preventive medicine, are insufficient. (v) Information and research: The health information system in the district is weak, and there is no specific information system for collecting population-based NCD data. (vi) Medical products and technology: Not all essential equipment and medicines recommended by the WHO are always available at the commune health centre. The capacity of the primary care system in Vietnam

Rituximab treatment in primary angiitis of the central nervous system.

PubMed

Patel, Shreeya; Ross, Laura; Oon, Shereen; Nikpour, Mandana

2018-06-01

Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is a rare autoimmune vasculitis affecting the brain and spinal cord. Treatment with biological agents has revolutionised the treatment of many rheumatic conditions but there is scant literature regarding the use of biological agents in PACNS. We present three cases of PACNS treated with rituximab, including two cases of relapsed disease, and a literature review suggesting a role for rituximab in this condition. © 2018 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Assessment of Primary Representational Systems with Neurolinguistic Programming: Examination of Preliminary Literature.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dorn, Fred J.; And Others

1983-01-01

Reviews the inconsistent findings of studies on neurolinguistic programing and recommends some areas that should be examined to verify various claims. Discusses methods of assessing client's primary representational systems, including predicate usage and eye movements, and suggests that more reliable methods of assessing PRS must be found. (JAC)

Health system factors affecting communication with pediatricians: gendered work culture in primary care.

PubMed

Lynch, Sean

2011-01-01

This qualitative study examined the roles that practice setting, education level, and gender may play in social workers' communication satisfaction with pediatricians. Taking an ethnographic approach, the researcher interviewed social workers and pediatricians who worked together to provide mental health services in primary care. The results suggested that gender at the health system level may be an issue and that gendered work culture in primary care was a factor in communication. In particular, reimbursement, an aspect of the gendered work culture, was a substantial communication barrier, and the implications for Medicaid billing are discussed.

[Effect of implementation of essential medicine system in the primary health care institution in China].

PubMed

Huang, Donghong; Ren, Xiaohua; Hu, Jingxuan; Shi, Jingcheng; Xia, Da; Sun, Zhenqiu

2015-02-01

Our primary health care institution began to implement national essential medicine system in 2009. In past fi ve years, the goal of national essential medicine system has been initially achieved. For examples, medicine price is steadily reducing, the quality of medical services is improving and residents' satisfaction is substantial increasing every year. However, at the same time, we also found some urgent problems needed to be solved. For examples, the range of national essential medicine is limited, which is difficult to guarantee the quality of essential medication. In addition, how to compensate the primary health care institution is still a question.

76 FR 35017 - United States et al. v. United Regional Health Care System; Public Comments and Response on...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-15

... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Antitrust Division United States et al. v. United Regional Health Care... proposed Final Judgment in United States and State of Texas v. United Regional Health Care System, Civil... Texas, (RCO) Plaintiffs, V. United Regional Health Care System, Defendant. Case No.: 7:11-cv-00030...

Georeferenced and secure mobile health system for large scale data collection in primary care.

PubMed

Sa, Joao H G; Rebelo, Marina S; Brentani, Alexandra; Grisi, Sandra J F E; Iwaya, Leonardo H; Simplicio, Marcos A; Carvalho, Tereza C M B; Gutierrez, Marco A

2016-10-01

Mobile health consists in applying mobile devices and communication capabilities for expanding the coverage and improving the effectiveness of health care programs. The technology is particularly promising for developing countries, in which health authorities can take advantage of the flourishing mobile market to provide adequate health care to underprivileged communities, especially primary care. In Brazil, the Primary Care Information System (SIAB) receives primary health care data from all regions of the country, creating a rich database for health-related action planning. Family Health Teams (FHTs) collect this data in periodic visits to families enrolled in governmental programs, following an acquisition procedure that involves filling in paper forms. This procedure compromises the quality of the data provided to health care authorities and slows down the decision-making process. To develop a mobile system (GeoHealth) that should address and overcome the aforementioned problems and deploy the proposed solution in a wide underprivileged metropolitan area of a major city in Brazil. The proposed solution comprises three main components: (a) an Application Server, with a database containing family health conditions; and two clients, (b) a Web Browser running visualization tools for management tasks, and (c) a data-gathering device (smartphone) to register and to georeference the family health data. A data security framework was designed to ensure the security of data, which was stored locally and transmitted over public networks. The system was successfully deployed at six primary care units in the city of Sao Paulo, where a total of 28,324 families/96,061 inhabitants are regularly followed up by government health policies. The health conditions observed from the population covered were: diabetes in 3.40%, hypertension (age >40) in 23.87% and tuberculosis in 0.06%. This estimated prevalence has enabled FHTs to set clinical appointments proactively, with the aim of

Growth Structure and Properties of Gradient Nanocrystalline Coatings of the Ti-Al-Si-Cu-N System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ovchinnikov, S. V.; Pinzhin, Yu. P.

2016-10-01

Methods of electron microprobe analysis, X-ray structure analysis and electron microscopy were used to study the element composition and features of the structure-phase, elastic stress state of nanocrystalline coatings of the Ti- Al- Si- Cu- N system with gradient of copper concentration across their thickness. The authors established the effects of element composition modification, non-monotonous behavior of the lattice constant of alloyed nitride and rise in the bending-torsion value of the crystalline lattice in individual nanocrystals to values of around 400 degrees/μm with increase in copper concentration, whereas the sizes of alloyed nitride crystals remained practically unchanged. Mechanical (hardness), adhesion and tribological properties of coatings were examined. Comparative analysis demonstrates higher values of adhesion characteristics in the case of gradient coatings of the Ti- Al- Si- Cu- N system than in the case of single-layer (with constant element concentration) analogues.

A computerized decision support system for depression in primary care.

PubMed

Kurian, Benji T; Trivedi, Madhukar H; Grannemann, Bruce D; Claassen, Cynthia A; Daly, Ella J; Sunderajan, Prabha

2009-01-01

In 2004, results from The Texas Medication Algorithm Project (TMAP) showed better clinical outcomes for patients whose physicians adhered to a paper-and-pencil algorithm compared to patients who received standard clinical treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). However, implementation of and fidelity to the treatment algorithm among various providers was observed to be inadequate. A computerized decision support system (CDSS) for the implementation of the TMAP algorithm for depression has since been developed to improve fidelity and adherence to the algorithm. This was a 2-group, parallel design, clinical trial (one patient group receiving MDD treatment from physicians using the CDSS and the other patient group receiving usual care) conducted at 2 separate primary care clinics in Texas from March 2005 through June 2006. Fifty-five patients with MDD (DSM-IV criteria) with no significant difference in disease characteristics were enrolled, 32 of whom were treated by physicians using CDSS and 23 were treated by physicians using usual care. The study's objective was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of implementing a CDSS to assist physicians acutely treating patients with MDD compared to usual care in primary care. Primary efficacy outcomes for depression symptom severity were based on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS(17)) evaluated by an independent rater. Patients treated by physicians employing CDSS had significantly greater symptom reduction, based on the HDRS(17), than patients treated with usual care (P < .001). The CDSS algorithm, utilizing measurement-based care, was superior to usual care for patients with MDD in primary care settings. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00551083.

