Integrated data systems : a summary report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1975-01-01

The purpose of this report is to provide a general outline of the automated data systems work under way at the Research Council. Included is a discussion of file contents, automated procedures, and outputs provided. In addition, a time schedule for i...

Real-time slicing algorithm for Stereolithography (STL) CAD model applied in additive manufacturing industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adnan, F. A.; Romlay, F. R. M.; Shafiq, M.

2018-04-01

Owing to the advent of the industrial revolution 4.0, the need for further evaluating processes applied in the additive manufacturing application particularly the computational process for slicing is non-trivial. This paper evaluates a real-time slicing algorithm for slicing an STL formatted computer-aided design (CAD). A line-plane intersection equation was applied to perform the slicing procedure at any given height. The application of this algorithm has found to provide a better computational time regardless the number of facet in the STL model. The performance of this algorithm is evaluated by comparing the results of the computational time for different geometry.

47 CFR 0.314 - Additional authority delegated.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... operators of industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) equipment, as provided in § 18.115 of this chapter... provided by § 18.115 of this chapter, and requests for extensions of time within which to file final reports, as provided by § 18.117 of this chapter. (h) Issue notices and orders to operators of part 15...

47 CFR 0.314 - Additional authority delegated.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... operators of industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) equipment, as provided in § 18.115 of this chapter... provided by § 18.115 of this chapter, and requests for extensions of time within which to file final reports, as provided by § 18.117 of this chapter. (h) Issue notices and orders to operators of part 15...

47 CFR 0.314 - Additional authority delegated.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... operators of industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) equipment, as provided in § 18.115 of this chapter... provided by § 18.115 of this chapter, and requests for extensions of time within which to file final reports, as provided by § 18.117 of this chapter. (h) Issue notices and orders to operators of part 15...

10 CFR 2.1004 - Amendments and additions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Waste at a Geologic Repository § 2.1004 Amendments and additions. Any document that has not been provided to other parties in electronic form must be identified in an electronic notice and made available... for the high-level waste proceeding. The time allowed under this paragraph will be stayed pending...

10 CFR 2.1004 - Amendments and additions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Waste at a Geologic Repository § 2.1004 Amendments and additions. Any document that has not been provided to other parties in electronic form must be identified in an electronic notice and made available... for the high-level waste proceeding. The time allowed under this paragraph will be stayed pending...

10 CFR 2.1004 - Amendments and additions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Waste at a Geologic Repository § 2.1004 Amendments and additions. Any document that has not been provided to other parties in electronic form must be identified in an electronic notice and made available... for the high-level waste proceeding. The time allowed under this paragraph will be stayed pending...

Real-Time GPS-Alternative Navigation Using Commodity Hardware

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

4.1 Test Plan and Setup ..............................................................................................84 4.1.1 Component and...improvements planned , the most influential for navigation are additional signals, frequencies, and improved signal strength. These improvements will... planned and implemented to provide maximum extensibility for additional sensors and functionality without disturbing the core GPU-accelerated

Interpolator for numerically controlled machine tools

DOEpatents

Bowers, Gary L.; Davenport, Clyde M.; Stephens, Albert E.

1976-01-01

A digital differential analyzer circuit is provided that depending on the embodiment chosen can carry out linear, parabolic, circular or cubic interpolation. In the embodiment for parabolic interpolations, the circuit provides pulse trains for the X and Y slide motors of a two-axis machine to effect tool motion along a parabolic path. The pulse trains are generated by the circuit in such a way that parabolic tool motion is obtained from information contained in only one block of binary input data. A part contour may be approximated by one or more parabolic arcs. Acceleration and initial velocity values from a data block are set in fixed bit size registers for each axis separately but simultaneously and the values are integrated to obtain the movement along the respective axis as a function of time. Integration is performed by continual addition at a specified rate of an integrand value stored in one register to the remainder temporarily stored in another identical size register. Overflows from the addition process are indicative of the integral. The overflow output pulses from the second integration may be applied to motors which position the respective machine slides according to a parabolic motion in time to produce a parabolic machine tool motion in space. An additional register for each axis is provided in the circuit to allow "floating" of the radix points of the integrand registers and the velocity increment to improve position accuracy and to reduce errors encountered when the acceleration integrand magnitudes are small when compared to the velocity integrands. A divider circuit is provided in the output of the circuit to smooth the output pulse spacing and prevent motor stall, because the overflow pulses produced in the binary addition process are spaced unevenly in time. The divider has the effect of passing only every nth motor drive pulse, with n being specifiable. The circuit inputs (integrands, rates, etc.) are scaled to give exactly n times the desired number of pulses out, in order to compensate for the divider.

Pathophysiology of Stress in Wild and Managed-Care Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-30

populations to establish reference ranges and assess variability across populations (Schwacke et al., 2008). Additionally , thyroid reference values were...stress evaluation using classic stress hormones were paired with biomarker expression using proteomics and metabolomics to provide additional stress...dolphins (27 from the Indian River Lagoon, FL and 22 from Charleston, SC). Additionally , 10 GA and 10 MMP dolphins were sampled multiple times during

75 FR 19444 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Order Granting...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-14

... Internet portal Yahoo! announced that it would offer its Web site viewers real-time last sale data provided... disseminated via Yahoo!. Since that time, BATS has attracted additional purchasers of its last sale product...

Development of microsatellite markers in Parthenium ssp.

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Molecular markers provide the most efficient means to study genetic diversity within and among species of a particular genus. In addition, molecular markers can facilitate breeding efforts by providing tools necessary to reduce the time required to obtain recombinant genotypes with improved agricu...

Foreign Aid: An Introduction to U.S. Programs and Policy

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-02-10

additionally meeting U.S. humanitarian objectives. Microcredit programs may help develop local economies while at the same time providing food and...training and expertise to fledgling microcredit institutions. In recent years, antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) provided through PEPFAR programs to...For instance, grants are sometimes provided to microcredit organizations which in turn provide loans to microentrepreneurs. Through the USAID-funded

DART-MS: A New Analytical Technique for Forensic Paint Analysis.

PubMed

Marić, Mark; Marano, James; Cody, Robert B; Bridge, Candice

2018-06-05

Automotive paint evidence is one of the most significant forms of evidence obtained in automotive-related incidents. Therefore, the analysis of automotive paint evidence is imperative in forensic casework. Most analytical schemes for automotive paint characterization involve optical microscopy, followed by infrared spectroscopy and pyrolysis-gas chromatography mass spectrometry ( py-GCMS) if required. The main drawback with py-GCMS, aside from its destructive nature, is that this technique is relatively time intensive in comparison to other techniques. Direct analysis in real-time-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DART-TOFMS) may provide an alternative to py-GCMS, as the rapidity of analysis and minimal sample preparation affords a significant advantage. In this study, automotive clear coats from four vehicles were characterized by DART-TOFMS and a standard py-GCMS protocol. Principal component analysis was utilized to interpret the resultant data and suggested the two techniques provided analogous sample discrimination. Moreover, in some instances DART-TOFMS was able to identify components not observed by py-GCMS and vice versa, which indicates that the two techniques may provide complementary information. Additionally, a thermal desorption/pyrolysis DART-TOFMS methodology was also evaluated to characterize the intact paint chips from the vehicles to ascertain if the linear temperature gradient provided additional discriminatory information. All the paint samples were able to be discriminated based on the distinctive thermal desorption plots afforded from this technique, which may also be utilized for sample discrimination. On the basis of the results, DART-TOFMS may provide an additional tool to the forensic paint examiner.

Ketamine versus alfentanil combined with propofol for sedation in colonoscopy procedures: a randomized prospective study.

PubMed

Türk, Hacer Şebnem; Aydoğmuş, Meltem; Ünsal, Oya; Işıl, Canan Tülay; Citgez, Bülent; Oba, Sibel; Açık, Mehmet Eren

2014-12-01

Different drug combinations are used for sedation in colonoscopy procedures. A ketamine-propofol (ketofol) mixture provides effective sedation and has minimal adverse effects. Alfentanil also provides anesthesia for short surgical procedures by incremental injection as an adjunct. However, no study has investigated the use of ketofol compared with an opioid-propofol combination in colonoscopic procedures. A total of 70 patients, ASA physical status I-II, scheduled to undergo elective colonoscopy, were enrolled in this prospective randomized study and allocated to two groups. After premedication, sedation induction was performed with 0.5 mg/kg ketamine +1 mg/kg propofol in Group KP, and 10 mg/kg alfentanil +1 mg/kg propofol in Group AP. Propofol was added when required. Demographic data, colonoscopy duration, recovery time, discharge time, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), peripheral oxygen saturation, Ramsey Sedation Scale values, colonoscopy patients' satisfaction scores, and complications were recorded. The need for additional propofol doses was significantly higher in Group AP than in Group KP. MAP at minute 1 and 5, Ramsey Sedation Scale at minute 5, and discharge time were significantly higher in Group KP than in Group AP. Additional propofol doses and total propofol dose were significantly lower in Group KP than in Group AP. Ketofol provided better hemodynamic stability and quality of sedation compared with alfentanil-propofol combination in elective colonoscopy, and required fewer additional propofol; however, it prolonged discharge time. Both combinations can safely be used in colonoscopy sedation.

Micromachined silicon acoustic delay line with improved structural stability and acoustic directivity for real-time photoacoustic tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Young; Kumar, Akhil; Xu, Song; Zou, Jun

2017-03-01

Recent studies have shown that micromachined silicon acoustic delay lines can provide a promising solution to achieve real-time photoacoustic tomography without the need for complex transducer arrays and data acquisition electronics. However, as its length increases to provide longer delay time, the delay line becomes more vulnerable to structural instability due to reduced mechanical stiffness. In addition, the small cross-section area of the delay line results in a large acoustic acceptance angle and therefore poor directivity. To address these two issues, this paper reports the design, fabrication, and testing of a new silicon acoustic delay line enhanced with 3D printed polymer micro linker structures. First, mechanical deformation of the silicon acoustic delay line (with and without linker structures) under gravity was simulated by using finite element method. Second, the acoustic crosstalk and acoustic attenuation caused by the polymer micro linker structures were evaluated with both numerical simulation and ultrasound transmission testing. The result shows that the use of the polymer micro linker structures significantly improves the structural stability of the silicon acoustic delay lines without creating additional acoustic attenuation and crosstalk. In addition, a new tapered design for the input terminal of the delay line was also investigate to improve its acoustic directivity by reducing the acoustic acceptance angle. These two improvements are expected to provide an effective solution to eliminate current limitations on the achievable acoustic delay time and out-of-plane imaging resolution of micromachined silicon acoustic delay line arrays.

Improvements and Additions to NASA Near Real-Time Earth Imagery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cechini, Matthew; Boller, Ryan; Baynes, Kathleen; Schmaltz, Jeffrey; DeLuca, Alexandar; King, Jerome; Thompson, Charles; Roberts, Joe; Rodriguez, Joshua; Gunnoe, Taylor;

Nurses in need of additional support: web sites offering information in eldercare nursing environments.

PubMed

Matusitz, Jonathan; Breen, Gerald-Mark; Marathe, Shriram S; Wan, Thomas T H

2010-01-01

Studies have shown the usefulness of telemedicine and telecare in multiple settings. One form of telemedicine is e-health. Residents of nursing homes are a unique population that may significantly benefit from the e-health resources available to their caregivers. E-health Web sites appear to be viable, feasible, and timely interventional methods to provide the additional knowledge and support practitioners in these settings may need to provide preventative, reactive, and remedial care for frail residents.

Quantitative real-time single particle analysis of virions.

PubMed

Heider, Susanne; Metzner, Christoph

2014-08-01

Providing information about single virus particles has for a long time been mainly the domain of electron microscopy. More recently, technologies have been developed-or adapted from other fields, such as nanotechnology-to allow for the real-time quantification of physical virion particles, while supplying additional information such as particle diameter concomitantly. These technologies have progressed to the stage of commercialization increasing the speed of viral titer measurements from hours to minutes, thus providing a significant advantage for many aspects of virology research and biotechnology applications. Additional advantages lie in the broad spectrum of virus species that may be measured and the possibility to determine the ratio of infectious to total particles. A series of disadvantages remain associated with these technologies, such as a low specificity for viral particles. In this review we will discuss these technologies by comparing four systems for real-time single virus particle analysis and quantification. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Preface: High-rate GNSS: Theory, methods and engineering/geophysical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Peiliang

2017-06-01

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) have revolutionized the science and engineering of positioning, timing and navigation and have become an indispensable means to rapidly obtain precise positioning-related information, profoundly affecting our daily life and infrastructure. With GNSS, the position of an object, either stationary or moving, can be determined anywhere, anytime and under any weather condition. In addition to providing a positioning and timing information service, GNSS are now also used to reconstruct physical properties of media through which GNSS signals travel. The utilization of additional GNSS systems such as the European Galileo and the Chinese Beidou (both expected to complete their final global constellations in 2020) will contribute to positioning/navigation science and engineering, provide more industrial opportunities and surely open more challenges.

High-speed and high-fidelity system and method for collecting network traffic

DOEpatents

Weigle, Eric H [Los Alamos, NM

2010-08-24

A system is provided for the high-speed and high-fidelity collection of network traffic. The system can collect traffic at gigabit-per-second (Gbps) speeds, scale to terabit-per-second (Tbps) speeds, and support additional functions such as real-time network intrusion detection. The present system uses a dedicated operating system for traffic collection to maximize efficiency, scalability, and performance. A scalable infrastructure and apparatus for the present system is provided by splitting the work performed on one host onto multiple hosts. The present system simultaneously addresses the issues of scalability, performance, cost, and adaptability with respect to network monitoring, collection, and other network tasks. In addition to high-speed and high-fidelity network collection, the present system provides a flexible infrastructure to perform virtually any function at high speeds such as real-time network intrusion detection and wide-area network emulation for research purposes.

Massachusetts Expanded Learning Time (ELT) Initiative. Case Studies 2010-2011

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Caven, Meghan; Checkoway, Amy; Fisman, Lianne; Gamse, Beth; Fountain, Alyssa Rulf

2012-01-01

The Massachusetts Expanded Learning Time (ELT) initiative was launched in 2005, and it provides grants to selected schools across multiple districts to increase instructional time by at least 300 hours per academic year. Participating schools receive an additional $1,300 per student to lengthen the day and/or year. Schools are expected to use the…

78 FR 65515 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Trafficking Controls and Fraud Investigations...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-01

... card request. The comment period is being extended to provide additional time for interested parties to... times more likely to be flagged as potential trafficking by FNS' fraud detection system. Trafficking is... many first-time users do not understand how to use the card and a grace period in the beginning would...

America's Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2005

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Godiwalla, Shara; Schechter, Susan; Simmons, Tavia; Lukacs, Susan; Rooney, Patrick; Axelrad, Daniel; Hawkins, Belinda; Steffen Barry; Harlow, Caroline; Campbell, Jessica; Goldstein, Naomi; Von Ins, Tracy; Morisi, Teri; Wilkinson, Larry

2005-01-01

This report provides the Nation with a summary of national indicators of child well-being and monitors changes in these indicators over time. In addition to providing data in an easy-to-use, non-technical format, the purpose of the report is to stimulate discussions among policymakers and the public, exchanges between data providers and policy…

47 CFR 0.314 - Additional authority delegated.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... medical (ISM) equipment, as provided in § 18.115 of this chapter. (f) Act on requests for permission to resume operation of ISM equipment on a temporary basis, as provided by § 18.115 of this chapter, and requests for extensions of time within which to file final reports, as provided by § 18.117 of this chapter...

47 CFR 0.314 - Additional authority delegated.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... medical (ISM) equipment, as provided in § 18.115 of this chapter. (f) Act on requests for permission to resume operation of ISM equipment on a temporary basis, as provided by § 18.115 of this chapter, and requests for extensions of time within which to file final reports, as provided by § 18.117 of this chapter...

Intelligent Multi-Media Presentation Using Rhetorical Structure Theory

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

information repeatedly, on demand, and without imposing an additional manning burden. Virtual Advisers can be delivered in several ways: as a...up text which identifies what content is to be said in addition to how that content is to be emotionally expressed. </say> <say> Using real-time...development of new rendering engines. These toolkits provide additional common underlying functionality such as: pluggable audio (via OpenAL4/JOAL5

27 CFR 70.75 - Jeopardy assessment of alcohol, tobacco, and firearms taxes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE BUREAU, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES... jeopardized by delay, the appropriate TTB officer must, whether or not the time otherwise prescribed by law... interest, additional amounts and additions to the tax provided by law. An appropriate TTB officer will make...

Ground-based demonstration of the European Laser Timing (ELT) experiment.

PubMed

Schreiber, Karl Ulrich; Prochazka, Ivan; Lauber, Pierre; Hugentobler, Urs; Schäfer, Wolfgang; Cacciapuoti, Luigi; Nasca, Rosario

2010-03-01

The development of techniques for the comparison of distant clocks and for the distribution of stable and accurate time scales has important applications in metrology and fundamental physics research. Additionally, the rapid progress of frequency standards in the optical domain is presently demanding additional efforts for improving the performances of existing time and frequency transfer links. Present clock comparison systems in the microwave domain are based on GPS and two-way satellite time and frequency transfer (TWSTFT). European Laser Timing (ELT) is an optical link presently under study in the frame of the ESA mission Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES). The on-board hardware for ELT consists of a corner cube retro-reflector (CCR), a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD), and an event timer board connected to the ACES time scale. Light pulses fired toward ACES by a laser ranging station will be detected by the SPAD diode and time tagged in the ACES time scale. At the same time, the CCR will re-direct the laser pulse toward the ground station providing precise ranging information. We have carried out a ground-based feasibility study at the Geodetic Observatory Wettzell. By using ordinary satellites with laser reflectors and providing a second independent detection port and laser pulse timing unit with an independent time scale, it is possible to evaluate many aspects of the proposed time transfer link before the ACES launch.

Quantifying Economic and Environmental Impacts of Transportation Network Disruptions with Dynamic Traffic Simulation

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

Shekar, Venkateswaran; Fiondella, Lance; Chatterjee, Samrat

Several transportation network vulnerability models have been proposed. However, most only consider disruptions as a static snapshot in time and the impact on total travel time. These approaches cannot consider the time-varying nature of travel demand nor other undesirable outcomes that follow from transportation network disruptions. This paper proposes an algorithmic approach to assess the vulnerability of a transportation network that considers the time-varying demand with an open source dynamic transportation simulation tool. The open source nature of the tool allows us to systematically consider many disruption scenarios and quantitatively compare their relative criticality. This is far more efficient thanmore » traditional approaches which would require days or weeks of a transportation engineers time to manually set up, run, and assess these simulations. In addition to travel time, we also collect statistics on additional fuel consumed and the corresponding carbon dioxide emissions. Our approach, thus provides a more systematic approach that is both time-varying and can consider additional negative consequences of disruptions for decision makers to evaluate.« less

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

M. P. Jensen; Toto, T.

Standard Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Climate Research Facility sounding files provide atmospheric state data in one dimension of increasing time and height per sonde launch. Many applications require a quick estimate of the atmospheric state at higher time resolution. The INTERPOLATEDSONDE (i.e., Interpolated Sounding) Value-Added Product (VAP) transforms sounding data into continuous daily files on a fixed time-height grid, at 1-minute time resolution, on 332 levels, from the surface up to a limit of approximately 40 km. The grid extends that high so the full height of soundings can be captured; however, most soundings terminate at an altitude between 25more » and 30 km, above which no data is provided. Between soundings, the VAP linearly interpolates atmospheric state variables in time for each height level. In addition, INTERPOLATEDSONDE provides relative humidity scaled to microwave radiometer (MWR) observations.« less

Working Double Time.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fickes, Michael

2000-01-01

Discusses how school roofs can provide additional space for student activities and also help teach. Topics explore rooftop recreation, such as using roof-specific technology (solar paneling) as a teaching opportunity. (GR)

41 CFR 102-3.30 - What policies govern the use of advisory committees?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... recommendations will provide an important additional perspective or viewpoint affecting agency operations. (b... of time or the assumption of the committee's functions by another entity; (3) The agency determines... the expiration of the time explicitly specified in the statute, or implied by operation of the statute...

77 FR 33445 - Renewal of Department of Defense Federal Advisory Committees

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-06

... subcommittees. Group members appointed by the Secretary of Defense, who are not full-time or permanent part-time... special government employees. In addition, all Group members, with the exception of travel and per diem for official travel, shall serve without compensation. Each Group member is appointed to provide...

In-Class Purposes of Flipped Mathematics Educators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eisenhut, Lindsay A.; Taylor, Cynthia E.

2015-01-01

This paper provides empirical findings from a study that examined how three grade 7-12 flipped mathematics educators utilized class time when implementing a flipped learning model. Additionally, the researchers investigated the educators' purposes for various in-class tasks as well as their general use of class time. The data revealed flipped…

76 FR 60112 - Consent Based Social Security Number Verification (CBSV) Service

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-28

... protect the public's information. In addition to the benefit of providing high volume, centralized SSN verification services to the business community in a secure manner, CBSV provides us with cost and workload management benefits. New Information: To use CBSV, interested parties must pay a one- time non-refundable...

Classroom Activities and Demonstrations for Use in Behavioral Science Courses.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cology, Lorry J.

This compilation provides descriptions of and resource materials for 25 classroom activities or demonstrations for behavioral science courses. For each activity, the following information is provided: subject area, source, time required and materials needed. In addition, discussion questions and comments on the value and use of the activities are…

No Deserving Poor Refused: Providing Evaluation Services During Hard Times. Draft Copy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kean, Michael H.

Following an examination of alternative means of providing evaluation services in the absence of additional resources, the Small Project Assessment Service (SPAS) is described. Two types of cooperative research endeavors had been considered--those involving outside (non-school district) organizations such as universities, and those involving…

Preferred Primary Healthcare Provider Choice Among Insured Persons in Ashanti Region, Ghana

PubMed Central

Boachie, Micheal Kofi

2016-01-01

Background: In early 2012, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) members in Ashanti Region were allowed to choose their own primary healthcare providers. This paper investigates the factors that enrolees in the Ashanti Region considered in choosing preferred primary healthcare providers (PPPs) and direction of association of such factors with the choice of PPP. Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, the study sampled 600 NHIS enrolees in Kumasi Metro area and Kwabre East district. The sampling methods were a combination of simple random and systematic sampling techniques at different stages. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse demographic information and the criteria for selecting PPP. Multinomial logistic regression technique was used to ascertain the direction of association of the factors and the choice of PPP using mission PPPs as the base outcome. Results: Out of the 600 questionnaires administered, 496 were retained for further analysis. The results show that availability of essential drugs (53.63%) and doctors (39.92%), distance or proximity (49.60%), provider reputation (39.52%), waiting time (39.92), additional charges (37.10%), and recommendations (48.79%) were the main criteria adopted by enrolees in selecting PPPs. In the regression, income (-0.0027), availability of doctors (-1.82), additional charges (-2.14) and reputation (-2.09) were statistically significant at 1% in influencing the choice of government PPPs. On the part of private PPPs, availability of drugs (2.59), waiting time (1.45), residence (-2.62), gender (-2.89), and reputation (-2.69) were statistically significant at 1% level. Presence of additional charges (-1.29) was statistically significant at 5% level. Conclusion: Enrolees select their PPPs based on such factors as availability of doctors and essential drugs, reputation, waiting time, income, and their residence. Based on these findings, there is the need for healthcare providers to improve on their quality levels by ensuring constant availability of essential drugs, doctors, and shorter waiting time. However, individual enrolees may value each criterion differently. Thus, not all enrolees may be motivated by same concerns. This requires providers to be circumspect regarding the factors that may attract enrolees. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) should also ensure timely release of funds to help providers procure the necessary medical supplies to ensure quality service PMID:26927586

Preferred Primary Healthcare Provider Choice Among Insured Persons in Ashanti Region, Ghana.

PubMed

Boachie, Micheal Kofi

2015-10-20

In early 2012, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) members in Ashanti Region were allowed to choose their own primary healthcare providers. This paper investigates the factors that enrolees in the Ashanti Region considered in choosing preferred primary healthcare providers (PPPs) and direction of association of such factors with the choice of PPP. Using a cross-sectional study design, the study sampled 600 NHIS enrolees in Kumasi Metro area and Kwabre East district. The sampling methods were a combination of simple random and systematic sampling techniques at different stages. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse demographic information and the criteria for selecting PPP. Multinomial logistic regression technique was used to ascertain the direction of association of the factors and the choice of PPP using mission PPPs as the base outcome. Out of the 600 questionnaires administered, 496 were retained for further analysis. The results show that availability of essential drugs (53.63%) and doctors (39.92%), distance or proximity (49.60%), provider reputation (39.52%), waiting time (39.92), additional charges (37.10%), and recommendations (48.79%) were the main criteria adopted by enrolees in selecting PPPs. In the regression, income (-0.0027), availability of doctors (-1.82), additional charges (-2.14) and reputation (-2.09) were statistically significant at 1% in influencing the choice of government PPPs. On the part of private PPPs, availability of drugs (2.59), waiting time (1.45), residence (-2.62), gender (-2.89), and reputation (-2.69) were statistically significant at 1% level. Presence of additional charges (-1.29) was statistically significant at 5% level. Enrolees select their PPPs based on such factors as availability of doctors and essential drugs, reputation, waiting time, income, and their residence. Based on these findings, there is the need for healthcare providers to improve on their quality levels by ensuring constant availability of essential drugs, doctors, and shorter waiting time. However, individual enrolees may value each criterion differently. Thus, not all enrolees may be motivated by same concerns. This requires providers to be circumspect regarding the factors that may attract enrolees. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) should also ensure timely release of funds to help providers procure the necessary medical supplies to ensure quality service. © 2016 by Kerman University of Medical Sciences.

Sustaining change: the imperative for patient access strategies.

PubMed

Glynn, Peter A R

2006-01-01

The paper by Trypuc, MacLeod and Hudson provides a timely and important overview of methods to sustain provincial wait time strategies. The emphasis on accountability for patient access to timely care throughout the healthcare system comes through strongly--as it should. These accountabilities are made "real" through purchase service agreements. Physician-hospital relationships are a fundamental aspect of this accountability. This commentary suggests the inclusion of two additional supporting tools in addition to those cited by the authors of the lead paper--quality monitoring and the use of industrial engineering techniques for queue management and patient flow analysis. Strong and persistent leadership of patient access strategies will ensure sustainable change.

29 CFR 25.6 - Time; additional time after service by mail.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... period of time prescribed or allowed by the rules of this part, the date of the act, event, or default... which event the period runs until the end of the next day which is neither a Saturday, Sunday nor a... days shall be added to the prescribed period: Provided, however, That 3 days shall not be added if any...

29 CFR 25.6 - Time; additional time after service by mail.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... period of time prescribed or allowed by the rules of this part, the date of the act, event, or default... which event the period runs until the end of the next day which is neither a Saturday, Sunday nor a... days shall be added to the prescribed period: Provided, however, That 3 days shall not be added if any...

29 CFR 25.6 - Time; additional time after service by mail.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... time prescribed or allowed by the rules of this part, the date of the act, event, or default after... computed is to be included, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday or a Federal legal holiday, in which event the... added to the prescribed period: Provided, however, That 3 days shall not be added if any extension of...

29 CFR 25.6 - Time; additional time after service by mail.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... period of time prescribed or allowed by the rules of this part, the date of the act, event, or default... which event the period runs until the end of the next day which is neither a Saturday, Sunday nor a... days shall be added to the prescribed period: Provided, however, That 3 days shall not be added if any...

29 CFR 25.6 - Time; additional time after service by mail.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... time prescribed or allowed by the rules of this part, the date of the act, event, or default after... computed is to be included, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday or a Federal legal holiday, in which event the... added to the prescribed period: Provided, however, That 3 days shall not be added if any extension of...

Staged fluidized bed

DOEpatents

Mallon, Richard G.

1984-01-01

Method and apparatus for narrowing the distribution of residence times of any size particle and equalizing the residence times of large and small particles in fluidized beds. Particles are moved up one fluidized column and down a second fluidized column with the relative heights selected to equalize residence times of large and small particles. Additional pairs of columns are staged to narrow the distribution of residence times and provide complete processing of the material.

26 CFR 1.6664-3 - Ordering rules for determining the total amount of penalties imposed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) INCOME TAX (CONTINUED) INCOME TAXES Additions to the Tax, Additional... that the taxpayers made a timely estimated tax payment of $1,500 for 1989 which they failed to claim... imposed. (a) In general. This section provides rules for determining the order in which adjustments to a...

77 FR 20830 - Determination of Regulatory Review Period for Purposes of Patent Extension; VIIBRYD

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-06

...) and the Generic Animal Drug and Patent Term Restoration Act (Pub. L. 100-670) generally provide that a..., animal drug product, medical device, food additive, or color additive) was subject to regulatory review... consists of two periods of time: A testing phase and an approval phase. For human drug products, the...

Additional development of the XTRAN3S computer program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Borland, C. J.

1989-01-01

Additional developments and enhancements to the XTRAN3S computer program, a code for calculation of steady and unsteady aerodynamics, and associated aeroelastic solutions, for 3-D wings in the transonic flow regime are described. Algorithm improvements for the XTRAN3S program were provided including an implicit finite difference scheme to enhance the allowable time step and vectorization for improved computational efficiency. The code was modified to treat configurations with a fuselage, multiple stores/nacelles/pylons, and winglets. Computer program changes (updates) for error corrections and updates for version control are provided.

Annual Precise Time and Time Interval (PTTI) Applications and Planning Meeting (24th) Held in McLean, VA on December 1-3, 1992

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-01

additional source. For the past three years VNIIFTRI (Mendeleevo, Moscow Region, Russian Federation) and some other Russian time laboratories have used...Russian-built GLONASS navigation receivers for time 47 comparisons. Since June 1991, VNIIFTRI has operated a commercial CPS time receiver on loan from...the BIPM. Since February 1992, the BIPM has operated Russian GLONASS receiver on loan from the VNIIFTRI . This provides, for the first time, an

The rural health care workforce implications of practice guideline implementation.

PubMed

Yawn, B P; Casey, M; Hebert, P

1999-03-01

Rural health care workforce forecasting has not included adjustments for predictable changes in practice patterns, such as the introduction of practice guidelines. To estimate the impact of a practice guideline for a single health condition on the needs of a rural health professional workforce. The current care of a cohort of rural Medicare recipients with diabetes mellitus was compared with the care recommended by a diabetes practice guideline. The additional tests and visits that were needed to comply with the guideline were translated into additional hours of physician services and total physician full-time equivalents. The implementation of a practice guideline for Medicare recipients with diabetes in rural Minnesota would require over 30,000 additional hours of primary care physician services and over 5,000 additional hours of eye care professionals' time per year. This additional need represents a 1.3% to 2.4% increase in the number of primary care physicians and a 1.0% to 6.6% increase in the number of eye-care clinicians in a state in which the rural medical provider to population ratios already meet some recommended workforce projections. The implementation of practice guidelines could result in an increased need for rural health care physicians or other providers. That increase, caused by guideline implementation, should be accounted for in future rural health care workforce predictions.

Comparison of GPS and GLONASS Common-View Time Transfers

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-12-01

interest as an excellent additional source. For the past three years VNIIFTRI (Mendeleevo, Moscow Region, Russian Federation) and some other Russian time...Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98) Prescribed by ANSI Std Z39-18 comparisons. Since June 1991, VNIIFTRI has operated a commercial GPS time receiver on...loan from the BIPM. Since February 1992, the BIPM has operated Russian GLONASS receiver on loan from the VNIIFTRI . Thii provides, for the first time

Human milk inactivates pathogens individually, additively, and synergistically.

PubMed

Isaacs, Charles E

2005-05-01

Breast-feeding can reduce the incidence and the severity of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections in the suckling neonate by providing additional protective factors to the infant's mucosal surfaces. Human milk provides protection against a broad array of infectious agents through redundancy. Protective factors in milk can target multiple early steps in pathogen replication and target each step with more than one antimicrobial compound. The antimicrobial activity in human milk results from protective factors working not only individually but also additively and synergistically. Lipid-dependent antimicrobial activity in milk results from the additive activity of all antimicrobial lipids and not necessarily the concentration of one particular lipid. Antimicrobial milk lipids and peptides can work synergistically to decrease both the concentrations of individual compounds required for protection and, as importantly, greatly reduce the time needed for pathogen inactivation. The more rapidly pathogens are inactivated the less likely they are to establish an infection. The total antimicrobial protection provided by human milk appears to be far more than can be elucidated by examining protective factors individually.

75 FR 3743 - Medicare Program; Meeting of the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, March 8, 2010

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-22

... will be provided on the Physician Regulatory Issues Team. In accordance with the Council charter, we... Building, the Hubert H. Humphrey Building, Federal security measures are applicable. In planning your arrival time, we recommend allowing additional time to clear security. To gain access to the building...

"Media Time = Family Time": Positive Media Use in Families with Adolescents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coyne, Sarah M.; Padilla-Walker, Laura M.; Fraser, Ashley M.; Fellows, Kaylene; Day, Randal D.

2014-01-01

Media use in families has generally been examined from a narrow viewpoint, focusing on monitoring or co-viewing. The current research provides an expanded view of positive media use in families with adolescents by examining associations between diverse positive media use and family and adolescents outcomes. In addition, we used qualitative methods…

77 FR 52700 - Reestablishment of Department of Defense Federal Advisory Committees

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-30

... the Secretary of Defense, who are not full-time or permanent part-time federal employees, shall be... government employees. In addition, all Board members, with the exception of travel and per diem for official travel, shall serve without compensation. Each Board member is appointed to provide advice on behalf of...

3-D and quasi-2-D discrete element modeling of grain commingling in a bucket elevator boot system

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Unwanted grain commingling impedes new quality-based grain handling systems and has proven to be an expensive and time consuming issue to study experimentally. Experimentally validated models may reduce the time and expense of studying grain commingling while providing additional insight into detail...

12 CFR 229.18 - Additional disclosure requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... consumer accounts a notice that sets forth the time periods applicable to the availability of funds deposited in a consumer account. (c) Automated teller machines. (1) A depositary bank shall post or provide... than two times each week, as described in § 229.19(a)(4), shall disclose at or on the ATM the days on...

ADA and multi-microprocessor real-time simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feyock, S.; Collins, W. R.

1983-01-01

The selection of a high-order programming language for a real-time distributed network simulation is described. The additional problem of implementing a language on a possibly changing network is addressed. The recently designed language ADA (trademarked by DoD) was chosen since it provides the best model of the underlying application to be simulated.

Abort Options for Potential Mars Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tartabini, P. V.; Striepe, S. A.; Powell, R. W.

1994-01-01

Mars trajectory design options were examined that would accommodate a premature termination of a nominal manned opposition class mission for opportunities between 2010 and 2025. A successful abort must provide a safe return to Earth in the shortest possible time consistent with mission constraints. In this study, aborts that provided a minimum increase in the initial vehicle mass in low Earth orbit (IMLEO) were identified by locating direct transfer nominal missions and nominal missions including an outbound or inbound Venus swing-by that minimized IMLEO. The ease with which these missions could be aborted while meeting propulsion and time constraints was investigated by examining free return (unpowered) and powered aborts. Further reductions in trip time were made to some aborts by the addition or removal of an inbound Venus swing-by. The results show that, although few free return aborts met the specified constraints, 85% of each nominal mission could be aborted as a powered abort without an increase in propellant. Also, in many cases, the addition or removal of a Venus swing-by increased the number of abort opportunities or decreased the total trip time during an abort.

Behavioural Sequential Analysis of Using an Instant Response Application to Enhance Peer Interactions in a Flipped Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hsu, Ting-Chia

2018-01-01

To stimulate classroom interactions, this study employed two different smartphone application modes, providing an additional instant interaction channel in a flipped classroom teaching fundamental computer science concepts. One instant interaction mode provided the students (N = 36) with anonymous feedback in chronological time sequence, while the…

Digital Video and the Internet: A Powerful Combination.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barron, Ann E.; Orwig, Gary W.

1995-01-01

Provides an overview of digital video and outlines hardware and software necessary for interactive training on the World Wide Web and for videoconferences via the Internet. Lists sites providing additional information on digital video, on CU-SeeMe software, and on MBONE (Multicast BackBONE), a technology that permits real-time transmission of…

Navigation Architecture For A Space Mobile Network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Valdez, Jennifer E.; Ashman, Benjamin; Gramling, Cheryl; Heckler, Gregory W.; Carpenter, Russell

2016-01-01

The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) Augmentation Service for Satellites (TASS) is a proposed beacon service to provide a global, space-based GPS augmentation service based on the NASA Global Differential GPS (GDGPS) System. The TASS signal will be tied to the GPS time system and usable as an additional ranging and Doppler radiometric source. Additionally, it will provide data vital to autonomous navigation in the near Earth regime, including space weather information, TDRS ephemerides, Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP), and forward commanding capability. TASS benefits include enhancing situational awareness, enabling increased autonomy, and providing near real-time command access for user platforms. As NASA Headquarters Space Communication and Navigation Office (SCaN) begins to move away from a centralized network architecture and towards a Space Mobile Network (SMN) that allows for user initiated services, autonomous navigation will be a key part of such a system. This paper explores how a TASS beacon service enables the Space Mobile Networking paradigm, what a typical user platform would require, and provides an in-depth analysis of several navigation scenarios and operations concepts.

Finite-time and fixed-time leader-following consensus for multi-agent systems with discontinuous inherent dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ning, Boda; Jin, Jiong; Zheng, Jinchuan; Man, Zhihong

2018-06-01

This paper is concerned with finite-time and fixed-time consensus of multi-agent systems in a leader-following framework. Different from conventional leader-following tracking approaches where inherent dynamics satisfying the Lipschitz continuous condition is required, a more generalised case is investigated: discontinuous inherent dynamics. By nonsmooth techniques, a nonlinear protocol is first proposed to achieve the finite-time leader-following consensus. Then, based on fixed-time stability strategies, the fixed-time leader-following consensus problem is solved. An upper bound of settling time is obtained by using a new protocol, and such a bound is independent of initial states, thereby providing additional options for designers in practical scenarios where initial conditions are unavailable. Finally, numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.

Delay Tolerant Networking - Bundle Protocol Simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

SeGui, John; Jenning, Esther

2006-01-01

In this paper, we report on the addition of MACHETE models needed to support DTN, namely: the Bundle Protocol (BP) model. To illustrate the useof MACHETE with the additional DTN model, we provide an example simulation to benchmark its performance. We demonstrate the use of the DTN protocol and discuss statistics gathered concerning the total time needed to simulate numerous bundle transmissions.

GAC: Gene Associations with Clinical, a web based application.

PubMed

Zhang, Xinyan; Rupji, Manali; Kowalski, Jeanne

2017-01-01

We present GAC, a shiny R based tool for interactive visualization of clinical associations based on high-dimensional data. The tool provides a web-based suite to perform supervised principal component analysis (SuperPC), an approach that uses both high-dimensional data, such as gene expression, combined with clinical data to infer clinical associations. We extended the approach to address binary outcomes, in addition to continuous and time-to-event data in our package, thereby increasing the use and flexibility of SuperPC.  Additionally, the tool provides an interactive visualization for summarizing results based on a forest plot for both binary and time-to-event data.  In summary, the GAC suite of tools provide a one stop shop for conducting statistical analysis to identify and visualize the association between a clinical outcome of interest and high-dimensional data types, such as genomic data. Our GAC package has been implemented in R and is available via http://shinygispa.winship.emory.edu/GAC/. The developmental repository is available at https://github.com/manalirupji/GAC.

Application of several variable-valve-timing concepts to an LHR engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morel, T.; Keribar, R.; Sawlivala, M.; Hakim, N.

1987-01-01

The paper discusses advantages provided by electronically controlled hydraulically activated valves (ECVs) when applied to low heat rejection (LHR) engines. The ECV concept provides additional engine control flexibility by allowing for a variable valve timing as a function of speed and load, or for a given transient condition. The results of a study carried out to assess the benefits that this flexibility can offer to an LHR engine indicated that, when judged on the benefits to BSFC, volumetric efficiency, and peak firing pressure, ECVs would provide only modest benefits in comparison to conventional valve profiles. It is noted, however, that once installed on the engine, the ECVs would permit a whole range of certain more sophisticated variable valve timing strategies not otherwise possible, such as high compression cranking, engine braking, cylinder cutouts, and volumetric efficiency timing with engine speed.

The Additional Secondary Phase Correction System for AIS Signals

PubMed Central

Wang, Xiaoye; Zhang, Shufang; Sun, Xiaowen

2017-01-01

This paper looks at the development and implementation of the additional secondary phase factor (ASF) real-time correction system for the Automatic Identification System (AIS) signal. A large number of test data were collected using the developed ASF correction system and the propagation characteristics of the AIS signal that transmits at sea and the ASF real-time correction algorithm of the AIS signal were analyzed and verified. Accounting for the different hardware of the receivers in the land-based positioning system and the variation of the actual environmental factors, the ASF correction system corrects original measurements of positioning receivers in real time and provides corrected positioning accuracy within 10 m. PMID:28362330

Individual Global Navigation Satellite Systems in the Space Service Volume

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Force, Dale A.

2015-01-01

Besides providing position, navigation, and timing (PNT) to terrestrial users, GPS is currently used to provide for precision orbit determination, precise time synchronization, real-time spacecraft navigation, and three-axis control of Earth orbiting satellites. With additional Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) coming into service (GLONASS, Beidou, and Galileo), it will be possible to provide these services by using other GNSS constellations. The paper, "GPS in the Space Service Volume," presented at the ION GNSS 19th International Technical Meeting in 2006 (Ref. 1), defined the Space Service Volume, and analyzed the performance of GPS out to 70,000 km. This paper will report a similar analysis of the performance of each of the additional GNSS and compare them with GPS alone. The Space Service Volume, defined as the volume between 3,000 km altitude and geosynchronous altitude, as compared with the Terrestrial Service Volume between the surface and 3,000 km. In the Terrestrial Service Volume, GNSS performance will be similar to performance on the Earth's surface. The GPS system has established signal requirements for the Space Service Volume. A separate paper presented at the conference covers the use of multiple GNSS in the Space Service Volume.

41 CFR 102-85.180 - Can there be other standard services?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Management Regulations System (Continued) FEDERAL MANAGEMENT REGULATION REAL PROPERTY 85-PRICING POLICY FOR... provide additional services to its customers at the levels and times deemed by the Administrator of...

41 CFR 102-74.35 - What building services must Executive agencies provide?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Federal Property Management Regulations System (Continued) FEDERAL MANAGEMENT REGULATION REAL PROPERTY 74...) Arrangements for raising and lowering the United States flags at appropriate times. In addition, agencies must...

42 CFR 447.45 - Timely claims payment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... implement an automated claims processing and information retrieval system. (2) The agency's request for a... additional information from the provider of the service or from a third party. It includes a claim with...

42 CFR 447.45 - Timely claims payment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... implement an automated claims processing and information retrieval system. (2) The agency's request for a... additional information from the provider of the service or from a third party. It includes a claim with...

42 CFR 447.45 - Timely claims payment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... implement an automated claims processing and information retrieval system. (2) The agency's request for a... additional information from the provider of the service or from a third party. It includes a claim with...

42 CFR 447.45 - Timely claims payment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... implement an automated claims processing and information retrieval system. (2) The agency's request for a... additional information from the provider of the service or from a third party. It includes a claim with...

Application of a Telecolposcopy Program in Rural Settings.

PubMed

Hitt, Wilbur C; Low, Gordon M; Lynch, Christian E; Gauss, C Heath; Magann, Everett F; Lowery, Curtis L; Eswaran, Hari

2016-10-01

Individuals in rural areas are often restricted by the amount of physicians' availability, thus limiting access to healthcare in those settings. While Pap smear screening has increased across the United States, the rural South still reports high rates of cervical cancer and mortality. One solution to improve patient outcomes related to cervical cancer in rural settings is telecolposcopy. Women with abnormal Pap results or an abnormal visual examination needing an evaluation by colposcopy were referred to a hospital-based telecolposcopy program. Descriptive data are provided that include patients' access to care based on travel time and transportation costs. Over a 15-month time period, 940 unique patients were seen using telecolposcopy. Telecolposcopy was done at eight spoke sites across Arkansas representing patients from 72 of the 75 counties. Data for risk factors that include smoking, first sexual experience, and number of sexual partners in past 12 months and in a lifetime are discussed. Pap results and impression are provided. In addition, avoided transportation costs and travel time have been calculated and included. Cervical cancer is important public health concern especially for women residing in rural areas. We were able to demonstrate that our telecolposcopy program has provided sustainability statewide since its inception and that patients are willing to participate. In addition to providing increased access to care, the program also reduced travel time and costs associated with a face-to-face visit. Telecolposcopy should be further explored and utilized in rural settings as a way to reduce patient costs and improve cervical cancer outcomes.

Generalized quantum Fokker-Planck equation for photoinduced nonequilibrium processes with positive definiteness condition

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

Jang, Seogjoo, E-mail: sjang@qc.cuny.edu

2016-06-07

This work provides a detailed derivation of a generalized quantum Fokker-Planck equation (GQFPE) appropriate for photo-induced quantum dynamical processes. The path integral method pioneered by Caldeira and Leggett (CL) [Physica A 121, 587 (1983)] is extended by utilizing a nonequilibrium influence functional applicable to different baths for the ground and the excited electronic states. Both nonequilibrium and non-Markovian effects are accounted for consistently by expanding the paths in the exponents of the influence functional up to the second order with respect to time. This procedure results in approximations involving only single time integrations for the exponents of the influence functionalmore » but with additional time dependent boundary terms that have been ignored in previous works. The boundary terms complicate the derivation of a time evolution equation but do not affect position dependent physical observables or the dynamics in the steady state limit. For an effective density operator with the boundary terms factored out, a time evolution equation is derived, through short time expansion of the effective action and Gaussian integration in analytically continued complex domain of space. This leads to a compact form of the GQFPE with time dependent kernels and additional terms, which renders the resulting equation to be in the Dekker form [Phys. Rep. 80, 1 (1981)]. Major terms of the equation are analyzed for the case of Ohmic spectral density with Drude cutoff, which shows that the new GQFPE satisfies the positive definiteness condition in medium to high temperature limit. Steady state limit of the GQFPE is shown to approach the well-known expression derived by CL in the high temperature and Markovian bath limit and also provides additional corrections due to quantum and non-Markovian effects of the bath.« less

Generalized quantum Fokker-Planck equation for photoinduced nonequilibrium processes with positive definiteness condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Seogjoo

2016-06-01

This work provides a detailed derivation of a generalized quantum Fokker-Planck equation (GQFPE) appropriate for photo-induced quantum dynamical processes. The path integral method pioneered by Caldeira and Leggett (CL) [Physica A 121, 587 (1983)] is extended by utilizing a nonequilibrium influence functional applicable to different baths for the ground and the excited electronic states. Both nonequilibrium and non-Markovian effects are accounted for consistently by expanding the paths in the exponents of the influence functional up to the second order with respect to time. This procedure results in approximations involving only single time integrations for the exponents of the influence functional but with additional time dependent boundary terms that have been ignored in previous works. The boundary terms complicate the derivation of a time evolution equation but do not affect position dependent physical observables or the dynamics in the steady state limit. For an effective density operator with the boundary terms factored out, a time evolution equation is derived, through short time expansion of the effective action and Gaussian integration in analytically continued complex domain of space. This leads to a compact form of the GQFPE with time dependent kernels and additional terms, which renders the resulting equation to be in the Dekker form [Phys. Rep. 80, 1 (1981)]. Major terms of the equation are analyzed for the case of Ohmic spectral density with Drude cutoff, which shows that the new GQFPE satisfies the positive definiteness condition in medium to high temperature limit. Steady state limit of the GQFPE is shown to approach the well-known expression derived by CL in the high temperature and Markovian bath limit and also provides additional corrections due to quantum and non-Markovian effects of the bath.

WIC providers' perspectives on offering smoking cessation interventions.

