Predicting Stability Constants for Uranyl Complexes Using Density Functional Theory

DOE PAGES

Vukovic, Sinisa; Hay, Benjamin P.; Bryantsev, Vyacheslav S.

2015-04-02

The ability to predict the equilibrium constants for the formation of 1:1 uranyl:ligand complexes (log K 1 values) provides the essential foundation for the rational design of ligands with enhanced uranyl affinity and selectivity. We also use density functional theory (B3LYP) and the IEFPCM continuum solvation model to compute aqueous stability constants for UO 2 2+ complexes with 18 donor ligands. Theoretical calculations permit reasonably good estimates of relative binding strengths, while the absolute log K 1 values are significantly overestimated. Accurate predictions of the absolute log K 1 values (root mean square deviation from experiment < 1.0 for logmore » K 1 values ranging from 0 to 16.8) can be obtained by fitting the experimental data for two groups of mono and divalent negative oxygen donor ligands. The utility of correlations is demonstrated for amidoxime and imide dioxime ligands, providing a useful means of screening for new ligands with strong chelate capability to uranyl.« less

Absolute quantification methods in tissue near-infrared spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matcher, Steven J.; Kirkpatrick, Peter J.; Nahid, K.; Cope, Mark; Delpy, David T.

1995-05-01

Recent work aimed at providing an absolute measurement of tissue haemoglobin saturation and a new instrument development, the spatially resolved spectrometer (SRS), are discussed. The theoretical basis of operation of this device and its hardware implementation are described and the results of validation studies on tissue simulating phantoms are presented as are preliminary measurements on human volunteers and observations on patients undergoing neurosurgery. In its present form the instrument appears to produce absolute haemoglobin saturation values for resting human skeletal muscle and the normally perfused human head which are rather low based on physiological expectations. However, we obtained a tight correlation between the saturation values measured by the SRS instrument and those obtained from blood-gas analysis of samples drawn from a jugular bulb catheter in one neurosurgery subject during clamping of the right carotid arteries.

Investigating Absolute Value: A Real World Application

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kidd, Margaret; Pagni, David

2009-01-01

Making connections between various representations is important in mathematics. In this article, the authors discuss the numeric, algebraic, and graphical representations of sums of absolute values of linear functions. The initial explanations are accessible to all students who have experience graphing and who understand that absolute value simply…

9 CFR 439.20 - Criteria for maintaining accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... deviation measure equal to zero when the absolute value of the result's standardized difference, (d), is...) Variability: The absolute value of the standardized difference between the accredited laboratory's result and... constant, is used in place of the absolute value of the standardized difference to determine the CUSUM-V...

9 CFR 439.20 - Criteria for maintaining accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... deviation measure equal to zero when the absolute value of the result's standardized difference, (d), is...) Variability: The absolute value of the standardized difference between the accredited laboratory's result and... constant, is used in place of the absolute value of the standardized difference to determine the CUSUM-V...

9 CFR 439.20 - Criteria for maintaining accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... deviation measure equal to zero when the absolute value of the result's standardized difference, (d), is...) Variability: The absolute value of the standardized difference between the accredited laboratory's result and... constant, is used in place of the absolute value of the standardized difference to determine the CUSUM-V...

9 CFR 439.20 - Criteria for maintaining accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... deviation measure equal to zero when the absolute value of the result's standardized difference, (d), is...) Variability: The absolute value of the standardized difference between the accredited laboratory's result and... constant, is used in place of the absolute value of the standardized difference to determine the CUSUM-V...

9 CFR 439.20 - Criteria for maintaining accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... deviation measure equal to zero when the absolute value of the result's standardized difference, (d), is...) Variability: The absolute value of the standardized difference between the accredited laboratory's result and... constant, is used in place of the absolute value of the standardized difference to determine the CUSUM-V...

Circuit for Communication over DC Power Line Using High Temperature Electronics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krasowski, Michael J. (Inventor); Prokop, Norman F. (Inventor)

2014-01-01

A high temperature communications circuit includes a power conductor for concurrently conducting electrical energy for powering circuit components and transmitting a modulated data signal, and a demodulator for demodulating the data signal and generating a serial bit stream based on the data signal. The demodulator includes an absolute value amplifier for conditionally inverting or conditionally passing a signal applied to the absolute value amplifier. The absolute value amplifier utilizes no diodes to control the conditional inversion or passing of the signal applied to the absolute value amplifier.

Water quality management using statistical analysis and time-series prediction model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parmar, Kulwinder Singh; Bhardwaj, Rashmi

2014-12-01

This paper deals with water quality management using statistical analysis and time-series prediction model. The monthly variation of water quality standards has been used to compare statistical mean, median, mode, standard deviation, kurtosis, skewness, coefficient of variation at Yamuna River. Model validated using R-squared, root mean square error, mean absolute percentage error, maximum absolute percentage error, mean absolute error, maximum absolute error, normalized Bayesian information criterion, Ljung-Box analysis, predicted value and confidence limits. Using auto regressive integrated moving average model, future water quality parameters values have been estimated. It is observed that predictive model is useful at 95 % confidence limits and curve is platykurtic for potential of hydrogen (pH), free ammonia, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, dissolved oxygen, water temperature (WT); leptokurtic for chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand. Also, it is observed that predicted series is close to the original series which provides a perfect fit. All parameters except pH and WT cross the prescribed limits of the World Health Organization /United States Environmental Protection Agency, and thus water is not fit for drinking, agriculture and industrial use.

Combining real-time PCR and next-generation DNA sequencing to provide quantitative comparisons of fungal aerosol populations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dannemiller, Karen C.; Lang-Yona, Naama; Yamamoto, Naomichi; Rudich, Yinon; Peccia, Jordan

2014-02-01

We examined fungal communities associated with the PM10 mass of Rehovot, Israel outdoor air samples collected in the spring and fall seasons. Fungal communities were described by 454 pyrosequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the fungal ribosomal RNA encoding gene. To allow for a more quantitative comparison of fungal exposure in humans, the relative abundance values of specific taxa were transformed to absolute concentrations through multiplying these values by the sample's total fungal spore concentration (derived from universal fungal qPCR). Next, the sequencing-based absolute concentrations for Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Epicoccum nigrum, and Penicillium/Aspergillus spp. were compared to taxon-specific qPCR concentrations for A. alternata, C. cladosporioides, E. nigrum, and Penicillium/Aspergillus spp. derived from the same spring and fall aerosol samples. Results of these comparisons showed that the absolute concentration values generated from pyrosequencing were strongly associated with the concentration values derived from taxon-specific qPCR (for all four species, p < 0.005, all R > 0.70). The correlation coefficients were greater for species present in higher concentrations. Our microbial aerosol population analyses demonstrated that fungal diversity (number of fungal operational taxonomic units) was higher in the spring compared to the fall (p = 0.02), and principal coordinate analysis showed distinct seasonal differences in taxa distribution (ANOSIM p = 0.004). Among genera containing allergenic and/or pathogenic species, the absolute concentrations of Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Cladosporium were greater in the fall, while Cryptococcus, Penicillium, and Ulocladium concentrations were greater in the spring. The transformation of pyrosequencing fungal population relative abundance data to absolute concentrations can improve next-generation DNA sequencing-based quantitative aerosol exposure assessment.

Betaine synthesis from radioactive precursors in attached, water-stressed barley leaves

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

Hanson, A.D.; Scott, N.A.

1980-08-01

In wilted barley leaves, betaine accumulates at about 200 nanomoles per 10 centimeters leaf per day. Results with /sup 14/C-labeled precursors were qualitatively and quantitatively consistent with de novo synthesis of this betaine from serine via ethanolamine, choline, and betaine aldehyde and indicated that water stress may increase the activities of all steps in this pathway except the last. Doses (I micromole) of each /sup 14/C-labeled precursor were supplied as droplets to the tips of attached, 10-centimeter, second-leaf blades of turgid and wilted plants, and the incorporation of /sup 14/C into betaine was followed. From the rates of betaine labeling,more » estimates were made of the potential capacities (nanomoles per 10 centimeters leaf per day) for the methylation and oxidation steps. Labeling of betaine from absolute value /sup 14/C choline, absolute value /sup 14/C ethanolamine, and absolute value /sup 14/C serine was about 7- to 10-fold greater in leaves wilted for 2 days than in turgid leaves, whereas label from absolute value /sup 14/C betaine aldehyde appeared in betaine at about the same rate in both turgid and wilted leaves. In leaves wilted for 2 days, the potential capacities for converting absolute value /sup 14/C ethanolamine, absolute value /sup 14/C choline, and absolute value /sup 14/C betaine aldehyde to betaine all approached or exceeded the rate of betain accumulation (about 200 nanomoles per 10 centimeters leaf per day); in turgid leaves, only the potential for converting betaine aldehyde to betaine exceeded this rate. The rate of conversion of absolute value /sup 14/C ethanolamine to betaine increased 4-fold after 6 to 10 hours of wilting, which was soon enough to account for the onset of betaine accumulation.« less

Efficient Merge and Insert Operations for Binary Heaps and Trees

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuszmaul, Christopher Lee; Woo, Alex C. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

Binary heaps and binary search trees merge efficiently. We introduce a new amortized analysis that allows us to prove the cost of merging either binary heaps or balanced binary trees is O(l), in the amortized sense. The standard set of other operations (create, insert, delete, extract minimum, in the case of binary heaps, and balanced binary trees, as well as a search operation for balanced binary trees) remain with a cost of O(log n). For binary heaps implemented as arrays, we show a new merge algorithm that has a single operation cost for merging two heaps, a and b, of O(absolute value of a + min(log absolute value of b log log absolute value of b. log absolute value of a log absolute value of b). This is an improvement over O(absolute value of a + log absolute value of a log absolute value of b). The cost of the new merge is so low that it can be used in a new structure which we call shadow heaps. to implement the insert operation to a tunable efficiency. Shadow heaps support the insert operation for simple priority queues in an amortized time of O(f(n)) and other operations in time O((log n log log n)/f (n)), where 1 less than or equal to f (n) less than or equal to log log n. More generally, the results here show that any data structure with operations that change its size by at most one, with the exception of a merge (aka meld) operation, can efficiently amortize the cost of the merge under conditions that are true for most implementations of binary heaps and search trees.

Multiscale Auroral Emission Statistics as Evidence of Turbulent Reconnection in Earth's Midtail Plasma Sheet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klimas, Alex; Uritsky, Vadim; Donovan, Eric

2010-01-01

We provide indirect evidence for turbulent reconnection in Earth's midtail plasma sheet by reexamining the statistical properties of bright, nightside auroral emission events as observed by the UVI experiment on the Polar spacecraft and discussed previously by Uritsky et al. The events are divided into two groups: (1) those that map to absolute value of (X(sub GSM)) < 12 R(sub E) in the magnetotail and do not show scale-free statistics and (2) those that map to absolute value of (X(sub GSM)) > 12 R(sub E) and do show scale-free statistics. The absolute value of (X(sub GSM)) dependence is shown to most effectively organize the events into these two groups. Power law exponents obtained for group 2 are shown to validate the conclusions of Uritsky et al. concerning the existence of critical dynamics in the auroral emissions. It is suggested that the auroral dynamics is a reflection of a critical state in the magnetotail that is based on the dynamics of turbulent reconnection in the midtail plasma sheet.

Core Problem: Does the CV Parent Body Magnetization require differentiation?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Brien, T.; Tarduno, J. A.; Smirnov, A. V.

2016-12-01

Evidence for the presence of past dynamos from magnetic studies of meteorites can provide key information on the nature and evolution of parent bodies. However, the suggestion of a past core dynamo for the CV parent body based on the study of the Allende meteorite has led to a paradox: a core dynamo requires differentiation, evidence for which is missing in the meteorite record. The key parameter used to distinguish core dynamo versus external field mechanisms is absolute field paleointensity, with high values (>>1 μT) favoring the former. Here we explore the fundamental requirements for absolute field intensity measurement in the Allende meteorite: single domain grains that are non-interacting. Magnetic hysteresis and directional data define strong magnetic interactions, negating a standard interpretation of paleointensity measurements in terms of absolute paleofield values. The Allende low field magnetic susceptibility is dominated by magnetite and FeNi grains, whereas the magnetic remanence is carried by an iron sulfide whose remanence-carrying capacity increases with laboratory cycling at constant field values, indicating reordering. The iron sulfide and FeNi grains are in close proximity, providing mineralogical context for interactions. We interpret the magnetization of Allende to record the intense early solar wind with metal-sulfide interactions amplifying the field, giving the false impression of a higher field value in some prior studies. An undifferentiated CV parent body is thus compatible with Allende's magnetization. Early solar wind magnetization should be the null hypothesis for evaluating the source of magnetization for chondrites and other meteorites.

The two radii of a charged particle.

PubMed

Michov, B M

1989-01-01

The existence of two radii of each charged particle-a geometric and electrokinetic radii, is supposed. The mathematical relationship between them in the four possible combinations of an ion and its counterion is analyzed: (i) at equal geometric radii and, in absolute values, equal valencies; (ii) at equal geometric radii and, in absolute values, different valencies; (iii) at different geometric radii and, in absolute values, equal valencies; (iv) at different geometric radii and, in absolute values, different valencies. One of the equations worked out can be used to define the relationship between the geometric and electrokinetic radii of a polyion. All the equations are used in working out precise calculations.

Comparison of Absolute Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) Values in ADC Maps Generated Across Different Postprocessing Software: Reproducibility in Endometrial Carcinoma.

PubMed

Ghosh, Adarsh; Singh, Tulika; Singla, Veenu; Bagga, Rashmi; Khandelwal, Niranjan

2017-12-01

Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps are usually generated by builtin software provided by the MRI scanner vendors; however, various open-source postprocessing software packages are available for image manipulation and parametric map generation. The purpose of this study is to establish the reproducibility of absolute ADC values obtained using different postprocessing software programs. DW images with three b values were obtained with a 1.5-T MRI scanner, and the trace images were obtained. ADC maps were automatically generated by the in-line software provided by the vendor during image generation and were also separately generated on postprocessing software. These ADC maps were compared on the basis of ROIs using paired t test, Bland-Altman plot, mountain plot, and Passing-Bablok regression plot. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean ADC values obtained from the different postprocessing software programs when the same baseline trace DW images were used for the ADC map generation. For using ADC values as a quantitative cutoff for histologic characterization of tissues, standardization of the postprocessing algorithm is essential across processing software packages, especially in view of the implementation of vendor-neutral archiving.

Electron Emission from Amorphous Solid Water Induced by Passage of Energetic Protons and Fluorine Ions

PubMed Central

Toburen, L. H.; McLawhorn, S. L.; McLawhorn, R. A.; Carnes, K. D.; Dingfelder, M.; Shinpaugh, J. L.

2013-01-01

Absolute doubly differential electron emission yields were measured from thin films of amorphous solid water (ASW) after the transmission of 6 MeV protons and 19 MeV (1 MeV/nucleon) fluorine ions. The ASW films were frozen on thin (1-μm) copper foils cooled to approximately 50 K. Electrons emitted from the films were detected as a function of angle in both the forward and backward direction and as a function of the film thickness. Electron energies were determined by measuring the ejected electron time of flight, a technique that optimizes the accuracy of measuring low-energy electron yields, where the effects of molecular environment on electron transport are expected to be most evident. Relative electron emission yields were normalized to an absolute scale by comparison of the integrated total yields for proton-induced electron emission from the copper substrate to values published previously. The absolute doubly differential yields from ASW are presented along with integrated values, providing single differential and total electron emission yields. These data may provide benchmark tests of Monte Carlo track structure codes commonly used for assessing the effects of radiation quality on biological effectiveness. PMID:20681805

Estimating Integrated Water Vapor (IWV) regional map distribution using METEOSAT satellite data and GPS Zenith Wet Delay (ZWD)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reuveni, Y.; Leontiev, A.

2016-12-01

Using GPS satellites signals, we can study atmospheric processes and coupling mechanisms, which can help us understand the physical conditions in the upper atmosphere that might lead or act as proxies for severe weather events such as extreme storms and flooding. GPS signals received by geodetic stations on the ground are multi-purpose and can also provide estimates of tropospheric zenith delays, which can be converted into mm-accuracy Precipitable Water Vapor (PWV) using collocated pressure and temperature measurements on the ground. Here, we present the use of Israel's geodetic GPS receivers network for extracting tropospheric zenith path delays combined with near Real Time (RT) METEOSAT-10 Water Vapor (WV) and surface temperature pixel intensity values (7.3 and 12.1 channels, respectively) in order to obtain absolute IWV (kg/m2) or PWV (mm) map distribution. The results show good agreement between the absolute values obtained from our triangulation strategy based solely on GPS Zenith Total Delays (ZTD) and METEOSAT-10 surface temperature data compared with available radiosonde Precipitable IWV/PWV absolute values. The presented strategy can provide unprecedented temporal and special IWV/PWV distribution, which is needed as part of the accurate and comprehensive initial conditions pro­vided by upper-air observation systems at temporal and spatial resolutions consistent with the models assimilating them.

Easy Absolute Values? Absolutely

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, Sharon E.; Mittag, Kathleen Cage

2015-01-01

The authors teach a problem-solving course for preservice middle-grades education majors that includes concepts dealing with absolute-value computations, equations, and inequalities. Many of these students like mathematics and plan to teach it, so they are adept at symbolic manipulations. Getting them to think differently about a concept that they…

17 CFR 402.2a - Appendix A-Calculation of market risk haircut for purposes of § 402.2(g)(2).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... larger in absolute value of the two residual position interim haircuts being netted, and (ii) zero, in... category of the larger (in absolute value) of the two interim haircuts that were netted, and (2) a zero in... the larger (in absolute value) of the two interim haircuts that were netted, and (2) a zero in the...

17 CFR 402.2a - Appendix A-Calculation of market risk haircut for purposes of § 402.2(g)(2).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... larger in absolute value of the two residual position interim haircuts being netted, and (ii) zero, in... category of the larger (in absolute value) of the two interim haircuts that were netted, and (2) a zero in... the larger (in absolute value) of the two interim haircuts that were netted, and (2) a zero in the...

17 CFR 402.2a - Appendix A-Calculation of market risk haircut for purposes of § 402.2(g)(2).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... larger in absolute value of the two residual position interim haircuts being netted, and (ii) zero, in... category of the larger (in absolute value) of the two interim haircuts that were netted, and (2) a zero in... the larger (in absolute value) of the two interim haircuts that were netted, and (2) a zero in the...

17 CFR 402.2a - Appendix A-Calculation of market risk haircut for purposes of § 402.2(g)(2).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... larger in absolute value of the two residual position interim haircuts being netted, and (ii) zero, in... category of the larger (in absolute value) of the two interim haircuts that were netted, and (2) a zero in... the larger (in absolute value) of the two interim haircuts that were netted, and (2) a zero in the...

17 CFR 402.2a - Appendix A-Calculation of market risk haircut for purposes of § 402.2(g)(2).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... larger in absolute value of the two residual position interim haircuts being netted, and (ii) zero, in... category of the larger (in absolute value) of the two interim haircuts that were netted, and (2) a zero in... the larger (in absolute value) of the two interim haircuts that were netted, and (2) a zero in the...

A mapping of an ensemble of mitochondrial sequences for various organisms into 3D space based on the word composition.

PubMed

Aita, Takuyo; Nishigaki, Koichi

2012-11-01

To visualize a bird's-eye view of an ensemble of mitochondrial genome sequences for various species, we recently developed a novel method of mapping a biological sequence ensemble into Three-Dimensional (3D) vector space. First, we represented a biological sequence of a species s by a word-composition vector x(s), where its length [absolute value]x(s)[absolute value] represents the sequence length, and its unit vector x(s)/[absolute value]x(s)[absolute value] represents the relative composition of the K-tuple words through the sequence and the size of the dimension, N=4(K), is the number of all possible words with the length of K. Second, we mapped the vector x(s) to the 3D position vector y(s), based on the two following simple principles: (1) [absolute value]y(s)[absolute value]=[absolute value]x(s)[absolute value] and (2) the angle between y(s) and y(t) maximally correlates with the angle between x(s) and x(t). The mitochondrial genome sequences for 311 species, including 177 Animalia, 85 Fungi and 49 Green plants, were mapped into 3D space by using K=7. The mapping was successful because the angles between vectors before and after the mapping highly correlated with each other (correlation coefficients were 0.92-0.97). Interestingly, the Animalia kingdom is distributed along a single arc belt (just like the Milky Way on a Celestial Globe), and the Fungi and Green plant kingdoms are distributed in a similar arc belt. These two arc belts intersect at their respective middle regions and form a cross structure just like a jet aircraft fuselage and its wings. This new mapping method will allow researchers to intuitively interpret the visual information presented in the maps in a highly effective manner. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Absolute instability of the Gaussian wake profile

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hultgren, Lennart S.; Aggarwal, Arun K.

1987-01-01

Linear parallel-flow stability theory has been used to investigate the effect of viscosity on the local absolute instability of a family of wake profiles with a Gaussian velocity distribution. The type of local instability, i.e., convective or absolute, is determined by the location of a branch-point singularity with zero group velocity of the complex dispersion relation for the instability waves. The effects of viscosity were found to be weak for values of the wake Reynolds number, based on the center-line velocity defect and the wake half-width, larger than about 400. Absolute instability occurs only for sufficiently large values of the center-line wake defect. The critical value of this parameter increases with decreasing wake Reynolds number, thereby indicating a shrinking region of absolute instability with decreasing wake Reynolds number. If backflow is not allowed, absolute instability does not occur for wake Reynolds numbers smaller than about 38.

Campaign-Style Measurements of Vertical Seafloor Deformation in the Cascadia Subduction Zone Using an Absolute Self-Calibrating Pressure Recorder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cook, M. J.; Sasagawa, G. S.; Roland, E. C.; Schmidt, D. A.; Wilcock, W. S. D.; Zumberge, M. A.

2017-12-01

Seawater pressure can be used to measure vertical seafloor deformation since small seafloor height changes produce measurable pressure changes. However, resolving secular vertical deformation near subduction zones can be difficult due to pressure gauge drift. A typical gauge drift rate of about 10 cm/year exceeds the expected secular rate of 1 cm/year or less in Cascadia. The absolute self-calibrating pressure recorder (ASCPR) was developed to solve the issue of gauge drift by using a deadweight calibrator to make campaign-style measurements of the absolute seawater pressure. Pressure gauges alternate between observing the ambient seawater pressure and the deadweight calibrator pressure, which is an accurately known reference value, every 10-20 minutes for several hours. The difference between the known reference pressure and the observed seafloor pressure allows offsets and transients to be corrected to determine the true, absolute seafloor pressure. Absolute seafloor pressure measurements provide a great utility for geodetic deformation studies. The measurements provide instrument-independent, benchmark values that can be used far into the future as epoch points in long-term time series or as important calibration points for other continuous pressure records. The ASCPR was first deployed in Cascadia in 2014 and 2015, when seven concrete seafloor benchmarks were placed along a trench-perpendicular profile extending from 20 km to 105 km off the central Oregon coast. Two benchmarks have ASCPR measurements that span three years, one benchmark spans two years, and four benchmarks span one year. Measurement repeatability is currently 3 to 4 cm, but we anticipate accuracy on the order of 1 cm with improvements to the instrument metrology and processing tidal and non-tidal oceanographic signals.

Outer Analysis of Quality

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

which takes rational numbers, Q, in the domain to natural numbers, N, in the co-domain. For example, the ceiling of the absolute value of a rational, λ...So quality provides an ordering or preference by assigning each value d : D (pronounced d of type D) to value q : Q. The data, D, can be a complex...represented as mapping from data to either the underlying information, I , or a constant “no information” value , 1: info : D → I + 1. Given a piece

30 CFR 1220.021 - Determination of net profit share base.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... absolute value of the allowance for capital recovery.) (4) The balance in the NPSL capital account shall be... account (except as provided in paragraph (b)(4)) of this section shall be zero. (e) If, as a result of the...

30 CFR 1220.021 - Determination of net profit share base.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... absolute value of the allowance for capital recovery.) (4) The balance in the NPSL capital account shall be... account (except as provided in paragraph (b)(4)) of this section shall be zero. (e) If, as a result of the...

30 CFR 220.021 - Determination of net profit share base.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... absolute value of the allowance for capital recovery.) (4) The balance in the NPSL capital account shall be... account (except as provided in paragraph (b)(4)) of this section shall be zero. (e) If, as a result of the...

30 CFR 1220.021 - Determination of net profit share base.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... absolute value of the allowance for capital recovery.) (4) The balance in the NPSL capital account shall be... account (except as provided in paragraph (b)(4)) of this section shall be zero. (e) If, as a result of the...

12 CFR 217.210 - Standardized measurement method for specific risk

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... current fair value of the transaction plus the absolute value of the present value of all remaining... a securitization position and its credit derivative hedge has a specific risk add-on of zero if: (i... institution must multiply the absolute value of the current fair value of each net long or net short debt or...

Absolute vibrational numbering from isotope shifts in fragmentary spectroscopic data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pashov, A.; Kowalczyk, P.; Jastrzebski, W.

2018-05-01

We discuss application of the isotope effect to establish the absolute vibrational numbering in electronic states of diatomic molecules. This is illustrated by examples of states with potential energy curves of both regular and irregular shape, with one or two potential minima. The minimum number of spectroscopic data (either term values or spectral line positions) necessary to provide a unique numbering is considered. We show that at favourable conditions just four term energies (or spectral lines) in one isotopologue and one term energy in the other suffice.

Preparation by enzymolysis and bioactivity of iron complex of fish protein hydrolysate (Fe-FPH) from low value fish

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Shanggui; Huo, Jiancong; Xie, Chao

2008-08-01

Preparation of Fe2+ chelate of fish protein hydrolysate (Fe-FPH) obtained from low value fish proteins was introduced and its bioactivity was studied by compound enzymolysis. The optimum conditions for hydrolysate chelating Fe2+ are DH (degree of hydrolysis) at 5%, pH 7.0, 20°C and 15 min chelating time for FM (material not being defatted). Four types of Fe-FPH including CA (deposit after chelating), CB (deposit in 50% of absolute ethanol solution), CC (suspended deposit in 80% of absolute ethanol solution), and CD (bottom deposit in 80% of absolute ethanol solution) were fractionated with absolute ethanol from FM. Structural analysis through infra-red spectrum revealed that Fe2+ was combined strongly with amino-group and carboxyl-group in each chelate and each Fe2+ could form two five-member ring structures. All of the four chelates were shown more significant antioxidative activity and can be used as natural hydrophobic and hydrophilic antioxidant. Among all the chelates, the CB possesses the most effective antioxidative activity at 92% as high as that of a-tocopherol. Among all Fe-FPHs, only CD showed the most effective antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, and Bacillus subtilis and can be used as natural antibacterial. It provides a more effective way for utilization of low value fish proteins and key information of Fe-FPH as additive in food industry.

Absolute Measurements of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor and Interleukin-1-β mRNA Levels Accurately Predict Treatment Response in Depressed Patients.

PubMed

Cattaneo, Annamaria; Ferrari, Clarissa; Uher, Rudolf; Bocchio-Chiavetto, Luisella; Riva, Marco Andrea; Pariante, Carmine M

2016-10-01

Increased levels of inflammation have been associated with a poorer response to antidepressants in several clinical samples, but these findings have had been limited by low reproducibility of biomarker assays across laboratories, difficulty in predicting response probability on an individual basis, and unclear molecular mechanisms. Here we measured absolute mRNA values (a reliable quantitation of number of molecules) of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor and interleukin-1β in a previously published sample from a randomized controlled trial comparing escitalopram vs nortriptyline (GENDEP) as well as in an independent, naturalistic replication sample. We then used linear discriminant analysis to calculate mRNA values cutoffs that best discriminated between responders and nonresponders after 12 weeks of antidepressants. As Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor and interleukin-1β might be involved in different pathways, we constructed a protein-protein interaction network by the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins. We identified cutoff values for the absolute mRNA measures that accurately predicted response probability on an individual basis, with positive predictive values and specificity for nonresponders of 100% in both samples (negative predictive value=82% to 85%, sensitivity=52% to 61%). Using network analysis, we identified different clusters of targets for these 2 cytokines, with Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor interacting predominantly with pathways involved in neurogenesis, neuroplasticity, and cell proliferation, and interleukin-1β interacting predominantly with pathways involved in the inflammasome complex, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration. We believe that these data provide a clinically suitable approach to the personalization of antidepressant therapy: patients who have absolute mRNA values above the suggested cutoffs could be directed toward earlier access to more assertive antidepressant strategies, including the addition of other antidepressants or antiinflammatory drugs. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of CINP.

12 CFR 3.210 - Standardized measurement method for specific risk

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... purchased credit protection is capped at the current fair value of the transaction plus the absolute value... specific risk add-on of zero if: (i) The debt or securitization position is fully hedged by a total return... absolute value of the current fair value of each net long or net short debt or securitization position in...

Autoregressive processes with exponentially decaying probability distribution functions: applications to daily variations of a stock market index.

PubMed

Porto, Markus; Roman, H Eduardo

2002-04-01

We consider autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (ARCH) processes in which the variance sigma(2)(y) depends linearly on the absolute value of the random variable y as sigma(2)(y) = a+b absolute value of y. While for the standard model, where sigma(2)(y) = a + b y(2), the corresponding probability distribution function (PDF) P(y) decays as a power law for absolute value of y-->infinity, in the linear case it decays exponentially as P(y) approximately exp(-alpha absolute value of y), with alpha = 2/b. We extend these results to the more general case sigma(2)(y) = a+b absolute value of y(q), with 0 < q < 2. We find stretched exponential decay for 1 < q < 2 and stretched Gaussian behavior for 0 < q < 1. As an application, we consider the case q=1 as our starting scheme for modeling the PDF of daily (logarithmic) variations in the Dow Jones stock market index. When the history of the ARCH process is taken into account, the resulting PDF becomes a stretched exponential even for q = 1, with a stretched exponent beta = 2/3, in a much better agreement with the empirical data.

Experimental feasibility of the airborne measurement of absolute oil fluorescence spectral conversion efficiency

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoge, F. E.; Swift, R. N.

1983-01-01

Airborne lidar oil spill experiments carried out to determine the practicability of the AOFSCE (absolute oil fluorescence spectral conversion efficiency) computational model are described. The results reveal that the model is suitable over a considerable range of oil film thicknesses provided the fluorescence efficiency of the oil does not approach the minimum detection sensitivity limitations of the lidar system. Separate airborne lidar experiments to demonstrate measurement of the water column Raman conversion efficiency are also conducted to ascertain the ultimate feasibility of converting such relative oil fluorescence to absolute values. Whereas the AOFSCE model is seen as highly promising, further airborne water column Raman conversion efficiency experiments with improved temporal or depth-resolved waveform calibration and software deconvolution techniques are thought necessary for a final determination of suitability.

Absolute and relative kinetic changes of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T in acute coronary syndrome and in patients with increased troponin in the absence of acute coronary syndrome.

PubMed

Mueller, Matthias; Biener, Moritz; Vafaie, Mehrshad; Doerr, Susanne; Keller, Till; Blankenberg, Stefan; Katus, Hugo A; Giannitsis, Evangelos

2012-01-01

We evaluated kinetic changes of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and patients with hs-cTnT increases not due to ACS to rule in or rule out non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). hs-cTnT was measured serially in consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department. Patients with ACS who had at least 2 hs-cTnT measurements within 6 h and non-ACS patients with hs-cTnT concentrations above the 99th percentile value (14 ng/L) were enrolled to compare absolute and relative kinetic changes of hs-cTnT. For discrimination of non-STEMI (n=165) in the entire study population (n=784), the absolute δ change with the ROC-optimized value of 9.2 ng/L yielded an area under the curve of 0.898 and was superior to all relative δ changes (P<0.0001). The positive predictive value for the absolute δ change was 48.7%, whereas the negative predictive value was 96.5%. In a specific ACS population with exclusion of STEMI (n=342), the absolute δ change with the ROC-optimized value of 6.9 ng/L yielded a positive predictive value of 82.8% and a negative predictive value of 93.0%. In comparison to the ≥20% relative δ change, the ROC-optimized absolute δ change demonstrated a significantly added value for the entire study population and for the ACS cohort (net reclassification index 0.331 and 0.499, P<0.0001). Absolute δ changes appear superior to relative δ changes in discriminating non-STEMI. A rise or fall of at least 9.2 ng/L in the entire study population and 6.9 ng/L in selected ACS patients seems adequate to rule-out non-STEMI. However, δ-values are useful to rule-in non-STEMI only in a specific ACS population.

12 CFR Appendix E to Part 225 - Capital Adequacy Guidelines for Bank Holding Companies: Market Risk Measure

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... covered debt instrument that is subject to a non-zero specific risk capital charge. (A) For covered debt... indices. (iii) An organization must multiply the absolute value of the current market value of each net... multiply the absolute value of the current market value of each net long or short covered equity position...

Pluralism - With Intelligence: A Challenge to Education and Society.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Arthur

2000-01-01

Provides a critique of certain social and institutional tendencies inimical to the development of social democracy and democratic community, especially conformity generated by bureaucratized social institutions, religious absolutism, and intolerance. Discusses the primary values of freedom and equality as critical to the development of democratic…

40 CFR 1065.20 - Units of measure and overview of calculations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... temperatures in units of degrees Celsius ( °C) unless a calculation requires an absolute temperature. In that... °C equals 273.15 K. Unless specified otherwise, always use absolute temperature values for... substances, mg/kg, formerly ppm (mass). (c) Absolute pressure. Measure absolute pressure directly or...

12 CFR 324.210 - Standardized measurement method for specific risk.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... purchased credit protection is capped at the current fair value of the transaction plus the absolute value... hedge has a specific risk add-on of zero if: (i) The debt or securitization position is fully hedged by... debt or securitization positions, an FDIC-supervised institution must multiply the absolute value of...

The predictive value of C-reactive protein (CRP) in acute pancreatitis - is interval change in CRP an additional indicator of severity?

PubMed

Stirling, Aaron D; Moran, Neil R; Kelly, Michael E; Ridgway, Paul F; Conlon, Kevin C

2017-10-01

Using revised Atlanta classification defined outcomes, we compare absolute values in C-reactive protein (CRP), with interval changes in CRP, for severity stratification in acute pancreatitis (AP). A retrospective study of all first incidence AP was conducted over a 5-year period. Interval change in CRP values from admission to day 1, 2 and 3 was compared against the absolute values. Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve and likelihood ratios (LRs) were used to compare ability to predict severe and mild disease. 337 cases of first incidence AP were included in our analysis. ROC curve analysis demonstrated the second day as the most useful time for repeat CRP measurement. A CRP interval change >90 mg/dL at 48 h (+LR 2.15, -LR 0.26) was equivalent to an absolute value of >150 mg/dL within 48 h (+LR 2.32, -LR 0.25). The optimal cut-off for absolute CRP based on new, more stringent definition of severity was >190 mg/dL (+LR 2.72, -LR 0.24). Interval change in CRP is a comparable measure to absolute CRP in the prognostication of AP severity. This study suggests a rise of >90 mg/dL from admission or an absolute value of >190 mg/dL at 48 h predicts severe disease with the greatest accuracy. Copyright © 2017 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Absolute Value Boundedness, Operator Decomposition, and Stochastic Media and Equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adomian, G.; Miao, C. C.

1973-01-01

The research accomplished during this period is reported. Published abstracts and technical reports are listed. Articles presented include: boundedness of absolute values of generalized Fourier coefficients, propagation in stochastic media, and stationary conditions for stochastic differential equations.

Probative value of absolute and relative judgments in eyewitness identification.

PubMed

Clark, Steven E; Erickson, Michael A; Breneman, Jesse

2011-10-01

It is well-accepted that eyewitness identification decisions based on relative judgments are less accurate than identification decisions based on absolute judgments. However, the theoretical foundation for this view has not been established. In this study relative and absolute judgments were compared through simulations of the WITNESS model (Clark, Appl Cogn Psychol 17:629-654, 2003) to address the question: Do suspect identifications based on absolute judgments have higher probative value than suspect identifications based on relative judgments? Simulations of the WITNESS model showed a consistent advantage for absolute judgments over relative judgments for suspect-matched lineups. However, simulations of same-foils lineups showed a complex interaction based on the accuracy of memory and the similarity relationships among lineup members.

Absolute colorimetric characterization of a DSLR camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guarnera, Giuseppe Claudio; Bianco, Simone; Schettini, Raimondo

2014-03-01

A simple but effective technique for absolute colorimetric camera characterization is proposed. It offers a large dynamic range requiring just a single, off-the-shelf target and a commonly available controllable light source for the characterization. The characterization task is broken down in two modules, respectively devoted to absolute luminance estimation and to colorimetric characterization matrix estimation. The characterized camera can be effectively used as a tele-colorimeter, giving an absolute estimation of the XYZ data in cd=m2. The user is only required to vary the f - number of the camera lens or the exposure time t, to better exploit the sensor dynamic range. The estimated absolute tristimulus values closely match the values measured by a professional spectro-radiometer.

12 CFR Appendix C to Part 325 - Risk-Based Capital for State Non-Member Banks: Market Risk

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... instrument is a covered debt instrument that is subject to a non-zero specific risk capital charge. (A) For... indices. (iii) A bank must multiply the absolute value of the current market value of each net long or... conversion. (iii)(A) A bank must multiply the absolute value of the current market value of each net long or...

Quantification of cell cycle kinetics by EdU (5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine)-coupled-fluorescence-intensity analysis

PubMed Central

Cabrita, Marisa; Bekman, Evguenia; Braga, José; Rino, José; Santus, Renè; Filipe, Paulo L.; Sousa, Ana E.; Ferreira, João A.

2017-01-01

We propose a novel single-deoxynucleoside-based assay that is easy to perform and provides accurate values for the absolute length (in units of time) of each of the cell cycle stages (G1, S and G2/M). This flow-cytometric assay takes advantage of the excellent stoichiometric properties of azide-fluorochrome detection of DNA substituted with 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU). We show that by pulsing cells with EdU for incremental periods of time maximal EdU-coupled fluorescence is reached when pulsing times match the length of S phase. These pulsing times, allowing labelling for a full S phase of a fraction of cells in asynchronous populations, provide accurate values for the absolute length of S phase. We characterized additional, lower intensity signals that allowed quantification of the absolute durations of G1 and G2 phases. Importantly, using this novel assay data on the lengths of G1, S and G2/M phases are obtained in parallel. Therefore, these parameters can be estimated within a time frame that is shorter than a full cell cycle. This method, which we designate as EdU-Coupled Fluorescence Intensity (E-CFI) analysis, was successfully applied to cell types with distinctive cell cycle features and shows excellent agreement with established methodologies for analysis of cell cycle kinetics. PMID:28465489

Absolute and estimated values of macular pigment optical density in young and aged Asian participants with or without age-related macular degeneration.

PubMed

Ozawa, Yoko; Shigeno, Yuta; Nagai, Norihiro; Suzuki, Misa; Kurihara, Toshihide; Minami, Sakiko; Hirano, Eri; Shinoda, Hajime; Kobayashi, Saori; Tsubota, Kazuo

2017-08-29

Lutein and zeaxanthin are suggested micronutrient supplements to prevent the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness worldwide. To monitor the levels of lutein/zeaxanthin in the macula, macular pigment optical density (MPOD) is measured. A commercially available device (MPSII®, Elektron Technology, Switzerland), using technology based on heterochromatic flicker photometry, can measure both absolute and estimated values of MPOD. However, whether the estimated value is applicable to Asian individuals and/or AMD patients remains to be determined. The absolute and estimated values of MPOD were measured using the MPSII® device in 77 participants with a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) > 0.099 (logMAR score). The studied eyes included 17 young (20-29 years) healthy, 26 aged (>50 years) healthy, 18 aged and AMD-fellow, and 16 aged AMD eyes. The mean BCVA among the groups were not significantly different. Both absolute and estimated values were measurable in all eyes of young healthy group. However, absolute values were measurable in only 57.7%, 66.7%, and 43.8%, of the aged healthy, AMD-fellow, and AMD groups, respectively, and 56.7% of the eyes included in the 3 aged groups. In contrast, the estimated value was measurable in 84.6%, 88.9% and 93.8% of the groups, respectively, and 88.3% of eyes in the pooled aged group. The estimated value was correlated with absolute value in individuals from all groups by Spearman's correlation coefficient analyses (young healthy: R 2  = 0.885, P = 0.0001; aged healthy: R 2  = 0.765, P = 0.001; AMD-fellow: R 2  = 0.851, P = 0.0001; and AMD: R 2  = 0.860, P = 0.013). Using the estimated value, significantly lower MPOD values were found in aged AMD-related eyes, which included both AMD-fellow and AMD eyes, compared with aged healthy eyes by Student's t-test (P = 0.02). Absolute, in contrast to estimated, value was measurable in a limited number of aged participants; however, it was correlated with estimated value both in young and aged Asian populations with or without AMD. These results may inform future clinical studies investigating the measurement of MPOD in understanding the role of macular pigments in the pathogenesis of AMD.

12 CFR Appendix B to Part 3 - Risk-Based Capital Guidelines; Market Risk Adjustment

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

...-zero specific risk capital charge. (A) For covered debt positions that are derivatives, a bank must... (including derivatives) in identical debt issues or indices. (iii) A bank must multiply the absolute value of... multiply the absolute value of the current market value of each net long or short covered equity position...

Temporal and spatial variations of the absolute reflectivity of Jupiter and Saturn from 0.38 to 1.7 μm with PlanetCam-UPV/EHU

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mendikoa, I.; Sánchez-Lavega, A.; Pérez-Hoyos, S.; Hueso, R.; Rojas, J. F.; López-Santiago, J.

2017-11-01

Aims: We provide measurements of the absolute reflectivity of Jupiter and Saturn along their central meridians in filters covering a wide range of visible and near-infrared wavelengths (from 0.38 to 1.7 μm) that are not often presented in the literature. We also give measurements of the geometric albedo of both planets and discuss the limb-darkening behavior and temporal variability of their reflectivity values for a period of four years (2012-2016). Methods: This work is based on observations with the PlanetCam-UPV/EHU instrument at the 1.23 m and 2.2 m telescopes in Calar Alto Observatory (Spain). The instrument simultaneously observes in two channels: visible (VIS; 0.38-1.0 μm) and short-wave infrared (SWIR; 1.0-1.7 μm). We obtained high-resolution observations via the lucky-imaging method. Results: We show that our calibration is consistent with previous independent determinations of reflectivity values of these planets and, for future reference, provide new data extended in the wavelength range and in the time. Our results have an uncertainty in absolute calibration of 10-20%. We show that under the hypothesis of constant geometric albedo, we are able to detect absolute reflectivity changes related to planetary temporal evolution of about 5-10%. Tables A.1-A.4 and B.1-B.8 are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (http://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/607/A72

Store turnover as a predictor of food and beverage provider turnover and associated dietary intake estimates in very remote Indigenous communities.

PubMed

Wycherley, Thomas; Ferguson, Megan; O'Dea, Kerin; McMahon, Emma; Liberato, Selma; Brimblecombe, Julie

2016-12-01

Determine how very-remote Indigenous community (RIC) food and beverage (F&B) turnover quantities and associated dietary intake estimates derived from only stores, compare with values derived from all community F&B providers. F&B turnover quantity and associated dietary intake estimates (energy, micro/macronutrients and major contributing food types) were derived from 12-months transaction data of all F&B providers in three RICs (NT, Australia). F&B turnover quantities and dietary intake estimates from only stores (plus only the primary store in multiple-store communities) were expressed as a proportion of complete F&B provider turnover values. Food types and macronutrient distribution (%E) estimates were quantitatively compared. Combined stores F&B turnover accounted for the majority of F&B quantity (98.1%) and absolute dietary intake estimates (energy [97.8%], macronutrients [≥96.7%] and micronutrients [≥83.8%]). Macronutrient distribution estimates from combined stores and only the primary store closely aligned complete provider estimates (≤0.9% absolute). Food types were similar using combined stores, primary store or complete provider turnover. Evaluating combined stores F&B turnover represents an efficient method to estimate total F&B turnover quantity and associated dietary intake in RICs. In multiple-store communities, evaluating only primary store F&B turnover provides an efficient estimate of macronutrient distribution and major food types. © 2016 Public Health Association of Australia.

Laser interferometry method for absolute measurement of the acceleration of gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hudson, O. K.

1971-01-01

Gravimeter permits more accurate and precise absolute measurement of g without reference to Potsdam values as absolute standards. Device is basically Michelson laser beam interferometer in which one arm is mass fitted with corner cube reflector.

Redefinition of the crater-density and absolute-age boundaries for the chronostratigraphic system of Mars

USGS Publications Warehouse

Werner, S.C.; Tanaka, K.L.

2011-01-01

For the boundaries of each chronostratigraphic epoch on Mars, we present systematically derived crater-size frequencies based on crater counts of geologic referent surfaces and three proposed " standard" crater size-frequency production distributions as defined by (a) a simple -2 power law, (b) Neukum and Ivanov, (c) Hartmann. In turn, these crater count values are converted to model-absolute ages based on the inferred cratering rate histories. We present a new boundary definition for the Late Hesperian-Early Amazonian transition. Our fitting of crater size-frequency distributions to the chronostratigraphic record of Mars permits the assignment of cumulative counts of craters down to 100. m, 1. km, 2. km, 5. km, and 16. km diameters to martian epochs. Due to differences in the " standard" crater size-frequency production distributions, a generalized crater-density-based definition to the chronostratigraphic system cannot be provided. For the diameter range used for the boundary definitions, the resulting model absolute age fits vary within 1.5% for a given set of production function and chronology model ages. Crater distributions translated to absolute ages utilizing different curve descriptions can result in absolute age differences exceeding 10%. ?? 2011 Elsevier Inc.

Anchoring effects in the judgment of confidence: semantic or numeric priming?

PubMed

Carroll, Steven R; Petrusic, William M; Leth-Steensen, Craig

2009-02-01

Over the last decade, researchers have debated whether anchoring effects are the result of semantic or numeric priming. The present study tested both hypotheses. In four experiments involving a sensory detection task, participants first made a relative confidence judgment by deciding whether they were more or less confident than an anchor value in the correctness of their decision. Subsequently, they expressed an absolute level of confidence. In two of these experiments, the relative confidence anchor values represented the midpoints between the absolute confidence scale values, which were either explicitly numeric or semantic, nonnumeric representations of magnitude. In two other experiments, the anchor values were drawn from a scale modally different from that used to express the absolute confidence (i.e., nonnumeric and numeric, respectively, or vice versa). Regardless of the nature of the anchors, the mean confidence ratings revealed anchoring effects only when the relative and absolute confidence values were drawn from identical scales. Together, the results of these four experiments limit the conditions under which both numeric and semantic priming would be expected to lead to anchoring effects.

Waist circumference values equivalent to body mass index points for predicting absolute cardiovascular disease risks among adults in an Aboriginal community: a prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Adegbija, Odewumi; Hoy, Wendy E; Wang, Zhiqiang

2015-11-13

There have been suggestions that currently recommended waist circumference (WC) cut-off points for Australians of European origin may not be applicable to Aboriginal people who have different body habitus profiles. We aimed to generate equivalent WC values that correspond to body mass index (BMI) points for identifying absolute cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. Prospective cohort study. An Aboriginal community in Australia's Northern Territory. From 1992 to 1998, 920 adults without CVD, with age, WC and BMI measurements were followed-up for up to 20 years. Incident CVD, coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF) events during the follow-up period ascertained from hospitalisation data. We generated WC values with 10-year absolute risks equivalent for the development of CVD as BMI values (20-34 kg/m(2)) using the Weibull accelerated time-failure model. There were 211 incident cases of CVD over 13,669 person-years of follow-up. At the average age of 35 years, WC values with absolute CVD, CAD and HF risks equivalent to BMI of 25 kg/m(2) were 91.5, 91.8 and 91.7 cm, respectively, for males, and corresponding WC values were 92.5, 92.7 and 93 cm for females. WC values with equal absolute CVD, CAD and HF risks to BMI of 30 kg/m(2) were 101.7, 103.1 and 102.6 cm, respectively, for males, and corresponding values were 99.2, 101.6 and 101.5 cm for females. Association between WC and CVD did not depend on gender (p=0.54). WC ranging from 91 to 93 cm was equivalent to BMI 25 kg/m(2) for overweight, and 99 to 103 cm was equivalent to BMI of 30 kg/m(2) for obesity in terms of predicting 10-year absolute CVD risk. Replicating the absolute risk method in other Aboriginal communities will further validate the WC values generated for future development of WC cut-off points for Aboriginal people. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Demonstrating the Error Budget for the Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory Through Solar Irradiance Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thome, Kurtis; McCorkel, Joel; McAndrew, Brendan

2016-01-01

The Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO) mission addresses the need to observe highaccuracy, long-term climate change trends and to use decadal change observations as a method to determine the accuracy of climate change. A CLARREO objective is to improve the accuracy of SI-traceable, absolute calibration at infrared and reflected solar wavelengths to reach on-orbit accuracies required to allow climate change observations to survive data gaps and observe climate change at the limit of natural variability. Such an effort will also demonstrate National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) approaches for use in future spaceborne instruments. The current work describes the results of laboratory and field measurements with the Solar, Lunar for Absolute Reflectance Imaging Spectroradiometer (SOLARIS) which is the calibration demonstration system (CDS) for the reflected solar portion of CLARREO. SOLARIS allows testing and evaluation of calibration approaches, alternate design and/or implementation approaches and components for the CLARREO mission. SOLARIS also provides a test-bed for detector technologies, non-linearity determination and uncertainties, and application of future technology developments and suggested spacecraft instrument design modifications. Results of laboratory calibration measurements are provided to demonstrate key assumptions about instrument behavior that are needed to achieve CLARREO's climate measurement requirements. Absolute radiometric response is determined using laser-based calibration sources and applied to direct solar views for comparison with accepted solar irradiance models to demonstrate accuracy values giving confidence in the error budget for the CLARREO reflectance retrieval.

Cryogenic Temperature-dependent Refractive Index Measurements of N-BK7, BaLKN3, and SF15 for NOTES PDI

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frey, Bradley J.; Leviton, Douglas F.; Madison, Timothy J.

2007-01-01

In order to enable high quality lens designs using N-BK7, BaLKN3, and SF15 at cryogenic temperatures, we have measured the absolute refractive index of prisms of these three materials using the Cryogenic, High-Accuracy Refraction Measuring System (CHARMS) at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, as a function of both wavelength and temperature. For N-BK7, we report absolute refractive index and thermo-optic coefficient (dn/dT) at temperatures ranging from 50 to 300 K at wavelengths from 0.45 to 2.7 micrometers; for BaLKN3 we cover temperatures ranging from 40 to 300 K and wavelengths from 0.4 to 2.6 micrometers; for SF15 we cover temperatures ranging from 50 to 300 K and wavelengths from 0.45 to 2.6 micrometers. We compare our measurements with others in the literature and provide temperature-dependent Sellmeier coefficients based on our data to allow accurate interpolation of index to other wavelengths and temperatures. While we generally find good agreement (plus or minus 2 x 10(exp -4) for N-BK7, less than 1 x 10(exp -4) for the other materials) at room temperature between our measured values and those provided by the vendor, there is some variation between the datasheets provided with the prisms we measured and the catalog values published by the vendor. This underlines the importance of measuring the absolute refractive index of the material when precise knowledge of the refractive index is required.

A Mathematical Motivation for Complex-Valued Convolutional Networks.

PubMed

Tygert, Mark; Bruna, Joan; Chintala, Soumith; LeCun, Yann; Piantino, Serkan; Szlam, Arthur

2016-05-01

A complex-valued convolutional network (convnet) implements the repeated application of the following composition of three operations, recursively applying the composition to an input vector of nonnegative real numbers: (1) convolution with complex-valued vectors, followed by (2) taking the absolute value of every entry of the resulting vectors, followed by (3) local averaging. For processing real-valued random vectors, complex-valued convnets can be viewed as data-driven multiscale windowed power spectra, data-driven multiscale windowed absolute spectra, data-driven multiwavelet absolute values, or (in their most general configuration) data-driven nonlinear multiwavelet packets. Indeed, complex-valued convnets can calculate multiscale windowed spectra when the convnet filters are windowed complex-valued exponentials. Standard real-valued convnets, using rectified linear units (ReLUs), sigmoidal (e.g., logistic or tanh) nonlinearities, or max pooling, for example, do not obviously exhibit the same exact correspondence with data-driven wavelets (whereas for complex-valued convnets, the correspondence is much more than just a vague analogy). Courtesy of the exact correspondence, the remarkably rich and rigorous body of mathematical analysis for wavelets applies directly to (complex-valued) convnets.

SU-E-T-468: Implementation of the TG-142 QA Process for Seven Linacs with Enhanced Beam Conformance

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

Woollard, J; Ayan, A; DiCostanzo, D

2015-06-15

Purpose: To develop a TG-142 compliant QA process for 7 Varian TrueBeam linear accelerators (linacs) with enhanced beam conformance and dosimetrically matched beam models. To ensure consistent performance of all 7 linacs, the QA process should include a common set of baseline values for use in routine QA on all linacs. Methods: The TG 142 report provides recommended tests, tolerances and frequencies for quality assurance of medical accelerators. Based on the guidance provided in the report, measurement tests were developed to evaluate each of the applicable parameters listed for daily, monthly and annual QA. These tests were then performed onmore » each of our 7 new linacs as they came on line at our institution. Results: The tolerance values specified in TG-142 for each QA test are either absolute tolerances (i.e. ±2mm) or require a comparison to a baseline value. The results of our QA tests were first used to ensure that all 7 linacs were operating within the suggested tolerance values provided in TG −142 for those tests with absolute tolerances and that the performance of the linacs was adequately matched. The QA test results were then used to develop a set of common baseline values for those QA tests that require comparison to a baseline value at routine monthly and annual QA. The procedures and baseline values were incorporated into a spreadsheets for use in monthly and annual QA. Conclusion: We have developed a set of procedures for daily, monthly and annual QA of our linacs that are consistent with the TG-142 report. A common set of baseline values was developed for routine QA tests. The use of this common set of baseline values for comparison at monthly and annual QA will ensure consistent performance of all 7 linacs.« less

Method For Detecting The Presence Of A Ferromagnetic Object

DOEpatents

Roybal, Lyle G.

2000-11-21

A method for detecting a presence or an absence of a ferromagnetic object within a sensing area may comprise the steps of sensing, during a sample time, a magnetic field adjacent the sensing area; producing surveillance data representative of the sensed magnetic field; determining an absolute value difference between a maximum datum and a minimum datum comprising the surveillance data; and determining whether the absolute value difference has a positive or negative sign. The absolute value difference and the corresponding positive or negative sign thereof forms a representative surveillance datum that is indicative of the presence or absence in the sensing area of the ferromagnetic material.

Apparatus and method for processing Korotkov sounds. [for blood pressure measurement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Golden, D. P., Jr.; Hoffler, G. W.; Wolthuis, R. A. (Inventor)

1974-01-01

A Korotkov sound processor, used in a noninvasive automatic blood measuring system where the brachial artery is occluded by an inflatable cuff, is disclosed. The Korotkoff sound associated with the systolic event is determined when the ratio of the absolute value of a voltage signal, representing Korotkov sounds in the range of 18 to 26 Hz to a maximum absolute peak value of the unfiltered signals, first equals or exceeds a value of 0.45. Korotkov sound associated with the diastolic event is determined when a ratio of the voltage signal of the Korotkov sounds in the range of 40 to 60 Hz to the absolute peak value of such signals within a single measurement cycle first falls below a value of 0.17. The processor signals the occurrence of the systolic and diastolic events and these signals can be used to control a recorder to record pressure values for these events.

Accessibility of Nitroxide Side Chains: Absolute Heisenberg Exchange Rates from Power Saturation EPR

PubMed Central

Altenbach, Christian; Froncisz, Wojciech; Hemker, Roy; Mchaourab, Hassane; Hubbell, Wayne L.

2005-01-01

In site-directed spin labeling, the relative solvent accessibility of spin-labeled side chains is taken to be proportional to the Heisenberg exchange rate (Wex) of the nitroxide with a paramagnetic reagent in solution. In turn, relative values of Wex are determined by continuous wave power saturation methods and expressed as a proportional and dimensionless parameter Π. In the experiments presented here, NiEDDA is characterized as a paramagnetic reagent for solvent accessibility studies, and it is shown that absolute values of Wex can be determined from Π, and that the proportionality constant relating them is independent of the paramagnetic reagent and mobility of the nitroxide. Based on absolute exchange rates, an accessibility factor is defined (0 < ρ < 1) that serves as a quantitative measure of side-chain solvent accessibility. The accessibility factors for a nitroxide side chain at 14 different sites in T4 lysozyme are shown to correlate with a structure-based accessibility parameter derived from the crystal structure of the protein. These results provide a useful means for relating crystallographic and site-directed spin labeling data, and hence comparing crystal and solution structures. PMID:15994891

Radiobiological modeling of two stereotactic body radiotherapy schedules in patients with stage I peripheral non-small cell lung cancer.

PubMed

Huang, Bao-Tian; Lin, Zhu; Lin, Pei-Xian; Lu, Jia-Yang; Chen, Chuang-Zhen

2016-06-28

This study aims to compare the radiobiological response of two stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) schedules for patients with stage I peripheral non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using radiobiological modeling methods. Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)-based SBRT plans were designed using two dose schedules of 1 × 34 Gy (34 Gy in 1 fraction) and 4 × 12 Gy (48 Gy in 4 fractions) for 19 patients diagnosed with primary stage I NSCLC. Dose to the gross target volume (GTV), planning target volume (PTV), lung and chest wall (CW) were converted to biologically equivalent dose in 2 Gy fraction (EQD2) for comparison. Five different radiobiological models were employed to predict the tumor control probability (TCP) value. Three additional models were utilized to estimate the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) value for the lung and the modified equivalent uniform dose (mEUD) value to the CW. Our result indicates that the 1 × 34 Gy dose schedule provided a higher EQD2 dose to the tumor, lung and CW. Radiobiological modeling revealed that the TCP value for the tumor, NTCP value for the lung and mEUD value for the CW were 7.4% (in absolute value), 7.2% (in absolute value) and 71.8% (in relative value) higher on average, respectively, using the 1 × 34 Gy dose schedule.

Solving Absolute Value Equations Algebraically and Geometrically

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shiyuan, Wei

2005-01-01

The way in which students can improve their comprehension by understanding the geometrical meaning of algebraic equations or solving algebraic equation geometrically is described. Students can experiment with the conditions of the absolute value equation presented, for an interesting way to form an overall understanding of the concept.

Early diagnosis of myocardial infarction using absolute and relative changes in cardiac troponin concentrations.

PubMed

Irfan, Affan; Reichlin, Tobias; Twerenbold, Raphael; Meister, Marc; Moehring, Berit; Wildi, Karin; Bassetti, Stefano; Zellweger, Christa; Gimenez, Maria Rubini; Hoeller, Rebeca; Murray, Karsten; Sou, Seoung Mann; Mueller, Mira; Mosimann, Tamina; Reiter, Miriam; Haaf, Philip; Ziller, Ronny; Freidank, Heike; Osswald, Stefan; Mueller, Christian

2013-09-01

Absolute changes in high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) seem to have higher diagnostic accuracy in the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction compared with relative changes. It is unknown whether the same applies to high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) assays and whether the combination of absolute and relative change might further increase accuracy. In a prospective, international multicenter study, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) was measured with 3 novel assays (hs-cTnT, Roche Diagnostics Corp, Indianapolis, Ind; hs-cTnI, Beckman Coulter Inc, Brea, Calif; hs-cTnI, Siemens, Munich, Germany) in a blinded fashion at presentation and after 1 and 2 hours in a blinded fashion in 830 unselected patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction. The final diagnosis was adjudicated by 2 independent cardiologists. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction was significantly higher for 1- and 2-hour absolute versus relative hs-cTn changes for all 3 assays (P < .001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the combination of 2-hour absolute and relative change (hs-cTnT 0.98 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.97-0.99]; hs-cTnI, Beckman Coulter Inc, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.96-0.99]; hs-cTnI, Siemens, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.93-0.99]) were high and provided some benefit compared with the use of absolute change alone for hs-cTnT, but not for the hs-cTnI assays. Reclassification analysis confirmed the superiority of absolute changes versus relative changes. Absolute changes seem to be the preferred metrics for both hs-cTnT and hs-cTnI in the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. The combination of absolute and relative changes provides a small added value for hs-cTnT, but not for hs-cTnI. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Accuracy assessment of the global TanDEM-X Digital Elevation Model with GPS data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wessel, Birgit; Huber, Martin; Wohlfart, Christian; Marschalk, Ursula; Kosmann, Detlev; Roth, Achim

2018-05-01

The primary goal of the German TanDEM-X mission is the generation of a highly accurate and global Digital Elevation Model (DEM) with global accuracies of at least 10 m absolute height error (linear 90% error). The global TanDEM-X DEM acquired with single-pass SAR interferometry was finished in September 2016. This paper provides a unique accuracy assessment of the final TanDEM-X global DEM using two different GPS point reference data sets, which are distributed across all continents, to fully characterize the absolute height error. Firstly, the absolute vertical accuracy is examined by about three million globally distributed kinematic GPS (KGPS) points derived from 19 KGPS tracks covering a total length of about 66,000 km. Secondly, a comparison is performed with more than 23,000 "GPS on Bench Marks" (GPS-on-BM) points provided by the US National Geodetic Survey (NGS) scattered across 14 different land cover types of the US National Land Cover Data base (NLCD). Both GPS comparisons prove an absolute vertical mean error of TanDEM-X DEM smaller than ±0.20 m, a Root Means Square Error (RMSE) smaller than 1.4 m and an excellent absolute 90% linear height error below 2 m. The RMSE values are sensitive to land cover types. For low vegetation the RMSE is ±1.1 m, whereas it is slightly higher for developed areas (±1.4 m) and for forests (±1.8 m). This validation confirms an outstanding absolute height error at 90% confidence level of the global TanDEM-X DEM outperforming the requirement by a factor of five. Due to its extensive and globally distributed reference data sets, this study is of considerable interests for scientific and commercial applications.

Comparison of total energy expenditure assessed by two devices in controlled and free-living conditions.

PubMed

Rousset, Sylvie; Fardet, Anthony; Lacomme, Philippe; Normand, Sylvie; Montaurier, Christophe; Boirie, Yves; Morio, Béatrice

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of total energy expenditure (TEE) provided by Actiheart and Armband. Normal-weight adult volunteers wore both devices either for 17 hours in a calorimetric chamber (CC, n = 49) or for 10 days in free-living conditions (FLC) outside the laboratory (n = 41). The two devices and indirect calorimetry or doubly labelled water, respectively, were used to estimate TEE in the CC group and FLC group. In the CC, the relative value of TEE error was not significant (p > 0.05) for Actiheart but significantly different from zero for Armband, showing TEE underestimation (-4.9%, p < 0.0001). However, the mean absolute values of errors were significantly different between Actiheart and Armband: 8.6% and 6.7%, respectively (p = 0.05). Armband was more accurate for estimating TEE during sleeping, rest, recovery periods and sitting-standing. Actiheart provided better estimation during step and walking. In FLC, no significant error in relative value was detected. Nevertheless, Armband produced smaller errors in absolute value than Actiheart (8.6% vs. 12.8%). The distributions of differences were more scattered around the means, suggesting a higher inter-individual variability in TEE estimated by Actiheart than by Armband. Our results show that both monitors are appropriate for estimating TEE. Armband is more effective than Actiheart at the individual level for daily light-intensity activities.