Experimental investigations of hybrid PV/Spiral flow thermal collector system performance using Al2O3/water nanofluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gangadevi, R.; Vinayagam, B. K.; Senthilraja, S.

2017-05-01

In this paper, the PV/T (Photovoltaic thermal unit) system is investigated experimentally to examine the thermal, electrical and overall efficiency by circulating Al2O3/water nanofluid of 1wt% and 2wt% with an optimum flow rate of 40L/H. The overall efficiency of PVT system is largely influenced by various factors such as heat due to photovoltaic action; energy radiated at the infrared wavelength of the solar spectrum, solar irradiance, mounting structure, tilt angle, wind speed direction, Ambient temperature and panel material composition. However, the major factor is considered in this study to extract the heat generated in the PV panel by using nanofluid as a coolant to increase the overall system efficiency. Therefore, the result shows that by using 2 wt% Al2O3/water nanofluid the electrical efficiency, thermal efficiency and overall efficiency of the PVT system enhanced by 13%, 45%, and 58% respectively compared with water.

Effect of substrate roughness on the corrosion behaviour of the Al2O3/MA 956 system.

PubMed

García-Alonso, M C; Escudero, M L; González-Carrasco, J L; Chao, J

2000-01-01

This paper presents the influence of substrate roughness on the corrosion behaviour of the Al2O3/MA 956 system. An alumina layer of thickness 1-5 microm was generated of the MA956 alloy by thermal oxidation at 1100 degrees C using different exposure times. This Al2O3/MA 956 system with a polished substrate has shown excellent corrosion behaviour in a physiological fluid, due to the fact that the alpha-Al2O3 layer formed is dense, continuous and firmly adhered to the substrate, irrespective of the scale thickness. This good adherence allows it to withstand potentials above 1.7 V. Specimens with rough finish substrate and treatment times above 10 h present spallation of the alumina layer at the crests of the roughness profile. In this case a mixed corrosion behaviour between an alumina coated material and one with a passive layer is observed. In both types of specimens, rough and smooth, once the passivation layer is broken the repassivation capacity of the substrate is ensured due to the high chromium content of the alloy, under oxygenation conditions.

Rotary Mtwo system versus manual K-file instruments: efficacy in preparing primary and permanent molar root canals.

PubMed

Azar, Mohammad-Reza; Mokhtare, Maziar

2011-01-01

To compare the cleaning ability and preparation time of rotary instruments (Mtwo) and conventional manual instruments (K-file) in preparing primary and permanent molar root canals. Access cavities were prepared in 70 primary and 70 permanent teeth and India ink was injected into 120 canals of selected molars. The teeth were randomly divided into two main subgroups (n=20) and three control groups (n=10). In each of these main subgroups, either the manual instrument (K-file) or the rotary system (Mtwo) was used to prepare root canals. After cleaning the canals and clearing the teeth, dye removal was evaluated with the help of a stereomicroscope. In addition, the time needed for root canal preparation was recorded by a chronometer. Statistical analyses were done using the Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and t tests. With regard to the cleaning ability of root canals, there were no significant differences between the K-file and Mtwo rotary system in primary and permanent teeth in the apical, middle or coronal third of the canals. Moreover, there were no significant differences between primary and permanent teeth prepared with K-files and rotary instruments. In all the groups, shorter times were recorded with the rotary technique. The working time was shorter in primary than in permanent teeth. The Mtwo rotary system showed acceptable cleaning ability in both primary and permanent teeth, and achieved results similar to those of K-files in less time.

[Primary central nervous system lymphoma mimicking ventriculitis].

PubMed

Yamamoto, Shiro; Nagano, Seiji; Shibata, Sumiya; Kunieda, Takeharu; Imai, Yukihiro; Kohara, Nobuo

2013-01-01

A 66-year-old man presented with deteriorated bradykinesia, gait disturbance, disorientation, and urinary incontinence for three weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed dilatation of the ventricles. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination demonstrated lymphocytic pleocytosis, elevation of protein levels, and decreased of glucose levels. A gadolinium-enhanced MRI revealed lesions in the ventricular wall and choroid plexus, mimicking ventriculitis. No evidence of bacterial, fungal, mycobacterial, or viral infections were observed in the CSF. Flow cytometry of CSF showed predominance of CD20+, λ+ cells. PCR examination of CSF revealed positive IgH gene rearrangement, suggesting B cell lymphoma. Endoscopic brain biopsy showed diffuse large B cell lymphoma. As the patient had no evidence of lymphoma in the other organs, we made a diagnosed of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). A limited intraventricular spread of PCNSL is rare but important as one of differential diagnosis of ventriculitis.

The KOI 425 Multi-star System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hughes, Anna; Boley, Aaron C.

2017-10-01

Kepler Object of Interest 425 (KOI 425) is an eclipsing binary with periodic features in addition to the known primary and secondary transits. This KOI has been observed by Saterne et al. 2012 with SOPHIE, who found its phase variance to be indicative of a diluted eclipsing binary, likely produced by a multi-star system. We analyze the complete set of Kepler archival data for this system along with the published SOPHIE results to assess the multiplicity and the dynamics of the system.

Other primary systemic cancers in patients with melanoma: Analysis of balanced acral and nonacral melanomas.

PubMed

Bae, Soo Hyeon; Seon, Hyun Ju; Choi, Yoo Duk; Shim, Hyun-Jeong; Lee, Jee-Bum; Yun, Sook Jung

2016-02-01

Although other primary systemic cancers in patients with melanoma have been studied, there have been few focusing on acral melanomas. We assessed other primary systemic cancers in patients with acral and nonacral melanomas. We analyzed other primary cancers in 452 patients with melanoma from 1994 to 2013. Metachronous cancers were defined as those given a diagnosis more than 2 months after diagnosis of melanoma. The others were considered prechronous or synchronous cancers. Among 51 cases of other primary cancers, gastrointestinal cancer (35.3%, n = 18/51) was the most common, followed by thyroid (17.6%), lung (11.8%), and breast (5.9%). Those were more prevalent in the acral melanoma group (12.8%, n = 31/243) compared with the nonacral melanoma group (9.6%, n = 20/209). Of 23 cases of metachronous cancer, the risk was the highest in bone marrow, followed by oral cavity, bladder, colon, lung, and thyroid. Among 28 cases of prechronous or synchronous cancers, gastrointestinal tract (35.7%, n = 10/28) was the most common site, followed by thyroid (17.9%), breast (10.7%), and lung (7.1%). The study is limited by a small number of patients. Careful follow-up and imaging studies are necessary for early detection of other primary cancers and metastatic lesions in patients with melanoma. Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Space Shuttle Program Primary Avionics Software System (PASS) Success Legacy - Quality and Reliability Date

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Orr, James K.; Peltier, Daryl

2010-01-01

Thsi slide presentation reviews the avionics software system on board the space shuttle, with particular emphasis on the quality and reliability. The Primary Avionics Software System (PASS) provides automatic and fly-by-wire control of critical shuttle systems which executes in redundant computers. Charts given show the number of space shuttle flights vs time, PASS's development history, and other charts that point to the reliability of the system's development. The reliability of the system is also compared to predicted reliability.