PubMed

Aquilino, Mary Lober; Goody, Cynthia M; Lowe, John B

2003-01-01

To examine the perspectives of WIC clinic providers on offering smoking cessation interventions for pregnant women. Four focus groups consisting of WIC nurses, dietitians, and social workers (N = 25) were conducted at WIC clinics in eastern Iowa. Researchers developed discussion guidelines to determine how WIC providers currently approached pregnant women who smoke cigarettes and what they considered barriers to providing effective smoking cessation interventions. Code mapping was used to analyze focus group discussions. Factors influencing the ability of WIC staff to provide a smoking cessation intervention for pregnant women included available time, clinic priorities, staff approaches to clients, and staff training. In addition, providers expressed concerns about educational materials for clients as well as additional client issues that prevented smoking cessation. The absence of mechanisms to track clinic outcomes related to smoking cessation was also noted. WIC providers have time limitations that may necessitate minimal or low-intensity interventions for smoking cessation, but did not know that such approaches are actually effective. WIC providers require more education about the entire issue of smoking cessation in order to become more proactive in their attempts to help pregnant women quit. Training that enhances self-efficacy and understanding of the impact of smoking on mothers, infants, and children should be initiated to motivate staff to intervene. Another strategy to motivate WIC staff in this regard could be tracking clinic outcomes in helping women to quit smoking or prevent relapse.

Teaching with Real-time Earthquake Data in jAmaSeis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bravo, T. K.; Coleman, B.; Taber, J.

2011-12-01

Earthquakes can capture the attention of students and inspire them to explore the Earth. The Incorporated Research Institutions in Seismology (IRIS) and Moravian College are collaborating to develop cross-platform software (jAmaSeis) that enables students to access real-time earthquake waveform data. Users can record their own data from several different types of educational seismometers, and they can obtain data in real-time from other jAmaseis users nationwide. Additionally, the ability to stream data from the IRIS Data Management Center (DMC) is under development. Once real-time data is obtained, users of jAmaseis can study seismological concepts in the classroom. The user interface of the software is carefully designed to lead students through the steps to interrogate seismic data following a large earthquake. Users can process data to determine characteristics of seismograms such as time of occurrence, distance from the epicenter to the station, magnitude, and location (via triangulation). Along the way, the software provides graphical clues to assist student interpretations. In addition to the inherent pedagogical features of the software, IRIS provides pre-packaged data and instructional activities to help students learn the analysis steps. After using these activities, students can apply their skills to interpret seismic waves from their own real-time data.

AN ONLINE CATALOG OF CATACLYSMIC VARIABLE SPECTRA FROM THE FAR-ULTRAVIOLET SPECTROSCOPIC EXPLORER

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

Godon, Patrick; Sion, Edward M.; Levay, Karen

2012-12-15

We present an online catalog containing spectra and supporting information for cataclysmic variables that have been observed with the Far-Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE). For each object in the catalog we list some of the basic system parameters such as (R.A., decl.), period, inclination, and white dwarf mass, as well as information on the available FUSE spectra: data ID, observation date and time, and exposure time. In addition, we provide parameters needed for the analysis of the FUSE spectra such as the reddening E(B - V), distance, and state (high, low, intermediate) of the system at the time it was observed.more » For some of these spectra we have carried out model fits to the continuum with synthetic stellar and/or disk spectra using the codes TLUSTY and SYNSPEC. We provide the parameters obtained from these model fits; this includes the white dwarf temperature, gravity, projected rotational velocity, and elemental abundances of C, Si, S, and N, together with the disk mass accretion rate, the resulting inclination, and model-derived distance (when unknown). For each object one or more figures are provided (as gif files) with line identification and model fit(s) when available. The FUSE spectra and the synthetic spectra are directly available for download as ASCII tables. References are provided for each object, as well as for the model fits. In this article we present 36 objects, and additional ones will be added to the online catalog in the future. In addition to cataclysmic variables, we also include a few related objects, such as a wind-accreting white dwarf, a pre-cataclysmic variable, and some symbiotics.« less

Road map to adaptive optimal control. [jet engine control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boyer, R.

1980-01-01

A building block control structure leading toward adaptive, optimal control for jet engines is developed. This approach simplifies the addition of new features and allows for easier checkout of the control by providing a baseline system for comparison. Also, it is possible to eliminate certain features that do not have payoff by being selective in the addition of new building blocks to be added to the baseline system. The minimum risk approach specifically addresses the need for active identification of the plant to be controlled in real time and real time optimization of the control for the identified plant.

Using a Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing Model To Determine the Actual Cost of Services Provided by a Transgenic Core.

PubMed

Gerwin, Philip M; Norinsky, Rada M; Tolwani, Ravi J

2018-03-01

Laboratory animal programs and core laboratories often set service rates based on cost estimates. However, actual costs may be unknown, and service rates may not reflect the actual cost of services. Accurately evaluating the actual costs of services can be challenging and time-consuming. We used a time-driven activity-based costing (ABC) model to determine the cost of services provided by a resource laboratory at our institution. The time-driven approach is a more efficient approach to calculating costs than using a traditional ABC model. We calculated only 2 parameters: the time required to perform an activity and the unit cost of the activity based on employee cost. This method allowed us to rapidly and accurately calculate the actual cost of services provided, including microinjection of a DNA construct, microinjection of embryonic stem cells, embryo transfer, and in vitro fertilization. We successfully implemented a time-driven ABC model to evaluate the cost of these services and the capacity of labor used to deliver them. We determined how actual costs compared with current service rates. In addition, we determined that the labor supplied to conduct all services (10,645 min/wk) exceeded the practical labor capacity (8400 min/wk), indicating that the laboratory team was highly efficient and that additional labor capacity was needed to prevent overloading of the current team. Importantly, this time-driven ABC approach allowed us to establish a baseline model that can easily be updated to reflect operational changes or changes in labor costs. We demonstrated that a time-driven ABC model is a powerful management tool that can be applied to other core facilities as well as to entire animal programs, providing valuable information that can be used to set rates based on the actual cost of services and to improve operating efficiency.

Assessment of Professional Development Activities, Instructional Needs, and Delivery Methods of Part-Time Technical and Occupational Faculty in U.S. Community Colleges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sanford, Brian A.; McCaslin, N. L.

2004-01-01

This study was designed to describe the frequency of professional development activities provided to part-time occupational and technical program faculty. Additionally, the perceptions of occupational education officers concerning the instructional professional development needs and their appropriate delivery method(s) for these faculty members…

45 CFR 79.27 - Computation of time.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... thereunder, the time begins with the day following the act, event, or default, and includes the last day of... which event it includes the next business day. (b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section... has been served or issued by placing it in the mail, an additional five calendar days will be added to...

45 CFR 79.27 - Computation of time.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... thereunder, the time begins with the day following the act, event, or default, and includes the last day of... which event it includes the next business day. (b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section... has been served or issued by placing it in the mail, an additional five calendar days will be added to...

45 CFR 79.27 - Computation of time.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... thereunder, the time begins with the day following the act, event, or default, and includes the last day of... which event it includes the next business day. (b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section... has been served or issued by placing it in the mail, an additional five calendar days will be added to...

45 CFR 79.27 - Computation of time.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... thereunder, the time begins with the day following the act, event, or default, and includes the last day of... which event it includes the next business day. (b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section... has been served or issued by placing it in the mail, an additional five calendar days will be added to...

A Measurement Model for Likert Responses that Incorporates Response Time

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ferrando, Pere J.; Lorenzo-Seva, Urbano

2007-01-01

This article describes a model for response times that is proposed as a supplement to the usual factor-analytic model for responses to graded or more continuous typical-response items. The use of the proposed model together with the factor model provides additional information about the respondent and can potentially increase the accuracy of the…

Running DNA Mini-Gels in 20 Minutes or Less Using Sodium Boric Acid Buffer

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jenkins, Kristin P.; Bielec, Barbara

2006-01-01

Providing a biotechnology experience for students can be challenging on several levels, and time is a real constraint for many experiments. Many DNA based methods require a gel electrophoresis step, and although some biotechnology procedures have convenient break points, gel electrophoresis does not. In addition to the time required for loading…

The Relationship of Repeated Technical Assistance Support Visits to the Delivery of Positive Health, Dignity, and Prevention (PHDP) Messages by Healthcare Providers in Mozambique: A Longitudinal Multilevel Analysis.

PubMed

Gutin, Sarah A; Amico, K Rivet; Hunguana, Elsa; Munguambe, António Orlando; Rose, Carol Dawson

Positive health, dignity, and prevention (PHDP) is Mozambique's strategy to engage clinicians in the delivery of prevention messages to their HIV-positive clients. This national implementation strategy uses provider trainings on offering key messages and focuses on intervening on 9 evidence-based risk reduction areas. We investigated the impact of longitudinal technical assistance (TA) as an addition to this basic training. We followed 153 healthcare providers in 5 Mozambican provinces over 6 months to evaluate the impact of on-site, observation-based TA on PHDP implementation. Longitudinal multilevel models were estimated to model change in PHDP message delivery over time among individual providers. With each additional TA visit, providers delivered about 1 additional PHDP message ( P < .001); clinicians and nonclinicians started at about the same baseline level, but clinicians improved more quickly ( P = .004). Message delivery varied by practice sector; maternal and child health sectors outperformed other sectors. Longitudinal TA helped reach the programmatic goals of the PHDP program in Mozambique.

Turbofan forced mixer lobe flow modeling. Part 3: Application to augment engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barber, T.; Moore, G. C.; Blatt, J. R.

1988-01-01

Military engines frequently need large quantities of thrust for short periods of time. The addition of an augmentor can provide such thrust increases but with a penalty of increased duct length and engine weight. The addition of a forced mixer to the augmentor improves performance and reduces the penalty, as well as providing a method for siting the required flame holders. In this report two augmentor concepts are investigated: a swirl-mixer augmentor and a mixer-flameholder augmentor. Several designs for each concept are included and an experimental assessment of one of the swirl-mixer augmentors is presented.

Understanding Campus and Community Relationships through Marriage and Family Metaphors: A Town-Gown Typology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gavazzi, Stephen M.; Fox, Michael; Martin, Jeff

2014-01-01

In this article we argue that the scholarship on marriages and families provides invaluable insights into town-gown relationships. Marital typologies are used to generate insights into what happens between campus and community relationships over time, and a line of family scholarship provides some additional illumination about the ways in which…

75 FR 22864 - In the Matter of CAN USA, Inc., Harvey, Louisiana; General License Pursuant to 10 CFR 150.20...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-30

... response to the NRC's offer, CAN USA requested use of the NRC ADR process to resolve issues associated with... apparent violations, which include: (1) Providing additional training to radiographers, assistant... radiographic operations as customer transport allowed; and (5) Providing more ``real-time'' notifications of...

Two-Dimensional Neutronic and Fuel Cycle Analysis of the Transatomic Power Molten Salt Reactor

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

Betzler, Benjamin R.; Powers, Jeffrey J.; Worrall, Andrew

2017-01-15

This status report presents the results from the first phase of the collaboration between Transatomic Power Corporation (TAP) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to provide neutronic and fuel cycle analysis of the TAP core design through the Department of Energy Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear, Nuclear Energy Voucher program. The TAP design is a molten salt reactor using movable moderator rods to shift the neutron spectrum in the core from mostly epithermal at beginning of life to thermal at end of life. Additional developments in the ChemTriton modeling and simulation tool provide the critical moderator-to-fuel ratio searches andmore » time-dependent parameters necessary to simulate the continuously changing physics in this complex system. Results from simulations with these tools show agreement with TAP-calculated performance metrics for core lifetime, discharge burnup, and salt volume fraction, verifying the viability of reducing actinide waste production with this design. Additional analyses of time step sizes, mass feed rates and enrichments, and isotopic removals provide additional information to make informed design decisions. This work further demonstrates capabilities of ORNL modeling and simulation tools for analysis of molten salt reactor designs and strongly positions this effort for the upcoming three-dimensional core analysis.« less

Time and the foundations of quantum mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pashby, Thomas

Quantum mechanics has provided philosophers of science with many counterintuitive insights and interpretive puzzles, but little has been written about the role that time plays in the theory. One reason for this is the celebrated argument of Wolfgang Pauli against the inclusion of time as an observable of the theory, which has been seen as a demonstration that time may only enter the theory as a classical parameter. Against this orthodoxy I argue that there are good reasons to expect certain kinds of `time observables' to find a representation within quantum theory, including clock operators (which provide the means to measure the passage of time) and event time operators, which provide predictions for the time at which a particular event occurs, such as the appearance of a dot on a luminescent screen. I contend that these time operators deserve full status as observables of the theory, and on re ection provide a uniquely compelling reason to expand the set of observables allowed by the standard formalism of quantum mechanics. In addition, I provide a novel association of event time operators with conditional probabilities, and propose a temporally extended form of quantum theory to better accommodate the time of an event as an observable quantity. This leads to a proposal to interpret quantum theory within an event ontology, inspired by Bertrand Russell's Analysis of Matter. On this basis I mount a defense of Russell's relational theory of time against a recent attack.

Real-time Magnetic Resonance Imaging Guidance for Cardiovascular Procedures

PubMed Central

Horvath, Keith A.; Li, Ming; Mazilu, Dumitru; Guttman, Michael A.; McVeigh, Elliot R.

2008-01-01

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cardiovascular system has proven to be an invaluable diagnostic tool. Given the ability to allow for real-time imaging, MRI guidance of intraoperative procedures can provide superb visualization which can facilitate a variety of interventions and minimize the trauma of the operations as well. In addition to the anatomic detail, MRI can provide intraoperative assessment of organ and device function. Instruments and devices can be marked to enhance visualization and tracking. All of which is an advance over standard x-ray or ultrasonic imaging. PMID:18395633

Another self-similar blast wave: Early time asymptote with shock heated electrons and high thermal conductivity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cox, D. P.; Edgar, R. J.

1982-01-01

Accurate approximations are presented for the self-similar structures of nonradiating blast waves with adiabatic ions, isothermal electrons, and equation ion and electron temperatures at the shock. The cases considered evolve in cavities with power law ambient densities (including the uniform density case) and have negligible external pressure. The results provide the early time asymptote for systems with shock heating of electrons and strong thermal conduction. In addition, they provide analytical results against which two fluid numerical hydrodynamic codes can be checked.

Tunable, Quantitative Fenton-RAFT Polymerization via Metered Reagent Addition.

PubMed

Nothling, Mitchell D; McKenzie, Thomas G; Reyhani, Amin; Qiao, Greg G

2018-05-10

A continuous supply of radical species is a key requirement for activating chain growth and accessing quantitative monomer conversions in reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. In Fenton-RAFT, activation is provided by hydroxyl radicals, whose indiscriminate reactivity and short-lived nature poses a challenge to accessing extended polymerization times and quantitative monomer conversions. Here, an alternative Fenton-RAFT procedure is presented, whereby radical generation can be finely controlled via metered dosing of a component of the Fenton redox reaction (H 2 O 2 ) using an external pumping system. By limiting the instantaneous flux of radicals and ensuring sustained radical generation over tunable time periods, metered reagent addition reduces unwanted radical "wasting" reactions and provides access to consistent quantitative monomer conversions with high chain-end fidelity. Fine tuning of radical concentration during polymerization is achieved simply via adjustment of reagent dose rate, offering significant potential for automation. This modular strategy holds promise for extending traditional RAFT initiation toward more tightly regulated radical concentration profiles and affords excellent prospects for the automation of Fenton-RAFT polymerization. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Prevailing Torque Locking Feature in Threaded Fasteners Using Anaerobic Adhesive

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hernandez, Alan; Hess, Daniel P.

2016-01-01

This paper presents results from tests to assess the use of anaerobic adhesive for providing a prevailing torque locking feature in threaded fasteners. Test procedures are developed and tests are performed on three fastener materials, four anaerobic adhesives, and both unseated assembly conditions. Five to ten samples are tested for each combination. Tests for initial use, reuse without additional adhesive, and reuse with additional adhesive are performed for all samples. A 48-hour cure time was used for all initial use and reuse tests. Test data are presented as removal torque versus removal angle with the specification required prevailing torque range added for performance assessment. Percent specification pass rates for the all combinations of fastener material, adhesive, and assembly condition are tabulated and reveal use of anaerobic adhesive as a prevailing torque locking feature is viable. Although not every possible fastener material and anaerobic adhesive combination provides prevailing torque values within specification, any combination can be assessed using the test procedures presented. Reuse without additional anaerobic adhesive generally provides some prevailing torque, and in some cases within specification. Reuse with additional adhesive often provides comparable removal torque data as in initial use.

Chemical synthesis of chiral conducting polymers

DOEpatents

Wang, Hsing-Lin [Los Alamos, NM; Li, Wenguang [Los Alamos, NM

2009-01-13

An process of forming a chiral conducting polymer, e.g., polyaniline, is provided including reacting a monomer, e.g., an aniline monomer, in the presence of a chiral dopant acid to produce a first reaction mixture by addition of a solution including a first portion of an oxidizing agent, the first portion of oxidizing agent characterized as insufficient to allow complete reaction of the monomer, and further reacting the first reaction mixture in the presence of the chiral dopant acid by addition of a solution including a second portion of the oxidizing agent, the second portion of oxidizing agent characterized as insufficient to allow complete reaction of the monomer, and repeating the reaction by addition of further portions of the oxidizing agent until the monomer reaction is complete to produce a chiral conducting polymer, e.g., polyaniline. A preferred process includes addition of a catalyst during the reaction, the catalyst selected from among the group consisting of phenylene diamine, aniline oligomers and amino-capped aniline oligomers and metal salts.The processes of the present invention further provide a resultant polyaniline product having a chirality level defined by a molar ellipticity of from about 40.times.10.sup.3 degree-cm.sup.2/decimole to about 700.times.10.sup.3 degree-cm.sup.2/decimole. The processes of the present invention further provide a resultant polyaniline product having a nanofiber structure with a diameter of from about 30 nanometers to about 120 nanometers and from about 1 micron to about 5 microns in length.

Functional localization of a "Time Keeper" function separate from attentional resources and task strategy.

PubMed

Tracy, J I; Faro, S H; Mohamed, F B; Pinsk, M; Pinus, A

2000-03-01

The functional neuroanatomy of time estimation has not been well-documented. This research investigated the fMRI measured brain response to an explicit, prospective time interval production (TIP) task. The study tested for the presence of brain activity reflecting a primary time keeper function, distinct from the brain systems involved either in conscious strategies to monitor time or attentional resource and other cognitive processes to accomplish the task. In the TIP task participants were given a time interval and asked to indicate when it elapsed. Two control tasks (counting forwards, backwards) were administered, in addition to a dual task format of the TIP task. Whole brain images were collected at 1.5 Tesla. Analyses (n = 6) yielded a statistical parametric map (SPM ¿z¿) reflecting time keeping and not strategy (counting, number manipulation) or attention resource utilization. Additional SPM ¿z¿s involving activation associated with the accuracy and magnitude the of time estimation response are presented. Results revealed lateral cerebellar and inferior temporal lobe activation were associated with primary time keeping. Behavioral data provided evidence that the procedures for the explicit time judgements did not occur automatically and utilized controlled processes. Activation sites associated with accuracy, magnitude, and the dual task provided indications of the other structures involved in time estimation that implemented task components related to controlled processing. The data are consistent with prior proposals that the cerebellum is a repository of codes for time processing, but also implicate temporal lobe structures for this type of time estimation task. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Rapidly Re-Configurable Flight Simulator Tools for Crew Vehicle Integration Research and Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schutte, Paul C.; Trujillo, Anna; Pritchett, Amy R.

2000-01-01

While simulation is a valuable research and design tool, the time and difficulty required to create new simulations (or re-use existing simulations) often limits their application. This report describes the design of the software architecture for the Reconfigurable Flight Simulator (RFS), which provides a robust simulation framework that allows the simulator to fulfill multiple research and development goals. The core of the architecture provides the interface standards for simulation components, registers and initializes components, and handles the communication between simulation components. The simulation components are each a pre-compiled library 'plug-in' module. This modularity allows independent development and sharing of individual simulation components. Additional interfaces can be provided through the use of Object Data/Method Extensions (OD/ME). RFS provides a programmable run-time environment for real-time access and manipulation, and has networking capabilities using the High Level Architecture (HLA).

Rapidly Re-Configurable Flight Simulator Tools for Crew Vehicle Integration Research and Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pritchett, Amy R.

2002-01-01

While simulation is a valuable research and design tool, the time and difficulty required to create new simulations (or re-use existing simulations) often limits their application. This report describes the design of the software architecture for the Reconfigurable Flight Simulator (RFS), which provides a robust simulation framework that allows the simulator to fulfill multiple research and development goals. The core of the architecture provides the interface standards for simulation components, registers and initializes components, and handles the communication between simulation components. The simulation components are each a pre-compiled library 'plugin' module. This modularity allows independent development and sharing of individual simulation components. Additional interfaces can be provided through the use of Object Data/Method Extensions (OD/ME). RFS provides a programmable run-time environment for real-time access and manipulation, and has networking capabilities using the High Level Architecture (HLA).

Thinking lean: implementing DMAIC methods to improve efficiency within a cystic fibrosis clinic.

PubMed

Smith, Chad; Wood, Suzanne; Beauvais, Bradley

2011-01-01

The timely coordination of care in clinics that require frequent assessments by multiple specialists can be challenging for both patients and providers. The cornerstone of care at cystic fibrosis (CF) centers with superior clinical outcomes, as with reduced acuity of episodic disease and incidence of hospitalizations, is frequent clinical encounters coupled with aggressive therapies. However, inefficiencies in the clinical practice structure prevent optimal utilization of resources. To decrease non-value-added time, defined as time a patient spends alone in an examination room, without altering the time providers spend caring for a patient, the application of Lean methods was used to see whether reducing variation could significantly decrease lead time, considered the length of a patient visit, within a CF clinic setting. Baseline capability analyses revealed only 19.3% of patient visits were completed in 60min or less, with mean and median visit times of 84 and 81min, respectively. Final capability analyses demonstrated that 41.5% of patient visits were completed in 60min or less, 23% greater than the baseline capability. Mean and median visit times decreased by 10min per visit. Research efforts increased the available capacity by 500 patient visits per year, representing additional revenue of over US$165,000 annually with no additional administrative costs incurred. © 2011 National Association for Healthcare Quality.

Multidimensional Separation of Natural Products Using Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Hadamard Transform Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Wenjie; Zhang, Xing; Knochenmuss, Richard; Siems, William F.; Hill, Herbert H.

2016-05-01

A high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC)was interfaced to an atmospheric drift tube ion mobility time of flight mass spectrometry. The power of multidimensional separation was demonstrated using chili pepper extracts. The ambient pressure drift tube ion mobility provided high resolving powers up to 166 for the HPLC eluent. With implementation of Hadamard transform (HT), the duty cycle for the ion mobility drift tube was increased from less than 1% to 50%, and the ion transmission efficiency was improved by over 200 times compared with pulsed mode, improving signal to noise ratio 10 times. HT ion mobility and TOF mass spectrometry provide an additional dimension of separation for complex samples without increasing the analysis time compared with conventional HPLC.

U.S. - Mexico Security Cooperation: The Time to Act Is Now

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-06

laws will take considerable time and effort to achieve. It is worth the resources invested as it will provide the most benefit to all citizens if...limited number of border crossing checkpoints. Additional benefits of this construct would be to reduce the costs of goods, as transportation times and... benefits to society: billions of dollars in increased tax revenue, relief for overworked law enforcement, courts and prisons, and increased safety

Surface modification of additive manufactured metal products by an intense electron beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teresov, A. D.; Koval, N. N.; Ivanov, Yu F.; Petrikova, E. A.; Krysina, O. V.

2017-11-01

On the example of VT6 titanium alloy it is shown that successive surface modification of additive manufactured metal specimens in vacuum at an argon pressure of 3.5·10-2 by ten pulses with 200 μs, 45 J/cm2 and then by three pulses with 50 μm, 20 J/cm2 provides a considerable decrease in their porosity and surface roughness (20 times for Ra) while their surface microhardness, friction coefficient, and wear level remain almost unchanged. After electron beam irradiation, the ultimate tensile strength of the material increases 1.33 times, and its tensile strain 1.18 times. For specimens obtained by conventional metallurgy and irradiated in the same modes, no such effects are observed.

Period meter for reactors

DOEpatents

Rusch, Gordon K.

1976-01-06

An improved log N amplifier type nuclear reactor period meter with reduced probability for noise-induced scrams is provided. With the reactor at low power levels a sampling circuit is provided to determine the reactor period by measuring the finite change in the amplitude of the log N amplifier output signal for a predetermined time period, while at high power levels, differentiation of the log N amplifier output signal provides an additional measure of the reactor period.

Process for producing ethanol from syngas

DOEpatents

Krause, Theodore R; Rathke, Jerome W; Chen, Michael J

2013-05-14

The invention provides a method for producing ethanol, the method comprising establishing an atmosphere containing methanol forming catalyst and ethanol forming catalyst; injecting syngas into the atmosphere at a temperature and for a time sufficient to produce methanol; and contacting the produced methanol with additional syngas at a temperature and for a time sufficient to produce ethanol. The invention also provides an integrated system for producing methanol and ethanol from syngas, the system comprising an atmosphere isolated from the ambient environment; a first catalyst to produce methanol from syngas wherein the first catalyst resides in the atmosphere; a second catalyst to product ethanol from methanol and syngas, wherein the second catalyst resides in the atmosphere; a conduit for introducing syngas to the atmosphere; and a device for removing ethanol from the atmosphere. The exothermicity of the method and system obviates the need for input of additional heat from outside the atmosphere.

Neuroimaging of Pain: Human Evidence and Clinical Relevance of Central Nervous System Processes and Modulation.

PubMed

Martucci, Katherine T; Mackey, Sean C

2018-06-01

Neuroimaging research has demonstrated definitive involvement of the central nervous system in the development, maintenance, and experience of chronic pain. Structural and functional neuroimaging has helped elucidate central nervous system contributors to chronic pain in humans. Neuroimaging of pain has provided a tool for increasing our understanding of how pharmacologic and psychologic therapies improve chronic pain. To date, findings from neuroimaging pain research have benefitted clinical practice by providing clinicians with an educational framework to discuss the biopsychosocial nature of pain with patients. Future advances in neuroimaging-based therapeutics (e.g., transcranial magnetic stimulation, real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback) may provide additional benefits for clinical practice. In the future, with standardization and validation, brain imaging could provide objective biomarkers of chronic pain, and guide treatment for personalized pain management. Similarly, brain-based biomarkers may provide an additional predictor of perioperative prognoses.

Lowering transit crime may save energy

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

Not Available

Shifting travelers from less-energy-efficient automobiles to more-energy-efficient transit vehicles is an essential energy conservation measure. During peak travel periods the average auto carries 1.4 persons and consumes 16 times more fuel per passenger mile than an urban bus carrying an average of 75 passengers. Today's travelers are using transit for less than 3 percent of their urban trips. Travelers reject transit because its costs--in terms of time, money, and quality of service--are higher than those for the auto. One element of the higher cost of using transit is the increased exposure to crime which occurs when a traveler shifts frommore » his private car to mass transit. The increased exposure is the result of the additional time transit travelers spend getting to and waiting at transit stops, as well as the additional time spent riding, and the lack of privacy while on transit. Furthermore, transit travelers have no control over their route, which may go through high-crime areas. In contrast, traveling by auto not only eliminates the time getting to and waiting at transit stops, but it also provides a secure compartment which can be locked. Traveling companions can be chosen to limit exposure to crime. In addition, auto travel provides the opportunity to select the safest and shortest route. Between the two extremes of high exposure to crime presented by public transit and low exposure to crime offered by private autos lies para-transit, such as taxis, carpools, and jitneys (small buses that carry passengers over a regular route according to a flexible schedule). (MCW)« less

Date of Pollen Shedding by Longleaf Pine Advanced by Increased Temperatures at Strobili

Treesearch

W.D. Boyer; F.W. Woods

1973-01-01

Air temperatures in the microenvironments of flower buds of Pinus palustris Mill. appear to be a major determinant of flowering date. Shoots bearing staminate strobili on each of 10 trees were bagged at different times and for varying lengths of time in January and February. Bagging treatments provided 488 to 3,852 additional degree-hr of heat...

33 CFR 148.276 - When must the application be approved or denied?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... closely observed, can lead to action in just under 1 year. The Coast Guard, in concurrence with MARAD, can suspend the process if an applicant fails to provide timely information or requests additional time to... Denial of the Application § 148.276 When must the application be approved or denied? (a) In 33 U.S.C...

76 FR 8799 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Order Approving a Proposed Rule Change To List...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-15

... will provide Web site disclosure of portfolio holdings daily and will include, as applicable, the names... same time, and the Web site for the Fund ( http://www.teucriumoilfund.com ) and/or the Exchange will... addition, the Web site disclosure of the portfolio composition of the Fund will occur at the same time as...

Development and Characterization of a High-Energy Neutron Time-of-Flight Imaging System

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

Madden, Amanda Christine; Schirato, Richard C.; Swift, Alicia L.

We present that Los Alamos National Laboratory has developed a prototype of a high-energy neutron time-of-flight imaging system for the non-destructive evaluation of dense, massive, and/or high atomic number objects. High-energy neutrons provide the penetrating power, and thus the high dynamic range necessary to image internal features and defects of such objects. The addition of the time gating capability allows for scatter rejection when paired with a pulsed monoenergetic beam, or neutron energy selection when paired with a pulsed broad-spectrum neutron source. The Time Gating to Reject Scatter and Select Energy (TiGReSSE) system was tested at the Los Alamos Neutronmore » Science Center’s (LANSCE) Weapons Nuclear Research (WNR) facility, a spallation neutron source, to provide proof of concept measurements and to characterize the instrument response. This paper will show results of several objects imaged during this run cycle. In addition, results from system performance metrics such as the Modulation Transfer Function and the Detective Quantum Efficiency measured as a function of neutron energy, characterize the current system performance and inform the next generation of neutron imaging instrument.« less

Development and Characterization of a High-Energy Neutron Time-of-Flight Imaging System

DOE PAGES

Madden, Amanda Christine; Schirato, Richard C.; Swift, Alicia L.; ...

2017-02-09

We present that Los Alamos National Laboratory has developed a prototype of a high-energy neutron time-of-flight imaging system for the non-destructive evaluation of dense, massive, and/or high atomic number objects. High-energy neutrons provide the penetrating power, and thus the high dynamic range necessary to image internal features and defects of such objects. The addition of the time gating capability allows for scatter rejection when paired with a pulsed monoenergetic beam, or neutron energy selection when paired with a pulsed broad-spectrum neutron source. The Time Gating to Reject Scatter and Select Energy (TiGReSSE) system was tested at the Los Alamos Neutronmore » Science Center’s (LANSCE) Weapons Nuclear Research (WNR) facility, a spallation neutron source, to provide proof of concept measurements and to characterize the instrument response. This paper will show results of several objects imaged during this run cycle. In addition, results from system performance metrics such as the Modulation Transfer Function and the Detective Quantum Efficiency measured as a function of neutron energy, characterize the current system performance and inform the next generation of neutron imaging instrument.« less

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

Providing emergency medical care to offshore oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico using telemedicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouabene, Anis

2002-08-01

UTMB is developing with industrial partners the "24/7 telemedicine triage project" to provide emergency medical care to offshore oil and gas rigs and platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. The oil and gas industry is second only to the US department of defense in the number of employees stationed in remote areas. Providing medical care to such populations is logistically complex and expensive. In addition, emergency evacuation is often time-consuming and poses risks for both patients and medical crews. By utilizing high-resolution videoconferencing technology, through a satellite communication, patient visits will be conducted in real time and will provide more informed decisions about the need for more extensive treatment, thereby reducing unnecessary evacuations. In addition, patients who require evacuation will receive a higher standard of care while waiting for transport to a medical facility. UTMB physicians report that 39% of all patients from offshore facilities treated in the emergency department, could have been successfully treated through telemedicine without being evacuated to a hospital. The telemedicine project will employ standard procedures for medical triage, in which patients are directed to appropriate medical experts based on their symptoms or type of injury.

An annotation of cuts, depicted locations, and temporal progression in the motion picture "Forrest Gump"

PubMed Central

Häusler, Christian O.; Hanke, Michael

2016-01-01

Here we present an annotation of locations and temporal progression depicted in the movie “Forrest Gump”, as an addition to a large public functional brain imaging dataset ( http://studyforrest.org). The annotation provides information about the exact timing of each of the 870 shots, and the depicted location after every cut with a high, medium, and low level of abstraction. Additionally, four classes are used to distinguish the differences of the depicted time between shots. Each shot is also annotated regarding the type of location (interior/exterior) and time of day. This annotation enables further studies of visual perception, memory of locations, and the perception of time under conditions of real-life complexity using the studyforrest dataset. PMID:27781092

Development of unconfined conditions in multi-aquifer flow systems: a case study in the Rajshahi Barind, Bangladesh

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rushton, K. R.; Zaman, M. Asaduz

2017-01-01

Identifying flow processes in multi-aquifer flow systems is a considerable challenge, especially if substantial abstraction occurs. The Rajshahi Barind groundwater flow system in Bangladesh provides an example of the manner in which flow processes can change with time. At some locations there has been a decrease with time in groundwater heads and also in the magnitude of the seasonal fluctuations. This report describes the important stages in a detailed field and modelling study at a specific location in this groundwater flow system. To understand more about the changing conditions, piezometers were constructed in 2015 at different depths but the same location; water levels in these piezometers indicate the formation of an additional water table. Conceptual models are described which show how conditions have changed between the years 2000 and 2015. Following the formation of the additional water table, the aquifer system is conceptualised as two units. A pumping test is described with data collected during both the pumping and recovery phases. Pumping test data for the Lower Unit are analysed using a computational model with estimates of the aquifer parameters; the model also provided estimates of the quantity of water moving from the ground surface, through the Upper Unit, to provide an input to the Lower Unit. The reasons for the substantial changes in the groundwater heads are identified; monitoring of the recently formed additional water table provides a means of testing whether over-abstraction is occurring.

Provider management strategies of abnormal test result alerts: a cognitive task analysis

PubMed Central

Sawhney, Mona K; Wilson, Lindsay; Sittig, Dean F; Espadas, Donna; Davis, Traber; Singh, Hardeep

2010-01-01

Objective Electronic medical records (EMRs) facilitate abnormal test result communication through “alert” notifications. The aim was to evaluate how primary care providers (PCPs) manage alerts related to critical diagnostic test results on their EMR screens, and compare alert-management strategies of providers with high versus low rates of timely follow-up of results. Design 28 PCPs from a large, tertiary care Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) were purposively sampled according to their rates of timely follow-up of alerts, determined in a previous study. Using techniques from cognitive task analysis, participants were interviewed about how and when they manage alerts, focusing on four alert-management features to filter, sort and reduce unnecessary alerts on their EMR screens. Results Provider knowledge of alert-management features ranged between 4% and 75%. Almost half (46%) of providers did not use any of these features, and none used more than two. Providers with higher versus lower rates of timely follow-up used the four features similarly, except one (customizing alert notifications). Providers with low rates of timely follow-up tended to manually scan the alert list and process alerts heuristically using their clinical judgment. Additionally, 46% of providers used at least one workaround strategy to manage alerts. Conclusion Considerable heterogeneity exists in provider use of alert-management strategies; specific strategies may be associated with lower rates of timely follow-up. Standardization of alert-management strategies including improving provider knowledge of appropriate tools in the EMR to manage alerts could reduce the lack of timely follow-up of abnormal diagnostic test results. PMID:20064805

Provider management strategies of abnormal test result alerts: a cognitive task analysis.

PubMed

Hysong, Sylvia J; Sawhney, Mona K; Wilson, Lindsay; Sittig, Dean F; Espadas, Donna; Davis, Traber; Singh, Hardeep

2010-01-01

Electronic medical records (EMRs) facilitate abnormal test result communication through "alert" notifications. The aim was to evaluate how primary care providers (PCPs) manage alerts related to critical diagnostic test results on their EMR screens, and compare alert-management strategies of providers with high versus low rates of timely follow-up of results. 28 PCPs from a large, tertiary care Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) were purposively sampled according to their rates of timely follow-up of alerts, determined in a previous study. Using techniques from cognitive task analysis, participants were interviewed about how and when they manage alerts, focusing on four alert-management features to filter, sort and reduce unnecessary alerts on their EMR screens. Provider knowledge of alert-management features ranged between 4% and 75%. Almost half (46%) of providers did not use any of these features, and none used more than two. Providers with higher versus lower rates of timely follow-up used the four features similarly, except one (customizing alert notifications). Providers with low rates of timely follow-up tended to manually scan the alert list and process alerts heuristically using their clinical judgment. Additionally, 46% of providers used at least one workaround strategy to manage alerts. Considerable heterogeneity exists in provider use of alert-management strategies; specific strategies may be associated with lower rates of timely follow-up. Standardization of alert-management strategies including improving provider knowledge of appropriate tools in the EMR to manage alerts could reduce the lack of timely follow-up of abnormal diagnostic test results.

Updated radiometric calibration for the Landsat-5 thematic mapper reflective bands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Helder, D.L.; Markham, B.L.; Thome, K.J.; Barsi, J.A.; Chander, G.; Malla, R.

2008-01-01

The Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper (TM) has been the workhorse of the Landsat system. Launched in 1984, it continues collecting data through the time frame of this paper. Thus, it provides an invaluable link to the past history of the land features of the Earth's surface, and it becomes imperative to provide an accurate radiometric calibration of the reflective bands to the user community. Previous calibration has been based on information obtained from prelaunch, the onboard calibrator, vicarious calibration attempts, and cross-calibration with Landsat-7. Currently, additional data sources are available to improve this calibration. Specifically, improvements in vicarious calibration methods and development of the use of pseudoinvariant sites for trending provide two additional independent calibration sources. The use of these additional estimates has resulted in a consistent calibration approach that ties together all of the available calibration data sources. Results from this analysis indicate a simple exponential, or a constant model may be used for all bands throughout the lifetime of Landsat-5 TM. Where previously time constants for the exponential models were approximately one year, the updated model has significantly longer time constants in bands 1-3. In contrast, bands 4, 5, and 7 are shown to be best modeled by a constant. The models proposed in this paper indicate calibration knowledge of 5% or better early in life, decreasing to nearly 2% later in life. These models have been implemented at the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) and are the default calibration used for all Landsat TM data now distributed through EROS. ?? 2008 IEEE.

Can providing a morning healthy snack help to reduce hunger during school time? Experimental evidence from an elementary school in Connecticut.

PubMed

Castellari, Elena; Berning, Joshua P

2016-11-01

While children may be naturally inclined to regulate their hunger, they are also guided by adults and influenced by environmental constraints regarding when and how much to eat. As such, the timing and availability of meals could alter a child's natural eating habits. This could impact the nutritional quality of what they eat as well. We conducted a field experiment with three fourth grade classes at a public elementary school in Eastern Connecticut to analyze if providing a nutritious snack one hour prior to lunch effects a child's level of hunger and consequently their lunch-time consumption. We found students shift their caloric and nutrient intake from lunch to snack time. In addition, we found a significant reduction in student hunger. Our results highlight the importance in considering the timing and quality of meals provided during school time. In our sample, current snack and lunch schedule may not be optimal and changing it can have an impact on the wellbeing of students. Providing healthful options for snack could be an effective way to improve student diets while preserving their ability to make their own choices. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interpolated Sounding and Gridded Sounding Value-Added Products

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

Toto, T.; Jensen, M.

Standard Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Climate Research Facility sounding files provide atmospheric state data in one dimension of increasing time and height per sonde launch. Many applications require a quick estimate of the atmospheric state at higher time resolution. The INTERPOLATEDSONDE (i.e., Interpolated Sounding) Value-Added Product (VAP) transforms sounding data into continuous daily files on a fixed time-height grid, at 1-minute time resolution, on 332 levels, from the surface up to a limit of approximately 40 km. The grid extends that high so the full height of soundings can be captured; however, most soundings terminate at an altitude between 25more » and 30 km, above which no data is provided. Between soundings, the VAP linearly interpolates atmospheric state variables in time for each height level. In addition, INTERPOLATEDSONDE provides relative humidity scaled to microwave radiometer (MWR) observations.The INTERPOLATEDSONDE VAP, a continuous time-height grid of relative humidity-corrected sounding data, is intended to provide input to higher-order products, such as the Merged Soundings (MERGESONDE; Troyan 2012) VAP, which extends INTERPOLATEDSONDE by incorporating model data. The INTERPOLATEDSONDE VAP also is used to correct gaseous attenuation of radar reflectivity in products such as the KAZRCOR VAP.« less

Characterization of plastic and boron carbide additive manufactured neutron collimators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stone, M. B.; Siddel, D. H.; Elliott, A. M.; Anderson, D.; Abernathy, D. L.

2017-12-01

Additive manufacturing techniques allow for the production of materials with complicated geometries with reduced costs and production time over traditional methods. We have applied this technique to the production of neutron collimators for use in thermal and cold neutron scattering instrumentation directly out of boron carbide. We discuss the design and generation of these collimators. We also provide measurements at neutron scattering beamlines which serve to characterize the performance of these collimators. Additive manufacturing of parts using neutron absorbing material may also find applications in radiography and neutron moderation.

Monitoring groundwater-surface water interaction using time-series and time-frequency analysis of transient three-dimensional electrical resistivity changes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnson, Timothy C.; Slater, Lee D.; Ntarlagiannis, Dimitris; Day-Lewis, Frederick D.; Elwaseif, Mehrez

2012-01-01

Time-lapse resistivity imaging is increasingly used to monitor hydrologic processes. Compared to conventional hydrologic measurements, surface time-lapse resistivity provides superior spatial coverage in two or three dimensions, potentially high-resolution information in time, and information in the absence of wells. However, interpretation of time-lapse electrical tomograms is complicated by the ever-increasing size and complexity of long-term, three-dimensional (3-D) time series conductivity data sets. Here we use 3-D surface time-lapse electrical imaging to monitor subsurface electrical conductivity variations associated with stage-driven groundwater-surface water interactions along a stretch of the Columbia River adjacent to the Hanford 300 near Richland, Washington, USA. We reduce the resulting 3-D conductivity time series using both time-series and time-frequency analyses to isolate a paleochannel causing enhanced groundwater-surface water interactions. Correlation analysis on the time-lapse imaging results concisely represents enhanced groundwater-surface water interactions within the paleochannel, and provides information concerning groundwater flow velocities. Time-frequency analysis using the Stockwell (S) transform provides additional information by identifying the stage periodicities driving groundwater-surface water interactions due to upstream dam operations, and identifying segments in time-frequency space when these interactions are most active. These results provide new insight into the distribution and timing of river water intrusion into the Hanford 300 Area, which has a governing influence on the behavior of a uranium plume left over from historical nuclear fuel processing operations.

Highlights and Opportunities from Continuous Access to Gas Hydrates Sites at Ocean Networks Canada's NEPTUNE Observatory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scherwath, M.; Heesemann, M.; Riedel, M.; Thomsen, L.; Roemer, M.; Chatzievangelou, D.; Purser, A.

2017-12-01

Since 2009 Ocean Networks Canada provides permanent access and continuous data in near real-time from two prominent gas hydrates research sites at the Northern Cascadia Margin, Barkley Canyon and Clayoquot Slope off Vancouver Island, through power and communication cables directly from shore. We show data highlights from the seafloor crawler Wally, the world's first internet operated vehicle, in a field of hydrate mounds and outcropping gas hydrates, and its co-located sonars and state-of-the-ocean sensors and Barkley Canyon. For example, spectacular views from the benthic communities and their changes over time are captured by video. At Clayoquot Slope highly active gas seep fields are monitored with a rotating multibeam sonar and various other environmental sensors. In addition, newly installed geodetic sensors as well as an instrumented borehole in that area are now online and provide additional data on subduction-related deformation and potential links to gas discharge. These show-case examples highlight the benefits of co-located experiments that enable interdisciplinary research and also the ability for high-power and -bandwidth long-term monitoring at remote seafloor locations, that over time will provide baselines for environmental monitoring together with natural variability and potential long-term trends.

Magnetic resonance separation imaging using a divided inversion recovery technique (DIRT).

PubMed

Goldfarb, James W

2010-04-01

The divided inversion recovery technique is an MRI separation method based on tissue T(1) relaxation differences. When tissue T(1) relaxation times are longer than the time between inversion pulses in a segmented inversion recovery pulse sequence, longitudinal magnetization does not pass through the null point. Prior to additional inversion pulses, longitudinal magnetization may have an opposite polarity. Spatial displacement of tissues in inversion recovery balanced steady-state free-precession imaging has been shown to be due to this magnetization phase change resulting from incomplete magnetization recovery. In this paper, it is shown how this phase change can be used to provide image separation. A pulse sequence parameter, the time between inversion pulses (T180), can be adjusted to provide water-fat or fluid separation. Example water-fat and fluid separation images of the head, heart, and abdomen are presented. The water-fat separation performance was investigated by comparing image intensities in short-axis divided inversion recovery technique images of the heart. Fat, blood, and fluid signal was suppressed to the background noise level. Additionally, the separation performance was not affected by main magnetic field inhomogeneities.

GAC: Gene Associations with Clinical, a web based application

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xinyan; Rupji, Manali; Kowalski, Jeanne

2018-01-01

We present GAC, a shiny R based tool for interactive visualization of clinical associations based on high-dimensional data. The tool provides a web-based suite to perform supervised principal component analysis (SuperPC), an approach that uses both high-dimensional data, such as gene expression, combined with clinical data to infer clinical associations. We extended the approach to address binary outcomes, in addition to continuous and time-to-event data in our package, thereby increasing the use and flexibility of SuperPC.  Additionally, the tool provides an interactive visualization for summarizing results based on a forest plot for both binary and time-to-event data.  In summary, the GAC suite of tools provide a one stop shop for conducting statistical analysis to identify and visualize the association between a clinical outcome of interest and high-dimensional data types, such as genomic data. Our GAC package has been implemented in R and is available via http://shinygispa.winship.emory.edu/GAC/. The developmental repository is available at https://github.com/manalirupji/GAC. PMID:29263780

Evaluation of the Veterans Health Administration's Specialty Care Transformational Initiatives to Promote Patient-Centered Delivery of Specialty Care: A Mixed-Methods Approach.

PubMed

Williams, Katherine M; Kirsh, Susan; Aron, David; Au, David; Helfrich, Christian; Lambert-Kerzner, Anne; Lowery, Julie; Battaglia, Catherine; Graham, Glenn D; Doukas, Michael; Jain, Rajiv; Ho, P Michael

2017-07-01

Veteran's Affairs Office of Specialty Care (OSC) launched four national initiatives (Electronic-Consults [e-Consults], Specialty Care Access Networks-Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes [SCAN-ECHO], Mini-Residencies, and Specialty Care Neighborhood) to improve specialty care delivery and funded a center to evaluate the initiatives. The evaluation, guided by two implementation frameworks, provides formative (administrator/provider interviews and surveys) and summative data (quantitative data on patterns of use) about the initiatives to OSC. Evaluation of initiative implementation is assessed through CFIR (Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research)-grounded qualitative interviews to identify barriers/facilitators. Depending on high or low implementation, factors such as receiving workload credit, protected time, existing workflow/systems compatibility, leadership engagement, and access to information/resources were considered implementation barriers or facilitators. Findings were shared with OSC and used to further refine implementation at additional sites. Evaluation of other initiatives is ongoing. The mixed-methods approach has provided timely information to OSC about initiative effect and impacted OSC policies on implementation at additional sites.

Ground calibration of the Silicon Drift Detectors for NICER

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LaMarr, Beverly; Prigozhin, Gregory; Remillard, Ronald; Malonis, Andrew; Gendreau, Keith C.; Arzoumanian, Zaven; Markwardt, Craig B.; Baumgartner, Wayne H.

2016-07-01

The Neutron star Interior Composition ExploreR (NICER) is set to be deployed on the International Space Station (ISS) in early 2017. It will use an array of 56 Silicon Drift Detectors (SDDs) to detect soft X-rays (0.2 - 12 keV) with 100 nanosecond timing resolution. Here we describe the effort to calibrate the detectors in the lab primarily using a Modulated X-ray Source (MXS). The MXS that was customized for NICER provides more than a dozen emission lines spread over the instrument bandwidth, providing calibration measurements for detector gain and spectral resolution. In addition, the fluorescence source in the MXS was pulsed at high frequency to enable measurement of the delay due to charge collection in the silicon and signal processing in the detector electronics. A second chamber, designed to illuminate detectors with either 55Fe, an optical LED, or neither, provided additional calibration of detector response, optical blocking, and effectiveness of background rejection techniques. The overall ground calibration achieved total operating time that was generally in the range of 500-1500 hours for each of the 56 detectors.

