The Methods for Connectivity Judgment on Reservoir Layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Xiuguang; Dong, Qiang; Liu, Yunyang

2017-12-01

Determining reservoir layer connectivity is the base for an oil field development. The work should be done in the first time. It affects the effects of the following works. However, for some oil field with complex reservoir layers, the study hasn’t fully been done, that causes the oil production rate decreases rapidly and bad oil field development. On the other hand, the simpler the oil field is, the earlier the development should be, thus increasing oil production becomes more and more difficult today, lots of detail works should be done for a complex oil field, the study of reservoir layer connectivity is very important in it.

Rapid quantification of soilborne pathogen communities in wheat-based long-term field experiments

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Traditional isolation and quantification of inoculum density is difficult for most soilborne pathogens. Quantitative PCR methods have been developed to rapidly identify and quantify many of these pathogens using a single DNA extract from soil. Rainfed experiments operated continuously for up to 84 y...

SCALE-UP OF RAPID SMALL-SCALE ADSORPTION TESTS TO FIELD-SCALE ADSORBERS: THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BASIS

EPA Science Inventory

Design of full-scale adsorption systems typically includes expensive and time-consuming pilot studies to simulate full-scale adsorber performance. Accordingly, the rapid small-scale column test (RSSCT) was developed and evaluated experimentally. The RSSCT can simulate months of f...

The Human Exposure Model (HEM): A Tool to Support Rapid Assessment of Human Health Impacts from Near-Field Consumer Product Exposures

EPA Science Inventory

The US EPA is developing an open and publically available software program called the Human Exposure Model (HEM) to provide near-field exposure information for Life Cycle Impact Assessments (LCIAs). Historically, LCIAs have often omitted impacts from near-field sources of exposur...

Sociology of International Education--An Emerging Field of Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Resnik, Julia

2012-01-01

This article points to international education in elementary and post-elementary schools as an emerging and promising field of enquiry. It describes the state of art of this new field and sets out the nature of the research. The rapid development of international networks in recent decades; the contribution of international education policies to…

A WebGIS-Based Teaching Assistant System for Geography Field Practice (TASGFP)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wang, Jiechen; Ni, Haochen; Rui, Yikang; Cui, Can; Cheng, Liang

2016-01-01

Field practice is an important part of training geography research talents. However, traditional teaching methods may not adequately manage, share and implement instruction resources and thus may limit the instructor's ability to conduct field instruction. A possible answer is found in the rapid development of computer-assisted instruction (CAI),…

Recent advances in the use of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) as a rapid point-of-care pathogen diagnostic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rehse, Steven; Trojand, Daniel; Putnam, Russell; Gillies, Derek; Woodman, Ryan; Sheikh, Khadija; Daabous, Andrew

2013-05-01

There is a well-known and urgent need in the fields of medicine, environmental health and safety, food-processing, and defense/security to develop new 21st Century technologies for the rapid and sensitive identification of bacterial pathogens. In only the last five years, the use of a real-time elemental (atomic) analysis performed with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has made tremendous progress in becoming a viable technology for rapid bacterial pathogen detection and identification. In this talk we will show how this laser-based optical emission spectroscopic technique is able to sensitively assay the elemental composition of bacterial cells in situ. We will also present the latest achievements of our lab to fully develop LIBS-based bacterial sensing including simulation of a rapid urinary tract infection diagnosis and investigation of a variety of autonomous multivariate analysis algorithms. Lastly, we will show how this technology is now ready to be transitioned from the laboratory to field-portable and potentially man-portable instrumentation. The introduction of such a technology into popular use could very well transform the field of bacterial biosensing - a market valued at approximately 10 billion/year world-wide. Funding for this project was provided in part by a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Discovery Grant.

Microwave-Assisted Rapid Access to Bio-active Heterocycles: Synthesis of 1,3,4-Oxadiazoles, 1,3,4-Thiadiazoles, 1,3-Dioxanes, Pyrazoles, Hydrazones and 3,4-Dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones under Benign Conditions

EPA Science Inventory

Green chemistry is a rapidly developing new field that provides us a proactive avenue for the sustainable development of future science and technologies.1 It emphasis the use of highly efficient and environmental benign synthetic protocols to deliver bio-active heterocycles, acc...

The ethics of using cybernetics and cyborg technologies: what every rehabilitation nurse should know.

PubMed

Moore, Linda Weaver; Rieg, Linda S

2005-01-01

Cybernetics and cyborg technologies are rapidly developing in the field of biotechnology. Such developments have yielded a wide variety of devices and prosthetics that have promoted the quality of life for many individuals with physical limitations and generally have been applauded by society and the rehabilitation field. However, such rapid developments have given rise to multiple ethical concerns. Understanding these ethical concerns and the implications they have for rehabilitation nurses is imperative. While the potential benefits of advances in technology are great for those with disabilities and chronic conditions, ethicists suggest that skepticism must be balanced with the zeal that often accompanies cutting-edge developments. As Hook notes, "We must show not a fear of technology, but a courageous control of technology, and refuse to let technology control us" (2002, p. 67).

Recent Acquisition Reform Through Technology and Workforce Improvements

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

HMMWV High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle IED Improvised Explosive Device IRAD Independent Research And Development JCIDS Joint...their specific field within the acquisition community (Eide & Allen, 2012). In 1993, the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) was enacted...need arises as the nation’s “adversaries are modernizing at a significant rate, and they are responding rapidly to our development programs and fielded

Tactile sensor of hardness recognition based on magnetic anomaly detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Lingyun; Zhang, Dongfang; Chen, Qingguang; Rao, Huanle; Xu, Ping

2018-03-01

Hardness, as one kind of tactile sensing, plays an important role in the field of intelligent robot application such as gripping, agricultural harvesting, prosthetic hand and so on. Recently, with the rapid development of magnetic field sensing technology with high performance, a number of magnetic sensors have been developed for intelligent application. The tunnel Magnetoresistance(TMR) based on magnetoresistance principal works as the sensitive element to detect the magnetic field and it has proven its excellent ability of weak magnetic detection. In the paper, a new method based on magnetic anomaly detection was proposed to detect the hardness in the tactile way. The sensor is composed of elastic body, ferrous probe, TMR element, permanent magnet. When the elastic body embedded with ferrous probe touches the object under the certain size of force, deformation of elastic body will produce. Correspondingly, the ferrous probe will be forced to displace and the background magnetic field will be distorted. The distorted magnetic field was detected by TMR elements and the output signal at different time can be sampled. The slope of magnetic signal with the sampling time is different for object with different hardness. The result indicated that the magnetic anomaly sensor can recognize the hardness rapidly within 150ms after the tactile moment. The hardness sensor based on magnetic anomaly detection principal proposed in the paper has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, rapid response and it has shown great application potential in the field of intelligent robot.

MICROWAVE-ASSISTED GREENER SYNTHESIS OF PHARMACEUTICALLY ACTIVE HETEROCYCLES UNDER BENIGN CONDITIONS

EPA Science Inventory

Green chemistry is a rapidly developing new field that provides us a proactive avenue for the sustainable development of future science and technologies. Environmentally benign protocols have been developed for the synthesis of various pharmaceutically active heterocycles namely ...

Research and Development of Hazardous/Toxic Waste Analytical Screening Procedures. Available Field Methods for Rapid Screening of Hazardous Waste Materials at Waste Sites (Class A Poisons).

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-01-01

bromide is listed as a positive interference. Nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide can be detected by using the Draeger nitrous fumes detector tube. A... fumes exhibit a delay from the time of exposure to the onset of symptoms. This time delay would not be conducive for a rapid field screening test. It...Dangerous when strongly heated, emits highly toxic fumes . THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUE: No information available PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS: A. Intensely irritating to

The NHERI RAPID Facility: Enabling the Next-Generation of Natural Hazards Reconnaissance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wartman, J.; Berman, J.; Olsen, M. J.; Irish, J. L.; Miles, S.; Gurley, K.; Lowes, L.; Bostrom, A.

2017-12-01

The NHERI post-disaster, rapid response research (or "RAPID") facility, headquartered at the University of Washington (UW), is a collaboration between UW, Oregon State University, Virginia Tech, and the University of Florida. The RAPID facility will enable natural hazard researchers to conduct next-generation quick response research through reliable acquisition and community sharing of high-quality, post-disaster data sets that will enable characterization of civil infrastructure performance under natural hazard loads, evaluation of the effectiveness of current and previous design methodologies, understanding of socio-economic dynamics, calibration of computational models used to predict civil infrastructure component and system response, and development of solutions for resilient communities. The facility will provide investigators with the hardware, software and support services needed to collect, process and assess perishable interdisciplinary data following extreme natural hazard events. Support to the natural hazards research community will be provided through training and educational activities, field deployment services, and by promoting public engagement with science and engineering. Specifically, the RAPID facility is undertaking the following strategic activities: (1) acquiring, maintaining, and operating state-of-the-art data collection equipment; (2) developing and supporting mobile applications to support interdisciplinary field reconnaissance; (3) providing advisory services and basic logistics support for research missions; (4) facilitating the systematic archiving, processing and visualization of acquired data in DesignSafe-CI; (5) training a broad user base through workshops and other activities; and (6) engaging the public through citizen science, as well as through community outreach and education. The facility commenced operations in September 2016 and will begin field deployments beginning in September 2018. This poster will provide an overview of the vision for the RAPID facility, the equipment that will be available for use, the facility's operations, and opportunities for user training and facility use.

Mobile Collector for Field Trips

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kravcik, Milos; Kaibel, Andreas; Specht, Marcus; Terrenghi, Lucia

2004-01-01

Current e-Learning is based on learning management systems that provide certain standard services--course authoring and delivery, tutoring, administration and collaboration facilities. Rapid development of mobile technologies opens a new area of m-Learning to enhance the current educational opportunities. Field trips are a relevant part of the…

Scientific Hybrid Reality Environments (SHyRE): Bringing Field Work into the Laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, M. J.; Graff, T.; Young, K.; Coan, D.; Whelley, P.; Richardson, J.; Knudson, C.; Bleacher, J.; Garry, W. B.; Delgado, F.; Noyes, M.; Valle, P.; Buffington, J.; Abercromby, A.

2018-04-01

The SHyRE program aims to develop a scientifically-robust analog environment using a new and innovative hybrid reality setting that enables frequent operational testing and rapid protocol development for future planetary exploration.

A recombinase polymerase amplification assay for rapid detection of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever Virus infection.

PubMed

Bonney, Laura C; Watson, Robert J; Afrough, Babak; Mullojonova, Manija; Dzhuraeva, Viktoriya; Tishkova, Farida; Hewson, Roger

2017-10-01

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever Virus (CCHFV) is a rapidly emerging vector-borne pathogen and the cause of a virulent haemorrhagic fever affecting large parts of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. An isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay was successfully developed for molecular detection of CCHFV. The assay showed rapid (under 10 minutes) detection of viral extracts/synthetic virus RNA of all 7 S-segment clades of CCHFV, with high target specificity. The assay was shown to tolerate the presence of inhibitors in crude preparations of mock field samples, indicating that this assay may be suitable for use in the field with minimal sample preparation. The CCHFV RPA was successfully used to screen and detect CCHFV positives from a panel of clinical samples from Tajikistan. The assay is a rapid, isothermal, simple-to-perform molecular diagnostic, which can be performed on a light, portable real-time detection device. It is ideally placed therefore for use as a field-diagnostic or in-low resource laboratories, for monitoring of CCHF outbreaks at the point-of-need, such as in remote rural regions in affected countries.

Integrating Field-Based Research into the Classroom: An Environmental Sampling Exercise

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeSutter, T.; Viall, E.; Rijal, I.; Murdoff, M.; Guy, A.; Pang, X.; Koltes, S.; Luciano, R.; Bai, X.; Zitnick, K.; Wang, S.; Podrebarac, F.; Casey, F.; Hopkins, D.

2010-01-01

A field-based, soil methods, and instrumentation course was developed to expose graduate students to numerous strategies for measuring soil parameters. Given the northern latitude of North Dakota State University and the rapid onset of winter, this course met once per week for the first 8 weeks of the fall semester and centered on the field as a…

A Cross Cultural Validation of Perceptions and Use of Social Network Service: An Exploratory Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guo, Chengqi

2009-01-01

The rapid developments Social Network Service (SNS) have offered opportunities to re-visit many seminal theoretical assumptions of technology usage within socio-technical environment. Online social network is a rapidly growing field that imposes new questions to the existing IS research paradigm. It is argued that information systems research must…

WATER AS A REACTION MEDIUM FOR CLEAN CHEMICAL PROCESSES.

EPA Science Inventory

Green chemistry is a rapid developing new field that provides us a pro-active avenue for the sustainable development of future science and technologies. When designed properly, clean chemical technology can be developed in water as a reaction media. The technologies generated f...

Cancer immunotherapy: Opportunities and challenges in the rapidly evolving clinical landscape.

PubMed

Emens, Leisha A; Ascierto, Paolo A; Darcy, Phillip K; Demaria, Sandra; Eggermont, Alexander M M; Redmond, William L; Seliger, Barbara; Marincola, Francesco M

2017-08-01

Cancer immunotherapy is now established as a powerful way to treat cancer. The recent clinical success of immune checkpoint blockade (antagonists of CTLA-4, PD-1 and PD-L1) highlights both the universal power of treating the immune system across tumour types and the unique features of cancer immunotherapy. Immune-related adverse events, atypical clinical response patterns, durable responses, and clear overall survival benefit distinguish cancer immunotherapy from cytotoxic cancer therapy. Combination immunotherapies that transform non-responders to responders are under rapid development. Current challenges facing the field include incorporating immunotherapy into adjuvant and neoadjuvant cancer therapy, refining dose, schedule and duration of treatment and developing novel surrogate endpoints that accurately capture overall survival benefit early in treatment. As the field rapidly evolves, we must prioritise the development of biomarkers to guide the use of immunotherapies in the most appropriate patients. Immunotherapy is already transforming cancer from a death sentence to a chronic disease for some patients. By making smart, evidence-based decisions in developing next generation immunotherapies, cancer should become an imminently treatable, curable and even preventable disease. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

US-1136, US-1137, and US-1138 cowpea lines for cover crop use

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Following five years of field evaluation, three cowpea populations were selected as best adapted for use as a cover crop. A pure line selection procedure was used to develop genetically uniform lines from the segregating populations. Field evaluations demonstrated that the lines grow rapidly for u...

Guidelines for Fitness for Health Programs in Texas.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Austin.

This publication presents approved guidelines for Texas institutions of higher and postsecondary education in the academic preparation of practitioners in the field of fitness for health. Developed in response to the rapid growth of this field, the guidelines identify and recommend the knowledge and expertise required in career preparation, and…

Method for rapid estimation of scour at highway bridges based on limited site data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Holnbeck, S.R.; Parrett, Charles

1997-01-01

Limited site data were used to develop a method for rapid estimation of scour at highway bridges. The estimates can be obtained in a matter of hours rather than several days as required by more-detailed methods. Such a method is important because scour assessments are needed to identify scour-critical bridges throughout the United States. Using detailed scour-analysis methods and scour-prediction equations recommended by the Federal Highway Administration, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Montana Department of Transportation, obtained contraction, pier, and abutment scour-depth data for sites from 10 States.The data were used to develop relations between scour depth and hydraulic variables that can be rapidly measured in the field. Relations between scour depth and hydraulic variables, in the form of envelope curves, were based on simpler forms of detailed scour-prediction equations. To apply the rapid-estimation method, a 100-year recurrence interval peak discharge is determined, and bridge- length data are used in the field with graphs relating unit discharge to velocity and velocity to bridge backwater as a basis for estimating flow depths and other hydraulic variables that can then be applied using the envelope curves. The method was tested in the field. Results showed good agreement among individuals involved and with results from more-detailed methods. Although useful for identifying potentially scour-critical bridges, themethod does not replace more-detailed methods used for design purposes. Use of the rapid- estimation method should be limited to individuals having experience in bridge scour, hydraulics, and flood hydrology, and some training in use of the method.

Rapid radiofrequency field mapping in vivo using single-shot STEAM MRI.

PubMed

Helms, Gunther; Finsterbusch, Jürgen; Weiskopf, Nikolaus; Dechent, Peter

2008-09-01

Higher field strengths entail less homogeneous RF fields. This may influence quantitative MRI and MRS. A method for rapidly mapping the RF field in the human head with minimal distortion was developed on the basis of a single-shot stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) sequence. The flip angle of the second RF pulse in the STEAM preparation was set to 60 degrees and 100 degrees instead of 90 degrees , inducing a flip angle-dependent signal change. A quadratic approximation of this trigonometric signal dependence together with a calibration accounting for slice excitation-related bias allowed for directly determining the RF field from the two measurements only. RF maps down to the level of the medulla could be obtained in less than 1 min and registered to anatomical volumes by means of the T(2)-weighted STEAM images. Flip angles between 75% and 125% of the nominal value were measured in line with other methods.

Rapid prototyping for biomedical engineering: current capabilities and challenges.

PubMed

Lantada, Andrés Díaz; Morgado, Pilar Lafont

2012-01-01

A new set of manufacturing technologies has emerged in the past decades to address market requirements in a customized way and to provide support for research tasks that require prototypes. These new techniques and technologies are usually referred to as rapid prototyping and manufacturing technologies, and they allow prototypes to be produced in a wide range of materials with remarkable precision in a couple of hours. Although they have been rapidly incorporated into product development methodologies, they are still under development, and their applications in bioengineering are continuously evolving. Rapid prototyping and manufacturing technologies can be of assistance in every stage of the development process of novel biodevices, to address various problems that can arise in the devices' interactions with biological systems and the fact that the design decisions must be tested carefully. This review focuses on the main fields of application for rapid prototyping in biomedical engineering and health sciences, as well as on the most remarkable challenges and research trends.

Rapid tests for diagnosis of leptospirosis: current tools and emerging technologies.

PubMed

Picardeau, Mathieu; Bertherat, Eric; Jancloes, Michel; Skouloudis, Andreas N; Durski, Kara; Hartskeerl, Rudy A

2014-01-01

Leptospirosis is an emerging zoonosis with a worldwide distribution but is more commonly found in impoverished populations in developing countries and tropical regions with frequent flooding. The rapid detection of leptospirosis is a critical step to effectively manage the disease and to control outbreaks in both human and animal populations. Therefore, there is a need for accurate and rapid diagnostic tests and appropriate surveillance and alert systems to identify outbreaks. This review describes current in-house methods and commercialized tests for the rapid diagnosis of acute leptospirosis. It focuses on diagnostic tests that can be performed with minimal training and limited equipment in less-developed and newly industrialized countries, particularly in resource-limited settings and with results in minutes to less than 4 hours. We also describe recent technological advances in the field of diagnostic tests that could allow for the development of innovative rapid tests in the near future. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Rapid Measurement of Soil Carbon in Rice Paddy Field of Lombok Island Indonesia Using Near Infrared Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kusumo, B. H.; Sukartono, S.; Bustan, B.

2018-02-01

Measuring soil organic carbon (C) using conventional analysis is tedious procedure, time consuming and expensive. It is needed simple procedure which is cheap and saves time. Near infrared technology offers rapid procedure as it works based on the soil spectral reflectance and without any chemicals. The aim of this research is to test whether this technology able to rapidly measure soil organic C in rice paddy field. Soil samples were collected from rice paddy field of Lombok Island Indonesia, and the coordinates of the samples were recorded. Parts of the samples were analysed using conventional analysis (Walkley and Black) and some other parts were scanned using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for soil spectral collection. Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR) Models were developed using data of soil C analysed using conventional analysis and data from soil spectral reflectance. The models were moderately successful to measure soil C in rice paddy field of Lombok Island. This shows that the NIR technology can be further used to monitor the C change in rice paddy soil.

Information engineering for molecular diagnostics.

PubMed Central

Sorace, J. M.; Ritondo, M.; Canfield, K.

1994-01-01

Clinical laboratories are beginning to apply the recent advances in molecular biology to the testing of patient samples. The emerging field of Molecular Diagnostics will require a new Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory Information System which handles the data types, samples and test methods found in this field. The system must be very flexible in regards to supporting ad-hoc queries. The requirements which are shaping the developments in this field are reviewed and a data model developed. Several queries which demonstrate the data models ability to support the information needs of this area have been developed and run. These results demonstrate the ability of the purposed data model to meet the current and projected needs of this rapidly expanding field. PMID:7949937

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

Harben, P E; Harris, D; Myers, S

Seismic imaging and tracking methods have intelligence and monitoring applications. Current systems, however, do not adequately calibrate or model the unknown geological heterogeneity. Current systems are also not designed for rapid data acquisition and analysis in the field. This project seeks to build the core technological capabilities coupled with innovative deployment, processing, and analysis methodologies to allow seismic methods to be effectively utilized in the applications of seismic imaging and vehicle tracking where rapid (minutes to hours) and real-time analysis is required. The goal of this project is to build capabilities in acquisition system design, utilization and in full 3Dmore » finite difference modeling as well as statistical characterization of geological heterogeneity. Such capabilities coupled with a rapid field analysis methodology based on matched field processing are applied to problems associated with surveillance, battlefield management, finding hard and deeply buried targets, and portal monitoring. This project benefits the U.S. military and intelligence community in support of LLNL's national-security mission. FY03 was the final year of this project. In the 2.5 years this project has been active, numerous and varied developments and milestones have been accomplished. A wireless communication module for seismic data was developed to facilitate rapid seismic data acquisition and analysis. The E3D code was enhanced to include topographic effects. Codes were developed to implement the Karhunen-Loeve (K-L) statistical methodology for generating geological heterogeneity that can be utilized in E3D modeling. The matched field processing methodology applied to vehicle tracking and based on a field calibration to characterize geological heterogeneity was tested and successfully demonstrated in a tank tracking experiment at the Nevada Test Site. A 3-seismic-array vehicle tracking testbed was installed on-site at LLNL for testing real-time seismic tracking methods. A field experiment was conducted over a tunnel at the Nevada Site that quantified the tunnel reflection signal and, coupled with modeling, identified key needs and requirements in experimental layout of sensors. A large field experiment was conducted at the Lake Lynn Laboratory, a mine safety research facility in Pennsylvania, over a tunnel complex in realistic, difficult conditions. This experiment gathered the necessary data for a full 3D attempt to apply the methodology. The experiment also collected data to analyze the capabilities to detect and locate in-tunnel explosions for mine safety and other applications.« less

Recent Development of an Earth Science App - FieldMove Clino

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaughan, Alan; Collins, Nathan; Krus, Mike; Rourke, Peter

2014-05-01

As geological modelling and analysis move into 3D digital space, it becomes increasingly important to be able to rapidly integrate new data with existing databases, without the potential degradation caused by repeated manual transcription of numeric, graphical and meta-data. Digital field mapping offers significant benefits when compared with traditional paper mapping techniques, in that it can directly and interactively feed and be guided by downstream geological modelling and analysis. One of the most important pieces of equipment used by the field geologists is the compass clinometer. Midland Valley's development team have recently release their highly anticipated FieldMove Clino App. FieldMove Clino is a digital compass-clinometer for data capture on a smartphone. The app allows the user to use their phone as a traditional hand-held bearing compass, as well as a digital compass-clinometer for rapidly measuring and capturing the georeferenced location and orientation of planar and linear features in the field. The user can also capture and store digital photographs and text notes. FieldMove Clino supports online Google Maps as well as offline maps, so that the user can import their own georeferenced basemaps. Data can be exported as comma-separated values (.csv) or Move™ (.mve) files and then imported directly into FieldMove™, Move™ or other applications. Midland Valley is currently pioneering tablet-based mapping and, along with its industrial and academic partners, will be using the application in field based projects throughout this year and will be integrating feedback in further developments of this technology.

A rapid field detection system for citrus huanglongbing associated ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ from the psyllid vector, diaphorina citri kuwayama and its implications in disease management

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

We report the development of an affordable detection kit for the detection of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (Las) from the psyllid vector, Diaphorina citri, which can provide real time test results in the field or field laboratory within 30-40 minutes without the need for expensive laboratory ...

Research status and development of application fields in enzyme technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Y. B.; Wang, S. W.; Yu, M.; Ru, X.; Wei, C.; Zhu, H. J.; Li, Z. Y.; Zhao, H.; Qiao, A. N.; Guo, S. Z.; Lu, L.

2018-01-01

Biological enzymes are catalyzed by living cells, most of which are proteins, and very few are RNA. Biological engineering as a new high-tech has been rapid development, Enzyme manufacturing and application areas are gradually expanding, In this paper, the status and progress of the application of enzyme technology are reviewed by reviewing the literature. and aims to provide reference for the application of enzyme technology and provide scientific basis for its future research and development in new field.

Progress in the clinical development and utilization of vision prostheses: an update

PubMed Central

Brandli, Alice; Luu, Chi D; Guymer, Robyn H; Ayton, Lauren N

2016-01-01

Vision prostheses, or “bionic eyes”, are implantable medical bionic devices with the potential to restore rudimentary sight to people with profound vision loss or blindness. In the past two decades, this field has rapidly progressed, and there are now two commercially available retinal prostheses in the US and Europe, and a number of next-generation devices in development. This review provides an update on the development of these devices and a discussion on the future directions for the field. PMID:28539798

A software framework for pipelined arithmetic algorithms in field programmable gate arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, J. B.; Won, E.

2018-03-01

Pipelined algorithms implemented in field programmable gate arrays are extensively used for hardware triggers in the modern experimental high energy physics field and the complexity of such algorithms increases rapidly. For development of such hardware triggers, algorithms are developed in C++, ported to hardware description language for synthesizing firmware, and then ported back to C++ for simulating the firmware response down to the single bit level. We present a C++ software framework which automatically simulates and generates hardware description language code for pipelined arithmetic algorithms.

Microcontroller-Based Experimental Setup and Experiments for SCADA Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sahin, S.; Olmez, M.; Isler, Y.

2010-01-01

In the field of automation technology, research and development for industrial applications has increased rapidly in recent years. Therefore, industrial automation and control education is a very important element of the industrialization process in developing countries, such as Turkey, which needs to keep abreast for the latest developments in…

Rapid indices of potential nitrogen mineralization for intensively managed hardwood plantations

Treesearch

D. Andrew Scott; Alixanna McLearen Norris; James A. Burger

2005-01-01

Short-rotation hardwood plantations generally require repeated applications of nitrogen (N) fertilizer to maintain desired growth and are being installed on two previous land uses: agricultural fields and cutover forest lands. Because the soil organic matter chemistry is different between agricultural field and cutover soils, indices of N availability developed for one...

Neuroscience and Special Education. inForum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muller, Eve

2011-01-01

The purpose of this document is to provide a brief overview of how links are being developed between the rapidly expanding field of neuroscience and the practice of special education. The first part of the document introduces definitions and terminology, provides an overview of how findings from neuroscience are being applied to the field of…

Greener and Sustainable Approaches to the Synthesis of Pharmaceutically Active Heterocycles

EPA Science Inventory

Green chemistry is a rapidly developing field providing a proactive avenue for the sustainable development of future science and technology. Green chemistry can be applied to the design of highly efficient, environmentally benign synthetic protocols to deliver life-saving medicin...

The picture exchange communication system.

PubMed

Bondy, A S; Frost, L A

1998-01-01

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) was developed as a means to teach children with autism and related developmental disabilities a rapidly acquired, self-initiating, functional communication system. Its theoretical roots combine principles from applied behavior analysis and guidelines established within the field of alternative and augmentative communication. This approach has several potential advantages relative to imitation-based strategies (both vocal and gestural) and symbol selection strategies. The system begins with the exchange of simple icons but rapidly builds "sentence" structure. The system also emphasizes developing the request function prior to developing responding to simple questions and commenting. The development of requesting with a sentence structure also permits the rapid development of attributes more traditionally taught within a receptive mode. The relationship between the introduction of PECS and various other behavioral issues (i.e., social approach and behavior management) as well as its relationship to the codevelopment of speech are reviewed.

A recombinase polymerase amplification assay for rapid detection of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever Virus infection

PubMed Central

Afrough, Babak; Mullojonova, Manija; Dzhuraeva, Viktoriya; Tishkova, Farida; Hewson, Roger

2017-01-01

Background Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever Virus (CCHFV) is a rapidly emerging vector-borne pathogen and the cause of a virulent haemorrhagic fever affecting large parts of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Methodology/principle findings An isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay was successfully developed for molecular detection of CCHFV. The assay showed rapid (under 10 minutes) detection of viral extracts/synthetic virus RNA of all 7 S-segment clades of CCHFV, with high target specificity. The assay was shown to tolerate the presence of inhibitors in crude preparations of mock field samples, indicating that this assay may be suitable for use in the field with minimal sample preparation. The CCHFV RPA was successfully used to screen and detect CCHFV positives from a panel of clinical samples from Tajikistan. Conclusions/significance The assay is a rapid, isothermal, simple-to-perform molecular diagnostic, which can be performed on a light, portable real-time detection device. It is ideally placed therefore for use as a field-diagnostic or in-low resource laboratories, for monitoring of CCHF outbreaks at the point-of-need, such as in remote rural regions in affected countries. PMID:29028804

Rapid detection of Ganoderma-infected oil palms by microwave ergosterol extraction with HPLC and TLC.

PubMed

Muniroh, M S; Sariah, M; Zainal Abidin, M A; Lima, N; Paterson, R R M

2014-05-01

Detection of basal stem rot (BSR) by Ganoderma of oil palms was based on foliar symptoms and production of basidiomata. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays-Polyclonal Antibody (ELISA-PAB) and PCR have been proposed as early detection methods for the disease. These techniques are complex, time consuming and have accuracy limitations. An ergosterol method was developed which correlated well with the degree of infection in oil palms, including samples growing in plantations. However, the method was capable of being optimised. This current study was designed to develop a simpler, more rapid and efficient ergosterol method with utility in the field that involved the use of microwave extraction. The optimised procedure involved extracting a small amount of Ganoderma, or Ganoderma-infected oil palm suspended in low volumes of solvent followed by irradiation in a conventional microwave oven at 70°C and medium high power for 30s, resulting in simultaneous extraction and saponification. Ergosterol was detected by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and quantified using high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The TLC method was novel and provided a simple, inexpensive method with utility in the field. The new method was particularly effective at extracting high yields of ergosterol from infected oil palm and enables rapid analysis of field samples on site, allowing infected oil palms to be treated or culled very rapidly. Some limitations of the method are discussed herein. The procedures lend themselves to controlling the disease more effectively and allowing more effective use of land currently employed to grow oil palms, thereby reducing pressure to develop new plantations. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rapid parameterization of small molecules using the Force Field Toolkit.

PubMed

Mayne, Christopher G; Saam, Jan; Schulten, Klaus; Tajkhorshid, Emad; Gumbart, James C

2013-12-15

The inability to rapidly generate accurate and robust parameters for novel chemical matter continues to severely limit the application of molecular dynamics simulations to many biological systems of interest, especially in fields such as drug discovery. Although the release of generalized versions of common classical force fields, for example, General Amber Force Field and CHARMM General Force Field, have posited guidelines for parameterization of small molecules, many technical challenges remain that have hampered their wide-scale extension. The Force Field Toolkit (ffTK), described herein, minimizes common barriers to ligand parameterization through algorithm and method development, automation of tedious and error-prone tasks, and graphical user interface design. Distributed as a VMD plugin, ffTK facilitates the traversal of a clear and organized workflow resulting in a complete set of CHARMM-compatible parameters. A variety of tools are provided to generate quantum mechanical target data, setup multidimensional optimization routines, and analyze parameter performance. Parameters developed for a small test set of molecules using ffTK were comparable to existing CGenFF parameters in their ability to reproduce experimentally measured values for pure-solvent properties (<15% error from experiment) and free energy of solvation (±0.5 kcal/mol from experiment). Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Initial Determination of Low Earth Orbits Using Commercial Telescopes

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-01

many new technologies have significantly changed the face of private astronomy . Developments such as inexpensive but high-quality sensors, rapid... astronomy . Unpar- alleled access to quality equipment, rapid personal computing, and extensive community support enable nearly anyone to achieve feats in...other subdisciplines of astronomy , this field benefits greatly from recent advances. This project examines how modern equipment is used to track Low Earth

Magnetron magnetic priming for rapid startup and noise reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neculaes, Vasile Bogdan

The magnetron is a vacuum electronics crossed-field device: perpendicular electric and magnetic fields determine the electron dynamics. Compactness, efficiency and reliability make magnetrons suitable for a wide range of military and civilian applications: radar, industrial heating, plasma sources, and medical accelerators. The most ubiquitous use of magnetrons is as the microwave power source in microwave ovens, operating at 2.45 GHz and delivering about 800--1000 W. University of Michigan and several other research programs are actively pursuing the development of GW range relativistic magnetrons. This dissertation presents experimental and computational results concerning innovative techniques to improve magnetron noise, startup and mode stability. The DC-operated oven magnetron studies performed at University of Michigan opened new directions by utilizing azimuthally varying magnetic fields (magnetic priming). Magnetic priming for rapid startup in an N-cavity magnetron operating in the pi-mode is based on implementation of an axial magnetic field with N/2 azimuthal periods, to prebunch the electrons in the desired number of spokes (N/2). Experiments with magnetic priming on DC oven magnetrons using perturbing magnets added on the upper existing magnet of the magnetron showed rapid startup (pi-mode oscillation observed at low currents) and up to 35 dB noise reduction (close to the carrier and in sidebands). A complex 3-dimensional (3D) ICEPIC computational model recovered the oven magnetron magnetic priming experimental results: rapid electron prebunching due to presence of perturbing magnets, fast startup and tendency towards a lower noise state. Simulations in 6-cavity relativistic magnetrons show that ideal magnetic priming causes fast startup, rapid mode growth (with radial electron diffusion) and suppression of mode competition. A highly idealized model (planar, crossed-field, non-resonant, non-relativistic structure) using single particle dynamics showed that magnetic priming causes rapid electron prebunching, specific symmetries in the electron cloud and an orbital parametric instability (radial exponential growth).

Utility of point of care test devices for infectious disease testing of blood and oral fluid and application to rapid testing in the field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Stephen R.; Kardos, Keith W.; Yearwood, Graham D.; Guillon, Geraldine B.; Kurtz, Lisa A.; Mokkapati, Vijaya K.

2008-04-01

Rapid, point of care (POC) testing has been increasingly deployed as an aid in the diagnosis of infectious disease, due to its ability to deliver rapid, actionable results. In the case of HIV, a number of rapid test devices have been FDA approved and CLIA-waived in order to enable diagnosis of HIV infection outside of traditional laboratory settings. These settings include STD clinics, community outreach centers and mobile testing units, as well as identifying HIV infection among pregnant women and managing occupational exposure to infection. The OraQuick ® rapid test platform has been widely used to identify HIV in POC settings, due to its simplicity, ease of use and the ability to utilize oral fluid as an alternative specimen to blood. More recently, a rapid test for antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been developed on the same test platform which uses serum, plasma, finger-stick blood, venous blood and oral fluid. Clinical testing using this POC test device has shown that performance is equivalent to state of the art, laboratory based tests. These devices may be suitable for rapid field testing of blood and other body fluids for the presence of infectious agents.

Arterial Spin Labeling - Fast Imaging with Steady-State Free Precession (ASL-FISP): A Rapid and Quantitative Perfusion Technique for High Field MRI

PubMed Central

Gao, Ying; Goodnough, Candida L.; Erokwu, Bernadette O.; Farr, George W.; Darrah, Rebecca; Lu, Lan; Dell, Katherine M.; Yu, Xin; Flask, Chris A.

2014-01-01

Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) is a valuable non-contrast perfusion MRI technique with numerous clinical applications. Many previous ASL MRI studies have utilized either Echo-Planar Imaging (EPI) or True Fast Imaging with Steady-State Free Precession (True FISP) readouts that are prone to off-resonance artifacts on high field MRI scanners. We have developed a rapid ASL-FISP MRI acquisition for high field preclinical MRI scanners providing perfusion-weighted images with little or no artifacts in less than 2 seconds. In this initial implementation, a FAIR (Flow-Sensitive Alternating Inversion Recovery) ASL preparation was combined with a rapid, centrically-encoded FISP readout. Validation studies on healthy C57/BL6 mice provided consistent estimation of in vivo mouse brain perfusion at 7 T and 9.4 T (249±38 ml/min/100g and 241±17 ml/min/100g, respectively). The utility of this method was further demonstrated in detecting significant perfusion deficits in a C57/BL6 mouse model of ischemic stroke. Reasonable kidney perfusion estimates were also obtained for a healthy C57/BL6 mouse exhibiting differential perfusion in the renal cortex and medulla. Overall, the ASL-FISP technique provides a rapid and quantitative in vivo assessment of tissue perfusion for high field MRI scanners with minimal image artifacts. PMID:24891124

2010 MULTIPHOTON PROCESSES GORDON RESEARCH CONFERENCE, JUNE 6-11, 2010, TILTON, NH

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

Mette Gaarde

2010-06-11

The Gordon Research Conference on Multiphoton Processes will be held for the 15th time in 2010. The meeting continues to evolve as it embraces both the rapid technological and intellectual growth in the field as well as the multi-disciplinary expertise of the participants. This time the sessions will focus on: (1) Ultrafast coherent control; (2) Free-electron laser experiments and theory; (3) Generation of harmonics and attosecond pulses; (4) Ultrafast imaging; (5) Applications of very high intensity laser fields; (6) Strong-field processes in molecules and solids; (7) Attosecond science; and (8) Controlling light. The scientific program will blur traditional disciplinary boundariesmore » as the presenters and discussion leaders involve chemists, physicists, and optical engineers, representing both experiment and theory. The broad range of expertise and different perspectives of attendees should provide a stimulating and unique environment for solving problems and developing new ideas in this rapidly evolving field.« less

A Rapid Assessment Tool for affirming good practice in midwifery education programming.

PubMed

Fullerton, Judith T; Johnson, Peter; Lobe, Erika; Myint, Khine Haymar; Aung, Nan Nan; Moe, Thida; Linn, Nay Aung

2016-03-01

to design a criterion-referenced assessment tool that could be used globally in a rapid assessment of good practices and bottlenecks in midwifery education programs. a standard tool development process was followed, to generate standards and reference criteria; followed by external review and field testing to document psychometric properties. review of standards and scoring criteria were conducted by stakeholders around the globe. Field testing of the tool was conducted in Myanmar. eleven of Myanmar׳s 22 midwifery education programs participated in the assessment. the clinimetric tool was demonstrated to have content validity and high inter-rater reliability in use. a globally validated tool, and accompanying user guide and handbook are now available for conducting rapid assessments of compliance with good practice criteria in midwifery education programming. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Whole-body continuously moving table fat-water MRI with dynamic B0 shimming at 3 Tesla.

PubMed

Sengupta, Saikat; Smith, David S; Gifford, Aliya; Welch, E Brian

2016-07-01

The purpose of this work was to develop a rapid and robust whole-body fat-water MRI (FWMRI) method using a continuously moving table (CMT) with dynamic field corrections at 3 Tesla. CMT FWMRI was developed at 3 Tesla with a multiecho golden angle (GA) radial trajectory and dynamic B0 field shimming. Whole-body imaging was performed with 4 echoes and superior-inferior coverage of 1.8 meters without shims in 90 s. 716 axial images were reconstructed with GA profile binning followed by B0 field map generation using fast three-point seeded region growing fat-water separation and slice-specific 0(th) and 1(st) order shim calculation. Slice-specific shims were applied dynamically in a repeated CMT FWMRI scan in the same session. The resulting images were evaluated for field homogeneity improvements and quality of fat-water separation with a whole-image energy optimized algorithm. GA sampling allowed high quality whole-body FWMRI from multiecho CMT data. Dynamic B0 shimming greatly improved field homogeneity in the body and produced high quality water and fat only images as well as fat signal fraction and R2 * relaxivity maps. A rapid and robust technique for whole-body fat-water quantification has been developed with CMT MRI with dynamic B0 field correction. Magn Reson Med 76:183-190, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

NEAR-REAL TIME, HIGHLY SENSITIVE AND SELECTIVE FIELD DEPLOYABLE BIOSENSOR FOR CYANOTOXINS AND CYANOBACTERIA USING BOTH ANTIBODIES AND DNA-SIGNATURES

EPA Science Inventory

The overall goal of the proposed research is to develop piezoelectric-excited millimeter-sized cantilever sensors (PEMC) for cyanotoxins in source, finished and system waters that measures in a field-deployable format and rapidly in 15 minutes so that cyanotoxin(s) hazard a...

A digital photography and analysis system for estimation of root and shoot development in rice weed suppression studies in the field

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Rice germplasm with an inherent ability to suppress weeds can potentially improve the economics and sustainability of weed control in rice. We devised a simple, rapid, and inexpensive digital imaging system to quantify several shoot and root growth characteristics in field-grown rice plants that ha...

Evaluation of Automatic Item Generation Utilities in Formative Assessment Application for Korean High School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Choi, Jaehwa; Kim, HeeKyoung; Pak, Seohong

2018-01-01

The recent interests in research in the assessment field have been rapidly shifting from decision-maker-centered assessments to learner-centered assessments (i.e., diagnostic and/or formative assessments). In particular, it is a very important research topic in this field to analyze how these learner-centered assessments are developed more…

Temporally resolved proton radiography of rapidly varying electric and magnetic fields in laser-driven capacitor coil targets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morace, A.; Santos, J. J.; Bailly-Grandvaux, M.; Ehret, M.; Alpinaniz, J.; Brabetz, C.; Schaumann, G.; Volpe, L.

2017-02-01

Understanding the dynamics of rapidly varying electromagnetic fields in intense short pulse laser plasma interactions is of key importance to understand the mechanisms at the basis of a wide variety of physical processes, from high energy density physics and fusion science to the development of ultrafast laser plasma devices to control laser-generated particle beams. Target normal sheath accelerated (TNSA) proton radiography represents an ideal tool to diagnose ultrafast electromagnetic phenomena, providing 2D spatially and temporally resolved radiographs with temporal resolution varying from 2-3 ps to few tens of ps. In this work we introduce the proton radiography technique and its application to diagnose the spatial and temporal evolution of electromagnetic fields in laser-driven capacitor coil targets.

Distributed simulation for formation flying applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sohl, Garett A.; Udomkesmalee, Santi; Kellogg, Jennifer L.

2005-01-01

High fidelity engineering simulation plays a key role in the rapidly developing field of space-based formation flying. This paper describes the design and implementation of the Formation Algorithms and Simulation Testbed (FAST).

On the Behavior of Velocity Fluctuations in Rapidly Rotating Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Girimaji, S. S.; Ristorcelli, J. R.

1997-01-01

The behavior of velocity fluctuations subjected to rapid rotation is examined. The rapid rotation considered is any arbitrary combination of two basic forms of rotation, reference frame rotation and mean flow rotation. It is recognized that the two types of rotating flows differ in the manner in which the fluctuating fields are advected. The first category is comprised of flows in rotating systems of which synoptic scale geophysical flows are a good example. In this class of flows the fluctuating velocity field advects and rotates with the mean flow. In the rapid rotation limit, the Taylor-Proudman theorem describes the behavior of this class of fluctuations. Velocity fluctuations that are advected without rotation by the mean flow constitute the second category which includes vortical flows of aerodynamic interest. The Taylor-Proudman theorem is not pertinent to I his class flows and a new result appropriate to this second category of fluctuations is derived. The present development demonstrates that the fluctuating velocity fields are rendered two-dimensional and horizontally non-divergent in the limit of any large combination of reference frame rotation and mean-flow rotation. The concommitant 'geostrophic' balance of the momentum equation is, however, dependent upon the form of rapid rotation. It is also demonstrated that the evolution equations of a two-dimensional fluctuating velocity fields are frame-indifferent with any imposed mean-flow rotation. The analyses and results of this paper highlight many fundamental aspects of rotating flows and have important consequences for their turbulence closures in inertial and non-inertial frames.

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...

Rapid Radiofrequency Field Mapping In Vivo Using Single-Shot STEAM MRI

PubMed Central

Helms, Gunther; Finsterbusch, Jürgen; Weiskopf, Nikolaus; Dechent, Peter

2008-01-01

Higher field strengths entail less homogeneous RF fields. This may influence quantitative MRI and MRS. A method for rapidly mapping the RF field in the human head with minimal distortion was developed on the basis of a single-shot stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) sequence. The flip angle of the second RF pulse in the STEAM preparation was set to 60° and 100° instead of 90°, inducing a flip angle-dependent signal change. A quadratic approximation of this trigonometric signal dependence together with a calibration accounting for slice excitation-related bias allowed for directly determining the RF field from the two measurements only. RF maps down to the level of the medulla could be obtained in less than 1 min and registered to anatomical volumes by means of the T2-weighted STEAM images. Flip angles between 75% and 125% of the nominal value were measured in line with other methods. Magn Reson Med 60:739–743, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. PMID:18727090

Rapid Waterborne Pathogen Detection with Mobile Electronics.

PubMed

Wu, Tsung-Feng; Chen, Yu-Chen; Wang, Wei-Chung; Kucknoor, Ashwini S; Lin, Che-Jen; Lo, Yu-Hwa; Yao, Chun-Wei; Lian, Ian

2017-06-09

Pathogen detection in water samples, without complex and time consuming procedures such as fluorescent-labeling or culture-based incubation, is essential to public safety. We propose an immunoagglutination-based protocol together with the microfluidic device to quantify pathogen levels directly from water samples. Utilizing ubiquitous complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) imagers from mobile electronics, a low-cost and one-step reaction detection protocol is developed to enable field detection for waterborne pathogens. 10 mL of pathogen-containing water samples was processed using the developed protocol including filtration enrichment, immune-reaction detection and imaging processing. The limit of detection of 10 E. coli O157:H7 cells/10 mL has been demonstrated within 10 min of turnaround time. The protocol can readily be integrated into a mobile electronics such as smartphones for rapid and reproducible field detection of waterborne pathogens.

Rapid modification of urban land surface temperature during rainfall

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Omidvar, H.; Bou-Zeid, E.; Song, J.; Yang, J.; Arwatz, G.; Wang, Z.; Hultmark, M.; Kaloush, K.

2017-12-01

We study the runoff dynamics and heat transfer over urban pavements during rainfall. A kinematic wave approach is combined with heat storage and transfer schemes to develop a model for impervious (with runoff) and pervious (without runoff) pavements. The resulting framework is a numerical prognostic model that can simulate the temperature fields in the subsurface and runoff layers to capture the rapid cooling of the surface, as well as the thermal pollution advected in the runoff. Extensive field measurements were then conducted over experimental pavements in Arizona to probe the physics and better represent the relevant processes in the model, and then to validate the model. The experimental data and the model results were in very good agreements, and their joint analysis elucidated the physics of the rapid heat transfer from the subsurface to the runoff layer. Finally, we apply the developed model to investigate how the various hydrological and thermal properties of the pavements, as well as ambient environmental conditions, modulate the surface and runoff thermal dynamics, what is the relative importance of each of them, and how we can apply the model mitigate the adverse impacts of urbanization.

Towards Single-Step Biofabrication of Organs on a Chip via 3D Printing.

PubMed

Knowlton, Stephanie; Yenilmez, Bekir; Tasoglu, Savas

2016-09-01

Organ-on-a-chip engineering employs microfabrication of living tissues within microscale fluid channels to create constructs that closely mimic human organs. With the advent of 3D printing, we predict that single-step fabrication of these devices will enable rapid design and cost-effective iterations in the development stage, facilitating rapid innovation in this field. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Challenge of Being an Instructional Designer for New Media Development: A View from the Practitioners.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liu, Min; Gibby, Scott; Quiros, Ondrea; Demps, Elaine

The rapid changes in the field of technology are redefining the process of developing technology-enhanced educational materials as well as the roles of developers involved in the process.The purpose of this study was to learn from practitioners the roles and responsibilities of an instructional designer in developing new media enhanced…

X-rays from Magnetic B-type Stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fletcher, Corinne; Petit, Véronique; Caballero-Nieves, Saida Maria; Nazé, Yaël; Owocki, Stan; Wade, Gregg; Cohen, David; Townsend, Richard; David-Uraz, Alexandre; Shultz, Matt

2018-01-01

Recent surveys have found that ~10% of OB-type stars host strong (~1kG), mostly dipolar magnetic fields. The prominent idea describing the interaction between the stellar winds and the magnetic field is the magnetically confined wind shock model. In this model, the ionized wind material is forced to move along the closed magnetic field loops and collides at the magnetic equator creating a shock. As the shocked material cools radiatively it will emit X-rays. Therefore, X-ray spectroscopy is a key tool in detecting and characterizing the wind material confined by the magnetic fields of these stars. Some of these magnetic B-type stars are found to have very short rotational periods. The effects of the rapid rotation on the X-ray production within the magnetosphere have yet to be explored in detail. The added centrifugal force is predicted to cause faster wind outflows along the field lines, which could lead to higher shock temperatures and harder X-rays. However, this is not observed in all rapidly rotating magnetic B-type stars. In order to address this question from a theoretical point of view, we use the X-ray Analytical Dynamical Magnetosphere model, developed for slow rotators and implement the physics of rapid rotation. Using X-ray spectroscopy from ESA’s XMM-Newton space telescope, we observed 5 rapidly rotating B-types stars to add to the previous list of observations. Comparing the observed X-ray luminosity and hardness ratio to that predicted by the XADM allows us to determine the role an added centrifugal acceleration plays in the magnetospheres of these stars.

Rapid-estimation method for assessing scour at highway bridges

USGS Publications Warehouse

Holnbeck, Stephen R.

1998-01-01

A method was developed by the U.S. Geological Survey for rapid estimation of scour at highway bridges using limited site data and analytical procedures to estimate pier, abutment, and contraction scour depths. The basis for the method was a procedure recommended by the Federal Highway Administration for conducting detailed scour investigations, commonly referred to as the Level 2 method. Using pier, abutment, and contraction scour results obtained from Level 2 investigations at 122 sites in 10 States, envelope curves and graphical relations were developed that enable determination of scour-depth estimates at most bridge sites in a matter of a few hours. Rather than using complex hydraulic variables, surrogate variables more easily obtained in the field were related to calculated scour-depth data from Level 2 studies. The method was tested by having several experienced individuals apply the method in the field, and results were compared among the individuals and with previous detailed analyses performed for the sites. Results indicated that the variability in predicted scour depth among individuals applying the method generally was within an acceptable range, and that conservatively greater scour depths generally were obtained by the rapid-estimation method compared to the Level 2 method. The rapid-estimation method is considered most applicable for conducting limited-detail scour assessments and as a screening tool to determine those bridge sites that may require more detailed analysis. The method is designed to be applied only by a qualified professional possessing knowledge and experience in the fields of bridge scour, hydraulics, and flood hydrology, and having specific expertise with the Level 2 method.

Modeling and Analysis of Geoelectric Fields: Extended Solar Shield

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ngwira, C. M.; Pulkkinen, A. A.

2016-12-01

In the NASA Applied Sciences Program Solar Shield project, an unprecedented first-principles-based system to forecast geomagnetically induced current (GIC) in high-voltage power transmission systems was developed. Rapid progress in the field of numerical physics-based space environment modeling has led to major developments over the past few years. In this study modeling and analysis of induced geoelectric fields is discussed. Specifically, we focus on the successful incorporation of 3-D EM transfer functions in the modeling of E-fields, and on the analysis of near real-time simulation outputs used in the Solar Shield forecast system. The extended Solar Shield is a collaborative project between DHS, NASA, NOAA, CUA and EPRI.

State-of-the-art implantable cardiac assist device therapy for heart failure: bridge to transplant and destination therapy.

PubMed

Park, S J; Kushwaha, S S; McGregor, C G A

2012-01-01

Congestive heart failure is associated with poor quality of life (QoL) and low survival rates. The development of state-of-the-art cardiac devices holds promise for improved therapy in patients with heart failure. The field of implantable cardiac assist devices is changing rapidly with the emergence of continuous-flow pumps (CFPs). The important developments in this field, including pertinent clinical trials, registry reports, innovative research, and potential future directions are discussed in this paper.

Agent-Based Multicellular Modeling for Predictive Toxicology

EPA Science Inventory

Biological modeling is a rapidly growing field that has benefited significantly from recent technological advances, expanding traditional methods with greater computing power, parameter-determination algorithms, and the development of novel computational approaches to modeling bi...

Rapid concentration of deoxyribonucleic acid via Joule heating induced temperature gradient focusing in poly-dimethylsiloxane microfluidic channel.

PubMed

Ge, Zhengwei; Wang, Wei; Yang, Chun

2015-02-09

This paper reports rapid microfluidic electrokinetic concentration of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) with the Joule heating induced temperature gradient focusing (TGF) by using our proposed combined AC and DC electric field technique. A peak of 480-fold concentration enhancement of DNA sample is achieved within 40s in a simple poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic channel of a sudden expansion in cross-section. Compared to a sole DC field, the introduction of an AC field can reduce DC field induced back-pressure and produce sufficient Joule heating effects, resulting in higher concentration enhancement. Within such microfluidic channel structure, negative charged DNA analytes can be concentrated at a location where the DNA electrophoretic motion is balanced with the bulk flow driven by DC electroosmosis under an appropriate temperature gradient field. A numerical model accounting for a combined AC and DC field and back-pressure driven flow effects is developed to describe the complex Joule heating induced TGF processes. The experimental observation of DNA concentration phenomena can be explained by the numerical model. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Rapid laboratory detection of antigens of infective agents of infections and technical means for their realization].