40 CFR 141.544 - What if my system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection? 141.544 Section 141.544 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS Enhanced Filtration and Disinfection-Systems Serving Fewer Than 10,000 People Disinfection...

[The primary research and development of software oversampling mapping system for electrocardiogram].

PubMed

Zhou, Yu; Ren, Jie

2011-04-01

We put forward a new concept of software oversampling mapping system for electrocardiogram (ECG) to assist the research of the ECG inverse problem to improve the generality of mapping system and the quality of mapping signals. We then developed a conceptual system based on the traditional ECG detecting circuit, Labview and DAQ card produced by National Instruments, and at the same time combined the newly-developed oversampling method into the system. The results indicated that the system could map ECG signals accurately and the quality of the signals was good. The improvement of hardware and enhancement of software made the system suitable for mapping in different situations. So the primary development of the software for oversampling mapping system was successful and further research and development can make the system a powerful tool for researching ECG inverse problem.

A critique of Lilienfeld et al.'s (2000) "The scientific status of projective techniques".

PubMed

Hibbard, Stephen

2003-06-01

Lilienfeld, Wood, and Garb (2000) published a largely negative critique of the validity and reliability of projective methods, concentrating on the Comprehensive System for the Rorschach (Exner, 1993), 3 systems for coding the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT; Murray, 1943) cards, and human figure drawings. This article is an effort to document and correct what I perceive as errors of omission and commission in the Lilienfeld et al. article. When projective measures are viewed in the light of these corrections, the evidence for the validity and clinical usefulness of the Rorschach and TAT methods is more robust than Lilienfeld et al. represented.

Preliminary study of the characteristics of a high Mg containing Al-Mg-Si alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, F.; McKay, B. J.; Fan, Z.; Chen, M. F.

2012-01-01

An Al-20Mg-4Si high Mg containing alloy has been produced and its characteristics investigated. The as-cast alloy revealed primary Mg2Si particles evenly distributed throughout an α-Al matrix with a β-Al3Mg2 fully divorced eutectic phase observed in interdendritic regions. The Mg2Si particles displayed octahedral, truncated octahedral, and hopper morphologies. Additions of Sb, Ti and Zr had a refining influence reducing the size of the Mg2Si from 52 ± 4 μm to 25 ± 0.1 μm, 35 ± 1 μm and 34 ± 1 μm respectively. HPDC tensile test samples could be produced with a 0.6 wt.% Mn addition which prevented die soldering. Solution heating for 1 hr was found to dissolve the majority of the Al3Mg2 eutectic phase with no evidence of any effect on the primary Mg2Si. Preliminary results indicate that the heat treatment has a beneficial effect on the elongation and the UTS.

Alteration of Al-rich inclusions inside amoeboid olivine aggregates in the Allende meteorite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hashimoto, Akihiko; Grossman, Lawrence

1987-01-01

The primary phases of Al-rich inclusions in amoeboid olivine aggregates have undergone alteration reactions with the solar nebular gas. The simplest interpretation of the present observations is that melilite was the first primary phase to disappear with falling temperature, and was replaced by grossular + anorthite + feldspathoids, followed by fassaite; spinel was the last phase to be altered. Thermodynamic calculations suggest that Na-rich phlogopite could have formed at about 470 K and chlorite at about 328 K at a water fugacity of 0.000001, which is that of a gas of solar composition in this temperature range. The olivine around Al-rich inclusions is not serpentized, indicating the cessation of gas-solid equilibrium above 274 K.

40 CFR 141.535 - What if my system uses chloramines, ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., ozone, or chlorine dioxide for primary disinfection? 141.535 Section 141.535 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS Enhanced Filtration and Disinfection-Systems Serving Fewer Than 10,000 People Disinfection Profile...

Effect of Aluminum Treatment on Proteomes of Radicles of Seeds Derived from Al-Treated Tomato Plants

PubMed Central

Okekeogbu, Ikenna; Ye, Zhujia; Sangireddy, Sasikiran Reddy; Li, Hui; Bhatti, Sarabjit; Hui, Dafeng; Zhou, Suping; Howe, Kevin J.; Fish, Tara; Yang, Yong; Thannhauser, Theodore W.

2014-01-01

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a major constraint to plant growth and crop yield in acid soils. Tomato cultivars are especially susceptible to excessive Al3+ accumulated in the root zone. In this study, tomato plants were grown in a hydroponic culture system supplemented with 50 µM AlK(SO4)2. Seeds harvested from Al-treated plants contained a significantly higher Al content than those grown in the control hydroponic solution. In this study, these Al-enriched tomato seeds (harvested from Al-treated tomato plants) were germinated in 50 µM AlK(SO4)2 solution in a homopiperazine-1,4-bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid) buffer (pH 4.0), and the control solution which contained the buffer only. Proteomes of radicles were analyzed quantitatively by mass spectrometry employing isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ®). The proteins identified were assigned to molecular functional groups and cellular metabolic pathways using MapMan. Among the proteins whose abundance levels changed significantly were: a number of transcription factors; proteins regulating gene silencing and programmed cell death; proteins in primary and secondary signaling pathways, including phytohormone signaling and proteins for enhancing tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress. Among the metabolic pathways, enzymes in glycolysis and fermentation and sucrolytic pathways were repressed. Secondary metabolic pathways including the mevalonate pathway and lignin biosynthesis were induced. Biological reactions in mitochondria seem to be induced due to an increase in the abundance level of mitochondrial ribosomes and enzymes in the TCA cycle, electron transport chains and ATP synthesis. PMID:28250376

FORMATION MECHANISM FOR THE NANOSCALE AMORPHOUS INTERFACE IN PULSE-WELDED AL/FE BIMETALLIC SYSTEM

DOE PAGES

Li, Jingjing; Yu, Qian; Zhang, Zijiao; ...

2016-05-20

Pulse or impact welding traditionally has been referred to as “solid-state” welding. By integrating advanced interface characterizations and diffusion calculations, we report that the nanoscale amorphous interface in the pulse-welded Al/Fe bimetallic system is formed by rapid heating and melting of a thin Al layer at the interface, diffusion of iron atoms in the liquid aluminum, and subsequent rapid quenching with diffused iron atoms in solution. This finding challenges the commonly held belief regarding the solid-state nature of the impact-based welding process for dissimilar metals. Elongated ultra-fine grains with high dislocation density and ultra-fine equiaxed grains also are observed inmore » the weld interface vicinity on the steel and aluminum sides, respectively, which further confirms that melting and the resulted recrystallization occurred on the aluminum side of the interface.« less

FORMATION MECHANISM FOR THE NANOSCALE AMORPHOUS INTERFACE IN PULSE-WELDED AL/FE BIMETALLIC SYSTEM

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

Li, Jingjing; Yu, Qian; Zhang, Zijiao

Pulse or impact welding traditionally has been referred to as “solid-state” welding. By integrating advanced interface characterizations and diffusion calculations, we report that the nanoscale amorphous interface in the pulse-welded Al/Fe bimetallic system is formed by rapid heating and melting of a thin Al layer at the interface, diffusion of iron atoms in the liquid aluminum, and subsequent rapid quenching with diffused iron atoms in solution. This finding challenges the commonly held belief regarding the solid-state nature of the impact-based welding process for dissimilar metals. Elongated ultra-fine grains with high dislocation density and ultra-fine equiaxed grains also are observed inmore » the weld interface vicinity on the steel and aluminum sides, respectively, which further confirms that melting and the resulted recrystallization occurred on the aluminum side of the interface.« less