Ground Calibration of the Silicon Drift Detectors for NICER

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lamarr, Beverly; Prigozhin, Gregory; Remillard, Ronald; Malonis, Andrew; Gendreau, Keith C.; Arzoumanian, Zaven; Markwardt, Craig B.; Baumgartner, Wayne H.

2016-01-01

The Neutron star Interior Composition ExploreR (NICER) is set to be deployed on the International Space Station (ISS) in early 2017. It will use an array of 56 Silicon Drift Detectors (SDDs) to detect soft X-rays (0.2 - 12 keV) with 100 nanosecond timing resolution. Here we describe the e ort to calibrate the detectors in the lab primarily using a Modulated X-ray Source (MXS). The MXS that was customized for NICER provides more than a dozen emission lines spread over the instrument bandwidth, providing calibration measurements for detector gain and spectral resolution. In addition, the fluorescence source in the MXS was pulsed at high frequency to enable measurement of the delay due to charge collection in the silicon and signal processing in the detector electronics. A second chamber, designed to illuminate detectors with either 55Fe, an optical LED, or neither, provided additional calibration of detector response, optical blocking, and effectiveness of background rejection techniques. The overall ground calibration achieved total operating time that was generally in the range of 500-1500 hours for each of the 56 detectors.

Fault-Tolerant Software-Defined Radio on Manycore

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ricketts, Scott

2015-01-01

Software-defined radio (SDR) platforms generally rely on field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and digital signal processors (DSPs), but such architectures require significant software development. In addition, application demands for radiation mitigation and fault tolerance exacerbate programming challenges. MaXentric Technologies, LLC, has developed a manycore-based SDR technology that provides 100 times the throughput of conventional radiationhardened general purpose processors. Manycore systems (30-100 cores and beyond) have the potential to provide high processing performance at error rates that are equivalent to current space-deployed uniprocessor systems. MaXentric's innovation is a highly flexible radio, providing over-the-air reconfiguration; adaptability; and uninterrupted, real-time, multimode operation. The technology is also compliant with NASA's Space Telecommunications Radio System (STRS) architecture. In addition to its many uses within NASA communications, the SDR can also serve as a highly programmable research-stage prototyping device for new waveforms and other communications technologies. It can also support noncommunication codes on its multicore processor, collocated with the communications workload-reducing the size, weight, and power of the overall system by aggregating processing jobs to a single board computer.

Efficient image projection by Fourier electroholography.

PubMed

Makowski, Michał; Ducin, Izabela; Kakarenko, Karol; Kolodziejczyk, Andrzej; Siemion, Agnieszka; Siemion, Andrzej; Suszek, Jaroslaw; Sypek, Maciej; Wojnowski, Dariusz

2011-08-15

An improved efficient projection of color images is presented. It uses a phase spatial light modulator with three iteratively optimized Fourier holograms displayed simultaneously--each for one primary color. This spatial division instead of time division provides stable images. A pixelated structure of the modulator and fluctuations of liquid crystal molecules cause a zeroth-order peak, eliminated by additional wavelength-dependent phase factors shifting it before the image plane, where it is blocked with a matched filter. Speckles are suppressed by time integration of variable speckle patterns generated by additional randomizations of an initial phase and minor changes of the signal. © 2011 Optical Society of America

Using satellites to improve civilian aircraft surveillance coverage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcgraw, K.

1984-01-01

Surveillance of aircraft is presently accomplished through the use of terrestrial based secondary radar sensors, which are capable of interrogating transponders aboard aircraft. Transponder responses provide the basis for determining radial distance by measuring round-trip signal time while antenna angular position is used to determine azimuthal position. These interrogating radar beams are line-of-sight and thus have their coverage obscured by mountains and tall buildings. The addition of more radar sites is rendered unfeasible by the lack of easy access to the required additional site locations. A possible solution to this problem is to deploy satellites that interrogate transponder-equipped aircraft from a position that provides an unobstructed view.

General linear methods and friends: Toward efficient solutions of multiphysics problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandu, Adrian

2017-07-01

Time dependent multiphysics partial differential equations are of great practical importance as they model diverse phenomena that appear in mechanical and chemical engineering, aeronautics, astrophysics, meteorology and oceanography, financial modeling, environmental sciences, etc. There is no single best time discretization for the complex multiphysics systems of practical interest. We discuss "multimethod" approaches that combine different time steps and discretizations using the rigourous frameworks provided by Partitioned General Linear Methods and Generalize-structure Additive Runge Kutta Methods..

Dead-time Corrected Disdrometer Data

DOE Data Explorer

Bartholomew, Mary Jane

2008-03-05

Original and dead-time corrected disdrometer results for observations made at SGP and TWP. The correction is based on the technique discussed in Sheppard and Joe, 1994. In addition, these files contain calculated radar reflectivity factor, mean Doppler velocity and attenuation for every measurement for both the original and dead-time corrected data at the following wavelengths: 0.316, 0.856, 3.2, 5, and 10cm (W,K,X,C,S bands). Pavlos Kollias provided the code to do these calculations.

The role of a low Earth orbiter in intercontinental time synchronization via GPS satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, S. C.; Ondrasik, V. J.

1985-01-01

Time synchronization between two sites using differential GPS has been investigated by a number of researchers. When the two sites are widely separated, the common view period of any GPS satellite becomes shorter; low elevation observations are inevitable. This increase the corrupting effects of the atmospheric delay and, at the same time, narrows the window for such time synchronization. This difficulty can be alleviated by synchronization. This difficulty can be alleviated by using a transit site located midway between the two main sites. The main sites can now look at different GPS satellites which are also in view at the transit site. However, a ground transit site may not always be conveniently available, especially across the Pacific Ocean; also, the inclusion of a ground transit site introduce additional errors due to its location error and local atmospheric delay. An alternative is to use a low Earth orbiter (LEO) as the transit site. A LEO is superior to a ground transit site in three ways: (1) It covers a large part of the Earth in a short period of time and, hence, a single LEO provides worldwide transit services; (2) it is above the troposphere and thus its inclusion does not introduce additional tropospheric delay error; and (3) it provides strong dynamics needed to improve GPS satellite positions which are of importance to ultraprecise time synchronization.

Achieving health care cost containment through provider payment reform that engages patients and providers.

PubMed

Ginsburg, Paul B

2013-05-01

The best opportunity to pursue cost containment in the next five to ten years is through reforming provider payment to gradually diminish the role of fee-for-service reimbursement. Public and private payers have launched many promising payment reform pilots aimed at blending fee-for-service with payment approaches based on broader units of care, such as an episode or patients' total needs over a period of time, a crucial first step. But meaningful cost containment from payment reform will not be achieved until Medicare and Medicaid establish stronger incentives for providers to contract in this way, with discouragement of nonparticipation increasing over time. In addition, the models need to evolve to engage beneficiaries, perhaps through incentives for patients to enroll in an accountable care organization and to seek care within that organization's network of providers.

High-throughput real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR.

PubMed

Bookout, Angie L; Cummins, Carolyn L; Mangelsdorf, David J; Pesola, Jean M; Kramer, Martha F

2006-02-01

Extensive detail on the application of the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) for the analysis of gene expression is provided in this unit. The protocols are designed for high-throughput, 384-well-format instruments, such as the Applied Biosystems 7900HT, but may be modified to suit any real-time PCR instrument. QPCR primer and probe design and validation are discussed, and three relative quantitation methods are described: the standard curve method, the efficiency-corrected DeltaCt method, and the comparative cycle time, or DeltaDeltaCt method. In addition, a method is provided for absolute quantification of RNA in unknown samples. RNA standards are subjected to RT-PCR in the same manner as the experimental samples, thus accounting for the reaction efficiencies of both procedures. This protocol describes the production and quantitation of synthetic RNA molecules for real-time and non-real-time RT-PCR applications.

Short Text Messages (SMS) as an Additional Tool for Notifying Medical Staff in Case of a Hospital Mass Casualty Incident.

PubMed

Timler, Dariusz; Bogusiak, Katarzyna; Kasielska-Trojan, Anna; Neskoromna-Jędrzejczak, Aneta; Gałązkowski, Robert; Szarpak, Łukasz

2016-02-01

The aim of the study was to verify the effectiveness of short text messages (short message service, or SMS) as an additional notification tool in case of fire or a mass casualty incident in a hospital. A total of 2242 SMS text messages were sent to 59 hospital workers divided into 3 groups (n=21, n=19, n=19). Messages were sent from a Samsung GT-S8500 Wave cell phone and Orange Poland was chosen as the telecommunication provider. During a 3-month trial period, messages were sent between 3:35 PM and midnight with no regular pattern. Employees were asked to respond by telling how much time it would take them to reach the hospital in case of a mass casualty incident. The mean reaction time (SMS reply) was 36.41 minutes. The mean declared time of arrival to the hospital was 100.5 minutes. After excluding 10% of extreme values for declared arrival time, the mean arrival time was estimated as 38.35 minutes. Short text messages (SMS) can be considered an additional tool for notifying medical staff in case of a mass casualty incident.

Real-time simulation model of the HL-20 lifting body

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jackson, E. Bruce; Cruz, Christopher I.; Ragsdale, W. A.

1992-01-01

A proposed manned spacecraft design, designated the HL-20, has been under investigation at Langley Research Center. Included in that investigation are flight control design and flying qualities studies utilizing a man-in-the-loop real-time simulator. This report documents the current real-time simulation model of the HL-20 lifting body vehicle, known as version 2.0, presently in use at NASA Langley Research Center. Included are data on vehicle aerodynamics, inertias, geometries, guidance and control laws, and cockpit displays and controllers. In addition, trim case and dynamic check case data is provided. The intent of this document is to provide the reader with sufficient information to develop and validate an equivalent simulation of the HL-20 for use in real-time or analytical studies.

Supporting Patient Care in the Emergency Department with a Computerized Whiteboard System

PubMed Central

Aronsky, Dominik; Jones, Ian; Lanaghan, Kevin; Slovis, Corey M.

2008-01-01

Efficient information management and communication within the emergency department (ED) is essential to providing timely and high-quality patient care. The ED whiteboard (census board) usually serves as an ED’s central access point for operational and patient-related information. This article describes the design, functionality, and experiences with a computerized ED whiteboard, which has the ability to display relevant operational and patient-related information in real time. Embedded functionality, additional whiteboard views, and the integration with ED and institutional information system components, such as the computerized patient record or the provider order entry system, provide rapid access to more detailed information. As an information center, the computerized whiteboard supports our ED environment not only for providing patient care, but also for operational, educational, and research activities. PMID:18096913

Time to treatment and acute coronary syndromes: bridging the gap in rapid decision making.

PubMed

Peacock, W Frank

2010-01-01

The role of cardiac biomarkers in the diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment of patients with chest pain and suspected acute coronary syndromes (ACS) has continued to evolve. Although it is clear that troponin (Tn) measurement provides independent prognostic information in patients with suspected ACS, it is less well established that early B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurement provides additional incremental prognostic information above and beyond electrocardiography and Tn measurement. It is useful to identify patients at high risk for adverse events through measurement of Tn and BNP levels so that timely treatment decisions can be made.

Some evidentiary considerations for physician billing.

PubMed

Rooks, Franklin J

2011-01-01

In a criminal prosecution for medical billing fraud alleging up-coding and overbilling, the government's evidence may encompass the practice's entire billings and draw inferences from them. In addition, fraud may be demonstrated through statistical analysis comparing a physician's billings relative to other providers of the same specialty. The Federal Rules of Evidence govern the admissibility of evidence during a trial, to provide fairness for both the prosecution and the defense. Physicians and practice managers should be well versed in the billing requirements and particularly careful when CPT codes are expressed in terms of "required times" as opposed to "typical times."

A Glossary of Research Terms for Out-of-School Time Program Practitioners. Research-to-Results Fact Sheet. Publication #2007-02

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bronte-Tinkew, Jacinta; Horowitz, Allison; Redd, Zakia; Moore, Kristin A.; Valladares, Sherylls

2007-01-01

This glossary of common research and evaluation terms can serve as a quick reference guide for out-of school time practitioners as they face the challenges posed in this new era of program accountability. Subsequent briefs will provide more detailed information on particular types of research and evaluation designs. A list of additional resources…

Clarification to 1998 Agreement Regarding the National Remedy Review Board Review Criteria for Department of Energy Non-Time Critical Removal Actions

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide additional clarification on the applicability of the October 5, 1998, joint Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) agreement on DOE decommissioning projects titled Review of Department of Energy Non-Time Critical Removal Actions by the National Remedy Review Board.

Time-Zone-Pattern Satellite Broadcasting Antenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Galindo, Victor; Rahmat-Samii, Yahya; Imbriale, William A.; Cohen, Herb; Cagnon, Ronald R.

1988-01-01

Direct-broadcast satellite antenna designs provide contoured beams to match four time zones in 48 contiguous states and spot beams for Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico presented in 29-page report. Includes descriptions of procedures used to arrive at optimized designs. Arrangements, amplitudes, and phases of antenna feeds presented in tables. Gain contours shown graphically. Additional tables of performance data given for cities in service area of Eastern satellite.

Initial light curve of Q2237 + 0305

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Corrigan, R. T.; Irwin, M. J.; Arnaud, J.; Fahlman, G. G.; Fletcher, J. M.

1991-01-01

This paper presents CCD photometry for the gravitationally lensed quasar system 2237 + 0305, in optical passbands from B through R, taken over a time period of more than 3 yr. These data provide new information about the probable microlensing event reported by Irwin et al. (1989); the rise time of this feature is approximately 26 days. Four additional independent brightness changes in the quasar images are detected.

Sexuality and Aging: A Timely Addition to the Gerontology Curriculum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fitzpatrick, Tanya R.

2000-01-01

Describes the development and content of a course on sexuality in aging for a gerontology master's program. Topics include physical health, AIDS, gay/lesbian issues, widows/widowers, marriage, ethnic issues, menopause, and impotence. Provides a 33-item bibliography. (SK)

A grade report for turfgrasses suitable for Maryland right-of-ways : research summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-11-01

Roadsides are managed as mowed turfgrass to prevent erosion, maintain : visibility, provide a safety zone for stopped vehicles, and improve aesthetics. : Roadside vegetation often needs to be mowed several times each growing : season, and in addition...

Video Self-Modeling in Children with Autism: A Pilot Study Validating Prerequisite Skills and Extending the Utilization of VSM across Skill Sets

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williamson, Robert L.; Casey, Laura B.; Robertson, Janna Siegel; Buggey, Tom

2013-01-01

Given the recent interest in the use of video self-modeling (VSM) to provide instruction within iPod apps and other pieces of handheld mobile assistive technologies, investigating appropriate prerequisite skills for effective use of this intervention is particularly timely and relevant. To provide additional information regarding the efficacy of…

Low-cost space flight for attached payloads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perkins, Frederick W.

1991-07-01

An important addition to the emerging commercial space sector is Standard Space Platforms Corporation's comprehensive low-cost flight service delivery system for small and developmental payloads. Standard provides a privately funded, proprietary, value-added transportation service which dramatically reduces cost and program duration for compliant payloads. It also provides a business-to-business service which is compatible with business investment decision timing and technology development cycles.

Feasibility of using Big Area Additive Manufacturing to Directly Manufacture Boat Molds

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

Post, Brian K.; Chesser, Phillip C.; Lind, Randall F.

The goal of this project was to explore the feasibility of using Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) to directly manufacture a boat mold without the need for coatings. All prior tooling projects with BAAM required the use to thick coatings to overcome the surface finish limitations of the BAAM process. While the BAAM process significantly lowers the cost of building the mold, the high cost element rapidly became the coatings (cost of the material, labor on coating, and finishing). As an example, the time and cost to manufacture the molds for the Wind Turbine project with TPI Composites Inc. andmore » the molds for the submarine project with Carderock Naval Warfare Systems was a fraction of the time and cost of the coatings. For this project, a catamaran boat hull mold was designed, manufactured, and assembled with an additional 0.15” thickness of material on all mold surfaces. After printing, the mold was immediately machined and assembled. Alliance MG, LLC (AMG), the industry partner of this project, experimented with mold release agents on the carbon-fiber reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (CF ABS) to verify that the material can be directly used as a mold (rather than needing a coating). In addition, for large molds (such as the wind turbine mold with TPI Composites Inc.), the mold only provided the target surface. A steel subframe had to be manufactured to provide structural integrity. If successful, this will significantly reduce the time and cost necessary for manufacturing large resin infusion molds using the BAAM process.« less

Chemical synthesis of chiral conducting polymers

DOEpatents

Wang, Hsing-Lin; Li, Wenguang

2006-07-11

An process of forming a chiral conducting polymer, e.g., polyaniline, is provided including reacting a monomer, e.g., an aniline monomer, in the presence of a chiral dopant acid to produce a first reaction mixture by addition of a solution including a first portion of an oxidizing agent, the first portion of oxidizing agent characterized as insufficient to allow complete reaction of the monomer, and further reacting the first reaction mixture in the presence of the chiral dopant acid by addition of a solution including a second portion of the oxidizing agent, the second portion of oxidizing agent characterized as insufficient to allow complete reaction of the monomer, and repeating the reaction by addition of further portions of the oxidizing agent until the monomer reaction is complete to produce a chiral conducting polymer, e.g., polyaniline. A preferred process includes addition of a catalyst during the reaction, the catalyst selected from among the group consisting of phenylene diamine, aniline oligomers and amino-capped aniline oligomers and metal salts. The processes of the present invention further provide a resultant polyaniline product having a chirality level defined by a molar ellipticity of from about 40.times.10³ degree-cm²/decimole to about 700.times.10³ degree-cm²/decimole. The processes of the present invention further provide a resultant polyaniline product having a nanofiber structure with a diameter of from about 30 nanometers to about 120 nanometers and from about 1 micron to about 5 microns in length.

Bartnik’s splitting conjecture and Lorentzian Busemann function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amini, Roya; Sharifzadeh, Mehdi; Bahrampour, Yousof

2018-05-01

In 1988 Bartnik posed the splitting conjecture about the cosmological space-time. This conjecture has been proved by several people, with different approaches and by using some additional assumptions such as ‘S-ray condition’ and ‘level set condition’. It is known that the ‘S-ray condition’ yields the ‘level set condition’. We have proved that the two are indeed equivalent, by giving a different proof under the assumption of the ‘level set condition’. In addition, we have shown several properties of the cosmological space-time, under the presence of the ‘level set condition’. Finally we have provided a proof of the conjecture under a different assumption on the cosmological space-time. But we first prove some results without the timelike convergence condition which help us to state our proofs.

Adaptive eLearning modules for cytopathology education: A review and approach.

PubMed

Samulski, T Danielle; La, Teresa; Wu, Roseann I

2016-11-01

Clinical training imposes time and resource constraints on educators and learners, making it difficult to provide and absorb meaningful instruction. Additionally, innovative and personalized education has become an expectation of adult learners. Fortunately, the development of web-based educational tools provides a possible solution to these challenges. Within this review, we introduce the utility of adaptive eLearning platforms in pathology education. In addition to a review of the current literature, we provide the reader with a suggested approach for module creation, as well as a critical assessment of an available platform, based on our experience in creating adaptive eLearning modules for teaching basic concepts in gynecologic cytopathology. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:944-951. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Risks and benefits of Twitter use by hematologists/oncologists in the era of digital medicine.

PubMed

Attai, Deanna J; Anderson, Patricia F; Fisch, Michael J; Graham, David L; Katz, Matthew S; Kesselheim, Jennifer; Markham, Merry Jennifer; Pennell, Nathan A; Sedrak, Mina S; Thompson, Michael A; Utengen, Audun; Dizon, Don S

2017-10-01

Twitter use by physicians, including those in the hematology-oncology field, is increasing. This microblogging platform provides a means to communicate and collaborate on a global scale. For the oncology professional, an active Twitter presence provides opportunities for continuing medical education, patient engagement and education, personal branding, and reputation management. However, because Twitter is an open, public forum, potential risks such as patient privacy violations, personal information disclosures, professionalism lapses, and time management need to be considered and managed. The authors have summarized the benefits and risks of Twitter use by the hematology-oncology physician. In addition, strategies to maximize benefit and minimize risk are discussed, and resources for additional learning are provided. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Approaches and Data Quality for Global Precipitation Estimation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huffman, G. J.; Bolvin, D. T.; Nelkin, E. J.

2015-12-01

The space and time scales on which precipitation varies are small compared to the satellite coverage that we have, so it is necessary to merge "all" of the available satellite estimates. Differing retrieval capabilities from the various satellites require inter-calibration for the satellite estimates, while "morphing", i.e., Lagrangian time interpolation, is used to lengthen the period over which time interpolation is valid. Additionally, estimates from geostationary-Earth-orbit infrared data are plentiful, but of sufficiently lower quality compared to low-Earth-orbit passive microwave estimates that they are only used when needed. Finally, monthly surface precipitation gauge data can be used to reduce bias and improve patterns of occurrence for monthly satellite data, and short-interval satellite estimates can be improved with a simple scaling such that they sum to the monthly satellite-gauge combination. The presentation will briefly consider some of the design decisions for practical computation of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission product Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG), then examine design choices that maximize value for end users. For example, data fields are provided in the output file that provide insight into the basis for the estimated precipitation, including error, sensor providing the estimate, precipitation phase (solid/liquid), and intermediate precipitation estimates. Another important initiative is successive computations for the same data date/time at longer latencies as additional data are received, which for IMERG is currently done at 6 hours, 16 hours, and 3 months after observation time. Importantly, users require long records for each latency, which runs counter to the data archiving practices at most archive sites. As well, the assignment of Digital Object Identifiers (DOI's) for near-real-time data sets (at 6 and 16 hours for IMERG) is not a settled issue.

Hemodialysis Hospitalizations and Readmissions: The Effects of Payment Reform

PubMed Central

Erickson, Kevin F.; Winkelmayer, Wolfgang C.; Chertow, Glenn M.; Bhattacharya, Jay

2016-01-01

Background In 2004 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) changed reimbursement for physicians and advanced practitioners caring for patients receiving hemodialysis from a capitated to a tiered fee-for-service system, encouraging increased face-to-face visits. This early version of a pay-for-performance initiative targeted a care process: more frequent provider visits in hemodialysis. While more frequent provider visits in hemodialysis are associated with fewer hospitalizations and re-hospitalizations, it is unknown whether encouraging more frequent visits through reimbursement policy also yielded these benefits. Study Design We used a retrospective cohort, interrupted time-series study design to examine whether the 2004 nephrologist reimbursement reform led to reduced hospitalizations and re-hospitalizations. We also used published data to estimate a range of annual economic costs associated with more frequent visits. Setting & Participants Medicare beneficiaries in the United States receiving hemodialysis in the two years prior to and following reimbursement reform. Predictor The two years following nephrologist reimbursement reform. Outcomes Odds of hospitalization and 30-day hospital readmission for all causes and fluid overload; US dollars. Results We found no significant change in all-cause hospitalization or re-hospitalization, and slight reductions in hospitalization and re-hospitalization for fluid overload following reimbursement reform; the estimated economic cost associated with additional visits ranged from $13 to $87 million per year, depending on who (physicians or advanced practitioners) spent additional time visiting patients and how much additional effort was involved. Limitations Due to limited information about how much additional time providers spent seeing patients after reimbursement reform, we could only examine a range of potential economic costs associated with the reform. Conclusions A Medicare reimbursement policy designed to encourage more frequent visits during outpatient hemodialysis may have been costly. The policy was associated with fewer hospitalizations and re-hospitalizations for fluid overload, but had no effect on all-cause hospitalizations or re-hospitalizations. PMID:27856087

Staged fluidized bed

DOEpatents

Mallon, R.G.

1983-05-13

The invention relates to oil shale retorting and more particularly to staged fluidized bed oil shale retorting. Method and apparatus are disclosed for narrowing the distribution of residence times of any size particle and equalizing the residence times of large and small particles in fluidized beds. Particles are moved up one fluidized column and down a second fluidized column with the relative heights selected to equalize residence times of large and small particles. Additional pairs of columns are staged to narrow the distribution of residence times and provide complete processing of the material.

MicroRNA319-regulated TCPs interact with FBHs and PFT1 to activate CO transcription and control flowering time in Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Liu, Jie; Cheng, Xiliu; Liu, Pan; Li, Dayong; Chen, Tao; Gu, Xiaofeng; Sun, Jiaqiang

2017-05-01

The transcription factor CONSTANS (CO) is a central component that promotes Arabidopsis flowering under long-day conditions (LDs). Here, we show that the microRNA319-regulated TEOSINTE BRANCHED/CYCLOIDEA/PCF (TCP) transcription factors promote photoperiodic flowering through binding to the CO promoter and activating its transcription. Meanwhile, these TCPs directly interact with the flowering activators FLOWERING BHLH (FBHs), but not the flowering repressors CYCLING DOF FACTORs (CDFs), to additively activate CO expression. Furthermore, both the TCPs and FBHs physically interact with the flowering time regulator PHYTOCHROME AND FLOWERING TIME 1 (PFT1) to facilitate CO transcription. Our findings provide evidence that a set of transcriptional activators act directly and additively at the CO promoter to promote CO transcription, and establish a molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of photoperiodic flowering time in Arabidopsis.

MicroRNA319-regulated TCPs interact with FBHs and PFT1 to activate CO transcription and control flowering time in Arabidopsis

PubMed Central

Liu, Pan; Li, Dayong; Chen, Tao; Gu, Xiaofeng; Sun, Jiaqiang

2017-01-01

The transcription factor CONSTANS (CO) is a central component that promotes Arabidopsis flowering under long-day conditions (LDs). Here, we show that the microRNA319-regulated TEOSINTE BRANCHED/CYCLOIDEA/PCF (TCP) transcription factors promote photoperiodic flowering through binding to the CO promoter and activating its transcription. Meanwhile, these TCPs directly interact with the flowering activators FLOWERING BHLH (FBHs), but not the flowering repressors CYCLING DOF FACTORs (CDFs), to additively activate CO expression. Furthermore, both the TCPs and FBHs physically interact with the flowering time regulator PHYTOCHROME AND FLOWERING TIME 1 (PFT1) to facilitate CO transcription. Our findings provide evidence that a set of transcriptional activators act directly and additively at the CO promoter to promote CO transcription, and establish a molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of photoperiodic flowering time in Arabidopsis. PMID:28558040

A comparison of the wavelet and short-time fourier transforms for Doppler spectral analysis.

PubMed

Zhang, Yufeng; Guo, Zhenyu; Wang, Weilian; He, Side; Lee, Ting; Loew, Murray

2003-09-01

Doppler spectrum analysis provides a non-invasive means to measure blood flow velocity and to diagnose arterial occlusive disease. The time-frequency representation of the Doppler blood flow signal is normally computed by using the short-time Fourier transform (STFT). This transform requires stationarity of the signal during a finite time interval, and thus imposes some constraints on the representation estimate. In addition, the STFT has a fixed time-frequency window, making it inaccurate to analyze signals having relatively wide bandwidths that change rapidly with time. In the present study, wavelet transform (WT), having a flexible time-frequency window, was used to investigate its advantages and limitations for the analysis of the Doppler blood flow signal. Representations computed using the WT with a modified Morlet wavelet were investigated and compared with the theoretical representation and those computed using the STFT with a Gaussian window. The time and frequency resolutions of these two approaches were compared. Three indices, the normalized root-mean-squared errors of the minimum, the maximum and the mean frequency waveforms, were used to evaluate the performance of the WT. Results showed that the WT can not only be used as an alternative signal processing tool to the STFT for Doppler blood flow signals, but can also generate a time-frequency representation with better resolution than the STFT. In addition, the WT method can provide both satisfactory mean frequencies and maximum frequencies. This technique is expected to be useful for the analysis of Doppler blood flow signals to quantify arterial stenoses.

Soft, smart contact lenses with integrations of wireless circuits, glucose sensors, and displays

PubMed Central

Park, Jihun; Kim, Joohee; Kim, So-Yun; Cheong, Woon Hyung; Jang, Jiuk; Park, Young-Geun; Na, Kyungmin; Kim, Yun-Tae; Heo, Jun Hyuk; Lee, Chang Young; Lee, Jung Heon; Bien, Franklin; Park, Jang-Ung

2018-01-01

Recent advances in wearable electronics combined with wireless communications are essential to the realization of medical applications through health monitoring technologies. For example, a smart contact lens, which is capable of monitoring the physiological information of the eye and tear fluid, could provide real-time, noninvasive medical diagnostics. However, previous reports concerning the smart contact lens have indicated that opaque and brittle components have been used to enable the operation of the electronic device, and this could block the user’s vision and potentially damage the eye. In addition, the use of expensive and bulky equipment to measure signals from the contact lens sensors could interfere with the user’s external activities. Thus, we report an unconventional approach for the fabrication of a soft, smart contact lens in which glucose sensors, wireless power transfer circuits, and display pixels to visualize sensing signals in real time are fully integrated using transparent and stretchable nanostructures. The integration of this display into the smart lens eliminates the need for additional, bulky measurement equipment. This soft, smart contact lens can be transparent, providing a clear view by matching the refractive indices of its locally patterned areas. The resulting soft, smart contact lens provides real-time, wireless operation, and there are in vivo tests to monitor the glucose concentration in tears (suitable for determining the fasting glucose level in the tears of diabetic patients) and, simultaneously, to provide sensing results through the contact lens display. PMID:29387797

Soft, smart contact lenses with integrations of wireless circuits, glucose sensors, and displays.

PubMed

Park, Jihun; Kim, Joohee; Kim, So-Yun; Cheong, Woon Hyung; Jang, Jiuk; Park, Young-Geun; Na, Kyungmin; Kim, Yun-Tae; Heo, Jun Hyuk; Lee, Chang Young; Lee, Jung Heon; Bien, Franklin; Park, Jang-Ung

2018-01-01

Recent advances in wearable electronics combined with wireless communications are essential to the realization of medical applications through health monitoring technologies. For example, a smart contact lens, which is capable of monitoring the physiological information of the eye and tear fluid, could provide real-time, noninvasive medical diagnostics. However, previous reports concerning the smart contact lens have indicated that opaque and brittle components have been used to enable the operation of the electronic device, and this could block the user's vision and potentially damage the eye. In addition, the use of expensive and bulky equipment to measure signals from the contact lens sensors could interfere with the user's external activities. Thus, we report an unconventional approach for the fabrication of a soft, smart contact lens in which glucose sensors, wireless power transfer circuits, and display pixels to visualize sensing signals in real time are fully integrated using transparent and stretchable nanostructures. The integration of this display into the smart lens eliminates the need for additional, bulky measurement equipment. This soft, smart contact lens can be transparent, providing a clear view by matching the refractive indices of its locally patterned areas. The resulting soft, smart contact lens provides real-time, wireless operation, and there are in vivo tests to monitor the glucose concentration in tears (suitable for determining the fasting glucose level in the tears of diabetic patients) and, simultaneously, to provide sensing results through the contact lens display.

How visual timing and form information affect speech and non-speech processing.

PubMed

Kim, Jeesun; Davis, Chris

2014-10-01

Auditory speech processing is facilitated when the talker's face/head movements are seen. This effect is typically explained in terms of visual speech providing form and/or timing information. We determined the effect of both types of information on a speech/non-speech task (non-speech stimuli were spectrally rotated speech). All stimuli were presented paired with the talker's static or moving face. Two types of moving face stimuli were used: full-face versions (both spoken form and timing information available) and modified face versions (only timing information provided by peri-oral motion available). The results showed that the peri-oral timing information facilitated response time for speech and non-speech stimuli compared to a static face. An additional facilitatory effect was found for full-face versions compared to the timing condition; this effect only occurred for speech stimuli. We propose the timing effect was due to cross-modal phase resetting; the form effect to cross-modal priming. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Numbers of simultaneous turnovers calculated from anesthesia or operating room information management system data.

PubMed

Dexter, Franklin; Marcon, Eric; Aker, John; Epstein, Richard H

2009-09-01

More personnel are needed to turn over operating rooms (ORs) promptly when there are more simultaneous turnovers. Anesthesia and/or OR information management system data can be analyzed statistically to quantify simultaneous turnovers to evaluate whether to add an additional turnover team. Data collected for each case at a six OR facility were room, date of surgery, time of patient entry into the OR, and time of patient exit from the OR. The number of simultaneous turnovers was calculated for each 1 min of 122 4-wk periods. Our end point was the reduction in the daily minutes of simultaneous turnovers exceeding the number of teams caused by the addition of a team. Increasing from two turnover teams to three teams reduced the mean daily minutes of simultaneous turnovers exceeding the numbers of teams by 19 min. The ratio of 19 min to 8 h valued the time of extra personnel as 4.0% of the time of OR staff, surgeons, and anesthesia providers. Validity was suggested by other methods of analyses also suggesting staffing for three simultaneous turnovers. Discrete-event simulation showed that the reduction in daily minutes of turnover times from the addition of a team would likely match or exceed the reduction in the daily minutes of simultaneous turnovers exceeding the numbers of teams. Confidence intervals for daily minutes of turnover times achieved by increasing from two to three teams were calculated using successive 4-wk periods. The distribution was sufficiently close to normal that accurate confidence intervals could be calculated using Student's t distribution (Lilliefors' test P = 0.58). Analysis generally should use 13 4-wk periods as increasing the number of periods from 6 to 13 significantly reduced the coefficient of variation of the averages but not increasing the number of periods from 6 to 9 or from 9 to 13. The number of simultaneous turnovers can be calculated for each 1 min over 1 yr. The reduction in the daily minutes of simultaneous turnovers exceeding the number of teams achieved by the addition of a turnover team can be averaged over the year's 13 4-wk periods to provide insight as to the value (or not) of adding an additional team.

Providing Additional Support for MNA by Including Quantitative Lines of Evidence for Abiotic Degradation and Co-metabolic Oxidation of Chlorinated Ethylenes

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-09-01

environment outcome. The value is site specific. It may depend on the travel time of groundwater from a source to a property boundary, sentry well...for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data...47  Figure 4.3.4. Decline in Concentrations of PCE, TCE, and cDCE + t-DCE Over Time in Well

DOD Civilian and Contractor Workforces: Additional Cost Savings Data and Efficiencies Plan are Needed

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-01

reductions reported in average strength bNumber of reductions reported in full-time equivalents Note: DOD costs savings provided for the prior FY are...comparing costs from FY 2012 to FY 2017, and not each year in between. Further, officials stated that DOD did not include full- time equivalents ...Application FTE Full-time Equivalent NDAA National Defense Authorization Act This is a work of the U.S. government and is not subject to copyright

The Primary Care Computer Simulation: Optimal Primary Care Manager Empanelment.

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-05-01

explored in which a team consisted of two providers, two nurses, and a nurse aide . Each team had a specific exam room assigned to them. Additionally, a...team consisting of one provider, one nurse, and one nurse aide was simulated. The model also examined the effects of adding two exam rooms. The study...minutes. The optimal solution, which reduced patient time to below 90 minutes, was the mix of one provider, a nurse, and a nurse aide in which each

40 CFR 31.36 - Procurement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... conflict of interest, real or apparent, would be involved. Such a conflict would arise when: (i) The... provide additional prohibitions relative to real, apparent, or potential conflicts of interest. (4... use time and material type contracts only— (i) After a determination that no other contract is...

75 FR 39315 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Order Granting...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-08

... Yahoo! began offering its Web site viewers real-time last sale data provided by BATS Trading. NASDAQ's last sale data products compete directly with the BATS product disseminated via Yahoo! In addition, as...

22 CFR 41.103 - Filing an application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... to appear for a personal interview must provide a biometric, which will serve to authenticate... time of interview. The consular officer may require the submission of additional necessary information or question an alien on any relevant matter whenever the consular officer believes that the...

22 CFR 41.103 - Filing an application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... to appear for a personal interview must provide a biometric, which will serve to authenticate... time of interview. The consular officer may require the submission of additional necessary information or question an alien on any relevant matter whenever the consular officer believes that the...

Real-Time X-ray Imaging Reveals Interfacial Growth, Suppression, and Dissolution of Zinc Dendrites Dependent on Anions of Ionic Liquid Additives for Rechargeable Battery Applications.

PubMed

Song, Yuexian; Hu, Jiugang; Tang, Jia; Gu, Wanmiao; He, Lili; Ji, Xiaobo

2016-11-23

The dynamic interfacial growth, suppression, and dissolution of zinc dendrites have been studied with the imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) as additives on the basis of in situ synchrotron radiation X-ray imaging. The phase contrast difference of real-time images indicates that zinc dendrites are preferentially developed on the substrate surface in the ammoniacal electrolytes. After adding imidazolium ILs, both nucleation overpotential and polarization extent increase in the order of additive-free < EMI-Cl < EMI-PF 6 < EMI-TFSA < EMI-DCA. The real-time X-ray images show that the EMI-Cl can suppress zinc dendrites, but result in the formation of the loose deposits. The EMI-PF 6 and EMI-TFSA additives can smooth the deposit morphology through suppressing the initiation and growth of dendritic zinc. The addition of EMI-DCA increases the number of dendrite initiation sites, whereas it decreases the growth rate of dendrites. Furthermore, the dissolution behaviors of zinc deposits are compared. The zinc dendrites show a slow dissolution process in the additive-free electrolyte, whereas zinc deposits are easily detached from the substrate in the presence of EMI-Cl, EMI-PF 6 , or EMI-TFSA due to the formation of the loose structure. Hence, the dependence of zinc dendrites on anions of imidazolium IL additives during both electrodeposition and dissolution processes has been elucidated. These results could provide the valuable information in perfecting the performance of zinc-based rechargeable batteries.

[Part-time Work and Men's Health : Results based on Routine Data of a Statutory Health Insurance Scheme].

PubMed

Grobe, Thomas G

2016-08-01

With the introduction of a new occupational classification at the end of 2011, employment characteristics are reported by employees to social insurance agencies in Germany in more detail than in previous years. In addition to other changes, the new classification allows a distinction between full- and part-time work to be made. This provided a reason to consider the health-related aspects of part-time work on the basis of data from a statutory health insurance scheme. Our analysis is based on the data of 3.8 million employees insured with the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), a statutory health insurance scheme, in 2012. In addition to daily information on employment situations, details of periods and diagnoses of sick leave and the drugs prescribed were available. Although approximately 50 % of women of middle to higher working age worked part-time in 2012, the corresponding percentage of men employed in part-time work was less than 10 %. Overall, part-time employees were on sick leave for fewer days than full-time employees, but among men, sick leave due to mental disorders was longer for part-time employees than for full-time employees, whereas women working part time were affected to a lesser extent by corresponding periods of absence than those working full time. The results provide indications for the assertion that men in gender-specifically atypical employment situations are more frequently affected by mental disorders. Further evidence supports this assertion. With the long-term availability of these new employment characteristics, longitudinal analyses could help to clarify this cause-effect relationship.

Identifiability of Additive, Time-Varying Actuator and Sensor Faults by State Augmentation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Upchurch, Jason M.; Gonzalez, Oscar R.; Joshi, Suresh M.

2014-01-01

Recent work has provided a set of necessary and sucient conditions for identifiability of additive step faults (e.g., lock-in-place actuator faults, constant bias in the sensors) using state augmentation. This paper extends these results to an important class of faults which may affect linear, time-invariant systems. In particular, the faults under consideration are those which vary with time and affect the system dynamics additively. Such faults may manifest themselves in aircraft as, for example, control surface oscillations, control surface runaway, and sensor drift. The set of necessary and sucient conditions presented in this paper are general, and apply when a class of time-varying faults affects arbitrary combinations of actuators and sensors. The results in the main theorems are illustrated by two case studies, which provide some insight into how the conditions may be used to check the theoretical identifiability of fault configurations of interest for a given system. It is shown that while state augmentation can be used to identify certain fault configurations, other fault configurations are theoretically impossible to identify using state augmentation, giving practitioners valuable insight into such situations. That is, the limitations of state augmentation for a given system and configuration of faults are made explicit. Another limitation of model-based methods is that there can be large numbers of fault configurations, thus making identification of all possible configurations impractical. However, the theoretical identifiability of known, credible fault configurations can be tested using the theorems presented in this paper, which can then assist the efforts of fault identification practitioners.

Media-Augmented Exercise Machines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krueger, T.

2002-01-01

Cardio-vascular exercise has been used to mitigate the muscle and cardiac atrophy associated with adaptation to micro-gravity environments. Several hours per day may be required. In confined spaces and long duration missions this kind of exercise is inevitably repetitive and rapidly becomes uninteresting. At the same time, there are pressures to accomplish as much as possible given the cost- per-hour for humans occupying orbiting or interplanetary. Media augmentation provides a the means to overlap activities in time by supplementing the exercise with social, recreational, training or collaborative activities and thereby reducing time pressures. In addition, the machine functions as an interface to a wide range of digital environments allowing for spatial variety in an otherwise confined environment. We hypothesize that the adoption of media augmented exercise machines will have a positive effect on psycho-social well-being on long duration missions. By organizing and supplementing exercise machines, data acquisition hardware, computers and displays into an interacting system this proposal increases functionality with limited additional mass. This paper reviews preliminary work on a project to augment exercise equipment in a manner that addresses these issues and at the same time opens possibilities for additional benefits. A testbed augmented exercise machine uses a specialty built cycle trainer as both input to a virtual environment and as an output device from it using spatialized sound, and visual displays, vibration transducers and variable resistance. The resulting interactivity increases a sense of engagement in the exercise, provides a rich experience of the digital environments. Activities in the virtual environment and accompanying physiological and psychological indicators may be correlated to track and evaluate the health of the crew.

Transtheoretical Model Constructs for Physical Activity Behavior are Invariant across Time among Ethnically Diverse Adults in Hawaii

PubMed Central

Nigg, Claudio R; Motl, Robert W; Horwath, Caroline; Dishman, Rod K

2012-01-01

Objectives Physical activity (PA) research applying the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) to examine group differences and/or change over time requires preliminary evidence of factorial validity and invariance. The current study examined the factorial validity and longitudinal invariance of TTM constructs recently revised for PA. Method Participants from an ethnically diverse sample in Hawaii (N=700) completed questionnaires capturing each TTM construct. Results Factorial validity was confirmed for each construct using confirmatory factor analysis with full-information maximum likelihood. Longitudinal invariance was evidenced across a shorter (3-month) and longer (6-month) time period via nested model comparisons. Conclusions The questionnaires for each validated TTM construct are provided, and can now be generalized across similar subgroups and time points. Further validation of the provided measures is suggested in additional populations and across extended time points. PMID:22778669

Expanding NASA's Land, Atmosphere Near Real-Time Capability for EOS (LANCE)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davies, Diane; Michael, Karen; Masuoka, Ed; Ye, Gang; Schmaltz, Jeffrey; Harrison, Sherry; Ziskin, Daniel; Durbin, Phil B; Protack, Steve; Rinsland, Pamela Livingstone;

Expanding NASA's Land, Atmosphere Near real-time Capability for EOS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davies, D.; Michael, K.; Masuoka, E.; Ye, G.; Schmaltz, J. E.; Harrison, S.; Ziskin, D.; Durbin, P. B.; Protack, S.; Rinsland, P. L.; Slayback, D. A.; Policelli, F. S.; Olsina, O.; Fu, G.; Ederer, G. A.; Ding, F.; Braun, J.; Gumley, L.; Prins, E. M.; Davidson, C. C.; Wong, M. M.

2017-12-01

NASA's Land, Atmosphere Near real-time Capability for EOS (LANCE) is a virtual system that provides near real-time EOS data and imagery to meet the needs of scientists and application users interested in monitoring a wide variety of natural and man-made phenomena in near real-time. Over the last year: near real-time products and imagery from MOPITT, MISR, OMPS and VIIRS (Land and Atmosphere) have been added; the Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) has been updated and LANCE has begun the process of integrating the Global NRT flood product. In addition, following the AMSU-A2 instrument anomaly in September 2016, AIRS-only products have replaced the NRT level 2 AIRS+AMSU products. This presentation provides a brief overview of LANCE, describes the new products that are recently available and contains a preview of what to expect in LANCE over the coming year. For more information visit: https://earthdata.nasa.gov/lance

SkyDOT: a publicly accessible variability database, containing multiple sky surveys and real-time data

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

Starr, D. L.; Wozniak, P. R.; Vestrand, W. T.

2002-01-01

SkyDOT (Sky Database for Objects in Time-Domain) is a Virtual Observatory currently comprised of data from the RAPTOR, ROTSE I, and OGLE I1 survey projects. This makes it a very large time domain database. In addition, the RAPTOR project provides SkyDOT with real-time variability data as well as stereoscopic information. With its web interface, we believe SkyDOT will be a very useful tool for both astronomers, and the public. Our main task has been to construct an efficient relational database containing all existing data, while handling a real-time inflow of data. We also provide a useful web interface allowing easymore » access to both astronomers and the public. Initially, this server will allow common searches, specific queries, and access to light curves. In the future we will include machine learning classification tools and access to spectral information.« less

Ultrafast and versatile spectroscopy by temporal Fourier transform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chi; Wei, Xiaoming; Marhic, Michel E.; Wong, Kenneth K. Y.

2014-06-01

One of the most remarkable and useful properties of a spatially converging lens system is its inherent ability to perform the Fourier transform; the same applies for the time-lens system. At the back focal plane of the time-lens, the spectral information can be instantaneously obtained in the time axis. By implementing temporal Fourier transform for spectroscopy applications, this time-lens-based architecture can provide orders of magnitude improvement over the state-of-art spatial-dispersion-based spectroscopy in terms of the frame rate. On the other hand, in addition to the single-lens structure, the multi-lens structures (e.g. telescope or wide-angle scope) will provide very versatile operating conditions. Leveraging the merit of instantaneous response, as well as the flexible lens structure, here we present a 100-MHz frame rate spectroscopy system - the parametric spectro-temporal analyzer (PASTA), which achieves 17 times zoom in/out ratio for different observation ranges.

Using Gravity Assists in the Earth-moon System as a Gateway to the Solar System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McElrath, Timothy P.; Lantoine, Gregory; Landau, Damon; Grebow, Dan; Strange, Nathan; Wilson, Roby; Sims, Jon

2012-01-01

For spacecraft departing the Earth - Moon system, lunar flybys can significantly increase the hyperbolic escape energy (C3, in km (exp 2) /sec (exp 2) ) for a modest increase in flight time. Within approx 2 months, lunar flybys can produce a C3 of approx 2. Over 4 - 6 months, lunar flybys alone can increase the C3 to approx 4.5, or they can provide for additional periapsis burns to increase the C3 from approx 2 -3 to 10 or more, suitable for planetary missions. A lunar flyby departure can be followed by additional delta -V (such as that efficiently provided by a low thrust system, eg. Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP)) to raise the Earth - relative velocity (at a ratio of more than 2:1) before a subsequent Earth flyby, which redirects that velocity to a more distant target, all within not more than a year. This paper describes the applicability of lunar flybys for different flight times and propulsion systems, and illustrates this with instances of past usage and future possibilities. Examples discussed include ISEE-3, Nozomi, STEREO, 2018 Mars studies (which showed an 8% payload increase), and missions to Near Earth Objects (NEOs). In addition, the options for the achieving the initial lunar flyby are systematically discussed, with a view towards their practical use within a compact launch period. In particular, we show that launches to geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) as a secondary payload provide a feasible means of obtaining a lunar flyby for an acceptable cost, even for SEP systems that cannot easily deliver large delta-Vs at periapsis. Taken together, these results comprise a myriad of options for increasing the mission performance, by the efficient use of lunar flybys within an acceptable extension of the flight time.

Using Gravity Assists in the Earth-moon System as a Gateway to the Solar System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McElrath, Tim; Lantoine, Gregory; Landau, Damon; Grebow, Dan; Strange, Nathan; Wilson, Roby; Sims, Jon

2012-01-01

For spacecraft departing the Earth - Moon system, lunar flybys can significantly increase the hype rbolic escape energy (C3, in km 2 /sec 2 ) for a modest increase in flight time. Within 2 months, lunar flybys can produce a C3 of 2. Over 4 - 6 months, lunar flybys alone can increase the C3 to 4.5, or they can provide for additional periapsis burns to increase the C3 from 2 -3 to 10 or more, suitable for planetary missions. A lunar flyby departure can be followed by additional ? -V (such as that efficiently provided by a low thrust system, eg. Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP)) to raise the Earth - relative velocity (at a ratio of more than 2:1) before a subsequent Earth flyby, which redirects that velocity to a more di stant target, all within not much more than a year. This paper describes the applicability of lunar flybys for different flight times and propulsi on systems, and illustrates this with instances of past usage and future possibilities. Examples discussed i nclude ISEE - 3, Nozomi, STEREO, 2018 Mars studies (which showed an 8% payload increase), and missions to Near Earth Objects (NEOs). In addition, the options for the achieving the initial lunar flyby are systematically discussed, with a view towards their p ractical use with in a compact launch period. In particular, we show that launches to geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) as a secondary payload provide a feasible means of obtaining a lunar flyby for an acceptable cost, even for SEP systems that cannot ea sily deliver large ? - Vs at periapsis. Taken together, these results comprise a myriad of options for increasing the mission performance, by the efficient use of lunar flybys within an acceptable extension of the flight time.