How is the weather? Forecasting inpatient glycemic control

PubMed Central

Saulnier, George E; Castro, Janna C; Cook, Curtiss B; Thompson, Bithika M

2017-01-01

Aim: Apply methods of damped trend analysis to forecast inpatient glycemic control. Method: Observed and calculated point-of-care blood glucose data trends were determined over 62 weeks. Mean absolute percent error was used to calculate differences between observed and forecasted values. Comparisons were drawn between model results and linear regression forecasting. Results: The forecasted mean glucose trends observed during the first 24 and 48 weeks of projections compared favorably to the results provided by linear regression forecasting. However, in some scenarios, the damped trend method changed inferences compared with linear regression. In all scenarios, mean absolute percent error values remained below the 10% accepted by demand industries. Conclusion: Results indicate that forecasting methods historically applied within demand industries can project future inpatient glycemic control. Additional study is needed to determine if forecasting is useful in the analyses of other glucometric parameters and, if so, how to apply the techniques to quality improvement. PMID:29134125

Zero drift of intraventricular and subdural intracranial pressure monitoring systems.

PubMed

Chen, Li; Du, Hang-gen; Yin, Li-chun; He, Min; Zhang, Guo-jun; Tian, Yong; Wang, Cheng; Hao, Bi-lie; Li, Hong-yu

2013-01-01

To assess zero drift of intraventricular and subdural intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring systems. A prospective study was conducted in patients who received Codman ICP monitoring in the neurosurgical department from January 2010 to December 2011. According to the location of sensors, the patients were categorized into two groups: intraventricular group and subdural group. Zero drift between the two groups and its association with the duration of ICP monitor were analyzed. Totally, 22 patients undergoing intraventricular ICP monitoring and 27 receiving subdural ICP monitoring were enrolled. There was no significant difference in duration of ICP monitoring, zero drift value and its absolute value between intraventricular and subdural groups (5.38 d+/-2.58 d vs 4.58 d+/-2.24 d, 0.77 mm Hg+/-2.18 mm Hg vs 1.03 mm Hg+/-2.06 mm Hg, 1.68 mm Hg+/-1.55 mm Hg vs 1.70 mm Hg+/-1.53 mm Hg, respectively; all P larger than 0.05). Absolute value of zero drift in both groups significantly rose with the increased duration of ICP monitoring (P less than 0.05) while zero drift value did not. Moreover, daily absolute value in the intraventricular group was significantly smaller than that in the subdural group (0.27 mm Hg+/-0.32 mm Hg vs 0.29 mm Hg+/-0.18 mm Hg, P less than 0.05). This study demonstrates that absolute value of zero drift significantly correlates with duration of both intraventricular and subdural ICP monitoring. Due to the smaller daily absolute value, ICP values recorded from intraventricular system may be more reliable than those from subdural system.

Absolute Position Sensing Based on a Robust Differential Capacitive Sensor with a Grounded Shield Window

PubMed Central

Bai, Yang; Lu, Yunfeng; Hu, Pengcheng; Wang, Gang; Xu, Jinxin; Zeng, Tao; Li, Zhengkun; Zhang, Zhonghua; Tan, Jiubin

2016-01-01

A simple differential capacitive sensor is provided in this paper to measure the absolute positions of length measuring systems. By utilizing a shield window inside the differential capacitor, the measurement range and linearity range of the sensor can reach several millimeters. What is more interesting is that this differential capacitive sensor is only sensitive to one translational degree of freedom (DOF) movement, and immune to the vibration along the other two translational DOFs. In the experiment, we used a novel circuit based on an AC capacitance bridge to directly measure the differential capacitance value. The experimental result shows that this differential capacitive sensor has a sensitivity of 2 × 10−4 pF/μm with 0.08 μm resolution. The measurement range of this differential capacitive sensor is 6 mm, and the linearity error are less than 0.01% over the whole absolute position measurement range. PMID:27187393

17 CFR 34.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... decomposed into an option payout or payouts, is measured by the absolute net value of the put option premia with strike prices less than or equal to the reference price plus the absolute net value of the call... which a commodity-dependent payment becomes non-zero, or, in the case where two potential reference...

17 CFR 34.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... decomposed into an option payout or payouts, is measured by the absolute net value of the put option premia with strike prices less than or equal to the reference price plus the absolute net value of the call... which a commodity-dependent payment becomes non-zero, or, in the case where two potential reference...

17 CFR 34.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... decomposed into an option payout or payouts, is measured by the absolute net value of the put option premia with strike prices less than or equal to the reference price plus the absolute net value of the call... which a commodity-dependent payment becomes non-zero, or, in the case where two potential reference...

17 CFR 34.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... decomposed into an option payout or payouts, is measured by the absolute net value of the put option premia with strike prices less than or equal to the reference price plus the absolute net value of the call... which a commodity-dependent payment becomes non-zero, or, in the case where two potential reference...

17 CFR 34.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... decomposed into an option payout or payouts, is measured by the absolute net value of the put option premia with strike prices less than or equal to the reference price plus the absolute net value of the call... which a commodity-dependent payment becomes non-zero, or, in the case where two potential reference...

Gravity data from the San Pedro River Basin, Cochise County, Arizona

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kennedy, Jeffrey R.; Winester, Daniel

2011-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey, Arizona Water Science Center in cooperation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Geodetic Survey has collected relative and absolute gravity data at 321 stations in the San Pedro River Basin of southeastern Arizona since 2000. Data are of three types: observed gravity values and associated free-air, simple Bouguer, and complete Bouguer anomaly values, useful for subsurface-density modeling; high-precision relative-gravity surveys repeated over time, useful for aquifer-storage-change monitoring; and absolute-gravity values, useful as base stations for relative-gravity surveys and for monitoring gravity change over time. The data are compiled, without interpretation, in three spreadsheet files. Gravity values, GPS locations, and driving directions for absolute-gravity base stations are presented as National Geodetic Survey site descriptions.

Absolute Gravity Datum in the Age of Cold Atom Gravimeters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Childers, V. A.; Eckl, M. C.

2014-12-01

The international gravity datum is defined today by the International Gravity Standardization Net of 1971 (IGSN-71). The data supporting this network was measured in the 1950s and 60s using pendulum and spring-based gravimeter ties (plus some new ballistic absolute meters) to replace the prior protocol of referencing all gravity values to the earlier Potsdam value. Since this time, gravimeter technology has advanced significantly with the development and refinement of the FG-5 (the current standard of the industry) and again with the soon-to-be-available cold atom interferometric absolute gravimeters. This latest development is anticipated to provide improvement in the range of two orders of magnitude as compared to the measurement accuracy of technology utilized to develop ISGN-71. In this presentation, we will explore how the IGSN-71 might best be "modernized" given today's requirements and available instruments and resources. The National Geodetic Survey (NGS), along with other relevant US Government agencies, is concerned about establishing gravity control to establish and maintain high order geodetic networks as part of the nation's essential infrastructure. The need to modernize the nation's geodetic infrastructure was highlighted in "Precise Geodetic Infrastructure, National Requirements for a Shared Resource" National Academy of Science, 2010. The NGS mission, as dictated by Congress, is to establish and maintain the National Spatial Reference System, which includes gravity measurements. Absolute gravimeters measure the total gravity field directly and do not involve ties to other measurements. Periodic "intercomparisons" of multiple absolute gravimeters at reference gravity sites are used to constrain the behavior of the instruments to ensure that each would yield reasonably similar measurements of the same location (i.e. yield a sufficiently consistent datum when measured in disparate locales). New atomic interferometric gravimeters promise a significant increase in accuracy. Our presentation will also explore the impact of such an instrument on our theory of how to constrain the gravity datum and on how to ensure stability, repeatability, and reproducibility across different absolute gravimeter systems.

Non-Invasive Method of Determining Absolute Intracranial Pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yost, William T. (Inventor); Cantrell, John H., Jr. (Inventor); Hargens, Alan E. (Inventor)

2004-01-01

A method is presented for determining absolute intracranial pressure (ICP) in a patient. Skull expansion is monitored while changes in ICP are induced. The patient's blood pressure is measured when skull expansion is approximately zero. The measured blood pressure is indicative of a reference ICP value. Subsequently, the method causes a known change in ICP and measured the change in skull expansion associated therewith. The absolute ICP is a function of the reference ICP value, the known change in ICP and its associated change in skull expansion; and a measured change in skull expansion.

9 CFR 439.10 - Criteria for obtaining accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... absolute value of the average standardized difference must not exceed the following: (i) For food chemistry... samples must be less than 5.0. A result will have a large deviation measure equal to zero when the absolute value of the result's standardized difference, (d), is less than 2.5 and otherwise a measure equal...

9 CFR 439.10 - Criteria for obtaining accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... absolute value of the average standardized difference must not exceed the following: (i) For food chemistry... samples must be less than 5.0. A result will have a large deviation measure equal to zero when the absolute value of the result's standardized difference, (d), is less than 2.5 and otherwise a measure equal...

9 CFR 439.10 - Criteria for obtaining accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... absolute value of the average standardized difference must not exceed the following: (i) For food chemistry... samples must be less than 5.0. A result will have a large deviation measure equal to zero when the absolute value of the result's standardized difference, (d), is less than 2.5 and otherwise a measure equal...

9 CFR 439.10 - Criteria for obtaining accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... absolute value of the average standardized difference must not exceed the following: (i) For food chemistry... samples must be less than 5.0. A result will have a large deviation measure equal to zero when the absolute value of the result's standardized difference, (d), is less than 2.5 and otherwise a measure equal...

9 CFR 439.10 - Criteria for obtaining accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... absolute value of the average standardized difference must not exceed the following: (i) For food chemistry... samples must be less than 5.0. A result will have a large deviation measure equal to zero when the absolute value of the result's standardized difference, (d), is less than 2.5 and otherwise a measure equal...

Maple (Computer Algebra System) in Teaching Pre-Calculus: Example of Absolute Value Function

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tuluk, Güler

2014-01-01

Modules in Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) make Mathematics interesting and easy to understand. The present study focused on the implementation of the algebraic, tabular (numerical), and graphical approaches used for the construction of the concept of absolute value function in teaching mathematical content knowledge along with Maple 9. The study…

Students' Mathematical Work on Absolute Value: Focusing on Conceptions, Errors and Obstacles

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elia, Iliada; Özel, Serkan; Gagatsis, Athanasios; Panaoura, Areti; Özel, Zeynep Ebrar Yetkiner

2016-01-01

This study investigates students' conceptions of absolute value (AV), their performance in various items on AV, their errors in these items and the relationships between students' conceptions and their performance and errors. The Mathematical Working Space (MWS) is used as a framework for studying students' mathematical work on AV and the…

Absolute biological needs.

PubMed

McLeod, Stephen

2014-07-01

Absolute needs (as against instrumental needs) are independent of the ends, goals and purposes of personal agents. Against the view that the only needs are instrumental needs, David Wiggins and Garrett Thomson have defended absolute needs on the grounds that the verb 'need' has instrumental and absolute senses. While remaining neutral about it, this article does not adopt that approach. Instead, it suggests that there are absolute biological needs. The absolute nature of these needs is defended by appeal to: their objectivity (as against mind-dependence); the universality of the phenomenon of needing across the plant and animal kingdoms; the impossibility that biological needs depend wholly upon the exercise of the abilities characteristic of personal agency; the contention that the possession of biological needs is prior to the possession of the abilities characteristic of personal agency. Finally, three philosophical usages of 'normative' are distinguished. On two of these, to describe a phenomenon or claim as 'normative' is to describe it as value-dependent. A description of a phenomenon or claim as 'normative' in the third sense does not entail such value-dependency, though it leaves open the possibility that value depends upon the phenomenon or upon the truth of the claim. It is argued that while survival needs (or claims about them) may well be normative in this third sense, they are normative in neither of the first two. Thus, the idea of absolute need is not inherently normative in either of the first two senses. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Final report on EURAMET.M.P-K4.2010: Key and supplementary comparison of national pressure standards in the range 1 Pa to 15 kPa of absolute and gauge pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krajíček, Zdeněk; Bergoglio, Mercede; Jousten, Karl; Otal, Pierre; Sabuga, Wladimir; Saxholm, Sari; Pražák, Dominik; Vičar, Martin

2014-01-01

This report describes a EURAMET comparison of five European National Metrology Institutes in low gauge and absolute pressure in gas (nitrogen), denoted as EURAMET.M.P-K4.2010. Its main intention is to state equivalence of the pressure standards, in particular those based on the technology of force-balanced piston gauges such as e.g. FRS by Furness Controls, UK and FPG8601 by DHI-Fluke, USA. It covers the range from 1 Pa to 15 kPa, both gauge and absolute. The comparison in absolute mode serves as a EURAMET Key Comparison which can be linked to CCM.P-K4 and CCM.P-K2 via PTB. The comparison in gauge mode is a supplementary comparison. The comparison was carried out from September 2008 till October 2012. The participating laboratories were the following: CMI, INRIM, LNE, MIKES, PTB-Berlin (absolute pressure 1 kPa and below) and PTB-Braunschweig (absolute pressure 1 kPa and above and gauge pressure). CMI was the pilot laboratory and provided a transfer standard for the comparison. This transfer standard was also the laboratory standard of CMI at the same time, which resulted in a unique and logistically difficult star comparison. Both in gauge and absolute pressures all the participating institutes successfully proved their equivalence with respect to the reference value and all also proved mutual bilateral equivalences in all the points. All the participating laboratories are also equivalent with the reference values of CCM.P-K4 and CCM.P-K2 in the relevant points. The comparison also proved the ability of FPG8601 to serve as a transfer standard. Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Forecasting of Water Consumptions Expenditure Using Holt-Winter’s and ARIMA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Razali, S. N. A. M.; Rusiman, M. S.; Zawawi, N. I.; Arbin, N.

2018-04-01

This study is carried out to forecast water consumption expenditure of Malaysian university specifically at University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). The proposed Holt-Winter’s and Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models were applied to forecast the water consumption expenditure in Ringgit Malaysia from year 2006 until year 2014. The two models were compared and performance measurement of the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) and Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) were used. It is found that ARIMA model showed better results regarding the accuracy of forecast with lower values of MAPE and MAD. Analysis showed that ARIMA (2,1,4) model provided a reasonable forecasting tool for university campus water usage.

Absolute Equilibrium Entropy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shebalin, John V.

1997-01-01

The entropy associated with absolute equilibrium ensemble theories of ideal, homogeneous, fluid and magneto-fluid turbulence is discussed and the three-dimensional fluid case is examined in detail. A sigma-function is defined, whose minimum value with respect to global parameters is the entropy. A comparison is made between the use of global functions sigma and phase functions H (associated with the development of various H-theorems of ideal turbulence). It is shown that the two approaches are complimentary though conceptually different: H-theorems show that an isolated system tends to equilibrium while sigma-functions allow the demonstration that entropy never decreases when two previously isolated systems are combined. This provides a more complete picture of entropy in the statistical mechanics of ideal fluids.

Noninvasive assessment of testicular torsion in rabbits using frequency-domain near-infrared spectroscopy: prospects for pediatric urology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hallacoglu, Bertan; Matulewicz, Richard S.; Paltiel, Harriet J.; Padua, Horacio; Gargollo, Patricio; Cannon, Glenn; Alomari, Ahmad; Sassaroli, Angelo; Fantini, Sergio

2009-09-01

We present a quantitative near-IR spectroscopy study of the absolute values of oxygen saturation of hemoglobin before and after surgically induced testicular torsion in adult rabbits. Unilateral testicular torsions (0, 540, or 720 deg) on experimental testes and contralateral sham surgery on control testes are performed in four adult rabbits. A specially designed optical probe for measurements at multiple source-detector distances and a commercial frequency-domain tissue spectrometer are used to measure absolute values of testicular hemoglobin saturation. Our results show: (1) a consistent baseline absolute tissue hemoglobin saturation value of 78+/-5%, (2) a comparable tissue hemoglobin saturation of 77+/-6% after sham surgery, and (3) a significantly lower tissue hemoglobin saturation of 36+/-2% after 540- and 720-deg testicular torsion surgery. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of performing frequency-domain, multidistance near-IR spectroscopy for absolute testicular oximetry in the assessment of testicular torsion. We conclude that near-IR spectroscopy has potential to serve as a clinical diagnostic and monitoring tool for the assessment of absolute testicular hemoglobin desaturation caused by torsion, with the possibility of serving as a complement to conventional color and spectral Doppler ultrasonography.

A Multidimensional Approach to Explore the Understanding of the Notion of Absolute Value

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gagatsis, Athanasios; Panaoura, Areti

2014-01-01

The study aimed to investigate students' conceptions on the notion of absolute value and their abilities in applying the specific notion in routine and non-routine situations. A questionnaire was constructed and administered to 17-year-old students. Data were analysed using the hierarchical clustering of variables and the implicative method, while…

Absolute Value Inequalities: High School Students' Solutions and Misconceptions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Almog, Nava; Ilany, Bat-Sheva

2012-01-01

Inequalities are one of the foundational subjects in high school math curricula, but there is a lack of academic research into how students learn certain types of inequalities. This article fills part of the research gap by presenting the findings of a study that examined high school students' methods of approaching absolute value inequalities,…

Accountability, efficiency, and the "bottom line" in non-profit organizations.

PubMed

Cutt, J

1982-01-01

Financial reporting by non-profit organizations deals only with accountability for propriety and regularity, and ignores output measurement. The development of output measures of a physical or index nature offers a means of relating dollar costs to output in the form of cost-efficiency or cost-effectiveness measures, but does not provide any measure of the absolute value or worthwhileness of such programs. This fundamental absolute value question should be asked of all non-profit programs and documented to the greatest possible extent in budgetary submissions, and subsequent control and audit. In public sector non-profit programs, the posing of this question requires information on consumer demand other than in aggregative and imprecise form through the political process, and much improved information on the cost side. Eliciting demand information is feasible in the case of public programs with separable benefits by the use of a variety of pricing techniques, direct or imputed, whether or not the service in question is ultimately financed on a user-pay basis. The problem of eliciting demand is more difficult in the case of public goods, but improved demand information can be obtained, ideally by an approach such as the use of a Clarke tax. The argument can be extended to encompass questions of income distribution, stabilization, regulation and tax policy. Recent developments in program evaluation in the federal government are important, but remain deficient in failing to address the question of absolute value.

ATLS Hypovolemic Shock Classification by Prediction of Blood Loss in Rats Using Regression Models.

PubMed

Choi, Soo Beom; Choi, Joon Yul; Park, Jee Soo; Kim, Deok Won

2016-07-01

In our previous study, our input data set consisted of 78 rats, the blood loss in percent as a dependent variable, and 11 independent variables (heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, respiration rate, temperature, perfusion index, lactate concentration, shock index, and new index (lactate concentration/perfusion)). The machine learning methods for multicategory classification were applied to a rat model in acute hemorrhage to predict the four Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) hypovolemic shock classes for triage in our previous study. However, multicategory classification is much more difficult and complicated than binary classification. We introduce a simple approach for classifying ATLS hypovolaemic shock class by predicting blood loss in percent using support vector regression and multivariate linear regression (MLR). We also compared the performance of the classification models using absolute and relative vital signs. The accuracies of support vector regression and MLR models with relative values by predicting blood loss in percent were 88.5% and 84.6%, respectively. These were better than the best accuracy of 80.8% of the direct multicategory classification using the support vector machine one-versus-one model in our previous study for the same validation data set. Moreover, the simple MLR models with both absolute and relative values could provide possibility of the future clinical decision support system for ATLS classification. The perfusion index and new index were more appropriate with relative changes than absolute values.

Absolute Rayleigh scattering cross sections of gases and freons of stratospheric interest in the visible and ultraviolet regions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

SHARDANAND; Rao, A. D. P.

1977-01-01

The laboratory measurements of absolute Rayleigh scattering cross sections as a function wavelength are reported for gas molecules He, Ne, Ar, N2, H2, O2, CO2, CH4 and for vapors of most commonly used freons CCl2F2, CBrF3, CF4, and CHClf2. These cross sections are determined from the measurements of photon scattering at an angle of 54 deg 44 min which yield the absolute values independent of the value of normal depolarization ratios. The present results show that in the spectral range 6943-3638A deg, the values of the Rayleigh scattering cross section can be extrapolated from one wavelength to the other using 1/lambda (4) law without knowing the values of the polarizabilities. However, such an extrapolation can not be done in the region of shorter wavelengths.

Comparison of Lyman-alpha and LI-COR infrared hygrometers for airborne measurement of turbulent fluctuations of water vapour

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lampert, Astrid; Hartmann, Jörg; Pätzold, Falk; Lobitz, Lennart; Hecker, Peter; Kohnert, Katrin; Larmanou, Eric; Serafimovich, Andrei; Sachs, Torsten

2018-05-01

To investigate if the LI-COR humidity sensor can be used as a replacement of the Lyman-alpha sensor for airborne applications, the measurement data of the Lyman-alpha and several LI-COR sensors are analysed in direct intercomparison flights on different airborne platforms. One vibration isolated closed-path and two non-isolated open-path LI-COR sensors were installed on a Dornier 128 twin engine turbo-prop aircraft. The closed-path sensor provided absolute values and fluctuations of the water vapour mixing ratio in good agreement with the Lyman-alpha. The signals of the two open-path sensors showed considerable high-frequency noise, and the absolute value of the mixing ratio was observed to drift with time in this vibrational environment. On the helicopter-towed sensor system Helipod, with very low vibration levels, the open-path LI-COR sensor agreed very well with the Lyman-alpha sensor over the entire frequency range up to 3 Hz. The results show that the LI-COR sensors are well suited for airborne measurements of humidity fluctuations, provided that a vibrationless environment is given, and this turns out to be more important than close sensor spacing.

Prospective Teachers' Reactions to "Right-or-Wrong" Tasks: The Case of Derivatives of Absolute Value Functions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tsamir, Pessia; Rasslan, Shaker; Dreyfus, Tommy

2006-01-01

This paper illustrates the role of a "Thinking-about-Derivatives" task in identifying learners' derivative conceptions and for promoting their critical thinking about derivatives of absolute value functions. The task included three parts: "Define" the derivative of a function f(x) at x = x[subscript 0], "Solve-if-Possible" the derivative of f(x) =…

Unsteady Convection Flow and Heat Transfer over a Vertical Stretching Surface

PubMed Central

Cai, Wenli; Su, Ning; Liu, Xiangdong

2014-01-01

This paper investigates the effect of thermal radiation on unsteady convection flow and heat transfer over a vertical permeable stretching surface in porous medium, where the effects of temperature dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity are also considered. By using a similarity transformation, the governing time-dependent boundary layer equations for momentum and thermal energy are first transformed into coupled, non-linear ordinary differential equations with variable coefficients. Numerical solutions to these equations subject to appropriate boundary conditions are obtained by the numerical shooting technique with fourth-fifth order Runge-Kutta scheme. Numerical results show that as viscosity variation parameter increases both the absolute value of the surface friction coefficient and the absolute value of the surface temperature gradient increase whereas the temperature decreases slightly. With the increase of viscosity variation parameter, the velocity decreases near the sheet surface but increases far away from the surface of the sheet in the boundary layer. The increase in permeability parameter leads to the decrease in both the temperature and the absolute value of the surface friction coefficient, and the increase in both the velocity and the absolute value of the surface temperature gradient. PMID:25264737

Unsteady convection flow and heat transfer over a vertical stretching surface.

PubMed

Cai, Wenli; Su, Ning; Liu, Xiangdong

2014-01-01

This paper investigates the effect of thermal radiation on unsteady convection flow and heat transfer over a vertical permeable stretching surface in porous medium, where the effects of temperature dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity are also considered. By using a similarity transformation, the governing time-dependent boundary layer equations for momentum and thermal energy are first transformed into coupled, non-linear ordinary differential equations with variable coefficients. Numerical solutions to these equations subject to appropriate boundary conditions are obtained by the numerical shooting technique with fourth-fifth order Runge-Kutta scheme. Numerical results show that as viscosity variation parameter increases both the absolute value of the surface friction coefficient and the absolute value of the surface temperature gradient increase whereas the temperature decreases slightly. With the increase of viscosity variation parameter, the velocity decreases near the sheet surface but increases far away from the surface of the sheet in the boundary layer. The increase in permeability parameter leads to the decrease in both the temperature and the absolute value of the surface friction coefficient, and the increase in both the velocity and the absolute value of the surface temperature gradient.

Winners love winning and losers love money.

PubMed

Kassam, Karim S; Morewedge, Carey K; Gilbert, Daniel T; Wilson, Timothy D

2011-05-01

Salience and satisfaction are important factors in determining the comparisons that people make. We hypothesized that people make salient comparisons first, and then make satisfying comparisons only if salient comparisons leave them unsatisfied. This hypothesis suggests an asymmetry between winning and losing. For winners, comparison with a salient alternative (i.e., losing) brings satisfaction. Therefore, winners should be sensitive only to the relative value of their outcomes. For losers, comparison with a salient alternative (i.e., winning) brings little satisfaction. Therefore, losers should be drawn to compare outcomes with additional standards, which should make them sensitive to both relative and absolute values of their outcomes. In Experiment 1, participants won one of two cash prizes on a scratch-off ticket. Winners were sensitive to the relative value of their prizes, whereas losers were sensitive to both the relative and the absolute values of their prizes. In Experiment 2, losers were sensitive to the absolute value of their prize only when they had sufficient cognitive resources to engage in effortful comparison.

Absolute Income, Relative Income, and Happiness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ball, Richard; Chernova, Kateryna

2008-01-01

This paper uses data from the World Values Survey to investigate how an individual's self-reported happiness is related to (i) the level of her income in absolute terms, and (ii) the level of her income relative to other people in her country. The main findings are that (i) both absolute and relative income are positively and significantly…

Monitoring environmental burden reduction from household waste prevention.

PubMed

Matsuda, Takeshi; Hirai, Yasuhiro; Asari, Misuzu; Yano, Junya; Miura, Takahiro; Ii, Ryota; Sakai, Shin-Ichi

2018-01-01

In this study, the amount of prevented household waste in Kyoto city was quantified using three methods. Subsequently, the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction by waste prevention was calculated in order to monitor the impact of waste prevention. The methods of quantification were "relative change from baseline year (a)," "absolute change from potential waste generation (b)," and "absolute amount of activities (c)." Method (a) was popular for measuring waste prevention, but method (b) was the original approach to determine the absolute amount of waste prevention by estimating the potential waste generation. Method (c) also provided the absolute value utilizing the information of activities. Methods (b) and (c) enable the evaluation of the waste prevention activities with a similar baseline for recycling. Methods (b) and (c) gave significantly higher GHG reductions than method (a) because of the difference in baseline between them. Therefore, setting a baseline is very important for evaluating waste prevention. In practice, when focusing on the monitoring of a specific policy or campaign, method (a) is an appropriate option. On the other hand, when comparing the total impact of waste prevention to that of recycling, methods (b) and (c) should be applied. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Novel Downhole Electromagnetic Flowmeter for Oil-Water Two-Phase Flow in High-Water-Cut Oil-Producing Wells.

PubMed

Wang, Yanjun; Li, Haoyu; Liu, Xingbin; Zhang, Yuhui; Xie, Ronghua; Huang, Chunhui; Hu, Jinhai; Deng, Gang

2016-10-14

First, the measuring principle, the weight function, and the magnetic field of the novel downhole inserted electromagnetic flowmeter (EMF) are described. Second, the basic design of the EMF is described. Third, the dynamic experiments of two EMFs in oil-water two-phase flow are carried out. The experimental errors are analyzed in detail. The experimental results show that the maximum absolute value of the full-scale errors is better than 5%, the total flowrate is 5-60 m³/d, and the water-cut is higher than 60%. The maximum absolute value of the full-scale errors is better than 7%, the total flowrate is 2-60 m³/d, and the water-cut is higher than 70%. Finally, onsite experiments in high-water-cut oil-producing wells are conducted, and the possible reasons for the errors in the onsite experiments are analyzed. It is found that the EMF can provide an effective technology for measuring downhole oil-water two-phase flow.

Novel Downhole Electromagnetic Flowmeter for Oil-Water Two-Phase Flow in High-Water-Cut Oil-Producing Wells

PubMed Central

Wang, Yanjun; Li, Haoyu; Liu, Xingbin; Zhang, Yuhui; Xie, Ronghua; Huang, Chunhui; Hu, Jinhai; Deng, Gang

2016-01-01

First, the measuring principle, the weight function, and the magnetic field of the novel downhole inserted electromagnetic flowmeter (EMF) are described. Second, the basic design of the EMF is described. Third, the dynamic experiments of two EMFs in oil-water two-phase flow are carried out. The experimental errors are analyzed in detail. The experimental results show that the maximum absolute value of the full-scale errors is better than 5%, the total flowrate is 5–60 m3/d, and the water-cut is higher than 60%. The maximum absolute value of the full-scale errors is better than 7%, the total flowrate is 2–60 m3/d, and the water-cut is higher than 70%. Finally, onsite experiments in high-water-cut oil-producing wells are conducted, and the possible reasons for the errors in the onsite experiments are analyzed. It is found that the EMF can provide an effective technology for measuring downhole oil-water two-phase flow. PMID:27754412

Information Processing Theory of Human Performance and Related Research.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-05-01

features are analyzed or compared at one or more times. Excellent reviews are available ( LaBerge , 1976; Sutherland, 1973). Without belaboring the issue, the...We propose then that it is not absolute values which are "features," but rela- tive values, and more specifically based on the work of Stevens ... Stevens , 1975a, 1975b; Stevens & Galanter, 1957) and his colleagues, that a feature is a ratio of actual stimulation to an identifia~ble absolute value on a

Atomic mass and double-β-decay Q value of 48Ca

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Redshaw, Matthew; Bollen, Georg; Brodeur, Maxime; Bustabad, Scott; Lincoln, David L.; Novario, Samuel J.; Ringle, Ryan; Schwarz, Stefan

2012-10-01

The possibility of detecting neutrinoless double-β-decay (0νββ-decay) in experiments that are currently in operation or under development provides the exciting opportunity to determine the Dirac or Majorana nature of the neutrino and its absolute mass scale. An important datum for interpreting 0νββ-decay experimental results is the Q value of the decay. Using Penning trap mass spectrometry we have measured the atomic mass of 48Ca to be M[48Ca] = 47.952 522 76(21) u which, combined with the mass of 48Ti evaluated by Audi [Nucl. Phys. ANUPABL0375-947410.1016/j.nuclphysa.2003.11.003 729, 337 (2003)], provides a new determination of the 48Ca ββ-decay Q value: Qββ = 4262.96(84) keV.

Absolute-gravity stations in Western Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mäkinen, Jaakko; Rasindra, Ravik; Chand, Uttam; Tiwari, Virendra; Lukin, Valery; Anisimov, Michail; Melvaer, Yngve; Melland, Gudmund; Koivula, Hannu; Näränen, Jyri; Poutanen, Markku

2013-04-01

Absolute-gravity stations are an important part of the geodetic infrastructure of the Antarctic. They provide accurate starting values for gravity surveys performed e.g. for the determination of the geoid, for geological studies and for geophysical investigations. The time variation in gravity determined from repeated absolute-gravity measurements provides insights into the Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA) and into solid Earth deformation due to variation in contemporary ice load. Given sufficient joint coverage with International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) sites, gravity rates in high latitudes could in principle provide an independent check of the geocentricity of the z-dot (velocities in the direction of the rotation axis of the Earth) of the ITRF. We review the absolute gravity stations in Western and Central Dronning Maud Land. The oldest station is at the Finnish base Aboa, with 5 measurements by the Finnish Geodetic Institute (FGI) starting with the FINNARP 1993 expedition. Measurements at Maitri (India) and Novolazarevskaya (Russia) were first performed in 2004 by the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) of India, and by the FGI, respectively. In the season 2010/11 a new station was constructed at Troll (Norway). In the season 2011/12 the aforementioned four sites were occupied by the FG5-221 absolute gravimeter of the FGI. At Sanae IV (South Africa) there are previous occupations by the FG5-221, in 2003/4 and 2005/6. All these bases have continuous GNSS stations. Numerous supporting measurements have been made at the sites: microgravity networks, levelling and GNSS ties to excentres etc., for controlling the stability of the stations. At some sites, nearby glacier elevations were surveyed to monitor the attraction of the variable close-field snow and ice masses. We give a description of the sites and the measurements performed at them. The work has benefited from the co-operation in the COST Action ES0701 "Improved Constraints on Models of GIA".

Radiometric Characterization of the IKONOS, QuickBird, and OrbView-3 Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holekamp, Kara

2006-01-01

Radiometric calibration of commercial imaging satellite products is required to ensure that science and application communities can better understand their properties. Inaccurate radiometric calibrations can lead to erroneous decisions and invalid conclusions and can limit intercomparisons with other systems. To address this calibration need, satellite at-sensor radiance values were compared to those estimated by each independent team member to determine the sensor's radiometric accuracy. The combined results of this evaluation provide the user community with an independent assessment of these commercially available high spatial resolution sensors' absolute calibration values.

Radiometric Calibration Assessment of Commercial High Spatial Resolution Multispectral Image Products

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holekamp, Kara; Aaron, David; Thome, Kurtis

2006-01-01

Radiometric calibration of commercial imaging satellite products is required to ensure that science and application communities can better understand their properties. Inaccurate radiometric calibrations can lead to erroneous decisions and invalid conclusions and can limit intercomparisons with other systems. To address this calibration need, satellite at-sensor radiance values were compared to those estimated by each independent team member to determine the sensor's radiometric accuracy. The combined results of this evaluation provide the user community with an independent assessment of these commercially available high spatial resolution sensors' absolute calibration values.

Diagnostic value of ADC in patients with prostate cancer: influence of the choice of b values.

PubMed

Thörmer, Gregor; Otto, Josephin; Reiss-Zimmermann, Martin; Seiwerts, Matthias; Moche, Michael; Garnov, Nikita; Franz, Toni; Do, Minh; Stolzenburg, Jens-Uwe; Horn, Lars-Christian; Kahn, Thomas; Busse, Harald

2012-08-01

To evaluate the influence of the choice of b values on the diagnostic value of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for detection and grading of prostate cancer (PCa). Forty-one patients with biopsy-proven PCa underwent endorectal 3-T MRI before prostatectomy. Different combinations of b values (0-800 s/mm(2)) were used to calculate four representative ADC maps. Mean ADCs of tumours and non-malignant tissue were determined. Tumour appearance on different ADC maps was rated by three radiologists as good, fair or poor by assigning a visual score (VS) of 2, 1 or 0, respectively. Differences in the ADC values with the choice of b values were analysed using one-way ANOVA. Choice of b values had a highly (P < 0.001) significant influence on the absolute ADC in each tissue. Maps using b = [50, 800] and [0, 800] were rated best (VS= 1.6 ± 0.3) and second best (1.1 ± 0.3, P < 0.001), respectively. For low-grade carcinomas (Gleason score ≤ 6, 13/41 patients), only the former choice received scores better than fair (VS = 1.4 ± 0.3). Mean tumour ADCs showed significant negative correlation (Spearman's ρ -0.38 to -0.46, P < 0.05) with Gleason score. Absolute ADC values strongly depend on the choice of b values and therefore should be used with caution for diagnostic purposes. A minimum b value greater than zero is recommended for ADC calculation to improve the visual assessment of PCa in ADC maps. • Absolute ADC values are highly dependent on the choice of b values. • Absolute ADC thresholds should be used carefully to predict tumour aggressiveness. • Subjective ratings of ADC maps involving b = 0 s/mm ( 2 ) are poor to fair. • Minimum b value greater than 0 s/mm ( 2 ) is recommended for ADC calculation.

COMMENT: Comment on 'Evaluation of the local value of the Earth gravity field in the context of the new definition of the kilogram'

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svitlov, S. M.

2010-06-01

A recent paper (Baumann et al 2009 Metrologia 46 178-86) presents a method to evaluate the free-fall acceleration at a desired point in space, as required for the watt balance experiment. The claimed uncertainty of their absolute gravity measurements is supported by two bilateral comparisons using two absolute gravimeters of the same type. This comment discusses the case where absolute gravity measurements are traceable to a key comparison reference value. Such an approach produces a more complete uncertainty budget and reduces the risk of the results of different watt balance experiments not being compatible.

Hybrid electroluminescent devices

DOEpatents

Shiang, Joseph John; Duggal, Anil Raj; Michael, Joseph Darryl

2010-08-03

A hybrid electroluminescent (EL) device comprises at least one inorganic diode element and at least one organic EL element that are electrically connected in series. The absolute value of the breakdown voltage of the inorganic diode element is greater than the absolute value of the maximum reverse bias voltage across the series. The inorganic diode element can be a power diode, a Schottky barrier diode, or a light-emitting diode.

Absolute Transition Probabilities of Lines in the Spectra of Astrophysical Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parkinson, W. H.; Smith, P. L.; Yoshino, K.

1984-01-01

Progress in the investigation of absolute transition probabilities (A-values or F values) for ultraviolet lines is reported. A radio frequency ion trap was used for measurement of transition probabilities for intersystem lines seen in astronomical spectra. The intersystem line at 2670 A in Al II, which is seen in pre-main sequence stars and symbiotic stars, was studied.

Neural Sensitivity to Absolute and Relative Anticipated Reward in Adolescents

PubMed Central

Vaidya, Jatin G.; Knutson, Brian; O'Leary, Daniel S.; Block, Robert I.; Magnotta, Vincent

2013-01-01

Adolescence is associated with a dramatic increase in risky and impulsive behaviors that have been attributed to developmental differences in neural processing of rewards. In the present study, we sought to identify age differences in anticipation of absolute and relative rewards. To do so, we modified a commonly used monetary incentive delay (MID) task in order to examine brain activity to relative anticipated reward value (neural sensitivity to the value of a reward as a function of other available rewards). This design also made it possible to examine developmental differences in brain activation to absolute anticipated reward magnitude (the degree to which neural activity increases with increasing reward magnitude). While undergoing fMRI, 18 adolescents and 18 adult participants were presented with cues associated with different reward magnitudes. After the cue, participants responded to a target to win money on that trial. Presentation of cues was blocked such that two reward cues associated with $.20, $1.00, or $5.00 were in play on a given block. Thus, the relative value of the $1.00 reward varied depending on whether it was paired with a smaller or larger reward. Reflecting age differences in neural responses to relative anticipated reward (i.e., reference dependent processing), adults, but not adolescents, demonstrated greater activity to a $1 reward when it was the larger of the two available rewards. Adults also demonstrated a more linear increase in ventral striatal activity as a function of increasing absolute reward magnitude compared to adolescents. Additionally, reduced ventral striatal sensitivity to absolute anticipated reward (i.e., the difference in activity to medium versus small rewards) correlated with higher levels of trait Impulsivity. Thus, ventral striatal activity in anticipation of absolute and relative rewards develops with age. Absolute reward processing is also linked to individual differences in Impulsivity. PMID:23544046

Thermal Infrared Spectrometer for Earth Science Remote Sensing Applications—Instrument Modifications and Measurement Procedures

PubMed Central

Hecker, Christoph; Hook, Simon; van der Meijde, Mark; Bakker, Wim; van der Werff, Harald; Wilbrink, Henk; van Ruitenbeek, Frank; de Smeth, Boudewijn; van der Meer, Freek

2011-01-01

In this article we describe a new instrumental setup at the University of Twente Faculty ITC with an optimized processing chain to measure absolute directional-hemispherical reflectance values of typical earth science samples in the 2.5 to 16 μm range. A Bruker Vertex 70 FTIR spectrometer was chosen as the base instrument. It was modified with an external integrating sphere with a 30 mm sampling port to allow measuring large, inhomogeneous samples and quantitatively compare the laboratory results to airborne and spaceborne remote sensing data. During the processing to directional-hemispherical reflectance values, a background radiation subtraction is performed, removing the effect of radiance not reflected from the sample itself on the detector. This provides more accurate reflectance values for low-reflecting samples. Repeat measurements taken over a 20 month period on a quartz sand standard show that the repeatability of the system is very high, with a standard deviation ranging between 0.001 and 0.006 reflectance units depending on wavelength. This high level of repeatability is achieved even after replacing optical components, re-aligning mirrors and placement of sample port reducers. Absolute reflectance values of measurements taken by the instrument here presented compare very favorably to measurements of other leading laboratories taken on identical sample standards. PMID:22346683

Thermal infrared spectrometer for Earth science remote sensing applications-instrument modifications and measurement procedures.

PubMed

Hecker, Christoph; Hook, Simon; van der Meijde, Mark; Bakker, Wim; van der Werff, Harald; Wilbrink, Henk; van Ruitenbeek, Frank; de Smeth, Boudewijn; van der Meer, Freek

2011-01-01

In this article we describe a new instrumental setup at the University of Twente Faculty ITC with an optimized processing chain to measure absolute directional-hemispherical reflectance values of typical earth science samples in the 2.5 to 16 μm range. A Bruker Vertex 70 FTIR spectrometer was chosen as the base instrument. It was modified with an external integrating sphere with a 30 mm sampling port to allow measuring large, inhomogeneous samples and quantitatively compare the laboratory results to airborne and spaceborne remote sensing data. During the processing to directional-hemispherical reflectance values, a background radiation subtraction is performed, removing the effect of radiance not reflected from the sample itself on the detector. This provides more accurate reflectance values for low-reflecting samples. Repeat measurements taken over a 20 month period on a quartz sand standard show that the repeatability of the system is very high, with a standard deviation ranging between 0.001 and 0.006 reflectance units depending on wavelength. This high level of repeatability is achieved even after replacing optical components, re-aligning mirrors and placement of sample port reducers. Absolute reflectance values of measurements taken by the instrument here presented compare very favorably to measurements of other leading laboratories taken on identical sample standards.

Improving the Glucose Meter Error Grid With the Taguchi Loss Function.

PubMed

Krouwer, Jan S

2016-07-01

Glucose meters often have similar performance when compared by error grid analysis. This is one reason that other statistics such as mean absolute relative deviation (MARD) are used to further differentiate performance. The problem with MARD is that too much information is lost. But additional information is available within the A zone of an error grid by using the Taguchi loss function. Applying the Taguchi loss function gives each glucose meter difference from reference a value ranging from 0 (no error) to 1 (error reaches the A zone limit). Values are averaged over all data which provides an indication of risk of an incorrect medical decision. This allows one to differentiate glucose meter performance for the common case where meters have a high percentage of values in the A zone and no values beyond the B zone. Examples are provided using simulated data. © 2015 Diabetes Technology Society.

Absolute judgment for one- and two-dimensional stimuli embedded in Gaussian noise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kvalseth, T. O.

1977-01-01

This study examines the effect on human performance of adding Gaussian noise or disturbance to the stimuli in absolute judgment tasks involving both one- and two-dimensional stimuli. For each selected stimulus value (both an X-value and a Y-value were generated in the two-dimensional case), 10 values (or 10 pairs of values in the two-dimensional case) were generated from a zero-mean Gaussian variate, added to the selected stimulus value and then served as the coordinate values for the 10 points that were displayed sequentially on a CRT. The results show that human performance, in terms of the information transmitted and rms error as functions of stimulus uncertainty, was significantly reduced as the noise variance increased.

Wideband Arrhythmia-Insensitive-Rapid (AIR) Pulse Sequence for Cardiac T1 mapping without Image Artifacts induced by ICD

PubMed Central

Hong, KyungPyo; Jeong, Eun-Kee; Wall, T. Scott; Drakos, Stavros G.; Kim, Daniel

2015-01-01

Purpose To develop and evaluate a wideband arrhythmia-insensitive-rapid (AIR) pulse sequence for cardiac T1 mapping without image artifacts induced by implantable-cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Methods We developed a wideband AIR pulse sequence by incorporating a saturation pulse with wide frequency bandwidth (8.9 kHz), in order to achieve uniform T1 weighting in the heart with ICD. We tested the performance of original and “wideband” AIR cardiac T1 mapping pulse sequences in phantom and human experiments at 1.5T. Results In 5 phantoms representing native myocardium and blood and post-contrast blood/tissue T1 values, compared with the control T1 values measured with an inversion-recovery pulse sequence without ICD, T1 values measured with original AIR with ICD were considerably lower (absolute percent error >29%), whereas T1 values measured with wideband AIR with ICD were similar (absolute percent error <5%). Similarly, in 11 human subjects, compared with the control T1 values measured with original AIR without ICD, T1 measured with original AIR with ICD was significantly lower (absolute percent error >10.1%), whereas T1 measured with wideband AIR with ICD was similar (absolute percent error <2.0%). Conclusion This study demonstrates the feasibility of a wideband pulse sequence for cardiac T1 mapping without significant image artifacts induced by ICD. PMID:25975192

Albedo boundaries on Mars in 1972: Results from Mariner 9

USGS Publications Warehouse

Batson, R.M.; Inge, J.L.

1976-01-01

A map of "albedo" boundaries (light and dark markings) on Mars was prepared from Mariner 9 images. After special digital processing, these pictures provide detailed locations of albedo boundaries, which is significant in interpreting recent eolian activity. Derivation of absolute albedo values from the spacecraft data was not attempted. The map correlates well with telescopic observations of Mars after the 1971 dust storm. ?? 1976.

The Impact of Different Absolute Solar Irradiance Values on Current Climate Model Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rind, David H.; Lean, Judith L.; Jonas, Jeffrey

2014-01-01

Simulations of the preindustrial and doubled CO2 climates are made with the GISS Global Climate Middle Atmosphere Model 3 using two different estimates of the absolute solar irradiance value: a higher value measured by solar radiometers in the 1990s and a lower value measured recently by the Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment. Each of the model simulations is adjusted to achieve global energy balance; without this adjustment the difference in irradiance produces a global temperature change of 0.48C, comparable to the cooling estimated for the Maunder Minimum. The results indicate that by altering cloud cover the model properly compensates for the different absolute solar irradiance values on a global level when simulating both preindustrial and doubled CO2 climates. On a regional level, the preindustrial climate simulations and the patterns of change with doubled CO2 concentrations are again remarkably similar, but there are some differences. Using a higher absolute solar irradiance value and the requisite cloud cover affects the model's depictions of high-latitude surface air temperature, sea level pressure, and stratospheric ozone, as well as tropical precipitation. In the climate change experiments it leads to an underestimation of North Atlantic warming, reduced precipitation in the tropical western Pacific, and smaller total ozone growth at high northern latitudes. Although significant, these differences are typically modest compared with the magnitude of the regional changes expected for doubled greenhouse gas concentrations. Nevertheless, the model simulations demonstrate that achieving the highest possible fidelity when simulating regional climate change requires that climate models use as input the most accurate (lower) solar irradiance value.

aCNViewer: Comprehensive genome-wide visualization of absolute copy number and copy neutral variations.

PubMed

Renault, Victor; Tost, Jörg; Pichon, Fabien; Wang-Renault, Shu-Fang; Letouzé, Eric; Imbeaud, Sandrine; Zucman-Rossi, Jessica; Deleuze, Jean-François; How-Kit, Alexandre

2017-01-01

Copy number variations (CNV) include net gains or losses of part or whole chromosomal regions. They differ from copy neutral loss of heterozygosity (cn-LOH) events which do not induce any net change in the copy number and are often associated with uniparental disomy. These phenomena have long been reported to be associated with diseases and particularly in cancer. Losses/gains of genomic regions are often correlated with lower/higher gene expression. On the other hand, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and cn-LOH are common events in cancer and may be associated with the loss of a functional tumor suppressor gene. Therefore, identifying recurrent CNV and cn-LOH events can be important as they may highlight common biological components and give insights into the development or mechanisms of a disease. However, no currently available tools allow a comprehensive whole-genome visualization of recurrent CNVs and cn-LOH in groups of samples providing absolute quantification of the aberrations leading to the loss of potentially important information. To overcome these limitations, we developed aCNViewer (Absolute CNV Viewer), a visualization tool for absolute CNVs and cn-LOH across a group of samples. aCNViewer proposes three graphical representations: dendrograms, bi-dimensional heatmaps showing chromosomal regions sharing similar abnormality patterns, and quantitative stacked histograms facilitating the identification of recurrent absolute CNVs and cn-LOH. We illustrated aCNViewer using publically available hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) Affymetrix SNP Array data (Fig 1A). Regions 1q and 8q present a similar percentage of total gains but significantly different copy number gain categories (p-value of 0.0103 with a Fisher exact test), validated by another cohort of HCCs (p-value of 5.6e-7) (Fig 2B). aCNViewer is implemented in python and R and is available with a GNU GPLv3 license on GitHub https://github.com/FJD-CEPH/aCNViewer and Docker https://hub.docker.com/r/fjdceph/acnviewer/. aCNViewer@cephb.fr.

q-bosons and the q-analogue quantized field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nelson, Charles A.

1995-01-01

The q-analogue coherent states are used to identify physical signatures for the presence of a 1-analogue quantized radiation field in the q-CS classical limits where the absolute value of z is large. In this quantum-optics-like limit, the fractional uncertainties of most physical quantities (momentum, position, amplitude, phase) which characterize the quantum field are O(1). They only vanish as O(1/absolute value of z) when q = 1. However, for the number operator, N, and the N-Hamiltonian for a free q-boson gas, H(sub N) = h(omega)(N + 1/2), the fractional uncertainties do still approach zero. A signature for q-boson counting statistics is that (Delta N)(exp 2)/ (N) approaches 0 as the absolute value of z approaches infinity. Except for its O(1) fractional uncertainty, the q-generalization of the Hermitian phase operator of Pegg and Barnett, phi(sub q), still exhibits normal classical behavior. The standard number-phase uncertainty-relation, Delta(N) Delta phi(sub q) = 1/2, and the approximate commutation relation, (N, phi(sub q)) = i, still hold for the single-mode q-analogue quantized field. So, N and phi(sub q) are almost canonically conjugate operators in the q-CS classical limit. The q-analogue CS's minimize this uncertainty relation for moderate (absolute value of z)(exp 2).

Evaluating the validity of using unverified indices of body condition

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schamber, J.L.; Esler, Daniel N.; Flint, Paul L.

2009-01-01

Condition indices are commonly used in an attempt to link body condition of birds to ecological variables of interest, including demographic attributes such as survival and reproduction. Most indices are based on body mass adjusted for structural body size, calculated as simple ratios or residuals from regressions. However, condition indices are often applied without confirming their predictive value (i.e., without being validated against measured values of fat and protein), which we term ‘unverified’ use. We evaluated the ability of a number of unverified indices frequently found in the literature to predict absolute and proportional levels of fat and protein across five species of waterfowl. Among indices we considered, those accounting for body size never predicted absolute protein more precisely than body mass, however, some indices improved predictability of fat, although the form of the best index varied by species. Further, the gain in precision by using a condition index to predict either absolute or percent fat was minimal (rise in r2≤0.13), and in many cases model fit was actually reduced. Our data agrees with previous assertions that the assumption that indices provide more precise indicators of body condition than body mass alone is often invalid. We strongly discourage the use of unverified indices, because subjectively selecting indices likely does little to improve precision and might in fact decrease predictability relative to using body mass alone.

Frequency dependence of sensitivities in second-order RC active filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kunieda, T.; Hiramatsu, Y.; Fukui, A.

1980-02-01

This paper presents that gain and phase sensitivities to some element in biquadratic filters approximately constitute a circle on the complex sensitivity plane, provided that the quality factor Q of the circuit is appreciably larger than unity. Moreover, the group delay sensitivity is represented by the imaginary part of a cardioid. Using these results, bounds of maximum values of gain, phase, and group delay sensitivities are obtained. Further, it is proved that the maximum values of these sensitivities can be simultaneously minimized by minimizing the absolute value of the transfer function sensitivity at the center frequency provided that w(0)-sensitivities are constant and do not contain design parameters. Next, a statistical variability measure for the optimal-filter design is proposed. Finally, the relation between some variability measures proposed to the present time is made clear.

The orbit of Phi Cygni measured with long-baseline optical interferometry - Component masses and absolute magnitudes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Armstrong, J. T.; Hummel, C. A.; Quirrenbach, A.; Buscher, D. F.; Mozurkewich, D.; Vivekanand, M.; Simon, R. S.; Denison, C. S.; Johnston, K. J.; Pan, X.-P.

1992-01-01

The orbit of the double-lined spectroscopic binary Phi Cygni, the distance to the system, and the masses and absolute magnitudes of its components are presented via measurements with the Mar III Optical Interferometer. On the basis of a reexamination of the spectroscopic data of Rach & Herbig (1961), the values and uncertainties are adopted for the period and the projected semimajor axes from the present fit to the spectroscopic data and the values of the remaining elements from the present fit to the Mark III data. The elements of the true orbit are derived, and the masses and absolute magnitudes of the components, and the distance to the system are calculated.

Establishing Ion Ratio Thresholds Based on Absolute Peak Area for Absolute Protein Quantification using Protein Cleavage Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry

PubMed Central

Loziuk, Philip L.; Sederoff, Ronald R.; Chiang, Vincent L.; Muddiman, David C.

2014-01-01

Quantitative mass spectrometry has become central to the field of proteomics and metabolomics. Selected reaction monitoring is a widely used method for the absolute quantification of proteins and metabolites. This method renders high specificity using several product ions measured simultaneously. With growing interest in quantification of molecular species in complex biological samples, confident identification and quantitation has been of particular concern. A method to confirm purity or contamination of product ion spectra has become necessary for achieving accurate and precise quantification. Ion abundance ratio assessments were introduced to alleviate some of these issues. Ion abundance ratios are based on the consistent relative abundance (RA) of specific product ions with respect to the total abundance of all product ions. To date, no standardized method of implementing ion abundance ratios has been established. Thresholds by which product ion contamination is confirmed vary widely and are often arbitrary. This study sought to establish criteria by which the relative abundance of product ions can be evaluated in an absolute quantification experiment. These findings suggest that evaluation of the absolute ion abundance for any given transition is necessary in order to effectively implement RA thresholds. Overall, the variation of the RA value was observed to be relatively constant beyond an absolute threshold ion abundance. Finally, these RA values were observed to fluctuate significantly over a 3 year period, suggesting that these values should be assessed as close as possible to the time at which data is collected for quantification. PMID:25154770

Multi-gradient echo MR thermometry for monitoring of the near-field area during MR-guided high intensity focused ultrasound heating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lam, Mie K.; de Greef, Martijn; Bouwman, Job G.; Moonen, Chrit T. W.; Viergever, Max A.; Bartels, Lambertus W.

2015-10-01

The multi-gradient echo MR thermometry (MGE MRT) method is proposed to use at the interface of the muscle and fat layers found in the abdominal wall, to monitor MR-HIFU heating. As MGE MRT uses fat as a reference, it is field-drift corrected. Relative temperature maps were reconstructed by subtracting absolute temperature maps. Because the absolute temperature maps are reconstructed of individual scans, MGE MRT provides the flexibility of interleaved mapping of temperature changes between two arbitrary time points. The method’s performance was assessed in an ex vivo water bath experiment. An ex vivo HIFU experiment was performed to show the method’s ability to monitor heating of consecutive HIFU sonications and to estimate cooling time constants, in the presence of field drift. The interleaved use between scans of a clinical protocol was demonstrated in vivo in a patient during a clinical uterine fibroid treatment. The relative temperature measurements were accurate (mean absolute error 0.3 °C) and provided excellent visualization of the heating of consecutive HIFU sonications. Maps were reconstructed of estimated cooling time constants and mean ROI values could be well explained by the applied heating pattern. Heating upon HIFU sonication and subsequent cooling could be observed in the in vivo demonstration.

Near real-time analysis of extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric sensors under damped vibration using artificial neural networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dua, Rohit; Watkins, Steve E.

2009-03-01

Strain analysis due to vibration can provide insight into structural health. An Extrinsic Fabry-Perot Interferometric (EFPI) sensor under vibrational strain generates a non-linear modulated output. Advanced signal processing techniques, to extract important information such as absolute strain, are required to demodulate this non-linear output. Past research has employed Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT) to demodulate the EFPI sensor for limited conditions. These demodulation systems could only handle variations in absolute value of strain and frequency of actuation during a vibration event. This project uses an ANN approach to extend the demodulation system to include the variation in the damping coefficient of the actuating vibration, in a near real-time vibration scenario. A computer simulation provides training and testing data for the theoretical output of the EFPI sensor to demonstrate the approaches. FFT needed to be performed on a window of the EFPI output data. A small window of observation is obtained, while maintaining low absolute-strain prediction errors, heuristically. Results are obtained and compared from employing different ANN architectures including multi-layered feedforward ANN trained using Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN), and Generalized Regression Neural Networks (GRNN). A two-layered algorithm fusion system is developed and tested that yields better results.

Disturbances in the Isotopic Record of Asuka 881394

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nyquist, L. E.; Bogard, D. D.

2011-01-01

Asuka 881394 is a unique achondrite with a granulitic texture, very calcic approximately An(sub 98) plagioclase, and pigeonite that has not inverted to orthopyroxene. First thought to be a eucrite, recent Oisotopic studies show it has a closer affinity to angrites . Initial isotopic studies provided evidence for now extinct A-26, Mn-53, and Sm-146. A recent study confirmed an early chronology with an absolute Pb-207 - Pb-206 age of 4566.5 +/- 0.2 Ma, a new measurement of the Al-Mg formation interval as 3.7 +/- 0.1 Ma since Al-26/Al-27 = approximately 4.63 x 10(exp -5) for the E60 CAI, and a Mn-Cr formation interval of -6.0 +/- 0.2 Ma relative to LEW86010 ("LEW"). Absolute ages relative to age anchors presented by were 4563.4 +/- 0.2 Ma by Al- Mg and 4564.6 +/- 0.5 Ma by Mn-Cr. These ages are in good, but not perfect, agreement with the Pb-207 - Pb-206 age. Perhaps the most direct comparison of the early chronology of A881394 as determined by various workers is provided by reported Al-26/Al-27 values of 1.18 +/- 0.14, 1.28 +/- 0.07, and 2.1 +/- 0.4 x 10(exp -6). Analyses of mineral separates by TIMS and MC-ICPMS6] agree well, but the higher value obtained by in situ SIMS analysis is significant in light of the slight inconsistency between absolute ages inferred from the short-lived chronometers and the Pb-207 - Pb-206 age. We examine the possibility that inconsistencies in the earliest fine-scale chronology of Asuka 881394 may be related to isotopic "disturbances" observed in Ar-39 - Ar-40, Rb-97 - Sr-87, and Sm-147 - Nd-143 chronometers.

Electro-mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotubes: Effect of Small Tensile and Torsional Strains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anantram, M. P.; Yang, Liu; Han, Jie; Liu, J. P.; Saini, Subhash (Technical Monitor)

1999-01-01

We present a simple picture to calculate the bandgap ($E_g$) of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in the presence of uniform torsional and tensile strain ($\\sigma$). We find that under tensile strain, $ absolute value of dE_g/d\\sigma$ of zig-zag tubes is approximately equal to $3t_0$, where $t_0$ is the hopping parameter. Further, $ absolute value of dE_g/d\\sigma$ decreases as the chirality changes to armchair, where it takes the value zero. The sign of $dE_g/d\\sigma$ follows the $(N_x-N_y) *mod 3$(equal to - 1, 0 and +1) rule. In contrast to the above, we show that under torsional strain, $absolute value of dE_g/d\\sigma$ of armchair tubes is approximately equal to $3t_0$ and continually decreases as the chirality changes to zig-zag, where is takes a small value. The sign of $dE_g/d\\sigma$ again follows the $(N_x-N_y)*mod 3$ rule. Finally, we predict a change in the sign of $dE_g/d\\sigma$ as function of strain, corresponding to a change in the value of $q$ that corresponds to the bandgap minimum.

The major influence of the atmosphere on intracranial pressure: an observational study.

PubMed

Herbowski, Leszek

2017-01-01

The impact of the atmosphere on human physiology has been studied widely within the last years. In practice, intracranial pressure is a pressure difference between intracranial compartments and the surrounding atmosphere. This means that gauge intracranial pressure uses atmospheric pressure as its zero point, and therefore, this method of pressure measurement excludes the effects of barometric pressure's fluctuation. The comparison of these two physical quantities can only take place through their absolute value relationship. The aim of this study is to investigate the direct effect of barometric pressure on the absolute intracranial pressure homeostasis. A prospective observational cross-sectional open study was conducted in Szczecin, Poland. In 28 neurosurgical patients with suspected normal-pressure hydrocephalus, intracranial intraventricular pressure was monitored in a sitting position. A total of 168 intracranial pressure and atmospheric pressure measurements were performed. Absolute atmospheric pressure was recorded directly. All values of intracranial gauge pressure were converted to absolute pressure (the sum of gauge intracranial pressure and local absolute atmospheric pressure). The average absolute mean intracranial pressure in the patients is 1006.6 hPa (95 % CI 1004.5 to 1008.8 hPa, SEM 1.1), and the mean absolute atmospheric pressure is 1007.9 hPa (95 % CI 1006.3 to 1009.6 hPa, SEM 0.8). The observed association between atmospheric and intracranial pressure is strongly significant (Spearman correlation r = 0.87, p < 0.05) and all the measurements are perfectly reliable (Bland-Altman coefficient is 4.8 %). It appears from this study that changes in absolute intracranial pressure are related to seasonal variation. Absolute intracranial pressure is shown to be impacted positively by atmospheric pressure.

The major influence of the atmosphere on intracranial pressure: an observational study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herbowski, Leszek

2017-01-01

The impact of the atmosphere on human physiology has been studied widely within the last years. In practice, intracranial pressure is a pressure difference between intracranial compartments and the surrounding atmosphere. This means that gauge intracranial pressure uses atmospheric pressure as its zero point, and therefore, this method of pressure measurement excludes the effects of barometric pressure's fluctuation. The comparison of these two physical quantities can only take place through their absolute value relationship. The aim of this study is to investigate the direct effect of barometric pressure on the absolute intracranial pressure homeostasis. A prospective observational cross-sectional open study was conducted in Szczecin, Poland. In 28 neurosurgical patients with suspected normal-pressure hydrocephalus, intracranial intraventricular pressure was monitored in a sitting position. A total of 168 intracranial pressure and atmospheric pressure measurements were performed. Absolute atmospheric pressure was recorded directly. All values of intracranial gauge pressure were converted to absolute pressure (the sum of gauge intracranial pressure and local absolute atmospheric pressure). The average absolute mean intracranial pressure in the patients is 1006.6 hPa (95 % CI 1004.5 to 1008.8 hPa, SEM 1.1), and the mean absolute atmospheric pressure is 1007.9 hPa (95 % CI 1006.3 to 1009.6 hPa, SEM 0.8). The observed association between atmospheric and intracranial pressure is strongly significant (Spearman correlation r = 0.87, p < 0.05) and all the measurements are perfectly reliable (Bland-Altman coefficient is 4.8 %). It appears from this study that changes in absolute intracranial pressure are related to seasonal variation. Absolute intracranial pressure is shown to be impacted positively by atmospheric pressure.

Measurement of the cosmic microwave background spectrum by the COBE FIRAS instrument

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mather, J. C.; Cheng, E. S.; Cottingham, D. A.; Eplee, R. E., Jr.; Fixsen, D. J.; Hewagama, T.; Isaacman, R. B.; Jensen, K. A.; Meyer, S. S.; Noerdlinger, P. D.