Formation mechanism for the nanoscale amorphous interface in pulse-welded Al/Fe bimetallic systems

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

Li, Jingjing; Yu, Qian; Zhang, Zijiao

Pulse or impact welding traditionally has been referred to as “solid-state” welding. By integrating advanced interface characterizations and diffusion calculations, we report that the nanoscale amorphous interface in the pulse-welded Al/Fe bimetallic system is formed by rapid heating and melting of a thin Al layer at the interface, diffusion of iron atoms in the liquid aluminum, and subsequent rapid quenching with diffused iron atoms in solution. This finding challenges the commonly held belief regarding the solid-state nature of the impact-based welding process for dissimilar metals. Elongated ultra-fine grains with high dislocation density and ultra-fine equiaxed grains also are observed inmore » the weld interface vicinity on the steel and aluminum sides, respectively, which further confirms that melting and the subsequent recrystallization occurred on the aluminum side of the interface.« less

Panoramic View Of Challenges And Opportunities For Primary Healthcare Systems In Pakistan.

PubMed

Sharif, Hina; Sughra, Ume; Butt, Zahid

2016-01-01

Pakistan has a broad system of primary health care facilities to achieve mission of "Health for all". Over the last seven years health expenditure by government of Pakistan has been increased to attain this goal. This study was conducted with the aim to assess all blocks of service readiness (basic equipment, basic amenities, laboratory capacity, standard precautions and essential medicines) in public-primary health care facilities of tehsil Rawalpindi, Pakistan. A cross-sectional survey was carried out utilizing two separate structured questionnaires for basic health units and rural health centres. Information was collected from administrative heads along with other staff where required, of all public-primary health care facilities of Tehsil Rawalpindi. Data were analysed by using SPSS version.17. A total of 26 health facilities were assessed; only 56% BHUs had a sign board that was available in readable form. BHUs with women medical officer as administrative head constituted 52%. Backup for electricity and toilet were the most neglected areas. Basic amenities, standard precautions and laboratory capacity of Basic Health Units (BHUs) showed a clear deviation from standards and is thus a challenge for Pakistan's Primary Health care (PHC). On the other hand for Rural Health Centres (RHCs), most were on the way to meet expectations. Pakistan's government is undoubtedly putting efforts in order to achieve targets of primary healthcare but it needs better mainstreaming of political, institutional and social commitments with modified standards for PHC.

Theory and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy for Aluminum Coordination Complexes – Al K-Edge Studies of Charge and Bonding in (BDI)Al, (BDI)AlR2, and (BDI)AlX2 Complexes.

PubMed

Altman, Alison B; Pemmaraju, C D; Camp, Clément; Arnold, John; Minasian, Stefan G; Prendergast, David; Shuh, David K; Tyliszczak, Tolek

2015-08-19

Polarized aluminum K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy and first-principles calculations were used to probe electronic structure in a series of (BDI)Al, (BDI)AlX2, and (BDI)AlR2 coordination compounds (X = F, Cl, I; R = H, Me; BDI = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl-β-diketiminate). Spectral interpretations were guided by examination of the calculated transition energies and polarization-dependent oscillator strengths, which agreed well with the XANES spectroscopy measurements. Pre-edge features were assigned to transitions associated with the Al 3p orbitals involved in metal-ligand bonding. Qualitative trends in Al 1s core energy and valence orbital occupation were established through a systematic comparison of excited states derived from Al 3p orbitals with similar symmetries in a molecular orbital framework. These trends suggested that the higher transition energies observed for (BDI)AlX2 systems with more electronegative X(1-) ligands could be ascribed to a decrease in electron density around the aluminum atom, which causes an increase in the attractive potential of the Al nucleus and concomitant increase in the binding energy of the Al 1s core orbitals. For (BDI)Al and (BDI)AlH2 the experimental Al K-edge XANES spectra and spectra calculated using the eXcited electron and Core-Hole (XCH) approach had nearly identical energies for transitions to final state orbitals of similar composition and symmetry. These results implied that the charge distributions about the aluminum atoms in (BDI)Al and (BDI)AlH2 are similar relative to the (BDI)AlX2 and (BDI)AlMe2 compounds, despite having different formal oxidation states of +1 and +3, respectively. However, (BDI)Al was unique in that it exhibited a low-energy feature that was attributed to transitions into a low-lying p-orbital of b1 symmetry that is localized on Al and orthogonal to the (BDI)Al plane. The presence of this low-energy unoccupied molecular orbital on electron-rich (BDI)Al distinguishes

Primary central nervous system lymphoma in immunocompetent patients: spectrum of findings and differential characteristics.

PubMed

Gómez Roselló, E; Quiles Granado, A M; Laguillo Sala, G; Pedraza Gutiérrez, S

2018-02-23

Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas are uncommon and their management differs significantly from that of other malignant tumors involving the CNS. This article explains how the imaging findings often suggest the diagnosis early. The typical findings in immunocompetent patients consist of a supratentorial intraaxial mass that enhances homogeneously. Other findings to evaluate include multifocality and incomplete ring enhancement. The differential diagnosis of primary CNS lymphomas should consider mainly other malignant tumors of the CNS such as glioblastomas or metastases. Primary CNS lymphomas tend to have less edema and less mass effect; they also tend to spare the adjacent cortex. Necrosis, hemorrhage, and calcification are uncommon in primary CNS lymphomas. Although the findings in morphologic sequences are characteristic, they are not completely specific and atypical types are sometimes encountered. Advanced imaging techniques such as diffusion or especially perfusion provide qualitative and quantitative data that play an important role in differentiating primary CNS lymphomas from other brain tumors. Copyright © 2018 SERAM. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Equilibrium aluminium hydroxo-oxalate phases during initial clay formation; H +-Al 3+-oxalic acid-Na + system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bilinski, Halka; Horvath, Laszlo; Ingri, Nils; Sjöberg, Staffan