Effect of a Dedicated Orthopaedic Advanced Practice Provider in a Level I Trauma Center: Analysis of Length of Stay and Cost.

PubMed

Hiza, Elise A; Gottschalk, Michael B; Umpierrez, Erica; Bush, Patricia; Reisman, William M

2015-07-01

The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of an orthopaedic trauma advanced practice provider on length of stay (LOS) and cost in a level I trauma center. The hypothesis of this study is that the addition of a single full-time nurse practitioner (NP) to the orthopaedic trauma team at a level I Trauma center would decrease overall LOS and hospital cost. A retrospective chart review of all patients discharged from the orthopaedic surgery service 1 year before the addition of a NP (pre-NP) and 1 year after the hiring of a NP (post-NP) were reviewed. Chart review included age, gender, LOS, discharge destination, intravenous antibiotic use, wound VAC therapy, admission location, and length of time to surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis test. The hiring of a NP yielded a statistically significant decrease in the LOS across the following patient subgroups: patients transferred from the trauma service (13.56 compared with 7.02 days, P < 0.001), patients aged 60 years and older (7.34 compared with 5.04 days, P = 0.037), patients discharged to a rehabilitation facility (10.84 compared with 8.31 days, P = 0.002), and patients discharged on antibiotics/wound VAC therapy (15.16 compared with 11.24 days, P = 0.017). Length of time to surgery was also decreased (1.48 compared with 1.31 days, P = 0.37). The addition of a dedicated orthopaedic trauma advanced practice provider at a county level I trauma center resulted in a statistically significant decrease in LOS and thus reduced indirect costs to the hospital. Economic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Game Theory Based Trust Model for Cloud Environment

PubMed Central

Gokulnath, K.; Uthariaraj, Rhymend

2015-01-01

The aim of this work is to propose a method to establish trust at bootload level in cloud computing environment. This work proposes a game theoretic based approach for achieving trust at bootload level of both resources and users perception. Nash equilibrium (NE) enhances the trust evaluation of the first-time users and providers. It also restricts the service providers and the users to violate service level agreement (SLA). Significantly, the problem of cold start and whitewashing issues are addressed by the proposed method. In addition appropriate mapping of cloud user's application to cloud service provider for segregating trust level is achieved as a part of mapping. Thus, time complexity and space complexity are handled efficiently. Experiments were carried out to compare and contrast the performance of the conventional methods and the proposed method. Several metrics like execution time, accuracy, error identification, and undecidability of the resources were considered. PMID:26380365

[Supplementary services used as marketing tools in the competition among private practice doctors].

PubMed

Meurers, Horst

2009-01-01

What is the relation between additional healthcare services, marketing and competition among office-based physicians? The best and truly effective marketing strategy is a satisfied patient recommending his doctor's services to others. Hence, good marketing starts with a convincing service concept, not just with advertising. More and more frequently patients ask for supplementary health service offerings. Additional services tailored to individual practices--e.g., in the field of nutrition, sports, fitness, wellness, aesthetics--meet the patients' demands, but at the same time they provide a competitive advantage over the ordinary medical practice. And what is more, these additional healthcare services have a nice side effect: they earn an additional income which is not unwelcome in times of decreasing revenues from the public healthcare system. The much sought-after potential for additional services and income can be achieved by offering commercial medical services, e.g., the sale of healthcare products. The coexistence of the doctor's commercial and non-commercial medical services is admissible as long as certain rules of professional conduct and tax laws are followed.

Electric-Field Instrument With Ac-Biased Corona Point

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Markson, R.; Anderson, B.; Govaert, J.

1993-01-01

Measurements indicative of incipient lightning yield additional information. New instrument gives reliable readings. High-voltage ac bias applied to needle point through high-resistance capacitance network provides corona discharge at all times, enabling more-slowly-varying component of electrostatic potential of needle to come to equilibrium with surrounding air. High resistance of high-voltage coupling makes instrument insensitive to wind. Improved corona-point instrument expected to yield additional information assisting in safety-oriented forecasting of lighting.

Meeting the needs of the postpartum woman with epilepsy.

PubMed

Rousseau, Jennifer B

2008-01-01

Although pregnancy and postpartum are times of emotional and physical change for all women, women with epilepsy have additional concerns and face special challenges. This article describes the nursing care for this special population to help the clinical nurse provide for the safety of these women and their infants. A multidisciplinary approach is essential, and families need to be included in the care planning. Special considerations for medication management, additional rest, seizure precautions, and discharge instructions are described.

Acceleration of Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Positive Blood Cultures by Inoculation of Vitek 2 Cards with Briefly Incubated Solid Medium Cultures

PubMed Central

Idelevich, Evgeny A.; Schüle, Isabel; Grünastel, Barbara; Wüllenweber, Jörg; Peters, Georg

2014-01-01

Briefly incubated agar cultures from positive blood cultures were used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) by Vitek 2. The cultivation time until inoculation was 3.8 h for Gram-positive cocci and 2.4 h for Gram-negative rods. The error rates were low, providing early and reliable AST without additional time or cost expenditure. PMID:25165084

Soil microbe active community composition and capability of responding to litter addition after 12 years of no inputs

Treesearch

S.A. Yarwood; E.A. Brewer; R.R. Yarwood; K. Lajtha; D.D. Myrold

2013-01-01

One explanation given for the high microbial diversity found in soils is that they contain a large inactive biomass that is able to persist in soils for long periods of time. This persistent microbial fraction may help to buffer the functionality of the soil community during times of low nutrients by providing a reservoir of specialized functions that can be...

Optimal order policy in response to announced price increase for deteriorating items with limited special order quantity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouyang, Liang-Yuh; Wu, Kun-Shan; Yang, Chih-Te; Yen, Hsiu-Feng

2016-02-01

When a supplier announces an impending price increase due to take effect at a certain time in the future, it is important for each retailer to decide whether to purchase additional stock to take advantage of the present lower price. This study explores the possible effects of price increases on a retailer's replenishment policy when the special order quantity is limited and the rate of deterioration of the goods is assumed to be constant. The two situations discussed in this study are as follows: (1) when the special order time coincides with the retailer's replenishment time and (2) when the special order time occurs during the retailer's sales period. By analysing the total cost savings between special and regular orders during the depletion time of the special order quantity, the optimal order policy for each situation can be determined. We provide several numerical examples to illustrate the theories in practice. Additionally, we conduct a sensitivity analysis on the optimal solution with respect to the main parameters.

Enhacements to the TTS-502 time transfer system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vandierendonck, A. J.; Hua, Q. D.

1985-04-01

Two years ago STI introduced an affordable, relatively compact time transfer system on the market -- the TTS-502, and described that system at the 1981 PTTI conference. Over the past few months, that system has been improved, and new features have been added. In addition, new options have been made available to further enhance the capabilities of the system. These enhancements include the addition of a positioning algorithm and new options providing a corrected 5 MHz output that is phase coherent with the 1 pps output, and providing an internal Rubidium Oscillator. The Positioning Algorithm was developed because not all time transfer users had the luxury of the Defense Mapping Agency's (DMA) services for determining their position in WGS-72 coordinates. The enhanced TTS-502 determines the GPS position anywhere in the world, independent of how many GPS satellites are concurrently visible. However, convergence time to a solution is inversely proportional to the number of satellites concurrently visible and the quality of frequency standard used in conjunction with the TTS-502. Real World solution results will be presented for a variety of cases and satellite scheduling scenarios. Typically, positioning accuracies were achieved better than 5 to 10 meters r.s.s. using the C/A code only at Sunnyvale, California.

QUICR-learning for Multi-Agent Coordination

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Agogino, Adrian K.; Tumer, Kagan

2006-01-01

Coordinating multiple agents that need to perform a sequence of actions to maximize a system level reward requires solving two distinct credit assignment problems. First, credit must be assigned for an action taken at time step t that results in a reward at time step t > t. Second, credit must be assigned for the contribution of agent i to the overall system performance. The first credit assignment problem is typically addressed with temporal difference methods such as Q-learning. The second credit assignment problem is typically addressed by creating custom reward functions. To address both credit assignment problems simultaneously, we propose the "Q Updates with Immediate Counterfactual Rewards-learning" (QUICR-learning) designed to improve both the convergence properties and performance of Q-learning in large multi-agent problems. QUICR-learning is based on previous work on single-time-step counterfactual rewards described by the collectives framework. Results on a traffic congestion problem shows that QUICR-learning is significantly better than a Q-learner using collectives-based (single-time-step counterfactual) rewards. In addition QUICR-learning provides significant gains over conventional and local Q-learning. Additional results on a multi-agent grid-world problem show that the improvements due to QUICR-learning are not domain specific and can provide up to a ten fold increase in performance over existing methods.

An integrated decision support system for diagnosing and managing patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

PubMed Central

Aronsky, D.; Haug, P. J.

1999-01-01

Decision support systems that integrate guidelines have become popular applications to reduce variation and deliver cost-effective care. However, adverse characteristics of decision support systems, such as additional and time-consuming data entry or manually identifying eligible patients, result in a "behavioral bottleneck" that prevents decision support systems to become part of the clinical routine. This paper describes the design and the implementation of an integrated decision support system that explores a novel approach for bypassing the behavioral bottleneck. The real-time decision support system does not require health care providers to enter additional data and consists of a diagnostic and a management component. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 PMID:10566348

Aeromedical Lessons Learned from the Space Shuttle Columbia Accident Investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chandler, Mike

2011-01-01

This slide presentation provides an update on the Columbia accident response presented in 2005 with additional information that was not available at that time. It will provide information on the following topics: (1) medical response and Search and Rescue, (2) medico-legal issues associated with the accident, (3) the Spacecraft Crew Survival Integrated Investigation Team Report published in 2008, and (4) future NASA flight surgeon spacecraft accident response training.

IceT users' guide and reference.

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

Moreland, Kenneth D.

2011-01-01

The Image Composition Engine for Tiles (IceT) is a high-performance sort-last parallel rendering library. In addition to providing accelerated rendering for a standard display, IceT provides the unique ability to generate images for tiled displays. The overall resolution of the display may be several times larger than any viewport that may be rendered by a single machine. This document is an overview of the user interface to IceT.

The X-33 range Operations Control Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shy, Karla S.; Norman, Cynthia L.

1998-01-01

This paper describes the capabilities and features of the X-33 Range Operations Center at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. All the unprocessed data will be collected and transmitted over fiber optic lines to the Lockheed Operations Control Center for real-time flight monitoring of the X-33 vehicle. By using the existing capabilities of the Western Aeronautical Test Range, the Range Operations Center will provide the ability to monitor all down-range tracking sites for the Extended Test Range systems. In addition to radar tracking and aircraft telemetry data, the Telemetry and Radar Acquisition and Processing System is being enhanced to acquire vehicle command data, differential Global Positioning System corrections and telemetry receiver signal level status. The Telemetry and Radar Acquisition Processing System provides the flexibility to satisfy all X-33 data processing requirements quickly and efficiently. Additionally, the Telemetry and Radar Acquisition Processing System will run a real-time link margin analysis program. The results of this model will be compared in real-time with actual flight data. The hardware and software concepts presented in this paper describe a method of merging all types of data into a common database for real-time display in the Range Operations Center in support of the X-33 program. All types of data will be processed for real-time analysis and display of the range system status to ensure public safety.

Utilization of telemedicine in the U.S. military in a deployed setting.

PubMed

Hwang, Jane S; Lappan, Charles M; Sperling, Leonard C; Meyerle, Jon H

2014-11-01

A retrospective evaluation of the Department of Defense teledermatology consultation program from 2004 to 2012 was performed, focusing on clinical application and outcome measures such as consult volume, response time, and medical evacuation status. A retrospective review of the teledermatology program between 2004 and 2012 was evaluated based on defined outcome measures. In addition, 658 teledermatology cases were reviewed to assess how the program was utilized by health care providers from 2011 to 2012. As high as 98% of the teledermatology consults were answered within 24 hours, and 23% of consults within 1 hour. The most common final diagnoses included eczematous dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and evaluation for nonmelanoma skin cancer. The most common medications recommended included topical corticosteroids, oral antibiotics, antihistamines, and emollients. Biopsy was most commonly recommended for further evaluation. Following teleconsultation, 46 dermatologic evacuations were "avoided" as the patient was not evacuated based on the consultants' recommendation. Consultants' recommendations to the referring provider "facilitated" 41 evacuations. Telemedicine in the U.S. military has provided valuable dermatology support to providers in remote locations by delivering appropriate and timely consultation for military service members and coalition partners. In addition to avoiding unnecessary medical evacuations, the program facilitated appropriate evacuations that may otherwise have been delayed. Reprint & Copyright © 2014 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Creating and promoting a sports performance service offering.

PubMed

Harr, Shannon; Shireman, Christopher W; Jebson, R Leslie

2007-01-01

Many private hospitals and physician groups are exploring the possibility of expanding their facilities to include advanced ancillary services. Services such as a sports performance center provide additional opportunities for quality patient care and at the same time augment the bottom line. By offering additional ancillary services, healthcare organizations such as an orthopaedics practice can become a full-service center enabling clinicians to more fully provide care to their patients. Marketing and promotion play a crucial role in this type of service. These activities must be designed and carried out in a way that encourages productive results and collaboration as the organization strives to position itself as a full-service center and as a sports specialist in its community.

CATS Version 2 Aerosol Feature Detection and Applications for Data Assimilation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nowottnick, E. P.; Yorks, J. E.; Selmer, P. A.; Palm, S. P.; Hlavka, D. L.; Pauly, R. M.; Ozog, S.; McGill, M. J.; Da Silva, A.

2017-01-01

The Cloud Aerosol Transport System (CATS) lidar has been operating onboard the International Space Station (ISS) since February 2015 and provides vertical observations of clouds and aerosols using total attenuated backscatter and depolarization measurements. From February March 2015, CATS operated in Mode 1, providing backscatter and depolarization measurements at 532 and 1064 nm. CATS began operation in Mode 2 in March 2015, providing backscatter and depolarization measurements at 1064 nm and has continued to operate to the present in this mode. CATS level 2 products are derived from these measurements, including feature detection, cloud aerosol discrimination, cloud and aerosol typing, and optical properties of cloud and aerosol layers. Here, we present changes to our level 2 algorithms, which were aimed at reducing several biases in our version 1 level 2 data products. These changes will be incorporated into our upcoming version 2 level 2 data release in summer 2017. Additionally, owing to the near real time (NRT) data downlinking capabilities of the ISS, CATS provides expedited NRT data products within 6 hours of observation time. This capability provides a unique opportunity for supporting field campaigns and for developing data assimilation techniques to improve simulated cloud and aerosol vertical distributions in models. We additionally present preliminary work toward assimilating CATS observations into the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System version 5 (GEOS-5) global atmospheric model and data assimilation system.

NV Energy Electricity Storage Valuation

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

Ellison, James F.; Bhatnagar, Dhruv; Samaan, Nader A.

2013-06-30

This study examines how grid-level electricity storage may benet the operations of NV Energy in 2020, and assesses whether those benets justify the cost of the storage system. In order to determine how grid-level storage might impact NV Energy, an hourly production cost model of the Nevada Balancing Authority (\\BA") as projected for 2020 was built and used for the study. Storage facilities were found to add value primarily by providing reserve. Value provided by the provision of time-of-day shifting was found to be limited. If regulating reserve from storage is valued the same as that from slower ramp ratemore » resources, then it appears that a reciprocating engine generator could provide additional capacity at a lower cost than a pumped storage hydro plant or large storage capacity battery system. In addition, a 25-MW battery storage facility would need to cost $650/kW or less in order to produce a positive Net Present Value (NPV). However, if regulating reserve provided by storage is considered to be more useful to the grid than that from slower ramp rate resources, then a grid-level storage facility may have a positive NPV even at today's storage system capital costs. The value of having storage provide services beyond reserve and time-of-day shifting was not assessed in this study, and was therefore not included in storage cost-benefit calculations.« less

SU-F-T-91: Development of Real Time Abdominal Compression Force (ACF) Monitoring System

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

Kim, T; Kim, D; Kang, S

Purpose: Hard-plate based abdominal compression is known to be effective, but no explicit method exists to quantify abdominal compression force (ACF) and maintain the proper ACF through the whole procedure. In addition, even with compression, it is necessary to do 4D CT to manage residual motion but, 4D CT is often not possible due to reduced surrogating sensitivity. In this study, we developed and evaluated a system that both monitors ACF in real time and provides surrogating signal even under compression. The system can also provide visual-biofeedback. Methods: The system developed consists of a compression plate, an ACF monitoring unitmore » and a visual-biofeedback device. The ACF monitoring unit contains a thin air balloon in the size of compression plate and a gas pressure sensor. The unit is attached to the bottom of the plate thus, placed between the plate and the patient when compression is applied, and detects compression pressure. For reliability test, 3 volunteers were directed to take several different breathing patterns and the ACF variation was compared with the respiratory flow and external respiratory signal to assure that the system provides corresponding behavior. In addition, guiding waveform were generated based on free breathing, and then applied for evaluating the effectiveness of visual-biofeedback. Results: We could monitor ACF variation in real time and confirmed that the data was correlated with both respiratory flow data and external respiratory signal. Even under abdominal compression, in addition, it was possible to make the subjects successfully follow the guide patterns using the visual biofeedback system. Conclusion: The developed real time ACF monitoring system was found to be functional as intended and consistent. With the capability of both providing real time surrogating signal under compression and enabling visual-biofeedback, it is considered that the system would improve the quality of respiratory motion management in radiation therapy. This research was supported by the Mid-career Researcher Program through NRF funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning of Korea (NRF-2014R1A2A1A10050270) and by the Radiation Technology R&D program through the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning (No. 2013M2A2A7038291)« less

Using Landsat satellite data to support pesticide exposure assessment in California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Maxwell, Susan K.; Airola, Matthew; Nuckols, John R.

2010-01-01

We found the combination of Landsat 5 and 7 image data would clearly benefit pesticide exposure assessment in this region by 1) providing information on crop field conditions at or near the time when pesticides are applied, and 2) providing information for validating the CDWR map. The Landsat image time-series was useful for identifying idle, single-, and multi-cropped fields. Landsat data will be limited during the winter months due to cloud cover, and for years prior to the Landsat 7 launch (1999) when only one satellite was operational at any given time. We suggest additional research to determine the feasibility of integrating CDWR land use maps and Landsat data to derive crop maps in locations and time periods where maps are not available, which will allow for substantial improvements to chemical exposure estimation.

Localization of transient gravitational wave sources: beyond triangulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fairhurst, Stephen

2018-05-01

Rapid, accurate localization of gravitational wave transient events has proved critical to successful electromagnetic followup. In previous papers we have shown that localization estimates can be obtained through triangulation based on timing information at the detector sites. In practice, detailed parameter estimation routines use additional information and provide better localization than is possible based on timing information alone. In this paper, we extend the timing based localization approximation to incorporate consistency of observed signals with two gravitational wave polarizations, and an astrophysically motivated distribution of sources. Both of these provide significant improvements to source localization, allowing many sources to be restricted to a single sky region, with an area 40% smaller than predicted by timing information alone. Furthermore, we show that the vast majority of sources will be reconstructed to be circularly polarized or, equivalently, indistinguishable from face-on.

14 CFR 121.485 - Flight time limitations: Three or more pilots and an additional flight crewmember.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... flight crewmember. It shall also provide adequate sleeping quarters on the airplane whenever a pilot is... days; or (2) 1,000 hours during any 12-calendar-month period. [Doc. No. 6258, 29 FR 19217, Dec. 31...

14 CFR 121.485 - Flight time limitations: Three or more pilots and an additional flight crewmember.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... flight crewmember. It shall also provide adequate sleeping quarters on the airplane whenever a pilot is... days; or (2) 1,000 hours during any 12-calendar-month period. [Doc. No. 6258, 29 FR 19217, Dec. 31...

14 CFR 121.485 - Flight time limitations: Three or more pilots and an additional flight crewmember.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... flight crewmember. It shall also provide adequate sleeping quarters on the airplane whenever a pilot is... days; or (2) 1,000 hours during any 12-calendar-month period. [Doc. No. 6258, 29 FR 19217, Dec. 31...

14 CFR 121.485 - Flight time limitations: Three or more pilots and an additional flight crewmember.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... flight crewmember. It shall also provide adequate sleeping quarters on the airplane whenever a pilot is... days; or (2) 1,000 hours during any 12-calendar-month period. [Doc. No. 6258, 29 FR 19217, Dec. 31...

14 CFR 121.485 - Flight time limitations: Three or more pilots and an additional flight crewmember.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... flight crewmember. It shall also provide adequate sleeping quarters on the airplane whenever a pilot is... days; or (2) 1,000 hours during any 12-calendar-month period. [Doc. No. 6258, 29 FR 19217, Dec. 31...

75 FR 18516 - Rhode Island; Emergency and Related Determinations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-12

..., under the Public Assistance program. This assistance excludes regular time costs for subgrantees' regular employees. In addition, you are authorized to provide such other forms of assistance under Title V... (Category B), limited to direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program. (The following...

Revolution in Military Manpower: The Citizen-Warrior Total Career Continuum Construct

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-02-13

stressed career-fields, professional military education, and other situations to provide additional 12 incentives for desired behaviors and force...authorized telecommuting workload. 33 An example of an accrued service obligation would be required active service for a specified period of time after

75 FR 47771 - Certain Frozen Fish Fillets from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Extension of Time Limit for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-09

... new shipper review to 300 days if it that the case is extraordinarily complicated. See 19 CFR 351.214... methodological issues. The Department is extending the deadline because it intends to provide parties additional...

48 CFR 7.107 - Additional requirements for acquisitions involving bundling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... the Government. However, because of the potential impact on small business participation, the head of... performance or efficiency, reduction in acquisition cycle times, better terms and conditions, and any other...; and (2) The acquisition strategy provides for maximum practicable participation by small business...

A green vehicle routing problem with customer satisfaction criteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afshar-Bakeshloo, M.; Mehrabi, A.; Safari, H.; Maleki, M.; Jolai, F.

2016-12-01

This paper develops an MILP model, named Satisfactory-Green Vehicle Routing Problem. It consists of routing a heterogeneous fleet of vehicles in order to serve a set of customers within predefined time windows. In this model in addition to the traditional objective of the VRP, both the pollution and customers' satisfaction have been taken into account. Meanwhile, the introduced model prepares an effective dashboard for decision-makers that determines appropriate routes, the best mixed fleet, speed and idle time of vehicles. Additionally, some new factors evaluate the greening of each decision based on three criteria. This model applies piecewise linear functions (PLFs) to linearize a nonlinear fuzzy interval for incorporating customers' satisfaction into other linear objectives. We have presented a mixed integer linear programming formulation for the S-GVRP. This model enriches managerial insights by providing trade-offs between customers' satisfaction, total costs and emission levels. Finally, we have provided a numerical study for showing the applicability of the model.

Elements of Dynamics of a One-Dimensional Trapped Bose-Einstein Condensate Excited by a Time-Dependent Dimple: A Lagrangian Variational Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakhel, Asaad R.; Sakhel, Roger R.

2018-02-01

We examine the dynamics of a one-dimensional harmonically trapped Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC), induced by the addition of a dimple trap whose depth oscillates with time. For this purpose, the Lagrangian variational method (LVM) is applied to provide the required analytical equations. The goal is to provide an analytical explanation for the quasiperiodic oscillations of the BEC size at resonance, that is additional to the one given by Adhikari (J Phys B At Mol Opt Phys 36:1109, 2003). It is shown that LVM is able to reproduce instabilities in the dynamics along the same lines outlined by Lellouch et al. (Phys Rev X 7:021015, 2017). Moreover, it is found that at resonance the energy dynamics display ordered oscillations, whereas at off-resonance they tend to be chaotic. Further, by using the Poincare-Lindstedt method to solve the LVM equation of motion, the resulting solution is able to reproduce the quasiperiodic oscillations of the BEC.

The LOFT ground segment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bozzo, E.; Antonelli, A.; Argan, A.; Barret, D.; Binko, Pavel; Brandt, S.; Cavazzuti, E.; Courvoisier, T.; den Herder, J. W.; Feroci, M.; Ferrigno, C.; Giommi, P.; Götz, D.; Guy, L.; Hernanz, M.; in't Zand, J. J. M.; Klochkov, D.; Kuulkers, Erik; Motch, C.; Lumb, D.; Papitto, A.; Pittori, Carlotta; Rohlfs, R.; Santangelo, A.; Schmid, C.; Schwope, A. D.; Smith, P. J.; Webb, N. A.; Wilms, J.; Zane, S.

2014-07-01

LOFT, the Large Observatory For X-ray Timing, was one of the ESA M3 mission candidates that completed their assessment phase at the end of 2013. LOFT is equipped with two instruments, the Large Area Detector (LAD) and the Wide Field Monitor (WFM). The LAD performs pointed observations of several targets per orbit (~90 minutes), providing roughly ~80 GB of proprietary data per day (the proprietary period will be 12 months). The WFM continuously monitors about 1/3 of the sky at a time and provides data for about ~100 sources a day, resulting in a total of ~20 GB of additional telemetry. The LOFT Burst alert System additionally identifies on-board bright impulsive events (e.g., Gamma-ray Bursts, GRBs) and broadcasts the corresponding position and trigger time to the ground using a dedicated system of ~15 VHF receivers. All WFM data are planned to be made public immediately. In this contribution we summarize the planned organization of the LOFT ground segment (GS), as established in the mission Yellow Book1. We describe the expected GS contributions from ESA and the LOFT consortium. A review is provided of the planned LOFT data products and the details of the data flow, archiving and distribution. Despite LOFT was not selected for launch within the M3 call, its long assessment phase ( >2 years) led to a very solid mission design and an efficient planning of its ground operations.

Relative sea level trend and variability in the central Mediterranean in the time span 1872-2014 from tide gauge data: implications for future projections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anzidei, Marco; Vecchio, Antonio

2015-04-01

We used tidal data collected in the time span 1872-2014 from a set of historical and modern stations located in the central Mediterranean, along the coasts of Italy, France, Slovenia and Croatia. The longest records span across the last two or three centuries for the tidal stations of Genova, Marseille, Trieste and Venice. While data from Bakar, Dubrovink, Rovinji and Split, all located along the coast of the Adriatic sea, provide valid records for a time span about 50 years long. In addition to these stations, since 1998 become available for the Italian region new sea level data from the dense national tidal network (www.mareografico.it). These digital stations are collecting data continuously at 10 minute sampling interval with a nominal accuracy at 1 mm. Therefore, in addition to the historical stations, we have the opportunity to analyze a sea level data set that cover about the last 16 years. In this study we show and discuss the results of our analysis of sea level data for the central Mediterranean, providing new insights on sea level trend and variability for about the past 140 years. Finally, based on sea level data and IPCC reports, we provide future sea level projections for this region for the year 2100 with implications for coastal flooding of lowland areas.

Factors associated with timing of first outpatient visit after newborn hospital discharge.

PubMed

O'Donnell, Heather C; Trachtman, Rebecca A; Islam, Shahidul; Racine, Andrew D

2014-01-01

To determine factors associated with newborns having their first outpatient visit (FOV) beyond 3 days after postpartum hospital discharge. Retrospective cohort analysis of all newborns born at a large urban university hospital during a 1-year period, discharged home within 96 hours of birth, and with an outpatient visit with an affiliated provider within 60 days after discharge. Of 3282 newborns, 1440 (44%) had their FOV beyond 3 days after discharge. Newborns born to first-time mothers, breast-feeding, at high risk for hyperbilirubinemia, or with a pathological diagnosis were significantly (P < .05) less likely to have FOV beyond 3 days in adjusted multivariable analysis, while newborns born via Caesarian section, of older gestational age, with Medicaid insurance, or discharged on a Thursday or Friday were more likely to have FOV beyond 3 days. Discharging provider characteristics independently associated with FOV beyond 3 days included family medicine providers, providers out of residency longer, and providers practicing at the institution longer. In addition, practice of outpatient follow-up had an independent impact on timing of FOV. Having an appointment date and time recorded on the nursery record or first appointment with a home nurse decreased the odds that time to FOV was beyond 3 days of discharge. Physician decisions regarding timing of outpatient visit after newborn discharge may take into account newborn medical and social characteristics, but certain patient, provider, and practice features associated with this timing may represent unrecognized barriers to care. Copyright © 2014 Academic Pediatric Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

EARLY CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTATION: AN EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVENESS IN A RURAL COMMUNITY.

PubMed

Vuyk, M Alexandra; Sprague-Jones, Jessica; Reed, Christie

2016-01-01

Little research has been done to evaluate the effectiveness of early childhood mental health consultation (ECMHC) in rural, applied settings. In this mixed-methods study, we evaluated an approach to ECMHC used in rural Southwest Kansas with individualized services for childcare providers. Twenty-nine home-based and center-based childcare providers completed measures on provider growth, perceptions of child outcomes, and satisfaction with sessions. In total, 162 data points were collected and analyzed using multilevel growth models. In addition, 16 providers participated in qualitative interviews. Both home-based and center-based providers reported very high satisfaction with consultation sessions which increased with time, although home-based providers showed significantly higher satisfaction than did center-based providers. Provider growth, encompassing personal well-being, scheduling and transitions, connections with parents, and positive discipline strategies increased significantly over time. Child outcomes, encompassing prosocial behavior, resilience, and overall well-being also improved significantly in providers' perception. ECMHC as conducted in Southwest Kansas appears to have a positive effect on childcare providers and the children in their care. © 2015 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.

UNAVCO Real-Time GNSS Positioning: High-Precision Static and Kinematic Testing of the Next Generation GNSS network.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berglund, H. T.; Hodgkinson, K. M.; Blume, F.; Mencin, D.; Phillips, D. A.; Meertens, C. M.; Mattioli, G. S.

2014-12-01

The GAGE Facility, managed by UNAVCO, operates a real-time GNSS (RT-GNSS) network of ~450 stations. The majority of the streaming stations are part of the EarthScope Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO). Following community input from a real-time GNSS data products and formats meeting hosted by UNAVCO in Spring of 2011, UNAVCO now provides real-time PPP positions, and network solutions where practical, for all available stations using Trimble's PIVOT RTX server software and TrackRT. The UNAVCO real-time system has the potential to enhance our understanding of earthquakes, seismic wave propagation, volcanic eruptions, magmatic intrusions, movement of ice, landslides, and the dynamics of the atmosphere. Beyond the ever increasing applications in science and engineering, RT-GNSS has the potential to provide early warning of hazards to emergency managers, utilities, other infrastructure managers, first responders and others. Upgrades to the network include eight Trimble NetR9 GNSS receivers with GLONASS and receiver-based RTX capabilities and sixteen new co-located MEMS based accelerometers. These new capabilities will allow integration of GNSS and strong motion data to produce broad-spectrum waveforms improving Earthquake Early Warning systems. Controlled outdoor kinematic and static experiments provide a useful method for evaluating and comparing real-time systems. UNAVCO has developed a portable low-cost antenna actuator to characterize the kinematic performance of receiver- and server-based real-time positioning algorithms and identify system limitations. We have performed tests using controlled 1-d antenna motions and will present comparisons between these and other post-processed kinematic algorithms including GIPSY-OASIS and TRACK. In addition to kinematic testing, long-term static testing of Trimble's RTX service is ongoing at UNAVCO and will be used to characterize the stability of the position time-series produced by RTX. In addition, with the goal of characterizing stability and improving software and higher level products based on real-time and high frequency GNSS time series, we present an overview of the UNAVCO RT-GPS system, a comparison of the UNAVCO generated real-time, static and community data products, and an overview of available common data sets.

Non-invasive measurement of pulse wave velocity using transputer-based analysis of Doppler flow audio signals.

PubMed

Stewart, W R; Ramsey, M W; Jones, C J

1994-08-01

A system for the measurement of arterial pulse wave velocity is described. A personal computer (PC) plug-in transputer board is used to process the audio signals from two pocket Doppler ultrasound units. The transputer is used to provide a set of bandpass digital filters on two channels. The times of excursion of power through thresholds in each filter are recorded and used to estimate the onset of systolic flow. The system does not require an additional spectrum analyser and can work in real time. The transputer architecture provides for easy integration into any wider physiological measurement system.

Exhaust emission reduction for intermittent combustion aircraft engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moffett, R. N.

1979-01-01

Three concepts for optimizing the performance, increasing the fuel economy, and reducing exhaust emission of the piston aircraft engine were investigated. High energy-multiple spark discharge and spark plug tip penetration, ultrasonic fuel vaporization, and variable valve timing were evaluated individually. Ultrasonic fuel vaporization did not demonstrate sufficient improvement in distribution to offset the performance loss caused by the additional manifold restriction. High energy ignition and revised spark plug tip location provided no change in performance or emissions. Variable valve timing provided some performance benefit; however, even greater performance improvement was obtained through induction system tuning which could be accomplished with far less complexity.

Post-Hurricane Ivan coastal oblique aerial photographs collected from Crawfordville, Florida, to Petit Bois Island, Mississippi, September 17, 2004

USGS Publications Warehouse

Morgan, Karen L.M.; Krohn, M. Dennis; Peterson, Russell D.; Thompson, Philip R.; Subino, Janice A.

2015-01-01

Table 1 provides detailed information about the GPS location, image name, date, and time for each of the 3,381 photographs taken, along with links to each photograph. The photographs are organized into segments, also referred to as contact sheets, and represent approximately 5 minutes of flight time. In addition to the photographs, a Google Earth Keyhole Markup Language (KML) file is provided, which can be used to view the images by clicking on the marker and then clicking on either the thumbnail or the link above the thumbnail. The KML files were created using the photographic navigation files.

NASA-427: A New Aluminum Alloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nabors, Sammy A.

2015-01-01

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center researchers have developed a new, stronger aluminum alloy, ideal for cast aluminum products that have powder or paint-baked thermal coatings. With advanced mechanical properties, the NASA-427 alloy shows greater tensile strength and increased ductility, providing substantial improvement in impact toughness. In addition, this alloy improves the thermal coating process by decreasing the time required for heat treatment. With improvements in both strength and processing time, use of the alloy provides reduced materials and production costs, lower product weight, and better product performance. The superior properties of NASA-427 can benefit many industries, including automotive, where it is particularly well-suited for use in aluminum wheels.

Incorporating Real-time Earthquake Information into Large Enrollment Natural Disaster Course Learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furlong, K. P.; Benz, H.; Hayes, G. P.; Villasenor, A.

2010-12-01

Although most would agree that the occurrence of natural disaster events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and floods can provide effective learning opportunities for natural hazards-based courses, implementing compelling materials into the large-enrollment classroom environment can be difficult. These natural hazard events derive much of their learning potential from their real-time nature, and in the modern 24/7 news-cycle where all but the most devastating events are quickly out of the public eye, the shelf life for an event is quite limited. To maximize the learning potential of these events requires that both authoritative information be available and course materials be generated as the event unfolds. Although many events such as hurricanes, flooding, and volcanic eruptions provide some precursory warnings, and thus one can prepare background materials to place the main event into context, earthquakes present a particularly confounding situation of providing no warning, but where context is critical to student learning. Attempting to implement real-time materials into large enrollment classes faces the additional hindrance of limited internet access (for students) in most lecture classrooms. In Earth 101 Natural Disasters: Hollywood vs Reality, taught as a large enrollment (150+ students) general education course at Penn State, we are collaborating with the USGS’s National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) to develop efficient means to incorporate their real-time products into learning activities in the lecture hall environment. Over time (and numerous events) we have developed a template for presenting USGS-produced real-time information in lecture mode. The event-specific materials can be quickly incorporated and updated, along with key contextual materials, to provide students with up-to-the-minute current information. In addition, we have also developed in-class activities, such as student determination of population exposure to severe ground shaking (i.e. simulating the USGS PAGER product), tsunami warning calculations, and building damage analyses that allow the students to participate in realistic hazard analyses as the event unfolds. Examples of these templates and activities will be presented. Key to the successful implementation of real-time materials is sufficient flexibility and adaptability in the course syllabus.

Medical applications of shortwave FM radar: remote monitoring of cardiac and respiratory motion.

PubMed

Mostov, K; Liptsen, E; Boutchko, R

2010-03-01

This article introduces the use of low power continuous wave frequency modulated radar for medical applications, specifically for remote monitoring of vital signs in patients. Gigahertz frequency radar measures the electromagnetic wave signal reflected from the surface of a human body and from tissue boundaries. Time series analysis of the measured signal provides simultaneous information on range, size, and reflective properties of multiple targets in the field of view of the radar. This information is used to extract the respiratory and cardiac rates of the patient in real time. The results from several preliminary human subject experiments are provided. The heart and respiration rate frequencies extracted from the radar signal match those measured independently for all the experiments, including a case when additional targets are simultaneously resolved in the field of view and a case when only the patient's extremity is visible to the radar antennas. Micropower continuous wave FM radar is a reliable, robust, inexpensive, and harmless tool for real-time monitoring of the cardiac and respiratory rates. Additionally, it opens a range of new and exciting opportunities in diagnostic and critical care medicine. Differences between the presented approach and other types of radars used for biomedical applications are discussed.

Viscoelastic properties of addition-cured polyimides used in high temperature polymer matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, Gary D; Malarik, Diane C.; Robaidek, Jerrold O.

1991-01-01

Viscoelastic properties of the addition cured polyimide, PMR-15, were studied using dynamic mechanical and stress relaxation tests. For temperatures below the glass transition temperature, T sub g, the dynamic mechanical properties measured using a temperature scan rate of 10 C/min were strongly affected by the presence of absorbed moisture in the resin. Dynamic mechanical properties measured as a function of time during an isothermal hold provided an indication of chemical changes occurring in the resin. For temperatures above (T sub g + 20 C), the storage modulus increased continuously as a function of time indicating that additional crosslinking is occurring in the resin. Because of these changes in chemical structures, the stress relaxation modulus could not be measured over any useful time interval for temperatures above T sub g. For temperatures below T sub g, dynamic mechanical properties appeared to be unaffected by chemical changes for times exceeding 1 hr. Since the duration of the stress relaxation tests was less than 1 hr, the stress relaxation modulus could be measured. As long as the moisture content of the resin was less than 2 pct, stress relaxation curves measured at different temperatures could be superimposed using horizontal shifts along the log(time) axis with only small shifts along the vertical axis.

Cost-effectiveness of alternative changes to a national blood collection service.

PubMed

Willis, S; De Corte, K; Cairns, J A; Zia Sadique, M; Hawkins, N; Pennington, M; Cho, G; Roberts, D J; Miflin, G; Grieve, R

2018-05-16

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of changing opening times, introducing a donor health report and reducing the minimum inter-donation interval for donors attending static centres. Evidence is required about the effect of changes to the blood collection service on costs and the frequency of donation. This study estimated the effect of changes to the blood collection service in England on the annual number of whole-blood donations by current donors. We used donors' responses to a stated preference survey, donor registry data on donation frequency and deferral rates from the INTERVAL trial. Costs measured were those anticipated to differ between strategies. We reported the cost per additional unit of blood collected for each strategy versus current practice. Strategies with a cost per additional unit of whole blood less than £30 (an estimate of the current cost of collection) were judged likely to be cost-effective. In static donor centres, extending opening times to evenings and weekends provided an additional unit of whole blood at a cost of £23 and £29, respectively. Introducing a health report cost £130 per additional unit of blood collected. Although the strategy of reducing the minimum inter-donation interval had the lowest cost per additional unit of blood collected (£10), this increased the rate of deferrals due to low haemoglobin (Hb). The introduction of a donor health report is unlikely to provide a sufficient increase in donation frequency to justify the additional costs. A more cost-effective change is to extend opening hours for blood collection at static centres. © 2018 The Authors. Transfusion Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Blood Transfusion Society.

Robust Flood Monitoring Using Sentinel-1 SAR Time Series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeVries, B.; Huang, C.; Armston, J.; Huang, W.

2017-12-01

The 2017 hurricane season in North and Central America has resulted in unprecedented levels of flooding that have affected millions of people and continue to impact communities across the region. The extent of casualties and damage to property incurred by these floods underscores the need for reliable systems to track flood location, timing and duration to aid response and recovery efforts. While a diverse range of data sources provide vital information on flood status in near real-time, only spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors can ensure wall-to-wall coverage over large areas, mostly independently of weather conditions or site accessibility. The European Space Agency's Sentinel-1 constellation represents the only SAR mission currently providing open access and systematic global coverage, allowing for a consistent stream of observations over flood-prone regions. Importantly, both the data and pre-processing software are freely available, enabling the development of improved methods, tools and data products to monitor floods in near real-time. We tracked flood onset and progression in Southeastern Texas, Southern Florida, and Puerto Rico using a novel approach based on temporal backscatter anomalies derived from times series of Sentinel-1 observations and historic baselines defined for each of the three sites. This approach was shown to provide a more objective measure of flood occurrence than the simple backscatter thresholds often employed in operational flood monitoring systems. Additionally, the use of temporal anomaly measures allowed us to partially overcome biases introduced by varying sensor view angles and image acquisition modes, allowing increased temporal resolution in areas where additional targeted observations are available. Our results demonstrate the distinct advantages offered by data from operational SAR missions such as Sentinel-1 and NASA's planned NISAR mission, and call attention to the continuing need for SAR Earth Observation missions that provide systematic repeat observations to facilitate continuous monitoring of flood-affected regions.

How to Integrate HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Namibia, the Epako Clinic Case Study

PubMed Central

Forster, Norbert; Campuzano, Pedro; Kambapani, Rejoice; Brahmbhatt, Heena; Hidinua, Grace; Turay, Mohamed; Ikandi, Simon Kimathi; Kabongo, Leonard; Zariro, Farai

2017-01-01

Introduction: During the past two decades, HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health services in Namibia have been provided in silos, with high fragmentation. As a consequence of this, quality and efficiency of services in Primary Health Care has been compromised. Methods: We conducted an operational research (observational pre-post study) in a public health facility in Namibia. A health facility assessment was conducted before and after the integration of health services. A person-centred integrated model was implemented to integrate all health services provided at the health facility in addition to HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health services. Comprehensive services are provided by each health worker to the same patients over time (longitudinality), on a daily basis (accessibility) and with a good external referral system (coordination). Prevalence rates of time flows and productivity were done. Results: Integrated services improved accessibility, stigma and quality of antenatal care services by improving the provider-patient communication, reducing the time that patients stay in the clinic in 16% and reducing the waiting times in 14%. In addition, nurse productivity improved 85% and the expected time in the health facility was reduced 24% without compromising the uptake of TB, HIV, outpatient, antenatal care or first visit family planning services. Given the success on many indicators resulting from integration of services, the goal of this paper was to describe “how” health services have been integrated, the “process” followed and presenting some “results” from the integrated clinic. Conclusions: Our study shows that HIV and SRH services can be effectively integrated by following the person-centred integrated model. Based on the Namibian experience on “how” to integrate health services and the “process” to achieve it, other African countries can replicate the model to move away from the silo approach and contribute to the achievement of Universal Health Coverage. PMID:28970759

Effect of almond shell biochar addition on the hydro-physical properties of an arable Central Valley soil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopez, V.; Ghezzehei, T. A.

2014-12-01

Biochar is composed of any carbonaceous matter pyrolyzed under low oxygen exposure. Its use as a soil amendment to address soil infertility has been accelerated by studies reporting positive effects of enhanced nutrient retention, cation exchange capacity, microbial activity, and vegetative growth over time. Biochar has also been considered as a carbon sequestration method because of its reported environmental persistence. While the aforementioned effects are positive benefits of biochar's use, its impact on soil physical properties and water flow are equally important in maintaining soil fertility. This study aims to show how soil physical and hydraulic properties change over time with biochar addition. To address these aims, we conducted a 9 week microcosm incubation experiment with local arable loamy sand soils amended with biochar. Biochar was created from locally collected almond shells and differs by pyrolysis temperatures (350°C, 700°C) and size (<250 μm, 1-2mm). Additionally, biochar was applied to soil at a low (10 t/ha) or high (60 t/ha) rates. Changes in soil water flow properties were analyzed by infiltration or pressure cell experiments immediately after creating our soil-biochar mixtures. These experiments were repeated during and after the incubation period to observe if and how flow is altered over time. Following incubation and hydraulic experiments, a water drop penetration time (WDPT) test was conducted to observe any alterations in surface hydrophobicity. Changes in soil physical properties were analyzed by determining content of water stable aggregates remaining after wet sieving. This series of experiments is expected to provide a greater understanding on the impact biochar addition on soil physical and hydraulic properties. Furthermore, it provides insight into whether or not converting local agricultural waste into biochar for soil use will be beneficial, especially in agricultural systems undergoing climate stress.

7 CFR 3431.8 - Purpose and scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... veterinarians in shortage situations and provide USDA with a pool of veterinary specialists to assist in the... service agreements with veterinarians to pay principal and interest on education loans of veterinarians who agree to work in veterinary shortage situations for a prescribed period of time. In addition...

7 CFR 3431.8 - Purpose and scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... veterinarians in shortage situations and provide USDA with a pool of veterinary specialists to assist in the... service agreements with veterinarians to pay principal and interest on education loans of veterinarians who agree to work in veterinary shortage situations for a prescribed period of time. In addition...

7 CFR 3431.8 - Purpose and scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... veterinarians in shortage situations and provide USDA with a pool of veterinary specialists to assist in the... service agreements with veterinarians to pay principal and interest on education loans of veterinarians who agree to work in veterinary shortage situations for a prescribed period of time. In addition...

Incorporating Writing in an Integrated Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations Sequence.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelly, Susan E.; LeDocq, Rebecca Lewin

2001-01-01

Describes the specific courses in a sequence along with how the writing has been implemented in each course. Provides ideas for how to efficiently handle the additional paper load so students receive the necessary feedback while keeping the grading time reasonable. (Author/ASK)

Bullies, Victims, and Teachers in Japanese Middle Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Akiba, Motoko; Shimizu, Kazuhiko; Zhuang, Yue-Lin

2010-01-01

Since the 1980s, school bullying--"Ijime"--has been a major concern of educational policy in Japan. In Japanese schools, homeroom teachers provide guidance for students' psychological and social development, in addition to academic development. Homeroom teachers spend significant time counseling students, visiting their families, and…

Automated irrigation management with soil and canopy sensing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Automated irrigation management provides for real time feedback between crop water needs and the delivery of specific amount of irrigation water to specific locations on demand. In addition to the basic components of any irrigation system, e.g. pumps, filters, valves, pipes and tubing, sprinkler he...

14 CFR 121.523 - Flight time limitations: Crew of three or more pilots and additional airmen as required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

.... It shall also provide adequate sleeping quarters on the airplane whenever an airman is scheduled to... may be aloft as a flight crewmember for more than 350 hours in any 90 consecutive days. [Doc. No. 6258...

14 CFR 121.523 - Flight time limitations: Crew of three or more pilots and additional airmen as required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

.... It shall also provide adequate sleeping quarters on the airplane whenever an airman is scheduled to... may be aloft as a flight crewmember for more than 350 hours in any 90 consecutive days. [Doc. No. 6258...

14 CFR 121.523 - Flight time limitations: Crew of three or more pilots and additional airmen as required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

.... It shall also provide adequate sleeping quarters on the airplane whenever an airman is scheduled to... may be aloft as a flight crewmember for more than 350 hours in any 90 consecutive days. [Doc. No. 6258...

14 CFR 121.523 - Flight time limitations: Crew of three or more pilots and additional airmen as required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

.... It shall also provide adequate sleeping quarters on the airplane whenever an airman is scheduled to... may be aloft as a flight crewmember for more than 350 hours in any 90 consecutive days. [Doc. No. 6258...

14 CFR 121.523 - Flight time limitations: Crew of three or more pilots and additional airmen as required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

.... It shall also provide adequate sleeping quarters on the airplane whenever an airman is scheduled to... may be aloft as a flight crewmember for more than 350 hours in any 90 consecutive days. [Doc. No. 6258...

