How clarinettists articulate: The effect of blowing pressure and tonguing on initial and final transients.

PubMed

Li, Weicong; Almeida, André; Smith, John; Wolfe, Joe

2016-02-01

Articulation, including initial and final note transients, is important to tasteful music performance. Clarinettists' tongue-reed contact, the time variation of the blowing pressure P¯mouth, the mouthpiece pressure, the pressure in the instrument bore, and the radiated sound were measured for normal articulation, accents, sforzando, staccato, and for minimal attack, i.e., notes started very softly. All attacks include a phase when the amplitude of the fundamental increases exponentially, with rates r ∼1000 dB s(-1) controlled by varying both the rate of increase in P¯mouth and the timing of tongue release during this increase. Accented and sforzando notes have shorter attacks (r∼1300 dB s(-1)) than normal notes. P¯mouth reaches a higher peak value for accented and sforzando notes, followed by a steady decrease for accented notes or a rapid fall to a lower, nearly steady value for sforzando notes. Staccato notes are usually terminated by tongue contact, producing an exponential decrease in sound pressure with rates similar to those calculated from the bandwidths of the bore resonances: ∼400 dB s(-1). In all other cases, notes are stopped by decreasing P¯mouth. Notes played with different dynamics are qualitatively similar, but louder notes have larger P¯mouth and larger r.

Analysis of volumetric response of pituitary adenomas receiving adjuvant CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery with the application of an exponential fitting model

PubMed Central

Yu, Yi-Lin; Yang, Yun-Ju; Lin, Chin; Hsieh, Chih-Chuan; Li, Chiao-Zhu; Feng, Shao-Wei; Tang, Chi-Tun; Chung, Tzu-Tsao; Ma, Hsin-I; Chen, Yuan-Hao; Ju, Da-Tong; Hueng, Dueng-Yuan

2017-01-01

Abstract Tumor control rates of pituitary adenomas (PAs) receiving adjuvant CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery (CK SRS) are high. However, there is currently no uniform way to estimate the time course of the disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the volumetric responses of PAs after CK SRS and investigate the application of an exponential decay model in calculating an accurate time course and estimation of the eventual outcome. A retrospective review of 34 patients with PAs who received adjuvant CK SRS between 2006 and 2013 was performed. Tumor volume was calculated using the planimetric method. The percent change in tumor volume and tumor volume rate of change were compared at median 4-, 10-, 20-, and 36-month intervals. Tumor responses were classified as: progression for >15% volume increase, regression for ≤15% decrease, and stabilization for ±15% of the baseline volume at the time of last follow-up. For each patient, the volumetric change versus time was fitted with an exponential model. The overall tumor control rate was 94.1% in the 36-month (range 18–87 months) follow-up period (mean volume change of −43.3%). Volume regression (mean decrease of −50.5%) was demonstrated in 27 (79%) patients, tumor stabilization (mean change of −3.7%) in 5 (15%) patients, and tumor progression (mean increase of 28.1%) in 2 (6%) patients (P = 0.001). Tumors that eventually regressed or stabilized had a temporary volume increase of 1.07% and 41.5% at 4 months after CK SRS, respectively (P = 0.017). The tumor volume estimated using the exponential fitting equation demonstrated high positive correlation with the actual volume calculated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as tested by Pearson correlation coefficient (0.9). Transient progression of PAs post-CK SRS was seen in 62.5% of the patients receiving CK SRS, and it was not predictive of eventual volume regression or progression. A three-point exponential model is of potential predictive value according to relative distribution. An exponential decay model can be used to calculate the time course of tumors that are ultimately controlled. PMID:28121913

Kinetics of chromatid break repair in G2-human fibroblasts exposed to low- and high-LET radiations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kawata, T.; Durante, M.; George, K.; Furusawa, Y.; Gotoh, E.; Takai, N.; Wu, H.; Cucinotta, F. A.

2001-01-01

The purpose of this study is to determine the kinetics of chromatid break rejoining following exposure to radiations of different quality. Exponentially growing human fibroblast cells AG1522 were irradiated with gamma-rays, energetic carbon (290 MeV/u), silicon (490 MeV/u) and iron (200 MeV/u, 600 MeV/u). Chromosomes were prematurely condensed using calyculin A. Prematurely condensed chromosomes were collected after several post-irradiation incubation times, ranging from 5 to 600 minutes, and the number of chromatid breaks and exchanges in G2 cells were scored. The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for initial chromatid breaks per unit dose showed LET dependency having a peak at 55 keV/micrometers silicon (2.4) or 80 keV/micrometers carbon particles (2.4) and then decreased with increasing LET. The kinetics of chromatid break rejoining following low- or high-LET irradiation consisted of two exponential components. Chromatid breaks decreased rapidly after exposure, and then continued to decrease at a slower rate. The rejoining kinetics was similar for exposure to each type of radiation, although the rate of unrejoined breaks was higher for high-LET radiation. Chromatid exchanges were also formed quickly.

Aggregation of Heterogeneous Time Preferences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gollier, Christian; Zeckhauser, Richard

2005-01-01

We examine an economy whose consumers have different discount factors for utility, possibly not exponential. We characterize the properties of efficient allocations of resources and of the shadow prices that would decentralize such allocations. We show in particular that the representative agent has a decreasing discount rate when, as is usually…

A nonstationary Poisson point process describes the sequence of action potentials over long time scales in lateral-superior-olive auditory neurons.

PubMed

Turcott, R G; Lowen, S B; Li, E; Johnson, D H; Tsuchitani, C; Teich, M C

1994-01-01

The behavior of lateral-superior-olive (LSO) auditory neurons over large time scales was investigated. Of particular interest was the determination as to whether LSO neurons exhibit the same type of fractal behavior as that observed in primary VIII-nerve auditory neurons. It has been suggested that this fractal behavior, apparent on long time scales, may play a role in optimally coding natural sounds. We found that a nonfractal model, the nonstationary dead-time-modified Poisson point process (DTMP), describes the LSO firing patterns well for time scales greater than a few tens of milliseconds, a region where the specific details of refractoriness are unimportant. The rate is given by the sum of two decaying exponential functions. The process is completely specified by the initial values and time constants of the two exponentials and by the dead-time relation. Specific measures of the firing patterns investigated were the interspike-interval (ISI) histogram, the Fano-factor time curve (FFC), and the serial count correlation coefficient (SCC) with the number of action potentials in successive counting times serving as the random variable. For all the data sets we examined, the latter portion of the recording was well approximated by a single exponential rate function since the initial exponential portion rapidly decreases to a negligible value. Analytical expressions available for the statistics of a DTMP with a single exponential rate function can therefore be used for this portion of the data. Good agreement was obtained among the analytical results, the computer simulation, and the experimental data on time scales where the details of refractoriness are insignificant.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

RXTE/PCA and Swift/XRT observations of GRO J1655-40 during decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Homan, Jeroen; Kong, Albert; Tomsick, John; Miller, Jon; Campana, Sergio; Wijnands, Rudy; Belloni, Tomaso; Lewin, Walter

2005-10-01

Following its transition to the hard state (ATels #607,#612), we have continued our daily RXTE/PCA observations of the black hole X-ray transient GRO J1655-40 (see http://tahti.mit.edu/opensource/1655). Between September 23, when the source reached the hard state, and October 10, the RXTE/ PCA count rate decreased exponentially, with an e-folding time of ~7 days. After October 10 the decrease started to slow down and data from the last few days suggest that the count rate may have reached a constant level.

Observations on the methane oxidation capacity of landfill soils

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Field data and two independent models indicate that landfill cover methane (CH4) oxidation should not be considered as a constant 10% or any other single value. Percent oxidation is a decreasing exponential function of the total methane flux rate into the cover and is also dependent on climate and c...

Verification of the exponential model of body temperature decrease after death in pigs.

PubMed

Kaliszan, Michal; Hauser, Roman; Kaliszan, Roman; Wiczling, Paweł; Buczyñski, Janusz; Penkowski, Michal

2005-09-01

The authors have conducted a systematic study in pigs to verify the models of post-mortem body temperature decrease currently employed in forensic medicine. Twenty-four hour automatic temperature recordings were performed in four body sites starting 1.25 h after pig killing in an industrial slaughterhouse under typical environmental conditions (19.5-22.5 degrees C). The animals had been randomly selected under a regular manufacturing process. The temperature decrease time plots drawn starting 75 min after death for the eyeball, the orbit soft tissues, the rectum and muscle tissue were found to fit the single-exponential thermodynamic model originally proposed by H. Rainy in 1868. In view of the actual intersubject variability, the addition of a second exponential term to the model was demonstrated to be statistically insignificant. Therefore, the two-exponential model for death time estimation frequently recommended in the forensic medicine literature, even if theoretically substantiated for individual test cases, provides no advantage as regards the reliability of estimation in an actual case. The improvement of the precision of time of death estimation by the reconstruction of an individual curve on the basis of two dead body temperature measurements taken 1 h apart or taken continuously for a longer time (about 4 h), has also been proved incorrect. It was demonstrated that the reported increase of precision of time of death estimation due to use of a multiexponential model, with individual exponential terms to account for the cooling rate of the specific body sites separately, is artifactual. The results of this study support the use of the eyeball and/or the orbit soft tissues as temperature measuring sites at times shortly after death. A single-exponential model applied to the eyeball cooling has been shown to provide a very precise estimation of the time of death up to approximately 13 h after death. For the period thereafter, a better estimation of the time of death is obtained from temperature data collected from the muscles or the rectum.

Fractional calculus and morphogen gradient formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuste, Santos Bravo; Abad, Enrique; Lindenberg, Katja

2012-12-01

Some microscopic models for reactive systems where the reaction kinetics is limited by subdiffusion are described by means of reaction-subdiffusion equations where fractional derivatives play a key role. In particular, we consider subdiffusive particles described by means of a Continuous Time Random Walk (CTRW) model subject to a linear (first-order) death process. The resulting fractional equation is employed to study the developmental biology key problem of morphogen gradient formation for the case in which the morphogens are subdiffusive. If the morphogen degradation rate (reactivity) is constant, we find exponentially decreasing stationary concentration profiles, which are similar to the profiles found when the morphogens diffuse normally. However, for the case in which the degradation rate decays exponentially with the distance to the morphogen source, we find that the morphogen profiles are qualitatively different from the profiles obtained when the morphogens diffuse normally.

[Characteristics of soil water infiltration in sub-alpine dark coniferous ecosystem of upper reaches of Yangtze River].

PubMed

Yu, Xinxiao; Zhao, Yutao; Zhang, Zhiqiang; Cheng, Genwei

2003-01-01

Dark coniferous forest is the predominant type of vegetation in the upper reaches of Yangtze River. Difference among different types of soil exists. The sand content of soil is higher and the soil texture is coarser in the early stage of forest succession. The sand content of soil decreases with the advancement of the forest succession while that of soil in Abies fabri over-mature forest is the lowest. In slope wash soil, the sand content of soil decreases with the increasing soil depth. The soil porosity and soil water-holding capacity increases and soil bulk density decreases with the advancement of forest succession and decrease of soil depth. The deeper soil depth or the smaller soil water content are, the smaller the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of soil measured by CGA method. Moreover, the correlation of soil water content with unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of soil can be simulated by an exponential function. The saturated hydraulic conductivity of soil decreases exponentially with the increasing soil depth. The time to attain the stable infiltration rate is different among different soil depth, while the deeper the soil depth is, the longer the time needs. The variation in soil texture, soil physical properties and the high infiltration rate of soil there implicated that there are scarce surface runoff, but abundant in subsurface flow, return flow and seepage, which is the result of regulation by dark coniferous forest on hydrological processes.

Escape rate for nonequilibrium processes dominated by strong non-detailed balance force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Ying; Xu, Song; Ao, Ping

2018-02-01

Quantifying the escape rate from a meta-stable state is essential to understand a wide range of dynamical processes. Kramers' classical rate formula is the product of an exponential function of the potential barrier height and a pre-factor related to the friction coefficient. Although many applications of the rate formula focused on the exponential term, the prefactor can have a significant effect on the escape rate in certain parameter regions, such as the overdamped limit and the underdamped limit. There have been continuous interests to understand the effect of non-detailed balance on the escape rate; however, how the prefactor behaves under strong non-detailed balance force remains elusive. In this work, we find that the escape rate formula has a vanishing prefactor with decreasing friction strength under the strong non-detailed balance limit. We both obtain analytical solutions in specific examples and provide a derivation for more general cases. We further verify the result by simulations and propose a testable experimental system of a charged Brownian particle in electromagnetic field. Our study demonstrates that a special care is required to estimate the effect of prefactor on the escape rate when non-detailed balance force dominates.

White light generation in Dy3+-doped fluorosilicate glasses for W-LED applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krishnaiah, K. Venkata; Jayasankar, C. K.

2011-05-01

Dysprosium doped fluorosilicate (SNbKZLF:SiO2-Nb2O5-K2O-ZnF2-LiF) glasses have been prepared and studied through excitation, emission and decay rate analysis. Sharp emission peaks were observed at 485 nm (blue) and 577 nm (yellow) under 387 nm excitation, which are attributed to 4F9/2 --> 6H15/2 and 4F9/2 --> 6H13/2 transitions, respectively, of Dy3+ ions. The yellow-to-blue intensity ratio increases (0.85 to 1.19) with increase in Dy3+ ion concentration. The decay rates exhibit single exponential for lower concentrations and turns into non-exponential for higher concentrations. The non-exponential nature of the decay rates are well-fitted to the Inokuti-Hirayama model for S = 6, which indicates that the nature of the energy transfer between donor and acceptor ions is of dipole-dipole type. The lifetime for the 4F9/2 level of Dy3+ ion decreases (0.42 to 0.14 ms), whereas energy transfer parameter increases (0.11 to 0.99) with increase of Dy3+ ion concentration (0.05 to 4.0 mol %). The chromaticity coordinates have been calculated from the emission spectra and analyzed with Commission International de I'Eclairage diagram. The chromaticity coordinates appeared in the white light region for all concentrations of Dy3+ ions in the present glasses. The correlated color temperature value decreases from 5597 K (closer to the day light value of 5500 K) to 4524 K with increase of Dy2O3 ion concentration from 0.01 to 4.0 mol %. These results indicate that Dy3+:SNbKZLF glasses can be considered as a potential host material for the development of white light emitting diodes.

Gas propagation in a liquid helium cooled vacuum tube following a sudden vacuum loss

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhuley, Ram C.

This dissertation describes the propagation of near atmospheric nitrogen gas that rushes into a liquid helium cooled vacuum tube after the tube suddenly loses vacuum. The loss-of-vacuum scenario resembles accidental venting of atmospheric air to the beam-line of a superconducting radio frequency particle accelerator and is investigated to understand how in the presence of condensation, the in-flowing air will propagate in such geometry. In a series of controlled experiments, room temperature nitrogen gas (a substitute for air) at a variety of mass flow rates was vented to a high vacuum tube immersed in a bath of liquid helium. Pressure probes and thermometers installed on the tube along its length measured respectively the tube pressure and tube wall temperature rise due to gas flooding and condensation. At high mass in-flow rates a gas front propagated down the vacuum tube but with a continuously decreasing speed. Regression analysis of the measured front arrival times indicates that the speed decreases nearly exponentially with the travel length. At low enough mass in-flow rates, no front propagated in the vacuum tube. Instead, the in-flowing gas steadily condensed over a short section of the tube near its entrance and the front appeared to `freeze-out'. An analytical expression is derived for gas front propagation speed in a vacuum tube in the presence of condensation. The analytical model qualitatively explains the front deceleration and flow freeze-out. The model is then simplified and supplemented with condensation heat/mass transfer data to again find the front to decelerate exponentially while going away from the tube entrance. Within the experimental and procedural uncertainty, the exponential decay length-scales obtained from the front arrival time regression and from the simplified model agree.

Concatenated coding for low date rate space communications.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, C. H.

1972-01-01

In deep space communications with distant planets, the data rate as well as the operating SNR may be very low. To maintain the error rate also at a very low level, it is necessary to use a sophisticated coding system (longer code) without excessive decoding complexity. The concatenated coding has been shown to meet such requirements in that the error rate decreases exponentially with the overall length of the code while the decoder complexity increases only algebraically. Three methods of concatenating an inner code with an outer code are considered. Performance comparison of the three concatenated codes is made.

Metallurgical Laboratory (MetLab) Treatability Study: An Analysis of Passive Soil Vapor Extraction Wells (PSVE) FY1999 Update

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

Riha, B.D.

1999-10-20

The results to date on the treatability study of the PSVE system at the MetLab of the Savannah River Site (SRS) indicate the technology is performing well. Well concentrations are decreasing and contour maps of the vadose zone soil gas plume show a decrease in the extent of the plume. In the 18 months of operation approximately 200 pounds of chlorinated organic contaminants have been removed by natural barometric pumping of wells fitted with BaroBall valves (low pressure check valves). The mass removal estimates are approximate since the flow rates are estimated, the concentration data is based on exponential fitsmore » of a limited data set, and the concentration data is normalized to the average CO2.The concentration values presented in this report should be taken as the general trend or order of magnitude of concentration until longer-term data is collected. These trends are of exponentially decreasing concentration showing the same characteristics as the concentration trends at the SRS Miscellaneous Chemical Basin after three years of PSVE (Riha et. al., 1999).« less

Kinetic and Mechanistic Examination of Acid–Base Bifunctional Aminosilica Catalysts in Aldol and Nitroaldol Condensations

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

Collier, Virginia E.; Ellebracht, Nathan C.; Lindy, George I.

The kinetic and mechanistic understanding of cooperatively catalyzed aldol and nitroaldol condensations is probed using a series of mesoporous silicas functionalized with aminosilanes to provide bifunctional acid–base character. Mechanistically, a Hammett analysis is performed to determine the effects of electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups of para-substituted benzaldehyde derivatives on the catalytic activity of each condensation reaction. This information is also used to discuss the validity of previously proposed catalytic mechanisms and to propose a revised mechanism with plausible reaction intermediates. For both reactions, electron-withdrawing groups increase the observed rates of reaction, though resonance effects play an important, yet subtle, role inmore » the nitroaldol condensation, in which a p-methoxy electron-donating group is also able to stabilize the proposed carbocation intermediate. Additionally, activation energies and pre-exponential factors are calculated via the Arrhenius analysis of two catalysts with similar amine loadings: one catalyst had silanols available for cooperative interactions (acid–base catalysis), while the other was treated with a silanol-capping reagent to prevent such cooperativity (base-only catalysis). The values obtained for activation energies and pre-exponential factors in each reaction are discussed in the context of the proposed mechanisms and the importance of cooperative interactions in each reaction. The catalytic activity decreases for all reactions when the silanols are capped with trimethylsilyl groups, and higher temperatures are required to make accurate rate measurements, emphasizing the vital role the weakly acidic silanols play in the catalytic cycles. The results indicate that loss of acid sites is more detrimental to the catalytic activity of the aldol condensation than the nitroaldol condensation, as evidenced by the significant decrease in the pre-exponential factor for the aldol condensation when silanols are unavailable for cooperative interactions. Cooperative catalysis is evidenced by significant changes in the pre-exponential factor, rather than the activation energy for the aldol condensation.« less

Kinetic and Mechanistic Examination of Acid–Base Bifunctional Aminosilica Catalysts in Aldol and Nitroaldol Condensations

DOE PAGES

Collier, Virginia E.; Ellebracht, Nathan C.; Lindy, George I.; ...

2015-12-09

The kinetic and mechanistic understanding of cooperatively catalyzed aldol and nitroaldol condensations is probed using a series of mesoporous silicas functionalized with aminosilanes to provide bifunctional acid–base character. Mechanistically, a Hammett analysis is performed to determine the effects of electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups of para-substituted benzaldehyde derivatives on the catalytic activity of each condensation reaction. This information is also used to discuss the validity of previously proposed catalytic mechanisms and to propose a revised mechanism with plausible reaction intermediates. For both reactions, electron-withdrawing groups increase the observed rates of reaction, though resonance effects play an important, yet subtle, role inmore » the nitroaldol condensation, in which a p-methoxy electron-donating group is also able to stabilize the proposed carbocation intermediate. Additionally, activation energies and pre-exponential factors are calculated via the Arrhenius analysis of two catalysts with similar amine loadings: one catalyst had silanols available for cooperative interactions (acid–base catalysis), while the other was treated with a silanol-capping reagent to prevent such cooperativity (base-only catalysis). The values obtained for activation energies and pre-exponential factors in each reaction are discussed in the context of the proposed mechanisms and the importance of cooperative interactions in each reaction. The catalytic activity decreases for all reactions when the silanols are capped with trimethylsilyl groups, and higher temperatures are required to make accurate rate measurements, emphasizing the vital role the weakly acidic silanols play in the catalytic cycles. The results indicate that loss of acid sites is more detrimental to the catalytic activity of the aldol condensation than the nitroaldol condensation, as evidenced by the significant decrease in the pre-exponential factor for the aldol condensation when silanols are unavailable for cooperative interactions. Cooperative catalysis is evidenced by significant changes in the pre-exponential factor, rather than the activation energy for the aldol condensation.« less

Effects of Economy Type and Nicotine on the Essential Value of Food in Rats

PubMed Central

Cassidy, Rachel N; Dallery, Jesse

2012-01-01

The exponential demand equation proposed by Hursh and Silberberg (2008) provides an estimate of the essential value of a good as a function of price. The model predicts that essential value should remain constant across changes in the magnitude of a reinforcer, but may change as a function of motivational operations. In Experiment 1, rats' demand for food across a sequence of fixed-ratio schedules was assessed during open and closed economy conditions and across one- and two-pellet per reinforcer delivery conditions. The exponential equation was fitted to the relation between fixed-ratio size and the logarithm of the absolute number of reinforcers. Estimates of the rate of change in elasticity of food, the proposed measure of essential value, were compared across conditions. Essential value was equivalent across magnitudes during the closed economy, but showed a slight decrease across magnitudes during the open economy. Experiment 2 explored the behavioral mechanisms of nicotine's effects on consumption with the results from Experiment 1 serving as a within-subject frame of reference. The same subjects were administered nicotine via subcutaneously implanted osmotic minipumps at a dose of 3 mg/kg/day and exposed to both the one- and two-pellet conditions under a closed economy. Although nicotine produced large decreases in demand, essential value was not significantly changed. The data from the present experiments provide further evidence for the adequacy of the exponential demand equation as a tool for quantifying the rate of change in elasticity of a good and for assessing behavioral mechanisms of drug action. PMID:22389525

Effects of economy type and nicotine on the essential value of food in rats.

PubMed

Cassidy, Rachel N; Dallery, Jesse

2012-03-01

The exponential demand equation proposed by Hursh and Silberberg (2008) provides an estimate of the essential value of a good as a function of price. The model predicts that essential value should remain constant across changes in the magnitude of a reinforcer, but may change as a function of motivational operations. In Experiment 1, rats' demand for food across a sequence of fixed-ratio schedules was assessed during open and closed economy conditions and across one- and two-pellet per reinforcer delivery conditions. The exponential equation was fitted to the relation between fixed-ratio size and the logarithm of the absolute number of reinforcers. Estimates of the rate of change in elasticity of food, the proposed measure of essential value, were compared across conditions. Essential value was equivalent across magnitudes during the closed economy, but showed a slight decrease across magnitudes during the open economy. Experiment 2 explored the behavioral mechanisms of nicotine's effects on consumption with the results from Experiment 1 serving as a within-subject frame of reference. The same subjects were administered nicotine via subcutaneously implanted osmotic minipumps at a dose of 3 mg/kg/day and exposed to both the one- and two-pellet conditions under a closed economy. Although nicotine produced large decreases in demand, essential value was not significantly changed. The data from the present experiments provide further evidence for the adequacy of the exponential demand equation as a tool for quantifying the rate of change in elasticity of a good and for assessing behavioral mechanisms of drug action.

Corrosion behavior of ODS steels with several chromium contents in hot nitric acid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanno, Takashi; Takeuchi, Masayuki; Ohtsuka, Satoshi; Kaito, Takeji

2017-10-01

Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steel cladding tubes have been developed for fast reactors. Tempered martensitic ODS steels with 9 and 11 wt% of chromium (9Cr-, 11Cr-ODS steel) are the candidate material in research being carried out at JAEA. In this work, fundamental immersion tests and electrochemical tests of 9 to 12Cr-ODS steels were systematically conducted in various nitric acid solutions at 95 °C. The corrosion rate decreased exponentially with effective solute chromium concentration (Creff) and nitric acid concentration. Addition of vanadium (V) and ruthenium (Ru) also decreased the corrosion rate. The combination of low Creff and dilute nitric acid could not avoid the active mass dissolution during active domain at the beginning of immersion, and the corrosion rate was high. Higher Creff decreased the partial anodic current during the active domain and assisted the passivation of the surface of the steel. Concentrated nitric acid and addition of Ru and V increased partial cathodic current and shifted the corrosion potential to noble side. These effects should have prevented the active mass dissolution and decreased the corrosion rate.

Cell growth and catecholase production for Polyporus versicolor in submerged culture

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

Carroad, P.A.; Wilke, C.R.

1977-04-01

Cell growth and catecholase production for Polyporus versicolor (ATCC 12679) were studied in mechanically agitated submerged culture, as functions of temperature. The exponential-phase growth rate exhibited a maximum at 28/sup 0/C. Over the range of 20/sup 0/C to approximately 30/sup 0/C, both cell mass and enzyme yield factors were constant. At higher temperatures (30 to 40/sup 0/C) cell mass yield factor decreased and enzyme yield factor increased. Specific respiration rate of P. versicolor was determined. Thermal deactivation of catecholase was investigated between 30 and 50/sup 0/C, and deactivation rates were fit to an Arrhenius rate expression.

Morphology-based differences in the thermal response of freshwater phytoplankton.

PubMed

Segura, Angel M; Sarthou, Florencia; Kruk, Carla

2018-05-01

The thermal response of maximum growth rate in morphology-based functional groups (MBFG) of freshwater phytoplankton is analysed. Contrasting an exponential Boltzmann-Arrhenius with a unimodal model, three main features were evaluated: (i) the activation energy of the rise ( E r ), (ii) the presence of a break in the thermal response and (iii) the activation energy of the fall ( E f ). The whole dataset ( N = 563) showed an exponential increase ( E r ∼ 0.5), a break around 24°C and no temperature dependence after the breakpoint ( E f = 0). Contrasting thermal responses among MBFG were found. All groups showed positive activation energy ( E r > 0), four showed no evidence of decline in growth rate (temperature range = 0-35°C) and two presented a breakpoint followed by a sharp decrease in growth rate. Our results evidenced systematic differences between MBFG in the thermal response and a coherent response significantly related to morphological traits other than size (i.e. within MBFG). These results provide relevant information for water quality modelling and climate change predictions. © 2018 The Author(s).

The exponential rise of induced seismicity with increasing stress levels in the Groningen gas field and its implications for controlling seismic risk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bourne, S. J.; Oates, S. J.; van Elk, J.

2018-06-01

Induced seismicity typically arises from the progressive activation of recently inactive geological faults by anthropogenic activity. Faults are mechanically and geometrically heterogeneous, so their extremes of stress and strength govern the initial evolution of induced seismicity. We derive a statistical model of Coulomb stress failures and associated aftershocks within the tail of the distribution of fault stress and strength variations to show initial induced seismicity rates will increase as an exponential function of induced stress. Our model provides operational forecasts consistent with the observed space-time-magnitude distribution of earthquakes induced by gas production from the Groningen field in the Netherlands. These probabilistic forecasts also match the observed changes in seismicity following a significant and sustained decrease in gas production rates designed to reduce seismic hazard and risk. This forecast capability allows reliable assessment of alternative control options to better inform future induced seismic risk management decisions.

Chemical reaction and radiation effects on MHD flow past an exponentially stretching sheet with heat sink

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nur Wahida Khalili, Noran; Aziz Samson, Abdul; Aziz, Ahmad Sukri Abdul; Ali, Zaileha Md

2017-09-01

In this study, the problem of MHD boundary layer flow past an exponentially stretching sheet with chemical reaction and radiation effects with heat sink is studied. The governing system of PDEs is transformed into a system of ODEs. Then, the system is solved numerically by using Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg fourth fifth order (RKF45) method available in MAPLE 15 software. The numerical results obtained are presented graphically for the velocity, temperature and concentration. The effects of various parameters are studied and analyzed. The numerical values for local Nusselt number, skin friction coefficient and local Sherwood number are tabulated and discussed. The study shows that various parameters give significant effect on the profiles of the fluid flow. It is observed that the reaction rate parameter affected the concentration profiles significantly and the concentration thickness of boundary layer decreases when reaction rate parameter increases. The analysis found is validated by comparing with the results previous work done and it is found to be in good agreement.

Prey and predator emigration responses in the acarine system Tetranychus urticae-Phytoseiulus persimilis.

PubMed

Bernstein, C

1984-01-01

Some of the processes that influence the emigration of prey and predatory mites from bean plants were investigated experimentally. The emigration of the prey depends on the damage they cause to the plants and on predator density. The predator's emigration rate is a decreasing function of prey density, and does not change (or it slightly decreases) when prey and predator numbers are increased maintaining the same prey/predator ratio. The probability of emigration of the predators is independent of their own density when prey are absent and density dependent when prey density is kep constant. Forty three per cent of the variability in the predator's instantaneous rate of emigration in the different experiments is accounted for by a two parameter negative exponential function of capture rate (number of prey eaten per predator and per unit of time).

Trend and forecasting rate of cancer deaths at a public university hospital using univariate modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ismail, A.; Hassan, Noor I.

2013-09-01

Cancer is one of the principal causes of death in Malaysia. This study was performed to determine the pattern of rate of cancer deaths at a public hospital in Malaysia over an 11 year period from year 2001 to 2011, to determine the best fitted model of forecasting the rate of cancer deaths using Univariate Modeling and to forecast the rates for the next two years (2012 to 2013). The medical records of the death of patients with cancer admitted at this Hospital over 11 year's period were reviewed, with a total of 663 cases. The cancers were classified according to 10th Revision International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Data collected include socio-demographic background of patients such as registration number, age, gender, ethnicity, ward and diagnosis. Data entry and analysis was accomplished using SPSS 19.0 and Minitab 16.0. The five Univariate Models used were Naïve with Trend Model, Average Percent Change Model (ACPM), Single Exponential Smoothing, Double Exponential Smoothing and Holt's Method. The overall 11 years rate of cancer deaths showed that at this hospital, Malay patients have the highest percentage (88.10%) compared to other ethnic groups with males (51.30%) higher than females. Lung and breast cancer have the most number of cancer deaths among gender. About 29.60% of the patients who died due to cancer were aged 61 years old and above. The best Univariate Model used for forecasting the rate of cancer deaths is Single Exponential Smoothing Technique with alpha of 0.10. The forecast for the rate of cancer deaths shows a horizontally or flat value. The forecasted mortality trend remains at 6.84% from January 2012 to December 2013. All the government and private sectors and non-governmental organizations need to highlight issues on cancer especially lung and breast cancers to the public through campaigns using mass media, media electronics, posters and pamphlets in the attempt to decrease the rate of cancer deaths in Malaysia.

A Stochastic Super-Exponential Growth Model for Population Dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avila, P.; Rekker, A.

2010-11-01

A super-exponential growth model with environmental noise has been studied analytically. Super-exponential growth rate is a property of dynamical systems exhibiting endogenous nonlinear positive feedback, i.e., of self-reinforcing systems. Environmental noise acts on the growth rate multiplicatively and is assumed to be Gaussian white noise in the Stratonovich interpretation. An analysis of the stochastic super-exponential growth model with derivations of exact analytical formulae for the conditional probability density and the mean value of the population abundance are presented. Interpretations and various applications of the results are discussed.

Determinants of relaxation rate in rabbit skinned skeletal muscle fibres

PubMed Central

Luo, Ye; Davis, Jonathan P; Smillie, Lawrence B; Rall, Jack A

2002-01-01

The influence of Ca2+-activated force, the rate of dissociation of Ca2+ from troponin C (TnC) and decreased crossbridge detachment rate on the time course of relaxation induced by flash photolysis of diazo-2 in rabbit skinned psoas fibres was investigated at 15 °C. The rate of relaxation increased as the diazo-2 chelating capacity (i.e. free [diazo-2]/free [Ca2+]) increased. At a constant diazo-2 chelating capacity, the rate of relaxation was independent of the pre-photolysis Ca2+-activated force in the range 0.3-0.8 of maximum isometric force. A TnC mutant that exhibited increased Ca2+ sensitivity caused by a decreased Ca2+ dissociation rate in solution (M82Q TnC) also increased the Ca2+ sensitivity of steady-state force and decreased the rate of relaxation in fibres by approximately twofold. In contrast, a TnC mutant with decreased Ca2+ sensitivity caused by an increased Ca2+ dissociation rate in solution (NHdel TnC) decreased the Ca2+ sensitivity of steady-state force but did not accelerate relaxation. Decreasing the rate of crossbridge kinetics by reducing intracellular inorganic phosphate concentration ([Pi]) slowed relaxation by approximately twofold and led to two phases of relaxation, a slow linear phase followed by a fast exponential phase. In fibres, M82Q TnC further slowed relaxation in low [Pi] conditions by approximately twofold, whereas NHdel TnC had no significant effect on relaxation. These results are consistent with the interpretation that the Ca2+-dissociation rate and crossbridge detachment rate are similar in fast-twitch skeletal muscle, such that decreasing either rate slows relaxation, but accelerating Ca2+ dissociation has little effect on relaxation. PMID:12482894

Obstructive sleep apnea alters sleep stage transition dynamics.

PubMed

Bianchi, Matt T; Cash, Sydney S; Mietus, Joseph; Peng, Chung-Kang; Thomas, Robert

2010-06-28

Enhanced characterization of sleep architecture, compared with routine polysomnographic metrics such as stage percentages and sleep efficiency, may improve the predictive phenotyping of fragmented sleep. One approach involves using stage transition analysis to characterize sleep continuity. We analyzed hypnograms from Sleep Heart Health Study (SHHS) participants using the following stage designations: wake after sleep onset (WASO), non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, and REM sleep. We show that individual patient hypnograms contain insufficient number of bouts to adequately describe the transition kinetics, necessitating pooling of data. We compared a control group of individuals free of medications, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), medical co-morbidities, or sleepiness (n = 374) with mild (n = 496) or severe OSA (n = 338). WASO, REM sleep, and NREM sleep bout durations exhibited multi-exponential temporal dynamics. The presence of OSA accelerated the "decay" rate of NREM and REM sleep bouts, resulting in instability manifesting as shorter bouts and increased number of stage transitions. For WASO bouts, previously attributed to a power law process, a multi-exponential decay described the data well. Simulations demonstrated that a multi-exponential process can mimic a power law distribution. OSA alters sleep architecture dynamics by decreasing the temporal stability of NREM and REM sleep bouts. Multi-exponential fitting is superior to routine mono-exponential fitting, and may thus provide improved predictive metrics of sleep continuity. However, because a single night of sleep contains insufficient transitions to characterize these dynamics, extended monitoring of sleep, probably at home, would be necessary for individualized clinical application.

Occupational injuries in Italy: risk factors and long term trend (1951-98)

PubMed Central

Fabiano, B; Curro, F; Pastorino, R

2001-01-01

OBJECTIVES—Trends in the rates of total injuries and fatal accidents in the different sectors of Italian industries were explored during the period 1951-98. Causes and dynamics of injury were also studied for setting priorities for improving safety standards.
METHODS—Data on occupational injuries from the National Organisation for Labour Injury Insurance were combined with data from the State Statistics Institute to highlight the interaction between the injury frequency index trend and the production cycle—that is, the evolution of industrial production throughout the years. Multiple regression with log transformed rates was adopted to model the trends of occupational fatalities for each industrial group.
RESULTS—The ratios between the linked indices of injury frequency and industrial production showed a good correlation over the whole period. A general decline in injuries was found across all sectors, with values ranging from 79.86% in the energy group to 23.32% in the textile group. In analysing fatalities, the trend seemed to be more clearly decreasing than the trend of total injuries, including temporary and permanent disabilities; the fatalities showed an exponential decrease according to multiple regression, with an annual decline equal to 4.42%.
CONCLUSIONS—The overall probability of industrial fatal accidents in Italy tended to decrease exponentially by year. The most effective actions in preventing injuries were directed towards fatal accidents. By analysing the rates of fatal accident in the different sectors, appropriate targets and priorities for increased strategies to prevent injuries can be suggested. The analysis of the dynamics and the material causes of injuries showed that still more consideration should be given to human and organisational factors.


Keywords: labour injuries; severity; regression model PMID:11303083

Hydrogeomorphic and ecological control on carbonate dissolution in a patterned landscape in South Florida

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, X.; Heffernan, J. B.; Murray, A. B.; Cohen, M. J.; Martin, J. B.

2016-12-01

The evolution of the critical zone both shapes and reflects hydrologic, geochemical, and ecological processes. These interactions are poorly understood in karst landscapes with highly soluble bedrock. In this study, we used the regular-dispersed wetland basins of Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida as a focal case to model the hydrologic, geochemical, and biological mechanisms that affect soil development in karst landscapes. We addressed two questions: (1) What is the minimum timescale for wetland basin development, and (2) do changes in soil depth feed back on dissolution processes and if so by what mechanism? We developed an atmosphere-water-soil model with coupled water-solute transport, incorporating major ion equilibria and kinetic non-equilibrium chemistry, and biogenic acid production via roots distributed through the soil horizon. Under current Florida climate, weathering to a depth of 2 m (a typical depth of wetland basins) would take 4000 6000 yrs, suggesting that landscape pattern could have origins as recent as the most recent stabilization of sea level. Our model further illustrates that interactions between ecological and hydrologic processes influence the rate and depth-dependence of weathering. Absent inundation, dissolution rate decreased exponentially with distance from the bedrock to groundwater table. Inundation generally increased bedrock dissolution, but surface water chemistry and residence time produced complex and non-linear effects on dissolution rate. Biogenic acidity accelerated the dissolution rate by 50 and 1,000 times in inundated and exposed soils. Phase portrait analysis indicated that exponential decreases in bedrock dissolution rate with soil depth could produce stable basin depths. Negative feedback between hydro-period and total basin volume could stabilize the basin radius, but the lesser strength of this mechanism may explain the coalescence of wetland basins observed in some parts of the Big Cypress Landscape.