PubMed

Kal'noĭ, S M

2003-01-01

A system of new accelerated and rapid methods for the detection of the antigens of the infective agents of plague, cholera, tularemia and brucellosis were developed on the basis of solid phase immunosuspension tests: the passive hemagglutination (PHA) test and the latex agglutination (LA) test. The immunological and physico-chemical properties of suspensions in the PHA and LA tests made it possible to use extraneous sources of energy (centrifugal acceleration and the electric field) to accelerate these tests. The results of the PHA and LA tests were registered with the use of a densitometer, model Ultrascan 2202, and a tester, model C 34014.2. To apply centrifugal acceleration and the electric field, a laboratory centrifuge and an electrophoretic microchamber were designed. Densitometry was carried out on modified plates and conductometry, with the use of modified electrodes. The time of obtaining the results of the PHA and LA tests was 15-30 minutes with the use of centrifugation and 2-5 minutes in the electric field, which made it possible to regard these tests as rapid.

Use of refractometry and colorimetry as field methods to rapidly assess antimalarial drug quality.

PubMed

Green, Michael D; Nettey, Henry; Villalva Rojas, Ofelia; Pamanivong, Chansapha; Khounsaknalath, Lamphet; Grande Ortiz, Miguel; Newton, Paul N; Fernández, Facundo M; Vongsack, Latsamy; Manolin, Ot

2007-01-04

The proliferation of counterfeit and poor-quality drugs is a major public health problem; especially in developing countries lacking adequate resources to effectively monitor their prevalence. Simple and affordable field methods provide a practical means of rapidly monitoring drug quality in circumstances where more advanced techniques are not available. Therefore, we have evaluated refractometry, colorimetry and a technique combining both processes as simple and accurate field assays to rapidly test the quality of the commonly available antimalarial drugs; artesunate, chloroquine, quinine, and sulfadoxine. Method bias, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy relative to high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis of drugs collected in the Lao PDR were assessed for each technique. The HPLC method for each drug was evaluated in terms of assay variability and accuracy. The accuracy of the combined method ranged from 0.96 to 1.00 for artesunate tablets, chloroquine injectables, quinine capsules, and sulfadoxine tablets while the accuracy was 0.78 for enterically coated chloroquine tablets. These techniques provide a generally accurate, yet simple and affordable means to assess drug quality in resource-poor settings.

CNR considerations for rapid real-time MRI tumor tracking in radiotherapy hybrid devices: Effects of B{sub 0} field strength

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

Wachowicz, K., E-mail: keith.wachowicz@albertaheal

2016-08-15

Purpose: This work examines the subject of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), specifically between tumor and tissue background, and its dependence on the MRI field strength, B{sub 0}. This examination is motivated by the recent interest and developments in MRI/radiotherapy hybrids where real-time imaging can be used to guide treatment beams. The ability to distinguish a tumor from background tissue is of primary importance in this field, and this work seeks to elucidate the complex relationship between the CNR and B{sub 0} that is too often assumed to be purely linear. Methods: Experimentally based models of B{sub 0}-dependant relaxation for various tumormore » and normal tissues from the literature were used in conjunction with signal equations for MR sequences suitable for rapid real-time imaging to develop field-dependent predictions for CNR. These CNR models were developed for liver, lung, breast, glioma, and kidney tumors for spoiled gradient-echo, balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP), and single-shot half-Fourier fast spin echo sequences. Results: Due to the pattern in which the relaxation properties of tissues are found to vary over B{sub 0} field (specifically the T{sub 1} time), there was always an improved CNR at lower fields compared to linear dependency. Further, in some tumor sites, the CNR at lower fields was found to be comparable to, or sometimes higher than those at higher fields (i.e., bSSFP CNR for glioma, kidney, and liver tumors). Conclusions: In terms of CNR, lower B{sub 0} fields have been shown to perform as well or better than higher fields for some tumor sites due to superior T{sub 1} contrast. In other sites this effect was less pronounced, reversing the CNR advantage. This complex relationship between CNR and B{sub 0} reveals both low and high magnetic fields as viable options for tumor tracking in MRI/radiotherapy hybrids.« less

Developing research competencies through a project-based tissue-engineering module in the biomedical engineering undergraduate curriculum.

PubMed

Wallen, M; Pandit, A

2009-05-01

In addressing the task of developing an undergraduate module in the field of tissue engineering, the greatest challenge lies in managing to capture what is a growing and rapidly changing field. Acknowledging the call for the development of greater critical thinking and interpersonal skills among the next generation of engineers as well as encouraging students to engage actively with the dynamic nature of research in the field, the module was developed to include both project-based and cooperative-learning experiences. These learning activities include developing hypotheses for the application of newly introduced laboratory procedures, a collaborative mock grant submission, and debates on ethical issues in which students are assigned roles as various stakeholders. Feedback from module evaluations has indicated that, while students find the expectations challenging, they are able to gain an advanced insight into a dynamic field. More importantly, students develop research competencies by engaging in activities that require them to link current research directions with their own development of hypotheses for future tissue-engineering applications.

Genetics of Dyslipidemia and Ischemic Heart Disease.

PubMed

Sharma, Kavita; Baliga, Ragavendra R

2017-05-01

Genetic dyslipidemias contribute to the prevalence of ischemic heart disease. The field of genetic dyslipidemias and their influence on atherosclerotic heart disease is rapidly developing and accumulating increasing evidence. The purpose of this review is to describe the current state of knowledge in regard to inherited atherogenic dyslipidemias. The disorders of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and elevated lipoprotein(a) will be detailed. Genetic technology has made rapid advancements, leading to new discoveries in inherited atherogenic dyslipidemias, which will be explored in this review, as well as a description of possible future developments. Increasing attention has come upon the genetic disorders of familial hypercholesterolemia and elevated lipoprotein(a). This review includes new knowledge of these disorders including description of these disorders, their method of diagnosis, their prevalence, their genetic underpinnings, and their effect on the development of cardiovascular disease. In addition, it discusses major advances in genetic technology, including the completion of the human genome sequence, next-generation sequencing, and genome-wide association studies. Also discussed are rare variant studies with specific genetic mechanisms involved in inherited dyslipidemias, such as in the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) enzyme. The field of genetics of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease is rapidly growing, which will result in a bright future of novel mechanisms of action and new therapeutics.

A rapid method of accurate detection and differentiation of Newcastle disease virus pathotypes by demonstrating multiple bands in degenerate primer based nested RT-PCR.

PubMed

Desingu, P A; Singh, S D; Dhama, K; Kumar, O R Vinodh; Singh, R; Singh, R K

2015-02-01

A rapid and accurate method of detection and differentiation of virulent and avirulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) pathotypes was developed. The NDV detection was carried out for different domestic avian field isolates and pigeon paramyxo virus-1 (25 field isolates and 9 vaccine strains) by using APMV-I "fusion" (F) gene Class II specific external primer A and B (535bp), internal primer C and D (238bp) based reverses transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). The internal degenerative reverse primer D is specific for F gene cleavage position of virulent strain of NDV. The nested RT-PCR products of avirulent strains showed two bands (535bp and 424bp) while virulent strains showed four bands (535bp, 424bp, 349bp and 238bp) on agar gel electrophoresis. This is the first report regarding development and use of degenerate primer based nested RT-PCR for accurate detection and differentiation of NDV pathotypes by demonstrating multiple PCR band patterns. Being a rapid, simple, and economical test, the developed method could serve as a valuable alternate diagnostic tool for characterizing NDV isolates and carrying out molecular epidemiological surveillance studies for this important pathogen of poultry. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Label-Free Biological and Chemical Sensing Using Whispering Gallery Mode Optical Resonators: Past, Present, and Future

PubMed Central

Su, Judith

2017-01-01

Sensitive and rapid label-free biological and chemical sensors are needed for a wide variety of applications including early disease diagnosis and prognosis, the monitoring of food and water quality, as well as the detection of bacteria and viruses for public health concerns and chemical threat sensing. Whispering gallery mode optical resonator based sensing is a rapidly developing field due to the high sensitivity and speed of these devices as well as their label-free nature. Here, we describe the history of whispering gallery mode optical resonator sensors, the principles behind detection, the latest developments in the fields of biological and chemical sensing, current challenges toward widespread adoption of these devices, and an outlook for the future. In addition, we evaluate the performance capabilities of these sensors across three key parameters: sensitivity, selectivity, and speed. PMID:28282881

Appendix C: Rapid development approaches for system engineering and design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

Conventional system architectures, development processes, and tool environments often produce systems which exceed cost expectations and are obsolete before they are fielded. This paper explores some of the reasons for this and provides recommendations for how we can do better. These recommendations are based on DoD and NASA system developments and on our exploration and development of system/software engineering tools.

Synchronous in-field application of life-detection techniques in planetary analog missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amador, Elena S.; Cable, Morgan L.; Chaudry, Nosheen; Cullen, Thomas; Gentry, Diana; Jacobsen, Malene B.; Murukesan, Gayathri; Schwieterman, Edward W.; Stevens, Adam H.; Stockton, Amanda; Yin, Chang; Cullen, David C.; Geppert, Wolf

2015-02-01

Field expeditions that simulate the operations of robotic planetary exploration missions at analog sites on Earth can help establish best practices and are therefore a positive contribution to the planetary exploration community. There are many sites in Iceland that possess heritage as planetary exploration analog locations and whose environmental extremes make them suitable for simulating scientific sampling and robotic operations. We conducted a planetary exploration analog mission at two recent lava fields in Iceland, Fimmvörðuháls (2010) and Eldfell (1973), using a specially developed field laboratory. We tested the utility of in-field site sampling down selection and tiered analysis operational capabilities with three life detection and characterization techniques: fluorescence microscopy (FM), adenine-triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assay, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. The study made use of multiple cycles of sample collection at multiple distance scales and field laboratory analysis using the synchronous life-detection techniques to heuristically develop the continuing sampling and analysis strategy during the expedition. Here we report the operational lessons learned and provide brief summaries of scientific data. The full scientific data report will follow separately. We found that rapid in-field analysis to determine subsequent sampling decisions is operationally feasible, and that the chosen life detection and characterization techniques are suitable for a terrestrial life-detection field mission. In-field analysis enables the rapid obtainment of scientific data and thus facilitates the collection of the most scientifically relevant samples within a single field expedition, without the need for sample relocation to external laboratories. The operational lessons learned in this study could be applied to future terrestrial field expeditions employing other analytical techniques and to future robotic planetary exploration missions.

The Importance of Juvenile Root Traits for Crop Yields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, Philip; Adu, Michael; Broadley, Martin; Brown, Lawrie; Dupuy, Lionel; George, Timothy; Graham, Neil; Hammond, John; Hayden, Rory; Neugebauer, Konrad; Nightingale, Mark; Ramsay, Gavin; Thomas, Catherine; Thompson, Jacqueline; Wishart, Jane; Wright, Gladys

2014-05-01

Genetic variation in root system architecture (RSA) is an under-exploited breeding resource. This is partly a consequence of difficulties in the rapid and accurate assessment of subterranean root systems. However, although the characterisation of root systems of large plants in the field are both time-consuming and labour-intensive, high-throughput (HTP) screens of root systems of juvenile plants can be performed in the field, glasshouse or laboratory. It is hypothesised that improving the root systems of juvenile plants can accelerate access to water and essential mineral elements, leading to rapid crop establishment and, consequently, greater yields. This presentation will illustrate how aspects of the juvenile root systems of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and oilseed rape (OSR; Brassica napus L.) correlate with crop yields and examine the reasons for such correlations. It will first describe the significant positive relationships between early root system development, phosphorus acquisition, canopy establishment and eventual yield among potato genotypes. It will report the development of a glasshouse assay for root system architecture (RSA) of juvenile potato plants, the correlations between root system architectures measured in the glasshouse and field, and the relationships between aspects of the juvenile root system and crop yields under drought conditions. It will then describe the development of HTP systems for assaying RSA of OSR seedlings, the identification of genetic loci affecting RSA in OSR, the development of mathematical models describing resource acquisition by OSR, and the correlations between root traits recorded in the HTP systems and yields of OSR in the field.

Multicentre evaluations of two new rapid IgG4 tests (WB rapid and panLF rapid) for detection of lymphatic filariasis

PubMed Central

Noordin, Rahmah; Itoh, Makoto; Kimura, Eisaku; Abdul Rahman, Rohana; Ravindran, Balachandran; Mahmud, Rohela; Supali, Taniawati; Weerasooriya, Mirani

2007-01-01

In the global effort to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF), rapid field-applicable tests are useful tools that will allow on-site testing to be performed in remote places and the results to be obtained rapidly. Exclusive reliance on the few existing tests may jeopardize the progress of the LF elimination program, thus the introduction of other rapid tests would be useful to address this issue. Two new rapid immunochromatographic IgG4 cassette tests have been produced, namely WB rapid and panLF rapid, for detection of bancroftian filariasis and all three species of lymphatic filaria respectively. WB rapid was developed using BmSXP recombinant antigen, while PanLF rapid was developed using BmR1 and BmSXP recombinant antigens. A total of 165 WB rapid and 276 panLF rapid tests respectively were evaluated at USM and the rest were couriered to another university in Malaysia (98 WB rapid, 129 panLF rapid) and to universities in Indonesia (56 WB rapid, 62 panLF rapid), Japan (152 of each test) and India (18 of each test) where each of the tests underwent independent evaluations in a blinded manner. The average sensitivities of WB rapid and panLF rapid were found to be 97.6% (94%–100%) and 96.5% (94%–100%) respectively; while their average specificities were both 99.6% (99%–100%). Thus this study demonstrated that both the IgG4 rapid tests were highly sensitive and specific, and would be useful additional tests to facilitate the global drive to eliminate this disease. PMID:17961262

Other Perspectives for Developing Exposure Estimates: “SHEDS-Lite: Rapid Scenario-Based ExposurePredictions for Chemicals with Near-Field and Dietary Pathways”

EPA Science Inventory

Creative advances in exposure science are needed to support efficient and effective evaluation and management of chemical risks, particularly for chemicals in consumer products. This presentation will describe the development of EPA’s screening-level, probabilistic SHEDS-Li...

Grand Challenges and Chemical Engineering Curriculum--Developments at TU Dortmund University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kockmann, Norbert; Lutze, Philip; Gorak, Andrzej

2016-01-01

Chemical processing industry is progressively focusing their research activities and product placements in the areas of Grand Challenges (or Global Megatrends) such as mobility, energy, communication, or health care and food. Innovation in all these fields requires solving high complex problems, rapid product development as well as dealing with…

An Exploration of the Professional Competencies Required in Engineering Asset Management

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bish, Adelle J.; Newton, Cameron J.; Browning, Vicky; O'Connor, Peter; Anibaldi, Renata

2014-01-01

Engineering asset management (EAM) is a rapidly growing and developing field. However, efforts to select and develop engineers in this area are complicated by our lack of understanding of the full range of competencies required to perform. This exploratory study sought to clarify and categorise the professional competencies required of individuals…

Laboratory and field testing of an accelerated bridge construction demonstration bridge : US Highway 6 bridge over Keg Creek : tech transfer summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-04-01

To address the need for the development of a fast, repeatable, and dependable way to replace typical bridges across the country, the Transportation Research Board (TRB) developed project R04, Innovative Designs for Rapid Renewal, as part of the...

Getting to the guts of enteric nervous system development.

PubMed

Heuckeroth, Robert O; Pachnis, Vassilis

2006-06-01

Scientists from around the world gathered in New York City recently to discuss the latest research on enteric nervous system development at a meeting organised by Alan Burns and Heather Young. The participants enjoyed 3 days of presentations that spurred active conversations and highlighted the rapidly advancing research in this field.

Motivation Matters in Mobile Language Learning: A Brief Commentary

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ushioda, Ema

2013-01-01

As highlighted in the original call for papers for this special issue, learning with mobile technologies is currently a rapidly developing area of interest for researchers, teachers, materials writers and app developers in the educational field, not least within language education. Yet to what extent is this growing interest realised and shared by…

Generation and characterization of biological aerosols for laser measurements

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

Cheng, Yung-Sung; Barr, E.B.

1995-12-01

Concerns for proliferation of biological weapons including bacteria, fungi, and viruses have prompted research and development on methods for the rapid detection of biological aerosols in the field. Real-time instruments that can distinguish biological aerosols from background dust would be especially useful. Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) is developing a laser-based, real-time instrument for rapid detection of biological aerosols, and ITRI is working with SNL scientists and engineers to evaluate this technology for a wide range of biological aerosols. This paper describes methods being used to generate the characterize the biological aerosols for these tests. In summary, a biosafe system hasmore » been developed for generating and characterizing biological aerosols and using those aerosols to test the SNL laser-based real-time instrument. Such tests are essential in studying methods for rapid detection of airborne biological materials.« less

The Future of a Mistake: Will Discrepancy Measurement Continue to Make the Learning Disabilities Field a Pseudoscience?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stanovich, Keith E.

2005-01-01

Imagine a current HMO that covered only the procedures and diseases recognized by the medical profession in 1950. The thought is ridiculous because in such a rapidly developing field as medicine, no one would expect practice to be frozen at the level of scientific knowledge attained 50 years ago. The author believes this is what has happened in…

Artist's Concept of Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

Artist's concept of Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer.

A new NASA mission will scan the entire sky in infrared light in search of nearby cool stars, planetary construction zones and the brightest galaxies in the universe.

Called the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, the mission has been approved to proceed into the preliminary design phase as the next in NASA's Medium-class Explorer program of lower cost, highly focused, rapid-development scientific spacecraft. It is scheduled to launch in 2008.

Initial Dynamical Evolution of Star Clusters with Tidal Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, So-Myoung; Goodwin, Simon P.; Kim, Sungsoo S.

2017-03-01

Observations have been suggested that star clusters could form from the rapid collapse and violent relaxation of substructured distributions. We investigate the collapse of fractal stellar distributions in no, weak, and very strong tidal fields. We find that the rapid collapse of substructure into spherical clusters happens quickly with no or a weak tidal field, but very strong tidal fields prevent a cluster forming. However, we also find that dense Plummer spheres are also rapidly destroyed in strong tidal fields. We suggest that this is why the low-mass star clusters cannot survive near the galactic centre which has strong tidal field.

Rapid visual detection of cyprinid herpesvirus 2 by recombinase polymerase amplification combined with a lateral flow dipstick.

PubMed

Wang, H; Sun, M; Xu, D; Podok, P; Xie, J; Jiang, Ys; Lu, Lq

2018-05-28

Herpesviral haematopoietic necrosis (HVHN), caused by cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV-2), causes significant losses in crucian carp (Carassius carassius) aquaculture. Rapid and convenient DNA assay detection of CyHV-2 is useful for field diagnosis. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is a novel isothermal DNA amplification and detection technology that can amplify DNA within 30 min at ~37°C by simulating in vivo DNA recombination. Herein, a rapid and convenient detection assay based on RPA with a lateral flow dipstick (LFD) was developed for detecting CyHV-2. The highly conserved ORF72 of CyHV-2 was targeted by specific and sensitive primers and probes. The optimized assay takes only 15 min at 38°C using a water bath, with analysis of products by 2% agarose gel electrophoresis within 30 min. A simple lateral flow strip based on the unique probe in reaction buffer was developed for visualization. The entire RPA-LFD assay takes 50 min less than the routine PCR method, is 100 times more sensitive and displays no cross-reaction with other aquatic viruses. The combined isothermal RPA and lateral flow assay (RPA-LFD) provides a simple, rapid, reliable method that could improve field diagnosis of CyHV-2 when resources are limited. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Rapid molecular assays for the detection of yellow fever virus in low-resource settings.

PubMed

Escadafal, Camille; Faye, Oumar; Sall, Amadou Alpha; Faye, Ousmane; Weidmann, Manfred; Strohmeier, Oliver; von Stetten, Felix; Drexler, Josef; Eberhard, Michael; Niedrig, Matthias; Patel, Pranav

2014-03-01

Yellow fever (YF) is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The causative agent, the yellow fever virus (YFV), is found in tropical and subtropical areas of South America and Africa. Although a vaccine is available since the 1930s, YF still causes thousands of deaths and several outbreaks have recently occurred in Africa. Therefore, rapid and reliable diagnostic methods easy to perform in low-resources settings could have a major impact on early detection of outbreaks and implementation of appropriate response strategies such as vaccination and/or vector control. The aim of this study was to develop a YFV nucleic acid detection method applicable in outbreak investigations and surveillance studies in low-resource and field settings. The method should be simple, robust, rapid and reliable. Therefore, we adopted an isothermal approach and developed a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay which can be performed with a small portable instrument and easy-to-use lyophilized reagents. The assay was developed in three different formats (real-time with or without microfluidic semi-automated system and lateral-flow assay) to evaluate their application for different purposes. Analytical specificity and sensitivity were evaluated with a wide panel of viruses and serial dilutions of YFV RNA. Mosquito pools and spiked human plasma samples were also tested for assay validation. Finally, real-time RPA in portable format was tested under field conditions in Senegal. The assay was able to detect 20 different YFV strains and demonstrated no cross-reactions with closely related viruses. The RPA assay proved to be a robust, portable method with a low detection limit (<21 genome equivalent copies per reaction) and rapid processing time (<20 min). Results from real-time RPA field testing were comparable to results obtained in the laboratory, thus confirming our method is suitable for YFV detection in low-resource settings.

Rapid Molecular Assays for the Detection of Yellow Fever Virus in Low-Resource Settings

PubMed Central

Escadafal, Camille; Faye, Oumar; Sall, Amadou Alpha; Faye, Ousmane; Weidmann, Manfred; Strohmeier, Oliver; von Stetten, Felix; Drexler, Josef; Eberhard, Michael; Niedrig, Matthias; Patel, Pranav

2014-01-01

Background Yellow fever (YF) is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The causative agent, the yellow fever virus (YFV), is found in tropical and subtropical areas of South America and Africa. Although a vaccine is available since the 1930s, YF still causes thousands of deaths and several outbreaks have recently occurred in Africa. Therefore, rapid and reliable diagnostic methods easy to perform in low-resources settings could have a major impact on early detection of outbreaks and implementation of appropriate response strategies such as vaccination and/or vector control. Methodology The aim of this study was to develop a YFV nucleic acid detection method applicable in outbreak investigations and surveillance studies in low-resource and field settings. The method should be simple, robust, rapid and reliable. Therefore, we adopted an isothermal approach and developed a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay which can be performed with a small portable instrument and easy-to-use lyophilized reagents. The assay was developed in three different formats (real-time with or without microfluidic semi-automated system and lateral-flow assay) to evaluate their application for different purposes. Analytical specificity and sensitivity were evaluated with a wide panel of viruses and serial dilutions of YFV RNA. Mosquito pools and spiked human plasma samples were also tested for assay validation. Finally, real-time RPA in portable format was tested under field conditions in Senegal. Conclusion/Significance The assay was able to detect 20 different YFV strains and demonstrated no cross-reactions with closely related viruses. The RPA assay proved to be a robust, portable method with a low detection limit (<21 genome equivalent copies per reaction) and rapid processing time (<20 min). Results from real-time RPA field testing were comparable to results obtained in the laboratory, thus confirming our method is suitable for YFV detection in low-resource settings. PMID:24603874

Rapid, Long-term Monitoring of CO2 Concentration and δ13CO2 at CCUS Sites Allows Discrimination of Leakage Patterns from Natural Background Values

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galfond, B.; Riemer, D. D.; Swart, P. K.

2014-12-01

In order for Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) to gain wide acceptance as a method for mitigating atmospheric CO2 concentrations, schemes must be devised to ensure that potential leakage is detected. New regulations from the US Environmental Protection Agency require monitoring and accounting for Class VI injection wells, which will remain a barrier to wide scale CCUS deployment until effective and efficient monitoring techniques have been developed and proven. Monitoring near-surface CO2 at injection sites to ensure safety and operational success requires high temporal resolution CO2 concentration and carbon isotopic (δ13C) measurements. The only technologies currently capable of this rapid measurement of δ13C are optical techniques such as Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy (CRDS). We have developed a comprehensive remote monitoring approach using CRDS and a custom manifold system to obtain accurate rapid measurements from a large sample area over an extended study period. Our modified Picarro G1101-i CRDS allows for automated rapid and continuous field measurement of δ13CO2 and concentrations of relevant gas species. At our field site, where preparations have been underway for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) operations, we have been able to measure biogenic effects on a diurnal scale, as well as variation due to precipitation and seasonality. Taking these background trends into account, our statistical treatment of real data has been used to improve signal-to-noise ratios by an order of magnitude over published models. Our system has proven field readiness for the monitoring of sites with even modest CO2 fluxes.

[Principle of LAMP method--a simple and rapid gene amplification method].

PubMed

Ushikubo, Hiroshi

2004-06-01

So far nucleic acid test (NAT) has been employed in various fields, including infectious disease diagnoses. However, due to its complicated procedures and relatively high cost, it has not been widely utilized in many actual diagnostic applications. We have therefore developed a simple and rapid gene amplification technology, Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) method, which has shown prominent results of surpassing the performance of the conventional gene amplification methods. LAMP method acquires three main features: (1) all reaction can be carried out under isothermal conditions; (2) the amplification efficiency is extremely high and tremendous amount of amplification products can be obtained; and (3) the reaction is highly specific. Furthermore, developed from the standard LAMP method, a rapid LAMP method, by adding in the loop primers, can reduce the amplification time from the previous 1 hour to less than 30 minutes. Enormous amount of white precipitate of magnesium pyrophosphate is produced as a by-product of the amplification, therefore, direct visual detection is possible without using any reaction indicators and detection equipments. We believe LAMP technology, with the integration of these features, can rightly apply to clinical genetic testing, food and environmental analysis, as well as NAT in different fields.

Multi-shot PROPELLER for high-field preclinical MRI

PubMed Central

Pandit, Prachi; Qi, Yi; Story, Jennifer; King, Kevin F.; Johnson, G. Allan

2012-01-01

With the development of numerous mouse models of cancer, there is a tremendous need for an appropriate imaging technique to study the disease evolution. High-field T2-weighted imaging using PROPELLER MRI meets this need. The 2-shot PROPELLER technique presented here, provides (a) high spatial resolution, (b) high contrast resolution, and (c) rapid and non-invasive imaging, which enables high-throughput, longitudinal studies in free-breathing mice. Unique data collection and reconstruction makes this method robust against motion artifacts. The 2-shot modification introduced here, retains more high-frequency information and provides higher SNR than conventional single-shot PROPELLER, making this sequence feasible at high-fields, where signal loss is rapid. Results are shown in a liver metastases model to demonstrate the utility of this technique in one of the more challenging regions of the mouse, which is the abdomen. PMID:20572138

Multishot PROPELLER for high-field preclinical MRI.

PubMed

Pandit, Prachi; Qi, Yi; Story, Jennifer; King, Kevin F; Johnson, G Allan

2010-07-01

With the development of numerous mouse models of cancer, there is a tremendous need for an appropriate imaging technique to study the disease evolution. High-field T(2)-weighted imaging using PROPELLER (Periodically Rotated Overlapping ParallEL Lines with Enhanced Reconstruction) MRI meets this need. The two-shot PROPELLER technique presented here provides (a) high spatial resolution, (b) high contrast resolution, and (c) rapid and noninvasive imaging, which enables high-throughput, longitudinal studies in free-breathing mice. Unique data collection and reconstruction makes this method robust against motion artifacts. The two-shot modification introduced here retains more high-frequency information and provides higher signal-to-noise ratio than conventional single-shot PROPELLER, making this sequence feasible at high fields, where signal loss is rapid. Results are shown in a liver metastases model to demonstrate the utility of this technique in one of the more challenging regions of the mouse, which is the abdomen. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Curriculum evaluation and revision in a nascent field: the utility of the retrospective pretest--posttest model in a homeland security program of study.

PubMed

Pelfrey, William V; Pelfrey, William V

2009-02-01

Although most academic disciplines evolve at a measured pace, the emerging field of homeland security must, for reasons of safety and security, evolve rapidly. The Department of Homeland Security sponsored the establishment of a graduate educational program for key officials holding homeland security roles. Because homeland security is a nascent field, the establishment of a program curriculum was forced to draw from a variety of disciplines. Curriculum evaluation was complicated by the rapid changes occurring in the emerging discipline, producing response shift bias, and interfering with the pre-post assessments. To compensate for the validity threat associated with response shift bias, a retrospective pretest-posttest evaluative methodology was used. Data indicate the program has evolved in a significant and orderly fashion and these data support the use of this innovative evaluation approach in the development of any discipline.

A novel field search and rescue system based on SIM card location

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Huihui; Guo, Shutao; Cui, Dejing

2017-06-01

Nowadays, the rapid development of outdoor sports and adventure leads to the increase of the frequency of missing accidents. On the other hand, it becomes much more convenient and efficient for the criminals to escape with the help of new technologies. So we have developed a long-distance raids targeted field search and rescue system which utilizes RSSI ranging and Kalman filtering algorithm to realize remote positioning and dynamic supervision management only by a mobile phone with a SIM card, without any additional terminal equipment.

Basics and applications of genome editing technology.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Takashi; Sakamoto, Naoaki

2016-01-01

Genome editing with programmable site-specific nucleases is an emerging technology that enables the manipulation of targeted genes in many organisms and cell lines. Since the development of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in 2012, genome editing has rapidly become an indispensable technology for all life science researchers, applicable in various fields. In this seminar, we will introduce the basics of genome editing and focus on the recent development of genome editing tools and technologies for the modification of various organisms and discuss future directions of the genome editing research field, from basic to medical applications.

Rapid Topographic Mapping Using TLS and UAV in a Beach-dune-wetland Environment: Case Study in Freeport, Texas, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, J.; Wang, G.; Xiong, L.; Zhou, X.; England, E.

2017-12-01

Coastal regions are naturally vulnerable to impact from long-term coastal erosion and episodic coastal hazards caused by extreme weather events. Major geomorphic changes can occur within a few hours during storms. Prediction of storm impact, costal planning and resilience observation after natural events all require accurate and up-to-date topographic maps of coastal morphology. Thus, the ability to conduct rapid and high-resolution-high-accuracy topographic mapping is of critical importance for long-term coastal management and rapid response after natural hazard events. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) techniques have been frequently applied to beach and dune erosion studies and post hazard responses. However, TLS surveying is relatively slow and costly for rapid surveying. Furthermore, TLS surveying unavoidably retains gray areas that cannot be reached by laser pulses, particularly in wetland areas where lack of direct access in most cases. Aerial mapping using photogrammetry from images taken by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) has become a new technique for rapid topographic mapping. UAV photogrammetry mapping techniques provide the ability to map coastal features quickly, safely, inexpensively, on short notice and with minimal impact. The primary products from photogrammetry are point clouds similar to the LiDAR point clouds. However, a large number of ground control points (ground truth) are essential for obtaining high-accuracy UAV maps. The ground control points are often obtained by GPS survey simultaneously with the TLS survey in the field. The GPS survey could be a slow and arduous process in the field. This study aims to develop methods for acquiring a huge number of ground control points from TLS survey and validating point clouds obtained from photogrammetry with the TLS point clouds. A Rigel VZ-2000 TLS scanner was used for developing laser point clouds and a DJI Phantom 4 Pro UAV was used for acquiring images. The aerial images were processed with the Photogrammetry mapping software Agisoft PhotoScan. A workflow for conducting rapid TLS and UAV survey in the field and integrating point clouds obtained from TLS and UAV surveying will be introduced. Key words: UAV photogrammetry, ground control points, TLS, coastal morphology, topographic mapping

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

Shattan, Michael; Stowe, Ashley; McIntosh, Kathryn

Explore feasibility of portable LIBS and micro-XRF systems as methods of field screening for real debris; Develop a LIBS Capability to rapidly screen beads for production quality control; Complete 3D elemental mapping of surrogate debris to determine uranium and other elemental migration patterns during debris formation

Robot Dreams: Build Your Own R2D2.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hook, David

2002-01-01

This collection development article presents an annotated bibliography that includes materials on the rapidly changing field of robotics and how to build robots. Includes considering users' skill levels; basic electronics for beginners; combat robots; periodicals; and Web Sites. (LRW)

Brain Neuromodulation Techniques: A Review.

PubMed

Lewis, Philip M; Thomson, Richard H; Rosenfeld, Jeffrey V; Fitzgerald, Paul B

2016-08-01

The modulation of brain function via the application of weak direct current was first observed directly in the early 19th century. In the past 3 decades, transcranial magnetic stimulation and deep brain stimulation have undergone clinical translation, offering alternatives to pharmacological treatment of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Further development of novel neuromodulation techniques employing ultrasound, micro-scale magnetic fields and optogenetics is being propelled by a rapidly improving understanding of the clinical and experimental applications of artificially stimulating or depressing brain activity in human health and disease. With the current rapid growth in neuromodulation technologies and applications, it is timely to review the genesis of the field and the current state of the art in this area. © The Author(s) 2016.

Energy flux determines magnetic field strength of planets and stars.

PubMed

Christensen, Ulrich R; Holzwarth, Volkmar; Reiners, Ansgar

2009-01-08

The magnetic fields of Earth and Jupiter, along with those of rapidly rotating, low-mass stars, are generated by convection-driven dynamos that may operate similarly (the slowly rotating Sun generates its field through a different dynamo mechanism). The field strengths of planets and stars vary over three orders of magnitude, but the critical factor causing that variation has hitherto been unclear. Here we report an extension of a scaling law derived from geodynamo models to rapidly rotating stars that have strong density stratification. The unifying principle in the scaling law is that the energy flux available for generating the magnetic field sets the field strength. Our scaling law fits the observed field strengths of Earth, Jupiter, young contracting stars and rapidly rotating low-mass stars, despite vast differences in the physical conditions of the objects. We predict that the field strengths of rapidly rotating brown dwarfs and massive extrasolar planets are high enough to make them observable.

Technology assessment and strategy for development of a Rapid Field Water Microbiology Test Kit. Technical report

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

Preston, D.R.; Schaub, S.A.

1991-09-01

A literature and market search of existing technology for the detection, identification, and quantification of microorganisms in water was conducted. Based upon the availability of technologies and their configurations, an assessment of the appropriate strategies to pursue for the near and long term development plans in development of the Rapid Field Bacteriology Test Kit was performed. Near term technologies to improve the Army's capability to detect microorganisms would appear to be essentially improvements in versatility and measurement of coliform indicator organisms. New chromogenic and fluorogenic indicator substances associated with new substrates appear to be best suited for test kit developmentmore » either for quantitative membrane filter tests or presence/absence and multiple fermentation tests. Test times, incubator requirements, and operator involvement appear to be similar to older technologies. Long term development would appear to favor such technologies as genetic probes with amplification of the hydridized nucleic acid materials of positive samples, and some immunological based systems such as enzyme linked, immuno-sorbent assays. In both cases, the major problems would appear to be sample preparation and development of signal strengths from the reactions which would allow the user to see results in 1 hour.« less

Developing Writing Abilities of EFL Students through Blogging

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kitchakarn, Orachorn

2014-01-01

Due to a rapid development and expansion of technology and, as a result, Web 2.0 technologies are providing both teachers and learners with new solutions to the limitations of traditional method in the field of language teaching and learning. The research compared students' writing ability before and after they were taught through blog, a new…

Development of an improved system of wood-frame house construction

Treesearch

L.O. Anderson

1965-01-01

A new system of wood-frame house construction has been developed which combines increased use of low-grade wood, prefinished components, and rapid field assembly methods without much divergence from conventional construction. Laboratory evaluations of the components of the Nu-frame system indicated that; (a) 4-foot spacing of the W-trusses tested provides a safety...

Reverse genetics in high throughput: rapid generation of complete negative strand RNA virus cDNA clones and recombinant viruses thereof.

PubMed

Nolden, T; Pfaff, F; Nemitz, S; Freuling, C M; Höper, D; Müller, T; Finke, Stefan

2016-04-05

Reverse genetics approaches are indispensable tools for proof of concepts in virus replication and pathogenesis. For negative strand RNA viruses (NSVs) the limited number of infectious cDNA clones represents a bottleneck as clones are often generated from cell culture adapted or attenuated viruses, with limited potential for pathogenesis research. We developed a system in which cDNA copies of complete NSV genomes were directly cloned into reverse genetics vectors by linear-to-linear RedE/T recombination. Rapid cloning of multiple rabies virus (RABV) full length genomes and identification of clones identical to field virus consensus sequence confirmed the approache's reliability. Recombinant viruses were recovered from field virus cDNA clones. Similar growth kinetics of parental and recombinant viruses, preservation of field virus characters in cell type specific replication and virulence in the mouse model were confirmed. Reduced titers after reporter gene insertion indicated that the low level of field virus replication is affected by gene insertions. The flexibility of the strategy was demonstrated by cloning multiple copies of an orthobunyavirus L genome segment. This important step in reverse genetics technology development opens novel avenues for the analysis of virus variability combined with phenotypical characterization of recombinant viruses at a clonal level.

Rapid ELISA Using a Film-Stack Reaction Field with Micropillar Arrays

PubMed Central

Suzuki, Yuma; Morioka, Kazuhiro; Ohata, Soichiro; Nakajima, Hizuru; Uchiyama, Katsumi; Yang, Ming

2017-01-01

A film-stack reaction field with a micropillar array using a motor stirrer was developed for the high sensitivity and rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reaction. The effects of the incubation time of a protein (30 s, 5 min, and 10 min) on the fluorescence intensity in ELISAs were investigated using a reaction field with different micropillar array dimensions (5-µm, 10-µm and 50-µm gaps between the micropillars). The difference in fluorescence intensity between the well with the reaction field of 50-µm gap for the incubation time of 30 s and the well without the reaction field with for incubation time of 10 min was 6%. The trend of the fluorescence intensity in the gap between the micro pillars in the film-stack reaction field was different between the short incubation time and the long incubation time. The theoretical analysis of the physical parameters related with the biomolecule transport indicated that the reaction efficiency defined in this study was the dominant factor determining the fluorescence intensity for the short incubation time, whereas the volumetric rate of the circulating flow through the space between films and the specific surface area were the dominant factors for the long incubation time. PMID:28696378

Rapid ELISA Using a Film-Stack Reaction Field with Micropillar Arrays.

PubMed

Suzuki, Yuma; Morioka, Kazuhiro; Ohata, Soichiro; Shimizu, Tetsuhide; Nakajima, Hizuru; Uchiyama, Katsumi; Yang, Ming

2017-07-11

A film-stack reaction field with a micropillar array using a motor stirrer was developed for the high sensitivity and rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reaction. The effects of the incubation time of a protein (30 s, 5 min, and 10 min) on the fluorescence intensity in ELISAs were investigated using a reaction field with different micropillar array dimensions (5-µm, 10-µm and 50-µm gaps between the micropillars). The difference in fluorescence intensity between the well with the reaction field of 50-µm gap for the incubation time of 30 s and the well without the reaction field with for incubation time of 10 min was 6%. The trend of the fluorescence intensity in the gap between the micro pillars in the film-stack reaction field was different between the short incubation time and the long incubation time. The theoretical analysis of the physical parameters related with the biomolecule transport indicated that the reaction efficiency defined in this study was the dominant factor determining the fluorescence intensity for the short incubation time, whereas the volumetric rate of the circulating flow through the space between films and the specific surface area were the dominant factors for the long incubation time.

Bright and durable field-emission source derived from frozen refractory-metal Taylor cones

DOE PAGES

Hirsch, Gregory

2017-02-22

A novel method for creating conical field-emission structures possessing unusual and desirable physical characteristics is described. This process is accomplished by solidification of electrostatically formed high-temperature Taylor cones created on the ends of laser melted refractory-metal wires. Extremely rapid freezing ensures that the resultant solid structures preserve the shape and surface smoothness of the flawless liquid Taylor-cones to a very high degree. The method also enables in situ and rapid restoration of the frozen cones to their initial pristine state after undergoing physical degradation during use. This permits maximum current to be delivered without excessive concern for any associated reductionmore » in field-emitter lifetime resulting from operation near or even above the damage threshold. In addition to the production of field emitters using polycrystalline wires as a substrate, the feasibility of producing monocrystalline frozen Taylor-cones having reproducible crystal orientation by growth on single-crystal wires was demonstrated. Finally, the development of the basic field-emission technology, progress to incorporate it into a pulsed electron gun employing laser-assisted field emission for ultrafast experiments, and some additional advances and opportunities are discussed.« less

Bright and durable field-emission source derived from frozen refractory-metal Taylor cones

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

Hirsch, Gregory

A novel method for creating conical field-emission structures possessing unusual and desirable physical characteristics is described. This process is accomplished by solidification of electrostatically formed high-temperature Taylor cones created on the ends of laser melted refractory-metal wires. Extremely rapid freezing ensures that the resultant solid structures preserve the shape and surface smoothness of the flawless liquid Taylor-cones to a very high degree. The method also enables in situ and rapid restoration of the frozen cones to their initial pristine state after undergoing physical degradation during use. This permits maximum current to be delivered without excessive concern for any associated reductionmore » in field-emitter lifetime resulting from operation near or even above the damage threshold. In addition to the production of field emitters using polycrystalline wires as a substrate, the feasibility of producing monocrystalline frozen Taylor-cones having reproducible crystal orientation by growth on single-crystal wires was demonstrated. Finally, the development of the basic field-emission technology, progress to incorporate it into a pulsed electron gun employing laser-assisted field emission for ultrafast experiments, and some additional advances and opportunities are discussed.« less

Nanoscale tailor-made membranes for precise and rapid molecular sieve separation.

PubMed

Wang, Jing; Zhu, Junyong; Zhang, Yatao; Liu, Jindun; Van der Bruggen, Bart

2017-03-02

The precise and rapid separation of different molecules from aqueous, organic solutions and gas mixtures is critical to many technologies in the context of resource-saving and sustainable development. The strength of membrane-based technologies is well recognized and they are extensively applied as cost-effective, highly efficient separation techniques. Currently, empirical-based approaches, lacking an accurate nanoscale control, are used to prepare the most advanced membranes. In contrast, nanoscale control renders the membrane molecular specificity (sub-2 nm) necessary for efficient and rapid molecular separation. Therefore, as a growing trend in membrane technology, the field of nanoscale tailor-made membranes is highlighted in this review. An in-depth analysis of the latest advances in tailor-made membranes for precise and rapid molecule sieving is given, along with an outlook to future perspectives of such membranes. Special attention is paid to the established processing strategies, as well as the application of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation in nanoporous membrane design. This review will provide useful guidelines for future research in the development of nanoscale tailor-made membranes with a precise and rapid molecular sieve separation property.

Development of a large field-of-view KD potassium di-deuterium phosphate modulator: Center Director's Discretionary Fund

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

West, E. A.

1993-01-01

Magnetographs, which measure polarized light, allow solar astronomers to infer the magnetic field intensity on the Sun. The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Vector Magnetograph is such an imaging instrument. The instrument requires rapid modulation between polarization states to minimize seeing effects. The accuracy of those polarization measurements is dependent on stable modulators with small field-of-view errors. Although these devices are very important in ground-based telescopes, extending the field of view of electro-optical crystals such as KD*Ps (potassium di-deuterium phosphate) could encourage the development of these devices for other imaging applications. The work that was done at MSFC as part of the Center Director's Discretionary Fund (CDDF) to reduce the field-of-view errors of instruments that use KD*P modulators in their polarimeters is described.

Rapid in situ assessment for predicting soil quality using an algae-soaked disc seeding assay.

PubMed

Nam, Sun-Hwa; Moon, Jongmin; Kim, Shin Woong; Kim, Hakyeong; Jeong, Seung-Woo; An, Youn-Joo

2017-11-16

The soil quality of remediated land is altered and this land consequently exerts unexpected biological effects on terrestrial organisms. Therefore, field evaluation of such land should be conducted using biological indicators. Algae are a promising new biological indicator since they are a food source for organisms in higher soil trophic levels and easily sampled from the soil. Field evaluation of soil characteristics is preferred to be testing in laboratory conditions because many biological effects cannot be duplicated during laboratory evaluations. Herein, we describe a convenient and rapid algae-soaked disc seeding assay for assessing soil quality in the field based on soil algae. The collection of algae is easy and rapid and the method predicts the short-term quality of contaminated, remediated, and amended farm and paddy soils. The algae-soaked disc seeding assay is yet to be extensively evaluated, and the method cannot be applied to loamy sand soil in in situ evaluations. The algae-soaked disc seeding assay is recommended for prediction of soil quality in in situ evaluations because it reflects all variations in the environment. The algae-soaked disc seeding assay will help to develop management strategies for in situ evaluation.

Proceedings: international regulatory considerations on development pathways for cell therapies.

PubMed

Feigal, Ellen G; Tsokas, Katherine; Viswanathan, Sowmya; Zhang, Jiwen; Priest, Catherine; Pearce, Jonathan; Mount, Natalie

2014-08-01

Regenerative medicine is a rapidly evolving field that faces novel scientific and regulatory challenges. In September 2013, the International Workshop on Regulatory Pathways for Cell Therapies was convened to discuss the nature of these challenges and potential solutions and to highlight opportunities for potential convergence between different regulatory bodies that might assist the field's development. The workshop discussions generated potentially actionable steps in five main areas that could mitigate cell therapy development pathway risk and accelerate moving promising therapies to patients. These included the need for convergence of regulatory guidelines on donor eligibility and suitability of lines for use in clinical trials and subsequent commercialization for cell therapies to move forward on a global basis; the need to challenge and encourage investigators in the regenerative medicine field to share information and provide examples of comparability studies related to master cell banks; the need for convergence of guidelines across regulatory jurisdictions on requirements for tumorigenicity studies, based on particular cell types and on biodistribution studies; the need to increase transparency in sharing clinical trial information more broadly and disseminating results more rapidly; and the need to establish a forum for sharing the experiences of various approaches being developed to expedite regulatory approvals and access for patients to innovative cell and regenerative therapies in the different regulatory jurisdictions and to assess their potential strengths and weaknesses. ©AlphaMed Press.

Nucleic acid aptamers: an emerging frontier in cancer therapy.

PubMed

Zhu, Guizhi; Ye, Mao; Donovan, Michael J; Song, Erqun; Zhao, Zilong; Tan, Weihong

2012-11-04

The last two decades have witnessed the development and application of nucleic acid aptamers in a variety of fields, including target analysis, disease therapy, and molecular and cellular engineering. The efficient and widely applicable aptamer selection, reproducible chemical synthesis and modification, generally impressive target binding selectivity and affinity, relatively rapid tissue penetration, low immunogenicity, and rapid systemic clearance make aptamers ideal recognition elements for use as therapeutics or for in vivo delivery of therapeutics. In this feature article, we discuss the development and biomedical application of nucleic acid aptamers, with emphasis on cancer cell aptamer isolation, targeted cancer therapy, oncology biomarker identification and drug discovery.

Development of magnet configurations for magnetic immunostaining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaneko, Miki; Chikaki, Shinichi; Matsuda, Sachiko; Kuwahata, Akihiro; Namita, Masayuki; Saito, Itsuro; Sakamoto, Satoshi; Kusakabe, Moriaki; Sekino, Masaki

2018-05-01

Magnetic immunostaining using a magnet and antibody-labeled fluorescent ferrite (FF) beads is established as a rapid immunostaining. In this study, we proposed the novel configuration of magnets with the large magnetic field gradient and the strong magnetic force for magnetic immunostaining. To confirm the usefulness of the proposed magnet configuration, we performed numerical analysis of the magnetic characteristics of the proposed magnets, and the magnetic immunostaining with FF beads. It was revealed that the proposed magnets generated the strong magnetic force and promoted the immunoreaction rapidly.

Rapid assessment of tetanus vaccine-induced immunity in Bangladesh and the Gambia.

PubMed

Ramakrishnan, Girija; Wright, Marcia; Alam, Masud; Naylor, Caitlin; Kabir, Mamun; Zerin, Ayesha; Ferdous, Tahsin; Pedersen, Karl; Hennig, Branwen J; Donowitz, Jeffrey R; Wegmuller, Rita; Haque, Rashidul; Petri, William A; Herbein, Joel; Gilchrist, Carol A

2017-03-01

We have developed recombinant fragment C based rapid point of care dipstick devices to assess tetanus immunization status using plasma or whole blood. The devices demonstrated specificity of 0.90 and sensitivity of 0.90 (whole blood)/0.94 (plasma) at field sites in Bangladesh and The Gambia when compared to a commercial ELISA with the immune cut-off titer set as ≥0.1IU/mL. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry for Cancer Diagnosis and Surgical Margin Evaluation

PubMed Central

Ifa, Demian R.; Eberlin, Livia S.

2017-01-01

Background There is a clinical need for new technologies that would enable rapid disease diagnosis based on diagnostic molecular signatures. Ambient ionization mass spectrometry has revolutionized the means by which molecular information can be obtained from tissue samples in real time and with minimal sample pretreatment. New developments in ambient ionization techniques applied to clinical research suggest that ambient ionization mass spectrometry will soon become a routine medical tool for tissue diagnosis. Content This review summarizes the main developments in ambient ionization techniques applied to tissue analysis, with focus on desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, probe electrospray ionization, touch spray, and rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry. We describe their applications to human cancer research and surgical margin evaluation, highlighting integrated approaches tested for ex vivo and in vivo human cancer tissue analysis. We also discuss the challenges for clinical implementation of these tools and offer perspectives on the future of the field. Summary A variety of studies have showcased the value of ambient ionization mass spectrometry for rapid and accurate cancer diagnosis. Small molecules have been identified as potential diagnostic biomarkers, including metabolites, fatty acids, and glycerophospholipids. Statistical analysis allows tissue discrimination with high accuracy rates (>95%) being common. This young field has challenges to overcome before it is ready to be broadly accepted as a medical tool for cancer diagnosis. Growing research in new, integrated ambient ionization mass spectrometry technologies and the ongoing improvements in the existing tools make this field very promising for future translation into the clinic. PMID:26555455

Rapid adhesive bonding concepts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stein, B. A.; Tyeryar, J. R.; Hodges, W. T.

1984-01-01

Adhesive bonding in the aerospace industry typically utilizes autoclaves or presses which have considerable thermal mass. As a consequence, the rates of heatup and cooldown of the bonded parts are limited and the total time and cost of the bonding process is often relatively high. Many of the adhesives themselves do not inherently require long processing times. Bonding could be performed rapidly if the heat was concentrated in the bond lines or at least in the adherends. Rapid adhesive bonding concepts were developed to utilize induction heating techniques to provide heat directly to the bond line and/or adherends without heating the entire structure, supports, and fixtures of a bonding assembly. Bonding times for specimens are cut by a factor of 10 to 100 compared to standard press bonding. The development of rapid adhesive bonding for lap shear specimens (per ASTM D1003 and D3163), for aerospace panel bonding, and for field repair needs of metallic and advanced fiber reinforced polymeric matrix composite structures are reviewed.

Guiding tissue regeneration with ultrasound in vitro and in vivo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalecki, Diane; Comeau, Eric S.; Raeman, Carol H.; Child, Sally Z.; Hobbs, Laura; Hocking, Denise C.

2015-05-01

Developing new technologies that enable the repair or replacement of injured or diseased tissues is a major focus of regenerative medicine. This paper will discuss three ultrasound technologies under development in our laboratories to guide tissue regeneration both in vitro and in vivo. A critical obstacle in tissue engineering is the need for rapid and effective tissue vascularization strategies. To address this challenge, we are developing acoustic patterning techniques for microvascular tissue engineering. Acoustic radiation forces associated with ultrasound standing wave fields provide a rapid, non-invasive approach to spatially pattern cells in three dimensions without affecting cell viability. Acoustic patterning of endothelial cells leads to the rapid formation of microvascular networks throughout the volumes of three-dimensional hydrogels, and the morphology of the resultant microvessel networks can be controlled by design of the ultrasound field. A second technology under development uses ultrasound to noninvasively control the microstructure of collagen fibers within engineered tissues. The microstructure of extracellular matrix proteins provides signals that direct cell functions critical to tissue regeneration. Thus, controlling collagen microfiber structure with ultrasound provides a noninvasive approach to regulate the mechanical properties of biomaterials and control cellular responses. The third technology employs therapeutic ultrasound to enhance the healing of chronic wounds. Recent studies demonstrate increased granulation tissue thickness and collagen deposition in murine dermal wounds exposed to pulsed ultrasound. In summary, ultrasound technologies offer noninvasive approaches to control cell behaviors and extracellular matrix organization and thus hold great promise to advance tissue regeneration in vitro and in vivo.

Detection of undistorted continuous wave (CW) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra with non-adiabatic rapid sweep (NARS) of the magnetic field

PubMed Central

Kittell, Aaron W.; Camenisch, Theodore G.; Ratke, Joseph J.; Sidabras, Jason W.; Hyde, James S.