Learning through Dramatic Story Presentation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tindall, Evie

2012-01-01

The use of story with dramatic presentation approaches produces an engaging and powerful instructional choice for today's adult ESL educators. Two engaging and timed-tested approaches are Reader's Theater and Tableau Vivant. Both provide English language learners with content tailored to their abilities in addition to numerable opportunities to…

Making Student Online Teams Work

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olsen, Joel; Kalinski, Ray

2017-01-01

Online professors typically assign teams based on time zones, performance, or alphabet, but are these the best ways to position student virtual teams for success? Personality and task complexity could provide additional direction. Personality and task complexity were used as independent variables related to the depended variable of team…

CAIRSENSE Study: Real-world evaluation of low cost sensors in Denver, Colorado

EPA Science Inventory

Low-cost air pollution sensors are a rapidly developing field in air monitoring. In recent years, numerous sensors have been developed that can provide real-time concentration data for different air pollutants at costs accessible to individuals and non-regulatory groups. Addition...

Children's patterns of reasoning about reading and addition concepts.

PubMed

Farrington-Flint, Lee; Canobi, Katherine H; Wood, Clare; Faulkner, Dorothy

2010-06-01

Children's reasoning was examined within two educational contexts (word reading and addition) so as to understand the factors that contribute to relational reasoning in the two domains. Sixty-seven 5- to 7-year-olds were given a series of related words to read or single-digit addition items to solve (interspersed with unrelated items). The frequency, accuracy, and response times of children's self-reports on the conceptually related items provided a measure of relational reasoning, while performance on the unrelated addition and reading items provided a measure of procedural skill. The results indicated that the children's ability to use conceptual relations to solve both reading and addition problems enhanced speed and accuracy levels, increased with age, and was related to procedural skill. However, regression analyses revealed that domain-specific competencies can best explain the use of conceptual relations in both reading and addition. Moreover, a cluster analysis revealed that children differ according to the academic domain in which they first apply conceptual relations and these differences are related to individual variation in their procedural skills within these particular domains. These results highlight the developmental significance of relational reasoning in the context of reading and addition and underscore the importance of concept-procedure links in explaining children's literacy and arithmetical development.

The genomic response of skeletal muscle to methylprednisolone using microarrays: tailoring data mining to the structure of the pharmacogenomic time series

PubMed Central

DuBois, Debra C; Piel, William H; Jusko, William J

2008-01-01

High-throughput data collection using gene microarrays has great potential as a method for addressing the pharmacogenomics of complex biological systems. Similarly, mechanism-based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling provides a tool for formulating quantitative testable hypotheses concerning the responses of complex biological systems. As the response of such systems to drugs generally entails cascades of molecular events in time, a time series design provides the best approach to capturing the full scope of drug effects. A major problem in using microarrays for high-throughput data collection is sorting through the massive amount of data in order to identify probe sets and genes of interest. Due to its inherent redundancy, a rich time series containing many time points and multiple samples per time point allows for the use of less stringent criteria of expression, expression change and data quality for initial filtering of unwanted probe sets. The remaining probe sets can then become the focus of more intense scrutiny by other methods, including temporal clustering, functional clustering and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling, which provide additional ways of identifying the probes and genes of pharmacological interest. PMID:15212590

Time Variations in Forecasts and Occurrences of Large Solar Energetic Particle Events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kahler, S. W.

2015-12-01

The onsets and development of large solar energetic (E > 10 MeV) particle (SEP) events have been characterized in many studies. The statistics of SEP event onset delay times from associated solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which depend on solar source longitudes, can be used to provide better predictions of whether a SEP event will occur following a large flare or fast CME. In addition, size distributions of peak SEP event intensities provide a means for a probabilistic forecast of peak intensities attained in observed SEP increases. SEP event peak intensities have been compared with their rise and decay times for insight into the acceleration and transport processes. These two time scales are generally treated as independent parameters describing the development of a SEP event, but we can invoke an alternative two-parameter description based on the assumption that decay times exceed rise times for all events. These two parameters, from the well known Weibull distribution, provide an event description in terms of its basic shape and duration. We apply this distribution to several large SEP events and ask what the characteristic parameters and their dependence on source longitudes can tell us about the origins of these important events.

GrammarViz 3.0: Interactive Discovery of Variable-Length Time Series Patterns

DOE PAGES

Senin, Pavel; Lin, Jessica; Wang, Xing; ...

2018-02-23

The problems of recurrent and anomalous pattern discovery in time series, e.g., motifs and discords, respectively, have received a lot of attention from researchers in the past decade. However, since the pattern search space is usually intractable, most existing detection algorithms require that the patterns have discriminative characteristics and have its length known in advance and provided as input, which is an unreasonable requirement for many real-world problems. In addition, patterns of similar structure, but of different lengths may co-exist in a time series. In order to address these issues, we have developed algorithms for variable-length time series pattern discoverymore » that are based on symbolic discretization and grammar inference—two techniques whose combination enables the structured reduction of the search space and discovery of the candidate patterns in linear time. In this work, we present GrammarViz 3.0—a software package that provides implementations of proposed algorithms and graphical user interface for interactive variable-length time series pattern discovery. The current version of the software provides an alternative grammar inference algorithm that improves the time series motif discovery workflow, and introduces an experimental procedure for automated discretization parameter selection that builds upon the minimum cardinality maximum cover principle and aids the time series recurrent and anomalous pattern discovery.« less

GrammarViz 3.0: Interactive Discovery of Variable-Length Time Series Patterns

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

Senin, Pavel; Lin, Jessica; Wang, Xing

The problems of recurrent and anomalous pattern discovery in time series, e.g., motifs and discords, respectively, have received a lot of attention from researchers in the past decade. However, since the pattern search space is usually intractable, most existing detection algorithms require that the patterns have discriminative characteristics and have its length known in advance and provided as input, which is an unreasonable requirement for many real-world problems. In addition, patterns of similar structure, but of different lengths may co-exist in a time series. In order to address these issues, we have developed algorithms for variable-length time series pattern discoverymore » that are based on symbolic discretization and grammar inference—two techniques whose combination enables the structured reduction of the search space and discovery of the candidate patterns in linear time. In this work, we present GrammarViz 3.0—a software package that provides implementations of proposed algorithms and graphical user interface for interactive variable-length time series pattern discovery. The current version of the software provides an alternative grammar inference algorithm that improves the time series motif discovery workflow, and introduces an experimental procedure for automated discretization parameter selection that builds upon the minimum cardinality maximum cover principle and aids the time series recurrent and anomalous pattern discovery.« less

The utility of atmospheric analyses for the mitigation of artifacts in InSAR

USGS Publications Warehouse

Foster, James; Kealy, John; Cherubini, Tiziana; Businger, S.; Lu, Zhong; Murphy, Michael

2013-01-01

The numerical weather models (NWMs) developed by the meteorological community are able to provide accurate analyses of the current state of the atmosphere in addition to the predictions of the future state. To date, most attempts to apply the NWMs to estimate the refractivity of the atmosphere at the time of satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data acquisitions have relied on predictive models. We test the hypothesis that performing a final assimilative routine, ingesting all available meteorological observations for the times of SAR acquisitions, and generating customized analyses of the atmosphere at those times will better mitigate atmospheric artifacts in differential interferograms. We find that, for our study area around Mount St. Helens (Amboy, Washington, USA), this approach is unable to model the refractive changes and provides no mean benefit for interferogram analysis. The performance is improved slightly by ingesting atmospheric delay estimates derived from the limited local GPS network; however, the addition of water vapor products from the GOES satellites reduces the quality of the corrections. We interpret our results to indicate that, even with this advanced approach, NWMs are not a reliable mitigation technique for regions such as Mount St. Helens with highly variable moisture fields and complex topography and atmospheric dynamics. It is possible, however, that the addition of more spatially dense meteorological data to constrain the analyses might significantly improve the performance of weather modeling of atmospheric artifacts in satellite radar interferograms.

Building an Efficient Model for Afterburn Energy Release

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

Alves, S; Kuhl, A; Najjar, F

2012-02-03

Many explosives will release additional energy after detonation as the detonation products mix with the ambient environment. This additional energy release, referred to as afterburn, is due to combustion of undetonated fuel with ambient oxygen. While the detonation energy release occurs on a time scale of microseconds, the afterburn energy release occurs on a time scale of milliseconds with a potentially varying energy release rate depending upon the local temperature and pressure. This afterburn energy release is not accounted for in typical equations of state, such as the Jones-Wilkins-Lee (JWL) model, used for modeling the detonation of explosives. Here wemore » construct a straightforward and efficient approach, based on experiments and theory, to account for this additional energy release in a way that is tractable for large finite element fluid-structure problems. Barometric calorimeter experiments have been executed in both nitrogen and air environments to investigate the characteristics of afterburn for C-4 and other materials. These tests, which provide pressure time histories, along with theoretical and analytical solutions provide an engineering basis for modeling afterburn with numerical hydrocodes. It is toward this end that we have constructed a modified JWL equation of state to account for afterburn effects on the response of structures to blast. The modified equation of state includes a two phase afterburn energy release to represent variations in the energy release rate and an afterburn energy cutoff to account for partial reaction of the undetonated fuel.« less

Guarana Provides Additional Stimulation over Caffeine Alone in the Planarian Model

PubMed Central

Moustakas, Dimitrios; Mezzio, Michael; Rodriguez, Branden R.; Constable, Mic Andre; Mulligan, Margaret E.; Voura, Evelyn B.

2015-01-01

The stimulant effect of energy drinks is primarily attributed to the caffeine they contain. Many energy drinks also contain other ingredients that might enhance the tonic effects of these caffeinated beverages. One of these additives is guarana. Guarana is a climbing plant native to the Amazon whose seeds contain approximately four times the amount of caffeine found in coffee beans. The mix of other natural chemicals contained in guarana seeds is thought to heighten the stimulant effects of guarana over caffeine alone. Yet, despite the growing use of guarana as an additive in energy drinks, and a burgeoning market for it as a nutritional supplement, the science examining guarana and how it affects other dietary ingredients is lacking. To appreciate the stimulant effects of guarana and other natural products, a straightforward model to investigate their physiological properties is needed. The planarian provides such a system. The locomotor activity and convulsive response of planarians with substance exposure has been shown to provide an excellent system to measure the effects of drug stimulation, addiction and withdrawal. To gauge the stimulant effects of guarana we studied how it altered the locomotor activity of the planarian species Dugesia tigrina. We report evidence that guarana seeds provide additional stimulation over caffeine alone, and document the changes to this stimulation in the context of both caffeine and glucose. PMID:25880065

Explosive Infrasonic Events: Sensor Comparison Experiment (SCE)

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

Schnurr, J. M.; Garces, M.; Rodgers, A. J.

SCE (sensor comparison experiment) 1 through 4 consists of a series of four controlled above-ground explosions designed to provide new data for overpressure propagation. Infrasound data were collected by LLNL iPhones and other sensors. Origin times, locations HOB, and yields are not being released at this time and are therefore not included in this report. This preliminary report will be updated as access to additional data changes, or instrument responses are determined.

Fuzzy Logic-Based Guaranteed Lifetime Protocol for Real-Time Wireless Sensor Networks.

PubMed

Shah, Babar; Iqbal, Farkhund; Abbas, Ali; Kim, Ki-Il

2015-08-18

Few techniques for guaranteeing a network lifetime have been proposed despite its great impact on network management. Moreover, since the existing schemes are mostly dependent on the combination of disparate parameters, they do not provide additional services, such as real-time communications and balanced energy consumption among sensor nodes; thus, the adaptability problems remain unresolved among nodes in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). To solve these problems, we propose a novel fuzzy logic model to provide real-time communication in a guaranteed WSN lifetime. The proposed fuzzy logic controller accepts the input descriptors energy, time and velocity to determine each node's role for the next duration and the next hop relay node for real-time packets. Through the simulation results, we verified that both the guaranteed network's lifetime and real-time delivery are efficiently ensured by the new fuzzy logic model. In more detail, the above-mentioned two performance metrics are improved up to 8%, as compared to our previous work, and 14% compared to existing schemes, respectively.

Fuzzy Logic-Based Guaranteed Lifetime Protocol for Real-Time Wireless Sensor Networks

PubMed Central

Shah, Babar; Iqbal, Farkhund; Abbas, Ali; Kim, Ki-Il

2015-01-01

Few techniques for guaranteeing a network lifetime have been proposed despite its great impact on network management. Moreover, since the existing schemes are mostly dependent on the combination of disparate parameters, they do not provide additional services, such as real-time communications and balanced energy consumption among sensor nodes; thus, the adaptability problems remain unresolved among nodes in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). To solve these problems, we propose a novel fuzzy logic model to provide real-time communication in a guaranteed WSN lifetime. The proposed fuzzy logic controller accepts the input descriptors energy, time and velocity to determine each node’s role for the next duration and the next hop relay node for real-time packets. Through the simulation results, we verified that both the guaranteed network’s lifetime and real-time delivery are efficiently ensured by the new fuzzy logic model. In more detail, the above-mentioned two performance metrics are improved up to 8%, as compared to our previous work, and 14% compared to existing schemes, respectively. PMID:26295238

Fixed-time stabilization of impulsive Cohen-Grossberg BAM neural networks.

PubMed

Li, Hongfei; Li, Chuandong; Huang, Tingwen; Zhang, Wanli

2018-02-01

This article is concerned with the fixed-time stabilization for impulsive Cohen-Grossberg BAM neural networks via two different controllers. By using a novel constructive approach based on some comparison techniques for differential inequalities, an improvement theorem of fixed-time stability for impulsive dynamical systems is established. In addition, based on the fixed-time stability theorem of impulsive dynamical systems, two different control protocols are designed to ensure the fixed-time stabilization of impulsive Cohen-Grossberg BAM neural networks, which include and extend the earlier works. Finally, two simulations examples are provided to illustrate the validity of the proposed theoretical results. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Advanced Software Development Workstation Project, phase 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

ACCESS provides a generic capability to develop software information system applications which are explicitly intended to facilitate software reuse. In addition, it provides the capability to retrofit existing large applications with a user friendly front end for preparation of input streams in a way that will reduce required training time, improve the productivity even of experienced users, and increase accuracy. Current and past work shows that ACCESS will be scalable to much larger object bases.

Decision support system of e-book provider selection for library using Simple Additive Weighting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ciptayani, P. I.; Dewi, K. C.

2018-01-01

Each library has its own criteria and differences in the importance of each criterion in choosing an e-book provider for them. The large number of providers and the different importance levels of each criterion make the problem of determining the e-book provider to be complex and take a considerable time in decision making. The aim of this study was to implement Decision support system (DSS) to assist the library in selecting the best e-book provider based on their preferences. The way of DSS works is by comparing the importance of each criterion and the condition of each alternative decision. SAW is one of DSS method that is quite simple, fast and widely used. This study used 9 criteria and 18 provider to demonstrate how SAW work in this study. With the DSS, then the decision-making time can be shortened and the calculation results can be more accurate than manual calculations.

Real-time co-registered ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging system based on FPGA and DSP architecture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alqasemi, Umar; Li, Hai; Aguirre, Andres; Zhu, Quing

2011-03-01

Co-registering ultrasound (US) and photoacoustic (PA) imaging is a logical extension to conventional ultrasound because both modalities provide complementary information of tumor morphology, tumor vasculature and hypoxia for cancer detection and characterization. In addition, both modalities are capable of providing real-time images for clinical applications. In this paper, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and Digital Signal Processor (DSP) module-based real-time US/PA imaging system is presented. The system provides real-time US/PA data acquisition and image display for up to 5 fps* using the currently implemented DSP board. It can be upgraded to 15 fps, which is the maximum pulse repetition rate of the used laser, by implementing an advanced DSP module. Additionally, the photoacoustic RF data for each frame is saved for further off-line processing. The system frontend consists of eight 16-channel modules made of commercial and customized circuits. Each 16-channel module consists of two commercial 8-channel receiving circuitry boards and one FPGA board from Analog Devices. Each receiving board contains an IC† that combines. 8-channel low-noise amplifiers, variable-gain amplifiers, anti-aliasing filters, and ADC's‡ in a single chip with sampling frequency of 40MHz. The FPGA board captures the LVDSξ Double Data Rate (DDR) digital output of the receiving board and performs data conditioning and subbeamforming. A customized 16-channel transmission circuitry is connected to the two receiving boards for US pulseecho (PE) mode data acquisition. A DSP module uses External Memory Interface (EMIF) to interface with the eight 16-channel modules through a customized adaptor board. The DSP transfers either sub-beamformed data (US pulse-echo mode or PAI imaging mode) or raw data from FPGA boards to its DDR-2 memory through the EMIF link, then it performs additional processing, after that, it transfer the data to the PC** for further image processing. The PC code performs image processing including demodulation, beam envelope detection and scan conversion. Additionally, the PC code pre-calculates the delay coefficients used for transmission focusing and receiving dynamic focusing for different types of transducers to speed up the imaging process. To further speed up the imaging process, a multi-threads technique is implemented in order to allow formation of previous image frame data and acquisition of the next one simultaneously. The system is also capable of doing semi-real-time automated SO2 imaging at 10 seconds per frame by changing the wavelength knob of the laser automatically using a stepper motor controlled by the system. Initial in vivo experiments were performed on animal tumors to map out its vasculature and hypoxia level, which were superimposed on co-registered US images. The real-time system allows capturing co-registered US/PA images free of motion artifacts and also provides dynamitic information when contrast agents are used.

Modeling Optical Spectra of Large Organic Systems Using Real-Time Propagation of Semiempirical Effective Hamiltonians.

PubMed

Ghosh, Soumen; Andersen, Amity; Gagliardi, Laura; Cramer, Christopher J; Govind, Niranjan

2017-09-12

We present an implementation of a time-dependent semiempirical method (INDO/S) in NWChem using real-time (RT) propagation to address, in principle, the entire spectrum of valence electronic excitations. Adopting this model, we study the UV/vis spectra of medium-sized systems such as P3B2 and f-coronene, and in addition much larger systems such as ubiquitin in the gas phase and the betanin chromophore in the presence of two explicit solvents (water and methanol). RT-INDO/S provides qualitatively and often quantitatively accurate results when compared with RT- TDDFT or experimental spectra. Even though we only consider the INDO/S Hamiltonian in this work, our implementation provides a framework for performing electron dynamics in large systems using semiempirical Hartree-Fock Hamiltonians in general.

Modeling Optical Spectra of Large Organic Systems Using Real-Time Propagation of Semiempirical Effective Hamiltonians

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

Ghosh, Soumen; Andersen, Amity; Gagliardi, Laura

2017-08-16

We present an implementation of a time-dependent semiempirical method (INDO/S) in NWChem using real-time (RT) propagation to address, in principle, the entire spectrum of valence electronic excitations. Adopting this model, we study the UV-visible spectra of medium-sized systems like P3B2, f-coronene, and in addition much larger systems like ubiquitin in the gas phase and the betanin chromophore in the presence of two explicit solvents (water and methanol). RT-INDO/S provides qualitatively and indeed often quantitatively accurate results when compared with RT- TDDFT or experimental spectra. While demonstrated here for INDO/S in particular, our implementation provides a framework for performing electron dynamicsmore » in large systems using semiempirical Hartree-Fock (HF) Hamiltonians in general.« less

Quantitative laser speckle flowmetry of the in vivo microcirculation using sidestream dark field microscopy

PubMed Central

Nadort, Annemarie; Woolthuis, Rutger G.; van Leeuwen, Ton G.; Faber, Dirk J.

2013-01-01

We present integrated Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) and Sidestream Dark Field (SDF) flowmetry to provide real-time, non-invasive and quantitative measurements of speckle decorrelation times related to microcirculatory flow. Using a multi exposure acquisition scheme, precise speckle decorrelation times were obtained. Applying SDF-LSCI in vitro and in vivo allows direct comparison between speckle contrast decorrelation and flow velocities, while imaging the phantom and microcirculation architecture. This resulted in a novel analysis approach that distinguishes decorrelation due to flow from other additive decorrelation sources. PMID:24298399

Factors of bacteria and virus transport in groundwater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pekdeger, A.; Matthess, G.

1983-06-01

The underground transport of pathogenic bacteria and viruses may be described by the general transport equation considering dispersion, adsorption, and biological elimination. The survival time of bacteria and viruses in groundwater is different for the specific species and for the specific groundwater environment. Dispersion causes a distribution of pollutants in time and space, thus their concentration decreases over time and with transport distance. Microorganisms are reversibly adsorbed on underground particles, which causes a retardation of their transport velocity with respect to groundwater flow velocity. An additional approach is provided by the filter theory.

Timing of Infections in the Threespine Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) by Schistocephalus solidus in Alaska.

PubMed

Heins, D C; Eidam, D M; Baker, J A

2016-04-01

This study provides direct evidence for the timing of infections by Schistocephalus solidus in the threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) of south-central Alaska. Young-of-the-year fish in Cheney Lake were infected during their first summer within a few months after hatching in May-June. Infections appear to continue under ice cover on the lake during the subsequent fall and winter. Few, if any, 1-yr-old fish seemed to be infected for the first time, although 1-yr-old hosts with established parasites apparently acquired additional infections.

Plant Ethylene Detection Using Laser-Based Photo-Acoustic Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Van de Poel, Bram; Van Der Straeten, Dominique

2017-01-01

Analytical detection of the plant hormone ethylene is an important prerequisite in physiological studies. Real-time and super sensitive detection of trace amounts of ethylene gas is possible using laser-based photo-acoustic spectroscopy. This Chapter will provide some background on the technique, compare it with conventional gas chromatography, and provide a detailed user-friendly hand-out on how to operate the machine and the software. In addition, this Chapter provides some tips and tricks for designing and performing physiological experiments suited for ethylene detection with laser-based photo-acoustic spectroscopy.

Implicit integration methods for dislocation dynamics

DOE PAGES

Gardner, D. J.; Woodward, C. S.; Reynolds, D. R.; ...

2015-01-20

In dislocation dynamics simulations, strain hardening simulations require integrating stiff systems of ordinary differential equations in time with expensive force calculations, discontinuous topological events, and rapidly changing problem size. Current solvers in use often result in small time steps and long simulation times. Faster solvers may help dislocation dynamics simulations accumulate plastic strains at strain rates comparable to experimental observations. Here, this paper investigates the viability of high order implicit time integrators and robust nonlinear solvers to reduce simulation run times while maintaining the accuracy of the computed solution. In particular, implicit Runge-Kutta time integrators are explored as a waymore » of providing greater accuracy over a larger time step than is typically done with the standard second-order trapezoidal method. In addition, both accelerated fixed point and Newton's method are investigated to provide fast and effective solves for the nonlinear systems that must be resolved within each time step. Results show that integrators of third order are the most effective, while accelerated fixed point and Newton's method both improve solver performance over the standard fixed point method used for the solution of the nonlinear systems.« less

POPcorn: An online resource providing access to distributed and diverse maize project data

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Maize researchers cannot easily leverage all available genetic and genomic data because the online locations of all resources are not easy to find and individual project websites must be searched independently. In addition, project websites degrade over time and sometimes disappear entirely. We cr...

40 CFR 91.314 - Analyzer accuracy and specifications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... deflection should generally not be used. (2) Some high resolution read-out systems, such as computers, data...-second time interval. (b) Operating procedure for analyzers and sampling system. Follow the start-up and... systems may be used provided that additional calibrations are made to ensure the accuracy of the...

Project Job: Vocational Training Program for Mentally Retarded Adults.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, 1983

1983-01-01

A vocational training program for trainable mentally retarded youth and adults provided instruction on functional skills, travel training, and independent living skills in addition to supervised performance in part time jobs in the community. The program expanded into small business subsidiaries for boat cleaning and detailing and marine serving.…

New NOAA spacecraft readies for launch next month

Science.gov Websites

: NASA) DSCOVR spacecraft at NASA's Goddard Spaceflight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland. (Credit: NASA) " . In addition to space weather technology, DSCOVR will carry two NASA Earth-observing instruments that timely space weather forecasting by NOAA and provide important Earth-observing data to NASA." The

6 CFR 37.59 - DHS reviews of State compliance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 37.59 Domestic Security DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY REAL ID DRIVER'S... compliance. State REAL ID programs will be subject to DHS review to determine whether the State meets the... review of the State's compliance at any time. In addition, the State must: (1) Provide any reasonable...

6 CFR 37.59 - DHS reviews of State compliance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 37.59 Domestic Security DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY REAL ID DRIVER'S... compliance. State REAL ID programs will be subject to DHS review to determine whether the State meets the... review of the State's compliance at any time. In addition, the State must: (1) Provide any reasonable...

76 FR 52547 - Importation of Horses From Contagious Equine Metritis-Affected Countries

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-23

... DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 9 CFR Part 93 [Docket No... AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Interim rule; delay of enforcement and... additional time to comment on the interim rule and provide the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service...

32 CFR 1900.33 - Allocation of resources; agreed extensions of time.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Information and Privacy Coordinator is responsible for management of the Agency-wide program defined by this..., Information Management through the Agency Release Panel shall provide policy and resource direction as... INTELLIGENCE AGENCY PUBLIC ACCESS TO CIA RECORDS UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA) Additional...

32 CFR 1900.33 - Allocation of resources; agreed extensions of time.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Information and Privacy Coordinator is responsible for management of the Agency-wide program defined by this..., Information Management through the Agency Release Panel shall provide policy and resource direction as... INTELLIGENCE AGENCY PUBLIC ACCESS TO CIA RECORDS UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA) Additional...

32 CFR 1900.33 - Allocation of resources; agreed extensions of time.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Information and Privacy Coordinator is responsible for management of the Agency-wide program defined by this..., Information Management through the Agency Release Panel shall provide policy and resource direction as... INTELLIGENCE AGENCY PUBLIC ACCESS TO CIA RECORDS UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA) Additional...

Decreasing the Risk of Adopting New Interactive Instructional Delivery Technologies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dennis, Verl E.

1993-01-01

Discusses new interactive training technologies; considers risks of adopting a new technology; and presents the conceptual framework of technology life cycle analysis that provides timing information for the adoption of a new technology that should be used in addition to cost-benefit analysis and technical analysis. (LRW)

Why Choose Online Learning: Relationship of Existing Factors and Chronobiology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luo, Yi; Pan, Rui; Choi, Jea H.; Mellish, Linda; Strobel, Johannes

2011-01-01

Existing research on choice of online learning utilized factors such as perceived level of control, independence, and satisfaction, yet the relationship among these factors is under-researched. Due to the value of "learning anytime," biological factors underlying "choice of time" might provide additional insights. This article…

"Analysing Genre: Language Use in Professional Settings." A Review.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Drury, Helen

1995-01-01

"Analysing Genre," by Vijay K. Bhatia, is a timely addition to the literature on genre analysis in English for specific purposes. It is divided into three parts: the first provides theoretical background; the second explains how genre analysis works in different academic and professional settings; and the third exemplifies the…

Developing Study Stations on Your School Site.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ohio State Dept. of Natural Resources, Columbus. Office of Information and Education.

The school site is a convenient location for study stations since it is available for short periods of time and can be used consistently. Special preparations, such as transportation, required for off-site fieldtrips can be eliminated. In addition, on-site activities provide students with concrete experiences necessary to understand difficult…

The Role of Localized Compressional Ultra-low Frequency Waves in Energetic Electron Precipitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rae, I. Jonathan; Murphy, Kyle R.; Watt, Clare E. J.; Halford, Alexa J.; Mann, Ian R.; Ozeke, Louis G.; Sibeck, David G.; Clilverd, Mark A.; Rodger, Craig J.; Degeling, Alex W.; Forsyth, Colin; Singer, Howard J.

2018-03-01

Typically, ultra-low frequency (ULF) waves have historically been invoked for radial diffusive transport leading to acceleration and loss of outer radiation belt electrons. At higher frequencies, very low frequency waves are generally thought to provide a mechanism for localized acceleration and loss through precipitation into the ionosphere of radiation belt electrons. In this study we present a new mechanism for electron loss through precipitation into the ionosphere due to a direct modulation of the loss cone via localized compressional ULF waves. We present a case study of compressional wave activity in tandem with riometer and balloon-borne electron precipitation across keV-MeV energies to demonstrate that the experimental measurements can be explained by our new enhanced loss cone mechanism. Observational evidence is presented demonstrating that modulation of the equatorial loss cone can occur via localized compressional wave activity, which greatly exceeds the change in pitch angle through conservation of the first and second adiabatic invariants. The precipitation response can be a complex interplay between electron energy, the localization of the waves, the shape of the phase space density profile at low pitch angles, ionospheric decay time scales, and the time dependence of the electron source; we show that two pivotal components not usually considered are localized ULF wave fields and ionospheric decay time scales. We conclude that enhanced precipitation driven by compressional ULF wave modulation of the loss cone is a viable candidate for direct precipitation of radiation belt electrons without any additional requirement for gyroresonant wave-particle interaction. Additional mechanisms would be complementary and additive in providing means to precipitate electrons from the radiation belts during storm times.

CINCH (confocal incoherent correlation holography) super resolution fluorescence microscopy based upon FINCH (Fresnel incoherent correlation holography).

PubMed

Siegel, Nisan; Storrie, Brian; Bruce, Marc; Brooker, Gary

2015-02-07

FINCH holographic fluorescence microscopy creates high resolution super-resolved images with enhanced depth of focus. The simple addition of a real-time Nipkow disk confocal image scanner in a conjugate plane of this incoherent holographic system is shown to reduce the depth of focus, and the combination of both techniques provides a simple way to enhance the axial resolution of FINCH in a combined method called "CINCH". An important feature of the combined system allows for the simultaneous real-time image capture of widefield and holographic images or confocal and confocal holographic images for ready comparison of each method on the exact same field of view. Additional GPU based complex deconvolution processing of the images further enhances resolution.

Thermo-mechanical concepts applied to modeling liquid propellant rocket engine stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kassoy, David R.; Norris, Adam

2016-11-01

The response of a gas to transient, spatially distributed energy addition can be quantified mathematically using thermo-mechanical concepts available in the literature. The modeling demonstrates that the ratio of the energy addition time scale to the acoustic time scale of the affected volume, and the quantity of energy added to that volume during the former determine the whether the responses to heating can be described as occurring at nearly constant volume, fully compressible or nearly constant pressure. Each of these categories is characterized by significantly different mechanical responses. Application to idealized configurations of liquid propellant rocket engines provides an opportunity to identify physical conditions compatible with gasdynamic disturbances that are sources of engine instability. Air Force Office of Scientific Research.

The influence of attention, learning, and motivation on visual search.

PubMed

Dodd, Michael D; Flowers, John H

2012-01-01

The 59th Annual Nebraska Symposium on Motivation (The Influence of Attention, Learning, and Motivation on Visual Search) took place April 7-8, 2011, on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. The symposium brought together leading scholars who conduct research related to visual search at a variety levels for a series of talks, poster presentations, panel discussions, and numerous additional opportunities for intellectual exchange. The Symposium was also streamed online for the first time in the history of the event, allowing individuals from around the world to view the presentations and submit questions. The present volume is intended to both commemorate the event itself and to allow our speakers additional opportunity to address issues and current research that have since arisen. Each of the speakers (and, in some cases, their graduate students and post docs) has provided a chapter which both summarizes and expands on their original presentations. In this chapter, we sought to a) provide additional context as to how the Symposium came to be, b) discuss why we thought that this was an ideal time to organize a visual search symposium, and c) to briefly address recent trends and potential future directions in the field. We hope you find the volume both enjoyable and informative, and we thank the authors who have contributed a series of engaging chapters.

Elastomeric impression materials: a comparison of accuracy of multiple pours.

PubMed

Kumar, Dheeraj; Madihalli, Anand U; Reddy, K Rajeev Kumar; Rastogi, Namrataa; Pradeep, N T

2011-07-01

The aim of the present study is to compare the various elastomeric impression materials in terms of accuracy and dimensional stability, with respect to obtaining multiple casts from a single elastomeric impression at various times of pours. Three master dies were prepared for the impression making, two of these were made of brass containing a central hole with undercuts. The third die simulated a conventionally prepared typodont maxillary central incisor. Three elastomeric impression materials were chosen for the study. Each impression was poured at various time periods. Casts thus obtained were evaluated under a traveling microscope to evaluate various dimensional changes. Addition silicones provided dies which were shorter in height and bigger in diameter. Polyethers provided dies which were shorter in both height and diameter. Condensation silicones showed insignificant changes from the master die at the immediate pour but deteriorated rapidly after that in subsequent pours. None of the impression material showed a consistent behavior up to the fourth pour. They occasionally showed deviation from the pattern, but all these values were statistically insignificant. Polyethers showed lesser ability than both the addition silicones as well as the condensation silicones to recover from induced deformation. Addition silicones as well as the condensation silicones have better ability to recover from induced deformation when compared to polyether.

An arbitrary high-order Discontinuous Galerkin method for elastic waves on unstructured meshes - III. Viscoelastic attenuation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Käser, Martin; Dumbser, Michael; de la Puente, Josep; Igel, Heiner

2007-01-01

We present a new numerical method to solve the heterogeneous anelastic, seismic wave equations with arbitrary high order accuracy in space and time on 3-D unstructured tetrahedral meshes. Using the velocity-stress formulation provides a linear hyperbolic system of equations with source terms that is completed by additional equations for the anelastic functions including the strain history of the material. These additional equations result from the rheological model of the generalized Maxwell body and permit the incorporation of realistic attenuation properties of viscoelastic material accounting for the behaviour of elastic solids and viscous fluids. The proposed method combines the Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite element (FE) method with the ADER approach using Arbitrary high order DERivatives for flux calculations. The DG approach, in contrast to classical FE methods, uses a piecewise polynomial approximation of the numerical solution which allows for discontinuities at element interfaces. Therefore, the well-established theory of numerical fluxes across element interfaces obtained by the solution of Riemann problems can be applied as in the finite volume framework. The main idea of the ADER time integration approach is a Taylor expansion in time in which all time derivatives are replaced by space derivatives using the so-called Cauchy-Kovalewski procedure which makes extensive use of the governing PDE. Due to the ADER time integration technique the same approximation order in space and time is achieved automatically and the method is a one-step scheme advancing the solution for one time step without intermediate stages. To this end, we introduce a new unrolled recursive algorithm for efficiently computing the Cauchy-Kovalewski procedure by making use of the sparsity of the system matrices. The numerical convergence analysis demonstrates that the new schemes provide very high order accuracy even on unstructured tetrahedral meshes while computational cost and storage space for a desired accuracy can be reduced when applying higher degree approximation polynomials. In addition, we investigate the increase in computing time, when the number of relaxation mechanisms due to the generalized Maxwell body are increased. An application to a well-acknowledged test case and comparisons with analytic and reference solutions, obtained by different well-established numerical methods, confirm the performance of the proposed method. Therefore, the development of the highly accurate ADER-DG approach for tetrahedral meshes including viscoelastic material provides a novel, flexible and efficient numerical technique to approach 3-D wave propagation problems including realistic attenuation and complex geometry.

The influence of a time-varying least squares parametric model when estimating SFOAEs evoked with swept-frequency tones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hajicek, Joshua J.; Selesnick, Ivan W.; Henin, Simon; Talmadge, Carrick L.; Long, Glenis R.

2018-05-01

Stimulus frequency otoacoustic emissions (SFOAEs) were evoked and estimated using swept-frequency tones with and without the use of swept suppressor tones. SFOAEs were estimated using a least-squares fitting procedure. The estimated SFOAEs for the two paradigms (with- and without-suppression) were similar in amplitude and phase. The fitting procedure minimizes the square error between a parametric model of total ear-canal pressure (with unknown amplitudes and phases) and ear-canal pressure acquired during each paradigm. Modifying the parametric model to allow SFOAE amplitude and phase to vary over time revealed additional amplitude and phase fine structure in the without-suppressor, but not the with-suppressor paradigm. The use of a time-varying parametric model to estimate SFOAEs without-suppression may provide additional information about cochlear mechanics not available when using a with-suppressor paradigm.

Regression analysis of informative current status data with the additive hazards model.

PubMed

Zhao, Shishun; Hu, Tao; Ma, Ling; Wang, Peijie; Sun, Jianguo

2015-04-01

This paper discusses regression analysis of current status failure time data arising from the additive hazards model in the presence of informative censoring. Many methods have been developed for regression analysis of current status data under various regression models if the censoring is noninformative, and also there exists a large literature on parametric analysis of informative current status data in the context of tumorgenicity experiments. In this paper, a semiparametric maximum likelihood estimation procedure is presented and in the method, the copula model is employed to describe the relationship between the failure time of interest and the censoring time. Furthermore, I-splines are used to approximate the nonparametric functions involved and the asymptotic consistency and normality of the proposed estimators are established. A simulation study is conducted and indicates that the proposed approach works well for practical situations. An illustrative example is also provided.

Determination of stores pointing error due to wing flexibility under flight load

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lokos, William A.; Bahm, Catherine M.; Heinle, Robert A.

1995-01-01

The in-flight elastic wing twist of a fighter-type aircraft was studied to provide for an improved on-board real-time computed prediction of pointing variations of three wing store stations. This is an important capability to correct sensor pod alignment variation or to establish initial conditions of iron bombs or smart weapons prior to release. The original algorithm was based upon coarse measurements. The electro-optical Flight Deflection Measurement System measured the deformed wing shape in flight under maneuver loads to provide a higher resolution database from which an improved twist prediction algorithm could be developed. The FDMS produced excellent repeatable data. In addition, a NASTRAN finite-element analysis was performed to provide additional elastic deformation data. The FDMS data combined with the NASTRAN analysis indicated that an improved prediction algorithm could be derived by using a different set of aircraft parameters, namely normal acceleration, stores configuration, Mach number, and gross weight.

Crater monitoring through social media observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gialampoukidis, I.; Vrochidis, S.; Kompatsiaris, I.

2017-09-01

We have collected more than one lunar image per two days from social media observations. Each one of the collected images has been clustered into two main groups of lunar images and an additional cluster is provided (noise) with pictures that have not been assigned to any cluster. The proposed lunar image clustering process provides two classes of lunar pictures, at different zoom levels; the first showing a clear view of craters grouped into one cluster and the second demonstrating a complete view of the Moon at various phases that are correlated with the crawling date. The clustering stage is unsupervised, so new topics can be detected on-the-fly. We have provided additional sources of planetary images using crowdsourcing information, which is associated with metadata such as time, text, location, links to other users and other related posts. This content has crater information that can be fused with other planetary data to enhance crater monitoring.

Strategic thinking for radiology.

PubMed

Schilling, R B

1997-08-01

We have now analyzed the use and benefits of four Strategic Thinking Tools for Radiology: the Vision Statement, the High Five, the Two-by-Two, and Real-Win-Worth. Additional tools will be provided during the tutorial. The tools provided above should be considered as examples. They all contain the 10 benefits outlined earlier to varying degrees. It is extremely important that the tools be used in a manner consistent with the Vision Statement of the organization. The specific situation, the effectiveness of the team, and the experience developed with the tools over time will determine the true benefits of the process. It has also been shown that with active use of the types of tools provided above, teams have learned to modify the tools for increased effectiveness and have created additional tools for specific purposes. Once individuals in the organization become committed to improving communication and to using tools/frameworks for solving problems as a team, effectiveness becomes boundless.

The TRMM Multi-Satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huffman, George J.; Adler, Robert F.; Bolvin, David T.; Nelkin, Eric J.

2008-01-01

The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) is intended to provide a "best" estimate of quasi-global precipitation from the wide variety of modern satellite-borne precipitation-related sensors. Estimates are provided at relatively fine scales (0.25degx0.25deg, 3-hourly) in both real and post-real time to accommodate a wide range of researchers. However, the errors inherent in the finest scale estimates are large. The most successful use of the TMPA data is when the analysis takes advantage of the fine-scale data to create time/space averages appropriate to the user s application. We review the conceptual basis for the TMPA, summarize the processing sequence, and focus on two new activities. First, a recent upgrade to the real-time version incorporates several additional satellite data sources and employs monthly climatological adjustments to approximate the bias characteristics of the research quality post-real-time product. Second, an upgrade of the research quality post-real-time TMPA from Version 6 to Version 7 (in beta test at press time) is designed to provide a variety of improvements that increase the list of input data sets and correct several issues. Future enhancements for the TMPA will include improved error estimation, extension to higher latitudes, and a shift to a Lagrangian time interpolation scheme.

The TRMM Multi-Satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huffman, George J.; Adler, Robert F.; Bolvin, David T.; Nelkin, Eric J.

2010-01-01

The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) is intended to provide a "best" estimate of quasi-global precipitation from the wide variety of modern satellite-borne precipitation-related sensors. Estimates are provided at relatively fine scales (0.25 deg x 0.25 deg. 3-h) in both real and post-real time to accommodate a wide range of researchers. However, the errors inherent in the finest scale estimates are large. The most successful use of the TMPA data is when the analysis takes advantage of the fine-scale data to create time/space averages appropriate to the user fs application. We review the conceptual basis for the TMPA, summarize the processing sequence, and focus on two new activities. First, a recent upgrade for the real-time version incorporates several additional satellite data sources and employs monthly climatological adjustments to approximate the bias characteristics of the research quality post-real-time product. Second, an upgrade for the research quality post-real-time TMPA from Versions 6 to 7 (in beta test at press time) is designed to provide a variety of improvements that increase the list of input data sets and correct several issues. Future enhancements for the TMPA will include improved error estimation, extension to higher latitudes, and a shift to a Lagrangian time interpolation scheme.

Insights into the disparate action of osmolytes and macromolecular crowders on amyloid formation

PubMed Central

Sukenik, Shahar

2012-01-01

It is widely recognized that amyloid formation sensitively responds to conditions set by myriad cellular solutes. These cosolutes include two important classes: macromolecular crowders and compatible osmolytes. We have recently found that addition of macromolecular PEG only slightly affects fibril formation of a model peptide in vitro. Polyol osmolytes, in contrast, lengthen the lag time for aggregation, and lead to larger fibril mass at equilibrium. To further hypothesize on the molecular underpinnings of the disparate effect of the two cosolute classes, we have further analyzed the experiments using an available kinetic mechanism describing fibril aggregation. Model calculations suggest that all cosolutes similarly lengthen the time required for nucleation, possibly due to their excluded volume effect. However, PEGs may in addition promote fibril fragmentation, leading to lag times that are overall almost unvaried. Moreover, polyols effectively slow the monomer-fibril detachment rates, thereby favoring additional fibril formation. Our analysis provides first hints that cosolutes act not only by changing association or dissociation rates, but potentially also by directing the formation of fibrils of varied morphologies with different mechanical properties. Although additional experiments are needed to unambiguously resolve the action of excluded cosolutes on amyloid formation, it is becoming clear that these compounds are important to consider in the search for ways to modulate fibril formation. PMID:22453174

Navigation Architecture for a Space Mobile Network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Valdez, Jennifer E.; Ashman, Benjamin; Gramling, Cheryl; Heckler, Gregory W.; Carpenter, Russell

2016-01-01

The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) Augmentation Service for Satellites (TASS) is a proposed beacon service to provide a global, space based GPS augmentation service based on the NASA Global Differential GPS (GDGPS) System. The TASS signal will be tied to the GPS time system and usable as an additional ranging and Doppler radiometric source. Additionally, it will provide data vital to autonomous navigation in the near Earth regime, including space weather information, TDRS ephemerides, Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP), and forward commanding capability. TASS benefits include enhancing situational awareness, enabling increased autonomy, and providing near real-time command access for user platforms. As NASA Headquarters' Space Communication and Navigation Office (SCaN) begins to move away from a centralized network architecture and towards a Space Mobile Network (SMN) that allows for user initiated services, autonomous navigation will be a key part of such a system. This paper explores how a TASS beacon service enables the Space Mobile Networking paradigm, what a typical user platform would require, and provides an in-depth analysis of several navigation scenarios and operations concepts. This paper provides an overview of the TASS beacon and its role within the SMN and user community. Supporting navigation analysis is presented for two user mission scenarios: an Earth observing spacecraft in low earth orbit (LEO), and a highly elliptical spacecraft in a lunar resonance orbit. These diverse flight scenarios indicate the breadth of applicability of the TASS beacon for upcoming users within the current network architecture and in the SMN.

One-dimensional terahertz imaging of surfactant-stabilized dodecane-brine emulsion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nickel, Daniel Vincent

Terahertz line-images of surfactant-stabilized dodecane(C12H 26)-brine emulsions are obtained by translating the emulsified region through the focus of a terahertz time-domain spectrometer, capturing a time-domain waveform at each vertical position. From these images, relative dodecane content, emulsion size, and stability can be extracted to evaluate the efficacy of the surfactant in solvating the dodecane. In addition, the images provide insight into the dynamics of concentrated emulsions after mixing.

Thermomechanical means to improve the critical current density of BSCCO tapes

DOEpatents

Balachandran, Uthamalingam; Poeppel, Roger; Haldar, Pradeep; Motowidlo, Leszek

2001-01-01

A method of preparing wires or tapes including Bi-2223 superconductor material by providing oxide and carbonate sources of Bi, Sr, Ca, Cu and Pb, milling the material for a time not to exceed about 30 minutes but preferably not greater than 20 minutes to produce a homogeneous mixture. Then heat treating by calcining the milled mixture at a temperature of at least about 830.degree. C. for a time not less than about 12 hours, followed by at least one additional milling for a time not to exceed about 20 minutes and one additional heat treatment, to produce an oxide powder having an average diameter in the 4 to 5 micron range. Then a silver or silver alloy tube is filled with the oxide powder, and shape formed into a rectangular tape. Then alternately thermally treating and mechanically working the tube filled with oxide powder by heating the filled tube to an elevated temperature of about 835.degree. C. to 840.degree. C. and reducing the diameter of the tube, repeating the thermal and mechanical treatment. The filled tube is held at the elevated temperature for a total time in the range of from about 48 hours to about 350 hours to provide Pb.sub.0.4, Bi.sub.1.8 Sr.sub.2.0 Ca.sub.2.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x where x is between 10 and 11.

Breaking Out of the Lab: Measuring Real-Time Responses to Televised Political Content in Real-World Settings.

PubMed

Maier, Jürgen; Hampe, J Felix; Jahn, Nico

2016-01-01

Real-time response (RTR) measurement is an important technique for analyzing human processing of electronic media stimuli. Although it has been demonstrated that RTR data are reliable and internally valid, some argue that they lack external validity. The reason for this is that RTR measurement is restricted to a laboratory environment due to its technical requirements. This paper introduces a smartphone app that 1) captures real-time responses using the dial technique and 2) provides a solution for one of the most important problems in RTR measurement, the (automatic) synchronization of RTR data. In addition, it explores the reliability and validity of mobile RTR measurement by comparing the real-time reactions of two samples of young and well-educated voters to the 2013 German televised debate. Whereas the first sample participated in a classical laboratory study, the second sample was equipped with our mobile RTR system and watched the debate at home. Results indicate that the mobile RTR system yields similar results to the lab-based RTR measurement, providing evidence that laboratory studies using RTR are externally valid. In particular, the argument that the artificial reception situation creates artificial results has to be questioned. In addition, we conclude that RTR measurement outside the lab is possible. Hence, mobile RTR opens the door for large-scale studies to better understand the processing and impact of electronic media content.

Orbital Signature Analyzer (OSA): A spacecraft health/safety monitoring and analysis tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weaver, Steven; Degeorges, Charles; Bush, Joy; Shendock, Robert; Mandl, Daniel

1993-01-01

Fixed or static limit sensing is employed in control centers to ensure that spacecraft parameters remain within a nominal range. However, many critical parameters, such as power system telemetry, are time-varying and, as such, their 'nominal' range is necessarily time-varying as well. Predicted data, manual limits checking, and widened limit-checking ranges are often employed in an attempt to monitor these parameters without generating excessive limits violations. Generating predicted data and manual limits checking are both resource intensive, while broadening limit ranges for time-varying parameters is clearly inadequate to detect all but catastrophic problems. OSA provides a low-cost solution by using analytically selected data as a reference upon which to base its limits. These limits are always defined relative to the time-varying reference data, rather than as fixed upper and lower limits. In effect, OSA provides individual limits tailored to each value throughout all the data. A side benefit of using relative limits is that they automatically adjust to new reference data. In addition, OSA provides a wealth of analytical by-products in its execution.