Regression model analysis of the decreasing trend of cesium-137 concentration in the atmosphere since the Fukushima accident.

PubMed

Kitayama, Kyo; Ohse, Kenji; Shima, Nagayoshi; Kawatsu, Kencho; Tsukada, Hirofumi

2016-11-01

The decreasing trend of the atmospheric 137 Cs concentration in two cities in Fukushima prefecture was analyzed by a regression model to clarify the relation between the parameter of the decrease in the model and the trend and to compare the trend with that after the Chernobyl accident. The 137 Cs particle concentration measurements were conducted in urban Fukushima and rural Date sites from September 2012 to June 2015. The 137 Cs particle concentrations were separated in two groups: particles of more than 1.1 μm aerodynamic diameters (coarse particles) and particles with aerodynamic diameter lower than 1.1 μm (fine particles). The averages of the measured concentrations were 0.1 mBq m -3 in Fukushima and Date sites. The measured concentrations were applied in the regression model which decomposed them into two components: trend and seasonal variation. The trend concentration included the parameters for the constant and the exponential decrease. The parameter for the constant was slightly different between the Fukushima and Date sites. The parameter for the exponential decrease was similar for all the cases, and much higher than the value of the physical radioactive decay except for the concentration in the fine particles at the Date site. The annual decreasing rates of the 137 Cs concentration evaluated by the trend concentration ranged from 44 to 53% y -1 with average and standard deviation of 49 ± 8% y -1 for all the cases in 2013. In the other years, the decreasing rates also varied slightly for all cases. These indicated that the decreasing trend of the 137 Cs concentration was nearly unchanged for the location and ground contamination level in the three years after the accident. The 137 Cs activity per aerosol particle mass also decreased with the same trend as the 137 Cs concentration in the atmosphere. The results indicated that the decreasing trend of the atmospheric 137 Cs concentration was related with the reduction of the 137 Cs concentration in resuspended particles. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of oxygen diffusion kinetics during thin film ruthenium oxidation

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

Coloma Ribera, R., E-mail: r.colomaribera@utwente.nl; Kruijs, R. W. E. van de; Yakshin, A. E.

2015-08-07

In situ X-ray reflectivity was used to reveal oxygen diffusion kinetics for thermal oxidation of polycrystalline ruthenium thin films and accurate determination of activation energies for this process. Diffusion rates in nanometer thin RuO{sub 2} films were found to show Arrhenius behaviour. However, a gradual decrease in diffusion rates was observed with oxide growth, with the activation energy increasing from about 2.1 to 2.4 eV. Further exploration of the Arrhenius pre-exponential factor for diffusion process revealed that oxidation of polycrystalline ruthenium joins the class of materials that obey the Meyer-Neldel rule.

Exponential approximation for daily average solar heating or photolysis. [of stratospheric ozone layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cogley, A. C.; Borucki, W. J.

1976-01-01

When incorporating formulations of instantaneous solar heating or photolytic rates as functions of altitude and sun angle into long range forecasting models, it may be desirable to replace the time integrals by daily average rates that are simple functions of latitude and season. This replacement is accomplished by approximating the integral over the solar day by a pure exponential. This gives a daily average rate as a multiplication factor times the instantaneous rate evaluated at an appropriate sun angle. The accuracy of the exponential approximation is investigated by a sample calculation using an instantaneous ozone heating formulation available in the literature.

A Nonequilibrium Rate Formula for Collective Motions of Complex Molecular Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanao, Tomohiro; Koon, Wang Sang; Marsden, Jerrold E.

2010-09-01

We propose a compact reaction rate formula that accounts for a non-equilibrium distribution of residence times of complex molecules, based on a detailed study of the coarse-grained phase space of a reaction coordinate. We take the structural transition dynamics of a six-atom Morse cluster between two isomers as a prototype of multi-dimensional molecular reactions. Residence time distribution of one of the isomers shows an exponential decay, while that of the other isomer deviates largely from the exponential form and has multiple peaks. Our rate formula explains such equilibrium and non-equilibrium distributions of residence times in terms of the rates of diffusions of energy and the phase of the oscillations of the reaction coordinate. Rapid diffusions of energy and the phase generally give rise to the exponential decay of residence time distribution, while slow diffusions give rise to a non-exponential decay with multiple peaks. We finally make a conjecture about a general relationship between the rates of the diffusions and the symmetry of molecular mass distributions.

Fluctuations in Wikipedia access-rate and edit-event data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kämpf, Mirko; Tismer, Sebastian; Kantelhardt, Jan W.; Muchnik, Lev

2012-12-01

Internet-based social networks often reflect extreme events in nature and society by drastic increases in user activity. We study and compare the dynamics of the two major complex processes necessary for information spread via the online encyclopedia ‘Wikipedia’, i.e., article editing (information upload) and article access (information viewing) based on article edit-event time series and (hourly) user access-rate time series for all articles. Daily and weekly activity patterns occur in addition to fluctuations and bursting activity. The bursts (i.e., significant increases in activity for an extended period of time) are characterized by a power-law distribution of durations of increases and decreases. For describing the recurrence and clustering of bursts we investigate the statistics of the return intervals between them. We find stretched exponential distributions of return intervals in access-rate time series, while edit-event time series yield simple exponential distributions. To characterize the fluctuation behavior we apply detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA), finding that most article access-rate time series are characterized by strong long-term correlations with fluctuation exponents α≈0.9. The results indicate significant differences in the dynamics of information upload and access and help in understanding the complex process of collecting, processing, validating, and distributing information in self-organized social networks.

Decreased N2O reduction by low soil pH causes high N2O emissions in a riparian ecosystem.

PubMed

Van den Heuvel, R N; Bakker, S E; Jetten, M S M; Hefting, M M

2011-05-01

Quantification of harmful nitrous oxide (N(2)O) emissions from soils is essential for mitigation measures. An important N(2)O producing and reducing process in soils is denitrification, which shows deceased rates at low pH. No clear relationship between N(2)O emissions and soil pH has yet been established because also the relative contribution of N(2)O as the denitrification end product decreases with pH. Our aim was to show the net effect of soil pH on N(2)O production and emission. Therefore, experiments were designed to investigate the effects of pH on NO(3)(-) reduction, N(2)O production and reduction and N(2) production in incubations with pH values set between 4 and 7. Furthermore, field measurements of soil pH and N(2)O emissions were carried out. In incubations, NO(3)(-) reduction and N(2) production rates increased with pH and net N(2)O production rate was highest at pH 5. N(2)O reduction to N(2) was halted until NO(3)(-) was depleted at low pH values, resulting in a built up of N(2)O. As a consequence, N(2)O:N(2) production ratio decreased exponentially with pH. N(2)O reduction appeared therefore more important than N(2)O production in explaining net N(2)O production rates. In the field, a negative exponential relationship for soil pH against N(2)O emissions was observed. Soil pH could therefore be used as a predictive tool for average N(2)O emissions in the studied ecosystem. The occurrence of low pH spots may explain N(2)O emission hotspot occurrence. Future studies should focus on the mechanism behind small scale soil pH variability and the effect of manipulating the pH of soils. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Model for the accumulation of strontium and calcium by recently molted crayfish (Cambarus longulus longerostris Ort.)

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

SCHURR, J. M.; STAMPER, M. N.

1962-10-01

After molting, crayfish absorbed Sr 85 rapidly; rates of uptake decreased exponentially as an upper limit was approached (T 1/2 = 1 to 2 days). A simple mathematical model attributes this limit to the number of sites available for deposition in the exoskeleton. Deposited ions are relatively immobile until 2 to 4 days prior to the next molt, when some are redistributed to the calcareous gastroliths prior to reuse.

Impacts of biodiversity loss on ocean ecosystem services.

PubMed

Worm, Boris; Barbier, Edward B; Beaumont, Nicola; Duffy, J Emmett; Folke, Carl; Halpern, Benjamin S; Jackson, Jeremy B C; Lotze, Heike K; Micheli, Fiorenza; Palumbi, Stephen R; Sala, Enric; Selkoe, Kimberley A; Stachowicz, John J; Watson, Reg

2006-11-03

Human-dominated marine ecosystems are experiencing accelerating loss of populations and species, with largely unknown consequences. We analyzed local experiments, long-term regional time series, and global fisheries data to test how biodiversity loss affects marine ecosystem services across temporal and spatial scales. Overall, rates of resource collapse increased and recovery potential, stability, and water quality decreased exponentially with declining diversity. Restoration of biodiversity, in contrast, increased productivity fourfold and decreased variability by 21%, on average. We conclude that marine biodiversity loss is increasingly impairing the ocean's capacity to provide food, maintain water quality, and recover from perturbations. Yet available data suggest that at this point, these trends are still reversible.

Evaluation of the recrystallization kinetics of hot-melt extruded polymeric solid dispersions using an improved Avrami equation

PubMed Central

Feng, Xin; Ye, Xingyou; Park, Jun-Bom; Lu, Wenli; Morott, Joe; Beissner, Brad; Lian, Zhuoyang John; Pinto, Elanor; Bi, Vivian; Porter, Stu; Durig, Tom; Majumdar, Soumyajit; Repka, Michael A.

2017-01-01

The recrystallization of an amorphous drug in a solid dispersion system could lead to a loss in the drug solubility and bioavailability. The primary objective of the current research was to use an improved kinetic model to evaluate the recrystallization kinetics of amorphous structures and to further understand the factors influencing the physical stability of amorphous solid dispersions. Amorphous solid dispersions of fenofibrate with different molecular weights of hydroxypropylcellulose, HPC (Klucel™ LF, EF, ELF) were prepared utilizing hot-melt extrusion technology. Differential scanning calorimetry was utilized to quantitatively analyze the extent of recrystallization in the samples stored at different temperatures and relative humidity (RH) conditions. The experimental data were fitted into the improved kinetics model of a modified Avrami equation to calculate the recrystallization rate constants. Klucel LF, the largest molecular weight among the HPCs used, demonstrated the greatest inhibition of fenofibrate recrystallization. Additionally, the recrystallization rate (k) decreased with increasing polymer content, however exponentially increased with higher temperature. Also k increased linearly rather than exponentially over the range of RH studied. PMID:25224341

Evaluation of the recrystallization kinetics of hot-melt extruded polymeric solid dispersions using an improved Avrami equation.

PubMed

Feng, Xin; Ye, Xingyou; Park, Jun-Bom; Lu, Wenli; Morott, Joe; Beissner, Brad; Lian, Zhuoyang John; Pinto, Elanor; Bi, Vivian; Porter, Stu; Durig, Tom; Majumdar, Soumyajit; Repka, Michael A

2015-01-01

The recrystallization of an amorphous drug in a solid dispersion system could lead to a loss in the drug solubility and bioavailability. The primary objective of the current research was to use an improved kinetic model to evaluate the recrystallization kinetics of amorphous structures and to further understand the factors influencing the physical stability of amorphous solid dispersions. Amorphous solid dispersions of fenofibrate with different molecular weights of hydroxypropylcellulose, HPC (Klucel™ LF, EF, ELF) were prepared utilizing hot-melt extrusion technology. Differential scanning calorimetry was utilized to quantitatively analyze the extent of recrystallization in the samples stored at different temperatures and relative humidity (RH) conditions. The experimental data were fitted into the improved kinetics model of a modified Avrami equation to calculate the recrystallization rate constants. Klucel LF, the largest molecular weight among the HPCs used, demonstrated the greatest inhibition of fenofibrate recrystallization. Additionally, the recrystallization rate (k) decreased with increasing polymer content, however exponentially increased with higher temperature. Also k increased linearly rather than exponentially over the range of RH studied.

Recovery of cat retinal ganglion cell sensitivity following pigment bleaching.

PubMed Central

Bonds, A B; Enroth-Cugell, C

1979-01-01

1. The threshold illuminance for small spot stimulation of on-centre cat retinal ganglion cells was plotted vs. time after exposure to adapting light sufficiently strong to bleach significant amounts of rhodopsin. 2. When the entire receptive field of an X- or Y-type ganglion cell is bleached by at most 40%, recovery of the cell's rod-system proceeds in two phases: an early relatively fast one during which the response appears transient, and a late, slower one during which responses become more sustained. Log threshold during the later phase is well fit by an exponential in time (tau = 11.5-38 min). 3. After bleaches of 90% of the underlying pigment, threshold is cone-determined for as long as 40 min. Rod threshold continues to decrease for at least 85 min after the bleach. 4. The rate of recovery is slower after strong than after weak bleaches; 10 and 90% bleaches yield time constants for the later phase of 11.5 and 38 min, respectively. This contrasts with an approximate time constant of 11 min for rhodopsin regeneration following any bleach. 5. The relationship between the initial elevation of log rod threshold extrapolated from the fitted exponential curves and the initial amount of pigment bleached is monotonic, but nonlinear. 6. After a bleaching exposure, the maintained discharge is initially very regular. The firing rate first rises, then falls to the pre-bleach level, with more extended time courses of change in firing rate after stronger exposures. The discharge rate is restored before threshold has recovered fully. 7. The change in the response vs. log stimulus relationship after bleaching is described as a shift of the curve to the right, paired with a decrease in slope of the linear segment of the curve. PMID:521963

Slow Crack Growth of Brittle Materials With Exponential Crack-Velocity Formulation. Part 2; Constant Stress Rate Experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Sung R.; Nemeth, Noel N.; Gyekenyesi, John P.

2002-01-01

The previously determined life prediction analysis based on an exponential crack-velocity formulation was examined using a variety of experimental data on glass and advanced structural ceramics in constant stress rate and preload testing at ambient and elevated temperatures. The data fit to the relation of strength versus the log of the stress rate was very reasonable for most of the materials. Also, the preloading technique was determined equally applicable to the case of slow-crack-growth (SCG) parameter n greater than 30 for both the power-law and exponential formulations. The major limitation in the exponential crack-velocity formulation, however, was that the inert strength of a material must be known a priori to evaluate the important SCG parameter n, a significant drawback as compared with the conventional power-law crack-velocity formulation.

Radiation damage in room-temperature data acquisition with the PILATUS 6M pixel detector.

PubMed

Rajendran, Chitra; Dworkowski, Florian S N; Wang, Meitian; Schulze-Briese, Clemens

2011-05-01

The first study of room-temperature macromolecular crystallography data acquisition with a silicon pixel detector is presented, where the data are collected in continuous sample rotation mode, with millisecond read-out time and no read-out noise. Several successive datasets were collected sequentially from single test crystals of thaumatin and insulin. The dose rate ranged between ∼ 1320 Gy s(-1) and ∼ 8420 Gy s(-1) with corresponding frame rates between 1.565 Hz and 12.5 Hz. The data were analysed for global radiation damage. A previously unreported negative dose-rate effect is observed in the indicators of global radiation damage, which showed an approximately 75% decrease in D(1/2) at sixfold higher dose rate. The integrated intensity decreases in an exponential manner. Sample heating that could give rise to the enhanced radiation sensitivity at higher dose rate is investigated by collecting data between crystal temperatures of 298 K and 353 K. UV-Vis spectroscopy is used to demonstrate that disulfide radicals and trapped electrons do not accumulate at high dose rates in continuous data collection.

Picoelectrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Using Narrow-bore Chemically Etched Emitters

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

Marginean, Ioan; Tang, Keqi; Smith, Richard D.

2014-01-01

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) at flow rates below ~10 nL/min has been only sporadically explored due to difficulty in reproducibly fabricating emitters that can operate at lower flow rates. Here we demonstrate narrow orifice chemically etched emitters for stable electrospray at flow rates as low as 400 pL/min. Depending on the analyte concentration, we observe two types of MS signal response as a function of flow rate. At low concentrations, an optimum flow rate is observed slightly above 1 nL/min, while the signal decreases monotonically with decreasing flow rates at higher concentrations. In spite of lower MS signal, themore » ion utilization efficiency increases exponentially with decreasing flow rate in all cases. No unimolecular response was observed within this flow rate range during the analysis of an equimolar mixture of peptides, indicating that ionization efficiency is an analyte-dependent characteristic in given experimental conditions. While little to no gain in signal-to-noise was achieved at ultralow flow rates for concentration-limited analyses, experiments consuming the same amount of analyte suggest that mass-limited analyses will benefit strongly from the use of low flow rates and avoiding unnecessary sample dilution. By operating under optimal conditions, consumption of just 500 zmol of sample yielded signal-to-noise ratios ~10 for some peptides. These findings have important implications for the analysis of trace biological samples.« less

Early Changes in the Ultrastructure of Streptococcus faecalis After Amino Acid Starvation

PubMed Central

Higgins, M. L.; Shockman, G. D.

1970-01-01

Thin sections of Streptococcus faecalis (ATCC 9790) starved of one essential amino acid (threonine or valine) initially show rapid increases in (i) cell wall thickness, (ii) the apparent size of the central nucleoid region, and (iii) mesosomal membranes. The most rapid increases in all three variables occurred during the first 1 to 2 hr of starvation. After this initial period, the rates progressively decreased over the 20-hr observation period. During threonine starvation, the mesosomal membrane that accumulated in the first hour was subsequently degraded and reached a level similar to that found in exponential-phase cells after 20 hr. With valine starvation, mesosomal membrane continued to slowly accumulate over the entire 20-hr observation period. The mesosomes of the starved cells retained the same “stalked-bag” morphology of those in exponential-phase cells. These cytological observations agree with previously published biochemical data on membrane lipid and wall content after starvation. Images PMID:4987306

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

Šefl, Martin, E-mail: martin.sefl@gmail.com; Kyriakou, Ioanna; Emfietzoglou, Dimitris, E-mail: demfietz@cc.uoi.gr

Purpose: To study theoretically the impact on cell survival of the radionuclide uptake rate inside tumor cells for a single administration of a radiopharmaceutical. Methods: The instantaneous-uptake model of O’Donoghue [“The impact of tumor cell proliferation in radioimmunotherapy,” Cancer 73, 974–980 (1994)] for a proliferating cell population irradiated by an exponentially decreasing dose-rate is here extended to allow for the monoexponential uptake of the radiopharmaceutical by the targeted cells. The time derivative of the survival curve is studied in detail deducing an expression for the minimum of the surviving fraction and the biologically effective dose (BED). Results: Surviving fractions aremore » calculated over a parameter range that is clinically relevant and broad enough to establish general trends. Specifically, results are presented for the therapy radionuclides Y-90, I-131, and P-32, assuming uptake half-times 1–24 h, extrapolated initial dose-rates 0.5–1 Gy h{sup −1}, and a biological clearance half-life of seven days. Representative radiobiological parameters for radiosensitive and rapidly proliferating tumor cells are used, with cell doubling time equal to 2 days and α-coefficient equal to 0.3 and 0.5 Gy{sup −1}. It is shown that neglecting the uptake phase of the radiopharmaceutical (i.e., assuming instantaneous-uptake) results in a sizeable over-estimation of cell-kill (i.e., under-estimation of cell survival) even for uptake half-times of only a few hours. The differences between the exponential-uptake model and the instantaneous-uptake model become larger for high peak dose-rates, slow uptakes, and (slightly) for long-lived radionuclides. Moreover, the sensitivity of the survival curve on the uptake model was found to be higher for the tumor cells with the larger α-coefficient. Conclusions: The exponential-uptake rate of the radiopharmaceutical inside targeted cells appears to have a considerable effect on the survival of a proliferating cell population and might need to be considered in radiobiological models of tumor cell-kill in radionuclide therapy.« less

Multiplexed memory-insensitive quantum repeaters.

PubMed

Collins, O A; Jenkins, S D; Kuzmich, A; Kennedy, T A B

2007-02-09

Long-distance quantum communication via distant pairs of entangled quantum bits (qubits) is the first step towards secure message transmission and distributed quantum computing. To date, the most promising proposals require quantum repeaters to mitigate the exponential decrease in communication rate due to optical fiber losses. However, these are exquisitely sensitive to the lifetimes of their memory elements. We propose a multiplexing of quantum nodes that should enable the construction of quantum networks that are largely insensitive to the coherence times of the quantum memory elements.

RadNuc: A graphical user interface to deliver dose rate patterns encountered in nuclear medicine with a 137Cs irradiator

PubMed Central

Pasternack, Jordan B.; Howell, Roger W.

2012-01-01

The temporal variations in absorbed dose rates to organs and tissues in the body are very large in diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine. The response of biological endpoints of relevance to radiation safety and therapeutic efficacy are generally modulated by dose rate. Therefore, it is important to understand how the complex dose rate patterns encountered in nuclear medicine impact relevant biological responses. Accordingly, a graphical user interface (GUI) was created to control a cesium-137 irradiator to deliver such dose rate patterns. Methods Visual Basic 6.0 was used to create a user-friendly GUI to control the dose rate by varying the thickness of a mercury attenuator. The GUI facilitates the delivery of a number of dose rate patterns including constant, exponential increase or decrease, and multi-component exponential. Extensive visual feedback is provided by the GUI during both the planning and delivery stages. Results The GUI controlled irradiator can achieve a maximum dose rate of 40 cGy/hr and a minimum dose rate of 0.01 cGy/hr. Addition of machined lead blocks can be used to further reduce the minimum dose rate to 0.0001 cGy/hr. Measured dose rate patterns differed from programmed dose rate patterns in total dose by 3.2% to 8.4%. Conclusion The GUI controlled irradiator is able to accurately create dose rate patterns encountered in nuclear medicine and other related fields. This makes it an invaluable tool for studying the effects of chronic constant and variable low dose rates on biological tissues in the contexts of both radiation protection and clinical administration of internal radionuclides. PMID:23265668

RadNuc: a graphical user interface to deliver dose rate patterns encountered in nuclear medicine with a 137Cs irradiator.

PubMed

Pasternack, Jordan B; Howell, Roger W

2013-02-01

The temporal variations in absorbed dose rates to organs and tissues in the body are very large in diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine. The response of biological endpoints of relevance to radiation safety and therapeutic efficacy is generally modulated by dose rate. Therefore, it is important to understand how the complex dose rate patterns encountered in nuclear medicine impact relevant biological responses. Accordingly, a graphical user interface (GUI) was created to control a cesium-137 irradiator to deliver such dose rate patterns. Visual Basic 6.0 was used to create a user-friendly GUI to control the dose rate by varying the thickness of a mercury attenuator. The GUI facilitates the delivery of a number of dose rate patterns including constant, exponential increase or decrease, and multi-component exponential. Extensive visual feedback is provided by the GUI during both the planning and delivery stages. The GUI controlled irradiator can achieve a maximum dose rate of 40 cGy/h and a minimum dose rate of 0.01 cGy/h. Addition of machined lead blocks can be used to further reduce the minimum dose rate to 0.0001 cGy/h. Measured dose rate patterns differed from programmed dose rate patterns in total dose by 3.2% to 8.4%. The GUI controlled irradiator is able to accurately create dose rate patterns encountered in nuclear medicine and other related fields. This makes it an invaluable tool for studying the effects of chronic constant and variable low dose rates on biological tissues in the contexts of both radiation protection and clinical administration of internal radionuclides. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Association between gravitational force and tissue metabolism in periparturient rats

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zakrzewska, E. I.; Maple, R.; Lintault, L.; Wade, C.; Baer, L.; Ronca, A.; Plaut, K.

2004-01-01

Recently, interest in mammalian reproduction and offspring survival in altered gravity has been growing. Because successful lactation is critical for mammalian neonate survival, we have been studying the effect of gravity metabolism. We have shown an exponential relationship between glucose metabolic rate in mammary tissue of periparturient rats and an increase in gravity load. In this study we showed that changes in mammary metabolic rate due to gravity force were accompanied by a decrease in glucose metabolism in adipose tissue and by a reduced size of adipocytes. We assume that these changes are likely due to changes in prolactin or leptin levels related to altered gravity load.

Determinants of self-rated health of Warsaw inhabitants.

PubMed

Supranowicz, Piotr; Wysocki, Mirosław J; Car, Justyna; Debska, Anna; Gebska-Kuczerowska, Anita

2012-01-01

Self-rated health is a one-point measure commonly used for recognising subjectively perceived health and covering a wide range of individual's health aspects. The aim of our study was to examine the extent to which self-rated health reflects the differences due to demographic characteristics, physical, psychical and social well-being, health disorders, occurrence of chronic disease and negative life events in Polish social and cultural conditions. Data were collected by non-addressed questionnaire methods from 402 Warsaw inhabitants. The questionnaire contained the questions concerning self-rated health, physical, psychical and social well-being, the use of health care services, occurrence of chronic disease and contact with negative life events. The analysis showed that worse self-rated health increased exponentially with age and less sharply with lower level of education. Pensioners were more likely to assess their own health worse then employed or students. Such difference was not found for unemployed. Compared to married, the self-rated health of divorced or widowed respondents was lower. Gender does not differentiate self-rated health. In regard to well-being, self-rated health linearly decreased for physical well-being, for social and, especially, for psychical well-being the differences were significant, but more complicated. Hospitalisation, especially repeated, strongly determined worse self-rated health. In contrast, relationship between self-rated health and sickness absence or frequency of contact with physician were lower. Chronic diseases substantially increased the risk of poorer self-rated health, and their co-morbidity increased the risk exponentially. The patients with cancer were the group, in which the risk several times exceeded that reported for the patients of other diseases. Regarding negative life events, only experience with violence and financial difficulties were resulted in worse self-rated health. Our findings confirmed the usefulness of self-rated health for public health research.

Capacity of humic substances to complex with iron at different salinities in the Yangtze River estuary and East China Sea.

PubMed

Yang, Rujun; Su, Han; Qu, Shenglu; Wang, Xuchen

2017-05-03

The iron binding capacities (IBC) of fulvic acid (FA) and humic acid (HA) were determined in the salinity range from 5 to 40. The results indicated that IBC decreased while salinity increased. In addition, dissolved iron (dFe), FA and HA were also determined along the Yangtze River estuary's increasing salinity gradient from 0.14 to 33. The loss rates of dFe, FA and HA in the Yangtze River estuary were up to 96%, 74%, and 67%, respectively. The decreases in dFe, FA and HA, as well as the change in IBC of humic substances (HS) along the salinity gradient in the Yangtze River estuary were all well described by a first-order exponential attenuation model: y(dFe/FA/HA, S) = a 0 × exp(kS) + y 0 . These results indicate that flocculation of FA and HA along the salinity gradient resulted in removal of dFe. Furthermore, the exponential attenuation model described in this paper can be applied in the major estuaries of the world where most of the removal of dFe and HS occurs where freshwater and seawater mix.

Modeling the effects of sodium chloride on degradation of chloramphenicol in aquaculture pond sediment.

PubMed

Chien, Y H; Lai, H T; Liu, S M

1999-10-01

Sodium chloride was added to aquaculture pond sediment to determine effects of different salinities on degradation of chloramphenicol (CM). In this experiment, freshwater (0 ppt salinity) eel pond sediment slurries (10% w/v) were amended with sodium chloride to obtain salinities of 12, 24 and 36 ppt. There were no significant differences in sorption rate either between aerobic and anaerobic conditions or among various salinities. Degradation of CM fitted well to the decaying exponential curve. The degradation rates under anaerobic conditions were significantly greater than those under aerobic conditions. As salinity increased, the degradation rates decreased under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The differences in degradation rates either between aerobic and anaerobic conditions or among various salinities were attributed to the effects of microbial activities under different environments.

Sodium 22+ washout from cultured rat cells

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

Kino, M.; Nakamura, A.; Hopp, L.

1986-10-01

The washout of Na/sup +/ isotopes from tissues and cells is quite complex and not well defined. To further gain insight into this process, we have studied /sup 22/Na/sup +/ washout from cultured Wistar rat skin fibroblasts and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In these preparations, /sup 22/Na/sup +/ washout is described by a general three-exponential function. The exponential factor of the fastest component (k1) and the initial exchange rate constant (kie) of cultured fibroblasts decrease in magnitude in response to incubation in K+-deficient medium or in the presence of ouabain and increase in magnitude when the cells are incubatedmore » in a Ca++-deficient medium. As the magnitude of the kie declines (in the presence of ouabain) to the level of the exponential factor of the middle component (k2), /sup 22/Na/sup +/ washout is adequately described by a two-exponential function. When the kie is further diminished (in the presence of both ouabain and phloretin) to the range of the exponential factor of the slowest component (k3), the washout of /sup 22/Na/sup +/ is apparently monoexponential. Calculations of the cellular Na/sup +/ concentrations, based on the /sup 22/Na/sup +/ activity in the cells at the initiation of the washout experiments, and the medium specific activity agree with atomic absorption spectrometry measurements of the cellular concentration of this ion. Thus, all three components of /sup 22/Na/sup +/ washout from cultured rat cells are of cellular origin. Using the exponential parameters, compartmental analyses of two models (in parallel and in series) with three cellular Na/sup +/ pools were performed. The results indicate that, independent of the model chosen, the relative size of the largest Na+ pool is 92-93% in fibroblasts and approximately 96% in VSMCs. This pool is most likely to represent the cytosol.« less

Fixation probability of a nonmutator in a large population of asexual mutators.

PubMed

Jain, Kavita; James, Ananthu

2017-11-21

In an adapted population of mutators in which most mutations are deleterious, a nonmutator that lowers the mutation rate is under indirect selection and can sweep to fixation. Using a multitype branching process, we calculate the fixation probability of a rare nonmutator in a large population of asexual mutators. We show that when beneficial mutations are absent, the fixation probability is a nonmonotonic function of the mutation rate of the mutator: it first increases sublinearly and then decreases exponentially. We also find that beneficial mutations can enhance the fixation probability of a nonmutator. Our analysis is relevant to an understanding of recent experiments in which a reduction in the mutation rates has been observed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fully gapped spin-singlet superconductivity in noncentrosymmetric PbTaSe2: 207Pb nuclear magnetic resonance study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maeda, S.; Matano, K.; Zheng, Guo-qing

2018-05-01

We report the 207Pb nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements on polycrystalline sample of PbTaSe2 with noncentrosymmetric crystal structure and topological electronic band. The nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rate 1 /T1 shows a suppressed coherence peak below the superconducting transition temperature Tc=4.05 K and decreases as an exponential function of temperature. The penetration depth derived from the NMR spectrum is almost temperature independent below T =0.7 Tc. The Knight shift K decreases below Tc. These results suggest spin-singlet superconductivity with a fully opened gap 2 Δ =3.5 kBTc in PbTaSe2.

Effect of inlet-air humidity on the formation of oxides of nitrogen in a gas-turbine combustor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marchionna, N. R.

1973-01-01

Tests were conducted to determine the effect of inlet-air humidity on the formation of oxides of nitrogen from a gas-turbine combustor. Combustor inlet-air temperature ranged from 450 F to 1050 F. The tests were run at a constant pressure of 6 atmospheres and reference Mach number of 0.065. The NO sub x emission index was found to decrease with increasing inlet-air humidity at a constant exponential rate of 19 percent per mass percent water vapor in the air. This decrease of NO sub x emission index with increasing humidity was found to be independent of inlet-air temperature.

Mechanism of light-induced domain nucleation in LiNbO 3 crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, De'an; Zhi, Ya'nan; Luan, Zhu; Yan, Aimin; Liu, Liren

2007-09-01

In this paper, within the spectrum range from 351 nm to 799 nm, the different reductions of nucleation field induced by the focused continuous irradiation with different light intensity are achieved in congruent LiNbO 3 crystals. The reduction proportion increases exponentially with decreasing the irradiation wavelength, and decreases exponentially with increasing the irradiation wavelength. Basing on photo-excited effect, we propose a proper model to explain the mechanism of light-induced domain nucleation in congruent LiNbO 3 crystals.

Interrupted infusion of echocardiographic contrast as a basis for accurate measurement of myocardial perfusion: ex vivo validation and analysis procedures.

PubMed

Toledo, Eran; Collins, Keith A; Williams, Ursula; Lammertin, Georgeanne; Bolotin, Gil; Raman, Jai; Lang, Roberto M; Mor-Avi, Victor

2005-12-01

Echocardiographic quantification of myocardial perfusion is based on analysis of contrast replenishment after destructive high-energy ultrasound impulses (flash-echo). This technique is limited by nonuniform microbubble destruction and the dependency on exponential fitting of a small number of noisy time points. We hypothesized that brief interruptions of contrast infusion (ICI) would result in uniform contrast clearance followed by slow replenishment and, thus, would allow analysis from multiple data points without exponential fitting. Electrocardiographic-triggered images were acquired in 14 isolated rabbit hearts (Langendorff) at 3 levels of coronary flow (baseline, 50%, and 15%) during contrast infusion (Definity) with flash-echo and with a 20-second infusion interruption. Myocardial videointensity was measured over time from flash-echo sequences, from which characteristic constant beta was calculated using an exponential fit. Peak contrast inflow rate was calculated from ICI data using analysis of local time derivatives. Computer simulations were used to investigate the effects of noise on the accuracy of peak contrast inflow rate and beta calculations. ICI resulted in uniform contrast clearance and baseline replenishment times of 15 to 25 cardiac cycles. Calculated peak contrast inflow rate followed the changes in coronary flow in all hearts at both levels of reduced flow (P < .05) and had a low intermeasurement variability of 7 +/- 6%. With flash-echo, contrast clearance was less uniform and baseline replenishment times were only 4 to 6 cardiac cycles. beta Decreased significantly only at 15% flow, and had intermeasurement variability of 42 +/- 33%. Computer simulations showed that measurement errors in both perfusion indices increased with noise, but beta had larger errors at higher rates of contrast inflow. ICI provides the basis for accurate and reproducible quantification of myocardial perfusion using fast and robust numeric analysis, and may constitute an alternative to the currently used techniques.

Propagation of Disturbances in AC Electricity Grids.

PubMed

Tamrakar, Samyak; Conrath, Michael; Kettemann, Stefan

2018-04-24

The energy transition towards high shares of renewable energy will affect the stability of electricity grids in many ways. Here, we aim to study its impact on propagation of disturbances by solving nonlinear swing equations describing coupled rotating masses of synchronous generators and motors on different grid topologies. We consider a tree, a square grid and as a real grid topology, the german transmission grid. We identify ranges of parameters with different transient dynamics: the disturbance decays exponentially in time, superimposed by oscillations with the fast decay rate of a single node, or with a smaller decay rate without oscillations. Most remarkably, as the grid inertia is lowered, nodes may become correlated, slowing down the propagation from ballistic to diffusive motion, decaying with a power law in time. Applying linear response theory we show that tree grids have a spectral gap leading to exponential relaxation as protected by topology and independent on grid size. Meshed grids are found to have a spectral gap which decreases with increasing grid size, leading to slow power law relaxation and collective diffusive propagation of disturbances. We conclude by discussing consequences if no measures are undertaken to preserve the grid inertia in the energy transition.

Exploiting the Adaptation Dynamics to Predict the Distribution of Beneficial Fitness Effects

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Adaptation of asexual populations is driven by beneficial mutations and therefore the dynamics of this process, besides other factors, depends on the distribution of beneficial fitness effects. It is known that on uncorrelated fitness landscapes, this distribution can only be of three types: truncated, exponential and power law. We performed extensive stochastic simulations to study the adaptation dynamics on rugged fitness landscapes, and identified two quantities that can be used to distinguish the underlying distribution of beneficial fitness effects. The first quantity studied here is the fitness difference between successive mutations that spread in the population, which is found to decrease in the case of truncated distributions, remains nearly a constant for exponentially decaying distributions and increases when the fitness distribution decays as a power law. The second quantity of interest, namely, the rate of change of fitness with time also shows quantitatively different behaviour for different beneficial fitness distributions. The patterns displayed by the two aforementioned quantities are found to hold good for both low and high mutation rates. We discuss how these patterns can be exploited to determine the distribution of beneficial fitness effects in microbial experiments. PMID:26990188

Memory behaviors of entropy production rates in heat conduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Shu-Nan; Cao, Bing-Yang

2018-02-01

Based on the relaxation time approximation and first-order expansion, memory behaviors in heat conduction are found between the macroscopic and Boltzmann-Gibbs-Shannon (BGS) entropy production rates with exponentially decaying memory kernels. In the frameworks of classical irreversible thermodynamics (CIT) and BGS statistical mechanics, the memory dependency on the integrated history is unidirectional, while for the extended irreversible thermodynamics (EIT) and BGS entropy production rates, the memory dependences are bidirectional and coexist with the linear terms. When macroscopic and microscopic relaxation times satisfy a specific relationship, the entropic memory dependences will be eliminated. There also exist initial effects in entropic memory behaviors, which decay exponentially. The second-order term are also discussed, which can be understood as the global non-equilibrium degree. The effects of the second-order term are consisted of three parts: memory dependency, initial value and linear term. The corresponding memory kernels are still exponential and the initial effects of the global non-equilibrium degree also decay exponentially.

Sinking towards destiny: High throughput measurement of phytoplankton sinking rates through time-resolved fluorescence plate spectroscopy.