1994-01-01

The cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) has a blackbody spectrum within 3.4 x 10(exp -8) ergs/sq cm/s/sr cm over the frequency range from 2 to 20/cm (5-0.5 mm). These measurements, derived from the Far-Infrared Absolute Spectrophotomer (FIRAS) instrument on the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) satellite, imply stringent limits on energy release in the early universe after t approximately 1 year and redshift z approximately 3 x 10(exp 6). The deviations are less than 0.30% of the peak brightness, with an rms value of 0.01%, and the dimensionless cosmological distortion parameters are limited to the absolute value of y is less than 2.5 x 10(exp -5) and the absolute value of mu is less than 3.3 x 10(exp -4) (95% confidence level). The temperature of the CMBR is 2.726 +/- 0.010 K (95% confidence level systematic).

In vivo preclinical cancer and tissue engineering applications of absolute oxygen imaging using pulse EPR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Epel, Boris; Kotecha, Mrignayani; Halpern, Howard J.

2017-07-01

The value of any measurement and a fortiori any measurement technology is defined by the reproducibility and the accuracy of the measurements. This implies a relative freedom of the measurement from factors confounding its accuracy. In the past, one of the reasons for the loss of focus on the importance of imaging oxygen in vivo was the difficulty in obtaining reproducible oxygen or pO2 images free from confounding variation. This review will briefly consider principles of electron paramagnetic oxygen imaging and describe how it achieves absolute oxygen measurements. We will provide a summary review of the progress in biomedical EPR imaging, predominantly in cancer biology research, discuss EPR oxygen imaging for cancer treatment and tissue graft assessment for regenerative medicine applications.

The temperatures, abundances and gravities of F dwarf stars.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bell, R. A.

1971-01-01

Theoretical colors computed from laboratory line data and from model stellar atmospheres have been used to interpret the colors of about 150 F and early G dwarfs. Effective temperatures have been derived from the H-beta index and from R-I, abundances have been obtained from m(sub 1) and from b-y, and gravities have been obtained from c(sub 1) and from b-y. The effective temperatures and gravities are in good agreement with values obtained from spectral scans. Absolute magnitudes have been obtained from the effective temperatures and gravities, the latter being used with assumed stellar masses to yield radii. The present results provide theoretical justification of the empirical formulas given by Crawford and by Stroemgren for the determination of absolute magnitudes and abundances from uvby photometry.

Photon-number statistics of twin beams: Self-consistent measurement, reconstruction, and properties

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

Peřina, Jan Jr.; Haderka, Ondřej; Michálek, Václav

2014-12-04

A method for the determination of photon-number statistics of twin beams using the joint signal-idler photocount statistics obtained by an iCCD camera is described. It also provides absolute quantum detection efficiency of the camera. Using the measured photocount statistics, quasi-distributions of integrated intensities are obtained. They attain negative values occurring in characteristic strips an a consequence of pairing of photons in twin beams.

Avionics performance analysis: A historical review and a current assessment of flight instrumentation and control systems in civil aviation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

The role of flight instrumentation and control systems in the advancement of civil aviation to the safest form of commercial transportation is discussed. Safety, cost reduction, and increased capabilities provided by recent developments are emphasized. Cost/performance considerations are considered in terms of determining the relative values of comparable systems or the absolute worth of a system.

A new network of faint calibration stars from the near infrared spectrometer (NIRS) on the IRTS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freund, Minoru M.; Matsuura, Mikako; Murakami, Hiroshi; Cohen, Martin; Noda, Manabu; Matsuura, Shuji; Matsumoto, Toshio

1997-01-01

The point source extraction and calibration of the near infrared spectrometer (NIRS) onboard the Infrared Telescope in Space (IRTS) is described. About 7 percent of the sky was observed during a one month mission in the range of 1.4 micrometers to 4 micrometers. The accuracy of the spectral shape and absolute values of calibration stars provided by the NIRS/IRTS were validated.

On determining absolute entropy without quantum theory or the third law of thermodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steane, Andrew M.

2016-04-01

We employ classical thermodynamics to gain information about absolute entropy, without recourse to statistical methods, quantum mechanics or the third law of thermodynamics. The Gibbs-Duhem equation yields various simple methods to determine the absolute entropy of a fluid. We also study the entropy of an ideal gas and the ionization of a plasma in thermal equilibrium. A single measurement of the degree of ionization can be used to determine an unknown constant in the entropy equation, and thus determine the absolute entropy of a gas. It follows from all these examples that the value of entropy at absolute zero temperature does not need to be assigned by postulate, but can be deduced empirically.

Extrapolation of radiation thermometry scales for determining the transition temperature of metal-carbon points. Experiments with the Co-C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Battuello, M.; Girard, F.; Florio, M.

2009-02-01

Four independent radiation temperature scales approximating the ITS-90 at 900 nm, 950 nm and 1.6 µm have been realized from the indium point (429.7485 K) to the copper point (1357.77 K) which were used to derive by extrapolation the transition temperature T90(Co-C) of the cobalt-carbon eutectic fixed point. An INRIM cell was investigated and an average value T90(Co-C) = 1597.20 K was found with the four values lying within 0.25 K. Alternatively, thermodynamic approximated scales were realized by assigning to the fixed points the best presently available thermodynamic values and deriving T(Co-C). An average value of 1597.27 K was found (four values lying within 0.25 K). The standard uncertainties associated with T90(Co-C) and T(Co-C) were 0.16 K and 0.17 K, respectively. INRIM determinations are compatible with recent thermodynamic determinations on three different cells (values lying between 1597.11 K and 1597.25 K) and with the result of a comparison on the same cell by an absolute radiation thermometer and an irradiance measurement with filter radiometers which give values of 1597.11 K and 1597.43 K, respectively (Anhalt et al 2006 Metrologia 43 S78-83). The INRIM approach allows the determination of both ITS-90 and thermodynamic temperature of a fixed point in a simple way and can provide valuable support to absolute radiometric methods in defining the transition temperature of new high-temperature fixed points.

Absolute proton hydration free energy, surface potential of water, and redox potential of the hydrogen electrode from first principles: QM/MM MD free-energy simulations of sodium and potassium hydration.

PubMed

Hofer, Thomas S; Hünenberger, Philippe H

2018-06-14

The absolute intrinsic hydration free energy G H + ,wat ◦ of the proton, the surface electric potential jump χ wat ◦ upon entering bulk water, and the absolute redox potential V H + ,wat ◦ of the reference hydrogen electrode are cornerstone quantities for formulating single-ion thermodynamics on absolute scales. They can be easily calculated from each other but remain fundamentally elusive, i.e., they cannot be determined experimentally without invoking some extra-thermodynamic assumption (ETA). The Born model provides a natural framework to formulate such an assumption (Born ETA), as it automatically factors out the contribution of crossing the water surface from the hydration free energy. However, this model describes the short-range solvation inaccurately and relies on the choice of arbitrary ion-size parameters. In the present study, both shortcomings are alleviated by performing first-principle calculations of the hydration free energies of the sodium (Na + ) and potassium (K + ) ions. The calculations rely on thermodynamic integration based on quantum-mechanical molecular-mechanical (QM/MM) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations involving the ion and 2000 water molecules. The ion and its first hydration shell are described using a correlated ab initio method, namely resolution-of-identity second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation (RIMP2). The next hydration shells are described using the extended simple point charge water model (SPC/E). The hydration free energy is first calculated at the MM level and subsequently increased by a quantization term accounting for the transformation to a QM/MM description. It is also corrected for finite-size, approximate-electrostatics, and potential-summation errors, as well as standard-state definition. These computationally intensive simulations provide accurate first-principle estimates for G H + ,wat ◦ , χ wat ◦ , and V H + ,wat ◦ , reported with statistical errors based on a confidence interval of 99%. The values obtained from the independent Na + and K + simulations are in excellent agreement. In particular, the difference between the two hydration free energies, which is not an elusive quantity, is 73.9 ± 5.4 kJ mol -1 (K + minus Na + ), to be compared with the experimental value of 71.7 ± 2.8 kJ mol -1 . The calculated values of G H + ,wat ◦ , χ wat ◦ , and V H + ,wat ◦ (-1096.7 ± 6.1 kJ mol -1 , 0.10 ± 0.10 V, and 4.32 ± 0.06 V, respectively, averaging over the two ions) are also in remarkable agreement with the values recommended by Reif and Hünenberger based on a thorough analysis of the experimental literature (-1100 ± 5 kJ mol -1 , 0.13 ± 0.10 V, and 4.28 ± 0.13 V, respectively). The QM/MM MD simulations are also shown to provide an accurate description of the hydration structure, dynamics, and energetics.

Absolute nuclear material assay

DOEpatents

Prasad, Manoj K [Pleasanton, CA; Snyderman, Neal J [Berkeley, CA; Rowland, Mark S [Alamo, CA

2012-05-15

A method of absolute nuclear material assay of an unknown source comprising counting neutrons from the unknown source and providing an absolute nuclear material assay utilizing a model to optimally compare to the measured count distributions. In one embodiment, the step of providing an absolute nuclear material assay comprises utilizing a random sampling of analytically computed fission chain distributions to generate a continuous time-evolving sequence of event-counts by spreading the fission chain distribution in time.

Absolute nuclear material assay

DOEpatents

Prasad, Manoj K [Pleasanton, CA; Snyderman, Neal J [Berkeley, CA; Rowland, Mark S [Alamo, CA

2010-07-13

A method of absolute nuclear material assay of an unknown source comprising counting neutrons from the unknown source and providing an absolute nuclear material assay utilizing a model to optimally compare to the measured count distributions. In one embodiment, the step of providing an absolute nuclear material assay comprises utilizing a random sampling of analytically computed fission chain distributions to generate a continuous time-evolving sequence of event-counts by spreading the fission chain distribution in time.

Evaluation of the 1077 keV γ-ray emission probability from 68Ga decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Xiao-Long; Jiang, Li-Yang; Chen, Xiong-Jun; Chen, Guo-Chang

2014-04-01

68Ga decays to the excited states of 68Zn through the electron capture decay mode. New recommended values for the emission probability of 1077 keV γ-ray given by the ENSDF and DDEP databases all use data from absolute measurements. In 2011, JIANG Li-Yang deduced a new value for 1077 keV γ-ray emission probability by measuring the 69Ga(n,2n) 68Ga reaction cross section. The new value is about 20% lower than values obtained from previous absolute measurements and evaluations. In this paper, the discrepancies among the measurements and evaluations are analyzed carefully and the new values are re-recommended. Our recommended value for the emission probability of 1077 keV γ-ray is (2.72±0.16)%.

DOT/NASA comparative assessment of Brayton engines for guideway vehicle and buses. Volume 1: Summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

The Department of Transportation requested that the NASA Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology evaluate and assess the potential of several types of gas turbine engines and fuels for the on-board power and propulsion of a future heavy-duty ground transportation system. The purpose of the investigation was threefold: (1) to provide a definition of the potential for turbine engines to minimize pollution, energy consumption, and noise; (2) to provide a useful means of comparison of the types of engine based on consistent assumptions and a common analytical approach; and (3) to provide a compendium of comparative performance data that would serve as the technical basis for future planning. Emphasis was on establishing comparison trends rather than on absolute values and a definitive engine selection. The primary value of this study is intended to be usefulness of the results to provide a quantitative basis for future judgement.

Status of use of lunar irradiance for on-orbit calibration

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stone, T.C.; Kieffer, H.H.; Anderson, J.M.; ,

2002-01-01

Routine observations of the Moon have been acquired by the Robotic Lunar Observatory (ROLO) for over four years. The ROLO instruments measure lunar radiance in 23 VNIR (Moon diameter ???500 pixels) and 9 SWIR (???250 pixels) passbands every month when the Moon is at phase angle less than 90 degrees. These are converted to exoatmospheric values at standard distances using an atmospheric extinction model based on observations of standard stars and a NIST-traceable absolute calibration source. Reduction of the stellar images also provides an independent pathway for absolute calibration. Comparison of stellar-based and lamp-based absolute calibrations of the lunar images currently shows unacceptably large differences. An analytic model of lunar irradiance as a function of phase angle and viewing geometry is derived from the calibrated lunar images. Residuals from models which fit hundreds of observations at each wavelength average less than 2%. Comparison with SeaWiFS observations over three years reveals a small quasi-periodic change in SeaWiFS responsivity that correlates with distance from the Sun for the first two years, then departs from this correlation.

Bubbling in unbounded coflowing liquids.

PubMed

Gañán-Calvo, Alfonso M; Herrada, Miguel A; Garstecki, Piotr

2006-03-31

An investigation of the stability of low density and viscosity fluid jets and spouts in unbounded coflowing liquids is presented. A full parametrical analysis from low to high Weber and Reynolds numbers shows that the presence of any fluid of finite density and viscosity inside the hollow jet elicits a transition from an absolute to a convective instability at a finite value of the Weber number, for any value of the Reynolds number. Below that critical value of the Weber number, the absolute character of the instability leads to local breakup, and consequently to local bubbling. Experimental data support our model.

Estimated variability of National Atmospheric Deposition Program/Mercury Deposition Network measurements using collocated samplers

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wetherbee, G.A.; Gay, D.A.; Brunette, R.C.; Sweet, C.W.

2007-01-01

The National Atmospheric Deposition Program/Mercury Deposition Network (MDN) provides long-term, quality-assured records of mercury in wet deposition in the USA and Canada. Interpretation of spatial and temporal trends in the MDN data requires quantification of the variability of the MDN measurements. Variability is quantified for MDN data from collocated samplers at MDN sites in two states, one in Illinois and one in Washington. Median absolute differences in the collocated sampler data for total mercury concentration are approximately 11% of the median mercury concentration for all valid 1999-2004 MDN data. Median absolute differences are between 3.0% and 14% of the median MDN value for collector catch (sample volume) and between 6.0% and 15% of the median MDN value for mercury wet deposition. The overall measurement errors are sufficiently low to resolve between NADP/MDN measurements by ??2 ng??l-1 and ??2 ????m-2?? year-1, which are the contour intervals used to display the data on NADP isopleths maps for concentration and deposition, respectively. ?? Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2007.

Extraction efficiency and implications for absolute quantitation of propranolol in mouse brain, liver and kidney thin tissue sections using droplet-based liquid microjunction surface sampling-HPLC ESI-MS/MS

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

Kertesz, Vilmos; Weiskittel, Taylor M.; Vavek, Marissa

Currently, absolute quantitation aspects of droplet-based surface sampling for thin tissue analysis using a fully automated autosampler/HPLC-ESI-MS/MS system are not fully evaluated. Knowledge of extraction efficiency and its reproducibility is required to judge the potential of the method for absolute quantitation of analytes from thin tissue sections. Methods: Adjacent thin tissue sections of propranolol dosed mouse brain (10- μm-thick), kidney (10- μm-thick) and liver (8-, 10-, 16- and 24- μm-thick) were obtained. Absolute concentration of propranolol was determined in tissue punches from serial sections using standard bulk tissue extraction protocols and subsequent HPLC separations and tandem mass spectrometric analysis. Thesemore » values were used to determine propranolol extraction efficiency from the tissues with the droplet-based surface sampling approach. Results: Extraction efficiency of propranolol using 10- μm-thick brain, kidney and liver thin tissues using droplet-based surface sampling varied between ~45-63%. Extraction efficiency decreased from ~65% to ~36% with liver thickness increasing from 8 μm to 24 μm. Randomly selecting half of the samples as standards, precision and accuracy of propranolol concentrations obtained for the other half of samples as quality control metrics were determined. Resulting precision ( ±15%) and accuracy ( ±3%) values, respectively, were within acceptable limits. In conclusion, comparative quantitation of adjacent mouse thin tissue sections of different organs and of various thicknesses by droplet-based surface sampling and by bulk extraction of tissue punches showed that extraction efficiency was incomplete using the former method, and that it depended on the organ and tissue thickness. However, once extraction efficiency was determined and applied, the droplet-based approach provided the required quantitation accuracy and precision for assay validations. Furthermore, this means that once the extraction efficiency was calibrated for a given tissue type and drug, the droplet-based approach provides a non-labor intensive and high-throughput means to acquire spatially resolved quantitative analysis of multiple samples of the same type.« less

Extraction efficiency and implications for absolute quantitation of propranolol in mouse brain, liver and kidney thin tissue sections using droplet-based liquid microjunction surface sampling-HPLC ESI-MS/MS

DOE PAGES

Kertesz, Vilmos; Weiskittel, Taylor M.; Vavek, Marissa; ...

2016-06-22

Currently, absolute quantitation aspects of droplet-based surface sampling for thin tissue analysis using a fully automated autosampler/HPLC-ESI-MS/MS system are not fully evaluated. Knowledge of extraction efficiency and its reproducibility is required to judge the potential of the method for absolute quantitation of analytes from thin tissue sections. Methods: Adjacent thin tissue sections of propranolol dosed mouse brain (10- μm-thick), kidney (10- μm-thick) and liver (8-, 10-, 16- and 24- μm-thick) were obtained. Absolute concentration of propranolol was determined in tissue punches from serial sections using standard bulk tissue extraction protocols and subsequent HPLC separations and tandem mass spectrometric analysis. Thesemore » values were used to determine propranolol extraction efficiency from the tissues with the droplet-based surface sampling approach. Results: Extraction efficiency of propranolol using 10- μm-thick brain, kidney and liver thin tissues using droplet-based surface sampling varied between ~45-63%. Extraction efficiency decreased from ~65% to ~36% with liver thickness increasing from 8 μm to 24 μm. Randomly selecting half of the samples as standards, precision and accuracy of propranolol concentrations obtained for the other half of samples as quality control metrics were determined. Resulting precision ( ±15%) and accuracy ( ±3%) values, respectively, were within acceptable limits. In conclusion, comparative quantitation of adjacent mouse thin tissue sections of different organs and of various thicknesses by droplet-based surface sampling and by bulk extraction of tissue punches showed that extraction efficiency was incomplete using the former method, and that it depended on the organ and tissue thickness. However, once extraction efficiency was determined and applied, the droplet-based approach provided the required quantitation accuracy and precision for assay validations. Furthermore, this means that once the extraction efficiency was calibrated for a given tissue type and drug, the droplet-based approach provides a non-labor intensive and high-throughput means to acquire spatially resolved quantitative analysis of multiple samples of the same type.« less

Comparison of deuterated leucine, valine, and lysine in the measurement of human apolipoprotein A-I and B-100 kinetics

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

Lichtenstein, A.H.; Cohn, J.S.; Hachey, D.L.

1990-09-01

The production rates of apolipoprotein (apo)B-100 in very low density lipoprotein and in low density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A-I in high density lipoprotein were determined using a primed-constant infusion of (5,5,5,-2H3)leucine, (4,4,4,-2H3)valine, and (6,6-2H2,1,2-13C2)lysine. The three stable isotope-labeled amino acids were administered simultaneously to determine whether absolute production rates calculated using a stochastic model were independent of the tracer species utilized. Three normolipidemic adult males were studied in the constantly fed state over a 15-h period. The absolute production rates of very low density lipoprotein apoB-100 were 11.4 +/- 5.8 (leucine), 11.2 +/- 6.8 (valine), and 11.1 +/- 5.4 (lysine)more » mg per kg per day (mean +/- SDM). The absolute production rates for low density lipoprotein apoB-100 were 8.0 +/- 4.7 (leucine), 7.5 +/- 3.8 (valine), and 7.5 +/- 4.2 (lysine) mg per kg per day. The absolute production rates for high density lipoprotein apoA-I were 9.7 +/- 0.2 (leucine), 9.4 +/- 1.7 (valine), and 9.1 +/- 1.3 (lysine) mg per kg per day. There were no statistically significant differences in absolute synthetic rates of the three apolipoproteins when the plateau isotopic enrichment values of very low density lipoprotein apoB-100 were used to define the isotopic enrichment of the intracellular precursor pool. Our data indicate that deuterated leucine, valine, or lysine provided similar results when used for the determination of apoA-I and apoB-100 absolute production rates within plasma lipoproteins as part of a primed-constant infusion protocol.« less

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hemoglobin Index Measurement During Fluid Challenge: A Prospective Study in Cardiac Surgery Patients.

PubMed

Rebet, Olivier; Fischer, Marc-Olivier; Zamparini, Guillaume; Gérard, Jean-Louis; Fellahi, Jean-Luc; Hanouz, Jean-Luc

2015-08-01

Little is known about changes in near-infrared spectroscopy-derived tissue hemoglobin index (HbI). The authors tested the hypothesis that absolute values and changes in brain hemoglobin index (HbIb) and skeletal muscle hemoglobin index (HbIm) could differ from the reference arterial hemoglobin (Hb) during fluid challenge. A prospective, monocenter observational study. A 16-bed cardiac surgical intensive care unit in a teaching university hospital. Fifty consecutive adult patients. Investigation before and after a fluid challenge. Simultaneous comparative Hb, HbIb and HbIm data points were collected from a blood-gas analyzer and the EQUANOX device (Nonin Medical Inc., Plymouth, MN). Correlations were determined by linear regression. No significant relationship was found between absolute values of Hb and HbIb before (R(2)= 0.04, p = 0.627) and after (R(2) = 0.00006, p = 0.956) fluid challenge. No significant relationship was found between absolute values of Hb and HbIm before (R(2)= 0.030, p = 0.226) and after (R(2) = 0.05, p = 0.117) the fluid challenge. No significant relationship was found between changes in Hb and HbIb (R(2)= 0.26, p = 0.263) and between changes in Hb and HbIm (R(2) = 0.001, p = 0.801) after the fluid challenge. Bland-Altman analysis showed a poor concordance between changes in Hb and HbIb, and changes in Hb and HbIm, with large limits of agreement. HbIb and HbIm cannot be used to provide continuous noninvasive estimation of Hb, and trends in HbIb and HbIm cannot be considered as noninvasive surrogates for the trend in Hb after cardiac surgery. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hypoglycemia prediction with subject-specific recursive time-series models.

PubMed

Eren-Oruklu, Meriyan; Cinar, Ali; Quinn, Lauretta

2010-01-01

Avoiding hypoglycemia while keeping glucose within the narrow normoglycemic range (70-120 mg/dl) is a major challenge for patients with type 1 diabetes. Continuous glucose monitors can provide hypoglycemic alarms when the measured glucose decreases below a threshold. However, a better approach is to provide an early alarm that predicts a hypoglycemic episode before it occurs, allowing enough time for the patient to take the necessary precaution to avoid hypoglycemia. We have previously proposed subject-specific recursive models for the prediction of future glucose concentrations and evaluated their prediction performance. In this work, our objective was to evaluate this algorithm further to predict hypoglycemia and provide early hypoglycemic alarms. Three different methods were proposed for alarm decision, where (A) absolute predicted glucose values, (B) cumulative-sum (CUSUM) control chart, and (C) exponentially weighted moving-average (EWMA) control chart were used. Each method was validated using data from the Diabetes Research in Children Network, which consist of measurements from a continuous glucose sensor during an insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Reference serum glucose measurements were used to determine the sensitivity to predict hypoglycemia and the false alarm rate. With the hypoglycemic threshold set to 60 mg/dl, sensitivity of 89, 87.5, and 89% and specificity of 67, 74, and 78% were reported for methods A, B, and C, respectively. Mean values for time to detection were 30 +/- 5.51 (A), 25.8 +/- 6.46 (B), and 27.7 +/- 5.32 (C) minutes. Compared to the absolute value method, both CUSUM and EWMA methods behaved more conservatively before raising an alarm (reduced time to detection), which significantly decreased the false alarm rate and increased the specificity. 2010 Diabetes Technology Society.

Absolute nuclear material assay using count distribution (LAMBDA) space

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

Prasad, Mano K.; Snyderman, Neal J.; Rowland, Mark S.

A method of absolute nuclear material assay of an unknown source comprising counting neutrons from the unknown source and providing an absolute nuclear material assay utilizing a model to optimally compare to the measured count distributions. In one embodiment, the step of providing an absolute nuclear material assay comprises utilizing a random sampling of analytically computed fission chain distributions to generate a continuous time-evolving sequence of event-counts by spreading the fission chain distribution in time.

Absolute nuclear material assay using count distribution (LAMBDA) space

DOEpatents

Prasad, Manoj K [Pleasanton, CA; Snyderman, Neal J [Berkeley, CA; Rowland, Mark S [Alamo, CA

2012-06-05

A method of absolute nuclear material assay of an unknown source comprising counting neutrons from the unknown source and providing an absolute nuclear material assay utilizing a model to optimally compare to the measured count distributions. In one embodiment, the step of providing an absolute nuclear material assay comprises utilizing a random sampling of analytically computed fission chain distributions to generate a continuous time-evolving sequence of event-counts by spreading the fission chain distribution in time.

Ranking metrics in gene set enrichment analysis: do they matter?

PubMed

Zyla, Joanna; Marczyk, Michal; Weiner, January; Polanska, Joanna

2017-05-12

There exist many methods for describing the complex relation between changes of gene expression in molecular pathways or gene ontologies under different experimental conditions. Among them, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis seems to be one of the most commonly used (over 10,000 citations). An important parameter, which could affect the final result, is the choice of a metric for the ranking of genes. Applying a default ranking metric may lead to poor results. In this work 28 benchmark data sets were used to evaluate the sensitivity and false positive rate of gene set analysis for 16 different ranking metrics including new proposals. Furthermore, the robustness of the chosen methods to sample size was tested. Using k-means clustering algorithm a group of four metrics with the highest performance in terms of overall sensitivity, overall false positive rate and computational load was established i.e. absolute value of Moderated Welch Test statistic, Minimum Significant Difference, absolute value of Signal-To-Noise ratio and Baumgartner-Weiss-Schindler test statistic. In case of false positive rate estimation, all selected ranking metrics were robust with respect to sample size. In case of sensitivity, the absolute value of Moderated Welch Test statistic and absolute value of Signal-To-Noise ratio gave stable results, while Baumgartner-Weiss-Schindler and Minimum Significant Difference showed better results for larger sample size. Finally, the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis method with all tested ranking metrics was parallelised and implemented in MATLAB, and is available at https://github.com/ZAEDPolSl/MrGSEA . Choosing a ranking metric in Gene Set Enrichment Analysis has critical impact on results of pathway enrichment analysis. The absolute value of Moderated Welch Test has the best overall sensitivity and Minimum Significant Difference has the best overall specificity of gene set analysis. When the number of non-normally distributed genes is high, using Baumgartner-Weiss-Schindler test statistic gives better outcomes. Also, it finds more enriched pathways than other tested metrics, which may induce new biological discoveries.

Note: An absolute X-Y-Θ position sensor using a two-dimensional phase-encoded binary scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jong-Ahn; Kim, Jae Wan; Kang, Chu-Shik; Jin, Jonghan

2018-04-01

This Note presents a new absolute X-Y-Θ position sensor for measuring planar motion of a precision multi-axis stage system. By analyzing the rotated image of a two-dimensional phase-encoded binary scale (2D), the absolute 2D position values at two separated points were obtained and the absolute X-Y-Θ position could be calculated combining these values. The sensor head was constructed using a board-level camera, a light-emitting diode light source, an imaging lens, and a cube beam-splitter. To obtain the uniform intensity profiles from the vignette scale image, we selected the averaging directions deliberately, and higher resolution in the angle measurement could be achieved by increasing the allowable offset size. The performance of a prototype sensor was evaluated in respect of resolution, nonlinearity, and repeatability. The sensor could resolve 25 nm linear and 0.001° angular displacements clearly, and the standard deviations were less than 18 nm when 2D grid positions were measured repeatedly.

Seven-Year Clinical Surveillance Program Demonstrates Consistent MARD Accuracy Performance of a Blood Glucose Test Strip.

PubMed

Setford, Steven; Grady, Mike; Mackintosh, Stephen; Donald, Robert; Levy, Brian

2018-05-01

MARD (mean absolute relative difference) is increasingly used to describe performance of glucose monitoring systems, providing a single-value quantitative measure of accuracy and allowing comparisons between different monitoring systems. This study reports MARDs for the OneTouch Verio® glucose meter clinical data set of 80 258 data points (671 individual batches) gathered as part of a 7.5-year self-surveillance program Methods: Test strips were routinely sampled from randomly selected manufacturer's production batches and sent to one of 3 clinic sites for clinical accuracy assessment using fresh capillary blood from patients with diabetes, using both the meter system and standard laboratory reference instrument. Evaluation of the distribution of strip batch MARD yielded a mean value of 5.05% (range: 3.68-6.43% at ±1.96 standard deviations from mean). The overall MARD for all clinic data points (N = 80 258) was also 5.05%, while a mean bias of 1.28 was recorded. MARD by glucose level was found to be consistent, yielding a maximum value of 4.81% at higher glucose (≥100 mg/dL) and a mean absolute difference (MAD) of 5.60 mg/dL at low glucose (<100 mg/dL). MARD by year of manufacture varied from 4.67-5.42% indicating consistent accuracy performance over the surveillance period. This 7.5-year surveillance program showed that this meter system exhibits consistently low MARD by batch, glucose level and year, indicating close agreement with established reference methods whilste exhibiting lower MARD values than continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems and providing users with confidence in the performance when transitioning to each new strip batch.

A gravimetric method for the measurement of total spontaneous activity in rats.

PubMed

Biesiadecki, B J; Brand, P H; Koch, L G; Britton, S L

1999-10-01

Currently available methods for the measurement of spontaneous activity of laboratory animals require expensive, specialized equipment and may not be suitable for use in low light conditions with nocturnal species. We developed a gravimetric method that uses common laboratory equipment to quantify the total spontaneous activity of rats and is suitable for use in the dark. The rat in its home cage is placed on a top-loading electronic balance interfaced to a computer. Movements are recorded by the balance as changes in weight and transmitted to the computer at 10 Hz. Data are analyzed on-line to derive the absolute value of the difference in weight between consecutive samples, and the one-second average of the absolute values is calculated. The averages are written to file for off-line analysis and summed over the desired observation period to provide a measure of total spontaneous activity. The results of in vitro experiments demonstrated that: 1) recorded weight changes were not influenced by position of the weight on the bottom of the cage, 2) values recorded from a series of weight changes were not significantly different from the calculated values, 3) the constantly decreasing force exerted by a swinging pendulum placed on the balance was accurately recorded, 4) the measurement of activity was not influenced by the evaporation of a fluid such as urine, and 5) the method can detect differences in the activity of sleeping and waking rats over a 10-min period, as well as during 4-hr intervals recorded during active (night-time) and inactive (daytime) periods. These results demonstrate that this method provides an inexpensive, accurate, and noninvasive method to quantitate the spontaneous activity of small animals.

An Integrated Model of Choices and Response Times in Absolute Identification

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Scott D.; Marley, A. A. J.; Donkin, Christopher; Heathcote, Andrew

2008-01-01

Recent theoretical developments in the field of absolute identification have stressed differences between relative and absolute processes, that is, whether stimulus magnitudes are judged relative to a shorter term context provided by recently presented stimuli or a longer term context provided by the entire set of stimuli. The authors developed a…

Risk aversion affects economic values of blue fox breeding scheme.

PubMed

Peura, J; Kempe, R; Strandén, I; Rydhmer, L

2016-12-01

The profit and production of an average Finnish blue fox farm was simulated using a deterministic bio-economic farm model. Risk was included using Arrow-Prat absolute risk aversion coefficient and profit variance. Risk-rated economic values were calculated for pregnancy rate, litter loss, litter size, pelt size, pelt quality, pelt colour clarity, feed efficiency and eye infection. With high absolute risk aversion, economic values were lower than with low absolute risk aversion. Economic values were highest for litter loss (18.16 and 26.42 EUR), litter size (13.27 and 19.40 EUR), pregnancy (11.99 and 18.39 EUR) and eye infection (12.39 and 13.81 EUR). Sensitivity analysis showed that selection pressure for improved eye health depended strongly on proportion of culled animals among infected animals and much less on the proportion of infected animals. The economic value of feed efficiency was lower than expected (6.06 and 8.03 EUR). However, it was almost the same magnitude as pelt quality (7.30 and 7.30 EUR) and higher than the economic value of pelt size (3.37 and 5.26 EUR). Risk factors should be considered in blue fox breeding scheme because they change the relative importance of traits. © 2016 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Evidences of Changes in Surface Electrostatic Charge Distribution during Stabilization of HPV16 Virus-Like Particles

PubMed Central

Vega, Juan F.; Vicente-Alique, Ernesto; Núñez-Ramírez, Rafael; Wang, Yang; Martínez-Salazar, Javier

2016-01-01

The stabilization of human papillomavirus type 16 virus-like particles has been examined by means of different techniques including dynamic and static light scattering, transmission electron microscopy and electrophoretic mobility. All these techniques provide different and often complementary perspectives about the aggregation process and generation of stabilized virus-like particles after a period of time of 48 hours at a temperature of 298 K. Interestingly, static light scattering results point towards a clear colloidal instability in the initial systems, as suggested by a negative value of the second virial coefficient. This is likely related to small repulsive electrostatic interactions among the particles, and in agreement with relatively small absolute values of the electrophoretic mobility and, hence, of the net surface charges. At this initial stage the small repulsive interactions are not able to compensate binding interactions, which tend to aggregate the particles. As time proceeds, an increase of the size of the particles is accompanied by strong increases, in absolute values, of the electrophoretic mobility and net surface charge, suggesting enhanced repulsive electrostatic interactions and, consequently, a stabilized colloidal system. These results show that electrophoretic mobility is a useful methodology that can be applied to screen the stabilization factors for virus-like particles during vaccine development. PMID:26885635

North-south asymmetry of solar activity as a superposition of two realizations - the sign and absolute value

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badalyan, O. G.; Obridko, V. N.

2017-07-01

Context. Since the occurrence of north-south asymmetry (NSA) of alternating sign may be determined by different mechanisms, the frequency and amplitude characteristics of this phenomenon should be considered separately. Aims: We propose a new approach to the description of the NSA of solar activity. Methods: The asymmetry defined as A = (N-S)/(N + S) (where N and S are, respectively, the indices of activity of the northern and southern hemispheres) is treated as a superposition of two functions: the sign of asymmetry (signature) and its absolute value (modulus). This approach is applied to the analysis of the NSA of sunspot group areas for the period 1874-2013. Results: We show that the sign of asymmetry provides information on the behavior of the asymmetry. In particular, it displays quasi-periodic variation with a period of 12 yr and quasi-biennial oscillations as the asymmetry itself. The statistics of the so-called monochrome intervals (long periods of positive or negative asymmetry) are considered and it is shown that the distribution of these intervals is described by the random distribution law. This means that the dynamo mechanisms governing the cyclic variation of solar activity must involve random processes. At the same time, the asymmetry modulus has completely different statistical properties and is probably associated with processes that determine the amplitude of the cycle. One can reliably isolate an 11-yr cycle in the behavior of the asymmetry absolute value shifted by half a period with respect to the Wolf numbers. It is shown that the asymmetry modulus has a significant prognostic value: the higher the maximum of the asymmetry modulus, the lower the following Wolf number maximum. Conclusions: A fundamental nature of this concept of NSA is discussed in the context of the general methodology of cognizing the world. It is supposed that the proposed description of the NSA will help clarify the nature of this phenomenon.

On the accuracy of instantaneous gas exchange rates, energy expenditure and respiratory quotient calculations obtained from indirect whole room calorimetry.

PubMed

Gribok, Andrei; Hoyt, Reed; Buller, Mark; Rumpler, William

2013-06-01

This paper analyzes the accuracy of metabolic rate calculations performed in the whole room indirect calorimeter using the molar balance equations. The equations are treated from the point of view of cause-effect relationship where the gaseous exchange rates representing the unknown causes need to be inferred from a known, noisy effect-gaseous concentrations. Two methods of such inference are analyzed. The first method is based on the previously published regularized deconvolution of the molar balance equation and the second one, proposed in this paper, relies on regularized differentiation of gaseous concentrations. It is found that both methods produce similar results for the absolute values of metabolic variables and their accuracy. The uncertainty for O2 consumption rate is found to be 7% and for CO2 production--3.2%. The uncertainties in gaseous exchange rates do not depend on the absolute values of O2 consumption and CO2 production. In contrast, the absolute uncertainty in respiratory quotient is a function of the gaseous exchange rates and varies from 9.4% during the night to 2.3% during moderate exercise. The uncertainty in energy expenditure was found to be 5.9% and independent of the level of gaseous exchange. For both methods, closed form analytical formulas for confidence intervals are provided allowing quantification of uncertainty for four major metabolic variables in real world studies.

Is there a concordance value for H0?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luković, Vladimir V.; D'Agostino, Rocco; Vittorio, Nicola

2016-11-01

Context. We test the theoretical predictions of several cosmological models against different observables to compare the indirect estimates of the current expansion rate of the Universe determined from model fitting with the direct measurements based on Cepheids data published recently. Aims: We perform a statistical analysis of type Ia supernova (SN Ia), Hubble parameter, and baryon acoustic oscillation data. A joint analysis of these datasets allows us to better constrain cosmological parameters, but also to break the degeneracy that appears in the distance modulus definition between H0 and the absolute B-band magnitude of SN Ia, M0. Methods: From the theoretical side, we considered spatially flat and curvature-free ΛCDM, wCDM, and inhomogeneous Lemaître-Tolman-Bondi (LTB) models. To analyse SN Ia we took into account the distributions of SN Ia intrinsic parameters. Results: For the ΛCDM model we find that Ωm = 0.35 ± 0.02, H0 = (67.8 ± 1.0) km s-1 Mpc-1, while the corrected SN absolute magnitude has a normal distribution N(19.13,0.11). The wCDM model provides the same value for Ωm, while H0 = (66.5 ± 1.8) km s-1 Mpc-1 and w = -0.93 ± 0.07. When an inhomogeneous LTB model is considered, the combined fit provides H0 = (64.2 ± 1.9) km s-1 Mpc-1. Conclusions: Both the Akaike information criterion and the Bayes factor analysis cannot clearly distinguish between ΛCDM and wCDM cosmologies, while they clearly disfavour the LTB model. For the ΛCDM, our joint analysis of the SN Ia, the Hubble parameter, and the baryon acoustic oscillation datasets provides H0 values that are consistent with cosmic microwave background (CMB)-only Planck measurements, but they differ by 2.5σ from the value based on Cepheids data.

Correspondence between ion-cluster and bulk thermodynamics: on the validity of the cluster pair approximation

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

Vlcek, Lukas; Chialvo, Ariel; Simonson, J Michael

2013-01-01

Molecular models and experimental estimates based on the cluster pair approximation (CPA) provide inconsistent predictions of absolute single-ion hydration properties. To understand the origin of this discrepancy we used molecular simulations to study the transition between hydration of alkali metal and halide ions in small aqueous clusters and bulk water. The results demonstrate that the assumptions underlying the CPA are not generally valid as a result of a significant shift in the ion hydration free energies (~15 kJ/mol) and enthalpies (~47 kJ/mol) in the intermediate range of cluster sizes. When this effect is accounted for, the systematic differences between modelsmore » and experimental predictions disappear, and the value of absolute proton hydration enthalpy based on the CPA gets in closer agreement with other estimates.« less

Comparison in gas media (absolute and gauge mode)in the range from 25 kPa TO 200 kPa (EURAMET.M.P-K8)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wuethrich, C.; Alisic, S.; Altintas, A.; van Andel, I.; C, In­Mook; Eltawil, A. A.; Farár, P.; Hetherington, P.; Koçaş, I.; Lefkopoulos, A.; Otal, P.; Prazak, D.; Sabuga, W.; Salustiano, R.; Sandu, I.; Sardi, M.; Saxholm, S.; Setina, J.; Spohr, I.; Steindl, D.; Testa, N.; Vámossy, C.; Grgec Bermanec, L.

2016-01-01

It was decided at the EURAMET TC-M meeting in Torino in 2006 to realize a comparison in gauge and absolute pressure up to 200 kPa as it would allow a link to the CCM.P-K6 and CCM.P-K2 comparisons to be established. This project interested a lot of laboratories from the beginning with 23 participants, 22 of which have submitted results. The circulation of the transfer standard began in July 2009 and lasted until January 2012. No major problems occurred during the transport. The measurand of the comparison is the effective area of a piston-cylinder determined in gauge and absolute pressure from 25 kPa to 200 kPa with pressure steps of 25 kPa. The transfer standard is a gas lubricated tungsten carbide piston-cylinder with an effective area of ~9.8 cm2, fabricated by DH Instruments and compatible with a PG-7601 pressure balance. Some participants used their own pressure balance while a pressure balance with a reference vacuum sensor has been circulated for the participants not equipped with this system. One participant (SMU, Slovakia) has never provided the measurement results and another participant (FORCE Technology, Denmark) submitted a revised set of measurement results after the pilot laboratory mentioned that the equivalence was not met. After the determination of the reference value, all the 22 participants who delivered the results in gauge pressure demonstrated equivalence respective to the reference value on most of the range. In absolute pressure the equivalence is demonstrated, for all nominal pressures, by all 17 participants who submitted results. The comparison is linked to the CCM.P-K6 for gauge pressure and to CCM.P-K2 for absolute pressure. The link does not strongly affect the equivalence of the results and an excellent degree of equivalence is achieved in gauge and absolute pressure. Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Impact of Aortic Valve Calcification, as Measured by MDCT, on Survival in Patients With Aortic Stenosis

PubMed Central

Clavel, Marie-Annick; Pibarot, Philippe; Messika-Zeitoun, David; Capoulade, Romain; Malouf, Joseph; Aggarval, Shivani; Araoz, Phillip A.; Michelena, Hector I.; Cueff, Caroline; Larose, Eric; Miller, Jordan D.; Vahanian, Alec; Enriquez-Sarano, Maurice

2014-01-01

BACKGROUND Aortic valve calcification (AVC) load measures lesion severity in aortic stenosis (AS) and is useful for diagnostic purposes. Whether AVC predicts survival after diagnosis, independent of clinical and Doppler echocardiographic AS characteristics, has not been studied. OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the impact of AVC load, absolute and relative to aortic annulus size (AVCdensity), on overall mortality in patients with AS under conservative treatment and without regard to treatment. METHODS In 3 academic centers, we enrolled 794 patients (mean age, 73 ± 12 years; 274 women) diagnosed with AS by Doppler echocardiography who underwent multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) within the same episode of care. Absolute AVC load and AVCdensity (ratio of absolute AVC to cross-sectional area of aortic annulus) were measured, and severe AVC was separately defined in men and women. RESULTS During follow-up, there were 440 aortic valve implantations (AVIs) and 194 deaths (115 under medical treatment). Univariate analysis showed strong association of absolute AVC and AVCdensity with survival (both, p < 0.0001) with a spline curve analysis pattern of threshold and plateau of risk. After adjustment for age, sex, coronary artery disease, diabetes, symptoms, AS severity on hemodynamic assessment, and LV ejection fraction, severe absolute AVC (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04 to 2.92; p = 0.03) or severe AVCdensity (adjusted HR: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.37 to 4.37; p = 0.002) independently predicted mortality under medical treatment, with additive model predictive value (all, p ≤ 0.04) and a net reclassification index of 12.5% (p = 0.04). Severe absolute AVC (adjusted HR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.12 to 2.62; p = 0.01) and severe AVCdensity (adjusted HR: 2.22; 95% CI: 1.40 to 3.52; p = 0.001) also independently predicted overall mortality, even with adjustment for time-dependent AVI. CONCLUSIONS This large-scale, multicenter outcomes study of quantitative Doppler echocardiographic and MDCT assessment of AS shows that measuring AVC load provides incremental prognostic value for survival beyond clinical and Doppler echocardiographic assessment. Severe AVC independently predicts excess mortality after AS diagnosis, which is greatly alleviated by AVI. Thus, measurement of AVC by MDCT should be considered for not only diagnostic but also risk-stratification purposes in patients with AS. PMID:25236511

"El lado oscuro": "the dark side" of social capital in Mexican American heroin using men.

PubMed

Flores, David V; Torres, Luis R; Torres-Vigil, Isabel; Ren, Yi; Haider, Ali; Bordnick, Patrick S

2013-01-01

This article describes social capital in a cohort of 227 Mexican American men who are long-term injection heroin users. Social capital scores for current and former users were similar, suggesting equal absolute values of capital, but associated with illicit activities in current users and with cessation efforts in former users. Stable drug-using relationships provided high negative capital, whereas conventional relationships provided positive capital. Thus, social capital functions dichotomously in positive and negative contextualized roles. This study provides an alternative understanding of the dynamic interactions between individuals, environment, and drug abuse and can inform prevention and treatment interventions for an important demographic group.

Low frequency ac waveform generator

DOEpatents

Bilharz, O.W.

1983-11-22

Low frequency sine, cosine, triangle and square waves are synthesized in circuitry which allows variation in the waveform amplitude and frequency while exhibiting good stability and without requiring significant stablization time. A triangle waveform is formed by a ramped integration process controlled by a saturation amplifier circuit which produces the necessary hysteresis for the triangle waveform. The output of the saturation circuit is tapped to produce the square waveform. The sine waveform is synthesized by taking the absolute value of the triangular waveform, raising this absolute value to a predetermined power, multiplying the raised absolute value of the triangle wave with the triangle wave itself and properly scaling the resultant waveform and subtracting it from the triangular waveform to a predetermined power and adding the squared waveform raised to the predetermined power with a DC reference and subtracting the squared waveform therefrom, with all waveforms properly scaled. The resultant waveform is then multiplied with a square wave in order to correct the polarity and produce the resultant cosine waveform.

aCNViewer: Comprehensive genome-wide visualization of absolute copy number and copy neutral variations

PubMed Central

Wang-Renault, Shu-Fang; Letouzé, Eric; Imbeaud, Sandrine; Zucman-Rossi, Jessica; Deleuze, Jean-François; How-Kit, Alexandre

2017-01-01

Motivation Copy number variations (CNV) include net gains or losses of part or whole chromosomal regions. They differ from copy neutral loss of heterozygosity (cn-LOH) events which do not induce any net change in the copy number and are often associated with uniparental disomy. These phenomena have long been reported to be associated with diseases and particularly in cancer. Losses/gains of genomic regions are often correlated with lower/higher gene expression. On the other hand, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and cn-LOH are common events in cancer and may be associated with the loss of a functional tumor suppressor gene. Therefore, identifying recurrent CNV and cn-LOH events can be important as they may highlight common biological components and give insights into the development or mechanisms of a disease. However, no currently available tools allow a comprehensive whole-genome visualization of recurrent CNVs and cn-LOH in groups of samples providing absolute quantification of the aberrations leading to the loss of potentially important information. Results To overcome these limitations, we developed aCNViewer (Absolute CNV Viewer), a visualization tool for absolute CNVs and cn-LOH across a group of samples. aCNViewer proposes three graphical representations: dendrograms, bi-dimensional heatmaps showing chromosomal regions sharing similar abnormality patterns, and quantitative stacked histograms facilitating the identification of recurrent absolute CNVs and cn-LOH. We illustrated aCNViewer using publically available hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) Affymetrix SNP Array data (Fig 1A). Regions 1q and 8q present a similar percentage of total gains but significantly different copy number gain categories (p-value of 0.0103 with a Fisher exact test), validated by another cohort of HCCs (p-value of 5.6e-7) (Fig 2B). Availability and implementation aCNViewer is implemented in python and R and is available with a GNU GPLv3 license on GitHub https://github.com/FJD-CEPH/aCNViewer and Docker https://hub.docker.com/r/fjdceph/acnviewer/. Contact aCNViewer@cephb.fr PMID:29261730

First light measurements of the Total Solar Irradiance experiment CLARA on NORSAT-1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmutz, Werner

2016-07-01

NORSAT-1 is a Norwegian micro-satellite, which will be launched April 22, 2016. (In the future at the time of writing this abstract.) The satellite carries two scientific instruments and an AIS receiver for performing ship detection from space. One of the scientific instruments is a Compact Light-weight Absolute RAdiometer (CLARA) and the other is a Langmuir Probe instrument comprising four probes mounted on booms. The latter experiment will measure electron density and the platform's floating potential along the orbit. The University of Oslo provides the Langmuir probes. The radiometer experiment CLARA has been built by PMOD/WRC funded through the Swiss PRODEX program. It will measure Total Solar Irradiance with an instrument of novel design that is optimized for minimizing mass and size by still ensuring highest measuring accuracy and thermal stability. The radiometers of CLARA have been fully characterized as well as calibrated at the TRF facility. It is expected that the first light accuracy of the absolute measurement of Total Solar Irradiance will be better than pm0.3 W/m^{2, allowing to probe the current TSI composite for its absolute level. The presentation will give an overview of the CLARA instrument and its calibration. It is expected that at the time of the COSPAR conference the first light TSI value of CLARA/NORSAT-1 is ready for publication. Together with a previous absolute TSI measurements available for July 27, 2010 measured by PREMOS/PICARD the new absolute TSI measurement will be used to test the accuracy of long term TSI trend given by the relative TSI composite.

Absolute radiometric calibration of Landsat using a pseudo invariant calibration site

USGS Publications Warehouse

Helder, D.; Thome, K.J.; Mishra, N.; Chander, G.; Xiong, Xiaoxiong; Angal, A.; Choi, Tae-young

2013-01-01

Pseudo invariant calibration sites (PICS) have been used for on-orbit radiometric trending of optical satellite systems for more than 15 years. This approach to vicarious calibration has demonstrated a high degree of reliability and repeatability at the level of 1-3% depending on the site, spectral channel, and imaging geometries. A variety of sensors have used this approach for trending because it is broadly applicable and easy to implement. Models to describe the surface reflectance properties, as well as the intervening atmosphere have also been developed to improve the precision of the method. However, one limiting factor of using PICS is that an absolute calibration capability has not yet been fully developed. Because of this, PICS are primarily limited to providing only long term trending information for individual sensors or cross-calibration opportunities between two sensors. This paper builds an argument that PICS can be used more extensively for absolute calibration. To illustrate this, a simple empirical model is developed for the well-known Libya 4 PICS based on observations by Terra MODIS and EO-1 Hyperion. The model is validated by comparing model predicted top-of-atmosphere reflectance values to actual measurements made by the Landsat ETM+ sensor reflective bands. Following this, an outline is presented to develop a more comprehensive and accurate PICS absolute calibration model that can be Système international d'unités (SI) traceable. These initial concepts suggest that absolute calibration using PICS is possible on a broad scale and can lead to improved on-orbit calibration capabilities for optical satellite sensors.

Light-pollution measurement with the Wide-field all-sky image analyzing monitoring system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vítek, S.

2017-07-01

The purpose of this experiment was to measure light pollution in the capital of Czech Republic, Prague. As a measuring instrument is used calibrated consumer level digital single reflex camera with IR cut filter, therefore, the paper reports results of measuring and monitoring of the light pollution in the wavelength range of 390 - 700 nm, which most affects visual range astronomy. Combining frames of different exposure times made with a digital camera coupled with fish-eye lens allow to create high dynamic range images, contain meaningful values, so such a system can provide absolute values of the sky brightness.

The Importance of Lower Mantle Structure to Plate Stresses and Plate Motions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holt, W. E.; Wang, X.; Ghosh, A.

2016-12-01

Plate motions and plate stresses are widely assumed as the surface expression of mantle convection. The generation of plate tectonics from mantle convection has been studied for many years. Lithospheric thickening (or ridge push) and slab pull forces are commonly accepted as the major driving forces for the plate motions. However, the importance of the lower mantle to plate stresses and plate motions remains less clear. Here, we use the joint modeling of lithosphere and mantle dynamics approach of Wang et al. (2015) to compute the tractions originating from deeper mantle convection and follow the method of Ghosh et al. (2013) to calculate gravitational potential energy per unit area (GPE) based on Crust 1.0 (Laske et al., 2013). Absolute values of deviatoric stresses are determined by the body force distributions (GPE gradients and traction magnitudes applied at the base of the lithosphere). We use the same relative viscosity model that Ghosh et al. (2013) used, and we solve for one single adjustable scaling factor that multiplies the entire relative viscosity field to provide absolute values of viscosity throughout the lithosphere. This distribution of absolute values of lithosphere viscosities defines the magnitudes of surface motions. In this procedure, the dynamic model first satisfies the internal constraint of no-net-rotation of motions. The model viscosity field is then scaled by the single factor until we achieve a root mean square (RMS) minimum between computed surface motions and the kinematic no-net-rotation (NNR) model of Kreemer et al. (2006). We compute plate stresses and plate motions from recently published global tomography models (over 70 based on Wang et al., 2015). We find that RMS misfits are significantly reduced when details of lower mantle structure from the latest tomography models are added to models that contain only upper and mid-mantle density distributions. One of the key reasons is that active upwelling from the Large Low Shear Velocity Provinces (LLSVPs) in the lower mantle in Pacific (Frost and Rost, 2014) provides important components of mantle flow affecting plate stresses and motions. We demonstrate in this paper how lower mantle density heterogeneity has a marked influence on plate stresses and plate motions.

Temperature dependence of the cross section for the fragmentation of thymine via dissociative electron attachment

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

Kopyra, Janina; Abdoul-Carime, Hassan, E-mail: hcarime@ipnl.in2p3.fr

Providing experimental values for absolute Dissociative Electron Attachment (DEA) cross sections for nucleobases at realistic biological conditions is a considerable challenge. In this work, we provide the temperature dependence of the cross section, σ, of the dehydrogenated thymine anion (T − H){sup −} produced via DEA. Within the 393-443 K temperature range, it is observed that σ varies by one order of magnitude. By extrapolating to a temperature of 313 K, the relative DEA cross section for the production of the dehydrogenated thymine anion at an incident energy of 1 eV decreases by 2 orders of magnitude and the absolutemore » value reaches approximately 6 × 10{sup −19} cm{sup 2}. These quantitative measurements provide a benchmark for theoretical prediction and also a contribution to a more accurate description of the effects of ionizing radiation on molecular medium.« less

Methods and apparatus for determining cardiac output

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cohen, Richard J. (Inventor); Sherman, Derin A. (Inventor); Mukkamala, Ramakrishna (Inventor)

2010-01-01

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for determining a dynamical property of the systemic or pulmonary arterial tree using long time scale information, i.e., information obtained from measurements over time scales greater than a single cardiac cycle. In one aspect, the invention provides a method and apparatus for monitoring cardiac output (CO) from a single blood pressure signal measurement obtained at any site in the systemic or pulmonary arterial tree or from any related measurement including, for example, fingertip photoplethysmography.According to the method the time constant of the arterial tree, defined to be the product of the total peripheral resistance (TPR) and the nearly constant arterial compliance, is determined by analyzing the long time scale variations (greater than a single cardiac cycle) in any of these blood pressure signals. Then, according to Ohm's law, a value proportional to CO may be determined from the ratio of the blood pressure signal to the estimated time constant. The proportional CO values derived from this method may be calibrated to absolute CO, if desired, with a single, absolute measure of CO (e.g., thermodilution). The present invention may be applied to invasive radial arterial blood pressure or pulmonary arterial blood pressure signals which are routinely measured in intensive care units and surgical suites or to noninvasively measured peripheral arterial blood pressure signals or related noninvasively measured signals in order to facilitate the clinical monitoring of CO as well as TPR.

Reward value-based gain control: divisive normalization in parietal cortex.

PubMed

Louie, Kenway; Grattan, Lauren E; Glimcher, Paul W

2011-07-20

The representation of value is a critical component of decision making. Rational choice theory assumes that options are assigned absolute values, independent of the value or existence of other alternatives. However, context-dependent choice behavior in both animals and humans violates this assumption, suggesting that biological decision processes rely on comparative evaluation. Here we show that neurons in the monkey lateral intraparietal cortex encode a relative form of saccadic value, explicitly dependent on the values of the other available alternatives. Analogous to extra-classical receptive field effects in visual cortex, this relative representation incorporates target values outside the response field and is observed in both stimulus-driven activity and baseline firing rates. This context-dependent modulation is precisely described by divisive normalization, indicating that this standard form of sensory gain control may be a general mechanism of cortical computation. Such normalization in decision circuits effectively implements an adaptive gain control for value coding and provides a possible mechanistic basis for behavioral context-dependent violations of rationality.

Advancing Absolute Calibration for JWST and Other Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rieke, George; Bohlin, Ralph; Boyajian, Tabetha; Carey, Sean; Casagrande, Luca; Deustua, Susana; Gordon, Karl; Kraemer, Kathleen; Marengo, Massimo; Schlawin, Everett; Su, Kate; Sloan, Greg; Volk, Kevin

2017-10-01

We propose to exploit the unique optical stability of the Spitzer telescope, along with that of IRAC, to (1) transfer the accurate absolute calibration obtained with MSX on very bright stars directly to two reference stars within the dynamic range of the JWST imagers (and of other modern instrumentation); (2) establish a second accurate absolute calibration based on the absolutely calibrated spectrum of the sun, transferred onto the astronomical system via alpha Cen A; and (3) provide accurate infrared measurements for the 11 (of 15) highest priority stars with no such data but with accurate interferometrically measured diameters, allowing us to optimize determinations of effective temperatures using the infrared flux method and thus to extend the accurate absolute calibration spectrally. This program is integral to plans for an accurate absolute calibration of JWST and will also provide a valuable Spitzer legacy.

Feasibility of absolute cerebral tissue oxygen saturation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

PubMed

Meex, Ingrid; De Deyne, Cathy; Dens, Jo; Scheyltjens, Simon; Lathouwers, Kevin; Boer, Willem; Vundelinckx, Guy; Heylen, René; Jans, Frank

2013-03-01

Current monitoring during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is limited to clinical observation of consciousness, breathing pattern and presence of a pulse. At the same time, the adequacy of cerebral oxygenation during CPR is critical for neurological outcome and thus survival. Cerebral oximetry, based on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), provides a measure of brain oxygen saturation. Therefore, we examined the feasibility of using NIRS during CPR. Recent technologies (FORE-SIGHT™ and EQUANOX™) enable the monitoring of absolute cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (SctO2) values without the need for pre-calibration. We tested both FORE-SIGHT™ (five patients) and EQUANOX Advance™ (nine patients) technologies in the in-hospital as well as the out-of-hospital CPR setting. In this observational study, values were not utilized in any treatment protocol or therapeutic decision. An independent t-test was used for statistical analysis. Our data demonstrate the feasibility of both technologies to measure cerebral oxygen saturation during CPR. With the continuous, pulseless near-infrared wave analysis of both FORE-SIGHT™ and EQUANOX™ technology, we obtained SctO2 values in the absence of spontaneous circulation. Both technologies were able to assess the efficacy of CPR efforts: improved resuscitation efforts (improved quality of chest compressions with switch of caregivers) resulted in higher SctO2 values. Until now, the ability of CPR to provide adequate tissue oxygenation was difficult to quantify or to assess clinically due to a lack of specific technology. With both technologies, any change in hemodynamics (for example, ventricular fibrillation) results in a reciprocal change in SctO2. In some patients, a sudden drop in SctO2 was the first warning sign of reoccurring ventricular fibrillation. Both the FORE-SIGHT™ and EQUANOX™ technology allow non-invasive monitoring of the cerebral oxygen saturation during CPR. Moreover, changes in SctO2 values might be used to monitor the efficacy of CPR efforts.

Specialized Color Function for Display of Signed Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kalb, Virginia

2008-01-01

This Mathematica script defines a color function to be used with Mathematica's plotting modules for differentiating data attaining both positive and negative values. Positive values are shown as shades of blue, and negative values are shown in red. The intensity of the color reflects the absolute value of the data value.

Automated control of linear constricted plasma source array

DOEpatents

Anders, Andre; Maschwitz, Peter A.

2000-01-01

An apparatus and method for controlling an array of constricted glow discharge chambers are disclosed. More particularly a linear array of constricted glow plasma sources whose polarity and geometry are set so that the contamination and energy of the ions discharged from the sources are minimized. The several sources can be mounted in parallel and in series to provide a sustained ultra low source of ions in a plasma with contamination below practical detection limits. The quality of film along deposition "tracks" opposite the plasma sources can be measured and compared to desired absolute or relative values by optical and/or electrical sensors. Plasma quality can then be adjusted by adjusting the power current values, gas feed pressure/flow, gas mixtures or a combination of some or all of these to improve the match between the measured values and the desired values.

Intra- and Interobserver Variability of Cochlear Length Measurements in Clinical CT.

PubMed

Iyaniwura, John E; Elfarnawany, Mai; Riyahi-Alam, Sadegh; Sharma, Manas; Kassam, Zahra; Bureau, Yves; Parnes, Lorne S; Ladak, Hanif M; Agrawal, Sumit K

2017-07-01

The cochlear A-value measurement exhibits significant inter- and intraobserver variability, and its accuracy is dependent on the visualization method in clinical computed tomography (CT) images of the cochlea. An accurate estimate of the cochlear duct length (CDL) can be used to determine electrode choice, and frequency map the cochlea based on the Greenwood equation. Studies have described estimating the CDL using a single A-value measurement, however the observer variability has not been assessed. Clinical and micro-CT images of 20 cadaveric cochleae were acquired. Four specialists measured A-values on clinical CT images using both standard views and multiplanar reconstructed (MPR) views. Measurements were repeated to assess for intraobserver variability. Observer variabilities were evaluated using intra-class correlation and absolute differences. Accuracy was evaluated by comparison to the gold standard micro-CT images of the same specimens. Interobserver variability was good (average absolute difference: 0.77 ± 0.42 mm) using standard views and fair (average absolute difference: 0.90 ± 0.31 mm) using MPR views. Intraobserver variability had an average absolute difference of 0.31 ± 0.09 mm for the standard views and 0.38 ± 0.17 mm for the MPR views. MPR view measurements were more accurate than standard views, with average relative errors of 9.5 and 14.5%, respectively. There was significant observer variability in A-value measurements using both the standard and MPR views. Creating the MPR views increased variability between experts, however MPR views yielded more accurate results. Automated A-value measurement algorithms may help to reduce variability and increase accuracy in the future.

Two-Finger Tightness: What Is It? Measuring Torque and Reproducibility in a Simulated Model.

PubMed

Acker, William B; Tai, Bruce L; Belmont, Barry; Shih, Albert J; Irwin, Todd A; Holmes, James R

2016-05-01

Residents in training are often directed to insert screws using "two-finger tightness" to impart adequate torque but minimize the chance of a screw stripping in bone. This study seeks to quantify and describe two-finger tightness and to assess the variability of its application by residents in training. Cortical bone was simulated using a polyurethane foam block (30-pcf density) that was prepared with predrilled holes for tightening 3.5 × 14-mm long cortical screws and mounted to a custom-built apparatus on a load cell to capture torque data. Thirty-three residents in training, ranging from the first through fifth years of residency, along with 8 staff members, were directed to tighten 6 screws to two-finger tightness in the test block, and peak torque values were recorded. The participants were blinded to their torque values. Stripping torque (2.73 ± 0.56 N·m) was determined from 36 trials and served as a threshold for failed screw placement. The average torques varied substantially with regard to absolute torque values, thus poorly defining two-finger tightness. Junior residents less consistently reproduced torque compared with other groups (0.29 and 0.32, respectively). These data quantify absolute values of two-finger tightness but demonstrate considerable variability in absolute torque values, percentage of stripping torque, and ability to consistently reproduce given torque levels. Increased years in training are weakly correlated with reproducibility, but experience does not seem to affect absolute torque levels. These results question the usefulness of two-finger tightness as a teaching tool and highlight the need for improvement in resident motor skill training and development within a teaching curriculum. Torque measuring devices may be a useful simulation tools for this purpose.