1986-09-01

The conditions necessary for initial clay formation have been studied in different model systems comprising different organic acids besides Si and Al. In the present paper the solid phases and the precipitation boundary characterizing the subsystem H +-Al 3+-oxalic acid (H 2L) are discussed. pH and tyndallometric measurements were performed in an ionic medium of 0.6 M Na(Cl) at 25 °C. The two phases Al 3(OH) 7(C 2O 4) · 3H 2O (phase I) and NaAl(OH) 2(C 2O 4) · 3H 2O (phase II) determine the precipitation boundary. The following formation constants for the two phases were deduced: lgβ1 = lg([ Al3+] -3[ H2C2O4] -1[ H+] 9 = -21.87 ± 0.08 and lgβ11 = lg([ Al3+] -1[ H2C2O4] -1[ H+] 4 = -5.61 ± 0.06. Phase I exists in the range [ Al] tot≥ 10 -4.4moldm-3,[ H2C2O4] tot ≥ 10 -4.9moldm-3 and at pH < 6.8, thus being a possible precipitate in oxalic-rich natural waters. The more soluble sodium phase is unlikely to exist in natural waters. The two phases are metastable relative to crystalline gibbsite and may be considered as the first precipitation step in the transition from aqueous Al oxalates down to stable Al hydroxide. Model calculations illustrating these competing hydrolysis-complexation reactions are discussed in terms of predominance and speciation diagrams. The solid phases have been characterized by X-ray analysis of powders, TGA and IR spectra, and tentative structures are proposed. Phase I seems to be an octahedral layer structure, in which 3/5 of the octahedral sites between two close packed oxygen sheets are occupied by Al 3+ and the oxalate ion acts as a bridge ligand between two aluminium atoms. Phase II forms a more open sheet structure and has ion exchange properties. Powder data for a phase crystallized from the studied solution after a year are also presented. This phase, Na 4Al 2(OH) 2(C 2O 4) 4 · 10H 2O, supports the results from the equilibrium analysis of recent solution data by SJöBERG and ÖHMAN (1985), who have found the dinuclear

Formation of equiaxed crystal structures in directionally solidified Al-Si alloys using Nb-based heterogeneous nuclei

PubMed Central

Bolzoni, Leandro; Xia, Mingxu; Babu, Nadendla Hari

2016-01-01

The design of chemical compositions containing potent nuclei for the enhancement of heterogeneous nucleation in aluminium, especially cast alloys such as Al-Si alloys, is a matter of importance in order to achieve homogeneous properties in castings with complex geometries. We identified that Al3Nb/NbB2 compounds are effective heterogeneous nuclei and are successfully produced in the form of Al-2Nb-xB (x = 0.5, 1 and 2) master alloys. Our study shows that the inoculation of Al-10Si braze alloy with these compounds effectively promotes the heterogeneous nucleation of primary α-Al crystals and reduces the undercooling needed for solidification to take place. Moreover, we present evidences that these Nb-based compounds prevent the growth of columnar crystals and permit to obtain, for the first time, fine and equiaxed crystals in directionally solidified Al-10Si braze alloy. As a consequence of the potent heterogeneous particles, the size of the α-Al crystals was found to be less dependent on the processing conditions, especially the thermal gradient. Finally, we also demonstrate that the enhanced nucleation leads to the refinement of secondary phases such as eutectic silicon and primary silicon particles. PMID:28008967

Primary acquired cold urticaria.

PubMed

Lee, Chyh-Woei; Sheffer, Albert L

2003-01-01

Primary acquired cold urticaria (ACU) is the most common type of cold urticaria characterized by rapid onset of pruritic hives, swelling, and possible severe systemic reactions including hypotension and shock after cold exposure. Primary ACU is diagnosed by history of such symptoms, a positive immediate cold-contact stimulation test, and negative laboratory evaluation for underlying systemic disorders. Clinicians should be aware that patients with ACU may be susceptible to life-threatening systemic reactions especially during aquatic activities and that proper patient education is extremely important. This article reviews the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of primary ACU.

Phase equilibria in the nominally Al65Cu23Fe12 system at 3, 5 and 21 GPa: Implications for the quasicrystal-bearing Khatyrka meteorite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stagno, Vincenzo; Bindi, Luca; Steinhardt, Paul J.; Fei, Yingwei

2017-10-01

Two of the three natural quasiperiodic crystals found in the Khatyrka meteorite show a composition within the Al-Cu-Fe system. Icosahedrite, with formula Al63Cu24Fe13, coexists with the new Al62Cu31Fe7 quasicrystal plus additional Al-metallic minerals such as stolperite (AlCu), kryachkoite [(Al,Cu)6(Fe,Cu)], hollisterite (AlFe3), khatyrkite (Al2Cu) and cupalite (AlCu), associated to high-pressure phases like ringwoodite/ahrensite, coesite, and stishovite. These high-pressure minerals represent the evidence that most of the Khatyrka meteoritic fragments formed at least at 5 GPa and 1200 °C, if not at more extreme conditions. On the other hand, experimental studies on phase equilibria within the representative Al-Cu-Fe system appear mostly limited to ambient pressure conditions, yet. This makes the interpretation of the coexisting mineral phases in the meteoritic sample quite difficult. We performed experiments at 3, 5 and 21 GPa and temperatures of 800-1500 °C using the multi-anvil apparatus to investigate the phase equilibria in the Al65Cu23Fe12 system representative of the first natural quasicrystal, icosahedrite. Our results, supported by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and analyses by scanning electron microscopy, confirm the stability of icosahedrite at high pressure and temperature along with additional coexisting Al-bearing phases representative of khatyrkite and stolperite as those found in the natural meteorite. One reversal experiment performed at 5 GPa and 1200 °C shows the formation of the icosahedral quasicrystal from a pure Al, Cu and Fe mixture, a first experimental synthesis of icosahedrite under those conditions. Pressure appears to not play a major role in the distribution of Al, Cu and Fe between the coexisting phases, icosahedrite in particular. Results from this study extend our knowledge on the stability of icosahedral AlCuFe at higher temperature and pressure than previously examined, and provide a new constraint on the stability of

Developing a Decision Support System for Tobacco Use Counseling Using Primary Care Physicians

PubMed Central

Marcy, Theodore W.; Kaplan, Bonnie; Connolly, Scott W.; Michel, George; Shiffman, Richard N.; Flynn, Brian S.

2009-01-01

Background Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) have the potential to improve adherence to guidelines, but only if they are designed to work in the complex environment of ambulatory clinics as otherwise physicians may not use them. Objective To gain input from primary care physicians in designing a CDSS for smoking cessation to ensure that the design is appropriate to a clinical environment before attempts to test this CDSS in a clinical trial. This approach is of general interest to those designing similar systems. Design and Approach We employed an iterative ethnographic process that used multiple evaluation methods to understand physician preferences and workflow integration. Using results from our prior survey of physicians and clinic managers, we developed a prototype CDSS, validated content and design with an expert panel, and then subjected it to usability testing by physicians, followed by iterative design changes based on their feedback. We then performed clinical testing with individual patients, and conducted field tests of the CDSS in two primary care clinics during which four physicians used it for routine patient visits. Results The CDSS prototype was substantially modified through these cycles of usability and clinical testing, including removing a potentially fatal design flaw. During field tests in primary care clinics, physicians incorporated the final CDSS prototype into their workflow, and used it to assist in smoking cessation interventions up to eight times daily. Conclusions A multi-method evaluation process utilizing primary care physicians proved useful for developing a CDSS that was acceptable to physicians and patients, and feasible to use in their clinical environment. PMID:18713526

Research on large-aperture primary mirror supporting way of vehicle-mounted laser communication system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Lixin; Meng, Lingchen; Zhang, Yiqun; Zhang, Lizhong; Liu, Ming; Li, Xiaoming

2018-01-01

In the satellite to earth laser communication link, large-aperture ground laser communication terminals usually are used in order to realize the requirement of high rate and long distance communication and restrain the power fluctuation by atmospheric scintillation. With the increasing of the laser communication terminal caliber, the primary mirror weight should also be increased, and selfweight, thermal deformation and environment will affect the surface accuracy of the primary mirror surface. A high precision vehicular laser communication telescope unit with an effective aperture of 600mm was considered in this paper. The primary mirror is positioned with center hole, which back is supported by 9 floats and the side is supported by a mercury band. The secondary mirror adopts a spherical adjusting mechanism. Through simulation analysis, the system wave difference is better than λ/20 when the primary mirror is in different dip angle, which meets the requirements of laser communication.