2011-01-01

A continuous wave (CW) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum is typically displayed as the first harmonic response to the application of 100 kHz magnetic field modulation, which is used to enhance sensitivity by reducing the level of 1/f noise. However, magnetic field modulation of any amplitude causes spectral broadening and sacrifices EPR spectral intensity by at least a factor of two. In the work presented here, a CW rapid-scan spectroscopic technique that avoids these compromises and also provides a means of avoiding 1/f noise is developed. This technique, termed non-adiabatic rapid sweep (NARS) EPR, consists of repetitively sweeping the polarizing magnetic field in a linear manner over a spectral fragment with a small coil at a repetition rate that is sufficiently high that receiver noise, microwave phase noise, and environmental microphonics, each of which has 1/f characteristics, are overcome. Nevertheless, the rate of sweep is sufficiently slow that adiabatic responses are avoided and the spin system is always close to thermal equilibrium. The repetitively acquired spectra from the spectral fragment are averaged. Under these conditions, undistorted pure absorption spectra are obtained without broadening or loss of signal intensity. A digital filter such as a moving average is applied to remove high frequency noise, which is approximately equivalent in bandwidth to use of an integrating time constant in conventional field modulation with lock-in detection. Nitroxide spectra at L- and X-band are presented. PMID:21741868

Cotton nanocomposites

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing field which has drawn a lot of attention in recent years. Nanotechnology has been hailed as the next great technology, and just as widely criticized as the next great threat. Textiles have not been ignored in the pursuit of developing applications for nanotechno...

Mechanobiology by the numbers: a close relationship between biology and physics.

PubMed

Schwarz, Ulrich S

2017-12-01

Studies of mechanobiology lie at the interface of various scientific disciplines from biology to physics. Accordingly, quantification and mathematical modelling have been instrumental in fuelling the progress in this rapidly developing research field, assisting experimental work on many levels.

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION FOR CONTAMINATED SITE REMEDIATION: CLEANUP GOALS & PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

EPA Science Inventory

There is a need to develop and field-test integrated remediation technologies that operate in a synergistic manner for cost-effective treatment of contaminated sites to achieve risk-based and rational endpoints. Aggressive technologies designed for rapid source-zone remediation m...

Dynamics of hippocampal spatial representation in echolocating bats

PubMed Central

Ulanovsky, Nachum; Moss, Cynthia F.

2009-01-01

The ‘place fields‘ of hippocampal pyramidal neurons are not static. For example, upon a contextual change in the environment, place-fields may ‘remap‘ within typical timescales of ~1 minute. A few studies have shown more rapid dynamics in hippocampal activity, linked to internal processes, such as switches between spatial reference frames or changes within the theta cycle. However, little is known about rapid hippocampal place-field dynamics in response to external, sensory stimuli. Here, we studied this question in big brown bats, echolocating mammals in which we can readily measure rapid changes in sensory dynamics (sonar signals), as well as rapid behavioral switches between distal and proximal exploratory modes. First, we show that place-field size was modulated by the availability of sensory information, on a timescale of ~300-milliseconds: Bat hippocampal place-fields were smallest immediately after an echolocation call, but place-fields ‘diffused’ with the passage of time after the call, when echo information was no longer arriving. Second, we show rapid modulation of hippocampal place-fields as the animal switched between two exploratory modes. Third, we compared place fields and spatial-view fields of individual neurons and found that place tuning was much more pronounced than spatial-view tuning. In addition, dynamic fluctuations in spatial-view tuning were stronger than fluctuations in place tuning. Taken together, these results suggest that spatial representation in mammalian hippocampus can be very rapidly modulated by external sensory and behavioral events. PMID:20014379

Validation of the Puumala virus rapid field test for bank voles in Germany.

PubMed

Reil, D; Imholt, C; Rosenfeld, U M; Drewes, S; Fischer, S; Heuser, E; Petraityte-Burneikiene, R; Ulrich, R G; Jacob, J

2017-02-01

Puumala virus (PUUV) causes many human infections in large parts of Europe and can lead to mild to moderate disease. The bank vole (Myodes glareolus) is the only reservoir of PUUV in Central Europe. A commercial PUUV rapid field test for rodents was validated for bank-vole blood samples collected in two PUUV-endemic regions in Germany (North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg). A comparison of the results of the rapid field test and standard ELISAs indicated a test efficacy of 93-95%, largely independent of the origin of the antigens used in the ELISA. In ELISAs, reactivity for the German PUUV strain was higher compared to the Swedish strain but not compared to the Finnish strain, which was used for the rapid field test. In conclusion, the use of the rapid field test can facilitate short-term estimation of PUUV seroprevalence in bank-vole populations in Germany and can aid in assessing human PUUV infection risk.

An exploration of the professional competencies required in engineering asset management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bish, Adelle J.; Newton, Cameron J.; Browning, Vicky; O'Connor, Peter; Anibaldi, Renata

2014-07-01

Engineering asset management (EAM) is a rapidly growing and developing field. However, efforts to select and develop engineers in this area are complicated by our lack of understanding of the full range of competencies required to perform. This exploratory study sought to clarify and categorise the professional competencies required of individuals at different hierarchical levels within EAM. Data from 14 field interviews, 61 online surveys, and 10 expert panel interviews were used to develop an initial professional competency framework. Overall, nine competency clusters were identified. These clusters indicate that engineers working in this field need to be able to collaborate and influence others, complete objectives within organisational guidelines, and be able to manage themselves effectively. Limitations and potential uses of this framework in engineering education and research are discussed.

Is the Army Communicating Effectively in Today’s Information Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

to undertake a rapid and fundamental shift in the education, training, and resourcing of its Public Affairs career field, personnel and operations to...rapid and fundamental shift in the education, training, and resourcing of its Public Affairs career field, personnel and operations to effectively...rapid and fundamental shift in the education, training, and resourcing of its Public Affairs career field, personnel and operations to effectively

Improving early cycle economic evaluation of diagnostic technologies.

PubMed

Steuten, Lotte M G; Ramsey, Scott D

2014-08-01

The rapidly increasing range and expense of new diagnostics, compels consideration of a different, more proactive approach to health economic evaluation of diagnostic technologies. Early cycle economic evaluation is a decision analytic approach to evaluate technologies in development so as to increase the return on investment as well as patient and societal impact. This paper describes examples of 'early cycle economic evaluations' as applied to diagnostic technologies and highlights challenges in its real-time application. It shows that especially in the field of diagnostics, with rapid technological developments and a changing regulatory climate, early cycle economic evaluation can have a guiding role to improve the efficiency of the diagnostics innovation process. In the next five years the attention will move beyond the methodological and analytic challenges of early cycle economic evaluation towards the challenge of effectively applying it to improve diagnostic research and development and patient value. Future work in this area should therefore be 'strong on principles and soft on metrics', that is, the metrics that resonate most clearly with the various decision makers in this field.

Oil exploration and development in Marib/Al Jawf basin, Yemen Arab Republic

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

Maycock, I.D.

1988-02-01

In 1981, Yemen Hunt Oil Company (YHOC) negotiated a production-sharing agreement covering 12,600 km/sup 2/ in the northeast part of the Yemen Arab Republic. A reconnaissance seismic program of 1864 km acquired in 1982 revealed the presence of a major half graben, designated the Marib/Al Jawf basin by YHOC. A sedimentary section up to 18,000 ft thick has been recognized. Geologic field mapping identified Jurassic carbonates covered by Cretaceous sands overlying Permian glaciolacustrine sediments, Paleozoic sandstones, or Precambrian basement. The first well, Alif-1, drilled in 1984, aimed at a possible Jurassic carbonate objective, encountered hydrocarbon-bearing sands in the Jurassic-Cretaceous transitionmore » between 5000 and 6000 ft. Appraisal and development drilling followed. The Alif field is believed to contain in excess of 400 million bbl of recoverable oil. Subsequent wildcat drilling has located additional accumulations while further amplifying basin stratigraphy. Rapid basin development took place in the Late Jurassic culminating with the deposition of Tithonian salt. The evaporites provide an excellent seal for hydrocarbons apparently sourced from restricted basin shales and trapped in rapidly deposited clastics.« less

Rapid induction bonding of composites, plastics, and metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buckley, John D.; Fox, Robert L.

1991-01-01

The Toroid Bonding Gun is and induction heating device. It is a self contained, portable, low powered induction welding system developed for bonding or joining plastic, ceramic, or metallic parts. Structures can be bonded in a factory or in a the field. This type of equipment allows for applying heat directly to the bond lines and/or to the adhesives without heating the entire structure, supports, and fixtures of a bonding assembly. The induction heating gun originally developed for use in the fabrication of space Gangs of bonders are now used to rapidly join composite sheet and structural components. Other NASA-developed applications of this bonding technique include the joining of thermoplastic composites, thermosetting composites, metals, and combinations of these materials.

Comparative Validation of Five Quantitative Rapid Test Kits for the Analysis of Salt Iodine Content: Laboratory Performance, User- and Field-Friendliness

PubMed Central

Rohner, Fabian; Kangambèga, Marcelline O.; Khan, Noor; Kargougou, Robert; Garnier, Denis; Sanou, Ibrahima; Ouaro, Bertine D.; Petry, Nicolai; Wirth, James P.; Jooste, Pieter

2015-01-01

Background Iodine deficiency has important health and development consequences and the introduction of iodized salt as national programs has been a great public health success in the past decades. To render national salt iodization programs sustainable and ensure adequate iodization levels, simple methods to quantitatively assess whether salt is adequately iodized are required. Several methods claim to be simple and reliable, and are available on the market or are in development. Objective This work has validated the currently available quantitative rapid test kits (quantRTK) in a comparative manner for both their laboratory performance and ease of use in field settings. Methods Laboratory performance parameters (linearity, detection and quantification limit, intra- and inter-assay imprecision) were conducted on 5 quantRTK. We assessed inter-operator imprecision using salt of different quality along with the comparison of 59 salt samples from across the globe; measurements were made both in a laboratory and a field setting by technicians and non-technicians. Results from the quantRTK were compared against iodometric titration for validity. An ‘ease-of-use’ rating system was developed to identify the most suitable quantRTK for a given task. Results Most of the devices showed acceptable laboratory performance, but for some of the devices, use by non-technicians revealed poorer performance when working in a routine manner. Of the quantRTK tested, the iCheck® and I-Reader® showed most consistent performance and ease of use, and a newly developed paper-based method (saltPAD) holds promise if further developed. Conclusions User- and field-friendly devices are now available and the most appropriate quantRTK can be selected depending on the number of samples and the budget available. PMID:26401655

BrainSnail: A dynamic information display system for the Sciences

PubMed Central

Telefont, Martin; Asaithambi, Asai

2009-01-01

Scientific reference management has become crucial in rapidly expanding fields of biology. Many of the reference management systems currently employed are reference centric and not object/process focused. BrainSnail is a reference management/knowledge representation application that tries to bridge disconnect between subject and reference in the fields of neuropharmacology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. BrainSnail has been developed with considering both individual researcher and research group efforts. PMID:19293992

Private Peer-to-Peer Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogers, Michael; Bhatti, Saleem

This chapter offers a survey of the emerging field of private peer-to-peer networks, which can be defined as internet overlays in which the resources and infrastructure are provided by the users, and which new users may only join by personal invitation. The last few years have seen rapid developments in this field. We describe deployed systems, classify them architecturally, and identify some technical and social tradeoffs in the design of private peer-to-peer networks.

Thermal Desorption Capability Development for Enhanced On-site Health Risk Assessment: HAPSITE (registered trademark) ER Passive Sampling in the Field

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-07

Field-Portable Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer.” Forensic Toxicol, 2006, 24, 17-22. Smith, P. “Person-Portable Gas Chromatography : Rapid Temperature...bench-top Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) system (ISQ). Nine sites were sampled and analyzed for compounds using Environmental Protection...extraction methods for Liquid Chromatography -MS (LC- MS). Additionally, TD is approximately 1000X more sensitive, requires minimal sample preparation

Diagnosing development. II - A study of rapid cyclone development using analyzed data fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Phillip; Lupo, Anthony; Zwack, Peter

1991-01-01

A diagnosis is presented of the explosive development phase of a cyclone that occurred over the southeastern U.S. during the 24 hour period 1200 GMT January 20 to 1200 GMT January 21, 1979. The Zwack-Osossi development equation is extended to incorporate geostrophic and ageostrophic forcing of the basic development parameter, geostrophic vorticity tendency. This equation yields reasonable comparability with observed geostrophic vorticity changes and shows positive vorticity advection, latent heat release and thermal advection to be the primary development mechanisms.

New developments in photoacoustics

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

Rosencwaig, A.

1981-07-01

There have been several important new developments in the fields of photoacoustics and photoacoustic spectroscopy. Photoactoustic techniques are now being used in ferromagnetic and electron spin resonance experiments, and there have been rapid advances in Fourier-transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy. In addition, the calorimetric aspects of photoacoustics are now being extensively exploited for phase transition studies, and to perform thermal-wave imaging and microscopy.

A Re-Evaluation of Mobile Communication Technology: A Theoretical Approach for Technology Evaluation in Contemporary Digital Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yumurtaci, Onur

2017-01-01

We live in an age of continual technological development. Rapidly developing technologies have found use in nearly all aspects of life. As such, it is understandable that technology has also infiltrated the field of education. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has provided us with the technical underpinnings for distance and lifelong…

The Development of Innovative Online Problem-Based Learning: A Leadership Course for Leaders in European Public Health

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Jong, Nynke; Könings, Karen D.; Czabanowska, Katarzyna

2014-01-01

The shift to a knowledge information society has given rise to a need for lifelong learning programmes. Such programmes are especially relevant for public health professionals, whose dynamic field of practice is subject to changes due to rapidly developing technologies, evolving expectations of the labour market and new health treats. Lifelong…

HIGHLY SENSITIVE ASSAY FOR ANTICHOLINESTERASE COMPOUNDS USING 96 WELL PLATE FORMAT

EPA Science Inventory

The rapid and sensitive detection of organophosphate insecticides using a 96 well plate format is reported. Several features of this assay make it attractive for development as a laboratory-based or field screening assay. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was stabilized in a gelati...

Development of electrophysiological indices of neurological toxicity for organophosphate pesticides and depressant drugs.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1979-05-01

Accurate control of eye movements and rapid detection of unexpected events in the periphery of the visual field are critically important in the aviation environment. We have studied the effects of certain drugs and environmental pollutants on brain m...

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION FOR CONTAMINATED SITE REMEDIATION: CLEANUP GOALS AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

EPA Science Inventory

There is a need to develop and field-test integrated remediation technologies that operate in a synergistic manner for cost-effective treatment of contaminated sites to achieve risk-based and rational endpoints. Aggressive technologies designed for rapid source-zone remediation m...

Ab initio folding of proteins using all-atom discrete molecular dynamics

PubMed Central

Ding, Feng; Tsao, Douglas; Nie, Huifen; Dokholyan, Nikolay V.

2008-01-01

Summary Discrete molecular dynamics (DMD) is a rapid sampling method used in protein folding and aggregation studies. Until now, DMD was used to perform simulations of simplified protein models in conjunction with structure-based force fields. Here, we develop an all-atom protein model and a transferable force field featuring packing, solvation, and environment-dependent hydrogen bond interactions. Using the replica exchange method, we perform folding simulations of six small proteins (20–60 residues) with distinct native structures. In all cases, native or near-native states are reached in simulations. For three small proteins, multiple folding transitions are observed and the computationally-characterized thermodynamics are in quantitative agreement with experiments. The predictive power of all-atom DMD highlights the importance of environment-dependent hydrogen bond interactions in modeling protein folding. The developed approach can be used for accurate and rapid sampling of conformational spaces of proteins and protein-protein complexes, and applied to protein engineering and design of protein-protein interactions. PMID:18611374

Recent developments in novel freezing and thawing technologies applied to foods.

PubMed

Wu, Xiao-Fei; Zhang, Min; Adhikari, Benu; Sun, Jincai

2017-11-22

This article reviews the recent developments in novel freezing and thawing technologies applied to foods. These novel technologies improve the quality of frozen and thawed foods and are energy efficient. The novel technologies applied to freezing include pulsed electric field pre-treatment, ultra-low temperature, ultra-rapid freezing, ultra-high pressure and ultrasound. The novel technologies applied to thawing include ultra-high pressure, ultrasound, high voltage electrostatic field (HVEF), and radio frequency. Ultra-low temperature and ultra-rapid freezing promote the formation and uniform distribution of small ice crystals throughout frozen foods. Ultra-high pressure and ultrasound assisted freezing are non-thermal methods and shorten the freezing time and improve product quality. Ultra-high pressure and HVEF thawing generate high heat transfer rates and accelerate the thawing process. Ultrasound and radio frequency thawing can facilitate thawing process by volumetrically generating heat within frozen foods. It is anticipated that these novel technologies will be increasingly used in food industries in the future.

Interagency partnering for weed prevention--progress on development of a National Early Detection and Rapid Response System for Invasive Plants in the United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Westbrooks, R.; Westbrooks, R.

2011-01-01

Over the past 50 years, experience has shown that interagency groups provide an effective forum for addressing various invasive species issues and challenges on multiple land units. However, more importantly, they can also provide a coordinated framework for early detection, reporting, identification and vouchering, rapid assessment, and rapid response to new and emerging invasive plants in the United States. Interagency collaboration maximizes the use of available expertise, resources, and authority for promoting early detection and rapid response (EDRR) as the preferred management option for addressing new and emerging invasive plants. Currently, an interagency effort is underway to develop a National EDRR System for Invasive Plants in the United States. The proposed system will include structural and informational elements. Structural elements of the system include a network of interagency partner groups to facilitate early detection and rapid response to new invasive plants, including the Federal Interagency Committee for the Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds (FICMNEW), State Invasive Species Councils, State Early Detection and Rapid Response Coordinating Committees, State Volunteer Detection and Reporting Networks, Invasive Plant Task Forces, and Cooperative Weed Management Areas. Informational elements and products being developed include Regional Invasive Plant Atlases, and EDRR Guidelines for EDRR Volunteer Network Training, Rapid Assessment and Rapid Response, and Criteria for Selection of EDRR Species. System science and technical support elements which are provided by cooperating state and federal scientists, include EDRR guidelines, training curriculum for EDRR volunteers and agency field personnel, plant identification and vouchering, rapid assessments, as well as predictive modeling and ecological range studies for invasive plant species.

Trends in the energy market after World War II (WW II)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swart, K.

1992-01-01

After WW II, trends developed in the energy markets that continued virtually unbroken till 1972. The main trend was the strong growth of oil as a percentage of total energy consumed. Not only did oil monopolise the rapidly growing transportation market but it also penetrated rapidly into the stationary energy market. In the second half of the sixties, after the discovery of the Groningen Gas field, pipeline natural gas took a sizable share of the domestic and commercial energy market in Western Europe. This market was mainly fed by gas from Groningen, the North Sea and Russia. Another trend was the steady growth of electricity as a percentage of the stationary market partly based on nuclear energy. Coal was the loser. This rather steady development was upset by the first oil crisis in 1972. This crisis was a political crisis which had little to do with the physical availability of crude oil. Between 1972 and the present, periods of reasonable price stability were interrupted by violent swings in the price of oil and gas. Moreover, during this period the environmental movement became a major influence in the energy field. Notwithstanding the generally unstable market, some new trends developed after 1972 and some old ones continued. Will these trends continue long enough to be useful for making a scenario for the future? The forecaster should not assume that the development of energy consumption in the USA, Western Europe and Japan will continue to be of overwhelming importance. Developments in South East Asia and Eastern Europe should be watched very carefully. There are reasons to believe that at a certain stage in economic development, transportation demand shoots up much faster than economic growth, leading to a rapid demand growth for distillate oil. Of importance is also how will the rapidly developing countries generate their increasing demand for electricity and how will they fuel their industry? There can be little doubt that in the rich countries environmental concern will be a major influence in the energy market. But in developing countries environmental concerns take second place to economic growth. Though political influences are impossible to predict, they will continue to upset forecasts based on trends.

Sustainable Practices in Medicinal Chemistry Part 2: Green by Design.

PubMed

Aliagas, Ignacio; Berger, Raphaëlle; Goldberg, Kristin; Nishimura, Rachel T; Reilly, John; Richardson, Paul; Richter, Daniel; Sherer, Edward C; Sparling, Brian A; Bryan, Marian C

2017-07-27

With the development of ever-expanding synthetic methodologies, a medicinal chemist's toolkit continues to swell. However, with finite time and resources as well as a growing understanding of our field's environment impact, it is critical to refine what can be made to what should be made. This review seeks to highlight multiple cheminformatic approaches in drug discovery that can influence and triage design and execution impacting the likelihood of rapidly generating high-value molecules in a more sustainable manner. This strategy gives chemists the tools to design and refine vast libraries, stress "druglikeness", and rapidly identify SAR trends. Project success, i.e., identification of a clinical candidate, is then reached faster with fewer molecules with the farther-reaching ramification of using fewer resources and generating less waste, thereby helping "green" our field.

Cost-effective and Rapid Blood Analysis on a Cell-phone

PubMed Central

Zhu, Hongying; Sencan, Ikbal; Wong, Justin; Dimitrov, Stoyan; Tseng, Derek; Nagashima, Keita; Ozcan, Aydogan

2013-01-01

We demonstrate a compact and cost-effective imaging cytometry platform installed on a cell-phone for the measurement of the density of red and white blood cells as well as hemoglobin concentration in human blood samples. Fluorescent and bright-field images of blood samples are captured using separate optical attachments to the cell-phone and are rapidly processed through a custom-developed smart application running on the phone for counting of blood cells and determining hemoglobin density. We evaluated the performance of this cell-phone based blood analysis platform using anonymous human blood samples and achieved comparable results to a standard bench-top hematology analyser. Test results can either be stored on the cell-phone memory or be transmitted to a central server, providing remote diagnosis opportunities even in field settings. PMID:23392286

Cost-effective and rapid blood analysis on a cell-phone.

PubMed

Zhu, Hongying; Sencan, Ikbal; Wong, Justin; Dimitrov, Stoyan; Tseng, Derek; Nagashima, Keita; Ozcan, Aydogan

2013-04-07

We demonstrate a compact and cost-effective imaging cytometry platform installed on a cell-phone for the measurement of the density of red and white blood cells as well as hemoglobin concentration in human blood samples. Fluorescent and bright-field images of blood samples are captured using separate optical attachments to the cell-phone and are rapidly processed through a custom-developed smart application running on the phone for counting of blood cells and determining hemoglobin density. We evaluated the performance of this cell-phone based blood analysis platform using anonymous human blood samples and achieved comparable results to a standard bench-top hematology analyser. Test results can either be stored on the cell-phone memory or be transmitted to a central server, providing remote diagnosis opportunities even in field settings.

Personalized vaccines: the emerging field of vaccinomics

PubMed Central

Poland, Gregory A; Ovsyannikova, Inna G; Jacobson, Robert M

2010-01-01

The next ‘golden age’ in vaccinology will be ushered in by the new science of vaccinomics. In turn, this will inform and allow the development of personalized vaccines, based on our increasing understanding of immune response phenotype: genotype information. Rapid advances in developing such data are already occurring for hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, anthrax and smallpox vaccines. In addition, newly available data suggest that some vaccine-related adverse events may also be genetically determined and, therefore, predictable. This paper reviews the basis and logic of personalized vaccines, and describes recent advances in the field. PMID:18847302

Composite ceramic superconducting wires for electric motor applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halloran, John W.

1990-04-01

Silver clad polycrystalline Y-123 wire is being fabricated with a continuous reel-to-reel process. Scale-up activities are underway to produce enough wire for the field coils of the HTSC motor. Green HTSC fiber were produced in kilometer lengths, and sintered wires up to 166 meters long. The 77K Jc values are 1000-2800 A/sq cm in self field. To improve Jc of the Y-123 wire, development began on directional crystallization, including preliminary work at A. D. Little and Oak Ridge National Lab. Large lots of BiSCCO material were produced to fabricated fibers and sintered polycrystalline BiSSCO wire as rolled tape. Work continued in collaboration with Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories on rapid thermal processing of Y-123, with most emphasis on characterizing the rapid oxygenation effect. The design of the HTSC homopolar motor has been improved to increase the output from field coils by using six smaller coils, each with separately optimized current. Motor construction is in progress. Preliminary design is underway on a dc heteropolar motor with HTSC field windings and armature and a brushless trapped flux permanent magnet dc motor, in which the field is produced by trapped flux in an HTSC rotor.

[Recent Development of Atomic Spectrometry in China].

PubMed

Xiao, Yuan-fang; Wang, Xiao-hua; Hang, Wei

2015-09-01

As an important part of modern analytical techniques, atomic spectrometry occupies a decisive status in the whole analytical field. The development of atomic spectrometry also reflects the continuous reform and innovation of analytical techniques. In the past fifteen years, atomic spectrometry has experienced rapid development and been applied widely in many fields in China. This review has witnessed its development and remarkable achievements. It contains several directions of atomic spectrometry, including atomic emission spectrometry (AES), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), and atomic mass spectrometry (AMS). Emphasis is put on the innovation of the detection methods and their applications in related fields, including environmental samples, biological samples, food and beverage, and geological materials, etc. There is also a brief introduction to the hyphenated techniques utilized in atomic spectrometry. Finally, the prospects of atomic spectrometry in China have been forecasted.

Review of Two Decades of Cholera Diagnostics – How Far Have We Really Come?

PubMed Central

Dick, Michal H.; Guillerm, Martine; Moussy, Francis; Chaignat, Claire-Lise

2012-01-01

Background Cholera, an ancient scourge, continues to inflict high rates of mortality today. The rising incidence of epidemics in areas of poor sanitation and crowding highlight the need for better epidemic prevention and early response. Such interventions require the availability of rapid and accurate diagnostic techniques to trigger timely response and mitigate the scale of the outbreak. The current gold standard of bacterial culture is inadequate for rapid diagnosis, highlighting the overarching neglect of field diagnostic needs. This paper was written to support the World Health Organisation's Global Task Force on Cholera Control mandated Cholera and diarrhoeal disease laboratory Network (CholdiNet) in devising a protocol for the validation of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) for Vibrio cholerae. The status of diagnostic tools for Vibrio cholerae is assessed, describing products that have been commercialised over the last two decades and discussing their peer-reviewed evaluation. Method Review of post-1990 peer-reviewed and grey literature on rapid diagnostic tests for Vibrio cholerae. Results Since 1990, twenty four diagnostic tests have been developed for the detection of Vibrio cholerae in human faecal samples. Fourteen of these have also been described in the literature, with rapid chromatographic-immuno assays (CIA) featuring strongly. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays maintain the ability to detect the lowest amount of bacteria; however CIAs achieve both low detection thresholds and high sensitivity and specificity, making them possible candidates for use in field conditions. Field and laboratory studies were performed in a wide range of settings demonstrating variability in performance, however only a few of these studies were sufficiently stringent, highlighting five RDTs that showed promise in field conditions; COAT, IP cholera dipstick, SMART, IP dipstick and Medicos. In light of non-independent reporting, the authors would like to see these five products undergoing additional studies, with further technical improvements if needed and commercial production. The authors hope that public health use of such a RDT in limited-resource field conditions on stool samples may contribute to effective reduction in cholera epidemic spread. PMID:23071851

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

Kaminsky, G.; Belanger, David P.; Ye, Feng

We use polarized neutron scattering to characterize the Bragg scattering intensity below T C=89.5 K at the (1,0,0) pseudocubic nuclear Bragg point of LaCoO 3. Upon cooling in a field (FC), a net magnetic moment is apparent in Bragg scattering intensity, just as it was in previous magnetization measurements. Critical behavior associated with the net moment near T C upon cooling in small applied fields rapidly rounds with increasing field strength. We show, using a mean-field calculation, that this net moment can develop in a metastable state that forms upon FC, even when all the interactions in the system aremore » antiferromagnetic.« less

Origin of the net magnetic moment in LaCoO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaminsky, G. M.; Belanger, D. P.; Ye, F.; Fernandez-Baca, J. A.; Wang, J.; Matsuda, M.; Yan, J.-Q.

2018-01-01

We use polarized neutron scattering to characterize the Bragg scattering intensity below TC=89.5 K at the (1,0,0) pseudocubic nuclear Bragg point of LaCoO3. Upon cooling in a field (FC), a net magnetic moment is apparent in Bragg scattering intensity, just as it was in previous magnetization measurements. Critical behavior associated with the net moment near TC upon cooling in small applied fields rapidly rounds with increasing field strength. We show, using a mean-field calculation, that this net moment can develop in a metastable state that forms upon FC, even when all the interactions in the system are antiferromagnetic.

Recommendations for Guidelines for Environment-Specific Magnetic-Field Measurements, Rapid Program Engineering Project #2

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

Electric Research and Management, Inc.; IIT Research Institute; Magnetic Measurements

1997-03-11

The purpose of this project was to document widely applicable methods for characterizing the magnetic fields in a given environment, recognizing the many sources co-existing within that space. The guidelines are designed to allow the reader to follow an efficient process to (1) plan the goals and requirements of a magnetic-field study, (2) develop a study structure and protocol, and (3) document and carry out the plan. These guidelines take the reader first through the process of developing a basic study strategy, then through planning and performing the data collection. Last, the critical factors of data management, analysis reporting, andmore » quality assurance are discussed. The guidelines are structured to allow the researcher to develop a protocol that responds to specific site and project needs. The Research and Public Information Dissemination Program (RAPID) is based on exposure to magnetic fields and the potential health effects. Therefore, the most important focus for these magnetic-field measurement guidelines is relevance to exposure. The assumed objective of an environment-specific measurement is to characterize the environment (given a set of occupants and magnetic-field sources) so that information about the exposure of the occupants may be inferred. Ideally, the researcher seeks to obtain complete or "perfect" information about these magnetic fields, so that personal exposure might also be modeled perfectly. However, complete data collection is not feasible. In fact, it has been made more difficult as the research field has moved to expand the list of field parameters measured, increasing the cost and complexity of performing a measurement and analyzing the data. The guidelines address this issue by guiding the user to design a measurement protocol that will gather the most exposure-relevant information based on the locations of people in relation to the sources. We suggest that the "microenvironment" become the base unit of area in a study, with boundaries defined by the occupant's activity patterns and the field variation from the sources affecting the area. Such a stratification allows the researcher to determine which microenvironment are of most interest, and to methodically focus the areas, in order to gather the most relevant set of data.« less

Rapid detection and differentiation of avian infectious bronchitis virus: an application of Mass genotype by melting temperature analysis in RT-qPCR using SYBR Green I

PubMed Central

OKINO, Cintia Hiromi; MONTASSIER, Maria de Fátima Silva; de OLIVEIRA, Andressa Peres; MONTASSIER, Helio José

2018-01-01

A method based on Melting Temperature analysis of Hypervariable regions (HVR) of S1 gene within a RT-qPCR was developed to detect different genotypes of avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and identify the Mass genotype. The method was able to rapidly identify the Mass genotype among IBV field isolates, vaccine attenuated strains and reference M41 strain in allantoic liquid and also directly in tissues. The RT-qPCR developed detected the virus in both tracheal and pulmonary samples from M41-infected or H120-infected birds, in a larger post-infection period compared to detection by standard method of virus isolation. RT-qPCR method tested provided a sensitivity and rapid approach for screening on IBV detection and Mass genotyping from IBV isolates. PMID:29491226

Two years experience with quality assurance protocol for patient related Rapid Arc treatment plan verification using a two dimensional ionization chamber array

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Purpose To verify the dose distribution and number of monitor units (MU) for dynamic treatment techniques like volumetric modulated single arc radiation therapy - Rapid Arc - each patient treatment plan has to be verified prior to the first treatment. The purpose of this study was to develop a patient related treatment plan verification protocol using a two dimensional ionization chamber array (MatriXX, IBA, Schwarzenbruck, Germany). Method Measurements were done to determine the dependence between response of 2D ionization chamber array, beam direction, and field size. Also the reproducibility of the measurements was checked. For the patient related verifications the original patient Rapid Arc treatment plan was projected on CT dataset of the MatriXX and the dose distribution was calculated. After irradiation of the Rapid Arc verification plans measured and calculated 2D dose distributions were compared using the gamma evaluation method implemented in the measuring software OmniPro (version 1.5, IBA, Schwarzenbruck, Germany). Results The dependence between response of 2D ionization chamber array, field size and beam direction has shown a passing rate of 99% for field sizes between 7 cm × 7 cm and 24 cm × 24 cm for measurements of single arc. For smaller and larger field sizes than 7 cm × 7 cm and 24 cm × 24 cm the passing rate was less than 99%. The reproducibility was within a passing rate of 99% and 100%. The accuracy of the whole process including the uncertainty of the measuring system, treatment planning system, linear accelerator and isocentric laser system in the treatment room was acceptable for treatment plan verification using gamma criteria of 3% and 3 mm, 2D global gamma index. Conclusion It was possible to verify the 2D dose distribution and MU of Rapid Arc treatment plans using the MatriXX. The use of the MatriXX for Rapid Arc treatment plan verification in clinical routine is reasonable. The passing rate should be 99% than the verification protocol is able to detect clinically significant errors. PMID:21342509

Gaps in the Body of Knowledge of Systems Engineering

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-07-01

practices, agile development, Kanban , risk management, and decision management. This focus is being driven by the need to reduce time for delivery of...to incorporate Kanban approaches to scheduling the SE activities based on value. Rapid Fielding. In this situation, there is a short time to

The Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience of Functional Connectivity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stevens, Michael C.

2009-01-01

Developmental cognitive neuroscience is a rapidly growing field that examines the relationships between biological development and cognitive ability. In the past decade, there has been ongoing refinement of concepts and methodology related to the study of "functional connectivity" among distributed brain regions believed to underlie cognition and…

Teacher Leader Model Standards: Implications for Preparation, Policy, and Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berg, Jill Harrison; Carver, Cynthia L.; Mangin, Melinda M.

2014-01-01

Teacher leadership is increasingly recognized as a resource for instructional improvement. Consequently, teacher leader initiatives have expanded rapidly despite limited knowledge about how to prepare and support teacher leaders. In this context, the "Teacher Leader Model Standards" represent an important development in the field. In…

Silver Voyage from Macro- to Nanoworld

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Soukupova, Jana; Kvitek, Libor; Kratochvilova, Martina; Panacek, Ales; Prucek, Robert; Zboril, Radek

2010-01-01

Nanoscience and nanotechnology currently represent one of the most rapidly developing fields of science and technology; therefore, the fundamental principles of nanoscience and nanotechnology should be understood by college and even high school students as well as by members of scientific communities. Silver, as the pioneer material in these…

Greener Approach to Nanomaterials and Their Sustainable Applications

EPA Science Inventory

The integration of ‘Green Chemistry’ principles into the rapidly evolving field of nanoscience is a necessity for the risk reduction. Several ‘greener’ pathways have been developed to generate nanoparticles in the matrix in which they are to be used thus reducing the exposure ris...

Unbonded portland cement concrete overlay/pavement monitoring with integrated grating and scattering optical fiber sensors.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-06-01

This report summarizes the findings and results from a laboratory and field study on the strain distribution : and crack development in 3 thick concrete panels cast on top of existing concrete pavements as a rapid : rehabilitation strategy for roa...

Line-scan hyperspectral imaging techniques for food and agricultural applications

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Hyperspectral imaging technologies in the food and agricultural area have been evolved rapidly during the past 15 years owing to tremendous interest from both academic and industrial fields. Line-scan hyperspectral imaging is a major method that has been intensively researched and developed in diffe...

The Challenge--To Meet The Needs of the Rapidly Expanding Horticulture Field

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bird, Russell C.

1977-01-01

A horticulture instructor outlines various methods of getting information from the horticulture industry for use in planning instructional programs to fill industry needs. He suggests that student learning packets to implement the program could be developed with the assistance of industry. (MF)

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for in vitro diagnostic testing at the point of care

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marks, Haley; Schechinger, Monika; Garza, Javier; Locke, Andrea; Coté, Gerard

2017-06-01

Point-of-care (POC) device development is a growing field that aims to develop low-cost, rapid, sensitive in-vitro diagnostic testing platforms that are portable, self-contained, and can be used anywhere - from modern clinics to remote and low resource areas. In this review, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is discussed as a solution to facilitating the translation of bioanalytical sensing to the POC. The potential for SERS to meet the widely accepted "ASSURED" (Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User-friendly, Rapid, Equipment-free, and Deliverable) criterion provided by the World Health Organization is discussed based on recent advances in SERS in vitro assay development. As SERS provides attractive characteristics for multiplexed sensing at low concentration limits with a high degree of specificity, it holds great promise for enhancing current efforts in rapid diagnostic testing. In outlining the progression of SERS techniques over the past years combined with recent developments in smart nanomaterials, high-throughput microfluidics, and low-cost paper diagnostics, an extensive number of new possibilities show potential for translating SERS biosensors to the POC.

Scalable graphene aptasensors for drug quantification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vishnubhotla, Ramya; Ping, Jinglei; Gao, Zhaoli; Lee, Abigail; Saouaf, Olivia; Vrudhula, Amey; Johnson, A. T. Charlie

2017-11-01

Simpler and more rapid approaches for therapeutic drug-level monitoring are highly desirable to enable use at the point-of-care. We have developed an all-electronic approach for detection of the HIV drug tenofovir based on scalable fabrication of arrays of graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs) functionalized with a commercially available DNA aptamer. The shift in the Dirac voltage of the GFETs varied systematically with the concentration of tenofovir in deionized water, with a detection limit less than 1 ng/mL. Tests against a set of negative controls confirmed the specificity of the sensor response. This approach offers the potential for further development into a rapid and convenient point-of-care tool with clinically relevant performance.

Paradise Threatened: Land Use and Erosion on St. John, US Virgin Islands

PubMed

Macdonald; Anderson; Dietrich

1997-11-01

/ Rapid development and the concomitant increases in erosion and sedimentation are believed to threaten the reefs and other marine resources that are a primary attraction of St. John and Virgin Islands National Park. Average annual sediment yields from undeveloped areas were estimated from a sediment pond and a mangrove swamp as less than 20 and less than 40 t/km2/yr, respectively. Geomorphic evidence indicates that plantation agriculture during the 18th and 19th centuries did not cause severe erosion. Since about 1950 there has been rapid growth in roads and development due to increasing tourism and second-home development. Our field investigations identified the approximately 50 km of unpaved roads as the primary source of anthropogenic sediment. Field measurements of the road network in two catchments led to the development of a vector-based GIS model to predict road surface erosion and sediment delivery. We estimate that road erosion has caused at least a fourfold increase in island-wide sediment yields and that current sedimentation rates are unprecedented. Paving the dirt roads and implementing standard sediment control practices can greatly reduce current sediment yields and possible adverse effects on the marine ecosystems surrounding St. John.KEY WORDS: Erosion; Sediment yield; Roads; Dry tropics; Development

A change in competitive context reverses sexual selection on male size.

PubMed

Kasumovic, M M; Andrade, M C B

2009-02-01

In studies of sexual selection, larger size is often argued to increase male fitness, and relatively smaller males are explained by genetic and/or environmental variation. We demonstrate that a size-development life-history trade-off could underlie the maintenance of a broad, unimodal distribution of size in male redback spiders (Latrodectus hasselti). Larger males are superior in direct competition, but redback males mature rapidly at small size in the presence of females. In field enclosures, we simulated two competitive contexts favouring development of divergent male sizes. Relatively smaller males lost when competing directly, but had 10 times higher fitness than relatively larger males when given the temporal advantage of rapid development. Linear selection gradients confirmed the reversal of selection on size, showing that it is critical to consider life-history decisions underlying the development of traits related to fitness.

Air Cargo Tenders: Theater Express for the World

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

referred to in the shorthand 3PL, is a broad and rapidly growing field. ( Marasco , 2008) (Ashenbaum, Maltz, & Rabinovich, 2005) However, it is a field...which really began to be defined only in the mid-1990s, and has developed from there. Marasco looked at academic coverage of 3PL in peer-reviewed...2000, 55, and from 2001-2006, 86 articles were published. ( Marasco , 2008) This publishing fact alone is a strong signal that the industry has been

Flow cytogenetics and chromosome sorting.

PubMed

Cram, L S

1990-06-01

This review of flow cytogenetics and chromosome sorting provides an overview of general information in the field and describes recent developments in more detail. From the early developments of chromosome analysis involving single parameter or one color analysis to the latest developments in slit scanning of single chromosomes in a flow stream, the field has progressed rapidly and most importantly has served as an important enabling technology for the human genome project. Technological innovations that advanced flow cytogenetics are described and referenced. Applications in basic cell biology, molecular biology, and clinical investigations are presented. The necessary characteristics for large number chromosome sorting are highlighted. References to recent review articles are provided as a starting point for locating individual references that provide more detail. Specific references are provided for recent developments.

Veterinary vaccinology.

PubMed

Pastoret, P P

1999-11-01

Veterinary vaccinology is a very interesting and rapidly developing field. In fact veterinary vaccines are not only used for the prevention of infectious diseases in the animal health sector, but also help to solve problems of public health, to reduce detrimental environmental impact of the use of some veterinary drugs and prevent the emergence of resistance of micro-organisms or parasites. After a short introduction, this paper will deal with the use of vaccines for animal health and welfare, including new developments in the veterinary field such as marker vaccines and vectored vaccines, the special case of equine influenza-inactivated vaccines and the use of veterinary vaccines in public health. The conclusions will analyse the reasons as to why develop veterinary vaccines and the obstacles to their development.

A novel kit for rapid detection of Vibrio cholerae O1.

PubMed

Hasan, J A; Huq, A; Tamplin, M L; Siebeling, R J; Colwell, R R

1994-01-01

We report on the development and testing of a novel, rapid, colorimetric immunodiagnostic kit, Cholera SMART, for direct detection of the presence of Vibrio cholerae O1 in clinical specimens. Unlike conventional culture methods requiring several days to complete, the Cholera SMART kit can be used directly in the field by untrained or minimally skilled personnel to detect V. cholerae O1 in less than 15 min, without cumbersome laboratory equipment. A total of 120 clinical and environmental bacterial strains, including both O1 and non-O1 serotypes of V. cholerae isolated from samples collected from a variety of geographical regions, were tested, and positive reactions were observed only with V. cholerae O1. Also, results of a field trial in Bangladesh, employing Cholera SMART, showed 100% specificity and 96% sensitivity compared with conventional culture methods. Another field trial, in Mexico, showed that Cholera SMART was 100% in agreement with a recently described coagglutination test when 108 stool specimens were tested.

Nanotechnology: A Vast Field for the Creative Mind

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benavides, Jeannette

2003-01-01

Nanotechnology is a rapidly developing field worldwide. Nanotechnology is the development of smart systems for many different applications by building from the molecular level up. Current research, sponsored by The National Nanotechnology Alliance in the US will be described. Future needs in manpower of different disciplines will be discussed. Nanotechnology is a field of research that could allow developing countries to establish a technological infrastructure. The nature of nanotechnology requires professionals in many areas, such as engineers, chemists, physicists, mathematicians, computer scientists, materials scientists, etc. One of the materials that provide unique properties for nanotechnology is carbon nanotubes. At Goddard we have develop a process to produce nanotubes at lower costs and without metal catalysts which will be of great importance for the development of new materials for space applications and others outside NASA. Nanotechnology in general is a very broad and exciting field that will provide the technologies of tomorrow including biomedical applications for the betterment of mankind. There is room in this area for many researchers all over the world. The key is collaboration, nationally and internationally.

Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy of Metal–Organic Framework Compounds (MOFs)

PubMed Central

Hoffmann, Herbert C.; Debowski, Marta; Müller, Philipp; Paasch, Silvia; Senkovska, Irena; Kaskel, Stefan; Brunner, Eike

2012-01-01

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a well-established method for the investigation of various types of porous materials. During the past decade, metal–organic frameworks have attracted increasing research interest. Solid-state NMR spectroscopy has rapidly evolved into an important tool for the study of the structure, dynamics and flexibility of these materials, as well as for the characterization of host–guest interactions with adsorbed species such as xenon, carbon dioxide, water, and many others. The present review introduces and highlights recent developments in this rapidly growing field.

Field evaluation of a rapid, visually-read colloidal dye immunofiltration assay for Schistosoma japonicum for screening in areas of low transmission.

PubMed Central

Xiao, Xiang; Wang, Tianping; Ye, Hongzhuan; Qiang, Guangxiang; Wei, Haiming; Tian, Zhigang

2005-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To determine the validity of a recently developed rapid test--a colloidal dye immunofiltration assay (CDIFA)--used by health workers in field settings to identify villagers infected with Schistosoma japonicum. METHODS: Health workers in the field used CDIFA to test samples from 1553 villagers in two areas of low endemicity and an area where S. japonicum was not endemic in Anhui, China. All the samples were then tested in the laboratory by laboratory staff using a standard parasitological method (Kato-Katz), an indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA), and CDIFA. The results of CDIFA performed by health workers were compared with those obtained by Kato-Katz and IHA. FINDINGS: Concordance between the results of CDIFA performed in field settings and in the laboratory was high (kappa index, 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.93-0.97). When Kato-Katz was used as the reference test, the overall sensitivity and specificity of CDIFA were 98.5% and 83.6%, respectively in the two villages in areas of low endemicity, while the specificity was 99.8% in the nonendemic village. Compared with IHA, the overall specificity and sensitivity of CDIFA were greater than 99% and 96%, respectively. With the combination of Kato-Katz and IHA as the reference standard, CDIFA had a sensitivity of 95.8% and a specificity of 99.5%, and an accuracy of 98.6% in the two areas of low endemicity. CONCLUSION: CDIFA is a specific, sensitive, and reliable test that can be used for rapid screening for schistosomiasis by health workers in field settings. PMID:16175827

Development of flexural vibration inspection techniques to rapidly assess the structural health of timber bridge systems

Treesearch

Xiping Wang; James P. Wacker; Robert J. Ross; Brian K. Brashaw; Robert Vatalaro

2005-01-01

This paper describes an effort to develop a global dynamic testing technique for evaluating the overall stiffness of timber bridge superstructures. A forced vibration method was used to measure the natural frequency of single-span timber bridges in the laboratory and field. An analytical model based on simple beam theory was proposed to represent the relationship...

Challenges in Understanding and Development of Predictive Models of Plasma Assisted Combustion

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

and electron temperature in transient plasmas sustained by nanosecond pulse duration discharges, and their comparison with modeling predictions, are...in nanosecond pulse discharge in nitrogen at 0.25 bar, using the kinetic model developed in Ref. [11]. Rapid electric field reduction during...discharge pulses with kinetic modeling calculations, using conventional hydrocarbon-air combustion mechanisms. Although modeling predictions for H2-air

Faculty Development Units at Mexican Higher Education Institutions: A Descriptive Study of Characteristics, Common Practices and Challenges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chavela Guerra, Rocio del Carmen

2011-01-01

The rapid expansion in higher education in the 1960s and early 1970s brought a reexamination of university teaching and learning, placing significant attention on the role of faculty development. The steady growth of this field has been reflected in the establishment of centers, offices, and divisions at many colleges and universities that are in…

Systems Thinking and Participatory Research and Extension Skills: Can These Be Taught in the Classroom? Occasional Papers in Rural Extension, No. 10.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jiggins, Janice; Roling, Niels

Over the last decade, there have been rapid developments in field methodologies within participatory approaches to rural and agricultural development. At the same time, the use of "soft systems" methodologies for bringing potentially conflictual or disparate actors together for action has spread from the business world to other applications. These…

A Survey of the Rapidly Emerging Field of Nanotechnology: Potential Applications for Scientific Instruments and Technologies for Atmospheric Entry Probes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyyappan, M.; Arnold, J. O.

2005-01-01

The field of Nanotechnology is well funded worldwide and innovations applicable to Solar System Exploration are emerging much more rapidly than thought possible just a few years ago. This presentation will survey recent innovations from nanotechnololgy with a focus on novel applications to atmospheric entry science and probe technology, in a fashion similar to that presented by Arnold and Venkatapathy at the previous workshop forum at Lisbon Portugal, October 6-9, 2003. Nanotechnology is a rapidly emerging field that builds systems, devices and materials from the bottom up, atom by atom, and in so doing provides them with novel and remarkable macro-scale performance. This technology has the potential to revolutionize space exploration by reducing mass and simultaneously increasing capability. Thermal, Radiation, Impact Protective Shields: Atmospheric probes and humans on long duration deep space missions involved in Solar System Exploration must safely endure 3 significant hazards: (i) atmospheric entry; (ii) radiation; and (iii) micrometeorite or debris impact. Nanostructured materials could be developed to address all three hazards with a single protective shield, which would involve much less mass than a traditional approach. The concept can be ready in time for incorporation into NASA s Crew Exploration Vehicle, and possible entry probes to fly on the Jupiter Icy Moons

GRIP Collaboration Portal: Information Management for a Hurricane Field Campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conover, H.; Kulkarni, A.; Garrett, M.; Smith, T.; Goodman, H. M.

2010-12-01

NASA’s Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) experiment, carried out in August and September of 2010, was a complex operation, involving three aircraft and their crews based at different airports, a dozen instrument teams, mission scientists, weather forecasters, project coordinators and a variety of other participants. In addition, GRIP was coordinated with concurrent airborne missions: NOAA’s IFEX and then NSF-funded PREDICT. The GRIP Collaboration Portal was developed to facilitate communication within and between the different teams and serve as an information repository for the field campaign, providing a single access point for project documents, plans, weather forecasts, flight reports and quicklook data. The portal was developed using the Drupal open source content management framework. This presentation will cover both technology and participation issues. Specific examples include: Drupal’s large and diverse open source developer community is an advantage in that we were able to reuse many modules rather than develop capabilities from scratch, but integrating multiple modules developed by many people adds to the overall complexity of the site. Many of the communication capabilities provided by the site, such as discussion forums and blogs, were not used. Participants were diligent about posting necessary documents, but the favored communication method remained email. Drupal's developer-friendly nature allowed for quick development of the customized functionality needed to accommodate the rapidly changing requirements of GRIP experiment. DC-8 Overflight of Hurricane Earl during GRIP Mission

Application of Solid Phase Microextraction Coupled with Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry as a Rapid Method for Field Sampling and Analysis of Chemical Warfare Agents and Toxic Industrial Chemicals

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-01-01

PHASE MICROEXTRACTION COUPLED WITH GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY/MASS SPECTROMETRY AS A RAPID METHOD FOR FIELD SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS OF CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS...SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS OF CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS AND TOXIC INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6...GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY/MASS SPECTROMETRY AS A RAPID METHOD FOR FIELD SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS OF CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS AND TOXIC INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS

Modeling of subglacial hydrological development following rapid supraglacial lake drainage.

PubMed

Dow, C F; Kulessa, B; Rutt, I C; Tsai, V C; Pimentel, S; Doyle, S H; van As, D; Lindbäck, K; Pettersson, R; Jones, G A; Hubbard, A

2015-06-01

The rapid drainage of supraglacial lakes injects substantial volumes of water to the bed of the Greenland ice sheet over short timescales. The effect of these water pulses on the development of basal hydrological systems is largely unknown. To address this, we develop a lake drainage model incorporating both (1) a subglacial radial flux element driven by elastic hydraulic jacking and (2) downstream drainage through a linked channelized and distributed system. Here we present the model and examine whether substantial, efficient subglacial channels can form during or following lake drainage events and their effect on the water pressure in the surrounding distributed system. We force the model with field data from a lake drainage site, 70 km from the terminus of Russell Glacier in West Greenland. The model outputs suggest that efficient subglacial channels do not readily form in the vicinity of the lake during rapid drainage and instead water is evacuated primarily by a transient turbulent sheet and the distributed system. Following lake drainage, channels grow but are not large enough to reduce the water pressure in the surrounding distributed system, unless preexisting channels are present throughout the domain. Our results have implications for the analysis of subglacial hydrological systems in regions where rapid lake drainage provides the primary mechanism for surface-to-bed connections. Model for subglacial hydrological analysis of rapid lake drainage eventsLimited subglacial channel growth during and following rapid lake drainagePersistence of distributed drainage in inland areas where channel growth is limited.