National Economic Development Procedures Manual - Recreation. Volume 2. A Guide for Using the Contingent Value Methodology in Recreation Studies,

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-03-01

Directly from Sample Bid VI-16 Example 3 VI-16 Determining the Zero Price Qiantity Demanded VI-26 Summary VI -31 CHAPrER VII, THE DETERMINATION OF NED...While the standard deviation and variance are absolute measures of dispersion, a relative measure of dispersion can also be computed. This measure is...refers to the closeness of fit between the estimates obtained from Zli e and the true population value. The only way of being absolutely i: o-.iat the

Demand Controlled Economizer Cycles: A Direct Digital Control Scheme for Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Systems,

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-05-01

Control Ignored any error of 1/10th degree or less. This was done by setting the error term E and the integral sum PREINT to zero If then absolute value of...signs of two errors jeq tdiff if equal, jump clr @preint else zero integal sum tdiff mov @diff,rl fetch absolute value of OAT-RAT ci rl,25 is...includes a heating coil and thermostatic control to maintain the air in this path at an elevated temperature, typically around 80 degrees Farenheit (80 F

Simultaneous oral therapeutic and intravenous 14C‐microdoses to determine the absolute oral bioavailability of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin

PubMed Central

Boulton, David W.; Kasichayanula, Sreeneeranj; Keung, Chi Fung (Anther); Arnold, Mark E.; Christopher, Lisa J.; Xu, Xiaohui (Sophia); LaCreta, Frank

2013-01-01

Aim To determine the absolute oral bioavailability (Fp.o.) of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin using simultaneous intravenous 14C‐microdose/therapeutic oral dosing (i.v.micro + oraltherap). Methods The Fp.o. values of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin were determined in healthy subjects (n = 7 and 8, respectively) following the concomitant administration of single i.v. micro doses with unlabelled oraltherap doses. Accelerator mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry were used to quantify the labelled and unlabelled drug, respectively. Results The geometric mean point estimates (90% confidence interval) Fp.o. values for saxagliptin and dapagliflozin were 50% (48, 53%) and 78% (73, 83%), respectively. The i.v.micro had similar pharmacokinetics to oraltherap. Conclusions Simultaneous i.v.micro + oraltherap dosing is a valuable tool to assess human absolute bioavailability. PMID:22823746

40 CFR 1065.345 - Vacuum-side leak verification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... zero flow, or by detecting the dilution of a known concentration of span gas when it flows through the.... Measure and record the absolute pressure of the trapped gas and optionally the system absolute temperature... pressure and optionally temperature. (4) Calculate the leak flow rate based on an assumed value of zero for...

40 CFR 1065.345 - Vacuum-side leak verification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... zero flow, or by detecting the dilution of a known concentration of span gas when it flows through the.... Measure and record the absolute pressure of the trapped gas and optionally the system absolute temperature... pressure and optionally temperature. (4) Calculate the leak flow rate based on an assumed value of zero for...

40 CFR 63.705 - Performance test methods and procedures to determine initial compliance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... per gram-mole. Pi = Barometric pressure at the time of sample analysis, millimeters mercury absolute. 760 = Reference or standard pressure, millimeters mercury absolute. 293 = Reference or standard...: ER15DE94.005 (i) The value of RSi is zero unless the owner or operator submits the following information to...

40 CFR 63.705 - Performance test methods and procedures to determine initial compliance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... per gram-mole. Pi = Barometric pressure at the time of sample analysis, millimeters mercury absolute. 760 = Reference or standard pressure, millimeters mercury absolute. 293 = Reference or standard...: ER15DE94.005 (i) The value of RSi is zero unless the owner or operator submits the following information to...

40 CFR 63.705 - Performance test methods and procedures to determine initial compliance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... per gram-mole. Pi = Barometric pressure at the time of sample analysis, millimeters mercury absolute. 760 = Reference or standard pressure, millimeters mercury absolute. 293 = Reference or standard...: ER15DE94.005 (i) The value of RSi is zero unless the owner or operator submits the following information to...

40 CFR 1065.345 - Vacuum-side leak verification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... zero flow, or by detecting the dilution of a known concentration of span gas when it flows through the.... Measure and record the absolute pressure of the trapped gas and optionally the system absolute temperature... pressure and optionally temperature. (4) Calculate the leak flow rate based on an assumed value of zero for...

40 CFR 63.705 - Performance test methods and procedures to determine initial compliance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... per gram-mole. Pi = Barometric pressure at the time of sample analysis, millimeters mercury absolute. 760 = Reference or standard pressure, millimeters mercury absolute. 293 = Reference or standard...: ER15DE94.005 (i) The value of RSi is zero unless the owner or operator submits the following information to...

40 CFR 1065.345 - Vacuum-side leak verification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... zero flow, or by detecting the dilution of a known concentration of span gas when it flows through the.... Measure and record the absolute pressure of the trapped gas and optionally the system absolute temperature... pressure and optionally temperature. (4) Calculate the leak flow rate based on an assumed value of zero for...

40 CFR 63.705 - Performance test methods and procedures to determine initial compliance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... per gram-mole. Pi = Barometric pressure at the time of sample analysis, millimeters mercury absolute. 760 = Reference or standard pressure, millimeters mercury absolute. 293 = Reference or standard...: ER15DE94.005 (i) The value of RSi is zero unless the owner or operator submits the following information to...

40 CFR 1065.345 - Vacuum-side leak verification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... zero flow, or by detecting the dilution of a known concentration of span gas when it flows through the.... Measure and record the absolute pressure of the trapped gas and optionally the system absolute temperature... pressure and optionally temperature. (4) Calculate the leak flow rate based on an assumed value of zero for...

Urinary saturation: casual or causal risk factor in urolithiasis?

PubMed

Rodgers, Allen L

2014-07-01

To assess (i) the extent to which urinary supersaturation (SS) has successfully discriminated between stone formers and healthy individuals (N), (ii) whether absolute SS has diagnostic worth and (iii) whether high SS is the fundamental cause of stone formation per se. Google Scholar was used to identify studies in which urinary compositional data had been determined. In those cases where SS values were not given, or where other risk indices had been reported, they were (re-)calculated. Collected data were termed 'global' but were then 'filtered' according to stone type and protocols used for SS calculations. SS distribution plots for calcium oxalate, brushite and uric acid were constructed. Data were statistically analysed using the unpaired t-test and Mann-Whitney test. In all, 47 studies yielded 123 SS values for healthy individuals and 122 values for stone formers. The mean and median SS values were significantly greater in stone formers compared with healthy individuals in all but one of the comparisons. Wide variations in SS occurred for healthy individuals and stone formers. The two groups could not be separated. Absolute SS has no diagnostic worth. It is impossible to quantify the meaning of a 'high' SS value. Urines cannot be identified as originating from healthy individuals or stone formers based on their SS. SS should be determined in clinical and research settings for relative comparisons during the assessment of treatment efficacies. This study provides a compelling argument for SS being a casual factor rather than a causal one. © 2013 The Author. BJU International © 2013 BJU International.

Absolute proton hydration free energy, surface potential of water, and redox potential of the hydrogen electrode from first principles: QM/MM MD free-energy simulations of sodium and potassium hydration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofer, Thomas S.; Hünenberger, Philippe H.

2018-06-01

The absolute intrinsic hydration free energy GH+,w a t ◦ of the proton, the surface electric potential jump χwa t ◦ upon entering bulk water, and the absolute redox potential VH+,w a t ◦ of the reference hydrogen electrode are cornerstone quantities for formulating single-ion thermodynamics on absolute scales. They can be easily calculated from each other but remain fundamentally elusive, i.e., they cannot be determined experimentally without invoking some extra-thermodynamic assumption (ETA). The Born model provides a natural framework to formulate such an assumption (Born ETA), as it automatically factors out the contribution of crossing the water surface from the hydration free energy. However, this model describes the short-range solvation inaccurately and relies on the choice of arbitrary ion-size parameters. In the present study, both shortcomings are alleviated by performing first-principle calculations of the hydration free energies of the sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions. The calculations rely on thermodynamic integration based on quantum-mechanical molecular-mechanical (QM/MM) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations involving the ion and 2000 water molecules. The ion and its first hydration shell are described using a correlated ab initio method, namely resolution-of-identity second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation (RIMP2). The next hydration shells are described using the extended simple point charge water model (SPC/E). The hydration free energy is first calculated at the MM level and subsequently increased by a quantization term accounting for the transformation to a QM/MM description. It is also corrected for finite-size, approximate-electrostatics, and potential-summation errors, as well as standard-state definition. These computationally intensive simulations provide accurate first-principle estimates for GH+,w a t ◦, χwa t ◦, and VH+,w a t ◦, reported with statistical errors based on a confidence interval of 99%. The values obtained from the independent Na+ and K+ simulations are in excellent agreement. In particular, the difference between the two hydration free energies, which is not an elusive quantity, is 73.9 ± 5.4 kJ mol-1 (K+ minus Na+), to be compared with the experimental value of 71.7 ± 2.8 kJ mol-1. The calculated values of GH+,w a t ◦, χwa t ◦, and VH+,w a t ◦ (-1096.7 ± 6.1 kJ mol-1, 0.10 ± 0.10 V, and 4.32 ± 0.06 V, respectively, averaging over the two ions) are also in remarkable agreement with the values recommended by Reif and Hünenberger based on a thorough analysis of the experimental literature (-1100 ± 5 kJ mol-1, 0.13 ± 0.10 V, and 4.28 ± 0.13 V, respectively). The QM/MM MD simulations are also shown to provide an accurate description of the hydration structure, dynamics, and energetics.

Absolute flatness measurements of silicon mirrors by a three-intersection method by near-infrared interferometry

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Absolute flatness of three silicon plane mirrors have been measured by a three-intersection method based on the three-flat method using a near-infrared interferometer. The interferometer was constructed using a near-infrared laser diode with a 1,310-nm wavelength light where the silicon plane mirror is transparent. The height differences at the coordinate values between the absolute line profiles by the three-intersection method have been evaluated. The height differences of the three flats were 4.5 nm or less. The three-intersection method using the near-infrared interferometer was useful for measuring the absolute flatness of the silicon plane mirrors. PMID:23758916

Measurement of absolute response functions and detection efficiencies of an NE213 scintillator up to 600 MeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kajimoto, Tsuyoshi; Shigyo, Nobuhiro; Sanami, Toshiya; Ishibashi, Kenji; Haight, Robert C.; Fotiades, Nikolaos

2011-02-01

Absolute neutron response functions and detection efficiencies of an NE213 liquid scintillator that was 12.7 cm in diameter and 12.7 cm in thickness were measured for neutron energies between 15 and 600 MeV at the Weapons Neutron Research facility of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. The experiment was performed with continuous-energy neutrons on a spallation neutron source by 800-MeV proton incidence. The incident neutron flux was measured using a 238U fission ionization chamber. Measured response functions and detection efficiencies were compared with corresponding calculations using the SCINFUL-QMD code. The calculated and experimental values were in good agreement for data below 70 MeV. However, there were discrepancies in the energy region between 70 and 150 MeV. Thus, the code was partly modified and the revised code provided better agreement with the experimental data.

Photocurrent mapping of near-field optical antenna resonances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barnard, Edward S.; Pala, Ragip A.; Brongersma, Mark L.

2011-09-01

An increasing number of photonics applications make use of nanoscale optical antennas that exhibit a strong, resonant interaction with photons of a specific frequency. The resonant properties of such antennas are conventionally characterized by far-field light-scattering techniques. However, many applications require quantitative knowledge of the near-field behaviour, and existing local field measurement techniques provide only relative, rather than absolute, data. Here, we demonstrate a photodetector platform that uses a silicon-on-insulator substrate to spectrally and spatially map the absolute values of enhanced fields near any type of optical antenna by transducing local electric fields into photocurrent. We are able to quantify the resonant optical and materials properties of nanoscale (~50 nm) and wavelength-scale (~1 µm) metallic antennas as well as high-refractive-index semiconductor antennas. The data agree well with light-scattering measurements, full-field simulations and intuitive resonator models.

KSC-04pd1386

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-06-17

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - James E. Fesmire (right), NASA lead engineer for the KSC Cryogenics Testbed, works on Cryostat-1, the Methods of Testing Thermal Insulation and Association Test Apparatus, which he developed. At left is co-inventor Dr. Stan Augustynowicz, chief scientist with Sierra Lobo Inc. in Milan, Ohio. Cryostat-1 provides absolute thermal performance values of cryogenic insulation systems under real-world conditions. Cryogenic liquid is supplied to a test chamber and two guard chambers, and temperatures are sensed within the vacuum chamber to test aerogels, foams or other materials. The Cryostat-1 machine can detect the absolute heat leakage rates through materials under the full range of vacuum conditions. Fesmire recently acquired three patents for testing thermal insulation materials for cryogenic systems. The research team of the Cryogenics Testbed offers testing and support for a number of programs and initiatives for NASA and commercial customers.

KSC-04pd1387

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-06-17

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - James E. Fesmire (right), NASA lead engineer for the KSC Cryogenics Testbed, works on Cryostat-1, the Methods of Testing Thermal Insulation and Association Test Apparatus, which he developed. At left is co-inventor Dr. Stan Augustynowicz, chief scientist with Sierra Lobo Inc. in Milan, Ohio. Cryostat-1 provides absolute thermal performance values of cryogenic insulation systems under real-world conditions. Cryogenic liquid is supplied to a test chamber and two guard chambers, and temperatures are sensed within the vacuum chamber to test aerogels, foams or other materials. The Cryostat-1 machine can detect the absolute heat leakage rates through materials under the full range of vacuum conditions. Fesmire recently acquired three patents for testing thermal insulation materials for cryogenic systems. The research team of the Cryogenics Testbed offers testing and support for a number of programs and initiatives for NASA and commercial customers.

Accurate predictions of iron redox state in silicate glasses: A multivariate approach using X-ray absorption spectroscopy

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

Dyar, M. Darby; McCanta, Molly; Breves, Elly

2016-03-01

Pre-edge features in the K absorption edge of X-ray absorption spectra are commonly used to predict Fe3+ valence state in silicate glasses. However, this study shows that using the entire spectral region from the pre-edge into the extended X-ray absorption fine-structure region provides more accurate results when combined with multivariate analysis techniques. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) regression technique yields %Fe3+ values that are accurate to ±3.6% absolute when the full spectral region is employed. This method can be used across a broad range of glass compositions, is easily automated, and is demonstrated to yield accurate resultsmore » from different synchrotrons. It will enable future studies involving X-ray mapping of redox gradients on standard thin sections at 1 × 1 μm pixel sizes.« less

Accurate predictions of iron redox state in silicate glasses: A multivariate approach using X-ray absorption spectroscopy

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

Dyar, M. Darby; McCanta, Molly; Breves, Elly

2016-03-01

Pre-edge features in the K absorption edge of X-ray absorption spectra are commonly used to predict Fe 3+ valence state in silicate glasses. However, this study shows that using the entire spectral region from the pre-edge into the extended X-ray absorption fine-structure region provides more accurate results when combined with multivariate analysis techniques. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) regression technique yields %Fe 3+ values that are accurate to ±3.6% absolute when the full spectral region is employed. This method can be used across a broad range of glass compositions, is easily automated, and is demonstrated to yieldmore » accurate results from different synchrotrons. It will enable future studies involving X-ray mapping of redox gradients on standard thin sections at 1 × 1 μm pixel sizes.« less

Final Report on the Key Comparison CCM.P-K4.2012 in Absolute Pressure from 1 Pa to 10 kPa

PubMed Central

Ricker, Jacob; Hendricks, Jay; Bock, Thomas; Dominik, Pražák; Kobata, Tokihiko; Torres, Jorge; Sadkovskaya, Irina

2017-01-01

The report summarizes the Consultative Committee for Mass (CCM) key comparison CCM.P-K4.2012 for absolute pressure spanning the range of 1 Pa to 10 000 Pa. The comparison was carried out at six National Metrology Institutes (NMIs), including National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Czech Metrology Institute (CMI), National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ), Centro Nacional de Metrología (CENAM), and DI Mendeleyev Institute for Metrology (VNIIM). The comparison was made via a calibrated transfer standard measured at each of the NMIs facilities using their laboratory standard during the period May 2012 to September 2013. The transfer package constructed for this comparison preformed as designed and provided a stable artifact to compare laboratory standards. Overall the participants were found to be statistically equivalent to the key comparison reference value. PMID:28216793

Absolute continuum intensity diagnostics of a novel large coaxial gridded hollow cathode argon plasma

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

Gao, Ruilin; Yuan, Chengxun, E-mail: yuancx@hit.edu.cn, E-mail: zhouzx@hit.edu.cn; Jia, Jieshu

2016-08-15

This paper reports a novel coaxial gridded hollow discharge during operation at low pressure (20 Pa–80 Pa) in an argon atmosphere. A homogeneous hollow discharge was observed under different conditions, and the excitation mechanism and the discharge parameters for the hollow cathode plasma were examined at length. An optical emission spectrometry (OES) method, with a special focus on absolute continuum intensity method, was employed to measure the plasma parameters. The Langmuir probe measurement (LPM) was used to verify the OES results. Both provided electron density values (n{sub e}) in the order of 10{sup 16} m{sup −3} for different plasma settings. Taken together, themore » results show that the OES method is an effective approach to diagnosing the similar plasma, especially when the LPM is hardly operated.« less

Absolute Rovibrational Intensities, Self-Broadening and Self-Shift Coefficients for the X(sup 1) Sigma(+) V=3 (left arrow) V=0 Band (C-12)(O-16)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chackerian, Charles, Jr.; Freedman, R.; Giver, L. P.; Brown, L. R.

2001-01-01

The rotationless transition moment squared for the x(sup 1) sigma (sup +) v=3 (left arrow) v=0 band of CO is measured to be the absolute value of R (sub 3-0) squared = 1.7127(25)x 10(exp -7) Debye squared. This value is about 8.6 percent smaller than the value assumed for HITRAN 2000. The Herman-Wallis intensity factor of this band is F=1+0.01168(11)m+0.0001065(79)m squared. The determination of self-broadening coefficients is improved with the inclusion of line narrowing; self-shifts are also reported.

Intercomparison Between in situ and AVHRR Polar Pathfinder-Derived Surface Albedo over Greenland

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stroeve, Julienne C.; Box, Jason E.; Fowler, Charles; Haran, Terence; Key, Jeffery

2001-01-01

The Advanced Very High Resolution (AVHRR) Polar Pathfinder Data (APP) provides the first long time series of consistent, calibrated surface albedo and surface temperature data for the polar regions. Validations of these products have consisted of individual studies that analyzed algorithm performance for limited regions and or time periods. This paper reports on comparisons made between the APP-derived surface albedo and that measured at fourteen automatic weather stations (AWS) around the Greenland ice sheet from January 1997 to August 1998. Results show that satellite-derived surface albedo values are on average 10% less than those measured by the AWS stations. However, the station measurements tend to be biased high by about 4% and thus the differences in absolute albedo may be less (e.g. 6%). In regions of the ice sheet where the albedo variability is small, such as the dry snow facies, the APP albedo uncertainty exceeds the natural variability. Further work is needed to improve the absolute accuracy of the APP-derived surface albedo. Even so, the data provide temporally and spatially consistent estimates of the Greenland ice sheet albedo.

Radiative Susceptibility of Cloudy Atmospheres to Droplet Number Perturbations: 1. Theoretical Analysis and Examples from MODIS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Platnick, Steven; Oreopoulos, Lazaros

2008-01-01

Theoretical and satellite-based assessments of the sensitivity of broadband shortwave radiative fluxes in cloudy atmospheres to small perturbations in the cloud droplet number concentration (N) of liquid water clouds under constant water conditions are performed. Two approaches to study this sensitivity are adopted: absolute increases in N, for which the radiative response is referred to as absolute cloud susceptibility, and relative increases in N or relative cloud susceptibility. Estimating the former is more challenging as it requires an assumed value for either cloud liquid water content or geometrical thickness; both susceptibilities require an assumed relationship between the droplet volume and effective radius. Expanding upon previous susceptibility studies, present radiative calculations include the effect of AN perturbations on droplet asymmetry parameter and single-scattering albedo, in addition to extinction. Absolute cloud susceptibility has a strong nonlinear dependence on the droplet effective radius as expected, while relative cloud susceptibility is primarily dependent on optical thickness. Molecular absorption and reflecting surfaces both reduce the relative contribution of the cloud to the top-of-atmosphere (TOA) flux and therefore also reduce the TOA albedo susceptibility. Transmittance susceptibilities are negative with absolute values similar to albedo susceptibility, while atmospheric absorptance susceptibilities are about an order of magnitude smaller than albedo susceptibilities and can be either positive or negative. Observation-based susceptibility calculations are derived from MODIS pixel-level retrievals of liquid water cloud optical thickness, effective radius, and cloud top temperature; two data granule examples are shown. Susceptibility quantifies the aerosol indirect effect sensitivity in a way that can be easily computed from model fields. As such, susceptibilities derived from MODIS observations provide a higher-order test of model cloud properties used for indirect effect studies. MODIS-derived global distributions of cloud susceptibility and radiative forcing calculations are presented in a companion paper.

Nasal patency and otorhinolaryngologic-orofacial features in children.

PubMed

Milanesi, Jovana de Moura; Berwig, Luana Cristina; Schuch, Luiz Henrique; Ritzel, Rodrigo Agne; Silva, Ana Maria Toniolo da; Corrêa, Eliane Castilhos Rodrigues

2017-11-21

Nasal obstruction is a common symptom in childhood, related to rhinitis and pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy. In the presence of nasal obstruction, nasal patency may be reduced, and nasal breathing is replaced by mouth breathing. Orofacial and otorhinolaryngologic changes are related to this breathing mode. Objective evaluation of upper airways may be obtained through nasal patency measurement. To compare nasal patency and otorhinolaryngologic-orofacial features in children. One hundred and twenty three children, 6-12 year-old, and of both sexes underwent speech therapy evaluation, according to Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation protocol, clinical and endoscopic otorhinolaryngologic examination and nasal patency measurement, using the absolute and predicted (%) peak nasal inspiratory flow values. Lower values of absolute and estimated peak nasal inspiratory flow values were found in children with restless sleep (p=0.006 and p=0.002), nasal obstruction report (p=0.027 and p=0.023), runny nose (p=0.004 and p=0.012), unsystematic lip closure during mastication (p=0.040 and p=0.026), masticatory speed reduced (p=0.006 and p=0.008) and altered solid food swallowing (p=0.006 and p=0.001). Absolute peak nasal inspiratory flow was lower in children with pale inferior turbinate (p=0.040), reduced hard palate width (p=0.037) and altered speech (p=0.004). Higher absolute values were found in children with increased tongue width (p=0.027) and, higher absolute and predicted (%) in children with mild everted lip (p=0.008 and p=0.000). Nasal patency was lower in children with restless sleep, rhinitis signs and symptoms, hard palate width reduced and with changes in mastication, deglutition and speech functions. It is also emphasized that most of the children presented signs and symptom of allergic rhinitis. Copyright © 2017 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Constraint on Absolute Accuracy of Metacomprehension Assessments: The Anchoring and Adjustment Model vs. the Standards Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kwon, Heekyung

2011-01-01

The objective of this study is to provide a systematic account of three typical phenomena surrounding absolute accuracy of metacomprehension assessments: (1) the absolute accuracy of predictions is typically quite low; (2) there exist individual differences in absolute accuracy of predictions as a function of reading skill; and (3) postdictions…

The reliability of vertical jump tests between the Vertec and My Jump phone application.

PubMed

Yingling, Vanessa R; Castro, Dimitri A; Duong, Justin T; Malpartida, Fiorella J; Usher, Justin R; O, Jenny

2018-01-01

The vertical jump is used to estimate sports performance capabilities and physical fitness in children, elderly, non-athletic and injured individuals. Different jump techniques and measurement tools are available to assess vertical jump height and peak power; however, their use is limited by access to laboratory settings, excessive cost and/or time constraints thus making these tools oftentimes unsuitable for field assessment. A popular field test uses the Vertec and the Sargent vertical jump with countermovement; however, new low cost, easy to use tools are becoming available, including the My Jump iOS mobile application (app). The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of the My Jump relative to values obtained by the Vertec for the Sargent stand and reach vertical jump (VJ) test. One hundred and thirty-five healthy participants aged 18-39 years (94 males, 41 females) completed three maximal Sargent VJ with countermovement that were simultaneously measured using the Vertec and the My Jump . Jump heights were quantified for each jump and peak power was calculated using the Sayers equation. Four separate ICC estimates and their 95% confidence intervals were used to assess reliability. Two analyses (with jump height and calculated peak power as the dependent variables, respectively) were based on a single rater, consistency, two-way mixed-effects model, while two others (with jump height and calculated peak power as the dependent variables, respectively) were based on a single rater, absolute agreement, two-way mixed-effects model. Moderate to excellent reliability relative to the degree of consistency between the Vertec and My Jump values was found for jump height (ICC = 0.813; 95% CI [0.747-0.863]) and calculated peak power (ICC = 0.926; 95% CI [0.897-0.947]). However, poor to good reliability relative to absolute agreement for VJ height (ICC = 0.665; 95% CI [0.050-0.859]) and poor to excellent reliability relative to absolute agreement for peak power (ICC = 0.851; 95% CI [0.272-0.946]) between the Vertec and My Jump values were found; Vertec VJ height, and thus, Vertec calculated peak power values, were significantly higher than those calculated from My Jump values ( p < 0.0001). The My Jump app may provide a reliable measure of vertical jump height and calculated peak power in multiple field and laboratory settings without the need of costly equipment such as force plates or Vertec. The reliability relative to degree of consistency between the Vertec and My Jump app was moderate to excellent. However, the reliability relative to absolute agreement between Vertec and My Jump values contained significant variation (based on CI values), thus, it is recommended that either the My Jump or the Vertec be used to assess VJ height in repeated measures within subjects' designs; these measurement tools should not be considered interchangeable within subjects or in group measurement designs.

The reliability of vertical jump tests between the Vertec and My Jump phone application

PubMed Central

Castro, Dimitri A.; Duong, Justin T.; Malpartida, Fiorella J.; Usher, Justin R.; O, Jenny

2018-01-01

Background The vertical jump is used to estimate sports performance capabilities and physical fitness in children, elderly, non-athletic and injured individuals. Different jump techniques and measurement tools are available to assess vertical jump height and peak power; however, their use is limited by access to laboratory settings, excessive cost and/or time constraints thus making these tools oftentimes unsuitable for field assessment. A popular field test uses the Vertec and the Sargent vertical jump with countermovement; however, new low cost, easy to use tools are becoming available, including the My Jump iOS mobile application (app). The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of the My Jump relative to values obtained by the Vertec for the Sargent stand and reach vertical jump (VJ) test. Methods One hundred and thirty-five healthy participants aged 18–39 years (94 males, 41 females) completed three maximal Sargent VJ with countermovement that were simultaneously measured using the Vertec and the My Jump. Jump heights were quantified for each jump and peak power was calculated using the Sayers equation. Four separate ICC estimates and their 95% confidence intervals were used to assess reliability. Two analyses (with jump height and calculated peak power as the dependent variables, respectively) were based on a single rater, consistency, two-way mixed-effects model, while two others (with jump height and calculated peak power as the dependent variables, respectively) were based on a single rater, absolute agreement, two-way mixed-effects model. Results Moderate to excellent reliability relative to the degree of consistency between the Vertec and My Jump values was found for jump height (ICC = 0.813; 95% CI [0.747–0.863]) and calculated peak power (ICC = 0.926; 95% CI [0.897–0.947]). However, poor to good reliability relative to absolute agreement for VJ height (ICC = 0.665; 95% CI [0.050–0.859]) and poor to excellent reliability relative to absolute agreement for peak power (ICC = 0.851; 95% CI [0.272–0.946]) between the Vertec and My Jump values were found; Vertec VJ height, and thus, Vertec calculated peak power values, were significantly higher than those calculated from My Jump values (p < 0.0001). Discussion The My Jump app may provide a reliable measure of vertical jump height and calculated peak power in multiple field and laboratory settings without the need of costly equipment such as force plates or Vertec. The reliability relative to degree of consistency between the Vertec and My Jump app was moderate to excellent. However, the reliability relative to absolute agreement between Vertec and My Jump values contained significant variation (based on CI values), thus, it is recommended that either the My Jump or the Vertec be used to assess VJ height in repeated measures within subjects’ designs; these measurement tools should not be considered interchangeable within subjects or in group measurement designs. PMID:29692955

[How nationally concordated measures for quality assurance in clinical care of term and preterm infants are put into practice in Baden-Württemberg].

PubMed

Boehler, T; Schaeff, B; Hornberg, I; Waibel, B; Mohrmann, M

2009-01-01

By the end of the year 2007, pediatric hospitals in Baden-Württemberg had assigned themselves to one of three levels of perinatal care according to a checklist of the German Federal Joint Committee (F-JC) effective since January 1st, 2006. The Medical Service of Statutory Health Insurance had been assigned to prove the plausibility of that self-assessment according to quality criteria for clinical care of term and preterm newborn infants concordated by the F-JC. Between November 2007 and October 2008 31 providers were audited. Observations were documented in a checklist, reviewed and evaluated by expert auditors. For that purpose, quality criteria given by the F-JC were grouped into 7 quality categories which were weighted according to their practical relevance. In addition, a graded numeric system of evaluation was used for comparative analysis (absolute and relative benchmarking values). 3 of 23 providers fulfilled the quality criteria of the F-JC for PNC level 1 (highest level of care), 6 of 23 fulfilled them in part, and 14 of 23 did not fulfill them as judged by the auditors. Criteria for PNC level 2 were "fulfilled in part" by 2 of 6 providers and "not fulfilled" by 4. Both providers of perinatal special care ("level 3") fulfilled the quality criteria for "level 3" completely. There was no linear correlation between absolute or relative benchmarking values and assessment by expert auditors. If the criteria of the F-JC were interpreted very strictly, it would be difficult to guarantee comprehensive regional delivery of care in the state of Baden-Württemberg at the level formally requested by the F-JC for PNCs.

A method for measuring brain partial pressure of oxygen in unanesthetized unrestrained subjects: the effect of acute and chronic hypoxia on brain tissue PO(2).

PubMed

Ortiz-Prado, E; Natah, Siraj; Srinivasan, Sathyanarayanan; Dunn, Jeff F

2010-11-30

The level of tissue oxygenation provides information related to the balance between oxygen delivery, oxygen utilization, tissue reactivity and morphology during physiological conditions. Tissue partial pressure of oxygen (PtO(2)) is influenced by the use of anesthesia or restraint. These factors may impact the absolute level of PtO(2). In this study we present a novel fiber optic method to measure brain PtO(2). This method can be used in unanesthetized, unrestrained animals, provides absolute values for PO(2), has a stable calibration, does not consume oxygen and is MRI compatible. Brain PtO(2) was studied during acute hypoxia, as well as before and after 28 days of high altitude acclimatization. A sensor was chronically implanted in the frontal cortex of eight Wistar rats. It is comprised of a fiber optic probe with a tip containing material that fluoresces with an oxygen dependent lifetime. Brain PtO(2) declines by 80% and 76% pre- and post-acclimatization, respectively, when the fraction of inspired oxygen declines from 0.21 to 0.08. In addition, a linear relationship between brain PtO(2) and inspired O(2) levels was demonstrated r(2)=0.98 and r(2)=0.99 (pre- and post-acclimatization). Hypoxia acclimatization resulted in an increase in the overall brain PtO(2) by approximately 35%. This paper demonstrates the use of a novel chronically implanted fiber optic based sensor for measuring absolute PtO(2). It shows a very strong linear relationship in awake animals between inspired O(2) and tissue O(2), and shows that there is a proportional increase in PtO(2) over a range of inspired values after exposure to chronic hypoxia. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Herschel Multi-Tiered Extragalactic Survey: SPIRE-mm Photometric Redshifts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roseboom, I. G.; Ivison, R. J.; Greve, T. R.; Amblard, A.; Arumugam, V.; Auld, R.; Aussel, H.; Bethermin, M.; Blain, A.; Block, J.;

In vivo visualization method by absolute blood flow velocity based on speckle and fringe pattern using two-beam multipoint laser Doppler velocimetry

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

Kyoden, Tomoaki, E-mail: kyouden@nc-toyama.ac.jp; Naruki, Shoji; Akiguchi, Shunsuke

Two-beam multipoint laser Doppler velocimetry (two-beam MLDV) is a non-invasive imaging technique able to provide an image of two-dimensional blood flow and has potential for observing cancer as previously demonstrated in a mouse model. In two-beam MLDV, the blood flow velocity can be estimated from red blood cells passing through a fringe pattern generated in the skin. The fringe pattern is created at the intersection of two beams in conventional LDV and two-beam MLDV. Being able to choose the depth position is an advantage of two-beam MLDV, and the position of a blood vessel can be identified in a three-dimensionalmore » space using this technique. Initially, we observed the fringe pattern in the skin, and the undeveloped or developed speckle pattern generated in a deeper position of the skin. The validity of the absolute velocity value detected by two-beam MLDV was verified while changing the number of layers of skin around a transparent flow channel. The absolute velocity value independent of direction was detected using the developed speckle pattern, which is created by the skin construct and two beams in the flow channel. Finally, we showed the relationship between the signal intensity and the fringe pattern, undeveloped speckle, or developed speckle pattern based on the skin depth. The Doppler signals were not detected at deeper positions in the skin, which qualitatively indicates the depth limit for two-beam MLDV.« less

A Simulation-Based Study on the Comparison of Statistical and Time Series Forecasting Methods for Early Detection of Infectious Disease Outbreaks.

PubMed

Yang, Eunjoo; Park, Hyun Woo; Choi, Yeon Hwa; Kim, Jusim; Munkhdalai, Lkhagvadorj; Musa, Ibrahim; Ryu, Keun Ho

2018-05-11

Early detection of infectious disease outbreaks is one of the important and significant issues in syndromic surveillance systems. It helps to provide a rapid epidemiological response and reduce morbidity and mortality. In order to upgrade the current system at the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), a comparative study of state-of-the-art techniques is required. We compared four different temporal outbreak detection algorithms: the CUmulative SUM (CUSUM), the Early Aberration Reporting System (EARS), the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), and the Holt-Winters algorithm. The comparison was performed based on not only 42 different time series generated taking into account trends, seasonality, and randomly occurring outbreaks, but also real-world daily and weekly data related to diarrhea infection. The algorithms were evaluated using different metrics. These were namely, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), F1 score, symmetric mean absolute percent error (sMAPE), root-mean-square error (RMSE), and mean absolute deviation (MAD). Although the comparison results showed better performance for the EARS C3 method with respect to the other algorithms, despite the characteristics of the underlying time series data, Holt⁻Winters showed better performance when the baseline frequency and the dispersion parameter values were both less than 1.5 and 2, respectively.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: WISE/NEOWISE Mars-crossing asteroids (Ali-Lagoa+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali-Lagoa, V.; Delbo, M.

2017-07-01

We fitted the near-Earth asteroid thermal model of Harris (1998, Icarus, 131, 29) to WISE/NEOWISE thermal infrared data (see, e.g., Mainzer et al. 2011ApJ...736..100M, and Masiero et al. 2014, Cat. J/ApJ/791/121). The table contains the best-fitting values of size and beaming parameter. We note that the beaming parameter is a strictly positive quantity, but a negative sign is given to indicate whenever we could not fit it and had to assume a default value. We also provide the visible geometric albedos computed from the diameter and the tabulated absolute magnitudes. Minimum relative errors of 10, 15, and 20 percent should be considered for size, beaming parameter and albedo in those cases for which the beaming parameter could be fitted. Otherwise, the minimum relative errors in size and albedo increase to 20 and 40 percent (see, e.g., Mainzer et al. 2011ApJ...736..100M). The asteroid absolute magnitudes and slope parameters retrieved from the Minor Planet Center (MPC) are included, as well as the number of observations used in each WISE band (nW2, nW3, nW4) and the corresponding average values of heliocentric and geocentric distances and phase angle of the observations. The ephemerides were retrieved from the MIRIADE service (http://vo.imcce.fr/webservices/miriade/?ephemph). (1 data file).

The Quantitative Relationship Between ISO 15197 Accuracy Criteria and Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) in the Evaluation of Analytical Performance of Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) Systems.

PubMed

Pardo, Scott; Simmons, David A

2016-09-01

The relationship between International Organization for Standardization (ISO) accuracy criteria and mean absolute relative difference (MARD), 2 methods for assessing the accuracy of blood glucose meters, is complex. While lower MARD values are generally better than higher MARD values, it is not possible to define a particular MARD value that ensures a blood glucose meter will satisfy the ISO accuracy criteria. The MARD value that ensures passing the ISO accuracy test can be described only as a probabilistic range. In this work, a Bayesian model is presented to represent the relationship between ISO accuracy criteria and MARD. Under the assumptions made in this work, there is nearly a 100% chance of satisfying ISO 15197:2013 accuracy requirements if the MARD value is between 3.25% and 5.25%. © 2016 Diabetes Technology Society.

Low frequency AC waveform generator

DOEpatents

Bilharz, Oscar W.

1986-01-01

Low frequency sine, cosine, triangle and square waves are synthesized in circuitry which allows variation in the waveform amplitude and frequency while exhibiting good stability and without requiring significant stabilization time. A triangle waveform is formed by a ramped integration process controlled by a saturation amplifier circuit which produces the necessary hysteresis for the triangle waveform. The output of the saturation circuit is tapped to produce the square waveform. The sine waveform is synthesized by taking the absolute value of the triangular waveform, raising this absolute value to a predetermined power, multiplying the raised absolute value of the triangle wave with the triangle wave itself and properly scaling the resultant waveform and subtracting it from the triangular waveform itself. The cosine is synthesized by squaring the triangular waveform, raising the triangular waveform to a predetermined power and adding the squared waveform raised to the predetermined power with a DC reference and subtracting the squared waveform therefrom, with all waveforms properly scaled. The resultant waveform is then multiplied with a square wave in order to correct the polarity and produce the resultant cosine waveform.

Mapping the microvascular and the associated absolute values of oxy-hemoglobin concentration through turbid media via local off-set diffuse optical imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chen; Klämpfl, Florian; Stelzle, Florian; Schmidt, Michael

2014-11-01

An imging resolution of micron-scale has not yet been discovered by diffuse optical imaging (DOI), while a superficial response was eliminated. In this work, we report on a new approach of DOI with a local off-set alignment to subvert the common boundary conditions of the modified Beer-Lambert Law (MBLL). It can resolve a superficial target in micron scale under a turbid media. To validate both major breakthroughs, this system was used to recover a subsurface microvascular mimicking structure under an skin equivalent phantom. This microvascular was included with oxy-hemoglobin solution in variant concentrations to distiguish the absolute values of CtRHb and CtHbO2 . Experimental results confirmed the feasibility of recovering the target vascular of 50 µm in diameter, and graded the values of the concentrations of oxy-hemoglobin from 10 g/L to 50 g/L absolutely. Ultimately, this approach could evolve into a non-invasive imaging system to map the microvascular pattern and the associated oximetry under a human skin in-vivo.

Simulated cosmic microwave background maps at 0.5 deg resolution: Unresolved features

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kogut, A.; Hinshaw, G.; Bennett, C. L.

1995-01-01

High-contrast peaks in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropy can appear as unresolved sources to observers. We fit simluated CMB maps generated with a cold dark matter model to a set of unresolved features at instrumental resolution 0.5 deg-1.5 deg to derive the integral number density per steradian n (greater than absolute value of T) of features brighter than threshold temperature absolute value of T and compare the results to recent experiments. A typical medium-scale experiment observing 0.001 sr at 0.5 deg resolution would expect to observe one feature brighter than 85 micro-K after convolution with the beam profile, with less than 5% probability to observe a source brighter than 150 micro-K. Increasing the power-law index of primordial density perturbations n from 1 to 1.5 raises these temperature limits absolute value of T by a factor of 2. The MSAM features are in agreement with standard cold dark matter models and are not necessarily evidence for processes beyond the standard model.

Identification of two novel mammographic density loci at 6Q25.1.

PubMed

Brand, Judith S; Li, Jingmei; Humphreys, Keith; Karlsson, Robert; Eriksson, Mikael; Ivansson, Emma; Hall, Per; Czene, Kamila

2015-06-03

Mammographic density (MD) is a strong heritable and intermediate phenotype for breast cancer, but much of its genetic variation remains unexplained. We performed a large-scale genetic association study including 8,419 women of European ancestry to identify MD loci. Participants of three Swedish studies were genotyped on a custom Illumina iSelect genotyping array and percent and absolute mammographic density were ascertained using semiautomated and fully automated methods from film and digital mammograms. Linear regression analysis was used to test for SNP-MD associations, adjusting for age, body mass index, menopausal status and six principal components. Meta-analyses were performed by combining P values taking sample size, study-specific inflation factor and direction of effect into account. Genome-wide significant associations were observed for two previously identified loci: ZNF365 (rs10995194, P = 2.3 × 10(-8) for percent MD and P = 8.7 × 10(-9) for absolute MD) and AREG (rs10034692, P = 6.7 × 10(-9) for absolute MD). In addition, we found evidence of association for two variants at 6q25.1, both of which are known breast cancer susceptibility loci: rs9485370 in the TAB2 gene (P = 4.8 × 10(-9) for percent MD and P = 2.5 × 10(-8) for absolute MD) and rs60705924 in the CCDC170/ESR1 region (P = 2.2 × 10(-8) for absolute MD). Both regions have been implicated in estrogen receptor signaling with TAB2 being a potential regulator of tamoxifen response. We identified two novel MD loci at 6q25.1. These findings underscore the importance of 6q25.1 as a susceptibility region and provide more insight into the mechanisms through which MD influences breast cancer risk.

Absolute Quantification of Human Liver Phosphorus-Containing Metabolites In Vivo Using an Inhomogeneous Spoiling Magnetic Field Gradient

PubMed Central

Bashir, Adil; Gropler, Robert; Ackerman, Joseph

2015-01-01

Purpose Absolute concentrations of high-energy phosphorus (31P) metabolites in liver provide more important insight into physiologic status of liver disease compared to resonance integral ratios. A simple method for measuring absolute concentrations of 31P metabolites in human liver is described. The approach uses surface spoiling inhomogeneous magnetic field gradient to select signal from liver tissue. The technique avoids issues caused by respiratory motion, chemical shift dispersion associated with linear magnetic field gradients, and increased tissue heat deposition due to radiofrequency absorption, especially at high field strength. Methods A method to localize signal from liver was demonstrated using superficial and highly non-uniform magnetic field gradients, which eliminate signal(s) from surface tissue(s) located between the liver and RF coil. A double standard method was implemented to determine absolute 31P metabolite concentrations in vivo. 8 healthy individuals were examined in a 3 T MR scanner. Results Concentrations of metabolites measured in eight healthy individuals are: γ-adenosine triphosphate (ATP) = 2.44 ± 0.21 (mean ± sd) mmol/l of wet tissue volume, α-ATP = 3.2 ± 0.63 mmol/l, β-ATP = 2.98 ± 0.45 mmol/l, inorganic phosphates (Pi) = 1.87 ± 0.25 mmol/l, phosphodiesters (PDE) = 10.62 ± 2.20 mmol/l and phosphomonoesters (PME) = 2.12 ± 0.51 mmol/l. All are in good agreement with literature values. Conclusions The technique offers robust and fast means to localize signal from liver tissue, allows absolute metabolite concentration determination, and avoids problems associated with constant field gradient (linear field variation) localization methods. PMID:26633549

75 FR 62354 - Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Tennessee: Approval of Section 110(a)(1...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-08

... conventional rounding rules, emission totals listed in Tables 1 and 2 may not reflect the absolute mathematical... absolute mathematical totals. As shown in Table 2 above, the Nashville Area is projected to steadily...-based standard, the air quality design value is simply the standard- related test statistic. Thus, for...

The warm and cold neutral phase in the local interstellar medium at absolute value of B greater than or equal to 10 deg

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poppel, W. G. L.; Marronetti, P.; Benaglia, P.

1994-07-01

We made a systematic separation of both the neutral phases using the atlases of 21-cm profiles of Heiles & Habing (1974) and Colomb et al. (1980), complemented with other data. First, we fitted the emission of the warm neutral medium (WNM) by means of a broad Gaussian curve (velocity dispersion sigma approximately 10-14 km/s). We derived maps of the column densities NWH and the radial velocities VW of the WNM. Its overall distribution appears to be very inhomogeneous with a large hole in the range b greater than or equal to +50 deg. However, if the hole is excluded, the mean latitude-profiles admit a rough cosec absolute value of b-fit common to both hemispheres. A kinematical analysis of VW for the range 10 deg less than or equal to absolute value of b less than or equal to 40 deg indicates a mean differential rotation with a small nodal deviation. At absolute value of b greater than 50 deg VW is negative, with larger values and discontinuities in the north. On the mean, sigma increases for absolute value of b decreasing, as is expected from differential rotation. From a statistical study of the peaks of the residual profiles we derived some characteristics of the cold neutral medium (CNM). The latter is generally characterized by a single component of sigma approximately 2-6 km/s. Additionally we derived the sky-distribution of the column densities NCH and the radial velocities VC of the CNM within bins of 1.2 deg sec b x 1 deg in l, b. Furthermore, we focused on the characteristics of Linblad's feature A of cool gas by considering the narrow ridge of local H I, which appears in the b-V contour maps at fixed l (e.g. Schoeber 1976). The ridge appears to be the main component of the CNM. We suggest a scenario for the formulation and evolution of the Gould belt system of stars and gas on the basis of an explosive event within a shingle of cold dense gas tilted to the galactic plane. The scenario appears to be consistent with the results found for both the neutral phases, as well as with Danly's (1989) optical and UV observations of interstellar cool gas in the lower halo.

Towards absolute laser spectroscopic CO2 isotope ratio measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anyangwe Nwaboh, Javis; Werhahn, Olav; Ebert, Volker

2017-04-01

Knowledge of isotope composition of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere is necessary to identify sources and sinks of this key greenhouse gas. In the last years, laser spectroscopic techniques such as cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) and tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) have been shown to perform accurate isotope ratio measurements for CO2 and other gases like water vapour (H2O) [1,2]. Typically, isotope ratios are reported in literature referring to reference materials provided by e.g. the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). However, there could be some benefit if field deployable absolute isotope ratio measurement methods were developed to address issues such as exhausted reference material like the Pee Dee Belemnite (PDB) standard. Absolute isotope ratio measurements would be particularly important for situations where reference materials do not even exist. Here, we present CRDS and TDLAS-based absolute isotope ratios (13C/12C ) in atmospheric CO2. We demonstrate the capabilities of the used methods by measuring CO2 isotope ratios in gas standards. We compare our results to values reported for the isotope certified gas standards. Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement (GUM) compliant uncertainty budgets on the CRDS and TDLAS absolute isotope ratio measurements are presented, and traceability is addressed. We outline the current impediments in realizing high accuracy absolute isotope ratio measurements using laser spectroscopic methods, propose solutions and the way forward. Acknowledgement Parts of this work have been carried out within the European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP) ENV52 project-HIGHGAS. The EMRP is jointly funded by the EMRP participating countries within EURAMET and the European Union. References [1] B. Kühnreich, S. Wagner, J. C. Habig,·O. Möhler, H. Saathoff, V. Ebert, Appl. Phys. B 119:177-187 (2015). [2] E. Kerstel, L. Gianfrani, Appl. Phys. B 92, 439-449 (2008).

Absolute Parameters for the F-type Eclipsing Binary BW Aquarii

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maxted, P. F. L.

2018-05-01

BW Aqr is a bright eclipsing binary star containing a pair of F7V stars. The absolute parameters of this binary (masses, radii, etc.) are known to good precision so they are often used to test stellar models, particularly in studies of convective overshooting. ... Maxted & Hutcheon (2018) analysed the Kepler K2 data for BW Aqr and noted that it shows variability between the eclipses that may be caused by tidally induced pulsations. ... Table 1 shows the absolute parameters for BW Aqr derived from an improved analysis of the Kepler K2 light curve plus the RV measurements from both Imbert (1979) and Lester & Gies (2018). ... The values in Table 1 with their robust error estimates from the standard deviation of the mean are consistent with the values and errors from Maxted & Hutcheon (2018) based on the PPD calculated using emcee for a fit to the entire K2 light curve.

Absolute optical metrology : nanometers to kilometers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dubovitsky, Serge; Lay, O. P.; Peters, R. D.; Liebe, C. C.

2005-01-01

We provide and overview of the developments in the field of high-accuracy absolute optical metrology with emphasis on space-based applications. Specific work on the Modulation Sideband Technology for Absolute Ranging (MSTAR) sensor is described along with novel applications of the sensor.

Temporal Dynamics of Microbial Rhodopsin Fluorescence Reports Absolute Membrane Voltage

PubMed Central

Hou, Jennifer H.; Venkatachalam, Veena; Cohen, Adam E.

2014-01-01

Plasma membrane voltage is a fundamentally important property of a living cell; its value is tightly coupled to membrane transport, the dynamics of transmembrane proteins, and to intercellular communication. Accurate measurement of the membrane voltage could elucidate subtle changes in cellular physiology, but existing genetically encoded fluorescent voltage reporters are better at reporting relative changes than absolute numbers. We developed an Archaerhodopsin-based fluorescent voltage sensor whose time-domain response to a stepwise change in illumination encodes the absolute membrane voltage. We validated this sensor in human embryonic kidney cells. Measurements were robust to variation in imaging parameters and in gene expression levels, and reported voltage with an absolute accuracy of 10 mV. With further improvements in membrane trafficking and signal amplitude, time-domain encoding of absolute voltage could be applied to investigate many important and previously intractable bioelectric phenomena. PMID:24507604

Overcoming interference with the detection of a stable isotopically labeled microtracer in the evaluation of beclabuvir absolute bioavailability using a concomitant microtracer approach.

PubMed

Jiang, Hao; Titsch, Craig; Zeng, Jianing; Jones, Barry; Joyce, Philip; Gandhi, Yash; Turley, Wesley; Burrell, Richard; Aubry, Anne F; Arnold, Mark E

2017-09-05

The oral absolute bioavailability of beclabuvir in healthy subjects was determined using a microdose (100μg) of the stable isotopically labeled tracer via intravenous (IV) infusion started after oral dosing of beclabuvir (150mg). To simultaneously analyze the concentrations of the IV microtracer ([ 13 C 6 ]beclabuvir) and beclabuvir in plasma samples, a liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was initially developed. Surprisingly beclabuvir significantly interfered with the IV microtracer detection when using the selected reaction monitoring (SRM) in the assay. An interfering component from the drug substance was observed using a high resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS). The mass-to-charge (m/z) of the interfering component was -32ppm different from the nominal value for the IV microtracer and thus could not be differentiated in the SRM assay by the unit mass resolution. To overcome this interference, we evaluated two approaches by either monitoring an alternative product ion using the SRM assay or isolating the interfering component using the parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) assay on the HRMS. This case study has demonstrated two practical approaches for overcoming interferences with the detection of stable isotopically labeled IV microtracers in the evaluation of absolute bioavailability, which provides users the flexibility in using either LC-MS/MS or HRMS to mitigate unpredicted interferences in the assay to support microtracer absolute bioavailability studies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Accuracy of a continuous noninvasive hemoglobin monitor in intensive care unit patients.

PubMed

Frasca, Denis; Dahyot-Fizelier, Claire; Catherine, Karen; Levrat, Quentin; Debaene, Bertrand; Mimoz, Olivier

2011-10-01

To determine whether noninvasive hemoglobin measurement by Pulse CO-Oximetry could provide clinically acceptable absolute and trend accuracy in critically ill patients, compared to other invasive methods of hemoglobin assessment available at bedside and the gold standard, the laboratory analyzer. Prospective study. Surgical intensive care unit of a university teaching hospital. Sixty-two patients continuously monitored with Pulse CO-Oximetry (Masimo Radical-7). None. Four hundred seventy-one blood samples were analyzed by a point-of-care device (HemoCue 301), a satellite lab CO-Oximeter (Siemens RapidPoint 405), and a laboratory hematology analyzer (Sysmex XT-2000i), which was considered the reference device. Hemoglobin values reported from the invasive methods were compared to the values reported by the Pulse CO-Oximeter at the time of blood draw. When the case-to-case variation was assessed, the bias and limits of agreement were 0.0±1.0 g/dL for the Pulse CO-Oximeter, 0.3±1.3g/dL for the point-of-care device, and 0.9±0.6 g/dL for the satellite lab CO-Oximeter compared to the reference method. Pulse CO-Oximetry showed similar trend accuracy as satellite lab CO-Oximetry, whereas the point-of-care device did not appear to follow the trend of the laboratory analyzer as well as the other test devices. When compared to laboratory reference values, hemoglobin measurement with Pulse CO-Oximetry has absolute accuracy and trending accuracy similar to widely used, invasive methods of hemoglobin measurement at bedside. Hemoglobin measurement with pulse CO-Oximetry has the additional advantages of providing continuous measurements, noninvasively, which may facilitate hemoglobin monitoring in the intensive care unit.

Impact of aortic valve calcification, as measured by MDCT, on survival in patients with aortic stenosis: results of an international registry study.

PubMed

Clavel, Marie-Annick; Pibarot, Philippe; Messika-Zeitoun, David; Capoulade, Romain; Malouf, Joseph; Aggarval, Shivani; Araoz, Phillip A; Michelena, Hector I; Cueff, Caroline; Larose, Eric; Miller, Jordan D; Vahanian, Alec; Enriquez-Sarano, Maurice

2014-09-23

Aortic valve calcification (AVC) load measures lesion severity in aortic stenosis (AS) and is useful for diagnostic purposes. Whether AVC predicts survival after diagnosis, independent of clinical and Doppler echocardiographic AS characteristics, has not been studied. This study evaluated the impact of AVC load, absolute and relative to aortic annulus size (AVCdensity), on overall mortality in patients with AS under conservative treatment and without regard to treatment. In 3 academic centers, we enrolled 794 patients (mean age, 73 ± 12 years; 274 women) diagnosed with AS by Doppler echocardiography who underwent multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) within the same episode of care. Absolute AVC load and AVCdensity (ratio of absolute AVC to cross-sectional area of aortic annulus) were measured, and severe AVC was separately defined in men and women. During follow-up, there were 440 aortic valve implantations (AVIs) and 194 deaths (115 under medical treatment). Univariate analysis showed strong association of absolute AVC and AVCdensity with survival (both, p < 0.0001) with a spline curve analysis pattern of threshold and plateau of risk. After adjustment for age, sex, coronary artery disease, diabetes, symptoms, AS severity on hemodynamic assessment, and LV ejection fraction, severe absolute AVC (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04 to 2.92; p = 0.03) or severe AVCdensity (adjusted HR: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.37 to 4.37; p = 0.002) independently predicted mortality under medical treatment, with additive model predictive value (all, p ≤ 0.04) and a net reclassification index of 12.5% (p = 0.04). Severe absolute AVC (adjusted HR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.12 to 2.62; p = 0.01) and severe AVCdensity (adjusted HR: 2.22; 95% CI: 1.40 to 3.52; p = 0.001) also independently predicted overall mortality, even with adjustment for time-dependent AVI. This large-scale, multicenter outcomes study of quantitative Doppler echocardiographic and MDCT assessment of AS shows that measuring AVC load provides incremental prognostic value for survival beyond clinical and Doppler echocardiographic assessment. Severe AVC independently predicts excess mortality after AS diagnosis, which is greatly alleviated by AVI. Thus, measurement of AVC by MDCT should be considered for not only diagnostic but also risk-stratification purposes in patients with AS. Copyright © 2014 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Functional ankle control of rock climbers

PubMed Central

Schweizer, A; Bircher, H; Kaelin, X; Ochsner, P

2005-01-01

Objective: To evaluate whether rock climbing type exercise would be of value in rehabilitating ankle injuries to improve ankle stability and coordination. Results: The rock climbers showed significantly better results in the stabilometry and greater absolute and relative maximum strength of flexion in the ankle. The soccer players showed greater absolute but not relative strength in extension. Conclusion: Rock climbing, because of its slow and controlled near static movements, may be of value in the treatment of functional ankle instability. However, it has still to be confirmed whether it is superior to the usual rehabilitation exercises such as use of the wobble board. PMID:15976164

Directly relating gas-phase cluster measurements to solution-phase hydrolysis, the absolute standard hydrogen electrode potential, and the absolute proton solvation energy.

PubMed

Donald, William A; Leib, Ryan D; O'Brien, Jeremy T; Williams, Evan R

2009-06-08

Solution-phase, half-cell potentials are measured relative to other half-cell potentials, resulting in a thermochemical ladder that is anchored to the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE), which is assigned an arbitrary value of 0 V. A new method for measuring the absolute SHE potential is demonstrated in which gaseous nanodrops containing divalent alkaline-earth or transition-metal ions are reduced by thermally generated electrons. Energies for the reactions 1) M(H(2)O)(24)(2+)(g) + e(-)(g)-->M(H(2)O)(24)(+)(g) and 2) M(H(2)O)(24)(2+)(g) + e(-)(g)-->MOH(H(2)O)(23)(+)(g) + H(g) and the hydrogen atom affinities of MOH(H(2)O)(23)(+)(g) are obtained from the number of water molecules lost through each pathway. From these measurements on clusters containing nine different metal ions and known thermochemical values that include solution hydrolysis energies, an average absolute SHE potential of +4.29 V vs. e(-)(g) (standard deviation of 0.02 V) and a real proton solvation free energy of -265 kcal mol(-1) are obtained. With this method, the absolute SHE potential can be obtained from a one-electron reduction of nanodrops containing divalent ions that are not observed to undergo one-electron reduction in aqueous solution.

Directly Relating Gas-Phase Cluster Measurements to Solution-Phase Hydrolysis, the Absolute Standard Hydrogen Electrode Potential, and the Absolute Proton Solvation Energy

PubMed Central

Donald, William A.; Leib, Ryan D.; O’Brien, Jeremy T.; Williams, Evan R.

2009-01-01

Solution-phase, half-cell potentials are measured relative to other half-cell potentials, resulting in a thermochemical ladder that is anchored to the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE), which is assigned an arbitrary value of 0 V. A new method for measuring the absolute SHE potential is demonstrated in which gaseous nanodrops containing divalent alkaline-earth or transition-metal ions are reduced by thermally generated electrons. Energies for the reactions 1) M-(H2O)242+(g)+e−(g)→M(H2O)24+(g) and 2) M(H2O)242+(g)+e−(g)→MOH(H2O)23+(g)+H(g) and the hydrogen atom affinities of MOH(H2O)23+(g) are obtained from the number of water molecules lost through each pathway. From these measurements on clusters containing nine different metal ions and known thermochemical values that include solution hydrolysis energies, an average absolute SHE potential of +4.29 V vs. e−(g) (standard deviation of 0.02 V) and a real proton solvation free energy of −265 kcal mol−1 are obtained. With this method, the absolute SHE potential can be obtained from a one-electron reduction of nanodrops containing divalent ions that are not observed to undergo one-electron reduction in aqueous solution. PMID:19440999

Measuring radio-signal power accurately

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldstein, R. M.; Newton, J. W.; Winkelstein, R. A.

1979-01-01

Absolute value of signal power in weak radio signals is determined by computer-aided measurements. Equipment operates by averaging received signal over several-minute period and comparing average value with noise level of receiver previously calibrated.

The Br+HO 2 reaction revisited: Absolute determination of the rate constant at 298 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laverdet, G.; Le Bras, G.; Mellouki, A.; Poulet, G.

1990-09-01

The absolute determination of the rate constant for the reaction Br+HO 2→HBr+O 2 has been done at 298 K using the discharge-flor EPR method. The value k1 = (1.5±0.2) × 10 -12 cm 3 molecule -1 s -1 was obtained. Previous indirect measurements of k1 from a discharge-flow, LIF/mass spectrometric study of the Br/H 2CO/O 2 system have been reinterpreted, leading to values for k1 ranging from 1.0 × 10 -12 to 2.2 × 10 -12 cm 3 molecule -1 s -1 at 298 K. These results are discussed and compared with other literature values.

Novel search algorithms for a mid-infrared spectral library of cotton contaminants.

PubMed

Loudermilk, J Brian; Himmelsbach, David S; Barton, Franklin E; de Haseth, James A

2008-06-01

During harvest, a variety of plant based contaminants are collected along with cotton lint. The USDA previously created a mid-infrared, attenuated total reflection (ATR), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectral library of cotton contaminants for contaminant identification as the contaminants have negative impacts on yarn quality. This library has shown impressive identification rates for extremely similar cellulose based contaminants in cases where the library was representative of the samples searched. When spectra of contaminant samples from crops grown in different geographic locations, seasons, and conditions and measured with a different spectrometer and accessories were searched, identification rates for standard search algorithms decreased significantly. Six standard algorithms were examined: dot product, correlation, sum of absolute values of differences, sum of the square root of the absolute values of differences, sum of absolute values of differences of derivatives, and sum of squared differences of derivatives. Four categories of contaminants derived from cotton plants were considered: leaf, stem, seed coat, and hull. Experiments revealed that the performance of the standard search algorithms depended upon the category of sample being searched and that different algorithms provided complementary information about sample identity. These results indicated that choosing a single standard algorithm to search the library was not possible. Three voting scheme algorithms based on result frequency, result rank, category frequency, or a combination of these factors for the results returned by the standard algorithms were developed and tested for their capability to overcome the unpredictability of the standard algorithms' performances. The group voting scheme search was based on the number of spectra from each category of samples represented in the library returned in the top ten results of the standard algorithms. This group algorithm was able to identify correctly as many test spectra as the best standard algorithm without relying on human choice to select a standard algorithm to perform the searches.

Levels at gaging stations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kenney, Terry A.

2010-01-01

Operational procedures at U.S. Geological Survey gaging stations include periodic leveling checks to ensure that gages are accurately set to the established gage datum. Differential leveling techniques are used to determine elevations for reference marks, reference points, all gages, and the water surface. The techniques presented in this manual provide guidance on instruments and methods that ensure gaging-station levels are run to both a high precision and accuracy. Levels are run at gaging stations whenever differences in gage readings are unresolved, stations may have been damaged, or according to a pre-determined frequency. Engineer's levels, both optical levels and electronic digital levels, are commonly used for gaging-station levels. Collimation tests should be run at least once a week for any week that levels are run, and the absolute value of the collimation error cannot exceed 0.003 foot/100 feet (ft). An acceptable set of gaging-station levels consists of a minimum of two foresights, each from a different instrument height, taken on at least two independent reference marks, all reference points, all gages, and the water surface. The initial instrument height is determined from another independent reference mark, known as the origin, or base reference mark. The absolute value of the closure error of a leveling circuit must be less than or equal to ft, where n is the total number of instrument setups, and may not exceed |0.015| ft regardless of the number of instrument setups. Closure error for a leveling circuit is distributed by instrument setup and adjusted elevations are determined. Side shots in a level circuit are assessed by examining the differences between the adjusted first and second elevations for each objective point in the circuit. The absolute value of these differences must be less than or equal to 0.005 ft. Final elevations for objective points are determined by averaging the valid adjusted first and second elevations. If final elevations indicate that the reference gage is off by |0.015| ft or more, it must be reset.

Design with limited anthropometric data: A method of interpreting sums of percentiles in anthropometric design.