Potential Improvements to Remote Primary Productivity Estimation in the Southern California Current System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacox, M.; Edwards, C. A.; Kahru, M.; Rudnick, D. L.; Kudela, R. M.

2012-12-01

A 26-year record of depth integrated primary productivity (PP) in the Southern California Current System (SCCS) is analyzed with the goal of improving satellite net primary productivity (PP) estimates. The ratio of integrated primary productivity to surface chlorophyll correlates strongly to surface chlorophyll concentration (chl0). However, chl0 does not correlate to chlorophyll-specific productivity, and appears to be a proxy for vertical phytoplankton distribution rather than phytoplankton physiology. Modest improvements in PP model performance are achieved by tuning existing algorithms for the SCCS, particularly by empirical parameterization of photosynthetic efficiency in the Vertically Generalized Production Model. Much larger improvements are enabled by improving accuracy of subsurface chlorophyll and light profiles. In a simple vertically resolved production model, substitution of in situ surface data for remote sensing estimates offers only marginal improvements in model r2 and total log10 root mean squared difference, while inclusion of in situ chlorophyll and light profiles improves these metrics significantly. Autonomous underwater gliders, capable of measuring subsurface fluorescence on long-term, long-range deployments, significantly improve PP model fidelity in the SCCS. We suggest their use (and that of other autonomous profilers such as Argo floats) in conjunction with satellites as a way forward for improved PP estimation in coastal upwelling systems.

Phase equilibria investigations and thermodynamic modeling of the system Bi2O3-Al2O3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oudich, F.; David, N.; Mathieu, S.; Vilasi, M.

2015-02-01

The system Bi2O3-Al2O3 has been experimentally investigated above 600 °C by DTA, XRD and EPMA under air and low oxygen pressure. Only two compounds were found to exist in equilibrium, which are Bi2Al4O9(1Bi2O3:2Al2O3) and Bi25AlO39(25:1). The latter exhibits a sillenite structure and does not contain pentavalent bismuth. A peritectoid decomposition of (25:1) and a peritectic melting of (1:2) occur at 775 °C and 1075 °C respectively, while an eutectic transformation was observed at 815 °C for 97 mol% Bi2O3. On the basis of the results obtained within the present work as well as experimental data provided from literature, a thermodynamic modeling where the liquid phase is described by the two-sublattice ionic liquid model was performed according to the Calphad approach. The resulting thermodynamic optimization yielded good agreement with experimental results in the investigated region.

Development of Surface Nanocomposite Based on Al-Ni-O Ternary System on Al6061 Alloy by Friction-Stir Processing and Evaluation of Its Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adel Mehraban, F.; Karimzadeh, F.; Abbasi, M. H.

2015-05-01

In this study, an Al/Al2O3-Al3Ni hybrid nanocomposite was developed on the surface of Al6061-T6 plate with preplaced NiO powder on its surface using friction-stir processing (FSP). The x-ray diffraction results showed that NiO particles were reduced by Al during FSP and Al3Ni and Al2O3 were formed as in situ reaction products. A thermodynamic analysis indicated that the reaction is thermodynamically possible and exothermic. Thus, the reaction that is initiated by the severe plastic deformation and friction associated with FSP could continue by the heat that is generated by the exothermic reaction. During each FSP pass, the FSP products are detached quickly from the interface and the growth of the particles is limited and nanometer-sized reinforcements were produced. The presence of facet and hexagonal nanoparticles in transmission electron microscopy micrographs of the stir zone confirmed the formation of Al3Ni and Al2O3 nanoreinforcements, respectively. Mechanical test results showed that the microhardness and ultimate tensile strength in the stir zone of nanocomposite decreased due to the dissolution of precipitates in Al6061-T6 during FSP. The tribological properties of Al6061 at 350°C were significantly improved by developing surface Al/Al2O3-Al3Ni nanocomposite.

Clinical trials for neuroprotection in ALS.

PubMed

Siciliano, G; Carlesi, C; Pasquali, L; Piazza, S; Pietracupa, S; Fornai, F; Ruggieri, S; Murri, L

2010-07-01

Owing to uncertainty on the pathogenic mechanisms underlying motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) riluzole remains the only available therapy, with only marginal effects on disease survival. Here we review some of the recent advances in the search for disease-modifying drugs for ALS based on their putative neuroprotective effetcs. A number of more or less established agents have recently been investigated also in ALS for their potential role in neuroprotection and relying on antiglutamatergic, antioxidant or antiapoptotic strategies. Among them Talampanel, beta-lactam antibiotics, Coenzyme Q10, and minocycline have been investigated. Progress has also been made in exploiting growth factors for the treatment of ALS, partly due to advances in developing effective delivery systems to the central nervous system. A number of new therapies have also been identified, including a novel class of compounds, such as heat-shock protein co-inducers, which upregulate cell stress responses, and agents promoting autophagy and mitochondriogenesis, such as lithium and rapamycin. More recently, alterations of mRNA processing were described as a pathogenic mechanism in genetically defined forms of ALS, as those related to TDP-43 and FUS-TLS gene mutations. This knowledge is expected to improve our understanding of the pathogenetic mechanism in ALS and developing more effective therapies.

The fecal microbiome of ALS patients.

PubMed

Brenner, David; Hiergeist, Andreas; Adis, Carolin; Mayer, Benjamin; Gessner, André; Ludolph, Albert C; Weishaupt, Jochen H

2018-01-01

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative motor neuron disease accompanied by both systemic and central nervous system-specific inflammation as well as deregulated energy metabolism. These potential pathogenetic factors have recently been found to mutually interact with the gut microbiota, raising the hypothesis of a link between microbiome alterations and ALS pathogenesis. The aim of our study was to assess whether ALS is associated with an altered composition of the fecal microbiota. We compared the fecal microbiota of 25 ALS patients with 32 age- and gender-matched healthy persons using 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. Confounding factors and secondary disease effects on the microbiome were minimized by selection of patients without dysphagia, gastrostomy, noninvasive ventilation, or reduced body mass index. Comparing the 2 carefully matched groups, the diversity and the abundance of the bacterial taxa on the different taxonomic levels as well as PICRUSt-predicted metagenomes were almost indistinguishable. Significant differences between ALS patients and healthy controls were only observed with regard to the overall number of microbial species (operational taxonomic units) and in the abundance of uncultured Ruminococcaceae. Conclusively, ALS patients do not exhibit a substantial alteration of the gut microbiota composition. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Orbital Period Variations in the NY Vir System, Revisited in the Light of New Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baştürk, Özgür; Esmer, Ekrem Murat

2018-02-01

NY Virginis is an eclipsing binary system with a subdwarf B primary and an M type dwarf secondary. Recent studies (Qian et al. 2012; Lee et al. 2014) suggested the presence of two circumbinary planets with a few Jovian masses within the system. Lee et al. (2014) examined the orbital stabilities of the suggested planets, using the best-fit parameters derived from their eclipse timing variation analysis. They found that the outer companion should be ejected from the system in about 800 000 years. An observational report from Pulley et al. (2016) pointed out that the recent mideclipse times of the binary deviate significantly from the models suggested by Lee et al. (2014). In fact, variations in the orbital period of the system had already been recognized by many authors, but the parameters of these variations vary significantly as new data accumulate. Here, we analyze the eclipse timing variations of the NY Vir system, using new mid-eclipse times that we have obtained together with earlier published measurements in order to understand the nature of the system and constrain its parameters.