Modeling of subglacial hydrological development following rapid supraglacial lake drainage

PubMed Central

Dow, C F; Kulessa, B; Rutt, I C; Tsai, V C; Pimentel, S; Doyle, S H; van As, D; Lindbäck, K; Pettersson, R; Jones, G A; Hubbard, A

2015-01-01

The rapid drainage of supraglacial lakes injects substantial volumes of water to the bed of the Greenland ice sheet over short timescales. The effect of these water pulses on the development of basal hydrological systems is largely unknown. To address this, we develop a lake drainage model incorporating both (1) a subglacial radial flux element driven by elastic hydraulic jacking and (2) downstream drainage through a linked channelized and distributed system. Here we present the model and examine whether substantial, efficient subglacial channels can form during or following lake drainage events and their effect on the water pressure in the surrounding distributed system. We force the model with field data from a lake drainage site, 70 km from the terminus of Russell Glacier in West Greenland. The model outputs suggest that efficient subglacial channels do not readily form in the vicinity of the lake during rapid drainage and instead water is evacuated primarily by a transient turbulent sheet and the distributed system. Following lake drainage, channels grow but are not large enough to reduce the water pressure in the surrounding distributed system, unless preexisting channels are present throughout the domain. Our results have implications for the analysis of subglacial hydrological systems in regions where rapid lake drainage provides the primary mechanism for surface-to-bed connections. Key Points Model for subglacial hydrological analysis of rapid lake drainage events Limited subglacial channel growth during and following rapid lake drainage Persistence of distributed drainage in inland areas where channel growth is limited PMID:26640746

Development of a high-speed real-time PCR system for rapid and precise nucleotide recognition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terazono, Hideyuki; Takei, Hiroyuki; Hattori, Akihiro; Yasuda, Kenji

2010-04-01

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a common method used to create copies of a specific target region of a DNA sequence and to produce large quantities of DNA. A few DNA molecules, which act as templates, are rapidly amplified by PCR into many billions of copies. PCR is a key technology in genome-based biological analysis, revolutionizing many life science fields such as medical diagnostics, food safety monitoring, and countermeasures against bioterrorism. Thus, many applications have been developed with the thermal cycling. For these PCR applications, one of the most important key factors is reduction in the data acquisition time. To reduce the acquisition time, it is necessary to decrease the temperature transition time between the high and low ends as much as possible. We have developed a novel rapid real-time PCR system based on rapid exchange of media maintained at different temperatures. This system consists of two thermal reservoirs and a reaction chamber for PCR observation. The temperature transition was achieved within 0.3 sec, and good thermal stability was achieved during thermal cycling with rapid exchange of circulating media. This system allows rigorous optimization of the temperatures required for each stage of the PCR processes. Resulting amplicons were confirmed by electrophoresis. Using the system, rapid DNA amplification was accomplished within 3.5 min, including initial heating and complete 50 PCR cycles. It clearly shows that the device could allow us faster temperature switching than the conventional conduction-based heating systems based on Peltier heating/cooling.

An Epistemological Framework for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Literacy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yawson, Robert M.

2012-01-01

The need for a new literacy that will allow for meaningful participation in the rapidly evolving field of nanotechnology is very critical to national development. This need is important for nanotechnology to achieve its full potential. This paper describes and analyzes some contemporary philosophical interpretations of the concept of technological…

New Developments in Group Counseling.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gladding, Samuel T., Ed.

Group counseling is a rapidly changing field. This collection of 31 digests examines various aspects of group process and group counseling. The digests are arranged under different subject headings. In section 1, the nature of group work is examined, along with the evolution of group work training since 1990. The second section looks at…

TRACKING CHANGES IN WETLANDS WITH URBANIZATION: SIXTEEN YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN PORTLAND, OREGON

EPA Science Inventory

Urban wetlands can provide valuable ecological and societal services. They also can experience rapid change with development. Data from National Wetland Inventory Maps (NWI) and a series of field studies conducted between 1987 and 1998 were used to track changes over 16 years i...

Precast concrete elements for accelerated bridge construction : laboratory testing, field testing, and evaluation of a precast concrete bridge, Black Hawk County.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-01-01

The importance of rapid construction technologies has been recognized by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Iowa : DOT Office of Bridges and Structures. Black Hawk County (BHC) has developed a precast modified beam-in-slab bridge (PMBI...

Biology, Medicine, and the Bill of Rights. Special Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. Office of Technology Assessment.

The rapid progress in the biological sciences has resulted in many social, ethical, and legal issues. In medical practice, public health programs, research laboratories, law enforcement, insurance, the patenting process, agriculture, genetic counseling, and other fields, legal controversies and public policy debates have developed. Some of these…

Perceptions of the Design of Voice Output Communication Aids

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Judge, Simon; Townend, Gillian

2013-01-01

Background: Voice output communication aids (VOCAs) are a key form of aided communication within the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). In recent years, rapid developments in technology have resulted in an explosion of devices available commercially, yet little research has been conducted into what people who use VOCAs…

Designing Distance Learning Tasks to Help Maximize Vocabulary Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Loucky, John Paul

2012-01-01

Task-based language learning using the benefits of online computer-assisted language learning (CALL) can be effective for rapid vocabulary expansion, especially when target vocabulary has been pre-arranged into bilingual categories under simpler, common Semantic Field Keywords. Results and satisfaction levels for both Chinese English majors and…

Employing Subgoals in Computer Programming Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Margulieux, Lauren E.; Catrambone, Richard; Guzdial, Mark

2016-01-01

The rapid integration of technology into our professional and personal lives has left many education systems ill-equipped to deal with the influx of people seeking computing education. To improve computing education, we are applying techniques that have been developed for other procedural fields. The present study applied such a technique, subgoal…

Diagnosis and management of skin resurfacing-related complications.

PubMed

Zhang, Alexandra Y; Obagi, Suzan

2009-02-01

The field of skin resurfacing is undergoing rapid evolution with many new technologies that have developed, providing more choices for physicians and patients. Knowing the potential adverse effects associated with each skin resurfacing modality is paramount in selecting the appropriate approach for each candidate, thereby minimizing complications and achieving optimal results.

Biotechnology Education and the Internet. ERIC Digest.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Thomas

The world of modern biotechnology is based on recent developments in molecular biology, especially those in genetic engineering. Since this is a relatively new and rapidly advancing field of study, there are few traditional sources of information and activities. This digest highlights biotechnology resources including those that can be found on…

Appendix B: Rapid development approaches for system engineering and design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

Conventional processes often produce systems which are obsolete before they are fielded. This paper explores some of the reasons for this, and provides a vision of how we can do better. This vision is based on our explorations in improved processes and system/software engineering tools.

A Modern City--Its Geography.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mayer, Harold M.; And Others

This publication contains nine articles intended to enhance teachers' understanding of urban geography. The articles are reprinted from issues of the 1969 volume of the Journal of Geography. Urban studies has been one of the most rapidly developing fields of geography during the post World War II generation. There has been extensive research and…

MAPPING AND SCOUTING CORN PEST INFESTATIONS IN A PRODUCTION AGRICULTURE ENVIRONMENT USING REMOTE SENSING.

EPA Science Inventory

Hyperspectral imagery was acquired three times during the 2006 agricultural growing season (late July to mid-September) over 35 corn fields in east central Illinois. The imagery was processed with an emphasis on rapid image product development (turnabround time of less than 24 ho...

Reprint 1987: Research Administration in a Time of Change

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brandt, Edward N.

2017-01-01

The field of biomedical research has undergone several changes in recent years. These include increased funding, the rapid development in scientific knowledge which speeds up the obsolescence of equipment, facilities and knowledge and the growing complexity of scientific problems. Research administrators can take steps to address these changes…

Portable thin layer chromatography for field detection of explosives and propellants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Satcher, Joe H.; Maienschein, Jon L.; Pagoria, Philip F.; Racoveanu, Ana; Carman, M. Leslie; Whipple, Richard E.; Reynolds, John G.

2012-06-01

A field deployable detection kit for explosives and propellants using thin layer chromatography (TLC) has been developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). The chemistry of the kit has been modified to allow for field detection of propellants (through propellant stabilizers), military explosives, peroxide explosives, nitrates and inorganic oxidizer precursors. For many of these target analytes, the detection limit is in the μg to pg range. A new miniaturized, bench prototype, field portable TLC (Micro TLC) kit has also been developed for the detection and identification of common military explosives. It has been demonstrated in a laboratory environment and is ready for field-testing. The kit is comprised of a low cost set of commercially available components specifically assembled for rapid identification needed in the field and identifies the common military explosives: HMX, RDX, Tetryl, Explosive D or picric acid, and TNT all on one plate. Additional modifications of the Micro TLC system have been made with fluorescent organosilicon co-polymer coatings to detect a large suite of explosives.

Estimate of the risk of radiation-induced cancers after linear-accelerator-based breast-cancer radiotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koh, Eui Kwan; Seo, Jungju; Baek, Tae Seong; Chung, Eun Ji; Yoon, Myonggeun; Lee, Hyun-ho

2013-07-01

The aim of this study is to assess and compare the excess absolute risks (EARs) of radiation-induced cancers following conformal (3D-CRT), fixed-field intensity-modulated (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc (RapidArc) radiation therapy in patients with breast cancer. 3D-CRT, IMRT and RapidArc were planned for 10 breast cancer patients. The organ-specific EAR for cancer induction was estimated using the organ equivalent dose (OED) based on computed dose volume histograms (DVHs) and the secondary doses measured at various points from the field edge. The average secondary dose per Gy treatment dose from 3D-CRT, measured 10 to 50 cm from the field edge, ranged from 8.27 to 1.04 mGy. The secondary doses per Gy from IMRT and RapidArc, however, ranged between 5.86 and 0.54 mGy, indicating that IMRT and RapidArc are associated with smaller doses of secondary radiation than 3D-CRT. The organ specific EARs for out-of-field organs, such as the thyroid, liver and colon, were higher with 3D-CRT than with IMRT or RapidArc. In contrast, EARs for in-field organs were much lower with 3D-CRT than with IMRT or RapidArc. The overall estimate of EAR indicated that the radiation-induced cancer risk was 1.8-2.0 times lower with 3D-CRT than with IMRT or RapidArc. Comparisons of EARs during breast irradiation suggested that the predicted risk of secondary cancers was lower with 3D-CRT than with IMRT or RapidArc.

Spontaneous Generation of a Sheared Plasma Rotation in a Field-Reversed θ-Pinch Discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Omelchenko, Y. A.; Karimabadi, H.

2012-08-01

By conducting two-dimensional hybrid simulations of an infinitely long field-reversed θ-pinch discharge we discover a new type of plasma rotation, which rapidly develops at the plasma edge in the ion diamagnetic direction due to the self-consistent generation of a Hall-driven radial electric field. This effect is different from the previously identified end-shorting and particle-loss mechanisms. We also demonstrate flutelike perturbations frequently inferred in experiments and show that in the absence of axial contraction effects they may quickly alter the toroidal symmetry of the plasma.

Development of Rapid Isothermal Amplification Assays for Detection of Phytophthora spp. in Plant Tissue.

PubMed

Miles, Timothy D; Martin, Frank N; Coffey, Michael D

2015-02-01

Several isothermal amplification techniques recently have been developed that are tolerant of inhibitors present in many plant extracts, which can reduce the need for obtaining purified DNA for running diagnostic assays. One such commercially available technique that has similarities with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for designing primers and a labeled probe is recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA). This technology was used to develop two simple and rapid approaches for detection of Phytophthora spp.: one genus-specific assay multiplexed with a plant internal control and the other species-specific assays for Phytophthora ramorum and P. kernoviae. All assays were tested for sensitivity (ranging from 3 ng to 1 fg of DNA) and specificity using DNA extracted from more than 136 Phytophthora taxa, 21 Pythium spp., 1 Phytopythium sp., and a wide range of plant species. The lower limit of linear detection using purified DNA was 200 to 300 fg of DNA in all pathogen RPA assays. Six different extraction buffers were tested for use during plant tissue maceration and the assays were validated in the field by collecting 222 symptomatic plant samples from over 50 different hosts. Only 56 samples were culture positive for Phytophthora spp. whereas 91 were positive using the Phytophthora genus-specific RPA test and a TaqMan real-time PCR assay. A technique for the generation of sequencing templates from positive RPA amplifications to confirm species identification was also developed. These RPA assays have added benefits over traditional technologies because they are rapid (results can be obtained in as little as 15 min), do not require DNA extraction or extensive training to complete, use less expensive portable equipment than PCR-based assays, and are significantly more specific than current immunologically based methods. This should provide a rapid, field-deployable capability for pathogen detection that will facilitate point-of-sample collection processing, thereby reducing the time necessary for accurate diagnostics and making management decisions.

Lessons from the Salk Polio Vaccine: Methods for and Risks of Rapid Translation

PubMed Central

Juskewitch, B.A., Justin E.; Tapia, B.A., Carmen J.; Windebank, Anthony J.

2010-01-01

Abstract The Salk inactivated poliovirus vaccine is one of the most rapid examples of bench‐to‐bedside translation in medicine. In the span of 6 years, the key basic lab discoveries facilitating the development of the vaccine were made, optimization and safety testing was completed in both animals and human volunteers, the largest clinical trial in history of 1.8 million children was conducted, and the results were released to an eagerly awaiting public. Such examples of rapid translation cannot only offer clues to what factors can successfully drive and accelerate the translational process but also what mistakes can occur (and thus should be avoided) during such a swift process. In this commentary, we explore the translational path of the Salk polio vaccine from the key basic science discoveries to the 1954 Field Trials and delve into the scientific and sociopolitical factors that aided in its rapid development. Moreover, we look at the Cutter and Wyeth incidents after the vaccine’s approval and the errors that led to them. Clin Trans Sci 2010; Volume 3: 182–185 PMID:20718820

A sphere-scanning radiometer for rapid directional measurements of sky and ground radiance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deering, D. W.; Leone, P.

1986-02-01

The development of the Portable Apparatus for Rapid Acquisition of Bidirectional Observations of the Land and Atmosphere (PARABOLA) and a transportable platform system is examined. The PARABOLA is a three channel rotating head radiometer which samples in 15 deg instantaneous field-of-view sectors using a sensor head, data recording unit, and an internal power pack. The composition and operation of the sensor scan, data, and power systems are described. The calibration and laboratory testing of the instrument is discussed. The field testing of a tripod-and-boom mount apparatus, a boom-equipped instrument van, and a hot-air balloon mount, in order to select the proper support device for the PARABOLA sensor head is analyzed. The design and functions of the Transportable Pickup Mount System, which is a lightweight, collapsible boom apparatus, are described.

[Methods of high-throughput plant phenotyping for large-scale breeding and genetic experiments].

PubMed

Afonnikov, D A; Genaev, M A; Doroshkov, A V; Komyshev, E G; Pshenichnikova, T A

2016-07-01

Phenomics is a field of science at the junction of biology and informatics which solves the problems of rapid, accurate estimation of the plant phenotype; it was rapidly developed because of the need to analyze phenotypic characteristics in large scale genetic and breeding experiments in plants. It is based on using the methods of computer image analysis and integration of biological data. Owing to automation, new approaches make it possible to considerably accelerate the process of estimating the characteristics of a phenotype, to increase its accuracy, and to remove a subjectivism (inherent to humans). The main technologies of high-throughput plant phenotyping in both controlled and field conditions, their advantages and disadvantages, and also the prospects of their use for the efficient solution of problems of plant genetics and breeding are presented in the review.

Genome Sequencing and Mapping Reveal Loss of Heterozygosity as a Mechanism for Rapid Adaptation in the Vegetable Pathogen Phytophthora capsici

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

Lamour, Kurt H.; Mudge, Joann; Gobena, Daniel

2012-02-07

The oomycete vegetable pathogen Phytophthora capsici has shown remarkable adaptation to fungicides and new hosts. Like other members of this destructive genus, P. capsici has an explosive epidemiology, rapidly producing massive numbers of asexual spores on infected hosts. In addition, P. capsici can remain dormant for years as sexually recombined oospores, making it difficult to produce crops at infested sites, and allowing outcrossing populations to maintain significant genetic variation. Genome sequencing, development of a high-density genetic map, and integrative genomic or genetic characterization of P. capsici field isolates and intercross progeny revealed significant mitotic loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in diversemore » isolates. LOH was detected in clonally propagated field isolates and sexual progeny, cumulatively affecting >30percent of the genome. LOH altered genotypes for more than 11,000 single-nucleotide variant sites and showed a strong association with changes in mating type and pathogenicity. Overall, it appears that LOH may provide a rapid mechanism for fixing alleles and may be an important component of adaptability for P. capsici.« less

Large Area Field of View for Fast Temporal Resolution Astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Covarrubias, Ricardo A.

2018-01-01

Scientific CMOS (sCMOS) technology is especially relevant for high temporal resolution astronomy combining high resolution, large field of view with very fast frame rates, without sacrificing ultra-low noise performance. Solar Astronomy, Near Earth Object detections, Space Debris Tracking, Transient Observations or Wavefront Sensing are among the many applications this technology can be utilized. Andor Technology is currently developing the next-generation, very large area sCMOS camera with an extremely low noise, rapid frame rates, high resolution and wide dynamic range.

Wind turbines: current status, obstacles, trends and technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konstantinidis, E. I.; Botsaris, P. N.

2016-11-01

The last decade the installation of wind farms around the world is spreading rapidly and wind energy has become a significant factor for promoting sustainable development. The scope of the present study is to indicate the present status of global wind power expansion as well as the current state of the art in the field of wind turbine technology. The RAM (reliability/availability/maintenance) section is also examined and the Levelized Cost of Energy for onshore/ offshore electricity production is presented. Negative consequences that go with the rapid expansion of wind power like accidents, environmental effects, etc. are highlighted. Especially visual impact to the landscape and noise pollution are some factors that provoke social reactions. Moreover, the complicated and long permitted process of a wind power plant, the high capital cost of the investment and the grid instability due to the intermittent nature of wind, are also significant obstacles in the development of the wind energy production. The current trends in the field of research and development of onshore and offshore wind power production are analyzed. Finally the present study is trying to achieve an estimation of where the wind industry targets for the years to come.

Cadmium-containing nanoparticles: Perspectives on pharmacology and toxicology of quantum dots

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

Rzigalinski, Beverly A.; Strobl, Jeannine S.

2009-08-01

The field of nanotechnology is rapidly expanding with the development of novel nanopharmaceuticals that have potential for revolutionizing medical treatment. The rapid pace of expansion in this field has exceeded the pace of pharmacological and toxicological research on the effects of nanoparticles in the biological environment. The development of cadmium-containing nanoparticles, known as quantum dots, show great promise for treatment and diagnosis of cancer and targeted drug delivery, due to their size-tunable fluorescence and ease of functionalization for tissue targeting. However, information on pharmacology and toxicology of quantum dots needs much further development, making it difficult to assess the risksmore » associated with this new nanotechnology. Further, nanotechnology poses yet another risk for toxic cadmium, which will now enter the biological realm in nano-form. In this review, we discuss cadmium-containing quantum dots and their physicochemical properties at the nano-scale. We summarize the existing work on pharmacology and toxicology of cadmium-containing quantum dots and discuss perspectives in their utility in disease treatment. Finally, we identify critical gaps in our knowledge of cadmium quantum dot toxicity, and how these gaps need to be assessed to enable quantum dot nanotechnology to transit safely from bench to bedside.« less

Integration of simulation in postgraduate studies in Saudi Arabia: The current practice in anesthesia training program

PubMed Central

Arab, Abeer; Alatassi, Abdulaleem; Alattas, Elias; Alzoraigi, Usamah; AlZaher, Zaki; Ahmad, Abdulaziz; Albabtain, Hesham; Boker, Abdulaziz

2017-01-01

The educational programs in the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties are developing rapidly in the fields of technical development. Such development is witnessed, particularly in the scientific areas related to what is commonly known as evidence-based medicine. This review highlights the critical need and importance of integrating simulation into anesthesia training and assessment. Furthermore, it describes the current utilization of simulation in anesthesia and critical care assessment process. PMID:28442961

Dannie Heineman Prize for Mathematical Physics Prize Lecture: Correlation Functions in Integrable Models II: The Role of Quantum Affine Symmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jimbo, Michio

2013-03-01

Since the beginning of 1980s, hidden infinite dimensional symmetries have emerged as the origin of integrability: first in soliton theory and then in conformal field theory. Quest for symmetries in quantum integrable models has led to the discovery of quantum groups. On one hand this opened up rapid mathematical developments in representation theory, combinatorics and other fields. On the other hand it has advanced understanding of correlation functions of lattice models, leading to multiple integral formulas in integrable spin chains. We shall review these developments which continue up to the present time.

Developing stereo image based robot control system

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

Suprijadi,; Pambudi, I. R.; Woran, M.

Application of image processing is developed in various field and purposes. In the last decade, image based system increase rapidly with the increasing of hardware and microprocessor performance. Many fields of science and technology were used this methods especially in medicine and instrumentation. New technique on stereovision to give a 3-dimension image or movie is very interesting, but not many applications in control system. Stereo image has pixel disparity information that is not existed in single image. In this research, we proposed a new method in wheel robot control system using stereovision. The result shows robot automatically moves based onmore » stereovision captures.« less

Vero cell technology for rapid development of inactivated whole virus vaccines for emerging viral diseases.

PubMed

Barrett, P Noel; Terpening, Sara J; Snow, Doris; Cobb, Ronald R; Kistner, Otfried

2017-09-01

Rapid development and production of vaccines against emerging diseases requires well established, validated, robust technologies to allow industrial scale production and accelerated licensure of products. Areas covered: A versatile Vero cell platform has been developed and utilized to deliver a wide range of candidate and licensed vaccines against emerging viral diseases. This platform builds on the 35 years' experience and safety record with inactivated whole virus vaccines such as polio vaccine. The current platform has been optimized to include a novel double inactivation procedure in order to ensure a highly robust inactivation procedure for novel emerging viruses. The utility of this platform in rapidly developing inactivated whole virus vaccines against pandemic (-like) influenza viruses and other emerging viruses such as West Nile, Chikungunya, Ross River and SARS is reviewed. The potential of the platform for development of vaccines against other emerging viruses such as Zika virus is described. Expert commentary: Use of this platform can substantially accelerate process development and facilitate licensure because of the substantial existing data set available for the cell matrix. However, programs to provide vaccines against emerging diseases must allow alternative clinical development paths to licensure, without the requirement to carry out large scale field efficacy studies.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid and sensitive detection of sheep pox and goat pox viruses in clinical samples.

PubMed

Venkatesan, G; Balamurugan, V; Bhanuprakash, V; Singh, R K; Pandey, A B

2016-06-01

A Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay targeting the highly conserved DNA polymerase gene of capripox virus genome was developed and evaluated for rapid detection of sheep pox and goat pox viruses. The optimized LAMP assay is found specific and sensitive for amplification of target DNA with a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 96.6% and 100% respectively compared to quantitative PCR. The detection rate of LAMP, PCR and Q-PCR assays is found to be 81.5%, 67% and 83% respectively. This LAMP assay has the potential for rapid clinical diagnosis and surveillance of sheep pox and goat pox in field diagnostic laboratories. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electrokinetic transport phenomena: Mobility measurement and electrokinetic instability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oddy, Michael Huson

Miniaturization and integration of traditional bioassay procedures into microfabricated on-chip assay systems, commonly referred to as "Micro Total Analysis" (muTAS) systems, may have a significant impact on the fields of genomics, proteomics, and clinical analysis. These bioanalytical microsystems leverage electroosmosis and electrophoresis for sample transport, mixing, manipulation, and separation. This dissertation addresses the following three topics relevant to such systems: a new diagnostic for measuring the electrophoretic mobility of sub-micron, fluorescently-labeled particles and the electroosmotic mobility of a microchannel; a novel method and device for rapidly stirring micro- and nanoliter volume solutions for microfluidic bioanalytical applications; and a multiple-species electrokinetic instability model. Accurate measurement of the electrophoretic particle mobility and the electroosmotic mobility of microchannel surfaces is crucial to understanding the stability of colloidal suspensions, obtaining particle tracking-based velocimetry measurements of electroosmotic flow fields, and the quantification of electrokinetic bioanalytical device performance. A method for determining these mobilities from alternating and direct current electrokinetic particle tracking measurements is presented. The ability to rapidly mix fluids at low Reynolds numbers is important to the functionality of many bioanalytical, microfluidic devices. We present an electrokinetic process for rapidly stirring microflow streams by initiating an electrokinetic flow instability. The design, fabrication and performance analysis of two micromixing devices capable of rapidly stirring two low Reynolds number fluid streams are presented. Electroosmotic and electrophoretic transport in the presence of conductivity mismatches between reagent streams and the background electrolytes, can lead to an unstable flow field generating significant sample dispersion. In the multiple-species electrokinetic instability model, we consider a high aspect ratio microchannel geometry, a conductivity gradient orthogonal to the applied electric field, and a four-species chemistry model. A linear stability analysis of the depth-averaged governing equations shows unstable eigenmodes for conductivity ratios as close to unity as 1.01. Experiments and full nonlinear simulations of the governing equations were conducted for a conductivity ratio of 1.05. Images of the disturbance dye field from the nonlinear simulations show good qualitative and quantitative agreement with experiment. Species electromigration is shown to a have significant influence on the development of the conductivity field and instability dynamics in multi-ion configurations.

The accuracy of the first response histidine-rich protein2 rapid diagnostic test compared with malaria microscopy for guiding field treatment in an outbreak of falciparum malaria.

PubMed

Ghouth, Abdulla Salim Bin; Nasseb, Faraj Mubarak; Al-Kaldy, Khaled Hussin

2012-01-01

Recent WHO guidelines recommended a universal "test and treat" strategy for malaria mainly by use of the rapid diagnostic test (RDT) in all areas. There are concerns about RDT that use the antigen histidine-rich protein2 (HRP2) to detect Plasmodium falciparum, because infection can persist after effective treatment. The aim of this paper is to describe the accuracy of the first response (HRP2)-RDT compared with malaria microscopy used for guiding the field treatment of patients in an outbreak situation in the Al-Rahabah area in Al-Rydah district in Hadramout/Yemen. An ad hoc cross sectional survey of all febrile patients in the affected area was conducted in May 2011. The field team was developed including the case management group and the entomology group. The group of case management prepared their plan based on "test and treat" strategy by using First Response Malaria Antigen HRP2 rapid diagnostic test for falciparum malaria, artemsinin-based combination therapy (ACT) according to the national policy of anti-malaria drugs in Yemen were supplied to treat those who were found to be RDT positive in the field; also blood smear films were taken from every patient with fever in order to validate the use of the RDT in the field. Blood film slides prepared and read by skilled lab technicians, the fourth reading was done by one lab expert in the malaria referral lab. The accuracy parameters of HRP2 compared with microscopy are: Sensitivity (74%), specificity (94%). The positive predictive value is 68% and the negative predictive value is 96%. Total agreement is 148/162 (93%) and the overall prevalence is 14%. All the positive malaria cases were of P. falciparum either coming from RDT or microscopy. HRP2-rapid test is an acceptable test as a guide for field treatment in an outbreak situation where prompt response is indicated. Good prepared blood film slides should be used as it is feasible to evaluate the accuracy of RDTs as a quality control tool.

Rapid ABO genotyping by high-speed droplet allele-specific PCR using crude samples.

PubMed

Taira, Chiaki; Matsuda, Kazuyuki; Takeichi, Naoya; Furukawa, Satomi; Sugano, Mitsutoshi; Uehara, Takeshi; Okumura, Nobuo; Honda, Takayuki

2018-01-01

ABO genotyping has common tools for personal identification of forensic and transplantation field. We developed a new method based on a droplet allele-specific PCR (droplet-AS-PCR) that enabled rapid PCR amplification. We attempted rapid ABO genotyping using crude DNA isolated from dried blood and buccal cells. We designed allele-specific primers for three SNPs (at nucleotides 261, 526, and 803) in exons 6 and 7 of the ABO gene. We pretreated dried blood and buccal cells with proteinase K, and obtained crude DNAs without DNA purification. Droplet-AS-PCR allowed specific amplification of the SNPs at the three loci using crude DNA, with results similar to those for DNA extracted from fresh peripheral blood. The sensitivity of the methods was 5%-10%. The genotyping of extracted DNA and crude DNA were completed within 8 and 9 minutes, respectively. The genotypes determined by the droplet-AS-PCR method were always consistent with those obtained by direct sequencing. The droplet-AS-PCR method enabled rapid and specific amplification of three SNPs of the ABO gene from crude DNA treated with proteinase K. ABO genotyping by the droplet-AS-PCR has the potential to be applied to various fields including a forensic medicine and transplantation medical care. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Erwinia amylovora loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for rapid pathogen detection and on-site diagnosis of fire blight.

PubMed

Bühlmann, Andreas; Pothier, Joël F; Rezzonico, Fabio; Smits, Theo H M; Andreou, Michael; Boonham, Neil; Duffy, Brion; Frey, Jürg E

2013-03-01

Several molecular methods have been developed for the detection of Erwinia amylovora, the causal agent of fire blight in pear and apple, but none are truly applicable for on-site use in the field. We developed a fast, reliable and field applicable detection method using a novel target on the E. amylovora chromosome that we identified by applying a comparative genomic pipeline. The target coding sequences (CDSs) are both uniquely specific for and all-inclusive of E. amylovora genotypes. This avoids potential false negatives that can occur with most commonly used methods based on amplification of plasmid gene targets, which can vary among strains. Loop-mediated isothermal AMPlification (LAMP) with OptiGene Genie II chemistry and instrumentation proved to be an exceptionally rapid (under 15 min) and robust method for detecting E. amylovora in orchards, as well as simple to use in the plant diagnostic laboratory. Comparative validation results using plant samples from inoculated greenhouse trials and from natural field infections (of regional and temporal diverse origin) showed that our LAMP had an equivalent or greater performance regarding sensitivity, specificity, speed and simplicity than real-time PCR (TaqMan), other LAMP assays, immunoassays and plating, demonstrating its utility for routine testing. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Leeb Hardness Test for Rock: An Updated Methodology and UCS Correlation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corkum, A. G.; Asiri, Y.; El Naggar, H.; Kinakin, D.

2018-03-01

The Leeb hardness test (LHT with test value of L D ) is a rebound hardness test, originally developed for metals, that has been correlated with the Unconfined Compressive Strength (test value of σ c ) of rock by several authors. The tests can be carried out rapidly, conveniently and nondestructively on core and block samples or on rock outcrops. This makes the relatively small LHT device convenient for field tests. The present study compiles test data from literature sources and presents new laboratory testing carried out by the authors to develop a substantially expanded database with wide-ranging rock types. In addition, the number of impacts that should be averaged to comprise a "test result" was revisited along with the issue of test specimen size. Correlation for L D and σ c for various rock types is provided along with recommended testing methodology. The accuracy of correlated σ c estimates was assessed and reasonable correlations were observed between L D and σ c . The study findings show that LHT can be useful particularly for field estimation of σ c and offers a significant improvement over the conventional field estimation methods outlined by the ISRM (e.g., hammer blows). This test is rapid and simple, with relatively low equipment costs, and provides a reasonably accurate estimate of σ c .

Catalase measurement: A new field procedure for rapidly estimating microbial loads in fuels and water-bottoms

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

Passman, F.J.; Daniels, D.A.; Chesneau, H.F.

1995-05-01

Low-grade microbial infections of fuel and fuel systems generally go undetected until they cause major operational problems. Three interdependent factors contribute to this: mis-diagnosis, incorrect or inadequate sampling procedures and perceived complexity of microbiological testing procedures. After discussing the first two issues, this paper describes a rapid field test for estimating microbial loads in fuels and associated water. The test, adapted from a procedure initially developed to measure microbial loads in metalworking fluids, takes advantage of the nearly universal presence of the enzyme catalase in the microbes that contaminated fuel systems. Samples are reacted with a peroxide-based reagent; liberating oxygenmore » gas. The gas generates a pressure-head in a reaction tube. At fifteen minutes, a patented, electronic pressure-sensing device is used to measure that head-space pressure. The authors present both laboratory and field data from fuels and water-bottoms, demonstrating the excellent correlation between traditional viable test data (acquired after 48-72 hours incubation) and catalase test data (acquired after 15 min.-4 hours). We conclude by recommending procedures for developing a failure analysis data-base to enhance our industry`s understanding of the relationship between uncontrolled microbial contamination and fuel performance problems.« less

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

Raymond, David W.; Gaither, Katherine N.; Polsky, Yarom

Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia) has a long history in developing compact, mobile, very high-speed drilling systems and this technology could be applied to increasing the rate at which boreholes are drilled during a mine accident response. The present study reviews current technical approaches, primarily based on technology developed under other programs, analyzes mine rescue specific requirements to develop a conceptual mine rescue drilling approach, and finally, proposes development of a phased mine rescue drilling system (MRDS) that accomplishes (1) development of rapid drilling MRDS equipment; (2) structuring improved web communication through the Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) web site;more » (3) development of an improved protocol for employment of existing drilling technology in emergencies; (4) deployment of advanced technologies to complement mine rescue drilling operations during emergency events; and (5) preliminary discussion of potential future technology development of specialized MRDS equipment. This phased approach allows for rapid fielding of a basic system for improved rescue drilling, with the ability to improve the system over time at a reasonable cost.« less

Origin of the net magnetic moment in LaCoO 3

DOE PAGES

Kaminsky, G.; Belanger, David P.; Ye, Feng; ...

2018-01-19

We use polarized neutron scattering to characterize the Bragg scattering intensity below T C=89.5 K at the (1,0,0) pseudocubic nuclear Bragg point of LaCoO 3. Upon cooling in a field (FC), a net magnetic moment is apparent in Bragg scattering intensity, just as it was in previous magnetization measurements. Critical behavior associated with the net moment near T C upon cooling in small applied fields rapidly rounds with increasing field strength. We show, using a mean-field calculation, that this net moment can develop in a metastable state that forms upon FC, even when all the interactions in the system aremore » antiferromagnetic.« less

Computer assisted operations in Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)

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

Al-Hinai, S.H.; Mutimer, K.

1995-10-01

Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) currently produces some 750,000 bopd and 900,000 bwpd from some 74 fields in a large geographical area and diverse operating conditions. A key corporate objective is to reduce operating costs by exploiting productivity gains from proven technology. Automation is seen as a means of managing the rapid growth of well population and production facilities. the overall objective is to improve field management through continuous monitoring of wells and facilities and dissemination of data throughout the whole organization. A major upgrade of PDO`s field Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system is complete providing a platform tomore » exploit new initiatives particularly for production optimization of artificial lift systems and automatic well testing using multi selector valves, coriolis flow meter measurements and multi component (oil, gas, water) flowmeter. The paper describes PDO`s experience including benefits and challenges which have to be managed when developing Computer Assisted Operations (CAO).« less

Electric Field Distortion in Electro-Optical Devices Subjected to Ionizing Radiation.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-12-26

applies- ties of scientif ic advances to nam military spae system . Versatilty and flaxibility hews beon developed to a high degree by the lehoratory...personel In deeling with the many problems encountered ina the nation’s rapidly dsvelopnas space system . 1expertise In the latest scientific developments is...desiga, distributed architectures for spacoerne m o putars, fault-tolerant c.speter system , artificia intelligence. end microelectronics applications

Optical Tecnology Developments in Biomedicine: History, Current and Future

PubMed Central

Nioka, Shoko; Chen, Yu

2011-01-01

Biomedical optics is a rapidly emerging field for medical imaging and diagnostics. This paper reviews several biomedical optical technologies that have been developed and translated for either clinical or pre-clinical applications. Specifically, we focus on the following technologies: 1) near-infrared spectroscopy and tomography, 2) optical coherence tomography, 3) fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging, and 4) optical molecular imaging. There representative biomedical applications are also discussed here. PMID:23905030

The Virtual Combat Air Staff. The Promise of Information Technologies,

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-08-07

development of specialists . The need for advance planning and orchestration of a growing variety of sup- port functions has required the commander to... ability for almost unlim- ited access to command authorities and fielded forces via worldwide communications, increased situational awareness, and the...mercially developed systems that incorporate the latest technologies, training programs will have to adapt to the rapid pace at which such technologies are

Cell chips as new tools for cell biology--results, perspectives and opportunities.

PubMed

Primiceri, Elisabetta; Chiriacò, Maria Serena; Rinaldi, Ross; Maruccio, Giuseppe

2013-10-07

Cell culture technologies were initially developed as research tools for studying cell functions, but nowadays they are essential for the biotechnology industry, with rapidly expanding applications requiring more and more advancements with respect to traditional tools. Miniaturization and integration of sensors and microfluidic components with cell culture techniques open the way to the development of cellomics as a new field of research targeting innovative analytic platforms for high-throughput studies. This approach enables advanced cell studies under controllable conditions by providing inexpensive, easy-to-operate devices. Thanks to their numerous advantages cell-chips have become a hotspot in biosensors and bioelectronics fields and have been applied to very different fields. In this review exemplary applications will be discussed, for cell counting and detection, cytotoxicity assays, migration assays and stem cell studies.

A Low-Cost Energy-Efficient Cableless Geophone Unit for Passive Surface Wave Surveys.

PubMed

Dai, Kaoshan; Li, Xiaofeng; Lu, Chuan; You, Qingyu; Huang, Zhenhua; Wu, H Felix

2015-09-25

The passive surface wave survey is a practical, non-invasive seismic exploration method that has increasingly been used in geotechnical engineering. However, in situ deployment of traditional wired geophones is labor intensive for a dense sensor array. Alternatively, stand-alone seismometers can be used, but they are bulky, heavy, and expensive because they are usually designed for long-term monitoring. To better facilitate field applications of the passive surface wave survey, a low-cost energy-efficient geophone system was developed in this study. The hardware design is presented in this paper. To validate the system's functionality, both laboratory and field experiments were conducted. The unique feature of this newly-developed cableless geophone system allows for rapid field applications of the passive surface wave survey with dense array measurements.

Nanomedicine: Past, present and future - A global perspective.

PubMed

Chang, Esther H; Harford, Joe B; Eaton, Michael A W; Boisseau, Patrick M; Dube, Admire; Hayeshi, Rose; Swai, Hulda; Lee, Dong Soo

2015-12-18

Nanomedicine is an emerging and rapidly evolving field and includes the use of nanoparticles for diagnosis and therapy of a variety of diseases, as well as in regenerative medicine. In this mini-review, leaders in the field from around the globe provide a personal perspective on the development of nanomedicine. The focus lies on the translation from research to development and the innovation supply chain, as well as the current status of nanomedicine in industry. The role of academic professional societies and the importance of government funding are discussed. Nanomedicine to combat infectious diseases of poverty is highlighted along with other pertinent examples of recent breakthroughs in nanomedicine. Taken together, this review provides a unique and global perspective on the emerging field of nanomedicine. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Implementation of a Multichannel Serial Data Streaming Algorithm using the Xilinx Serial RapidIO Solution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doxley, Charles A.

2016-01-01

In the current world of applications that use reconfigurable technology implemented on field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), there is a need for flexible architectures that can grow as the systems evolve. A project has limited resources and a fixed set of requirements that development efforts are tasked to meet. Designers must develop robust solutions that practically meet the current customer demands and also have the ability to grow for future performance. This paper describes the development of a high speed serial data streaming algorithm that allows for transmission of multiple data channels over a single serial link. The technique has the ability to change to meet new applications developed for future design considerations. This approach uses the Xilinx Serial RapidIO LOGICORE Solution to implement a flexible infrastructure to meet the current project requirements with the ability to adapt future system designs.

Rapid, high efficiency isolation of pancreatic ß-cells.

PubMed

Clardy, Susan M; Mohan, James F; Vinegoni, Claudio; Keliher, Edmund J; Iwamoto, Yoshiko; Benoist, Christophe; Mathis, Diane; Weissleder, Ralph

2015-09-02

The ability to isolate pure pancreatic ß-cells would greatly aid multiple areas of diabetes research. We developed a fluorescent exendin-4-like neopeptide conjugate for the rapid purification and isolation of functional mouse pancreatic β-cells. By targeting the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor with the fluorescent conjugate, β-cells could be quickly isolated by flow cytometry and were >99% insulin positive. These studies were confirmed by immunostaining, microscopy and gene expression profiling on isolated cells. Gene expression profiling studies of cytofluorometrically sorted β-cells from 4 and 12 week old NOD mice provided new insights into the genetic programs at play of different stages of type-1 diabetes development. The described isolation method should have broad applicability to the β-cell field.

Rapid prototyping-assisted maxillofacial reconstruction.

PubMed

Peng, Qian; Tang, Zhangui; Liu, Ousheng; Peng, Zhiwei

2015-05-01

Rapid prototyping (RP) technologies have found many uses in dentistry, and especially oral and maxillofacial surgery, due to its ability to promote product development while at the same time reducing cost and depositing a part of any degree of complexity theoretically. This paper provides an overview of RP technologies for maxillofacial reconstruction covering both fundamentals and applications of the technologies. Key fundamentals of RP technologies involving the history, characteristics, and principles are reviewed. A number of RP applications to the main fields of oral and maxillofacial surgery, including restoration of maxillofacial deformities and defects, reduction of functional bone tissues, correction of dento-maxillofacial deformities, and fabrication of maxillofacial prostheses, are discussed. The most remarkable challenges for development of RP-assisted maxillofacial surgery and promising solutions are also elaborated.

Designer BHAs reduce costs on Andrew/Cyrus

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

Klein, R.; Todd, S.; Clark, G.

1997-10-01

A key mechanism to development of Andrew/Cyrus has been the development of alliances between BP Exploration, its field partners and various contractors. One such joint venture was the well engineering alliance between BP, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes INTEQ and Transocean, created to deliver five predrilled horizontal wells in the two fields prior to Andrew platform installation. This alliance provided the opportunity to radically change usual ways of doing business in the well engineering arena. One specific aspect involved a rigorous learning process within the team. Rapid learning before and during the operation led to several substantial improvements, one of which wasmore » the development of designer bottomhole assembly (BHA) configurations. Continual development of these assemblies has optimized well placement, bringing enhanced value while reducing costs and increasing potential alliance gainshare.« less

Rapid computation of the amplitude and phase of tightly focused optical fields distorted by scattering particles

PubMed Central

Ranasinghesagara, Janaka C.; Hayakawa, Carole K.; Davis, Mitchell A.; Dunn, Andrew K.; Potma, Eric O.; Venugopalan, Vasan

2014-01-01

We develop an efficient method for accurately calculating the electric field of tightly focused laser beams in the presence of specific configurations of microscopic scatterers. This Huygens–Fresnel wave-based electric field superposition (HF-WEFS) method computes the amplitude and phase of the scattered electric field in excellent agreement with finite difference time-domain (FDTD) solutions of Maxwell’s equations. Our HF-WEFS implementation is 2–4 orders of magnitude faster than the FDTD method and enables systematic investigations of the effects of scatterer size and configuration on the focal field. We demonstrate the power of the new HF-WEFS approach by mapping several metrics of focal field distortion as a function of scatterer position. This analysis shows that the maximum focal field distortion occurs for single scatterers placed below the focal plane with an offset from the optical axis. The HF-WEFS method represents an important first step toward the development of a computational model of laser-scanning microscopy of thick cellular/tissue specimens. PMID:25121440

Determination of coefficient defining leaf area development in different genotypes, plant types and planting densities in peanut (Arachis hypogeae L.).

PubMed

Halilou, Oumarou; Hissene, Halime Mahamat; Clavijo Michelangeli, José A; Hamidou, Falalou; Sinclair, Thomas R; Soltani, Afshin; Mahamane, Saadou; Vadez, Vincent

2016-12-01

Rapid leaf area development may be attractive under a number of cropping conditions to enhance the vigor of crop establishment and allow rapid canopy closure for maximizing light interception and shading of weed competitors. This study was undertaken to determine (1) if parameters describing leaf area development varied among ten peanut ( Arachis hypogeae L.) genotypes grown in field and pot experiments, (2) if these parameters were affected by the planting density, and (3) if these parameters varied between Spanish and Virginia genotypes. Leaf area development was described by two steps: prediction of main stem number of nodes based on phyllochron development and plant leaf area dependent based on main stem node number. There was no genetic variation in the phyllochron measured in the field. However, the phyllochron was much longer for plants grown in pots as compared to the field-grown plants. These results indicated a negative aspect of growing peanut plants in the pots used in this experiment. In contrast to phyllochron, there was no difference in the relationship between plant leaf area and main stem node number between the pot and field experiments. However, there was genetic variation in both the pot and field experiments in the exponential coefficient (PLAPOW) of the power function used to describe leaf area development from node number. This genetic variation was confirmed in another experiment with a larger number of genotypes, although possible G × E interaction for the PLAPOW was found. Sowing density did not affect the power function relating leaf area to main stem node number. There was also no difference in the power function coefficient between Spanish and Virginia genotypes. SSM (Simple Simulation model) reliably predicted leaf canopy development in groundnut. Indeed the leaf area showed a close agreement between predicted and observed values up to 60000 cm 2  m -2 . The slightly higher prediction in India and slightly lower prediction in Niger reflected GxE interactions. Until more understanding is obtained on the possible GxE interaction effects on the canopy development, a generic PLAPOW value of 2.71, no correction for sowing density, and a phyllochron on 53 °C could be used to model canopy development in peanut.

Development of Finite-Volume Methods for Three-Dimensional Transonic Flows.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-08-01

rapidly. Away from the airfoil, the streamlines spread. This type of mesh can easily be blended into a Cartesian mesh for the far field. A disadvantage...E. W., and Stern, M. A. (1980) "Simulated Transonic Flows for Aircraft with Nacelles, Pylons and Winglets ," AIAA Paper 80-0130, January. Caughey, D. A

Urine-based Metabolomics with Fish: Use of Repeat Sampling (of an individual) to Non-lethally Assess Temporal Effects of Contaminants

EPA Science Inventory

Environmental metabolomics is a rapidly developing field for assessing the global metabolite profiles of tissues and/or biofluids from ecologically relevant organisms to identify biomarkers of exposure to various stressors, elucidate a chemical’s mode(s)-of-action, and decipher t...

Evaluation of Soil Vulnerability Index (SVI) for an intensively managed high desert irrigation district

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The Soil Vulnerability Index (SVI) is an index created for the purpose of rapidly assigning risk categories for runoff and leaching at the field and watershed scale. The SVI was developed for cultivated agricultural lands in humid environments, and is now being evaluated for suitability in other mor...

Box 11: Tissue Engineering and Bioscience Methods Using Proton Beam Writing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Kan, J. A.

Tissue engineering is a rapidly developing and highly interdisciplinary field that applies the principles of cell biology, engineering, and materials science to the culture of biological tissue. The artificially grown tissue then can be implanted directly into the body, or it can form part of a device that replaces organ functionality.

Novel development of a lateral flow immunoassay for rapid field detection of citrus tristeza virus

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Maintenance of virus-free citrus in nurseries and orchards is essential to control spread of aphid-borne Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) in California. A lateral flow assay (LFA) test strip with a polyclonal antiserum made from virus particles produced in Nicotiana benthamiana plants inoculated with an ...

Butterflies & Wild Bees: Biology Teachers' PCK Development through Citizen Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scheuch, Martin; Panhuber, Tanja; Winter, Silvia; Kelemen-Finan, Julia; Bardy-Durchhalter, Manfred; Kapelari, Suzanne

2018-01-01

Citizen science is a rapidly growing emerging field in science and it is gaining importance in education. Therefore, this study was conducted to document the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of biology teachers who participated in a citizen science project involving observation of wild bees and identification of butterflies. In this paper,…

A Young University in India Focuses on Real-World Industry and Sustainability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Neelakantan, Shailaja

2009-01-01

A small, relatively new Indian university is making a name for itself--nationally and internationally--in the rapidly growing field of sustainable development. TERI University, the creation of one of India's leading environmentalists, has won praise from industry executives and academics alike. They say the institution is tackling some of the…

Engineering Paper-Based Sensors for Zika Virus

DOE PAGES

Meagher, Robert J.; Negrete, Oscar A.; Van Rompay, Koen K.

2016-05-30

The emergence of Zika virus in Latin America has created an urgent need for new, simple yet sensitive diagnostic tests. We highlight recent work using paper-based sensors coupled with CRISPR/Cas9 to detect Zika RNA, as a new approach to rapid development and deployment of field-ready diagnostics for emerging infectious diseases.

Engineering Paper-Based Sensors for Zika Virus

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

Meagher, Robert J.; Negrete, Oscar A.; Van Rompay, Koen K.

The emergence of Zika virus in Latin America has created an urgent need for new, simple yet sensitive diagnostic tests. We highlight recent work using paper-based sensors coupled with CRISPR/Cas9 to detect Zika RNA, as a new approach to rapid development and deployment of field-ready diagnostics for emerging infectious diseases.

NEON terrestrial field observations: designing continental scale, standardized sampling

Treesearch

R. H. Kao; C.M. Gibson; R. E. Gallery; C. L. Meier; D. T. Barnett; K. M. Docherty; K. K. Blevins; P. D. Travers; E. Azuaje; Y. P. Springer; K. M. Thibault; V. J. McKenzie; M. Keller; L. F. Alves; E. L. S. Hinckley; J. Parnell; D. Schimel

2012-01-01

Rapid changes in climate and land use and the resulting shifts in species distributions and ecosystem functions have motivated the development of the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). Integrating across spatial scales from ground sampling to remote sensing, NEON will provide data for users to address ecological responses to changes in climate, land use,...

Dialogic Possibilities: Exploring New Frontiers in Collaboration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nesheim, Nicole Elizabeth

2015-01-01

The transition from preservice teacher to classroom teacher occurs rapidly, requiring that teacher candidates assimilate into the field quickly. In order to do so, these teachers must demonstrate appropriate language development as it relates to the teaching profession. Not only do novice teachers need to be able to articulate what they and their…

Online Continuing Education for Health Professionals: Does Sticky Design Promote Practice-Relevance?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zaghab, Roxanne Ward; Maldonado, Carlos; Whitehead, Dongsook; Bartlett, Felicia; de Bittner, Magaly Rodriguez

2015-01-01

Online continuing education (CE) holds promise as an effective method for rapid dissemination of emerging evidence-based practices in health care. Yet, the field of CE continues to develop and delivery is predominately face-to-face programs. Practice-oriented online educational methods and e-learning platforms are not fully utilized. Educational…

Landscape ecology: what is the state of science?

Treesearch

Monica G. Turner

2005-01-01

Landscape ecology focuses on the reciprocal interactions between spatial pattern and ecological processes, and it is well integrated with ecology. The field has grown rapidly over the past 15 years. The persistent influence of land-use history and natural disturbance on contemporary ecosystems has become apparent Development of pattern metrics has largely stabilized,...

Teaching Software Engineering by Means of Computer-Game Development: Challenges and Opportunities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cagiltay, Nergiz Ercil

2007-01-01

Software-engineering education programs are intended to prepare students for a field that involves rapidly changing conditions and expectations. Thus, there is always a danger that the skills and the knowledge provided may soon become obsolete. This paper describes results and draws on experiences from the implementation of a computer…

Eudaimonia and Creativity: The Art of Human Flourishing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wright, Peter R.; Pascoe, Robin

2015-01-01

In times of rapid change the Arts have been shown to contribute through an array of processes to a range of outcomes that improve social and emotional health. While this observation has caused debates in the field such as, intrinsic versus instrumental value, individuality versus sociality, skill development focus versus broader aesthetic…

Smoke and Air Resource Management-Peering Through the Haze

Treesearch

A. R. Fox Riebau

1987-01-01

This paper presents a vision of the future rooted in consideration of the past 20 years in the smoke and air resource management field. This future is characterized by rapid technological development of computers for computation, communications, and remote sensing capabilities and of the possible societal responses to these advances. We discuss intellectual...

SEMI-VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS FROM VEHICLES POWERED BY GASOLINE, DIESEL AND ALTERNATIVE FUELS: EMISSIONS AND FIELD MEASUREMENTS

EPA Science Inventory

This study will result in the development of a new method for the rapid measurement of SVOCs. The characterization of VOC and SVOC emissions of vehicles with different fuel types will improve our understanding of the processes leading to secondary organic aerosol pollution and...

Integrating Neuroscience Knowledge into Social Work Education: A Case-Based Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Egan, Marcia; Neely-Barnes, Susan L.; Combs-Orme, Terri

2011-01-01

New knowledge from the rapidly growing field of neuroscience has important implications for our understanding of human behavior in the social environment, yet little of this knowledge has made its way into social work education. This article presents a model for integrating neuroscience into instruction on human development, the bio psychosocial…

Preparing Tomorrow's Leaders: Integrating Leadership Development in Journalism and Mass Communication Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bronstein, Carolyn; Fitzpatrick, Kathy R.

2015-01-01

New journalism and mass communication curricula must prepare students to lead the media revolutions of the twenty-first century. Journalism, public relations, and advertising are being transformed by new media platforms and entrepreneurship, and these fields are now defined by rapid, radical change. Yet, the corresponding--and urgent--need to…

Rapid and Reliable Single Nucleotide Polymorphism-Based Differentiation of Brucella Live Vaccine Strains from Field Strains

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Brucellosis is a major zoonotic disease responsible for substantial social and economic problems, particularly in the developing world. One element that can implemented as part of control programs tackling animal disease is the use of one of the OIE recommended vaccines to protect against either Bru...

Towards an integrated network of coral immune mechanisms

PubMed Central

Palmer, C. V.; Traylor-Knowles, N.