PubMed

Albin, Thomas J

2017-07-01

Occasionally practitioners must work with single dimensions defined as combinations (sums or differences) of percentile values, but lack information (e.g. variances) to estimate the accommodation achieved. This paper describes methods to predict accommodation proportions for such combinations of percentile values, e.g. two 90th percentile values. Kreifeldt and Nah z-score multipliers were used to estimate the proportions accommodated by combinations of percentile values of 2-15 variables; two simplified versions required less information about variance and/or correlation. The estimates were compared to actual observed proportions; for combinations of 2-15 percentile values the average absolute differences ranged between 0.5 and 1.5 percentage points. The multipliers were also used to estimate adjusted percentile values, that, when combined, estimate a desired proportion of the combined measurements. For combinations of two and three adjusted variables, the average absolute difference between predicted and observed proportions ranged between 0.5 and 3.0 percentage points. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 53.56 - Test for effect of variations in ambient pressure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... the tests and shall be checked at zero and at least one flow rate within ±3 percent of 16.7 L/min... this test, the absolute difference in values calculated in Equation 21 of this paragraph (g)(4) must... absolute difference between the mean ambient air pressure indicated by the test sampler and the ambient...

40 CFR 53.56 - Test for effect of variations in ambient pressure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... the tests and shall be checked at zero and at least one flow rate within ±3 percent of 16.7 L/min... this test, the absolute difference in values calculated in Equation 21 of this paragraph (g)(4) must... absolute difference between the mean ambient air pressure indicated by the test sampler and the ambient...

40 CFR 53.56 - Test for effect of variations in ambient pressure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... the tests and shall be checked at zero and at least one flow rate within ±3 percent of 16.7 L/min... this test, the absolute difference in values calculated in Equation 21 of this paragraph (g)(4) must... absolute difference between the mean ambient air pressure indicated by the test sampler and the ambient...

40 CFR 53.55 - Test for effect of variations in power line voltage and ambient temperature.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... pressures and temperatures used in the tests and shall be checked at zero and at least one flow rate within... absolute difference calculated in Equation 15 of this paragraph (g)(4) must not exceed 0.3 (CV%) for each test run. (5) Ambient temperature measurement accuracy. (i) Calculate the absolute value of the...

40 CFR 53.55 - Test for effect of variations in power line voltage and ambient temperature.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... pressures and temperatures used in the tests and shall be checked at zero and at least one flow rate within... absolute difference calculated in Equation 15 of this paragraph (g)(4) must not exceed 0.3 (CV%) for each test run. (5) Ambient temperature measurement accuracy. (i) Calculate the absolute value of the...

40 CFR 53.56 - Test for effect of variations in ambient pressure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... the tests and shall be checked at zero and at least one flow rate within ±3 percent of 16.7 L/min... this test, the absolute difference in values calculated in Equation 21 of this paragraph (g)(4) must... absolute difference between the mean ambient air pressure indicated by the test sampler and the ambient...

A new method to calibrate the absolute sensitivity of a soft X-ray streak camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Jian; Liu, Shenye; Li, Jin; Yang, Zhiwen; Chen, Ming; Guo, Luting; Yao, Li; Xiao, Shali

2016-12-01

In this paper, we introduce a new method to calibrate the absolute sensitivity of a soft X-ray streak camera (SXRSC). The calibrations are done in the static mode by using a small laser-produced X-ray source. A calibrated X-ray CCD is used as a secondary standard detector to monitor the X-ray source intensity. In addition, two sets of holographic flat-field grating spectrometers are chosen as the spectral discrimination systems of the SXRSC and the X-ray CCD. The absolute sensitivity of the SXRSC is obtained by comparing the signal counts of the SXRSC to the output counts of the X-ray CCD. Results show that the calibrated spectrum covers the range from 200 eV to 1040 eV. The change of the absolute sensitivity in the vicinity of the K-edge of the carbon can also be clearly seen. The experimental values agree with the calculated values to within 29% error. Compared with previous calibration methods, the proposed method has several advantages: a wide spectral range, high accuracy, and simple data processing. Our calibration results can be used to make quantitative X-ray flux measurements in laser fusion research.

Absolute continuity for operator valued completely positive maps on C∗-algebras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gheondea, Aurelian; Kavruk, Ali Şamil

2009-02-01

Motivated by applicability to quantum operations, quantum information, and quantum probability, we investigate the notion of absolute continuity for operator valued completely positive maps on C∗-algebras, previously introduced by Parthasarathy [in Athens Conference on Applied Probability and Time Series Analysis I (Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1996), pp. 34-54]. We obtain an intrinsic definition of absolute continuity, we show that the Lebesgue decomposition defined by Parthasarathy is the maximal one among all other Lebesgue-type decompositions and that this maximal Lebesgue decomposition does not depend on the jointly dominating completely positive map, we obtain more flexible formulas for calculating the maximal Lebesgue decomposition, and we point out the nonuniqueness of the Lebesgue decomposition as well as a sufficient condition for uniqueness. In addition, we consider Radon-Nikodym derivatives for absolutely continuous completely positive maps that, in general, are unbounded positive self-adjoint operators affiliated to a certain von Neumann algebra, and we obtain a spectral approximation by bounded Radon-Nikodym derivatives. An application to the existence of the infimum of two completely positive maps is indicated, and formulas in terms of Choi's matrices for the Lebesgue decomposition of completely positive maps in matrix algebras are obtained.

Measurement of absolute gravity acceleration in Firenze

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Angelis, M.; Greco, F.; Pistorio, A.; Poli, N.; Prevedelli, M.; Saccorotti, G.; Sorrentino, F.; Tino, G. M.

2011-01-01

This paper reports the results from the accurate measurement of the acceleration of gravity g taken at two separate premises in the Polo Scientifico of the University of Firenze (Italy). In these laboratories, two separate experiments aiming at measuring the Newtonian constant and testing the Newtonian law at short distances are in progress. Both experiments require an independent knowledge on the local value of g. The only available datum, pertaining to the italian zero-order gravity network, was taken more than 20 years ago at a distance of more than 60 km from the study site. Gravity measurements were conducted using an FG5 absolute gravimeter, and accompanied by seismic recordings for evaluating the noise condition at the site. The absolute accelerations of gravity at the two laboratories are (980 492 160.6 ± 4.0) μGal and (980 492 048.3 ± 3.0) μGal for the European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS) and Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, respectively. Other than for the two referenced experiments, the data here presented will serve as a benchmark for any future study requiring an accurate knowledge of the absolute value of the acceleration of gravity in the study region.

Estimating the reliability of glycemic index values and potential sources of methodological and biological variability

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Background: The utility of glycemic index (GI) values for chronic disease risk management remains controversial. While absolute GI value determinations for individual foods have been shown to vary significantly in individuals with diabetes, there is a dearth of data on the reliability of GI value de...

Advances in the Metrology of Absolute Value Assignments to Isotopic Reference Materials: Consequences from the Avogadro Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vocke, Robert; Rabb, Savelas

2015-04-01

All isotope amount ratios (hereafter referred to as isotope ratios) produced and measured on any mass spectrometer are biased. This unfortunate situation results mainly from the physical processes in the source area where ions are produced. Because the ionized atoms in poly-isotopic elements have different masses, such processes are typically mass dependent and lead to what is commonly referred to as mass fractionation (for thermal ionization and electron impact sources) and mass bias (for inductively coupled plasma sources.) This biasing process produces a measured isotope ratio that is either larger or smaller than the "true" ratio in the sample. This has led to the development of numerous fractionation "laws" that seek to correct for these effects, many of which are not based on the physical processes giving rise to the biases. The search for tighter and reproducible precisions has led to two isotope ratio measurement systems that exist side-by-side. One still seeks to measure "absolute" isotope ratios while the other utilizes an artifact based measurement system called a delta-scale. The common element between these two measurement systems is the utilization of isotope reference materials (iRMs). These iRMs are used to validate a fractionation "law" in the former case and function as a scale anchor in the latter. Many value assignments of iRMs are based on "best measurements" by the original groups producing the reference material, a not entirely satisfactory approach. Other iRMs, with absolute isotope ratio values, have been produced by calibrated measurements following the Atomic Weight approach (AW) pioneered by NBS nearly 50 years ago. Unfortunately, the AW is not capable of calibrating the new generation of iRMs to sufficient precision. So how do we get iRMs with isotope ratios of sufficient precision and without bias? Such a focus is not to denigrate the extremely precise delta-scale measurements presently being made on non-traditional and tradition stable isotope systems. But even absolute isotope ratio measurements have an important role to play in delta-scale schemes. Highly precise and unbiased measurements of the artifact anchor for any scale facilitates the replacement of that scale's anchor once the initial supply of the iRM is exhausted. Absolute isotope ratio measurements of artifacts at the positive and negative extremes of a delta-scale will allow the appropriate assignment of delta-values to these normalizing iRMs, thereby minimizing any scale contractions or expansions to either side of the anchor artifact. And finally, absolute values for critical iRMs with also allow delta-scale results to be used in other scientific disciplines that employ other units of measure. Precise absolute isotope ratios of Si has been one of the consequences of the Avogadro Project (an international effort to replace the original kilogram artifact with a natural constant, the Planck constant.) We will present the results of applying such measurements to the principal iRMs for the Si isotope system (SRM 990, Big Batch and Diatomite) and its consequences for their delta-Si29 and delta-Si30 values.

Absolute photon-flux measurements in the vacuum ultraviolet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Samson, J. A. R.; Haddad, G. N.

1974-01-01

Absolute photon-flux measurements in the vacuum ultraviolet have extended to short wavelengths by use of rare-gas ionization chambers. The technique involves the measurement of the ion current as a function of the gas pressure in the ion chamber. The true value of the ion current, and hence the absolute photon flux, is obtained by extrapolating the ion current to zero gas pressure. Examples are given at 162 and 266 A. The short-wavelength limit is determined only by the sensitivity of the current-measuring apparatus and by present knowledge of the photoionization processes that occur in the rate gases.

Comparison of the three optical platforms for measurement of cellular respiration.

PubMed

Kondrashina, Alina V; Ogurtsov, Vladimir I; Papkovsky, Dmitri B

2015-01-01

We compared three optical platforms for measurement of cellular respiration: absolute oxygen consumption rates (OCRs) in hermetically sealed microcuvettes, relative OCRs measured in a 96-well plate with oil seal, and steady-state oxygenation of cells in an open 96-well plate. Using mouse embryonic fibroblasts cell line, the phosphorescent intracellular O2 probe MitoXpress-Intra, and time-resolved fluorescence reader, we determined algorithms for conversion of relative OCRs and cell oxygenation into absolute OCRs, thereby allowing simple high-throughput measurement of absolute OCR values. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A multi-centennial time series of well-constrained ΔR values for the Irish Sea derived using absolutely-dated shell samples from the mollusc Arctica islandica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Butler, P. G.; Scourse, J. D.; Richardson, C. A.; Wanamaker, A. D., Jr.

2009-04-01

Determinations of the local correction (ΔR) to the globally averaged marine radiocarbon reservoir age are often isolated in space and time, derived from heterogeneous sources and constrained by significant uncertainties. Although time series of ΔR at single sites can be obtained from sediment cores, these are subject to multiple uncertainties related to sedimentation rates, bioturbation and interspecific variations in the source of radiocarbon in the analysed samples. Coral records provide better resolution, but these are available only for tropical locations. It is shown here that it is possible to use the shell of the long-lived bivalve mollusc Arctica islandica as a source of high resolution time series of absolutely-dated marine radiocarbon determinations for the shelf seas surrounding the North Atlantic ocean. Annual growth increments in the shell can be crossdated and chronologies can be constructed in a precise analogue with the use of tree-rings. Because the calendar dates of the samples are known, ΔR can be determined with high precision and accuracy and because all the samples are from the same species, the time series of ΔR values possesses a high degree of internal consistency. Presented here is a multi-centennial (AD 1593 - AD 1933) time series of 31 ΔR values for a site in the Irish Sea close to the Isle of Man. The mean value of ΔR (-62 14C yrs) does not change significantly during this period but increased variability is apparent before AD 1750.

Statistical study of interplanetary condition effect on geomagnetic storms: 2. Variations of parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yermolaev, Yu. I.; Lodkina, I. G.; Nikolaeva, N. S.; Yermolaev, M. Yu.

2011-02-01

We investigate the behavior of mean values of the solar wind’s and interplanetary magnetic field’s (IMF) parameters and their absolute and relative variations during the magnetic storms generated by various types of the solar wind. In this paper, which is a continuation of paper [1], we, on the basis of the OMNI data archive for the period of 1976-2000, have analyzed 798 geomagnetic storms with D st ≤ -50 nT and their interplanetary sources: corotating interaction regions CIR, compression regions Sheath before the interplanetary CMEs; magnetic clouds MC; “Pistons” Ejecta, and an uncertain type of a source. For the analysis the double superposed epoch analysis method was used, in which the instants of the magnetic storm onset and the minimum of the D st index were taken as reference times. It is shown that the set of interplanetary sources of magnetic storms can be sub-divided into two basic groups according to their slowly and fast varying characteristics: (1) ICME (MC and Ejecta) and (2) CIR and Sheath. The mean values, the absolute and relative variations in MC and Ejecta for all parameters appeared to be either mean or lower than the mean value (the mean values of the electric field E y and of the B z component of IMF are higher in absolute value), while in CIR and Sheath they are higher than the mean value. High values of the relative density variation sN/< N> are observed in MC. At the same time, the high values for relative variations of the velocity, B z component, and IMF magnitude are observed in Sheath and CIR. No noticeable distinctions in the relationships between considered parameters for moderate and strong magnetic storms were observed.

3D measurement using combined Gray code and dual-frequency phase-shifting approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Shuang; Zhang, Jing; Yu, Xiaoyang; Sun, Xiaoming; Wu, Haibin; Liu, Xin

2018-04-01

The combined Gray code and phase-shifting approach is a commonly used 3D measurement technique. In this technique, an error that equals integer multiples of the phase-shifted fringe period, i.e. period jump error, often exists in the absolute analog code, which can lead to gross measurement errors. To overcome this problem, the present paper proposes 3D measurement using a combined Gray code and dual-frequency phase-shifting approach. Based on 3D measurement using the combined Gray code and phase-shifting approach, one set of low-frequency phase-shifted fringe patterns with an odd-numbered multiple of the original phase-shifted fringe period is added. Thus, the absolute analog code measured value can be obtained by the combined Gray code and phase-shifting approach, and the low-frequency absolute analog code measured value can also be obtained by adding low-frequency phase-shifted fringe patterns. Then, the corrected absolute analog code measured value can be obtained by correcting the former by the latter, and the period jump errors can be eliminated, resulting in reliable analog code unwrapping. For the proposed approach, we established its measurement model, analyzed its measurement principle, expounded the mechanism of eliminating period jump errors by error analysis, and determined its applicable conditions. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show that the proposed approach can effectively eliminate period jump errors, reliably perform analog code unwrapping, and improve the measurement accuracy.

Holographic maps of quasiparticle interference

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalla Torre, Emanuele G.; He, Yang; Demler, Eugene

2016-11-01

The analysis of Fourier-transformed scanning tunnelling microscopy images with subatomic resolution is a common tool for studying the properties of quasiparticle excitations in strongly correlated materials. Although Fourier amplitudes are generally complex valued, earlier analysis primarily focused on their absolute values. Their complex phases were often deemed random, and thus irrelevant, due to the unknown positions of the impurities in the sample. Here we show how to factor out these random phases by analysing overlaps between Fourier amplitudes that differ by reciprocal lattice vectors. The resulting holographic maps provide important and previously unknown information about the electronic structures. When applied to superconducting cuprates, our method solves a long-standing puzzle of the dichotomy between equivalent wavevectors. We show that d-wave Wannier functions of the conduction band provide a natural explanation for experimental results that were interpreted as evidence for competing unconventional charge modulations. Our work opens a new pathway to identify the nature of electronic states in scanning tunnelling microscopy.

Direct Regularized Estimation of Retinal Vascular Oxygen Tension Based on an Experimental Model

PubMed Central

Yildirim, Isa; Ansari, Rashid; Yetik, I. Samil; Shahidi, Mahnaz

2014-01-01

Phosphorescence lifetime imaging is commonly used to generate oxygen tension maps of retinal blood vessels by classical least squares (LS) estimation method. A spatial regularization method was later proposed and provided improved results. However, both methods obtain oxygen tension values from the estimates of intermediate variables, and do not yield an optimum estimate of oxygen tension values, due to their nonlinear dependence on the ratio of intermediate variables. In this paper, we provide an improved solution by devising a regularized direct least squares (RDLS) method that exploits available knowledge in studies that provide models of oxygen tension in retinal arteries and veins, unlike the earlier regularized LS approach where knowledge about intermediate variables is limited. The performance of the proposed RDLS method is evaluated by investigating and comparing the bias, variance, oxygen tension maps, 1-D profiles of arterial oxygen tension, and mean absolute error with those of earlier methods, and its superior performance both quantitatively and qualitatively is demonstrated. PMID:23732915

Mars Exploration Rover Navigation Camera in-flight calibration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soderblom, Jason M.; Bell, James F.; Johnson, Jeffrey R.; Joseph, Jonathan; Wolff, Michael J.

2008-06-01

The Navigation Camera (Navcam) instruments on the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) spacecraft provide support for both tactical operations as well as scientific observations where color information is not necessary: large-scale morphology, atmospheric monitoring including cloud observations and dust devil movies, and context imaging for both the thermal emission spectrometer and the in situ instruments on the Instrument Deployment Device. The Navcams are a panchromatic stereoscopic imaging system built using identical charge-coupled device (CCD) detectors and nearly identical electronics boards as the other cameras on the MER spacecraft. Previous calibration efforts were primarily focused on providing a detailed geometric calibration in line with the principal function of the Navcams, to provide data for the MER navigation team. This paper provides a detailed description of a new Navcam calibration pipeline developed to provide an absolute radiometric calibration that we estimate to have an absolute accuracy of 10% and a relative precision of 2.5%. Our calibration pipeline includes steps to model and remove the bias offset, the dark current charge that accumulates in both the active and readout regions of the CCD, and the shutter smear. It also corrects pixel-to-pixel responsivity variations using flat-field images, and converts from raw instrument-corrected digital number values per second to units of radiance (W m-2 nm-1 sr-1), or to radiance factor (I/F). We also describe here the initial results of two applications where radiance-calibrated Navcam data provide unique information for surface photometric and atmospheric aerosol studies.

Validation of Mean Absolute Sea Level of the North Atlantic obtained from Drifter, Altimetry and Wind Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maximenko, Nikolai A.

2003-01-01

Mean absolute sea level reflects the deviation of the Ocean surface from geoid due to the ocean currents and is an important characteristic of the dynamical state of the ocean. Values of its spatial variations (order of 1 m) are generally much smaller than deviations of the geoid shape from ellipsoid (order of 100 m) that makes the derivation of the absolute mean sea level a difficult task for gravity and satellite altimetry observations. Technique used by Niiler et al. for computation of the absolute mean sea level in the Kuroshio Extension was then developed into more general method and applied by Niiler et al. (2003b) to the global Ocean. The method is based on the consideration of balance of horizontal momentum.

Comprehensive Panel of Real-Time TaqMan™ Polymerase Chain Reaction Assays for Detection and Absolute Quantification of Filoviruses, Arenaviruses, and New World Hantaviruses

PubMed Central

Trombley, Adrienne R.; Wachter, Leslie; Garrison, Jeffrey; Buckley-Beason, Valerie A.; Jahrling, Jordan; Hensley, Lisa E.; Schoepp, Randal J.; Norwood, David A.; Goba, Augustine; Fair, Joseph N.; Kulesh, David A.

2010-01-01

Viral hemorrhagic fever is caused by a diverse group of single-stranded, negative-sense or positive-sense RNA viruses belonging to the families Filoviridae (Ebola and Marburg), Arenaviridae (Lassa, Junin, Machupo, Sabia, and Guanarito), and Bunyaviridae (hantavirus). Disease characteristics in these families mark each with the potential to be used as a biological threat agent. Because other diseases have similar clinical symptoms, specific laboratory diagnostic tests are necessary to provide the differential diagnosis during outbreaks and for instituting acceptable quarantine procedures. We designed 48 TaqMan™-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for specific and absolute quantitative detection of multiple hemorrhagic fever viruses. Forty-six assays were determined to be virus-specific, and two were designated as pan assays for Marburg virus. The limit of detection for the assays ranged from 10 to 0.001 plaque-forming units (PFU)/PCR. Although these real-time hemorrhagic fever virus assays are qualitative (presence of target), they are also quantitative (measure a single DNA/RNA target sequence in an unknown sample and express the final results as an absolute value (e.g., viral load, PFUs, or copies/mL) on the basis of concentration of standard samples and can be used in viral load, vaccine, and antiviral drug studies. PMID:20439981

Sulfur-based absolute quantification of proteins using isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hyun-Seok; Heun Kim, Sook; Jeong, Ji-Seon; Lee, Yong-Moon; Yim, Yong-Hyeon

2015-10-01

An element-based reductive approach provides an effective means of realizing International System of Units (SI) traceability for high-purity biological standards. Here, we develop an absolute protein quantification method using double isotope dilution (ID) inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) combined with microwave-assisted acid digestion for the first time. We validated the method and applied it to certify the candidate protein certified reference material (CRM) of human growth hormone (hGH). The concentration of hGH was determined by analysing the total amount of sulfur in hGH. Next, the size-exclusion chromatography method was used with ICP-MS to characterize and quantify sulfur-containing impurities. By subtracting the contribution of sulfur-containing impurities from the total sulfur content in the hGH CRM, we obtained a SI-traceable certification value. The quantification result obtained with the present method based on sulfur analysis was in excellent agreement with the result determined via a well-established protein quantification method based on amino acid analysis using conventional acid hydrolysis combined with an ID liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The element-based protein quantification method developed here can be generally used for SI-traceable absolute quantification of proteins, especially pure-protein standards.

19 CFR 132.13 - Quotas after opening.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... Customs custody until Headquarters has determined the quantity entitled to the quota rate. (ii) Absolute. Except as provided for in § 142.21 (e)(2) and (g) of this chapter, absolute quota merchandise shall not... merchandise shall not be released until Customs has determined the quantity entitled to absolute quota status...

19 CFR 132.13 - Quotas after opening.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... Customs custody until Headquarters has determined the quantity entitled to the quota rate. (ii) Absolute. Except as provided for in § 142.21 (e)(2) and (g) of this chapter, absolute quota merchandise shall not... merchandise shall not be released until Customs has determined the quantity entitled to absolute quota status...

Effect of Oblique Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron Waves on Relativistic Electron Scattering: CRRES Based Calculation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gamayunov, K. V.; Khazanov, G. V.

2007-01-01

We consider the effect of oblique EMIC waves on relativistic electron scattering in the outer radiation belt using simultaneous observations of plasma and wave parameters from CRRES. The main findings can be s ummarized as follows: 1. In 1comparison with field-aligned waves, int ermediate and highly oblique distributions decrease the range of pitc h-angles subject to diffusion, and reduce the local scattering rate b y an order of magnitude at pitch-angles where the principle absolute value of n = 1 resonances operate. Oblique waves allow the absolute va lue of n > 1 resonances to operate, extending the range of local pitc h-angle diffusion down to the loss cone, and increasing the diffusion at lower pitch angles by orders of magnitude; 2. The local diffusion coefficients derived from CRRES data are qualitatively similar to the local results obtained for prescribed plasma/wave parameters. Conseq uently, it is likely that the bounce-averaged diffusion coefficients, if estimated from concurrent data, will exhibit the dependencies similar to those we found for model calculations; 3. In comparison with f ield-aligned waves, intermediate and highly oblique waves decrease th e bounce-averaged scattering rate near the edge of the equatorial lo ss cone by orders of magnitude if the electron energy does not excee d a threshold (approximately equal to 2 - 5 MeV) depending on specified plasma and/or wave parameters; 4. For greater electron energies_ ob lique waves operating the absolute value of n > 1 resonances are more effective and provide the same bounce_averaged diffusion rate near the loss cone as fiel_aligned waves do.

40 CFR 53.55 - Test for effect of variations in power line voltage and ambient temperature.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... temperatures used in the tests and shall be checked at zero and at least one flow rate within ±3 percent of 16... absolute difference calculated in Equation 15 of this paragraph (g)(4) must not exceed 0.3 (CV%) for each test run. (5) Ambient temperature measurement accuracy. (i) Calculate the absolute value of the...

40 CFR 53.55 - Test for effect of variations in power line voltage and ambient temperature.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... temperatures used in the tests and shall be checked at zero and at least one flow rate within ±3 percent of 16... absolute difference calculated in Equation 15 of this paragraph (g)(4) must not exceed 0.3 (CV%) for each test run. (5) Ambient temperature measurement accuracy. (i) Calculate the absolute value of the...

On the accuracy and reproducibility of a novel probabilistic atlas-based generation for calculation of head attenuation maps on integrated PET/MR scanners.

PubMed

Chen, Kevin T; Izquierdo-Garcia, David; Poynton, Clare B; Chonde, Daniel B; Catana, Ciprian

2017-03-01

To propose an MR-based method for generating continuous-valued head attenuation maps and to assess its accuracy and reproducibility. Demonstrating that novel MR-based photon attenuation correction methods are both accurate and reproducible is essential prior to using them routinely in research and clinical studies on integrated PET/MR scanners. Continuous-valued linear attenuation coefficient maps ("μ-maps") were generated by combining atlases that provided the prior probability of voxel positions belonging to a certain tissue class (air, soft tissue, or bone) and an MR intensity-based likelihood classifier to produce posterior probability maps of tissue classes. These probabilities were used as weights to generate the μ-maps. The accuracy of this probabilistic atlas-based continuous-valued μ-map ("PAC-map") generation method was assessed by calculating the voxel-wise absolute relative change (RC) between the MR-based and scaled CT-based attenuation-corrected PET images. To assess reproducibility, we performed pair-wise comparisons of the RC values obtained from the PET images reconstructed using the μ-maps generated from the data acquired at three time points. The proposed method produced continuous-valued μ-maps that qualitatively reflected the variable anatomy in patients with brain tumor and agreed well with the scaled CT-based μ-maps. The absolute RC comparing the resulting PET volumes was 1.76 ± 2.33 %, quantitatively demonstrating that the method is accurate. Additionally, we also showed that the method is highly reproducible, the mean RC value for the PET images reconstructed using the μ-maps obtained at the three visits being 0.65 ± 0.95 %. Accurate and highly reproducible continuous-valued head μ-maps can be generated from MR data using a probabilistic atlas-based approach.

Reliability study of biometrics "do not contact" in myopia.

PubMed

Migliorini, R; Fratipietro, M; Comberiati, A M; Pattavina, L; Arrico, L

The aim of the study is a comparison between the actually achieved after surgery condition versus the expected refractive condition of the eye as calculated via a biometer. The study was conducted in a random group of 38 eyes of patients undergoing surgery by phacoemulsification. The mean absolute error was calculated between the predicted values from the measurements with the optical biometer and those obtained in the post-operative error which was at around 0.47% Our study shows results not far from those reported in the literature, and in relation, to the mean absolute error is among the lowest values at 0.47 ± 0.11 SEM.

Fiber-optic extrinsic Fabry-Perot vibration-isolated interferometer for use in absolute gravity meters.

PubMed

Canuteson, E L; Zumberge, M

1996-07-01

In an absolute gravity meter, a laser interferometer measures the position of a test mass that is falling ina vacuum. The calculated value of gravity is the average acceleration of the mass during a set ofdrops. Since systematic accelerations of the optical system will bias the measured value of gravity,various interferometer geometries have been implemented in the past to isolate the optical system fromground motion. We have developed and tested a low-finesse fiber-optic extrinsic Fabry-Perotinterferometer that is fixed to the mass of a critically damped seismometer in which the effects ofsystematic ground motion and acoustic vibrations are reduced.

Pyrometer with tracking balancing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ponomarev, D. B.; Zakharenko, V. A.; Shkaev, A. G.

2018-04-01

Currently, one of the main metrological noncontact temperature measurement challenges is the emissivity uncertainty. This paper describes a pyrometer with emissivity effect diminishing through the use of a measuring scheme with tracking balancing in which the radiation receiver is a null-indicator. In this paper the results of the prototype pyrometer absolute error study in surfaces temperature measurement of aluminum and nickel samples are presented. There is absolute error calculated values comparison considering the emissivity table values with errors on the results of experimental measurements by the proposed method. The practical implementation of the proposed technical solution has allowed two times to reduce the error due to the emissivity uncertainty.

Absolute second order nonlinear susceptibility of Pt nanowire arrays on MgO faceted substrates with various cross-sectional shapes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogata, Yoichi; Mizutani, Goro

2013-08-01

We have measured optical second harmonic generation (SHG) intensity from three types of Pt nanowires with 7 nm widths of elliptical and boomerang cross-sectional shapes and with 2 nm width elliptical cross-sectional shapes on the MgO faceted templates. From the SHG intensities, we calculated the absolute value of the nonlinear susceptibility χ(2) integrated in the direction of the wire-layer thickness. The tentatively obtained bulk χ(2)B of the wire layer was very large, approaching the value of the well-known nonlinear optical material BaTiO3.

Estimating error statistics for Chambon-la-Forêt observatory definitive data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lesur, Vincent; Heumez, Benoît; Telali, Abdelkader; Lalanne, Xavier; Soloviev, Anatoly

2017-08-01

We propose a new algorithm for calibrating definitive observatory data with the goal of providing users with estimates of the data error standard deviations (SDs). The algorithm has been implemented and tested using Chambon-la-Forêt observatory (CLF) data. The calibration process uses all available data. It is set as a large, weakly non-linear, inverse problem that ultimately provides estimates of baseline values in three orthogonal directions, together with their expected standard deviations. For this inverse problem, absolute data error statistics are estimated from two series of absolute measurements made within a day. Similarly, variometer data error statistics are derived by comparing variometer data time series between different pairs of instruments over few years. The comparisons of these time series led us to use an autoregressive process of order 1 (AR1 process) as a prior for the baselines. Therefore the obtained baselines do not vary smoothly in time. They have relatively small SDs, well below 300 pT when absolute data are recorded twice a week - i.e. within the daily to weekly measures recommended by INTERMAGNET. The algorithm was tested against the process traditionally used to derive baselines at CLF observatory, suggesting that statistics are less favourable when this latter process is used. Finally, two sets of definitive data were calibrated using the new algorithm. Their comparison shows that the definitive data SDs are less than 400 pT and may be slightly overestimated by our process: an indication that more work is required to have proper estimates of absolute data error statistics. For magnetic field modelling, the results show that even on isolated sites like CLF observatory, there are very localised signals over a large span of temporal frequencies that can be as large as 1 nT. The SDs reported here encompass signals of a few hundred metres and less than a day wavelengths.

Determination of glomerular function in advanced renal failure.

PubMed Central

Manz, F; Alatas, H; Kochen, W; Lutz, P; Rebien, W; Schärer, K

1977-01-01

In 15 children with advanced chronic renal failure, glomerular filtration rate was determined by different methods. Inulin clearance correlated well with the mean of creatinine and urea clearance, and also with 51-chromium edetic acid (EDTA) clearance measured over 24 hours. The absolute values of creatinine clearance and of 51Cr-EDTA clearance measured up to 8 hours were higher than inulin clearance. In advanced renal failure both the 51Cr-EDTA clearance measured over 24 hours, and the mean of creatinine and urea clearance, provide acceptable estimates of true glomerular filtration rate. PMID:411426

Computer program to perform cost and weight analysis of transport aircraft. Volume 2: Technical volume

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

An improved method for estimating aircraft weight and cost using a unique and fundamental approach was developed. The results of this study were integrated into a comprehensive digital computer program, which is intended for use at the preliminary design stage of aircraft development. The program provides a means of computing absolute values for weight and cost, and enables the user to perform trade studies with a sensitivity to detail design and overall structural arrangement. Both batch and interactive graphics modes of program operation are available.

Measurements of Electron Impact Excitation Cross Sections at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gardner, L. D.; Kohl, J. L.

2006-01-01

The analysis of absolute spectral line intensities and intensity ratios with spectroscopic diagnostic techniques provides empirical determinations of chemical abundances, electron densities and temperatures in astrophysical objects. Since spectral line intensities and their ratios are controlled by the excitation rate coefficients for the electron temperature of the observed astrophysical structure, it is imperative that one have accurate values for the relevant rate coefficients. Here at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, we have been carrying out measurements of electron impact excitation (EIE) for more than 25 years.

Last three millennia Earth's Magnetic field strength in Mesoamerica and southern United States: Implications in geomagnetism and archaeology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goguitchaichvili, Avto; Ruiz, Rafael García; Pavón-Carrasco, F. Javier; Contreras, Juan Julio Morales; Arechalde, Ana María Soler; Urrutia-Fucugauchi, Jaime

2018-06-01

Earth's Magnetic Field variation strength may provide crucial information to understand the geodynamo mechanism and elucidate the conditions on the physics of the Earth's deep interiors. Aimed to reveal the fine characteristics of the geomagnetic field during the last three millennia in Mesoamerica, we analyzed the available absolute geomagnetic intensities associated to absolute radiometric dating as well some ages provided by historical documents. This analysis is achieved using thermoremanent magnetization carried by volcanic lava flows and burned archaeological artefacts. A total of 106 selected intensities from Mesoamerica and other 100 from the southern part of the United States represent the main core of the dataset to construct the variation curve using both combined bootstrap method and temporal penalized B-spline methods. The obtained intensity paleosecular variation curve for Mesoamerica generally disagrees with the values predicted by the global geomagnetic field models. There is rather firm evidence of eastward drift when compared to similar reference curves in Western Europe, Asia and Pacific Ocean. The recent hypothesis about the relationship between the geomagnetic field strength and paleoclimate is also critically analyzed in the light of this new data compilation.

Branching Ratios for The Radiometric Calibration of EUNIS-2012

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daw, Adrian N.; Bhatia, A. K.; Rabin, Douglas M.

2012-01-01

The Extreme Ultraviolet Normal Incidence Spectrograph (EUNIS) sounding rocket instrument is a two-channel imaging spectrograph that observes the solar corona and transition region with high spectral resolution and a rapid cadence made possible by unprecedented sensitivity. The upcoming flight will incorporate a new wavelength channel covering the range 524-630 Angstroms, the previously-flown 300-370 Angstroms channel, and the first flight demonstration of cooled active pixel sensor (APS) arrays. The new 524-630 Angstrom channel incorporates a Toroidal Varied Line Space (TVLS) grating coated with B4C/Ir, providing broad spectral coverage and a wide temperature range of 0.025 to 10 MK. Absolute radiometric calibration of the two channels is being performed using a hollow cathode discharge lamp and NIST-calibrated AXUV-100G photodiode. Laboratory observations of He I 584 Angstroms and He II 304 Angstroms provide absolute radiometric calibrations of the two channels at those two respective wavelengths by using the AXUV photodiode as a transfer standard. The spectral responsivity is being determined by observing line pairs with a common upper state in the spectra of Ne I-III and Ar II-III. Calculations of A-values for the observed branching ratios are in progress.

Flow Cytometry Study of Lymphocyte Subsets in Malnourished and Well-Nourished Children with Bacterial Infections

PubMed Central

Nájera, Oralia; González, Cristina; Toledo, Guadalupe; López, Laura; Ortiz, Rocío

2004-01-01

Protein-energy malnutrition is the primary cause of immune deficiency in children across the world. It has been related to changes in peripheral T-lymphocyte subsets. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of infection and malnutrition on the proportion of peripheral-lymphocyte subsets in well-nourished non-bacterium-infected (WN), well-nourished bacterium-infected (WNI), and malnourished bacterium-infected (MNI) children by flow cytometry. A prospectively monitored cohort of 15 MNI, 12 WNI, and 17 WN children was studied. All the children were 3 years old or younger and had only bacterial infections. Results showed a significant decrease in the proportion of T CD3+ (P < 0.05 for relative and P < 0.03 for absolute values), CD4+ (P < 0.01 for relative and absolute values), and CD8+ (P < 0.05 for relative values) lymphocyte subsets in WNI children compared to the results seen with WN children. Additionally, B lymphocytes in MNI children showed significant lower values (CD20+ P < 0.02 for relative and P < 0.05 for absolute values) in relation to the results seen with WNI children. These results suggest that the decreased proportions of T-lymphocyte subsets observed in WNI children were associated with infection diseases and that the incapacity to increase the proportion of B lymphocyte was associated with malnutrition. This low proportion of B lymphocytes may be associated with the mechanisms involved in the immunodeficiency of malnourished children. PMID:15138185

Automatic Seizure Detection Based on Morphological Features Using One-Dimensional Local Binary Pattern on Long-Term EEG.

PubMed

Shanir, P P Muhammed; Khan, Kashif Ahmad; Khan, Yusuf Uzzaman; Farooq, Omar; Adeli, Hojjat

2017-12-01

Epileptic neurological disorder of the brain is widely diagnosed using the electroencephalography (EEG) technique. EEG signals are nonstationary in nature and show abnormal neural activity during the ictal period. Seizures can be identified by analyzing and obtaining features of EEG signal that can detect these abnormal activities. The present work proposes a novel morphological feature extraction technique based on the local binary pattern (LBP) operator. LBP provides a unique decimal value to a sample point by weighing the binary outcomes after thresholding the neighboring samples with the present sample point. These LBP values assist in capturing the rising and falling edges of the EEG signal, thus providing a morphologically featured discriminating pattern for epilepsy detection. In the present work, the variability in the LBP values is measured by calculating the sum of absolute difference of the consecutive LBP values. Interquartile range is calculated over the preprocessed EEG signal to provide dispersion measure in the signal. For classification purpose, K-nearest neighbor classifier is used, and the performance is evaluated on 896.9 hours of data from CHB-MIT continuous EEG database. Mean accuracy of 99.7% and mean specificity of 99.8% is obtained with average false detection rate of 0.47/h and sensitivity of 99.2% for 136 seizures.

Arterial spin labelling reveals an abnormal cerebral perfusion pattern in Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Melzer, Tracy R; Watts, Richard; MacAskill, Michael R; Pearson, John F; Rüeger, Sina; Pitcher, Toni L; Livingston, Leslie; Graham, Charlotte; Keenan, Ross; Shankaranarayanan, Ajit; Alsop, David C; Dalrymple-Alford, John C; Anderson, Tim J

2011-03-01

There is a need for objective imaging markers of Parkinson's disease status and progression. Positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography studies have suggested patterns of abnormal cerebral perfusion in Parkinson's disease as potential functional biomarkers. This study aimed to identify an arterial spin labelling magnetic resonance-derived perfusion network as an accessible, non-invasive alternative. We used pseudo-continuous arterial spin labelling to measure cerebral grey matter perfusion in 61 subjects with Parkinson's disease with a range of motor and cognitive impairment, including patients with dementia and 29 age- and sex-matched controls. Principal component analysis was used to derive a Parkinson's disease-related perfusion network via logistic regression. Region of interest analysis of absolute perfusion values revealed that the Parkinson's disease pattern was characterized by decreased perfusion in posterior parieto-occipital cortex, precuneus and cuneus, and middle frontal gyri compared with healthy controls. Perfusion was preserved in globus pallidus, putamen, anterior cingulate and post- and pre-central gyri. Both motor and cognitive statuses were significant factors related to network score. A network approach, supported by arterial spin labelling-derived absolute perfusion values may provide a readily accessible neuroimaging method to characterize and track progression of both motor and cognitive status in Parkinson's disease.

NMR absolute shielding scale and nuclear magnetic dipole moment of (207)Pb.

PubMed

Adrjan, Bożena; Makulski, Włodzimierz; Jackowski, Karol; Demissie, Taye B; Ruud, Kenneth; Antušek, Andrej; Jaszuński, Michał

2016-06-28

An absolute shielding scale is proposed for (207)Pb nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. It is based on ab initio calculations performed on an isolated tetramethyllead Pb(CH3)4 molecule and the assignment of the experimental resonance frequency from the gas-phase NMR spectra of Pb(CH3)4, extrapolated to zero density of the buffer gas to obtain the result for an isolated molecule. The computed (207)Pb shielding constant is 10 790 ppm for the isolated molecule, leading to a shielding of 10799.7 ppm for liquid Pb(CH3)4 which is the accepted reference standard for (207)Pb NMR spectra. The new experimental and theoretical data are used to determine μ((207)Pb), the nuclear magnetic dipole moment of (207)Pb, by applying the standard relationship between NMR frequencies, shielding constants and nuclear moments of two nuclei in the same external magnetic field. Using the gas-phase (207)Pb and (reference) proton results and the theoretical value of the Pb shielding in Pb(CH3)4, we find μ((207)Pb) = 0.59064 μN. The analysis of new experimental and theoretical data obtained for the Pb(2+) ion in water solutions provides similar values of μ((207)Pb), in the range of 0.59000-0.59131 μN.

Absolute and convective instabilities in combined Couette-Poiseuille flow past a neo-Hookean solid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patne, Ramkarn; Shankar, V.

2017-12-01

Temporal and spatio-temporal stability analyses are carried out to characterize the occurrence of convective and absolute instabilities in combined Couette-Poiseuille flow of a Newtonian fluid past a deformable, neo-Hookean solid layer in the creeping-flow limit. Plane Couette flow of a Newtonian fluid past a neo-Hookean solid becomes temporally unstable in the inertia-less limit when the parameter Γ = V η/(GR) exceeds a critical value. Here, V is the velocity of the top plate, η is the fluid viscosity, G is the shear modulus of the solid layer, and R is the fluid layer thickness. The Kupfer-Bers method is employed to demarcate regions of absolute and convective instabilities in the Γ-H parameter space, where H is the ratio of solid to fluid thickness in the system. For certain ranges of the thickness ratio H, we find that the flow could be absolutely unstable, and the critical Γ required for absolute instability is very close to that for temporal instability, thus making the flow absolutely unstable at the onset of temporal instability. In some cases, there is a gap in the parameter Γ between the temporal and absolute instability boundaries. The present study thus shows that absolute instabilities are possible, even at very low Reynolds numbers in flow past deformable solid surfaces. The presence of absolute instabilities could potentially be exploited in the enhancement of mixing at low Reynolds numbers in flow through channels with deformable solid walls.

Towards quantitative [18F]FDG-PET/MRI of the brain: Automated MR-driven calculation of an image-derived input function for the non-invasive determination of cerebral glucose metabolic rates.

PubMed

Sundar, Lalith Ks; Muzik, Otto; Rischka, Lucas; Hahn, Andreas; Rausch, Ivo; Lanzenberger, Rupert; Hienert, Marius; Klebermass, Eva-Maria; Füchsel, Frank-Günther; Hacker, Marcus; Pilz, Magdalena; Pataraia, Ekaterina; Traub-Weidinger, Tatjana; Beyer, Thomas

2018-01-01

Absolute quantification of PET brain imaging requires the measurement of an arterial input function (AIF), typically obtained invasively via an arterial cannulation. We present an approach to automatically calculate an image-derived input function (IDIF) and cerebral metabolic rates of glucose (CMRGlc) from the [18F]FDG PET data using an integrated PET/MRI system. Ten healthy controls underwent test-retest dynamic [18F]FDG-PET/MRI examinations. The imaging protocol consisted of a 60-min PET list-mode acquisition together with a time-of-flight MR angiography scan for segmenting the carotid arteries and intermittent MR navigators to monitor subject movement. AIFs were collected as the reference standard. Attenuation correction was performed using a separate low-dose CT scan. Assessment of the percentage difference between area-under-the-curve of IDIF and AIF yielded values within ±5%. Similar test-retest variability was seen between AIFs (9 ± 8) % and the IDIFs (9 ± 7) %. Absolute percentage difference between CMRGlc values obtained from AIF and IDIF across all examinations and selected brain regions was 3.2% (interquartile range: (2.4-4.3) %, maximum < 10%). High test-retest intravariability was observed between CMRGlc values obtained from AIF (14%) and IDIF (17%). The proposed approach provides an IDIF, which can be effectively used in lieu of AIF.

Absolute instabilities of travelling wave solutions in a Keller-Segel model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, P. N.; van Heijster, P.; Marangell, R.

2017-11-01

We investigate the spectral stability of travelling wave solutions in a Keller-Segel model of bacterial chemotaxis with a logarithmic chemosensitivity function and a constant, sublinear, and linear consumption rate. Linearising around the travelling wave solutions, we locate the essential and absolute spectrum of the associated linear operators and find that all travelling wave solutions have parts of the essential spectrum in the right half plane. However, we show that in the case of constant or sublinear consumption there exists a range of parameters such that the absolute spectrum is contained in the open left half plane and the essential spectrum can thus be weighted into the open left half plane. For the constant and sublinear consumption rate models we also determine critical parameter values for which the absolute spectrum crosses into the right half plane, indicating the onset of an absolute instability of the travelling wave solution. We observe that this crossing always occurs off of the real axis.

Absolute Radiometric Calibration of Narrow-Swath Imaging Sensors with Reference to Non-Coincident Wide-Swath Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McCorkel, Joel; Thome, Kurtis; Lockwood, Ronald

2012-01-01

An inter-calibration method is developed to provide absolute radiometric calibration of narrow-swath imaging sensors with reference to non-coincident wide-swath sensors. The method predicts at-sensor radiance using non-coincident imagery from the reference sensor and knowledge of spectral reflectance of the test site. The imagery of the reference sensor is restricted to acquisitions that provide similar view and solar illumination geometry to reduce uncertainties due to directional reflectance effects. Spectral reflectance of the test site is found with a simple iterative radiative transfer method using radiance values of a well-understood wide-swath sensor and spectral shape information based on historical ground-based measurements. At-sensor radiance is calculated for the narrow-swath sensor using this spectral reflectance and atmospheric parameters that are also based on historical in situ measurements. Results of the inter-calibration method show agreement on the 2 5 percent level in most spectral regions with the vicarious calibration technique relying on coincident ground-based measurements referred to as the reflectance-based approach. While the variability of the inter-calibration method based on non-coincident image pairs is significantly larger, results are consistent with techniques relying on in situ measurements. The method is also insensitive to spectral differences between the sensors by transferring to surface spectral reflectance prior to prediction of at-sensor radiance. The utility of this inter-calibration method is made clear by its flexibility to utilize image pairings with acquisition dates differing in excess of 30 days allowing frequent absolute calibration comparisons between wide- and narrow-swath sensors.

Earnings Quality Measures and Excess Returns

PubMed Central

Perotti, Pietro; Wagenhofer, Alfred

2014-01-01

This paper examines how commonly used earnings quality measures fulfill a key objective of financial reporting, i.e., improving decision usefulness for investors. We propose a stock-price-based measure for assessing the quality of earnings quality measures. We predict that firms with higher earnings quality will be less mispriced than other firms. Mispricing is measured by the difference of the mean absolute excess returns of portfolios formed on high and low values of a measure. We examine persistence, predictability, two measures of smoothness, abnormal accruals, accruals quality, earnings response coefficient and value relevance. For a large sample of US non-financial firms over the period 1988–2007, we show that all measures except for smoothness are negatively associated with absolute excess returns, suggesting that smoothness is generally a favorable attribute of earnings. Accruals measures generate the largest spread in absolute excess returns, followed by smoothness and market-based measures. These results lend support to the widespread use of accruals measures as overall measures of earnings quality in the literature. PMID:26300582

Synthesis of the natural product building block 5-(3-bromophenyl)-4-hydroxy-5-methylhexan-2-one and its chiral characterization by using chiroptical spectroscopy.

PubMed

De Gussem, Ewoud; Cornelus, Jelle; Pieters, Sam; Van den Bossche, Dries; Van der Eycken, Johan; Herrebout, Wouter; Bultinck, Patrick

2013-10-07

The absolute configuration of 5-(3-bromophenyl)-4-hydroxy-5-methylhexan-2-one, an intermediate in the synthesis of various natural products, is assigned by using vibrational circular dichroism (VCD), electronic circular dichroism (ECD), and optical rotatory dispersion (ORD). Experimental spectra were compared to density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the molecule with known configuration. These three techniques independently confirm that the absolute configuration is (S)-5-(3-bromophenyl)-4-hydroxy-5-methylhexan-2-one, thus enabling us to assign the absolute configuration with high reliability. The reliability of the VCD analysis was assessed quantitatively by using the CompareVOA program. We found that, in cases in which the agreement between theory and experiment was very good, a value of 10 cm(-1) for the triangular weighting function gave a more-realistic discriminative power between enantiomers than the default value of 20 cm(-1). Copyright © 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Earnings Quality Measures and Excess Returns.

PubMed

Perotti, Pietro; Wagenhofer, Alfred

2014-06-01

This paper examines how commonly used earnings quality measures fulfill a key objective of financial reporting, i.e., improving decision usefulness for investors. We propose a stock-price-based measure for assessing the quality of earnings quality measures. We predict that firms with higher earnings quality will be less mispriced than other firms. Mispricing is measured by the difference of the mean absolute excess returns of portfolios formed on high and low values of a measure. We examine persistence, predictability, two measures of smoothness, abnormal accruals, accruals quality, earnings response coefficient and value relevance. For a large sample of US non-financial firms over the period 1988-2007, we show that all measures except for smoothness are negatively associated with absolute excess returns, suggesting that smoothness is generally a favorable attribute of earnings. Accruals measures generate the largest spread in absolute excess returns, followed by smoothness and market-based measures. These results lend support to the widespread use of accruals measures as overall measures of earnings quality in the literature.

Interpretation of the COBE FIRAS CMBR spectrum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wright, E. L.; Mather, J. C.; Fixsen, D. J.; Kogut, A.; Shafer, R. A.; Bennett, C. L.; Boggess, N. W.; Cheng, E. S.; Silverberg, R. F.; Smoot, G. F.

1994-01-01

The cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) spectrum measured by the Far-Infrared Absolute Spectrophotometer (FIRAS) instrument on NASA's Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) is indistinguishable from a blackbody, implying stringent limits on energy release in the early universe later than the time t = 1 yr after the big bang. We compare the FIRAS data to previous precise measurements of the cosmic microwave background spectrum and find a reasonable agreement. We discuss the implications of the absolute value of y is less than 2.5 x 10(exp -5) and the absolute value of mu is less than 3.3 x 10(exp -4) 95% confidence limits found by Mather et al. (1994) on many processes occurring after t = 1 yr, such as explosive structure formation, reionization, and dissipation of small-scale density perturbations. We place limits on models with dust plus Population III stars, or evolving populations of IR galaxies, by directly comparing the Mather et al. spectrum to the model predictions.

Determining the 13C(α, n)16O absolute cross section through the concurrent application of ANC and THM and astrophysical consequences for the s-process in AGB-LMSs.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trippella, Oscar; La Cognata, Marco

2018-01-01

The 13C(α, n)16O reaction is considered to be the most important neutron source for the s-process main component in low-mass asymptotic giant branch stars. No direct experimental data exist at very low energies and measurements performed through direct techniques show inconsistent results, mostly in their absolute values. In this context, we reversed the usual normalization procedure combining two indirect approaches, the asymptotic normalization coefficient and the Trojan Horse Method, to unambiguously determine the absolute value of the 13C(α, n)16O astrophysical S(E)-factor in the most relevant energy-region for astrophysics. Adopting the new reaction rate for the n-source in the NEWTON s-process nucleosynthesis code, astrophysical calculations show only limited variations, less than 1%, for those nuclei whose production is considered to be totally due to slow neutron captures.

Numerical evaluation of magnetic absolute measurements with arbitrarily distributed DI-fluxgate theodolite orientations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brunke, Heinz-Peter; Matzka, Jürgen

2018-01-01

At geomagnetic observatories the absolute measurements are needed to determine the calibration parameters of the continuously recording vector magnetometer (variometer). Absolute measurements are indispensable for determining the vector of the geomagnetic field over long periods of time. A standard DI (declination, inclination) measuring scheme for absolute measurements establishes routines in magnetic observatories. The traditional measuring schema uses a fixed number of eight orientations (Jankowski et al., 1996).

We present a numerical method, allowing for the evaluation of an arbitrary number (minimum of five as there are five independent parameters) of telescope orientations. Our method provides D, I and Z base values and calculated error bars of them.

A general approach has significant advantages. Additional measurements may be seamlessly incorporated for higher accuracy. Individual erroneous readings are identified and can be discarded without invalidating the entire data set. A priori information can be incorporated. We expect the general method to also ease requirements for automated DI-flux measurements. The method can reveal certain properties of the DI theodolite which are not captured by the conventional method.

Based on the alternative evaluation method, a new faster and less error-prone measuring schema is presented. It avoids needing to calculate the magnetic meridian prior to the inclination measurements.

Measurements in the vicinity of the magnetic equator are possible with theodolites and without a zenith ocular.

The implementation of the method in MATLAB is available as source code at the GFZ Data Center Brunke (2017).

Laboratory evaluation of 10 heat and moisture exchangers using simulated aeromedical evacuation conditions.

PubMed

Suliman, Huda S; Fecura, Stephen E; Baskin, Jonathan; Kalns, John E

2011-06-01

Heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs) are used for airway humidification in mechanically ventilated patients and have been evaluated only under hospital conditions. U.S. Air Force aeromedical evacuation transports are performed under rugged conditions further complicated by the cold and dry environment in military aircrafts, and HMEs are used to provide airway humidification for patients. This study evaluated 10 commercial HMEs using a test system that simulated aeromedical evacuation conditions. Although the American National Standards Institute recommends inspired air to be at an absolute humidity value of > or = 30 mg/L for mechanically ventilated patients, the highest absolute humidity by any HME was approximately 20 mg/L. Although none of the HMEs were able to maintain a temperature high enough to achieve the humidity standard of the American National Standards Institute, the clinical significance of this standard may be less important than the relative humidity maintained in the respired air, especially on evacuation flights of short duration.

Absolute ozone absorption cross section in the Huggins Chappuis minimum (350-470 nm) at 296 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Axson, J. L.; Washenfelder, R. A.; Kahan, T. F.; Young, C. J.; Vaida, V.; Brown, S. S.

2011-08-01

We report the ozone absolute absorption cross section between 350-470 nm, the minimum between the Huggins and Chappuis bands, where the ozone cross section is less than 10-22 cm2. Ozone spectra were acquired using an incoherent broadband cavity enhanced absorption spectrometer, with three channels centered at 365, 405, and 455 nm. The accuracy of the measured cross section is 2 %. Previous measurements vary by more than an order of magnitude in this spectral region. The measurements reported here provide much greater spectral coverage than the most recent measurements. We report a minimum absorption cross section of 3.4×10-24 cm2 at 381.8 nm, which is 22 % lower than the previously reported value. The effect of O3 concentration and water vapor partial pressure were investigated, however there were no observable changes in the absorption spectrum most likely due to the low optical density of the complex.

Value of HIV patients with regular follow-up as in-house internal controls of flow cytometry measurement of lymphocyte subsets.

PubMed

de Carvalho Bittencourt, Marcelo; Kohler, Chantal; Henard, Sandrine; Rabaud, Christian; Béné, Marie C; Faure, Gilbert C

2013-07-08

Background. Quality assessment in flow cytometry cannot obey the same rules as those applicable to the measurement of chemical analytes. However, regular follow-up of known patients may provide a robust in-house control of cell subsets evaluation. Methods. Sequential blood samples assessed for 32 HIV patients over several years and showing good stability were retrospectively assessed to establish coefficient of variations of the percentages of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ cells and CD4+ absolute counts. Results. Mean relative standard variations for the whole cohort were of 0.04, 0.14, 0.08 and 0.18 for CD3%, CD4% CD8% and CD4 absolute counts respectively. Discussion. In-house follow up of regularly checked compliant patients is a good alternative to traditional and costly repeatability and reproducibility studies for the validation of routine flow cytometry. © 2013 Clinical Cytometry Society. Copyright © 2013 Clinical Cytometry Society.

A global algorithm for estimating Absolute Salinity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDougall, T. J.; Jackett, D. R.; Millero, F. J.; Pawlowicz, R.; Barker, P. M.

2012-12-01

The International Thermodynamic Equation of Seawater - 2010 has defined the thermodynamic properties of seawater in terms of a new salinity variable, Absolute Salinity, which takes into account the spatial variation of the composition of seawater. Absolute Salinity more accurately reflects the effects of the dissolved material in seawater on the thermodynamic properties (particularly density) than does Practical Salinity. When a seawater sample has standard composition (i.e. the ratios of the constituents of sea salt are the same as those of surface water of the North Atlantic), Practical Salinity can be used to accurately evaluate the thermodynamic properties of seawater. When seawater is not of standard composition, Practical Salinity alone is not sufficient and the Absolute Salinity Anomaly needs to be estimated; this anomaly is as large as 0.025 g kg-1 in the northernmost North Pacific. Here we provide an algorithm for estimating Absolute Salinity Anomaly for any location (x, y, p) in the world ocean. To develop this algorithm, we used the Absolute Salinity Anomaly that is found by comparing the density calculated from Practical Salinity to the density measured in the laboratory. These estimates of Absolute Salinity Anomaly however are limited to the number of available observations (namely 811). In order to provide a practical method that can be used at any location in the world ocean, we take advantage of approximate relationships between Absolute Salinity Anomaly and silicate concentrations (which are available globally).

Extremely high absolute internal quantum efficiency of photoluminescence in co-doped GaN:Zn,Si

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reshchikov, M. A.; Willyard, A. G.; Behrends, A.; Bakin, A.; Waag, A.

2011-10-01

We report on the fabrication of GaN co-doped with silicon and zinc by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy and a detailed study of photoluminescence in this material. We observe an exceptionally high absolute internal quantum efficiency of blue photoluminescence in GaN:Zn,Si. The value of 0.93±0.04 has been obtained from several approaches based on rate equations.

40 CFR Appendix D to Part 52 - Determination of Sulfur Dioxide Emissions From Stationary Sources by Continuous Monitors

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... confidence interval using Equations D-1 and D-2. Report the zero drift as the sum of the absolute mean value... confidence interval using Equations D-1 and D-2. Report the zero drift as the sum of the absolute mean and... operation when the pollutant concentration at the time for the measurement is zero. 1.6Calibration Drift...

40 CFR Appendix D to Part 52 - Determination of Sulfur Dioxide Emissions From Stationary Sources by Continuous Monitors

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... confidence interval using Equations D-1 and D-2. Report the zero drift as the sum of the absolute mean value... confidence interval using Equations D-1 and D-2. Report the zero drift as the sum of the absolute mean and... operation when the pollutant concentration at the time for the measurement is zero. 1.6Calibration Drift...

40 CFR Appendix D to Part 52 - Determination of Sulfur Dioxide Emissions From Stationary Sources by Continuous Monitors

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... confidence interval using Equations D-1 and D-2. Report the zero drift as the sum of the absolute mean value... confidence interval using Equations D-1 and D-2. Report the zero drift as the sum of the absolute mean and... operation when the pollutant concentration at the time for the measurement is zero. 1.6Calibration Drift...

Surface Optical Property Measurements on Bark and Leaf Samples

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-12-31

individually positionable in sample measurement position. 100% Value Absolute, or in comparison to high-reflectance evaporated gold reference sample...evaporated gold on a smooth fused silica substrate. The absolute 100% measurement requires removing the sample from the measurement position and...choice is evaporated gold on a polished glass substrate. As- already noted, SOC uses two instruments to cover the full spectral region from 0.2 to 40.0

Results of the first North American comparison of absolute gravimeters, NACAG-2010

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schmerge, David; Francis, Olvier; Henton, J.; Ingles, D.; Jones, D.; Kennedy, Jeffrey R.; Krauterbluth, K.; Liard, J.; Newell, D.; Sands, R.; Schiel, J.; Silliker, J.; van Westrum, D.

2012-01-01

The first North American Comparison of absolute gravimeters (NACAG-2010) was hosted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at its newly renovated Table Mountain Geophysical Observatory (TMGO) north of Boulder, Colorado, in October 2010. NACAG-2010 and the renovation of TMGO are part of NGS’s GRAV-D project (Gravity for the Redefinition of the American Vertical Datum). Nine absolute gravimeters from three countries participated in the comparison. Before the comparison, the gravimeter operators agreed to a protocol describing the strategy to measure, calculate, and present the results. Nine sites were used to measure the free-fall acceleration of g. Each gravimeter measured the value of g at a subset of three of the sites, for a total set of 27 g-values for the comparison. The absolute gravimeters agree with one another with a standard deviation of 1.6 µGal (1 Gal = 1 cm s-2). The minimum and maximum offsets are -2.8 and 2.7 µGal. This is an excellent agreement and can be attributed to multiple factors, including gravimeters that were in good working order, good operators, a quiet observatory, and a short duration time for the experiment. These results can be used to standardize gravity surveys internationally.

Levelized cost of energy (LCOE) metric to characterize solar absorber coatings for the CSP industry

DOE PAGES

Boubault, Antoine; Ho, Clifford K.; Hall, Aaron; ...

2015-07-08

The contribution of each component of a power generation plant to the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) can be estimated and used to increase the power output while reducing system operation and maintenance costs. The LCOE is used in order to quantify solar receiver coating influence on the LCOE of solar power towers. Two new parameters are introduced: the absolute levelized cost of coating (LCOC) and the LCOC efficiency. Depending on the material properties, aging, costs, and temperature, the absolute LCOC enables quantifying the cost-effectiveness of absorber coatings, as well as finding optimal operating conditions. The absolute LCOC is investigatedmore » for different hypothetic coatings and is demonstrated on Pyromark 2500 paint. Results show that absorber coatings yield lower LCOE values in most cases, even at significant costs. Optimal reapplication intervals range from one to five years. At receiver temperatures greater than 700 °C, non-selective coatings are not always worthwhile while durable selective coatings consistently reduce the LCOE—up to 12% of the value obtained for an uncoated receiver. Moreover the absolute LCOC is a powerful tool to characterize and compare different coatings, not only considering their initial efficiencies but also including their durability.« less

Improved absolute calibration of LOPES measurements and its impact on the comparison with REAS 3.11 and CoREAS simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Apel, W. D.; Arteaga-Velázquez, J. C.; Bähren, L.; Bekk, K.; Bertaina, M.; Biermann, P. L.; Blümer, J.; Bozdog, H.; Brancus, I. M.; Cantoni, E.; Chiavassa, A.; Daumiller, K.; de Souza, V.; Di Pierro, F.; Doll, P.; Engel, R.; Falcke, H.; Fuchs, B.; Gemmeke, H.; Grupen, C.; Haungs, A.; Heck, D.; Hiller, R.; Hörandel, J. R.; Horneffer, A.; Huber, D.; Huege, T.; Isar, P. G.; Kampert, K.-H.; Kang, D.; Krömer, O.; Kuijpers, J.; Link, K.; Łuczak, P.; Ludwig, M.; Mathes, H. J.; Melissas, M.; Morello, C.; Nehls, S.; Oehlschläger, J.; Palmieri, N.; Pierog, T.; Rautenberg, J.; Rebel, H.; Roth, M.; Rühle, C.; Saftoiu, A.; Schieler, H.; Schmidt, A.; Schoo, S.; Schröder, F. G.; Sima, O.; Toma, G.; Trinchero, G. C.; Weindl, A.; Wochele, J.; Zabierowski, J.; Zensus, J. A.

2016-02-01

LOPES was a digital antenna array detecting the radio emission of cosmic-ray air showers. The calibration of the absolute amplitude scale of the measurements was done using an external, commercial reference source, which emits a frequency comb with defined amplitudes. Recently, we obtained improved reference values by the manufacturer of the reference source, which significantly changed the absolute calibration of LOPES. We reanalyzed previously published LOPES measurements, studying the impact of the changed calibration. The main effect is an overall decrease of the LOPES amplitude scale by a factor of 2.6 ± 0.2, affecting all previously published values for measurements of the electric-field strength. This results in a major change in the conclusion of the paper 'Comparing LOPES measurements of air-shower radio emission with REAS 3.11 and CoREAS simulations' published by Apel et al. (2013) : With the revised calibration, LOPES measurements now are compatible with CoREAS simulations, but in tension with REAS 3.11 simulations. Since CoREAS is the latest version of the simulation code incorporating the current state of knowledge on the radio emission of air showers, this new result indicates that the absolute amplitude prediction of current simulations now is in agreement with experimental data.