PubMed

Bannon, Catherine C; Campbell, Douglas A

2017-01-01

Diatoms are marine primary producers that sink in part due to the density of their silica frustules. Sinking of these phytoplankters is crucial for both the biological pump that sequesters carbon to the deep ocean and for the life strategy of the organism. Sinking rates have been previously measured through settling columns, or with fluorimeters or video microscopy arranged perpendicularly to the direction of sinking. These side-view techniques require large volumes of culture, specialized equipment and are difficult to scale up to multiple simultaneous measures for screening. We established a method for parallel, large scale analysis of multiple phytoplankton sinking rates through top-view monitoring of chlorophyll a fluorescence in microtitre well plates. We verified the method through experimental analysis of known factors that influence sinking rates, including exponential versus stationary growth phase in species of different cell sizes; Thalassiosira pseudonana CCMP1335, chain-forming Skeletonema marinoi RO5A and Coscinodiscus radiatus CCMP312. We fit decay curves to an algebraic transform of the decrease in fluorescence signal as cells sank away from the fluorometer detector, and then used minimal mechanistic assumptions to extract a sinking rate (m d-1) using an RStudio script, SinkWORX. We thereby detected significant differences in sinking rates as larger diatom cells sank faster than smaller cells, and cultures in stationary phase sank faster than those in exponential phase. Our sinking rate estimates accord well with literature values from previously established methods. This well plate-based method can operate as a high throughput integrative phenotypic screen for factors that influence sinking rates including macromolecular allocations, nutrient availability or uptake rates, chain-length or cell size, degree of silification and progression through growth stages. Alternately the approach can be used to phenomically screen libraries of mutants.

Characteristic correlation study of UV disinfection performance for ballast water treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ba, Te; Li, Hongying; Osman, Hafiiz; Kang, Chang-Wei

2016-11-01

Characteristic correlation between ultraviolet disinfection performance and operating parameters, including ultraviolet transmittance (UVT), lamp power and water flow rate, was studied by numerical and experimental methods. A three-stage model was developed to simulate the fluid flow, UV radiation and the trajectories of microorganisms. Navier-Stokes equation with k-epsilon turbulence was solved to model the fluid flow, while discrete ordinates (DO) radiation model and discrete phase model (DPM) were used to introduce UV radiation and microorganisms trajectories into the model, respectively. The UV dose statistical distribution for the microorganisms was found to move to higher value with the increase of UVT and lamp power, but moves to lower value when the water flow rate increases. Further investigation shows that the fluence rate increases exponentially with UVT but linearly with the lamp power. The average and minimum resident time decreases linearly with the water flow rate while the maximum resident time decrease rapidly in a certain range. The current study can be used as a digital design and performance evaluation tool of the UV reactor for ballast water treatment.

Thermal and energetic constraints on ectotherm abundance: A global test using lizards

USGS Publications Warehouse

Buckley, L.B.; Rodda, G.H.; Jetz, W.

2008-01-01

Population densities of birds and mammals have been shown to decrease with body mass at approximately the same rate as metabolic rates increase, indicating that energetic needs constrain endotherm population densities. In ectotherms, the exponential increase of metabolic rate with body temperature suggests that environmental temperature may additionally constrain population densities. Here we test simple bioenergetic models for an ecologically important group of ectothermic vertebrates by examining 483 lizard populations. We find that lizard population densities decrease as a power law of body mass with a slope approximately inverse to the slope of the relationship between metabolic rates and body mass. Energy availability should limit population densities. As predicted, environmental productivity has a positive effect on lizard density, strengthening the relationship between lizard density and body mass. In contrast, the effect of environmental temperature is at most weak due to behavioral thermoregulation, thermal evolution, or the temperature dependence of ectotherm performance. Our results provide initial insights into how energy needs and availability differentially constrain ectotherm and endotherm density across broad spatial scales. ?? 2008 by the Ecological Society of America.

Thermal and energetic constraints on ectotherm abundance: a global test using lizards.

PubMed

Buckley, Lauren B; Rodda, Gordon H; Jetz, Walter

2008-01-01

Population densities of birds and mammals have been shown to decrease with body mass at approximately the same rate as metabolic rates increase, indicating that energetic needs constrain endotherm population densities. In ectotherms, the exponential increase of metabolic rate with body temperature suggests that environmental temperature may additionally constrain population densities. Here we test simple bioenergetic models for an ecologically important group of ectothermic vertebrates by examining 483 lizard populations. We find that lizard population densities decrease as a power law of body mass with a slope approximately inverse to the slope of the relationship between metabolic rates and body mass. Energy availability should limit population densities. As predicted, environmental productivity has a positive effect on lizard density, strengthening the relationship between lizard density and body mass. In contrast, the effect of environmental temperature is at most weak due to behavioral thermoregulation, thermal evolution, or the temperature dependence of ectotherm performance. Our results provide initial insights into how energy needs and availability differentially constrain ectotherm and endotherm density across broad spatial scales.

Ontogeny of vestibular compound action potentials in the domestic chicken

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, S. M.; Jones, T. A.

2000-01-01

Compound action potentials of the vestibular nerve were measured from the surface of the scalp in 148 chickens (Gallus domesticus). Ages ranged from incubation day 18 (E18) to 22 days posthatch (P22). Responses were elicited using linear acceleration cranial pulses. Response thresholds decreased at an average rate of -0.45 dB/day. The decrease was best fit by an exponential model with half-maturity time constant of 5.1 days and asymptote of approximately -25.9 dB re:1.0 g/ms. Mean threshold approached within 3 dB of the asymptote by ages P6-P9. Similarly, response latencies decreased exponentially to within 3% of mature values at ages beyond P9. The half-maturity time constant for peripheral response peak latencies P1, N1, and P2 was comparable to thresholds and ranged from approximately 4.6 to 6.2 days, whereas central peaks (N2, P3, and N3) ranged from 2.9 to 3.4 days. Latency-intensity slopes for P1, N1, and P2 tended to decrease with age, reaching mature values within approximately 100 hours of hatching. Amplitudes increased as a function of age with average growth rates for response peaks ranging from 0.04 to 0.09 microV/day. There was no obvious asymptote to the growth of amplitudes over the ages studied. Amplitude-intensity slopes also increased modestly with age. The results show that gravity receptors are responsive to transient cranial stimuli as early as E19 in the chicken embryo. The functional response of gravity receptors continues to develop for many days after all major morphological structures are in place. Distinct maturational processes can be identified in central and peripheral neural relays. Functional improvements during maturation may result from refinements in the receptor epithelia, improvements in central and peripheral synaptic transmission, increased neural myelination, as well as changes in the mechanical coupling between the cranium and receptor organ.

Ontogeny of Vestibular Compound Action Potentials in the Domestic Chicken

PubMed Central

M. Jones, Sherri

2000-01-01

Compound action potentials of the vestibular nerve were measured from the surface of the scalp in 148 chickens (Gallus domesticus). Ages ranged from incubation day 18 (E18) to 22 days posthatch (P22). Responses were elicited using linear acceleration cranial pulses. Response thresholds decreased at an average rate of –0.45 dB/day. The decrease was best fit by an exponential model with half-maturity time constant of 5.1 days and asymptote of approximately –25.9 dB re:1.0 g/ms. Mean threshold approached within 3 dB of the asymptote by ages P6–P9. Similarly, response latencies decreased exponentially to within 3% of mature values at ages beyond P9. The half-maturity time constant for peripheral response peak latencies P1, N1, and P2 was comparable to thresholds and ranged from approximately 4.6 to 6.2 days, whereas central peaks (N2, P3, and N3) ranged from 2.9 to 3.4 days. Latency-intensity slopes for P1, N1, and P2 tended to decrease with age, reaching mature values within approximately 100 hours of hatching. Amplitudes increased as a function of age with average growth rates for response peaks ranging from 0.04 to 0.09 μV/day. There was no obvious asymptote to the growth of amplitudes over the ages studied. Amplitude-intensity slopes also increased modestly with age. The results show that gravity receptors are responsive to transient cranial stimuli as early as E19 in the chicken embryo. The functional response of gravity receptors continues to develop for many days after all major morphological structures are in place. Distinct maturational processes can be identified in central and peripheral neural relays. Functional improvements during maturation may result from refinements in the receptor epithelia, improvements in central and peripheral synaptic transmission, increased neural myelination, as well as changes in the mechanical coupling between the cranium and receptor organ. PMID:11545229

Fluid particles only separate exponentially in the dissipation range of turbulence after extremely long times

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhariwal, Rohit; Bragg, Andrew D.

2018-03-01

In this paper, we consider how the statistical moments of the separation between two fluid particles grow with time when their separation lies in the dissipation range of turbulence. In this range, the fluid velocity field varies smoothly and the relative velocity of two fluid particles depends linearly upon their separation. While this may suggest that the rate at which fluid particles separate is exponential in time, this is not guaranteed because the strain rate governing their separation is a strongly fluctuating quantity in turbulence. Indeed, Afik and Steinberg [Nat. Commun. 8, 468 (2017), 10.1038/s41467-017-00389-8] argue that there is no convincing evidence that the moments of the separation between fluid particles grow exponentially with time in the dissipation range of turbulence. Motivated by this, we use direct numerical simulations (DNS) to compute the moments of particle separation over very long periods of time in a statistically stationary, isotropic turbulent flow to see if we ever observe evidence for exponential separation. Our results show that if the initial separation between the particles is infinitesimal, the moments of the particle separation first grow as power laws in time, but we then observe convincing evidence that at sufficiently long times the moments do grow exponentially. However, this exponential growth is only observed after extremely long times ≳200 τη , where τη is the Kolmogorov time scale. This is due to fluctuations in the strain rate about its mean value measured along the particle trajectories, the effect of which on the moments of the particle separation persists for very long times. We also consider the backward-in-time (BIT) moments of the article separation, and observe that they too grow exponentially in the long-time regime. However, a dramatic consequence of the exponential separation is that at long times the difference between the rate of the particle separation forward in time (FIT) and BIT grows exponentially in time, leading to incredibly strong irreversibility in the dispersion. This is in striking contrast to the irreversibility of their relative dispersion in the inertial range, where the difference between FIT and BIT is constant in time according to Richardson's phenomenology.

119Sn-NMR investigations on superconducting Ca 3Ir 4Sn 13: Evidence for multigap superconductivity

DOE PAGES

Sarkar, R.; Petrovic, C.; Bruckner, F.; ...

2015-09-25

In this study, we report bulk superconductivity (SC) in Ca 3Ir 4Sn 13 by means of 119Sn nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. Two classical signatures of BCS superconductivity in spin-lattice relaxation rate (1/T 1), namely the Hebel–Slichter coherence peak just below the T c, and the exponential decay in the superconducting phase, are evident. The noticeable decrease of 119Sn Knight shift below T c indicates spin-singlet superconductivity. The temperature dependence of the spin-lattice relaxation rate 119(1/T 1) is convincingly described by the multigap isotropic superconducting gap. NMR experiments do not witness any sign of enhanced spin fluctuations.

[Application of exponential smoothing method in prediction and warning of epidemic mumps].

PubMed

Shi, Yun-ping; Ma, Jia-qi

2010-06-01

To analyze the daily data of epidemic Mumps in a province from 2004 to 2008 and set up exponential smoothing model for the prediction. To predict and warn the epidemic mumps in 2008 through calculating 7-day moving summation and removing the effect of weekends to the data of daily reported mumps cases during 2005-2008 and exponential summation to the data from 2005 to 2007. The performance of Holt-Winters exponential smoothing is good. The result of warning sensitivity was 76.92%, specificity was 83.33%, and timely rate was 80%. It is practicable to use exponential smoothing method to warn against epidemic Mumps.

The kinetics and mechanism of the organo-iridium-catalysed enantioselective reduction of imines.

PubMed

Stirling, Matthew J; Sweeney, Gemma; MacRory, Kerry; Blacker, A John; Page, Michael I

2016-04-14

The iridium complex of pentamethylcyclopentadiene and (S,S)-1,2-diphenyl-N'-tosylethane-1,2-diamine is an effective catalyst for the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of imine substrates under acidic conditions. Using the Ir catalyst and a 5 : 2 ratio of formic acid : triethylamine as the hydride source for the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of 1-methyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline and its 6,7-dimethoxy substituted derivative, in either acetonitrile or dichloromethane, shows unusual enantiomeric excess (ee) profiles for the product amines. The reactions initially give predominantly the (R) enantiomer of the chiral amine products with >90% ee but which then decreases significantly during the reaction. The decrease in ee is not due to racemisation of the product amine, but because the rate of formation of the (R)-enantiomer follows first-order kinetics whereas that for the (S)-enantiomer is zero-order. This difference in reaction order explains the change in selectivity as the reaction proceeds - the rate formation of the (R)-enantiomer decreases exponentially with time while that for the (S)-enantiomer remains constant. A reaction scheme is proposed which requires rate-limiting hydride transfer from the iridium hydride to the iminium ion for the first-order rate of formation of the (R)-enantiomer amine and rate-limiting dissociation of the product for the zero-order rate of formation of the (S)-enantiomer.

Loss of EGF binding and cation transport response during differentiation of mouse neuroblastoma cells.

PubMed

Mummery, C L; van der Saag, P T; de Laat, S W

1983-01-01

Mouse neuroblastoma cells (clone N1E-115) differentiate in culture upon withdrawal of serum growth factors and acquire the characteristics of neurons. We have shown tht exponentially growing N1E-115 cells possess functional epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors but that the capacity for binding EGF and for stimulation of DNA synthesis is lost as the cells differentiate. Furthermore, in exponentially growing cells, EGF induces a rapid increase in amiloride-sensitive Na+ influx, followed by stimulation of the (Na+-K+)ATPase, indicating that activation of the Na+/H+ exchange mechanism in N1E-115 cells [1] may be induced by EGF. The ionic response is also lost during differentiation, but we have shown that the stimulation of both Na+ and K+ influx is directly proportional to the number of occupied receptors in all cells whether exponentially growing or differentiating, thus only indirectly dependent on the external EGF concentration. The linearity of the relationships indicates that there is no rate-limiting step between EGF binding and the ionic response. Our data would suggest that as neuroblastoma cells differentiate and acquire neuronal properties, their ability to respond to mitogens, both biologically and in the activation of cation transport processes, progressively decreases owing to the loss of the appropriate receptors.

Biological electric fields and rate equations for biophotons.

PubMed

Alvermann, M; Srivastava, Y N; Swain, J; Widom, A

2015-04-01

Biophoton intensities depend upon the squared modulus of the electric field. Hence, we first make some general estimates about the inherent electric fields within various biosystems. Generally, these intensities do not follow a simple exponential decay law. After a brief discussion on the inapplicability of a linear rate equation that leads to strict exponential decay, we study other, nonlinear rate equations that have been successfully used for biosystems along with their physical origins when available.

Critical Mutation Rate Has an Exponential Dependence on Population Size in Haploid and Diploid Populations

PubMed Central

Aston, Elizabeth; Channon, Alastair; Day, Charles; Knight, Christopher G.

2013-01-01

Understanding the effect of population size on the key parameters of evolution is particularly important for populations nearing extinction. There are evolutionary pressures to evolve sequences that are both fit and robust. At high mutation rates, individuals with greater mutational robustness can outcompete those with higher fitness. This is survival-of-the-flattest, and has been observed in digital organisms, theoretically, in simulated RNA evolution, and in RNA viruses. We introduce an algorithmic method capable of determining the relationship between population size, the critical mutation rate at which individuals with greater robustness to mutation are favoured over individuals with greater fitness, and the error threshold. Verification for this method is provided against analytical models for the error threshold. We show that the critical mutation rate for increasing haploid population sizes can be approximated by an exponential function, with much lower mutation rates tolerated by small populations. This is in contrast to previous studies which identified that critical mutation rate was independent of population size. The algorithm is extended to diploid populations in a system modelled on the biological process of meiosis. The results confirm that the relationship remains exponential, but show that both the critical mutation rate and error threshold are lower for diploids, rather than higher as might have been expected. Analyzing the transition from critical mutation rate to error threshold provides an improved definition of critical mutation rate. Natural populations with their numbers in decline can be expected to lose genetic material in line with the exponential model, accelerating and potentially irreversibly advancing their decline, and this could potentially affect extinction, recovery and population management strategy. The effect of population size is particularly strong in small populations with 100 individuals or less; the exponential model has significant potential in aiding population management to prevent local (and global) extinction events. PMID:24386200

Performance of time-series methods in forecasting the demand for red blood cell transfusion.

PubMed

Pereira, Arturo

2004-05-01

Planning the future blood collection efforts must be based on adequate forecasts of transfusion demand. In this study, univariate time-series methods were investigated for their performance in forecasting the monthly demand for RBCs at one tertiary-care, university hospital. Three time-series methods were investigated: autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), the Holt-Winters family of exponential smoothing models, and one neural-network-based method. The time series consisted of the monthly demand for RBCs from January 1988 to December 2002 and was divided into two segments: the older one was used to fit or train the models, and the younger to test for the accuracy of predictions. Performance was compared across forecasting methods by calculating goodness-of-fit statistics, the percentage of months in which forecast-based supply would have met the RBC demand (coverage rate), and the outdate rate. The RBC transfusion series was best fitted by a seasonal ARIMA(0,1,1)(0,1,1)(12) model. Over 1-year time horizons, forecasts generated by ARIMA or exponential smoothing laid within the +/- 10 percent interval of the real RBC demand in 79 percent of months (62% in the case of neural networks). The coverage rate for the three methods was 89, 91, and 86 percent, respectively. Over 2-year time horizons, exponential smoothing largely outperformed the other methods. Predictions by exponential smoothing laid within the +/- 10 percent interval of real values in 75 percent of the 24 forecasted months, and the coverage rate was 87 percent. Over 1-year time horizons, predictions of RBC demand generated by ARIMA or exponential smoothing are accurate enough to be of help in the planning of blood collection efforts. For longer time horizons, exponential smoothing outperforms the other forecasting methods.

The vortex as a clock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breidenthal, Robert

2003-11-01

Using heuristic arguments, the fundamental effect of acceleration on dissipation in self-similar turbulence is explored. If the ratio of the next vortex rotation period to the last one is always constant, a flow is temporally self-similar. This implies that the vortex rotation period is a linear function of time. For ordinary, unforced turbulence, the period increases linearly in time. However, by imposing an external e-folding time scale on the flow that decreases linearly in time, the dissipation rate is changed from that of the corresponding unforced flow. The dissipation rate depends on the time rate of change of the rotation period as well as the dimensions of the dynamic quantity controlling the flow. For almost all canonical laboratory flows, acceleration reduces the dissipation and entrainment rates. An example is the exponential jet, where the flame length increases by about 20conventional jet. An exception is Rayleigh-Taylor flow, where acceleration increases the dissipation rate.

Study of effect of magnetohydrodynamics and couple stress on steady and dynamic characteristics of porous exponential slider bearings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanumagowda, B. N.; Gonchigara, Thippeswamy; Santhosh Kumar, J.; MShiva Kumar, H.

2018-04-01

Exponential slider bearings with porous facing is analysed in this article. The modified Reynolds equation is derived for the Exponential porous slider bearing with MHD and couple stress fluid. Computed values of Steady film pressure, Steady load capacity, Dynamic stiffness and Damping coefficient are presented in graphical form. The Steady film pressure, Steady load capacity, Dynamic stiffness and Damping coefficient decreases with increasing values of permeability parameter and increases with increasing values of couplestress parameter and Hartmann number.

Adjusting for overdispersion in piecewise exponential regression models to estimate excess mortality rate in population-based research.

PubMed

Luque-Fernandez, Miguel Angel; Belot, Aurélien; Quaresma, Manuela; Maringe, Camille; Coleman, Michel P; Rachet, Bernard

2016-10-01

In population-based cancer research, piecewise exponential regression models are used to derive adjusted estimates of excess mortality due to cancer using the Poisson generalized linear modelling framework. However, the assumption that the conditional mean and variance of the rate parameter given the set of covariates x i are equal is strong and may fail to account for overdispersion given the variability of the rate parameter (the variance exceeds the mean). Using an empirical example, we aimed to describe simple methods to test and correct for overdispersion. We used a regression-based score test for overdispersion under the relative survival framework and proposed different approaches to correct for overdispersion including a quasi-likelihood, robust standard errors estimation, negative binomial regression and flexible piecewise modelling. All piecewise exponential regression models showed the presence of significant inherent overdispersion (p-value <0.001). However, the flexible piecewise exponential model showed the smallest overdispersion parameter (3.2 versus 21.3) for non-flexible piecewise exponential models. We showed that there were no major differences between methods. However, using a flexible piecewise regression modelling, with either a quasi-likelihood or robust standard errors, was the best approach as it deals with both, overdispersion due to model misspecification and true or inherent overdispersion.

Effects of proliferation on the decay of thermotolerance in Chinese hamster cells.

PubMed

Armour, E P; Li, G C; Hahn, G M

1985-09-01

Development and decay of thermotolerance were observed in Chinese hamster HA-1 cells. The thermotolerance kinetics of exponentially growing and fed plateau-phase cells were compared. Following a 10-min heat exposure at 45 degrees C, cells in both growth states had similar rates of development of tolerance to a subsequent 45-min exposure at 45 degrees C. This thermotolerant state started to decay between 12 and 24 hr after the initial heat exposure. The decay appeared to initiate slightly sooner in the exponentially growing cells when compared to the fed plateau-phase cells. During the decay phase, the rate of thermotolerance decay was similar in the two growth conditions. In other experiments, cells were induced to divide at a slower rate by chronic growth (3 months) in a low concentration of fetal calf serum. Under these low serum conditions cells became more sensitive to heat and the rate of decay of thermotolerance remained the same for exponentially growing cells. Plateau-phase cells were also more sensitive, but thermotolerance decayed more rapidly in these cells. Although dramatic cell cycle perturbations were seen in the exponentially growing cells, these changes appeared not to be related to thermotolerance kinetics.

Effect of inlet-air humidity, temperature, pressure, and reference Mach number on the formation of oxides of nitrogen in a gas turbine combustor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marchionna, N. R.; Diehl, L. A.; Trout, A. M.

1973-01-01

Tests were conducted to determine the effect of inlet air humidity on the formation of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) from a gas turbine combustor. Combustor inlet air temperature ranged from 506 K (450 F) to 838 K (1050 F). The tests were primarily run at a constant pressure of 6 atmospheres and reference Mach number of 0.065. The NOx emission index was found to decrease with increasing inlet air humidity at a constant exponential rate: NOx = NOx0e-19H (where H is the humidity and the subscript 0 denotes the value at zero humidity). the emission index increased exponentially with increasing normalized inlet air temperature to the 1.14 power. Additional tests made to determine the effect of pressure and reference Mach number on NOx showed that the NOx emission index varies directly with pressure to the 0.5 power and inversely with reference Mach number.

Numerical solution of mixed convection flow of an MHD Jeffery fluid over an exponentially stretching sheet in the presence of thermal radiation and chemical reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shateyi, Stanford; Marewo, Gerald T.

2018-05-01

We numerically investigate a mixed convection model for a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Jeffery fluid flowing over an exponentially stretching sheet. The influence of thermal radiation and chemical reaction is also considered in this study. The governing non-linear coupled partial differential equations are reduced to a set of coupled non-linear ordinary differential equations by using similarity functions. This new set of ordinary differential equations are solved numerically using the Spectral Quasi-Linearization Method. A parametric study of physical parameters involved in this study is carried out and displayed in tabular and graphical forms. It is observed that the velocity is enhanced with increasing values of the Deborah number, buoyancy and thermal radiation parameters. Furthermore, the temperature and species concentration are decreasing functions of the Deborah number. The skin friction coefficient increases with increasing values of the magnetic parameter and relaxation time. Heat and mass transfer rates increase with increasing values of the Deborah number and buoyancy parameters.

A new look at atmospheric carbon dioxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofmann, David J.; Butler, James H.; Tans, Pieter P.

Carbon dioxide is increasing in the atmosphere and is of considerable concern in global climate change because of its greenhouse gas warming potential. The rate of increase has accelerated since measurements began at Mauna Loa Observatory in 1958 where carbon dioxide increased from less than 1 part per million per year (ppm yr -1) prior to 1970 to more than 2 ppm yr -1 in recent years. Here we show that the anthropogenic component (atmospheric value reduced by the pre-industrial value of 280 ppm) of atmospheric carbon dioxide has been increasing exponentially with a doubling time of about 30 years since the beginning of the industrial revolution (˜1800). Even during the 1970s, when fossil fuel emissions dropped sharply in response to the "oil crisis" of 1973, the anthropogenic atmospheric carbon dioxide level continued increasing exponentially at Mauna Loa Observatory. Since the growth rate (time derivative) of an exponential has the same characteristic lifetime as the function itself, the carbon dioxide growth rate is also doubling at the same rate. This explains the observation that the linear growth rate of carbon dioxide has more than doubled in the past 40 years. The accelerating growth rate is simply the outcome of exponential growth in carbon dioxide with a nearly constant doubling time of about 30 years (about 2%/yr) and appears to have tracked human population since the pre-industrial era.

The Exponential Function--Part VIII

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bartlett, Albert A.

1978-01-01

Presents part eight of a continuing series on the exponential function in which, given the current population of the Earth and assuming a constant growth rate of 1.9 percent backward looks at world population are made. (SL)

Phase mixing of Alfvén waves in axisymmetric non-reflective magnetic plasma configurations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrukhin, N. S.; Ruderman, M. S.; Shurgalina, E. G.

2018-02-01

We study damping of phase-mixed Alfvén waves propagating in non-reflective axisymmetric magnetic plasma configurations. We derive the general equation describing the attenuation of the Alfvén wave amplitude. Then we applied the general theory to a particular case with the exponentially divergent magnetic field lines. The condition that the configuration is non-reflective determines the variation of the plasma density along the magnetic field lines. The density profiles exponentially decreasing with the height are not among non-reflective density profiles. However, we managed to find non-reflective profiles that fairly well approximate exponentially decreasing density. We calculate the variation of the total wave energy flux with the height for various values of shear viscosity. We found that to have a substantial amount of wave energy dissipated at the lower corona, one needs to increase shear viscosity by seven orders of magnitude in comparison with the value given by the classical plasma theory. An important result that we obtained is that the efficiency of the wave damping strongly depends on the density variation with the height. The stronger the density decrease, the weaker the wave damping is. On the basis of this result, we suggested a physical explanation of the phenomenon of the enhanced wave damping in equilibrium configurations with exponentially diverging magnetic field lines.

Power law incidence rate in epidemic models. Comment on: "Mathematical models to characterize early epidemic growth: A review" by Gerardo Chowell et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allen, Linda J. S.

2016-09-01

Dr. Chowell and colleagues emphasize the importance of considering a variety of modeling approaches to characterize the growth of an epidemic during the early stages [1]. A fit of data from the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic and the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak to models indicates sub-exponential growth, in contrast to the classic, homogeneous-mixing SIR model with exponential growth. With incidence rate βSI / N and S approximately equal to the total population size N, the number of new infections in an SIR epidemic model grows exponentially as in the differential equation,

A revised dislocation model of interseismic deformation of the Cascadia subduction zone

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wang, Kelin; Wells, Ray E.; Mazzotti, Stephane; Hyndman, Roy D.; Sagiya, Takeshi

2003-01-01

CAS3D‐2, a new three‐dimensional (3‐D) dislocation model, is developed to model interseismic deformation rates at the Cascadia subduction zone. The model is considered a snapshot description of the deformation field that changes with time. The effect of northward secular motion of the central and southern Cascadia forearc sliver is subtracted to obtain the effective convergence between the subducting plate and the forearc. Horizontal deformation data, including strain rates and surface velocities from Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements, provide primary geodetic constraints, but uplift rate data from tide gauges and leveling also provide important validations for the model. A locked zone, based on the results of previous thermal models constrained by heat flow observations, is located entirely offshore beneath the continental slope. Similar to previous dislocation models, an effective zone of downdip transition from locking to full slip is used, but the slip deficit rate is assumed to decrease exponentially with downdip distance. The exponential function resolves the problem of overpredicting coastal GPS velocities and underpredicting inland velocities by previous models that used a linear downdip transition. A wide effective transition zone (ETZ) partially accounts for stress relaxation in the mantle wedge that cannot be simulated by the elastic model. The pattern of coseismic deformation is expected to be different from that of interseismic deformation at present, 300 years after the last great subduction earthquake. The downdip transition from full rupture to no slip should take place over a much narrower zone.

High-LET radiation-induced aberrations in prematurely condensed G2 chromosomes of human fibroblasts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kawata, T.; Gotoh, E.; Durante, M.; Wu, H.; George, K.; Furusawa, Y.; Cucinotta, F. A.; Dicello, J. F. (Principal Investigator)

2000-01-01

PURPOSE: To determine the number of initial chromatid breaks induced by low- or high-LET irradiations, and to compare the kinetics of chromatid break rejoining for radiations of different quality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Exponentially growing human fibroblast cells AG1522 were irradiated with gamma-rays, energetic carbon (290MeV/u), silicon (490MeV/u) and iron (200 and 600 MeV/u). Chromosomes were prematurely condensed using calyculin A. Chromatid breaks and exchanges in G2 cells were scored. PCC were collected after several post-irradiation incubation times, ranging from 5 to 600 min. RESULTS: The kinetics of chromatid break rejoining following low- or high-LET irradiation consisted of two exponential components representing a rapid and a slow time constant. Chromatid breaks decreased rapidly during the first 10min after exposure, then continued to decrease at a slower rate. The rejoining kinetics were similar for exposure to each type of radiation. Chromatid exchanges were also formed quickly. Compared to low-LET radiation, isochromatid breaks were produced more frequently and the proportion of unrejoined breaks was higher for high-LET radiation. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with gamma-rays, isochromatid breaks were observed more frequently in high-LET irradiated samples, suggesting that an increase in isochromatid breaks is a signature of high-LET radiation exposure.

Room temperature deposition of gold onto the diffuse and sharp diffraction spot Si(111)-( 3 × 3) R30° Au surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plass, Richard; Marks, Laurence D.

1996-06-01

Room temperature gold depositions onto Si(111)-( 3 × 3) R30° Au surfaces with diffuse and sharp diffraction spots [Surf. Sci. 242 (1991) 73] (diffuse and sharp 3 × 3 Au hereafter) under UHV conditions has been monitored using transmission electron diffraction (TED). Both systems display an increase in surface structure diffraction spot intensities up to the completion of 1.0 monolayer (ML) after which the surface beams display an exponential decrease in intensity with coverage. The exponential decay rate decreases after roughly 1.33 ML. These results can be attributed to gold initially diffusing to and filling 3 × 3 Au gold trimer sites in vacancy type surface domain walls [Surf. Sci. 342 (1995) 233], then filling one of three possible sites on the 3 × 3 Au structure with essentially no surface diffusion, disrupting nearby gold trimers. Gold deposition onto the diffuse type structure caused the formation and expansion of satellite arcs around the strongest 3 × 3 beams similar to those seen by others [Surf. Sci. 242 (1991) 73; Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 16 (1977) 891; J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A 10 (1992) 3486] at elevated temperatures while the sharp structure displayed only a modest shoulder formation near the strongest 3 × 3 beams.

Kinetics of force recovery following length changes in active skinned single fibres from rabbit psoas muscle

PubMed Central

Burton, Kevin; Simmons, Robert M; Sleep, John; Smith, David A

2006-01-01

Redevelopment of isometric force following shortening of skeletal muscle is thought to result from a redistribution of cross-bridge states. We varied the initial force and cross-bridge distribution by applying various length-change protocols to active skinned single fibres from rabbit psoas muscle, and observed the effect on the slowest phase of recovery (‘late recovery’) that follows transient changes. In response to step releases that reduced force to near zero (∼8 nm (half sarcomere)−1) or prolonged shortening at high velocity, late recovery was well described by two exponentials of approximately equal amplitude and rate constants of ∼2 s−1 and ∼9 s−1 at 5°C. When a large restretch was applied at the end of rapid shortening, recovery was accelerated by (1) the introduction of a slow falling component that truncated the rise in force, and (2) a relative increase in the contribution of the fast exponential component. The rate of the slow fall was similar to that observed after a small isometric step stretch, with a rate of 0.4–0.8 s−1, and its effects could be reversed by reducing force to near zero immediately after the stretch. Force at the start of late recovery was varied in a series of shortening steps or ramps in order to probe the effect of cross-bridge strain on force redevelopment. The rate constants of the two components fell by 40–50% as initial force was raised to 75–80% of steady isometric force. As initial force increased, the relative contribution of the fast component decreased, and this was associated with a length constant of about 2 nm. The results are consistent with a two-state strain-dependent cross-bridge model. In the model there is a continuous distribution of recovery rate constants, but two-exponential fits show that the fast component results from cross-bridges initially at moderate positive strain and the slow component from cross-bridges at high positive strain. PMID:16497718

A Fluid-driven Earthquake Cycle, Omori's Law, and Fluid-driven Aftershocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, S. A.

2015-12-01

Few models exist that predict the Omori's Law of aftershock rate decay, with rate-state friction the only physically-based model. ETAS is a probabilistic model of cascading failures, and is sometimes used to infer rate-state frictional properties. However, the (perhaps dominant) role of fluids in the earthquake process is being increasingly realised, so a fluid-based physical model for Omori's Law should be available. In this talk, I present an hypothesis for a fluid-driven earthquake cycle where dehydration and decarbonization at depth provides continuous sources of buoyant high pressure fluids that must eventually make their way back to the surface. The natural pathway for fluid escape is along plate boundaries, where in the ductile regime high pressure fluids likely play an integral role in episodic tremor and slow slip earthquakes. At shallower levels, high pressure fluids pool at the base of seismogenic zones, with the reservoir expanding in scale through the earthquake cycle. Late in the cycle, these fluids can invade and degrade the strength of the brittle crust and contribute to earthquake nucleation. The mainshock opens permeable networks that provide escape pathways for high pressure fluids and generate aftershocks along these flow paths, while creating new pathways by the aftershocks themselves. Thermally activated precipitation then seals up these pathways, returning the system to a low-permeability environment and effective seal during the subsequent tectonic stress buildup. I find that the multiplicative effect of an exponential dependence of permeability on the effective normal stress coupled with an Arrhenius-type, thermally activated exponential reduction in permeability results in Omori's Law. I simulate this scenario using a very simple model that combines non-linear diffusion and a step-wise increase in permeability when a Mohr Coulomb failure condition is met, and allow permeability to decrease as an exponential function in time. I show very strong spatial correlations of the simulated evolved permeability and fluid pressure field with aftershock hypocenters from this 1992 Landers and 1994 Northridge aftershock sequences, and reproduce the observed aftershock decay rates. Controls on the decay rates (p-value) will also be discussed.

Pervaporation study for the dehydration of tetrahydrofuran-water mixtures by polymeric and ceramic membranes.

PubMed

McGinness, Colleen A; Slater, C Stewart; Savelski, Mariano J

2008-12-01

Pervaporation technology can effectively separate a tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent-water waste stream at an azeotropic concentration. The performance of a Sulzer 2210 polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membrane and a Pervatech BV silica membrane were studied, as the operating variables feed temperature and permeate pressure, were varied. The silica membrane was found to exhibit a flux of almost double that of the PVA membrane, but both membranes had comparable separation ability in purifying the solvent-water mixture. At benchmark feed conditions of 96 wt% THF and 4 wt% water, 50 degrees C and 10 torr permeate pressure, the silica membrane flux was 0.276 kg/m(2)hr and selectivity was 365. For both membranes, flux was found to increase at an exponential rate as the feed temperature increased from 20 to 60 degrees C. The flux through the silica membrane increases at a 6% faster rate than the PVA membrane. Flux decreased as permeate pressure was increased from 5 to 25 torr for both membranes. The amount of water in the permeate decreased exponentially as the permeate pressure was increased, but increased linearly with increasing temperature. Optimum conditions for flux and selectivity are at low permeate pressure and high feed temperature. When a small amount of salt is added to the feed solution, an increase in flux is observed. Overall models for flux and permeate concentration were created from the experimental data. The models were used to predict scale-up performance in separating an azeotropic feed waste to produce dehydrated THF solvent for reuse and a permeate stream with a dilute THF concentration.

Estimation of low-level neutron dose-equivalent rate by using extrapolation method for a curie level Am-Be neutron source.

PubMed

Li, Gang; Xu, Jiayun; Zhang, Jie

2015-01-01

Neutron radiation protection is an important research area because of the strong radiation biological effect of neutron field. The radiation dose of neutron is closely related to the neutron energy, and the connected relationship is a complex function of energy. For the low-level neutron radiation field (e.g. the Am-Be source), the commonly used commercial neutron dosimeter cannot always reflect the low-level dose rate, which is restricted by its own sensitivity limit and measuring range. In this paper, the intensity distribution of neutron field caused by a curie level Am-Be neutron source was investigated by measuring the count rates obtained through a 3 He proportional counter at different locations around the source. The results indicate that the count rates outside of the source room are negligible compared with the count rates measured in the source room. In the source room, 3 He proportional counter and neutron dosimeter were used to measure the count rates and dose rates respectively at different distances to the source. The results indicate that both the count rates and dose rates decrease exponentially with the increasing distance, and the dose rates measured by a commercial dosimeter are in good agreement with the results calculated by the Geant4 simulation within the inherent errors recommended by ICRP and IEC. Further studies presented in this paper indicate that the low-level neutron dose equivalent rates in the source room increase exponentially with the increasing low-energy neutron count rates when the source is lifted from the shield with different radiation intensities. Based on this relationship as well as the count rates measured at larger distance to the source, the dose rates can be calculated approximately by the extrapolation method. This principle can be used to estimate the low level neutron dose values in the source room which cannot be measured directly by a commercial dosimeter. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Kinetics of the B1-B2 phase transition in KCl under rapid compression

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

Lin, Chuanlong; Smith, Jesse S.; Sinogeikin, Stanislav V.