2012-01-01

Reef-building corals form bio-diverse marine ecosystems of high societal and economic value, but are in significant decline globally due, in part, to rapid climatic changes. As immunity is a predictor of coral disease and thermal stress susceptibility, a comprehensive understanding of this new field will likely provide a mechanistic explanation for ecological-scale trends in reef declines. Recently, several strides within coral immunology document defence mechanisms that are consistent with those of both invertebrates and vertebrates, and which span the recognition, signalling and effector response phases of innate immunity. However, many of these studies remain discrete and unincorporated into the wider fields of invertebrate immunology or coral biology. To encourage the rapid development of coral immunology, we comprehensively synthesize the current understanding of the field in the context of general invertebrate immunology, and highlight fundamental gaps in our knowledge. We propose a framework for future research that we hope will stimulate directional studies in this emerging field and lead to the elucidation of an integrated network of coral immune mechanisms. Once established, we are optimistic that coral immunology can be effectively applied to pertinent ecological questions, improve current prediction tools and aid conservation efforts. PMID:22896649

A method of multiplex PCR for detection of field released Beauveria bassiana, a fungal entomopathogen applied for pest management in jute (Corchorus olitorius).

PubMed

Biswas, Chinmay; Dey, Piyali; Gotyal, B S; Satpathy, Subrata

2015-04-01

The fungal entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana is a promising biocontrol agent for many pests. Some B. bassiana strains have been found effective against jute pests. To monitor the survival of field released B. bassiana a rapid and efficient detection technique is essential. Conventional methods such as plating method or direct culture method which are based on cultivation on selective media followed by microscopy are time consuming and not so sensitive. PCR based methods are rapid, sensitive and reliable. A single primer PCR may fail to amplify some of the strains. However, multiplex PCR increases the possibility of detection as it uses multiple primers. Therefore, in the present investigation a multiplex PCR protocol was developed by multiplexing three primers SCA 14, SCA 15 and SCB 9 to detect field released B. bassiana strains from soil as well as foliage of jute field. Using our multiplex PCR protocol all the five B. bassiana strains could be detected from soil and three strains viz., ITCC 6063, ITCC 4563 and ITCC 4796 could be detected even from the crop foliage after 45 days of spray.

Unmanned Aerial Systems in Occupational Hygiene-Learning from Allied Disciplines.

PubMed

Eninger, Robert M; Johnson, Robert L

2015-10-01

Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) technologies are rapidly developing, lowering cost, and technology barriers for their use in numerous applications. This review and commentary summarizes relevant literature in allied fields and evaluates potential application and utility of UAS technology in the discipline of occupational hygiene. Disciplines closely related to occupational hygiene are moving to investigate potential uses--and in some cases--already employing this technology for research or commercial purposes. The literature was reviewed to formulate a cross-sectional picture of how UAS technology is being used in these closely allied disciplines which could inform or guide potential use in occupational hygiene. Discussed are UAS applications in environmental monitoring, emergency response, epidemiology, safety, and process optimization. A rapidly developing state of the art indicates that there is potential utility for this technology in occupational hygiene. Benefits may include cost savings, time savings, and averting hazardous environments via remote sensing. The occupational hygiene community can look to allied fields to garner lessons and possible applications to their own practice. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society 2015.

Metabolomics for Biomarker Discovery in Gastroenterological Cancer

PubMed Central

Nishiumi, Shin; Suzuki, Makoto; Kobayashi, Takashi; Matsubara, Atsuki; Azuma, Takeshi; Yoshida, Masaru

2014-01-01

The study of the omics cascade, which involves comprehensive investigations based on genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, etc., has developed rapidly and now plays an important role in life science research. Among such analyses, metabolome analysis, in which the concentrations of low molecular weight metabolites are comprehensively analyzed, has rapidly developed along with improvements in analytical technology, and hence, has been applied to a variety of research fields including the clinical, cell biology, and plant/food science fields. The metabolome represents the endpoint of the omics cascade and is also the closest point in the cascade to the phenotype. Moreover, it is affected by variations in not only the expression but also the enzymatic activity of several proteins. Therefore, metabolome analysis can be a useful approach for finding effective diagnostic markers and examining unknown pathological conditions. The number of studies involving metabolome analysis has recently been increasing year-on-year. Here, we describe the findings of studies that used metabolome analysis to attempt to discover biomarker candidates for gastroenterological cancer and discuss metabolome analysis-based disease diagnosis. PMID:25003943

Development of a diagnostic diagram for rapid field assessment of acidosis severity in diarrheic calves.

PubMed

Bellino, Claudio; Arnaudo, Fabrizio; Biolatti, Cristina; Borrelli, Antonio; Gianella, Paola; Maurella, Cristiana; Zabaldano, Giuseppe; Cagnasso, Aurelio; D'Angelo, Antonio

2012-02-01

To develop a diagnostic diagram for rapid field assessment of acidosis severity in diarrheic calves. Prospective cross-sectional study. 148 Piedmontese calves (38 calves in preliminary experiments; 83 diarrheic calves and 27 healthy control calves in the primary experiment). Physical examination was performed and a standard data collection form was completed for each calf. Blood samples were obtained and submitted for evaluation of acid-base balance, performance of a CBC, and measurement of electrolyte and total protein concentrations. Severe metabolic acidosis (extracellular base excess more negative than -10 mmol/L) was associated with abnormal mental status, delayed or absent suckle reflex, abnormal posture or gait, enophthalmos, and cold oral mucosal membranes. Clinical signs associated with severe metabolic acidosis were arranged into a grid to create a diagnostic diagram. Sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic diagram for the prediction of severe metabolic acidosis were 88% and 79%, respectively. Use of the diagnostic diagram may aid differentiation between severe and nonsevere acidosis patterns as determined on the basis of clinical signs.

Rapid Thermal Processing to Enhance Steel Toughness.

PubMed

Judge, V K; Speer, J G; Clarke, K D; Findley, K O; Clarke, A J

2018-01-11

Quenching and Tempering (Q&T) has been utilized for decades to alter steel mechanical properties, particularly strength and toughness. While tempering typically increases toughness, a well-established phenomenon called tempered martensite embrittlement (TME) is known to occur during conventional Q&T. Here we show that short-time, rapid tempering can overcome TME to produce unprecedented property combinations that cannot be attained by conventional Q&T. Toughness is enhanced over 43% at a strength level of 1.7 GPa and strength is improved over 0.5 GPa at an impact toughness of 30 J. We also show that hardness and the tempering parameter (TP), developed by Holloman and Jaffe in 1945 and ubiquitous within the field, is insufficient for characterizing measured strengths, toughnesses, and microstructural conditions after rapid processing. Rapid tempering by energy-saving manufacturing processes like induction heating creates the opportunity for new Q&T steels for energy, defense, and transportation applications.

Rapid and field-deployable biological and chemical Raman-based identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Botonjic-Sehic, Edita; Paxon, Tracy L.; Boudries, Hacene

2011-06-01

Pathogen detection using Raman spectroscopy is achieved through the use of a sandwich immunoassay. Antibody-modified magnetic beads are used to capture and concentrate target analytes in solution and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) tags are conjugated with antibodies and act as labels to enable specific detection of biological pathogens. The rapid detection of biological pathogens is critical to first responders, thus assays to detect E.Coli and Anthrax have been developed and will be reported. The problems associated with pathogen detection resulting from the spectral complexity and variability of microorganisms are overcome through the use of SERS tags, which provide an intense, easily recognizable, and spectrally consistent Raman signal. The developed E. coli assay has been tested with 5 strains of E. coli and shows a low limit of detection, on the order of 10 and 100 c.f.u. per assay. Additionally, the SERS assay utilizes magnetic beads to collect the labeled pathogens into the focal point of the detection laser beam, making the assay robust to commonly encountered white powder interferants such as flour, baking powder, and corn starch. The reagents were also found to be stable at room temperature over extended periods of time with testing conducted over a one year period. Finally, through a specialized software algorithm, the assays are interfaced to the Raman instrument, StreetLab Mobile, for rapid-field-deployable biological identification.

RAPID MANUFACTURING SYSTEM OF ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANTS

PubMed Central

Relvas, Carlos; Reis, Joana; Potes, José Alberto Caeiro; Fonseca, Fernando Manuel Ferreira; Simões, José Antonio Oliveira

2015-01-01

This study, aimed the development of a methodology for rapid manufacture of orthopedic implants simultaneously with the surgical intervention, considering two potential applications in the fields of orthopedics: the manufacture of anatomically adapted implants and implants for bone loss replacement. This work innovation consists on the capitation of the in situ geometry of the implant by direct capture of the shape using an elastomeric material (polyvinylsiloxane) which allows fine detail and great accuracy of the geometry. After scanning the elastomeric specimen, the implant is obtained by machining using a CNC milling machine programmed with a dedicated CAD/CAM system. After sterilization, the implant is able to be placed on the patient. The concept was developed using low cost technology and commercially available. The system has been tested in an in vivo hip arthroplasty performed on a sheep. The time increase of surgery was 80 minutes being 40 minutes the time of implant manufacturing. The system developed has been tested and the goals defined of the study achieved enabling the rapid manufacture of an implant in a time period compatible with the surgery time. PMID:27004181

Microfluidic opportunities in the field of nutrition

PubMed Central

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

2013-01-01

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

An Object-Oriented Finite Element Framework for Multiphysics Phase Field Simulations

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

Michael R Tonks; Derek R Gaston; Paul C Millett

2012-01-01

The phase field approach is a powerful and popular method for modeling microstructure evolution. In this work, advanced numerical tools are used to create a phase field framework that facilitates rapid model development. This framework, called MARMOT, is based on Idaho National Laboratory's finite element Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment. In MARMOT, the system of phase field partial differential equations (PDEs) are solved simultaneously with PDEs describing additional physics, such as solid mechanics and heat conduction, using the Jacobian-Free Newton Krylov Method. An object-oriented architecture is created by taking advantage of commonalities in phase fields models to facilitate development of newmore » models with very little written code. In addition, MARMOT provides access to mesh and time step adaptivity, reducing the cost for performing simulations with large disparities in both spatial and temporal scales. In this work, phase separation simulations are used to show the numerical performance of MARMOT. Deformation-induced grain growth and void growth simulations are included to demonstrate the muliphysics capability.« less

Static magnetic fields: A summary of biological interactions, potential health effects, and exposure guidelines

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

Tenforde, T.S.

1992-05-01

Interest in the mechanisms of interaction and the biological effects of static magnetic fields has increased significantly during the past two decades as a result of the growing number of applications of these fields in research, industry and medicine. A major stimulus for research on the bioeffects of static magnetic fields has been the effort to develop new technologies for energy production and storage that utilize intense magnetic fields (e.g., thermonuclear fusion reactors and superconducting magnet energy storage devices). Interest in the possible biological interactions and health effects of static magnetic fields has also been increased as a result ofmore » recent developments in magnetic levitation as a mode of public transportation. In addition, the rapid emergence of magnetic resonance imaging as a new clinical diagnostic procedure has, in recent years, provided a strong rationale for defining the possible biological effects of magnetic fields with high flux densities. In this review, the principal interaction mechanisms of static magnetic fields will be described, and a summary will be given of the present state of knowledge of the biological, environmental, and human health effects of these fields.« less

High Temperature Polymer Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

These are the proceedings of the High Temperature Polymer Matrix Composites Conference held at the NASA Lewis Research Center on March 16 to 18, 1983. The purpose of the conference is to provide scientists and engineers working in the field of high temperature polymer matrix composites an opportunity to review, exchange, and assess the latest developments in this rapidly expanding area of materials technology. Technical papers are presented in the following areas: (1) matrix development; (2) adhesive development; (3) characterization; (4) environmental effects; and (5) applications.

Development of a portable teleoperated robot for the manipulation of a backhoe shovel for the restoration of disaster-stricken sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Toshihiko; Sakai, Yosiharu; Konomi, Yosiyuki; Chayama, Kazuhiro; Minamoto, Masahiko; Matsunaga, Katsuya

1999-11-01

Restoration activities after disasters such as landslides or rock avalanches require rapid action, but in fact, in most cases these activities are very inefficient because of the danger of secondary disasters. A system which can operate reconstruction machinery by remote control was therefore developed, and it was installed on general-purpose construction machines (backhoe shovels). Control performance experiments and field experiments on this developed system were carried out, and its effectiveness was confirmed.

Data-Base Software For Tracking Technological Developments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aliberti, James A.; Wright, Simon; Monteith, Steve K.

1996-01-01

Technology Tracking System (TechTracS) computer program developed for use in storing and retrieving information on technology and related patent information developed under auspices of NASA Headquarters and NASA's field centers. Contents of data base include multiple scanned still images and quick-time movies as well as text. TechTracS includes word-processing, report-editing, chart-and-graph-editing, and search-editing subprograms. Extensive keyword searching capabilities enable rapid location of technologies, innovators, and companies. System performs routine functions automatically and serves multiple users.

Scenario development during commissioning operations on the National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade

DOE PAGES

Battaglia, D. J.; Boyer, M. D.; Gerhardt, S.; ...

2018-02-20

The National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade (NSTX-U) will advance the physics basis required for achieving steady-state, high-beta, and high-confinement conditions in a tokamak by accessing high toroidal field (1 T) and plasma current (1.0 - 2.0 MA) in a low aspect ratio geometry (A = 1.6 - 1.8) with flexible auxiliary heating systems (12 MW NBI, 6 MW HHFW). This paper describes progress in the development of L- and Hmode discharge scenarios and the commissioning of operational tools in the first ten weeks of operation that enable the scientific mission of NSTX-U. Vacuum field calculations completed prior to operations supportedmore » the rapid development and optimization of inductive breakdown at different values of ohmic solenoid current. The toroidal magnetic field (BT0 = 0.65 T) exceeded the maximum values achieved on NSTX and novel long-pulse L-mode discharges with regular sawtooth activity exceeded the longest pulses produced on NSTX (tpulse > 1.8s). The increased flux of the central solenoid facilitated the development of stationary L-mode discharges over a range of density and plasma current (Ip). H-mode discharges achieved similar levels of stored energy, confinement (H98y,2 > 1) and stability (βN/βN-nowall > 1) compared to NSTX discharges for Ip ≤ 1 MA. High-performance H-mode scenarios require an L-H transition early in the Ip ramp-up phase in order to obtain low internal inductance (li) throughout the discharge, which is conducive to maintaining vertical stability at high elongation (κ > 2.2) and achieving long periods of MHD quiescent operations. The rapid progress in developing L- and H-mode scenarios in support of the scientific program was enabled by advances in real-time plasma control, efficient error field identification and correction, effective conditioning of the graphite wall and excellent diagnostic availability.« less

SYBR green-based one step quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of Zika virus in field-caught mosquitoes.

PubMed

Tien, Wei-Ping; Lim, Gareth; Yeo, Gladys; Chiang, Suzanna Nicole; Chong, Chee-Seng; Ng, Lee-Ching; Hapuarachchi, Hapuarachchige Chanditha

2017-09-19

The monitoring of vectors is one of the key surveillance measures to assess the risk of arbovirus transmission and the success of control strategies in endemic regions. The recent re-emergence of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the tropics, including Singapore, emphasizes the need to develop cost-effective, rapid and accurate assays to monitor the virus spread by mosquitoes. As ZIKV infections largely remain asymptomatic, early detection of ZIKV in the field-caught mosquitoes enables timely implementation of appropriate mosquito control measures. We developed a rapid, sensitive and specific real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay for the detection of ZIKV in field-caught mosquitoes. The primers and PCR cycling conditions were optimized to minimize non-specific amplification due to cross-reactivity with the genomic material of Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Culex sitiens and Anopheles sinensis, as well as accompanying microbiota. The performance of the assay was further evaluated with a panel of flaviviruses and alphaviruses as well as in field-caught Ae. aegypti mosquitoes confirmed to be positive for ZIKV. As compared to a probe-based assay, the newly developed assay demonstrated 100% specificity and comparable detection sensitivity for ZIKV in mosquitoes. Being a SYBR Green-based method, the newly-developed assay is cost-effective and easy to adapt, thus is applicable to large-scale vector surveillance activities in endemic countries, including those with limited resources and expertise. The amplicon size (119 bp) also allows sequencing to confirm the virus type. The primers flank relatively conserved regions of ZIKV genome, so that, the assay is able to detect genetically diverse ZIKV strains. Our findings, therefore, testify the potential use of the newly-developed assay in vector surveillance programmes for ZIKV in endemic regions.

Scenario development during commissioning operations on the National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade

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

Battaglia, D. J.; Boyer, M. D.; Gerhardt, S.

The National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade (NSTX-U) will advance the physics basis required for achieving steady-state, high-beta, and high-confinement conditions in a tokamak by accessing high toroidal field (1 T) and plasma current (1.0 - 2.0 MA) in a low aspect ratio geometry (A = 1.6 - 1.8) with flexible auxiliary heating systems (12 MW NBI, 6 MW HHFW). This paper describes progress in the development of L- and Hmode discharge scenarios and the commissioning of operational tools in the first ten weeks of operation that enable the scientific mission of NSTX-U. Vacuum field calculations completed prior to operations supportedmore » the rapid development and optimization of inductive breakdown at different values of ohmic solenoid current. The toroidal magnetic field (BT0 = 0.65 T) exceeded the maximum values achieved on NSTX and novel long-pulse L-mode discharges with regular sawtooth activity exceeded the longest pulses produced on NSTX (tpulse > 1.8s). The increased flux of the central solenoid facilitated the development of stationary L-mode discharges over a range of density and plasma current (Ip). H-mode discharges achieved similar levels of stored energy, confinement (H98y,2 > 1) and stability (βN/βN-nowall > 1) compared to NSTX discharges for Ip ≤ 1 MA. High-performance H-mode scenarios require an L-H transition early in the Ip ramp-up phase in order to obtain low internal inductance (li) throughout the discharge, which is conducive to maintaining vertical stability at high elongation (κ > 2.2) and achieving long periods of MHD quiescent operations. The rapid progress in developing L- and H-mode scenarios in support of the scientific program was enabled by advances in real-time plasma control, efficient error field identification and correction, effective conditioning of the graphite wall and excellent diagnostic availability.« less

A new strategy for fast radiofrequency CW EPR imaging: Direct detection with rapid scan and rotating gradients

PubMed Central

Subramanian, Sankaran; Koscielniak, Janusz W.; Devasahayam, Nallathamby; Pursley, Randall H.; Pohida, Thomas J.; Krishna, Murali C.

2007-01-01

Rapid field scan on the order of T/s using high frequency sinusoidal or triangular sweep fields superimposed on the main Zeeman field, was used for direct detection of signals without low-frequency field modulation. Simultaneous application of space-encoding rotating field gradients have been employed to perform fast CW EPR imaging using direct detection that could, in principle, approach the speed of pulsed FT EPR imaging. The method takes advantage of the well-known rapid-scan strategy in CW NMR and EPR that allows arbitrarily fast field sweep and the simultaneous application of spinning gradients that allows fast spatial encoding. This leads to fast functional EPR imaging and, depending on the spin concentration, spectrometer sensitivity and detection band width, can provide improved temporal resolution that is important to interrogate dynamics of spin perfusion, pharmacokinetics, spectral spatial imaging, dynamic oxymetry, etc. PMID:17350865

PubMed and beyond: a survey of web tools for searching biomedical literature

PubMed Central

Lu, Zhiyong

2011-01-01

The past decade has witnessed the modern advances of high-throughput technology and rapid growth of research capacity in producing large-scale biological data, both of which were concomitant with an exponential growth of biomedical literature. This wealth of scholarly knowledge is of significant importance for researchers in making scientific discoveries and healthcare professionals in managing health-related matters. However, the acquisition of such information is becoming increasingly difficult due to its large volume and rapid growth. In response, the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) is continuously making changes to its PubMed Web service for improvement. Meanwhile, different entities have devoted themselves to developing Web tools for helping users quickly and efficiently search and retrieve relevant publications. These practices, together with maturity in the field of text mining, have led to an increase in the number and quality of various Web tools that provide comparable literature search service to PubMed. In this study, we review 28 such tools, highlight their respective innovations, compare them to the PubMed system and one another, and discuss directions for future development. Furthermore, we have built a website dedicated to tracking existing systems and future advances in the field of biomedical literature search. Taken together, our work serves information seekers in choosing tools for their needs and service providers and developers in keeping current in the field. Database URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/CBBresearch/Lu/search PMID:21245076

Electromechanical systems with transient high power response operating from a resonant ac link

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burrows, Linda M.; Hansen, Irving G.

1992-01-01

The combination of an inherently robust asynchronous (induction) electrical machine with the rapid control of energy provided by a high frequency resonant ac link enables the efficient management of higher power levels with greater versatility. This could have a variety of applications from launch vehicles to all-electric automobiles. These types of systems utilize a machine which is operated by independent control of both the voltage and frequency. This is made possible by using an indirect field-oriented control method which allows instantaneous torque control all four operating quadrants. Incorporating the ac link allows the converter in these systems to switch at the zero crossing of every half cycle of the ac waveform. This zero loss switching of the link allows rapid energy variations to be achieved without the usual frequency proportional switching loss. Several field-oriented control systems were developed under contract to NASA.

Overview of current applications in plasma medicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryan, Thomas P.; Stalder, Kenneth R.

2017-02-01

Plasma medicine is a rapidly growing field of treatment, with the number and type of medical applications growing annually, such as dentistry, cancer treatment, wound treatment, Antimicrobial (bacteria, biofilm, virus, fungus, prions), and surface sterilization. Work promoting muscle and blood vessel regeneration and osteointegration is being investigated. This review paper will cover the latest treatments using gas-based plasmas in medicine. Disinfection of water and new commercial systems will also be reviewed, as well as vaccine deactivation. With the rapid increase in new investigators, development of new devices and systems for treatment, and wider clinical applications, Plasma medicine is becoming a powerful tool in in the field of medicine. There are a wide range of Plasma sources that allows customization of the effect. These variations include frequency (DC to MHz), voltage capacity (kV), gas source (He, Ar; O2, N2, air, water vapor; combinations), direct/indirect target exposure, and water targets.

AC magnetic field measurement using a small flip coil system for rapid cycling AC magnets at the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Jianxin; Kang, Wen; Li, Shuai; Liu, Yudong; Liu, Yiqin; Xu, Shouyan; Guo, Xiaoling; Wu, Xi; Deng, Changdong; Li, Li; Wu, Yuwen; Wang, Sheng

2018-02-01

The China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) has two major accelerator systems, a linear accelerator and a rapid cycling synchrotron (RCS). The RCS accelerator is used to accumulate and accelerate protons from the energy of 80 MeV to the design energy of 1.6 GeV at the repetition rate of 25 Hz, and extract the high energy beam to the target. The main magnets of the RCS accelerator are excited by AC current with DC bias. The magnetic field quality is very important for the RCS accelerator operation, since it should guarantee and focus a circulating beam. In order to characterize the AC magnets, a small flip coil measurement system has been developed and one of each type of AC magnets has been studied. The measurement system and selected measurement results are presented in this paper.

Fabrication and characterization of optical-fiber nanoprobes for scanning near-field optical microscopy.

PubMed

Essaidi, N; Chen, Y; Kottler, V; Cambril, E; Mayeux, C; Ronarch, N; Vieu, C

1998-02-01

The current scanning near-field optical microscopy has been developed with optical-fiber probes obtained by use of either laser-heated pulling or chemical etching. For high-resolution near-field imaging, the detected signal is rapidly attenuated as the aperture size of the probe decreases. It is thus important to fabricate probes optimized for both spot size and optical transmission. We present a two-step fabrication that allowed us to achieve an improved performance of the optical-fiber probes. Initially, a CO(2) laser-heated pulling was used to produce a parabolic transitional taper ending with a top thin filament. Then, a rapid chemical etching with 50% buffered hydrofluoric acid was used to remove the thin filament and to result in a final conical tip on the top of the parabolic transitional taper. Systematically, we obtained optical-fiber nanoprobes with the apex size as small as 10 nm and the final cone angle varying from 15 degrees to 80 degrees . It was found that the optical transmission efficiency increases rapidly as the taper angle increases from 15 degrees to 50 degrees , but a further increase in the taper angle gives rise to important broadening of the spot size. Finally, the fabricated nanoprobes were used in photon-scanning tunneling microscopy, which allowed observation of etched double lines and grating structures with periods as small as 200 nm.

Bacteriophage Amplification-Coupled Detection and Identification of Bacterial Pathogens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cox, Christopher R.; Voorhees, Kent J.

Current methods of species-specific bacterial detection and identification are complex, time-consuming, and often require expensive specialized equipment and highly trained personnel. Numerous biochemical and genotypic identification methods have been applied to bacterial characterization, but all rely on tedious microbiological culturing practices and/or costly sequencing protocols which render them impractical for deployment as rapid, cost-effective point-of-care or field detection and identification methods. With a view towards addressing these shortcomings, we have exploited the evolutionarily conserved interactions between a bacteriophage (phage) and its bacterial host to develop species-specific detection methods. Phage amplification-coupled matrix assisted laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) was utilized to rapidly detect phage propagation resulting from species-specific in vitro bacterial infection. This novel signal amplification method allowed for bacterial detection and identification in as little as 2 h, and when combined with disulfide bond reduction methods developed in our laboratory to enhance MALDI-TOF-MS resolution, was observed to lower the limit of detection by several orders of magnitude over conventional spectroscopy and phage typing methods. Phage amplification has been combined with lateral flow immunochromatography (LFI) to develop rapid, easy-to-operate, portable, species-specific point-of-care (POC) detection devices. Prototype LFI detectors have been developed and characterized for Yersinia pestis and Bacillus anthracis, the etiologic agents of plague and anthrax, respectively. Comparable sensitivity and rapidity was observed when phage amplification was adapted to a species-specific handheld LFI detector, thus allowing for rapid, simple, POC bacterial detection and identification while eliminating the need for bacterial culturing or DNA isolation and amplification techniques.

EMF Rapid Program Engineering Projects, Project 1, Development of Recommendations for Guidelines for Field Source Measurement

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

Electric Research and Management, Inc.

1997-03-11

The goal of this project is to develop a protocol for measuring the electric and magnetic fields around sources. Data from these measurements may help direct future biological effects research by better defining the complexity of magnetic and electric fields to which humanity is exposed, as well asprovide the basis for rigorous field exposure analysis and risk assessment once the relationship between field exposure and biological response. is better understood. The data base also should have sufficient spatial and temporal characteristics to guide electric and magnetic field management. The goal of Task A is to construct a set of characteristicsmore » that would be ideal to have for guiding and interpreting biological studies and for focusing any future effort at field management. This ideal set will then be quantified and reduced according to the availability (or possible development of) instrumentation to measure the desired characteristics. Factors that also will be used to define pragmatic data sets will be the cost of collecting the data, the cost of developing an adequate data base, and the needed precision in measuring specific characteristics. A field, electric or magnetic, will always be ,some function of time and space. The first step in this section of the protocol development will be to determine what span of time and what portion of space are required to quantify the electric and magnetic fields around sources such as appliances and electrical apparatus. Constraints on time will be set by examining measurement limitations and biological data requirements.« less

Cropland Field Monitoring: MMV Page 1 Montana Cropland Enrolled Farm Fields Carbon Sequestration Field Sampling, Measurement, Monitoring, and Verification: Application of Visible-Near Infrared Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (VNIR) and Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)

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

Lee Spangler; Ross Bricklemyer; David Brown

2012-03-15

There is growing need for rapid, accurate, and inexpensive methods to measure, and verify soil organic carbon (SOC) change for national greenhouse gas accounting and the development of a soil carbon trading market. Laboratory based soil characterization typically requires significant soil processing, which is time and resource intensive. This severely limits application for large-region soil characterization. Thus, development of rapid and accurate methods for characterizing soils are needed to map soil properties for precision agriculture applications, improve regional and global soil carbon (C) stock and flux estimates and efficiently map sub-surface metal contamination, among others. The greatest gains for efficientmore » soil characterization will come from collecting soil data in situ, thus minimizing soil sample transportation, processing, and lab-based measurement costs. Visible and near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (VisNIR) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) are two complementary, yet fundamentally different spectroscopic techniques that have the potential to meet this need. These sensors have the potential to be mounted on a soil penetrometer and deployed for rapid soil profile characterization at field and landscape scales. Details of sensor interaction, efficient data management, and appropriate statistical analysis techniques for model calibrations are first needed. In situ or on-the-go VisNIR spectroscopy has been proposed as a rapid and inexpensive tool for intensively mapping soil texture and organic carbon (SOC). While lab-based VisNIR has been established as a viable technique for estimating various soil properties, few experiments have compared the predictive accuracy of on-the-go and lab-based VisNIR. Eight north central Montana wheat fields were intensively interrogated using on-the-go and lab-based VisNIR. Lab-based spectral data consistently provided more accurate predictions than on-the-go data. However, neither in situ nor lab-based spectroscopy yielded even semi-quantitative SOC predictions. There was little SOC variability to explain across the eight fields, and on-the-go VisNIR was not able to capture the subtle SOC variability in these Montana soils. With more variation in soil clay content compared to SOC, both lab and on-the-go VisNIR showed better explanatory power. There are several potential explanations for poor on-the-go predictive accuracy: soil heterogeneity, field moisture, consistent sample presentation, and a difference between the spatial support of on-the-go measurements and soil samples collected for laboratory analyses. Though the current configuration of a commercially available on-the-go VisNIR system allows for rapid field scanning, on-the-go soil processing (i.e. drying, crushing, and sieving) could improve soil carbon predictions. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is an emerging elemental analysis technology with the potential to provide rapid, accurate and precise analysis of soil constituents, such as carbon, in situ across landscapes. The research team evaluated the accuracy of LIBS for measuring soil profile carbon in field-moist, intact soil cores simulating conditions that might be encountered by a probe-mounted LIBS instrument measuring soil profile carbon in situ. Over the course of three experiments, more than120 intact soil cores from eight north central Montana wheat fields and the Washington State University (WSU) Cook Agronomy Farm near Pullman, WA were interrogated with LIBS for rapid total carbon (TC), inorganic carbon (IC), and SOC determination. Partial least squares regression models were derived and independently validated at field- and regional scales. Researchers obtained the best LIBS validation predictions for IC followed by TC and SOC. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is fundamentally an elemental analysis technique, yet LIBS PLS2 models appeared to discriminate IC from TC. Regression coefficients from initial models suggested a reliance upon stoichiometric relationships between carbon (247.8 nm) and other elements related to total and inorganic carbon in the soil matrix [Ca (210.2 nm, 211.3 nm, and 220.9 nm), Mg (279.55-280.4 nm, 285.26 nm), and Si (251.6 nm, 288.1 nm)]. Expanding the LIBS spectral range to capture emissions from a broader range of elements related to soil organic matter was explored using two spectrometer systems to improve SOC predictions. Results for increasing the spectral range of LIBS to the full 200-800 nm found modest gains in prediction accuracy for IC, but no gains for predicting TC or SOC. Poor SOC predictions are likely a function of (1) the lack of a consistent/definable molecular composition of SOC, (2) relatively little variation in SOC across field sites, and (3) inorganic carbon constituting the primary form of soil carbon, particularly for Montana soils.« less

Navy Tactical Applications Guide. Volume 2. Environmental Phenomena and Effects

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-01-01

usually distinguished: the polar-front jet stream, associated with extratropical frontal systems; and the subtropical jet stream, overlying the poleward...patterns have formed in the cold air behind a frontal cloud band which extends from North Africa into Southern Europe . Note that the cellular cloud field...but because of the future potential of such areas for rapid storm " , development. (See Case 3 for the further development of these vorticity centers

Mean-field approaches to the totally asymmetric exclusion process with quenched disorder and large particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaw, Leah B.; Sethna, James P.; Lee, Kelvin H.

2004-08-01

The process of protein synthesis in biological systems resembles a one-dimensional driven lattice gas in which the particles (ribosomes) have spatial extent, covering more than one lattice site. Realistic, nonuniform gene sequences lead to quenched disorder in the particle hopping rates. We study the totally asymmetric exclusion process with large particles and quenched disorder via several mean-field approaches and compare the mean-field results with Monte Carlo simulations. Mean-field equations obtained from the literature are found to be reasonably effective in describing this system. A numerical technique is developed for computing the particle current rapidly. The mean-field approach is extended to include two-point correlations between adjacent sites. The two-point results are found to match Monte Carlo simulations more closely.

Exploration of spatio-temporal patterns of students' movement in field trip by visualizing the log data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Nahye; Kang, Youngok

2018-05-01

A numerous log data in addition to user input data are being generated as mobile and web users continue to increase recently, and the studies in order to explore the patterns and meanings of various movement activities by making use of these log data are also rising rapidly. On the other hand, in the field of education, people have recognized the importance of field trip as the creative education is highlighted. Also, the examples which utilize the mobile devices in the field trip in accordance to the development of information technology are growing. In this study, we try to explore the patterns of student's activity by visualizing the log data generated from high school students' field trip with mobile device.

North Dakota Energy Workforce Development

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

Carter, Drake

2014-12-29

Bismarck State College, along with its partners (Williston State College, Minot State University and Dickinson State University), received funding to help address the labor and social impacts of rapid oilfield development in the Williston Basin of western North Dakota. Funding was used to develop and support both credit and non-credit workforce training as well as four major symposia designed to inform and educate the public; enhance communication and sense of partnership among citizens, local community leaders and industry; and identify and plan to ameliorate negative impacts of oil field development.

Practical fit functions for transport critical current versus field magnitude and angle data from (RE)BCO coated conductors at fixed low temperatures and in high magnetic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hilton, D. K.; Gavrilin, A. V.; Trociewitz, U. P.

2015-07-01

Applications of (RE = Y, Gd)BCO coated conductors for the generation of high magnetic fields are increasing sharply, this while (RE)BCO coated conductors themselves are evolving rapidly. This article describes and demonstrates recently developed and applied mathematical models that systematically and comprehensively characterize the transport critical current angular dependence of a batch of (RE)BCO coated conductor in high magnetic fields at fixed temperatures with an uncertainty of 10% or better. The model development was based on analysis of experimental data sets from various published sources and coated conductors with different microstructures. These derivations directly are applicable to the accurate prediction of the performance in high magnetic fields of coils wound with (RE)BCO coated conductors. In particular, a nonlinear fit is discussed in this article of transport critical current at T = 4.2 K versus field and angle data. This fit was used to estimate the hysteresis losses of (RE)BCO coated conductors in high magnetic fields, and to design the inserts wound with such conductors of the all-superconducting 32 T magnet being constructed at the NHMFL. A series of such fits, recently developed at several fixed temperatures, continues to be used to simulate the quench behavior of that magnet.

Dopamine: Just the Right Medicine for Membranes

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

Yang, Hao-Cheng; Waldman, Ruben Z.; Wu, Ming-Bang

Mussel-inspired chemistry has attracted widespread interest in membrane science and technology. Demonstrating the rapid growth of this field over the past several years, substantial progress has been achieved in both mussel-inspired chemistry and membrane surface engineering based on mussel-inspired coatings. At this stage, it is valuable to summarize the most recent and distinctive developments, as well as to frame the challenges and opportunities remaining in this field. In this review, recent advances in rapid and controllable deposition of mussel-inspired coatings, dopamine-assisted codeposition technology, and photoinitiated grafting directly on mussel-inspired coatings are presented. Some of these technologies have not yet beenmore » employed directly in membrane science. Beyond discussing advances in conventional membrane processes, emerging applications of mussel-inspired coatings in membranes are discussed, including as a skin layer in nanofiltration, interlayer in metal-organic framework based membranes, hydrophilic layer in Janus membranes, and protective layer in catalytic membranes. Finally, some critical unsolved challenges are raised in this field and some potential pathways are proposed to address them.« less

Dopamine: Just the Right Medicine for Membranes

DOE PAGES

Yang, Hao-Cheng; Waldman, Ruben Z.; Wu, Ming-Bang; ...

2018-01-09

Mussel-inspired chemistry has attracted widespread interest in membrane science and technology. Demonstrating the rapid growth of this field over the past several years, substantial progress has been achieved in both mussel-inspired chemistry and membrane surface engineering based on mussel-inspired coatings. At this stage, it is valuable to summarize the most recent and distinctive developments, as well as to frame the challenges and opportunities remaining in this field. In this review, recent advances in rapid and controllable deposition of mussel-inspired coatings, dopamine-assisted codeposition technology, and photoinitiated grafting directly on mussel-inspired coatings are presented. Some of these technologies have not yet beenmore » employed directly in membrane science. Beyond discussing advances in conventional membrane processes, emerging applications of mussel-inspired coatings in membranes are discussed, including as a skin layer in nanofiltration, interlayer in metal-organic framework based membranes, hydrophilic layer in Janus membranes, and protective layer in catalytic membranes. Finally, some critical unsolved challenges are raised in this field and some potential pathways are proposed to address them.« less

Total dural irradiation: RapidArc versus static-field IMRT: A case study

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

Kelly, Paul J., E-mail: paulj.kelly@hse.ie; Mannarino, Edward; Lewis, John Henry

2012-07-01

The purpose of this study was to compare conventional fixed-gantry angle intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with RapidArc for total dural irradiation. We also hypothesize that target volume-individualized collimator angles may produce substantial normal tissue sparing when planning with RapidArc. Five-, 7-, and 9-field fixed-gantry angle sliding-window IMRT plans were generated for comparison with RapidArc plans. Optimization and normal tissue constraints were constant for all plans. All plans were normalized so that 95% of the planning target volume (PTV) received at least 100% of the dose. RapidArc was delivered using 350 Degree-Sign clockwise and counterclockwise arcs. Conventional collimator angles of 45more » Degree-Sign and 315 Degree-Sign were compared with 90 Degree-Sign on both arcs. Dose prescription was 59.4 Gy in 33 fractions. PTV metrics used for comparison were coverage, V{sub 107}%, D1%, conformality index (CI{sub 95}%), and heterogeneity index (D{sub 5}%-D{sub 95}%). Brain dose, the main challenge of this case, was compared using D{sub 1}%, Dmean, and V{sub 5} Gy. Dose to optic chiasm, optic nerves, globes, and lenses was also compared. The use of unconventional collimator angles (90 Degree-Sign on both arcs) substantially reduced dose to normal brain. All plans achieved acceptable target coverage. Homogeneity was similar for RapidArc and 9-field IMRT plans. However, heterogeneity increased with decreasing number of IMRT fields, resulting in unacceptable hotspots within the brain. Conformality was marginally better with RapidArc relative to IMRT. Low dose to brain, as indicated by V5Gy, was comparable in all plans. Doses to organs at risk (OARs) showed no clinically meaningful differences. The number of monitor units was lower and delivery time was reduced with RapidArc. The case-individualized RapidArc plan compared favorably with the 9-field conventional IMRT plan. In view of lower monitor unit requirements and shorter delivery time, RapidArc was selected as the optimal solution. Individualized collimator angle solutions should be considered by RapidArc dosimetrists for OARs dose reduction. RapidArc should be considered as a treatment modality for tumors that extensively involve in the skull, dura, or scalp.« less

[Alfalfa quality evaluation in the field by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy].

PubMed

Xu, Rui-Xuan; Li, Dong-Ning; Yang, Dong-Hai; Lin, Jian-Hai; Xiang, Min; Zhang, Ying-Jun

2013-11-01

To explore the feasibility of using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to evaluate alfalfa quality rapidly in the field and try to find the appropriate machine and sample preparation method, the representative population of 170 fresh alfalfa samples collected from different regions with different stages and different cuts were scanned by a portable NIRS spectrometer (1 100 - 1 800 nm). This is the first time to build models of fresh alfalfa to rapidly estimate quality in the field for harvesting in time. The calibrations of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were developed through the partial least squares regression (PLS). The determination coefficients of cross-validation (R2((CV)) were 0.831 4, 0.597 9, 0.803 6, 0.786 1 for DM, CP, NDF, ADF, respectively; the root mean standard error of cross-validation (RMSECV) were 1.241 1, 0.261 4, 0.990 3, 0.830 6; The determination coefficients of validation (R2(V)) were 0.815 0, 0.401 1, 0.784 9, 0.752 1 and the root mean standard errors of validation(RMSEP)were 1.06, 0.31, 0.95, 0.80 for DM, CP, NDF, ADF, respectively. For fresh alfalfa ,the calibration of DM, NDF, ADF can do rough quantitative analysis but the CP's calibration is failed. however, as CP in alfalfa hay is enough for animal and the DM, NDF and ADF is the crucial indicator for evaluating havest time, the model of DM, NDF and ADF can be used for evaluating the alfalfa quality rapidly in the field.

Design of a surgical robot with dynamic vision field control for Single Port Endoscopic Surgery.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Yo; Sekiguchi, Yuta; Tomono, Yu; Watanabe, Hiroki; Toyoda, Kazutaka; Konishi, Kozo; Tomikawa, Morimasa; Ieiri, Satoshi; Tanoue, Kazuo; Hashizume, Makoto; Fujie, Masaktsu G

2010-01-01

Recently, a robotic system was developed to assist Single Port Endoscopic Surgery (SPS). However, the existing system required a manual change of vision field, hindering the surgical task and increasing the degrees of freedom (DOFs) of the manipulator. We proposed a surgical robot for SPS with dynamic vision field control, the endoscope view being manipulated by a master controller. The prototype robot consisted of a positioning and sheath manipulator (6 DOF) for vision field control, and dual tool tissue manipulators (gripping: 5DOF, cautery: 3DOF). Feasibility of the robot was demonstrated in vitro. The "cut and vision field control" (using tool manipulators) is suitable for precise cutting tasks in risky areas while a "cut by vision field control" (using a vision field control manipulator) is effective for rapid macro cutting of tissues. A resection task was accomplished using a combination of both methods.

Concise review: carbon nanotechnology: perspectives in stem cell research.

PubMed

Pryzhkova, Marina V

2013-05-01

Carbon nanotechnology has developed rapidly during the last decade, and carbon allotropes, especially graphene and carbon nanotubes, have already found a wide variety of applications in industry, high-tech fields, biomedicine, and basic science. Electroconductive nanomaterials have attracted great attention from tissue engineers in the design of remotely controlled cell-substrate interfaces. Carbon nanoconstructs are also under extensive investigation by clinical scientists as potential agents in anticancer therapies. Despite the recent progress in human pluripotent stem cell research, only a few attempts to use carbon nanotechnology in the stem cell field have been reported. However, acquired experience with and knowledge of carbon nanomaterials may be efficiently used in the development of future personalized medicine and in tissue engineering.

A Low-Cost Energy-Efficient Cableless Geophone Unit for Passive Surface Wave Surveys

PubMed Central

Dai, Kaoshan; Li, Xiaofeng; Lu, Chuan; You, Qingyu; Huang, Zhenhua; Wu, H. Felix

2015-01-01

The passive surface wave survey is a practical, non-invasive seismic exploration method that has increasingly been used in geotechnical engineering. However, in situ deployment of traditional wired geophones is labor intensive for a dense sensor array. Alternatively, stand-alone seismometers can be used, but they are bulky, heavy, and expensive because they are usually designed for long-term monitoring. To better facilitate field applications of the passive surface wave survey, a low-cost energy-efficient geophone system was developed in this study. The hardware design is presented in this paper. To validate the system’s functionality, both laboratory and field experiments were conducted. The unique feature of this newly-developed cableless geophone system allows for rapid field applications of the passive surface wave survey with dense array measurements. PMID:26404270

Optoelectrofluidic platforms for chemistry and biology.

PubMed

Hwang, Hyundoo; Park, Je-Kyun

2011-01-07

Extraordinary advances in lab on a chip systems have been made on the basis of the development of micro/nanofluidics and its fusion with other technologies based on electrokinetics and optics. Optoelectrofluidic technology, which has been recently introduced as a new manipulation scheme, allows programmable manipulation of particles or fluids in microenvironments based on optically induced electrokinetics. Herein, the behaviour of particles or fluids can be controlled by inducing or perturbing electric fields on demand in an optical manner, which includes photochemical, photoconductive, and photothermal effects. This elegant scheme of the optoelectrofluidic platform has attracted attention in various fields of science and engineering. A lot of research on optoelectrofluidic manipulation technologies has been reported and the field has advanced rapidly, although some technical hurdles still remain. This review describes recent developments and future perspectives of optoelectrofluidic platforms for chemical and biological applications.

The 2017 terahertz science and technology roadmap

DOE PAGES

Dhillon, S. S.; Vitiello, M. S.; Linfield, E. H.; ...

2017-01-04

Science and technologies based on terahertz frequency electromagnetic radiation (100 GHz–30 THz) have developed rapidly over the last 30 years. For most of the 20th Century, terahertz radiation, then referred to as sub-millimeter wave or far-infrared radiation, was mainly utilized by astronomers and some spectroscopists. Following the development of laser based terahertz time-domain spectroscopy in the 1980s and 1990s the field of THz science and technology expanded rapidly, to the extent that it now touches many areas from fundamental science to 'real world' applications. For example THz radiation is being used to optimize materials for new solar cells, and maymore » also be a key technology for the next generation of airport security scanners. While the field was emerging it was possible to keep track of all new developments, however now the field has grown so much that it is increasingly difficult to follow the diverse range of new discoveries and applications that are appearing. At this point in time, when the field of THz science and technology is moving from an emerging to a more established and interdisciplinary field, it is apt to present a roadmap to help identify the breadth and future directions of the field. The aim of this roadmap is to present a snapshot of the present state of THz science and technology in 2017, and provide an opinion on the challenges and opportunities that the future holds. To be able to achieve this aim, we have invited a group of international experts to write 18 sections that cover most of the key areas of THz science and technology. We hope that The 2017 Roadmap on THz science and technology will prove to be a useful resource by providing a wide ranging introduction to the capabilities of THz radiation for those outside or just entering the field as well as providing perspective and breadth for those who are well established. Lastly, we also feel that this review should serve as a useful guide for government and funding agencies.« less

The 2017 terahertz science and technology roadmap

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

Dhillon, S. S.; Vitiello, M. S.; Linfield, E. H.

Science and technologies based on terahertz frequency electromagnetic radiation (100 GHz–30 THz) have developed rapidly over the last 30 years. For most of the 20th Century, terahertz radiation, then referred to as sub-millimeter wave or far-infrared radiation, was mainly utilized by astronomers and some spectroscopists. Following the development of laser based terahertz time-domain spectroscopy in the 1980s and 1990s the field of THz science and technology expanded rapidly, to the extent that it now touches many areas from fundamental science to 'real world' applications. For example THz radiation is being used to optimize materials for new solar cells, and maymore » also be a key technology for the next generation of airport security scanners. While the field was emerging it was possible to keep track of all new developments, however now the field has grown so much that it is increasingly difficult to follow the diverse range of new discoveries and applications that are appearing. At this point in time, when the field of THz science and technology is moving from an emerging to a more established and interdisciplinary field, it is apt to present a roadmap to help identify the breadth and future directions of the field. The aim of this roadmap is to present a snapshot of the present state of THz science and technology in 2017, and provide an opinion on the challenges and opportunities that the future holds. To be able to achieve this aim, we have invited a group of international experts to write 18 sections that cover most of the key areas of THz science and technology. We hope that The 2017 Roadmap on THz science and technology will prove to be a useful resource by providing a wide ranging introduction to the capabilities of THz radiation for those outside or just entering the field as well as providing perspective and breadth for those who are well established. Lastly, we also feel that this review should serve as a useful guide for government and funding agencies.« less

The 2017 terahertz science and technology roadmap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhillon, S. S.; Vitiello, M. S.; Linfield, E. H.; Davies, A. G.; Hoffmann, Matthias C.; Booske, John; Paoloni, Claudio; Gensch, M.; Weightman, P.; Williams, G. P.; Castro-Camus, E.; Cumming, D. R. S.; Simoens, F.; Escorcia-Carranza, I.; Grant, J.; Lucyszyn, Stepan; Kuwata-Gonokami, Makoto; Konishi, Kuniaki; Koch, Martin; Schmuttenmaer, Charles A.; Cocker, Tyler L.; Huber, Rupert; Markelz, A. G.; Taylor, Z. D.; Wallace, Vincent P.; Axel Zeitler, J.; Sibik, Juraj; Korter, Timothy M.; Ellison, B.; Rea, S.; Goldsmith, P.; Cooper, Ken B.; Appleby, Roger; Pardo, D.; Huggard, P. G.; Krozer, V.; Shams, Haymen; Fice, Martyn; Renaud, Cyril; Seeds, Alwyn; Stöhr, Andreas; Naftaly, Mira; Ridler, Nick; Clarke, Roland; Cunningham, John E.; Johnston, Michael B.

2017-02-01

Science and technologies based on terahertz frequency electromagnetic radiation (100 GHz-30 THz) have developed rapidly over the last 30 years. For most of the 20th Century, terahertz radiation, then referred to as sub-millimeter wave or far-infrared radiation, was mainly utilized by astronomers and some spectroscopists. Following the development of laser based terahertz time-domain spectroscopy in the 1980s and 1990s the field of THz science and technology expanded rapidly, to the extent that it now touches many areas from fundamental science to ‘real world’ applications. For example THz radiation is being used to optimize materials for new solar cells, and may also be a key technology for the next generation of airport security scanners. While the field was emerging it was possible to keep track of all new developments, however now the field has grown so much that it is increasingly difficult to follow the diverse range of new discoveries and applications that are appearing. At this point in time, when the field of THz science and technology is moving from an emerging to a more established and interdisciplinary field, it is apt to present a roadmap to help identify the breadth and future directions of the field. The aim of this roadmap is to present a snapshot of the present state of THz science and technology in 2017, and provide an opinion on the challenges and opportunities that the future holds. To be able to achieve this aim, we have invited a group of international experts to write 18 sections that cover most of the key areas of THz science and technology. We hope that The 2017 Roadmap on THz science and technology will prove to be a useful resource by providing a wide ranging introduction to the capabilities of THz radiation for those outside or just entering the field as well as providing perspective and breadth for those who are well established. We also feel that this review should serve as a useful guide for government and funding agencies.

Theoretical and practical considerations for teaching diagnostic electronic-nose technologies to clinical laboratory technicians

Treesearch

Alphus D. Wilson

2012-01-01

The rapid development of new electronic technologies and instruments, utilized to perform many current clinical operations in the biomedical field, is changing the way medical health care is delivered to patients. The majority of test results from laboratory analyses, performed with these analytical instruments often prior to clinical examinations, are frequently used...

Effect of Multimedia Assisted 7e Learning Model Applications on Academic Achievement and Retention in Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sarac, Hakan; Tarhan, Devrim

2017-01-01

In the rapidly developing age of technology, the contribution of using multimedia-supported instructional materials in the field of teaching technologies to science education has been increasing steadily. The purpose of this research is to compare the multimedia learning instructional materials prepared according to the 7E learning model and the…

Physics Teacher Candidates' Opinions on Fiber Optics and New Technologies in This Field

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Çildir, Sema

2016-01-01

Factors such as innovations brought in by the developing technology, also rapidly changing social structures casted various roles to both the student and the teacher. Therefore, it is necessary to associate such knowledge acquired in courses with implications of the knowledge in our real lives and to constantly enrich course contents, namely to…

Ecosystem services in changing landscapes: An introduction

Treesearch

Louis Iverson; Cristian Echeverria; Laura Nahuelhual; Sandra Luque

2014-01-01

The concept of ecosystem services from landscapes is rapidly gaining momentum as a language to communicate values and benefits to scientists and lay alike. Landscape ecology has an enormous contribution to make to this field, and one could argue, uniquely so. Tools developed or adapted for landscape ecology are being increasingly used to assist with the quantification...

The Peculiarities of Training in a Comprehensive School of Kazakhstan and Italy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scalcione, Vincenzo Nunzio; Bibigul, Almurzayeva; Orynkyl, Shynkeyeva

2016-01-01

Increased interest in research in the field of international education, typical for the most of the world, is largely due to trends of interdependence and mutual influence of nation-states in a period of rapid development of the processes of globalization and integration, including in public life and in education. The current stage of the…

Grip Experiment 2010

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-08-16

A researcher with the Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) experiment works aboard the NASA DC-8 during a flight over the Gulf of Mexico, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010. GRIP is a NASA Earth science field experiment in 2010 that is being conducted to better understand how tropical storms form and develop into major hurricanes. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

Challenges of forest landscape modeling - simulating large landscapes and validating results

Treesearch

Hong S. He; Jian Yang; Stephen R. Shifley; Frank R. Thompson

2011-01-01

Over the last 20 years, we have seen a rapid development in the field of forest landscape modeling, fueled by both technological and theoretical advances. Two fundamental challenges have persisted since the inception of FLMs: (1) balancing realistic simulation of ecological processes at broad spatial and temporal scales with computing capacity, and (2) validating...

"Micro" Politics: Mapping the Origins of Schools Computing as a Field of Education Policy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Selwyn, Neil

2013-01-01

This paper examines the emergence of schools "micro-computing" in the UK between 1977 and 1984--a period of significant educational, technological and political change. During this time, computing developed rapidly from a niche activity in a few select schools to the state subsidized purchasing of a "computer in every school"…

How Do They Get Here?: Paths into Physics Education Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barthelemy, Ramon S.; Henderson, Charles; Grunert, Megan L.