[Prognostic value of absolute monocyte count in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia].

PubMed

Szerafin, László; Jakó, János; Riskó, Ferenc

2015-04-01

The low peripheral absolute lymphocyte and high monocyte count have been reported to correlate with poor clinical outcome in various lymphomas and other cancers. However, a few data known about the prognostic value of absolute monocyte count in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. The aim of the authors was to investigate the impact of absolute monocyte count measured at the time of diagnosis in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia on the time to treatment and overal survival. Between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2012, 223 patients with newly-diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukaemia were included. The rate of patients needing treatment, time to treatment, overal survival and causes of mortality based on Rai stages, CD38, ZAP-70 positivity and absolute monocyte count were analyzed. Therapy was necessary in 21.1%, 57.4%, 88.9%, 88.9% and 100% of patients in Rai stage 0, I, II, III an IV, respectively; in 61.9% and 60.8% of patients exhibiting CD38 and ZAP-70 positivity, respectively; and in 76.9%, 21.2% and 66.2% of patients if the absolute monocyte count was <0.25 G/l, between 0.25-0.75 G/l and >0.75 G/l, respectively. The median time to treatment and the median overal survival were 19.5, 65, and 35.5 months; and 41.5, 65, and 49.5 months according to the three groups of monocyte counts. The relative risk of beginning the therapy was 1.62 (p<0.01) in patients with absolute monocyte count <0.25 G/l or >0.75 G/l, as compared to those with 0.25-0.75 G/l, and the risk of overal survival was 2.41 (p<0.01) in patients with absolute monocyte count lower than 0.25 G/l as compared to those with higher than 0.25 G/l. The relative risks remained significant in Rai 0 patients, too. The leading causes of mortality were infections (41.7%) and the chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (58.3%) in patients with low monocyte count, while tumours (25.9-35.3%) and other events (48.1 and 11.8%) occurred in patients with medium or high monocyte counts. Patients with low and high monocyte counts had a shorter time to treatment compared to patients who belonged to the intermediate monocyte count group. The low absolute monocyte count was associated with increased mortality caused by infectious complications and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. The absolute monocyte count may give additional prognostic information in Rai stage 0, too.

A Critical Examination of Postmodernism Based on Religious and Moral Values Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Forghani, Nooshin; Keshtiaray, Narges; Yousefy, Alireza

2015-01-01

Postmodernism, born under western secular conditions, has the following characteristics: it emphasizes pluralism and relativism and rejects any certain belief and absolute value; it conflicts with essentialism, and considers human identity to be a social construct; it rejects the idea that values are based on developmental realities and also…

Department of Defense Agency Financial Report. Fiscal Year 2007

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-11-15

fair market value . The discount rate for the present value calculation is either the lessor’s implicit interest rate or the Government’s...630.0 The Department reports Problem Disbursements as an absolute value , which is the sum of the debit and credit transactions without regard to the...2007 2006 (amounts in millions) Depreciation / Amortization Method Service Life Acquisition Value (Accumulated

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

Ellefson, S; Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI; Culberson, W

Purpose: Discrepancies in absolute dose values have been detected between the ViewRay treatment planning system and ArcCHECK readings when performing delivery quality assurance on the ViewRay system with the ArcCHECK-MR diode array (SunNuclear Corporation). In this work, we investigate whether these discrepancies are due to errors in the ViewRay planning and/or delivery system or due to errors in the ArcCHECK’s readings. Methods: Gamma analysis was performed on 19 ViewRay patient plans using the ArcCHECK. Frequency analysis on the dose differences was performed. To investigate whether discrepancies were due to measurement or delivery error, 10 diodes in low-gradient dose regions weremore » chosen to compare with ion chamber measurements in a PMMA phantom with the same size and shape as the ArcCHECK, provided by SunNuclear. The diodes chosen all had significant discrepancies in absolute dose values compared to the ViewRay TPS. Absolute doses to PMMA were compared between the ViewRay TPS calculations, ArcCHECK measurements, and measurements in the PMMA phantom. Results: Three of the 19 patient plans had 3%/3mm gamma passing rates less than 95%, and ten of the 19 plans had 2%/2mm passing rates less than 95%. Frequency analysis implied a non-random error process. Out of the 10 diode locations measured, ion chamber measurements were all within 2.2% error relative to the TPS and had a mean error of 1.2%. ArcCHECK measurements ranged from 4.5% to over 15% error relative to the TPS and had a mean error of 8.0%. Conclusion: The ArcCHECK performs well for quality assurance on the ViewRay under most circumstances. However, under certain conditions the absolute dose readings are significantly higher compared to the planned doses. As the ion chamber measurements consistently agree with the TPS, it can be concluded that the discrepancies are due to ArcCHECK measurement error and not TPS or delivery system error. This work was funded by the Bhudatt Paliwal Professorship and the University of Wisconsin Medical Radiation Research Center.« less

Evaluation of Interocular Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Symmetry as a Diagnostic Modality for Glaucoma.

PubMed

Hong, Seung Woo; Lee, Seung Bum; Jee, Dong-Hyun; Ahn, Myung Douk

2016-09-01

The purpose of study was to measure the diagnostic utility of interocular retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) symmetry and interocular RNFL thickness comparison. Both eyes of 103 normal subjects and 106 glaucoma patients (31 patients with early glaucoma and 75 patients with moderate to severe glaucoma) received comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation including visual field testing and optic disc scanning using optical coherence tomography. RNFL thickness values for 256 measurement points were rearranged according to a new reference line connecting the optic disc center and the foveola. The interocular RNFL thickness symmetry value and absolute and fractional interocular difference in RNFL thickness were calculated and compared between groups. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) were calculated and compared. Among the parameters reflecting whole RNFL status, the corrected interocular RNFL thickness symmetry exhibited the largest AUROCs at all glaucoma stages. RNFL thickness and absolute and fractional interocular difference in RNFL thickness exhibited largest AUROC in the inferotemporal area, regardless of glaucoma stage. In the early glaucoma group, absolute and fractional interocular RNFL thickness differences in the temporal and superotemporal areas exhibited equal to or larger AUROCs than RNFL thickness. The AUROCs for RNFL thickness were greater than those for absolute and fractional interocular RNFL thickness differences in the moderate to severe glaucoma group except in the nasal and temporal area. The corrected interocular RNFL thickness symmetry value is an effective diagnostic tool for glaucoma. Interocular comparison of RNFL thickness has good diagnostic performance and gives information about the RNFL beyond just the RNFL thickness itself.

Empirical determination of low J values of 13CH4 transitions from jet cooled and 80 K cell spectra in the icosad region (7170-7367 cm-1)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Votava, O.; Mašát, M.; Pracna, P.; Mondelain, D.; Kassi, S.; Liu, A. W.; Hu, S. M.; Campargue, A.

2014-12-01

The absorption spectrum of 13CH4 was recorded at two low temperatures in the icosad region near 1.38 μm, using direct absorption tunable diode lasers. Spectra were obtained using a cryogenic cell cooled at liquid nitrogen temperature (80 K) and a supersonic jet providing a 32 K rotational temperature in the 7173-7367 cm-1 and 7200-7354 cm-1 spectral intervals, respectively. Two lists of 4498 and 339 lines, including absolute line intensities, were constructed from the 80 K and jet spectra, respectively. All the transitions observed in jet conditions were observed at 80 K. From the temperature variation of their line intensities, the corresponding lower state energy values were determined. The 339 derived empirical values of the J rotational quantum number are found close to integer values and are all smaller than 4, as a consequence of the efficient rotational cooling. Six R(0) transitions have been identified providing key information on the origins of the vibrational bands which contribute to the very congested and not yet assigned 13CH4 spectrum in the considered region of the icosad.

Bias Properties of Extragalactic Distance Indicators. VIII. H0 from Distance-limited Luminosity Class and Morphological Type-Specific Luminosity Functions for SB, SBC, and SC Galaxies Calibrated Using Cepheids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandage, Allan

1999-12-01

Relative, reduced to absolute, magnitude distributions are obtained for Sb, Sbc, and Sc galaxies in the flux-limited Revised Shapley-Ames Catalog (RSA2) for each van den Bergh luminosity class (L), within each Hubble type (T). The method to isolate bias-free subsets of the total sample is via Spaenhauer diagrams, as in previous papers of this series. The distance-limited type and class-specific luminosity functions are normalized to numbers of galaxies per unit volume (105 Mpc3), rather than being left as relative functions, as in Paper V. The functions are calculated using kinematic absolute magnitudes, based on an arbitrary trial value of H0=50. Gaussian fits to the individual normalized functions are listed for each T and L subclass. As in Paper V, the data can be freed from the T and L dependencies by applying a correction of 0.23T+0.5L to the individual absolute magnitudes. Here, T=3 for Sb, 4 for Sbc, and 5 for Sc galaxies, and the L values range from 1 to 6 as the luminosity class changes from I to III-IV. The total luminosity function, obtained by combining the volume-normalized Sb, Sbc, and Sc individual luminosity functions, each corrected for the T and L dependencies, has an rms dispersion of 0.67 mag, similar to much of the Tully-Fisher parameter space. Absolute calibration of the trial kinematic absolute magnitudes is made using 27 galaxies with known T and L that also have Cepheid distances. This permits the systematic correction to the H0=50 kinematic absolute magnitudes of 0.22+/-0.12 mag, givingH0=55+/-3(internal) km s-1 Mpc-1 . The Cepheid distances are based on the Madore/Freedman Cepheid period-luminosity (PL) zero point that requires (m-M)0=18.50 for the LMC. Using the modern LMC modulus of (m-M)0=18.58 requires a 4% decrease in H0, giving a final value of H0=53+/-7 (external) by this method. These values of H0, based here on the method of luminosity functions, are in good agreement with (1) H0=55+/-5 by Theureau and coworkers from their bias-corrected Tully-Fisher method of ``normalized distances'' for field galaxies; (2) H0=56+/-4 from the method through the Virgo Cluster, as corrected to the global kinematic frame (Tammann and coworkers); and (3) H0=58+/-5 from Cepheid-calibrated Type Ia supernovae (Saha and coworkers). Our value here also disagrees with the final value from the NASA ``Key Project'' group value of H0=70+/-7. Analysis of the total flux-limited sample of Sb, Sbc, and Sc galaxies in the RSA2 by the present method, but uncorrected for selection bias, would give an incorrect value of H0=71 using the same Cepheid calibration. The effect of the bias is pernicious at the 30% level; either it must be corrected by the methods in the papers of this series, or the data must be restricted to the distance-limited subset of any sample, as is done here.

Monolithically integrated absolute frequency comb laser system

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

Wanke, Michael C.

2016-07-12

Rather than down-convert optical frequencies, a QCL laser system directly generates a THz frequency comb in a compact monolithically integrated chip that can be locked to an absolute frequency without the need of a frequency-comb synthesizer. The monolithic, absolute frequency comb can provide a THz frequency reference and tool for high-resolution broad band spectroscopy.

Pitfalls and important issues in testing reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients in orthopaedic research.

PubMed

Lee, Kyoung Min; Lee, Jaebong; Chung, Chin Youb; Ahn, Soyeon; Sung, Ki Hyuk; Kim, Tae Won; Lee, Hui Jong; Park, Moon Seok

2012-06-01

Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) provide a statistical means of testing the reliability. However, their interpretation is not well documented in the orthopedic field. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of ICCs in the orthopedic literature and to demonstrate pitfalls regarding their use. First, orthopedic articles that used ICCs were retrieved from the Pubmed database, and journal demography, ICC models and concurrent statistics used were evaluated. Second, reliability test was performed on three common physical examinations in cerebral palsy, namely, the Thomas test, the Staheli test, and popliteal angle measurement. Thirty patients were assessed by three orthopedic surgeons to explore the statistical methods testing reliability. Third, the factors affecting the ICC values were examined by simulating the data sets based on the physical examination data where the ranges, slopes, and interobserver variability were modified. Of the 92 orthopedic articles identified, 58 articles (63%) did not clarify the ICC model used, and only 5 articles (5%) described all models, types, and measures. In reliability testing, although the popliteal angle showed a larger mean absolute difference than the Thomas test and the Staheli test, the ICC of popliteal angle was higher, which was believed to be contrary to the context of measurement. In addition, the ICC values were affected by the model, type, and measures used. In simulated data sets, the ICC showed higher values when the range of data sets were larger, the slopes of the data sets were parallel, and the interobserver variability was smaller. Care should be taken when interpreting the absolute ICC values, i.e., a higher ICC does not necessarily mean less variability because the ICC values can also be affected by various factors. The authors recommend that researchers clarify ICC models used and ICC values are interpreted in the context of measurement.

Microwave measurements of the absolute values of absorption by water vapour in the atmosphere.

PubMed

Hogg, D C; Guiraud, F O

1979-05-31

MEASUREMENT of the absolute value of absorption by water vapour at microwave frequencies is difficult because the effect is so small. Far in the wings of the absorption lines, in the so-called 'windows' of the spectrum, it is especially difficult to achieve high accuracy in the free atmosphere. But it is in these windows that the behaviour of the absorption is important from both applied and scientific points of view. Satellite communications, remote sensing of the atmosphere, and radioastronomy, are all influenced by this behaviour. Measurements on an Earth-space path are reported here; the results indicate a nonlinear relationship between absorption and water-vapour content.

Absolute photoionization cross sections of two cyclic ketones: cyclopentanone and cyclohexanone.

PubMed

Price, Chelsea; Fathi, Yasmin; Meloni, Giovanni

2017-05-01

Absolute photoionization cross sections for cyclopentanone and cyclohexanone, as well as partial ionization cross sections for the dissociative ionized fragments, are presented in this investigation. Experiments are performed via a multiplexed photoionization mass spectrometer utilizing vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) synchrotron radiation supplied by the Advanced Light Source of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. These results allow the quantification of these species that is relevant to investigate the kinetics and combustion reactions of potential biofuels. The CBS-QB3 calculated values for the adiabatic ionization energies agree well with the experimental values, and the identification of possible dissociative fragments is discussed for both systems. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Seasonality in the Western Mediterranean During the Last Glacial From Paired Oxygen Isotopes and Mg/Ca in Limpet Shells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferguson, J. E.; Henderson, G. M.; Fa, D.; Finlayson, C.

2008-12-01

Molluscs have shown great potential to act as seasonal-resolution archives of sea-surface temperatures (SST) at mid to high latitudes, outside the range of tropical surface corals. Seasonal resolution climate records from higher latitudes are important to allow investigation of the role of seasonality in controlling mean climate on diverse timescales, and of the evolution of climate systems such as the North Atlantic Oscillation. Long sequences of intertidal mollusc shells are difficult to find due to sea level fluctuations over glacial- interglacial periods. This study makes use of Patella shells collected by Neanderthals and humans and transported inland to caves on Gibraltar over at least the last 120 kyrs. Some 30 fossil Patella shells were selected from several hundred excavated from Gorham's and Vanguard Caves at Gibraltar. Oxygen isotope analysis of micromilled samples of modern Patella shells from the Gibraltar coastline demonstrate that the shells accurately record absolute SSTs and capture more than 80% of the full seasonal range. Analysis of fossil Patella shells, dated using 14C, provides records of the change in absolute SST and seasonality during the last glacial. Paired Mg/Ca ratios of micromilled samples in modern Patella shells follow a consistent positive relationship with SST providing an independent paleothermometer, analogous with coral Sr/Ca. Applying this Mg/Ca-SST relationship to fossil Patella shells allows the independent reconstruction of the absolute values and range of SSTs and the reconstruction of seawater δ18O for the western Mediterranean. Results show a cooling of glacial summer SSTs from 36 kyr BP to the LGM with maximum cooling of glacial summer SSTs of 7.5 °C relative to modern. In contrast, winter SSTs show greater variability on millennial timescales with a maximum cooling of up to 10 °C. SST seasonality is therefore extended due to greater winter cooling but SST seasonality is highly variable as a result of large fluctuation in the extent of winter cooling. These results contrast with GCM model estimates of SST values and seasonality during the glacial.

Self-Referenced Method for Estimating Refractive Index and Absolute Absorption of Loose Semiconductor Powders

DOE PAGES

Huang, Huafeng; Colabello, Diane M.; Sklute, Elizabeth C.; ...

2017-04-23

The absolute absorption coefficient, α(E), is a critical design parameter for devices using semiconductors for light harvesting associated with renewable energy production, both for classic technologies such as photovoltaics and for emerging technologies such as direct solar fuel production. While α(E) is well-known for many classic simple semiconductors used in photovoltaic applications, the absolute values of α(E) are typically unknown for the complex semiconductors being explored for solar fuel production due to the absence of single crystals or crystalline epitaxial films that are needed for conventional methods of determining α(E). In this work, a simple self-referenced method for estimating bothmore » the refractive indices, n(E), and absolute absorption coefficients, α(E), for loose powder samples using diffuse reflectance data is demonstrated. In this method, the sample refractive index can be deduced by refining n to maximize the agreement between the relative absorption spectrum calculated from bidirectional reflectance data (calculated through a Hapke transform which depends on n) and integrating sphere diffuse reflectance data (calculated through a Kubleka–Munk transform which does not depend on n). This new method can be quickly used to screen the suitability of emerging semiconductor systems for light-harvesting applications. The effectiveness of this approach is tested using the simple classic semiconductors Ge and Fe 2O 3 as well as the complex semiconductors La 2MoO 5 and La 4Mo 2O 11. The method is shown to work well for powders with a narrow size distribution (exemplified by Fe 2O 3) and to be ineffective for semiconductors with a broad size distribution (exemplified by Ge). As such, it provides a means for rapidly estimating the absolute optical properties of complex solids which are only available as loose powders.« less

Absolute vs. Weight-Related Maximum Oxygen Uptake in Firefighters: Fitness Evaluation with and without Protective Clothing and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus among Age Group

PubMed Central

Perroni, Fabrizio; Guidetti, Laura; Cignitti, Lamberto; Baldari, Carlo

2015-01-01

During fire emergencies, firefighters wear personal protective devices (PC) and a self-contained breathing apparatus (S.C.B.A.) to be protected from injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences of aerobic level in 197 firefighters (age: 34±7 yr; BMI: 24.4±2.3 kg.m-2), evaluated by a Queen’s College Step field Test (QCST), performed with and without fire protective garments, and to analyze the differences among age groups (<25 yr; 26-30 yr, 31-35 yr, 36-40 yr and >40 yr). Variance analysis was applied to assess differences (p < 0.05) between tests and age groups observed in absolute and weight-related values, while a correlation was examined between QCST with and without PC+S.C.B.A. The results have shown that a 13% of firefighters failed to complete the test with PC+S.C.B.A. and significant differences between QCST performed with and without PC+S.C.B.A. in absolute (F(1,169) = 42.6, p < 0.0001) and weight-related (F(1,169) = 339.9, p < 0.0001) terms. A better correlation has been found in L•min-1 (r=0.67) than in ml•kg-1•min-1 (r=0.54). Moreover, we found significant differences among age groups both in absolute and weight-related values. The assessment of maximum oxygen uptake of firefighters in absolute term can be a useful tool to evaluate the firefighters' cardiovascular strain. PMID:25764201

Single-breath diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide instrument accuracy across 3 health systems.

PubMed

Hegewald, Matthew J; Markewitz, Boaz A; Wilson, Emily L; Gallo, Heather M; Jensen, Robert L

2015-03-01

Measuring diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) is complex and associated with wide intra- and inter-laboratory variability. Increased D(LCO) variability may have important clinical consequences. The objective of the study was to assess instrument performance across hospital pulmonary function testing laboratories using a D(LCO) simulator that produces precise and repeatable D(LCO) values. D(LCO) instruments were tested with CO gas concentrations representing medium and high range D(LCO) values. The absolute difference between observed and target D(LCO) value was used to determine measurement accuracy; accuracy was defined as an average deviation from the target value of < 2.0 mL/min/mm Hg. Accuracy of inspired volume measurement and gas sensors were also determined. Twenty-three instruments were tested across 3 healthcare systems. The mean absolute deviation from the target value was 1.80 mL/min/mm Hg (range 0.24-4.23) with 10 of 23 instruments (43%) being inaccurate. High volume laboratories performed better than low volume laboratories, although the difference was not significant. There was no significant difference among the instruments by manufacturers. Inspired volume was not accurate in 48% of devices; mean absolute deviation from target value was 3.7%. Instrument gas analyzers performed adequately in all instruments. D(LCO) instrument accuracy was unacceptable in 43% of devices. Instrument inaccuracy can be primarily attributed to errors in inspired volume measurement and not gas analyzer performance. D(LCO) instrument performance may be improved by regular testing with a simulator. Caution should be used when comparing D(LCO) results reported from different laboratories. Copyright © 2015 by Daedalus Enterprises.

Use of observed within-person variation of cardiac troponin in emergency department patients for determination of biological variation and percentage and absolute reference change values.

PubMed

Simpson, Aaron J; Potter, Julia M; Koerbin, Gus; Oakman, Carmen; Cullen, Louise; Wilkes, Garry J; Scanlan, Samuel L; Parsonage, William; Hickman, Peter E

2014-06-01

Many patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) for assessment of possible acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have low cardiac troponin concentrations that change very little on repeat blood draw. It is unclear if a lack of change in cardiac troponin concentration can be used to identify acutely presenting patients at low risk of ACS. We used the hs-cTnI assay from Abbott Diagnostics, which can detect cTnI in the blood of nearly all people. We identified a population of ED patients being assessed for ACS with repeat cTnI measurement who ultimately were proven to have no acute cardiac disease at the time of presentation. We used data from the repeat sampling to calculate total within-person CV (CV(T)) and, knowing the assay analytical CV (CV(A)), we could calculate within-person biological variation (CV(i)), reference change values (RCVs), and absolute RCV delta cTnI concentrations. We had data sets on 283 patients. Men and women had similar CV(i) values of approximately 14%, which was similar at all concentrations <40 ng/L. The biological variation was not dependent on the time interval between sample collections (t = 1.5-17 h). The absolute delta critical reference change value was similar no matter what the initial cTnI concentration was. More than 90% of subjects had a critical reference change value <5 ng/L, and 97% had values of <10 ng/L. With this hs-cTnI assay, delta cTnI seems to be a useful tool for rapidly identifying ED patients at low risk for possible ACS. © 2014 The American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

[Definition and validation of a comfort index calculation method for office seats].

PubMed

Taboga, P; Marcolin, F; Bordignon, M; Antonutto, G

2012-01-01

Among its other required features, a highly comfortable chair should adapt its contact surfaces, namely the seat and the back rest, to the shape of the body of the person sitting on it. However, "comfort" is not usually perceived as an absolute value, but is derived from a subjective comparison between two or more chairs. The purpose of this research was the definition of an objective comfort index (IC), i.e., derived from instrumental measurements, and which would also represent an absolute comfort value. Analytical evaluation of the distribution of body weight, by means of a barometric matrix, shows that a comfortable chair tends to minimize peak and average values of pressure at the level of the contact areas located between the body and the seat and the back of the chair. To define a comparison parameter for determining an absolute comfort value, a reference chair (SDR) was developed. The seat and the back of this chair are rigid, with poor compliance. A comfort value of zero was, by definition, assigned to this chair. Therefore, the Comfort index (IC) was obtained by the mathematical calculation of the ratios of averages, peaks and gradients of pressure, appropriately weighted, and the corresponding values measured on the tested chair and on the SDR. It is shown that the anthropometric characteristics of each subject are irrelevant to the assessment of the IC, which depends only on the compliance characteristics of the seat and back surfaces of the tested chair IC can be improved through analysis of a larger number of seats, which would thus constitute the basis for the use of an objective evaluation of seating comfort.

Absolute photoionization cross sections of atomic oxygen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Samson, J. A. R.; Pareek, P. N.

1982-01-01

The absolute values of photoionization cross sections of atomic oxygen were measured from the ionization threshold to 120 A. An auto-ionizing resonance belonging to the 2S2P4(4P)3P(3Do, 3So) transition was observed at 479.43 A and another line at 389.97 A. The experimental data is in excellent agreement with rigorous close-coupling calculations that include electron correlations in both the initial and final states.

Absolute photoionization cross sections of atomic oxygen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Samson, J. A. R.; Pareek, P. N.

1985-01-01

The absolute values of photoionization cross sections of atomic oxygen were measured from the ionization threshold to 120 A. An auto-ionizing resonance belonging to the 2S2P4(4P)3P(3Do, 3So) transition was observed at 479.43 A and another line at 389.97 A. The experimental data is in excellent agreement with rigorous close-coupling calculations that include electron correlations in both the initial and final states.

Mars Exploration Rover Navigation Camera in-flight calibration

USGS Publications Warehouse

Soderblom, J.M.; Bell, J.F.; Johnson, J. R.; Joseph, J.; Wolff, M.J.

2008-01-01

The Navigation Camera (Navcam) instruments on the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) spacecraft provide support for both tactical operations as well as scientific observations where color information is not necessary: large-scale morphology, atmospheric monitoring including cloud observations and dust devil movies, and context imaging for both the thermal emission spectrometer and the in situ instruments on the Instrument Deployment Device. The Navcams are a panchromatic stereoscopic imaging system built using identical charge-coupled device (CCD) detectors and nearly identical electronics boards as the other cameras on the MER spacecraft. Previous calibration efforts were primarily focused on providing a detailed geometric calibration in line with the principal function of the Navcams, to provide data for the MER navigation team. This paper provides a detailed description of a new Navcam calibration pipeline developed to provide an absolute radiometric calibration that we estimate to have an absolute accuracy of 10% and a relative precision of 2.5%. Our calibration pipeline includes steps to model and remove the bias offset, the dark current charge that accumulates in both the active and readout regions of the CCD, and the shutter smear. It also corrects pixel-to-pixel responsivity variations using flat-field images, and converts from raw instrument-corrected digital number values per second to units of radiance (W m-2 nm-1 sr-1), or to radiance factor (I/F). We also describe here the initial results of two applications where radiance-calibrated Navcam data provide unique information for surface photometric and atmospheric aerosol studies. Copyright 2008 by the American Geophysical Union.

Absolute gravimetry for monitoring geodynamics in Greenland.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nielsen, E.; Strykowski, G.; Forsberg, R.

2015-12-01

Here are presented the preliminary results of the absolute gravity measurements done in Greenland by DTU Space with their A10 absolute gravimeter (the A10-019). The purpose, besides establishing and maintaining a national gravity network, is to study geodynamics.The absolute gravity measurements are juxtaposed with the permanent GNET GNSS stations. The first measurements were conducted in 2009 and a few sites have been re-visited. As of present is there a gravity value at 18 GNET sites.There are challenges in interpreting the measurements from Greenland and several signals has to be taken into account, besides the geodynamical signals originating from the changing load of the ice, there is also a clear signal of direct attraction from different masses. Here are presented the preliminary results of our measurements in Greenland and attempts explain them through modelling of the geodynamical signals and the direct attraction from the ocean and ice.

40 CFR 1065.550 - Gas analyzer range validation, drift validation, and drift correction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... interval (i.e., do not set them to zero). A third calculation of composite brake-specific emission values... from each test interval and sets any negative mass (or mass rate) values to zero before calculating the... value is less than the standard by at least two times the absolute difference between the uncorrected...

Entropy and the Shelf Model: A Quantum Physical Approach to a Physical Property

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jungermann, Arnd H.

2006-01-01

In contrast to most other thermodynamic data, entropy values are not given in relation to a certain--more or less arbitrarily defined--zero level. They are listed in standard thermodynamic tables as absolute values of specific substances. Therefore these values describe a physical property of the listed substances. One of the main tasks of…

Active experiments in modifying spacecraft potential: Results from ATS-5 and ATS-6

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olsen, R. C.; Whipple, E. C.

1979-01-01

The processing of data from onboard spacecraft instruments are described. The modification of spacecraft potentials is reviewed. Analysis of this data yielded the following results: (1) electron emission (E approximately 10 electron-volts) did not perturb the status of a satellite at low potential the absolute value of phi approximately 50 volts by more than 50 volts (the ATS 5 low energy limit), (2) emission of a low energy plasma (E approximatey 10 volts) does not change low potentials (the absolute value of phi approximately 5 volts) by more than a few volts (ATS 6 low energy resolution), (3) when ATS 6 entered eclipse in the presence of a high energy plasma (10 keV), the neutralizer suppressed any rise in the absolute value of phi (within a few volts resolution), (4) when the electron emitter on ATS 5 operated, it served to discharge negative potentials from thousands to hundreds of volts, and (5) when the neutralizer on ATS 6 was operated, it served to discharge kilovolt potentials to below 50 volts. Low altitude (100 - 300 km) experiments with KV electron beams are studied. Differential charging was eliminated by the operation of the main thruster on ATS 6 clamped on the spacecraft at -5 volts.

Effect of γ-irradiation on the temperature coefficient of surface resistivity of two-dimensional island platinum films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bishay, A. G.; El-Gamal, S.

2011-05-01

Three sets (A, B and C) of two-dimensional island platinum films (2D-I(Pt)Fs) were prepared via the thermal evaporation technique, where the substrates are corning 7059 glass slides. The mass thickness ( d m) of the films of different sets is 5, 10 and 20 Å, respectively. The Pt films were exposed to γ-rays from 137Cs (0.662 MeV) radiation source of dose rate 0.5 Gy/min. and the different doses are 100, 200, 300, 500 and 700 Gy. The dependence of the surface resistivity ( ρ) on temperature over the range of 100-300 K was undertaken at different d m and doses then the temperature coefficient of surface resistivity ( α) was deduced. It was found that; (i) for particular d m and T, the absolute value of α decreases as the dose increases (ii) for particular dose and T, the absolute value of α decreases as d m increases (iii) for particular dose and d m, the absolute value of α decreases as T increases. Qualitative interpretation for the results was offered on the ground that the electrons transfer among islands takes place by the activated tunneling mechanism and the γ-irradiation has changed the shape of islands from spherical to prolate spheroid.

Absolute magnitude calibration using trigonometric parallax - Incomplete, spectroscopic samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ratnatunga, Kavan U.; Casertano, Stefano

1991-01-01

A new numerical algorithm is used to calibrate the absolute magnitude of spectroscopically selected stars from their observed trigonometric parallax. This procedure, based on maximum-likelihood estimation, can retrieve unbiased estimates of the intrinsic absolute magnitude and its dispersion even from incomplete samples suffering from selection biases in apparent magnitude and color. It can also make full use of low accuracy and negative parallaxes and incorporate censorship on reported parallax values. Accurate error estimates are derived for each of the fitted parameters. The algorithm allows an a posteriori check of whether the fitted model gives a good representation of the observations. The procedure is described in general and applied to both real and simulated data.

An interdisciplinary study of the estaurine and coastal oceanography of Block Island Sound and adjacent New York coastal waters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yost, E.; Hollman, R.; Alexander, J.; Nuzzi, R.

1974-01-01

ERTS-1 photographic data products have been analyzed using additive color viewing and electronic image analysis techniques. Satellite data were compared to water sample data collected simultaneously with the data of ERTS-1 coverage in New York Bight. Prediction of the absolute value of total suspended particles can be made using composites of positives of MSS bands 5 and 6 which have been precisely made using the step wedge supplied on the imagery. Predictions of the relative value of the extinction coefficient can be made using bands 4 and 5. Thematic charts of total suspended particles (particles per litre) and extinction coefficient provide scientists conducting state and federal water sampling programs in New York Bight with data which improves the performance of these programs.

Absolute protein-protein association rate constants from flexible, coarse-grained Brownian dynamics simulations: the role of intermolecular hydrodynamic interactions in barnase-barstar association.

PubMed

Frembgen-Kesner, Tamara; Elcock, Adrian H

2010-11-03

Theory and computation have long been used to rationalize the experimental association rate constants of protein-protein complexes, and Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations, in particular, have been successful in reproducing the relative rate constants of wild-type and mutant protein pairs. Missing from previous BD studies of association kinetics, however, has been the description of hydrodynamic interactions (HIs) between, and within, the diffusing proteins. Here we address this issue by rigorously including HIs in BD simulations of the barnase-barstar association reaction. We first show that even very simplified representations of the proteins--involving approximately one pseudoatom for every three residues in the protein--can provide excellent reproduction of the absolute association rate constants of wild-type and mutant protein pairs. We then show that simulations that include intermolecular HIs also produce excellent estimates of association rate constants, but, for a given reaction criterion, yield values that are decreased by ∼35-80% relative to those obtained in the absence of intermolecular HIs. The neglect of intermolecular HIs in previous BD simulation studies, therefore, is likely to have contributed to the somewhat overestimated absolute rate constants previously obtained. Consequently, intermolecular HIs could be an important component to include in accurate modeling of the kinetics of macromolecular association events. Copyright © 2010 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

On the absolute photoionization cross section and dissociative photoionization of cyclopropenylidene.

PubMed

Holzmeier, Fabian; Fischer, Ingo; Kiendl, Benjamin; Krueger, Anke; Bodi, Andras; Hemberger, Patrick

2016-04-07

We report the determination of the absolute photoionization cross section of cyclopropenylidene, c-C3H2, and the heat of formation of the C3H radical and ion derived by the dissociative ionization of the carbene. Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) synchrotron radiation as provided by the Swiss Light Source and imaging photoelectron photoion coincidence (iPEPICO) were employed. Cyclopropenylidene was generated by pyrolysis of a quadricyclane precursor in a 1 : 1 ratio with benzene, which enabled us to derive the carbene's near threshold absolute photoionization cross section from the photoionization yield of the two pyrolysis products and the known cross section of benzene. The cross section at 9.5 eV, for example, was determined to be 4.5 ± 1.4 Mb. Upon dissociative ionization the carbene decomposes by hydrogen atom loss to the linear isomer of C3H(+). The appearance energy for this process was determined to be AE(0K)(c-C3H2; l-C3H(+)) = 13.67 ± 0.10 eV. The heat of formation of neutral and cationic C3H was derived from this value via a thermochemical cycle as Δ(f)H(0K)(C3H) = 725 ± 25 kJ mol(-1) and Δ(f)H(0K)(C3H(+)) = 1604 ± 19 kJ mol(-1), using a previously reported ionization energy of C3H.

A functional form for injected MRI Gd-chelate contrast agent concentration incorporating recirculation, extravasation and excretion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horsfield, Mark A.; Thornton, John S.; Gill, Andrew; Jager, H. Rolf; Priest, Andrew N.; Morgan, Bruno

2009-05-01

A functional form for the vascular concentration of MRI contrast agent after intravenous bolus injection was developed that can be used to model the concentration at any vascular site at which contrast concentration can be measured. The form is based on previous models of blood circulation, and is consistent with previously measured data at long post-injection times, when the contrast agent is fully and evenly dispersed in the blood. It allows the first-pass and recirculation peaks of contrast agent to be modelled, and measurement of the absolute concentration of contrast agent at a single time point allows the whole time course to be rescaled to give absolute contrast agent concentration values. This measure of absolute concentration could be performed at a long post-injection time using either MRI or blood-sampling methods. In order to provide a model that is consistent with measured data, it was necessary to include both rapid and slow extravasation, together with excretion via the kidneys. The model was tested on T1-weighted data from the descending aorta and hepatic portal vein, and on T*2-weighted data from the cerebral arteries. Fitting of the model was successful for all datasets, but there was a considerable variation in fit parameters between subjects, which suggests that the formation of a meaningful population-averaged vascular concentration function is precluded.

A Java program for LRE-based real-time qPCR that enables large-scale absolute quantification.

PubMed

Rutledge, Robert G

2011-03-02

Linear regression of efficiency (LRE) introduced a new paradigm for real-time qPCR that enables large-scale absolute quantification by eliminating the need for standard curves. Developed through the application of sigmoidal mathematics to SYBR Green I-based assays, target quantity is derived directly from fluorescence readings within the central region of an amplification profile. However, a major challenge of implementing LRE quantification is the labor intensive nature of the analysis. Utilizing the extensive resources that are available for developing Java-based software, the LRE Analyzer was written using the NetBeans IDE, and is built on top of the modular architecture and windowing system provided by the NetBeans Platform. This fully featured desktop application determines the number of target molecules within a sample with little or no intervention by the user, in addition to providing extensive database capabilities. MS Excel is used to import data, allowing LRE quantification to be conducted with any real-time PCR instrument that provides access to the raw fluorescence readings. An extensive help set also provides an in-depth introduction to LRE, in addition to guidelines on how to implement LRE quantification. The LRE Analyzer provides the automated analysis and data storage capabilities required by large-scale qPCR projects wanting to exploit the many advantages of absolute quantification. Foremost is the universal perspective afforded by absolute quantification, which among other attributes, provides the ability to directly compare quantitative data produced by different assays and/or instruments. Furthermore, absolute quantification has important implications for gene expression profiling in that it provides the foundation for comparing transcript quantities produced by any gene with any other gene, within and between samples.

A Java Program for LRE-Based Real-Time qPCR that Enables Large-Scale Absolute Quantification

PubMed Central

Rutledge, Robert G.

2011-01-01

Background Linear regression of efficiency (LRE) introduced a new paradigm for real-time qPCR that enables large-scale absolute quantification by eliminating the need for standard curves. Developed through the application of sigmoidal mathematics to SYBR Green I-based assays, target quantity is derived directly from fluorescence readings within the central region of an amplification profile. However, a major challenge of implementing LRE quantification is the labor intensive nature of the analysis. Findings Utilizing the extensive resources that are available for developing Java-based software, the LRE Analyzer was written using the NetBeans IDE, and is built on top of the modular architecture and windowing system provided by the NetBeans Platform. This fully featured desktop application determines the number of target molecules within a sample with little or no intervention by the user, in addition to providing extensive database capabilities. MS Excel is used to import data, allowing LRE quantification to be conducted with any real-time PCR instrument that provides access to the raw fluorescence readings. An extensive help set also provides an in-depth introduction to LRE, in addition to guidelines on how to implement LRE quantification. Conclusions The LRE Analyzer provides the automated analysis and data storage capabilities required by large-scale qPCR projects wanting to exploit the many advantages of absolute quantification. Foremost is the universal perspective afforded by absolute quantification, which among other attributes, provides the ability to directly compare quantitative data produced by different assays and/or instruments. Furthermore, absolute quantification has important implications for gene expression profiling in that it provides the foundation for comparing transcript quantities produced by any gene with any other gene, within and between samples. PMID:21407812

Autoshaping as a psychophysical paradigm: Absolute visual sensitivity in the pigeon

PubMed Central

Passe, Dennis H.

1981-01-01

A classical conditioning procedure (autoshaping) was used to determine absolute visual threshold in the pigeon. This method provides the basis for a standardized visual psychophysical paradigm. PMID:16812228

Acute physiological responses to different circuit training protocols.

PubMed

Monteiro, A G; Alveno, D A; Prado, M; Monteiro, G A; Ugrinowitsch, C; Aoki, M S; Piçarro, I C

2008-12-01

The purpose of present study was to compare the acute physiological responses to a circuit weight training with the responses to a combined circuit training (weight training and treadmill run). The sample consisted of 25 individuals at an average state of training, 10 men and 15 female, between 18 and 35 year old. There were selected 60 second sets of resistance exercises to the circuit weight training (CWT). Whereas in the combined circuit training (CCT), the subjects spent 30 seconds on the same resistance exercises and 30 seconds running on the treadmill. The rest intervals between the sets lasted 15 seconds. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) with 5% significance level was utilized to the statistical analysis of the results. Comparing circuit training protocols, it was noted that CCT elicits a higher relative and absolute VO2 and energy expenditure values than CWT for both genders (P<0.05). Regarding inter-gender comparison, males showed higher absolute and relative VO2 and absolute energy expenditure values for both CWT and CCT than females (P<0.05). Females showed a significant greater %VO2max value for both CWT and CCT. Due to the experimental conditions used to state both circuit training bouts (CWT and CCT), the VO2 rate found was higher than the values reported by previous studies which used heavier weight lift. CCT seems adequate to produce cardiovascular improvements and greater energy expenditure for both men and women, while CWT group classes are sufficient only for unfit women.

New results from RENO & prospects with RENO-50

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joo, K. K.

2017-09-01

This paper briefly describes recent progress of RENO and next generation future prospect of the reactor neutrino oscillation experiment, RENO-50. Recently the RENO experiment has updated its latest value on sin22θ 13 and provided new results on 5 MeV excess, Δm2 ee, θ 13 with n-H analysis, absolute antineutrino flux measurement, and sterile neutrino search. It gives rich programs of neutrino properties, detector development, nuclear monitoring and application. Using reactor neutrinos, the future RENO-50 experiment will search for more precise measurement of θ 12, Δm 2 12 and mass hierarchy.

[A correlation between diffusion kurtosis imaging and the proliferative activity of brain glioma].

PubMed

Tonoyan, A S; Pronin, I N; Pitshelauri, D I; Shishkina, L V; Fadeeva, L M; Pogosbekyan, E L; Zakharova, N E; Shults, E I; Khachanova, N V; Kornienko, V N; Potapov, A A

2015-01-01

The aim of the study was to assess the capabilities of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) in diagnosis of the glioma proliferative activity and to evaluate a relationship between the glioma proliferative activity index and diffusion parameters of the contralateral normal appearing white matter (CNAWM). The study included 47 patients with newly diagnosed brain gliomas (23 low grade, 13 grade III, and 11 grade IV gliomas). We determined a relationship between absolute and normalized parameters of the diffusion tensor (mean (MD), axial (AD), and radial (RD) diffusivities; fractional (FA) and relative (RA) anisotropies) and diffusion kurtosis (mean (MK), axial (AK), and radial (RK) kurtosis; kurtosis anisotropy (KA)) and the proliferative activity index in the most malignant glioma parts (p<0.05). We also established a relationship between the tensor and kurtosis parameters of CNAWM and the glioma proliferative activity index (p<0.05). The correlation between all the absolute and normalized diffusion parameters and the glioma proliferative activity index, except absolute and normalized FA and RA values, was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Kurtosis (MK, AK, and RK) and anisotropy (KA, FA, RA) values increased, and diffusivity (MD, AD, RD) values decreased as the glioma proliferative activity index increased. A strong correlation between the proliferative activity index and absolute RK (r=0,71; p=0.000001) and normalized values of MK (r=0.8; p=0.000001), AK (r=0.71; p=0.000001), RK (r=0.81; p=0.000001), and RD (r=-0.71; p=0.000001) was found. A weak, but statistically significant correlation between the glioma proliferative activity index and diffusion values RK (r=-0.36; p=0.014), KA (r=-0.39; p=0.007), RD (r=0.35; p=0.017), FA (r=-0.42; p=0.003), and RA (r=-0.41; p=0.004) of CNAWM was found. DKI has good capabilities to detect immunohistochemical changes in gliomas. DKI demonstrated a high sensitivity in detection of microstructural changes in the contralateral normal appearing white matter in patients with brain gliomas.

How well do static electronic dipole polarizabilities from gas-phase experiments compare with density functional and MP2 computations?

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

Thakkar, Ajit J., E-mail: ajit@unb.ca; Wu, Taozhe

2015-10-14

Static electronic dipole polarizabilities for 135 molecules are calculated using second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory and six density functionals recently recommended for polarizabilities. Comparison is made with the best gas-phase experimental data. The lowest mean absolute percent deviations from the best experimental values for all 135 molecules are 3.03% and 3.08% for the LC-τHCTH and M11 functionals, respectively. Excluding the eight extreme outliers for which the experimental values are almost certainly in error, the mean absolute percent deviation for the remaining 127 molecules drops to 2.42% and 2.48% for the LC-τHCTH and M11 functionals, respectively. Detailed comparison enables us to identifymore » 32 molecules for which the discrepancy between the calculated and experimental values warrants further investigation.« less

Electron impact cross sections for the 2,2P state excitation of lithium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vuskovic, L.; Trajmar, S.; Register, D. F.

1982-01-01

Electron impact excitation of the 2p 2P state of Li was studied at 10, 20, 60, 100, 150 and 200 eV. Relative differential cross sections in the angular range 3-120 deg were measured and then normalized to the absolute scale by using the optical f value. Integral and momentum transfer cross sections were obtained by extrapolating the differential cross sections to 0 deg and to 180 deg. The question of normalizing electron-metal-atom collision cross sections in general was examined and the method of normalization to optical f values in particular was investigated in detail. It has been concluded that the extrapolation of the apparent generalized oscillator strength (obtained from the measured differential cross sections) to the zero momentum transfer limit with an expression using even powers of the momentum transfer and normalization of the limit to the optical f value yields reliable absolute cross sections.

Bäcklund transformation, analytic soliton solutions and numerical simulation for a (2+1)-dimensional complex Ginzburg-Landau equation in a nonlinear fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Ming-Xiao; Tian, Bo; Chai, Jun; Yin, Hui-Min; Du, Zhong

2017-10-01

In this paper, we investigate a nonlinear fiber described by a (2+1)-dimensional complex Ginzburg-Landau equation with the chromatic dispersion, optical filtering, nonlinear and linear gain. Bäcklund transformation in the bilinear form is constructed. With the modified bilinear method, analytic soliton solutions are obtained. For the soliton, the amplitude can decrease or increase when the absolute value of the nonlinear or linear gain is enlarged, and the width can be compressed or amplified when the absolute value of the chromatic dispersion or optical filtering is enhanced. We study the stability of the numerical solutions numerically by applying the increasing amplitude, embedding the white noise and adding the Gaussian pulse to the initial values based on the analytic solutions, which shows that the numerical solutions are stable, not influenced by the finite initial perturbations.

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

Huang, Huafeng; Colabello, Diane M.; Sklute, Elizabeth C.

The absolute absorption coefficient, α(E), is a critical design parameter for devices using semiconductors for light harvesting associated with renewable energy production, both for classic technologies such as photovoltaics and for emerging technologies such as direct solar fuel production. While α(E) is well-known for many classic simple semiconductors used in photovoltaic applications, the absolute values of α(E) are typically unknown for the complex semiconductors being explored for solar fuel production due to the absence of single crystals or crystalline epitaxial films that are needed for conventional methods of determining α(E). In this work, a simple self-referenced method for estimating bothmore » the refractive indices, n(E), and absolute absorption coefficients, α(E), for loose powder samples using diffuse reflectance data is demonstrated. In this method, the sample refractive index can be deduced by refining n to maximize the agreement between the relative absorption spectrum calculated from bidirectional reflectance data (calculated through a Hapke transform which depends on n) and integrating sphere diffuse reflectance data (calculated through a Kubleka–Munk transform which does not depend on n). This new method can be quickly used to screen the suitability of emerging semiconductor systems for light-harvesting applications. The effectiveness of this approach is tested using the simple classic semiconductors Ge and Fe 2O 3 as well as the complex semiconductors La 2MoO 5 and La 4Mo 2O 11. The method is shown to work well for powders with a narrow size distribution (exemplified by Fe 2O 3) and to be ineffective for semiconductors with a broad size distribution (exemplified by Ge). As such, it provides a means for rapidly estimating the absolute optical properties of complex solids which are only available as loose powders.« less

Age-related differences in rates of torque development and rise in EMG are eliminated by normalization.

PubMed

Jenkins, Nathaniel D M; Buckner, Samuel L; Cochrane, Kristen C; Bergstrom, Haley C; Palmer, Ty B; Johnson, Glen O; Schmidt, Richard J; Housh, Terry J; Cramer, Joel T

2014-09-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the voluntary and evoked, absolute and normalized leg extension rates of torque development (RTD) and rates of rise in electromyography (RER) during commonly reported time intervals in young and old men. Fourteen young men (21.9±3.2years) and 16 older men (72.3±7.3years) completed three evoked and three voluntary isometric leg extension muscle actions to quantify absolute voluntary (peak, 30, 50, 100, and 200ms) and evoked (peak, 30, 50, and 100ms) RTD and RER. All RTD values were normalized (nRTD) to peak torque, while RER values were normalized (nRER) to peak-to-peak M-wave amplitude (MPP). Absolute voluntary RTDs and RERs were 58-122% and 70-76% greater (p≤0.05) for the young men, respectively. However, there were no age-related differences (p>0.05) for voluntary nRTDs, absolute and normalized evoked RTDs, or voluntary nRER. MPP and evoked RER and nRER were greater (p≤0.05) for the young men. In addition, voluntary RTD was more reliable in the young than the older men. Normalizing RTD to peak torque and RER to M-wave amplitude eliminated the age-related differences and suggested that the age-related declines in RTD and RER were a result of reduced muscle strength and M-wave amplitude, respectively. Therefore, our findings questioned the value of RTD and RER measurements in the various time intervals for explaining sarcopenia and suggested that maximal strength and M-wave amplitude may be sufficient. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The National Football League Scouting Combine from 1999 to 2014: normative reference values and an examination of body mass normalization techniques.

PubMed

Nuzzo, James L

2015-02-01

The primary purpose of this study was to identify the most appropriate method for normalizing physical performance measures to body mass in American football players. Data were obtained from the population of players (n = 4,603) that completed the vertical jump, broad jump, 40-yd sprint, 20-yd shuttle, 3-cone drill, and bench press at the National Football League Scouting Combine from 1999 to 2014. Correlation coefficients were used to assess relationships between body mass and physical performance measures. For the entire group and each playing position, absolute (i.e., non-normalized) performance measures were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) correlated with body mass, indicating that normalization is warranted. Ratio scaling, however, was not appropriate for normalizing most performance measures because it merely reversed (and increased in magnitude) the significant correlations between body mass and performance. Allometric scaling with derived allometric parameters was appropriate for normalizing all performance measures because correlations between body mass and performance were near to zero and no longer statistically significant. However, the derived allometric parameters differed by playing position. Thus, when normalizing physical performance measures to body mass, strength and conditioning professionals should use allometric scaling with test- and position-specific allometric parameters. Additionally, in the current study, percentile rankings were generated to provide test- and position-specific normative reference values for the absolute measures. Until body mass normalization techniques are adopted more broadly, strength and conditioning professionals can use these normative references values to compare current players with those who have already participated in the Scouting Combine.

Absolute photoionization cross section of the ethyl radical in the range 8-11.5 eV: synchrotron and vacuum ultraviolet laser measurements.

PubMed

Gans, Bérenger; Garcia, Gustavo A; Boyé-Péronne, Séverine; Loison, Jean-Christophe; Douin, Stéphane; Gaie-Levrel, François; Gauyacq, Dolores

2011-06-02

The absolute photoionization cross section of C(2)H(5) has been measured at 10.54 eV using vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) laser photoionization. The C(2)H(5) radical was produced in situ using the rapid C(2)H(6) + F → C(2)H(5) + HF reaction. Its absolute photoionization cross section has been determined in two different ways: first using the C(2)H(5) + NO(2) → C(2)H(5)O + NO reaction in a fast flow reactor, and the known absolute photoionization cross section of NO. In a second experiment, it has been measured relative to the known absolute photoionization cross section of CH(3) as a reference by using the CH(4) + F → CH(3) + HF and C(2)H(6) + F → C(2)H(5) + HF reactions successively. Both methods gave similar results, the second one being more precise and yielding the value: σ(C(2)H(5))(ion) = (5.6 ± 1.4) Mb at 10.54 eV. This value is used to calibrate on an absolute scale the photoionization curve of C(2)H(5) produced in a pyrolytic source from the C(2)H(5)NO(2) precursor, and ionized by the VUV beam of the DESIRS beamline at SOLEIL synchrotron facility. In this latter experiment, a recently developed ion imaging technique is used to discriminate the direct photoionization process from dissociative ionization contributions to the C(2)H(5)(+) signal. The imaging technique applied on the photoelectron signal also allows a slow photoelectron spectrum with a 40 meV resolution to be extracted, indicating that photoionization around the adiabatic ionization threshold involves a complex vibrational overlap between the neutral and cationic ground states, as was previously observed in the literature. Comparison with earlier photoionization studies, in particular with the photoionization yield recorded by Ruscic et al. is also discussed. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Results from a U.S. Absolute Gravity Survey,

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-01-01

National Bureau of Standards. La . ... ,., 831A08 NOV -2- 1. Introduction We have recently completed an absolute gravity survey at twelve sites in the...Air Force Geophysics Laboratory (AFGL) and the Istituto di Metrologia -7- "G. Colonnetti" (IMGC) [Marson and Alasia, 1978, 19801. All three...for ab- solute measurements of the earth’s gravity, Metrologia , in press, 1982. L 4 !" Table 1. Gravity values transferred to the floor in gal (cm

The AFGL (Air Force Geophysics Laboratory) Absolute Gravity System’s Error Budget Revisted.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-05-08

also be induced by equipment not associated with the system. A systematic bias of 68 pgal was observed by the Istituto di Metrologia "G. Colonnetti...Laboratory Astrophysics, Univ. of Colo., Boulder, Colo. IMGC: Istituto di Metrologia "G. Colonnetti", Torino, Italy Table 1. Absolute Gravity Values...measurements were made with three Model D and three Model G La Coste-Romberg gravity meters. These instruments were operated by the following agencies

Energy Monitoring and Control Systems Inspection Guidelines.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-12-01

When the pressure port is exposed to atmosphere, the transducer will indicate zero PSIG. An absolute pressure transducer measures pressure referenced...Environment. dbm: A measure of absolute power values. Zero dbm equals one milliwatt. Data Transmission Transmission equipment including cables and Media (DTM...the four listed, type "K" is the most linear of the T/C’s and type "E" has the highest voltage per degree farenheit . Some advantages of thermo- couples

Excited-state structure and electronic dephasing time of Nile blue from absolute resonance Raman intensities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lawless, Mary K.; Mathies, Richard A.

1992-06-01

Absolute resonance Raman cross sections are measured for Nile blue 690 perchlorate dissolved in ethylene glycol with excitation at 514, 531, and 568 nm. These values and the absorption spectrum are modeled using a time-dependent wave packet formalism. The excited-state equilibrium geometry changes are quantitated for 40 resonance Raman active modes, seven of which (590, 1141, 1351, 1429, 1492, 1544, and 1640 cm-1 ) carry 70% of the total resonance Raman intensity. This demonstrates that in addition to the prominent 590 and 1640 cm-1 modes, a large number of vibrational degrees of freedom are Franck-Condon coupled to the electronic transition. After exposure of the explicit vibrational progressions, the residual absorption linewidth is separated into its homogeneous [350 cm-1 half-width at half-maximum (HWHM)] and inhomogeneous (313 cm-1 HWHM) components through an analysis of the absolute Raman cross sections. The value of the electronic dephasing time derived from this study (25 fs) compares well to previously published results. These data should be valuable in multimode modeling of femtosecond experiments on Nile blue.

Standardization approaches in absolute quantitative proteomics with mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Calderón-Celis, Francisco; Encinar, Jorge Ruiz; Sanz-Medel, Alfredo

2017-07-31

Mass spectrometry-based approaches have enabled important breakthroughs in quantitative proteomics in the last decades. This development is reflected in the better quantitative assessment of protein levels as well as to understand post-translational modifications and protein complexes and networks. Nowadays, the focus of quantitative proteomics shifted from the relative determination of proteins (ie, differential expression between two or more cellular states) to absolute quantity determination, required for a more-thorough characterization of biological models and comprehension of the proteome dynamism, as well as for the search and validation of novel protein biomarkers. However, the physico-chemical environment of the analyte species affects strongly the ionization efficiency in most mass spectrometry (MS) types, which thereby require the use of specially designed standardization approaches to provide absolute quantifications. Most common of such approaches nowadays include (i) the use of stable isotope-labeled peptide standards, isotopologues to the target proteotypic peptides expected after tryptic digestion of the target protein; (ii) use of stable isotope-labeled protein standards to compensate for sample preparation, sample loss, and proteolysis steps; (iii) isobaric reagents, which after fragmentation in the MS/MS analysis provide a final detectable mass shift, can be used to tag both analyte and standard samples; (iv) label-free approaches in which the absolute quantitative data are not obtained through the use of any kind of labeling, but from computational normalization of the raw data and adequate standards; (v) elemental mass spectrometry-based workflows able to provide directly absolute quantification of peptides/proteins that contain an ICP-detectable element. A critical insight from the Analytical Chemistry perspective of the different standardization approaches and their combinations used so far for absolute quantitative MS-based (molecular and elemental) proteomics is provided in this review. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Color fluctuations in hadrons and proton coherent diffractive dissociation on helium

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

Strikman, M.; Guzey, V.

The differential cross section of inelastic coherent diffractive dissociation off nuclei {ital p}+{sup 4}He {r_arrow}{ital X}+{sup 4}He is expressed in terms of the relative cumulants of the cross-section distribution {ital P}{sub {ital N}}({sigma}). The theoretical result for the ratio {ital r}=({ital d}{sigma}{sub diff}/{ital dt}){sub {ital t}=0}{sup {ital p}He}/({ital d}{sigma}{sub diff}/{ital dt}) {sub {ital t}=0}{sup {ital pp}}=6.8--7.6 is close to the value {ital r}=7.1{plus_minus}0.7 which we extracted from the FNAL data. These are the only {ital A}{gt}2 data of this kind. The comparison provides the first confirmation of the color/cross-section fluctuation approach to the description of the absolute value of themore » inelastic diffraction cross section off nuclei. It provides also a new constraint on the first four cumulants of the cross-section distribution.« less

RaptorX-Angle: real-value prediction of protein backbone dihedral angles through a hybrid method of clustering and deep learning.

PubMed

Gao, Yujuan; Wang, Sheng; Deng, Minghua; Xu, Jinbo

2018-05-08

Protein dihedral angles provide a detailed description of protein local conformation. Predicted dihedral angles can be used to narrow down the conformational space of the whole polypeptide chain significantly, thus aiding protein tertiary structure prediction. However, direct angle prediction from sequence alone is challenging. In this article, we present a novel method (named RaptorX-Angle) to predict real-valued angles by combining clustering and deep learning. Tested on a subset of PDB25 and the targets in the latest two Critical Assessment of protein Structure Prediction (CASP), our method outperforms the existing state-of-art method SPIDER2 in terms of Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCC) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). Our result also shows approximately linear relationship between the real prediction errors and our estimated bounds. That is, the real prediction error can be well approximated by our estimated bounds. Our study provides an alternative and more accurate prediction of dihedral angles, which may facilitate protein structure prediction and functional study.

Radiometric Characterization Results for the IKONOS, Quickbird, and OrbView-3 Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holekamp, Kara; Aaron, David; Thome, Kurtis

2006-01-01

Radiometric calibration of commercial imaging satellite products is required to ensure that science and application communities better understand commercial imaging satellite properties. Inaccurate radiometric calibrations can lead to erroneous decisions and invalid conclusions and can limit intercomparisons with other systems. To address this calibration need, the NASA Applied Sciences Directorate (ASD) at Stennis Space Center established a commercial satellite imaging radiometric calibration team consisting of three independent groups: NASA ASD, the University of Arizona Remote Sensing Group, and South Dakota State University. Each group independently determined the absolute radiometric calibration coefficients of available high-spatial-resolution commercial 4-band multispectral products, in the visible though near-infrared spectrum, from GeoEye(tradeMark) (formerly SpaceImaging(Registered TradeMark)) IKONOS, DigitalGlobe(Regitered TradeMark) QuickBird, and GeoEye (formerly ORBIMAGE(Registered TradeMark) OrbView. Each team member employed some variant of reflectance-based vicarious calibration approach, requiring ground-based measurements coincident with image acquisitions and radiative transfer calculations. Several study sites throughout the United States that covered a significant portion of the sensor's dynamic range were employed. Satellite at-sensor radiance values were compared to those estimated by each independent team member to evaluate the sensor's radiometric accuracy. The combined results of this evaluation provide the user community with an independent assessment of these sensors' absolute calibration values.

Precision absolute-value amplifier for a precision voltmeter

DOEpatents

Hearn, W.E.; Rondeau, D.J.

1982-10-19

Bipolar inputs are afforded by the plus inputs of first and second differential input amplifiers. A first gain determining resistor is connected between the minus inputs of the differential amplifiers. First and second diodes are connected between the respective minus inputs and the respective outputs of the differential amplifiers. First and second FETs have their gates connected to the outputs of the amplifiers, while their respective source and drain circuits are connected between the respective minus inputs and an output lead extending to a load resistor. The output current through the load resistor is proportional to the absolute value of the input voltage difference between the bipolar input terminals. A third differential amplifier has its plus input terminal connected to the load resistor. A second gain determining resistor is connected between the minus input of the third differential amplifier and a voltage source. A third FET has its gate connected to the output of the third amplifier. The source and drain circuit of the third transistor is connected between the minus input of the third amplifier and a voltage-frequency converter, constituting an output device. A polarity detector is also provided, comprising a pair of transistors having their inputs connected to the outputs of the first and second differential amplifiers. The outputs of the polarity detector are connected to gates which switch the output of the voltage-frequency converter between up and down counting outputs.

Precision absolute value amplifier for a precision voltmeter

DOEpatents

Hearn, William E.; Rondeau, Donald J.

1985-01-01

Bipolar inputs are afforded by the plus inputs of first and second differential input amplifiers. A first gain determining resister is connected between the minus inputs of the differential amplifiers. First and second diodes are connected between the respective minus inputs and the respective outputs of the differential amplifiers. First and second FETs have their gates connected to the outputs of the amplifiers, while their respective source and drain circuits are connected between the respective minus inputs and an output lead extending to a load resister. The output current through the load resister is proportional to the absolute value of the input voltage difference between the bipolar input terminals. A third differential amplifier has its plus input terminal connected to the load resister. A second gain determining resister is connected between the minus input of the third differential amplifier and a voltage source. A third FET has its gate connected to the output of the third amplifier. The source and drain circuit of the third transistor is connected between the minus input of the third amplifier and a voltage-frequency converter, constituting an output device. A polarity detector is also provided, comprising a pair of transistors having their inputs connected to the outputs of the first and second differential amplifiers. The outputs of the polarity detector are connected to gates which switch the output of the voltage-frequency converter between up and down counting outputs.

In vivo THz sensing of the cornea of the eye

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozheredov, Ilya; Prokopchuk, Mikhail; Mischenko, Mikhail; Safonova, Tatiana; Solyankin, Petr; Larichev, Andrey; Angeluts, Andrey; Balakin, Alexei; Shkurinov, Alexander

2018-05-01

Measurement of the absolute value of the humidity of the cornea of the human eye and its dynamics is of paramount importance for the preservation of eyesight. In the present paper we have demonstrated that terahertz technologies can be practically applied for quantitative measurement of the physiological dynamics of tear film and sensing of corneal tissue hydration. We suggest uses of the equipment for application in clinics and a method for absolute calibration of the values for measurement. The proposed method is fundamentally different from existing and currently available methods of ophthalmological diagnosis. This suggests that the developed technique may have high diagnostic significance and can be used in the study and treatment of several diseases of the ocular surface.

Comparison of high energy gamma rays from absolute value of b greater than 30 deg with the galactic neutral hydrogen distribution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ozel, M. E.; Ogelman, H.; Tumer, T.; Fichtel, C. E.; Hartman, R. C.; Kniffen, D. A.; Thompson, F. J.