2016-01-28

Kinetics of the B1-B2 phase transition in KCl has been investigated under various compression rates (0.03–13.5 GPa/s) in a dynamic diamond anvil cell using time-resolved x-ray diffraction and fast imaging. Our experimental data show that the volume fraction across the transition generally gives sigmoidal curves as a function of pressure during rapid compression. Based upon classical nucleation and growth theories (Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov theories), we propose a model that is applicable for studying kinetics for the compression rates studied. The fit of the experimental volume fraction as a function of pressure provides information on effective activation energy and average activation volume at amore » given compression rate. The resulting parameters are successfully used for interpreting several experimental observables that are compression-rate dependent, such as the transition time, grain size, and over-pressurization. The effective activation energy (Q{sub eff}) is found to decrease linearly with the logarithm of compression rate. When Q{sub eff} is applied to the Arrhenius equation, this relationship can be used to interpret the experimentally observed linear relationship between the logarithm of the transition time and logarithm of the compression rates. The decrease of Q{sub eff} with increasing compression rate results in the decrease of the nucleation rate, which is qualitatively in agreement with the observed change of the grain size with compression rate. The observed over-pressurization is also well explained by the model when an exponential relationship between the average activation volume and the compression rate is assumed.« less

Detection of the spatiotemporal trends of mercury in Lake Erie fish communities: a Bayesian approach.

PubMed

Azim, M Ekram; Kumarappah, Ananthavalli; Bhavsar, Satyendra P; Backus, Sean M; Arhonditsis, George

2011-03-15

The temporal trends of total mercury (THg) in four fish species in Lake Erie were evaluated based on 35 years of fish contaminant data. Our Bayesian statistical approach consists of three steps aiming to address different questions. First, we used the exponential and mixed-order decay models to assess the declining rates in four intensively sampled fish species, i.e., walleye (Stizostedion vitreum), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui), and white bass (Morone chrysops). Because the two models postulate monotonic decrease of the THg levels, we included first- and second-order random walk terms in our statistical formulations to accommodate nonmonotonic patterns in the data time series. Our analysis identified a recent increase in the THg concentrations, particularly after the mid-1990s. In the second step, we used double exponential models to quantify the relative magnitude of the THg trends depending on the type of data used (skinless-boneless fillet versus whole fish data) and the fish species examined. The observed THg concentrations were significantly higher in skinless boneless fillet than in whole fish portions, while the whole fish portions of walleye exhibited faster decline rates and slower rates of increase relative to the skinless boneless fillet data. Our analysis also shows lower decline rates and higher rates of increase in walleye relative to the other three fish species examined. The food web structural shifts induced by the invasive species (dreissenid mussels and round goby) may be associated with the recent THg trends in Lake Erie fish.

Extraction of long-chain fatty acids in isolated rat heart during acute low-flow ischemia.

PubMed

Richter, W S; Fischer, S; Ernst, N; Munz, D L

2001-07-01

Although beta-oxidation of fatty acids is suppressed rapidly during ischemia, the behavior of fatty acid extraction at different flow rates is incompletely understood. This study assessed the relationship between flow and extraction of (123)I-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (IPPA) in the isolated heart model, especially at low flow. Isolated hearts from male Wistar rats (n = 15) were subjected to retrograde perfusion with constant flow (Krebs Henseleit solution containing 10 mmol/L glucose). A latex balloon in the left ventricle allowed isovolumetric contractions and ventricular pressure measurements. The extraction of (123)I-IPPA was assessed with the indicator dilution technique and (99m)Tc-albumin as the intravascular reference. The flow was either increased from the control flow (8 mL/min) until 300% or reduced until 10%. (123)I-IPPA extraction was measured three times before and 10 min after flow alteration. The tracer uptake was estimated from the product of net extraction and flow. The mean (123)I-IPPA extraction at the control flow (third measurement) was 51.6% +/- 2.8%. Between flow rates of approximately 25% and 300%, (123)I-IPPA extraction increased exponentially at decreasing flow rates. At flow rates < or =25% of the control flow, (123)I-IPPA extraction was exponentially higher than predicted. (123)I-IPPA uptake and flow changed largely in parallel. During low flow, the rate-pressure product showed the expected decline (perfusion-contraction matching). The extraction of (123)I-IPPA is preserved and slightly increased (relative to flow) during acute low-flow ischemia.

A new mechanistic growth model for simultaneous determination of lag phase duration and exponential growth rate and a new Belehdradek-type model for evaluating the effect of temperature on growth rate

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A new mechanistic growth model was developed to describe microbial growth under isothermal conditions. The new mathematical model was derived from the basic observation of bacterial growth that may include lag, exponential, and stationary phases. With this model, the lag phase duration and exponen...

Evolution and modulation of intracellular calcium release during long-lasting, depleting depolarization in mouse muscle

PubMed Central

Royer, Leandro; Pouvreau, Sandrine; Ríos, Eduardo

2008-01-01

Intracellular calcium signals regulate multiple cellular functions. They depend on release of Ca2+ from cellular stores into the cytosol, a process that in many types of cells appears to be tightly controlled by changes in [Ca2+] within the store. In contrast with cardiac muscle, where depletion of Ca2+ in the sarcoplasmic reticulum is a crucial determinant of termination of Ca2+ release, in skeletal muscle there is no agreement regarding the sign, or even the existence of an effect of SR Ca2+ level on Ca2+ release. To address this issue we measured Ca2+ transients in mouse flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) skeletal muscle fibres under voltage clamp, using confocal microscopy and the Ca2+ monitor rhod-2. The evolution of Ca2+ release flux was quantified during long-lasting depolarizations that reduced severely the Ca2+ content of the SR. As in all previous determinations in mammals and non-mammals, release flux consisted of an early peak, relaxing to a lower level from which it continued to decay more slowly. Decay of flux in this second stage, which has been attributed largely to depletion of SR Ca2+, was studied in detail. A simple depletion mechanism without change in release permeability predicts an exponential decay with time. In contrast, flux decreased non-exponentially, to a finite, measurable level that could be maintained for the longest pulses applied (1.8 s). An algorithm on the flux record allowed us to define a quantitative index, the normalized flux rate of change (NFRC), which was shown to be proportional to the ratio of release permeability P and inversely proportional to Ca2+ buffering power B of the SR, thus quantifying the ‘evacuability’ or ability of the SR to empty its content. When P and B were constant, flux then decayed exponentially, and NFRC was equal to the exponential rate constant. Instead, in most cases NFRC increased during the pulse, from a minimum reached immediately after the early peak in flux, to a time between 200 and 250 ms, when the index was no longer defined. NFRC increased by 111% on average (in 27 images from 18 cells), reaching 300% in some cases. The increase may reflect an increase in P, a decrease in B, or both. On experimental and theoretical grounds, both changes are to be expected upon SR depletion. A variable evacuability helps maintain a constant Ca2+ output under conditions of diminishing store Ca2+ load. PMID:18687715

Effect of deposition rate and NNN interactions on adatoms mobility in epitaxial growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamouda, Ajmi B. H.; Mahjoub, B.; Blel, S.

2017-07-01

This paper provides a detailed analysis of the surface diffusion problem during epitaxial step-flow growth using a simple theoretical model for the diffusion equation of adatoms concentration. Within this framework, an analytical expression for the adatom mobility as a function of the deposition rate and the Next-Nearest-Neighbor (NNN) interactions is derived and compared with the effective mobility computed from kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulations. As far as the 'small' step velocity or relatively weak deposition rate commonly used for copper growth is concerned, an excellent quantitative agreement with the theoretical prediction is found. The effective adatoms mobility is shown to exhibit an exponential decrease with NNN interactions strength and increases in roughly linear behavior versus deposition rate F. The effective step stiffness and the adatoms mobility are also shown to be closely related to the concentration of kinks.

Gamma-radiolytic stability of new methylated TODGA derivatives for minor actinide recycling

DOE PAGES

Galan, Hitos; Zarzana, Christopher A.; Wilden, Andreas; ...

2015-09-15

The stability against gamma radiation of MeTODGA (methyl tetraoctyldiglycolamide) and Me2TODGA (dimethyl tetraoctyldiglycolamide), derivatives from the well-known extractant TODGA (N,N,N',N';-tetraoctyldiglycolamide), were studied and compared. Solutions of MeTODGA and Me2TODGA in alkane diluents were subjected to 60Co γ-irradiation in the presence and absence of nitric acid and analyzed using LC-MS to determine their rates of radiolytic concentration decrease, as well as to identify radiolysis products. The results of product identification from three different laboratories are compared and found to be in good agreement. The diglycolamide (DGA) concentrations decreased exponentially with increasing absorbed dose. The MeTODGA degradation rate constants (dose constants) weremore » uninfluenced by the presence of nitric acid, but the acid increased the rate of degradation for Me2TODGA. The degradation products formed by irradiation are also initially produced in greater amounts in acid-contacted solution, but products may also be degraded by continued radiolysis. As a result, the identified radiolysis products suggest that the weakest bonds are those in the diglycolamide center of these molecules.« less

Quantum random access memory.

PubMed

Giovannetti, Vittorio; Lloyd, Seth; Maccone, Lorenzo

2008-04-25

A random access memory (RAM) uses n bits to randomly address N=2(n) distinct memory cells. A quantum random access memory (QRAM) uses n qubits to address any quantum superposition of N memory cells. We present an architecture that exponentially reduces the requirements for a memory call: O(logN) switches need be thrown instead of the N used in conventional (classical or quantum) RAM designs. This yields a more robust QRAM algorithm, as it in general requires entanglement among exponentially less gates, and leads to an exponential decrease in the power needed for addressing. A quantum optical implementation is presented.

Analysis of Dibenzothiophene Desulfurization in a Recombinant Pseudomonas putida Strain▿

PubMed Central

Calzada, Javier; Zamarro, María T.; Alcón, Almudena; Santos, Victoria E.; Díaz, Eduardo; García, José L.; Garcia-Ochoa, Felix

2009-01-01

Biodesulfurization was monitored in a recombinant Pseudomonas putida CECT5279 strain. DszB desulfinase activity reached a sharp maximum at the early exponential phase, but it rapidly decreased at later growth phases. A model two-step resting-cell process combining sequentially P. putida cells from the late and early exponential growth phases was designed to significantly increase biodesulfurization. PMID:19047400

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

Roscioli-Johnson, Kristyn M.; Zarzana, Christopher A.; Groenewold, Gary S.

In this paper, solutions of N,N-didodecyl-N',N'-dioctyldiglycolamide in n-dodecane were subjected to γ-irradiation in the presence and absence of both an aqueous nitric acid phase and air sparging. The solutions were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS) to determine the rates of radiolytic decay of the extractant as well as to identify radiolysis products. The DGA concentration decreased exponentially with increasing dose, and the measured degradation rate constants were uninfluenced by the presence or absence of acidic aqueous phase, or by air sparging. Finally, the identified radiolysis products suggest that the bonds most vulnerable to radiolytic attack are thosemore » in the diglycolamide center of these molecules and not in the side chains.« less

Effect of Thymine Starvation on Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Synthesis in Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Luzzati, Denise

1966-01-01

Luzzati, Denise (Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, Paris, France). Effect of thymine starvation on messenger ribonucleic acid synthesis in Escherichia coli. J. Bacteriol. 92:1435–1446. 1966.—During the course of thymine starvation, the rate of synthesis of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA, the rapidly labeled fraction of the RNA which decays in the presence of dinitrophenol or which hybridizes with deoxyribonucleic acid) decreases exponentially, in parallel with the viability of the thymine-starved bacteria. The ability of cell-free extracts of starved bacteria to incorporate ribonucleoside triphosphates into RNA was determined; it was found to be inferior to that of extracts from control cells. The analysis of the properties of cell-free extracts of starved cells shows that their decreased RNA polymerase activity is the consequence of a modification of their deoxyribonucleic acid, the ability of which to serve as a template for RNA polymerase decreases during starvation. PMID:5332402

Effects of temperature and glycerol and methanol-feeding profiles on the production of recombinant galactose oxidase in Pichia pastoris

PubMed Central

Anasontzis, George E; Salazar Penã, Margarita; Spadiut, Oliver; Brumer, Harry; Olsson, Lisbeth

2014-01-01

Optimization of protein production from methanol-induced Pichia pastoris cultures is necessary to ensure high productivity rates and high yields of recombinant proteins. We investigated the effects of temperature and different linear or exponential methanol-feeding rates on the production of recombinant Fusarium graminearum galactose oxidase (EC 1.1.3.9) in a P. pastoris Mut+ strain, under regulation of the AOX1 promoter. We found that low exponential methanol feeding led to 1.5-fold higher volumetric productivity compared to high exponential feeding rates. The duration of glycerol feeding did not affect the subsequent product yield, but longer glycerol feeding led to higher initial biomass concentration, which would reduce the oxygen demand and generate less heat during induction. A linear and a low exponential feeding profile led to productivities in the same range, but the latter was characterized by intense fluctuations in the titers of galactose oxidase and total protein. An exponential feeding profile that has been adapted to the apparent biomass concentration results in more stable cultures, but the concentration of recombinant protein is in the same range as when constant methanol feeding is employed. © 2014 The Authors Biotechnology Progress published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:728–735, 2014 PMID:24493559

Nonlinear stability of the 1D Boltzmann equation in a periodic box

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Kung-Chien

2018-05-01

We study the nonlinear stability of the Boltzmann equation in the 1D periodic box with size , where is the Knudsen number. The convergence rate is for small time region and exponential for large time region. Moreover, the exponential rate depends on the size of the domain (Knudsen number). This problem is highly nonlinear and hence we need more careful analysis to control the nonlinear term.

A predictability study of Lorenz's 28-variable model as a dynamical system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krishnamurthy, V.

1993-01-01

The dynamics of error growth in a two-layer nonlinear quasi-geostrophic model has been studied to gain an understanding of the mathematical theory of atmospheric predictability. The growth of random errors of varying initial magnitudes has been studied, and the relation between this classical approach and the concepts of the nonlinear dynamical systems theory has been explored. The local and global growths of random errors have been expressed partly in terms of the properties of an error ellipsoid and the Liapunov exponents determined by linear error dynamics. The local growth of small errors is initially governed by several modes of the evolving error ellipsoid but soon becomes dominated by the longest axis. The average global growth of small errors is exponential with a growth rate consistent with the largest Liapunov exponent. The duration of the exponential growth phase depends on the initial magnitude of the errors. The subsequent large errors undergo a nonlinear growth with a steadily decreasing growth rate and attain saturation that defines the limit of predictability. The degree of chaos and the largest Liapunov exponent show considerable variation with change in the forcing, which implies that the time variation in the external forcing can introduce variable character to the predictability.

Multi-Level Adaptive Techniques (MLAT) for singular-perturbation problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brandt, A.

1978-01-01

The multilevel (multigrid) adaptive technique, a general strategy of solving continuous problems by cycling between coarser and finer levels of discretization is described. It provides very fast general solvers, together with adaptive, nearly optimal discretization schemes. In the process, boundary layers are automatically either resolved or skipped, depending on a control function which expresses the computational goal. The global error decreases exponentially as a function of the overall computational work, in a uniform rate independent of the magnitude of the singular-perturbation terms. The key is high-order uniformly stable difference equations, and uniformly smoothing relaxation schemes.

Growth and mortality of larval Myctophum affine (Myctophidae, Teleostei).

PubMed

Namiki, C; Katsuragawa, M; Zani-Teixeira, M L

2015-04-01

The growth and mortality rates of Myctophum affine larvae were analysed based on samples collected during the austral summer and winter of 2002 from south-eastern Brazilian waters. The larvae ranged in size from 2·75 to 14·00 mm standard length (L(S)). Daily increment counts from 82 sagittal otoliths showed that the age of M. affine ranged from 2 to 28 days. Three models were applied to estimate the growth rate: linear regression, exponential model and Laird-Gompertz model. The exponential model best fitted the data, and L(0) values from exponential and Laird-Gompertz models were close to the smallest larva reported in the literature (c. 2·5 mm L(S)). The average growth rate (0·33 mm day(-1)) was intermediate among lanternfishes. The mortality rate (12%) during the larval period was below average compared with other marine fish species but similar to some epipelagic fishes that occur in the area. © 2015 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Analog detection for cavity lifetime spectroscopy

DOEpatents

Zare, Richard N.; Harb, Charles C.; Paldus, Barbara A.; Spence, Thomas G.

2001-05-15

An analog detection system for determining a ring-down rate or decay rate 1/.tau. of an exponentially decaying ring-down beam issuing from a lifetime or ring-down cavity during a ring-down phase. Alternatively, the analog detection system determines a build-up rate of an exponentially growing beam issuing from the cavity during a ring-up phase. The analog system can be employed in continuous wave cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CW CRDS) and pulsed CRDS (P CRDS) arrangements utilizing any type of ring-down cavity including ring-cavities and linear cavities.

Analog detection for cavity lifetime spectroscopy

DOEpatents

Zare, Richard N.; Harb, Charles C.; Paldus, Barbara A.; Spence, Thomas G.

2003-01-01

An analog detection system for determining a ring-down rate or decay rate 1/.tau. of an exponentially decaying ring-down beam issuing from a lifetime or ring-down cavity during a ring-down phase. Alternatively, the analog detection system determines a build-up rate of an exponentially growing beam issuing from the cavity during a ring-up phase. The analog system can be employed in continuous wave cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CW CRDS) and pulsed CRDS (P CRDS) arrangements utilizing any type of ring-down cavity including ring-cavities and linear cavities.

Stand Competition Determines How Different Tree Species Will Cope with a Warming Climate

PubMed Central

Fernández-de-Uña, Laura; Cañellas, Isabel; Gea-Izquierdo, Guillermo

2015-01-01

Plant-plant interactions influence how forests cope with climate and contribute to modulate species response to future climate scenarios. We analysed the functional relationships between growth, climate and competition for Pinus sylvestris, Quercus pyrenaica and Quercus faginea to investigate how stand competition modifies forest sensitivity to climate and simulated how annual growth rates of these species with different drought tolerance would change throughout the 21st century. Dendroecological data from stands subjected to thinning were modelled using a novel multiplicative nonlinear approach to overcome biases related to the general assumption of a linear relationship between covariates and to better mimic the biological relationships involved. Growth always decreased exponentially with increasing competition, which explained more growth variability than climate in Q. faginea and P. sylvestris. The effect of precipitation was asymptotic in all cases, while the relationship between growth and temperature reached an optimum after which growth declined with warmer temperatures. Our growth projections indicate that the less drought-tolerant P. sylvestris would be more negatively affected by climate change than the studied sub-Mediterranean oaks. Q. faginea and P. sylvestris mean growth would decrease under all the climate change scenarios assessed. However, P. sylvestris growth would decline regardless of the competition level, whereas this decrease would be offset by reduced competition in Q. faginea. Conversely, Q. pyrenaica growth would remain similar to current rates, except for the warmest scenario. Our models shed light on the nature of the species-specific interaction between climate and competition and yield important implications for management. Assuming that individual growth is directly related to tree performance, trees under low competition would better withstand the warmer conditions predicted under climate change scenarios but in a variable manner depending on the species. Thinning following an exponential rule may be desirable to ensure long-term conservation of high-density Mediterranean woodlands, particularly in drought-limited sites. PMID:25826446

Human population and atmospheric carbon dioxide growth dynamics: Diagnostics for the future

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hüsler, A. D.; Sornette, D.

2014-10-01

We analyze the growth rates of human population and of atmospheric carbon dioxide by comparing the relative merits of two benchmark models, the exponential law and the finite-time-singular (FTS) power law. The later results from positive feedbacks, either direct or mediated by other dynamical variables, as shown in our presentation of a simple endogenous macroeconomic dynamical growth model describing the growth dynamics of coupled processes involving human population (labor in economic terms), capital and technology (proxies by CO2 emissions). Human population in the context of our energy intensive economies constitutes arguably the most important underlying driving variable of the content of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Using some of the best databases available, we perform empirical analyses confirming that the human population on Earth has been growing super-exponentially until the mid-1960s, followed by a decelerated sub-exponential growth, with a tendency to plateau at just an exponential growth in the last decade with an average growth rate of 1.0% per year. In contrast, we find that the content of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has continued to accelerate super-exponentially until 1990, with a transition to a progressive deceleration since then, with an average growth rate of approximately 2% per year in the last decade. To go back to CO2 atmosphere contents equal to or smaller than the level of 1990 as has been the broadly advertised goals of international treaties since 1990 requires herculean changes: from a dynamical point of view, the approximately exponential growth must not only turn to negative acceleration but also negative velocity to reverse the trend.

Linearized traveling wave amplifier with hard limiter characteristics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kosmahl, H. G. (Inventor)

1986-01-01

A dynamic velocity taper is provided for a traveling wave tube with increased linearity to avoid intermodulation of signals being amplified. In a traveling wave tube, the slow wave structure is a helix including a sever. A dynamic velocity taper is provided by gradually reducing the spacing between the repeating elements of the slow wave structure which are the windings of the helix. The reduction which takes place coincides with the ouput point of helix. The spacing between the repeating elements of the slow wave structure is ideally at an exponential rate because the curve increases the point of maximum efficiency and power, at an exponential rate. A coupled cavity traveling wave tube having cavities is shown. The space between apertured discs is gradually reduced from 0.1% to 5% at an exponential rate. Output power (or efficiency) versus input power for a commercial tube is shown.

Macromolecular Rate Theory (MMRT) Provides a Thermodynamics Rationale to Underpin the Convergent Temperature Response in Plant Leaf Respiration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, L. L.; Arcus, V. L.; Heskel, M.; O'Sullivan, O. S.; Weerasinghe, L. K.; Creek, D.; Egerton, J. J. G.; Tjoelker, M. G.; Atkin, O. K.; Schipper, L. A.

2017-12-01

Temperature is a crucial factor in determining the rates of ecosystem processes such as leaf respiration (R) - the flux of plant respired carbon dioxide (CO2) from leaves to the atmosphere. Generally, respiration rate increases exponentially with temperature as modelled by the Arrhenius equation, but a recent study (Heskel et al., 2016) showed a universally convergent temperature response of R using an empirical exponential/polynomial model whereby the exponent in the Arrhenius model is replaced by a quadratic function of temperature. The exponential/polynomial model has been used elsewhere to describe shoot respiration and plant respiration. What are the principles that underlie these empirical observations? Here, we demonstrate that macromolecular rate theory (MMRT), based on transition state theory for chemical kinetics, is equivalent to the exponential/polynomial model. We re-analyse the data from Heskel et al. 2016 using MMRT to show this equivalence and thus, provide an explanation based on thermodynamics, for the convergent temperature response of R. Using statistical tools, we also show the equivalent explanatory power of MMRT when compared to the exponential/polynomial model and the superiority of both of these models over the Arrhenius function. Three meaningful parameters emerge from MMRT analysis: the temperature at which the rate of respiration is maximum (the so called optimum temperature, Topt), the temperature at which the respiration rate is most sensitive to changes in temperature (the inflection temperature, Tinf) and the overall curvature of the log(rate) versus temperature plot (the so called change in heat capacity for the system, ). The latter term originates from the change in heat capacity between an enzyme-substrate complex and an enzyme transition state complex in enzyme-catalysed metabolic reactions. From MMRT, we find the average Topt and Tinf of R are 67.0±1.2 °C and 41.4±0.7 °C across global sites. The average curvature (average negative) is -1.2±0.1 kJ.mol-1K-1. MMRT extends the classic transition state theory to enzyme-catalysed reactions and scales up to more complex processes including micro-organism growth rates and ecosystem processes.

Characterization of continuously distributed cortical water diffusion rates with a stretched-exponential model.

PubMed

Bennett, Kevin M; Schmainda, Kathleen M; Bennett, Raoqiong Tong; Rowe, Daniel B; Lu, Hanbing; Hyde, James S

2003-10-01

Experience with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) shows that signal attenuation is consistent with a multicompartmental theory of water diffusion in the brain. The source of this so-called nonexponential behavior is a topic of debate, because the cerebral cortex contains considerable microscopic heterogeneity and is therefore difficult to model. To account for this heterogeneity and understand its implications for current models of diffusion, a stretched-exponential function was developed to describe diffusion-related signal decay as a continuous distribution of sources decaying at different rates, with no assumptions made about the number of participating sources. DWI experiments were performed using a spin-echo diffusion-weighted pulse sequence with b-values of 500-6500 s/mm(2) in six rats. Signal attenuation curves were fit to a stretched-exponential function, and 20% of the voxels were better fit to the stretched-exponential model than to a biexponential model, even though the latter model had one more adjustable parameter. Based on the calculated intravoxel heterogeneity measure, the cerebral cortex contains considerable heterogeneity in diffusion. The use of a distributed diffusion coefficient (DDC) is suggested to measure mean intravoxel diffusion rates in the presence of such heterogeneity. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Epidemiology of humerus fractures in the United States: nationwide emergency department sample, 2008.

PubMed

Kim, Sunny H; Szabo, Robert M; Marder, Richard A

2012-03-01

To evaluate the occurrence of emergency department (ED) visits due to humerus fractures in the US. We analyzed the 2008 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample, which contained approximately 28 million ED records. We identified the cases of interest using diagnostic codes for proximal, shaft, and distal humerus fractures. In 2008, approximately 370,000 ED visits in the US resulted from humerus fractures. Proximal humerus fractures were the most common, accounting for 50% of humerus fractures. The incidence rate of proximal humerus fractures followed the shape of an exponential function in the age groups 40-84 years for women (R(2) = 97.9%) and 60-89 years for men (R(2) = 98.2%). After the exponential increase in these age intervals, the growth rate of proximal humerus fracture slowed and eventually decreased. The peak occurrence of distal humerus fractures was in children ages 5-9 years; however, elderly women had an increased risk. As the baby boomer generation ages, unless fracture prevention programs improve, more than 490,000 ED visits due to humerus fractures are expected in 2030 when the youngest of the baby boomers turn age 65 years. Compared to epidemiologic studies in Japan and European countries, the incidence rates of humerus fractures are substantially higher in the US. The high incidence rate of humerus fractures in the expanding elderly population may contribute to the recent trend of rapid increase in shoulder arthroplasty in the US. Rigorous safety measures to reduce falls and improved preventive treatments of osteoporosis are needed. Copyright © 2012 by the American College of Rheumatology.

Modeling of thermal degradation kinetics of the C-glucosyl xanthone mangiferin in an aqueous model solution as a function of pH and temperature and protective effect of honeybush extract matrix.

PubMed

Beelders, Theresa; de Beer, Dalene; Kidd, Martin; Joubert, Elizabeth

2018-01-01

Mangiferin, a C-glucosyl xanthone, abundant in mango and honeybush, is increasingly targeted for its bioactive properties and thus to enhance functional properties of food. The thermal degradation kinetics of mangiferin at pH3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were each modeled at five temperatures ranging between 60 and 140°C. First-order reaction models were fitted to the data using non-linear regression to determine the reaction rate constant at each pH-temperature combination. The reaction rate constant increased with increasing temperature and pH. Comparison of the reaction rate constants at 100°C revealed an exponential relationship between the reaction rate constant and pH. The data for each pH were also modeled with the Arrhenius equation using non-linear and linear regression to determine the activation energy and pre-exponential factor. Activation energies decreased slightly with increasing pH. Finally, a multi-linear model taking into account both temperature and pH was developed for mangiferin degradation. Sterilization (121°C for 4min) of honeybush extracts dissolved at pH4, 5 and 7 did not cause noticeable degradation of mangiferin, although the multi-linear model predicted 34% degradation at pH7. The extract matrix is postulated to exert a protective effect as changes in potential precursor content could not fully explain the stability of mangiferin. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pre-rigor temperature and the relationship between lamb tenderisation, free water production, bound water and dry matter.

PubMed

Devine, Carrick; Wells, Robyn; Lowe, Tim; Waller, John

2014-01-01

The M. longissimus from lambs electrically stimulated at 15 min post-mortem were removed after grading, wrapped in polythene film and held at 4 (n=6), 7 (n=6), 15 (n=6, n=8) and 35°C (n=6), until rigor mortis then aged at 15°C for 0, 4, 24 and 72 h post-rigor. Centrifuged free water increased exponentially, and bound water, dry matter and shear force decreased exponentially over time. Decreases in shear force and increases in free water were closely related (r(2)=0.52) and were unaffected by pre-rigor temperatures. © 2013.

Electrical, structural and optical properties of tellurium thin films on silicon substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arora, Swati; Vijay, Y. K.

2018-05-01

Tellurium (Te) thin films of various thicknesses (200nm, 275nm, 350nm & 500nm) were prepared on Silicon (Si) using thermal evaporation at vacuum of 10-5 torr. It is observed that the resistivity decreases exponentially with the Increases Temperature. A direct band gap between 0.368 eV to 0.395 eV is obtained at different temperatures with Four Probe Method which shows that when we increase the thickness of material the band gap will exponentially decreases. Samples were analysed through X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy to attain complete and reliable micro structural in order.

The disposal of a lime water treatment residue on soil and spoil material from a coalmine: a glasshouse investigation.

PubMed

Titshall, L W; Hughes, J C; Morris, C D; Zacharias, P J K

2007-01-01

Eragrostis tef (Zucc.), Cenchrus ciliaris L., and Digitaria eriantha Steud. were grown in a soil (Psammentic Haplustalf) and spoil material from a coalmine both treated with a lime water treatment residue (WTR) at rates of 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 g kg(-1). The yield of the grasses, from the sum of the three harvests, and concentrations of B, Ca, Cu, K, Fe, Mg, Mn, N, Na, P, and Zn in foliage from the second harvest were determined. The yield of grasses grown in the soil decreased exponentially as WTR application increased. The yields of C. ciliaris, D. eriantha, and E. tef (in the 400 g kg(-1) WTR treated soil) decreased by 74.4, 78.7, and 59.8%, respectively, when compared with the control treatments. In the spoil, the yield of E. tef and D. eriantha decreased by 13.6% and and D. eriantha by 23.9%, while an increase was observed for C. ciliaris (45.4%), at the highest WTR application rate. No relationship existed between yield of E. tef and WTR application rate when grown in the spoil, while a weak negative linear relationship (p < 0.05) was found for D. eriantha and a positive linear relationship existed for C. ciliaris. Magnesium concentrations of the grasses were positively correlated to WTR application rate. Grasses grown in the soil had higher Na concentrations, while those grown in the spoil typically had higher B, N, and Zn concentrations. The decreases in yield were attributed to nutrient deficiencies (notably Zn), induced by high WTR application rates that led to high substrate pH. Disposal of high rates of WTR on the mine materials was not recommended.

Short-Term Responses of Soil Respiration and C-Cycle Enzyme Activities to Additions of Biochar and Urea in a Calcareous Soil

PubMed Central

Song, Dali; Xi, Xiangyin; Huang, Shaomin; Liang, Guoqing; Sun, Jingwen; Zhou, Wei; Wang, Xiubin

2016-01-01

Biochar (BC) addition to soil is a proposed strategy to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity. However, there is limited knowledge regarding responses of soil respiration and C-cycle enzyme activities to BC and nitrogen (N) additions in a calcareous soil. A 56-day incubation experiment was conducted to investigate the combined effects of BC addition rates (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0% by mass) and urea (U) application on soil nutrients, soil respiration and C-cycle enzyme activities in a calcareous soil in the North China Plain. Our results showed soil pH values in both U-only and U plus BC treatments significantly decreased within the first 14 days and then stabilized, and CO2emission rate in all U plus BC soils decreased exponentially, while there was no significant difference in the contents of soil total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total nitrogen (TN), and C/N ratio in each treatment over time. At each incubation time, soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), TOC, TN, C/N ratio, DOC and cumulative CO2 emission significantly increased with increasing BC addition rate, while soil potential activities of the four hydrolytic enzymes increased first and then decreased with increasing BC addition rate, with the largest values in the U + 1.0%BC treatment. However, phenol oxidase activity in all U plus BC soils showed a decreasing trend with the increase of BC addition rate. Our results suggest that U plus BC application at a rate of 1% promotes increases in hydrolytic enzymes, does not highly increase C/N and C mineralization, and can improve in soil fertility. PMID:27589265

Dynamic topography and gravity anomalies for fluid layers whose viscosity varies exponentially with depth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Revenaugh, Justin; Parsons, Barry

1987-01-01

Adopting the formalism of Parsons and Daly (1983), analytical integral equations (Green's function integrals) are derived which relate gravity anomalies and dynamic boundary topography with temperature as a function of wavenumber for a fluid layer whose viscosity varies exponentially with depth. In the earth, such a viscosity profile may be found in the asthenosphere, where the large thermal gradient leads to exponential decrease of viscosity with depth, the effects of a pressure increase being small in comparison. It is shown that, when viscosity varies rapidly, topography kernels for both the surface and bottom boundaries (and hence the gravity kernel) are strongly affected at all wavelengths.

Design of a 9-loop quasi-exponential waveform generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banerjee, Partha; Shukla, Rohit; Shyam, Anurag

2015-12-01

We know in an under-damped L-C-R series circuit, current follows a damped sinusoidal waveform. But if a number of sinusoidal waveforms of decreasing time period, generated in an L-C-R circuit, be combined in first quarter cycle of time period, then a quasi-exponential nature of output current waveform can be achieved. In an L-C-R series circuit, quasi-exponential current waveform shows a rising current derivative and thereby finds many applications in pulsed power. Here, we have described design and experiment details of a 9-loop quasi-exponential waveform generator. In that, design details of magnetic switches have also been described. In the experiment, output current of 26 kA has been achieved. It has been shown that how well the experimentally obtained output current profile matches with the numerically computed output.

Design of a 9-loop quasi-exponential waveform generator.

PubMed

Banerjee, Partha; Shukla, Rohit; Shyam, Anurag

2015-12-01

We know in an under-damped L-C-R series circuit, current follows a damped sinusoidal waveform. But if a number of sinusoidal waveforms of decreasing time period, generated in an L-C-R circuit, be combined in first quarter cycle of time period, then a quasi-exponential nature of output current waveform can be achieved. In an L-C-R series circuit, quasi-exponential current waveform shows a rising current derivative and thereby finds many applications in pulsed power. Here, we have described design and experiment details of a 9-loop quasi-exponential waveform generator. In that, design details of magnetic switches have also been described. In the experiment, output current of 26 kA has been achieved. It has been shown that how well the experimentally obtained output current profile matches with the numerically computed output.

Voltage dependence of acetylcholine receptor channel gating in rat myoballs

PubMed Central

1992-01-01

Whole-cell currents from nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) channels were studied in rat myoballs using a light-activated agonist to determine the voltage dependence of the macroscopic opening and closing rate constants. Myoballs were bathed in a solution containing a low concentration of the inactive isomer of the photoisomerizable azobenzene derivative, cis-Bis-Q. A light flash was then presented to produce a known concentration jump of agonist, trans-Bis-Q, across a wide range of membrane potentials in symmetrical solutions (NaCl or CsCl on both sides) or asymmetrical solutions (NaCl in the bath and CsCl in the pipette). At the low agonist concentration used in this study, the reciprocal of the macroscopic time constants gives an unambiguous measure of the effective closing rate. It showed an exponential decrease with membrane hyperpolarization between +20 and - 100 mV, but tended to level off at more depolarized and at more hyperpolarized membrane potentials. The relative effective opening rate was derived from the steady-state conductance, the single-channel conductance, and the apparent closing rate; it decreased sharply in the depolarizing region and tended to level off and then turn up in the hyperpolarizing region. The two effective rate constants were shown to depend on the first, second, and third power of membrane potential. PMID:1460456

Physiological and biochemical role of the butanediol pathway in Aerobacter (Enterobacter) aerogenes.

PubMed Central

Johansen, L; Bryn, K; Stormer, F C

1975-01-01

Aerobacter (Enterobacter) aerogenes wild type and three mutants deficient in the formation of acetoin and 2,3-butanediol were grown in a glucose minimal medium. Culture densities, pH, and diacetyl, acetoin, and 2,3-butanediol levels were recorded. The pH in wild-type cultures dropped from 7.0 to 5.8, remained constant while acetoin and 2,3-butanediol were formed, and increased to pH 6.5 after exhaustion of the carbon source. More 2,3-butanediol than acetoin was formed initially, but after glucose exhaustion reoxidation to acetoin occurred. The three mutants differed from the wild type in yielding acid cultures (pH below 4.5). The wild type and one of the mutants were grown exponentially under aerobic and anaerobic conditions with the pH fixed at 7.0, 5.8, and 5.0, respectively. Growth rates decreased with decreasing pH values. Aerobically, this effect was weak, and the two strains were affected to the same degree. Under anaerobic conditions, the growth rates were markedly inhibited at a low pH, and the mutant was slightly more affected than the wild type. Levels of alcohol dehydrogenase were low under all conditions, indicating that the enzyme plays no role during exponential growth. The levels of diacetyl (acetoin) reductase, lactate dehydrogenase, and phosphotransacetylase were independent of the pH during aerobic growth of the two strains. Under anaerobic conditions, the formation of diacetyl (acetoin) reductase was pH dependent, with much higher levels of the enzyme at pH 5.0 than at pH 7.0. Lactate dehydrogenase and phosphotransacetylase revealed the same pattern of pH-dependent formation in the mutant, but not in the wild type. PMID:239921

Evapotranspiration Measurement and Crop Coefficient Estimation over a Spring Wheat Farmland Ecosystem in the Loess Plateau

PubMed Central

Yang, Fulin; Zhang, Qiang; Wang, Runyuan; Zhou, Jing

2014-01-01

Evapotranspiration (ET) is an important component of the surface energy balance and hydrological cycle. In this study, the eddy covariance technique was used to measure ET of the semi-arid farmland ecosystem in the Loess Plateau during 2010 growing season (April to September). The characteristics and environmental regulations of ET and crop coefficient (Kc) were investigated. The results showed that the diurnal variation of latent heat flux (LE) was similar to single-peak shape for each month, with the largest peak value of LE occurring in August (151.4 W m−2). The daily ET rate of the semi-arid farmland in the Loess Plateau also showed clear seasonal variation, with the maximum daily ET rate of 4.69 mm day−1. Cumulative ET during 2010 growing season was 252.4 mm, and lower than precipitation. Radiation was the main driver of farmland ET in the Loess Plateau, which explained 88% of the variances in daily ET (p<0.001). The farmland Kc values showed the obvious seasonal fluctuation, with the average of 0.46. The correlation analysis between daily Kc and its major environmental factors indicated that wind speed (Ws), relative humidity (RH), soil water content (SWC), and atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (VPD) were the major environmental regulations of daily Kc. The regression analysis results showed that Kc exponentially decreased with Ws increase, an exponentially increased with RH, SWC increase, and a linearly decreased with VPD increase. An experiential Kc model for the semi-arid farmland in the Loess Plateau, driven by Ws, RH, SWC and VPD, was developed, showing a good consistency between the simulated and the measured Kc values. PMID:24941017

Evapotranspiration measurement and crop coefficient estimation over a spring wheat Farmland ecosystem in the Loess Plateau.