2013-01-01

Physics education research (PER) is a relatively new and rapidly growing area of Ph.D. specialization. To sustain the field of PER, a steady pipeline of talented scholars needs to be developed and supported. One aspect of building this pipeline is understanding how students come to graduate and postdoctoral work in PER and what their career goals…

A Machine Learning Approach to Student Modeling. Technical Report No. 1. Annual Report, 11/82-11/83.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Langley, Pat; And Others

The notion of buggy procedures has played an important role in recent cognitive models of mathematical skills. Some earlier work on student modeling used artificial intelligence methods to automatically construct buggy models of student behavior. An alternate approach, proposed here, draws on insights from the rapidly developing field of machine…

It's Not Your Grandmother's Genetics Anymore!

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Mike U.

2014-01-01

Genetics is perhaps the most rapidly growing field of science today. Recent findings such as those of the Human Genome Project have led to new understandings of basic genetic phenomena and even to increased confusion about some basic genetic ideas, such as the nature of the gene. These developments directly influence how we should teach genetics.…

An Analysis of the Educational Significance of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in Scientific and Technological Literacy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laherto, Antti

2010-01-01

Due to the rapid development and growing societal role of nanoscience and nanotechnology (NST), these emerging fields are also growing in educational importance. The demands for incorporating NST-related issues into curricula are often expressed with reference to the goals of scientific and technological literacy. This paper reports on a…

Exposing Engineering Students to Renewable Energy through Hands-On Experiments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yang, Yonggao; Li, Lin

2013-01-01

Renewable energy is the most rapidly growing discipline in today's business world and is commonly viewed as the main arena for research and development in various fields. This article summarizes the work and efforts of an educational project conducted at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU). A major goal of the project was to design renewable…

Toward Understanding School Psychology around the Globe: Economical, Educational, and Professional Factors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Jacqueline A.; Jimerson, Shane R.

2015-01-01

Although the field of school psychology continues to develop rapidly, few recent studies have examined how it is directly affected by a country's economy and education. This study examined the effect of gross domestic product, public spending on education, and public support for education on the ratio of school psychologists to students, level of…

Wooden Peg Game: Implementations as Both a Web App and as an Android App

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martincic, Cynthia J.

2016-01-01

Mobile application development is currently an important component of CS/IS education. Because of the rapid rate of change in the mobile application field, there are many websites that provide instructional material in tutorial format, but it is difficult to find a textbook that includes mobile application programming assignments and exercises.…

Getting "Writing Ready" at the University of Washington: Developing Metacognition at a Time of Academic Transition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zinchuk, Jennifer Eidum

2017-01-01

Within the field of Writing Studies, metacognition is rapidly being recognized as essential for the effective transfer of knowledge across contexts. This program profile describes a pre-college writing course at the University of Washington that builds metacognition, confidence, and fluency in writing. Through program evaluations, student surveys,…

Future applications of electronic-nose technologies in healthcare and biomedicine

Treesearch

Alphus D. Wilson

2011-01-01

The development and utilization of many new electronic-nose (e-nose) applications in the healthcare and biomedical fields have continued to rapidly accelerate over the past 20 years. Innovative e-nose technologies are providing unique solutions to a diversity of complex problems in biomedicine that are now coming to fruition. A wide range of electronic-nose instrument...

A Vision for Investigating the Microbiology of Health and Disease.

PubMed

Lipkin, W Ian

2015-07-15

The fields of microbial surveillance, discovery, and pathogenesis are evolving rapidly with introduction of cultivation-independent molecular diagnostic assays and highly multiplexed serologic analyses, as well as the development of animal models and prospective birth cohorts that can provide insights into host and microbial determinants of health and disease. Here, past, present, and future perspectives on these fields are provided. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Applications of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in cancer biology

PubMed Central

Sánchez-Rivera, Francisco J.; Jacks, Tyler

2015-01-01

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

Testing Microshutter Arrays Using Commercial FPGA Hardware

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rapchun, David

2008-01-01

NASA is developing micro-shutter arrays for the Near Infrared Spectrometer (NIRSpec) instrument on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). These micro-shutter arrays allow NIRspec to do Multi Object Spectroscopy, a key part of the mission. Each array consists of 62414 individual 100 x 200 micron shutters. These shutters are magnetically opened and held electrostatically. Individual shutters are then programmatically closed using a simple row/column addressing technique. A common approach to provide these data/clock patterns is to use a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Such devices require complex VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL) programming and custom electronic hardware. Due to JWST's rapid schedule on the development of the micro-shutters, rapid changes were required to the FPGA code to facilitate new approaches being discovered to optimize the array performance. Such rapid changes simply could not be made using conventional VHDL programming. Subsequently, National Instruments introduced an FPGA product that could be programmed through a Labview interface. Because Labview programming is considerably easier than VHDL programming, this method was adopted and brought success. The software/hardware allowed the rapid change the FPGA code and timely results of new micro-shutter array performance data. As a result, numerous labor hours and money to the project were conserved.

Architected Agile Solutions for Software-Reliant Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boehm, Barry; Lane, Jo Ann; Koolmanojwong, Supannika; Turner, Richard

Systems are becoming increasingly reliant on software due to needs for rapid fielding of “70% capabilities,” interoperability, net-centricity, and rapid adaptation to change. The latter need has led to increased interest in agile methods of software development, in which teams rely on shared tacit interpersonal knowledge rather than explicit documented knowledge. However, such systems often need to be scaled up to higher level of performance and assurance, requiring stronger architectural support. Several organizations have recently transformed themselves by developing successful combinations of agility and architecture that can scale to projects of up to 100 personnel. This chapter identifies a set of key principles for such architected agile solutions for software-reliant systems, provides guidance for how much architecting is enough, and illustrates the key principles with several case studies.

An Overview of the History of Orthopedic Surgery.

PubMed

Swarup, Ishaan; O'Donnell, Joseph F

Orthopedic surgery has a long and rich history. While the modern term orthopedics was coined in the 1700s, orthopedic principles were beginning to be developed and used during primitive times. The Egyptians continued these practices, and described ways to recognize and manage common orthopedic conditions. The Greeks and Romans subsequently began to study medicine in a systematic manner, and greatly improved our understanding of orthopedic anatomy and surgical technique. After a period of little progress during the Middle Ages, rapid advancement was noted during the Renaissance, including the description of various injuries, improvements in surgical technique, and development of orthopedic hospitals. Collectively, these advances provided the foundation for modern orthopedics. Currently, orthopedic surgery is a rapidly developing field that has benefited from the works of numerous scholars and surgeons. It is important to recognize the successes and failures of the past, in order to advance research and practice as well as improve patient care and clinical outcomes.

[Genome editing of industrial microorganism].

PubMed

Zhu, Linjiang; Li, Qi

2015-03-01

Genome editing is defined as highly-effective and precise modification of cellular genome in a large scale. In recent years, such genome-editing methods have been rapidly developed in the field of industrial strain improvement. The quickly-updating methods thoroughly change the old mode of inefficient genetic modification, which is "one modification, one selection marker, and one target site". Highly-effective modification mode in genome editing have been developed including simultaneous modification of multiplex genes, highly-effective insertion, replacement, and deletion of target genes in the genome scale, cut-paste of a large DNA fragment. These new tools for microbial genome editing will certainly be applied widely, and increase the efficiency of industrial strain improvement, and promote the revolution of traditional fermentation industry and rapid development of novel industrial biotechnology like production of biofuel and biomaterial. The technological principle of these genome-editing methods and their applications were summarized in this review, which can benefit engineering and construction of industrial microorganism.

Psi4NumPy: An Interactive Quantum Chemistry Programming Environment for Reference Implementations and Rapid Development.

PubMed

Smith, Daniel G A; Burns, Lori A; Sirianni, Dominic A; Nascimento, Daniel R; Kumar, Ashutosh; James, Andrew M; Schriber, Jeffrey B; Zhang, Tianyuan; Zhang, Boyi; Abbott, Adam S; Berquist, Eric J; Lechner, Marvin H; Cunha, Leonardo A; Heide, Alexander G; Waldrop, Jonathan M; Takeshita, Tyler Y; Alenaizan, Asem; Neuhauser, Daniel; King, Rollin A; Simmonett, Andrew C; Turney, Justin M; Schaefer, Henry F; Evangelista, Francesco A; DePrince, A Eugene; Crawford, T Daniel; Patkowski, Konrad; Sherrill, C David

2018-06-11

Psi4NumPy demonstrates the use of efficient computational kernels from the open-source Psi4 program through the popular NumPy library for linear algebra in Python to facilitate the rapid development of clear, understandable Python computer code for new quantum chemical methods, while maintaining a relatively low execution time. Using these tools, reference implementations have been created for a number of methods, including self-consistent field (SCF), SCF response, many-body perturbation theory, coupled-cluster theory, configuration interaction, and symmetry-adapted perturbation theory. Furthermore, several reference codes have been integrated into Jupyter notebooks, allowing background, underlying theory, and formula information to be associated with the implementation. Psi4NumPy tools and associated reference implementations can lower the barrier for future development of quantum chemistry methods. These implementations also demonstrate the power of the hybrid C++/Python programming approach employed by the Psi4 program.

Current opinion on auricular reconstruction.

PubMed

Sivayoham, Eason; Woolford, Tim J

2012-08-01

To review the current practice in the field of auricular reconstruction and to highlight the recent advances reported in the medical literature. The majority of surgeons who perform auricular reconstruction continue to employ the well-established techniques developed by Brent and Nagata. Surgery takes between two and four stages, with the initial stage being construction of a framework of autogenous rib cartilage which is implanted into a subcutaneous pocket. Several modifications of these techniques have been reported. More recently, synthetic frameworks have been employed instead of autogenous rib cartilage. For this procedure, the implant is generally covered with a temporoparietal flap and a skin graft at the first stage of surgery. Tissue engineering is a rapidly developing field, and there have been several articles related to the field of auricular reconstruction. These show great potential to offer a solution to the challenge associated with construction of a viable autogenous cartilage framework, whilst avoiding donor-site morbidity. This article gives an overview of the current practice in the field of auricular reconstruction and summarizes the recent surgical developments and relevant tissue engineering research.

GIS/RS-based Rapid Reassessment for Slope Land Capability Classification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, T. Y.; Chompuchan, C.

2014-12-01

Farmland resources in Taiwan are limited because about 73% is mountainous and slope land. Moreover, the rapid urbanization and dense population resulted in the highly developed flat area. Therefore, the utilization of slope land for agriculture is more needed. In 1976, "Slope Land Conservation and Utilization Act" was promulgated to regulate the slope land utilization. Consequently, slope land capability was categorized into Class I-IV according to 4 criteria, i.e., average land slope, effective soil depth, degree of soil erosion, and parent rock. The slope land capability Class I-VI are suitable for cultivation and pasture. Whereas, Class V should be used for forestry purpose and Class VI should be the conservation land which requires intensive conservation practices. The field survey was conducted to categorize each land unit as the classification scheme. The landowners may not allow to overuse land capability limitation. In the last decade, typhoons and landslides frequently devastated in Taiwan. The rapid post-disaster reassessment of the slope land capability classification is necessary. However, the large-scale disaster on slope land is the constraint of field investigation. This study focused on using satellite remote sensing and GIS as the rapid re-evaluation method. Chenyulan watershed in Nantou County, Taiwan was selected to be a case study area. Grid-based slope derivation, topographic wetness index (TWI) and USLE soil loss calculation were used to classify slope land capability. The results showed that GIS-based classification give an overall accuracy of 68.32%. In addition, the post-disaster areas of Typhoon Morakot in 2009, which interpreted by SPOT satellite imageries, were suggested to classify as the conservation lands. These tools perform better in the large coverage post-disaster update for slope land capability classification and reduce time-consuming, manpower and material resources to the field investigation.

NASA Space Biology Research Associate Program for the 21st Century

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sonnenfeld, Gerald

1999-01-01

The Space Biology Research Associate Program for the 21st Century provided a unique opportunity to train individuals to conduct biological research in hypo- and hyper-gravity, and to conduct ground-based research. This grant was developed to maximize the potential for Space Biology as an emerging discipline and to train a cadre of space biologists. The field of gravitational and space biology is rapidly growing at the future of the field is reflected in the quality and education of its personnel. Our chief objective was to train and develop these scientists rapidly and in a cost effective manner. The program began on June 1, 1980 with funding to support several Research Associates each year. 113 awards, plus 1 from an independently supported minority component were made for the Research Associates program. The program was changed from a one year award with a possibility for renewal to a two year award. In 1999, the decision was made by NASA to discontinue the program due to development of new priorities for funding. This grant was discontinued because of the move of the Program Director to a new institution; a new grant was provided to that new institution to allow completion of the training of the remaining 2 research associates in 1999. After 1999, the program will be discontinued.

Resonance Raman microscopy in combination with partial dark-field microscopy lights up a new path in malaria diagnostics.

PubMed

Wood, Bayden R; Hermelink, Antje; Lasch, Peter; Bambery, Keith R; Webster, Grant T; Khiavi, Mehdi Asghari; Cooke, Brian M; Deed, Samantha; Naumann, Dieter; McNaughton, Don

2009-06-01

Our goal is to produce a rapid and accurate diagnostic tool for malaria using resonance Raman spectroscopy to detect small inclusions of haemozoin in Plasmodium falciparum infected red blood cells. In pursuit of this aim we serendipitously discovered a partial dark-field effect generated by our experimental setup, which helps identify in thick blood films potential parasites that are normally difficult to see with conventional bright-field microscopy. The haemozoin deposits 'light up' and these can be selectively targeted with the Raman microscope to confirm the presence or absence of haemozoin by the strong 1569 cm(-1) band, which is a marker for haemozoin. With newly developed imaging Raman microscopes incorporating ultra-sensitive rapid readout CCDs it is possible to obtain spectra with a good signal-to-noise ratio in 1 second. Moreover, images from a smear of potentially infected cells can be recorded and analysed with multivariate methods. The reconstructed images show what appear to be sub-micron-inclusions of haemozoin in some cells indicating that the technique has potential to identify low pigmented forms of the parasite including early trophozoite-stage infected cells. Further work is required to unambiguously confirm the presence of such forms through systematic staining but the results are indeed promising and may lead to the development of a new Raman-based malaria diagnostic.

Emerging nanotechnology based strategies for diagnosis and therapeutics of urinary tract infections: A review.

PubMed

Kumar, M S; Das, A P

2017-11-01

At present, various diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are available for urinary tract infections. But, still the quest for development of more rapid, accurate and reliable approach is an unending process. The pathogens, especially uropathogens are adapting to new environments and antibiotics day by day rapidly. Therefore, urinary tract infections are evolving as hectic and difficult to eradicate, increasing the economic burden to the society. The technological advances should be able to compete the adaptability characteristics of microorganisms to combat their growth in new environments and thereby preventing their infections. Nanotechnology is at present an extensively developing area of immense scientific interest since it has diverse potential applications in biomedical field. Nanotechnology may be combined with cellular therapy approaches to overcome the limitations caused by conventional therapeutics. Nanoantibiotics and drug delivery using nanotechnology are currently growing areas of research in biomedical field. Recently, various categories of antibacterial nanoparticles and nanocarriers for drug delivery have shown their potential in the treatment of infectious diseases. Nanoparticles, compared to conventional antibiotics, are more beneficial in terms of decreasing toxicity, prevailing over resistance and lessening costs. Nanoparticles present long term therapeutic effects since they are retained in body for relatively longer periods. This review focuses on recent advances in the field of nanotechnology, principally emphasizing diagnostics and therapeutics of urinary tract infections. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Volumetric-modulated arc therapy (RapidArc) vs. conventional fixed-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy for {sup 18}F-FDG-PET-guided dose escalation in oropharyngeal cancer: A planning study

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

Teoh, May, E-mail: m.teoh@nhs.net; Beveridge, Sabeena; Wood, Katie

2013-04-01

Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography ({sup 18}F-FDG-PET)–guided focal dose escalation in oropharyngeal cancer may potentially improve local control. We evaluated the feasibility of this approach using volumetric-modulated arc therapy (RapidArc) and compared these plans with fixed-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) focal dose escalation plans. Materials and methods: An initial study of 20 patients compared RapidArc with fixed-field IMRT using standard dose prescriptions. From this cohort, 10 were included in a dose escalation planning study. Dose escalation was applied to {sup 18}F-FDG-PET–positive regions in the primary tumor at dose levels of 5% (DL1), 10% (DL2), and 15% (DL3) above standard radical dose (65 Gymore » in 30 fractions). Fixed-field IMRT and double-arc RapidArc plans were generated for each dataset. Dose-volume histograms were used for plan evaluation and comparison. The Paddick conformity index (CI{sub Paddick}) and monitor units (MU) for each plan were recorded and compared. Both IMRT and RapidArc produced clinically acceptable plans and achieved planning objectives for target volumes. Dose conformity was significantly better in the RapidArc plans, with lower CI{sub Paddick} scores in both primary (PTV1) and elective (PTV2) planning target volumes (largest difference in PTV1 at DL3; 0.81 ± 0.03 [RapidArc] vs. 0.77 ± 0.07 [IMRT], p = 0.04). Maximum dose constraints for spinal cord and brainstem were not exceeded in both RapidArc and IMRT plans, but mean doses were higher with RapidArc (by 2.7 ± 1 Gy for spinal cord and 1.9 ± 1 Gy for brainstem). Contralateral parotid mean dose was lower with RapidArc, which was statistically significant at DL1 (29.0 vs. 29.9 Gy, p = 0.01) and DL2 (29.3 vs. 30.3 Gy, p = 0.03). MU were reduced by 39.8–49.2% with RapidArc (largest difference at DL3, 641 ± 94 vs. 1261 ± 118, p < 0.01). {sup 18}F-FDG-PET–guided focal dose escalation in oropharyngeal cancer is feasible with RapidArc. Compared with conventional fixed-field IMRT, RapidArc can achieve better dose conformity, improve contralateral parotid sparing, and uses fewer MU.« less

Collaborative Research: Bringing Problem Solving in the Field into the Classroom: Developing and Assessing Virtual Field Trips for Teaching Sedimentary and Introductory Geology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, P.; Caldwell, M.

2012-12-01

Coastal Florida offers a unique setting for the facilitation of learning about a variety of modern sedimentary environments. Despite the conflicting concept of "virtual" and "actual" field trip, and the uncertainties associated with the implementation and effectiveness, virtual trips provide likely the only way to reach a large diversified student population and eliminate travel time and expenses. In addition, with rapidly improving web and visualization technology, field trips can be simulated virtually. It is therefore essential to systematically develop and assess the educational effectiveness of virtual field trips. This project is developing, implementing, and assessing a series of virtual field trips for teaching undergraduate sedimentary geology at a large four-year research university and introductory geology at a large two-year community college. The virtual field trip is based on a four-day actual field trip for a senior level sedimentary geology class. Two versions of the virtual field trip, one for advanced class and one for introductory class, are being produced. The educational outcome of the virtual field trip will be compared to that from actual field trip. This presentation summarizes Year 1 achievements of the three-year project. The filming, editing, and initial production of the virtual field trip have been completed. Formative assessments were conducted by the Coalition for Science Literacy at the University of South Florida. Once tested and refined, the virtual field trips will be disseminated through broadly used web portals and workshops at regional and national meetings.

PREFACE: Synthesis and integration of nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samuelson, L.

2006-06-01

The field of semiconductor nanowires has attracted much attention in recent years, from the areas of basic materials science, advanced characterization and technology, as well as from the perspective of the applications of nanowires. Research on large-sized whiskers and wires had already begun in the 1960s with the pioneering work of Wagner, as well as by other researchers. It was, however, in the early 1990s that Kenji Hiruma at Hitachi Central Research Laboratories in Japan first succeeded in developing methods for the growth of nanowires with dimensions on the scale of 10-100 nm, thereby initiating the field of growth and applications of nanowires, with a strong emphasis on epitaxial nucleation of nanowires on a single-crystalline substrate. Starting from the mid-1990s, the field developed very rapidly with the number of papers on the subject growing from ten per year to several thousand papers on the subject published annually today, although with a rather generous definition of the concept of nanowires. With this rapid development we have seen many new and different approaches to the growth of nanowires, technological advances leading to a more well-controlled formation of nanowires, new innovative methods for the characterization of structures, as well as a wealth of approaches towards the use of nanowires in electronics, photonics and sensor applications. This issue contains contributions from many different laboratories, each adding significant detail to the development of the field of research. The contributions cover issues such as basic growth, advanced characterization and technology, and application of nanowires. I would like to acknowledge the shared responsibilities for this special issue of Nanotechnology on the synthesis and integration of nanowires with my co-Editors, S Tong Lee and M Sunkara, as well as the highly professional support from Dr Nina Couzin, Dr Ian Forbes and the Nanotechnology team from the Institute of Physics Publishing.

Survey of the Effects of Exposure to 900 MHz Radiofrequency Radiation Emitted by a GSM Mobile Phone on the Pattern of Muscle Contractions in an Animal Model.

PubMed

Mortazavi, S M J; Rahimi, S; Talebi, A; Soleimani, A; Rafati, A

2015-09-01

The rapid development of wireless telecommunication technologies over the past decades, has led to significant changes in the exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields. Nowadays, people are continuously exposed to different sources of electromagnetic fields such as mobile phones, mobile base stations, cordless phones, Wi-Fi routers, and power lines. Therefore, the last decade witnessed a rapidly growing concern about the possible health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by these sources. In this study that was aimed at investigating the effects of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation emitted by a GSM mobile phone on the pattern of contraction in frog's isolated gastrocnemius muscle after stimulation with single square pulses of 1V (1 Hz), pulse height of contractions, the time interval between two subsequent contractions and the latency period were measured. Our findings showed that the pulse height of contractions muscle could be affected by the exposure to electromagnetic fields. Especially, the latency period was effectively altered in RF-exposed samples. However, none of the experiments could show an alteration in the time interval between two subsequent contractions after exposure to electromagnetic fields. These findings support early reports which indicated a wide variety of non-thermal effects of electromagnetic radiation on amphibians including the effects on the pattern of muscle extractions.

Adding Impacts and Mitigation Measures to OpenEI's RAPID Toolkit

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

Vogel, Erin

The Open Energy Information platform hosts the Regulatory and Permitting Information Desktop (RAPID) Toolkit to provide renewable energy permitting information on federal and state regulatory processes. One of the RAPID Toolkit's functions is to help streamline the geothermal permitting processes outlined in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This is particularly important in the geothermal energy sector since each development phase requires separate land analysis to acquire exploration, well field drilling, and power plant construction permits. Using the Environmental Assessment documents included in RAPID's NEPA Database, the RAPID team identified 37 resource categories that a geothermal project may impact. Examplesmore » include impacts to geology and minerals, nearby endangered species, or water quality standards. To provide federal regulators, project developers, consultants, and the public with typical impacts and mitigation measures for geothermal projects, the RAPID team has provided overview webpages of each of these 37 resource categories with a sidebar query to reference related NEPA documents in the NEPA Database. This project is an expansion of a previous project that analyzed the time to complete NEPA environmental review for various geothermal activities. The NEPA review not only focused on geothermal projects within the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service managed lands, but also projects funded by the Department of Energy. Timeline barriers found were: extensive public comments and involvement; content overlap in NEPA documents, and discovery of impacted resources such as endangered species or cultural sites.« less

Mangrove forest against dyke-break-induced tsunami on rapidly subsiding coasts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takagi, Hiroshi; Mikami, Takahito; Fujii, Daisuke; Esteban, Miguel; Kurobe, Shota

2016-07-01

Thin coastal dykes typically found in developing countries may suddenly collapse due to rapid land subsidence, material ageing, sea-level rise, high wave attack, earthquakes, landslides, or a collision with vessels. Such a failure could trigger dam-break tsunami-type flooding, or "dyke-break-induced tsunami", a possibility which has so far been overlooked in the field of coastal disaster science and management. To analyse the potential consequences of one such flooding event caused by a dyke failure, a hydrodynamic model was constructed based on the authors' field surveys of a vulnerable coastal location in Jakarta, Indonesia. In a 2 m land subsidence scenario - which is expected to take place in the study area after only about 10-20 years - the model results show that the floodwaters rapidly rise to a height of nearly 3 m, resembling the flooding pattern of earthquake-induced tsunamis. The depth-velocity product criterion suggests that many of the narrow pedestrian paths behind the dyke could experience strong flows, which are far greater than the safe limits that would allow pedestrian evacuation. A couple of alternative scenarios were also considered to investigate how such flood impacts could be mitigated by creating a mangrove belt in front of the dyke as an additional safety measure. The dyke-break-induced tsunamis, which in many areas are far more likely than regular earthquake tsunamis, cannot be overlooked and thus should be considered in disaster management and urban planning along the coasts of many developing countries.

Optical resonance-enhanced absorption-based near-field immunochip biosensor for allergen detection.

PubMed

Maier, Irene; Morgan, Michael R A; Lindner, Wolfgang; Pittner, Fritz

2008-04-15

An optical immunochip biosensor has been developed as a rapid method for allergen detection in complex food matrixes, and its application evaluated for the detection of the egg white allergens, ovalbumin and ovomucoid. The optical near-field phenomenon underlying the basic principle of the sensor design is called resonance-enhanced absorption (REA), which utilizes gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) as signal transducers in a highly sensitive interferometric setup. Using this approach, a novel, simple, and rapid colorimetric solid-phase immunoassay on a planar chip substrate was realized in direct and sandwich assay formats, with a detection system that does not require any instrumentation for readout. Semiquantitative immunochemical responses are directly visible to the naked eye of the analyst. The biosensor shows concentration-dependent color development by capturing antibody-functionalized Au NPs on allergen-coated chips and has a detection limit of 1 ng/mL. To establish a rapid method, we took advantage of the physicochemical microenvironment of the Au NP-antibody bioconjugate to be bound directly over an interacting poly(styrene-methyl methacrylate) interlayer by an immobilized antigen. In the direct assay format, a coating time with allergen of only 5 min under "soft" nondenaturing conditions was sufficient for accurate reproducibility and sensitivity. In conclusion, the REA-based immunochip sensor is easy to fabricate, is reproducible and selective in its performance, has minimal technical requirements, and will enable high-throughput screening of affinity binding interactions in technological and medical applications.

Emerging interdisciplinary fields in the coming intelligence/convergence era

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noor, Ahmed K.

2012-09-01

Dramatic advances are in the horizon resulting from rapid pace of development of several technologies, including, computing, communication, mobile, robotic, and interactive technologies. These advances, along with the trend towards convergence of traditional engineering disciplines with physical, life and other science disciplines will result in the development of new interdisciplinary fields, as well as in new paradigms for engineering practice in the coming intelligence/convergence era (post-information age). The interdisciplinary fields include Cyber Engineering, Living Systems Engineering, Biomechatronics/Robotics Engineering, Knowledge Engineering, Emergent/Complexity Engineering, and Multiscale Systems engineering. The paper identifies some of the characteristics of the intelligence/convergence era, gives broad definition of convergence, describes some of the emerging interdisciplinary fields, and lists some of the academic and other organizations working in these disciplines. The need is described for establishing a Hierarchical Cyber-Physical Ecosystem for facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations, and accelerating development of skilled workforce in the new fields. The major components of the ecosystem are listed. The new interdisciplinary fields will yield critical advances in engineering practice, and help in addressing future challenges in broad array of sectors, from manufacturing to energy, transportation, climate, and healthcare. They will also enable building large future complex adaptive systems-of-systems, such as intelligent multimodal transportation systems, optimized multi-energy systems, intelligent disaster prevention systems, and smart cities.

Same-Day Imaging Using Small Proteins: Clinical Experience and Translational Prospects in Oncology.

PubMed

Krasniqi, Ahmet; D'Huyvetter, Matthias; Devoogdt, Nick; Frejd, Fredrik Y; Sörensen, Jens; Orlova, Anna; Keyaerts, Marleen; Tolmachev, Vladimir

2018-06-01

Imaging of expression of therapeutic targets may enable stratification of patients for targeted treatments. The use of small radiolabeled probes based on the heavy-chain variable region of heavy-chain-only immunoglobulins or nonimmunoglobulin scaffolds permits rapid localization of radiotracers in tumors and rapid clearance from normal tissues. This makes high-contrast imaging possible on the day of injection. This mini review focuses on small proteins for radionuclide-based imaging that would allow same-day imaging, with the emphasis on clinical applications and promising preclinical developments within the field of oncology. © 2018 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

Observing Tropical Cyclones from the Global Hawk: HAMSR Results from GRIP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lambrigtsen, B.; Brown, S.; Behrangi, A.

2011-12-01

The Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) recently acquired by NASA was flown for the first time in 2010 in a hurricane field campaign, the NASA Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) experiment. One of the primary payloads was the High Altitude MMIC Sounding Radiometer (HAMSR) developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. HAMSR is a cloud penetrating microwave sounder that provides a picture of the state of the atmosphere, such as the thermodynamic environment around hurricanes and the convective structure in the inner core. We show results from GRIP, including analysis of observations of Hurricane Karl during 13 hours during a period of rapid intensification.

New light field camera based on physical based rendering tracing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2014-03-01

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

Rapid Microfluidic Mixers Utilizing Dispersion Effect and Interactively Time-Pulsed Injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leong, Jik-Chang; Tsai, Chien-Hsiung; Chang, Chin-Lung; Lin, Chiu-Feng; Fu, Lung-Ming

2007-08-01

In this paper, we present a novel active microfluidic mixer utilizing a dispersion effect in an expansion chamber and applying interactively time-pulsed driving voltages to the respective inlet fluid flows to induce electroosmotic flow velocity variations for developing a rapid mixing effect in a microchannel. Without using any additional equipment to induce flow perturbations, only a single high-voltage power source is required for simultaneously driving and mixing sample fluids, which results in a simple and low-cost system for mixing. The effects of the applied main electrical field, interactive frequency, and expansion ratio on the mixing performance are thoroughly examined experimentally and numerically. The mixing ratio can be as high as 95% within a mixing length of 3000 μm downstream from the secondary T-form when a driving electric field strength of 250 V/cm, a periodic switching frequency of 5 Hz, and the expansion ratio M=1:10 are applied. In addition, the optimization of the driving electric field, switching frequency, expansion ratio, expansion entry length, and expansion chamber length for achieving a maximum mixing ratio is also discussed in this study. The novel method proposed in this study can be used for solving the mixing problem in the field of micro-total-analysis systems in a simple manner.

Rapid mapping of compound eye visual sampling parameters with FACETS, a highly automated wide-field goniometer.

PubMed

Douglass, John K; Wehling, Martin F

2016-12-01

A highly automated goniometer instrument (called FACETS) has been developed to facilitate rapid mapping of compound eye parameters for investigating regional visual field specializations. The instrument demonstrates the feasibility of analyzing the complete field of view of an insect eye in a fraction of the time required if using non-motorized, non-computerized methods. Faster eye mapping makes it practical for the first time to employ sample sizes appropriate for testing hypotheses about the visual significance of interspecific differences in regional specializations. Example maps of facet sizes are presented from four dipteran insects representing the Asilidae, Calliphoridae, and Stratiomyidae. These maps provide the first quantitative documentation of the frontal enlarged-facet zones (EFZs) that typify asilid eyes, which, together with the EFZs in male Calliphoridae, are likely to be correlated with high-spatial-resolution acute zones. The presence of EFZs contrasts sharply with the almost homogeneous distribution of facet sizes in the stratiomyid. Moreover, the shapes of EFZs differ among species, suggesting functional specializations that may reflect differences in visual ecology. Surveys of this nature can help identify species that should be targeted for additional studies, which will elucidate fundamental principles and constraints that govern visual field specializations and their evolution.

Diagnostic tools based on minor groove binder probe technology for rapid identification of vaccinal and field strains of canine parvovirus type 2b.

PubMed

Decaro, Nicola; Martella, Vito; Elia, Gabriella; Desario, Costantina; Campolo, Marco; Buonavoglia, Domenico; Bellacicco, Anna Lucia; Tempesta, Maria; Buonavoglia, Canio

2006-12-01

TaqMan-based diagnostic tests have been developed for the identification of canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) strains in the faeces of dogs with diarrhoea, including a minor groove binder (MGB) probe assay for identification of type 2-based vaccines and field strains (types 2a, 2b and 2c). Since type 2b vaccines have been licensed recently in Europe, two novel MGB assays were developed for discrimination between type 2b vaccines and field strains of CPV. Such assays have been found to be highly sensitive, specific and reproducible, allowing for simultaneous detection of type 2b vaccinal and field strains present in the same specimens. These new assays will help resolution of the diagnostic problems related to the detection of a type 2b strain in the faeces of dogs shortly after the administration of a type 2b vaccine.

Development of a serotype colloidal gold strip using monoclonal antibody for rapid detection type Asia1 foot-and-mouth disease

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background In this study, we developed a rapid, one step colloid gold strip (CGS) capable of specifically detecting type Asia1 foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). We have produced two monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to type Asia1 FMD (named 1B8 and 5E2). On the test strip, the purified 1B8 labelled with the colloidal gold was used as the detector, and the purified 5E2 and goat anti-mouse antibodies were wrapped onto nitrocellulose (NC) membranes as the test and the control line, respectively. The rapid colloidal gold stereotype diagnostic strip was housed in a plastic case. Results In specificity and sensitivity assay, there was no cross-reaction of the antigen with the other type of FMD and SVDV. The detection sensitivity was found to be as high as 10-5 dilution of Asia1/JSL/05 (1 × 107.2TCID50/50 μL). There was excellent agreement between the results obtained by CGS and reverse indirect hemagglutination assay (RIHA), and the agreement can reach to 98.75%. Conclusion We developed colloidal gold strips that have good qualities and does not require specialized equipment or technicians. This method provided a feasible, convenient, rapid, and effective for detecting type Asia1 FMDV in the fields. PMID:21880157

Justification of rapid prototyping in the development cycle of thermoplastic-based lab-on-a-chip.

PubMed

Preywisch, Regina; Ritzi-Lehnert, Marion; Drese, Klaus S; Röser, Tina

2011-11-01

During the developmental cycle of lab-on-a-chip devices, various microstructuring techniques are required. While in the designing and assay implementation phase direct structuring or so-called rapid-prototyping methods such as milling or laser ablation are applied, replication methods like hot embossing or injection moulding are favourable for large quantity manufacturing. This work investigated the applicability of rapid-prototyping techniques for thermoplastic chip development in general, and the reproducibility of performances in dependency of the structuring technique. A previously published chip for prenatal diagnosis that preconcentrates DNA via electrokinetic trapping and field-amplified-sample-stacking and afterwards separates it in CGE was chosen as a model. The impact of structuring, sealing, and the integration of membranes on the mobility of the EOF, DNA preconcentration, and DNA separation was studied. Structuring methods were found to significantly change the location where preconcentration of DNA occurs. However, effects on the mobility of the EOF and the separation quality of DNA were not observed. Exchange of the membrane has no effect on the chip performance, whereas the sealing method impairs the separation of DNA within the chip. The overall assay performance is not significantly influenced by different structuring methods; thus, the application of rapid-prototyping methods during a chip development cycle is well justified. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Development of a serotype colloidal gold strip using monoclonal antibody for rapid detection type Asia1 foot-and-mouth disease.

PubMed

Lin, Tong; Shao, Jun-jun; Du, Jun-zheng; Cong, Guo-zheng; Gao, Shan-dian; Chang, Huiyun

2011-09-01

In this study, we developed a rapid, one step colloid gold strip (CGS) capable of specifically detecting type Asia1 foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). We have produced two monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to type Asia1 FMD (named 1B8 and 5E2). On the test strip, the purified 1B8 labelled with the colloidal gold was used as the detector, and the purified 5E2 and goat anti-mouse antibodies were wrapped onto nitrocellulose (NC) membranes as the test and the control line, respectively. The rapid colloidal gold stereotype diagnostic strip was housed in a plastic case. In specificity and sensitivity assay, there was no cross-reaction of the antigen with the other type of FMD and SVDV. The detection sensitivity was found to be as high as 10(-5) dilution of Asia1/JSL/05 (1 × 10(7.2)TCID(50)/50 μL). There was excellent agreement between the results obtained by CGS and reverse indirect hemagglutination assay (RIHA), and the agreement can reach to 98.75%. We developed colloidal gold strips that have good qualities and does not require specialized equipment or technicians. This method provided a feasible, convenient, rapid, and effective for detecting type Asia1 FMDV in the fields.

Assessment of microorganisms from Indonesian Oil Fields

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

Kadarwati, S.; Udiharto, M.; Rahman, M.

1995-12-31

Petroleum resources have been the mainstay of the national development in Indonesia. However, resources are being depleted after over a century of exploitation, while the demand continues to grow with the rapid economic development of the country. In facing the problem, EOR has been applied in Indonesia, such as the steamflooding project in Duri field, but a more energy efficient technology would be preferable. Therefore, MEOR has been recommended as a promising solution. Our study, aimed at finding indigenous microorganisms which can be developed for application in MEOR, has isolated microbes from some oil fields of Indonesia. These microorganisms havemore » been identified, their activities studied, and the effects of their metabolisms examined. This paper describes the research carried out by LEMIGAS in this respect, giving details on the methods of sampling, incubation, identification, and activation of the microbes as well as tests on the effects of their metabolites, with particular attention to those with potential for application in MEOR.« less

Using Magnetic Forces to Probe the Gravi-response of Swimming Paramecium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guevorkian, Karine; Valles, James M., Jr.

2004-03-01

Paramecium Caudatum, a single celled ciliate, alters its swimming behavior when subjected to different gravity environments (e.g. centrifugation and micro-gravity). To dissect the mechanisms behind this gravi-response and that of other biological systems, we are developing the use of magnetic body forces as a means of creating a rapidly tunable, simulated variable gravity environment. Since biological materials are weakly diamagnetic, we must subject them to intense inhomogeneous magnetic fields with characteristic field-field gradient products on the order of 16 T^2/cm. We will describe experiments on Paramecium Caudatum in which we adjust their net buoyancy with magnetic forces and measure the resulting changes in their swimming behavior.

Role of Big Data and Machine Learning in Diagnostic Decision Support in Radiology.

PubMed

Syeda-Mahmood, Tanveer

2018-03-01

The field of diagnostic decision support in radiology is undergoing rapid transformation with the availability of large amounts of patient data and the development of new artificial intelligence methods of machine learning such as deep learning. They hold the promise of providing imaging specialists with tools for improving the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis and treatment. In this article, we will describe the growth of this field for radiology and outline general trends highlighting progress in the field of diagnostic decision support from the early days of rule-based expert systems to cognitive assistants of the modern era. Copyright © 2018 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chlorine residuals and haloacetic acid reduction in rapid sand filtration.

PubMed

Chuang, Yi-Hsueh; Wang, Gen-Shuch; Tung, Hsin-hsin

2011-11-01

It is quite rare to find biodegradation in rapid sand filtration for drinking water treatment. This might be due to frequent backwashes and low substrate levels. High chlorine concentrations may inhibit biofilm development, especially for plants with pre-chlorination. However, in tropical or subtropical regions, bioactivity on the sand surface may be quite significant due to high biofilm development--a result of year-round high temperature. The objective of this study is to explore the correlation between biodegradation and chlorine concentration in rapid sand filters, especially for the water treatment plants that practise pre-chlorination. In this study, haloacetic acid (HAA) biodegradation was found in conventional rapid sand filters practising pre-chlorination. Laboratory column studies and field investigations were conducted to explore the association between the biodegradation of HAAs and chlorine concentrations. The results showed that chlorine residual was an important factor that alters bioactivity development. A model based on filter influent and effluent chlorine was developed for determining threshold chlorine for biodegradation. From the model, a temperature independent chlorine concentration threshold (Cl(threshold)) for biodegradation was estimated at 0.46-0.5mgL(-1). The results imply that conventional filters with adequate control could be conducive to bioactivity, resulting in lower HAA concentrations. Optimizing biodegradable disinfection by-product removal in conventional rapid sand filter could be achieved with minor variation and a lower-than-Cl(threshold) influent chlorine concentration. Bacteria isolation was also carried out, successfully identifying several HAA degraders. These degraders are very commonly seen in drinking water systems and can be speculated as the main contributor of HAA loss. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Spin-Label CW Microwave Power Saturation and Rapid Passage with Triangular Non-Adiabatic Rapid Sweep (NARS) and Adiabatic Rapid Passage (ARP) EPR Spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Kittell, Aaron W.; Hyde, James S.

2015-01-01

Non-adiabatic rapid passage (NARS) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was introduced by Kittell, A.W., Camenisch, T.G., Ratke, J.J. Sidabras, J.W., Hyde, J.S., 2011 as a general purpose technique to collect the pure absorption response. The technique has been used to improve sensitivity relative to sinusoidal magnetic field modulation, increase the range of inter-spin distances that can be measured under near physiological conditions, and enhance spectral resolution in copper (II) spectra. In the present work, the method is extended to CW microwave power saturation of spin-labeled T4 Lysozyme (T4L). As in the cited papers, rapid triangular sweep of the polarizing magnetic field was superimposed on slow sweep across the spectrum. Adiabatic rapid passage (ARP) effects were encountered in samples undergoing very slow rotational diffusion as the triangular magnetic field sweep rate was increased. The paper reports results of variation of experimental parameters at the interface of adiabatic and non-adiabatic rapid sweep conditions. Comparison of the forward (up) and reverse (down) triangular sweeps is shown to be a good indicator of the presence of rapid passage effects. Spectral turning points can be distinguished from spectral regions between turning points in two ways: differential microwave power saturation and differential passage effects. Oxygen accessibility data are shown under NARS conditions that appear similar to conventional field modulation data. However, the sensitivity is much higher, permitting, in principle, experiments at substantially lower protein concentrations. Spectral displays were obtained that appear sensitive to rotational diffusion in the range of rotational correlation times of 10−3 to 10−7 s in a manner that is analogous to saturation transfer spectroscopy. PMID:25917132

Recent development on computer aided tissue engineering--a review.

PubMed

Sun, Wei; Lal, Pallavi

2002-02-01

The utilization of computer-aided technologies in tissue engineering has evolved in the development of a new field of computer-aided tissue engineering (CATE). This article reviews recent development and application of enabling computer technology, imaging technology, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD and CAM), and rapid prototyping (RP) technology in tissue engineering, particularly, in computer-aided tissue anatomical modeling, three-dimensional (3-D) anatomy visualization and 3-D reconstruction, CAD-based anatomical modeling, computer-aided tissue classification, computer-aided tissue implantation and prototype modeling assisted surgical planning and reconstruction.

The role of bedrock in creating habitat in temperate watercourses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Entwistle, N. S.; Heritage, G. L.; Milan, D. J.

2016-12-01

Bedrock influenced rivers are a relatively common yet little studied river type across temperate regions, occurring predominantly in upland areas and in areas where isostatic rebound has promoted rapid watercourse downcutting through resistant bedrock. The presence of bedrock in the bed and banks exerts a major influence on channel development, controlling local flow hydraulics and subsequently influencing in-channel and valley bottom sedimentary feature development. This paper summarises extensive field audit evidence of bedrock influenced features on watercourses in the UK to characterise the diverse morphology of bedrock influenced channels and reviews the bedrock induced hydraulic influences on their development and maintenance. Such features include bedrock waterfalls, steps, rapids and cascades and associated alluvial deposits forming lee bars, bedrock obstruction bars, plunge pool bars and fine sediment drapes and veneers. Bedrock influence on valley bottom features is also reviewed and a functional typology is developed for this river type based on the feature assemblage and degree of bedrock/alluvial influence.

The light-sheet microscopy revolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Girkin, J. M.; Carvalho, M. T.

2018-05-01

This paper reviews the rapid advances that have been made in one form of optical biological imaging in the last decade, namely that of light sheet microscopy. Although the concept was originally presented over one hundred years ago, at the time it was a methodology that lacked the technology to really make it a viable tool for practical everyday imaging in the biologist’s laboratory. However, since its re-discovery, it has started to transform in vivo and increasingly intact organ imaging in a number of areas of biology. This review looks back at the beginning of the method and then the crucial role that modern optical technology, frequently developed for other fields, has played in advancing the instrumentation. This paper will also look at the OpenSPIM route that was developed whereby, through the purchase of a few optical components, researchers have been able to develop their own bespoke instruments and we consider if this may be a route forward for the rapid development of other technological breakthroughs.

Cardiotoxicity screening: a review of rapid-throughput in vitro approaches.

PubMed

Li, Xichun; Zhang, Rui; Zhao, Bin; Lossin, Christoph; Cao, Zhengyu

2016-08-01

Cardiac toxicity represents one of the leading causes of drug failure along different stages of drug development. Multiple very successful pharmaceuticals had to be pulled from the market or labeled with strict usage warnings due to adverse cardiac effects. In order to protect clinical trial participants and patients, the International Conference on Harmonization published guidelines to recommend that all new drugs to be tested preclinically for hERG (Kv11.1) channel sensitivity before submitting for regulatory reviews. However, extensive studies have demonstrated that measurement of hERG activity has limitations due to the multiple molecular targets of drug compound through which it may mitigate or abolish a potential arrhythmia, and therefore, a model measuring multiple ion channel effects is likely to be more predictive. Several phenotypic rapid-throughput methods have been developed to predict the potential cardiac toxic compounds in the early stages of drug development using embryonic stem cells- or human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. These rapid-throughput methods include microelectrode array-based field potential assay, impedance-based or Ca(2+) dynamics-based cardiomyocytes contractility assays. This review aims to discuss advantages and limitations of these phenotypic assays for cardiac toxicity assessment.

MAGNETIC BRAIDING AND PARALLEL ELECTRIC FIELDS

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

Wilmot-Smith, A. L.; Hornig, G.; Pontin, D. I.

2009-05-10

The braiding of the solar coronal magnetic field via photospheric motions-with subsequent relaxation and magnetic reconnection-is one of the most widely debated ideas of solar physics. We readdress the theory in light of developments in three-dimensional magnetic reconnection theory. It is known that the integrated parallel electric field along field lines is the key quantity determining the rate of reconnection, in contrast with the two-dimensional case where the electric field itself is the important quantity. We demonstrate that this difference becomes crucial for sufficiently complex magnetic field structures. A numerical method is used to relax a braided magnetic field towardmore » an ideal force-free equilibrium; the field is found to remain smooth throughout the relaxation, with only large-scale current structures. However, a highly filamentary integrated parallel current structure with extremely short length-scales is found in the field, with the associated gradients intensifying during the relaxation process. An analytical model is developed to show that, in a coronal situation, the length scales associated with the integrated parallel current structures will rapidly decrease with increasing complexity, or degree of braiding, of the magnetic field. Analysis shows the decrease in these length scales will, for any finite resistivity, eventually become inconsistent with the stability of the coronal field. Thus the inevitable consequence of the magnetic braiding process is a loss of equilibrium of the magnetic field, probably via magnetic reconnection events.« less

Recent technological advancements in tuberculosis diagnostics - A review.

PubMed

Gupta, Shagun; Kakkar, Vipan

2018-09-15

Early diagnosis and on-time effective treatment are indispensable for Tuberculosis (TB) control - a life threatening infectious communicable disease. The conventional techniques for diagnosing TB normally take two to three weeks. This delay in diagnosis and further increase in detection complexity due to the emerging risks of XDR-TB (Extensively drug Resistant-TB) and MDR-TB (Multidrug Resistant-TB) are evoking interest of researchers in the field of developing rapid TB detection techniques such as biosensing and other point-of-care (POC) techniques. Biosensing technologies along with the collaboration with nanotechnology have enormous potential to boost the MTB detection and for overall management in clinical diagnosis. A diverse range of portable, sensitive and rapid biosensors based on different signal transducer principles and with different biomarkers detection capabilities have been developed for TB detection in the early stages. Further, a lot of progress has been achieved over the years in developing various point-of-care diagnostic tools including non-molecular methods and molecular techniques. The objective of this study is to present a succinct review of the available TB detection techniques that are either in use or under development. The focus of this review is on the current developments occurred in nano-biosensing technologies. A synopsis of ameliorations in different non-molecular diagnostic tools and progress in the field of molecular techniques along with the role of emerging Lab-on-Chip technology for diagnosing and mitigating the TB consequences have also been presented. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Validation of Rapid Radiochemical Method for Californium ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Technical Brief In the event of a radiological/nuclear contamination event, the response community would need tools and methodologies to rapidly assess the nature and the extent of contamination. To characterize a radiologically contaminated outdoor area and to inform risk assessment, large numbers of environmental samples would be collected and analyzed over a short period of time. To address the challenge of quickly providing analytical results to the field, the U.S. EPA developed a robust analytical method. This method allows response officials to characterize contaminated areas and to assess the effectiveness of remediation efforts, both rapidly and accurately, in the intermediate and late phases of environmental cleanup. Improvement in sample processing and analysis leads to increased laboratory capacity to handle the analysis of a large number of samples following the intentional or unintentional release of a radiological/nuclear contaminant.

Cell-free synthetic biology for in vitro prototype engineering.

PubMed

Moore, Simon J; MacDonald, James T; Freemont, Paul S

2017-06-15

Cell-free transcription-translation is an expanding field in synthetic biology as a rapid prototyping platform for blueprinting the design of synthetic biological devices. Exemplar efforts include translation of prototype designs into medical test kits for on-site identification of viruses (Zika and Ebola), while gene circuit cascades can be tested, debugged and re-designed within rapid turnover times. Coupled with mathematical modelling, this discipline lends itself towards the precision engineering of new synthetic life. The next stages of cell-free look set to unlock new microbial hosts that remain slow to engineer and unsuited to rapid iterative design cycles. It is hoped that the development of such systems will provide new tools to aid the transition from cell-free prototype designs to functioning synthetic genetic circuits and engineered natural product pathways in living cells. © 2017 The Author(s).

Cell-free synthetic biology for in vitro prototype engineering

PubMed Central

Moore, Simon J.; MacDonald, James T.

2017-01-01

Cell-free transcription–translation is an expanding field in synthetic biology as a rapid prototyping platform for blueprinting the design of synthetic biological devices. Exemplar efforts include translation of prototype designs into medical test kits for on-site identification of viruses (Zika and Ebola), while gene circuit cascades can be tested, debugged and re-designed within rapid turnover times. Coupled with mathematical modelling, this discipline lends itself towards the precision engineering of new synthetic life. The next stages of cell-free look set to unlock new microbial hosts that remain slow to engineer and unsuited to rapid iterative design cycles. It is hoped that the development of such systems will provide new tools to aid the transition from cell-free prototype designs to functioning synthetic genetic circuits and engineered natural product pathways in living cells. PMID:28620040

Development and Validation of a Fast Procedure to Analyze Amoxicillin in River Waters by Direct-Injection LC-MS/MS

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Homem, Vera; Alves, Arminda; Santos, Lu´cia

2014-01-01

A laboratory application with a strong component in analytical chemistry was designed for undergraduate students, in order to introduce a current problem in the environmental science field, the water contamination by antibiotics. Therefore, a simple and rapid method based on direct injection and high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass…

Stem Cells: Taking a Closer Look at the Advancements and Hurdles of Stem Cell Research in Australia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sanderson, Aimee

2008-01-01

The technology surrounding stem cells generates great excitement amongst scientists, media and the community. For science teachers, this means not only embracing and keeping track of the rapid growth and ongoing development in this field but also tackling the ethical and legislative issues surrounding the topic. So what are stem cells, what is all…

Hydrologic Effects of Size and Location of Fields Converted from Drained Pine Forest to Agricultural Cropland

Treesearch

Hyun Woo Kim; Devendra M. Amatya; George M. Chescheir; Wayne R. Skaggs; Jami E. Nettles

2013-01-01

Hydrological effects of land-use change are of great concern to ecohydrologists and watershed managers, especially in the Atlantic coastal plain of the southeastern United States. The concern is attributable to rapid population growth and the resulting pressure to develop forested lands. Many researchers have studied these effects in various scales, with varying...

Current Trends in Ubiquitous Biosensing

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-08-01

fundamental advances have been made in the synergistic combination of research in the fields of microfluidics and optics, coined “optofluidics” [24-26...microfabrication and clean-room techniques for the development of microfluidic devices [27]. Advances in the rapid fabrication of nano- and microfluidic ...Transduction Microfluidic Processing Sample Introduction Optofluidics Enabled Bio-Sensing A B C Figure 4: (A) Schematic diagram of optofluidic tomography

Effect of the Use of Multimedia on Students' Performance: A Case Study of Social Studies Class

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ilhan, Genç Osman; Oruç, Sahin

2016-01-01

The rapidly changing technological developments have affected education as it does every other fields of human endeavor. The number of technology applications used in education increases every day. One of these tools is multimedia. In the studies about the use of multimedia in education, it has been reached that multimedia increases students'…

Impact of Students' Participation to a Facebook Group on Their Motivation and Scores and on Teacher's Evaluation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Montoneri, Bernard

2015-01-01

The development of Information and communications technology (ICT) has brought rapid and profound changes in the field of Education. Nowadays, teachers and students alike are engaging on social networks such as Facebook. This study discusses the benefits of using social network in the classroom. It aims at assessing the impact of Facebook on…

Structural Mass Spectrometry of Proteins Using Hydroxyl Radical Based Protein Footprinting

PubMed Central

Wang, Liwen; Chance, Mark R.