Development of a monitoring instrument to assess the performance of the Swiss primary care system.

PubMed

Ebert, Sonja T; Pittet, Valérie; Cornuz, Jacques; Senn, Nicolas

2017-11-29

The Swiss health system is customer-driven with fee-for-service paiement scheme and universal coverage. It is highly performing but expensive and health information systems are scarcely implemented. The Swiss Primary Care Active Monitoring (SPAM) program aims to develop an instrument able to describe the performance and effectiveness of the Swiss PC system. Based on a Literature review we developed a conceptual framework and selected indicators according to their ability to reflect the Swiss PC system. A two round modified RAND method with 24 inter-/national experts took place to select primary/secondary indicators (validity, clarity, agreement). A limited set of priority indicators was selected (importance, priority) in a third round. A conceptual framework covering three domains (structure, process, outcome) subdivided into twelve sections (funding, access, organisation/ workflow of resources, (Para-)Medical training, management of knowledge, clinical-/interpersonal care, health status, satisfaction of PC providers/ consumers, equity) was generated. 365 indicators were pre-selected and 335 were finally retained. 56 were kept as priority indicators.- Among the remaining, 199 were identified as primary and 80 as secondary indicators. All domains and sections are represented. The development of the SPAM program allowed the construction of a consensual instrument in a traditionally unregulated health system through a modified RAND method. The selected 56 priority indicators render the SPAM instrument a comprehensive tool supporting a better understanding of the Swiss PC system's performance and effectiveness as well as in identifying potential ways to improve quality of care. Further challenges will be to update indicators regularly and to assess validity and sensitivity-to-change over time.

High precision Al-Mg systematics of forsterite-bearing Type B CAIs from CV3 chondrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacPherson, G. J.; Bullock, E. S.; Tenner, T. J.; Nakashima, D.; Kita, N. T.; Ivanova, M. A.; Krot, A. N.; Petaev, M. I.; Jacobsen, S. B.

2017-03-01

In order to further elucidate possible temporal relationships between different varieties of calcium-, aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs), we measured the aluminum-magnesium isotopic systematics of seven examples of the rare type known as forsterite-bearing Type B (FoB) inclusions from four different CV3 carbonaceous chondrites: Allende, Efremovka, NWA 3118, and Vigarano. The primary phases (forsterite, Al-Ti-rich diopside, spinel, melilite, and anorthite) in each inclusion were analyzed in situ using high-precision secondary ion mass-spectrometry (SIMS). In all cases, minerals with low Al/Mg ratios (all except anorthite) yield well-defined internal Al-Mg isochrons, with a range of initial 26Al/27Al ratios [(26Al/27Al)0] ranging from (5.30 ± 0.22) × 10-5 down to (4.17 ± 0.43) × 10-5. Anorthite in all cases is significantly disturbed relative to the isochrons defined by the other phases in the same CAIs, and in several cases contains no resolved excesses of radiogenic 26Mg (δ26Mg∗) even at 27Al/24Mg ratios greater than 1000. The fact that some FoBs preserve (26Al/27Al)0 of ∼5.2 × 10-5, close to the canonical value of (5.23 ± 0.13) × 10-5 inferred from bulk magnesium-isotope measurements of CV CAIs (B. Jacobsen et al., 2008), demonstrates that FoBs began forming very early, contemporaneous with other more-refractory CAIs. The range of (26Al/27Al)0 values further shows that FoBs continued to be reprocessed over ∼200,000 years of nebular history, consistent with results obtained for other types of igneous CAIs in CV chondrites. The absence of any correlation between of CAI + FoB formation or reprocessing times with bulk composition or CAI type means that there is no temporal evolutionary sequence between the diverse CAI types. The initial δ26Mg∗ value in the most primitive FoB (SJ101) is significantly lower than the canonical solar system value of -0.040 ± 0.029‰.

A Computerized Decision Support System for Depression in Primary Care

PubMed Central

Kurian, Benji T.; Trivedi, Madhukar H.; Grannemann, Bruce D.; Claassen, Cynthia A.; Daly, Ella J.; Sunderajan, Prabha

2009-01-01

Objective: In 2004, results from The Texas Medication Algorithm Project (TMAP) showed better clinical outcomes for patients whose physicians adhered to a paper-and-pencil algorithm compared to patients who received standard clinical treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). However, implementation of and fidelity to the treatment algorithm among various providers was observed to be inadequate. A computerized decision support system (CDSS) for the implementation of the TMAP algorithm for depression has since been developed to improve fidelity and adherence to the algorithm. Method: This was a 2-group, parallel design, clinical trial (one patient group receiving MDD treatment from physicians using the CDSS and the other patient group receiving usual care) conducted at 2 separate primary care clinics in Texas from March 2005 through June 2006. Fifty-five patients with MDD (DSM-IV criteria) with no significant difference in disease characteristics were enrolled, 32 of whom were treated by physicians using CDSS and 23 were treated by physicians using usual care. The study's objective was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of implementing a CDSS to assist physicians acutely treating patients with MDD compared to usual care in primary care. Primary efficacy outcomes for depression symptom severity were based on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS17) evaluated by an independent rater. Results: Patients treated by physicians employing CDSS had significantly greater symptom reduction, based on the HDRS17, than patients treated with usual care (P < .001). Conclusions: The CDSS algorithm, utilizing measurement-based care, was superior to usual care for patients with MDD in primary care settings. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00551083 PMID:19750065

Thermoelectric properties of the Ca(5)Al(2-x)In(x)Sb(6) solid solution.

PubMed

Zevalkink, Alex; Swallow, Jessica; Ohno, Saneyuki; Aydemir, Umut; Bux, Sabah; Snyder, G Jeffrey

2014-11-14

Zintl phases are attractive for thermoelectric applications due to their complex structures and bonding environments. The Zintl compounds Ca(5)Al(2)In(x)Sb(6)and Ca(5)Al(2)In(x)Sb(6) have both been shown to have promising thermoelectric properties, with zT values of 0.6 and 0.7, respectively, when doped to control the carrier concentration. Alloying can often be used to further improve thermoelectric materials in cases when the decrease in lattice thermal conductivity outweighs reductions to the electronic mobility. Here we present the high temperature thermoelectric properties of the Ca(5)Al(2-x)In(x)Sb(6)solid solution. Undoped and optimally Zn-doped samples were investigated. X-ray diffraction confirms that a full solid solution exists between the Al and In end-members. We find that the Al : In ratio does not greatly influence the carrier concentration or Seebeck effect. The primary effect of alloying is thus increased scattering of both charge carriers and phonons, leading to significantly reduced electronic mobility and lattice thermal conductivity at room temperature. Ultimately, the figure of merit is unaffected by alloying in this system, due to the competing effects of reduced mobility and lattice thermal conductivity.