Potential Improvements in Space Weather Forecasting using New Products Developed for the Upcoming DSCOVR Solar Wind Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cash, M. D.; Biesecker, D. A.; Reinard, A. A.

2013-05-01

The Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) mission, which is scheduled for launch in late 2014, will provide real-time solar wind thermal plasma and magnetic measurements to ensure continuous monitoring for space weather forecasting. DSCOVR will be located at the L1 Lagrangian point and will include a Faraday cup to measure the proton and alpha components of the solar wind and a triaxial fluxgate magnetometer to measure the magnetic field in three dimensions. The real-time data provided by DSCOVR will be used to generate space weather applications and products that have been demonstrated to be highly accurate and provide actionable information for customers. We present several future space weather products currently under evaluation for development. New potential space weather products for use with DSCOVR real-time data include: automated shock detection, more accurate L1 to Earth delay time, automatic solar wind regime identification, and prediction of rotations in solar wind Bz within magnetic clouds. Additional ideas from the community on future space weather products are encouraged.

Nonlinear Meshfree Analysis Program (NMAP) Version 1.0 (User’s Manual)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-01

divided by the number of time increments used in the analysis . In addition to prescribing total nodal displacements in the neutral file, users are...conditions, the user must define material properties, initial conditions, and a variety of control parameters for the NMAP analysis . These data are provided...a script file. Restart A restart function is provided in the NMAP code, where the user may restart an analysis using a set of restart files. In

Vegetable Production System (Veggie)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levine, Howard G.; Smith, Trent M.

2016-01-01

The Vegetable Production System (Veggie) was developed by Orbital Technologies Corp. to be a simple, easily stowed, and high growth volume yet low resource facility capable of producing fresh vegetables on the International Space Station (ISS). In addition to growing vegetables in space, Veggie can support a variety of experiments designed to determine how plants respond to microgravity, provide real-time psychological benefits for the crew, and conduct outreach activities. Currently, Veggie provides the largest volume available for plant growth on the ISS.

Real-time recording and classification of eye movements in an immersive virtual environment.

PubMed

Diaz, Gabriel; Cooper, Joseph; Kit, Dmitry; Hayhoe, Mary

2013-10-10

Despite the growing popularity of virtual reality environments, few laboratories are equipped to investigate eye movements within these environments. This primer is intended to reduce the time and effort required to incorporate eye-tracking equipment into a virtual reality environment. We discuss issues related to the initial startup and provide algorithms necessary for basic analysis. Algorithms are provided for the calculation of gaze angle within a virtual world using a monocular eye-tracker in a three-dimensional environment. In addition, we provide algorithms for the calculation of the angular distance between the gaze and a relevant virtual object and for the identification of fixations, saccades, and pursuit eye movements. Finally, we provide tools that temporally synchronize gaze data and the visual stimulus and enable real-time assembly of a video-based record of the experiment using the Quicktime MOV format, available at http://sourceforge.net/p/utdvrlibraries/. This record contains the visual stimulus, the gaze cursor, and associated numerical data and can be used for data exportation, visual inspection, and validation of calculated gaze movements.

Real-time recording and classification of eye movements in an immersive virtual environment

PubMed Central

Diaz, Gabriel; Cooper, Joseph; Kit, Dmitry; Hayhoe, Mary

2013-01-01

Despite the growing popularity of virtual reality environments, few laboratories are equipped to investigate eye movements within these environments. This primer is intended to reduce the time and effort required to incorporate eye-tracking equipment into a virtual reality environment. We discuss issues related to the initial startup and provide algorithms necessary for basic analysis. Algorithms are provided for the calculation of gaze angle within a virtual world using a monocular eye-tracker in a three-dimensional environment. In addition, we provide algorithms for the calculation of the angular distance between the gaze and a relevant virtual object and for the identification of fixations, saccades, and pursuit eye movements. Finally, we provide tools that temporally synchronize gaze data and the visual stimulus and enable real-time assembly of a video-based record of the experiment using the Quicktime MOV format, available at http://sourceforge.net/p/utdvrlibraries/. This record contains the visual stimulus, the gaze cursor, and associated numerical data and can be used for data exportation, visual inspection, and validation of calculated gaze movements. PMID:24113087

Age-related differences in the motor planning of a lower leg target matching task.

PubMed

Davies, Brenda L; Gehringer, James E; Kurz, Max J

2015-12-01

While the development and execution of upper extremity motor plans have been well explored, little is known about how individuals plan and execute rapid, goal-directed motor tasks with the lower extremities. Furthermore, the amount of time needed to integrate the proper amount of visual and proprioceptive feedback before being able to accurately execute a goal-directed movement is not well understood; especially in children. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to initially interrogate how the amount of motor planning time provided to a child before movement execution may influence the preparation and execution of a lower leg goal-directed movement. The results displayed that the amount of pre-movement motor planning time provided may influence the reaction time and accuracy of a goal directed leg movement. All subjects in the study had longer reaction times and less accurate movements when no pre-movement motor planning time was provided. In addition, the children had slower reaction times, slower movements, and less accurate movements than the adults for all the presented targets and motor planning times. These results highlight that children may require more time to successfully plan a goal directed movement with the lower extremity. This suggests that children may potentially have less robust internal models than adults for these types of motor skills. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The NIST Internet time service

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levine, Judah

1994-05-01

We will describe the NIST Network Time Service which provides time and frequency information over the Internet. Our first time server is located in Boulder, Colorado, a second backup server is under construction there, and we plan to install a third server on the East Coast later this year. The servers are synchronized to UTC(NIST) with an uncertainty of about 0.8 ms RMS and they will respond to time requests from any client on the Internet in several different formats including the DAYTIME, TIME and NTP protocols. The DAYTIME and TIME protocols are the easiest to use and are suitable for providing time to PC's and other small computers. In addition to UTC(NIST), the DAYTIME message provides advance notice of leap seconds and of the transitions to and from Daylight Saving Time. The Daylight Saving Time notice is based on the US transition dates of the first Sunday in April and the last one in October. The NTP is a more complex protocol that is suitable for larger machines; it is normally run as a 'daemon' process in the background and can keep the time of the client to within a few milliseconds of UTC(NIST). We will describe the operating principles of various kinds of client software ranging from a simple program that queries the server once and sets the local clock to more complex 'daemon' processes (such as NTP) that continuously correct the time of the local clock based on periodic calibrations.

The NIST Internet time service

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levine, Judah

1994-01-01

We will describe the NIST Network Time Service which provides time and frequency information over the Internet. Our first time server is located in Boulder, Colorado, a second backup server is under construction there, and we plan to install a third server on the East Coast later this year. The servers are synchronized to UTC(NIST) with an uncertainty of about 0.8 ms RMS and they will respond to time requests from any client on the Internet in several different formats including the DAYTIME, TIME and NTP protocols. The DAYTIME and TIME protocols are the easiest to use and are suitable for providing time to PC's and other small computers. In addition to UTC(NIST), the DAYTIME message provides advance notice of leap seconds and of the transitions to and from Daylight Saving Time. The Daylight Saving Time notice is based on the US transition dates of the first Sunday in April and the last one in October. The NTP is a more complex protocol that is suitable for larger machines; it is normally run as a 'daemon' process in the background and can keep the time of the client to within a few milliseconds of UTC(NIST). We will describe the operating principles of various kinds of client software ranging from a simple program that queries the server once and sets the local clock to more complex 'daemon' processes (such as NTP) that continuously correct the time of the local clock based on periodic calibrations.

Three-dimensional imaging for large LArTPCs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, X.; Zhang, C.; Viren, B.; Diwan, M.

2018-05-01

High-performance event reconstruction is critical for current and future massive liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs) to realize their full scientific potential. LArTPCs with readout using wire planes provide a limited number of 2D projections. In general, without a pixel-type readout it is challenging to achieve unambiguous 3D event reconstruction. As a remedy, we present a novel 3D imaging method, Wire-Cell, which incorporates the charge and sparsity information in addition to the time and geometry through simple and robust mathematics. The resulting 3D image of ionization density provides an excellent starting point for further reconstruction and enables the true power of 3D tracking calorimetry in LArTPCs.

Robust real-time extraction of respiratory signals from PET list-mode data.

PubMed

Salomon, Andre; Zhang, Bin; Olivier, Patrick; Goedicke, Andreas

2018-05-01

Respiratory motion, which typically cannot simply be suspended during PET image acquisition, affects lesions' detection and quantitative accuracy inside or in close vicinity to the lungs. Some motion compensation techniques address this issue via pre-sorting ("binning") of the acquired PET data into a set of temporal gates, where each gate is assumed to be minimally affected by respiratory motion. Tracking respiratory motion is typically realized using dedicated hardware (e.g. using respiratory belts and digital cameras). Extracting respiratory signalsdirectly from the acquired PET data simplifies the clinical workflow as it avoids to handle additional signal measurement equipment. We introduce a new data-driven method "Combined Local Motion Detection" (CLMD). It uses the Time-of-Flight (TOF) information provided by state-of-the-art PET scanners in order to enable real-time respiratory signal extraction without additional hardware resources. CLMD applies center-of-mass detection in overlapping regions based on simple back-positioned TOF event sets acquired in short time frames. Following a signal filtering and quality-based pre-selection step, the remaining extracted individual position information over time is then combined to generate a global respiratory signal. The method is evaluated using 7 measured FDG studies from single and multiple scan positions of the thorax region, and it is compared to other software-based methods regarding quantitative accuracy and statistical noise stability. Correlation coefficients around 90% between the reference and the extracted signal have been found for those PET scans where motion affected features such as tumors or hot regions were present in the PET field-of-view. For PET scans with a quarter of typically applied radiotracer doses, the CLMD method still provides similar high correlation coefficients which indicates its robustness to noise. Each CLMD processing needed less than 0.4s in total on a standard multi-core CPU and thus provides a robust and accurate approach enabling real-time processing capabilities using standard PC hardware. © 2018 Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.

UNAVCO Geodetic HIgh-Rate and Real-Time Products and Services: A next generation geodetic network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mattioli, G. S.; Mencin, D.; Meertens, C. M.; Feaux, K.; Looney, S.

2012-12-01

Recent advances in GPS technology and data processing are providing position estimates with centimeter-level precision at high-rate (1 Hz) and low latency (<1 s). These data will have the potential to improve our understanding in diverse areas of geophysics including properties of seismic, volcanic, magmatic and tsunami deformation sources, and moreover profoundly transforming rapid event characterization, early warning, as well as hazard mitigation and response. Other scientific and operational applications for high-rate GPS also include glacier and ice sheet motions, tropospheric modeling, and better constraints on the dynamics of space weather. UNAVCO, through community input and the recent Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO) NSF-ARRA Cascadia initiative, has nearly completed the process of upgrading a total of 373 PBO GPS sites to real-time high-rate capability and these streams are now being archived in our data center. In addition, UNAVCO hosted an NSF funded workshop in Boulder, CO on March 26-28, which brought together 70 participants representing a spectrum of research fields with a goal to develop a community plan for the use of real-time GPS data products within the UNAVCO and EarthScope communities. These data products are expected to improve and expand the use of real-time GPS data over the next decade. Additionally, in collaboration with NOAA, 74 of these stations will provide meteorological data in real-time, primarily to support watershed and flood analyses for regional early-warning systems related to NOAA's work with California Department of Water Resources. As part of this upgrade UNAVCO is also exploring making the 75 PBO borehole strainmeter sites, whose data are now collected with a latency of 24 hours, available in SEED format in real-time in the near future, providing an opportunity to combine high-rate surface positioning and strain data together.

Robust real-time extraction of respiratory signals from PET list-mode data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salomon, André; Zhang, Bin; Olivier, Patrick; Goedicke, Andreas

2018-06-01

Respiratory motion, which typically cannot simply be suspended during PET image acquisition, affects lesions’ detection and quantitative accuracy inside or in close vicinity to the lungs. Some motion compensation techniques address this issue via pre-sorting (‘binning’) of the acquired PET data into a set of temporal gates, where each gate is assumed to be minimally affected by respiratory motion. Tracking respiratory motion is typically realized using dedicated hardware (e.g. using respiratory belts and digital cameras). Extracting respiratory signals directly from the acquired PET data simplifies the clinical workflow as it avoids handling additional signal measurement equipment. We introduce a new data-driven method ‘combined local motion detection’ (CLMD). It uses the time-of-flight (TOF) information provided by state-of-the-art PET scanners in order to enable real-time respiratory signal extraction without additional hardware resources. CLMD applies center-of-mass detection in overlapping regions based on simple back-positioned TOF event sets acquired in short time frames. Following a signal filtering and quality-based pre-selection step, the remaining extracted individual position information over time is then combined to generate a global respiratory signal. The method is evaluated using seven measured FDG studies from single and multiple scan positions of the thorax region, and it is compared to other software-based methods regarding quantitative accuracy and statistical noise stability. Correlation coefficients around 90% between the reference and the extracted signal have been found for those PET scans where motion affected features such as tumors or hot regions were present in the PET field-of-view. For PET scans with a quarter of typically applied radiotracer doses, the CLMD method still provides similar high correlation coefficients which indicates its robustness to noise. Each CLMD processing needed less than 0.4 s in total on a standard multi-core CPU and thus provides a robust and accurate approach enabling real-time processing capabilities using standard PC hardware.

Spatial Data Integration Using Ontology-Based Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasani, S.; Sadeghi-Niaraki, A.; Jelokhani-Niaraki, M.

2015-12-01

In today's world, the necessity for spatial data for various organizations is becoming so crucial that many of these organizations have begun to produce spatial data for that purpose. In some circumstances, the need to obtain real time integrated data requires sustainable mechanism to process real-time integration. Case in point, the disater management situations that requires obtaining real time data from various sources of information. One of the problematic challenges in the mentioned situation is the high degree of heterogeneity between different organizations data. To solve this issue, we introduce an ontology-based method to provide sharing and integration capabilities for the existing databases. In addition to resolving semantic heterogeneity, better access to information is also provided by our proposed method. Our approach is consisted of three steps, the first step is identification of the object in a relational database, then the semantic relationships between them are modelled and subsequently, the ontology of each database is created. In a second step, the relative ontology will be inserted into the database and the relationship of each class of ontology will be inserted into the new created column in database tables. Last step is consisted of a platform based on service-oriented architecture, which allows integration of data. This is done by using the concept of ontology mapping. The proposed approach, in addition to being fast and low cost, makes the process of data integration easy and the data remains unchanged and thus takes advantage of the legacy application provided.

Pilot study on real-time motion detection in UAS video data by human observer and image exploitation algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hild, Jutta; Krüger, Wolfgang; Brüstle, Stefan; Trantelle, Patrick; Unmüßig, Gabriel; Voit, Michael; Heinze, Norbert; Peinsipp-Byma, Elisabeth; Beyerer, Jürgen

2017-05-01

Real-time motion video analysis is a challenging and exhausting task for the human observer, particularly in safety and security critical domains. Hence, customized video analysis systems providing functions for the analysis of subtasks like motion detection or target tracking are welcome. While such automated algorithms relieve the human operators from performing basic subtasks, they impose additional interaction duties on them. Prior work shows that, e.g., for interaction with target tracking algorithms, a gaze-enhanced user interface is beneficial. In this contribution, we present an investigation on interaction with an independent motion detection (IDM) algorithm. Besides identifying an appropriate interaction technique for the user interface - again, we compare gaze-based and traditional mouse-based interaction - we focus on the benefit an IDM algorithm might provide for an UAS video analyst. In a pilot study, we exposed ten subjects to the task of moving target detection in UAS video data twice, once performing with automatic support, once performing without it. We compare the two conditions considering performance in terms of effectiveness (correct target selections). Additionally, we report perceived workload (measured using the NASA-TLX questionnaire) and user satisfaction (measured using the ISO 9241-411 questionnaire). The results show that a combination of gaze input and automated IDM algorithm provides valuable support for the human observer, increasing the number of correct target selections up to 62% and reducing workload at the same time.

The end is (not) near: Aging, essentialism, and future time perspective.

PubMed

Weiss, David; Job, Veronika; Mathias, Maya; Grah, Stephanie; Freund, Alexandra M

2016-06-01

Beliefs about aging influence how we interpret and respond to changes within and around us. Essentialist beliefs about aging are defined as views that link chronological age with inherent and immutable properties underlying aging-related changes. These beliefs may influence the experience of aging-related changes and shape people's outlook of the future. We hypothesized that people who endorse essentialist beliefs about aging report a more limited future time perspective. Two studies provided correlational (Study 1, N = 250; 18-77 years) and experimental (Study 2, N = 103; 20-77 years) evidence that essentialist beliefs about aging affect people's future time perspective. In addition, Study 2 and Study 3 (N = 174; 34-67 years) tested the underlying mechanism and provided evidence that perception of aging-related threat explains the effect of essentialist beliefs on a reduced future time perspective. These findings highlight the fundamental role of essentialist beliefs about aging for the perception of time horizons in the context of aging. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

NASA's global differential GPS system and the TDRSS augmentation service for satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bar-Sever, Yoaz; Young, Larry; Stocklin, Frank; Rush, John

2004-01-01

NASA is planning to launch a new service for Earth satellites providing them with precise GPS differential corrections and other ancillary information enabling decimeter level orbit determination accuracy, and nanosecond time-transfer accuracy, onboard, in real-time. The TDRSS Augmentation Service for Satellites (TASS) will broadcast its message on the S-band multiple access channel of NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). The satellite's phase array antenna has been configured to provide a wide beam, extending coverage up to 1000 km altitude over the poles. Global coverage will be ensured with broadcast from three or more TDRSS satellites. The GPS differential corrections are provided by the NASA Global Differential GPS (GDGPS) System, developed and operated by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The GDGPS System employs a global ground network of more than 70 GPS receivers to monitor the GPS constellation in real time. The system provides real-time estimates of the GPS satellite states, as well as many other real-time products such as differential corrections, global ionospheric maps, and integrity monitoring. The unique multiply redundant architecture of the GDGPS System ensures very high reliability, with 99.999% demonstrated since the inception of the system in Early 2000. The estimated real time GPS orbit and clock states provided by the GDGPS system are accurate to better than 20 cm 3D RMS, and have been demonstrated to support sub-decimeter real time positioning and orbit determination for a variety of terrestrial, airborne, and spaceborne applications. In addition to the GPS differential corrections, TASS will provide real-time Earth orientation and solar flux information that enable precise onboard knowledge of the Earth-fixed position of the spacecraft, and precise orbit prediction and planning capabilities. TASS will also provide 5 seconds alarms for GPS integrity failures based on the unique GPS integrity monitoring service of the GDGPS System.

Practical implementation, characterization and applications of a multi-colour time-gated luminescence microscope.

PubMed

Zhang, Lixin; Zheng, Xianlin; Deng, Wei; Lu, Yiqing; Lechevallier, Severine; Ye, Zhiqiang; Goldys, Ewa M; Dawes, Judith M; Piper, James A; Yuan, Jingli; Verelst, Marc; Jin, Dayong

2014-10-13

Time-gated luminescence microscopy using long-lifetime molecular probes can effectively eliminate autofluorescence to enable high contrast imaging. Here we investigate a new strategy of time-gated imaging for simultaneous visualisation of multiple species of microorganisms stained with long-lived complexes under low-background conditions. This is realized by imaging two pathogenic organisms (Giardia lamblia stained with a red europium probe and Cryptosporidium parvum with a green terbium probe) at UV wavelengths (320-400 nm) through synchronization of a flash lamp with high repetition rate (1 kHz) to a robust time-gating detection unit. This approach provides four times enhancement in signal-to-background ratio over non-time-gated imaging, while the average signal intensity also increases six-fold compared with that under UV LED excitation. The high sensitivity is further confirmed by imaging the single europium-doped Y₂O₂S nanocrystals (150 nm). We report technical details regarding the time-gating detection unit and demonstrate its compatibility with commercial epi-fluorescence microscopes, providing a valuable and convenient addition to standard laboratory equipment.

Practical Implementation, Characterization and Applications of a Multi-Colour Time-Gated Luminescence Microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lixin; Zheng, Xianlin; Deng, Wei; Lu, Yiqing; Lechevallier, Severine; Ye, Zhiqiang; Goldys, Ewa M.; Dawes, Judith M.; Piper, James A.; Yuan, Jingli; Verelst, Marc; Jin, Dayong

2014-10-01

Time-gated luminescence microscopy using long-lifetime molecular probes can effectively eliminate autofluorescence to enable high contrast imaging. Here we investigate a new strategy of time-gated imaging for simultaneous visualisation of multiple species of microorganisms stained with long-lived complexes under low-background conditions. This is realized by imaging two pathogenic organisms (Giardia lamblia stained with a red europium probe and Cryptosporidium parvum with a green terbium probe) at UV wavelengths (320-400 nm) through synchronization of a flash lamp with high repetition rate (1 kHz) to a robust time-gating detection unit. This approach provides four times enhancement in signal-to-background ratio over non-time-gated imaging, while the average signal intensity also increases six-fold compared with that under UV LED excitation. The high sensitivity is further confirmed by imaging the single europium-doped Y2O2S nanocrystals (150 nm). We report technical details regarding the time-gating detection unit and demonstrate its compatibility with commercial epi-fluorescence microscopes, providing a valuable and convenient addition to standard laboratory equipment.

PINT, A Modern Software Package for Pulsar Timing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Jing; Ransom, Scott M.; Demorest, Paul; Ray, Paul S.; Stovall, Kevin; Jenet, Fredrick; Ellis, Justin; van Haasteren, Rutger; Bachetti, Matteo; NANOGrav PINT developer team

2018-01-01

Pulsar timing, first developed decades ago, has provided an extremely wide range of knowledge about our universe. It has been responsible for many important discoveries, such as the discovery of the first exoplanet and the orbital period decay of double neutron star systems. Currently pulsar timing is the leading technique for detecting low frequency (about 10^-9 Hertz) gravitational waves (GW) using an array of pulsars as the detectors. To achieve this goal, high precision pulsar timing data, at about nanoseconds level, is required. Most high precision pulsar timing data are analyzed using the widely adopted software TEMPO/TEMPO2. But for a robust and believable GW detection, it is important to have independent software that can cross-check the result. In this poster we present the new generation pulsar timing software PINT. This package will provide a robust system to cross check high-precision timing results, completely independent of TEMPO and TEMPO2. In addition, PINT is designed to be a package that is easy to extend and modify, through use of flexible code architecture and a modern programming language, Python, with modern technology and libraries.

Average inactivity time model, associated orderings and reliability properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kayid, M.; Izadkhah, S.; Abouammoh, A. M.

2018-02-01

In this paper, we introduce and study a new model called 'average inactivity time model'. This new model is specifically applicable to handle the heterogeneity of the time of the failure of a system in which some inactive items exist. We provide some bounds for the mean average inactivity time of a lifespan unit. In addition, we discuss some dependence structures between the average variable and the mixing variable in the model when original random variable possesses some aging behaviors. Based on the conception of the new model, we introduce and study a new stochastic order. Finally, to illustrate the concept of the model, some interesting reliability problems are reserved.

Improvement of time-delayed feedback control by periodic modulation: analytical theory of Floquet mode control scheme.

PubMed

Just, Wolfram; Popovich, Svitlana; Amann, Andreas; Baba, Nilüfer; Schöll, Eckehard

2003-02-01

We investigate time-delayed feedback control schemes which are based on the unstable modes of the target state, to stabilize unstable periodic orbits. The periodic time dependence of these modes introduces an external time scale in the control process. Phase shifts that develop between these modes and the controlled periodic orbit may lead to a huge increase of the control performance. We illustrate such a feature on a nonlinear reaction diffusion system with global coupling and give a detailed investigation for the Rössler model. In addition we provide the analytical explanation for the observed control features.

AVIRIS onboard data handling and control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinkraus, Ronald E.; Hickok, Roger W.

1987-01-01

The timing and flow of detector and ancillary data for the Airborne Visible/Infrared imaging spectrometer (AVIRIS) are controlled within the instrument by its digital electronics assembly. In addition to providing detector and signal chain timing, the digital electronics receives, formats, and rate-buffers digitized science data; collects and formats ancillary (calibration and engineering) data; and merges both into a single tape record. Overall AVIRIS data handling is effected by a combination of dedicated digital electronics to control instrument timing, image data flow, and data rate buffering and a microcomputer programmed to handle real-time control of instrument mechanisms and the coordinated preparation of ancillary data.

Failure detection and identification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Massoumnia, Mohammad-Ali; Verghese, George C.; Willsky, Alan S.

1989-01-01

Using the geometric concept of an unobservability subspace, a solution is given to the problem of detecting and identifying control system component failures in linear, time-invariant systems. Conditions are developed for the existence of a causal, linear, time-invariant processor that can detect and uniquely identify a component failure, first for the case where components can fail simultaneously, and then for the case where they fail only one at a time. Explicit design algorithms are provided when these conditions are satisfied. In addition to time-domain solvability conditions, frequency-domain interpretations of the results are given, and connections are drawn with results already available in the literature.

Tail shortening by discrete hydrodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiefer, J.; Visscher, P. B.

1982-02-01

A discrete formulation of hydrodynamics was recently introduced, whose most important feature is that it is exactly renormalizable. Previous numerical work has found that it provides a more efficient and rapidly convergent method for calculating transport coefficients than the usual Green-Kubo method. The latter's convergence difficulties are due to the well-known "long-time tail" of the time correlation function which must be integrated over time. The purpose of the present paper is to present additional evidence that these difficulties are really absent in the discrete equation of motion approach. The "memory" terms in the equation of motion are calculated accurately, and shown to decay much more rapidly with time than the equilibrium time correlations do.

Rapid characterization of seismic sources in Chile: Contribution of the GNSS component

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrientos, S. E.; Riquelme, S.; Baez, J. C., Sr.

2017-12-01

The recently created National Seismological Center (CSN) of the University of Chile was tasked to upgrade the countrýs seismic network in 2013. The upgrade included new 65 collocated accelerometer and broadband instruments together with 130 GNSS devices designed to transmit their data in real time. Forty units of the GNSS devices include the RTX option, a real time 1-Hz positioning capability at 4-cm error level. The observation system is complemented with 297 additional stand-alone strong motion instruments mainly located in basins for seismic engineering purposes. Broadband data can be accessed in real time from IRIS Data Management Service under networks C and C1. Strong motion event data can be retrieved through the CSN database (evtdb.csn.uchile.cl). A server is being established to handle GNSS data requests through an NTRIP Caster. Completion of the connectivity of the GNSS remote units to the main acquisition servers is expected to take place within several months. In addition to the 40 units providing real time positioning through the RTX option, Precise Point Positioning (PPP) algorithms are being tested on the CSN main servers to enable real time estimates every second for all GNSS remote devices. Because of the high earthquake productivity rate in Chile, the RTX system capabilities have been positively tested in two cases already, demonstrating their excellent performance: i) the main aftershock (M7.6) of the April 1, 2014, northern Chile event and ii) the April 24, 2017, (M6.9) event in central Chile. The former produced coastal horizontal static displacements of the order of 30 cm while the latter of the order of 5 cm. In addition to rapid earthquake characterization through static deformation, W-phase displacement waveform inversions are included in the fast analysis providing excellent results. These new applications and methodologies have profoundly impacted the rapid evaluation of the tsunamigenic potential of large earthquakes in the near field.

Beam cleaning of an incoherent laser via plasma Raman amplification

DOE PAGES

Edwards, Matthew R.; Qu, Kenan; Mikhailova, Julia M.; ...

2017-09-25

We show that backward Raman amplification in plasma can efficiently compress a temporally incoherent pump laser into an intense coherent amplified seed pulse, provided that the correlation time of the pump is longer than the inverse plasma frequency. One analytical theory for Raman amplification using pump beams with different correlation functions is developed and compared to numerical calculations and particle-in-cell simulations. Since incoherence on scales shorter than the instability growth time suppresses spontaneous noise amplification, we point out a broad regime where quasi-coherent sources may be used as efficient low-noise Raman amplification pumps. As the amplified seed is coherent, Ramanmore » amplification provides an additional a beam-cleaning mechanism for removing incoherence. At near-infrared wavelengths, finite coherence times as short as 50 fs allow amplification with only minor losses in efficiency.« less

Feasibility demonstration of booster cross-over system for 3 1/2 inch SRB/MLP frangible nut system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1983-01-01

Recent testing of the SRB/MLP Frangible Nut System (SOS Part Number 114850-9/Boosters P/N 114848-3) at NASA indicated a need to reduce the function time between boosters (2) within a single frangible nut. These boosters are initiated separately by electrical impulse(s). Coupling the output of each detonator with an explosive cross-over would reduce the function time between boosters (independent of electrical impulse) while providing additional redundancy to the system. The objectives of this program were to: provide an explosive cross-over between boosters, reduce function time between boosters to less than one (1) millisecond within a given nut, reduce cost of boosters, be compatible with the existing frangible nut system, and meet requirements of USBI Spec's (nut 10SPC-0030, booster 10SPC-0031).

Beam cleaning of an incoherent laser via plasma Raman amplification

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

Edwards, Matthew R.; Qu, Kenan; Mikhailova, Julia M.

We show that backward Raman amplification in plasma can efficiently compress a temporally incoherent pump laser into an intense coherent amplified seed pulse, provided that the correlation time of the pump is longer than the inverse plasma frequency. One analytical theory for Raman amplification using pump beams with different correlation functions is developed and compared to numerical calculations and particle-in-cell simulations. Since incoherence on scales shorter than the instability growth time suppresses spontaneous noise amplification, we point out a broad regime where quasi-coherent sources may be used as efficient low-noise Raman amplification pumps. As the amplified seed is coherent, Ramanmore » amplification provides an additional a beam-cleaning mechanism for removing incoherence. At near-infrared wavelengths, finite coherence times as short as 50 fs allow amplification with only minor losses in efficiency.« less

The relative contributions of processing speed and cognitive load to working memory accuracy in multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Leavitt, Victoria M; Lengenfelder, Jean; Moore, Nancy B; Chiaravalloti, Nancy D; DeLuca, John

2011-06-01

Cognitive symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) include processing-speed deficits and working memory impairment. The precise manner in which these deficits interact in individuals with MS remains to be explicated. We hypothesized that providing more time on a complex working memory task would result in performance benefits for individuals with MS relative to healthy controls. Fifty-three individuals with clinically definite MS and 36 matched healthy controls performed a computerized task that systematically manipulated cognitive load. The interval between stimuli presentations was manipulated to provide increasing processing time. The results confirmed that individuals with MS who have processing-speed deficits significantly improve in performance accuracy when given additional time to process the information in working memory. Implications of these findings for developing appropriate cognitive rehabilitation interventions are discussed.

Structural models used in real-time biosurveillance outbreak detection and outbreak curve isolation from noisy background morbidity levels

PubMed Central

Cheng, Karen Elizabeth; Crary, David J; Ray, Jaideep; Safta, Cosmin

2013-01-01

Objective We discuss the use of structural models for the analysis of biosurveillance related data. Methods and results Using a combination of real and simulated data, we have constructed a data set that represents a plausible time series resulting from surveillance of a large scale bioterrorist anthrax attack in Miami. We discuss the performance of anomaly detection with structural models for these data using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and activity monitoring operating characteristic (AMOC) analysis. In addition, we show that these techniques provide a method for predicting the level of the outbreak valid for approximately 2 weeks, post-alarm. Conclusions Structural models provide an effective tool for the analysis of biosurveillance data, in particular for time series with noisy, non-stationary background and missing data. PMID:23037798

Statistical performance and information content of time lag analysis and redundancy analysis in time series modeling.

PubMed

Angeler, David G; Viedma, Olga; Moreno, José M

2009-11-01

Time lag analysis (TLA) is a distance-based approach used to study temporal dynamics of ecological communities by measuring community dissimilarity over increasing time lags. Despite its increased use in recent years, its performance in comparison with other more direct methods (i.e., canonical ordination) has not been evaluated. This study fills this gap using extensive simulations and real data sets from experimental temporary ponds (true zooplankton communities) and landscape studies (landscape categories as pseudo-communities) that differ in community structure and anthropogenic stress history. Modeling time with a principal coordinate of neighborhood matrices (PCNM) approach, the canonical ordination technique (redundancy analysis; RDA) consistently outperformed the other statistical tests (i.e., TLAs, Mantel test, and RDA based on linear time trends) using all real data. In addition, the RDA-PCNM revealed different patterns of temporal change, and the strength of each individual time pattern, in terms of adjusted variance explained, could be evaluated, It also identified species contributions to these patterns of temporal change. This additional information is not provided by distance-based methods. The simulation study revealed better Type I error properties of the canonical ordination techniques compared with the distance-based approaches when no deterministic component of change was imposed on the communities. The simulation also revealed that strong emphasis on uniform deterministic change and low variability at other temporal scales is needed to result in decreased statistical power of the RDA-PCNM approach relative to the other methods. Based on the statistical performance of and information content provided by RDA-PCNM models, this technique serves ecologists as a powerful tool for modeling temporal change of ecological (pseudo-) communities.

Opportunities for New Insights on the Life-Course Risks and Outcomes of Cognitive Decline in the Kavli HUMAN Project.

PubMed

Langa, Kenneth M; Cutler, David

2015-09-01

The Kavli HUMAN Project (KHP) will provide groundbreaking insights into how biological, medical, and social factors interact and impact the risks for cognitive decline from birth through older age. It will richly measure the effect of cognitive decline on the ability to perform key activities of daily living. In addition, due to its family focus, the KHP will measure the impact on family members, including the amount of time that family members spend providing care to older adults with dementia. It will also clarify the division of caregiving duties among family members and the effects on caregivers' work, family life, and balance thereof. At the same time, for care that the family cannot provide, it will clarify the extent to which cognitive decline impacts healthcare utilization and end-of-life decision making.

Dengue forecasting in São Paulo city with generalized additive models, artificial neural networks and seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average models.

PubMed

Baquero, Oswaldo Santos; Santana, Lidia Maria Reis; Chiaravalloti-Neto, Francisco

2018-01-01

Globally, the number of dengue cases has been on the increase since 1990 and this trend has also been found in Brazil and its most populated city-São Paulo. Surveillance systems based on predictions allow for timely decision making processes, and in turn, timely and efficient interventions to reduce the burden of the disease. We conducted a comparative study of dengue predictions in São Paulo city to test the performance of trained seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average models, generalized additive models and artificial neural networks. We also used a naïve model as a benchmark. A generalized additive model with lags of the number of cases and meteorological variables had the best performance, predicted epidemics of unprecedented magnitude and its performance was 3.16 times higher than the benchmark and 1.47 higher that the next best performing model. The predictive models captured the seasonal patterns but differed in their capacity to anticipate large epidemics and all outperformed the benchmark. In addition to be able to predict epidemics of unprecedented magnitude, the best model had computational advantages, since its training and tuning was straightforward and required seconds or at most few minutes. These are desired characteristics to provide timely results for decision makers. However, it should be noted that predictions are made just one month ahead and this is a limitation that future studies could try to reduce.

Speak Up 2007 for Students, Teachers, Parents & School Leaders: Selected National Findings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Project Tomorrow, 2008

2008-01-01

Speak Up 2007 provided online surveys for K-12 students, teachers, parents (in English and Spanish) and for the first time, school leaders, defined as school principals, technology coordinators, district administrators and school board members. In addition to asking foundational questions about technology use, 21st century skills and schools of…

40 CFR 300.430 - Remedial investigation/feasibility study and selection of remedy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

..., to provide additional data for the detailed analysis and to support engineering design of remedial... threat to human health or the environment or to support the analysis and design of potential response... timely manner and no later than the early stages of the comparative analysis. The lead and support...

40 CFR 300.430 - Remedial investigation/feasibility study and selection of remedy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

..., to provide additional data for the detailed analysis and to support engineering design of remedial... threat to human health or the environment or to support the analysis and design of potential response... timely manner and no later than the early stages of the comparative analysis. The lead and support...

40 CFR 300.430 - Remedial investigation/feasibility study and selection of remedy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., to provide additional data for the detailed analysis and to support engineering design of remedial... threat to human health or the environment or to support the analysis and design of potential response... timely manner and no later than the early stages of the comparative analysis. The lead and support...

40 CFR 300.430 - Remedial investigation/feasibility study and selection of remedy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., to provide additional data for the detailed analysis and to support engineering design of remedial... threat to human health or the environment or to support the analysis and design of potential response... timely manner and no later than the early stages of the comparative analysis. The lead and support...

40 CFR 300.430 - Remedial investigation/feasibility study and selection of remedy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

..., to provide additional data for the detailed analysis and to support engineering design of remedial... threat to human health or the environment or to support the analysis and design of potential response... timely manner and no later than the early stages of the comparative analysis. The lead and support...

75 FR 9876 - Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-04

... meeting. DATES: The 147th Council meeting to be held March 21-26, 2010. For specific times and agendas..., Executive Director; telephone: (808) 522-8220. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In addition to the agenda item... will be provided. The order in which agenda items are addressed may change. The meetings will run as...

Near Real-Time Comprehension Classification with Artificial Neural Networks: Decoding e-Learner Non-Verbal Behavior

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holmes, Mike; Latham, Annabel; Crockett, Keeley; O'Shea, James D.

2018-01-01

Comprehension is an important cognitive state for learning. Human tutors recognize comprehension and non-comprehension states by interpreting learner non-verbal behavior (NVB). Experienced tutors adapt pedagogy, materials, and instruction to provide additional learning scaffold in the context of perceived learner comprehension. Near real-time…

77 FR 13499 - Fenamiphos; Data Call-in Order for Pesticide Tolerances

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-07

... your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send... electronically, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your... timely fashion. Additional events that may be the basis for modification or revocation of fenamiphos...

Online Education to Improve Workforce Skills: The Experience in the United States

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robertson, Robert W.; De Aquino, Carlos Tasso E.

2016-01-01

The forces of globalization and technological advances are driving a need for skilled workers. In many countries, there is a "skill gap" that must be acknowledged. Individuals must increasingly embrace lifelong learning to remain competitive in turbulent times. This paper provides an introduction to the skills gap issue. In addition, the…

Western flower thrips can transmit Tomato spotted wilt virus from virus-infected tomato fruits

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Acquisition and transmission of Tomato spotted wilt virus from symptomatic tomato fruits by western flower thrips was demonstrated for the first time. This suggests that infected tomato fruits may be a source of virus and also provide an additional means of virus movement between geographic areas....

33 CFR 155.4040 - Response times for each salvage and marine firefighting service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... within the inland waters or the nearshore or offshore area, you must submit in writing, in your plan, the... identified in your response plan for areas OCONUS. (c) Table 155.4040(c) provides additional amplifying... on scene. vii) Salvage plan Plan completed and submitted to Incident Commander/Unified Command. (viii...

33 CFR 155.4040 - Response times for each salvage and marine firefighting service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... within the inland waters or the nearshore or offshore area, you must submit in writing, in your plan, the... identified in your response plan for areas OCONUS. (c) Table 155.4040(c) provides additional amplifying... on scene. vii) Salvage plan Plan completed and submitted to Incident Commander/Unified Command. (viii...

33 CFR 155.4040 - Response times for each salvage and marine firefighting service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... within the inland waters or the nearshore or offshore area, you must submit in writing, in your plan, the... identified in your response plan for areas OCONUS. (c) Table 155.4040(c) provides additional amplifying... on scene. vii) Salvage plan Plan completed and submitted to Incident Commander/Unified Command. (viii...

21 CFR 640.15 - Segments for testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... cells. (c) All segments accompanying a unit of Red Blood Cells shall be filled at the time the blood is... ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Red Blood Cells § 640.15 Segments for testing... provided with each unit of Whole Blood or Red Blood Cells when issued or reissued. (b) Before they are...

21 CFR 640.15 - Segments for testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... cells. (c) All segments accompanying a unit of Red Blood Cells shall be filled at the time the blood is... ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Red Blood Cells § 640.15 Segments for testing... provided with each unit of Whole Blood or Red Blood Cells when issued or reissued. (b) Before they are...

21 CFR 640.15 - Segments for testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... cells. (c) All segments accompanying a unit of Red Blood Cells shall be filled at the time the blood is... ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Red Blood Cells § 640.15 Segments for testing... provided with each unit of Whole Blood or Red Blood Cells when issued or reissued. (b) Before they are...

21 CFR 640.15 - Segments for testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... cells. (c) All segments accompanying a unit of Red Blood Cells shall be filled at the time the blood is... ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Red Blood Cells § 640.15 Segments for testing... provided with each unit of Whole Blood or Red Blood Cells when issued or reissued. (b) Before they are...

The Effects of a Fluency Training Package on Paraprofessionals' Presentation of a Reading Intervention

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Keeffe, Breda V.; Slocum, Timothy A.; Magnusson, Renee

2013-01-01

Paraprofessionals are widely employed in response to intervention (RTI) settings to provide instruction to students at-risk for reading disabilities. However, little research has addressed effective and efficient ways to train these paraprofessionals to deliver instruction with high fidelity. In addition, given the limited time and finances…

An Innovative Spreadsheet Application to Teach Management Science Decision Criteria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hozak, Kurt

2018-01-01

This article describes a Microsoft Excel-based application that uses humorous voice synthesis and timed competition to make it more fun and engaging to learn management science decision criteria. In addition to providing immediate feedback and easily customizable tips that facilitate self-learning, the software randomly generates both the problem…

21 CFR 640.15 - Segments for testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Red Blood Cells § 640.15 Segments for testing... provided with each unit of Whole Blood or Red Blood Cells when issued or reissued. (b) Before they are... cells. (c) All segments accompanying a unit of Red Blood Cells shall be filled at the time the blood is...

77 FR 58181 - Power Resources, Inc., Smith Ranch Highland Uranium Project; License Renewal Request, Opportunity...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-19

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket No. 04008964, NRC-2012-0214] Power Resources, Inc., Smith... available in ADAMS) is provided the first time that a document is referenced. The Smith Ranch Highland... (Smith Ranch Technical Report); Accession No. ML12234A539 (Smith Ranch Environmental Report). In addition...

Multipoint Multimedia Conferencing System with Group Awareness Support and Remote Management

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Osawa, Noritaka; Asai, Kikuo

2008-01-01

A multipoint, multimedia conferencing system called FocusShare is described that uses IPv6/IPv4 multicasting for real-time collaboration, enabling video, audio, and group awareness information to be shared. Multiple telepointers provide group awareness information and make it easy to share attention and intention. In addition to pointing with the…

Implications for VocED of Changing Work Arrangements.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hawke, Geof

The definition of work has undergone a massive transition within the last decade, and this trend has major implications for vocational education. Earlier ideas of work included that it was full-time, permanent, and for life; in addition, work provided opportunities for career development, a clearly-defined employer-worker relationship, and clear…

78 FR 33193 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-04

.... In addition, BMS 8-39 fire retardant properties, which deteriorate over time, can provide a fuel... flight deck and cargo compartments), with seals made of BMS 8-39 urethane foam, a material with fire-retardant properties that deteriorate with age. This AD requires replacing certain seals made of BMS 8-39...

Statistical properties of a filtered Poisson process with additive random noise: distributions, correlations and moment estimation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Theodorsen, A.; E Garcia, O.; Rypdal, M.

2017-05-01

Filtered Poisson processes are often used as reference models for intermittent fluctuations in physical systems. Such a process is here extended by adding a noise term, either as a purely additive term to the process or as a dynamical term in a stochastic differential equation. The lowest order moments, probability density function, auto-correlation function and power spectral density are derived and used to identify and compare the effects of the two different noise terms. Monte-Carlo studies of synthetic time series are used to investigate the accuracy of model parameter estimation and to identify methods for distinguishing the noise types. It is shown that the probability density function and the three lowest order moments provide accurate estimations of the model parameters, but are unable to separate the noise types. The auto-correlation function and the power spectral density also provide methods for estimating the model parameters, as well as being capable of identifying the noise type. The number of times the signal crosses a prescribed threshold level in the positive direction also promises to be able to differentiate the noise type.

Shock compression response of cold-rolled Ni/Al multilayer composites

DOE PAGES

Specht, Paul E.; Weihs, Timothy P.; Thadhani, Naresh N.

2017-01-06

Uniaxial strain, plate-on-plate impact experiments were performed on cold-rolled Ni/Al multilayer composites and the resulting Hugoniot was determined through time-resolved measurements combined with impedance matching. The experimental Hugoniot agreed with that previously predicted by two dimensional (2D) meso-scale calculations. Additional 2D meso-scale simulations were performed using the same computational method as the prior study to reproduce the experimentally measured free surface velocities and stress profiles. Finally, these simulations accurately replicated the experimental profiles, providing additional validation for the previous computational work.

Highly Enantioselective Rhodium-Catalyzed Addition of Arylboroxines to Simple Aryl Ketones: Efficient Synthesis of Escitalopram.

PubMed

Huang, Linwei; Zhu, Jinbin; Jiao, Guangjun; Wang, Zheng; Yu, Xingxin; Deng, Wei-Ping; Tang, Wenjun

2016-03-24

Highly enantioselective additions of arylboroxines to simple aryl ketones have been achieved for the first time with a Rh/(R,R,R,R)-WingPhos catalyst, thus providing a range of chiral diaryl alkyl carbinols with excellent ee values and yields. (R,R,R,R)-WingPhos has been proven to be crucial for the high reactivity and enantioselectivity. The method has enabled a new, concise, and enantioselective synthesis of the antidepressant drug escitalopram. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

MagPy: A Python toolbox for controlling Magstim transcranial magnetic stimulators.

PubMed

McNair, Nicolas A

2017-01-30

To date, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies manipulating stimulation parameters have largely used blocked paradigms. However, altering these parameters on a trial-by-trial basis in Magstim stimulators is complicated by the need to send regular (1Hz) commands to the stimulator. Additionally, effecting such control interferes with the ability to send TMS pulses or simultaneously present stimuli with high-temporal precision. This manuscript presents the MagPy toolbox, a Python software package that provides full control over Magstim stimulators via the serial port. It is able to maintain this control with no impact on concurrent processing, such as stimulus delivery. In addition, a specially-designed "QuickFire" serial cable is specified that allows MagPy to trigger TMS pulses with very low-latency. In a series of experimental simulations, MagPy was able to maintain uninterrupted remote control over the connected Magstim stimulator across all testing sessions. In addition, having MagPy enabled had no effect on stimulus timing - all stimuli were presented for precisely the duration specified. Finally, using the QuickFire cable, MagPy was able to elicit TMS pulses with sub-millisecond latencies. The MagPy toolbox allows for experiments that require manipulating stimulation parameters from trial to trial. Furthermore, it can achieve this in contexts that require tight control over timing, such as those seeking to combine TMS with fMRI or EEG. Together, the MagPy toolbox and QuickFire serial cable provide an effective means for controlling Magstim stimulators during experiments while ensuring high-precision timing. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modeling climate change impacts on groundwater resources using transient stochastic climatic scenarios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goderniaux, Pascal; BrouyèRe, Serge; Blenkinsop, Stephen; Burton, Aidan; Fowler, Hayley J.; Orban, Philippe; Dassargues, Alain

2011-12-01

Several studies have highlighted the potential negative impact of climate change on groundwater reserves, but additional work is required to help water managers plan for future changes. In particular, existing studies provide projections for a stationary climate representative of the end of the century, although information is demanded for the near future. Such time-slice experiments fail to account for the transient nature of climatic changes over the century. Moreover, uncertainty linked to natural climate variability is not explicitly considered in previous studies. In this study we substantially improve upon the state-of-the-art by using a sophisticated transient weather generator in combination with an integrated surface-subsurface hydrological model (Geer basin, Belgium) developed with the finite element modeling software "HydroGeoSphere." This version of the weather generator enables the stochastic generation of large numbers of equiprobable climatic time series, representing transient climate change, and used to assess impacts in a probabilistic way. For the Geer basin, 30 equiprobable climate change scenarios from 2010 to 2085 have been generated for each of six different regional climate models (RCMs). Results show that although the 95% confidence intervals calculated around projected groundwater levels remain large, the climate change signal becomes stronger than that of natural climate variability by 2085. Additionally, the weather generator's ability to simulate transient climate change enabled the assessment of the likely time scale and associated uncertainty of a specific impact, providing managers with additional information when planning further investment. This methodology constitutes a real improvement in the field of groundwater projections under climate change conditions.

Methodological approaches in conducting overviews: current state in HTA agencies.