2011-01-01

Structural MS is a rapidly growing field with many applications in basic research and pharmaceutical drug development. In this feature article the overall technology is described and several examples of how hydroxyl radical based footprinting MS can be used to map interfaces, evaluate protein structure, and identify ligand dependent conformational changes in proteins are described. PMID:21770468

Psychometric Properties of the AIR Self-Determination Scale: The Chinese Version (AIR SDS-C) for Chinese People with Intellectual Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wong, P. K. S.; Wong, D. F. K.; Zhuang, X. Y.; Liu, Y.

2017-01-01

Background: The construct of self-determination has received considerable attention in the international field of intellectual disabilities (ID). Recently, there has been a rapid development of this construct in Chinese societies including Hong Kong. However, there is no locally validated instrument to measure self-determination in people with ID.…

"Capping Off" the Development of Graduate Capabilities in the Final Semester Unit for Biological Science Students: Review and Recommendations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Firn, Jennifer

2015-01-01

Biology is the most rapidly evolving scientific field of the 21st century. Biology graduates must be able to integrate concepts and collaborate outside their discipline to solve the most pressing questions of our time, e.g. world hunger, malnutrition, climate change, infectious disease and biosecurity. University educators are attempting to…

Neutron Activation Analysis of Water - A Review

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buchanan, John D.

1971-01-01

Recent developments in this field are emphasized. After a brief review of basic principles, topics discussed include sources of neutrons, pre-irradiation physical and chemical treatment of samples, neutron capture and gamma-ray analysis, and selected applications. Applications of neutron activation analysis of water have increased rapidly within the last few years and may be expected to increase in the future.

The Role of Mother-Tongue Schooling in Eradicating Poverty: A Response to "Language and Poverty", Ed. by Harbert et al.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mufwene, Salikoko S.

2010-01-01

During the past two decades, field linguists have expressed serious concerns over the unprecedented rapid loss of "indigenous languages", the endangerment of many others, and the implications of these processes for the education and economic development of "indigenous populations", among other matters. The book to which this article responds is a…

Development of a lateral flow immunoassay for rapid field detection of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is an aggressive, highly invasive pest ant species from South America that has been introduced into North America, Asia and Australia. Quarantine efforts have been imposed in the United States to minimize the spread of the ant. There remains an acute ...

Teachers' Journal Club: Bridging between the Dynamics of Biological Discoveries and Biology Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brill, Gilat; Falk, Hedda; Yarden, Anat

2003-01-01

Since biology is one of the most dynamic research fields within the natural sciences, the gap between the accumulated knowledge in biology and the knowledge that is taught in schools, increases rapidly with time. Our long-term objective is to develop means to bridge between the dynamics of biological discoveries and the biology teachers and…

Initial Validation of the Chinese Quality of Life Questionnaire-Intellectual Disabilities (CQOL-ID): A Cultural Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wong, P. K. S.; Wong, D. F. K.; Schalock, R. L.; Chou, Y-C.

2011-01-01

Background: In the field of intellectual disabilities (ID), the quality of life concept has been developing rapidly in Chinese societies including Hong Kong, mainland China and Taiwan. However, there is a lack of locally validated instruments to measure the quality of life of people with ID. The study reported in this paper attempted to validate…

Pre-commercial thinning not recommended for Virginia pine stands in southern Maryland

Treesearch

R. H. Fenton; A. R. Bond

1965-01-01

Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana Mill.) normally develops such dense stands on suitable sites, as in old fields, that thinning would seem to be a good silvicultural practice. Seedling stands may have 10,000 or more stems per acre, and stands 20 years old may still contain 2,000 trees. Even though rapid differentiation of crowns occurs in this...

The Health Impact Assessment (HIA) Resource and Tool Compilation: A Comprehensive Toolkit for New and Experienced HIA Practitioners in the U.S.

EPA Science Inventory

Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a relatively new and rapidly emerging field in the U.S. An inventory of available HIA resources and tools was conducted, with a primary focus on resources developed in the U.S. The resources and tools available to HIA practitioners in the conduct...

Analysis of a Reverse Transcription Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP) for yellow fever diagnostic.

PubMed

Nunes, Marcio R T; Vianez, João Lídio; Nunes, Keley N B; da Silva, Sandro Patroca; Lima, Clayton P S; Guzman, Hilda; Martins, Lívia C; Carvalho, Valéria L; Tesh, Robert B; Vasconcelos, Pedro F C

2015-12-15

Yellow Fever virus (YFV) is an important human pathogen in tropical areas of Africa and South America. Although an efficient vaccine is available and has been used since the early 1940s, sylvatic YFV transmission still occurs in forested areas where anthropogenic actions are present, such as mineral extraction, rearing livestock and agriculture, and ecological tourism. In this context, two distinct techniques based on the RT-PCR derived method have been previously developed, however both methods are expensive due to the use of thermo cyclers and labeled probes. We developed isothermal genome amplification, which is a rapid, sensitive, specific and low cost molecular approach for YFV genome detection. This assay used a set of degenerate primers designed for the NS1 gene and was able to amplify, within 30 min in isothermal conditions, the YFV 17D vaccine strain derived from an African wild prototype strain (Asibi), as well as field strains from Brazil, other endemic countries from South and Central America, and the Caribbean. The generic RT-LAMP assay could be helpful for YFV surveillance in field and rapid response during outbreaks in endemic areas. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Novel Materials for 3D Printing by Photopolymerization.

PubMed

Layani, Michael; Wang, Xiaofeng; Magdassi, Shlomo

2018-05-13

The field of 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), is developing rapidly in both academic and industrial research environments. New materials and printing technologies, which enable rapid and multimaterial printing, have given rise to new applications and utilizations. However, the main bottleneck for achieving many more applications is the lack of materials with new physical properties. Here, some of the recent reports on novel materials in this field, such as ceramics, glass, shape-memory polymers, and electronics, are reviewed. Although new materials have been reported for all three main printing approaches-fused deposition modeling, binder jetting or laser sintering/melting, and photopolymerization-based approaches, apparently, most of the novel physicochemical properties are associated with materials printed by photopolymerization approaches. Furthermore, the high resolution that can be achieved using this type of 3D printing, together with the new properties, has resulted in new implementations such as microfluidic, biomedical devices, and soft robotics. Therefore, the focus here is on photopolymerization-based additive manufacturing including the recent development of new methods, novel monomers, and photoinitiators, which result in previously inaccessible applications such as complex ceramic structures, embedded electronics, and responsive 3D objects. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Rapid and sensitive determination of tellurium in soil and plant samples by sector-field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Yang, Guosheng; Zheng, Jian; Tagami, Keiko; Uchida, Shigeo

2013-11-15

In this work, we report a rapid and highly sensitive analytical method for the determination of tellurium in soil and plant samples using sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS). Soil and plant samples were digested using Aqua regia. After appropriate dilution, Te in soil and plant samples was directly analyzed without any separation and preconcentration. This simple sample preparation approach avoided to a maximum extent any contamination and loss of Te prior to the analysis. The developed analytical method was validated by the analysis of soil/sediment and plant reference materials. Satisfactory detection limits of 0.17 ng g(-1) for soil and 0.02 ng g(-1) for plant samples were achieved, which meant that the developed method was applicable to studying the soil-to-plant transfer factor of Te. Our work represents for the first time that data on the soil-to-plant transfer factor of Te were obtained for Japanese samples which can be used for the estimation of internal radiation dose of radioactive tellurium due to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Physics of fractional imaging in biomedicine.

PubMed

Sohail, Ayesha; Bég, O A; Li, Zhiwu; Celik, Sebahattin

2018-03-12

The mathematics of imaging is a growing field of research and is evolving rapidly parallel to evolution in the field of imaging. Imaging, which is a sub-field of biomedical engineering, considers novel approaches to visualize biological tissues with the general goal of improving health. "Medical imaging research provides improved diagnostic tools in clinical settings and supports the development of drugs and other therapies. The data acquisition and diagnostic interpretation with minimum error are the important technical aspects of medical imaging. The image quality and resolution are really important in portraying the internal aspects of patient's body. Although there are several user friendly resources for processing image features, such as enhancement, colour manipulation and compression, the development of new processing methods is still worthy of efforts. In this article we aim to present the role of fractional calculus in imaging with the aid of practical examples. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of a computerized field data collection system for health surveys.

PubMed Central

Forster, D.; Behrens, R. H.; Campbell, H.; Byass, P.

1991-01-01

A customized field data collection system (FDCS) has been developed for a hand-held computer to collect and check questionnaire data. The data quality, preparation time, and user acceptability of the system were evaluated during a malaria morbidity survey in Bakau, the Gambia. Eight field-workers collected data with either the FDCS or on paper questionnaire forms in alternate weeks over a 6-week period. Significantly fewer item errors occurred with the FDCS, and by the end of the survey period interview times were significantly less with the FDCS than with the paper and pencil questionnaire. Advanced appropriate technology may have a useful role in providing accurate and rapid information, particularly in overcoming bottlenecks in data processing, and in obviating the need for costly expertise and equipment. In developing countries this could help to improve the quality of data on health care. Images Fig. 1 PMID:2054915

Collaboration Portals for NASA's Airborne Field Campaigns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conover, H.; Kulkarni, A.; Garrett, M.; Goodman, M.; Petersen, W. A.; Drewry, M.; Hardin, D. M.; He, M.

2011-12-01

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), in collaboration with the Global Hydrology Resource Center, a NASA Earth Science Data Center, has provided information management for a number of NASA Airborne Field campaigns, both hurricane science investigations and satellite instrument validation. Effective field campaign management requires communication and coordination tools, including utilities for personnel to upload and share flight plans, weather forecasts, a variety of mission reports, preliminary science data, and personal photos. Beginning with the Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) hurricane field campaign in 2010, we have provided these capabilities via a Drupal-based collaboration portal. This portal was reused and modified for the Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E), part of the Global Precipitation Measurement mission ground validation program. An end goal of these development efforts is the creation of a Drupal profile for field campaign management. This presentation will discuss experiences with Drupal in developing and using these collaboration portals. Topics will include Drupal modules used, advantages and disadvantages of working with Drupal in this context, and how the science teams used the portals in comparison with other communication and collaboration tools.

Collaboration Portals for NASA's Airborne Field Campaigns

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Conover, Helen; Kulkami, Ajinkya; Garrett, Michele; Goodman, Michael; Peterson, Walter Arthur; Drewry, Marilyn; Hardin, Danny M.; He, Matt

2011-01-01

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), in collaboration with the Global Hydrology Resource Center, a NASA Earth Science Data Center, has provided information management for a number of NASA Airborne Field campaigns, both hurricane science investigations and satellite instrument validation. Effective field campaign management requires communication and coordination tools, including utilities for personnel to upload and share flight plans, weather forecasts, a variety of mission reports, preliminary science data, and personal photos. Beginning with the Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) hurricane field campaign in 2010, we have provided these capabilities via a Drupal-based collaboration portal. This portal was reused and modified for the Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E), part of the Global Precipitation Measurement mission ground validation program. An end goal of these development efforts is the creation of a Drupal profile for field campaign management. This presentation will discuss experiences with Drupal in developing and using these collaboration portals. Topics will include Drupal modules used, advantages and disadvantages of working with Drupal in this context, and how the science teams used the portals in comparison with other communication and collaboration tools.

Regulatory considerations for clinical development of cancer vaccines.

PubMed

Heelan, Bridget Theresa

2014-01-01

Cancer vaccines are aimed at stimulating an immune response to tumor tissue. There is a high level of clinical activity in this rapidly advancing field with over 1,400 trials registered on Clincaltrials.gov. The recent approval of Sipuleucel-T which is the first cancer vaccine approved in the US and EU has encouraged developers in this field. In contrast to more established approaches for treating cancer such as chemotherapy, regulatory guidelines have been developed relatively recently for cancer vaccines. These guidelines advise on general clinical requirements. As there is an increase in innovative strategies with novel products, a 2-way dialog with regulators is recommended on a case-by-case basis to justify the clinical development plan, taking into account specific quality issues related to the product(s) in development. It is important that the rationale, background and justification for the planned development is convincing when interacting with the regulatory authorities, to enable drug developers and regulators to reach agreement.

Shear-induced opening of the coronal magnetic field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolfson, Richard

1995-01-01

This work describes the evolution of a model solar corona in response to motions of the footpoints of its magnetic field. The mathematics involved is semianalytic, with the only numerical solution being that of an ordinary differential equation. This approach, while lacking the flexibility and physical details of full MHD simulations, allows for very rapid computation along with complete and rigorous exploration of the model's implications. We find that the model coronal field bulges upward, at first slowly and then more dramatically, in response to footpoint displacements. The energy in the field rises monotonically from that of the initial potential state, and the field configuration and energy appraoch asymptotically that of a fully open field. Concurrently, electric currents develop and concentrate into a current sheet as the limiting case of the open field is approached. Examination of the equations shows rigorously that in the asymptotic limit of the fully open field, the current layer becomes a true ideal MHD singularity.

A brief history of the global effort to develop a preventive HIV vaccine.

PubMed

Esparza, José

2013-08-02

Soon after HIV was discovered as the cause of AIDS in 1983-1984, there was an expectation that a preventive vaccine would be rapidly developed. In trying to achieve that goal, three successive scientific paradigms have been explored: induction of neutralizing antibodies, induction of cell mediated immunity, and exploration of combination approaches and novel concepts. Although major progress has been made in understanding the scientific basis for HIV vaccine development, efficacy trials have been critical in moving the field forward. In 2009, the field was reinvigorated with the modest results obtained from the RV144 trial conducted in Thailand. Here, we review those vaccine development efforts, with an emphasis on events that occurred during the earlier years. The goal is to provide younger generations of scientists with information and inspiration to continue the search for an HIV vaccine. Copyright © 2013 The Author. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Object-oriented programming for the biosciences.

PubMed

Wiechert, W; Joksch, B; Wittig, R; Hartbrich, A; Höner, T; Möllney, M

1995-10-01

The development of software systems for the biosciences is always closely connected to experimental practice. Programs must be able to handle the inherent complexity and heterogeneous structure of biological systems in combination with the measuring equipment. Moreover, a high degree of flexibility is required to treat rapidly changing experimental conditions. Object-oriented methodology seems to be well suited for this purpose. It enables an evolutionary approach to software development that still maintains a high degree of modularity. This paper presents experience with object-oriented technology gathered during several years of programming in the fields of bioprocess development and metabolic engineering. It concentrates on the aspects of experimental support, data analysis, interaction and visualization. Several examples are presented and discussed in the general context of the experimental cycle of knowledge acquisition, thus pointing out the benefits and problems of object-oriented technology in the specific application field of the biosciences. Finally, some strategies for future development are described.

Report on Initial Direct Soil Leaching Experiments Using Post-Detonation Debris

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

Gostic, R.; Knight, K. B.; Borg, L.

2011-08-01

A key challenge of nuclear forensics is reducing the time and manpower effort required to measure nuclear debris compositions. The overall motivation for this work is to explore development of a robust, automated system that can be used to concurrently analyze several elements/isotopes associated with the forensic signature of nuclear materials. The primary focus of this research has been to methodically investigate if rapid partial leaching of post-detonation debris can yield usable elemental and isotopic information for interpretation. The unique requirements of post-detonation nuclear forensics have not been fully adapted to or fully incorporated contemporary chemical separation techniques. Challenges includemore » addressing the range of material matrices or mixed fission product and actinide compositions and concentrations that might be encountered. These include, but are not limited to, puddle melt glass, urban debris, seawater, air filters, iron-rich urban debris, asphalt, and silica sand. Separation of these elements and their subsequent measurement is a key element of related laboratory analysis activity. Existing practices at LLNL rely on proven but time-consuming and labor intensive processes. Significant time and labor savings are possible in chemical separations, however, if rapid processing methods can be adapted to post-detonation debris. Development of a simple and reliable leaching technique could shorten analytical times and would be useful as a field deployable method for the preliminary characterization of actinide isotopic ratios in soils. Measurement of isotopic ratios in the field using modern mass spectrometry capabilities such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is desirable, taking advantage of the extended range of isotopic systems measureable using such instruments. Sample introduction to these types of mass spectrometry instruments requires partial leaching or full dissolution of a sample to remove isobaric (same mass) interferences, and, in some cases, to concentrate the elements(s) of interest. To develop a field-deployable mass spectrometry capability, therefore, automated and robust leaching of likely debris samples (ranging from silicates and oxides to metals and urban materials such as concrete and asphalt), followed by separation/purification through cation exchange column chemistry is necessary. In a post-detonation environment, analysis of melt glasses via rapid leaching and ICP-MS could be a viable route to the same goal. This report presents initial leaching experiments on ‘uncontaminated’ soils, as well as data from melt glass from a single nuclear weapons test. Samples were characterized by gamma spectrometry, then aliquoted for rapid leaching experiments. Experiments were conducted using two different rapid acid treatments to leach the soils. Following leaching, the leachate solutions were analyzed by ICP-MS to determine if U isotopic composition. We present these data to address the question as to whether or not rapid (~1 hr) leaching techniques have the potential to yield meaningful U isotopic compositions, without the need for a complete (time consuming) sample dissolution and separation.« less

Rapid detection, characterization, and enumeration of foodborne pathogens.

PubMed

Hoorfar, J

2011-11-01

As food safety management further develops, microbiological testing will continue to play an important role in assessing whether Food Safety Objectives are achieved. However, traditional microbiological culture-based methods are limited, particularly in their ability to provide timely data. The present review discusses the reasons for the increasing interest in rapid methods, current developments in the field, the research needs, and the future trends. The advent of biotechnology has introduced new technologies that led to the emergence of rapid diagnostic methods and altered food testing practices. Rapid methods are comprised of many different detection technologies, including specialized enzyme substrates, antibodies and DNA, ranging from simple differential plating media to the use of sophisticated instruments. The use of non-invasive sampling techniques for live animals especially came into focus with the 1990s outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy that was linked to the human outbreak of Creutzfeldt Jakob's Disease. Serology is still an important tool in preventing foodborne pathogens to enter the human food supply through meat and milk from animals. One of the primary uses of rapid methods is for fast screening of large number of samples, where most of them are expected to be test-negative, leading to faster product release for sale. This has been the main strength of rapid methods such as real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Enrichment PCR, where a primary culture broth is tested in PCR, is the most common approach in rapid testing. Recent reports show that it is possible both to enrich a sample and enumerate by pathogen-specific real-time PCR, if the enrichment time is short. This can be especially useful in situations where food producers ask for the level of pathogen in a contaminated product. Another key issue is automation, where the key drivers are miniaturization and multiple testing, which mean that not only one instrument is flexible enough to test for many pathogens but also many pathogens can be detected with one test. The review is mainly based on the author's scientific work that has contributed with the following new developments to this field: (i) serologic tests for large-scale screening, surveillance, or eradication programs, (ii) same-day detection of Salmonella that otherwise was considered as difficult to achieve, (iii) pathogen enumeration following a short log-phase enrichment, (iv) detection of foodborne pathogens in air samples, and finally (v) biotracing of pathogens based on mathematical modeling, even in the absence of isolate. Rapid methods are discussed in a broad global health perspective, international food supply, and for improvement of quantitative microbial risk assessments. The need for quantitative sample preparation techniques, culture-independent, metagenomic-based detection, online monitoring, a global validation infrastructure has been emphasized. The cost and ease of use of rapid assays remain challenging obstacles to surmount. © 2011 The Author. APMIS © 2011 APMIS.

Advances in the biological effects of terahertz wave radiation.

PubMed

Zhao, Li; Hao, Yan-Hui; Peng, Rui-Yun

2014-01-01

The terahertz (THz) band lies between microwave and infrared rays in wavelength and consists of non-ionizing radiation. Both domestic and foreign research institutions, including the army, have attached considerable importance to the research and development of THz technology because this radiation exhibits both photon-like and electron-like properties, which grant it considerable application value and potential. With the rapid development of THz technology and related applications, studies of the biological effects of THz radiation have become a major focus in the field of life sciences. Research in this field has only just begun, both at home and abroad. In this paper, research progress with respect to THz radiation, including its biological effects, mechanisms and methods of protection, will be reviewed.

Concise Review: Carbon Nanotechnology: Perspectives in Stem Cell Research

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Carbon nanotechnology has developed rapidly during the last decade, and carbon allotropes, especially graphene and carbon nanotubes, have already found a wide variety of applications in industry, high-tech fields, biomedicine, and basic science. Electroconductive nanomaterials have attracted great attention from tissue engineers in the design of remotely controlled cell-substrate interfaces. Carbon nanoconstructs are also under extensive investigation by clinical scientists as potential agents in anticancer therapies. Despite the recent progress in human pluripotent stem cell research, only a few attempts to use carbon nanotechnology in the stem cell field have been reported. However, acquired experience with and knowledge of carbon nanomaterials may be efficiently used in the development of future personalized medicine and in tissue engineering. PMID:23572053

[Sequencing technology in gene diagnosis and its application].

PubMed

Yibin, Guo

2014-11-01

The study of gene mutation is one of the hot topics in the field of life science nowadays, and the related detection methods and diagnostic technology have been developed rapidly. Sequencing technology plays an indispensable role in the definite diagnosis and classification of genetic diseases. In this review, we summarize the research progress in sequencing technology, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of 1(st) ~3(rd) generation of sequencing technology, and describe its application in gene diagnosis. Also we made forecasts and prospects on its development trend.

Electromagnetic field and brain development.

PubMed

Kaplan, Suleyman; Deniz, Omur Gulsum; Önger, Mehmet Emin; Türkmen, Aysın Pınar; Yurt, Kıymet Kübra; Aydın, Işınsu; Altunkaynak, Berrin Zuhal; Davis, Devra

2016-09-01

Rapid advances in technology involve increased exposures to radio-frequency/microwave radiation from mobile phones and other wireless transmitting devices. As cell phones are held close to the head during talking and often stored next to the reproductive organs, studies are mostly focused on the brain. In fact, more research is especially needed to investigate electromagnetic field (EMF)'s effects on the central nervous system (CNS). Several studies clearly demonstrate that EMF emitted by cell phones could affect a range of body systems and functions. Recent work has demonstrated that EMF inhibit the formation and differentiation of neural stem cells during embryonic development and also affect reproductive and neurological health of adults that have undergone prenatal exposure. The aim of this review is to discuss the developing CNS and explain potential impacts of EMF on this system. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Household air pollution: a call for studies into biomarkers of exposure and predictors of respiratory disease.

PubMed

Rylance, Jamie; Gordon, Stephen B; Naeher, Luke P; Patel, Archana; Balmes, John R; Adetona, Olorunfemi; Rogalsky, Derek K; Martin, William J

2013-05-01

Household air pollution (HAP) from indoor burning of biomass or coal is a leading global cause of morbidity and mortality, mostly due to its association with acute respiratory infection in children and chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in adults. Interventions that have significantly reduced exposure to HAP improve health outcomes and may reduce mortality. However, we lack robust, specific, and field-ready biomarkers to identify populations at greatest risk and to monitor the effectiveness of interventions. New scientific approaches are urgently needed to develop biomarkers of human exposure that accurately reflect exposure or effect. In this Perspective, we describe the global need for such biomarkers, the aims of biomarker development, and the state of development of tests that have the potential for rapid transition from laboratory bench to field use.

Laser rapid forming technology of high-performance dense metal components with complex structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Weidong; Chen, Jing; Li, Yanming; Lin, Xin

2005-01-01

Laser rapid forming (LRF) is a new and advanced manufacturing technology that has been developed on the basis of combining high power laser cladding technology with rapid prototyping (RP) to realize net shape forming of high performance dense metal components without dies. Recently we have developed a set of LRF equipment. LRF experiments were carried out on the equipment to investigate the influences of processing parameters on forming characterizations systematically with the cladding powder materials as titanium alloys, superalloys, stainless steel, and copper alloys. The microstructure of laser formed components is made up of columnar grains or columnar dendrites which grow epitaxially from the substrate since the solid components were prepared layer by layer additionally. The result of mechanical testing proved that the mechanical properties of laser formed samples are similar to or even over that of forging and much better than that of casting. It is shown in this paper that LRF technology is providing a new solution for some difficult processing problems in the high tech field of aviation, spaceflight and automobile industries.

Dynamics of a reconnection-driven runaway ion tail in a reversed field pinch plasma

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

Anderson, J. K., E-mail: jkanders@wisc.edu; Kim, J.; Bonofiglo, P. J.

2016-05-15

While reconnection-driven ion heating is common in laboratory and astrophysical plasmas, the underlying mechanisms for converting magnetic to kinetic energy remain not fully understood. Reversed field pinch discharges are often characterized by rapid ion heating during impulsive reconnection, generating an ion distribution with an enhanced bulk temperature, mainly perpendicular to magnetic field. In the Madison Symmetric Torus, a subset of discharges with the strongest reconnection events develop a very anisotropic, high energy tail parallel to magnetic field in addition to bulk perpendicular heating, which produces a fusion neutron flux orders of magnitude higher than that expected from a Maxwellian distribution.more » Here, we demonstrate that two factors in addition to a perpendicular bulk heating mechanism must be considered to explain this distribution. First, ion runaway can occur in the strong parallel-to-B electric field induced by a rapid equilibrium change triggered by reconnection-based relaxation; this effect is particularly strong on perpendicularly heated ions which experience a reduced frictional drag relative to bulk ions. Second, the confinement of ions varies dramatically as a function of velocity. Whereas thermal ions are governed by stochastic diffusion along tearing-altered field lines (and radial diffusion increases with parallel speed), sufficiently energetic ions are well confined, only weakly affected by a stochastic magnetic field. High energy ions traveling mainly in the direction of toroidal plasma current are nearly classically confined, while counter-propagating ions experience an intermediate confinement, greater than that of thermal ions but significantly less than classical expectations. The details of ion confinement tend to reinforce the asymmetric drive of the parallel electric field, resulting in a very asymmetric, anisotropic distribution.« less

PHz current switching in calcium fluoride single crystal

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

Kwon, Ojoon; Kim, D., E-mail: kimd@postech.ac.kr; Max Planck Center for Attosecond Science, Max Planck POSTECH/Korea Res. Init., Pohang 37673

2016-05-09

We demonstrate that a current can be induced and switched in a sub-femtosecond time-scale in an insulating calcium fluoride single crystal by an intense optical field. This measurement indicates that a sizable current can be generated and also controlled by an optical field in a dielectric medium, implying the capability of rapid current switching at a rate of optical frequency, PHz (10{sup 15} Hz), which is a couple of orders of magnitude higher than that of contemporary electronic signal processing. This demonstration may serve to facilitate the development of ultrafast devices in PHz frequency.

Web Platform for Sharing Modeling Software in the Field of Nonlinear Optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubenskaya, Julia; Kryukov, Alexander; Demichev, Andrey

2018-02-01

We describe the prototype of a Web platform intended for sharing software programs for computer modeling in the rapidly developing field of the nonlinear optics phenomena. The suggested platform is built on the top of the HUBZero open-source middleware. In addition to the basic HUBZero installation we added to our platform the capability to run Docker containers via an external application server and to send calculation programs to those containers for execution. The presented web platform provides a wide range of features and might be of benefit to nonlinear optics researchers.

How chemistry supports cell biology: the chemical toolbox at your service.

PubMed

Wijdeven, Ruud H; Neefjes, Jacques; Ovaa, Huib

2014-12-01

Chemical biology is a young and rapidly developing scientific field. In this field, chemistry is inspired by biology to create various tools to monitor and modulate biochemical and cell biological processes. Chemical contributions such as small-molecule inhibitors and activity-based probes (ABPs) can provide new and unique insights into previously unexplored cellular processes. This review provides an overview of recent breakthroughs in chemical biology that are likely to have a significant impact on cell biology. We also discuss the application of several chemical tools in cell biology research. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Magneto-optical system for high speed real time imaging.

PubMed

Baziljevich, M; Barness, D; Sinvani, M; Perel, E; Shaulov, A; Yeshurun, Y

2012-08-01

A new magneto-optical system has been developed to expand the range of high speed real time magneto-optical imaging. A special source for the external magnetic field has also been designed, using a pump solenoid to rapidly excite the field coil. Together with careful modifications of the cryostat, to reduce eddy currents, ramping rates reaching 3000 T/s have been achieved. Using a powerful laser as the light source, a custom designed optical assembly, and a high speed digital camera, real time imaging rates up to 30 000 frames per seconds have been demonstrated.

Magneto-optical system for high speed real time imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baziljevich, M.; Barness, D.; Sinvani, M.; Perel, E.; Shaulov, A.; Yeshurun, Y.

2012-08-01

A new magneto-optical system has been developed to expand the range of high speed real time magneto-optical imaging. A special source for the external magnetic field has also been designed, using a pump solenoid to rapidly excite the field coil. Together with careful modifications of the cryostat, to reduce eddy currents, ramping rates reaching 3000 T/s have been achieved. Using a powerful laser as the light source, a custom designed optical assembly, and a high speed digital camera, real time imaging rates up to 30 000 frames per seconds have been demonstrated.

Probabilistic models of cognition: conceptual foundations.

PubMed

Chater, Nick; Tenenbaum, Joshua B; Yuille, Alan

2006-07-01

Remarkable progress in the mathematics and computer science of probability has led to a revolution in the scope of probabilistic models. In particular, 'sophisticated' probabilistic methods apply to structured relational systems such as graphs and grammars, of immediate relevance to the cognitive sciences. This Special Issue outlines progress in this rapidly developing field, which provides a potentially unifying perspective across a wide range of domains and levels of explanation. Here, we introduce the historical and conceptual foundations of the approach, explore how the approach relates to studies of explicit probabilistic reasoning, and give a brief overview of the field as it stands today.

The progress on time & frequency during the past 5 decades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zheng-Ming

2002-06-01

The number and variety of applications using precise timing are astounding and increasing along with the new technology in communication, computer science, space science as well as in other fields. The world has evolved into the information age, and precise timing is at the heart of managing the flow of that information, which prompts the progress on precise timing itself rapidly. The development of time scales, UT1 determination, frequency standards, time transfer and the time dissemination for the past half century in the world and in China are described in this paper. The expectation in this field is discussed.

TUTORIAL: 'Mind the gap': science and ethics in nanotechnology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mnyusiwalla, Anisa; Daar, Abdallah S.; Singer, Peter A.

2003-03-01

Nanotechnology (NT) is a rapidly progressing field. Advances will have a tremendous impact on fields such as materials, electronics, and medicine. A thorough review of the current literature, governmental funding, and policy documents was undertaken. Despite the potential impact of NT, and the abundance of funds, our research revealed that there is a paucity of serious, published research into the ethical, legal, and social implications of NT. As the science leaps ahead, the ethics lags behind. There is danger of derailing NT if the study of ethical, legal, and social implications does not catch up with the speed of scientific development.

Paper-based analytical devices for environmental analysis.

PubMed

Meredith, Nathan A; Quinn, Casey; Cate, David M; Reilly, Thomas H; Volckens, John; Henry, Charles S

2016-03-21

The field of paper-based microfluidics has experienced rapid growth over the past decade. Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs), originally developed for point-of-care medical diagnostics in resource-limited settings, are now being applied in new areas, such as environmental analyses. Low-cost paper sensors show great promise for on-site environmental analysis; the theme of ongoing research complements existing instrumental techniques by providing high spatial and temporal resolution for environmental monitoring. This review highlights recent applications of μPADs for environmental analysis along with technical advances that may enable μPADs to be more widely implemented in field testing.

Numerical Simulations of a 96-rod Polysilicon CVD Reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guoqiang, Tang; Cong, Chen; Yifang, Cai; Bing, Zong; Yanguo, Cai; Tihu, Wang

2018-05-01

With the rapid development of the photovoltaic industry, pressurized Siemens belljar-type polysilicon CVD reactors have been enlarged from 24 rods to 96 rods in less than 10 years aimed at much greater single-reactor productivity. A CFD model of an industry-scale 96-rod CVD reactor was established to study the internal temperature distribution and the flow field of the reactor. Numerical simulations were carried out and compared with actual growth results from a real CVD reactor. Factors affecting polysilicon depositions such as inlet gas injections, flow field, and temperature distribution in the CVD reactor are studied.

Providing care for America's Army.

PubMed

Webb, Joseph G; von Gonten, Ann Sue; Luciano, W John

2003-01-01

The Army Dental Corps' three-part mission is to maintain soldiers fit for combat, promote health, and ensure the Dental Corps ability deploy and deliver in the field. Consistent with this mission, the corps is developing innovative dental delivery systems and promoting tobacco cessation, sealants, mouth guard use, cancer detection, and identification of child, elder, and other abuse. The corps' training programs include options and benefits at the dental student, postdoctoral residency, and specialty levels. Recent technology innovations include light-weight field equipment, an integrated computer database to manage treatment, rapid ordering and delivery of supplies, and distance education.

An epistemological inquiry into the endocrine disruptor thesis.

PubMed

Krimsky, S

2001-12-01

For about a decade the term endocrine disruptor has become synonymous with a new research initiative that has been investigating the effects of hormonally active xenobiotics on biological systems. The scientific thesis behind the new research initiative is discussed and it is argued that there is a need for more emphasis on theory development and conceptual clarification that will give coherence to a field experiencing a rapid growth of empirical studies. Reflections on scientific methodology in this field will also help clarify whether endocrine disruptors symbolize a new etiology of chemically induced disease or represent variations of traditional chemical toxicology.

Building biological foundries for next-generation synthetic biology.

PubMed

Chao, Ran; Yuan, YongBo; Zhao, HuiMin

2015-07-01

Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary field that takes top-down approaches to understand and engineer biological systems through design-build-test cycles. A number of advances in this relatively young field have greatly accelerated such engineering cycles. Specifically, various innovative tools were developed for in silico biosystems design, DNA de novo synthesis and assembly, construct verification, as well as metabolite analysis, which have laid a solid foundation for building biological foundries for rapid prototyping of improved or novel biosystems. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art technologies for synthetic biology and discusses the challenges to establish such biological foundries.

Molecular Biosensors for Electrochemical Detection of Infectious Pathogens in Liquid Biopsies: Current Trends and Challenges

PubMed Central

Yáñez-Sedeño, Paloma

2017-01-01

Rapid and reliable diagnosis of infectious diseases caused by pathogens, and timely initiation of appropriate treatment are critical determinants to promote optimal clinical outcomes and general public health. Conventional in vitro diagnostics for infectious diseases are time-consuming and require centralized laboratories, experienced personnel and bulky equipment. Recent advances in electrochemical affinity biosensors have demonstrated to surpass conventional standards in regards to time, simplicity, accuracy and cost in this field. The tremendous potential offered by electrochemical affinity biosensors to detect on-site infectious pathogens at clinically relevant levels in scarcely treated body fluids is clearly stated in this review. The development and application of selected examples using different specific receptors, assay formats and electrochemical approaches focusing on the determination of specific circulating biomarkers of different molecular (genetic, regulatory and functional) levels associated with bacterial and viral pathogens are critically discussed. Existing challenges still to be addressed and future directions in this rapidly advancing and highly interesting field are also briefly pointed out. PMID:29099764

Diffuse-interface model for rapid phase transformations in nonequilibrium systems.

PubMed

Galenko, Peter; Jou, David

2005-04-01

A thermodynamic approach to rapid phase transformations within a diffuse interface in a binary system is developed. Assuming an extended set of independent thermodynamic variables formed by the union of the classic set of slow variables and the space of fast variables, we introduce finiteness of the heat and solute diffusive propagation at the finite speed of the interface advancing. To describe transformations within the diffuse interface, we use the phase-field model which allows us to follow steep but smooth changes of phase within the width of the diffuse interface. Governing equations of the phase-field model are derived for the hyperbolic model, a model with memory, and a model of nonlinear evolution of transformation within the diffuse interface. The consistency of the model is proved by the verification of the validity of the condition of positive entropy production and by outcomes of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. A comparison with existing sharp-interface and diffuse-interface versions of the model is given.

Engineering approaches to immunotherapy.

PubMed

Swartz, Melody A; Hirosue, Sachiko; Hubbell, Jeffrey A

2012-08-22

As the science of immunology grows increasingly mechanistic, motivation for developing quantitative, design-based engineering approaches has also evolved, both for therapeutic interventions and for elucidating immunological pathways in human disease. This has seeded the nascent field of "immunoengineering," which seeks to apply engineering analyses and design approaches to problems in translational immunology. For example, cell engineers are creating ways to tailor and use immune cells as living therapeutics; protein engineers are devising new methods of rapid antibody discovery; biomaterials scientists are guiding vaccine delivery and immune-cell activation with novel constructs; and systems immunologists are deciphering the evolution and maintenance of T and B cell receptor repertoires, which could help guide vaccine design. The field is multidisciplinary and collaborative, with engineers and immunologists working together to better understand and treat disease. We discuss the scientific progress in this young, yet rapidly evolving research area, which has yielded numerous start-up companies that are betting on impact in clinical and commercial translation in the near future.

Cleaning techniques for applied-B ion diodes

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

Cuneo, M.E.; Menge, P.R.; Hanson, D.L.

Measurements and theoretical considerations indicate that the lithium-fluoride (LiF) lithium ion source operates by electron-assisted field-desorption, and provides a pure lithium beam for 10--20 ns. Evidence on both the SABRE (1 TW) and PBFA-II (20 TW) accelerators indicates that the lithium beam is replaced by a beam of protons, and carbon resulting from electron thermal desorption of hydrocarbon surface and bulk contamination with subsequent avalanche ionization. Appearance of contaminant ions in the beam is accompanied by rapid impedance collapse, possibly resulting from loss of magnetic insulation in the rapidly expanding and ionizing, neutral layer. Electrode surface and source substrate cleaningmore » techniques are being developed on the SABRE accelerator to reduce beam contamination, plasma formation, and impedance collapse. We have increased lithium current density a factor of 3 and lithium energy a factor of 5 through a combination of in-situ surface and substrate coatings, impermeable substrate coatings, and field profile modifications.« less

Molecular Biosensors for Electrochemical Detection of Infectious Pathogens in Liquid Biopsies: Current Trends and Challenges.

PubMed

Campuzano, Susana; Yáñez-Sedeño, Paloma; Pingarrón, José Manuel

2017-11-03

Rapid and reliable diagnosis of infectious diseases caused by pathogens, and timely initiation of appropriate treatment are critical determinants to promote optimal clinical outcomes and general public health. Conventional in vitro diagnostics for infectious diseases are time-consuming and require centralized laboratories, experienced personnel and bulky equipment. Recent advances in electrochemical affinity biosensors have demonstrated to surpass conventional standards in regards to time, simplicity, accuracy and cost in this field. The tremendous potential offered by electrochemical affinity biosensors to detect on-site infectious pathogens at clinically relevant levels in scarcely treated body fluids is clearly stated in this review. The development and application of selected examples using different specific receptors, assay formats and electrochemical approaches focusing on the determination of specific circulating biomarkers of different molecular (genetic, regulatory and functional) levels associated with bacterial and viral pathogens are critically discussed. Existing challenges still to be addressed and future directions in this rapidly advancing and highly interesting field are also briefly pointed out.

Standoff aircraft IR characterization with ABB dual-band hyper spectral imager

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prel, Florent; Moreau, Louis; Lantagne, Stéphane; Bullis, Ritchie D.; Roy, Claude; Vallières, Christian; Levesque, Luc

2012-09-01

Remote sensing infrared characterization of rapidly evolving events generally involves the combination of a spectro-radiometer and infrared camera(s) as separated instruments. Time synchronization, spatial coregistration, consistent radiometric calibration and managing several systems are important challenges to overcome; they complicate the target infrared characterization data processing and increase the sources of errors affecting the final radiometric accuracy. MR-i is a dual-band Hyperspectal imaging spectro-radiometer, that combines two 256 x 256 pixels infrared cameras and an infrared spectro-radiometer into one single instrument. This field instrument generates spectral datacubes in the MWIR and LWIR. It is designed to acquire the spectral signatures of rapidly evolving events. The design is modular. The spectrometer has two output ports configured with two simultaneously operated cameras to either widen the spectral coverage or to increase the dynamic range of the measured amplitudes. Various telescope options are available for the input port. Recent platform developments and field trial measurements performances will be presented for a system configuration dedicated to the characterization of airborne targets.

Plant Immunity Inducer Development and Application.

PubMed

Dewen, Qiu; Yijie, Dong; Yi, Zhang; Shupeng, Li; Fachao, Shi

2017-05-01

Plant immunity inducers represent a new and rapidly developing field in plant-protection research. In this paper, we discuss recent research on plant immunity inducers and their development and applications in China. Plant immunity inducers include plant immunity-inducing proteins, chitosan oligosaccharides, and microbial inducers. These compounds and microorganisms can trigger defense responses and confer disease resistance in plants. We also describe the mechanisms of plant immunity inducers and how they promote plant health. Furthermore, we summarize the current situation in plant immunity inducer development in China and the global marketplace. Finally, we also deeply analyze the development trends and application prospects of plant immunity inducers in environmental protection and food safety.

Can mobile phone technology support a rapid sharing of information on novel psychoactive substances among health and other professionals internationally?

PubMed

Simonato, Pierluigi; Bersani, Francesco S; Santacroce, Rita; Cinosi, Eduardo; Schifano, Fabrizio; Bersani, Giuseppe; Martinotti, Giovanni; Corazza, Ornella

2017-05-01

The diffusion of novel psychoactive substances (NPSs), combined with the ability of the Internet to act as an online marketplace, has led to unprecedented challenges for governments, health agencies, and substance misuse services. Despite increasing research, there is a paucity of reliable information available to professionals working in the field. The paper will present the pilot results of the first mobile application (SMAIL) for rapid information sharing on NPSs among health professionals. The development of SMAIL was divided into 2 parts: (a) the creation of the application for registered users, enabling them to send an SMS or email with the name or "street name" of an NPS and receive within seconds emails or SMS with the information, when available and (b) the development of a database to support the incoming requests. One hundred twenty-two professionals based in 22 countries used the service over the pilot period of 16 months (from May 2012 to September 2013). Five hundred fifty-seven enquires were made. Users received rapid information on NPSs, and 61% of them rated the service as excellent. This is the right time to use mobile phone technologies for rapid information sharing and prevention activities on NPSs. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

SSA Building Blocks - Transforming Your Data and Applications into Operational Capability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buell, D.; Hawthorne, Shayn, L.; Higgins, J.

The Electronic System Center's 850 Electronic Systems Group (ELSG) is currently using a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) to rapidly create net-centric experimental prototypes. This SOA has been utilized effectively across diverse mission areas, such as global air operations and rapid sensor tasking for improved space event management. The 850 ELSG has deployed a working, accredited, SOA on the SIPRNET and provided real-time space information to five separate distributed operations centers. The 850 ELSG has learned first-hand the power of SOAs for integrating DoD and non-DoD SSA data in a rapid and agile manner, allowing capabilities to be fielded and sensors to be integrated in weeks instead of months. This opens a world of opportunity to integrate University data and experimental or proof-of-concept data with sensitive sensors and sources to support developing an array of SSA products for approved users in and outside of the space community. This paper will identify how new capabilities can be proactively developed to rapidly answer critical needs when SOA methodologies are employed and identifies the operational utility and the far-reaching benefits realized by implementing a service-oriented architecture. We offer a new paradigm for how data and application producer's contributions are presented for the rest of the community to leverage.

Rapid assessment procedures in injury control.

PubMed

Klevens, Joanne; Anderson, Mark

2004-03-01

Injuries are among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. The burden caused by injuries is even greater among the poorer nations and is projected to increase. Very often the lack of technical and financial resources, as well as the urgency of the problem, preclude applying sophisticated surveillance and research methods for generating relevant information to develop effective interventions. In these settings, it is necessary to consider more rapid and less costly methods in applying the public health approach to the problem of injury prevention and control. Rapid Assessment Procedures (RAP), developed within the fields of epidemiology, anthropology and health administration, can provide valid information in a manner that is quicker, simpler, and less costly than standard data collection methods. RAP have been applied widely and successfully to infectious and chronic disease issues, but have not been used extensively, if at all, as tools in injury control. This paper describes Rapid Assessment Procedures that (1) are useful for understanding the scope of the problem and for identifying potential risk factors, (2) can assist practitioners in determining intervention priorities, (3) can provide in-depth knowledge about a specific injury-related problem, and (4) can be used in surveillance systems to monitor outcomes. Finally, the paper describes some of the caveats in using RAP.

Scenario development during commissioning operations on the National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Battaglia, D. J.; Boyer, M. D.; Gerhardt, S.; Mueller, D.; Myers, C. E.; Guttenfelder, W.; Menard, J. E.; Sabbagh, S. A.; Scotti, F.; Bedoya, F.; Bell, R. E.; Berkery, J. W.; Diallo, A.; Ferraro, N.; Kaye, S. M.; Jaworski, M. A.; LeBlanc, B. P.; Ono, M.; Park, J.-K.; Podesta, M.; Raman, R.; Soukhanovskii, V.; NSTX-U Research, the; Operations; Engineering Team

2018-04-01

The National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade (NSTX-U) will advance the physics basis required for achieving steady-state, high-beta, and high-confinement conditions in a tokamak by accessing high toroidal fields (1 T) and plasma currents (1.0-2.0 MA) in a low aspect ratio geometry (A  =  1.6-1.8) with flexible auxiliary heating systems (12 MW NBI, 6 MW HHFW). This paper describes the progress in the development of L- and H-mode discharge scenarios and the commissioning of operational tools in the first ten weeks of operation that enable the scientific mission of NSTX-U. Vacuum field calculations completed prior to operations supported the rapid development and optimization of inductive breakdown at different values of ohmic solenoid current. The toroidal magnetic field (B T0  =  0.65 T) exceeded the maximum values achieved on NSTX and novel long-pulse L-mode discharges with regular sawtooth activity exceeded the longest pulses produced on NSTX (t pulse  >  1.8 s). The increased flux of the central solenoid facilitated the development of stationary L-mode discharges over a range of density and plasma current (I p). H-mode discharges achieved similar levels of stored energy, confinement (H98y,2  >  1) and stability (β N/β N-nowall  >  1) compared to NSTX discharges for I p  ⩽  1 MA. High-performance H-mode scenarios require an L-H transition early in the I p ramp-up phase in order to obtain low internal inductance (l i) throughout the discharge, which is conducive to maintaining vertical stability at high elongation (κ  >  2.2) and achieving long periods of MHD quiescent operations. The rapid progress in developing L- and H-mode scenarios in support of the scientific program was enabled by advances in real-time plasma control, efficient error field identification and correction, effective conditioning of the graphite wall and excellent diagnostic availability.

Study on validity of a rapid diagnostic test kit versus light microscopy for malaria diagnosis in Ahmedabad city, India.

PubMed

Vyas, S; Puwar, B; Patel, V; Bhatt, G; Kulkarni, S; Fancy, M

2014-05-01

Light microscopy of blood smears for diagnosis of malaria in the field has several limitations, notably delays in diagnosis. This study in Ahmedabad in Gujarat State, India, evaluated the diagnostic performance of a rapid diagnostic test for malaria (SD Bioline Malaria Ag P.f/Pan) versus blood smear examination as the gold standard. All fever cases presenting at 13 urban health centres were subjected to rapid diagnostic testing and thick and thin blood smears. A total of 677 cases with fever were examined; 135 (20.0%) tested positive by rapid diagnostic test and 86 (12.7%) by blood smear. The sensitivity of the rapid diagnostic test for malaria was 98.8%, specificity was 91.5%, positive predictive value 63.0% and negative predictive value 99.8%. For detection of Plasmodium falciparum the sensitivity of rapid diagnostic test was 100% and specificity was 97.3%. The results show the acceptability of the rapid test as an alternative to light microscopy in the field setting.

Effects of rat sex differences and lighting on locomotor exploration of a circular open field with free-standing central corners and without peripheral walls.

PubMed

Alstott, Jeff; Timberlake, William

2009-01-23

A typical open field consists of a square enclosure, bounded by four straight walls joined by identical corners. For decades behavioral researchers have used the open center and more sheltered perimeter of such fields to examine the effects of drugs, sex differences, and illumination on the behavioral expression of fear and anxiety. The present study "reversed" the relative security of the center and periphery of a circular field to re-examine the functional relation of open field behavior to experience, sex differences and lighting. Across six daily exposures, males in both the light and dark rapidly increased their preference for the center. Females in the light developed a similar pattern, though more slowly; females in the dark continued to spend the great majority of their time in the open periphery, including the edge of the field. The behavior of all groups, but especially the dark females, strongly supports the continued importance of environmental assessment in open field behavior.

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

Bühler, Stefan; Obrist, Dominik; Kleiser, Leonhard

We investigate numerically the effects of nozzle-exit flow conditions on the jet-flow development and the near-field sound at a diameter-based Reynolds number of Re{sub D} = 18 100 and Mach number Ma = 0.9. Our computational setup features the inclusion of a cylindrical nozzle which allows to establish a physical nozzle-exit flow and therefore well-defined initial jet-flow conditions. Within the nozzle, the flow is modeled by a potential flow core and a laminar, transitional, or developing turbulent boundary layer. The goal is to document and to compare the effects of the different jet inflows on the jet flow development and themore » sound radiation. For laminar and transitional boundary layers, transition to turbulence in the jet shear layer is governed by the development of Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities. With the turbulent nozzle boundary layer, the jet flow development is characterized by a rapid changeover to a turbulent free shear layer within about one nozzle diameter. Sound pressure levels are strongly enhanced for laminar and transitional exit conditions compared to the turbulent case. However, a frequency and frequency-wavenumber analysis of the near-field pressure indicates that the dominant sound radiation characteristics remain largely unaffected. By applying a recently developed scaling procedure, we obtain a close match of the scaled near-field sound spectra for all nozzle-exit turbulence levels and also a reasonable agreement with experimental far-field data.« less

Dynamic nuclear polarization solid-state NMR in heterogeneous catalysis research

DOE PAGES

Kobayashi, Takeshi; Perras, Frédéric A.; Slowing, Igor I.; ...

2015-10-20

In this study, a revolution in solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) spectroscopy is taking place, attributable to the rapid development of high-field dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), a technique yielding sensitivity improvements of 2–3 orders of magnitude. This higher sensitivity in SSNMR has already impacted materials research, and the implications of new methods on catalytic sciences are expected to be profound.

US Army Research Laboratory Joint Interagency Field Experimentation 15-2 Final Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-01

February 2015, at Alameda Island, California. Advanced text analytics capabilities were demonstrated in a logically coherent workflow pipeline that... text processing capabilities allowed the targeted use of a persistent imagery sensor for rapid detection of mission- critical events. The creation of...a very large text database from open source data provides a relevant and unclassified foundation for continued development of text -processing

GRIP Experiment 2010

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-08-16

Cloud formations are seen through the window of NASA DC-8 aircraft during a flight, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010, over the Gulf of Mexico where researchers were studying weather patterns as part of trhe Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) experiment, a NASA Earth science field experiment in 2010 that is being conducted to better understand how tropical storms form and develop into major hurricanes. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

Informatics in Turkey

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cakir, Serhat

1994-01-01

In the last twenty years the rapid change in the informatics sector has had economic and social impact on private and government activities. The Supreme Council for Science and Technology of Turkey assigned highest priority to the informatics in its meeting in February 1993. With this advice TUBITAK (The Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey) intends to give a strong impulse to development of a research policy in this field.

Exploratory Development of an Ultrafast-Curing Wound Dressing

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-11-30

removed at will. 0 Control water vapor and oxygen exchange, thus maintaining a moist environment for rapid healing. * Gradually deliver broad-spectrum...removal without precipitating another bjeeding episode, (c) promotion of normal wound healing under moist , aseptic environment, and (d) prevention of...conditions, the field dressing is capable of maintaining the wound moist , but aseptic. And, as explained in the following paragraphs, it is ncm

Improving Secondary Career and Technical Education through Professional Development: Alternative Certification and Use of Technical Assessment Data

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Research Center for Career and Technical Education, 2011

2011-01-01

Secondary career and technical education (CTE) is a field in transition. It is moving from a primary focus on preparing students for entry-level employment to preparing them for continuing education and training as well as employment. The rapid pace of change in technology and the global economy has created a demand for workers who are able to…

GRIP Experiment 2010

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-08-15

The NASA DC-8 airplane sits on the tarmac, Monday, Aug. 16, 2010, at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. , as preparations continue for its part in the GRIP experiment. The Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) experiment is a NASA Earth science field experiment in 2010 that is being conducted to better understand how tropical storms form and develop into major hurricanes. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

GRIP Experiment 2010

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-08-14

The NASA DC-8 airplane sits on the tarmac, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010, at Fort Lauderdale International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. , as preparations continue for its part in the GRIP experiment. The Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) experiment is a NASA Earth science field experiment in 2010 that is being conducted to better understand how tropical storms form and develop into major hurricanes. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

Applications of Mass Spectrometry for Cellular Lipid Analysis

PubMed Central

Wang, Chunyan; Wang, Miao; Han, Xianlin

2015-01-01

Mass spectrometric analysis of cellular lipids is an enabling technology for lipidomics, which is a rapidly-developing research field. In this review, we briefly discuss the principles, advantages, and possible limitations of electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry-based methodologies for the analysis of lipid species. The applications of these methodologies to lipidomic research are also summarized. PMID:25598407

Research in nonlinear structural and solid mechanics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mccomb, H. G., Jr. (Compiler); Noor, A. K. (Compiler)

1981-01-01

Recent and projected advances in applied mechanics, numerical analysis, computer hardware and engineering software, and their impact on modeling and solution techniques in nonlinear structural and solid mechanics are discussed. The fields covered are rapidly changing and are strongly impacted by current and projected advances in computer hardware. To foster effective development of the technology perceptions on computing systems and nonlinear analysis software systems are presented.