Advances in Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma.

PubMed

Patrick, Lauren B; Mohile, Nimish A

2015-12-01

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is limited to the CNS. Although novel imaging techniques aid in discriminating lymphoma from other brain tumors, definitive diagnosis requires brain biopsy, vitreoretinal biopsy, or cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Survival rates in clinical studies have improved over the past 20 years due to the addition of high-dose methotrexate-based chemotherapy regimens to whole-brain radiotherapy. Long-term survival, however, is complicated by clinically devastating delayed neurotoxicity. Newer regimens are attempting to reduce or eliminate radiotherapy from first-line treatment with chemotherapy dose intensification. Significant advances have also been made in the fields of pathobiology and treatment, with more targeted treatments on the horizon. The rarity of the disease makes conducting of prospective clinical trials challenging, requiring collaborative efforts between institutions. This review highlights recent advances in the biology, detection, and treatment of PCNSL in immunocompetent patients.

A Decade Lost: Primary Healthcare Performance Reporting across Canada under the Action Plan for Health System Renewal.

PubMed

Johnston, Sharon; Hogel, Matthew

2016-05-01

In 2004, Canada's First Ministers committed to reforms that would shape the future of the Canadian healthcare landscape. These agreements included commitments to improved performance reporting within the primary healthcare system. The aim of this paper was to review the state of primary healthcare performance reporting after the public reporting mandate agreed to a decade ago in the Action Plan for Health System Renewal of 2003 expired. A grey literature search was performed to identify reports released by the governmental and independent reporting bodies across Canada. No province, or the federal government, met their performance reporting obligations from the 2004 accords. Although the indicators required to report on in the 2004 Accord no longer reflect the priorities of patients, policy makers and physicians, provinces are also failing to report on these priorities. Canada needs better primary healthcare performance reporting to enable accountability and improvement within and across provinces. Despite the national mandate to improve public health system reporting, an opportunity to learn from the diverse primary healthcare reforms, underway across Canada for the past decade, has already been lost. Copyright © 2016 Longwoods Publishing.

Relaxation-phenomena in LiAl/FeS-cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borger, W.; Kappus, W.; Panesar, H. S.

A theoretical model of the capacity of strongly relaxing electrochemical systems is applied to the LiAl/FeS system. Relaxation phenomena in LiAl and FeS electrodes can be described by this model. Experimental relaxation data indicate that lithium transport through the alpha-LiAl layer to the particle surface is the capacity limiting process at high discharge current density in the LiAl electrode in LiCl-KCl and LiF-LiCl-LiBr mixtures. Strong relaxation is observed in the FeS electrode with LiCl-KCl electrolyte caused by lithium concentration gradients and precipitation of KCl in the pores.

Primary quantum yields of NO2 photodissociation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gardner, Edward P.; Sperry, Paul D.; Calvert, Jack G.

1987-01-01

The quantum yields of formation of NO, O2, and NO2 loss are measured for NO2 vapor at low pressures (0.13-0.30 torr) irradiated at 334-405 nm wavelengths and temperature in the range 273-370 K in order to study the primary quantum efficiencies of NO2 photodecomposition. The temperature and wavelength dependences of the primary quantum efficiencies are examined. It is observed that the primary quantum efficiencies increase rapidly from near zero at 424 nm to near unity for excitation at wavelengths less than 394 nm. The theory of Pitts et al. (1964) that the energy deficiency for photodissociation of NO2 excited at wavelengths greater than 397.9 nm is due to the rotational and vibrational energy of the NO2 molecules is confirmed by the data. Values for the primary quantum yields of NO2 photodecomposition as a function of wavelength are presented.

Misfit paradox on nucleation potency of MgO and MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} for Al

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

Zhang, D.; Wang, L.

MgO and MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} are believed to be effective heterogeneous nuclei for Al based alloys due to their small lattice misfits with Al. However, there is a strong evidence to suggest that liquid Al reacts with MgO and MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} phases but the heterogeneous nucleation behavior of such phases is rarely discussed. In order to identify the nucleation mechanism of Al, under the interference of the chemical reaction, the heterogeneous nucleation process is systematically investigated through thermal analysis and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The observed multi-nucleation interfaces (Al/MgO, Al/MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} and Al/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}) andmore » scattered experimental undercooling data indicate an independent multi-phase nucleation process in these systems. - Highlights: •Theoretical lattice misfit doesn’t always disclose nucleation potency. •The nucleation of liquid can be triggered by multi-nucleation interfaces. •An independent multi-agents nucleation was verified in the study.« less

Microstructure characterization and room temperature deformation of a rapidly solidified NiAl-based eutectic alloy containing trace Dy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hutian; Guo, Jianting; Huai, Kaiwen; Ye, Hengqiang

2006-04-01

The microstructure and room temperature compressive deformation behavior of a rapidly solidified NiAl-Cr(Mo)-Dy eutectic alloy fabricated by water-cooled copper mold method were studied by a combination of SEM, EDS and compressive tests. The morphology stability after hot isostatic pressing (HIP) treatment was evaluated. Rapid solidification resulted in a shift in the coupled zone for the eutectic growth towards the Cr(Mo) phase, indicating a hypoeutectic composition, hence increasing the volume fraction of primary dendritic NiAl. Meanwhile, significantly refined microstructure and lamellar/rod-like Cr(Mo) transition were observed due to trace rare earth (RE) element Dy addition and rapid solidification effects. Compared with the results in literature [H.E. Cline, J.L. Walter, Metall. Trans. 1(1970)2907-2917; P. Ferrandini, W.W. Batista, R. Caram, J. Alloys Comp. 381(2004)91-98], an interesting phenomenon, viz., NiAl halos around the primary Cr(Mo) dendrites in solidified NiAl-Cr(Mo) hypereutectic alloy, was not observed in this study. This difference was interpreted in terms of their different reciprocal nucleation ability. In addition, it was proposed that the localized destabilization of morphology after HIP treatment is closely related to the presence of primary NiAl dendrites. The improved mechanical properties can be attributed to the synergistic effects of rapid solidification and Dy addition, which included refined microstructure, suppression of the crack development along eutectic grain boundaries, enhancement of density of geometrically necessary dislocations located at NiAl/Cr(Mo) interfaces and the Cr solubility extension in NiAl.

Using a Learning Management System to Personalise Learning for Primary School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edmunds, Bronwyn; Hartnett, Maggie

2014-01-01

This paper reports on one aspect of a descriptive multiple-case study which set out to explore the role of a learning management system (LMS) in personalising learning for students from the perspective of three teachers in one primary school in New Zealand. The intention was to provide insight into the role the LMS could play in classrooms when…