PubMed

Yang, Fulin; Zhang, Qiang; Wang, Runyuan; Zhou, Jing

2014-01-01

Evapotranspiration (ET) is an important component of the surface energy balance and hydrological cycle. In this study, the eddy covariance technique was used to measure ET of the semi-arid farmland ecosystem in the Loess Plateau during 2010 growing season (April to September). The characteristics and environmental regulations of ET and crop coefficient (Kc) were investigated. The results showed that the diurnal variation of latent heat flux (LE) was similar to single-peak shape for each month, with the largest peak value of LE occurring in August (151.4 W m(-2)). The daily ET rate of the semi-arid farmland in the Loess Plateau also showed clear seasonal variation, with the maximum daily ET rate of 4.69 mm day(-1). Cumulative ET during 2010 growing season was 252.4 mm, and lower than precipitation. Radiation was the main driver of farmland ET in the Loess Plateau, which explained 88% of the variances in daily ET (p<0.001). The farmland Kc values showed the obvious seasonal fluctuation, with the average of 0.46. The correlation analysis between daily Kc and its major environmental factors indicated that wind speed (Ws), relative humidity (RH), soil water content (SWC), and atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (VPD) were the major environmental regulations of daily Kc. The regression analysis results showed that Kc exponentially decreased with Ws increase, an exponentially increased with RH, SWC increase, and a linearly decreased with VPD increase. An experiential Kc model for the semi-arid farmland in the Loess Plateau, driven by Ws, RH, SWC and VPD, was developed, showing a good consistency between the simulated and the measured Kc values.

Rock friction under variable normal stress

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kilgore, Brian D.; Beeler, Nicholas M.; Lozos, Julian C.; Oglesby, David

2017-01-01

This study is to determine the detailed response of shear strength and other fault properties to changes in normal stress at room temperature using dry initially bare rock surfaces of granite at normal stresses between 5 and 7 MPa. Rapid normal stress changes result in gradual, approximately exponential changes in shear resistance with fault slip. The characteristic length of the exponential change is similar for both increases and decreases in normal stress. In contrast, changes in fault normal displacement and the amplitude of small high-frequency elastic waves transmitted across the surface follow a two stage response consisting of a large immediate and a smaller gradual response with slip. The characteristic slip distance of the small gradual response is significantly smaller than that of shear resistance. The stability of sliding in response to large step decreases in normal stress is well predicted using the shear resistance slip length observed in step increases. Analysis of the shear resistance and slip-time histories suggest nearly immediate changes in strength occur in response to rapid changes in normal stress; these are manifested as an immediate change in slip speed. These changes in slip speed can be qualitatively accounted for using a rate-independent strength model. Collectively, the observations and model show that acceleration or deceleration in response to normal stress change depends on the size of the change, the frictional characteristics of the fault surface, and the elastic properties of the loading system.

Kinetics of oxygen consumption after a single flash of light in photoreceptors of the drone (Apis mellifera)

PubMed Central

1982-01-01

The time course of the rate of oxygen consumption (QO2) after a single flash of light has been measured in 300-micrometers slices of drone retina at 22 degrees C. To measure delta QO2(t), the change in QO2 from its level in darkness, the transients of the partial pressure of O2 (PO2) were recorded with O2 microelectrodes simultaneously in two sites in the slice and delta QO2 was calculated by a computer using Fourier transforms. After a 40-ms flash of intense light, delta QO2, reached a peak of 40 microliters O2/g.min and then declined exponentially to the baseline with a time constant tau 1 = 4.96 +/- 0.49 s (SD, n = 10). The rising phase was characterized by a time constant tau 2 = 1.90 +/- 0.35 s (SD, n = 10). The peak amplitude of delta QO2 increased linearly with the log of the light intensity. Replacement of Na+ by choline, known to decrease greatly the light-induced transmembrane current, caused a 63% decrease of delta QO2. With these changes, however, the kinetics of delta QO2 (t) were unchanged. This suggest that the recovery phase is rate-limited by a single reaction with apparent first-order kinetics. Evidence is provided that suggests that this reaction may be the working of the sodium pump. Exposure of the retina to high concentrations of ouabain or strophanthidin (inhibitors of the sodium pump) reduced the peak amplitude of delta QO2 by approximately 80% and increased tau 1. The increase of tau 1 was an exponential function of the time of exposure to the cardioactive steroids. Hence, it seems likely that the greatest part of delta QO2 is used for the working of the pump, whose activity is the mechanism underlying the rate constant of the descending limb of delta QO2 (t). PMID:6288837

Magma supply dynamics at Westdahl volcano, Alaska, modeled from satellite radar interferometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lu, Z.; Masterlark, Timothy; Dzurisin, D.; Rykhus, Russ; Wicks, C.

2003-01-01

A group of satellite radar interferograms that span the time period from 1991 to 2000 shows that Westdahl volcano, Alaska, deflated during its 1991-1992 eruption and is reinflating at a rate that could produce another eruption within the next several years. The rates of inflation and deflation are approximated by exponential decay functions having time constants of about 6 years and a few days, respectively. This behavior is consistent with a deep, constant-pressure magma source connected to a shallow reservoir by a magma-filled conduit. An elastic deformation model indicates that the reservoir is located about 6 km below sea level and beneath Westdahl Peak. We propose that the magma flow rate through the conduit is governed by the pressure gradient between the deep source and the reservoir. The pressure gradient, and hence the flow rate, are greatest immediately after eruptions. Pressurization of the reservoir decreases both the pressure gradient and the flow rate, but eventually the reservoir ruptures and an eruption or intrusion ensues. The eruption rate is controlled partly by the pressure gradient between the reservoir and surface, and therefore it, too, decreases with time. When the supply of eruptible magma is exhausted, the eruption stops, the reservoir begins to repressurize at a high rate, and the cycle repeats. This model might also be appropriate for other frequently active volcanoes with stable magma sources and relatively simple magma storage systems.

Experimental Magnetohydrodynamic Energy Extraction from a Pulsed Detonation

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-01

experimental data taken in this thesis will follow voltage profiles similar to Fig. 2. Notice the initial section in Fig. 2 shows exponential decay consistent...equal that time constant. The exponential curves in Fig. 2 show how changing the time constant can change the charge and/or discharge rate of the...see Fig. 1), at a sampling rate of 1 MHz. Shielded wire and a common ground were used throughout the DAQ system to avoid capacitive issues in the

Interpreting anomalies observed in oxide semiconductor TFTs under negative and positive bias stress

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

Jin, Jong Woo; Nathan, Arokia, E-mail: an299@cam.ac.uk; Barquinha, Pedro

2016-08-15

Oxide semiconductor thin-film transistors can show anomalous behavior under bias stress. Two types of anomalies are discussed in this paper. The first is the shift in threshold voltage (V{sub TH}) in a direction opposite to the applied bias stress, and highly dependent on gate dielectric material. We attribute this to charge trapping/detrapping and charge migration within the gate dielectric. We emphasize the fundamental difference between trapping/detrapping events occurring at the semiconductor/dielectric interface and those occurring at gate/dielectric interface, and show that charge migration is essential to explain the first anomaly. We model charge migration in terms of the non-instantaneous polarizationmore » density. The second type of anomaly is negative V{sub TH} shift under high positive bias stress, with logarithmic evolution in time. This can be argued as electron-donating reactions involving H{sub 2}O molecules or derived species, with a reaction rate exponentially accelerated by positive gate bias and exponentially decreased by the number of reactions already occurred.« less

The effect of elevated methane pressure on methane hydrate dissociation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Circone, S.; Stern, L.A.; Kirby, S.H.

2004-01-01

Methane hydrate, equilibrated at P, T conditions within the hydrate stability field, was rapidly depressurized to 1.0 or 2.0 MPa and maintained at isobaric conditions outside its stability field, while the extent and rate of hydrate dissociation was measured at fixed, externally maintained temperatures between 250 and 288 K. The dissociation rate decreases with increasing pressure at a given temperature. Dissociation rates at 1.0 MPa parallel the complex, reproducible T-dependence previously observed between 250 and 272 K at 0.1 MPa. The lowest rates were observed near 268 K, such that >50% of the sample can persist for more than two weeks at 0.1 MPa to more than a month at 1 and 2 MPa. Varying the pressure stepwise in a single experiment increased or decreased the dissociation rate in proportion to the rates observed in the isobaric experiments, similar to the rate reversibility previously observed with stepwise changes in temperature at 0.1 MPa. At fixed P, T conditions, the rate of methane hydrate dissociation decreases monotonically with time, never achieving a steady rate. The relationship between time (t) and the extent of hydrate dissociation is empirically described by: Evolved gas (%) = A??tB where the pre-exponential term A ranges from 0 to 16% s-B and the exponent B is generally <1. Based on fits of the dissociation results to Equation 1 for the full range of temperatures (204 to 289 K) and pressures (0.1 to 2.0 MPa) investigated, the derived parameters can be used to predict the methane evolution curves for pure, porous methane hydrate to within ??5%. The effects of sample porosity and the presence of quartz sand and seawater on methane hydrate dissociation are also described using Equation 1.

The variation of magma discharge during basaltic eruptions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wadge, G.

1981-01-01

The rate at which basaltic magma is discharged during many eruptions varies substantially. An individual eruption has an eruption rate, which is the volumetric rate of discharge averaged over the whole or a major part of an eruption, and an effusion rate, which is the volumetric flux rate at any given time. In many cases, the effusion rate soon reaches a maximum after a short period of waxing flow (partly because of magmatic expansion); it then falls more slowly in the later parts of the eruption. The release of elastic strain energy from stored magma and the subvolcanic reservoir during eruption can give a waning flow of this type an exponential form. A comparison of the eruption rates of eruptions of Mauna Loa, Kilauea and Etna shows that for each volcano there is a trend of decreasing effusion rate with increasing duration of eruption. It is noted that this relationship is not predicted by a simple elastic model of magma release. Two other processes are invoked to explain the eruptive histories of these volcanoes: modification of the eruptive conduits and the continued supply of magma from depth during eruption.

Electrical cable utilization for wave energy converters

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

Bull, Diana; Baca, Michael; Schenkman, Benjamin

Here, this paper investigates the suitability of sizing the electrical export cable based on the rating of the contributing WECs within a farm. These investigations have produced a new methodology to evaluate the probabilities associated with peak power values on an annual basis. It has been shown that the peaks in pneumatic power production will follow an exponential probability function for a linear model. A methodology to combine all the individual probability functions into an annual view has been demonstrated on pneumatic power production by a Backward Bent Duct Buoy (BBDB). These investigations have also resulted in a highly simplifiedmore » and perfunctory model of installed cable cost as a function of voltage and conductor cross-section. This work solidifies the need to determine electrical export cable rating based on expected energy delivery as opposed to device rating as small decreases in energy delivery can result in cost savings.« less

Electrical cable utilization for wave energy converters

DOE PAGES

Bull, Diana; Baca, Michael; Schenkman, Benjamin

2018-04-27

Here, this paper investigates the suitability of sizing the electrical export cable based on the rating of the contributing WECs within a farm. These investigations have produced a new methodology to evaluate the probabilities associated with peak power values on an annual basis. It has been shown that the peaks in pneumatic power production will follow an exponential probability function for a linear model. A methodology to combine all the individual probability functions into an annual view has been demonstrated on pneumatic power production by a Backward Bent Duct Buoy (BBDB). These investigations have also resulted in a highly simplifiedmore » and perfunctory model of installed cable cost as a function of voltage and conductor cross-section. This work solidifies the need to determine electrical export cable rating based on expected energy delivery as opposed to device rating as small decreases in energy delivery can result in cost savings.« less

A consistent two-mutation model of bone cancer for two data sets of radium-injected beagles.

PubMed

Bijwaard, H; Brugmans, M J P; Leenhouts, H P

2002-09-01

A two-mutation carcinogenesis model has been applied to model osteosarcoma incidence in two data sets of beagles injected with 226Ra. Taking age-specific retention into account, the following results have been obtained: (1) a consistent and well-fitting solution for all age and dose groups, (2) mutation rates that are linearly dependent on dose rate, with an exponential decrease for the second mutation at high dose rates, (3) a linear-quadratic dose-effect relationship, which indicates that care should be taken when extrapolating linearly, (4) highest cumulative incidences for injection at young adult age, and highest risks for injection doses of a few kBq kg(-1) at these ages, and (5) when scaled appropriately, the beagle model compares fairly well with a description for radium dial painters, suggesting that a consistent model description of bone cancer induction in beagles and humans may be possible.

Distribution of tsunami interevent times

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geist, Eric L.; Parsons, Tom

2008-01-01

The distribution of tsunami interevent times is analyzed using global and site-specific (Hilo, Hawaii) tsunami catalogs. An empirical probability density distribution is determined by binning the observed interevent times during a period in which the observation rate is approximately constant. The empirical distributions for both catalogs exhibit non-Poissonian behavior in which there is an abundance of short interevent times compared to an exponential distribution. Two types of statistical distributions are used to model this clustering behavior: (1) long-term clustering described by a universal scaling law, and (2) Omori law decay of aftershocks and triggered sources. The empirical and theoretical distributions all imply an increased hazard rate after a tsunami, followed by a gradual decrease with time approaching a constant hazard rate. Examination of tsunami sources suggests that many of the short interevent times are caused by triggered earthquakes, though the triggered events are not necessarily on the same fault.

Identification of Limiting Factors for the Optimum Growth of Fusarium Oxysporum in Liquid Medium

PubMed Central

Srivastava, Shilpi; Pathak, Neelam; Srivastava, Prachi

2011-01-01

Fusarium oxysporum is a highly ubiquitous species that infects a wide range of hosts causing various diseases such as vascular wilts, yellows, rots, and damping-off. Despite the immense economic significance of this phytopathogen, few workers have reported growth studies in this genus in submerged culture. In the present study, several parameters such as change in media pH, biomass, pattern of substrate utilization, viability of the fungal cells, and protein content were observed over a period of time. The fungal biomass increased at a slow rate for the initial 48 h and thereafter increased at an exponential rate. However, after about 8 days the rapid growth stabilized and the trend became more toward stationary phase. The concentration of glucose in the liquid media decreased rapidly up to the initial 4 days, followed by a slow decrease. The pH of the medium gradually decreased as the fungal growth progressed, the reduction being more pronounced in the initial 48 h. This study would be of immense importance for utilization of F. oxysporum for diverse applications because we can predict the growth pattern in the fungus and modulate its growth for human benefit. PMID:21976815

Torsional Tribological Behavior and Torsional Friction Model of Polytetrafluoroethylene against 1045 Steel

PubMed Central

Wang, Shibo; Niu, Chengchao

2016-01-01

In this work, the plane-on-plane torsional fretting tribological behavior of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was studied. A model of a rigid, flat-ended punch acting on an elastic half-space was built according to the experimental conditions. The results indicate that the shape of T–θ curves was influenced by both the torsional angle and the normal load. The torsion friction torque and wear rate of PTFE exponentially decreased when the torsion angle rose. The torsional torque increased from 0.025 N·m under a normal load of 43 N to 0.082 N·m under a normal load of 123 N. With sequentially increasing normal load, the value of torque was maintained. With rising normal load, the wear mass loss of PTFE disks was increased and the wear rate was decreased. Good agreement was found with the calculated torque according to the model and the experimental torque except for that under a normal load of 163 N. The difference under a normal load of 163 N was caused by the coefficient of friction. Usually the coefficient of friction of a polymer decreases with increasing normal load, whereas a constant coefficient of friction was applied in the model. PMID:26799324

Microcomputer Calculation of Theoretical Pre-Exponential Factors for Bimolecular Reactions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Venugopalan, Mundiyath

1991-01-01

Described is the application of microcomputers to predict reaction rates based on theoretical atomic and molecular properties taught in undergraduate physical chemistry. Listed is the BASIC program which computes the partition functions for any specific bimolecular reactants. These functions are then used to calculate the pre-exponential factor of…

Growth of Juniperus and Potentilla using Liquid Exponential and Controlled-release Fertilizers

Treesearch

R. Kasten Dumroese

2003-01-01

Juniperus scopularum Sarg. (Rocky Mountain juniper) and Potentilla fruticosa L. 'Gold Drop (gold drop potentilla) plants grown in containers had similar or better morphology, higher nitrogen concentrations and contents, and higher N-use efficiency when grown with liquid fertilizer applied at an exponentially increasing rate as...

Exploring Exponential Decay Using Limited Resources

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DePierro, Ed; Garafalo, Fred; Gordon, Patrick

2018-01-01

Science students need exposure to activities that will help them to become familiar with phenomena exhibiting exponential decay. This paper describes an experiment that allows students to determine the rate of thermal energy loss by a hot object to its surroundings. It requires limited equipment, is safe, and gives reasonable results. Students…

On the gap between an empirical distribution and an exponential distribution of waiting times for price changes in a financial market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sazuka, Naoya

2007-03-01

We analyze waiting times for price changes in a foreign currency exchange rate. Recent empirical studies of high-frequency financial data support that trades in financial markets do not follow a Poisson process and the waiting times between trades are not exponentially distributed. Here we show that our data is well approximated by a Weibull distribution rather than an exponential distribution in the non-asymptotic regime. Moreover, we quantitatively evaluate how much an empirical data is far from an exponential distribution using a Weibull fit. Finally, we discuss a transition between a Weibull-law and a power-law in the long time asymptotic regime.

Slow Crack Growth of Brittle Materials With Exponential Crack-Velocity Formulation. Part 1; Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Sung R.; Nemeth, Noel N.; Gyekenyesi, John P.

2002-01-01

Extensive slow-crack-growth (SCG) analysis was made using a primary exponential crack-velocity formulation under three widely used load configurations: constant stress rate, constant stress, and cyclic stress. Although the use of the exponential formulation in determining SCG parameters of a material requires somewhat inconvenient numerical procedures, the resulting solutions presented gave almost the same degree of simplicity in both data analysis and experiments as did the power-law formulation. However, the fact that the inert strength of a material should be known in advance to determine the corresponding SCG parameters was a major drawback of the exponential formulation as compared with the power-law formulation.

Power Law Versus Exponential Form of Slow Crack Growth of Advanced Structural Ceramics: Dynamic Fatigue

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Sung R.; Gyekenyesi, John P.

2002-01-01

The life prediction analysis based on an exponential crack velocity formulation was examined using a variety of experimental data on glass and advanced structural ceramics in constant stress-rate ("dynamic fatigue") and preload testing at ambient and elevated temperatures. The data fit to the strength versus In (stress rate) relation was found to be very reasonable for most of the materials. It was also found that preloading technique was equally applicable for the case of slow crack growth (SCG) parameter n > 30. The major limitation in the exponential crack velocity formulation, however, was that an inert strength of a material must be known priori to evaluate the important SCG parameter n, a significant drawback as compared to the conventional power-law crack velocity formulation.

Mathematical model of Rayleigh-Taylor and Richtmyer-Meshkov instabilities for viscoelastic fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rollin, Bertrand; Andrews, Malcolm J.

2011-04-01

We extended the Goncharov model [V. N. Goncharov, Phys. Rev. Lett.PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.88.134502 88, 134502 (2002)] for nonlinear Rayleigh-Taylor instability of perfect fluids to the case of Rivlin-Ericksen viscoelastic fluids [R. S. Rivlin and J. L. Ericksen, Rat. Mech. Anal. 4, 323 (1955)], with surface tension. For Rayleigh-Taylor instability, viscosity, surface tension, and viscoelasticity decrease the exponential growth rate predicted by linear stability analysis. In particular, we find that viscosity and surface tension decrease the terminal bubble velocity, whereas viscoelasticity is found to have no effect. All three properties increase the saturation height of the bubble. In Richmyer-Meshkov instability, the decay of the asymptotic velocity depends on the balance between viscosity and surface tension, and viscoelasticity tends to slow the asymptotic velocity decay.

Exponential Sensitivity and its Cost in Quantum Physics

PubMed Central

Gilyén, András; Kiss, Tamás; Jex, Igor

2016-01-01

State selective protocols, like entanglement purification, lead to an essentially non-linear quantum evolution, unusual in naturally occurring quantum processes. Sensitivity to initial states in quantum systems, stemming from such non-linear dynamics, is a promising perspective for applications. Here we demonstrate that chaotic behaviour is a rather generic feature in state selective protocols: exponential sensitivity can exist for all initial states in an experimentally realisable optical scheme. Moreover, any complex rational polynomial map, including the example of the Mandelbrot set, can be directly realised. In state selective protocols, one needs an ensemble of initial states, the size of which decreases with each iteration. We prove that exponential sensitivity to initial states in any quantum system has to be related to downsizing the initial ensemble also exponentially. Our results show that magnifying initial differences of quantum states (a Schrödinger microscope) is possible; however, there is a strict bound on the number of copies needed. PMID:26861076

Exponential Sensitivity and its Cost in Quantum Physics.

PubMed

Gilyén, András; Kiss, Tamás; Jex, Igor

2016-02-10

State selective protocols, like entanglement purification, lead to an essentially non-linear quantum evolution, unusual in naturally occurring quantum processes. Sensitivity to initial states in quantum systems, stemming from such non-linear dynamics, is a promising perspective for applications. Here we demonstrate that chaotic behaviour is a rather generic feature in state selective protocols: exponential sensitivity can exist for all initial states in an experimentally realisable optical scheme. Moreover, any complex rational polynomial map, including the example of the Mandelbrot set, can be directly realised. In state selective protocols, one needs an ensemble of initial states, the size of which decreases with each iteration. We prove that exponential sensitivity to initial states in any quantum system has to be related to downsizing the initial ensemble also exponentially. Our results show that magnifying initial differences of quantum states (a Schrödinger microscope) is possible; however, there is a strict bound on the number of copies needed.

Policy Effects in Hyperbolic vs. Exponential Models of Consumption and Retirement

PubMed Central

Gustman, Alan L.; Steinmeier, Thomas L.

2012-01-01

This paper constructs a structural retirement model with hyperbolic preferences and uses it to estimate the effect of several potential Social Security policy changes. Estimated effects of policies are compared using two models, one with hyperbolic preferences and one with standard exponential preferences. Sophisticated hyperbolic discounters may accumulate substantial amounts of wealth for retirement. We find it is frequently difficult to distinguish empirically between models with the two types of preferences on the basis of asset accumulation paths or consumption paths around the period of retirement. Simulations suggest that, despite the much higher initial time preference rate, individuals with hyperbolic preferences may actually value a real annuity more than individuals with exponential preferences who have accumulated roughly equal amounts of assets. This appears to be especially true for individuals with relatively high time preference rates or who have low assets for whatever reason. This affects the tradeoff between current benefits and future benefits on which many of the retirement incentives of the Social Security system rest. Simulations involving increasing the early entitlement age and increasing the delayed retirement credit do not show a great deal of difference whether exponential or hyperbolic preferences are used, but simulations for eliminating the earnings test show a non-trivially greater effect when exponential preferences are used. PMID:22711946

Policy Effects in Hyperbolic vs. Exponential Models of Consumption and Retirement.

PubMed

Gustman, Alan L; Steinmeier, Thomas L

2012-06-01

This paper constructs a structural retirement model with hyperbolic preferences and uses it to estimate the effect of several potential Social Security policy changes. Estimated effects of policies are compared using two models, one with hyperbolic preferences and one with standard exponential preferences. Sophisticated hyperbolic discounters may accumulate substantial amounts of wealth for retirement. We find it is frequently difficult to distinguish empirically between models with the two types of preferences on the basis of asset accumulation paths or consumption paths around the period of retirement. Simulations suggest that, despite the much higher initial time preference rate, individuals with hyperbolic preferences may actually value a real annuity more than individuals with exponential preferences who have accumulated roughly equal amounts of assets. This appears to be especially true for individuals with relatively high time preference rates or who have low assets for whatever reason. This affects the tradeoff between current benefits and future benefits on which many of the retirement incentives of the Social Security system rest.Simulations involving increasing the early entitlement age and increasing the delayed retirement credit do not show a great deal of difference whether exponential or hyperbolic preferences are used, but simulations for eliminating the earnings test show a non-trivially greater effect when exponential preferences are used.

Methane exchange at the peatland forest floor - automatic chamber system exposes the dynamics of small fluxes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korkiakoski, Mika; Tuovinen, Juha-Pekka; Aurela, Mika; Koskinen, Markku; Minkkinen, Kari; Ojanen, Paavo; Penttilä, Timo; Rainne, Juuso; Laurila, Tuomas; Lohila, Annalea

2017-04-01

We measured methane (CH4) exchange rates with automatic chambers at the forest floor of a nutrient-rich drained peatland in 2011-2013. The fen, located in southern Finland, was drained for forestry in 1969 and the tree stand is now a mixture of Scots pine, Norway spruce, and pubescent birch. Our measurement system consisted of six transparent chambers and stainless steel frames, positioned on a number of different field and moss layer compositions. Gas concentrations were measured with an online cavity ring-down spectroscopy gas analyzer. Fluxes were calculated with both linear and exponential regression. The use of linear regression resulted in systematically smaller CH4 fluxes by 10-45 % as compared to exponential regression. However, the use of exponential regression with small fluxes ( < 2.5 µg CH4 m-2 h-1) typically resulted in anomalously large absolute fluxes and high hour-to-hour deviations. Therefore, we recommend that fluxes are initially calculated with linear regression to determine the threshold for low fluxes and that higher fluxes are then recalculated using exponential regression. The exponential flux was clearly affected by the length of the fitting period when this period was < 190 s, but stabilized with longer periods. Thus, we also recommend the use of a fitting period of several minutes to stabilize the results and decrease the flux detection limit. There were clear seasonal dynamics in the CH4 flux: the forest floor acted as a CH4 sink particularly from early summer until the end of the year, while in late winter the flux was very small and fluctuated around zero. However, the magnitude of fluxes was relatively small throughout the year, ranging mainly from -130 to +100 µg CH4 m-2 h-1. CH4 emission peaks were observed occasionally, mostly in summer during heavy rainfall events. Diurnal variation, showing a lower CH4 uptake rate during the daytime, was observed in all of the chambers, mainly in the summer and late spring, particularly in dry conditions. It was attributed more to changes in wind speed than air or soil temperature, which suggest that physical rather than biological phenomena are responsible for the observed variation. The annual net CH4 exchange varied from -104 ± 30 to -505 ± 39 mg CH4 m-2 yr-1 among the six chambers, with an average of -219 mg CH4 m-2 yr-1 over the 2-year measurement period.

Fluorescence quenching by TEMPO: a sub-30 A single-molecule ruler.

PubMed

Zhu, Peizhi; Clamme, Jean-Pierre; Deniz, Ashok A

2005-11-01

A series of DNA molecules labeled with 5-carboxytetramethylrhodamine (5-TAMRA) and the small nitroxide radical TEMPO were synthesized and tested to investigate whether the intramolecular quenching efficiency can be used to measure short intramolecular distances in small ensemble and single-molecule experiments. In combination with distance calculations using molecular mechanics modeling, the experimental results from steady-state ensemble fluorescence and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy measurements both show an exponential decrease in the quenching rate constant with the dye-quencher distance in the 10-30 A range. The results demonstrate that TEMPO-5-TAMRA fluorescence quenching is a promising method to measure short distance changes within single biomolecules.

Analysis of two production inventory systems with buffer, retrials and different production rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jose, K. P.; Nair, Salini S.

2017-09-01

This paper considers the comparison of two ( {s,S} ) production inventory systems with retrials of unsatisfied customers. The time for producing and adding each item to the inventory is exponentially distributed with rate β. However, a production rate α β higher than β is used at the beginning of the production. The higher production rate will reduce customers' loss when inventory level approaches zero. The demand from customers is according to a Poisson process. Service times are exponentially distributed. Upon arrival, the customers enter into a buffer of finite capacity. An arriving customer, who finds the buffer full, moves to an orbit. They can retry from there and inter-retrial times are exponentially distributed. The two models differ in the capacity of the buffer. The aim is to find the minimum value of total cost by varying different parameters and compare the efficiency of the models. The optimum value of α corresponding to minimum total cost is an important evaluation. Matrix analytic method is used to find an algorithmic solution to the problem. We also provide several numerical or graphical illustrations.

On new non-modal hydrodynamic stability modes and resulting non-exponential growth rates - a Lie symmetry approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oberlack, Martin; Nold, Andreas; Sanjon, Cedric Wilfried; Wang, Yongqi; Hau, Jan

2016-11-01

Classical hydrodynamic stability theory for laminar shear flows, no matter if considering long-term stability or transient growth, is based on the normal-mode ansatz, or, in other words, on an exponential function in space (stream-wise direction) and time. Recently, it became clear that the normal mode ansatz and the resulting Orr-Sommerfeld equation is based on essentially three fundamental symmetries of the linearized Euler and Navier-Stokes equations: translation in space and time and scaling of the dependent variable. Further, Kelvin-mode of linear shear flows seemed to be an exception in this context as it admits a fourth symmetry resulting in the classical Kelvin mode which is rather different from normal-mode. However, very recently it was discovered that most of the classical canonical shear flows such as linear shear, Couette, plane and round Poiseuille, Taylor-Couette, Lamb-Ossen vortex or asymptotic suction boundary layer admit more symmetries. This, in turn, led to new problem specific non-modal ansatz functions. In contrast to the exponential growth rate in time of the modal-ansatz, the new non-modal ansatz functions usually lead to an algebraic growth or decay rate, while for the asymptotic suction boundary layer a double-exponential growth or decay is observed.

Estimations of direct release rate of 137Cs and 90Sr to the ocean from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant for five-and-a-half years

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsumune, Daisuke; Aoyama, Michio; Tsubono, Takaki; Misumi, Kazuhiro; Tateda, Yutaka

2017-04-01

A series of accidents at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (1F NPP) following the earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011 resulted in the release of radioactive materials to the ocean by two major pathways, direct release from the accident site and atmospheric deposition. Additional release pathways by river input and runoff from 1F NPP site with precipitation and were also effective for coastal zone in the specific periods before starting direct release on March 26 2011. Direct release from 1F NPP site is dominant one year after the accident. We estimated the direct release rate of 137Cs and 90Sr for more than five-and-a-half years after the accident by the Regional Ocean Model System (ROMS). Direct release rate of 137Cs were estimated for five-and-a-half years after the accident by comparing simulated results and measured activities adjacent to the 1F NPP site(at 5,6 discharge and south discharge). Directly release rate of 137Cs was estimated to be the order of magnitude of 1014 Bq/day and decreased exponentially with time to be the order of magnitude of 109 Bq/day by the end of September 2016. Estimated direct release rate have exponentially reduced with constant rate since November 2011. Apparent half-life of direct release rate was estimated to be 346 days. The estimated total amounts of directly released 137Cs was 3.7±0.7 PBq for five and a half years. Simulated 137Cs activities attributable to direct release were in good agreement with observed activities, a result that implies the estimated direct release rate was reasonable. Simulated 137Cs activity affected off coast in the Fukushima prefecture. We used the measured 137Cs activities by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) for the estimation of direct release. The sea water samples were corrected from the coast. The averaged 137Cs activities from November 2013 to June 2016 were 391 and 383 Bq/m3 at 5,6 discharge and south discharge, respectively. The averaged 137Cs activities measured by the Nuclear Regulation Agency (NRA) is about five times smaller than the one by the TEPCO because the NRA corrected seawater samples at 300-500m offshore by ship. Horizontal resolution of the model was 1km x 1km, therefore it is important to consider the difference of activities in the sub-grid scale for the detailed estimations of direct release. 90Sr/137Cs activity ratio measured adjacent to the 1F NPP is variable with time. The 90Sr/137Cs activity ratio was 0.62 due to the global fallout before the accident. The 90Sr/137Cs activity ratio decreased to 0.01 after the accident before April 2011. And the ratio increased to 1 by September 2013. And then the ratio decreased to 0.1-1. After October 2015, the ratio decreased to 0.1-0.2. Directly release rate of 90Sr was estimated to be the order of magnitude of 1012 Bq/day and decreased to the order of magnitude of 108 Bq/day by the end of September 2016. The estimated total amounts of directly released 90Sr was 35 ± 7 TBq.

Laminar and turbulent flow modes of cold atmospheric pressure argon plasma jet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basher, Abdulrahman H.; Mohamed, Abdel-Aleam H.

2018-05-01

Laminar and turbulent flow modes of a cold atmospheric pressure argon plasma jet are investigated in this work. The effects of the gas flow rate, applied voltage, and frequency on each plasma mode and on intermodal transitions are characterized using photographic, electrical, and spectroscopic techniques. Increasing the gas flow rate increases the plasma jet length in the laminar mode. Upon transition to the turbulent mode, increasing the gas flow rate leads to a decrease in the plasma jet length. The flow rate at which the jet transitions from laminar to turbulent increases with the applied voltage. The presence of nitric oxide (NO) radicals is indicated by the emission spectra of the turbulent plasmas only, while excited Ar, N2, OH, and O excited species are produced in both laminar and turbulent modes. With no distinctive behavior observed upon transition between the two operating modes, the power consumption was found to be insensitive to gas flow rate variation, while the energy density was found to decrease exponentially with the gas flow rate. Rotational and vibrational temperature measurements of the two plasma modes indicated that they are of the non-thermal equilibrium plasma type. Since they offer NO radicals while maintaining the benefits of the laminar plasma jet, the turbulent plasma jet is more useful than its laminar counterpart in biomedical applications.

Biological effects of low-dose-rate irradiation of pancreatic carcinoma cells in vitro using 125I seeds

PubMed Central

Wang, Zhong-Min; Lu, Jian; Zhang, Li-Yun; Lin, Xiao-Zhu; Chen, Ke-Min; Chen, Zhi-Jin; Liu, Fen-Ju; Yan, Fu-Hua; Teng, Gao-Jun; Mao, Ai-Wu

2015-01-01

AIM: To determine the mechanism of the radiation-induced biological effects of 125I seeds on pancreatic carcinoma cells in vitro. METHODS: SW1990 and PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cell lines were cultured in DMEM in a suitable environment. Gray’s model of iodine-125 (125I) seed irradiation was used. In vitro, exponential phase SW1990, and PANC-1 cells were exposed to 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 Gy using 125I radioactive seeds, with an initial dose rate of 12.13 cGy/h. A clonogenic survival experiment was performed to observe the ability of the cells to maintain their clonogenic capacity and to form colonies. Cell-cycle and apoptosis analyses were conducted to detect the apoptosis percentage in the SW1990 and PANC-1 cells. DNA synthesis was measured via a tritiated thymidine (3H-TdR) incorporation experiment. After continuous low-dose-rate irradiation with 125I radioactive seeds, the survival fractions at 2 Gy (SF2), percentage apoptosis, and cell cycle phases of the SW1990 and PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cell lines were calculated and compared. RESULTS: The survival fractions of the PANC-1 and SW1990 cells irradiated with 125I seeds decreased exponentially as the dose increased. No significant difference in SF2 was observed between SW1990 and PANC-1 cells (0.766 ± 0.063 vs 0.729 ± 0.045, P < 0.05). The 125I seeds induced a higher percentage of apoptosis than that observed in the control in both the SW1990 and PANC-1 cells. The rate of apoptosis increased with increasing radiation dosage. The percentage of apoptosis was slightly higher in the SW1990 cells than in the PANC-1 cells. Dose-dependent G2/M cell-cycle arrest was observed after 125I seed irradiation, with a peak value at 6 Gy. As the dose increased, the percentage of G2/M cell cycle arrest increased in both cell lines, whereas the rate of DNA incorporation decreased. In the 3H-TdR incorporation experiment, the dosimetry results of both the SW1990 and PANC-1 cells decreased as the radiation dose increased, with a minimum at 6 Gy. There were no significant differences in the dosimetry results of the two cell lines when they were exposed to the same dose of radiation. CONCLUSION: The pancreatic cancer cell-killing effects induced by 125I radioactive seeds mainly occurred via apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest. PMID:25741139

Effects of the addition of different nitrogen sources in the tequila fermentation process at high sugar concentration.