Heat waves imposed during early pod development in soybean (Glycine max) cause significant yield loss despite a rapid recovery from oxidative stress

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study is the first field based experiment that uses IR heaters to study the effects of a regionally defined heat wave on soybean physiology and productivity. The heating technology was successful and all of the heat waves were maintained at the target temperature for the three day duration of t...

Metal–Organic Frameworks as Active Materials in Electronic Sensor Devices

PubMed Central

Campbell, Michael G.; Dincă, Mircea

2017-01-01

In the past decade, advances in electrically conductive metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and MOF-based electronic devices have created new opportunities for the development of next-generation sensors. Here we review this rapidly-growing field, with a focus on the different types of device configurations that have allowed for the use of MOFs as active components of electronic sensor devices. PMID:28498308

Rapid mood-elevating effects of low field magnetic stimulation in depression.

PubMed

Rohan, Michael L; Yamamoto, Rinah T; Ravichandran, Caitlin T; Cayetano, Kenroy R; Morales, Oscar G; Olson, David P; Vitaliano, Gordana; Paul, Steven M; Cohen, Bruce M

2014-08-01

We previously reported rapid mood elevation following an experimental magnetic resonance imaging procedure in depressed patients with bipolar disorder (BPD). This prompted the design, construction, and testing of a portable electromagnetic device that reproduces only the rapidly oscillating (1 kHz, <1 V/m) electromagnetic field of the experimental procedure, called low field magnetic stimulation (LFMS). We used a randomized, double blind, sham controlled treatment protocol to study the effects of LFMS in a large group of stably medicated, depressed patients with either BPD (n = 41) or major depressive disorder (n = 22). Subjects received a single, 20-minute treatment. Change in mood was assessed immediately afterward using a visual analog scale (VAS), the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17), and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule scales. Substantial improvement (>10% of baseline) in mood was observed following LFMS treatment relative to sham treatment for both diagnostic subgroups for our primary outcomes, the VAS and the HDRS-17. These differences were not statistically significant in primary analyses stratifying by diagnosis but were significant in secondary analyses combining data across the two diagnostic groups (p = .01 VAS, p = .02 HDRS-17). Rapid improvement in mood was also observed using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule scales as secondary measures (positive affect scale p = .02 BPD, p = .002 combined group). A finite element method calculation indicates a broad penetration of the LFMS electric field throughout the cerebral cortex. Low field magnetic stimulation may produce rapid changes in mood using a previously unexplored range of electromagnetic fields. © 2013 Society of Biological Psychiatry Published by Society of Biological Psychiatry All rights reserved.

Development of Field Information Monitoring System Based on the Internet of Things

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Ken; Liang, Xiaoying; Wang, Keqiang

With the rapid development and wide application of electronics, communication and embedded system technologies, the global agriculture is changing from traditional agriculture that is to improve the production relying on the increase of labor, agricultural inputs to the new stage of modern agriculture with low yields, high efficiency, real-time and accuracy. On the other hand the research and development of the Internet of Things, which is an information network to connect objects, with the full capacity to perceive objects, and having the capabilities of reliable transmission and intelligence processing for information, allows us to obtain real-time information of anything. The application of the Internet of Things in field information online monitoring is an effective solution for present wired sensor monitoring system, which has much more disadvantages, such as high cost, the problems of laying lines and so on. In this paper, a novel field information monitoring system based on the Internet of Things is proposed. It can satisfy the requirements of multi-point measurement, mobility, convenience in the field information monitoring process. The whole structure of system is given and the key designs of system design are described in the hardware and software aspect. The studies have expanded current field information measurement methods and strengthen the application of the Internet of Things.

Molecular Imaging of Atherothrombotic Diseases: Seeing Is Believing.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaowei; Peter, Karlheinz

2017-06-01

Molecular imaging, with major advances in the development of both innovative targeted contrast agents/particles and radiotracers, as well as various imaging technologies, is a fascinating, rapidly growing field with many preclinical and clinical applications, particularly for personalized medicine. Thrombosis in either the venous or the arterial system, the latter typically caused by rupture of unstable atherosclerotic plaques, is a major determinant of mortality and morbidity in patients. However, imaging of the various thrombotic complications and the identification of plaques that are prone to rupture are at best indirect, mostly unreliable, or not available at all. The development of molecular imaging toward diagnosis and prevention of thrombotic disease holds promise for major advance in this clinically important field. Here, we review the medical need and clinical importance of direct molecular imaging of thrombi and unstable atherosclerotic plaques that are prone to rupture, thereby causing thrombotic complications such as myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. We systematically compare the advantages/disadvantages of the various molecular imaging modalities, including X-ray computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, fluorescence imaging, and ultrasound. We further systematically discuss molecular targets specific for thrombi and those characterizing unstable, potentially thrombogenic atherosclerotic plaques. Finally, we provide examples for first theranostic approaches in thrombosis, combining diagnosis, targeted therapy, and monitoring of therapeutic success or failure. Overall, molecular imaging is a rapidly advancing field that holds promise of major benefits to many patients with atherothrombotic diseases. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Checkpoint inhibitors in advanced melanoma: effect on the field of immunotherapy.

PubMed

O'reilly, Aine; Larkin, James

2017-07-01

The success of the immune checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma has reinvigorated the field of immunotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are now the standard of care in multiple cancer types including lung cancer, head and neck cancer, urothelial cancer and renal cell cancer. The field of immunotherapy is currently expanding rapidly and will be a focus of research and development for decades to come. Areas covered: This review covers the early development of immune checkpoint inhibitors and the changes that occurred in the drug development paradigm to facilitate the development of immunotherapy. The review will summarise the areas into which immune checkpoint inhibitors have been adopted and will review the data that supported this. Furthermore, we will discuss future developments in immunotherapy and the current landscape regarding maximising the potential of immunotherapy in clinical practice. Expert commentary: In the author's opinion, the potential of immunotherapy is vast. To date immune checkpoint inhibition has already delivered durable responses in a proportion of patients with cancer types which were previously universally lethal. The future of immunotherapy will rely upon the intelligent application of translational research to clinical practice, such that immunotherapy can be effective for a wider population and maintain its current growth.

Esculin hydrolysis by Gram positive bacteria. A rapid test and it's comparison with other methods.

PubMed

Qadri, S M; Smith, J C; Zubairi, S; DeSilva, M I

1981-01-01

A number of bacteria hydrolyze esculin enzymatically to esculetin. This characteristic is used by taxonomists and clinical microbiologists in the differentiation and identification of bacteria, especially to distinguish Lance-field group D streptococci from non-group D organisms and Listeria monocytogenes from morphologically similar Erysipelothrix rhusipoathiae and diphtheroids. Conventional methods used for esculin hydrolysis require 4--48 h for completion. We developed and evaluated a medium which gives positive results more rapidly. The 2,330 isolates used in this study consisted of 1,680 esculin positive and 650 esculin negative organisms. The sensitivity and specificity of this method were compared with the PathoTec esculin hydrolysis strip and the procedure of Vaughn and Levine (VL). Of the 1,680 esculin positive organisms, 97% gave positive reactions within 30 minutes with the rapid test whereas PathoTec required 3--4 h incubation for the same number of organisms to yield a positive reaction.

Time-implicit fluid/particle hybrid simulations of the anode plasma dynamics in ion diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pointon, T. D.; Boine-Frankenheim, O.; Mehlhorn, T. A.

1997-04-01

Applied-B ion diode experiments with Li+1 ion sources on the PBFA II and SABRE ion accelerators show that early in the pulse the beam is essentially pure Li+1, but is rapidly overwhelmed by impurity ions, called the `parasitic load'. Furthermore, the increasing parasitic current rapidly drops the diode voltage, limiting the accelerator power that can be coupled into the beam. This `impedance collapse' is believed to arise from the desorption of impurity neutrals from the anode surface. These neutrals charge-exchange with the ions, rapidly expanding into the anode-cathode gap where they are ionized by beam ions or secondary electrons. In order to model these processes we are developing a 1 1/2 D electrostatic multifluid/PIC (hybrid) code, designed to self-consistently simulate collisional plasma/neutral systems with an arbitrary number of interacting species, over greatly varying density regimes and together with applied electric and magnetic fields.

Heterogeneous asymmetric recombinase polymerase amplification (haRPA) for rapid hygiene control of large-volume water samples.

PubMed

Elsäßer, Dennis; Ho, Johannes; Niessner, Reinhard; Tiehm, Andreas; Seidel, Michael

2018-04-01

Hygiene of drinking water is periodically controlled by cultivation and enumeration of indicator bacteria. Rapid and comprehensive measurements of emerging pathogens are of increasing interest to improve drinking water safety. In this study, the feasibility to detect bacteriophage PhiX174 as a potential indicator for virus contamination in large volumes of water is demonstrated. Three consecutive concentration methods (continuous ultrafiltration, monolithic adsorption filtration, and centrifugal ultrafiltration) were combined to concentrate phages stepwise from 1250 L drinking water into 1 mL. Heterogeneous asymmetric recombinase polymerase amplification (haRPA) is applied as rapid detection method. Field measurements were conducted to test the developed system for hygiene online monitoring under realistic conditions. We could show that this system allows the detection of artificial contaminations of bacteriophage PhiX174 in drinking water pipelines. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Extraction of oil from microalgae for biodiesel production: A review.

PubMed

Halim, Ronald; Danquah, Michael K; Webley, Paul A

2012-01-01

The rapid increase of CO(2) concentration in the atmosphere combined with depleted supplies of fossil fuels has led to an increased commercial interest in renewable fuels. Due to their high biomass productivity, rapid lipid accumulation, and ability to survive in saline water, microalgae have been identified as promising feedstocks for industrial-scale production of carbon-neutral biodiesel. This study examines the principles involved in lipid extraction from microalgal cells, a crucial downstream processing step in the production of microalgal biodiesel. We analyze the different technological options currently available for laboratory-scale microalgal lipid extraction, with a primary focus on the prospect of organic solvent and supercritical fluid extraction. The study also provides an assessment of recent breakthroughs in this rapidly developing field and reports on the suitability of microalgal lipid compositions for biodiesel conversion. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

MALDI-TOF MS Profiling-Advances in Species Identification of Pests, Parasites, and Vectors.

PubMed

Murugaiyan, Jayaseelan; Roesler, Uwe

2017-01-01

Invertebrate pests and parasites of humans, animals, and plants continue to cause serious diseases and remain as a high treat to agricultural productivity and storage. The rapid and accurate species identification of the pests and parasites are needed for understanding epidemiology, monitoring outbreaks, and designing control measures. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) profiling has emerged as a rapid, cost effective, and high throughput technique of microbial species identification in modern diagnostic laboratories. The development of soft ionization techniques and the release of commercial pattern matching software platforms has resulted in the exponential growth of applications in higher organisms including parasitology. The present review discusses the proof-of-principle experiments and various methods of MALDI MS profiling in rapid species identification of both laboratory and field isolates of pests, parasites and vectors.

Rapid polymerase chain reaction diagnosis of white-nose syndrome in bats

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lorch, J.M.; Gargas, A.; Meteyer, C.U.; Berlowski-Zier, B. M.; Green, D.E.; Shearn-Bochsler, V.; Thomas, N.J.; Blehert, D.S.

2010-01-01

A newly developed polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method to rapidly and specifically detect Geomyces destructans on the wings of infected bats from small quantities (1-2 mg) of tissue is described in the current study (methods for culturing and isolating G. destructans from bat skin are also described). The lower limits of detection for PCR were 5 fg of purified fungal DNA or 100 conidia per 2 mg of wing tissue. By using histology as the standard, the PCR had a diagnostic specificity of 100% and a diagnostic sensitivity of 96%, whereas the diagnostic sensitivity of culture techniques was only 54%. The accuracy and fast turnaround time of PCR provides field biologists with valuable information on infection status more rapidly than traditional methods, and the small amount of tissue required for the test would allow diagnosis of white-nose syndrome in live animals.

MALDI-TOF MS Profiling-Advances in Species Identification of Pests, Parasites, and Vectors

PubMed Central

Murugaiyan, Jayaseelan; Roesler, Uwe

2017-01-01

Invertebrate pests and parasites of humans, animals, and plants continue to cause serious diseases and remain as a high treat to agricultural productivity and storage. The rapid and accurate species identification of the pests and parasites are needed for understanding epidemiology, monitoring outbreaks, and designing control measures. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) profiling has emerged as a rapid, cost effective, and high throughput technique of microbial species identification in modern diagnostic laboratories. The development of soft ionization techniques and the release of commercial pattern matching software platforms has resulted in the exponential growth of applications in higher organisms including parasitology. The present review discusses the proof-of-principle experiments and various methods of MALDI MS profiling in rapid species identification of both laboratory and field isolates of pests, parasites and vectors. PMID:28555175

A rapid method for counting nucleated erythrocytes on stained blood smears by digital image analysis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gering, E.; Atkinson, C.T.

2004-01-01

Measures of parasitemia by intraerythrocytic hematozoan parasites are normally expressed as the number of infected erythrocytes per n erythrocytes and are notoriously tedious and time consuming to measure. We describe a protocol for generating rapid counts of nucleated erythrocytes from digital micrographs of thin blood smears that can be used to estimate intensity of hematozoan infections in nonmammalian vertebrate hosts. This method takes advantage of the bold contrast and relatively uniform size and morphology of erythrocyte nuclei on Giemsa-stained blood smears and uses ImageJ, a java-based image analysis program developed at the U.S. National Institutes of Health and available on the internet, to recognize and count these nuclei. This technique makes feasible rapid and accurate counts of total erythrocytes in large numbers of microscope fields, which can be used in the calculation of peripheral parasitemias in low-intensity infections.

Rapid detection of infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) by real-time, isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification assay.

PubMed

Xia, Xiaoming; Yu, Yongxin; Hu, Linghao; Weidmann, Manfred; Pan, Yingjie; Yan, Shuling; Wang, Yongjie

2015-04-01

Infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) causes mortality or runt deformity syndrome in penaeid shrimps and is responsible for significant economic losses in the shrimp aquaculture industry. Here, we describe a novel real-time isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay developed for IHHNV detection. Using IHHNV plasmid standards and DNA samples from a variety of organisms, we evaluated the ability of the IHHNV-RPA assay to detect IHHNV based on analysis of its sensitivity, specificity, rapidity, and reproducibility. Probit analysis of eight independent experimental replicates indicated satisfactory performance of the RPA assay, which is sufficiently sensitive to detect as few as 4 copies of the IHHNV genome within 7 min at 39 °C with 95 % reliability. Therefore, this rapid RPA method has great potential for applications, either in field use or as a point of care diagnostic technique.

Recombinase polymerase amplification applied to plant virus detection and potential implications.

PubMed

Babu, Binoy; Ochoa-Corona, Francisco M; Paret, Mathews L

2018-04-01

Several isothermal techniques for the detection of plant pathogens have been developed with the advent of molecular techniques. Among them, Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) is becoming an important technique for the rapid, sensitive and cost-effective detection of plant viruses. The RPA technology has the advantage to be implemented in field-based scenarios because the method requires a minimal sample preparation, and is performed at constant low temperature (37-42 °C). The RPA technique is rapidly becoming a promising tool for use in rapid detection and further diagnostics in plant clinics and monitoring quarantine services. This paper presents a review of studies conducted using RPA for detection/diagnosis of plant viruses with either DNA genomes (Banana bunchy top virus, Bean golden yellow mosaic virus, Tomato mottle virus, Tomato yellow leaf curl virus) or RNA genomes (Little Cherry virus 2, Plum pox virus and Rose rosette virus). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Recent advancements in ion concentration polarization.

PubMed

Li, Min; Anand, Robbyn K

2016-06-21

In this minireview, we discuss advancements in ion concentration polarization (ICP)-based preconcentration, separation, desalination, and dielectrophoresis that have been made over the past three years. ICP as a means of controlling the distribution of the ions and electric field in a microfluidic device has rapidly expanded its areas of application. Recent advancements have focused on the development of ion-permselective materials with tunable dimensions and surface chemistry, adaptation to paper microfluidics, higher-throughput device geometries, and coupling ICP with other separation (isotachophoresis and dielectrophoresis) and fluidic (valve and droplet microfluidic) strategies. These studies have made great strides toward solving real-world problems such as low-cost and rapid analysis, accessible desalination technology, and single-cell research tools.

Cancer stem cell research in Iran: potentials and challenges.

PubMed

Roudi, Raheleh; Ebrahimi, Marzieh; Shariftabrizi, Ahmad; Madjd, Zahra

2017-08-01

Treatment modalities can reduce cancer-related mortality; however, a majority of patients develop drug resistance, metastasis and relapse. It has been proposed that tumorigenic characteristics of tumors are related to a proportion of cancer cells, termed cancer stem cells (CSCs). Following the first evidence regarding the existence of CSC population in acute myeloid leukemia in 1997, publications in CSCs field showed an explosive trend in all cancer types around the world. First research paper in the field of CSCs in Iran was published in 2004 on prostate cancer. Subsequently, an annual number of publications in the field of CSCs displayed a rapidly growing trend. Therefore, in the current review, we have presented a comprehensive evaluation of the CSCs research in Iran.

An intelligent detection method for high-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry.

PubMed

Li, Yue; Yu, Jianwen; Ruan, Zhiming; Chen, Chilai; Chen, Ran; Wang, Han; Liu, Youjiang; Wang, Xiaozhi; Li, Shan

2018-04-01

In conventional high-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry signal acquisition, multi-cycle detection is time consuming and limits somewhat the technique's scope for rapid field detection. In this study, a novel intelligent detection approach has been developed in which a threshold was set on the relative error of α parameters, which can eliminate unnecessary time spent on detection. In this method, two full-spectrum scans were made in advance to obtain the estimated compensation voltage at different dispersion voltages, resulting in a narrowing down of the whole scan area to just the peak area(s) of interest. This intelligent detection method can reduce the detection time to 5-10% of that of the original full-spectrum scan in a single cycle.

Bioelectronic Nose Using Odorant Binding Protein-Derived Peptide and Carbon Nanotube Field-Effect Transistor for the Assessment of Salmonella Contamination in Food.

PubMed

Son, Manki; Kim, Daesan; Kang, Jinkyung; Lim, Jong Hyun; Lee, Seung Hwan; Ko, Hwi Jin; Hong, Seunghun; Park, Tai Hyun

2016-12-06

Salmonella infection is the one of the major causes of food borne illnesses including fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Thus, early detection of Salmonella contamination is important for our healthy life. Conventional detection methods for the food contamination have limitations in sensitivity and rapidity; thus, the early detection has been difficult. Herein, we developed a bioelectronic nose using a carbon nanotube (CNT) field-effect transistor (FET) functionalized with Drosophila odorant binding protein (OBP)-derived peptide for easy and rapid detection of Salmonella contamination in ham. 3-Methyl-1-butanol is known as a specific volatile organic compound, generated from the ham contaminated with Salmonella. We designed and synthesized the peptide based on the sequence of the Drosophila OBP, LUSH, which specifically binds to alcohols. The C-terminus of the synthetic peptide was modified with three phenylalanine residues and directly immobilized onto CNT channels using the π-π interaction. The p-type properties of FET were clearly maintained after the functionalization using the peptide. The biosensor detected 1 fM of 3-methyl-1-butanol with high selectivity and successfully assessed Salmonella contamination in ham. These results indicate that the bioelectronic nose can be used for the rapid detection of Salmonella contamination in food.

Flux qubit interaction with rapid single-flux quantum logic circuits: Control and readout

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klenov, N. V.; Kuznetsov, A. V.; Soloviev, I. I.; Bakurskiy, S. V.; Denisenko, M. V.; Satanin, A. M.

2017-07-01

We present the results of an analytical study and numerical simulation of the dynamics of a superconducting three-Josephson-junction (3JJ) flux qubit magnetically coupled with rapid single-flux quantum (RSFQ) logic circuit, which demonstrate the fundamental possibility of implementing the simplest logic operations at picosecond times, as well as rapid non-destructive readout. It is shown that when solving optimization problems, the qubit dynamics can be conveniently interpreted as a precession of the magnetic moment vector around the direction of the magnetic field. In this case, the role of magnetic field components is played by combinations of the Hamiltonian matrix elements, and the role of the magnetic moment is played by the Bloch vector. Features of the 3JJ qubit model are discussed during the analysis of how the qubit is affected by exposure to a short control pulse, as are the similarities between the Bloch and Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equations. An analysis of solutions to the Bloch equations made it possible to develop recommendations for the use of readout RSFQ circuits in implementing an optimal interface between the classical and quantum parts of the computer system, as well as to justify the use of single-quantum logic in order to control superconducting quantum circuits on a chip.

Evaluation in context: ATC automation in the field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harwood, Kelly; Sanford, Beverly

1994-01-01

The process for incorporating advanced technologies into complex aviation systems is as important as the final product itself. This paper described a process that is currently being applied to the development and assessment of an advanced ATC automation system, CTAS. The key element of the process is field exposure early in the system development cycle. The process deviates from current established practices of system development -- where field testing is an implementation endpoint -- and has been deemed necessary by the FAA for streamlining development and bringing system functions to a level of stability and usefulness. Methods and approaches for field assessment are borrowed from human factors engineering, cognitive engineering, and usability engineering and are tailored for the constraints of an operational ATC environment. To date, the focus has been on the qualitative assessment of the match between TMA capabilities and the context for their use. Capturing the users' experience with the automation tool and understanding tool use in the context of the operational environment is important, not only for developing a tool that is an effective problem-solving instrument but also for defining meaningful operational requirements. Such requirements form the basis for certifying the safety and efficiency of the system. CTAS is the first U.S. advanced ATC automation system of its scope and complexity to undergo this field development and assessment process. With the rapid advances in aviation technologies and our limited understanding of their impact on system performance, it is time we opened our eyes to new possibilities for developing, validating, and ultimately certifying complex aviation systems.

Survey of the Effects of Exposure to 900 MHz Radiofrequency Radiation Emitted by a GSM Mobile Phone on the Pattern of Muscle Contractions in an Animal Model

PubMed Central

Mortazavi, S. M. J.; Rahimi, S.; Talebi, A.; Soleimani, A.; Rafati, A.

2015-01-01

Background: The rapid development of wireless telecommunication technologies over the past decades, has led to significant changes in the exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields. Nowadays, people are continuously exposed to different sources of electromagnetic fields such as mobile phones, mobile base stations, cordless phones, Wi-Fi routers, and power lines. Therefore, the last decade witnessed a rapidly growing concern about the possible health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by these sources. Materials and Methods: In this study that was aimed at investigating the effects of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation emitted by a GSM mobile phone on the pattern of contraction in frog’s isolated gastrocnemius muscle after stimulation with single square pulses of 1V (1 Hz), pulse height of contractions, the time interval between two subsequent contractions and the latency period were measured. Results: Our findings showed that the pulse height of contractions muscle could be affected by the exposure to electromagnetic fields. Especially, the latency period was effectively altered in RF-exposed samples. However, none of the experiments could show an alteration in the time interval between two subsequent contractions after exposure to electromagnetic fields. Conclusion: These findings support early reports which indicated a wide variety of non-thermal effects of electromagnetic radiation on amphibians including the effects on the pattern of muscle extractions. PMID:26396968

Rapid extirpation of a North American frog coincides with an increase in fungal pathogen prevalence: Historical analysis and implications for reintroduction.

PubMed

Adams, Andrea J; Pessier, Allan P; Briggs, Cheryl J

2017-12-01

As extinctions continue across the globe, conservation biologists are turning to species reintroduction programs as one optimistic tool for addressing the biodiversity crisis. For repatriation to become a viable strategy, fundamental prerequisites include determining the causes of declines and assessing whether the causes persist in the environment. Invasive species-especially pathogens-are an increasingly significant factor contributing to biodiversity loss. We hypothesized that Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the causative agent of the deadly amphibian disease chytridiomycosis, was important in the rapid (<10 years) localized extirpation of a North American frog ( Rana boylii ) and that Bd remains widespread among extant amphibians in the region of extirpation. We used an interdisciplinary approach, combining interviews with herpetological experts, analysis of archived field notes and museum specimen collections, and field sampling of the extant amphibian assemblage to examine (1) historical relative abundance of R. boylii ; (2) potential causes of R. boylii declines; and (3) historical and contemporary prevalence of Bd. We found that R. boylii were relatively abundant prior to their rapid extirpation, and an increase in Bd prevalence coincided with R. boylii declines during a time of rapid change in the region, wherein backcountry recreation, urban development, and the amphibian pet trade were all on the rise. In addition, extreme flooding during the winter of 1969 coincided with localized extirpations in R. boylii populations observed by interview respondents. We conclude that Bd likely played an important role in the rapid extirpation of R. boylii from southern California and that multiple natural and anthropogenic factors may have worked in concert to make this possible in a relatively short period of time. This study emphasizes the importance of recognizing historical ecological contexts in making future management and reintroduction decisions.

Predicting stem borer density in maize using RapidEye data and generalized linear models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdel-Rahman, Elfatih M.; Landmann, Tobias; Kyalo, Richard; Ong'amo, George; Mwalusepo, Sizah; Sulieman, Saad; Ru, Bruno Le

2017-05-01

Average maize yield in eastern Africa is 2.03 t ha-1 as compared to global average of 6.06 t ha-1 due to biotic and abiotic constraints. Amongst the biotic production constraints in Africa, stem borers are the most injurious. In eastern Africa, maize yield losses due to stem borers are currently estimated between 12% and 21% of the total production. The objective of the present study was to explore the possibility of RapidEye spectral data to assess stem borer larva densities in maize fields in two study sites in Kenya. RapidEye images were acquired for the Bomet (western Kenya) test site on the 9th of December 2014 and on 27th of January 2015, and for Machakos (eastern Kenya) a RapidEye image was acquired on the 3rd of January 2015. Five RapidEye spectral bands as well as 30 spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) were utilized to predict per field maize stem borer larva densities using generalized linear models (GLMs), assuming Poisson ('Po') and negative binomial ('NB') distributions. Root mean square error (RMSE) and ratio prediction to deviation (RPD) statistics were used to assess the models performance using a leave-one-out cross-validation approach. The Zero-inflated NB ('ZINB') models outperformed the 'NB' models and stem borer larva densities could only be predicted during the mid growing season in December and early January in both study sites, respectively (RMSE = 0.69-1.06 and RPD = 8.25-19.57). Overall, all models performed similar when all the 30 SVIs (non-nested) and only the significant (nested) SVIs were used. The models developed could improve decision making regarding controlling maize stem borers within integrated pest management (IPM) interventions.

Application of Solid Phase Microextraction with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry as a Rapid, Reliable, and Safe Method for Field Sampling and Analysis of Chemical Warfare Agent Precursors

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-03-01

in hair samples with analysis by GC-MS [41,42]. The research discussed here examined a polydimethylsiloxane polymer with 10% activated charcoal (PDMS...Field Sampling and Analysis of Chemical Warfare Agent Precursors” Name of Candidate: LT Douglas Parrish Doctor of Philosophy, Environmental...Microextraction with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry as a Rapid, Reliable, and Safe Method for Field Sampling and Analysis of Chemical Warfare

The reconnaissance and early-warning optical system design for dual field of space-based "solar blind ultraviolet"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Wen-cong; Jin, Dong-dong; Shao, Fei; Hu, Hui-jun; Shi, Yu-feng; Song, Juan; Zhang, Yu-tu; Yong, Liu

2016-07-01

With the development of modern technology, especially the development of information technology at high speed, the ultraviolet early warning system plays an increasingly important role. In the modern warfare, how to detect the threats earlier, prevent and reduce the attack of precision-guided missile has become a new challenge. Because the ultraviolet warning technology has high environmental adaptability, the low false alarm rate, small volume and other advantages, in the military field applications it has been developed rapidly. According to current application demands for solar blind ultraviolet detection and warning, this paper proposes a reconnaissance and early-warning optical system, which covers solar blind ultraviolet (250nm-280nm) and dual field. This structure takes advantage of a narrow field of view and long focal length optical system to achieve the target object detection, uses wide-field and short focal length optical system to achieve early warning of the target object. It makes use of an ultraviolet beam-splitter to achieve the separation of two optical systems. According to the detector and the corresponding application needs of two visual field of the optical system, the calculation and optical system design were completed. After the design, the MTF of the two optical system is more than 0.8@39lp/mm. A single pixel energy concentration is greater than 80%.

Numerical simulation of solar coronal magnetic fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dahlburg, Russell B.; Antiochos, Spiro K.; Zang, T. A.

1990-01-01

Many aspects of solar activity are believed to be due to the stressing of the coronal magnetic field by footpoint motions at the photosphere. The results are presented of a fully spectral numerical simulation which is the first 3-D time dependent simulation of footpoint stressing in a geometry appropriate for the corona. An arcade is considered that is initially current-free and impose a smooth footpoint motion that produces a twist in the field of approx 2 pi. The footprints were fixed and the evolution was followed until the field relaxes to another current-free state. No evidence was seen for any instability, either ideal or resistive and no evidence for current sheet formation. The most striking feature of the evolution is that in response to photospheric motions, the field expands rapidly upward to minimize the stress. The expansion has two important effects. First, it suppresses the development of dips in the field that could support dense, cool material. For the motions assumed, the magnetic field does not develop a geometry suitable for prominence formation. Second, the expansion inhibits ideal instabilities such as kinking. The results indicate that simple stearing of a single arcade is unlikely to lead to solar activity such as flares or prominences. Effects are discussed that might possibly lead to such activity.

Design and application of permanent magnet flux sources for mechanical testing of magnetoactive elastomers at variable field directions.

PubMed

Hiptmair, F; Major, Z; Haßlacher, R; Hild, S

2015-08-01

Magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs) are a class of smart materials whose mechanical properties can be rapidly and reversibly changed by an external magnetic field. Due to this tunability, they are useable for actuators or in active vibration control applications. An extensive magnetomechanical characterization is necessary for MAE material development and requires experiments under cyclic loading in uniform but variable magnetic fields. MAE testing apparatus typically rely on fields of adjustable strength, but fixed (transverse) direction, often provided by electromagnets. In this work, two permanent magnet flux sources were developed as an add-on for a modular test stand, to allow for mechanical testing in uniform fields of variable direction. MAE specimens, based on a silicone matrix with isotropic and anisotropic carbonyl iron particle distributions, were subjected to dynamic mechanical analysis under different field and loading configurations. The magneto-induced increase of stiffness and energy dissipation was determined by the change of the hysteresis loop area and dynamic modulus values. A distinct influence of the composite microstructure and the loading state was observed. Due to the very soft and flexible matrix used for preparing the MAE samples, the material stiffness and damping behavior could be varied over a wide range via the applied field direction and intensity.

Preliminary Validation of Direct Detection of Foot-And-Mouth Disease Virus within Clinical Samples Using Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Coupled with a Simple Lateral Flow Device for Detection

PubMed Central

Waters, Ryan A.; Fowler, Veronica L.; Armson, Bryony; Nelson, Noel; Gloster, John; Paton, David J.; King, Donald P.

2014-01-01

Rapid, field-based diagnostic assays are desirable tools for the control of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Current approaches involve either; 1) Detection of FMD virus (FMDV) with immuochromatographic antigen lateral flow devices (LFD), which have relatively low analytical sensitivity, or 2) portable RT-qPCR that has high analytical sensitivity but is expensive. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) may provide a platform upon which to develop field based assays without these drawbacks. The objective of this study was to modify an FMDV-specific reverse transcription–LAMP (RT-LAMP) assay to enable detection of dual-labelled LAMP products with an LFD, and to evaluate simple sample processing protocols without nucleic acid extraction. The limit of detection of this assay was demonstrated to be equivalent to that of a laboratory based real-time RT-qPCR assay and to have a 10,000 fold higher analytical sensitivity than the FMDV-specific antigen LFD currently used in the field. Importantly, this study demonstrated that FMDV RNA could be detected from epithelial suspensions without the need for prior RNA extraction, utilising a rudimentary heat source for amplification. Once optimised, this RT-LAMP-LFD protocol was able to detect multiple serotypes from field epithelial samples, in addition to detecting FMDV in the air surrounding infected cattle, pigs and sheep, including pre-clinical detection. This study describes the development and evaluation of an assay format, which may be used as a future basis for rapid and low cost detection of FMDV. In addition it provides providing “proof of concept” for the future use of LAMP assays to tackle other challenging diagnostic scenarios encompassing veterinary and human health. PMID:25165973

Rapid evidence assessment: increasing the transparency of an emerging methodology.

PubMed

Varker, Tracey; Forbes, David; Dell, Lisa; Weston, Adele; Merlin, Tracy; Hodson, Stephanie; O'Donnell, Meaghan

2015-12-01

Within the field of evidence-based practice, policy makers, health care professionals and consumers require timely reviews to inform decisions on efficacious health care and treatments. Rapid evidence assessment (REA), also known as rapid review, has emerged in recent years as a literature review methodology that fulfils this need. It highlights what is known in a clinical area to the target audience in a relatively short time frame. This article discusses the lack of transparency and limited critical appraisal that can occur in REA, and goes on to propose general principles for conducting a REA. The approach that we describe is consistent with the principles underlying systematic review methodology, but also makes allowances for the rapid delivery of information as required while utilizing explicit and reproducible methods at each stage. Our method for conducting REA includes: developing an explicit research question in consultation with the end-users; clear definition of the components of the research question; development of a thorough and reproducible search strategy; development of explicit evidence selection criteria; and quality assessments and transparent decisions about the level of information to be obtained from each study. In addition, the REA may also include an assessment of the quality of the total body of evidence. Transparent reporting of REA methodologies will provide greater clarity to end-users about how the information is obtained and about the trade-offs that are made between speed and rigour. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The 3-D description of vertical current sheets with application to solar flares

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fontenla, Juan M.; Davis, J. M.

1991-01-01

Following a brief review of the processes which have been suggested for explaining the occurrence of solar flares we suggest a new scenario which builds on the achievements of the previous suggestion that the current sheets, which develop naturally in 3-D cases with gravity from impacting independent magnetic structures (i.e., approaching current systems), do not consist of horizontal currents but are instead predominantly vertical current systems. This suggestion is based on the fact that as the subphotospheric sources of the magnetic field displace the upper photosphere and lower chromosphere regions, where plasma beta is near unity, will experience predominantly horizontal mass motions which will lead to a distorted 3-D configurations of the magnetic field having stored free energy. In our scenario, a vertically flowing current sheet separates the plasma regions associated with either of the subphotospheric sources. This reflects the balanced tension of the two stressed fields which twist around each other. This leads naturally to a metastable or unstable situation as the twisted field emerges into a low beta region where vertical motions are not inhibited by gravity. In our flare scenario the impulsive energy release occurs, initially, not by reconnection but mainly by the rapid change of the magnetic field which has become unstable. During the impulsive phase the field lines contort in such way as to realign the electric current sheet into a minimum energy horizontal flow. This contortion produces very large electric fields which will accelerate particles. As the current evolves to a horizontal configuration the magnetic field expands vertically, which can be accompanied by eruptions of material. The instability of a horizontal current is well known and causes the magnetic field to undergo a rapid outward expansion. In our scenario, fast reconnection is not necessary to trigger the flare, however, slow reconnection would occur continuously in the current layer at the locations of potential flaring. During the initial rearrangement of the field strong plasma turbulence develops. Following the impulsive phase, the final current sheet will experience faster reconnection which we believe responsible for the gradual phase of the flare. The reconnection will dissipate part of the current and will produce sustained and extended heating in the flare region and in the postflare loops.

Electric Field Measurements During the Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) Field Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bateman, Monte G.; Blakeslee, Richard J.; Mach, Douglas M.

2010-01-01

During the Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) field program, a system of 6 electric field mills was flown on one of NASA's Global Hawk aircraft. We placed several mills on the aircraft to enable us to measure the vector electric field. We created a distributed, ethernet-connected system so that each sensor has its own embedded Linux system, complete with web server. This makes our current generation system fully "sensor web enabled." The Global Hawk has several unique qualities, but relevant to quality storm electric field measurements are high altitude (20 km) and long duration (20-30 hours) flights. There are several aircraft participating in the GRIP program, and coordinated measurements are happening. Lightning and electric field measurements will be used to study the relationships between lightning and other storm characteristics. It has been long understood that lightning can be used as a marker for strong convective activity. Past research and field programs suggest that lightning flash rate may serve as an indicator and precursor for rapid intensification change in tropical cyclones and hurricanes. We have the opportunity to sample hurricanes for many hours at a time and observe intensification (or de-intensification) periods. The electrical properties of hurricanes during such periods are not well known. American

Fieldable, real-time enzyme immunoassay kits for drugs on surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiappini, Michele W.; Wendel, Gregory J.; Duquette, Peter H.; Hamilton, Martha J.; Chudzik, Stephen J.; Chappa, Ralph A.

1994-03-01

Immunoassays (e.g., RIA, EIA) have been demonstrated to be useful for rapid, convenient detection and semiquantitative analysis of drugs. Thermedics Detection, Inc. manufactures a rapid, sensitive, self-contained, disposable, EIA device, developed by Bio-Metric Systems, Inc., designed to allow untrained personnel to perform in field situations. This format has been developed for drugs in biological fluids and on surfaces. The analyte in the test sample competes with an enzyme-analyte conjugate for a limited number of immobilized antibody sites. The AccuPRESS Test format can detect analytes at 10 ppb in biological fluids, water, and soil, and on surfaces, such as suitcases, vehicles, tables and hands, with positive results indicated by clearly visible color development within 5 minutes. This format is designed to have all dry components and to have an ambient shelf life of greater than one year. The format is available for cocaine and opiate derivatives, including heroin, and is readily adaptable for use with numerous other drugs, explosives, and environmental pollutants.

Software-Reconfigurable Processors for Spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farrington, Allen; Gray, Andrew; Bell, Bryan; Stanton, Valerie; Chong, Yong; Peters, Kenneth; Lee, Clement; Srinivasan, Jeffrey

2005-01-01

A report presents an overview of an architecture for a software-reconfigurable network data processor for a spacecraft engaged in scientific exploration. When executed on suitable electronic hardware, the software performs the functions of a physical layer (in effect, acts as a software radio in that it performs modulation, demodulation, pulse-shaping, error correction, coding, and decoding), a data-link layer, a network layer, a transport layer, and application-layer processing of scientific data. The software-reconfigurable network processor is undergoing development to enable rapid prototyping and rapid implementation of communication, navigation, and scientific signal-processing functions; to provide a long-lived communication infrastructure; and to provide greatly improved scientific-instrumentation and scientific-data-processing functions by enabling science-driven in-flight reconfiguration of computing resources devoted to these functions. This development is an extension of terrestrial radio and network developments (e.g., in the cellular-telephone industry) implemented in software running on such hardware as field-programmable gate arrays, digital signal processors, traditional digital circuits, and mixed-signal application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

Development of porous ceramsite from construction and demolition waste.

PubMed

Wang, Chuan; Wu, Jian-Zhi; Zhang, Fu-Shen

2013-01-01

The disposal of construction and demolition (C&D) waste has become a serious problem in China due to the rapid increase of Chinese construction industry in recent years. In the present study, typical C&D waste was employed for ceramsite fabrication so as to find a new way for its effective recycling. A novel process was developed for manufacturing high-quality porous ceramsite according to the special chemical composition and properties of C&D waste. Most importantly, a unique bloating agent was developed for the porous structure formation since it was difficult to obtain a suitable porous structure using traditional bloating agents. The effects of processing parameters such as sintering temperature, heating rate and soaking time were investigated, and the bloating mechanism for ceramsite was discussed. The C&D waste ceramsite (CDWC), with high-intensity, low density and homogeneous mechanical properties, was much more suitable for application in the construction field. This study provides a practical process for efficient recycling of the rapidly increasing quantities of C&D waste.

Selenium and selenocysteine: roles in cancer, health and development

PubMed Central

Hatfield, Dolph L.; Tsuji, Petra A.; Carlson, Bradley A.; Gladyshev, Vadim N.

2014-01-01

The many biological and biomedical effects of selenium are relatively unknown outside the selenium field. This fascinating element, initially described as a toxin, was subsequently shown to be essential for health and development. By the mid 1990s, selenium emerged as one of the most promising cancer chemopreventive agents, but subsequent human clinical trials yielded contradictory results. However, basic research on selenium continued to move at a rapid pace elucidating its many roles in health, development, and cancer prevention and promotion. Dietary selenium acts principally through selenoproteins, most of which are oxidoreductases involved in diverse cellular functions. PMID:24485058

Zebrafish pancreas development.

PubMed

Tiso, Natascia; Moro, Enrico; Argenton, Francesco

2009-11-27

An accurate understanding of the molecular events governing pancreas development can have an impact on clinical medicine related to diabetes, obesity and pancreatic cancer, diseases with a high impact in public health. Until 1996, the main animal models in which pancreas formation and differentiation could be studied were mouse and, for some instances related to early development, chicken and Xenopus. Zebrafish has penetrated this field very rapidly offering a new model of investigation; by joining functional genomics, genetics and in vivo whole mount visualization, Danio rerio has allowed large scale and fine multidimensional analysis of gene functions during pancreas formation and differentiation.

Development of a simple and rapid reverse transcription-loop mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for sensitive detection of Citrus tristeza virus.

PubMed

Warghane, Ashish; Misra, Pragati; Bhose, Sumit; Biswas, Kajal Kumar; Sharma, Ashwani Kumar; Reddy, M Krishna; Ghosh, Dilip Kumar

2017-12-01

Tristeza is a devastating disease of citrus and reported to be present in almost all countries where it is cultivated as a commercial crop. The etiological agent of this disease is Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), a member of the genus Closterovirus with in the family Closteroviridae. The pathogen is restricted to the phloem tissue of the infected citrus plant and has a monopartite ss (+) RNA genome of ∼20kb size. Till date, there is no effective control measure available for this virus. Management of tristeza depends on destruction of CTV infected field plants, production of virus-free planting material for new orchard establishment and controlling viruliferous aphid vectors responsible for field spread of the pathogen. Availability of rapid diagnostic assay is essential for rapid and efficient detection of the pathogen. In the present investigation, RT-LAMP (reverse transcription-loop mediated isothermal amplification), a highly sensitive, robust and low cost assay has been developed for rapid detection of CTV in infected citrus plant samples. Based on conserved nucleotide sequences available in GenBank and specific to p25 gene (major coat protein gene) of predominant CTV isolates of India, four primer sets (CTV-F3, CTV-B3, CTV-FIP and CTV-BIP) ware designed and custom synthesized. The amplified LAMP products obtained after maintaining isothermal condition of 65°C for 60min duration could be visible easily with necked eyes in presence of SYBR Green I (100X). Subsequently, LAMP products were verified by electrophoresis run in 1.5% agarose gel. The RT-LAMP results obtained with known CTV isolates maintained in screen house of CCRI, Nagpur were validated using field samples and thereafter it was further confirmed by conventional RT-PCR (reveres transcription-polymerase chain reaction) assay. The sensitivity of CTV-RT-LAMP protocol standardized in the present study was 100 times more than conventional one step RT-PCR assay. It also has maximum detection limit up to 0.0001ng RNA in individual reaction mixture. CTV-RT-LAMP assay is a simple, sensitive, rapid and less costly detection technique. This assay could be used for CTV diagnosis in pathology laboratories having limited facility and resources and even by citrus nurseries situated in remote locations. As per our knowledge and available literature, the present study reports first time about the usefulness of RT-LAMP assay for detection of CTV from India. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Supra Arcade Downflows in the Earth's Magnetotail

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobelski, A.; Savage, S. L.; Malaspina, D.

2017-12-01

Pinpointing the location of a single reconnection event in the corona is difficult due to observational constraints, although features directly resulting from this rapid reconfiguration of the field lines can be observed beyond the reconnection site. One set of such features are outflows in the form of post-reconnection loops, which have been linked to observations of supra-arcade downflows (SADs). SADs appear as sunward-traveling, density-depleted regions above flare arcades that develop during long duration eruptions. The limitations of remote sensing methods inherently results in ambiguities regarding the interpretation of SAD formation. Of particular interest is how these features are related to post-reconnection retracting magnetic field lines. In planetary magnetospheres, similar events to solar flares occur in the form of substorms, where reconnection in the anti-sunward tail of the magnetosphere causes field lines to retract toward the planet. Using data from the Time History of Events and Macroscopic Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS), we compare one particular aspect of substorms, dipolarization fronts, to SADs. Dipolarization fronts are observed as rapid but temporary changes in the magnetic field of the magnetotail plasma sheet into a more potential-like dipolar shape. These dipolarization fronts are believed to be retracting post-reconnection field lines. We combine data sets to show that the while the densities and magnetic fields involved vary greatly between the regimes, the plasma βs and Alfvén speeds are similar. These similarities allow direct comparison between the retracting field lines and their accompanying wakes of rarified plasma observed with THEMIS around the Earth to the observed morphological density depletions visible with XRT and AIA on the Sun. These results are an important source of feedback for models of coronal current sheets.

Supra Arcade Downflows in the Earth's Magnetotail

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kobelski, Adam; Savage, Sabrina L.; Malaspina, David M.

2017-01-01

Pinpointing the location of a single reconnection event in the corona is difficult due to observational constraints, although features directly resulting from this rapid reconfiguration of the field lines can be observed beyond the reconnection site. One set of such features are outflows in the form of post-reconnection loops, which have been linked to observations of supra-arcade downflows (SADs). SADs appear as sunward-traveling, density-depleted regions above flare arcades that develop during long duration eruptions. The limitations of remote sensing methods inherently results in ambiguities regarding the interpretation of SAD formation. Of particular interest is how these features are related to post-reconnection retracting magnetic field lines. In planetary magnetospheres, similar events to solar flares occur in the form of substorms, where reconnection in the anti-sunward tail of the magnetosphere causes field lines to retract toward the planet. Using data from the Time History of Events and Macroscopic Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS), we compare one particular aspect of substorms, dipolarization fronts, to SADs. Dipolarization fronts are observed as rapid but temporary changes in the magnetic field of the magnetotail plasma sheet into a more potential-like dipolar shape. These dipolarization fronts are believed to be retracting post-reconnection field lines. We combine data sets to show that the while the densities and magnetic fields involved vary greatly between the regimes, the plasma betas and Alfvén speeds are similar. These similarities allow direct comparison between the retracting field lines and their accompanying wakes of rarified plasma observed with THEMIS around the Earth to the observed morphological density depletions visible with XRT and AIA on the Sun. These results are an important source of feedback for models of coronal current sheets.

ISHNE/EHRA expert consensus on remote monitoring of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs).

PubMed

Dubner, Sergio; Auricchio, Angelo; Steinberg, Jonathan S; Vardas, Panos; Stone, Peter; Brugada, Josep; Piotrowicz, Ryszard; Hayes, David L; Kirchhof, Paulus; Breithardt, Günter; Zareba, Wojciech; Schuger, Claudio; Aktas, Mehmet K; Chudzik, Michal; Mittal, Suneet; Varma, Niraj

2012-02-01

We are in the midst of a rapidly evolving era of technology-assisted medicine. The field of telemedicine provides the opportunity for highly individualized medical management in a way that has never been possible before. Evolving medical technologies using cardiac implantable devices (CIEDs) with capabilities for remote monitoring permit evaluation of multiple parameters of cardiovascular physiology and risk, including cardiac rhythm, device function, blood pressure values, the presence of myocardial ischaemia, and the degree of compensation of congestive heart failure. Cardiac risk, device status, and response to therapies can now be assessed with these electronic systems of detection and reporting. This document reflects the extensive experience from investigators and innovators around the world who are shaping the evolution of this rapidly expanding field, focusing in particular on implantable pacemakers (IPGs), implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), devices for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) (both, with and without defibrillation properties), loop recorders, and haemodynamic monitoring devices. This document covers the basic methodologies, guidelines for their use, experience with existing applications, and the legal and reimbursement aspects associated with their use. To adequately cover this important emerging topic, the International Society for Holter and Noninvasive Electrocardiology (ISHNE) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) combined their expertise in this field. We hope that the development of this field can contribute to improve care of our cardiovascular patients.

Adapting Ground Penetrating Radar for Non-Destructive In-Situ Root and Tuber Assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teare, B. L.; Hays, D. B.; Delgado, A.; Dobreva, I. D.; Bishop, M. P.; Lacey, R.; Huo, D.; Wang, X.

2017-12-01

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a rapidly evolving technology extensively used in geoscience, civil science, archeology, and military, and has become a novel application in agricultural systems. One promising application of GPR is for root and tuber detection and measurement. Current commercial GPR systems have been used for detection of large roots, but few studies have attempted to detect agronomic roots, and even fewer have attempted to measure and quantify the total root mass. The ability to monitor and measure root and tuber mass and architecture in an agricultural setting would have far-reaching effects. A few of these include the potential for breeding higher yielding root and tuber crops, rapid bulking roots, discovery of crops with greater carbon sequestration, discovery of plant varieties which have greater ability to stabilize slopes against erosion and slope failure, and drought tolerant varieties. Despite the possible benefits and the current maturity of GPR technology, several challenges remain in the attempt to optimize its use for root and tuber detection. These challenges center on three categories: spatial resolution, data processing, and field-deployable hardware configuration. This study is centered around tuber measurement and its objectives are to i) identify ideal antenna array configurations, frequency, and pulse density; ii) develop novel processing techniques which leverage powerful computer technologies to provide highly accurate measurements of detected features; and iii) develop a cart system which is appropriate for agricultural fields and non-destructive sampling. Already, a 2 GHz multiarray antenna has been identified as an optimal system for tuber detection. Software and processing algorithm development is ongoing, but has already shown improvement over current software offerings. Recent field activity suggest that carts should be width adjustable and sport independent suspension systems to maintain antenna orientation.

Mapping soil heterogeneity using RapidEye satellite images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piccard, Isabelle; Eerens, Herman; Dong, Qinghan; Gobin, Anne; Goffart, Jean-Pierre; Curnel, Yannick; Planchon, Viviane

2016-04-01

In the frame of BELCAM, a project funded by the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO), researchers from UCL, ULg, CRA-W and VITO aim to set up a collaborative system to develop and deliver relevant information for agricultural monitoring in Belgium. The main objective is to develop remote sensing methods and processing chains able to ingest crowd sourcing data, provided by farmers or associated partners, and to deliver in return relevant and up-to-date information for crop monitoring at the field and district level based on Sentinel-1 and -2 satellite imagery. One of the developments within BELCAM concerns an automatic procedure to detect soil heterogeneity within a parcel using optical high resolution images. Such heterogeneity maps can be used to adjust farming practices according to the detected heterogeneity. This heterogeneity may for instance be caused by differences in mineral composition of the soil, organic matter content, soil moisture or soil texture. Local differences in plant growth may be indicative for differences in soil characteristics. As such remote sensing derived vegetation indices may be used to reveal soil heterogeneity. VITO started to delineate homogeneous zones within parcels by analyzing a series of RapidEye images acquired in 2015 (as a precursor for Sentinel-2). Both unsupervised classification (ISODATA, K-means) and segmentation techniques were tested. Heterogeneity maps were generated from images acquired at different moments during the season (13 May, 30 June, 17 July, 31 August, 11 September and 1 November 2015). Tests were performed using blue, green, red, red edge and NIR reflectances separately and using derived indices such as NDVI, fAPAR, CIrededge, NDRE2. The results for selected winter wheat, maize and potato fields were evaluated together with experts from the collaborating agricultural research centers. For a few fields UAV images and/or yield measurements were available for comparison.

Nanotechnology in Dentistry: Clinical Applications, Benefits, and Hazards.

PubMed

Shashirekha, Govind; Jena, Amit; Mohapatra, Satyajit

2017-05-01

Nanotechnology is emerging as an interdisciplinary field that is undergoing rapid development and has brought about enormous changes in medicine and dentistry. Nanomaterial-based design is able to mimic some of the mechanical and structural properties of native tissue and can promote biointegration. Nanotechnology has various applications in dentistry, including dentition renaturalization, therapy for dentin hypersensitivity, complete orthodontic realignment in a single visit, covalently bonding diamondized enamel, enhancing properties of root canal sealers, and continuous oral health maintenance using mechanical dentifrobots. A range of synthetic nanoparticles such as hydroxyapatite, bioglass, titanium, zirconia, and silver nanoparticles are proposed for dental restoration. This review focuses on the developments in the field of nanomaterials in dentistry in the form of tissue regeneration materials, implantable devices, nanocomposites, endodontic sealers etc. and issues of patient safety.