1978-01-01

High-energy gamma-ray (energy above 35 MeV) data from the SAS 2 satellite have been used to compare the intensity distribution of gamma rays with that of neutral hydrogen (H I) density along the line of sight, at high galactic latitudes (absolute values greater than 30 deg). A model has been constructed for the case where the observed gamma-ray intensity has been assumed to be the sum of a galactic component proportional to the H I distribution plus an isotropic extragalactic emission. A chi-squared test of the model parameters indicates that about 30% of the total high-latitude emission may originate within the Galaxy.

Superslow relaxation in identical phase oscillators with random and frustrated interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daido, H.

2018-04-01

This paper is concerned with the relaxation dynamics of a large population of identical phase oscillators, each of which interacts with all the others through random couplings whose parameters obey the same Gaussian distribution with the average equal to zero and are mutually independent. The results obtained by numerical simulation suggest that for the infinite-size system, the absolute value of Kuramoto's order parameter exhibits superslow relaxation, i.e., 1/ln t as time t increases. Moreover, the statistics on both the transient time T for the system to reach a fixed point and the absolute value of Kuramoto's order parameter at t = T are also presented together with their distribution densities over many realizations of the coupling parameters.

Automatic solar image motion measurements. [electronic disk flux monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Colgate, S. A.; Moore, E. P.

1975-01-01

The solar seeing image motion has been monitored electronically and absolutely with a 25 cm telescope at three sites along the ridge at the southern end of the Magdalena Mountains west of Socorro, New Mexico. The uncorrelated component of the variations of the optical flux from two points at opposite limbs of the solar disk was continually monitored in 3 frequencies centered at 0.3, 3 and 30 Hz. The frequency band of maximum signal centered at 3 Hz showed the average absolute value of image motion to be somewhat less than 2sec. The observer estimates of combined blurring and image motion were well correlated with electronically measured image motion, but the observer estimates gave a factor 2 larger value.

File Carving and Malware Identification Algorithms Applied to Firmware Reverse Engineering

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-21

33 3.5 Performance Metrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 3.6 Experimental...consider a byte value rate-of-change frequency metric [32]. Their system calculates the absolute value of the distance between all consecutive bytes, then...the rate-of-change means and standard deviations. Karresand and Shahmehri use the same distance metric for both byte value frequency and rate-of-change

Experimental verification of a commercial Monte Carlo-based dose calculation module for high-energy photon beams.

PubMed

Künzler, Thomas; Fotina, Irina; Stock, Markus; Georg, Dietmar

2009-12-21

The dosimetric performance of a Monte Carlo algorithm as implemented in a commercial treatment planning system (iPlan, BrainLAB) was investigated. After commissioning and basic beam data tests in homogenous phantoms, a variety of single regular beams and clinical field arrangements were tested in heterogeneous conditions (conformal therapy, arc therapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy including simultaneous integrated boosts). More specifically, a cork phantom containing a concave-shaped target was designed to challenge the Monte Carlo algorithm in more complex treatment cases. All test irradiations were performed on an Elekta linac providing 6, 10 and 18 MV photon beams. Absolute and relative dose measurements were performed with ion chambers and near tissue equivalent radiochromic films which were placed within a transverse plane of the cork phantom. For simple fields, a 1D gamma (gamma) procedure with a 2% dose difference and a 2 mm distance to agreement (DTA) was applied to depth dose curves, as well as to inplane and crossplane profiles. The average gamma value was 0.21 for all energies of simple test cases. For depth dose curves in asymmetric beams similar gamma results as for symmetric beams were obtained. Simple regular fields showed excellent absolute dosimetric agreement to measurement values with a dose difference of 0.1% +/- 0.9% (1 standard deviation) at the dose prescription point. A more detailed analysis at tissue interfaces revealed dose discrepancies of 2.9% for an 18 MV energy 10 x 10 cm(2) field at the first density interface from tissue to lung equivalent material. Small fields (2 x 2 cm(2)) have their largest discrepancy in the re-build-up at the second interface (from lung to tissue equivalent material), with a local dose difference of about 9% and a DTA of 1.1 mm for 18 MV. Conformal field arrangements, arc therapy, as well as IMRT beams and simultaneous integrated boosts were in good agreement with absolute dose measurements in the heterogeneous phantom. For the clinical test cases, the average dose discrepancy was 0.5% +/- 1.1%. Relative dose investigations of the transverse plane for clinical beam arrangements were performed with a 2D gamma-evaluation procedure. For 3% dose difference and 3 mm DTA criteria, the average value for gamma(>1) was 4.7% +/- 3.7%, the average gamma(1%) value was 1.19 +/- 0.16 and the mean 2D gamma-value was 0.44 +/- 0.07 in the heterogeneous phantom. The iPlan MC algorithm leads to accurate dosimetric results under clinical test conditions.

Performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation feedback systems in a long-distance train with distributed traction.

PubMed

González-Otero, Digna M; de Gauna, Sofía Ruiz; Ruiz, Jesus; Rivero, Raquel; Gutierrez, J J; Saiz, Purificación; Russell, James K

2018-04-20

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is common in public locations, including public transportation sites. Feedback devices are increasingly being used to improve chest-compression quality. However, their performance during public transportation has not been studied yet. To test two CPR feedback devices representative of the current technologies (accelerometer and electromag- netic-field) in a long-distance train. Volunteers applied compressions on a manikin during the train route using both feedback devices. Depth and rate measurements computed by the devices were compared to the gold-standard values. Sixty-four 4-min records were acquired. The accelerometer-based device provided visual help in all experiments. Median absolute errors in depth and rate were 2.4 mm and 1.3 compressions per minute (cpm) during conventional speed, and 2.5 mm and 1.2 cpm during high speed. The electromagnetic-field-based device never provided CPR feedback; alert messages were shown instead. However, measurements were stored in its internal memory. Absolute errors for depth and rate were 2.6 mm and 0.7 cpm during conventional speed, and 2.6 mm and 0.7 cpm during high speed. Both devices were accurate despite the accelerations and the electromagnetic interferences induced by the train. However, the electromagnetic-field-based device would require modifications to avoid excessive alerts impeding feedback.

Optical factors determined by the T-matrix method in turbidity measurement of absolute coagulation rate constants.

PubMed

Xu, Shenghua; Liu, Jie; Sun, Zhiwei

2006-12-01

Turbidity measurement for the absolute coagulation rate constants of suspensions has been extensively adopted because of its simplicity and easy implementation. A key factor in deriving the rate constant from experimental data is how to theoretically evaluate the so-called optical factor involved in calculating the extinction cross section of doublets formed during aggregation. In a previous paper, we have shown that compared with other theoretical approaches, the T-matrix method provides a robust solution to this problem and is effective in extending the applicability range of the turbidity methodology, as well as increasing measurement accuracy. This paper will provide a more comprehensive discussion of the physical insight for using the T-matrix method in turbidity measurement and associated technical details. In particular, the importance of ensuring the correct value for the refractive indices for colloidal particles and the surrounding medium used in the calculation is addressed, because the indices generally vary with the wavelength of the incident light. The comparison of calculated results with experiments shows that the T-matrix method can correctly calculate optical factors even for large particles, whereas other existing theories cannot. In addition, the data of the optical factor calculated by the T-matrix method for a range of particle radii and incident light wavelengths are listed.

Antiausterity activity of arctigenin enantiomers: importance of (2R,3R)-absolute configuration.

PubMed

Awale, Suresh; Kato, Mamoru; Dibwe, Dya Fita; Li, Feng; Miyoshi, Chika; Esumi, Hiroyasu; Kadota, Shigetoshi; Tezuka, Yasuhiro

2014-01-01

From a MeOH extract of powdered roots of Wikstroemia indica, six dibenzyl-gamma-butyrolactone-type lignans with (2S,3S)-absolute configuration [(+)-arctigenin (1), (+)-matairesinol (2), (+)-trachelogenin (3), (+)-nortrachelogenin (4), (+)-hinokinin (5), and (+)-kusunokinin (6)] were isolated, whereas three dibenzyl-gamma-butyrolactone-type lignans with (2R,3R)-absolute configuration [(-)-arctigenin (1*), (-)-matairesinol (2*), (-)-trachelogenin (3*)] were isolated from Trachelospermum asiaticum. The in vitro preferential cytotoxic activity of the nine compounds was evaluated against human pancreatic PANC-1 cancer cells in nutrient-deprived medium (NDM), but none of the six lignans (1-6) with (2S,3S)-absolute configuration showed preferential cytotoxicity. On the other hand, three lignans (1*-3*) with (2R,3R)-absolute configuration exhibited preferential cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner with PC50 values of 0.54, 6.82, and 5.85 microM, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of (-)- and (+)-arctigenin was evaluated against the activation of Akt, which is a key process in the tolerance to nutrition starvation. Interestingly, only (-)-arctigenin (1*) strongly suppressed the activation of Akt. These results indicate that the (2R,3R)-absolute configuration of (-)-enantiomers should be required for the preferential cytotoxicity through the inhibition of Akt activation.

Comparing quantitative values of two generations of laser-assisted indocyanine green dye angiography systems: can we predict necrosis?

PubMed

Phillips, Brett T; Fourman, Mitchell S; Rivara, Andrew; Dagum, Alexander B; Huston, Tara L; Ganz, Jason C; Bui, Duc T; Khan, Sami U

2014-01-01

Several devices exist today to assist the intraoperative determination of skin flap perfusion. Laser-Assisted Indocyanine Green Dye Angiography (LAICGA) has been shown to accurately predict mastectomy skin flap necrosis using quantitative perfusion values. The laser properties of the latest LAICGA device (SPY Elite) differ significantly from its predecessor system (SPY 2001), preventing direct translation of previous published data. The purpose of this study was to establish a mathematical relationship of perfusion values between these 2 devices. Breast reconstruction patients were prospectively enrolled into a clinical trial where skin flap evaluation and excision was based on quantitative SPY Q values previously established in the literature. Initial study patients underwent mastectomy skin flap evaluation using both SPY systems simultaneously. Absolute perfusion unit (APU) values at identical locations on the breast were then compared graphically. 210 data points were identified on the same patients (n = 4) using both SPY systems. A linear relationship (y = 2.9883x + 12.726) was identified with a high level or correlation (R(2) = 0.744). Previously published values using SPY 2001 (APU 3.7) provided a value of 23.8 APU on the SPY Elite. In addition, postoperative necrosis in these patients correlated to regions of skin identified with the SPY Elite with APU less than 23.8. Intraoperative comparison of LAICGA systems has provided direct correlation of perfusion values predictive of necrosis that were previously established in the literature. An APU value of 3.7 from the SPY 2001 correlates to a SPY Elite APU value of 23.8.

Comparing Quantitative Values of Two Generations of Laser-Assisted Indocyanine Green Dye Angiography Systems: Can We Predict Necrosis?

PubMed Central

Fourman, Mitchell S.; Rivara, Andrew; Dagum, Alexander B.; Huston, Tara L.; Ganz, Jason C.; Bui, Duc T.; Khan, Sami U.

2014-01-01

Objective: Several devices exist today to assist the intraoperative determination of skin flap perfusion. Laser-Assisted Indocyanine Green Dye Angiography (LAICGA) has been shown to accurately predict mastectomy skin flap necrosis using quantitative perfusion values. The laser properties of the latest LAICGA device (SPY Elite) differ significantly from its predecessor system (SPY 2001), preventing direct translation of previous published data. The purpose of this study was to establish a mathematical relationship of perfusion values between these 2 devices. Methods: Breast reconstruction patients were prospectively enrolled into a clinical trial where skin flap evaluation and excision was based on quantitative SPY Q values previously established in the literature. Initial study patients underwent mastectomy skin flap evaluation using both SPY systems simultaneously. Absolute perfusion unit (APU) values at identical locations on the breast were then compared graphically. Results: 210 data points were identified on the same patients (n = 4) using both SPY systems. A linear relationship (y = 2.9883x + 12.726) was identified with a high level or correlation (R2 = 0.744). Previously published values using SPY 2001 (APU 3.7) provided a value of 23.8 APU on the SPY Elite. In addition, postoperative necrosis in these patients correlated to regions of skin identified with the SPY Elite with APU less than 23.8. Conclusion: Intraoperative comparison of LAICGA systems has provided direct correlation of perfusion values predictive of necrosis that were previously established in the literature. An APU value of 3.7 from the SPY 2001 correlates to a SPY Elite APU value of 23.8. PMID:25525483

The Steep Ramp Test in Dutch white children and adolescents: age- and sex-related normative values.

PubMed

Bongers, Bart C; de Vries, Sanne I; Obeid, Joyce; van Buuren, Stef; Helders, Paul J M; Takken, Tim

2013-11-01

The Steep Ramp Test (SRT), a feasible, reliable, and valid exercise test on a cycle ergometer, may be more appealing for use in children in daily clinical practice than the traditional cardiopulmonary exercise test because of its short duration, its resemblance to children's daily activity patterns, and the fact that it does not require respiratory gas analysis. The aim of the present study was to provide sex- and age-related normative values for SRT performance in Dutch white children and adolescents who were healthy and 8 to 19 years old. This was a cross-sectional, observational study. A total of 252 Dutch white children and adolescents, 118 boys (mean age=13.4 years, SD=3.0) and 134 girls (mean age=13.4 years, SD=2.9), performed the SRT (work rate increment of 10, 15, or 20 W·10 s(-1), depending on body height) to voluntary exhaustion to assess peak work rate (WRpeak). Normative values are presented as reference centiles developed by use of generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape. Peak work rate correlated highly with age (r=.915 and r=.811), body mass (r=.870 and r=.850), body height (r=.922 and r=.896), body surface area (r=.906 and r=.885), and fat free mass (r=.930 and r=.902) in boys and girls, respectively. The reference curves demonstrated an almost linear increase in WRpeak with age in boys, even when WRpeak was normalized for body mass. In contrast, absolute WRpeak in girls increased constantly until the age of approximately 13 years, when it started to level off. Peak work rate normalized for body mass in girls showed only a slight increase with age until 14 years of age, when a slight decrease in relative WRpeak was observed. The sample may not have been entirely representative of the Dutch population. The present study provides sex- and age-related normative values for SRT performance in terms of both absolute WRpeak and relative WRpeak, thereby facilitating the interpretation of SRT results by clinicians and researchers.

A New Gimmick for Assigning Absolute Configuration.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ayorinde, F. O.

1983-01-01

A five-step procedure is provided to help students in making the assignment absolute configuration less bothersome. Examples for both single (2-butanol) and multi-chiral carbon (3-chloro-2-butanol) molecules are included. (JN)

Normal references of right ventricular strain values by two-dimensional strain echocardiography according to the age and gender.

PubMed

Park, Jae-Hyeong; Choi, Jin-Oh; Park, Seung Woo; Cho, Goo-Yeong; Oh, Jin Kyung; Lee, Jae-Hwan; Seong, In-Whan

2018-02-01

Right ventricular (RV) strain values by 2-dimensional strain echocardiography (STE) can be used as objective markers of RV systolic function. However, there is little data about normal reference RV strain values according to age and gender. We measured normal RV strain values by STE. RV strain values were analyzed from the digitally stored echocardiographic images from NORMAL (Normal echOcardiogRaphic diMensions and functions in KoreAn popuLation) study for the measurement of normal echocardiographic values performed in 23 Korean university hospitals. We enrolled total 1003 healthy persons in the NORMAL study. Of them, we analyzed 2-dimensional RV strain values in 493 subjects (261 females, mean 47 ± 15 years old) only with echocardiographic images by GE machines. Their LV systolic and diastolic functions were normal. RV fractional area change was 48 ± 6% and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion was 23 ± 3 mm. Total RV global longitudinal peak systolic strain (RVGLS total ) was -21.5 ± 3.2%. Females had higher absolute RVGLS total (-22.3 ± 3.3 vs -20.7 ± 2.9%, p < 0.001) than males. Younger (<50 years old) females had higher absolute RVGLS total (-22.9 ± 3.2 vs -20.5 ± 2.8%, p < 0.001) than age matched males. RVGLS total in females gradually increased according to age (p for trend = 0.002) and becomes almost similar in age ≥50 years. However, this trend was not seen in males (p for trend = 0.287), and younger males had similar RVGLS total value to that of older males (age ≥50 years, -20.5 ± 2.8 vs -20.9 ± 3.1%, p = 0.224). We calculated normal RVGLS values in normal population. Females have higher absolute strain values than males, especially in younger age groups (<50 years old).

Sexual Values of 783 Undergraduates

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richey, Emily; Knox, David; Zusman, Marty

2009-01-01

The sexual values of absolutism (abstinence until marriage), relativism (sexual decisions made in reference to the nature of the relationship), and hedonism ("if it feels good, do it") were assessed in a convenience sample of 783 undergraduate students at a large southeastern university. Results revealed that relativism (62.1%) was the predominate…

Linear Stability Analysis of Gravitational Effects on a Low-Density Gas Jet Injected into a High-Density Medium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lawson, Anthony L.; Parthasarathy, Ramkumar N.

2005-01-01

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of buoyancy on the absolute instability of low-density gas jets injected into high-density gas mediums. Most of the existing analyses of low-density gas jets injected into a high-density ambient have been carried out neglecting effects of gravity. In order to investigate the influence of gravity on the near-injector development of the flow, a spatio-temporal stability analysis of a low-density round jet injected into a high-density ambient gas was performed. The flow was assumed to be isothermal and locally parallel; viscous and diffusive effects were ignored. The variables were represented as the sum of the mean value and a normal-mode small disturbance. An ordinary differential equation governing the amplitude of the pressure disturbance was derived. The velocity and density profiles in the shear layer, and the Froude number (signifying the effects of gravity) were the three important parameters in this equation. Together with the boundary conditions, an eigenvalue problem was formulated. Assuming that the velocity and density profiles in the shear layer to be represented by hyperbolic tangent functions, the eigenvalue problem was solved for various values of Froude number. The Briggs-Bers criterion was combined with the spatio-temporal stability analysis to determine the nature of the absolute instability of the jet whether absolutely or convectively unstable. The roles of the density ratio, Froude number, Schmidt number, and the lateral shift between the density and velocity profiles on the absolute instability of the jet were determined. Comparisons of the results with previous experimental studies show good agreement when the effects of these variables are combined together. Thus, the combination of these variables determines how absolutely unstable the jet will be.

Context-dependent preferences in starlings: linking ecology, foraging and choice.

PubMed

Vasconcelos, Marco; Monteiro, Tiago; Kacelnik, Alex

2013-01-01

Foraging animals typically encounter opportunities that they either pursue or skip, but occasionally meet several alternatives simultaneously. Behavioural ecologists predict preferences using absolute properties of each option, while decision theorists focus on relative evaluations at the time of choice. We use European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) to integrate ecological reasoning with decision models, linking and testing hypotheses for value acquisition and choice mechanism. We hypothesise that options' values depend jointly on absolute attributes, learning context, and subject's state. In simultaneous choices, preference could result either from comparing subjective values using deliberation time, or from processing each alternative independently, without relative comparisons. The combination of the value acquisition hypothesis and independent processing at choice time has been called the Sequential Choice Model. We test this model with options equated in absolute properties to exclude the possibility of preference being built at the time of choice. Starlings learned to obtain food by responding to four stimuli in two contexts. In context [AB], they encountered options A5 or B10 in random alternation; in context [CD], they met C10 or D20. Delay to food is denoted, in seconds, by the suffixes. Observed latency to respond (Li) to each option alone (our measure of value) ranked thus: LA≈LC

An Interlaboratory Evaluation of Drift Tube Ion Mobility–Mass Spectrometry Collision Cross Section Measurements

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

Stow, Sarah M.; Causon, Tim J.; Zheng, Xueyun

Collision cross section (CCS) measurements resulting from ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) experiments provide a promising orthogonal dimension of structural information in MS-based analytical separations. As with any molecular identifier, interlaboratory standardization must precede broad range integration into analytical workflows. In this study, we present a reference drift tube ion mobility mass spectrometer (DTIM-MS) where improvements on the measurement accuracy of experimental parameters influencing IM separations provide standardized drift tube, nitrogen CCS values (DTCCSN2) for over 120 unique ion species with the lowest measurement uncertainty to date. The reproducibility of these DTCCSN2 values are evaluated across three additional laboratories on amore » commercially available DTIM-MS instrument. The traditional stepped field CCS method performs with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.29% for all ion species across the three additional laboratories. The calibrated single field CCS method, which is compatible with a wide range of chromatographic inlet systems, performs with an average, absolute bias of 0.54% to the standardized stepped field DTCCSN2 values on the reference system. The low RSD and biases observed in this interlaboratory study illustrate the potential of DTIM-MS for providing a molecular identifier for a broad range of discovery based analyses.« less

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

Klemt, M.

Relative oscillator strengths of 139 Til lines were determined from emission measurements of a three chamber electric arc burning in an argon atmosphere. Introducing a small admixture of titanium chloride into the center of the arc, spectra of titanium could be observed end-on with no self-absorption and no selfreversal of the measured lines. The relative oscillator strengths were obtained from the Til line intensities and the measured arc temperature. Using absolute oscillator strengths of three resonance lines which had been measured by Reinke (1967), and several life time measurements from Hese (1970), Witt et al. (1971) and Andersen and Sorensenmore » (1972), the relative oscillator strengths were converted to an absolute scale. The accuracy of these absolute values is in the range of 20% to 40%. (auth)« less

Against Laplacian Reduction of Newtonian Mass to Spatiotemporal Quantities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martens, Niels C. M.

2018-05-01

Laplace wondered about the minimal choice of initial variables and parameters corresponding to a well-posed initial value problem. Discussions of Laplace's problem in the literature have focused on choosing between spatiotemporal variables relative to absolute space (i.e. substantivalism) or merely relative to other material bodies (i.e. relationalism) and between absolute masses (i.e. absolutism) or merely mass ratios (i.e. comparativism). This paper extends these discussions of Laplace's problem, in the context of Newtonian Gravity, by asking whether mass needs to be included in the initial state at all, or whether a purely spatiotemporal initial state suffices. It is argued that mass indeed needs to be included; removing mass from the initial state drastically reduces the predictive and explanatory power of Newtonian Gravity.

Against Laplacian Reduction of Newtonian Mass to Spatiotemporal Quantities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martens, Niels C. M.

2018-03-01

Laplace wondered about the minimal choice of initial variables and parameters corresponding to a well-posed initial value problem. Discussions of Laplace's problem in the literature have focused on choosing between spatiotemporal variables relative to absolute space (i.e. substantivalism) or merely relative to other material bodies (i.e. relationalism) and between absolute masses (i.e. absolutism) or merely mass ratios (i.e. comparativism). This paper extends these discussions of Laplace's problem, in the context of Newtonian Gravity, by asking whether mass needs to be included in the initial state at all, or whether a purely spatiotemporal initial state suffices. It is argued that mass indeed needs to be included; removing mass from the initial state drastically reduces the predictive and explanatory power of Newtonian Gravity.

Neural and Muscular Contributions to the Age-Related Reductions in Rapid Strength.

PubMed

Gerstner, Gena R; Thompson, Brennan J; Rosenberg, Joseph G; Sobolewski, Eric J; Scharville, Michael J; Ryan, Eric D

2017-07-01

The purposes of this study were to investigate the age-related differences in absolute and normalized plantarflexion rate of torque development (RTD) at early (0-50 ms) and late (100-200 ms) time intervals and to examine specific neural and muscular mechanisms contributing to these differences. Thirty-two young (20.0 ± 2.1 yr) and 20 older (69.5 ± 3.3 yr) recreationally active men performed rapid plantarflexion isometric muscle actions to examine absolute and normalized RTD and muscle activation using EMG at early and late time intervals. Ultrasonography was used to examine medial gastrocnemius muscle size, echo intensity (EI), and muscle architecture (fascicle length [FL] and pennation angle [PA]). The older men were weaker (23.9%, P < 0.001) and had lower later absolute and normalized RTD (P = 0.001-0.034) variables when compared with the young men. The older men also had higher EI (P < 0.001), smaller PA (P = 0.004), and lower later EMG amplitude values (P = 0.009-0.046). However, there were no differences in early RTD and EMG amplitude values, muscle size, or FL between groups (P = 0.097-0.914). Lower late RTD values were related to higher EI, smaller PA, and lower EMG amplitude values (r = -0.28-0.59, P = 0.001-0.044); however, late RTD values were no longer related to PA after normalizing to peak torque. Age-related alterations in muscle quality (EI), architecture, and muscle activation may influence rapid torque production at late time intervals (≥100 ms) from contraction onset. These findings highlight specific neuromuscular factors that influence the age-related reductions in RTD, which has been shown to significantly influence function and performance in older adults.

Evaluation of factors affecting CGMS calibration.

PubMed

Buckingham, Bruce A; Kollman, Craig; Beck, Roy; Kalajian, Andrea; Fiallo-Scharer, Rosanna; Tansey, Michael J; Fox, Larry A; Wilson, Darrell M; Weinzimer, Stuart A; Ruedy, Katrina J; Tamborlane, William V

2006-06-01

The optimal number/timing of calibrations entered into the CGMS (Medtronic MiniMed, Northridge, CA) continuous glucose monitoring system have not been previously described. Fifty subjects with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (10-18 years old) were hospitalized in a clinical research center for approximately 24 h on two separate days. CGMS and OneTouch Ultra meter (LifeScan, Milpitas, CA) data were obtained. The CGMS was retrospectively recalibrated using the Ultra data varying the number and timing of calibrations. Resulting CGMS values were compared against laboratory reference values. There was a modest improvement in accuracy with increasing number of calibrations. The median relative absolute deviation (RAD) was 14%, 15%, 13%, and 13% when using three, four, five, and seven calibration values, respectively (P < 0.001). Corresponding percentages of CGMS-reference pairs meeting the International Organisation for Standardisation criteria were 66%, 67%, 71%, and 72% (P < 0.001). Nighttime accuracy improved when daytime calibrations (pre-lunch and pre-dinner) were removed leaving only two calibrations at 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. (median difference, -2 vs. -9 mg/dL, P < 0.001; median RAD, 12% vs. 15%, P = 0.001). Accuracy was better on visits where the average absolute rate of glucose change at the times of calibration was lower. On visits with average absolute rates <0.5, 0.5 to <1.0, 1.0 to <1.5, and >or=1.5 mg/dL/min, median RAD values were 13% versus 14% versus 17% versus 19%, respectively (P = 0.05). Although accuracy is slightly improved with more calibrations, the timing of the calibrations appears more important. Modifying the algorithm to put less weight on daytime calibrations for nighttime values and calibrating during times of relative glucose stability may have greater impact on accuracy.

Evaluation of Factors Affecting CGMS Calibration

PubMed Central

2006-01-01

Background The optimal number/timing of calibrations entered into the Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (“CGMS”; Medtronic MiniMed, Northridge, CA) have not been previously described. Methods Fifty subjects with T1DM (10–18y) were hospitalized in a clinical research center for ~24h on two separate days. CGMS and OneTouch® Ultra® Meter (“Ultra”; LifeScan, Milpitas, CA) data were obtained. The CGMS was retrospectively recalibrated using the Ultra data varying the number and timing of calibrations. Resulting CGMS values were compared against laboratory reference values. Results There was a modest improvement in accuracy with increasing number of calibrations. The median relative absolute deviation (RAD) was 14%, 15%, 13% and 13% when using 3, 4, 5 and 7 calibration values, respectively (p<0.001). Corresponding percentages of CGMS-reference pairs meeting the ISO criteria were 66%, 67%, 71% and 72% (p<0.001). Nighttime accuracy improved when daytime calibrations (pre-lunch and pre-dinner) were removed leaving only two calibrations at 9p.m. and 6a.m. (median difference: −2 vs. −9mg/dL, p<0.001; median RAD: 12% vs. 15%, p=0.001). Accuracy was better on visits where the average absolute rate of glucose change at the times of calibration was lower. On visits with average absolute rates <0.5, 0.5-<1.0, 1.0-<1.5 and ≥1.5mg/dL/min, median RAD values were 13% vs. 14% vs. 17% vs. 19%, respectively (p=0.05). Conclusions Although accuracy is slightly improved with more calibrations, the timing of the calibrations appears more important. Modifying the algorithm to put less weight on daytime calibrations for nighttime values and calibrating during times of relative glucose stability may have greater impact on accuracy. PMID:16800753

Integrated Navigation System Design for Micro Planetary Rovers: Comparison of Absolute Heading Estimation Algorithms and Nonlinear Filtering

PubMed Central

Ilyas, Muhammad; Hong, Beomjin; Cho, Kuk; Baeg, Seung-Ho; Park, Sangdeok

2016-01-01

This paper provides algorithms to fuse relative and absolute microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) navigation sensors, suitable for micro planetary rovers, to provide a more accurate estimation of navigation information, specifically, attitude and position. Planetary rovers have extremely slow speed (~1 cm/s) and lack conventional navigation sensors/systems, hence the general methods of terrestrial navigation may not be applicable to these applications. While relative attitude and position can be tracked in a way similar to those for ground robots, absolute navigation information is hard to achieve on a remote celestial body, like Moon or Mars, in contrast to terrestrial applications. In this study, two absolute attitude estimation algorithms were developed and compared for accuracy and robustness. The estimated absolute attitude was fused with the relative attitude sensors in a framework of nonlinear filters. The nonlinear Extended Kalman filter (EKF) and Unscented Kalman filter (UKF) were compared in pursuit of better accuracy and reliability in this nonlinear estimation problem, using only on-board low cost MEMS sensors. Experimental results confirmed the viability of the proposed algorithms and the sensor suite, for low cost and low weight micro planetary rovers. It is demonstrated that integrating the relative and absolute navigation MEMS sensors reduces the navigation errors to the desired level. PMID:27223293

Integrated Navigation System Design for Micro Planetary Rovers: Comparison of Absolute Heading Estimation Algorithms and Nonlinear Filtering.

PubMed

Ilyas, Muhammad; Hong, Beomjin; Cho, Kuk; Baeg, Seung-Ho; Park, Sangdeok

2016-05-23

This paper provides algorithms to fuse relative and absolute microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) navigation sensors, suitable for micro planetary rovers, to provide a more accurate estimation of navigation information, specifically, attitude and position. Planetary rovers have extremely slow speed (~1 cm/s) and lack conventional navigation sensors/systems, hence the general methods of terrestrial navigation may not be applicable to these applications. While relative attitude and position can be tracked in a way similar to those for ground robots, absolute navigation information is hard to achieve on a remote celestial body, like Moon or Mars, in contrast to terrestrial applications. In this study, two absolute attitude estimation algorithms were developed and compared for accuracy and robustness. The estimated absolute attitude was fused with the relative attitude sensors in a framework of nonlinear filters. The nonlinear Extended Kalman filter (EKF) and Unscented Kalman filter (UKF) were compared in pursuit of better accuracy and reliability in this nonlinear estimation problem, using only on-board low cost MEMS sensors. Experimental results confirmed the viability of the proposed algorithms and the sensor suite, for low cost and low weight micro planetary rovers. It is demonstrated that integrating the relative and absolute navigation MEMS sensors reduces the navigation errors to the desired level.

Absolute far-ultraviolet spectrophotometry of hot subluminous stars from Voyager

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holberg, J. B.; Ali, B.; Carone, T. E.; Polidan, R. S.

1991-01-01

Observations, obtained with the Voyager ultraviolet spectrometers, are presented of absolute fluxes for two well-known hot subluminous stars: BD + 28 deg 4211, an sdO, and G191 - B2B, a hot DA white dwarf. Complete absolute energy distributions for these two stars, from the Lyman limit at 912 A to 1 micron, are given. For BD + 28 deg 4211, a single power law closely represents the entire observed energy distribution. For G191 - B2B, a pure hydrogen model atmosphere provides an excellent match to the entire absolute energy distribution. Voyager absolute fluxes are discussed in relation to those reported from various sounding rocket experiments, including a recent rocket observation of BD + 28 deg 4211.

A Hybrid Model for Predicting the Prevalence of Schistosomiasis in Humans of Qianjiang City, China

PubMed Central

Wang, Ying; Lu, Zhouqin; Tian, Lihong; Tan, Li; Shi, Yun; Nie, Shaofa; Liu, Li

2014-01-01

Backgrounds/Objective Schistosomiasis is still a major public health problem in China, despite the fact that the government has implemented a series of strategies to prevent and control the spread of the parasitic disease. Advanced warning and reliable forecasting can help policymakers to adjust and implement strategies more effectively, which will lead to the control and elimination of schistosomiasis. Our aim is to explore the application of a hybrid forecasting model to track the trends of the prevalence of schistosomiasis in humans, which provides a methodological basis for predicting and detecting schistosomiasis infection in endemic areas. Methods A hybrid approach combining the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model and the nonlinear autoregressive neural network (NARNN) model to forecast the prevalence of schistosomiasis in the future four years. Forecasting performance was compared between the hybrid ARIMA-NARNN model, and the single ARIMA or the single NARNN model. Results The modelling mean square error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the ARIMA-NARNN model was 0.1869×10−4, 0.0029, 0.0419 with a corresponding testing error of 0.9375×10−4, 0.0081, 0.9064, respectively. These error values generated with the hybrid model were all lower than those obtained from the single ARIMA or NARNN model. The forecasting values were 0.75%, 0.80%, 0.76% and 0.77% in the future four years, which demonstrated a no-downward trend. Conclusion The hybrid model has high quality prediction accuracy in the prevalence of schistosomiasis, which provides a methodological basis for future schistosomiasis monitoring and control strategies in the study area. It is worth attempting to utilize the hybrid detection scheme in other schistosomiasis-endemic areas including other infectious diseases. PMID:25119882

Assessing the impact of thermal acclimation on physiological condition in the zebrafish model.

PubMed

Vergauwen, Lucia; Knapen, Dries; Hagenaars, An; De Boeck, Gudrun; Blust, Ronny

2013-01-01

The zebrafish has become a valuable vertebrate model organism in a wide range of scientific disciplines, but current information concerning the physiological temperature response of adult zebrafish is rather scarce. In this study, zebrafish were experimentally acclimated for 28 days to 18, 26 or 34 °C and a suite of non-invasive and invasive methods was applied to determine the thermal dependence of zebrafish physiological condition. With decreasing temperature, the metabolic rate of zebrafish decreased, as shown by the decreasing oxygen uptake and ammonia excretion rates, limiting the critical swimming speed, probably due to a decreased muscle fibre power output. In response to exercise, fuel stores were mobilized to the liver as shown by the increased hepatosomatic index, liver total absolute energetic value and liver carbohydrate concentration but due to the low metabolic rate they could not be adequately addressed to power swimming activity at 18 °C. Conversely, the increased metabolic performance at high temperature came with an increased metabolic cost resulting in decreased energy status reflected particularly well by the non-invasive condition factor and invasive measures of carcass protein concentration, carcass total absolute energetic value and liver carbohydrate concentration. We showed that the combined measurement of the relative condition factor and critical swimming speed is a powerful non-invasive tool for long-term follow-up studies. Invasive methods were redundant for measuring general energy status but they provided detailed information concerning metabolic reorganization. With this study we proved that the usefulness of the zebrafish as a model organism can easily be expanded to include physiological studies and we provided a reference dataset for the selection of measures of physiological responses for future studies using the zebrafish.

[Issues of the practical value of ethics in healthcare].

PubMed

Liubarskiene, Zita

2007-01-01

In November 2006, the "Journal of Medical Ethics" published an article where prominent medical specialists stated that medical ethics, as a teaching and a theory, has no practical value. The article was based on the physicians' clinical experience and view that the theory of ethics has little in common with its application in daily practice and provides generalized guidelines for behavior, but is ineffective in decision-making in individual cases. At the same time, when describing conflict situations in healthcare, Lithuanian public press raises the role of ethics to the absolute and states that the lack or violation of ethics is the sole cause of all problems in healthcare, and there would be no problems if physicians behaved morally. From the viewpoint of an ethics professional, both controversial opinions deserve attention, and this paper is devoted to the analysis of these opinions. Ethical collisions and conflicts emerging in providing healthcare are not signs of the helplessness of medical ethics. Both viewpoints - the one disclaiming the role of medical ethics and the one attributing the absolute role to medical ethics - are equally erroneous. Decisions of the society and physicians are aggravated by health policy and the organization of healthcare in the country, as well as by a concrete individual's level of ethical thinking, worldview, and knowledge. Sometimes ethical collisions arise when there is a conflict among ethical principles themselves, and healthcare specialists have to decide which principle should be given priority. There are cases where setting priorities is impossible, and one has to admit that one single specialist is unable to solve the problem without his/her colleagues' assistance. Collective and collegial professionals' work helps to solve such ethical collisions.

Non-invasive optical monitoring of the newborn piglet brain using continuous-wave and frequency-domain spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fantini, Sergio; Hueber, Dennis; Franceschini, Maria Angela; Gratton, Enrico; Rosenfeld, Warren; Stubblefield, Phillip G.; Maulik, Dev; Stankovic, Miljan R.

1999-06-01

We have used continuous-wave (CW) and frequency-domain spectroscopy to investigate the optical properties of the newborn piglet brain in vivo and non-invasively. Three anaesthetized, intubated, ventilated and instrumented newborn piglets were placed into a stereotaxic instrument for optimal experimental stability, reproducible probe-to-scalp optical contact and 3D adjustment of the optical probe. By measuring the absolute values of the brain absorption and reduced scattering coefficients at two wavelengths (758 and 830 nm), frequency-domain spectroscopy provided absolute readings (in contrast to the relative readings of CW spectroscopy) of cerebral haemoglobin concentration and saturation during experimentally induced perturbations in cerebral haemodynamics and oxygenation. Such perturbations included a modulation of the inspired oxygen concentration, transient brain asphyxia, carotid artery occlusion and terminal brain asphyxia. The baseline cerebral haemoglobin saturation and concentration, measured with frequency-domain spectroscopy, were about 60% and 42 µM respectively. The cerebral saturation values ranged from a minimum of 17% (during transient brain asphyxia) to a maximum of 80% (during recovery from transient brain asphyxia). To analyse the CW optical data, we have (a) derived a mathematical relationship between the cerebral optical properties and the differential pathlength factor and (b) introduced a method based on the spatial dependence of the detected intensity (dc slope method). The analysis of the cerebral optical signals associated with the arterial pulse and with respiration demonstrates that motion artefacts can significantly affect the intensity recorded from a single optode pair. Motion artefacts can be strongly reduced by combining data from multiple optodes to provide relative readings in the dc slope method. We also report significant biphasic changes (initial decrease and successive increase) in the reduced scattering coefficient measured in the brain after the piglet had been sacrificed.

Age-corrected reference values for the Heidelberg multi-color anomaloscope.

PubMed

Rüfer, Florian; Sauter, Benno; Klettner, Alexa; Göbel, Katja; Flammer, Josef; Erb, Carl

2012-09-01

To determine reference values for the HMC anomaloscope (Heidelberg multi-color anomaloscope) of healthy subjects. One hundred and thirteen healthy subjects were divided into four age groups: <20 years of age (ten female, five male), 20-39 years of age (23 female, 15 male), 40-59 years of age (23 female, ten male) and >60 years of age (nine female, 18 male). Match midpoint, matching range (MR) and anomaly quotient (AQ), according to the Moreland equation [blue (436 nm) + blue-green (490 nm) = cyan (480 nm) + yellow (589 nm)] and according to the Rayleigh equation [green (546 nm) + red (671 nm) = yellow (589 nm)] were determined. The neutral adaptation was done showing white light every 5 seconds in absolute mode and every 15 seconds in relative mode. The mean match midpoint according to the Rayleigh equation was 43.9 ± 2.6 scale units in absolute mode. It was highest between 20-39 years (45.2 ± 2.2) and lowest in subjects >60 years of age (42.2 ± 2.2). The mean MR in absolute mode was 3.1 ± 3.5 scale units with a maximum >60 years (4.4 ± 4.4). The MR in relative mode was between 1.6 ± 1.9 (20-39 years) and 4.4 ± 3.8 (>60 years). The resulting mean AQ was 1.01 ± 0.15 in both modes. The mean match midpoint of the Moreland equation was 51.0 ± 5.2 scale units in absolute mode. It was highest between 20-39 years (52.5 ± 5.7), and lowest in subjects >60 years of age (48.7 ± 3.6). The mean MR according to the Moreland equation was lower in absolute mode (13.4 ± 15.6) than in relative mode (16.2 ± 15.2). The mean resulting AQ was 1.02 ± 0.21 in both modes. The values of this study can be used as references for the diagnosis of red-green and blue perception impairment with the HMC anomaloscope.

SU-E-T-491: Importance of Energy Dependent Protons Per MU Calibration Factors in IMPT Dose Calculations Using Monte Carlo Technique

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

Randeniya, S; Mirkovic, D; Titt, U

2014-06-01

Purpose: In intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT), energy dependent, protons per monitor unit (MU) calibration factors are important parameters that determine absolute dose values from energy deposition data obtained from Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. Purpose of this study was to assess the sensitivity of MC-computed absolute dose distributions to the protons/MU calibration factors in IMPT. Methods: A “verification plan” (i.e., treatment beams applied individually to water phantom) of a head and neck patient plan was calculated using MC technique. The patient plan had three beams; one posterior-anterior (PA); two anterior oblique. Dose prescription was 66 Gy in 30 fractions. Ofmore » the total MUs, 58% was delivered in PA beam, 25% and 17% in other two. Energy deposition data obtained from the MC simulation were converted to Gy using energy dependent protons/MU calibrations factors obtained from two methods. First method is based on experimental measurements and MC simulations. Second is based on hand calculations, based on how many ion pairs were produced per proton in the dose monitor and how many ion pairs is equal to 1 MU (vendor recommended method). Dose distributions obtained from method one was compared with those from method two. Results: Average difference of 8% in protons/MU calibration factors between method one and two converted into 27 % difference in absolute dose values for PA beam; although dose distributions preserved the shape of 3D dose distribution qualitatively, they were different quantitatively. For two oblique beams, significant difference in absolute dose was not observed. Conclusion: Results demonstrate that protons/MU calibration factors can have a significant impact on absolute dose values in IMPT depending on the fraction of MUs delivered. When number of MUs increases the effect due to the calibration factors amplify. In determining protons/MU calibration factors, experimental method should be preferred in MC dose calculations. Research supported by National Cancer Institute grant P01CA021239.« less

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Yale Trigonometric Parallaxes Preliminary (van Altena+ 1991)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Altena, W. F.; Lee, J. T.; Hoffleit, D.

1995-10-01

The preliminary edition of the General Catalogue of Trigonometric Stellar Parallaxes, containing 15349 parallaxes for 7879 stars, has been prepared at the Yale University Observatory. In this edition 1480 stars have been added to those contained in the previous edition of the catalog by Jenkins (1952, 1963). This relatively small increase in the number of stars is more than compensated for by the increased accuracy of the newer trigonometric parallaxes. The authors have attempted to include here all trigonometric parallaxes made available to them by March 1991 and will provide for each listed parallax in the final version the reference to its source of publication. For each star it lists the equatorial coordinates for B1900 and the secular variation for 100 years, the proper motion in x and y, the weighted average absolute parallax and its standard error, the number of parallax observations, the quality of interagreement among the different values, the visual magnitude, and various cross identifications with other catalogs. The B1900 equinox has been maintained to avoid assigning yet another star number. Ancillary information, including UBV photometry, MK spectral types, data on the variability and binary nature of the stars, orbits when available, and miscellaneous information to aid in determining the reliability of the data, will be listed in the final version. The relative parallaxes are corrected to absolute parallax using newly computed corrections that are based on an improved model of the galaxy. An analysis of the resulting absolute parallaxes has been made to study the accidental and systematic errors of the parallaxes. The results of that investigation are used to arrive at a weighting system for the catalog, which then yields weighted absolute parallaxes for each star. The weighting system is still under investigation; therefore, the weighted parallaxes may change a bit in the final version. Printed copies of the catalog will be available from the Yale University Observatory when the work has been completed (late 1993?). See the file cdrom.doc which provides the original documentation by W. van Altena. (1 data file).

Temporal acceleration of spatially distributed kinetic Monte Carlo simulations

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

Chatterjee, Abhijit; Vlachos, Dionisios G.

The computational intensity of kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulation is a major impediment in simulating large length and time scales. In recent work, an approximate method for KMC simulation of spatially uniform systems, termed the binomial {tau}-leap method, was introduced [A. Chatterjee, D.G. Vlachos, M.A. Katsoulakis, Binomial distribution based {tau}-leap accelerated stochastic simulation, J. Chem. Phys. 122 (2005) 024112], where molecular bundles instead of individual processes are executed over coarse-grained time increments. This temporal coarse-graining can lead to significant computational savings but its generalization to spatially lattice KMC simulation has not been realized yet. Here we extend the binomial {tau}-leapmore » method to lattice KMC simulations by combining it with spatially adaptive coarse-graining. Absolute stability and computational speed-up analyses for spatial systems along with simulations provide insights into the conditions where accuracy and substantial acceleration of the new spatio-temporal coarse-graining method are ensured. Model systems demonstrate that the r-time increment criterion of Chatterjee et al. obeys the absolute stability limit for values of r up to near 1.« less

Thermal conductivity of thin insulating films determined by tunnel magneto-Seebeck effect measurements and finite-element modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huebner, Torsten; Martens, Ulrike; Walowski, Jakob; Münzenberg, Markus; Thomas, Andy; Reiss, Günter; Kuschel, Timo

2018-06-01

In general, it is difficult to access the thermal conductivity of thin insulating films experimentally by electrical means. Here, we present a new approach utilizing the tunnel magneto-Seebeck effect (TMS) in combination with finite-element modeling (FEM). We detect the laser-induced TMS and the absolute thermovoltage of laser-heated magnetic tunnel junctions with 2.6 nm thin barriers of MgAl2O4 (MAO) and MgO, respectively. A second measurement of the absolute thermovoltage after a dielectric breakdown of the barrier grants insight into the remaining thermovoltage of the stack. Thus, the pure TMS without any parasitic Nernst contributions from the leads can be identified. In combination with FEM via COMSOL, we are able to extract values for the thermal conductivity of MAO (0.7 W (K · m)‑1) and MgO (5.8 W (K · m)‑1), which are in very good agreement with theoretical predictions. Our method provides a new promising way to extract the experimentally challenging parameter of the thermal conductivity of thin insulating films.

Application of Landsat Thematic Mapper data for coastal thermal plume analysis at Diablo Canyon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gibbons, D. E.; Wukelic, G. E.; Leighton, J. P.; Doyle, M. J.

1989-01-01

The possibility of using Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) thermal data to derive absolute temperature distributions in coastal waters that receive cooling effluent from a power plant is demonstrated. Landsat TM band 6 (thermal) data acquired on June 18, 1986, for the Diablo Canyon power plant in California were compared to ground truth temperatures measured at the same time. Higher-resolution band 5 (reflectance) data were used to locate power plant discharge and intake positions and identify locations of thermal pixels containing only water, no land. Local radiosonde measurements, used in LOWTRAN 6 adjustments for atmospheric effects, produced corrected ocean surface radiances that, when converted to temperatures, gave values within approximately 0.6 C of ground truth. A contour plot was produced that compared power plant plume temperatures with those of the ocean and coastal environment. It is concluded that Landsat can provide good estimates of absolute temperatures of the coastal power plant thermal plume. Moreover, quantitative information on ambient ocean surface temperature conditions (e.g., upwelling) may enhance interpretation of numerical model prediction.

In-Flight Measurement of the Absolute Energy Scale of the Fermi Large Area Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ackermann, M.; Ajello, M.; Allafort, A.; Atwood, W. B.; Axelsson, M.; Baldini, L.; Barbielini, G; Bastieri, D.; Bechtol, K.; Bellazzini, R.;

In-Flight Measurement of the Absolute Energy Scale of the Fermi Large Area Telescope

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

Ackermann, M.; /Stanford U., HEPL /SLAC /KIPAC, Menlo Park; Ajello, M.

The Large Area Telescope (LAT) on-board the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope is a pair-conversion telescope designed to survey the gamma-ray sky from 20 MeV to several hundreds of GeV. In this energy band there are no astronomical sources with sufficiently well known and sharp spectral features to allow an absolute calibration of the LAT energy scale. However, the geomagnetic cutoff in the cosmic ray electron-plus-positron (CRE) spectrum in low Earth orbit does provide such a spectral feature. The energy and spectral shape of this cutoff can be calculated with the aid of a numerical code tracing charged particles in themore » Earth's magnetic field. By comparing the cutoff value with that measured by the LAT in different geomagnetic positions, we have obtained several calibration points between {approx}6 and {approx}13 GeV with an estimated uncertainty of {approx}2%. An energy calibration with such high accuracy reduces the systematic uncertainty in LAT measurements of, for example, the spectral cutoff in the emission from gamma ray pulsars.« less

Anticoagulation therapy advisor: a decision-support system for heparin therapy during ECMO.

PubMed Central

Peverini, R. L.; Sale, M.; Rhine, W. D.; Fagan, L. M.; Lenert, L. A.

1992-01-01

We present a case study describing our development of a mathematical model to control a clinical parameter in a patient--in this case, the degree of anticoagulation during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. During ECMO therapy, an anticoagulant agent (heparin) is administered to prevent thrombosis. Under- or over-coagulation can have grave consequences. To improve control of anticoagulation, we developed a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model that predicts activated clotting times (ACT) using the NONMEM program. We then integrated this model into a decision-support system, and validated it with an independent data set. The population model had a mean absolute error of prediction for ACT values of 33.5 seconds, with a mean bias in estimation of -14.3 seconds. Individualization of model-parameter estimates using nonlinear regression improved the absolute error prediction to 25.5 seconds, and lowered the mean bias to -3.1 seconds. The PK-PD model is coupled with software for heuristic interpretation of model results to provide a complete environment for the management of anticoagulation. PMID:1482937

Distance and absolute magnitudes of the brightest stars in the dwarf galaxy Sextans A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sandage, A.; Carlson, G.

1982-01-01

In an attempt to improve present bright star calibration, data were gathered for the brightest red and blue stars and the Cepheids in the Im V dwarf galaxy, Sextans A. On the basis of a magnitude sequence measured to V and B values of about 22 and 23, respectively, the mean magnitudes of the three brightest blue stars are V=17.98 and B=17.88. The three brightest red supergiants have V=18.09 and B=20.14. The periods and magnitudes measured for five Cepheids yield an apparent blue distance modulus of 25.67 + or - 0.2, via the P-L relation, and the mean absolute magnitudes of V=-7.56 and B=-5.53 for the red supergiants provide additional calibration of the brightest red stars as distance indicators. If Sextans A were placed at the distance of the Virgo cluster, it would appear to have a surface brightness of 23.5 mag/sq arcec. This, together with the large angular diameter, would make such a galaxy easily discoverable in the Virgo cluster by means of ground-based surveys.

The effect of epoch length on time and frequency domain parameters of electromyographic and mechanomyographic signals.

PubMed

Keller, Joshua L; Housh, Terry J; Camic, Clayton L; Bergstrom, Haley C; Smith, Doug B; Smith, Cory M; Hill, Ethan C; Schmidt, Richard J; Johnson, Glen O; Zuniga, Jorge M

2018-06-01

The selection of epoch lengths affects the time and frequency resolution of electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) signals, as well as decisions regarding the signal processing techniques to use for determining the power density spectrum. No previous studies, however, have examined the effects of epoch length on parameters of the MMG signal. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between epoch lengths for EMG amplitude, EMG mean power frequency (MPF), MMG amplitude, and MMG MPF from the VL and VM muscles during MVIC muscle actions as well as at each 10% of the time to exhaustion (TTE) during a continuous isometric muscle action of the leg extensors at 50% of MVIC. During the MVIC trial, there were no significant (p > 0.05) differences between epoch lengths (0.25, 0.50, 1.00, and 2.00-s) for mean absolute values for any of the EMG or MMG parameters. During the submaximal, sustained muscle action, however, absolute MMG amplitude and MMG MPF were affected by the length of epoch. All epoch related differences were eliminated by normalizing the absolute values to MVIC. These findings supported normalizing EMG and MMG parameter values to MVIC and utilizing epoch lengths that ranged from 0.25 to 2.00-s. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electromagnetic waves with frequencies near the local proton gyrofrequency: ISEE-3 1 AU observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsurutani, Bruce T.; Arballo, John K.; Mok, John; Smith, Edward J.; Mason, Glenn M.; Tan, Lun C.

1994-01-01

Low Frequency (LF) electromagnetic waves with periods near the local proton gyrofrequency have been detected in interplanetary space by the magnetometer onboard International-Sun-Earth-Explorer-3 (ISEE-3). Transverse peak-to-peak amplitudes as large as delta vector B/absolute value of B approximately 0.4 have been noted with compressional components (Delta absolute value of B/absolute value of B) typically less than or = 0.1. Generally, the waves have even smaller amplitudes, or are not detectable within the solar wind turbulence. The waves are elliptically/linearly polarized and are often, but not always, found to propagate nearly along vector B(sub zero). Both right- and left-hand polarizations in the spacecraft-frame have been detected. The waves are observed during all orientations of the interplanetary magnetic field, with the Parker spiral orientation being the most common case. Because the waves are detected at and near the local proton cyclotron frequency, the generation mechanism must almost certainly be solar wind pickup of freshly created hydrogen ions. Possible sources for the hydrogen are the Earth's atmosphere, coronal mass ejections from the Sun, comets and interstellar neutral atoms. At this time it is not obvious which potential source is the correct one. Statistical tests employing over one year of ISEE-3 data will be done in the near future to eliminate/confirm some of these possibilities.

Concentration Independent Calibration of β-γ Coincidence Detector Using 131mXe and 133Xe

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

McIntyre, Justin I.; Cooper, Matthew W.; Carman, April J.

Absolute efficiency calibration of radiometric detectors is frequently difficult and requires careful detector modeling and accurate knowledge of the radioactive source used. In the past we have calibrated the b-g coincidence detector of the Automated Radioxenon Sampler/Analyzer (ARSA) using a variety of sources and techniques which have proven to be less than desirable.[1] A superior technique has been developed that uses the conversion-electron (CE) and x-ray coincidence of 131mXe to provide a more accurate absolute gamma efficiency of the detector. The 131mXe is injected directly into the beta cell of the coincident counting system and no knowledge of absolute sourcemore » strength is required. In addition, 133Xe is used to provide a second independent means to obtain the absolute efficiency calibration. These two data points provide the necessary information for calculating the detector efficiency and can be used in conjunction with other noble gas isotopes to completely characterize and calibrate the ARSA nuclear detector. In this paper we discuss the techniques and results that we have obtained.« less

Is the Evaluation of the Students' Values Possible? An Integrated Approach to Determining the Weights of Students' Personal Goals Using Multiple-Criteria Methods

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dadelo, Stanislav; Turskis, Zenonas; Zavadskas, Edmundas Kazimieras; Kacerauskas, Tomas; Dadeliene, Ruta

2016-01-01

To maximize the effectiveness of a decision, it is necessary to support decision-making with integrated methods. It can be assumed that subjective evaluation (considering only absolute values) is only remotely connected with the evaluation of real processes. Therefore, relying solely on these values in process management decision-making would be a…

Compassionate Options for Pediatric EMS (COPE): Addressing Communication Skills.

PubMed

Calhoun, Aaron W; Sutton, Erica R H; Barbee, Anita P; McClure, Beth; Bohnert, Carrie; Forest, Richard; Taillac, Peter; Fallat, Mary E

2017-01-01

Each year, 16,000 children suffer cardiopulmonary arrest, and in one urban study, 2% of pediatric EMS calls were attributed to pediatric arrests. This indicates a need for enhanced educational options for prehospital providers that address how to communicate to families in these difficult situations. In response, our team developed a cellular phone digital application (app) designed to assist EMS providers in self-debriefing these events, thereby improving their communication skills. The goal of this study was to pilot the app using a simulation-based investigative methodology. Video and didactic app content was generated using themes developed from a series of EMS focus groups and evaluated using volunteer EMS providers assessed during two identical nonaccidental trauma simulations. Intervention groups interacted with the app as a team between assessments, and control groups debriefed during that period as they normally would. Communication performance and gap analyses were measured using the Gap-Kalamazoo Consensus Statement Assessment Form. A total of 148 subjects divided into 38 subject groups (18 intervention groups and 20 control groups) were assessed. Comparison of initial intervention group and control group scores showed no statistically significant difference in performance (2.9/5 vs. 3.0/5; p = 0.33). Comparisons made during the second assessment revealed a statistically significant improvement in the intervention group scores, with a moderate to large effect size (3.1/5 control vs. 4.0/5 intervention; p < 0.001, r = 0.69, absolute value). Gap analysis data showed a similar pattern, with gaps of -0.6 and -0.5 (values suggesting team self-over-appraisal of communication abilities) present in both control and intervention groups (p = 0.515) at the initial assessment. This gap persisted in the control group at the time of the second assessment (-0.8), but was significantly reduced (0.04) in the intervention group (p = 0.013, r = 0.41, absolute value). These results suggest that an EMS-centric app containing guiding information regarding compassionate communication skills can be effectively used by EMS providers to self-debrief after difficult events in the absence of a live facilitator, significantly altering their near-term communication patterns. Gap analysis data further imply that engaging with the app in a group context positively impacts the accuracy of each team's self-perception.

On the distribution of a product of N Gaussian random variables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stojanac, Željka; Suess, Daniel; Kliesch, Martin

2017-08-01

The product of Gaussian random variables appears naturally in many applications in probability theory and statistics. It has been known that the distribution of a product of N such variables can be expressed in terms of a Meijer G-function. Here, we compute a similar representation for the corresponding cumulative distribution function (CDF) and provide a power-log series expansion of the CDF based on the theory of the more general Fox H-functions. Numerical computations show that for small values of the argument the CDF of products of Gaussians is well approximated by the lowest orders of this expansion. Analogous results are also shown for the absolute value as well as the square of such products of N Gaussian random variables. For the latter two settings, we also compute the moment generating functions in terms of Meijer G-functions.

Salient features of dependence in daily US stock market indices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gil-Alana, Luis A.; Cunado, Juncal; de Gracia, Fernando Perez

2013-08-01

This paper deals with the analysis of long range dependence in the US stock market. We focus first on the log-values of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Standard and Poors 500 and Nasdaq indices, daily from February, 1971 to February, 2007. The volatility processes are examined based on the squared and the absolute values of the returns series, and the stability of the parameters across time is also investigated in both the level and the volatility processes. A method that permits us to estimate fractional differencing parameters in the context of structural breaks is conducted in this paper. Finally, the “day of the week” effect is examined by looking at the order of integration for each day of the week, providing also a new modeling approach to describe the dependence in this context.

Fundamentals of the Control of Gas-Turbine Power Plants for Aircraft. Part 1; Standardization of the Computations Relating to the Control of Gas-Turbine Power Plants for Aircraft by the Employment of the Laws of Similarity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luehl, H.

1947-01-01

It will be shown that by the use of the concept of similarity a simple representation of the characteristic curves of a compressor operating in combination with a turbine may be obtained with correct allowance for the effect of temperature. Furthermore, it becmes possible to simplify considerably the rather tedious investigations of the behavior of gas-turbine power plants under different operating conditions. Characteristic values will be derived for the most important elements of operating behavior of the power plant, which will be independent of the absolute valu:s of pressure and temperature. At the same time, the investigations provide the basis for scale-model tests on compressors and turbines.

Development of traceable measurement of the diffuse optical properties of solid reference standards for biomedical optics at National Institute of Standards and Technology.

PubMed

Lemaillet, Paul; Bouchard, Jean-Pierre; Allen, David W

2015-07-01

The development of a national reference instrument dedicated to the measurement of the scattering and absorption properties of solid tissue-mimicking phantoms used as reference standards is presented. The optical properties of the phantoms are measured with a double-integrating sphere setup in the steady-state domain, coupled with an inversion routine of the adding-doubling procedure that allows for the computation of the uncertainty budget for the measurements. The results are compared to the phantom manufacturer's values obtained by a time-resolved approach. The results suggest that the agreement between these two independent methods is within the estimated uncertainties. This new reference instrument will provide optical biomedical research laboratories with reference values for absolute diffuse optical properties of phantom materials.

β -decay Q values among the A = 50 Ti-V-Cr isobaric triplet and atomic masses of Ti 46 , 47 , 49 , 50 , V 50 , 51 , and Cr 50 , 52 – 54

DOE PAGES

Kandegedara, R. M. E. B.; Bollen, G.; Eibach, M.; ...

2017-10-20

This manuscript describes a measurement of the Q value for the highly forbidden beta-decays of 50V and the double electron capture decay of 50Cr. The Q value corresponds to the total energy released during the decay and is equivalent to the mass difference between parent and daughter atoms. This mass difference was measured using high precision Penning trap mass spectrometry with the Low Energy Beam and Ion Trap facility at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. The Q value enters into theoretical calculations of the half-life and beta-decay spectrum for the decay, so improves these calculations. In addition the Q valuemore » corresponds to the end point energy of the beta-decay spectrum, which has been precisely measured for several highly-forbidden decays using modern low background detector techniques. Hence, our Q value measurements provide a test of systematics for these detectors. In addition, we have measured the absolute atomic masses of 46,47,49,50Ti, 50,51V, and 50,52-52Cr, providing improvements in precision by factors of up to 3. These atomic masses help to strengthen global evaluations of all atomic mass data, such as the Atomic Mass Evaluation.« less

β -decay Q values among the A = 50 Ti-V-Cr isobaric triplet and atomic masses of Ti 46 , 47 , 49 , 50 , V 50 , 51 , and Cr 50 , 52 – 54

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

Kandegedara, R. M. E. B.; Bollen, G.; Eibach, M.

This manuscript describes a measurement of the Q value for the highly forbidden beta-decays of 50V and the double electron capture decay of 50Cr. The Q value corresponds to the total energy released during the decay and is equivalent to the mass difference between parent and daughter atoms. This mass difference was measured using high precision Penning trap mass spectrometry with the Low Energy Beam and Ion Trap facility at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. The Q value enters into theoretical calculations of the half-life and beta-decay spectrum for the decay, so improves these calculations. In addition the Q valuemore » corresponds to the end point energy of the beta-decay spectrum, which has been precisely measured for several highly-forbidden decays using modern low background detector techniques. Hence, our Q value measurements provide a test of systematics for these detectors. In addition, we have measured the absolute atomic masses of 46,47,49,50Ti, 50,51V, and 50,52-52Cr, providing improvements in precision by factors of up to 3. These atomic masses help to strengthen global evaluations of all atomic mass data, such as the Atomic Mass Evaluation.« less

Changing the Bayesian prior: Absolute neutrino mass constraints in nonlocal gravity*

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dirian, Yves

2017-10-01

Prior change is discussed in observational constraints studies of nonlocally modified gravity, where a model characterized by a modification of the form ˜m2R □-2R to the Einstein-Hilbert action was compared against the base Λ CDM one in a Bayesian way. It was found that the competing modified gravity model is significantly disfavored (at 22 ∶1 in terms of betting-odds) against Λ CDM given CMB +SNIa +BAO data, because of a tension appearing in the H0- ΩM plane. We identify the underlying mechanism generating such a tension and show that it is mostly caused by the late-time, quite smooth, phantom nature of the effective dark energy described by the nonlocal model. We find that the tension is resolved by considering an extension of the initial baseline, consisting in allowing the absolute mass of three degenerated massive neutrino species ∑mν/3 to take values within a prior interval consistent with existing data. As a net effect, the absolute neutrino mass is inferred to be nonvanishing at 2 σ level, best-fitting at ∑mν≈0.21 eV , and the Bayesian tension disappears rendering the nonlocal gravity model statistically equivalent to Λ CDM , given recent CMB +SNIa +BAO data. We also discuss constraints from growth rate measurements f σ8, whose fit is found to be improved by a larger massive neutrino fraction as well. The ν -extended nonlocal model also prefers a higher value of H0 than Λ CDM , therefore in better agreement with local measurements. Our study provides one more example suggesting that the neutrino density fraction Ων is partially degenerated with the nature of the dark energy. This emphasizes the importance of cosmological and terrestrial neutrino research and, as a massive neutrino background impacts structure formation observables non-negligibly, proves to be especially relevant for future galaxy surveys.