PubMed

Arrizon, J; Gschaedler, A

2007-04-01

To study the effect of the addition of different nitrogen sources at high sugar concentration in the tequila fermentation process. Fermentations were performed at high sugar concentration (170 g l(-1)) using Agave tequilana Weber blue variety with and without added nitrogen from different sources (ammonium sulfate; glutamic acid; a mixture of ammonium sulfate and amino acids) during the exponential phase of growth. All the additions increased the fermentation rate and alcohol efficiency. The level of synthesis of volatile compounds depended on the source added. The concentration of amyl alcohols and isobutanol were decreased while propanol and acetaldehyde concentration increased. The most efficient nitrogen sources for fermentation rate were ammonium sulfate and the mixture of ammonium sulfate and amino acids. The level of volatile compounds produced depended upon types of nitrogen. The synthesis of some volatile compounds increased while others decreased with nitrogen addition. The addition of nitrogen could be a strategy for improving the fermentation rate and efficiency in the tequila fermentation process at high sugar Agave tequilana concentration. Furthermore, the sensory quality of the final product may change because the synthesis of the volatile compounds is modified.

77 FR 44571 - Rate Regulation Reforms

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-30

... current T-bill rate to the U.S. Prime Rate, as published in The Wall Street Journal. Additional... ``exponential'' approach, the total cumulative reparations payment (including interest) is calculated by...

A Comparison of Two Algorithms for the Simulation of Non-Homogeneous Poisson Processes with Degree-Two Exponential Polynomial Intensity Function.

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-09-01

process with an event streaa intensity (rate) function that is of degree-two exponential pclyncaial foru. (The use of exponential pclynoaials is...4 \\v 01 ^3 C \\ \\ •r- S_ \\ \\ O \\ \\ a \\ \\ V IA C 4-> \\ \\ •«- c \\ 1 <— 3 • o \\ \\ Ol (J \\ \\ O U —1 <o \\ I...would serve as a good initial approxiaation t* , f-r the Newton-Raphson aethod. However, for the purpose of this implementation, the end point which

Looking for Connections between Linear and Exponential Functions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lo, Jane-Jane; Kratky, James L.

2012-01-01

Students frequently have difficulty determining whether a given real-life situation is best modeled as a linear relationship or as an exponential relationship. One root of such difficulty is the lack of deep understanding of the very concept of "rate of change." The authors will provide a lesson that allows students to reveal their misconceptions…

[Comparison among three translucency parameters].

PubMed

Fang, Xiong; Hui, Xia

2017-06-01

This study aims to compare the three commonly used translucency parameters in prosthodontics: transmittance (T), contrast ratio (CR), and translucency parameter (TP). Six platelet specimens were composed of Vita enamel and dental porcelain. The initial thickness was 1.2 mm. The specimens were gradually ground to 1.0, 0.8, 0.6, 0.4, and 0.2 mm. T, color parameters, and reflection were measured by a spectrocolorimeter for each corresponding thickness. T, CR and TP were calculated and compared. TP increased, whereas CR decreased, with decreasing thickness. Moreover, 
T increased with decreasing thickness, and exponential relationships were found. Two-way ANOVA showed statistical significance between T and thickness, except between T and the 1.2 mm and 1.0 mm enamel porcelain groups. No difference was found among the coefficient variations (CV) of T, CR and TP. Curve fitting indicated the existence of exponential relationships between T and CR and between T and TP. The values for goodness of fit with statistical significance were 0.951 and 0.939, respectively (P<0.05). Under the experimental conditions, T, TP and CR achieved the same CV. T and TP, as well as T and CR, were found with exponential relationships. The value of CR and TP could not represent the translucency precisely, especially when comparing the changing ratios.

Estimating Distances from Parallaxes. III. Distances of Two Million Stars in the Gaia DR1 Catalogue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Astraatmadja, Tri L.; Bailer-Jones, Coryn A. L.

2016-12-01

We infer distances and their asymmetric uncertainties for two million stars using the parallaxes published in the Gaia DR1 (GDR1) catalogue. We do this with two distance priors: A minimalist, isotropic prior assuming an exponentially decreasing space density with increasing distance, and an anisotropic prior derived from the observability of stars in a Milky Way model. We validate our results by comparing our distance estimates for 105 Cepheids which have more precise, independently estimated distances. For this sample we find that the Milky Way prior performs better (the rms of the scaled residuals is 0.40) than the exponentially decreasing space density prior (rms is 0.57), although for distances beyond 2 kpc the Milky Way prior performs worse, with a bias in the scaled residuals of -0.36 (versus -0.07 for the exponentially decreasing space density prior). We do not attempt to include the photometric data in GDR1 due to the lack of reliable color information. Our distance catalog is available at http://www.mpia.de/homes/calj/tgas_distances/main.html as well as at CDS. This should only be used to give individual distances. Combining data or testing models should be done with the original parallaxes, and attention paid to correlated and systematic uncertainties.

The Isolation of Motivational, Motoric, and Schedule Effects on Operant Performance: A Modeling Approach

PubMed Central

Brackney, Ryan J; Cheung, Timothy H. C; Neisewander, Janet L; Sanabria, Federico

2011-01-01

Dissociating motoric and motivational effects of pharmacological manipulations on operant behavior is a substantial challenge. To address this problem, we applied a response-bout analysis to data from rats trained to lever press for sucrose on variable-interval (VI) schedules of reinforcement. Motoric, motivational, and schedule factors (effort requirement, deprivation level, and schedule requirements, respectively) were manipulated. Bout analysis found that interresponse times (IRTs) were described by a mixture of two exponential distributions, one characterizing IRTs within response bouts, another characterizing intervals between bouts. Increasing effort requirement lengthened the shortest IRT (the refractory period between responses). Adding a ratio requirement increased the length and density of response bouts. Both manipulations also decreased the bout-initiation rate. In contrast, food deprivation only increased the bout-initiation rate. Changes in the distribution of IRTs over time showed that responses during extinction were also emitted in bouts, and that the decrease in response rate was primarily due to progressively longer intervals between bouts. Taken together, these results suggest that changes in the refractory period indicate motoric effects, whereas selective alterations in bout initiation rate indicate incentive-motivational effects. These findings support the use of response-bout analyses to identify the influence of pharmacological manipulations on processes underlying operant performance. PMID:21765544

Secure uniform random-number extraction via incoherent strategies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayashi, Masahito; Zhu, Huangjun

2018-01-01

To guarantee the security of uniform random numbers generated by a quantum random-number generator, we study secure extraction of uniform random numbers when the environment of a given quantum state is controlled by the third party, the eavesdropper. Here we restrict our operations to incoherent strategies that are composed of the measurement on the computational basis and incoherent operations (or incoherence-preserving operations). We show that the maximum secure extraction rate is equal to the relative entropy of coherence. By contrast, the coherence of formation gives the extraction rate when a certain constraint is imposed on the eavesdropper's operations. The condition under which the two extraction rates coincide is then determined. Furthermore, we find that the exponential decreasing rate of the leaked information is characterized by Rényi relative entropies of coherence. These results clarify the power of incoherent strategies in random-number generation, and can be applied to guarantee the quality of random numbers generated by a quantum random-number generator.

Non-cladding optical fiber is available for detecting blood or liquids.

PubMed

Takeuchi, Akihiro; Miwa, Tomohiro; Shirataka, Masuo; Sawada, Minoru; Imaizumi, Haruo; Sugibuchi, Hiroyuki; Ikeda, Noriaki

2010-10-01

Serious accidents during hemodialysis such as an undetected large amount of blood loss are often caused by venous needle dislodgement. A special plastic optical fiber with a low refractive index was developed for monitoring leakage in oil pipelines and in other industrial fields. To apply optical fiber as a bleeding sensor, we studied optical effects of soaking the fiber with liquids and blood in light-loss experimental settings. The non-cladding optical fiber that was used was the fluoropolymer, PFA fiber, JUNFLON™, 1 mm in diameter and 2 m in length. Light intensity was studied with an ordinary basic circuit with a light emitting source (880 nm) and photodiode set at both terminals of the fiber under certain conditions: bending the fiber, soaking with various mediums, or fixing the fiber with surgical tape. The soaking mediums were reverse osmosis (RO) water, physiological saline, glucose, porcine plasma, and porcine blood. The light intensities regressed to a decaying exponential function with the soaked length. The light intensity was not decreased at bending from 20 to 1 cm in diameter. The more the soaked length increased in all mediums, the more the light intensity decreased exponentially. The means of five estimated exponential decay constants were 0.050±0.006 standard deviation in RO water, 0.485±0.016 in physiological saline, 0.404±0.022 in 5% glucose, 0.503±0.038 in blood (Hct 40%), and 0.573±0.067 in plasma. The light intensity decreased from 5 V to about 1.5 V above 5 cm in the soaked length in mediums except for RO water and fixing with surgical tape. We confirmed that light intensity significantly and exponentially decreased with the increased length of the soaked fiber. This phenomena could ideally, clinically be applied to a bleed sensor.

Time variation analysis of the daily Forbush decrease indices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patra, Sankar Narayan; Ghosh, Koushik; Panja, Subhash Chandra

2011-08-01

In the present paper we have analyzed the daily Forbush decrease indices from January 1, 1967 to December 31, 2003. First filtering the time series by Simple Exponential Smoothing, we have applied Scargle Method of Periodogram on the processed time series in order to search for its time variation. Study exhibits periodicities around 174, 245, 261, 321, 452, 510, 571, 584, 662, 703, 735, 741, 767, 774, 820, 970, 1062, 1082, 1489, 1715, 2317, 2577, 2768, 3241 and 10630 days with confidence levels higher than 90%. Some of these periods are significantly similar to the observed periodicities of other solar activities, like solar filament activity, solar electron flare occurrence, solar-flare rate, solar proton events, solar neutrino flux, solar irradiance, cosmic ray intensity and flare, spectrum of the sunspot, solar wind, southern coronal hole area and solar cycle, which may suggest that the Forbush decrease behaves similarly to these solar activities and these activities may have a common origin.

The effect of water injection on nitric oxide emissions of a gas turbine combustor burning ASTM Jet-A fuel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marchionna, N. R.; Diehl, L. A.; Trout, A. M.

1973-01-01

Tests were conducted to determine the effect of water injection on oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions of a full annular, ram induction gas turbine combustor burning ASTM Jet-A fuel. The combustor was operated at conditions simulating sea-level takeoff and cruise conditions. Water at ambient temperature was injected into the combustor primary zone at water-fuel ratios up to 2. At an inlet-air temperature of 589 K (600 F) water injection decreased the NOx emission index at a constant exponential rate: NOx = NOx (o) e to the -15 W/F power (where W/F is the water-fuel ratio and NOx(o) indicates the value with no injection). The effect of increasing combustor inlet-air temperature was to decrease the effect of the water injection. Other operating variables such as pressure and reference Mach number did not appear to significantly affect the percent reduction in NOx. Smoke emissions were found to decrease with increasing water injection.

Predicting hepatitis B monthly incidence rates using weighted Markov chains and time series methods.

PubMed

Shahdoust, Maryam; Sadeghifar, Majid; Poorolajal, Jalal; Javanrooh, Niloofar; Amini, Payam

2015-01-01

Hepatitis B (HB) is a major global mortality. Accurately predicting the trend of the disease can provide an appropriate view to make health policy disease prevention. This paper aimed to apply three different to predict monthly incidence rates of HB. This historical cohort study was conducted on the HB incidence data of Hamadan Province, the west of Iran, from 2004 to 2012. Weighted Markov Chain (WMC) method based on Markov chain theory and two time series models including Holt Exponential Smoothing (HES) and SARIMA were applied on the data. The results of different applied methods were compared to correct percentages of predicted incidence rates. The monthly incidence rates were clustered into two clusters as state of Markov chain. The correct predicted percentage of the first and second clusters for WMC, HES and SARIMA methods was (100, 0), (84, 67) and (79, 47) respectively. The overall incidence rate of HBV is estimated to decrease over time. The comparison of results of the three models indicated that in respect to existing seasonality trend and non-stationarity, the HES had the most accurate prediction of the incidence rates.

Destructive impact of molecular noise on nanoscale electrochemical oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cosi, Filippo G.; Krischer, Katharina

2017-06-01

We study the loss of coherence of electrochemical oscillations on meso- and nanosized electrodes with numeric simulations of the electrochemical master equation for a prototypical electrochemical oscillator, the hydrogen peroxide reduction on Pt electrodes in the presence of halides. On nanoelectrodes, the electrode potential changes whenever a stochastic electron-transfer event takes place. Electrochemical reaction rate coefficients depend exponentially on the electrode potential and become thus fluctuating quantities as well. Therefore, also the transition rates between system states become time-dependent which constitutes a fundamental difference to purely chemical nanoscale oscillators. Three implications are demonstrated: (a) oscillations and steady states shift in phase space with decreasing system size, thereby also decreasing considerably the oscillating parameter regions; (b) the minimal number of molecules necessary to support correlated oscillations is more than 10 times as large as for nanoscale chemical oscillators; (c) the relation between correlation time and variance of the period of the oscillations predicted for chemical oscillators in the weak noise limit is only fulfilled in a very restricted parameter range for the electrochemical nano-oscillator.

The respiration pattern as an indicator of the anaerobic threshold.

PubMed

Mirmohamadsadeghi, Leila; Vesin, Jean-Marc; Lemay, Mathieu; Deriaz, Olivier

2015-08-01

The anaerobic threshold (AT) is a good index of personal endurance but needs a laboratory setting to be determined. It is important to develop easy AT field measurements techniques in order to rapidly adapt training programs. In the present study, it is postulated that the variability of the respiratory parameters decreases with exercise intensity (especially at the AT level). The aim of this work was to assess, on healthy trained subjects, the putative relationships between the variability of some respiration parameters and the AT. The heart rate and respiratory variables (volume, rate) were measured during an incremental exercise performed on a treadmill by healthy moderately trained subjects. Results show a decrease in the variance of 1/tidal volume with the intensity of exercise. Consequently, the cumulated variance (sum of the variance measured at each level of the exercise) follows an exponential relationship with respect to the intensity to reach eventually a plateau. The amplitude of this plateau is closely related to the AT (r=-0.8). It is concluded that the AT is related to the variability of the respiration.

Sorption and degradation of wastewater-associated pharmaceuticals and personal care products in agricultural soils and sediment.

PubMed

Zhang, Ting; Wu, Bo; Sun, Na; Ye, Yong; Chen, Huaixia

2013-01-01

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have drawn popular concerns recently as an emerging class of aquatic contaminants. In this study, adsorption and degradation of four selected PPCPs, metronidazole, tinidazole, caffeine and chloramphenicol, have been investigated in the laboratory using two agricultural soils in China and sediment from Changjiang River. Adsorption tests using a batch equilibrium method demonstrated that adsorption of all tested chemicals in soils could be well described with Freundlich equation, and their adsorption affinity on soil followed the order of chloramphenicol > caffeine > tinidazole > metronidazole. Generally, higher Kf value was associated with soils which had higher organic matter contents (except for caffeine acid in this study). Degradation of selected PPCPs in soils generally followed first-order exponential decay kinetics, and half-lives ranging from 0.97 to 10.21 d. Sterilization generally decreased the degradation rates, indicating that microbial activity played a significant role in the degradation in soils. The degradation rate constant decreased with increasing initial chemical concentrations in soil, implying that the microbial activity was inhibited with high chemical loading levels.

Weblog patterns and human dynamics with decreasing interest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, J.-L.; Fan, C.; Guo, Z.-H.

2011-06-01

In order to describe the phenomenon that people's interest in doing something always keep high in the beginning while gradually decreases until reaching the balance, a model which describes the attenuation of interest is proposed to reflect the fact that people's interest becomes more stable after a long time. We give a rigorous analysis on this model by non-homogeneous Poisson processes. Our analysis indicates that the interval distribution of arrival-time is a mixed distribution with exponential and power-law feature, which is a power law with an exponential cutoff. After that, we collect blogs in ScienceNet.cn and carry on empirical study on the interarrival time distribution. The empirical results agree well with the theoretical analysis, obeying a special power law with the exponential cutoff, that is, a special kind of Gamma distribution. These empirical results verify the model by providing an evidence for a new class of phenomena in human dynamics. It can be concluded that besides power-law distributions, there are other distributions in human dynamics. These findings demonstrate the variety of human behavior dynamics.

Exponential nonlinear electrodynamics and backreaction effects on holographic superconductor in the Lifshitz black hole background

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sherkatghanad, Z.; Mirza, B.; Lalehgani Dezaki, F.

We analytically describe the properties of the s-wave holographic superconductor with the exponential nonlinear electrodynamics in the Lifshitz black hole background in four-dimensions. Employing an assumption the scalar and gauge fields backreact on the background geometry, we calculate the critical temperature as well as the condensation operator. Based on Sturm-Liouville method, we show that the critical temperature decreases with increasing exponential nonlinear electrodynamics and Lifshitz dynamical exponent, z, indicating that condensation becomes difficult. Also we find that the effects of backreaction has a more important role on the critical temperature and condensation operator in small values of Lifshitz dynamical exponent, while z is around one. In addition, the properties of the upper critical magnetic field in Lifshitz black hole background using Sturm-Liouville approach is investigated to describe the phase diagram of the corresponding holographic superconductor in the probe limit. We observe that the critical magnetic field decreases with increasing Lifshitz dynamical exponent, z, and it goes to zero at critical temperature, independent of the Lifshitz dynamical exponent, z.

The random coding bound is tight for the average code.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gallager, R. G.

1973-01-01

The random coding bound of information theory provides a well-known upper bound to the probability of decoding error for the best code of a given rate and block length. The bound is constructed by upperbounding the average error probability over an ensemble of codes. The bound is known to give the correct exponential dependence of error probability on block length for transmission rates above the critical rate, but it gives an incorrect exponential dependence at rates below a second lower critical rate. Here we derive an asymptotic expression for the average error probability over the ensemble of codes used in the random coding bound. The result shows that the weakness of the random coding bound at rates below the second critical rate is due not to upperbounding the ensemble average, but rather to the fact that the best codes are much better than the average at low rates.

LBGs properties from z˜3 to z˜6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Barros, S.; Schaerer, D.; Stark, D. P.

2011-12-01

We analyse the spectral energy distribution (SED) of U, B, V and i-dropout samples from GOODS-MUSIC and we determine their physical properties, such as stellar age and mass, dust attenuation and star formation rate (SFR). Furthermore, we examine how the strength of Lyα emission can be constrained from broad-band SED fits instead of relying in spectroscopy. We use our SED fitting tool including the effects of nebular emission and we explore different star formation histories (SFHs). We find that SEDs are statistically better fitted with nebular emission and exponentially decreasing star formation. Considering this result, stellar mass and star formation rate (SFR) estimations modify the specific SFR (SFR/M_{⋆}) - redshift relation, in compared to previous studies. Finally, our inferred Lyα properties are in good agreement with the available spectroscopic observations.

Numerical 3D flow simulation of attached cavitation structures at ultrasonic horn tips and statistical evaluation of flow aggressiveness via load collectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mottyll, S.; Skoda, R.

2015-12-01

A compressible inviscid flow solver with barotropic cavitation model is applied to two different ultrasonic horn set-ups and compared to hydrophone, shadowgraphy as well as erosion test data. The statistical analysis of single collapse events in wall-adjacent flow regions allows the determination of the flow aggressiveness via load collectives (cumulative event rate vs collapse pressure), which show an exponential decrease in agreement to studies on hydrodynamic cavitation [1]. A post-processing projection of event rate and collapse pressure on a reference grid reduces the grid dependency significantly. In order to evaluate the erosion-sensitive areas a statistical analysis of transient wall loads is utilised. Predicted erosion sensitive areas as well as temporal pressure and vapour volume evolution are in good agreement to the experimental data.

A Study of the γ-Radiolysis of N,N-Didodecyl-N',N'-Dioctyldiglycolamide Using UHPLC-ESI-MS Analysis

DOE PAGES

Roscioli-Johnson, Kristyn M.; Zarzana, Christopher A.; Groenewold, Gary S.; ...

2016-07-12

In this paper, solutions of N,N-didodecyl-N',N'-dioctyldiglycolamide in n-dodecane were subjected to γ-irradiation in the presence and absence of both an aqueous nitric acid phase and air sparging. The solutions were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS) to determine the rates of radiolytic decay of the extractant as well as to identify radiolysis products. The DGA concentration decreased exponentially with increasing dose, and the measured degradation rate constants were uninfluenced by the presence or absence of acidic aqueous phase, or by air sparging. Finally, the identified radiolysis products suggest that the bonds most vulnerable to radiolytic attack are thosemore » in the diglycolamide center of these molecules and not in the side chains.« less

PH-dependence of detergent-induced hemolysis and vesiculation of erythrocytes.

PubMed

Chernitsky, E A; Rozin, V V; Senkovich, O A

2001-01-01

The influence of pH of the medium on the parameters of detergent-induced fast hemolysis and vesiculation of human erythrocytes was studied. In the range of pH 6.3-7.2 neither the extent nor the rate of the vesiculation induced by 25 microM sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) changed. However, a decrease of pH from 8.0 to 5.8 strongly modified both the extent and the rate of the hemolysis induced by SDS. Within the range of pH 8.0-6.4, the effect can be ascribed to the increase of the positive charge of the membrane. This could lead to the accumulation of the membrane-bound anion detergent and, hence, to the change of the hemolysis parameters. Non-charged detergent Triton X-100 did not display any pH-dependence. At pH between 6.4 and 5.8 the extent and rate of hemolysis changed in a complicated manner. The kinetic curves of hemolysis could be approximated by a single exponential within the pH range between 8.0 and 7.2. Upon further reduction of pH, a second exponential component, with a larger time constant, appeared in the kinetic curves. At 5.8 < pH < 7.2, the contribution of the "fast" hemolysis dropped virtually to zero, with pK about 6.0. This points to a structural transition of the membrane, possibly involving histidine. We suggest that the parameters of the detergent-induced hemolysis are sensitive to the changes of the charge and structural state of erythrocyte membrane.

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

Eliazar, Iddo, E-mail: eliazar@post.tau.ac.il

Rank distributions are collections of positive sizes ordered either increasingly or decreasingly. Many decreasing rank distributions, formed by the collective collaboration of human actions, follow an inverse power-law relation between ranks and sizes. This remarkable empirical fact is termed Zipf’s law, and one of its quintessential manifestations is the demography of human settlements — which exhibits a harmonic relation between ranks and sizes. In this paper we present a comprehensive statistical-physics analysis of rank distributions, establish that power-law and exponential rank distributions stand out as optimal in various entropy-based senses, and unveil the special role of the harmonic relation betweenmore » ranks and sizes. Our results extend the contemporary entropy-maximization view of Zipf’s law to a broader, panoramic, Gibbsian perspective of increasing and decreasing power-law and exponential rank distributions — of which Zipf’s law is one out of four pillars.« less

[Estimation of the time of death based on the measurements of the eye temperature in comparison with other body sites].

PubMed

Kaliszan, Michał; Hauser, Roman

2007-01-01

A systematic two-stage study was conducted in pigs to verify the models of postmortem body temperature decrease currently employed in forensic medicine. During the investigations, temperature recordings were performed in four body sites (eyeballs, orbit soft tissues, muscles and rectums). The results of the study support the possible use of the eyeball and also the orbit soft tissues as temperature measuring sites at the early phase after death; they have narrowed the significance of rectum temperature measurements to the late stage of postmortem body temperature decrease, shown insignificant correlations between the body weight and the temperature decrease rate constant and illustrated the functional increase of the time of death estimation error as the body cools, expressed in the distinct tendency to overestimate the calculated time of death as compared to the actual one. In the second stage of the experiment, a lack of a plateau phase was demonstrated, at least from 30 min post mortem. It was also found that in the very early post mortem period, the kinetics of cooling of all the body sites studied was better described by the two-exponential model than the single exponential one. The study also showed that the weak airflow present in the experimental conditions did not practically affect the course of cooling of the investigated body sites. Eyeball temperature measurements with an infra-red laser thermometer performed during the experiment proved to be of no use for determination of the time of death. The experiments allowed for defining the so far unreported value of physiological temperature of pig eyeball as 38 degrees C.

Exponential Growth and the Shifting Global Center of Gravity of Science Production, 1900-2011

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhang, Liang; Powell, Justin J. W.; Baker, David P.

2015-01-01

Long historical trends in scientific discovery led mid-20th century scientometricians to mark the advent of "big science"--extensive science production--and predicted that over the next few decades, the exponential growth would slow, resulting in lower rates of increase in production at the upper limit of a logistic curve. They were…

A demographic study of the exponential distribution applied to uneven-aged forests

Treesearch

Jeffrey H. Gove

2016-01-01

A demographic approach based on a size-structured version of the McKendrick-Von Foerster equation is used to demonstrate a theoretical link between the population size distribution and the underlying vital rates (recruitment, mortality and diameter growth) for the population of individuals whose diameter distribution is negative exponential. This model supports the...

Effect of cell physicochemical characteristics and motility on bacterial transport in groundwater

USGS Publications Warehouse

Becker, M.W.; Collins, S.A.; Metge, D.W.; Harvey, R.W.; Shapiro, A.M.

2004-01-01

The influence of physicochemical characteristics and motility on bacterial transport in groundwater were examined in flow-through columns. Four strains of bacteria isolated from a crystalline rock groundwater system were investigated, with carboxylate-modified and amidine-modified latex microspheres and bromide as reference tracers. The bacterial isolates included a gram-positive rod (ML1), a gram-negative motile rod (ML2), a nonmotile mutant of ML2 (ML2m), and a gram-positive coccoid (ML3). Experiments were repeated at two flow velocities, in a glass column packed with glass beads, and in another packed with iron-oxyhydroxide coated glass beads. Bacteria breakthrough curves were interpreted using a transport equation that incorporates a sorption model from microscopic observation of bacterial deposition in flow-cell experiments. The model predicts that bacterial desorption rate will decrease exponentially with the amount of time the cell is attached to the solid surface. Desorption kinetics appeared to influence transport at the lower flow rate, but were not discernable at the higher flow rate. Iron-oxyhydroxide coatings had a lower-than-expected effect on bacterial breakthrough and no effect on the microsphere recovery in the column experiments. Cell wall type and shape also had minor effects on breakthrough. Motility tended to increase the adsorption rate, and decrease the desorption rate. The transport model predicts that at field scale, desorption rate kinetics may be important to the prediction of bacteria transport rates. ?? 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Soil development on stable landforms and implications for landscape studies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Harden, J.W.

1990-01-01

Soil development parameters include a wide variety of morphological, chemical, and mineralogical parameters, but some of the best indicators of time and surface stability are derived from field morphology. Over long time-spans, the most common time function for soil development is exponential or logarithmic, in which rates decrease with increasing age. Over shorter time-spans in semi-arid and moister climates, Holocene and Pleistocene soil development functions appear as linear segments, with Holocene rates about 10 to 50 times those of Pleistocene rates. In contrast to significant temporal variation in rates, geographical variation in rates within (a) the southern Great Basin and (b) the east Central Valley of California is on the order of 2 or 3 times. When comparing soil development indices of the semi-arid Great Basin to those of moister central California, Holocene rates are similar, but Pleistocene rates are more than 10 times slower in the Great Basin. In a range of climatic settings, the reasons for declining rates over time are several and are complexly related to erosional history, fluxes in water and dust related to climatic changes, rates of primary mineral dissolution, and intrinsic soil processes. ?? 1990.

Higher Crash and Near-Crash Rates in Teenaged Drivers With Lower Cortisol Response

PubMed Central

Ouimet, Marie Claude; Brown, Thomas G.; Guo, Feng; Klauer, Sheila G.; Simons-Morton, Bruce G.; Fang, Youjia; Lee, Suzanne E.; Gianoulakis, Christina; Dingus, Thomas A.

2014-01-01

IMPORTANCE Road traffic crashes are one of the leading causes of injury and death among teenagers worldwide. Better understanding of the individual pathways to driving risk may lead to better-targeted intervention in this vulnerable group. OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between cortisol, a neurobiological marker of stress regulation linked to risky behavior, and driving risk. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The Naturalistic Teenage Driving Study was designed to continuously monitor the driving behavior of teenagers by instrumenting vehicles with kinematic sensors, cameras, and a global positioning system. During 2006–2008, a community sample of 42 newly licensed 16-year-old volunteer participants in the United States was recruited and driving behavior monitored. It was hypothesized in teenagers that higher cortisol response to stress is associated with (1) lower crash and near-crash (CNC) rates during their first 18 months of licensure and (2) faster reduction in CNC rates over time. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Participants’ cortisol response during a stress-inducing task was assessed at baseline, followed by measurement of their involvement in CNCs and driving exposure during their first 18 months of licensure. Mixed-effect Poisson longitudinal regression models were used to examine the association between baseline cortisol response and CNC rates during the follow-up period. RESULTS Participants with a higher baseline cortisol response had lower CNC rates during the follow-up period (exponential of the regression coefficient, 0.93; 95%CI, 0.88–0.98) and faster decrease in CNC rates over time (exponential of the regression coefficient, 0.98; 95%, CI, 0.96–0.99). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Cortisol is a neurobiological marker associated with teenaged-driving risk. As in other problem-behavior fields, identification of an objective marker of teenaged-driving risk promises the development of more personalized intervention approaches. PMID:24710522

The petroleum exponential (again)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bell, Peter M.

The U.S. production and reserves of liquid and gaseous petroleum have declined since 1960, at least in the lower 48 states. This decline stems from decreased discovery rates, as predicted by M. King Hubbert in the mid-1950's. Hubbert's once unpopular views were based on statistical analysis of the production history of the petroleum industry, and now, even with inclusion of the statistical perturbation caused by the Prudhoe Bay-North Alaskan Slope discovery (the largest oil field ever found in the United States), it seems clear again that production is following the exponential curve to depletion of the resource—to the end of the ultimate yield of petroleum from wells in the United States.In a recent report, C. Hall and C. Cleveland of Cornell University show that large atypical discoveries, such as the Prudhoe Bay find, are but minor influences on what now appears to be the crucial intersection of two exponentials [Science, 211, 576-579, 1981]: the production-per-drilled-foot curve of Hubbert, which crosses zero production no later than the year 2005; the other, a curve that plots the energy cost of drilling and extraction with time; that is, the cost-time rate of how much oil is used to drill and extract oil from the ground. The intersection, if no other discoveries the size of the Prudhoe Bay field are made, could be as early as 1990, the end of the present decade. The inclusion of each Prudhoe-Bay-size find extends the year of intersection by only about 6 years. Beyond that point, more than one barrel of petroleum would be expended for each barrel extracted from the ground. The oil exploration-extraction and refining industry is currently the second most energy-intensive industry in the U.S., and the message seems clear. Either more efficient drilling and production techniques are discovered, or domestic production will cease well before the end of this century if the Hubbert analysis modified by Hall and Cleveland is correct.

[Dynamics of Cry1ab protein content in the rhizosphere soil and straw debris of transgenic Bt corn].

PubMed

Li, Fan; Wang, Min; Sun, Hong-Wei; Yang, Shu-Ke; Lu, Xing-Bo

2013-07-01

By using ELISA test kits, a field investigation was conducted on the degradation dynamics of CrylAb protein in the rhizosphere soil of Bt corn MON810 at its different growth stages and in the MON810 straws returned into field after harvest. Three models (shift-log model, exponential model, and bi-exponential model) were used to fit the degradation dynamics of the Cry1 Ab protein from the straw debris, and the DT50 and DT90, values were estimated. There existed great differences in the CrylAb protein content in the rhizosphere soil of MON810 at its different growth stages, but overall, the CrylAb protein content was decreased remarkably with the growth of MON810. The degradation of Cry1 Ab protein from the straws covered on soil surface and buried in soil showed the same two-stage pattern, i.e., more rapid at early stage and slow-stable in later period. Within the first week after straw return, the degradation rate of the CrylAb protein from the straws covered on soil surface was significantly higher than that from the straws buried in soil. At 10 d, the degradation rate of the CrylAb protein from the straws covered on soil surface and buried in soil was basically the same, being 88.8% and 88.6%, respectively. After 20 days, the degradation of CrylAb protein entered slow-stable stage. Till at 180 d, a small amount of Cry1Ab protein could still be detected in the straw debris. All of the three models used in this study could fit the decay pattern of the CrylAb protein from the straw debris in field. By comparing the correlation coefficient (r) and the consistency between the measured and calculated DT90, bi-exponential model was considered to be the best.

The Lunar Rock Size Frequency Distribution from Diviner Infrared Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elder, C. M.; Hayne, P. O.; Piqueux, S.; Bandfield, J.; Williams, J. P.; Ghent, R. R.; Paige, D. A.

2016-12-01

Knowledge of the rock size frequency distribution on a planetary body is important for understanding its geologic history and for selecting landing sites. The rock size frequency distribution can be estimated by counting rocks in high resolution images, but most bodies in the solar system have limited areas with adequate coverage. We propose an alternative method to derive and map rock size frequency distributions using multispectral thermal infrared data acquired at multiple times during the night. We demonstrate this new technique for the Moon using data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Diviner radiometer in conjunction with three dimensional thermal modeling, leveraging the differential cooling rates of different rock sizes. We assume an exponential rock size frequency distribution, which has been shown to yield a good fit to rock populations in various locations on the Moon, Mars, and Earth [2, 3] and solve for the best radiance fits as a function of local time and wavelength. This method presents several advantages: 1) unlike other thermally derived rock abundance techniques, it is sensitive to rocks smaller than the diurnal skin depth; 2) it does not result in apparent decrease in rock abundance at night; and 3) it can be validated using images taken at the lunar surface. This method yields both the fraction of the surface covered in rocks of all sizes and the exponential factor, which defines the rate of drop-off in the exponential function at large rock sizes. We will present maps of both these parameters for the Moon, and provide a geological interpretation. In particular, this method reveals rocks in the lunar highlands that are smaller than previous thermal methods could detect. [1] Bandfield J. L. et al. (2011) JGR, 116, E00H02. [2] Golombek and Rapp (1997) JGR, 102, E2, 4117-4129. [3] Cintala, M.J. and K.M. McBride (1995) NASA Technical Memorandum 104804.

Network architecture in a converged optical + IP network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wakim, Walid; Zottmann, Harald

2012-01-01

As demands on Provider Networks continue to grow at exponential rates, providers are forced to evaluate how to continue to grow the network while increasing service velocity, enhancing resiliency while decreasing the total cost of ownership (TCO). The bandwidth growth that networks are experiencing is in the form packet based multimedia services such as video, video conferencing, gaming, etc... mixed with Over the Top (OTT) content providers such as Netflix, and the customer's expectations that best effort is not enough you end up with a situation that forces the provider to analyze how to gain more out of the network with less cost. In this paper we will discuss changes in the network that are driving us to a tighter integration between packet and optical layers and how to improve on today's multi - layer inefficiencies to drive down network TCO and provide for a fully integrated and dynamic network that will decrease time to revenue.

Why solidification has an S-shaped history

PubMed Central

Bejan, A.; Lorente, S.; Yilbas, B. S.; Sahin, A. Z.

2013-01-01

Here we show theoretically that the history of solid growth during “rapid” solidification must be S-shaped, in accord with the constructal law of design in nature. In the beginning the rate of solidification increases and after reaching a maximum it decreases monotonically as the volume of solid tends toward a plateau. The S-history is a consequence of four configurations for the flow of heat from the solidification front to the subcooled surroundings, in this chronological order: solid spheres centered at nucleation sites, needles that invade longitudinally, radial growth by conduction, and finally radial lateral conduction to interstices that are warming up. The solid volume (Bs) vs time (t) is an S-curve because it is a power law of type Bs ~ tn where the exponent n first increases and then decreases in time (n = 3/2, 2, 1, …). The initial portion of the S curve is not an exponential.

Shanghai: a study on the spatial growth of population and economy in a Chinese metropolitan area.

PubMed

Zhu, J

1995-01-01

In this study of the growth in population and industry in Shanghai, China, between the 1982 and 1990 censuses, data on administrative divisions was normalized through digitization and spatial analysis. Analysis focused on spatial units, intensity of growth, time period, distance, rate of growth, and direction of spatial growth. The trisection method divided the city into city proper, outskirts, and suburbs. The distance function method considered the distance from center city as a function: exponential, power, trigonometric, logarithmic, and polynomial. Population growth and employment in all sectors increased in the outskirts and suburbs and decreased in the city proper except tertiary sectors. Primary sector employment decreased in all three sections. Employment in the secondary increased faster in the outskirts and suburbs than the total rate of growth of population and employment. In the city secondary sector employment rates decreased faster than total population and employment rates. The tertiary sector had the highest rate of growth in all sections, and employment grew faster than secondary sector rates. Tertiary growth was highest in real estate, finance, and insurance. Industrial growth in the secondary sector was 160.2% in the suburbs, 156.6% in the outskirts, and 80.9% in the city. In the distance function analysis, industry expanded further out than the entire secondary sector. Commerce grew the fastest in areas 15.4 km from center city. Economic growth was faster after economic reforms in 1978. Growth was led by industry and followed by the secondary sector, the tertiary sector, and population. Industrial expansion resulted from inner pressure, political factors controlling size, the social and economic system, and the housing construction and distribution system. Initially sociopsychological factors affected urban concentration.