PubMed

Pieper, Dawid; Antoine, Sunya-Lee; Morfeld, Jana-Carina; Mathes, Tim; Eikermann, Michaela

2014-09-01

Overviews search for reviews rather than for primary studies. They might have the potential to support decision making within a shorter time frame by reducing production time. We aimed to summarize available instructions for authors intending to conduct overviews as well as the currently applied methodology of overviews in international Health Technology Assessment (HTA) agencies. We identified 127 HTA agencies and scanned their websites for methodological handbooks as well as published overviews as HTA reports. Additionally, we contacted HTA agencies by e-mail to retrieve possible unidentified handbooks or other related sources. In total, eight HTA agencies providing methodological support were found. Thirteen HTA agencies were found to have produced overviews since 2007, but only six of them published more than four overviews. Overviews were mostly employed in HTA products related to rapid assessment. Additional searches for primary studies published after the last review are often mentioned in order to update results. Although the interest in overviews is rising, little methodological guidance for the conduct of overviews is provided by HTA agencies. Overviews are of special interest in the context of rapid assessments to support policy-making within a short time frame. Therefore, empirical work on overviews needs to be extended. National strategies and experience should be disclosed and discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A longitudinal study of patients' symptoms before and during the first year after lung transplantation.

PubMed

Lanuza, Dorothy M; Lefaiver, Cheryl A; Brown, Roger; Muehrer, Rebecca; Murray, Margaret; Yelle, Maria; Bhorade, Sangeeta

2012-01-01

Lung transplantation provides a viable option for survival of end-stage respiratory disease. In addition to prolonging survival, there is considerable interest in improving patient-related outcomes such as transplant recipients' symptom experiences. A prospective, repeated measures design was used to describe the symptom experience of 85 lung transplant recipients between 2000 and 2005. The transplant symptom inventory was administered before and at one, three, six, nine, and 12 months post-transplant. Ridit analysis provided a unique method for describing symptom experiences and changes. After lung transplantation, significant (p<0.05) improvements were reported for the most frequently occurring and most distressing pre-transplant symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath with activity). Marked increases in the frequency and distress of new symptoms such as tremors were also reported. Patterns of symptom frequency and distress varied with time since transplant. The findings provide data-based information that can be used to inform pre- and post-transplant patient education and also help caregivers anticipate a general time frame for symptom changes to prevent or minimize symptoms and their associated distress. In addition, symptoms are described, using an innovative method of illustration which shows "at-a-glance" change or lack of change in patients' symptoms from pre- to post-lung transplant. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

SETI at X-energies - parasitic searches from astrophysical observations.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corbet, R. H. D.

1997-01-01

If a sufficiently advanced civilization can either modulate the emission from an X-ray binary, or make use of the natural high luminosity to power an artificial transmitter, these can serve as good beacons for interstellar communication without involving excessive energy costs to the broadcasting civilization. In addition, the small number of X-ray binaries in the Galaxy considerably reduces the number of targets that must be investigated compared to searches in other energy bands. Low mass X-ray binaries containing neutron stars in particular are considered as prime potential natural and artificial beacons and high time resolution (better than 1ms) observations are encouraged. All sky monitors provide the capability of detecting brief powerful artificial signals from isolated neutron stars. New capabilities of X-ray astronomy satellites developed for astrophysical purposes are enabling SETI in new parameter regimes. For example, the X-ray Timing Explorer satellite provides the capability of exploring the sub-millisecond region. Other planned X-ray astronomy satellites should provide significantly improved spectral resolution. While SETI at X-ray energies is highly speculative (and rather unfashionable) by using a parasitic approach little additional cost is involved. The inclusion of X-ray binaries in target lists for SETI at radio and other wavebands is also advocated.

An Abbreviated Protocol for High-Risk Screening Breast MRI Saves Time and Resources.

PubMed

Harvey, Susan C; Di Carlo, Phillip A; Lee, Bonmyong; Obadina, Eniola; Sippo, Dorothy; Mullen, Lisa

2016-04-01

To review the ability of an abbreviated, high-risk, screening, breast MRI protocol to detect cancer and save resources. High-risk screening breast MR images were reviewed, from both an abbreviated protocol and a full diagnostic protocol. Differences in cancer detection, scanner utilization, interpretation times, and need for additional imaging were recorded in an integrated data form, and reviewed and compared. A total of 568 MRI cases were reviewed, with the abbreviated and full protocols. No difference was found in the number of cancers detected. Scan times were decreased by 18.8 minutes per case, for a total of 10,678 minutes (178 hours). Interpretation time, on average, was 1.55 minutes for the abbreviated protocol, compared with 6.43 minutes for the full protocol. Review of the full protocol led to a significant change in the final BI-RADS(®) assessment in 12 of 568 (2.1%) cases. Abbreviated MRI is as effective as full-protocol MRI for demonstration of cancers in the high-risk screening setting, with only 12 (2.1%) cases recommended for additional MRI evaluation. The efficiency and resource savings of an abbreviated protocol would be significant, and would allow for opportunities to provide MRI for additional patients, as well as improved radiologist time management and workflow, with the potential to add real-time MRI interpretation or double reading. Copyright © 2016 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An Abbreviated Protocol for High-Risk Screening Breast MRI Saves Time and Resources.

PubMed

Harvey, Susan C; Di Carlo, Phillip A; Lee, Bonmyong; Obadina, Eniola; Sippo, Dorothy; Mullen, Lisa

2016-11-01

To review the ability of an abbreviated, high-risk, screening, breast MRI protocol to detect cancer and save resources. High-risk screening breast MR images were reviewed, from both an abbreviated protocol and a full diagnostic protocol. Differences in cancer detection, scanner utilization, interpretation times, and need for additional imaging were recorded in an integrated data form, and reviewed and compared. A total of 568 MRI cases were reviewed, with the abbreviated and full protocols. No difference was found in the number of cancers detected. Scan times were decreased by 18.8 minutes per case, for a total of 10,678 minutes (178 hours). Interpretation time, on average, was 1.55 minutes for the abbreviated protocol, compared with 6.43 minutes for the full protocol. Review of the full protocol led to a significant change in the final BI-RADS ® assessment in 12 of 568 (2.1%) cases. Abbreviated MRI is as effective as full-protocol MRI for demonstration of cancers in the high-risk screening setting, with only 12 (2.1 %) cases recommended for additional MRI evaluation. The efficiency and resource savings of an abbreviated protocol would be significant, and would allow for opportunities to provide MRI for additional patients, as well as improved radiologist time management and workflow, with the potential to add real-time MRI interpretation or double reading. Copyright © 2016 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Segev, A.; Fang, W.

In currency-based updates, processing a query to a materialized view has to satisfy a currency constraint which specifies the maximum time lag of the view data with respect to a transaction database. Currency-based update policies are more general than periodical, deferred, and immediate updates; they provide additional opportunities for optimization and allow updating a materialized view from other materialized views. In this paper, we present algorithms to determine the source and timing of view updates and validate the resulting cost savings through simulation results. 20 refs.

Auroral oval kinematics program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Comfort, R. H.

1972-01-01

A computer program which determines the geographic location of the auroral oval for given universal time and level of geomagnetic activity was developed for use on the IBM 7094 computer. The program provides both printed output of geographic coordinates of auroral oval boundaries and polar plots of the auroral oval. In addition, there is available a time-integration option which indicates how long a given location is under the auroral oval during a specified period. A description is given of the program and its use.

Three-dimensional Imaging for Large LArTPCs

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

Chao, C.; Qian, X.; Viren, B.

2017-12-14

High-performance event reconstruction is critical for current and future massive liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs) to realize their full scientic potential. LArTPCs with readout using wire planes provides a limited number of 2D projections. In general, without a pixel-type readout it is challenging to achieve unambiguous 3D event reconstruction. As a remedy, we present a novel 3D imaging method, Wire-Cell, which incorporates the charge and sparsity information in addition to the time and geometry through simple and robust mathematics.

Telecommunications and data acquisition systems support for Voyager missions to Jupiter and Saturn, 1972-1981, prelaunch through Saturn encounter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Traxler, M. R.; Beauchamp, D. F.

1983-01-01

The Deep Space Network has supported the Voyager Project for approximately nine years, during which time implementation, testing, and operational support was provided. Four years of this time involved testing prior to launch; the final five years included network operations support and additional network implementation. Intensive and critical support intervals included launch and four planetary encounters. The telecommunications and data acquisition support for the Voyager Missions to Jupiter and Saturn are summarized.

Affordance Templates for Shared Robot Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hart, Stephen; Dinh, Paul; Hambuchen, Kim

2014-01-01

This paper introduces the Affordance Template framework used to supervise task behaviors on the NASA-JSC Valkyrie robot at the 2013 DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC) Trials. This framework provides graphical interfaces to human supervisors that are adjustable based on the run-time environmental context (e.g., size, location, and shape of objects that the robot must interact with, etc.). Additional improvements, described below, inject degrees of autonomy into instantiations of affordance templates at run-time in order to enable efficient human supervision of the robot for accomplishing tasks.

Notes on the ExactPack Implementation of the DSD Explosive Arc Solver

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

Kaul, Ann; Doebling, Scott William

It has been shown above that the discretization scheme implemented in the ExactPack solver for the DSD Explosive Arc equation is consistent with the Explosive Arc PDE. In addition, a stability analysis has provided a CFL condition for a stable time step. Together, consistency and stability imply convergence of the scheme, which is expected to be close to first-order in time and second-order in space. It is understood that the nonlinearity of the underlying PDE will affect this rate somewhat.

Hyperspectral Probing of Exciton dynamics and Multiplication in PbSe Nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gdor, I.; Sachs, H.; Roitblat, A.; Strasfeld, D.; Bawendi, M. G.; Ruhman, S.

2013-03-01

Height time hyperspectral near IR probing providing broad-band coverage is employed on PbSe nanocrystals, uncovering spectral evolution following high energy photo-excitation due to hot exciton relaxation and recombination. Separation of single, double and triple exciton state contributions to these spectra is demonstrated, and the mechanisms underlying the course of spectral evolution are investigated. In addition no sign of MEG was detected in this sample up to a photon energy 3.7 times that of the band gap.

User's manual for three dimensional FDTD version A code for scattering from frequency-independent dielectric materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beggs, John H.; Luebbers, Raymond J.; Kunz, Karl S.

1991-01-01

The Finite Difference Time Domain Electromagnetic Scattering Code Version A is a three dimensional numerical electromagnetic scattering code based upon the Finite Difference Time Domain Technique (FDTD). This manual provides a description of the code and corresponding results for the default scattering problem. In addition to the description, the operation, resource requirements, version A code capabilities, a description of each subroutine, a brief discussion of the radar cross section computations, and a discussion of the scattering results.

Macroeconomic susceptibility, inflation, and aggregate supply

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hawkins, Raymond J.

2017-03-01

We unify aggregate-supply dynamics as a time-dependent susceptibility-mediated relationship between inflation and aggregate economic output. In addition to representing well various observations of inflation-output dynamics this parsimonious formalism provides a straightforward derivation of popular representations of aggregate-supply dynamics and a natural basis for economic-agent expectations as an element of inflation formation. Our formalism also illuminates questions of causality and time-correlation that challenge central banks for whom aggregate-supply dynamics is a key constraint in their goal of achieving macroeconomic stability.

Assessment and mitigation of errors associated with a large-scale field investigation of methane emissions from the Marcellus Shale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caulton, D.; Golston, L.; Li, Q.; Bou-Zeid, E.; Pan, D.; Lane, H.; Lu, J.; Fitts, J. P.; Zondlo, M. A.

2015-12-01

Recent work suggests the distribution of methane emissions from fracking operations is a skewed distributed with a small percentage of emitters contributing a large proportion of the total emissions. In order to provide a statistically robust distributions of emitters and determine the presence of super-emitters, errors in current techniques need to be constrained and mitigated. The Marcellus shale, the most productive natural gas shale field in the United States, has received less intense focus for well-level emissions and is here investigated to provide the distribution of methane emissions. In July of 2015 approximately 250 unique well pads were sampled using the Princeton Atmospheric Chemistry Mobile Acquisition Node (PAC-MAN). This mobile lab includes a Garmin GPS unit, Vaisala weather station (WTX520), LICOR 7700 CH4 open path sensor and LICOR 7500 CO2/H2O open path sensor. Sampling sites were preselected based on wind direction, sampling distance and elevation grade. All sites were sampled during low boundary layer conditions (600-1000 and 1800-2200 local time). The majority of sites were sampled 1-3 times while selected test sites were sampled multiple times or resampled several times during the day. For selected sites a sampling tower was constructed consisting of a Metek uSonic-3 Class A sonic anemometer, and an additional LICOR 7700 and 7500. Data were recorded for at least one hour at these sites. A robust study and inter-comparison of different methodologies will be presented. The Gaussian plume model will be used to calculate fluxes for all sites and compare results from test sites with multiple passes. Tower data is used to provide constraints on the Gaussian plume model. Additionally, Large Eddy Simulation (LES) modeling will be used to calculate emissions from the tower sites. Alternative techniques will also be discussed. Results from these techniques will be compared to identify best practices and provide robust error estimates.

Using virtual reality and game technology to assist command and control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riead, Lorien H.; Straub, James; Mangino, Joseph

2017-04-01

Recent improvements in virtual reality hardware have brought this technology to the point where easily-obtained commercial equipment can conceivably provide an affordable and relatively unexplored alternative to the traditional monitor and keyboard view of the tactical space. In addition, commercially available game engines provide several advantages for tactical applications. Using these technologies, we have created a concept of a low-cost display that allows for real-time immersive planning and strategy, with suggestions for further exploration.

Projected Applications of a "Weather in a Box" Computing System at the NASA Short-Term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jedlovec, Gary J.; Molthan, Andrew; Zavodsky, Bradley T.; Case, Jonathan L.; LaFontaine, Frank J.; Srikishen, Jayanthi

2010-01-01

The NASA Short-term Prediction Research and Transition Center (SPoRT)'s new "Weather in a Box" resources will provide weather research and forecast modeling capabilities for real-time application. Model output will provide additional forecast guidance and research into the impacts of new NASA satellite data sets and software capabilities. By combining several research tools and satellite products, SPoRT can generate model guidance that is strongly influenced by unique NASA contributions.

Combustor oscillation attenuation via the control of fuel-supply line dynamics

DOEpatents

Richards, George A.; Gemmen, Randall S.

1998-01-01

Combustion oscillation control in combustion systems using hydrocarbon fuels is provided by acoustically tuning a fuel-delivery line to a desired phase of the combustion oscillations for providing a pulse of a fuel-rich region at the oscillating flame front at each time when the oscillation produced pressure in the combustion chamber is in a low pressure phase. The additional heat release produced by burning such fuel-rich regions during low combustion chamber pressure effectively attenuates the combustion oscillations to a selected value.

Crew procedures development techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arbet, J. D.; Benbow, R. L.; Hawk, M. L.; Mangiaracina, A. A.; Mcgavern, J. L.; Spangler, M. C.

1975-01-01

The study developed requirements, designed, developed, checked out and demonstrated the Procedures Generation Program (PGP). The PGP is a digital computer program which provides a computerized means of developing flight crew procedures based on crew action in the shuttle procedures simulator. In addition, it provides a real time display of procedures, difference procedures, performance data and performance evaluation data. Reconstruction of displays is possible post-run. Data may be copied, stored on magnetic tape and transferred to the document processor for editing and documentation distribution.

Thermography During Thermal Test of the Gaia Deployable Sunshield Assembly Qualification Model in the ESTEC Large Space Simulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simpson, R.; Broussely, M.; Edwards, G.; Robinson, D.; Cozzani, A.; Casarosa, G.

2012-07-01

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and The European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) have performed for the first time successful surface temperature measurements using infrared thermal imaging in the ESTEC Large Space Simulator (LSS) under vacuum and with the Sun Simulator (SUSI) switched on during thermal qualification tests of the GAIA Deployable Sunshield Assembly (DSA). The thermal imager temperature measurements, with radiosity model corrections, show good agreement with thermocouple readings on well characterised regions of the spacecraft. In addition, the thermal imaging measurements identified potentially misleading thermocouple temperature readings and provided qualitative real-time observations of the thermal and spatial evolution of surface structure changes and heat dissipation during hot test loadings, which may yield additional thermal and physical measurement information through further research.

CINCH (confocal incoherent correlation holography) super resolution fluorescence microscopy based upon FINCH (Fresnel incoherent correlation holography)

PubMed Central

Siegel, Nisan; Storrie, Brian; Bruce, Marc

2016-01-01

FINCH holographic fluorescence microscopy creates high resolution super-resolved images with enhanced depth of focus. The simple addition of a real-time Nipkow disk confocal image scanner in a conjugate plane of this incoherent holographic system is shown to reduce the depth of focus, and the combination of both techniques provides a simple way to enhance the axial resolution of FINCH in a combined method called “CINCH”. An important feature of the combined system allows for the simultaneous real-time image capture of widefield and holographic images or confocal and confocal holographic images for ready comparison of each method on the exact same field of view. Additional GPU based complex deconvolution processing of the images further enhances resolution. PMID:26839443

Satellite control of electric power distribution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bergen, L.

1981-01-01

An L-band frequencies satellite link providing the medium for direct control of electrical loads at individual customer sites from remote central locations is described. All loads supplied under interruptible-service contracts are likely condidates for such control, and they can be cycled or switched off to reduce system loads. For every kW of load eliminated or deferred to off-peak hours, the power company reduces its need for additional generating capacity. In addition, the satellite could switch meter registers so that their readings automatically reflected the time of consumption. The system would perform load-shedding operations during emergencies, disconnecting large blocks of load according to predetermined priorities. Among the distribution operations conducted by the satellite in real time would be: load reconfiguration, voltage regulation, fault isolation, and capacitor and feeder load control.

Using waveform information in nonlinear data assimilation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rey, Daniel; Eldridge, Michael; Morone, Uriel; Abarbanel, Henry D. I.; Parlitz, Ulrich; Schumann-Bischoff, Jan

2014-12-01

Information in measurements of a nonlinear dynamical system can be transferred to a quantitative model of the observed system to establish its fixed parameters and unobserved state variables. After this learning period is complete, one may predict the model response to new forces and, when successful, these predictions will match additional observations. This adjustment process encounters problems when the model is nonlinear and chaotic because dynamical instability impedes the transfer of information from the data to the model when the number of measurements at each observation time is insufficient. We discuss the use of information in the waveform of the data, realized through a time delayed collection of measurements, to provide additional stability and accuracy to this search procedure. Several examples are explored, including a few familiar nonlinear dynamical systems and small networks of Colpitts oscillators.

Immersive Photography Renders 360 degree Views

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

An SBIR contract through Langley Research Center helped Interactive Pictures Corporation, of Knoxville, Tennessee, create an innovative imaging technology. This technology is a video imaging process that allows real-time control of live video data and can provide users with interactive, panoramic 360 views. The camera system can see in multiple directions, provide up to four simultaneous views, each with its own tilt, rotation, and magnification, yet it has no moving parts, is noiseless, and can respond faster than the human eye. In addition, it eliminates the distortion caused by a fisheye lens, and provides a clear, flat view of each perspective.

Care in subsequent pregnancies following stillbirth: an international survey of parents.

PubMed

Wojcieszek, A M; Boyle, F M; Belizán, J M; Cassidy, J; Cassidy, P; Erwich, Jjhm; Farrales, L; Gross, M M; Heazell, Aep; Leisher, S H; Mills, T; Murphy, M; Pettersson, K; Ravaldi, C; Ruidiaz, J; Siassakos, D; Silver, R M; Storey, C; Vannacci, A; Middleton, P; Ellwood, D; Flenady, V

2018-01-01

To assess the frequency of additional care, and parents' perceptions of quality, respectful care, in pregnancies subsequent to stillbirth. Multi-language web-based survey. International. A total of 2716 parents, from 40 high- and middle-income countries. Data were obtained from a broader survey of parents' experiences following stillbirth. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and stratified by geographic region. Subgroup analyses explored variation in additional care by gestational age at index stillbirth. Frequency of additional care, and perceptions of quality, respectful care. The majority (66%) of parents conceived their subsequent pregnancy within 1 year of stillbirth. Additional antenatal care visits and ultrasound scans were provided for 67% and 70% of all parents, respectively, although there was wide variation across geographic regions. Care addressing psychosocial needs was less frequently provided, such as additional visits to a bereavement counsellor (10%) and access to named care provider's phone number (27%). Compared with parents whose stillbirth occurred at ≤ 29 weeks of gestation, parents whose stillbirth occurred at ≥ 30 weeks of gestation were more likely to receive various forms of additional care, particularly the option for early delivery after 37 weeks. Around half (47-63%) of all parents felt that elements of quality, respectful care were consistently applied, such as spending enough time with parents and involving parents in decision-making. Greater attention is required to providing thoughtful, empathic and collaborative care in all pregnancies following stillbirth. Specific education and training for health professionals is needed. More support for providing quality care in pregnancies after stillbirth is needed. Study rationale and design More than two million babies are stillborn every year. Most parents will conceive again soon after having a stillborn baby. These parents are more likely to have another stillborn baby in the next pregnancy than parents who have not had a stillborn baby before. The next pregnancy after stillbirth is often an extremely anxious time for parents, as they worry about whether their baby will survive. In this study we asked 2716 parents from 40 countries about the care they received during their first pregnancy after stillbirth. Parents were recruited mainly through the International Stillbirth Alliance and completed on online survey that was available in six languages. Findings Parents often had extra antenatal visits and extra ultrasound scans in the next pregnancy, but they rarely had extra emotional support. Also, many parents felt their care providers did not always listen to them and spend enough time with them, involve them in decisions, and take their concerns seriously. Parents were more likely to receive various forms of extra care in the next pregnancy if their baby had died later in pregnancy compared to earlier in pregnancy. Limitations In this study we only have information from parents who were able and willing to complete an online survey. Most of the parents were involved in charity and support groups and most parents lived in developed countries. We do not know how well the findings relate to other parents. Finally, our study does not include parents who may have tried for another pregnancy but were not able to conceive. Potential impact This study can help to improve care through the development of best practice guidelines for pregnancies following stillbirth. The results suggest that parents need better emotional support in these pregnancies, and more opportunities to participate actively in decisions about care. Extra support should be available no matter how far along in pregnancy the previous stillborn baby died. © 2016 Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Resuscitator’s perceptions and time for corrective ventilation steps during neonatal resuscitation☆

PubMed Central

Sharma, Vinay; Lakshminrusimha, Satyan; Carrion, Vivien; Mathew, Bobby

2016-01-01

Background The 2010 neonatal resuscitation program (NRP) guidelines incorporate ventilation corrective steps (using the mnemonic – MRSOPA) into the resuscitation algorithm. The perception of neonatal providers, time taken to perform these maneuvers or the effectiveness of these additional steps has not been evaluated. Methods Using two simulated clinical scenarios of varying degrees of cardiovascular compromise –perinatal asphyxia with (i) bradycardia (heart rate – 40 min−1) and (ii) cardiac arrest, 35 NRP certified providers were evaluated for preference to performing these corrective measures, the time taken for performing these steps and time to onset of chest compressions. Results The average time taken to perform ventilation corrective steps (MRSOPA) was 48.9 ± 21.4 s. Providers were less likely to perform corrective steps and proceed directly to endotracheal intubation in the scenario of cardiac arrest as compared to a state of bradycardia. Cardiac compressions were initiated significantly sooner in the scenario of cardiac arrest 89 ± 24 s as compared to severe bradycardia 122 ± 23 s, p < 0.0001. There were no differences in the time taken to initiation of chest compressions between physicians or mid-level care providers or with the level of experience of the provider. Conclusions Effective ventilation of the lungs with corrective steps using a mask is important in most cases of neonatal resuscitation. Neonatal resuscitators prefer early endotracheal intubation and initiation of chest compressions in the presence of asystolic cardiac arrest. Corrective ventilation steps can potentially postpone initiation of chest compressions and may delay return of spontaneous circulation in the presence of severe cardiovascular compromise. PMID:25796996

Additively Manufactured IN718 Components with Wirelessly Powered and Interrogated Embedded Sensing

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

Attridge, Paul; Bajekal, Sanjay; Klecka, Michael

A methodology is described for embedding commercial-off-the-shelf sensors together with wireless communication and power circuit elements using direct laser metal sintered additively manufactured components. Physics based models of the additive manufacturing processes and sensor/wireless level performance models guided the design and embedment processes. A combination of cold spray deposition and laser engineered net shaping was used to fashion the transmitter/receiving elements and embed the sensors, thereby providing environmental protection and component robustness/survivability for harsh conditions. By design, this complement of analog and digital sensors were wirelessly powered and interrogated using a health and utilization monitoring system; enabling real-time, in situmore » prognostics and diagnostics.« less

Estimating the economic opportunity cost of water use with river basin simulators in a computationally efficient way

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rougé, Charles; Harou, Julien J.; Pulido-Velazquez, Manuel; Matrosov, Evgenii S.

2017-04-01

The marginal opportunity cost of water refers to benefits forgone by not allocating an additional unit of water to its most economically productive use at a specific location in a river basin at a specific moment in time. Estimating the opportunity cost of water is an important contribution to water management as it can be used for better water allocation or better system operation, and can suggest where future water infrastructure could be most beneficial. Opportunity costs can be estimated using 'shadow values' provided by hydro-economic optimization models. Yet, such models' use of optimization means the models had difficulty accurately representing the impact of operating rules and regulatory and institutional mechanisms on actual water allocation. In this work we use more widely available river basin simulation models to estimate opportunity costs. This has been done before by adding in the model a small quantity of water at the place and time where the opportunity cost should be computed, then running a simulation and comparing the difference in system benefits. The added system benefits per unit of water added to the system then provide an approximation of the opportunity cost. This approximation can then be used to design efficient pricing policies that provide incentives for users to reduce their water consumption. Yet, this method requires one simulation run per node and per time step, which is demanding computationally for large-scale systems and short time steps (e.g., a day or a week). Besides, opportunity cost estimates are supposed to reflect the most productive use of an additional unit of water, yet the simulation rules do not necessarily use water that way. In this work, we propose an alternative approach, which computes the opportunity cost through a double backward induction, first recursively from outlet to headwaters within the river network at each time step, then recursively backwards in time. Both backward inductions only require linear operations, and the resulting algorithm tracks the maximal benefit that can be obtained by having an additional unit of water at any node in the network and at any date in time. Results 1) can be obtained from the results of a rule-based simulation using a single post-processing run, and 2) are exactly the (gross) benefit forgone by not allocating an additional unit of water to its most productive use. The proposed method is applied to London's water resource system to track the value of storage in the city's water supply reservoirs on the Thames River throughout a weekly 85-year simulation. Results, obtained in 0.4 seconds on a single processor, reflect the environmental cost of water shortage. This fast computation allows visualizing the seasonal variations of the opportunity cost depending on reservoir levels, demonstrating the potential of this approach for exploring water values and its variations using simulation models with multiple runs (e.g. of stochastically generated plausible future river inflows).

Do juveniles help or hinder? Influence of juvenile offspring on maternal behavior and reproductive outcomes in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).

PubMed

Stanton, Margaret A; Lonsdorf, Elizabeth V; Pusey, Anne E; Murray, Carson M

2017-10-01

Compared to great apes, humans maintain a relatively rapid reproductive pace despite long periods of dependency. This seemingly contradictory set of traits is made possible by weaning offspring before nutritional independence and alloparents who help provide care. In traditional societies, this help may be provided to mothers in part by their juvenile offspring who carry, supervise, or provision younger siblings. In contrast to humans, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are nutritionally independent after weaning, yet juveniles continue to travel with their mother and younger sibling for an additional 4-5 years. This continued association could be costly to the mother if she continues to invest in weaned offspring. Alternately, while juvenile chimpanzees do not typically provision younger siblings, their presence and social interaction with infants may allow mothers to focus on other tasks. In this study, we investigate the costs and benefits to mothers of continued association with juveniles in wild chimpanzees. Using 26 years of long-term behavioral data we examined how maternal activity budgets varied based on the presence of a dependent juvenile offspring. We found that continued social interaction between mothers and juveniles does not influence the mother's time allocated to interacting with the younger infant, her feeding, resting, or travel time, or time socializing with other community members. Instead, mothers may benefit from the additional social interaction and/or relationship with their older offspring. Using 45 years of demographic data we found that those offspring who had an older sibling tended to be more likely to survive each year from birth to 8 years than those without an older sibling. Additionally, interbirth intervals were more likely to end when the female had an older offspring present. A mutually beneficial mother-juvenile dynamic in great apes provides insight into continued association between mothers and offspring after nutritional independence and the emergence of juvenile helping during hominin evolution. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interactive internet-based clinical education: an efficient and cost-savings approach to point-of-care test training.

PubMed

Knapp, Herschel; Chan, Kee; Anaya, Henry D; Goetz, Matthew B

2011-06-01

We successfully created and implemented an effective HIV rapid testing training and certification curriculum using traditional in-person training at multiple sites within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System. Considering the multitude of geographically remote facilities in the nationwide VA system, coupled with the expansion of HIV diagnostics, we developed an alternate training method that is affordable, efficient, and effective. Using materials initially developed for in-person HIV rapid test in-services, we used a distance learning model to offer this training via live audiovisual online technology to educate clinicians at a remote outpatient primary care VA facility. Participants' evaluation metrics showed that this form of remote education is equivalent to in-person training; additionally, HIV testing rates increased considerably in the months following this intervention. Although there is a one-time setup cost associated with this remote training protocol, there is potential cost savings associated with the point-of-care nurse manager's time productivity by using the Internet in-service learning module for teaching HIV rapid testing. If additional in-service training modules are developed into Internet-based format, there is the potential for additional cost savings. Our cost analysis demonstrates that the remote in-service method provides a more affordable and efficient alternative compared with in-person training. The online in-service provided training that was equivalent to in-person sessions based on first-hand supervisor observation, participant satisfaction surveys, and follow-up results. This method saves time and money, requires fewer personnel, and affords access to expert trainers regardless of geographic location. Further, it is generalizable to training beyond HIV rapid testing. Based on these consistent implementation successes, we plan to expand use of online training to include remote VA satellite facilities spanning several states for a variety of diagnostic devices. Ultimately, Internet-based training has the potential to provide "big city" quality of care to patients at remote (rural) clinics.

Space Transportation System Availability Relationships to Life Cycle Cost

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rhodes, Russel E.; Donahue, Benjamin B.; Chen, Timothy T.

2009-01-01

Future space transportation architectures and designs must be affordable. Consequently, their Life Cycle Cost (LCC) must be controlled. For the LCC to be controlled, it is necessary to identify all the requirements and elements of the architecture at the beginning of the concept phase. Controlling LCC requires the establishment of the major operational cost drivers. Two of these major cost drivers are reliability and maintainability, in other words, the system's availability (responsiveness). Potential reasons that may drive the inherent availability requirement are the need to control the number of unique parts and the spare parts required to support the transportation system's operation. For more typical space transportation systems used to place satellites in space, the productivity of the system will drive the launch cost. This system productivity is the resultant output of the system availability. Availability is equal to the mean uptime divided by the sum of the mean uptime plus the mean downtime. Since many operational factors cannot be projected early in the definition phase, the focus will be on inherent availability which is equal to the mean time between a failure (MTBF) divided by the MTBF plus the mean time to repair (MTTR) the system. The MTBF is a function of reliability or the expected frequency of failures. When the system experiences failures the result is added operational flow time, parts consumption, and increased labor with an impact to responsiveness resulting in increased LCC. The other function of availability is the MTTR, or maintainability. In other words, how accessible is the failed hardware that requires replacement and what operational functions are required before and after change-out to make the system operable. This paper will describe how the MTTR can be equated to additional labor, additional operational flow time, and additional structural access capability, all of which drive up the LCC. A methodology will be presented that provides the decision makers with the understanding necessary to place constraints on the design definition. This methodology for the major drivers will determine the inherent availability, safety, reliability, maintainability, and the life cycle cost of the fielded system. This methodology will focus on the achievement of an affordable, responsive space transportation system. It is the intent of this paper to not only provide the visibility of the relationships of these major attribute drivers (variables) to each other and the resultant system inherent availability, but also to provide the capability to bound the variables, thus providing the insight required to control the system's engineering solution. An example of this visibility is the need to provide integration of similar discipline functions to allow control of the total parts count of the space transportation system. Also, selecting a reliability requirement will place a constraint on parts count to achieve a given inherent availability requirement, or require accepting a larger parts count with the resulting higher individual part reliability requirements. This paper will provide an understanding of the relationship of mean repair time (mean downtime) to maintainability (accessibility for repair), and both mean time between failure (reliability of hardware) and the system inherent availability.

Automation of Precise Time Reference Stations (PTRS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wheeler, P. J.

1985-04-01

The U.S. Naval Observatory is presently engaged in a program of automating precise time stations (PTS) and precise time reference stations (PTBS) by using a versatile mini-computer controlled data acquisition system (DAS). The data acquisition system is configured to monitor locally available PTTI signals such as LORAN-C, OMEGA, and/or the Global Positioning System. In addition, the DAS performs local standard intercomparison. Computer telephone communications provide automatic data transfer to the Naval Observatory. Subsequently, after analysis of the data, results and information can be sent back to the precise time reference station to provide automatic control of remote station timing. The DAS configuration is designed around state of the art standard industrial high reliability modules. The system integration and software are standardized but allow considerable flexibility to satisfy special local requirements such as stability measurements, performance evaluation and printing of messages and certificates. The DAS operates completely independently and may be queried or controlled at any time with a computer or terminal device (control is protected for use by authorized personnel only). Such DAS equipped PTS are operational in Hawaii, California, Texas and Florida.

Death, time and the theory of relativity.

PubMed

Chochinov, Harvey Max

2011-09-01

Many people believe that spending large amounts of money on end-of-life care is unjustified and even irrational. This fails to recognize that the value of time, particularly quality time, appears to increase as death draws near. Paying for treatment that merely allows patients and families to avoid confronting the inevitability of death is wrong. However, palliative care, which can bolster the quality of a patient's remaining days, provides benefits that extend to the family and beyond. How can the notion of time gaining value toward the end of life be incorporated into conventional cost-benefit analyses? A standard QALY (Quality Adjusted Life Years) is the product of quality of life and time, without adjusting for any change in the value of time. An additional variable--a Valuation Index (Palliative) (or VIP)--needs to be factored into the equation, providing a rational explanation for what otherwise might be deemed irrational spending. When one recognizes the multitude of important things that happen as people approach the very end of life, the numbers start to add up. Copyright © 2011 U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The TDR: A Repository for Long Term Storage of Geophysical Data and Metadata

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, A.; Baltzer, T.; Caron, J.

2006-12-01

For many years Unidata has provided easy, low cost data access to universities and research labs. Historically Unidata technology provided access to data in near real time. In recent years Unidata has additionally turned to providing middleware to serve longer term data and associated metadata via its THREDDS technology, the most recent offering being the THREDDS Data Server (TDS). The TDS provides middleware for metadata access and management, OPeNDAP data access, and integration with the Unidata Integrated Data Viewer (IDV), among other benefits. The TDS was designed to support rolling archives of data, that is, data that exist only for a relatively short, predefined time window. Now we are creating an addition to the TDS, called the THREDDS Data Repository (TDR), which allows users to store and retrieve data and other objects for an arbitrarily long time period. Data in the TDR can also be served by the TDS. The TDR performs important functions of locating storage for the data, moving the data to and from the repository, assigning unique identifiers, and generating metadata. The TDR framework supports pluggable components that allow tailoring an implementation for a particular application. The Linked Environments for Atmospheric Discovery (LEAD) project provides an excellent use case for the TDR. LEAD is a multi-institutional Large Information Technology Research project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The goal of LEAD is to create a framework based on Grid and Web Services to support mesoscale meteorology research and education. This includes capabilities such as launching forecast models, mining data for meteorological phenomena, and dynamic workflows that are automatically reconfigurable in response to changing weather. LEAD presents unique challenges in managing and storing large data volumes from real-time observational systems as well as data that are dynamically created during the execution of adaptive workflows. For example, in order to support storage of many large data products, the LEAD implementation of the TDR will provide a variety of data movement options, including gridftp. It will have a web service interface and will be callable programmatically as well as via interactive user requests. Future plans include the use of a mass storage device to provide robust long term storage. This talk will present the current state of the TDR effort.

Capacity planning for maternal-fetal medicine using discrete event simulation.

PubMed

Ferraro, Nicole M; Reamer, Courtney B; Reynolds, Thomas A; Howell, Lori J; Moldenhauer, Julie S; Day, Theodore Eugene

2015-07-01

Maternal-fetal medicine is a rapidly growing field requiring collaboration from many subspecialties. We provide an evidence-based estimate of capacity needs for our clinic, as well as demonstrate how simulation can aid in capacity planning in similar environments. A Discrete Event Simulation of the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment and Special Delivery Unit at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was designed and validated. This model was then used to determine the time until demand overwhelms inpatient bed availability under increasing capacity. No significant deviation was found between historical inpatient censuses and simulated censuses for the validation phase (p = 0.889). Prospectively increasing capacity was found to delay time to balk (the inability of the center to provide bed space for a patient in need of admission). With current capacity, the model predicts mean time to balk of 276 days. Adding three beds delays mean time to first balk to 762 days; an additional six beds to 1,335 days. Providing sufficient access is a patient safety issue, and good planning is crucial for targeting infrastructure investments appropriately. Computer-simulated analysis can provide an evidence base for both medical and administrative decision making in a complex clinical environment. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Developing a model for agile supply: an empirical study from Iranian pharmaceutical supply chain.

PubMed

Rajabzadeh Ghatari, Ali; Mehralian, Gholamhossein; Zarenezhad, Forouzandeh; Rasekh, Hamid Reza

2013-01-01

Agility is the fundamental characteristic of a supply chain needed for survival in turbulent markets, where environmental forces create additional uncertainty resulting in higher risk in the supply chain management. In addition, agility helps providing the right product, at the right time to the consumer. The main goal of this research is therefore to promote supplier selection in pharmaceutical industry according to the formative basic factors. Moreover, this paper can configure its supply network to achieve the agile supply chain. The present article analyzes the supply part of supply chain based on SCOR model, used to assess agile supply chains by highlighting their specific characteristics and applicability in providing the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). This methodology provides an analytical modeling; the model enables potential suppliers to be assessed against the multiple criteria using both quantitative and qualitative measures. In addition, for making priority of critical factors, TOPSIS algorithm has been used as a common technique of MADM model. Finally, several factors such as delivery speed, planning and reorder segmentation, trust development and material quantity adjustment are identified and prioritized as critical factors for being agile in supply of API.

Developing a Model for Agile Supply: an Empirical Study from Iranian Pharmaceutical Supply Chain

PubMed Central

Rajabzadeh Ghatari, Ali; Mehralian, Gholamhossein; Zarenezhad, Forouzandeh; Rasekh, Hamid Reza

2013-01-01

Agility is the fundamental characteristic of a supply chain needed for survival in turbulent markets, where environmental forces create additional uncertainty resulting in higher risk in the supply chain management. In addition, agility helps providing the right product, at the right time to the consumer. The main goal of this research is therefore to promote supplier selection in pharmaceutical industry according to the formative basic factors. Moreover, this paper can configure its supply network to achieve the agile supply chain. The present article analyzes the supply part of supply chain based on SCOR model, used to assess agile supply chains by highlighting their specific characteristics and applicability in providing the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). This methodology provides an analytical modeling; the model enables potential suppliers to be assessed against the multiple criteria using both quantitative and qualitative measures. In addition, for making priority of critical factors, TOPSIS algorithm has been used as a common technique of MADM model. Finally, several factors such as delivery speed, planning and reorder segmentation, trust development and material quantity adjustment are identified and prioritized as critical factors for being agile in supply of API. PMID:24250689

Some services of the Time and Frequency Division of the National Bureau of Standards

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barnes, J. A.

1973-01-01

The Time and Frequency Division of the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) provides several services to the general public. The radio broadcasts of WWV, WWVH, and WWVB supply reliable, unambiguous time signals to many users. The NBS telephone time-of-day service attracts several hundreds of thousands of calls each year. Periodically, the NBS provides courses on specific topics relating to time and frequency technology. In addition to numerous technical papers published each year, the NBS has prepared the first volume of a comprehensive monograph on time and frequency. The results of research in the Time and Frequency Division of the NBS have had significant impact. An active TV time system capable of serving most of the U.S. currently awaits a ruling by the FCC on a petition filed last year on behalf of the NBS by the Department of Commerce. Three more recent developments are: (1) a TV frequency comparator (patent applied for); (2) a method to perform an independent (absolute) frequency evaluation of commercial cesium beam oscillators; and (3) a method of removing one source of frequency drift in commercial cesium beam oscillators.

Race-specific trends in HPV vaccinations and provider recommendations: persistent disparities or social progress?

PubMed

Burdette, Amy M; Webb, Noah S; Hill, Terrence D; Jokinen-Gordon, Hanna

2017-01-01

Although racial and ethnic differences in HPV vaccination initiation are well established, it is unclear whether these disparities have changed over time. The role of health provider recommendations in reducing any racial and ethnic inequalities is also uncertain. This study addresses these gaps in the literature. Repeated cross-sectional design. Using data from the National Immunization Survey-Teen (2008-2013), we estimated a series of binary logistic regressions to model race-specific trends in (1) provider recommendations to vaccinate against HPV and (2) HPV vaccine initiation for males (n = 56,632) and females (n = 77,389). Provider recommendations to vaccinate and HPV vaccination uptake have increased over time for adolescent males and females and across all racial and ethnic groups. Among girls, minority youths have seen a sharper increase in provider recommendations and HPV vaccination uptake than their White counterparts. Among boys, minority teens maintain higher overall rates of HPV vaccine uptake, however, Hispanics have lagged behind non-Hispanic Whites in the rate of increase in provider recommendations and HPV vaccinations. Our results suggest that racial and ethnic disparities in provider recommendations and HPV vaccinations have waned over time among males and females. While these trends are welcomed, additional interventions are warranted to increase overall rates of vaccination across race, ethnicity, and gender. Copyright © 2016 The Royal Society for Public Health. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

FPGA implementation of a biological neural network based on the Hodgkin-Huxley neuron model.

PubMed

Yaghini Bonabi, Safa; Asgharian, Hassan; Safari, Saeed; Nili Ahmadabadi, Majid

2014-01-01

A set of techniques for efficient implementation of Hodgkin-Huxley-based (H-H) model of a neural network on FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is presented. The central implementation challenge is H-H model complexity that puts limits on the network size and on the execution speed. However, basics of the original model cannot be compromised when effect of synaptic specifications on the network behavior is the subject of study. To solve the problem, we used computational techniques such as CORDIC (Coordinate Rotation Digital Computer) algorithm and step-by-step integration in the implementation of arithmetic circuits. In addition, we employed different techniques such as sharing resources to preserve the details of model as well as increasing the network size in addition to keeping the network execution speed close to real time while having high precision. Implementation of a two mini-columns network with 120/30 excitatory/inhibitory neurons is provided to investigate the characteristic of our method in practice. The implementation techniques provide an opportunity to construct large FPGA-based network models to investigate the effect of different neurophysiological mechanisms, like voltage-gated channels and synaptic activities, on the behavior of a neural network in an appropriate execution time. Additional to inherent properties of FPGA, like parallelism and re-configurability, our approach makes the FPGA-based system a proper candidate for study on neural control of cognitive robots and systems as well.

The EMBRACE Magnetometer Network in South America: Network Description and Firsts Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denardini, Clezio Marcos

We present the new EMBRACE Magnetometer Network in South America, which so far is planned to cover most of the Easter Southern American longitudinal sector deploying magnetometer in several locations. We discuss the purpose and scientific goals of the network, associated with the Low- and Mid-Latitude Ionospheric Currents and Space Weather. We provide details on the instrumentation, the inter-calibration procedure, and installations of equipments already installed. In addition, we present and discuss details on the data storage, near-real time display and availability. Finally, we provide some of the first results we already achieved from this network, including the development of new real time magnetic regional indices for South America. Contacting Author: C. M. Denardini (clezio.denardin@inpe.br)

Privacy-Preserving Authentication of Users with Smart Cards Using One-Time Credentials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Jun-Cheol

User privacy preservation is critical to prevent many sophisticated attacks that are based on the user's server access patterns and ID-related information. We propose a password-based user authentication scheme that provides strong privacy protection using one-time credentials. It eliminates the possibility of tracing a user's authentication history and hides the user's ID and password even from servers. In addition, it is resistant against user impersonation even if both a server's verification database and a user's smart card storage are disclosed. We also provide a revocation scheme for a user to promptly invalidate the user's credentials on a server when the user's smart card is compromised. The schemes use lightweight operations only such as computing hashes and bitwise XORs.

Three-dimensional imaging for large LArTPCs

DOE PAGES

Qian, X.; Zhang, Chao; Viren, B.; ...

2018-05-29

High-performance event reconstruction is critical for current and future massive liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs) to realize their full scientific potential. LArTPCs with readout using wire planes provide a limited number of 2D projections. In general, without a pixel- type readout it is challenging to achieve unambiguous 3D event reconstruction. As a remedy, we present a novel 3D imaging method, Wire-Cell, which incorporates the charge and sparsity information in addition to the time and geometry through simple and robust mathematics. Furthermore, the resulting 3D image of ionization density provides an excellent starting point for further reconstruction and enables themore » true power of 3D tracking calorimetry in LArTPCs.« less

LIMO EEG: a toolbox for hierarchical LInear MOdeling of ElectroEncephaloGraphic data.

PubMed

Pernet, Cyril R; Chauveau, Nicolas; Gaspar, Carl; Rousselet, Guillaume A

2011-01-01

Magnetic- and electric-evoked brain responses have traditionally been analyzed by comparing the peaks or mean amplitudes of signals from selected channels and averaged across trials. More recently, tools have been developed to investigate single trial response variability (e.g., EEGLAB) and to test differences between averaged evoked responses over the entire scalp and time dimensions (e.g., SPM, Fieldtrip). LIMO EEG is a Matlab toolbox (EEGLAB compatible) to analyse evoked responses over all space and time dimensions, while accounting for single trial variability using a simple hierarchical linear modelling of the data. In addition, LIMO EEG provides robust parametric tests, therefore providing a new and complementary tool in the analysis of neural evoked responses.

LIMO EEG: A Toolbox for Hierarchical LInear MOdeling of ElectroEncephaloGraphic Data

PubMed Central

Pernet, Cyril R.; Chauveau, Nicolas; Gaspar, Carl; Rousselet, Guillaume A.

2011-01-01

Magnetic- and electric-evoked brain responses have traditionally been analyzed by comparing the peaks or mean amplitudes of signals from selected channels and averaged across trials. More recently, tools have been developed to investigate single trial response variability (e.g., EEGLAB) and to test differences between averaged evoked responses over the entire scalp and time dimensions (e.g., SPM, Fieldtrip). LIMO EEG is a Matlab toolbox (EEGLAB compatible) to analyse evoked responses over all space and time dimensions, while accounting for single trial variability using a simple hierarchical linear modelling of the data. In addition, LIMO EEG provides robust parametric tests, therefore providing a new and complementary tool in the analysis of neural evoked responses. PMID:21403915

Three-dimensional imaging for large LArTPCs

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

Qian, X.; Zhang, Chao; Viren, B.

High-performance event reconstruction is critical for current and future massive liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs) to realize their full scientific potential. LArTPCs with readout using wire planes provide a limited number of 2D projections. In general, without a pixel- type readout it is challenging to achieve unambiguous 3D event reconstruction. As a remedy, we present a novel 3D imaging method, Wire-Cell, which incorporates the charge and sparsity information in addition to the time and geometry through simple and robust mathematics. Furthermore, the resulting 3D image of ionization density provides an excellent starting point for further reconstruction and enables themore » true power of 3D tracking calorimetry in LArTPCs.« less

[Prolonged-release drug formulations for parenteral administration. Part II. Microspheres and implants for injection].

PubMed

Płaczek, Margin; Jacyna, Julia; Sznitowska, Małgorzata

2014-01-01

Microspheres and implants are injectable drug forms, which by special design and selection of appropriate excipients, provide for a long time constant release rate of an active substance in the body. Development of both would not be possible without advances in polymer technology and invention of safe and biocompatible polymers such as: polyesters, vinyl acetate derivatives or silicones. Polymeric matrices provide retardation of drug release--for some implants up to a few years. In addition, this paper presents examples of all commercially available medicinal products containing microspheres and implants, currently registered in Poland, together with their characteristics: composition, time course and frequency of administration. Comments are also enclosed on frequently occurring inconsistent terminology in pharmaceutical forms.