Development and Relative Validity of a Food Frequency Questionnaire to Assess Intakes of Total and Free Sugars in Australian Toddlers.

PubMed

Devenish, Gemma; Mukhtar, Aqif; Begley, Andrea; Do, Loc; Scott, Jane

2017-11-08

Background : Dental research into early childhood caries is hindered by a lack of suitable dietary assessment tools that have been developed and validated for the population and outcomes of interest. The aim of this study was to develop and investigate the relative validity and reproducibility of the Study of Mothers' and Infants' Life Events Food Frequency Questionnaire (SMILE-FFQ), to assess the total and free sugars intakes of Australian toddlers. Methods : The SMILE-FFQ was designed to capture the leading dietary contributors to dental caries risk in toddlers aged 18-30 months via a proxy report. Ninety-five parents of Australian toddlers completed the questionnaire online before and after providing three 24-h recalls (24HR), collected on non-consecutive days using the multipass method. Total and free sugars were compared between the two SMILE-FFQ administrations and between each SMILE-FFQ and the 24HR using multiple statistical tests and standardised validity criteria. Correlation (Pearson), mean difference (Wilcoxon rank test) and Bland Altman analyses were conducted to compare absolute values, with cross-classification (Chi-Square and Weighted Kappa) used to compare agreement across tertiles. Results : All reproducibility tests showed good agreement except weighted kappa, which showed acceptable agreement. Relative validity tests revealed a mix of good and acceptable agreement, with total sugars performing better at the individual level than free sugars. Compared to the 24HR, the SMILE-FFQ tended to underestimate absolute values at lower levels and overestimate them at higher levels. Conclusions : The combined findings of the various tests indicate that the SMILE-FFQ performs comparably to the 24HR for assessing both total and free sugars among individuals, is most effective for ranking participants rather than determining absolute intakes, and is therefore suitable for use in observational studies of Australian toddlers.

Neutron activation analysis of certified samples by the absolute method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kadem, F.; Belouadah, N.; Idiri, Z.

2015-07-01

The nuclear reactions analysis technique is mainly based on the relative method or the use of activation cross sections. In order to validate nuclear data for the calculated cross section evaluated from systematic studies, we used the neutron activation analysis technique (NAA) to determine the various constituent concentrations of certified samples for animal blood, milk and hay. In this analysis, the absolute method is used. The neutron activation technique involves irradiating the sample and subsequently performing a measurement of the activity of the sample. The fundamental equation of the activation connects several physical parameters including the cross section that is essential for the quantitative determination of the different elements composing the sample without resorting to the use of standard sample. Called the absolute method, it allows a measurement as accurate as the relative method. The results obtained by the absolute method showed that the values are as precise as the relative method requiring the use of standard sample for each element to be quantified.

Prediction of stream volatilization coefficients

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rathbun, Ronald E.

1990-01-01

Equations are developed for predicting the liquid-film and gas-film reference-substance parameters for quantifying volatilization of organic solutes from streams. Molecular weight and molecular-diffusion coefficients of the solute are used as correlating parameters. Equations for predicting molecular-diffusion coefficients of organic solutes in water and air are developed, with molecular weight and molal volume as parameters. Mean absolute errors of prediction for diffusion coefficients in water are 9.97% for the molecular-weight equation, 6.45% for the molal-volume equation. The mean absolute error for the diffusion coefficient in air is 5.79% for the molal-volume equation. Molecular weight is not a satisfactory correlating parameter for diffusion in air because two equations are necessary to describe the values in the data set. The best predictive equation for the liquid-film reference-substance parameter has a mean absolute error of 5.74%, with molal volume as the correlating parameter. The best equation for the gas-film parameter has a mean absolute error of 7.80%, with molecular weight as the correlating parameter.

Validity of peak expiratory flow measurement in assessing reversibility of airflow obstruction.

PubMed Central

Dekker, F W; Schrier, A C; Sterk, P J; Dijkman, J H

1992-01-01

BACKGROUND: Assessing the reversibility of airflow obstruction by peak expiratory (PEF) measurements would be practicable in general practice, but its usefulness has not been investigated. METHODS: PEF measurements were performed (miniWright peak flow meter) in 73 general practice patients (aged 40 to 84) with a history of asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease before and after 400 micrograms inhaled sulbutamol. The change in PEF was compared with the change in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). Reversible airflow obstruction was analysed in two ways according to previous criteria. When defined as a 9% or greater increase in FEV1 expressed as a percentage of predicted values reversibility was observed in 42% of patients. Relative operating characteristic analysis showed that an absolute improvement in PEF of 60 l/min or more gave optimal discrimination between patients with reversible and irreversible airflow obstruction (the sensitivity and specificity of an increase of 60 l/min in detecting a 9% or more increase in FEV1 as a percentage of predicted values were 68% and 93% respectively, with a positive predictive value of 87%). When defined as an increase of 190 ml or more in FEV1, reversible airflow obstruction was observed in 53% of patients. Again an absolute improvement in PEF of 60 l/min or more gave optimal discrimination between patients with reversible and irreversible airflow obstruction (sensitivity 56%, specificity 94%, and positive predictive value 92%). CONCLUSION: Absolute changes in PEF can be used as a simple technique to diagnose reversible airflow obstruction in patients from general practice. PMID:1519192

Four-wavelength near-infrared peripheral oximetry in cardiac surgery patients: a comparison between EQUANOX and O3.

PubMed

Ferraris, Arnaud; Jacquet-Lagrèze, Matthias; Fellahi, Jean-Luc

2018-04-01

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a continuous and noninvasive technology that measures regional tissue oxygen saturation (rSO 2 ). A new 4-wavelength generation of NIRS monitors is now available. We aimed to compare peripheral somatic rSO 2 values given by the 4-wavelength EQUANOX™ 7600 device (Nonin Medical Inc., Plymouth, Mn) and O3™ device (Masimo Corporation, Irvine, CA). Twenty adult patients scheduled for conventional elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass over a 4-month period were included after local Ethics Committee approval. For each patient, 2 NIRS sensors (EQUANOX and O3) were placed over the medial part of the forearm. Thirteen couples of measurements were performed at predefined intraoperative time points. We compared 260 couples of absolute intraoperative rSO 2 values. No significant difference was found between both monitors: EQUANOX median rSO 2 60% (95% CI 57-62) versus O3 median rSO 2 62% (95% CI 61-64), P = 0.103. Bias was 4.0% and limits of agreement were ±26.3%. Significant correlations were evidenced between EQUANOX and O3 rSO 2 absolute values: rho = 0.758 (95% CI 0.701-0.806), P < 0.0001, and rSO 2 percent maximum difference versus baseline: rho = 0.582 (95% CI 0.188-0.815), P = 0.007. While absolute values of rSO 2 given by both devices were equivalent and well correlated, the clinical agreement is probably not acceptable, meaning that EQUANOX and O3 are not interchangeable in routine practice.

The Contradiction Between the Measurement Theory of Quantum Mechanics and the Theory that the Velocity of Any Particle Can Not be Larger than the Velocity of Light

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shen, Y.; Shen, Z. J.; Shen, G. T.; Yang, B. C.

1996-01-01

By the measurement theory of quantum mechanics and the method of Fourier transform,we proved that the wave function psi(x,y,z,t)= (8/((2(pi)(2L(exp (1/2)))(exp 3))(Phi(L,t,x)Phi(L,t,y)Phi(L,t,z)). According to the theory that the velocity of any particle can not be larger than the velocity of light and the Born interpretation, when absolute value of delta greater than (ct+ L),Phi(L,t,delta) = 0. But according to the calculation, we proved that for some delta, even if absolute value of delta is greater than (ct+L), Phi(L,t,delta) is not equal to 0.

Correlated photometric and polarimetric phenomena in AM Herculis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Priedhorsky, W. C.; Krzeminski, W.; Tapia, S.

1978-01-01

Via simultaneous multicolor photometry and polarimetry of AM Herculis, we find correlations among polarization, flux, and color in the V and I bands in periodic and nonperiodic (i.e., flickering) activity. The primary minimum observed in both bands is accompanied by a blueward shift of the (B - R) color and a decrease in the absolute value of the percent circular polarization in the V band. Outside primary minimum, peaks of flickering activity tend to be associated with an increase in the absolute value of the circular polarization and the concurrent reddening of the (B - R) and (R - I) colors. The visual light curve of AM Her can be explained by a flickering, circularly polarized light source which is obscured at primary minimum, and is redder than the total system color in the URVRI bands.

Selection of a Man-Modelling CAD (Computer-Aided Design),

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-09-01

OPTIONS link-length input options internal dimensions - V V external dimensions V V V percentile values V V V absolute values (mm) V V/ V somatotypes V...specific data .035 A3 somatotype representation .020 A4 a-typical postures possible .035 * A5 flesh contour representation .040 A6 multiple number of

Derated Application of Parts for ESD (Electronic Systems Division) System Development. Revision

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-03-01

SSVAC Coearaen ~ree , neem ! adIrcuit ’design)~ Stress derating., __ o~~~~~:.mponent anplicatieonl ~blc ,ub~ This documnent establishes part...Channel & Breakdown Voltage 60% 70% 70% o N Channel) Max Tj (C) 95 105 125 48 MAXDM ALLOWABLE ABSOLUTE VALUE * OIL PERCENT OF RATED VALUE PART TYPE

Inter-Method Reliability of School Effectiveness Measures: A Comparison of Value-Added and Regression Discontinuity Estimates

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perry, Thomas

2017-01-01

Value-added (VA) measures are currently the predominant approach used to compare the effectiveness of schools. Recent educational effectiveness research, however, has developed alternative approaches including the regression discontinuity (RD) design, which also allows estimation of absolute school effects. Initial research suggests RD is a viable…

Carbohydrate and protein but not fat or fiber affects glycemic index and glycemic load value determinations

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Introduction: Dietary glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) values have been calculated using data derived from instruments designed to estimate daily food intake. Since the absolute amount of carbohydrate (CHO) and combination of CHO with other macronutrients and fiber is highly variable among...

Is One Trial Sufficient to Obtain Excellent Pressure Pain Threshold Reliability in the Low Back of Asymptomatic Individuals? A Test-Retest Study.

PubMed

Balaguier, Romain; Madeleine, Pascal; Vuillerme, Nicolas

2016-01-01

The assessment of pressure pain threshold (PPT) provides a quantitative value related to the mechanical sensitivity to pain of deep structures. Although excellent reliability of PPT has been reported in numerous anatomical locations, its absolute and relative reliability in the lower back region remains to be determined. Because of the high prevalence of low back pain in the general population and because low back pain is one of the leading causes of disability in industrialized countries, assessing pressure pain thresholds over the low back is particularly of interest. The purpose of this study study was (1) to evaluate the intra- and inter- absolute and relative reliability of PPT within 14 locations covering the low back region of asymptomatic individuals and (2) to determine the number of trial required to ensure reliable PPT measurements. Fifteen asymptomatic subjects were included in this study. PPTs were assessed among 14 anatomical locations in the low back region over two sessions separated by one hour interval. For the two sessions, three PPT assessments were performed on each location. Reliability was assessed computing intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimum detectable change (MDC) for all possible combinations between trials and sessions. Bland-Altman plots were also generated to assess potential bias in the dataset. Relative reliability for both intra- and inter- session was almost perfect with ICC ranged from 0.85 to 0.99. With respect to the intra-session, no statistical difference was reported for ICCs and SEM regardless of the conducted comparisons between trials. Conversely, for inter-session, ICCs and SEM values were significantly larger when two consecutive PPT measurements were used for data analysis. No significant difference was observed for the comparison between two consecutive measurements and three measurements. Excellent relative and absolute reliabilities were reported for both intra- and inter-session. Reliable measurements can be equally achieved when using the mean of two or three consecutive PPT measurements, as usually proposed in the literature, or with only the first one. Although reliability was almost perfect regardless of the conducted comparison between PPT assessments, our results suggest using two consecutive measurements to obtain higher short term absolute reliability.

Statistical Analysis on the Performance of Molecular Mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann Surface Area versus Absolute Binding Free Energy Calculations: Bromodomains as a Case Study

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Binding free energy calculations that make use of alchemical pathways are becoming increasingly feasible thanks to advances in hardware and algorithms. Although relative binding free energy (RBFE) calculations are starting to find widespread use, absolute binding free energy (ABFE) calculations are still being explored mainly in academic settings due to the high computational requirements and still uncertain predictive value. However, in some drug design scenarios, RBFE calculations are not applicable and ABFE calculations could provide an alternative. Computationally cheaper end-point calculations in implicit solvent, such as molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA) calculations, could too be used if one is primarily interested in a relative ranking of affinities. Here, we compare MMPBSA calculations to previously performed absolute alchemical free energy calculations in their ability to correlate with experimental binding free energies for three sets of bromodomain–inhibitor pairs. Different MMPBSA approaches have been considered, including a standard single-trajectory protocol, a protocol that includes a binding entropy estimate, and protocols that take into account the ligand hydration shell. Despite the improvements observed with the latter two MMPBSA approaches, ABFE calculations were found to be overall superior in obtaining correlation with experimental affinities for the test cases considered. A difference in weighted average Pearson () and Spearman () correlations of 0.25 and 0.31 was observed when using a standard single-trajectory MMPBSA setup ( = 0.64 and = 0.66 for ABFE; = 0.39 and = 0.35 for MMPBSA). The best performing MMPBSA protocols returned weighted average Pearson and Spearman correlations that were about 0.1 inferior to ABFE calculations: = 0.55 and = 0.56 when including an entropy estimate, and = 0.53 and = 0.55 when including explicit water molecules. Overall, the study suggests that ABFE calculations are indeed the more accurate approach, yet there is also value in MMPBSA calculations considering the lower compute requirements, and if agreement to experimental affinities in absolute terms is not of interest. Moreover, for the specific protein–ligand systems considered in this study, we find that including an explicit ligand hydration shell or a binding entropy estimate in the MMPBSA calculations resulted in significant performance improvements at a negligible computational cost. PMID:28786670

Defining Reward Value by Cross-Modal Scaling

PubMed Central

Casey, Anna H.; Silberberg, Alan; Paukner, Annika; Suomi, Stephen J.

2013-01-01

Researchers in comparative psychology often use different food rewards in their studies, with food values defined by a pre-experimental preference test. While this technique rank orders food values, it provides limited information about value differences because preferences may reflect not only value differences, but also the degree to which one good may “substitute” for another (e.g., one food may substitute well for another food, but neither substitutes well for water). We propose scaling the value of food pairs by a third food that is less substitutable for either food offered in preference tests (cross-modal scaling). Here, Cebus monkeys chose between four pairwise alternatives: fruits A vs. B; cereal amount X vs. fruit A and cereal amount Y vs. fruit B where X and Y were adjusted to produce indifference between each cereal amount and each fruit; and cereal amounts X vs. Y. When choice was between perfect substitutes (different cereal amounts), preferences were nearly absolute; so too when choice was between close substitutes (fruits); however, when choice was between fruits and cereal amounts, preferences were more modest and less likely due to substitutability. These results suggest that scaling between-good value differences in terms of a third, less-substitutable good may be better than simple preference tests in defining between-good value differences. PMID:23771492

Patterns and determinants of functional and absolute iron deficiency in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation following heart surgery.

PubMed

Tramarin, Roberto; Pistuddi, Valeria; Maresca, Luigi; Pavesi, Marco; Castelvecchio, Serenella; Menicanti, Lorenzo; de Vincentiis, Carlo; Ranucci, Marco

2017-05-01

Background Anaemia and iron deficiency are frequent following major surgery. The present study aims to identify the iron deficiency patterns in cardiac surgery patients at their admission to a cardiac rehabilitation programme, and to determine which perioperative risk factor(s) may be associated with functional and absolute iron deficiency. Design This was a retrospective study on prospectively collected data. Methods The patient population included 339 patients. Functional iron deficiency was defined in the presence of transferrin saturation <20% and serum ferritin ≥100 µg/l. Absolute iron deficiency was defined in the presence of serum ferritin values <100 µg/l. Results Functional iron deficiency was found in 62.9% of patients and absolute iron deficiency in 10% of the patients. At a multivariable analysis, absolute iron deficiency was significantly ( p = 0.001) associated with mechanical prosthesis mitral valve replacement (odds ratio 5.4, 95% confidence interval 1.9-15) and tissue valve aortic valve replacement (odds ratio 4.5, 95% confidence interval 1.9-11). In mitral valve surgery, mitral repair carried a significant ( p = 0.013) lower risk of absolute iron deficiency (4.4%) than mitral valve replacement with tissue valves (8.3%) or mechanical prostheses (22.5%). Postoperative outcome did not differ between patients with functional iron deficiency and patients without iron deficiency; patients with absolute iron deficiency had a significantly ( p = 0.017) longer postoperative hospital stay (median 11 days) than patients without iron deficiency (median nine days) or with functional iron deficiency (median eight days). Conclusions Absolute iron deficiency following cardiac surgery is more frequent in heart valve surgery and is associated with a prolonged hospital stay. Routine screening for iron deficiency at admission in the cardiac rehabilitation unit is suggested.

Enantiomeric Lignans and Neolignans from Phyllanthus glaucus: Enantioseparation and Their Absolute Configurations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Zhaodi; Lai, Yongji; Zhou, Lei; Wu, Ye; Zhu, Hucheng; Hu, Zhengxi; Yang, Jing; Zhang, Jinwen; Wang, Jianping; Luo, Zengwei; Xue, Yongbo; Zhang, Yonghui

2016-04-01

Eight pairs of enantiomeric neolignans, norlignans, and sesquineolignans (1a/1b-8a/8b), together with five known neolignans (9a/9b and 10-12), have been isolated from 70% acetone extract of the whole plants of Phyllanthus glaucus Wall. (Euphorbiaceae). The racemic or partial racemic mixtures were successfully separated by chiral HPLC using different types of chiral columns with various mobile phases. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of 2a/2b were determined by computational analysis of their electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectrum, and the absolute configurations of other isolates were ascertained by comparing their experimental ECD spectra and optical rotation values with those of structure-relevant compounds reported in literatures. Compounds 4a/4b featured unique sesquineolignan skeletons with a novel 7-4‧-epoxy-8‧-8‧‧/7‧-2‧‧ scaffold, consisting of an aryltetrahydronaphthalene and a dihydrobenzofuran moiety. The planar structures of compounds 2, 3, 7, and 8 were documented previously; however, their absolute configurations were established for the first time in this study. The antioxidant activities of 1a/1b-8a/8b were evaluated using DPPH free radical scavenging assay, and the results demonstrated that compounds 1b and 3b showed potent DPPH radical scavenging activities with IC50 values of 5.987 ± 1.212 and 9.641 ± 0.865 μg/mL, respectively.

Absolute measurements of the triplet-triplet annihilation rate and the charge-carrier recombination layer thickness in working polymer light-emitting diodes based on polyspirobifluorene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rothe, C.; Al Attar, H. A.; Monkman, A. P.

2005-10-01

The triplet exciton densities in electroluminescent devices prepared from two polyspirobifluorene derivatives have been investigated by means of time-resolved transient triplet absorption as a function of optical and electrical excitation power at 20 K. Because of the low mobility of the triplet excitons at this temperature, the triplet generation profile within the active polymer layer is preserved throughout the triplet lifetime and as a consequence the absolute triplet-triplet annihilation efficiency is not homogeneously distributed but depends on position within the active layer. This then gives a method to measure the charge-carrier recombination layer after electrical excitation relative to the light penetration depth, which is identical to the triplet generation layer after optical excitation. With the latter being obtained from ellipsometry, an absolute value of 5 nm is found for the exciton formation layer in polyspirobifluorene devices. This layer increases to 11 nm if the balance between the electron and the hole mobility is improved by chemically modifying the polymer backbone. Also, and consistent with previous work, triplet diffusion is dispersive at low temperature. As a consequence of this, the triplet-triplet annihilation rate is not a constant in the classical sense but depends on the triplet excitation dose. At 20 K and for typical excitation doses, absolute values of the latter rate are of the order of 10-14cm3s-1 .

Estimating the absolute wealth of households.

PubMed

Hruschka, Daniel J; Gerkey, Drew; Hadley, Craig

2015-07-01

To estimate the absolute wealth of households using data from demographic and health surveys. We developed a new metric, the absolute wealth estimate, based on the rank of each surveyed household according to its material assets and the assumed shape of the distribution of wealth among surveyed households. Using data from 156 demographic and health surveys in 66 countries, we calculated absolute wealth estimates for households. We validated the method by comparing the proportion of households defined as poor using our estimates with published World Bank poverty headcounts. We also compared the accuracy of absolute versus relative wealth estimates for the prediction of anthropometric measures. The median absolute wealth estimates of 1,403,186 households were 2056 international dollars per capita (interquartile range: 723-6103). The proportion of poor households based on absolute wealth estimates were strongly correlated with World Bank estimates of populations living on less than 2.00 United States dollars per capita per day (R(2)  = 0.84). Absolute wealth estimates were better predictors of anthropometric measures than relative wealth indexes. Absolute wealth estimates provide new opportunities for comparative research to assess the effects of economic resources on health and human capital, as well as the long-term health consequences of economic change and inequality.

Estimating the absolute wealth of households

PubMed Central

Gerkey, Drew; Hadley, Craig

2015-01-01

Abstract Objective To estimate the absolute wealth of households using data from demographic and health surveys. Methods We developed a new metric, the absolute wealth estimate, based on the rank of each surveyed household according to its material assets and the assumed shape of the distribution of wealth among surveyed households. Using data from 156 demographic and health surveys in 66 countries, we calculated absolute wealth estimates for households. We validated the method by comparing the proportion of households defined as poor using our estimates with published World Bank poverty headcounts. We also compared the accuracy of absolute versus relative wealth estimates for the prediction of anthropometric measures. Findings The median absolute wealth estimates of 1 403 186 households were 2056 international dollars per capita (interquartile range: 723–6103). The proportion of poor households based on absolute wealth estimates were strongly correlated with World Bank estimates of populations living on less than 2.00 United States dollars per capita per day (R2 = 0.84). Absolute wealth estimates were better predictors of anthropometric measures than relative wealth indexes. Conclusion Absolute wealth estimates provide new opportunities for comparative research to assess the effects of economic resources on health and human capital, as well as the long-term health consequences of economic change and inequality. PMID:26170506

Seismic zonation of Port-Au-Prince using pixel- and object-based imaging analysis methods on ASTER GDEM

USGS Publications Warehouse

Yong, Alan; Hough, Susan E.; Cox, Brady R.; Rathje, Ellen M.; Bachhuber, Jeff; Dulberg, Ranon; Hulslander, David; Christiansen, Lisa; and Abrams, Michael J.

2011-01-01

We report about a preliminary study to evaluate the use of semi-automated imaging analysis of remotely-sensed DEM and field geophysical measurements to develop a seismic-zonation map of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. For in situ data, VS30 values are derived from the MASW technique deployed in and around the city. For satellite imagery, we use an ASTER GDEM of Hispaniola. We apply both pixel- and object-based imaging methods on the ASTER GDEM to explore local topography (absolute elevation values) and classify terrain types such as mountains, alluvial fans and basins/near-shore regions. We assign NEHRP seismic site class ranges based on available VS30 values. A comparison of results from imagery-based methods to results from traditional geologic-based approaches reveals good overall correspondence. We conclude that image analysis of RS data provides reliable first-order site characterization results in the absence of local data and can be useful to refine detailed site maps with sparse local data.

Wetland Boundary Determination in the Great Dismal Swamp Using Weighted Averages

USGS Publications Warehouse

Carter, Virginia; Garrett, Mary Keith; Gammon, Patricia T.

1988-01-01

A weighted average method was used to analyze transition zone vegetation in the Great Dismal Swamp to determine if a more uniform determination of wetland boundaries can be made nationwide. The method was applied to vegetation data collected on four transects and three vertical layers across the wetland-to-upland transition zone of the swamp. Ecological index values based on water tolerance were either taken from the literature or derived from local species tolerances. Wetland index values were calculated for 25-m increments using species cover and rankings based on the ecological indices. Wetland index values were used to designate increments as either wetland, transitional, or upland, and to examine the usefulness of a provisional wetland-upland break-point. The weighted average method did not provide for an objective placement of an absolute wetland boundary, but did serve to focus attention on the transitional boundary zone where supplementary information is necessary to select a wetland-upland breakpoint.

Exploring of PST-TBPM in Monitoring Dynamic Deformation of Steel Structure in Vibration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Mingzhi; Zhao, Yongqian; Hai, Hua; Yu, Chengxin; Zhang, Guojian

2018-01-01

In order to monitor the dynamic deformation of steel structure in the real-time, digital photography is used in this paper. Firstly, the grid method is used correct the distortion of digital camera. Then the digital cameras are used to capture the initial and experimental images of steel structure to obtain its relative deformation. PST-TBPM (photographing scale transformation-time baseline parallax method) is used to eliminate the parallax error and convert the pixel change value of deformation points into the actual displacement value. In order to visualize the deformation trend of steel structure, the deformation curves are drawn based on the deformation value of deformation points. Results show that the average absolute accuracy and relative accuracy of PST-TBPM are 0.28mm and 1.1‰, respectively. Digital photography used in this study can meet accuracy requirements of steel structure deformation monitoring. It also can warn the safety of steel structure and provide data support for managers’ safety decisions based on the deformation curves on site.

Calculation of 125Te NMR Chemical Shifts at the Full Four-Component Relativistic Level with Taking into Account Solvent and Vibrational Corrections: A Gateway to Better Agreement with Experiment.

PubMed

Rusakova, Irina L; Rusakov, Yuriy Yu; Krivdin, Leonid B

2017-06-29

Four-component relativistic calculations of 125 Te NMR chemical shifts were performed in the series of 13 organotellurium compounds, potential precursors of the biologically active species, at the density functional theory level under the nonrelativistic and four-component fully relativistic conditions using locally dense basis set scheme derived from relativistic Dyall's basis sets. The relativistic effects in tellurium chemical shifts were found to be of as much as 20-25% of the total calculated values. The vibrational and solvent corrections to 125 Te NMR chemical shifts are about, accordingly, 6 and 8% of their total values. The PBE0 exchange-correlation functional turned out to give the best agreement of calculated tellurium shifts with their experimental values giving the mean absolute percentage error of 4% in the range of ∼1000 ppm, provided all corrections are taken into account.

Extracting the respiration cycle lengths from ECG signal recorded with bed sheet electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vehkaoja, A.; Peltokangas, M.; Lekkala, J.

2013-09-01

A method for recognizing the respiration cycle lengths from the electrocardiographic (ECG) signal recorded with textile electrodes that are attached to a bed sheet is proposed. The method uses two features extracted from the ECG that are affected by the respiration: respiratory sinus arrhythmia and the amplitude of the R-peaks. The proposed method was tested in one hour long recordings with ten healthy young adults. A relative mean absolute error of 5.6 % was achieved when the algorithm was able to provide a result for approximately 40 % of the time. 90 % of the values were within 0.5 s and 97 % within 1 s from the reference respiration value. In addition to the instantaneous respiration cycle lengths, also the mean values during 1 and 5 minutes epochs are calculated. The effect of the ECG signal source is evaluated by calculating the result also from the simultaneously recorded reference ECG signal. The acquired respiration information can be used in the estimation of sleep quality and the detection of sleep disorders.

Fluorescence imaging to quantify crop residue cover

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daughtry, C. S. T.; Mcmurtrey, J. E., III; Chappelle, E. W.

1994-01-01

Crop residues, the portion of the crop left in the field after harvest, can be an important management factor in controlling soil erosion. Methods to quantify residue cover are needed that are rapid, accurate, and objective. Scenes with known amounts of crop residue were illuminated with long wave ultraviolet (UV) radiation and fluorescence images were recorded with an intensified video camera fitted with a 453 to 488 nm band pass filter. A light colored soil and a dark colored soil were used as background for the weathered soybean stems. Residue cover was determined by counting the proportion of the pixels in the image with fluorescence values greater than a threshold. Soil pixels had the lowest gray levels in the images. The values of the soybean residue pixels spanned nearly the full range of the 8-bit video data. Classification accuracies typically were within 3(absolute units) of measured cover values. Video imaging can provide an intuitive understanding of the fraction of the soil covered by residue.

Adaptive scaling of reward in episodic memory: a replication study.

PubMed

Mason, Alice; Ludwig, Casimir; Farrell, Simon

2017-11-01

Reward is thought to enhance episodic memory formation via dopaminergic consolidation. Bunzeck, Dayan, Dolan, and Duzel [(2010). A common mechanism for adaptive scaling of reward and novelty. Human Brain Mapping, 31, 1380-1394] provided functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and behavioural evidence that reward and episodic memory systems are sensitive to the contextual value of a reward-whether it is relatively higher or lower-as opposed to absolute value or prediction error. We carried out a direct replication of their behavioural study and did not replicate their finding that memory performance associated with reward follows this pattern of adaptive scaling. An effect of reward outcome was in the opposite direction to that in the original study, with lower reward outcomes leading to better memory than higher outcomes. There was a marginal effect of reward context, suggesting that expected value affected memory performance. We discuss the robustness of the reward memory relationship to variations in reward context, and whether other reward-related factors have a more reliable influence on episodic memory.

Dynamics of normalization underlying masking in human visual cortex.

PubMed

Tsai, Jeffrey J; Wade, Alex R; Norcia, Anthony M

2012-02-22

Stimulus visibility can be reduced by other stimuli that overlap the same region of visual space, a process known as masking. Here we studied the neural mechanisms of masking in humans using source-imaged steady state visual evoked potentials and frequency-domain analysis over a wide range of relative stimulus strengths of test and mask stimuli. Test and mask stimuli were tagged with distinct temporal frequencies and we quantified spectral response components associated with the individual stimuli (self terms) and responses due to interaction between stimuli (intermodulation terms). In early visual cortex, masking alters the self terms in a manner consistent with a reduction of input contrast. We also identify a novel signature of masking: a robust intermodulation term that peaks when the test and mask stimuli have equal contrast and disappears when they are widely different. We fit all of our data simultaneously with family of a divisive gain control models that differed only in their dynamics. Models with either very short or very long temporal integration constants for the gain pool performed worse than a model with an integration time of ∼30 ms. Finally, the absolute magnitudes of the response were controlled by the ratio of the stimulus contrasts, not their absolute values. This contrast-contrast invariance suggests that many neurons in early visual cortex code relative rather than absolute contrast. Together, these results provide a more complete description of masking within the normalization framework of contrast gain control and suggest that contrast normalization accomplishes multiple functional goals.

One idea of portfolio risk control for absolute return strategy risk adjustments by signals from correlation behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishiyama, N.

2001-12-01

Absolute return strategy provided from fund of funds (FOFs) investment schemes is the focus in Japanese Financial Community. FOFs investment mainly consists of hedge fund investment and it has two major characteristics which are low correlation against benchmark index and little impact from various external changes in the environment given maximizing return. According to the historical track record of survival hedge funds in this business world, they maintain a stable high return and low risk. However, one must keep in mind that low risk would not be equal to risk free. The failure of Long-term capital management (LTCM) that took place in the summer of 1998 was a symbolized phenomenon. The summer of 1998 exhibited a certain limitation of traditional value at risk (VaR) and some possibility that traditional VaR could be ineffectual to the nonlinear type of fluctuation in the market. In this paper, I try to bring self-organized criticality (SOC) into portfolio risk control. SOC would be well known as a model of decay in the natural world. I analyzed nonlinear type of fluctuation in the market as SOC and applied SOC to capture complicated market movement using threshold point of SOC and risk adjustments by scenario correlation as implicit signals. Threshold becomes the control parameter of risk exposure to set downside floor and forecast extreme nonlinear type of fluctuation under a certain probability. Simulation results would show synergy effect of portfolio risk control between SOC and absolute return strategy.

Upper Bounds on the Expected Value of a Convex Function Using Gradient and Conjugate Function Information.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-08-01

of the absolute difference between the random variable and its mean.Gassmann and Ziemba 119861 provide a weaker bound that does not require...2.8284, and EX4tV) -12 EX’iX) = -42. Hence C = -2 -€t* i-4’]= I-- . 1213. £1 2 5 COMPARISONS OF BOUNDS IN IIn Gassmann and Ziemba 11986) extend an idea...solution of the foLLowing Linear program: (see Gassmann, Ziemba (1986),Theorem 1) m m m-GZ=max(XT(vi) I: z. 1=1,Z vo=x io (5.1hk i-l i=i i=1 I I where 0

Aerobic fitness of Anglo-Saxon and Indian students.

PubMed

Hardy, C P; Eston, R G

1985-12-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the aerobic fitness of two groups of male college students: 32 Anglo-Saxon males (age range 16-18 years) with 27 Indian males, born in England, (age range 16-23 years), none of whom was highly active in any particular sport. Maximal oxygen uptake was estimated by submaximal test on a cycle ergometer and percent body fat was assessed by skinfold calipers. The Anglo-Saxon group had higher absolute and relative maximal oxygen consumption values and higher body weight. There was no difference in percent fat between the two groups. Strength data were also provided for descriptive purposes.

Inherent Conservatism in Deterministic Quasi-Static Structural Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Verderaime, V.

1997-01-01

The cause of the long-suspected excessive conservatism in the prevailing structural deterministic safety factor has been identified as an inherent violation of the error propagation laws when reducing statistical data to deterministic values and then combining them algebraically through successive structural computational processes. These errors are restricted to the applied stress computations, and because mean and variations of the tolerance limit format are added, the errors are positive, serially cumulative, and excessively conservative. Reliability methods circumvent these errors and provide more efficient and uniform safe structures. The document is a tutorial on the deficiencies and nature of the current safety factor and of its improvement and transition to absolute reliability.

Low speed phaselock speed control system. [for brushless dc motor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fulcher, R. W.; Sudey, J. (Inventor)

1975-01-01

A motor speed control system for an electronically commutated brushless dc motor is provided which includes a phaselock loop with bidirectional torque control for locking the frequency output of a high density encoder, responsive to actual speed conditions, to a reference frequency signal, corresponding to the desired speed. The system includes a phase comparator, which produces an output in accordance with the difference in phase between the reference and encoder frequency signals, and an integrator-digital-to-analog converter unit, which converts the comparator output into an analog error signal voltage. Compensation circuitry, including a biasing means, is provided to convert the analog error signal voltage to a bidirectional error signal voltage which is utilized by an absolute value amplifier, rotational decoder, power amplifier-commutators, and an arrangement of commutation circuitry.

Speed of sound and photoacoustic imaging with an optical camera based ultrasound detection system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nuster, Robert; Paltauf, Guenther

2017-07-01

CCD camera based optical ultrasound detection is a promising alternative approach for high resolution 3D photoacoustic imaging (PAI). To fully exploit its potential and to achieve an image resolution <50 μm, it is necessary to incorporate variations of the speed of sound (SOS) in the image reconstruction algorithm. Hence, in the proposed work the idea and a first implementation are shown how speed of sound imaging can be added to a previously developed camera based PAI setup. The current setup provides SOS-maps with a spatial resolution of 2 mm and an accuracy of the obtained absolute SOS values of about 1%. The proposed dual-modality setup has the potential to provide highly resolved and perfectly co-registered 3D photoacoustic and SOS images.

First steps towards dual-modality 3D photoacoustic and speed of sound imaging with optical ultrasound detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nuster, Robert; Wurzinger, Gerhild; Paltauf, Guenther

2017-03-01

CCD camera based optical ultrasound detection is a promising alternative approach for high resolution 3D photoacoustic imaging (PAI). To fully exploit its potential and to achieve an image resolution <50 μm, it is necessary to incorporate variations of the speed of sound (SOS) in the image reconstruction algorithm. Hence, in the proposed work the idea and a first implementation are shown how speed of sound imaging can be added to a previously developed camera based PAI setup. The current setup provides SOS-maps with a spatial resolution of 2 mm and an accuracy of the obtained absolute SOS values of about 1%. The proposed dual-modality setup has the potential to provide highly resolved and perfectly co-registered 3D photoacoustic and SOS images.

Extreme values and the level-crossing problem: An application to the Feller process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masoliver, Jaume

2014-04-01

We review the question of the extreme values attained by a random process. We relate it to level crossings to one boundary (first-passage problems) as well as to two boundaries (escape problems). The extremes studied are the maximum, the minimum, the maximum absolute value, and the range or span. We specialize in diffusion processes and present detailed results for the Wiener and Feller processes.

Site quality in Appalachian hardwoods: the biological and economic response under selection silviculture

Treesearch

Orris D. McCauley; George R., Jr. Trimble

1975-01-01

The relative or percentage value response after 12 years of selective cutting practices on low- and high-quality sites in Appalachian hardwoods amounted to a 119-percent increase on the low-quality site and 145 percent on the high-quality site. The absolute value or actual dollar response, on the other hand, showed that the low-quality site increased in value only $76/...

Single-Ion Solvation Free Energies and the Normal Hydrogen Electrode Potential in Methanol, Acetonitrile, and Dimethyl Sulfoxide

PubMed Central

Kelly, Casey P.; Cramer, Christopher J.; Truhlar, Donald G.

2008-01-01

The division of thermodynamic solvation free energies of electrolytes into ionic constituents is conventionally accomplished by using the single-ion solvation free energy of one reference ion, conventionally the proton, to set the single-ion scales. Thus the determination of the free energy of solvation of the proton in various solvents is a fundamental issue of central importance in solution chemistry. In the present article, relative solvation free energies of ions and ion-solvent clusters in methanol, acetonitrile, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) have been determined using a combination of experimental and theoretical gas-phase free energies of formation, solution-phase reduction potentials and acid dissociation constants, and gas-phase clustering free energies. Applying the cluster pair approximation to differences between these relative solvation free energies leads to values of −263.5, −260.2, and −273.3 kcal/mol for the absolute solvation free energy of the proton in methanol, acetonitrile, and DMSO, respectively. The final absolute proton solvation free energies are used to assign absolute values for the normal hydrogen electrode potential and the solvation free energies of other single ions in the above solvents. PMID:17214493

A suggestion for computing objective function in model calibration

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wu, Yiping; Liu, Shuguang

2014-01-01

A parameter-optimization process (model calibration) is usually required for numerical model applications, which involves the use of an objective function to determine the model cost (model-data errors). The sum of square errors (SSR) has been widely adopted as the objective function in various optimization procedures. However, ‘square error’ calculation was found to be more sensitive to extreme or high values. Thus, we proposed that the sum of absolute errors (SAR) may be a better option than SSR for model calibration. To test this hypothesis, we used two case studies—a hydrological model calibration and a biogeochemical model calibration—to investigate the behavior of a group of potential objective functions: SSR, SAR, sum of squared relative deviation (SSRD), and sum of absolute relative deviation (SARD). Mathematical evaluation of model performance demonstrates that ‘absolute error’ (SAR and SARD) are superior to ‘square error’ (SSR and SSRD) in calculating objective function for model calibration, and SAR behaved the best (with the least error and highest efficiency). This study suggests that SSR might be overly used in real applications, and SAR may be a reasonable choice in common optimization implementations without emphasizing either high or low values (e.g., modeling for supporting resources management).

Reporting of Numerical and Statistical Differences in Abstracts

PubMed Central

Dryver, Eric; Hux, Janet E

2002-01-01

OBJECTIVE The reporting of relative risk reductions (RRRs) or absolute risk reductions (ARRs) to quantify binary outcomes in trials engenders differing perceptions of therapeutic efficacy, and the merits of P values versus confidence intervals (CIs) are also controversial. We describe the manner in which numerical and statistical difference in treatment outcomes is presented in published abstracts. DESIGN A descriptive study of abstracts published in 1986 and 1996 in 8 general medical and specialty journals. Inclusion criteria: controlled, intervention trials with a binary primary or secondary outcome. Seven items were recorded: raw data (outcomes for each treatment arm), measure of relative difference (e.g., RRR), ARR, number needed to treat, P value, CI, and verbal statement of statistical significance. The prevalence of these items was compared between journals and across time. RESULTS Of 5,293 abstracts, 300 met the inclusion criteria. In 1986, 60% of abstracts did not provide both the raw data and a corresponding P value or CI, while 28% failed to do so in 1Dr. Hux is a Career Scientist of the Ontario Ministry of Health and receives salary support from the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences in Ontario.996 (P < .001; RRR of 53%; ARR of 32%; CI for ARR 21% to 43%). The variability between journals was highly significant (P < .001). In 1986, 100% of abstracts lacked a measure of absolute difference while 88% of 1996 abstracts did so (P < .001). In 1986, 98% of abstracts lacked a CI while 65% of 1996 abstracts did so (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The provision of quantitative outcome and statistical quantitative information has significantly increased between 1986 and 1996. However, further progress can be made to make abstracts more informative. PMID:11929506

Evaluation of equivalent and effective dose by KAP for patient and orthopedic surgeon in vertebral compression fracture surgery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santos, Felipe A.; Galeano, Diego C.; Santos, William S.; Silva, Ademir X.; Souza, Susana O.; Carvalho Júnior, Albérico B.

2017-03-01

Clinical scenarios were virtually modeled to estimate both the equivalent and effective doses normalized by KAP (Kerma Area Product) to vertebra compression fracture surgery in patient and surgeon. This surgery is known as kyphoplasty and involves the use of X-ray equipment, the C-arm, which provides real-time images to assist the surgeon in conducting instruments inserted into the patient and in the delivery of surgical cement into the fractured vertebra. The radiation transport code used was MCNPX (Monte Carlo N-Particle eXtended) and a pair of UFHADM (University of Florida Hybrid ADult Male) virtual phantoms. The developed scenarios allowed us to calculate a set of equivalent dose (HT) and effective dose (E) for patients and surgeons. In additional, the same scenario was calculated KAP in the tube output and was used for calculating conversion coefficients (E/KAP and HT/KAP). From the knowledge of the experimental values of KAP and the results presented in this study, it is possible to estimate absolute values of effective doses for different exposure conditions. In this work, we developed scenarios with and without the surgical table with the purpose of comparison with the existing data in the literature. The absence of the bed in the scenario promoted a percentage absolute difference of 56% in the patient effective doses in relation to scenarios calculated with a bed. Regarding the surgeon, the use of the personal protective equipment (PPE) reduces between 75% and 79% the effective dose and the use of the under table shield (UTS) reduces the effective dose of between 3% and 7%. All these variations emphasize the importance of the elaboration of virtual scenarios that approach the actual clinical conditions generating E/KAP and HT/KAP closer to the actual values.

Evaluating Laboratory Performance on Point-of-Care Glucose Testing with Six Sigma Metric for 151 Institutions in China.

PubMed

Fei, Yang; Wang, Wei; He, Falin; Zhong, Kun; Wang, Zhiguo

2015-10-01

The aim of this study was to use Six Sigma(SM) (Motorola Trademark Holdings, Libertyville, IL) techniques to analyze the quality of point-of-care (POC) glucose testing measurements quantitatively and to provide suggestions for improvement. In total, 151 laboratories in China were included in this investigation in 2014. Bias and coefficient of variation were collected from an external quality assessment and an internal quality control program, respectively, for POC glucose testing organized by the National Center for Clinical Laboratories. The σ values and the Quality Goal Index were used to evaluate the performance of POC glucose meters. There were 27, 30, 57, and 37 participants in the groups using Optium Xceed™ (Abbott Diabetes Care, Alameda, CA), Accu-Chek(®) Performa (Roche, Basel, Switzerland), One Touch Ultra(®) (Abbott), and "other" meters, respectively. The median of the absolute value of percentage difference varied among different lots and different groups. Among all the groups, the Abbott One Touch Ultra group had the smallest median of absolute value of percentage difference except for lot 201411, whereas the "other" group had the largest median in all five lots. More than 85% of participate laboratories satisfied the total allowable error (TEa) requirement in International Organization for Standardization standard 15197:2013, and 85.43% (129/151) of laboratories obtained intralaboratory coefficient of variations less than 1/3TEa. However, Six Sigma techniques suggested that 41.72% (63/151) to 65.56% (99/151) of the laboratories needed to improve their POC glucose testing performance, in either precision, trueness, or both. Laboratories should pay more attention on the practice of POC glucose testing and take actions to improve their performance. Only in this way can POC glucose testing really function well in clinical practice.

Reporting of numerical and statistical differences in abstracts: improving but not optimal.

PubMed

Dryver, Eric; Hux, Janet E

2002-03-01

The reporting of relative risk reductions (RRRs) or absolute risk reductions (ARRs) to quantify binary outcomes in trials engenders differing perceptions of therapeutic efficacy, and the merits of P values versus confidence intervals (CIs) are also controversial. We describe the manner in which numerical and statistical difference in treatment outcomes is presented in published abstracts. A descriptive study of abstracts published in 1986 and 1996 in 8 general medical and specialty journals. controlled, intervention trials with a binary primary or secondary outcome. Seven items were recorded: raw data (outcomes for each treatment arm), measure of relative difference (e.g., RRR), ARR, number needed to treat, P value, CI, and verbal statement of statistical significance. The prevalence of these items was compared between journals and across time. Of 5,293 abstracts, 300 met the inclusion criteria. In 1986, 60% of abstracts did not provide both the raw data and a corresponding P value or CI, while 28% failed to do so in 1Dr. Hux is a Career Scientist of the Ontario Ministry of Health and receives salary support from the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences in Ontario.996 ( P <.001; RRR of 53%; ARR of 32%; CI for ARR 21% to 43%). The variability between journals was highly significant ( P <.001). In 1986, 100% of abstracts lacked a measure of absolute difference while 88% of 1996 abstracts did so ( P <.001). In 1986, 98% of abstracts lacked a CI while 65% of 1996 abstracts did so ( P <.001). The provision of quantitative outcome and statistical quantitative information has significantly increased between 1986 and 1996. However, further progress can be made to make abstracts more informative.

Radial scanning diagnostics of bremsstrahlung and line emission in T-10 plasma

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

Nemets, A. R., E-mail: Nemets-AR@nrcki.ru; Krupin, V. A.; Klyuchnikov, L. A., E-mail: lklyuchnikov@list.ru

2016-12-15

The paper describes the scanning spectroscopic diagnostics designed for measurement of line integrated plasma radiation in two visible spectral ranges. This diagnostic system is aimed at measuring the bremsstrahlung absolute values and profile with high spatial resolution. The bremsstrahlung absolute values are used to determine the value and radial distribution of effective plasma ion charge Z{sub eff}(r) in T-10 discharges. The importance of Z{sub eff} measurement is due to its strong influence on plasma heating, confinement, and stability. The spatial distribution of emission for one of the chosen spectral lines is measured simultaneously with bremsstrahlung. The spatial resolution of measurementsmore » is ~1 cm, and the temporal resolution is up to 10 ms. The spectral equipment and methods for its calibration are described. Examples of line integrated brightness distribution in a “continuum window” of 5236 ± 6 Å and brightness of the lines C{sup 5+} (5291 Å), He{sup 1+} (4686 Å), and D{sub β} (4861 Å) are given. Flattening of the bremsstrahlung brightness profile in the central region of the plasma column in some discharges with sawtooth oscillations in the T-10 is observed. The measured effective ion charge profiles in ohmic discharges with high plasma density and low discharge currents demonstrate accumulation of light impurities at the column axis; as a consequence, quenching of sawtooth oscillations in some discharges is observed. The developed diagnostics provides necessary data for investigation of heat, particle, and current transport in the plasma of the T-10. Successful application of the obtained data on Z{sub eff}(r) for investigation of geodesic acoustic modes of plasma oscillations in the T-10 should be specially noted.« less

Cryogenic, Absolute, High Pressure Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, John J. (Inventor); Shams. Qamar A. (Inventor); Powers, William T. (Inventor)

2001-01-01

A pressure sensor is provided for cryogenic, high pressure applications. A highly doped silicon piezoresistive pressure sensor is bonded to a silicon substrate in an absolute pressure sensing configuration. The absolute pressure sensor is bonded to an aluminum nitride substrate. Aluminum nitride has appropriate coefficient of thermal expansion for use with highly doped silicon at cryogenic temperatures. A group of sensors, either two sensors on two substrates or four sensors on a single substrate are packaged in a pressure vessel.

High-performance multi-channel fiber-based absolute distance measuring interferometer system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deck, Leslie L.

2009-08-01

I describe the principle of operation and performance of a fiber-based absolute distance measuring interferometer system with 60 independent simultaneous channels. The system was designed for demanding applications requiring passive, electrically immune sensors with an extremely long MTTF. In addition to providing better than 0.3nm measurement repeatability at 5KHz for all channels, the system demonstrated absolute distance uncertainty of less than 5nm over a 500 micron measurement range.

Comparison of 2 correction methods for absolute values of esophageal pressure in subjects with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, mechanically ventilated in the ICU.

PubMed

Guérin, Claude; Richard, Jean-Christophe

2012-12-01

A recent trial showed that setting PEEP according to end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure (P(pl,ee)) in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) might improve patient outcome. P(pl,ee) was obtained by subtracting the absolute value of esophageal pressure (P(es)) from airway pressure an invariant value of 5 cm H(2)O. The goal of the present study was to compare 2 methods for correcting absolute P(es) values in terms of resulting P(pl,ee) and recommended PEEP. Measurements collected prospectively from 42 subjects with various forms of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure receiving mechanical ventilation in ICU were analyzed. P(es) was measured at PEEP (P(es,ee)) and at relaxation volume of the respiratory system Vr (P(es,Vr)), obtained by allowing the subject to exhale into the atmosphere (zero PEEP). Two methods for correcting P(es) were compared: Talmor method (P(pl,ee,Talmor) = P(es,ee) - 5 cm H(2)O), and Vr method (P(es,ee,Vr) = P(es,ee) - P(es,Vr)). The rationale was that P(es,Vr) was a more physiologically based correction factor than an invariant value of 5 cm H(2)O applied to all subjects. Over the 42 subjects, median and interquartile range of P(es,ee) and P(es,Vr) were 11 (7-14) cm H(2)O and 8 (4-11) cm H(2)O, respectively. P(pl,ee,Talmor) was 6 (1-8) cm H(2)O, and P(es,ee,Vr) was 2 (1-5) cm H(2)O (P = .008). Two groups of subjects were defined, based on the difference between the 2 corrected values. In 28 subjects P(pl,ee,Talmor) was ≥ P(es,ee,Vr) (7 [5-9] cm H(2)O vs 2 [1-5] cm H(2)O, respectively), while in 14 subjects P(es,ee,Vr) was > P(pl,ee,Talmor) (2 [0-4] cm H(2)O vs -1 [-3 to 2] cm H(2)O, respectively). P(pl,ee,Vr) was significantly greater than P(pl,ee,Talmor) (7 [5-11] cm H(2)O vs 5 [2-7] cm H(2)O) in the former, and significantly lower in the latter (1 [-2 to 6] cm H(2)O vs 6 [4-9] cm H(2)O). Referring absolute P(es) values to Vr rather than to an invariant value would be better adapted to a patient's physiological background. Further studies are required to determine whether this correction method might improve patient outcome.

First Results of Field Absolute Calibration of the GPS Receiver Antenna at Wuhan University.

PubMed

Hu, Zhigang; Zhao, Qile; Chen, Guo; Wang, Guangxing; Dai, Zhiqiang; Li, Tao

2015-11-13

GNSS receiver antenna phase center variations (PCVs), which arise from the non-spherical phase response of GNSS signals have to be well corrected for high-precision GNSS applications. Without using a precise antenna phase center correction (PCC) model, the estimated position of a station monument will lead to a bias of up to several centimeters. The Chinese large-scale research project "Crustal Movement Observation Network of China" (CMONOC), which requires high-precision positions in a comprehensive GPS observational network motived establishment of a set of absolute field calibrations of the GPS receiver antenna located at Wuhan University. In this paper the calibration facilities are firstly introduced and then the multipath elimination and PCV estimation strategies currently used are elaborated. The validation of estimated PCV values of test antenna are finally conducted, compared with the International GNSS Service (IGS) type values. Examples of TRM57971.00 NONE antenna calibrations from our calibration facility demonstrate that the derived PCVs and IGS type mean values agree at the 1 mm level.

An ethical approach to resolving value conflicts in child protection.

PubMed

Webb, E; Moynihan, S

2010-01-01

Child protection professionals working in diverse societies are regularly faced with value conflicts. Recognising these, and resolving them in the best interests of children, is a task that requires child protection specialists to make complex judgements and decisions. In this paper the philosophical concepts of absolutism and relativism to child abuse are applied, and it explores how this approach has practical relevance to solving ethical dilemmas in child protection. Children's interests are best served by erring towards an absolutist approach to the diagnosis and recognition of maltreatment and towards a relativistic approach in determining how services respond to a harmful incident or situation. Absolutism and relativism are not alternatives, but part of a continuous process of recognising and negotiating ever-changing community, national and global norms. At the service level the dichotomy transpires into the need to be culturally competent in handling the conflicting needs, rights and values of children, families, communities and professionals, whilst retaining the skill of child advocacy.

Using absolute gravimeter data to determine vertical gravity gradients

USGS Publications Warehouse

Robertson, D.S.

2001-01-01

The position versus time data from a free-fall absolute gravimeter can be used to estimate the vertical gravity gradient in addition to the gravity value itself. Hipkin has reported success in estimating the vertical gradient value using a data set of unusually good quality. This paper explores techniques that may be applicable to a broader class of data that may be contaminated with "system response" errors of larger magnitude than were evident in the data used by Hipkin. This system response function is usually modelled as a sum of exponentially decaying sinusoidal components. The technique employed here involves combining the x0, v0 and g parameters from all the drops made during a site occupation into a single least-squares solution, and including the value of the vertical gradient and the coefficients of system response function in the same solution. The resulting non-linear equations must be solved iteratively and convergence presents some difficulties. Sparse matrix techniques are used to make the least-squares problem computationally tractable.

Effect of feed-related farm characteristics on relative values of genetic traits in dairy cows to reduce greenhouse gas emissions along the chain.

PubMed

Van Middelaar, C E; Berentsen, P B M; Dijkstra, J; Van Arendonk, J A M; De Boer, I J M

2015-07-01

Breeding has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from dairy farming. Evaluating the effect of a 1-unit change (i.e., 1 genetic standard deviation improvement) in genetic traits on GHG emissions along the chain provides insight into the relative importance of genetic traits to reduce GHG emissions. Relative GHG values of genetic traits, however, might depend on feed-related farm characteristics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feed-related farm characteristics on GHG values by comparing the values of milk yield and longevity for an efficient farm and a less efficient farm. The less efficient farm did not apply precision feeding and had lower feed production per hectare than the efficient farm. Greenhouse gas values of milk yield and longevity were calculated by using a whole-farm model and 2 different optimization methods. Method 1 optimized farm management before and after a change in genetic trait by maximizing labor income; the effect on GHG emissions (i.e., from production of farm inputs up to the farm gate) was considered a side effect. Method 2 optimized farm management after a change in genetic trait by minimizing GHG emissions per kilogram of milk while maintaining labor income and milk production at least at the level before the change in trait; the effect on labor income was considered a side effect. Based on maximizing labor income (method 1), GHG values of milk yield and longevity were, respectively, 279 and 143kg of CO2 equivalents (CO2e)/unit change per cow per year on the less efficient farm, and 247 and 210kg of CO2e/unit change per cow per year on the efficient farm. Based on minimizing GHG emissions (method 2), GHG values of milk yield and longevity were, respectively, 538 and 563kg of CO2e/unit change per cow per year on the less efficient farm, and 453 and 441kg of CO2e/unit change per cow per year on the efficient farm. Sensitivity analysis showed that, for both methods, the absolute effect of a change in genetic trait depends on model inputs, including prices and emission factors. Substantial changes in relative importance between traits due to a change in model inputs occurred only in case of maximizing labor income. We concluded that assumptions regarding feed-related farm characteristics affect the absolute level of GHG values, as well as the relative importance of traits to reduce emissions when using a method based on maximizing labor income. This is because optimizing farm management based on maximizing labor income does not give any incentive for lowering GHG emissions. When using a method based on minimizing GHG emissions, feed-related farm characteristics affected the absolute level of the GHG values, but the relative importance of the traits scarcely changed: at each level of efficiency, milk yield and longevity were equally important. Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Plasma protein absolute quantification by nano-LC Q-TOF UDMSE for clinical biomarker verification

PubMed Central

ILIES, MARIA; IUGA, CRISTINA ADELA; LOGHIN, FELICIA; DHOPLE, VISHNU MUKUND; HAMMER, ELKE

2017-01-01

Background and aims Proteome-based biomarker studies are targeting proteins that could serve as diagnostic, prognosis, and prediction molecules. In the clinical routine, immunoassays are currently used for the absolute quantification of such biomarkers, with the major limitation that only one molecule can be targeted per assay. The aim of our study was to test a mass spectrometry based absolute quantification method for the verification of plasma protein sets which might serve as reliable biomarker panels for the clinical practice. Methods Six EDTA plasma samples were analyzed after tryptic digestion using a high throughput data independent acquisition nano-LC Q-TOF UDMSE proteomics approach. Synthetic Escherichia coli standard peptides were spiked in each sample for the absolute quantification. Data analysis was performed using ProgenesisQI v2.0 software (Waters Corporation). Results Our method ensured absolute quantification of 242 non redundant plasma proteins in a single run analysis. The dynamic range covered was 105. 86% were represented by classical plasma proteins. The overall median coefficient of variation was 0.36, while a set of 63 proteins was found to be highly stable. Absolute protein concentrations strongly correlated with values reviewed in the literature. Conclusions Nano-LC Q-TOF UDMSE proteomic analysis can be used for a simple and rapid determination of absolute amounts of plasma proteins. A large number of plasma proteins could be analyzed, while a wide dynamic range was covered with low coefficient of variation at protein level. The method proved to be a reliable tool for the quantification of protein panel for biomarker verification in the clinical practice. PMID:29151793

Schur Stability Regions for Complex Quadratic Polynomials

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cheng, Sui Sun; Huang, Shao Yuan

2010-01-01

Given a quadratic polynomial with complex coefficients, necessary and sufficient conditions are found in terms of the coefficients such that all its roots have absolute values less than 1. (Contains 3 figures.)

Demand forecasting of electricity in Indonesia with limited historical data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dwi Kartikasari, Mujiati; Rohmad Prayogi, Arif

2018-03-01

Demand forecasting of electricity is an important activity for electrical agents to know the description of electricity demand in future. Prediction of demand electricity can be done using time series models. In this paper, double moving average model, Holt’s exponential smoothing model, and grey model GM(1,1) are used to predict electricity demand in Indonesia under the condition of limited historical data. The result shows that grey model GM(1,1) has the smallest value of MAE (mean absolute error), MSE (mean squared error), and MAPE (mean absolute percentage error).

Concise synthesis and PTP1B inhibitory activity of (R)- and (S)-dihydroresorcylide.

PubMed

Jiang, Cheng-Shi; Zhang, Li; Gong, Jing-Xu; Li, Jing-Ya; Yao, Li-Gong; Li, Jia; Guo, Yue-Wei

2017-12-01

The present study was designed to develop a concise synthetic route for macrolide, with the purpose of confirming the absolute configuration of natural dihydroresorcylide (1) and making it more easily accessible for biological evaluation. The absolute configuration of C-3 in natural 1 was revised to be R by comparison of the rotation sign of synthetic (R)- and (S)-1. The synthetic (R)-1 was found to be a novel highly specific PTP1B inhibitor with an IC 50 value of 17.06 μM.

Absolute method of measuring magnetic susceptibility

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thorpe, A.; Senftle, F.E.

1959-01-01

An absolute method of standardization and measurement of the magnetic susceptibility of small samples is presented which can be applied to most techniques based on the Faraday method. The fact that the susceptibility is a function of the area under the curve of sample displacement versus distance of the magnet from the sample, offers a simple method of measuring the susceptibility without recourse to a standard sample. Typical results on a few substances are compared with reported values, and an error of less than 2% can be achieved. ?? 1959 The American Institute of Physics.

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

Neeway, James J.; Rieke, Peter C.; Parruzot, Benjamin P.

In far-from-equilibrium conditions, the dissolution of borosilicate glasses used to immobilize nuclear waste is known to be a function of both temperature and pH. The aim of this paper is to study effects of these variables on three model waste glasses (SON68, ISG, AFCI). To do this, experiments were conducted at temperatures of 23, 40, 70, and 90 °C and pH(RT) values of 9, 10, 11, and 12 with the single-pass flow-through (SPFT) test method. The results from these tests were then used to parameterize a kinetic rate model based on transition state theory. Both the absolute dissolution rates andmore » the rate model parameters are compared with previous results. Discrepancies in the absolute dissolution rates as compared to those obtained using other test methods are discussed. Rate model parameters for the three glasses studied here are nearly equivalent within error and in relative agreement with previous studies. The results were analyzed with a linear multivariate regression (LMR) and a nonlinear multivariate regression performed with the use of the Glass Corrosion Modeling Tool (GCMT), which is capable of providing a robust uncertainty analysis. This robust analysis highlights the high degree of correlation of various parameters in the kinetic rate model. As more data are obtained on borosilicate glasses with varying compositions, the effect of glass composition on the rate parameter values could possibly be obtained. This would allow for the possibility of predicting the forward dissolution rate of glass based solely on composition« less

40 CFR 1065.550 - Gas analyzer range validation, drift validation, and drift correction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... given test interval (i.e., do not set them to zero). A third calculation of composite brake-specific...) values from each test interval and sets any negative mass (or mass rate) values to zero before... less than the standard by at least two times the absolute difference between the uncorrected and...

47 CFR 61.45 - Adjustments to the PCI for Local Exchange Carriers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... corresponding quarter of the previous year. For all other filings, the value is zero. X = For the CMT, traffic... this section. For all other filings, the value is zero. g = For annual filings for the CMT basket only... annual filing, the absolute level of a tariff entity's ATS Charge may change. The resulting new ATS...

From Chebyshev to Bernstein: A Tour of Polynomials Small and Large

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boelkins, Matthew; Miller, Jennifer; Vugteveen, Benjamin

2006-01-01

Consider the family of monic polynomials of degree n having zeros at -1 and +1 and all their other real zeros in between these two values. This article explores the size of these polynomials using the supremum of the absolute value on [-1, 1], showing that scaled Chebyshev and Bernstein polynomials give the extremes.

47 CFR 61.45 - Adjustments to the PCI for Local Exchange Carriers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... tariff and the corresponding quarter of the previous year. For all other filings, the value is zero. X... in paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section. For all other filings, the value is zero. g = For annual... annual filing, the absolute level of a tariff entity's ATS Charge may change. The resulting new ATS...

47 CFR 61.45 - Adjustments to the PCI for Local Exchange Carriers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... tariff and the corresponding quarter of the previous year. For all other filings, the value is zero. X... in paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section. For all other filings, the value is zero. g = For annual... annual filing, the absolute level of a tariff entity's ATS Charge may change. The resulting new ATS...