Decay rates of Gaussian-type I-balls and Bose-enhancement effects in 3+1 dimensions

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

Kawasaki, Masahiro; Yamada, Masaki; ICRR, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, 277-8582

2014-02-03

I-balls/oscillons are long-lived spatially localized lumps of a scalar field which may be formed after inflation. In the scalar field theory with monomial potential nearly and shallower than quadratic, which is motivated by chaotic inflationary models and supersymmetric theories, the scalar field configuration of I-balls is approximately Gaussian. If the I-ball interacts with another scalar field, the I-ball eventually decays into radiation. Recently, it was pointed out that the decay rate of I-balls increases exponentially by the effects of Bose enhancement under some conditions and a non-perturbative method to compute the exponential growth rate has been derived. In this paper,more » we apply the method to the Gaussian-type I-ball in 3+1 dimensions assuming spherical symmetry, and calculate the partial decay rates into partial waves, labelled by the angular momentum of daughter particles. We reveal the conditions that the I-ball decays exponentially, which are found to depend on the mass and angular momentum of daughter particles and also be affected by the quantum uncertainty in the momentum of daughter particles.« less

Decay rates of Gaussian-type I-balls and Bose-enhancement effects in 3+1 dimensions

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

Kawasaki, Masahiro; Yamada, Masaki, E-mail: kawasaki@icrr.u-tokyo.ac.jp, E-mail: yamadam@icrr.u-tokyo.ac.jp

2014-02-01

I-balls/oscillons are long-lived spatially localized lumps of a scalar field which may be formed after inflation. In the scalar field theory with monomial potential nearly and shallower than quadratic, which is motivated by chaotic inflationary models and supersymmetric theories, the scalar field configuration of I-balls is approximately Gaussian. If the I-ball interacts with another scalar field, the I-ball eventually decays into radiation. Recently, it was pointed out that the decay rate of I-balls increases exponentially by the effects of Bose enhancement under some conditions and a non-perturbative method to compute the exponential growth rate has been derived. In this paper,more » we apply the method to the Gaussian-type I-ball in 3+1 dimensions assuming spherical symmetry, and calculate the partial decay rates into partial waves, labelled by the angular momentum of daughter particles. We reveal the conditions that the I-ball decays exponentially, which are found to depend on the mass and angular momentum of daughter particles and also be affected by the quantum uncertainty in the momentum of daughter particles.« less

Sulfur poisoning of hydrocarbon oxidation by palladium. M.S. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baumgartner, A. J.

1975-01-01

Using a differential bed recycle reactor the oxidation of ethane and diethyl ketone by a Pd catalyst was studied at the 0-30 ppm level in air. In both cases first order kinetics were observed. The ethane oxidation rate was characterized n the Arrhenius form by a pre-exponential of 1.0 x 10 to the 8th power cm/sec and an E sub a of 27 kcal/mole. The diethyl ketone oxidation rate was characterized by a pre-exponential of 5.7 x -1000 cm/sec and E sub a of 14 kcal/mole. Poisoning of ethan oxidation was also investigated by hydrogen sulfide and to a smaller extent by the refrigerants Freon 22 and Gentron 142-B. Poisoning by Gentron 142-B was much more severe than by hydrogen sulfide. Kinetic experiments indicated that only the pre-exponential was changing.

The temporal analysis of yeast exponential phase using shotgun proteomics as a fermentation monitoring technique

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

Huang, Eric L.; Orsat, Valerie; Shah, Manesh B

2012-01-01

System biology and bioprocess technology can be better understood using shotgun proteomics as a monitoring system during the fermentation. We demonstrated a shotgun proteomic method to monitor the temporal yeast proteome in early, middle and late exponential phases. Our study identified a total of 1389 proteins combining all 2D-LC-MS/MS runs. The temporal Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteome was enriched with proteolysis, radical detoxification, translation, one-carbon metabolism, glycolysis and TCA cycle. Heat shock proteins and proteins associated with oxidative stress response were found throughout the exponential phase. The most abundant proteins observed were translation elongation factors, ribosomal proteins, chaperones and glycolytic enzymes. Themore » high abundance of the H-protein of the glycine decarboxylase complex (Gcv3p) indicated the availability of glycine in the environment. We observed differentially expressed proteins and the induced proteins at mid-exponential phase were involved in ribosome biogenesis, mitochondria DNA binding/replication and transcriptional activator. Induction of tryptophan synthase (Trp5p) indicated the abundance of tryptophan during the fermentation. As fermentation progressed toward late exponential phase, a decrease in cell proliferation was implied from the repression of ribosomal proteins, transcription coactivators, methionine aminopeptidase and translation-associated proteins.« less

How to handle 'poor' foodstuffs: Acclimation of the common cockle (Cerastoderma edule) to detrital diets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arambalza, Udane; Ibarrola, Irrintzi; Navarro, Enrique; Urrutxurtu, Iñaki; Urrutia, Miren B.

2018-04-01

As an approach to elucidating the "value" of detritus as a food source for bivalves, we analysed the capability of the common cockle (Cerastoderma edule) to modulate feeding and digestive rates during acclimation to low and high food rations of detrital diets with either low (Juncus maritimus) or high digestibility (Enteromorpha spp.). On acclimation day 3, feeding rates were similar in cockles fed different detrita; however, the absorption rate was higher in cockles fed Enteromorpha spp. With J. maritimus, rising food rations promoted an exponential decrease in absorption efficiency, whereas with Enteromorpha spp., absorption efficiency was only marginally reduced. During acclimation, cockles improved the rate at which both detritus were assimilated by means of increasing ingestion rates while maintaining absorption efficiency. When the time-course of digestive carbohydrase activities was monitored during acclimation to either detritus or phytoplankton (Isochrysis galbana), we found that only phytoplankton promoted the induction of cellulase activity in the digestive glands of cockles. This response in cockles fed phytoplankton promoted an increase in the digestibility of Enteromorpha spp., but had no effect on the digestibility of J. maritimus.

Protein Degradation Rate in Arabidopsis thaliana Leaf Growth and Development[OPEN

PubMed Central

Nelson, Clark J.; Castleden, Ian

2017-01-01

We applied 15N labeling approaches to leaves of the Arabidopsis thaliana rosette to characterize their protein degradation rate and understand its determinants. The progressive labeling of new peptides with 15N and measuring the decrease in the abundance of >60,000 existing peptides over time allowed us to define the degradation rate of 1228 proteins in vivo. We show that Arabidopsis protein half-lives vary from several hours to several months based on the exponential constant of the decay rate for each protein. This rate was calculated from the relative isotope abundance of each peptide and the fold change in protein abundance during growth. Protein complex membership and specific protein domains were found to be strong predictors of degradation rate, while N-end amino acid, hydrophobicity, or aggregation propensity of proteins were not. We discovered rapidly degrading subunits in a variety of protein complexes in plastids and identified the set of plant proteins whose degradation rate changed in different leaves of the rosette and correlated with leaf growth rate. From this information, we have calculated the protein turnover energy costs in different leaves and their key determinants within the proteome. PMID:28138016

Fluorescence Quenching by TEMPO: A Sub-30 Å Single-Molecule Ruler

PubMed Central

Zhu, Peizhi; Clamme, Jean-Pierre; Deniz, Ashok A.

2005-01-01

A series of DNA molecules labeled with 5-carboxytetramethylrhodamine (5-TAMRA) and the small nitroxide radical TEMPO were synthesized and tested to investigate whether the intramolecular quenching efficiency can be used to measure short intramolecular distances in small ensemble and single-molecule experiments. In combination with distance calculations using molecular mechanics modeling, the experimental results from steady-state ensemble fluorescence and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy measurements both show an exponential decrease in the quenching rate constant with the dye-quencher distance in the 10–30 Å range. The results demonstrate that TEMPO-5-TAMRA fluorescence quenching is a promising method to measure short distance changes within single biomolecules. PMID:16199509

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

Misochko, O. V., E-mail: misochko@issp.ac.ru

Coherent optical phonons of A{sub 1k} and E{sub k} symmetry in antimony have been studied using the femtosecond pump–probe technique. By varying the pump-pulse duration and keeping the probe duration constant, it was shown that the amplitude of coherent phonons of both symmetries exponentially decreases with increasing pulse width. It was found that the amplitude decay rate for the fully symmetric phonons with larger frequency is greater than that of the doubly degenerate phonons, whereas the frequency and lifetime for coherent phonons of both symmetries do not depend on the pump-pulse duration. Based on this data, the possibility of separationmore » between dynamic and kinematic contributions to the generation mechanism of coherent phonons is discussed.« less

Both nursery and field performance determine suitable nitrogen supply of nursery-grown, exponentially fertilized Chinese pine

Treesearch

Jiaxi Wang; Guolei Li; Jeremiah R. Pinto; Jiajia Liu; Wenhui Shi; Yong Liu

2015-01-01

Optimum fertilization levels are often determined solely from nursery growth responses. However, it is the performance of the seedling on the outplanting site that is the most important. For Pinus species seedlings, little information is known about the field performance of plants cultured with different nutrient rates, especially with exponential fertilization. In...

Approximation of the exponential integral (well function) using sampling methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baalousha, Husam Musa

2015-04-01

Exponential integral (also known as well function) is often used in hydrogeology to solve Theis and Hantush equations. Many methods have been developed to approximate the exponential integral. Most of these methods are based on numerical approximations and are valid for a certain range of the argument value. This paper presents a new approach to approximate the exponential integral. The new approach is based on sampling methods. Three different sampling methods; Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS), Orthogonal Array (OA), and Orthogonal Array-based Latin Hypercube (OA-LH) have been used to approximate the function. Different argument values, covering a wide range, have been used. The results of sampling methods were compared with results obtained by Mathematica software, which was used as a benchmark. All three sampling methods converge to the result obtained by Mathematica, at different rates. It was found that the orthogonal array (OA) method has the fastest convergence rate compared with LHS and OA-LH. The root mean square error RMSE of OA was in the order of 1E-08. This method can be used with any argument value, and can be used to solve other integrals in hydrogeology such as the leaky aquifer integral.

Effects of fungal degradation on the CuO oxidation products of lignin: A controlled laboratory study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hedges, John I.; Blanchette, Robert A.; Weliky, Karen; Devol, Allan H.

1988-11-01

Duplicate samples of birch wood were degraded for 0, 4, 8 and 12 weeks by the white-rot fungus, Phlebia tremellosus, and for 12 weeks by 6 other white-rot and brown-rot fungi. P. tremellosus caused progressive weight losses and increased the H/C and O/C of the remnant wood by preferentially degrading the lignin component of the middle lamellae. This fungus increased the absolute (weight loss-corrected) yield of the vanillic acid CuO reaction product above its initial level and exponentially decreased the absolute yields of all other lignin-derived phenols. Total yields of syringyl phenols were decreased 1.5 times as fast as total vanillyl phenol yields. Within both phenol families, aldehyde precursors were degraded faster than precursors of the corresponding ketones, which were obtained in constant proportion to the total phenol yield. Although two other white-rot fungi caused similar lignin compositional trends, a fourth white-rot species, Coriolus versicolor, simultaneously eroded all cell wall components and did not concentrate polysaccharides in the remnant wood. Wood degraded by the three brown-rot fungi exhibited porous cell walls with greatly reduced integrity. The brown-rot fungi also preferentially attacked syringyl structural units, but degraded all phenol precursors at a much slower rate than the white-rotters and did not produce excess vanillic acid. Degradation by P. tremellosus linearly increased the vanillic acid/vanillin ratio, (Ad/Al)v, of the remnant birch wood throughout the 12 week degradation study and exponentially decreased the absolute yields of total vanillyl phenols, total syringyl phenols and the syringyl/vanillyl phenol ratio, S/V. At the highest (Ad/Al)v of 0.50 (12 week samples), total yields of syringyl and vanillyl phenols were decreased by 65% and 80%, respectively, with a resulting reduction of 40% in the original S/V. Many of the diagenetically related compositional trends that have been previously reported for lignins in natural environments can be explained by white-rot fungal degradation.

Changes of trehalose content and expression of relative genes during the bioethanol fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Yi, Chenfeng; Wang, Fenglian; Dong, Shijun; Li, Hao

2016-10-01

Traditionally, trehalose is considered as a protectant to improve the ethanol tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this study, to clarify the changes and roles of trehalose during the bioethanol fermentation, trehalose content and expression of related genes at lag, exponential, and stationary phases (i.e., 2, 8, and 16 h of batch fermentation process) were determined. Although yeast cells at exponential and stationary phase had higher trehalose content than cells at lag phase (P < 0.01), there was no significant difference in trehalose content between exponential and stationary phases (P > 0.05). Moreover, expression of the trehalose degradation-related genes NTH1 and NTH2 decreased at exponential phase in comparison with that at lag phase; compared with cells at lag phase, cells at stationary phase had higher expression of TPS1, ATH1, NTH1, and NTH2 but lower expression of TPS2. During the lag-exponential phase transition, downregulation of NTH1 and NTH2 promoted accumulation of trehalose, and to some extent, trehalose might confer ethanol tolerance to S. cerevisiae before stationary phase. During the exponential-stationary phase transition, upregulation of TPS1 contributed to accumulation of trehalose, and Tps1 protein might be indispensable in yeast cells to withstand ethanol stress at the stationary phase. Moreover, trehalose would be degraded to supply carbon source at stationary phase.

BIOPHYSICAL CHARACTERISATION OF THE UNDER-APPRECIATED AND IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HEART RATE VARIABILITY AND HEART RATE

PubMed Central

Monfredi, Oliver; Lyashkov, Alexey E; Johnsen, Anne-Berit; Inada, Shin; Schneider, Heiko; Wang, Ruoxi; Nirmalan, Mahesh; Wisloff, Ulrik; Maltsev, Victor A; Lakatta, Edward G; Zhang, Henggui; Boyett, Mark R

2014-01-01

Heart rate variability (beat-to-beat changes in the RR interval) has attracted considerable attention over the last 30+ years (PubMed currently lists >17,000 publications). Clinically, a decrease in heart rate variability is correlated to higher morbidity and mortality in diverse conditions, from heart disease to foetal distress. It is usually attributed to fluctuation in cardiac autonomic nerve activity. We calculated heart rate variability parameters from a variety of cardiac preparations (including humans, living animals, Langendorff-perfused heart and single sinoatrial nodal cell) in diverse species, combining this with data from previously published papers. We show that regardless of conditions, there is a universal exponential decay-like relationship between heart rate variability and heart rate. Using two biophysical models, we develop a theory for this, and confirm that heart rate variability is primarily dependent on heart rate and cannot be used in any simple way to assess autonomic nerve activity to the heart. We suggest that the correlation between a change in heart rate variability and altered morbidity and mortality is substantially attributable to the concurrent change in heart rate. This calls for re-evaluation of the findings from many papers that have not adjusted properly or at all for heart rate differences when comparing heart rate variability in multiple circumstances. PMID:25225208

Photosystem II Component Lifetimes in the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. Strain PCC 6803

PubMed Central

Yao, Danny C. I.; Brune, Daniel C.; Vavilin, Dmitri; Vermaas, Wim F. J.

2012-01-01

To gain insight in the lifetimes of photosystem II (PSII) chlorophyll and proteins, a combined stable isotope labeling (15N)/mass spectrometry method was used to follow both old and new pigments and proteins. Photosystem I-less Synechocystis cells were grown to exponential or post-exponential phase and then diluted in BG-11 medium with [15N]ammonium and [15N]nitrate. PSII was isolated, and the masses of PSII protein fragments and chlorophyll were determined. Lifetimes of PSII components ranged from 1.5 to 40 h, implying that at least some of the proteins and chlorophyll turned over independently from each other. Also, a significant amount of nascent PSII components accumulated in thylakoids when cells were in post-exponential growth phase. In a mutant lacking small Cab-like proteins (SCPs), most PSII protein lifetimes were unaffected, but the lifetime of chlorophyll and the amount of nascent PSII components that accumulated were decreased. In the absence of SCPs, one of the PSII biosynthesis intermediates, the monomeric PSII complex without CP43, was missing. Therefore, SCPs may stabilize nascent PSII protein complexes. Moreover, upon SCP deletion, the rate of chlorophyll synthesis and the accumulation of early tetrapyrrole precursors were drastically reduced. When [14N]aminolevulinic acid (ALA) was supplemented to 15N-BG-11 cultures, the mutant lacking SCPs incorporated much more exogenous ALA into chlorophyll than the control demonstrating that ALA biosynthesis was impaired in the absence of SCPs. This illustrates the major effects that nonstoichiometric PSII components such as SCPs have on intermediates and assembly but not on the lifetime of PSII proteins. PMID:22090028

Effects of Ethanol and Other Alkanols on Transport of Acetic Acid in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

Casal, Margarida; Cardoso, Helena; Leão, Cecília

1998-01-01

In glucose-grown cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae IGC 4072, acetic acid enters only by simple diffusion of the undissociated acid. In these cells, ethanol and other alkanols enhanced the passive influx of labelled acetic acid. The influx of the acid followed first-order kinetics with a rate constant that increased exponentially with the alcohol concentration, and an exponential enhancement constant for each alkanol was estimated. The intracellular concentration of labelled acetic acid was also enhanced by alkanols, and the effect increased exponentially with alcohol concentration. Acetic acid is transported across the plasma membrane of acetic acid-, lactic acid-, and ethanol-grown cells by acetate-proton symports. We found that in these cells ethanol and butanol inhibited the transport of labelled acetic acid in a noncompetitive way; the maximum transport velocity decreased with alcohol concentration, while the affinity of the system for acetate was not significantly affected by the alcohol. Semilog plots of Vmax versus alcohol concentration yielded straight lines with negative slopes from which estimates of the inhibition constant for each alkanol could be obtained. The intracellular concentration of labelled acid was significantly reduced in the presence of ethanol or butanol, and the effect increased with the alcohol concentration. We postulate that the absence of an operational carrier for acetate in glucose-grown cells of S. cerevisiae, combined with the relatively high permeability of the plasma membrane for the undissociated acid and the inability of the organism to metabolize acetic acid, could be one of the reasons why this species exhibits low tolerance to acidic environments containing ethanol. PMID:9464405

Photoluminescence study of MBE grown InGaN with intentional indium segregation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheung, Maurice C.; Namkoong, Gon; Chen, Fei; Furis, Madalina; Pudavar, Haridas E.; Cartwright, Alexander N.; Doolittle, W. Alan

2005-05-01

Proper control of MBE growth conditions has yielded an In0.13Ga0.87N thin film sample with emission consistent with In-segregation. The photoluminescence (PL) from this epilayer showed multiple emission components. Moreover, temperature and power dependent studies of the PL demonstrated that two of the components were excitonic in nature and consistent with indium phase separation. At 15 K, time resolved PL showed a non-exponential PL decay that was well fitted with the stretched exponential solution expected for disordered systems. Consistent with the assumed carrier hopping mechanism of this model, the effective lifetime, , and the stretched exponential parameter, , decrease with increasing emission energy. Finally, room temperature micro-PL using a confocal microscope showed spatial clustering of low energy emission.

Dynamic heterogeneity and conditional statistics of non-Gaussian temperature fluctuations in turbulent thermal convection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Xiaozhou; Wang, Yin; Tong, Penger

2018-05-01

Non-Gaussian fluctuations with an exponential tail in their probability density function (PDF) are often observed in nonequilibrium steady states (NESSs) and one does not understand why they appear so often. Turbulent Rayleigh-Bénard convection (RBC) is an example of such a NESS, in which the measured PDF P (δ T ) of temperature fluctuations δ T in the central region of the flow has a long exponential tail. Here we show that because of the dynamic heterogeneity in RBC, the exponential PDF is generated by a convolution of a set of dynamics modes conditioned on a constant local thermal dissipation rate ɛ . The conditional PDF G (δ T |ɛ ) of δ T under a constant ɛ is found to be of Gaussian form and its variance σT2 for different values of ɛ follows an exponential distribution. The convolution of the two distribution functions gives rise to the exponential PDF P (δ T ) . This work thus provides a physical mechanism of the observed exponential distribution of δ T in RBC and also sheds light on the origin of non-Gaussian fluctuations in other NESSs.

Insulation Resistance Degradation in Ni-BaTiO3 Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Donhang (David)

2015-01-01

Insulation resistance (IR) degradation in Ni-BaTiO3 multilayer ceramic capacitors has been characterized by the measurement of both time to failure and direct-current (DC) leakage current as a function of stress time under highly accelerated life test conditions. The measured leakage current-time dependence data fit well to an exponential form, and a characteristic growth time ?SD can be determined. A greater value of tau(sub SD) represents a slower IR degradation process. Oxygen vacancy migration and localization at the grain boundary region results in the reduction of the Schottky barrier height and has been found to be the main reason for IR degradation in Ni-BaTiO3 capacitors. The reduction of barrier height as a function of time follows an exponential relation of phi (??)=phi (0)e(exp -2?t), where the degradation rate constant ??=??o??(????/????) is inversely proportional to the mean time to failure (MTTF) and can be determined using an Arrhenius plot. For oxygen vacancy electromigration, a lower barrier height phi(0) will favor a slow IR degradation process, but a lower phi(0) will also promote electronic carrier conduction across the barrier and decrease the insulation resistance. As a result, a moderate barrier height phi(0) (and therefore a moderate IR value) with a longer MTTF (smaller degradation rate constant ??) will result in a minimized IR degradation process and the most improved reliability in Ni-BaTiO3 multilayer ceramic capacitors.

Insulation Resistance Degradation in Ni-BaTiO3 Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Donhang David

2015-01-01

Insulation resistance (IR) degradation in NiBaTiO3 multilayer ceramic capacitors has been characterized by the measurement of both time to failure (TTF) and direct current leakage current as a function of stress time under highly accelerated life test conditions. The measured leakage current time dependence data fit well to an exponential form, and a characteristic growth time tau (sub SD) can be determined. A greater value of tau (sub SD) represents a slower IR degradation process. Oxygen vacancy migration and localization at the grain boundary region results in the reduction of the Schottky barrier height and has been found to be the main reason for IR degradation in NiBaTiO3 capacitors. The reduction of barrier height as a function oftime follows an exponential relation of phi (t ) = phi (0) e (exp -2Kt), where 13 the degradation rate constant K Koe (Ek/kT) is inversely proportional to the mean TTF (MTTF) and can be determined using an Arrhenius plot. For oxygen vacancy electromigration, a lower barrier height phi (0) will favor a slow IR degradation process, but a lower phi (0) will also promote electronic carrier conduction across the barrier and decrease the IR. As a result, a moderate barrier height phi (0) (and therefore a moderate IR value) with a longer MTTF (smaller degradation rate constant K) will result in a minimized IR degradation process and the most improved reliability in NiBaTiO3 multilayer ceramic capacitors.

The resolved star formation history of M51a through successive Bayesian marginalization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martínez-García, Eric E.; Bruzual, Gustavo; Magris C., Gladis; González-Lópezlira, Rosa A.

2018-02-01

We have obtained the time and space-resolved star formation history (SFH) of M51a (NGC 5194) by fitting Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX), Sloan Digital Sky Survey and near-infrared pixel-by-pixel photometry to a comprehensive library of stellar population synthesis models drawn from the Synthetic Spectral Atlas of Galaxies (SSAG). We fit for each space-resolved element (pixel) an independent model where the SFH is averaged in 137 age bins, each one 100 Myr wide. We used the Bayesian Successive Priors (BSP) algorithm to mitigate the bias in the present-day spatial mass distribution. We test BSP with different prior probability distribution functions (PDFs); this exercise suggests that the best prior PDF is the one concordant with the spatial distribution of the stellar mass as inferred from the near-infrared images. We also demonstrate that varying the implicit prior PDF of the SFH in SSAG does not affect the results. By summing the contributions to the global star formation rate of each pixel, at each age bin, we have assembled the resolved SFH of the whole galaxy. According to these results, the star formation rate of M51a was exponentially increasing for the first 10 Gyr after the big bang, and then turned into an exponentially decreasing function until the present day. Superimposed, we find a main burst of star formation at t ≈ 11.9 Gyr after the big bang.

Proton transfer to charged platinum electrodes. A molecular dynamics trajectory study.

PubMed

Wilhelm, Florian; Schmickler, Wolfgang; Spohr, Eckhard

2010-05-05

A recently developed empirical valence bond (EVB) model for proton transfer on Pt(111) electrodes (Wilhelm et al 2008 J. Phys. Chem. C 112 10814) has been applied in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of a water film in contact with a charged Pt surface. A total of seven negative surface charge densities σ between -7.5 and -18.9 µC cm(-2) were investigated. For each value of σ, between 30 and 84 initial conditions of a solvated proton within a water slab were sampled, and the trajectories were integrated until discharge of a proton occurred on the charged surfaces. We have calculated the mean rates for discharge and for adsorption of solvated protons within the adsorbed water layer in contact with the metal electrode as a function of surface charge density. For the less negative values of σ we observe a Tafel-like exponential increase of discharge rate with decreasing σ. At the more negative values this exponential increase levels off and the discharge process is apparently transport limited. Mechanistically, the Tafel regime corresponds to a stepwise proton transfer: first, a proton is transferred from the bulk into the contact water layer, which is followed by transfer of a proton to the charged surface and concomitant discharge. At the more negative surface charge densities the proton transfer into the contact water layer and the transfer of another proton to the surface and its discharge occur almost simultaneously.

Exponential decline of aftershocks of the M7.9 1868 great Kau earthquake, Hawaii, through the 20th century

USGS Publications Warehouse

Klein, F.W.; Wright, Tim

2008-01-01

The remarkable catalog of Hawaiian earthquakes going back to the 1820s is based on missionary diaries, newspaper accounts, and instrumental records and spans the great M7.9 Kau earthquake of April 1868 and its aftershock sequence. The earthquake record since 1868 defines a smooth curve complete to M5.2 of the declining rate into the 21st century, after five short volcanic swarms are removed. A single aftershock curve fits the earthquake record, even with numerous M6 and 7 main shocks and eruptions. The timing of some moderate earthquakes may be controlled by magmatic stresses, but their overall long-term rate reflects one of aftershocks of the Kau earthquake. The 1868 earthquake is, therefore, the largest and most controlling stress event in the 19th and 20th centuries. We fit both the modified Omori (power law) and stretched exponential (SE) functions to the earthquakes. We found that the modified Omori law is a good fit to the M ??? 5.2 earthquake rate for the first 10 years or so and the more rapidly declining SE function fits better thereafter, as supported by three statistical tests. The switch to exponential decay suggests that a possible change in aftershock physics may occur from rate and state fault friction, with no change in the stress rate, to viscoelastic stress relaxation. The 61-year exponential decay constant is at the upper end of the range of geodetic relaxation times seen after other global earthquakes. Modeling deformation in Hawaii is beyond the scope of this paper, but a simple interpretation of the decay suggests an effective viscosity of 1019 to 1020 Pa s pertains in the volcanic spreading of Hawaii's flanks. The rapid decline in earthquake rate poses questions for seismic hazard estimates in an area that is cited as one of the most hazardous in the United States.

Correlation between the change in the kinetics of the ribosomal RNA rrnB P2 promoter and the transition from lag to exponential phase with Pseudomonas fluorescens.

PubMed

McKellar, Robin C

2008-01-15

Developing accurate mathematical models to describe the pre-exponential lag phase in food-borne pathogens presents a considerable challenge to food microbiologists. While the growth rate is influenced by current environmental conditions, the lag phase is affected in addition by the history of the inoculum. A deeper understanding of physiological changes taking place during the lag phase would improve accuracy of models, and in earlier studies a strain of Pseudomonas fluorescens containing the Tn7-luxCDABE gene cassette regulated by the rRNA promoter rrnB P2 was used to measure the influence of starvation, growth temperature and sub-lethal heating on promoter expression and subsequent growth. The present study expands the models developed earlier to include a model which describes the change from exponential to linear increase in promoter expression with time when the exponential phase of growth commences. A two-phase linear model with Poisson weighting was used to estimate the lag (LPDLin) and the rate (RLin) for this linear increase in bioluminescence. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient (r=0.830) between the LPDLin and the growth lag phase (LPDOD) was extremely significant (P

Sediment transport and Hg recovery in Lavaca Bay, as evaluated from radionuclide and Hg distributions

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

Santschi, P.H.; Allison, M.A.; Asbill, S.

1999-02-01

Mercury was released in the late 1960s from a chloralkali facility managed by ALCOA and deposited into sediments of Lavaca Bay, TX. Sediments have recorded this event as a well-defined subsurface concentration maximum. Radionuclide, mercury, X-radiography, and grain size data from sediment cores taken in 1997 at 15 stations in Lavaca bay were used to assess sediment and Hg movements in the bay. Sediment accumulation rates were calculated from bomb fallout nuclide ({sup 137}Cs, {sup 239,240}Pu) peaks in 1963 and from the steady-state delivery of {sup 210}Pb from the atmosphere. Sedimentation rates are highest at near-shore sites near the ALCOAmore » facility and generally decrease away from shore. Sedimentation rates in some areas are likely influenced by anthropogenic activities such as dredging. Particle reworking, as assessed from {sup 7}Be measurements, is generally restricted to the upper 2--7 cm of sediments. Numerical simulations of Hg profiles using measured sedimentation and mixing parameters indicate that at most sites high remnant mercury concentrations at 15--60 cm depth cannot supply substantial amounts of Hg to surface sediments. Assuming no future Hg supplies, Hg concentrations in surface sediments are predicted to decrease exponentially with a recovery half-time of 4 {+-} 2 years.« less

Effects of benzocaine on the kinetics of normal and batrachotoxin-modified Na channels in frog node of Ranvier.

PubMed Central

Schneider, M F; Dubois, J M

1986-01-01

The effects of benzocaine (0.5-1 mM) on normal Na currents, and on Na current and gating charge movement (Q) of batrachotoxin (BTX)-modified Na channels were analyzed in voltage-clamped frog node of Ranvier. Without BTX treatment the decay of Na current during pulses to between -40 and 0 mV could be decomposed into two exponential components both in the absence and in the presence of benzocaine. Benzocaine did not significantly alter the inactivation time constant of either component, but reduced both their amplitudes. The amplitude of the slow inactivating component was more decreased by benzocaine than the amplitude of the fast one, leading to an apparently faster decline of the overall Na current. After removal of Na inactivation and charge movement immobilization by BTX, benzocaine decreased the amplitude of INa with no change in time course. INa, QON, and QOFF were all reduced by the same factor. The results suggest that the rate of reaction of benzocaine with its receptor is slow compared to the rates of channel activation and inactivation. The differential effects of benzocaine on the two components of Na current inactivation in normal channels can be explained assuming two types of channel with different rates of inactivation and different affinities for the drug. PMID:2428413

Studies on the Biochemistry and Fine Structure of Silica Shell Formation in Diatoms. Chemical Composition of Navicula pelliculosa during Silicon-Starvation Synchrony 1

PubMed Central

Coombs, J.; Darley, W. M.; Holm-Hansen, O.; Volcani, B. E.

1967-01-01

Changes are reported in total cellular organic carbon, nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and chlorophylls during the course of silicon-starvation synchrony of Navicula pelliculosa. All constituents increased at the same rate, relative to cell number, for 30 hours of exponential growth during which silicon was depleted from the medium. Increase in cell number then stopped, but net synthesis of most components continued for a further 5 to 7 hours before ceasing. Deoxyribonucleic acids and lipids accumulated throughout the 14 hour silicon-starvation period. When silicon was resupplied, lipid synthesis ceased and organic carbon and carbohydrates decreased slightly. Net synthesis remained low during the 4 hour silicon uptake period but was resumed at higher rates as cell number began to rise. In cultures transferred to the dark 1 hour prior to readdition of silicon, total carbon, carbohydrates, and lipids decreased markedly during silicon uptake and cell separation. This was due in part to conversion of protein which maintained the protein level of the dark cells close to that of cells kept in the light. Mechanisms by which silicon starvation and reintroduction of silicon might affect rates of cellular synthesis are discussed. PMID:6080872

Role of hexose transport in control of glycolytic flux in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Elbing, Karin; Larsson, Christer; Bill, Roslyn M; Albers, Eva; Snoep, Jacky L; Boles, Eckhard; Hohmann, Stefan; Gustafsson, Lena

2004-09-01

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae predominantly ferments glucose to ethanol at high external glucose concentrations, irrespective of the presence of oxygen. In contrast, at low external glucose concentrations and in the presence of oxygen, as in a glucose-limited chemostat, no ethanol is produced. The importance of the external glucose concentration suggests a central role for the affinity and maximal transport rates of yeast's glucose transporters in the control of ethanol production. Here we present a series of strains producing functional chimeras between the hexose transporters Hxt1 and Hxt7, each of which has distinct glucose transport characteristics. The strains display a range of decreasing glycolytic rates resulting in a proportional decrease in ethanol production. Using these strains, we show for the first time that at high glucose levels, the glucose uptake capacity of wild-type S. cerevisiae does not control glycolytic flux during exponential batch growth. In contrast, our chimeric Hxt transporters control the rate of glycolysis to a high degree. Strains whose glucose uptake is mediated by these chimeric transporters will undoubtedly provide a powerful tool with which to examine in detail the mechanism underlying the switch between fermentation and respiration in S. cerevisiae and will provide new tools for the control of industrial fermentations.

Role of Hexose Transport in Control of Glycolytic Flux in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

Elbing, Karin; Larsson, Christer; Bill, Roslyn M.; Albers, Eva; Snoep, Jacky L.; Boles, Eckhard; Hohmann, Stefan; Gustafsson, Lena

2004-01-01

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae predominantly ferments glucose to ethanol at high external glucose concentrations, irrespective of the presence of oxygen. In contrast, at low external glucose concentrations and in the presence of oxygen, as in a glucose-limited chemostat, no ethanol is produced. The importance of the external glucose concentration suggests a central role for the affinity and maximal transport rates of yeast's glucose transporters in the control of ethanol production. Here we present a series of strains producing functional chimeras between the hexose transporters Hxt1 and Hxt7, each of which has distinct glucose transport characteristics. The strains display a range of decreasing glycolytic rates resulting in a proportional decrease in ethanol production. Using these strains, we show for the first time that at high glucose levels, the glucose uptake capacity of wild-type S. cerevisiae does not control glycolytic flux during exponential batch growth. In contrast, our chimeric Hxt transporters control the rate of glycolysis to a high degree. Strains whose glucose uptake is mediated by these chimeric transporters will undoubtedly provide a powerful tool with which to examine in detail the mechanism underlying the switch between fermentation and respiration in S. cerevisiae and will provide new tools for the control of industrial fermentations. PMID:15345416

Effect of radiocesium transfer on ambient dose rate in forest environments affected by the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant accident

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kato, H.

2015-12-01

We investigated the transfer of canopy-intercepted radiocesium to the forest floor during 3 years following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. The cesium-137 (Cs-137) contents in throughfall, stemflow, and litterfall were monitored in two coniferous stands (plantation of Japanese cedar) and a deciduous broad-leaved forest stand (Japanese oak with red pine). We also measured the ambient dose rate (ADR) at different heights in the forest using a survey meter and a portable Ge gamma-ray detector. Total Cs-137 deposition flux from the canopy to forest floor for the mature cedar, young cedar, and the mixed broad-leaved stands were 166 kBq/m2, 174 kBq/m2, and 60 kBq/m2, respectively. These values correspond to 38%, 40% and 13% of total atmospheric input after the accident. The ambient dose rate in forest exhibited height dependency and its vertical distribution varied with forest type and stand age. The ambient dose rate showed an exponential decrease with time for all the forest sites, however the decreasing trend differed depending on the height of dose measurement and forest type. The ambient dose rate at the canopy (approx. 10 m-height) decreased faster than that expected from physical decay of the two radiocesium isotopes, whereas those at the forest floor varied between the three forest stands. The radiocesium deposition via throughfall seemed to increase ambient dose rate during the first 200 days after the accident, however there was no clear relationship between litterfall and ambient dose rate since 400 days after the accident. These data suggested that the ambient dose rate in forest environment varied both spatially and temporally reflecting the transfer of radiocesium from canopy to forest floor. However, further monitoring investigation and analysis are required to determine the effect of litterfall on long-term trend of ambient dose rate in forest environments.

Unusual effects of penicillin G and chloramphenicol on the growth of Moraxella osloensis.

PubMed

DeLeys, R J; Juni, E

1977-11-01

Growth of exponential-phase liquid cultures of Moraxella osloensis was inhibited by 0.5 U of penicillin G per ml. For this organism, low concentrations of penicillin acted primarily in a bacteriostatic rather than in a bactericidal manner. At higher concentrations of penicillin some killing did take place, but the rate of killing was rather slow and appeared to be independent of penicillin concentration. Microscopic observation of cells from penicillin-treated cultures showed little or no cellular swelling or lysis. The total cell count did not decrease significantly during 6 h of incubation in 5,000 U of penicillin per ml. The rates of respiration, nucleic acid synthesis, and protein synthesis were not affected by the presence of penicillin. Attempts to counteract the bactericidal action of high concentrations of penicillin with growth inhibitory concentrations of chloramphenicol were unsuccessful, since chloramphenicol itself was more bactericidal than penicillin for M. osloensis.

Unusual Effects of Penicillin G and Chloramphenicol on the Growth of Moraxella osloensis

PubMed Central

DeLeys, Robert J.; Juni, Elliot

1977-01-01

Growth of exponential-phase liquid cultures of Moraxella osloensis was inhibited by 0.5 U of penicillin G per ml. For this organism, low concentrations of penicillin acted primarily in a bacteriostatic rather than in a bactericidal manner. At higher concentrations of penicillin some killing did take place, but the rate of killing was rather slow and appeared to be independent of penicillin concentration. Microscopic observation of cells from penicillin-treated cultures showed little or no cellular swelling or lysis. The total cell count did not decrease significantly during 6 h of incubation in 5,000 U of penicillin per ml. The rates of respiration, nucleic acid synthesis, and protein synthesis were not affected by the presence of penicillin. Attempts to counteract the bactericidal action of high concentrations of penicillin with growth inhibitory concentrations of chloramphenicol were unsuccessful, since chloramphenicol itself was more bactericidal than penicillin for M. osloensis. PMID:335964

The effect of wet film thickness on VOC emissions from a finishing varnish.