Detecting nonlinear dynamics of functional connectivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LaConte, Stephen M.; Peltier, Scott J.; Kadah, Yasser; Ngan, Shing-Chung; Deshpande, Gopikrishna; Hu, Xiaoping

2004-04-01

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a technique that is sensitive to correlates of neuronal activity. The application of fMRI to measure functional connectivity of related brain regions across hemispheres (e.g. left and right motor cortices) has great potential for revealing fundamental physiological brain processes. Primarily, functional connectivity has been characterized by linear correlations in resting-state data, which may not provide a complete description of its temporal properties. In this work, we broaden the measure of functional connectivity to study not only linear correlations, but also those arising from deterministic, non-linear dynamics. Here the delta-epsilon approach is extended and applied to fMRI time series. The method of delays is used to reconstruct the joint system defined by a reference pixel and a candidate pixel. The crux of this technique relies on determining whether the candidate pixel provides additional information concerning the time evolution of the reference. As in many correlation-based connectivity studies, we fix the reference pixel. Every brain location is then used as a candidate pixel to estimate the spatial pattern of deterministic coupling with the reference. Our results indicate that measured connectivity is often emphasized in the motor cortex contra-lateral to the reference pixel, demonstrating the suitability of this approach for functional connectivity studies. In addition, discrepancies with traditional correlation analysis provide initial evidence for non-linear dynamical properties of resting-state fMRI data. Consequently, the non-linear characterization provided from our approach may provide a more complete description of the underlying physiology and brain function measured by this type of data.

Comprehensive characterization of ethoxyquin transformation products in fish feed by traveling-wave ion mobility spectrometry coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Negreira, Noelia; Regueiro, Jorge; Valdersnes, Stig; Berntssen, Marc H G; Ørnsrud, Robin

2017-05-01

Feed additives are typically used in intensive farming production over long periods, and hence, they can accumulate in farmed animal tissues. Concerns regarding the use of ethoxyquin as an antioxidant feed additive, have recently arisen due to its potential conversion into a series of transformation products (TPs). The aim of this work was to characterize the TPs of ethoxyquin in fish feed by a novel approach based on the use of traveling-wave ion mobility spectrometry (TWIMS) coupled to high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOFMS). First, ethoxyquin was oxidized under controlled conditions and the generated TPs were added to a comprehensive database. Atlantic salmon feeds were then screened for ethoxyquin TPs using both targeted and untargeted approaches. Twenty-seven TPs were tentatively identified during the oxidation experiments, fifteen of them also being present in the feed samples. In addition, ten other potential TPs were detected in fish feed following the untargeted approach. Thirty-one of these TPs have been reported for the first time in this work through the oxidation experiments and the feed samples. Therefore, this study provides valuable information on the oxidative fate of ethoxyquin in feed, which can be used for future evaluations of potential risk related to this additive. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Estimation of Dynamic Sparse Connectivity Patterns From Resting State fMRI.

PubMed

Cai, Biao; Zille, Pascal; Stephen, Julia M; Wilson, Tony W; Calhoun, Vince D; Wang, Yu Ping

2018-05-01

Functional connectivity (FC) estimated from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) time series, especially during resting state periods, provides a powerful tool to assess human brain functional architecture in health, disease, and developmental states. Recently, the focus of connectivity analysis has shifted toward the subnetworks of the brain, which reveals co-activating patterns over time. Most prior works produced a dense set of high-dimensional vectors, which are hard to interpret. In addition, their estimations to a large extent were based on an implicit assumption of spatial and temporal stationarity throughout the fMRI scanning session. In this paper, we propose an approach called dynamic sparse connectivity patterns (dSCPs), which takes advantage of both matrix factorization and time-varying fMRI time series to improve the estimation power of FC. The feasibility of analyzing dynamic FC with our model is first validated through simulated experiments. Then, we use our framework to measure the difference between young adults and children with real fMRI data set from the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort (PNC). The results from the PNC data set showed significant FC differences between young adults and children in four different states. For instance, young adults had reduced connectivity between the default mode network and other subnetworks, as well as hyperconnectivity within the visual system in states 1 and 3, and hypoconnectivity in state 2. Meanwhile, they exhibited temporal correlation patterns that changed over time within functional subnetworks. In addition, the dSCPs model indicated that older people tend to spend more time within a relatively connected FC pattern. Overall, the proposed method provides a valid means to assess dynamic FC, which could facilitate the study of brain networks.

A Categorization of Dynamic Analyzers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lujan, Michelle R.

1997-01-01

Program analysis techniques and tools are essential to the development process because of the support they provide in detecting errors and deficiencies at different phases of development. The types of information rendered through analysis includes the following: statistical measurements of code, type checks, dataflow analysis, consistency checks, test data,verification of code, and debugging information. Analyzers can be broken into two major categories: dynamic and static. Static analyzers examine programs with respect to syntax errors and structural properties., This includes gathering statistical information on program content, such as the number of lines of executable code, source lines. and cyclomatic complexity. In addition, static analyzers provide the ability to check for the consistency of programs with respect to variables. Dynamic analyzers in contrast are dependent on input and the execution of a program providing the ability to find errors that cannot be detected through the use of static analysis alone. Dynamic analysis provides information on the behavior of a program rather than on the syntax. Both types of analysis detect errors in a program, but dynamic analyzers accomplish this through run-time behavior. This paper focuses on the following broad classification of dynamic analyzers: 1) Metrics; 2) Models; and 3) Monitors. Metrics are those analyzers that provide measurement. The next category, models, captures those analyzers that present the state of the program to the user at specified points in time. The last category, monitors, checks specified code based on some criteria. The paper discusses each classification and the techniques that are included under them. In addition, the role of each technique in the software life cycle is discussed. Familiarization with the tools that measure, model and monitor programs provides a framework for understanding the program's dynamic behavior from different, perspectives through analysis of the input/output data.

34 CFR 33.39 - Appeal to Department head.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... extension within the initial 30-day period and shows good cause. (c) If the defendant files a timely notice... the Department head that additional evidence not presented at such hearing is material and that there.... (Authority: 31 U.S.C. 3803(i)(2)) (l) Unless a petition for review is filed as provided in 31 U.S.C. 3805...

47 CFR 0.465 - Request for copies of materials which are available, or made available, for public inspection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION GENERAL COMMISSION ORGANIZATION General Information Public Information and Inspection... this service shall be ten cents ($0.10) per page or $5 per computer disk in addition to charges for staff time as provided in § 0.467. For copies prepared with other media, such as computer tapes...

47 CFR 0.465 - Request for copies of materials which are available, or made available, for public inspection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION GENERAL COMMISSION ORGANIZATION General Information Public Information and Inspection... this service shall be ten cents ($0.10) per page or $5 per computer disk in addition to charges for staff time as provided in § 0.467. For copies prepared with other media, such as computer tapes...

47 CFR 0.465 - Request for copies of materials which are available, or made available, for public inspection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION GENERAL COMMISSION ORGANIZATION General Information Public Information and Inspection... this service shall be ten cents ($0.10) per page or $5 per computer disk in addition to charges for staff time as provided in § 0.467. For copies prepared with other media, such as computer tapes...

Kinesthetic Life Cycle of Stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reinfeld, Erika L.; Hartman, Mark A.

We present a kinesthetic approach to learning about the life cycle of stars. Using a simplified two-layer model for stellar structure, learners recreate kinesthetically the birth, life, and death of low- and high-mass stars. Examples of how this activity has been used in several settings outside school time provide additional resources for extending student learning about this topic.

77 FR 11175 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Depository Trust Company; Notice of Filing and Immediate...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-24

... support the Request. In order to facilitate this automation, DTC will create a function that will provide... automation, DTC will be able to reduce the notification time frame on full call MMIs so that effective April... automation input mechanism. Additionally, at the request of the Options Clearing Corporation (``OCC''), DTC...

Parenting in the '80s. . . Student Guide. Brookhaven College Child Development Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Linn, Hilda; And Others

This guide was developed to accompany a series of 16 seminars on parenting offered by the Brookhaven College Child Development Program to help meet the concerns and needs of working parents in a time of changing lifestyles and family patterns. In addition to providing an overview of each seminar topic, the guide contains informational essays…

Description of the male and redescription of the female of Agaurella mirabilis (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1891) (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) with new behavioral data.

PubMed

Mendes, Diego Matheus De Mello; Alves-Oliveira, João Rafael

2015-12-10

The description of the male of Agaurella miriabilis is provided as well as the redescription of the female with additional characters. It is recorded for the first time the geographical occurence to Brazil, within the states of Amazonas and Rondônia, and behavioral data.

29 CFR 1918.66 - Cranes and derricks other than vessel's gear.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... body of the crane and any fixed structure or between parts of the crane. (3) Prohibited usage. (i....g., a computer) providing indications in the cab according to the radius and load at the moment; or... survey (see § 1918.11) and at such additional times as may be recommended by the manufacturer. (iv) When...

29 CFR 1918.66 - Cranes and derricks other than vessel's gear.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... body of the crane and any fixed structure or between parts of the crane. (3) Prohibited usage. (i....g., a computer) providing indications in the cab according to the radius and load at the moment; or... survey (see § 1918.11) and at such additional times as may be recommended by the manufacturer. (iv) When...

29 CFR 1918.66 - Cranes and derricks other than vessel's gear.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... body of the crane and any fixed structure or between parts of the crane. (3) Prohibited usage. (i....g., a computer) providing indications in the cab according to the radius and load at the moment; or... survey (see § 1918.11) and at such additional times as may be recommended by the manufacturer. (iv) When...

29 CFR 1918.66 - Cranes and derricks other than vessel's gear.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... body of the crane and any fixed structure or between parts of the crane. (3) Prohibited usage. (i....g., a computer) providing indications in the cab according to the radius and load at the moment; or... survey (see § 1918.11) and at such additional times as may be recommended by the manufacturer. (iv) When...

29 CFR 1918.66 - Cranes and derricks other than vessel's gear.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... body of the crane and any fixed structure or between parts of the crane. (3) Prohibited usage. (i....g., a computer) providing indications in the cab according to the radius and load at the moment; or... survey (see § 1918.11) and at such additional times as may be recommended by the manufacturer. (iv) When...

Students' Intention to Take Online Courses in High School: A Structural Equation Model of Causality and Determinants

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Badri, Masood; Al Rashedi, Asma; Yang, Guang; Mohaidat, Jihad; Al Hammadi, Arif

2016-01-01

Offering an online integrated high-school course or subject for the first time involves many challenges. Better understanding the factors that affect students' willingness to participate in the experience could provide support for better implementation of such a strategic initiative. In addition, it is important to understand how personal factors…

Examination of a Paradigm for Preparing Undergraduates for a Career in the Retailing Industries: Mentors, Curriculum, and an Internship

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wesley, Scarlett C.; Bickle, Marianne C.

2005-01-01

Internships provide the opportunity to apply classroom theory into practical, hands-on experience while simultaneously developing skills that improve course performance (Daugherty, 2000). In addition, the experiential opportunity increases the probability for securing a full-time position upon graduation. The purposes of this study are to examine…

Endoscopic Pneumatic Dilation for Esophageal Achalasia.

PubMed

Markar, Sheraz; Zaninotto, Giovanni

2018-04-01

Pneumatic dilation is a well-established treatment modality that has withstood the test of time. Prospective and randomized trials have shown that in expert hands, it provides results similar to a laparoscopic Heller myotomy with fundoplication. In addition, it should be considered the primary form of treatment in patients who experience recurrence of symptoms after a surgical myotomy.

75 FR 59935 - Investigational New Drug Safety Reporting Requirements for Human Drug and Biological Products and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-29

... safety reporting for human drug products: Janet Norden, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and... for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration,1401 Rockville Pike, suite 200N..., 2003. At the request of industry, and to provide all interested persons additional time to comment, the...

The Challenges to Human Resources Development of Libraries in Times of Radical and Generational Changes.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muller, Uta

Librarianship has undergone a radical change in recent years, which will be continued in the future. Whereas previously the administration of media was most important, nowadays an ever increasing willingness to provide a service is required. In addition to the essential restructuring of libraries, a generational change is taking place within the…

Flood-inundation maps for South Fork Peachtree Creek from the Brockett Road bridge to the Willivee Drive bridge, DeKalb County, Georgia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Musser, Jonathan W.

2015-10-14

The availability of these flood-inundation maps, when combined with real-time stage information from USGS streamgages, provides emergency management personnel and residents with critical information during flood-response activities, such as evacuations and road closures, in addition to post-flood recovery efforts.

Comprehensive K-3 Reading Policy: Fundamental Principles. ExcelinEd Policy Toolkit, 2017

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Foundation for Excellence in Education, 2017

2017-01-01

A Comprehensive K-3 Reading Policy establishes intensive reading intervention for K-3 students to ensure they read on grade level by the end of third grade. The policy then requires third grade students to demonstrate sufficient reading skills for promotion to fourth grade. Retention provides struggling readers the additional time and intensive…

Geospatial methods provide timely and comprehensive urban forest information

Treesearch

Kathleen T. Ward; Gary R. Johnson

2007-01-01

Urban forests are unique and highly valued resources. However, trees in urban forests are often under greater stress than those in rural or undeveloped areas due to soil compaction, restricted growing spaces, high temperatures, and exposure to air and water pollution. In addition, conditions change more quickly in urban as opposed to rural and undeveloped settings....

Additional requirements for charitable hospitals; community health needs assessments for charitable hospitals; requirement of a section 4959 excise tax return and time for filing the return. Final regulations and removal of temporary regulations.

PubMed

2014-12-31

This document contains final regulations that provide guidance regarding the requirements for charitable hospital organizations added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. The regulations will affect charitable hospital organizations

Assurance of lubricant supply in wet-lubricated space bearings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glassow, F. A.

1976-01-01

Conventional lubrication techniques appear to be satisfactory, but rigorous proof of meeting a ten-year life requirement is lacking. One approach provides additional lubricant only when commanded from ground control, while the other passively augments lubrication at all times. Each technique has specific advantages, and selection should be related to the application to obtain optimum performance.

Aircraft Command in Emergency Situations (ACES). Phase 1. Concept. Development

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-04-01

tine-consuming, and if the left pack is malfunctioning, can allow large quantities of smoke to enter the passenger cabin, creating high levels of...airport, thus providing the crew additional time to evc’,ataIe th airplanc . ’li maved in landing the aircraft safely results from: a0 I)ctectioi n (f

The Antecedents, Objects, and Consequents of User Trust in Location-Based Social Networks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Russo, Paul

2012-01-01

Online social networks provide rich opportunities to interact with friends and other online community members. At the same time, the addition of emerging location-sharing technologies--which broadcast a user's location online, including who they are with and what is happening nearby--is creating new dimensions to the types of interactions…

Cyber Bullying Victimization of Elementary School Students and Their Reflections on the Victimization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sezer, Merve; Sahin, Ismail; Akturk, Ahmet Oguz

2013-01-01

With the use of developing technology, mostly in communication and entertainment, students spend considerable time on the Internet. In addition to the advantages provided by the Internet, social isolation brings problems such as addiction. This is one of the problems of the virtual violence. Cyber bullying is the common name of the intensities…

Impact of iPads on Break-Time in Primary Schools--A Danish Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schilhab, Theresa

2017-01-01

Today, technology in the form of tablet computers (e.g. iPads) is crucial as a tool for learning and education. Tablets support educational activities such as archiving, word processing, and generation of academic products. They also connect with the Internet, providing access to news, encyclopaedic entries, and e-books. In addition, tablets have…

Student Teams' Development over Time: Tracing the Relationship between the Quality of Communication and Teams' Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pöysä-Tarhonen, Johanna; Elen, Jan; Tarhonen, Pasi

2016-01-01

Current discussions in higher education and alumni training acknowledge the challenges training programs face in responding to the authentic needs of the labor market. In addition to academic knowledge, higher education institutions are expected to provide general twenty-first-century skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking,…

26 CFR 53.4958-3 - Definition of disqualified person.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... by profession, works part-time at R, a local museum. In the first taxable year in which R employs N, R pays N a salary and provides no additional benefits to N except for free admission to the museum... responsibility for supervising Z's day-to-day operations. For example, E can hire faculty members and staff, make...

12 CFR 1202.9 - How do I appeal a response denying my FOIA request?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

.... The electronic mail address is: [email protected]gov. For mail or delivery service, the mailing address is...://www.fhfa.gov, provides additional information to assist you in making your appeal. (b) Timing, form... with the decision; or (3) Remand a request to FHFA or FHFA-OIG, as appropriate, for re-processing...

Real time data acquisition of a countrywide commercial microwave link network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chwala, Christian; Keis, Felix; Kunstmann, Harald

2015-04-01

Research in recent years has shown that data from commercial microwave link networks can provide very valuable precipitation information. Since these networks comprise the backbone of the cell phone network, they provide countrywide coverage. However acquiring the necessary data from the network operators is still difficult. Data is usually made available for researchers with a large time delay and often at irregular basis. This of course hinders the exploitation of commercial microwave link data in operational applications like QPE forecasts running at national meteorological services. To overcome this, we have developed a custom software in joint cooperation with our industry partner Ericsson. The software is installed on a dedicated server at Ericsson and is capable of acquiring data from the countrywide microwave link network in Germany. In its current first operational testing phase, data from several hundred microwave links in southern Germany is recorded. All data is instantaneously sent to our server where it is stored and organized in an emerging database. Time resolution for the Ericsson data is one minute. The custom acquisition software, however, is capable of processing higher sampling rates. Additionally we acquire and manage 1 Hz data from four microwave links operated by the skiing resort in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. We will present the concept of the data acquisition and show details of the custom-built software. Additionally we will showcase the accessibility and basic processing of real time microwave link data via our database web frontend.

Optimizing Urine Processing Protocols for Protein and Metabolite Detection.

PubMed

Siddiqui, Nazema Y; DuBois, Laura G; St John-Williams, Lisa; Will, Thompson J; Grenier, Carole; Burke, Emily; Fraser, Matthew O; Amundsen, Cindy L; Murphy, Susan K

In urine, factors such as timing of voids, and duration at room temperature (RT) may affect the quality of recovered protein and metabolite data. Additives may aid with detection, but can add more complexity in sample collection or analysis. We aimed to identify the optimal urine processing protocol for clinically-obtained urine samples that allows for the highest protein and metabolite yields with minimal degradation. Healthy women provided multiple urine samples during the same day. Women collected their first morning (1 st AM) void and another "random void". Random voids were aliquotted with: 1) no additive; 2) boric acid (BA); 3) protease inhibitor (PI); or 4) both BA + PI. Of these aliquots, some were immediately stored at 4°C, and some were left at RT for 4 hours. Proteins and individual metabolites were quantified, normalized to creatinine concentrations, and compared across processing conditions. Sample pools corresponding to each processing condition were analyzed using mass spectrometry to assess protein degradation. Ten Caucasian women between 35-65 years of age provided paired 1 st morning and random voided urine samples. Normalized protein concentrations were slightly higher in 1 st AM compared to random "spot" voids. The addition of BA did not significantly change proteins, while PI significantly improved normalized protein concentrations, regardless of whether samples were immediately cooled or left at RT for 4 hours. In pooled samples, there were minimal differences in protein degradation under the various conditions we tested. In metabolite analyses, there were significant differences in individual amino acids based on the timing of the void. For comparative translational research using urine, information about void timing should be collected and standardized. For urine samples processed in the same day, BA does not appear to be necessary while the addition of PI enhances protein yields, regardless of 4°C or RT storage temperature.

Stimuli inevitably generated by behavior that avoids electric shock are inherently reinforcing.

PubMed Central

Dinsmoor, J A

2001-01-01

A molecular analysis based on the termination of stimuli that are positively correlated with shock and the production of stimuli that are negatively correlated with shock provides a parsimonious count for both traditional discrete-trial avoidance behavior and the data derived from more recent free-operant procedures. The necessary stimuli are provided by the intrinsic feedback generated by the subject's behavior, in addition to those presented by the experimenter. Moreover, all data compatible with the molar principle of shock-frequency reduction as reinforcement are also compatible with a delay-of-shock gradient, but some data compatible with the delay gradient are not compatible with frequency reduction. The delay gradient corresponds to functions relating magnitude of behavioral effect to the time between conditional and unconditional stimuli, the time between conditioned and primary reinforcers, and the time between responses and positive reinforcers. PMID:11453621

Evaluating the decision accuracy and speed of clinical data visualizations.

PubMed

Pieczkiewicz, David S; Finkelstein, Stanley M

2010-01-01

Clinicians face an increasing volume of biomedical data. Assessing the efficacy of systems that enable accurate and timely clinical decision making merits corresponding attention. This paper discusses the multiple-reader multiple-case (MRMC) experimental design and linear mixed models as means of assessing and comparing decision accuracy and latency (time) for decision tasks in which clinician readers must interpret visual displays of data. These tools can assess and compare decision accuracy and latency (time). These experimental and statistical techniques, used extensively in radiology imaging studies, offer a number of practical and analytic advantages over more traditional quantitative methods such as percent-correct measurements and ANOVAs, and are recommended for their statistical efficiency and generalizability. An example analysis using readily available, free, and commercial statistical software is provided as an appendix. While these techniques are not appropriate for all evaluation questions, they can provide a valuable addition to the evaluative toolkit of medical informatics research.

HARPA: A versatile three-dimensional Hamiltonian ray-tracing program for acoustic waves in the atmosphere above irregular terrain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, R. M.; Riley, J. P.; Georges, T. M.

1986-08-01

The modular FORTRAN 77 computer program traces the three-dimensional paths of acoustic rays through continuous model atmospheres by numerically integrating Hamilton's equations (a differential expression of Fermat's principle). The user specifies an atmospheric model by writing closed-form formulas for its three-dimensional wind and temperature (or sound speed) distribution, and by defining the height of the reflecting terrain vs. geographic latitude and longitude. Some general-purpose models are provided, or users can readily design their own. In addition to computing the geometry of each raypath, HARPA can calculate pulse travel time, phase time, Doppler shift (if the medium varies in time), absorption, and geometrical path length. The program prints a step-by-step account of a ray's progress. The 410-page documentation describes the ray-tracing equations and the structure of the program, and provides complete instructions, illustrated by a sample case.

The effect of moisture content within multilayer protective clothing on protection from radiation and steam.

PubMed

Su, Yun; Li, Jun; Song, Guowen

2018-06-01

The moisture from skin sweat and atmospheric water affects the thermal protective performance provided by multilayer protective clothing. Four levels of moisture content were selected to evaluate the impact of moisture on thermal protection under dry (thermal radiation) and wet (thermal radiation and low-pressure steam) heat exposure. Also, the role of moisture and its relationship with exposure time were analyzed based on skin heat flux and Henriques integral value. The addition of moisture to a fabric system was found to result in differences in second-degree and third-degree skin burn times. When moisture is added to a fabric system, it both acts as a thermal conductor to present a negative effect and provides a positive effect owing to thermal storage of water and evaporative heat loss. The positive or negative effects of moisture are mainly dependent on the thermal exposure time, the moisture content and the presence of hot steam.

Charge transport and velocity distribution in ambipolar organic thin film Transistors based on a diketopyrrolopyrrole-benzothiadiazole copolymer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ha, Tae-Jun; Sonar, Prashant; Singh, Samarendra Pratap; Dodabalapur, Ananth

2011-03-01

There have been reports of charge transport mechanisms in organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) focusing on steady-state characteristics but these measurements provide limited information. Time-resolved measurements can provide additional information in understanding transport mechanisms but existing reports have focused on unipolar organic characteristics. No previous reports on ambipolar organic devices have involved entire velocity distribution and charge transport mechanisms. Recently, we have fabricated ambipolar OTFTs based on a diketopyrrolopyrrole-benzothiadiazole copolymer (PDPP-TBT) with a field-effect mobility of more than 0.2 cm2 V- 1 s - 1 . Velocity distributions are measured by performing specialized dynamic measurements while keeping the RC-time constant of the measurement circuit small. This yields a distribution in arrival times of charge carriers from source to drain which can be converted to velocity distributions. We will also describe dynamic transport measurements on high-k-dielectric PDPP-TBT OTFTs.

Photopigment quenching is Ca2+ dependent and controls response duration in salamander L-cone photoreceptors

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

The time scale of the photoresponse in photoreceptor cells is set by the slowest of the steps that quench the light-induced activity of the phototransduction cascade. In vertebrate photoreceptor cells, this rate-limiting reaction is thought to be either shutoff of catalytic activity in the photopigment or shutoff of the pigment's effector, the transducin-GTP–phosphodiesterase complex. In suction pipette recordings from isolated salamander L-cones, we found that preventing changes in internal [Ca2+] delayed the recovery of the light response and prolonged the dominant time constant for recovery. Evidence that the Ca2+-sensitive step involved the pigment itself was provided by the observation that removal of Cl− from the pigment's anion-binding site accelerated the dominant time constant for response recovery. Collectively, these observations indicate that in L-cones, unlike amphibian rods where the dominant time constant is insensitive to [Ca2+], pigment quenching rate limits recovery and provides an additional mechanism for modulating the cone response during light adaptation. PMID:20231373

Scheduler software for tracking and data relay satellite system loading analysis: User manual and programmer guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Craft, R.; Dunn, C.; Mccord, J.; Simeone, L.

1980-01-01

A user guide and programmer documentation is provided for a system of PRIME 400 minicomputer programs. The system was designed to support loading analyses on the Tracking Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). The system is a scheduler for various types of data relays (including tape recorder dumps and real time relays) from orbiting payloads to the TDRSS. Several model options are available to statistically generate data relay requirements. TDRSS time lines (representing resources available for scheduling) and payload/TDRSS acquisition and loss of sight time lines are input to the scheduler from disk. Tabulated output from the interactive system includes a summary of the scheduler activities over time intervals specified by the user and overall summary of scheduler input and output information. A history file, which records every event generated by the scheduler, is written to disk to allow further scheduling on remaining resources and to provide data for graphic displays or additional statistical analysis.

Numerical simulation of high intensity focused ultrasound temperature distribution for transcranial brain therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qian; Wang, Yizhe; Zhou, Wenzheng; Zhang, Ji; Jian, Xiqi

2017-03-01

To provide a reference for the HIFU clinical therapeutic planning, the temperature distribution and lesion volume are analyzed by the numerical simulation. The adopted numerical simulation is based on a transcranial ultrasound therapy model, including an 8 annular-element curved phased array transducer. The acoustic pressure and temperature elevation are calculated by using the approximation of Westervelt Formula and the Pennes Heat Transfer Equation. In addition, the Time Reversal theory and eliminating hot spot technique are combined to optimize the temperature distribution. With different input powers and exposure times, the lesion volume is evaluated based on temperature threshold theory. The lesion region could be restored at the expected location by the time reversal theory. Although the lesion volume reduces after eliminating the peak temperature in the skull and more input power and exposure time is required, the injury of normal tissue around skull could be reduced during the HIFU therapy. The prediction of thermal deposition in the skull and the lesion region could provide a reference for clinical therapeutic dose.

Assessment of noise environment during construction of a major bridge and associated approach road.

PubMed

Roy, T K; Mukhopadhyay, A R; Ghosh, S K; Majumder, G

2011-10-01

In this paper a methodology to quantify the noise environment, during a major bridge construction and upgrading approach road connectivity, has been provided. Noise levels were monitored at eleven sites. These eleven sites have been classified into three categories - commercial, residential and silence zones. The study was carried out to measure the ambient noise levels in all the eleven sites falling in the above three categories during both day and night times considering both "working" and "non-working" days. It was found that the mean noise level during night time was more, compared to that during day time for commercial, residential as well as silence zones. The likely causes of more noise during night time have been explored. Appropriate remedial measures have been suggested to reduce the noise levels. In addition, the noise levels in the above three zones have been compared, wherever feasible statistically, with the respective zonal standards. Significance has been found in all the cases. The underlying causes and remedies have been provided.

Ultrasound: medical imaging and beyond (an invited review).

PubMed

Azhari, Haim

2012-09-01

Medical applications of ultrasound were first investigated about seventy years ago. It has rapidly evolved since then, becoming an essential tool in medical imaging. Ultrasound ability to provide real time images with frame rates exceeding several hundred frames per second allows one to view rapid anatomical changes as well as to guide minimal invasive procedures. By, combining Doppler techniques with anatomical images ultrasound provides real time quantitative flow information as well. It is portable, versatile, cost effective and considered sufficiently hazardless to monitor pregnancy. Moreover, ultrasound has the unique capacity to offer therapeutic capabilities in addition to its outstanding imaging abilities. It can be used for physiotherapy, lithotripsy, and thermal ablation, and recent studies have demonstrated its usefulness in drug delivery, gene therapy and molecular imaging. The purpose of this article is to provide an introductory review of the field covering briefly topics from basic physics through current imaging methods to therapeutic applications.

Soft optics in intelligent optical networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shue, Chikong; Cao, Yang

2001-10-01

In addition to the recent advances in Hard-optics that pushes the optical transmission speed, distance, wave density and optical switching capacity, Soft-optics provides the necessary intelligence and control software that reduces operational costs, increase efficiency, and enhances revenue generating services by automating optimal optical circuit placement and restoration, and enabling value-added new services like Optical VPN. This paper describes the advances in 1) Overall Hard-optics and Soft-optics 2) Layered hierarchy of Soft-optics 3) Component of Soft-optics, including hard-optics drivers, Management Soft-optics, Routing Soft-optics and System Soft-optics 4) Key component of Routing and System Soft-optics, namely optical routing and signaling (including UNI/NNI and GMPLS signaling). In summary, the soft-optics on a new generation of OXC's enables Intelligent Optical Networks to provide just-in-time service delivery and fast restoration, and real-time capacity management that eliminates stranded bandwidth. It reduces operational costs and provides new revenue opportunities.

Ocean time-series near Bermuda: Hydrostation S and the US JGOFS Bermuda Atlantic time-series study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Michaels, Anthony F.; Knap, Anthony H.

1992-01-01

Bermuda is the site of two ocean time-series programs. At Hydrostation S, the ongoing biweekly profiles of temperature, salinity and oxygen now span 37 years. This is one of the longest open-ocean time-series data sets and provides a view of decadal scale variability in ocean processes. In 1988, the U.S. JGOFS Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study began a wide range of measurements at a frequency of 14-18 cruises each year to understand temporal variability in ocean biogeochemistry. On each cruise, the data range from chemical analyses of discrete water samples to data from electronic packages of hydrographic and optics sensors. In addition, a range of biological and geochemical rate measurements are conducted that integrate over time-periods of minutes to days. This sampling strategy yields a reasonable resolution of the major seasonal patterns and of decadal scale variability. The Sargasso Sea also has a variety of episodic production events on scales of days to weeks and these are only poorly resolved. In addition, there is a substantial amount of mesoscale variability in this region and some of the perceived temporal patterns are caused by the intersection of the biweekly sampling with the natural spatial variability. In the Bermuda time-series programs, we have added a series of additional cruises to begin to assess these other sources of variation and their impacts on the interpretation of the main time-series record. However, the adequate resolution of higher frequency temporal patterns will probably require the introduction of new sampling strategies and some emerging technologies such as biogeochemical moorings and autonomous underwater vehicles.

Spatiotemporal predictions of soil properties and states in variably saturated landscapes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franz, Trenton E.; Loecke, Terrance D.; Burgin, Amy J.; Zhou, Yuzhen; Le, Tri; Moscicki, David

2017-07-01

Understanding greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes from landscapes with variably saturated soil conditions is challenging given the highly dynamic nature of GHG fluxes in both space and time, dubbed hot spots, and hot moments. On one hand, our ability to directly monitor these processes is limited by sparse in situ and surface chamber observational networks. On the other hand, remote sensing approaches provide spatial data sets but are limited by infrequent imaging over time. We use a robust statistical framework to merge sparse sensor network observations with reconnaissance style hydrogeophysical mapping at a well-characterized site in Ohio. We find that combining time-lapse electromagnetic induction surveys with empirical orthogonal functions provides additional environmental covariates related to soil properties and states at high spatial resolutions ( 5 m). A cross-validation experiment using eight different spatial interpolation methods versus 120 in situ soil cores indicated an 30% reduction in root-mean-square error for soil properties (clay weight percent and total soil carbon weight percent) using hydrogeophysical derived environmental covariates with regression kriging. In addition, the hydrogeophysical derived environmental covariates were found to be good predictors of soil states (soil temperature, soil water content, and soil oxygen). The presented framework allows for temporal gap filling of individual sensor data sets as well as provides flexible geometric interpolation to complex areas/volumes. We anticipate that the framework, with its flexible temporal and spatial monitoring options, will be useful in designing future monitoring networks as well as support the next generation of hyper-resolution hydrologic and biogeochemical models.

Additional value of hybrid SPECT/CT systems in neuroendocrine tumors, adrenal tumors, pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas.

PubMed

Wong, K K; Chondrogiannis, S; Fuster, D; Ruiz, C; Marzola, M C; Giammarile, F; Colletti, P M; Rubello, D

The aim of this review was to evaluate the potential advantages of SPECT/CT hybrid imaging in the management of neuroendocrine tumors, adrenal tumors, pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas. From the collected data, the superiority of fused images was observed as providing both functional/molecular and morphological imaging compared to planar imaging. This provided an improvement in diagnostic imaging, with significant advantages as regards: (1) precise locating of the lesions; (2) an improvement in characterization of the findings, resulting higher specificity, improved sensitivity, and overall greater accuracy, (3) additional anatomical information derived from the CT component; (4) CT-based attenuation correction and potential for volumetric dosimetry calculations, and (5) improvement on the impact on patient management (e.g. in better defining treatment plans, in shortening surgical operating times). It can be concluded that SPECT/CT hybrid imaging provides the nuclear medicine physician with a powerful imaging modality in comparison to planar imaging, providing essential information about the location of lesions, and high quality homogeneous images. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y SEMNIM. All rights reserved.

Baseline data for evaluating development trajectory and provision of ecosystem services of created fringing oyster reefs in Vermilion Bay, Louisiana

USGS Publications Warehouse

La Peyre, Megan K.; Schwarting, Lindsay; Miller, Shea

2013-01-01

Understanding the time frame in which ecosystem services (that is, water quality maintenance, shoreline protection, habitat provision) are expected to be provided is important when restoration projects are being designed and implemented. Restoration of three-dimensional shell habitats in coastal Louisiana and elsewhere presents a valuable and potentially self-sustaining approach to providing shoreline protection, enhancing nekton habitat, and providing water quality maintenance. As with most restoration projects, the development of expected different ecosystem services often occurs over varying time frames, with some services provided immediately and others taking longer to develop. This project was designed initially to compare the provision and development of ecosystem services by created fringing shoreline reefs in subtidal and intertidal environments in Vermilion Bay, Louisiana. Specifically, the goal was to test the null hypothesis that over time, the oyster recruitment and development of a sustainable oyster reef community would be similar at both intertidal and subtidal reef bases, and these sustainable reefs would in time provide similar shoreline stabilization, nekton habitat, and water quality services over similar time frames. Because the ecosystem services hypothesized to be provided by oyster reefs reflect long-term processes, fully testing the above-stated null hypothesis requires a longer-time frame than this project allowed. As such, this project was designed to provide the initial data on reef development and provision of ecosystem services, to identify services that may develop immediately, and to provide baseline data to allow for longer-term follow up studies tracking reef development over time. Unfortunately, these initially created reef bases (subtidal, intertidal) were not constructed as planned because of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in April 2010, which resulted in reef duplicates being created 6 months apart. Further confounding the project were additional construction and restoration projects along the same shorelines which occurred between 2011 and June 2012. Because of constant activity near and around the reefs and continuing construction, development trajectories could not be compared among reef types at this time. This report presents the data collected at the sites over 3 years (2010–2012), describing only conditions and trends. In addition, these data provide an extensive and detailed dataset documenting initial conditions and initial ecosystem changes which will prove valuable in future data collection and analyses of reef development at this site. Data collection characterized the local water quality conditions (salinity, temperature, total suspended sediments, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a), adjacent marsh vegetation, soils, and shoreline position along the project shoreline at Vermilion Bay. During the study, marsh vegetation and soil characteristics were similar across the study area and did not change over time. Shoreline movement indicated shoreline loss at all sites, which varied by reefs. Water quality conditions followed expected seasonal patterns for this region, and no significant nonseasonal changes were measured throughout the study period. Despite oyster recruitment in fall 2010 and 2011, few if any oysters survived from the 2010 year class to 2012. At the last sampling of this project, some oysters recruited in fall 2011 survived through 2012, resulting in an on-reef density of 18.3 ± 2.1 individuals per square meter (mean size: 85.6 ± 2.2 millimeters). Because project goals were to compare reef development and provision of ecosystem services over time, as well as many of the processes identified for monitoring reflect long-term processes, results and data are presented only qualitatively, and trends or observations should be interpreted cautiously at this point. Measurable system responses to reef establishment require more time than was available for this study. These data provide a valuable baseline that can be ultimately used to help inform site selections for future restoration projects as well to further investigate the development trajectories of ecosystem provision of created reefs in this region.

Combined Characterization of the Time Response of Impression Materials via Traditional and FTIR Measurements

PubMed Central

Derchi, Giacomo; Manca, Enrico; Shayganpour, Amirreza; Barone, Antonio; Diaspro, Alberto; Salerno, Marco

2015-01-01

We investigated the temporal response of four dental impression materials, namely three siloxanes (Imprint 4, Flexitime, Aquasil) and one polyether (Impregum). The null hypothesis was that the nominal working times are confirmed by instrumental laboratory tests. We also aimed to identify alternative techniques with strong physical-chemical background for the assessment of temporal response. Traditional characterization was carried out by shark fin test device and durometer at both ambient and body temperature. Additionally, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was performed at room temperature. From shark fin height and Shore hardness versus time the working time and the setting time of the materials were evaluated, respectively. These were in reasonable agreement with the nominal values, except for Impregum, which showed longer working time. Spectroscopy confirmed the different character of the two types of materials, and provided for Imprint 4 and Aquasil an independent evaluation of both evolution times, consistent with the results of the other techniques. Shark fin test and durometer measurements showed deviations in setting time, low sensitivity to temperature for Flexitime, and longer working time at higher temperature for Impregum. Deviations of working time appear in operating conditions from what specified by the manufacturers. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy can provide insight in the correlation between material properties and their composition and structure.

Real-time quasi-3D tomographic reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buurlage, Jan-Willem; Kohr, Holger; Palenstijn, Willem Jan; Joost Batenburg, K.

2018-06-01

Developments in acquisition technology and a growing need for time-resolved experiments pose great computational challenges in tomography. In addition, access to reconstructions in real time is a highly demanded feature but has so far been out of reach. We show that by exploiting the mathematical properties of filtered backprojection-type methods, having access to real-time reconstructions of arbitrarily oriented slices becomes feasible. Furthermore, we present , software for visualization and on-demand reconstruction of slices. A user of can interactively shift and rotate slices in a GUI, while the software updates the slice in real time. For certain use cases, the possibility to study arbitrarily oriented slices in real time directly from the measured data provides sufficient visual and quantitative insight. Two such applications are discussed in this article.

Portable real-time fluorescence cytometry of microscale cell culture analog devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Donghyun; Tatosian, Daniel A.; Shuler, Michael L.

2006-02-01

A portable fluorescence cytometric system that provides a modular platform for quantitative real-time image measurements has been used to explore the applicability to investigating cellular events on multiple time scales. For a short time scale, we investigated the real-time dynamics of uptake of daunorubicin, a chemotherapeutic agent, in cultured mouse L-cells in a micro cell culture analog compartment using the fluorescent cytometric system. The green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression to monitor induction of pre-specified genes, which occurs on a much longer time scale, has also been measured. Here GFP fluorescence from a doxycycline inducible promoter in a mouse L-cell line was determined. Additionally, a system based on inexpensive LEDs showed performance comparable to a broadband light source based system and reduced photobleaching compared to microscopic examination.

Mass spectrometry of atmospheric aerosols--recent developments and applications. Part II: On-line mass spectrometry techniques.

PubMed

Pratt, Kerri A; Prather, Kimberly A

2012-01-01

Many of the significant advances in our understanding of atmospheric particles can be attributed to the application of mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometry provides high sensitivity with fast response time to probe chemically complex particles. This review focuses on recent developments and applications in the field of mass spectrometry of atmospheric aerosols. In Part II of this two-part review, we concentrate on real-time mass spectrometry techniques, which provide high time resolution for insight into brief events and diurnal changes while eliminating the potential artifacts acquired during long-term filter sampling. In particular, real-time mass spectrometry has been shown recently to provide the ability to probe the chemical composition of ambient individual particles <30 nm in diameter to further our understanding of how particles are formed through nucleation in the atmosphere. Further, transportable real-time mass spectrometry techniques are now used frequently on ground-, ship-, and aircraft-based studies around the globe to further our understanding of the spatial distribution of atmospheric aerosols. In addition, coupling aerosol mass spectrometry techniques with other measurements in series has allowed the in situ determination of chemically resolved particle effective density, refractive index, volatility, and cloud activation properties. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Data Latency Characteristics Observed Through Diverse Communication Links by the EarthScope USArray Transportable Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vernon, F. L.; Eakins, J. A.; Busby, R.

2008-12-01

The USArray Transportable Array has deployed over 600 stations in aggregate over the past four years. All stations communicate in near-real time using ip protocols over a variety of communication links including satellite, cell phone, and DSL. Several different communication providers have been used for each type of communication links. In addition, data are being acquired from several regional networks either directly from a data server or after passing through the IRIS DMC BUD system. We will present results about the latency of data arriving at the UCSD Array Network Facility where the real time data are acquired. Under normal operating conditions the median data latency is several seconds. We will also examine the data return rates through the near-real time systems. In addition we will examine the statistics of over 36,000 events which have automatic event locations and associations. We evaluate the timeliness of these results in the context of seismic early warning systems.

Glyph-based generic network visualization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erbacher, Robert F.

2002-03-01

Network managers and system administrators have an enormous task set before them in this day of growing network usage. This is particularly true of e-commerce companies and others dependent on a computer network for their livelihood. Network managers and system administrators must monitor activity for intrusions and misuse while at the same time monitoring performance of the network. In this paper, we describe our visualization techniques for assisting in the monitoring of networks for both of these tasks. The goal of these visualization techniques is to integrate the visual representation of both network performance/usage as well as data relevant to intrusion detection. The main difficulties arise from the difference in the intrinsic data and layout needs of each of these tasks. Glyph based techniques are additionally used to indicate the representative values of the necessary data parameters over time. Additionally, our techniques are geared towards providing an environment that can be used continuously for constant real-time monitoring of the network environment.

Detection of sub-threshold periodic signal by multiplicative and additive cross-correlated sine-Wiener noises in the FitzHugh-Nagumo neuron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Yuangen; Ma, Chengzhang; Wang, Canjun; Yi, Ming; Gui, Rong

2018-02-01

We study the effects of multiplicative and additive cross-correlated sine-Wiener (CCSW) noises on the performance of sub-threshold periodic signal detection in the FitzHugh-Nagumo (FHN) neuron by calculating Fourier coefficients Q for measuring synchronization between sub-threshold input signal and the response of system. CCSW noises-induced transitions of electrical activity in the FHN neuron model can be observed. Moreover, the performance of sub-threshold periodic signal detection is achieved at moderate noise strength, cross-correlation time and cross-correlation strength of CCSW noises, which indicate the occurrence of CCSW noises-induced stochastic resonance. Furthermore, the performance of sub-threshold signal detection is strongly sensitive to cross-correlation time of CCSW noises. Therefore, the performance can be effectively controlled by regulating cross-correlation time of CCSW noises. These results provide a possible mechanism for amplifying or detecting the sub-threshold signal in the nervous system.

Future orientation, impulsivity, and problem behaviors: a longitudinal moderation model.

PubMed

Chen, Pan; Vazsonyi, Alexander T

2011-11-01

In the current study, based on a sample of 1,873 adolescents between 11.4 and 20.9 years of age from the first 3 waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we investigated the longitudinal effects of future orientation on levels of and developmental changes in problem behaviors, while controlling for the effects by impulsivity; we also tested the moderating effects by future orientation on the impulsivity-problem behaviors link over time. Additionally, we examined future orientation operationalized by items measuring education, marriage, and life domains. Findings based on growth curve analyses provided evidence of longitudinal effects by education and life future orientation on both levels of and developmental changes in problem behaviors; the effect of marriage future orientation was not significant for either test. In addition, only life future orientation moderated the effect by impulsivity on levels of problem behaviors over time. More specifically, impulsivity had a weaker effect on levels of problem behaviors over time for adolescents who reported higher levels of life future orientation.

Time-Resolved In Situ Measurements During Rapid Alloy Solidification: Experimental Insight for Additive Manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKeown, Joseph T.; Zweiacker, Kai; Liu, Can; Coughlin, Daniel R.; Clarke, Amy J.; Baldwin, J. Kevin; Gibbs, John W.; Roehling, John D.; Imhoff, Seth D.; Gibbs, Paul J.; Tourret, Damien; Wiezorek, Jörg M. K.; Campbell, Geoffrey H.

2016-03-01

Additive manufacturing (AM) of metals and alloys is becoming a pervasive technology in both research and industrial environments, though significant challenges remain before widespread implementation of AM can be realized. In situ investigations of rapid alloy solidification with high spatial and temporal resolutions can provide unique experimental insight into microstructure evolution and kinetics that are relevant for AM processing. Hypoeutectic thin-film Al-Cu and Al-Si alloys were investigated using dynamic transmission electron microscopy to monitor pulsed-laser-induced rapid solidification across microsecond timescales. Solid-liquid interface velocities measured from time-resolved images revealed accelerating solidification fronts in both alloys. The observed microstructure evolution, solidification product, and presence of a morphological instability at the solid-liquid interface in the Al-4 at.%Cu alloy are related to the measured interface velocities and small differences in composition that affect the thermophysical properties of the alloys. These time-resolved in situ measurements can inform and validate predictive modeling efforts for AM.

Time-Resolved In Situ Measurements During Rapid Alloy Solidification: Experimental Insight for Additive Manufacturing

DOE PAGES

McKeown, Joseph T.; Zweiacker, Kai; Liu, Can; ...

2016-01-27

In research and industrial environments, additive manufacturing (AM) of metals and alloys is becoming a pervasive technology, though significant challenges remain before widespread implementation of AM can be realized. In situ investigations of rapid alloy solidification with high spatial and temporal resolutions can provide unique experimental insight into microstructure evolution and kinetics that are relevant for AM processing. Hypoeutectic thin-film Al–Cu and Al–Si alloys were investigated using dynamic transmission electron microscopy to monitor pulsed-laser-induced rapid solidification across microsecond timescales. Solid–liquid interface velocities measured from time-resolved images revealed accelerating solidification fronts in both alloys. We observed microstructure evolution, solidification product, andmore » presence of a morphological instability at the solid–liquid interface in the Al–4 at.%Cu alloy are related to the measured interface velocities and small differences in composition that affect the thermophysical properties of the alloys. These time-resolved in situ measurements can inform and validate predictive modeling efforts for AM.« less

Hardware solution for continuous time-resolved burst detection of single molecules in flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahl, Michael; Erdmann, Rainer; Lauritsen, Kristian; Rahn, Hans-Juergen

1998-04-01

Time Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) is a valuable tool for Single Molecule Detection (SMD). However, existing TCSPC systems did not support continuous data collection and processing as is desirable for applications such as SMD for e.g. DNA-sequencing in a liquid flow. First attempts at using existing instrumentation in this kind of operation mode required additional routing hardware to switch between several memory banks and were not truly continuous. We have designed a hard- and software system to perform continuous real-time TCSPC based upon a modern solid state Time to Digital Converter (TDC). Short dead times of the fully digital TDC design combined with fast Field Programmable Gay Array logic permit a continuous data throughput as high as 3 Mcounts/sec. The histogramming time may be set as short as 100 microsecond(s) . Every histogram or every single fluorescence photon can be real-time tagged at 200 ns resolution in addition to recording its arrival time relative to the excitation pulse. Continuous switching between memory banks permits concurrent histogramming and data read-out. The instrument provides a time resolution of 60 ps and up to 4096 histogram channels. The overall instrument response function in combination with a low cost picosecond diode laser and an inexpensive photomultiplier tube was found to be 180 ps and well sufficient to measure sub-nanosecond fluorescence lifetimes.