PubMed

Lee, Shun-Cheng; Kwok, Ngai-Hong; Guo, Hai; Hung, Wing-Tat

2003-01-20

Finishing varnishes, a typical type of oil-based varnishes, are widely used to shine metal, wood trim and cabinet surfaces in Hong Kong. The influence of wet film thickness on volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from a finishing varnish was studied in an environmental test chamber. The varnish was applied on an aluminium foil with three different wet film thickness (35.2, 69.9 and 107.3 microm). The experimental conditions were 25.0 degrees C, 50.0% relative humidity (RH) with an air exchange rate of 0.5 h(-1). The concentrations of the major VOCs were monitored for the first 10 h. The air samples were collected by canisters and analysed by gas chromatography/mass selective detector (GC/MSD). Six major VOCs including toluene, chlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, m,p-xylene, o-xylene and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene were identified and quantified. Marked differences were observed for three different film thicknesses. VOC concentrations increased rapidly during the first few hours and then decreased as the emission rates declined. The thicker the wet film, the higher the VOC emissions. A model expression included an exponentially decreasing emission rate of varnish film. The concentration and time data measured in the chamber were used to determine the parameters of empirical emission rate model. The present work confirmed that the film thickness of varnish influenced markedly the concentrations and emissions of VOCs. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science B.V.

Observation of amorphous to crystalline phase transformation in Te substituted Sn-Sb-Se thin films

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

Chander, Ravi, E-mail: rcohri@yahoo.com

2015-05-15

Thin films of Sn-Sb-Se-Te (8 ≤ x ≤ 14) chalcogenide system were prepared by thermal evaporation technique using melt quenched bulk samples. The as-prepared thin films were found amorphous as evidenced from X-ray diffraction studies. Resistivity measurement showed an exponential decrease with temperature upto critical temperature (transition temperature) beyond which a sharp decrease was observed and with further increase in temperature showed an exponential decrease in resistivity with different activation energy. The transition temperature showed a decreasing trend with tellurium content in the sample. The resistivity measurement during cooling run showed no abrupt change in resistivity. The resistivity measurements ofmore » annealed films did not show any abrupt change revealing the structural transformation occurring in the material. The transition width showed an increase with tellurium content in the sample. The resistivity ratio showed two order of magnitude improvements for sample with higher tellurium content. The observed transition temperature in this system was found quite less than already commercialized Ge-Sb-Te system for optical and electronic memories.« less

Proportional Feedback Control of Energy Intake During Obesity Pharmacotherapy.

PubMed

Hall, Kevin D; Sanghvi, Arjun; Göbel, Britta

2017-12-01

Obesity pharmacotherapies result in an exponential time course for energy intake whereby large early decreases dissipate over time. This pattern of declining drug efficacy to decrease energy intake results in a weight loss plateau within approximately 1 year. This study aimed to elucidate the physiology underlying the exponential decay of drug effects on energy intake. Placebo-subtracted energy intake time courses were examined during long-term obesity pharmacotherapy trials for 14 different drugs or drug combinations within the theoretical framework of a proportional feedback control system regulating human body weight. Assuming each obesity drug had a relatively constant effect on average energy intake and did not affect other model parameters, our model correctly predicted that long-term placebo-subtracted energy intake was linearly related to early reductions in energy intake according to a prespecified equation with no free parameters. The simple model explained about 70% of the variance between drug studies with respect to the long-term effects on energy intake, although a significant proportional bias was evident. The exponential decay over time of obesity pharmacotherapies to suppress energy intake can be interpreted as a relatively constant effect of each drug superimposed on a physiological feedback control system regulating body weight. © 2017 The Obesity Society.

Measured removal rates of chrysotile asbestos fibers from air and comparison with theoretical estimates based on gravitational settling and dilution ventilation.

PubMed

Sahmel, J; Avens, H J; Scott, P K; Unice, K; Burns, A; Barlow, C A; Madl, A K; Henshaw, J; Paustenbach, D J

2015-01-01

Industrial hygiene assessments often focus on activity-based airborne asbestos concentration measurements, but few empirical data exist regarding the fiber removal rate from air after activities cease. Grade 7T chrysotile indoor fiber settling (FS) rates were characterized using air sampling (NIOSH Method 7402). Six replicate events were conducted in a 58 m(3) study chamber (ventilation 3.5 ACH), in which chrysotile-contaminated work clothing was manipulated for 15 min followed by 30 min of no activity. The fiber concentration decay constant and removal rate were characterized using an exponential decay model based on the measurements. Breathing zone airborne chrysotile concentrations decreased by 86% within 15-30 min after fiber disturbance, compared to concentrations during active disturbance (p < 0.05). Estimated mean time required for 99% of the phase contrast microscopy-equivalent (PCME) fibers to be removed from air was approximately 30 min (95% CI: 22-57 min). The observed effective FS velocity was 0.0034 m/s. This settling velocity was between 4.5-fold and 180-fold faster than predicted by two different particulate gravitational settling models. Additionally, PCME concentrations decreased approximately 2.5-fold faster than predicted due to air exchange alone (32 versus 79 min to 99% decrease in concentration). Other measurement studies have reported similar airborne fiber removal rates, supporting the finding that factors other than gravitational settling and dilution ventilation contribute measurably to PCM fiber removal from air (e.g. impaction, agglomeration). Overall, the scientific weight of evidence indicates that the time necessary for removal of 99% of fibers greater than 5 μm in length (with aspect ratios greater than 3:1) is approximately 20-80 min.

An estimation of intracranial blood flow in the new-born infant.

PubMed Central

Cross, K W; Dear, P R; Hathorn, M K; Hyams, A; Kerslake, D M; Milligan, D W; Rahilly, P M; Stothers, J K

1979-01-01

1. A non-invasive method for the estimation of the intracranial blood flow of the new-born infant is described, and results obtained with it are presented. 2. The technique is a novel application of the principle of blood flow measurement by venous occlusion plethysmography. It is possible to apply a plethysmographic technique to the neonatal cranium because the presence of open sutures between the component bones permits small, but readily measurable, changes in intracranial volume to occur. 3. Skull volume changes are calculated from changes in the occipito-frontal circumference of the cranium as recorded and measured with a mercury-in-Silastic strain gauge. 4. The jugular veins in the baby's neck are occluded by finger pressure and there follows an increase in skull volume, which is rapid at first, but which decreases exponentially as venous drainage diverts to non-occluded channels such as the vertebral venous plexus. At the instant of jugular occlusion the rate of skull volume increase is representative of the rate of flow in the jugular vessels prior to occlusion, and so provides an index of the relative magnitude of the intracranial blood flow. The method thus allows changes in intracranial blood flow to be followed. When occlusion is released cranial volume decreases, initially rapidly, but slowing exponentially as resting volume is regained. 5. A theoretical model of the events occurring during the inflow and outflow phases has been developed, and a formula derived which allows an estimation to be made of the flow of blood through uncompressed channels. The measured value of jugular blood flow can then be augmented to an estimate of total intracranial flow. 6. The mean cerebral blood flow of sixteen normal babies was estimated to be 40 ml. 100 g-1.min-1 (S.D. = +/- 11.63). Images Fig. 2 Fig. 6 PMID:458665

Inference of Epidemiological Dynamics Based on Simulated Phylogenies Using Birth-Death and Coalescent Models

PubMed Central

Boskova, Veronika; Bonhoeffer, Sebastian; Stadler, Tanja

2014-01-01

Quantifying epidemiological dynamics is crucial for understanding and forecasting the spread of an epidemic. The coalescent and the birth-death model are used interchangeably to infer epidemiological parameters from the genealogical relationships of the pathogen population under study, which in turn are inferred from the pathogen genetic sequencing data. To compare the performance of these widely applied models, we performed a simulation study. We simulated phylogenetic trees under the constant rate birth-death model and the coalescent model with a deterministic exponentially growing infected population. For each tree, we re-estimated the epidemiological parameters using both a birth-death and a coalescent based method, implemented as an MCMC procedure in BEAST v2.0. In our analyses that estimate the growth rate of an epidemic based on simulated birth-death trees, the point estimates such as the maximum a posteriori/maximum likelihood estimates are not very different. However, the estimates of uncertainty are very different. The birth-death model had a higher coverage than the coalescent model, i.e. contained the true value in the highest posterior density (HPD) interval more often (2–13% vs. 31–75% error). The coverage of the coalescent decreases with decreasing basic reproductive ratio and increasing sampling probability of infecteds. We hypothesize that the biases in the coalescent are due to the assumption of deterministic rather than stochastic population size changes. Both methods performed reasonably well when analyzing trees simulated under the coalescent. The methods can also identify other key epidemiological parameters as long as one of the parameters is fixed to its true value. In summary, when using genetic data to estimate epidemic dynamics, our results suggest that the birth-death method will be less sensitive to population fluctuations of early outbreaks than the coalescent method that assumes a deterministic exponentially growing infected population. PMID:25375100

Wildfires in Siberian Mountain Forest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kharuk, V.; Ponomarev, E. I.; Antamoshkina, O.

2017-12-01

The annual burned area in Russia was estimated as 0.55 to 20 Mha with >70% occurred in Siberia. We analyzed Siberian wildfires distribution with respect to elevation, slope steepness and exposure. In addition, wildfires temporal dynamic and latitudinal range were analyzed. We used daily thermal anomalies derived from NOAA/AVHRR and Terra/MODIS satellites (1990-2016). Fire return intervals were (FRI) calculated based on the dendrochronology analysis of samples taken from trees with burn marks. Spatial distribution of wildfires dependent on topo features: relative burned area increase with elevation increase (ca. 1100 m), switching to following decrease. The wildfires frequency exponentially decreased within lowlands - highlands transition. Burned area is increasing with slope steepness increase (up to 5-10°). Fire return intervals (FRI) on the southfacing slopes are about 30% longer than on the north facing. Wildfire re-occurrence is decreasing exponentially: 90% of burns were caused by single fires, 8.5% by double fires, 1% burned three times, and on about 0.05% territory wildfires occurred four times (observed period: 75 yr.). Wildfires area and number, as well as FRI, also dependent on latitude: relative burned area increasing exponentially in norward direction, whereas relative fire number is exponentially decreasing. FRI increases in the northward direction: from 80 years at 62°N to 200 years at the Arctic Circle, and to 300 years at the northern limit of closed forests ( 71+°N). Fire frequency, fire danger period and FRI are strongly correlated with incoming solar radiation (r = 0.81 - 0.95). In 21-s century, a positive trend of wildfires number and area observed in mountain areas in all Siberia. Thus, burned area and number of fires in Siberia are significantly increased since 1990th (R2 =0.47, R2 =0.69, respectively), and that increase correlated with air temperatures and climate aridity increases. However, wildfires are essential for supporting fire-resistant species (e.g., Larix sibirica, L, dahurica and Pinus silvestris) reforestation and completion with non-fire-resistant species. This work was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, the Government of the Krasnoyarsk krai, the Krasnoyarsk Fund for Support of Scientific and Technological Activities (N 17-41-240475)

A New Labor Theory of Value for Rational Planning Through Use of the Bourgeois Profit Rate

PubMed Central

Weizsäcker, C. C. Von; Samuelson, Paul A.

1971-01-01

To maximaze steady-state per capita consumptions, goods should be valued at their “synchronized labor requirement costs”, which are shown to deviate from Marx's schemata of “values” but to coincide with bourgeois prices calculated at dated labor requirements, marked-up by compound interest, at a profit or interest rate equal to the system's rate of exponential growth. With capitalists saving all their incomes for future profits, workers get all there is to get. Departures from such an exogenous, or endogenous, golden-rule state are the rule in history rather than the exception. In the case of exponential labor-augmenting change, it is shown that competitive prices will equal historically embodied labor content. PMID:16591926

Thermally induced spin rate ripple on spacecraft with long radial appendages

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fedor, J. V.

1983-01-01

A thermally induced spin rate ripple hypothesis is proposed to explain the spin rate anomaly observed on ISEE-B. It involves the two radial 14.5 meter beryllium copper tape ribbons going in and out of the spacecraft hub shadow. A thermal lag time constant is applied to the thermally induced ribbon displacements which perturb the spin rate. It is inferred that the averaged thermally induced ribbon displacements are coupled to the ribbon angular motion. A possible exponential build up of the inplane motion of the ribbon which in turn causes the spin rate ripple, ultimately limited by damping in the ribbon and spacecraft is shown. It is indicated that qualitative increase in the oscillation period and the thermal lag is fundamental for the period increase. found that numerical parameter values required to agree with in orbit initial exponential build up are reasonable; those required for the ripple period are somewhat extreme.

Recent deformation rates on Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grimm, Robert E.

1994-01-01

Constraints on the recent geological evolution of Venus may be provided by quantitative estimates of the rates of the principal resurfacing processes, volcanism and tectonism. This paper focuses on the latter, using impact craters as strain indicators. The total postimpact tectonic strain lies in the range 0.5-6.5%, which defines a recent mean strain rate of 10(exp -18)-10(exp -17)/s when divided by the mean surface age. Interpretation of the cratering record as one of pure production requires a decline in resurfacing rates at about 500 Ma (catastrophic resurfacing model). If distributed tectonic resurfacing contributed strongly before that time, as suggested by the widespread occurrence of tessera as inliers, the mean global strain rate must have been at least approximately 10(exp -15)/s, which is also typical of terrestrial active margins. Numerical calculations of the response of the lithosphere to inferred mantle convective forces were performed to test the hypothesis that a decrease in surface strain rate by at least two orders of magnitude could be caused by a steady decline in heat flow over the last billion years. Parameterized convection models predict that the mean global thermal gradient decreases by only about 5 K/km over this time; even with the exponential dependence of viscosity upon temperature, the surface strain rate drops by little more than one order of magnitude. Strongly unsteady cooling and very low thermal gradients today are necessary to satisfy the catastrophic model. An alternative, uniformitarian resurfacing hypothesis holds that Venus is resurfaced in quasi-random 'patches' several hundred kilometers in size that occur in response to changing mantle convection patterns.

Study of Comets Composition and Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalaf, S. Z.; Selman, A. A.; Ali, H. S.

2008-12-01

The present paper focuses on the nature of the different interactions between cometary nucleus and tail with solar wind. The dynamics of the comet will impose many features that provide unique behavior of the comet when entering the solar system. These features are reviewed in this paper and few investigations are made. The calculations made in this work represent the analysis and interpretation of the different features of the comet, such as perihelion and eccentricity dependence on the gas production rate, and the dependence of the latter on the composition of the comet nucleus. The dependences of the heliocentric, bow shock, contact surface, and stand-off distances with gas production rate for many types of comets that cover linear and non-linear types are studied in this work. Important results are obtained which indicated the different physical interactions between cometary ions and solar wind. Furthermore, the important relation between mean molecular weight and gas production rate are analyzed and studied in this work and a conclusion is made that, as the gas production rate increases, the mean molecular weight will decrease exponentially. A detailed discussion for this unique relation is given.

Leaching of radionuclides from decaying blueberry leaves: Relative rate independent of concentration

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

Sheppard, S.C.; Evenden, W.G.

Leaching of radionuclides from decaying vegetation has not been extensively investigated, especially for radionuclides other than {sup 137}Cs. The authors obtained leaves of blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium {times} V. corymbosum) that contained over 25-fold ranges in Se, Cs, and I concentrations, as well as a small quantity of leaves containing detectable U. All were contaminated by way of root uptake. Leaching took place for a period of 1 yr in the laboratory, using leach water from forest litter. Monthly, measurements were made of the radionuclide contents and decaying leaf dry weights. The data conformed to an exponential decay model with twomore » first-order components. In no case did the relative loss rates vary systematically with the initial tissue radionuclide concentrations. Loss rates decreased in the order Cs > I > U > dry wt. > Se. Because of the low leaching rate of Se relative to the loss of dry weight, decaying litter may actually accumulate elements such as Se. Accumulation of radionuclides in litter could have important implications for lateral transport, recycling, and direct incorporation into edible mushrooms.« less

Trends analysis of PM source contributions and chemical tracers in NE Spain during 2004-2014: a multi-exponential approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandolfi, Marco; Alastuey, Andrés; Pérez, Noemi; Reche, Cristina; Castro, Iria; Shatalov, Victor; Querol, Xavier

2016-09-01

In this work for the first time data from two twin stations (Barcelona, urban background, and Montseny, regional background), located in the northeast (NE) of Spain, were used to study the trends of the concentrations of different chemical species in PM10 and PM2.5 along with the trends of the PM10 source contributions from the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. Eleven years of chemical data (2004-2014) were used for this study. Trends of both species concentrations and source contributions were studied using the Mann-Kendall test for linear trends and a new approach based on multi-exponential fit of the data. Despite the fact that different PM fractions (PM2.5, PM10) showed linear decreasing trends at both stations, the contributions of specific sources of pollutants and of their chemical tracers showed exponential decreasing trends. The different types of trends observed reflected the different effectiveness and/or time of implementation of the measures taken to reduce the concentrations of atmospheric pollutants. Moreover, the trends of the contributions of specific sources such as those related with industrial activities and with primary energy consumption mirrored the effect of the financial crisis in Spain from 2008. The sources that showed statistically significant downward trends at both Barcelona (BCN) and Montseny (MSY) during 2004-2014 were secondary sulfate, secondary nitrate, and V-Ni-bearing source. The contributions from these sources decreased exponentially during the considered period, indicating that the observed reductions were not gradual and consistent over time. Conversely, the trends were less steep at the end of the period compared to the beginning, thus likely indicating the attainment of a lower limit. Moreover, statistically significant decreasing trends were observed for the contributions to PM from the industrial/traffic source at MSY (mixed metallurgy and road traffic) and from the industrial (metallurgy mainly) source at BCN. These sources were clearly linked with anthropogenic activities, and the observed decreasing trends confirmed the effectiveness of pollution control measures implemented at European or regional/local levels. Conversely, at regional level, the contributions from sources mostly linked with natural processes, such as aged marine and aged organics, did not show statistically significant trends. The trends observed for the PM10 source contributions reflected the trends observed for the chemical tracers of these pollutant sources well.

Optimizing rice yields while minimizing yield-scaled global warming potential.

PubMed

Pittelkow, Cameron M; Adviento-Borbe, Maria A; van Kessel, Chris; Hill, James E; Linquist, Bruce A

2014-05-01

To meet growing global food demand with limited land and reduced environmental impact, agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are increasingly evaluated with respect to crop productivity, i.e., on a yield-scaled as opposed to area basis. Here, we compiled available field data on CH4 and N2 O emissions from rice production systems to test the hypothesis that in response to fertilizer nitrogen (N) addition, yield-scaled global warming potential (GWP) will be minimized at N rates that maximize yields. Within each study, yield N surplus was calculated to estimate deficit or excess N application rates with respect to the optimal N rate (defined as the N rate at which maximum yield was achieved). Relationships between yield N surplus and GHG emissions were assessed using linear and nonlinear mixed-effects models. Results indicate that yields increased in response to increasing N surplus when moving from deficit to optimal N rates. At N rates contributing to a yield N surplus, N2 O and yield-scaled N2 O emissions increased exponentially. In contrast, CH4 emissions were not impacted by N inputs. Accordingly, yield-scaled CH4 emissions decreased with N addition. Overall, yield-scaled GWP was minimized at optimal N rates, decreasing by 21% compared to treatments without N addition. These results are unique compared to aerobic cropping systems in which N2 O emissions are the primary contributor to GWP, meaning yield-scaled GWP may not necessarily decrease for aerobic crops when yields are optimized by N fertilizer addition. Balancing gains in agricultural productivity with climate change concerns, this work supports the concept that high rice yields can be achieved with minimal yield-scaled GWP through optimal N application rates. Moreover, additional improvements in N use efficiency may further reduce yield-scaled GWP, thereby strengthening the economic and environmental sustainability of rice systems. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The Effect of Ion Adsorption on Microbial Dissimilatory Iron-Reduction and the Mobility of Adsorbed As(V)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, B. A.; Stillings, L. L.

2003-12-01

The effect of varying environmental conditions on the microbial reduction of Fe(III) and the mobility of adsorbed As(V) was investigated by studying the kinetics of reductive dissolution of synthetic, hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) in three batch-reactor experiments. Growth medium, containing HFO as an electron acceptor (EA) and acetate as an electron donor (ED), was dispensed into 500-ml septum sealed serum bottles. Each bottle was inoculated with an enrichment culture (MEC) containing an anaerobic Fe-reducing bacterium obtained from sediments at Milltown Reservoir near Missoula, MT. Each enrichment culture grew for at least 600 hrs and exhibited both exponential and stationary growth. Microbial reduction was monitored by measuring the production of dissolved Fe(II). Total Fe(II) was calculated by applying a Langmuir adsorption model, developed for each growth condition, to the measured dissolved Fe(II). Total Fe(II) production was modeled by: x = Xs(1-e-ket)-[kL(e-ket)]+(kL/ke) where x is the total Fe(II) concentration (mM) at t, ke is the exponential production rate constant (hr-1), Xs is the total Fe(II) concentration (mM) at the time of transition between exponential and stationary growth, t is the time since inoculation minus lag time, and kL is the stationary (linear) production rate constant (mM hr-1). From our experiments we learned that: 1) increasing the concentration of EA from 10-30 mM had no effect on the value of ke, which remained constant at 0.015 hr-1. However, the maximum production rate, Rmax = (ke Xs)+kL, did increase with increasing EA, varying from 0.014-0.031 mM hr-1; 2) increasing the concentration of ED from 10-30 mM had no effect on either ke or Rmax. These values remained constant as ED increased; 3) sorption of As(V) to the EA (in mM ratios of 1:10 and 1:30, As(V):HFO) affected Rmax but not ke. Rmax increased with increasing EA, as observed earlier, but its value was lower than in cultures without arsenic. In the presence of As(V), Rmax was unaffected by increasing ED. Microbial reduction of EA did not result in the release of aqueous As(V) or As(III). In all cases, representative blank and kill controls were run concurrent with growth experiments. No Fe(II) production was observed in the controls. The modeling method showed that increases in Rmax, when observed, were due to an elongated exponential growth phase. We conclude that the availability of surface sites to the culture is the controlling factor in microbial iron reduction. The length of the exponential growth phase depends on the concentration of surface sites available for microbial reduction. Adsorbed Fe(II) or As(V) inhibits reduction by decreasing the concentration of available surface sites. Likewise, increasing the initial concentration of EA increases the concentration of available surface sites thus increasing Rmax.

Rapid growth of seed black holes in the early universe by supra-exponential accretion.

PubMed

Alexander, Tal; Natarajan, Priyamvada

2014-09-12

Mass accretion by black holes (BHs) is typically capped at the Eddington rate, when radiation's push balances gravity's pull. However, even exponential growth at the Eddington-limited e-folding time t(E) ~ few × 0.01 billion years is too slow to grow stellar-mass BH seeds into the supermassive luminous quasars that are observed when the universe is 1 billion years old. We propose a dynamical mechanism that can trigger supra-exponential accretion in the early universe, when a BH seed is bound in a star cluster fed by the ubiquitous dense cold gas flows. The high gas opacity traps the accretion radiation, while the low-mass BH's random motions suppress the formation of a slowly draining accretion disk. Supra-exponential growth can thus explain the puzzling emergence of supermassive BHs that power luminous quasars so soon after the Big Bang. Copyright © 2014, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

New exponential synchronization criteria for time-varying delayed neural networks with discontinuous activations.

PubMed

Cai, Zuowei; Huang, Lihong; Zhang, Lingling

2015-05-01

This paper investigates the problem of exponential synchronization of time-varying delayed neural networks with discontinuous neuron activations. Under the extended Filippov differential inclusion framework, by designing discontinuous state-feedback controller and using some analytic techniques, new testable algebraic criteria are obtained to realize two different kinds of global exponential synchronization of the drive-response system. Moreover, we give the estimated rate of exponential synchronization which depends on the delays and system parameters. The obtained results extend some previous works on synchronization of delayed neural networks not only with continuous activations but also with discontinuous activations. Finally, numerical examples are provided to show the correctness of our analysis via computer simulations. Our method and theoretical results have a leading significance in the design of synchronized neural network circuits involving discontinuous factors and time-varying delays. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tropisms of Avena coleoptiles: sine law for gravitropism, exponential law for photogravitropic equilibrium.

PubMed

Galland, Paul

2002-09-01

The quantitative relation between gravitropism and phototropism was analyzed for light-grown coleoptiles of Avena sativa (L.). With respect to gravitropism the coleoptiles obeyed the sine law. To study the interaction between light and gravity, coleoptiles were inclined at variable angles and irradiated for 7 h with unilateral blue light (466 nm) impinging at right angles relative to the axis of the coleoptile. The phototropic stimulus was applied from the side opposite to the direction of gravitropic bending. The fluence rate that was required to counteract the negative gravitropism increased exponentially with the sine of the inclination angle. To achieve balance, a linear increase in the gravitropic stimulus required compensation by an exponential increase in the counteracting phototropic stimulus. The establishment of photogravitropic equilibrium during continuous unilateral irradiation is thus determined by two different laws: the well-known sine law for gravitropism and a novel exponential law for phototropism described in this work.

Analyses and simulation to spatial pattern of land utilization in Guangzhu City

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xin-chang; Zhang, Wen-jiang; Ma, Kun

2006-10-01

Based on Landsat TM remote sensing images in 1990 and 2000, we analyses the temporal and spatial pattern Characters of land use in the 1990s in Guangzhou city. We also simulate the scenarios of land-use pattern in 2010 by integrating the Markov process into cellular automata model. The results show that the area of constructions was rapid increasing during the last ten years of the 20th century, at the same time the arable land, woodland and unused land areas were decreasing, the orchard and water areas were rarely changed; In the first ten years of 21st century, land use pattern keep the change trend in the 1990s, land of constructions continue rapid increasing; arable land and unused land areas continue rapid decreasing; woodland, orchard and water areas keep steadily. Research shows that the extent of urban area has increased exponentially in Guangzhou city, no evidences show that the arable land decreasing rate will slow down in the near future. So, it is necessary to enhance the control functions of land use planning and take actives measures to protect arable land.

Fully automatic hp-adaptivity for acoustic and electromagnetic scattering in three dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurtz, Jason Patrick

We present an algorithm for fully automatic hp-adaptivity for finite element approximations of elliptic and Maxwell boundary value problems in three dimensions. The algorithm automatically generates a sequence of coarse grids, and a corresponding sequence of fine grids, such that the energy norm of the error decreases exponentially with respect to the number of degrees of freedom in either sequence. At each step, we employ a discrete optimization algorithm to determine the refinements for the current coarse grid such that the projection-based interpolation error for the current fine grid solution decreases with an optimal rate with respect to the number of degrees of freedom added by the refinement. The refinements are restricted only by the requirement that the resulting mesh is at most 1-irregular, but they may be anisotropic in both element size h and order of approximation p. While we cannot prove that our method converges at all, we present numerical evidence of exponential convergence for a diverse suite of model problems from acoustic and electromagnetic scattering. In particular we show that our method is well suited to the automatic resolution of exterior problems truncated by the introduction of a perfectly matched layer. To enable and accelerate the solution of these problems on commodity hardware, we include a detailed account of three critical aspects of our implementation, namely an efficient implementation of sum factorization, several efficient interfaces to the direct multi-frontal solver MUMPS, and some fast direct solvers for the computation of a sequence of nested projections.

Effects of density on growth, metamorphosis, and survivorship in tadpoles of Scaphiopus holbrooki

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

Semlitsch, R.D.; Caldwell, J.P.

1982-08-01

Density-dependent aspects of growth, metamorphosis, and survivorship of Scaphiopus holbrooki tadpoles were examined in the laboratory under two experimental regimes. In the first density experiment, the growth index (W) of tadpoles decreased exponentially with density. Mean growth rate varied from 0.023 mL/d at the lowest density to 0.006 mL/d at the highest density. The mean number of days to metamorphic climax was positively associated with the initial density treatment: 27 d at the lowest density to 86 d at the highest density. The body size of tadpoles at metamorphosis showed a concave curvilinear relationship to initial density, indicating tadpoles atmore » the highest densities are apparently capable to growth recovery once released from density stress. The survival of tadpoles decreased exponentially with initial density, from 90% at the lowest density to 20% at the highest initial density. In the second experiment a cross-classified design was used to examine the effects of density and duration of treatment (time) on growth and metamorphosis. Density and time had significant effects on body size at metamorphosis and days to metamorphosis. There was no significant interaction between density and time. These results indicate that the inhibitory effect of density stress varies with the duration of the stress. Scaphiopus holbrooki tadpoles exhibit developmental traits (rapid growth, short larval period, small body size at metamorphosis) that should be favored by natural selection in high density habitats. Dispersability may be a mechanism whereby S. holbrooki can minimize the detrimental effects of density stress.« less

A decades-long fast-rise-exponential-decay flare in low-luminosity AGN NGC 7213

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Zhen; Xie, Fu-Guo

2018-03-01

We analysed the four-decades-long X-ray light curve of the low-luminosity active galactic nucleus (LLAGN) NGC 7213 and discovered a fast-rise-exponential-decay (FRED) pattern, i.e. the X-ray luminosity increased by a factor of ≈4 within 200 d, and then decreased exponentially with an e-folding time ≈8116 d (≈22.2 yr). For the theoretical understanding of the observations, we examined three variability models proposed in the literature: the thermal-viscous disc instability model, the radiation pressure instability model, and the TDE model. We find that a delayed tidal disruption of a main-sequence star is most favourable; either the thermal-viscous disc instability model or radiation pressure instability model fails to explain some key properties observed, thus we argue them unlikely.

Socio-Economic Instability and the Scaling of Energy Use with Population Size

PubMed Central

DeLong, John P.; Burger, Oskar

2015-01-01

The size of the human population is relevant to the development of a sustainable world, yet the forces setting growth or declines in the human population are poorly understood. Generally, population growth rates depend on whether new individuals compete for the same energy (leading to Malthusian or density-dependent growth) or help to generate new energy (leading to exponential and super-exponential growth). It has been hypothesized that exponential and super-exponential growth in humans has resulted from carrying capacity, which is in part determined by energy availability, keeping pace with or exceeding the rate of population growth. We evaluated the relationship between energy use and population size for countries with long records of both and the world as a whole to assess whether energy yields are consistent with the idea of an increasing carrying capacity. We find that on average energy use has indeed kept pace with population size over long time periods. We also show, however, that the energy-population scaling exponent plummets during, and its temporal variability increases preceding, periods of social, political, technological, and environmental change. We suggest that efforts to increase the reliability of future energy yields may be essential for stabilizing both population growth and the global socio-economic system. PMID:26091499

Socio-Economic Instability and the Scaling of Energy Use with Population Size.

PubMed

DeLong, John P; Burger, Oskar

2015-01-01

The size of the human population is relevant to the development of a sustainable world, yet the forces setting growth or declines in the human population are poorly understood. Generally, population growth rates depend on whether new individuals compete for the same energy (leading to Malthusian or density-dependent growth) or help to generate new energy (leading to exponential and super-exponential growth). It has been hypothesized that exponential and super-exponential growth in humans has resulted from carrying capacity, which is in part determined by energy availability, keeping pace with or exceeding the rate of population growth. We evaluated the relationship between energy use and population size for countries with long records of both and the world as a whole to assess whether energy yields are consistent with the idea of an increasing carrying capacity. We find that on average energy use has indeed kept pace with population size over long time periods. We also show, however, that the energy-population scaling exponent plummets during, and its temporal variability increases preceding, periods of social, political, technological, and environmental change. We suggest that efforts to increase the reliability of future energy yields may be essential for stabilizing both population growth and the global socio-economic system.

Test Exponential Pile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fermi, Enrico

The Patent contains an extremely detailed description of an atomic pile employing natural uranium as fissile material and graphite as moderator. It starts with the discussion of the theory of the intervening phenomena, in particular the evaluation of the reproduction or multiplication factor, K, that is the ratio of the number of fast neutrons produced in one generation by the fissions to the original number of fast neutrons, in a system of infinite size. The possibility of having a self-maintaining chain reaction in a system of finite size depends both on the facts that K is greater than unity and the overall size of the system is sufficiently large to minimize the percentage of neutrons escaping from the system. After the description of a possible realization of such a pile (with many detailed drawings), the various kinds of neutron losses in a pile are depicted. Particularly relevant is the reported "invention" of the exponential experiment: since theoretical calculations can determine whether or not a chain reaction will occur in a give system, but can be invalidated by uncertainties in the parameters of the problem, an experimental test of the pile is proposed, aimed at ascertaining if the pile under construction would be divergent (i.e. with a neutron multiplication factor K greater than 1) by making measurements on a smaller pile. The idea is to measure, by a detector containing an indium foil, the exponential decrease of the neutron density along the length of a column of uranium-graphite lattice, where a neutron source is placed near its base. Such an exponential decrease is greater or less than that expected due to leakage, according to whether the K factor is less or greater than 1, so that this experiment is able to test the criticality of the pile, its accuracy increasing with the size of the column. In order to perform this measure a mathematical description of the effect of neutron production, diffusion, and absorption on the neutron density in the structure is given. In particular, a mathematical formula is given for the neutron density distribution at various points throughout a pile with a parallelepiped geometry. This expression is discussed in details, with regard to its possible approximate form and the corrections needed when the approximations are not valid. From the discussion, a definition of the so-called "critical size" emerges, that is the size for which the total surface to volume ratio of the entire pile is such that the rate of neutron loss is reduced to a value less than the rate of neutron production; the expressions of the critical radius for various geometrical structures are given. Finally, it is reported in detail a measurement of the neutron density in a pile built with a rectangular geometrical arrangement of uranium boxes in graphite blocks. As a result of this "invention", it was proposed a structure with an actual K factor of 1.054: this structure was built and operated at various rates of power production in the form of heat. For the present Patent, there is no "reference" published article, although some material appears also in [Anderson (1942b)] of March 26, 1942. More in general, some results are as well present in several papers of Volume II of the Fermi Collected Papers [Fermi (1962)] but many details (including several figures) are reported only in the present Patent.

Linear and exponential TAIL-PCR: a method for efficient and quick amplification of flanking sequences adjacent to Tn5 transposon insertion sites.

PubMed

Jia, Xianbo; Lin, Xinjian; Chen, Jichen

2017-11-02

Current genome walking methods are very time consuming, and many produce non-specific amplification products. To amplify the flanking sequences that are adjacent to Tn5 transposon insertion sites in Serratia marcescens FZSF02, we developed a genome walking method based on TAIL-PCR. This PCR method added a 20-cycle linear amplification step before the exponential amplification step to increase the concentration of the target sequences. Products of the linear amplification and the exponential amplification were diluted 100-fold to decrease the concentration of the templates that cause non-specific amplification. Fast DNA polymerase with a high extension speed was used in this method, and an amplification program was used to rapidly amplify long specific sequences. With this linear and exponential TAIL-PCR (LETAIL-PCR), we successfully obtained products larger than 2 kb from Tn5 transposon insertion mutant strains within 3 h. This method can be widely used in genome walking studies to amplify unknown sequences that are adjacent to known sequences.

Determination of the self-adjoint matrix Schrödinger operators without the bound state data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Xiao-Chuan; Yang, Chuan-Fu

2018-06-01

(i) For the matrix Schrödinger operator on the half line, it is shown that the scattering data, which consists of the scattering matrix and the bound state data, uniquely determines the potential and the boundary condition. It is also shown that only the scattering matrix uniquely determines the self-adjoint potential and the boundary condition if either the potential exponentially decreases fast enough or the potential is known a priori on (), where a is an any fixed positive number. (ii) For the matrix Schrödinger operator on the full line, it is shown that the left (or right) reflection coefficient uniquely determine the self-adjoint potential if either the potential exponentially decreases fast enough or the potential is known a priori on (or ()), where b is an any fixed number.

Exponential growth for self-reproduction in a catalytic reaction network: relevance of a minority molecular species and crowdedness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamimura, Atsushi; Kaneko, Kunihiko

2018-03-01

Explanation of exponential growth in self-reproduction is an important step toward elucidation of the origins of life because optimization of the growth potential across rounds of selection is necessary for Darwinian evolution. To produce another copy with approximately the same composition, the exponential growth rates for all components have to be equal. How such balanced growth is achieved, however, is not a trivial question, because this kind of growth requires orchestrated replication of the components in stochastic and nonlinear catalytic reactions. By considering a mutually catalyzing reaction in two- and three-dimensional lattices, as represented by a cellular automaton model, we show that self-reproduction with exponential growth is possible only when the replication and degradation of one molecular species is much slower than those of the others, i.e., when there is a minority molecule. Here, the synergetic effect of molecular discreteness and crowding is necessary to produce the exponential growth. Otherwise, the growth curves show superexponential growth because of nonlinearity of the catalytic reactions or subexponential growth due to replication inhibition by overcrowding of molecules. Our study emphasizes that the minority molecular species in a catalytic reaction network is necessary for exponential growth at the primitive stage of life.

Hydrostatic constraints on morphological exploitation of light in tall Sequoia sempervirens trees.

PubMed

Ishii, Hiroaki T; Jennings, Gregory M; Sillett, Stephen C; Koch, George W

2008-07-01

We studied changes in morphological and physiological characteristics of leaves and shoots along a height gradient in Sequoia sempervirens, the tallest tree species on Earth, to investigate whether morphological and physiological acclimation to the vertical light gradient was constrained by hydrostatic limitation in the upper crown. Bulk leaf water potential (Psi) decreased linearly and light availability increased exponentially with increasing height in the crown. During the wet season, Psi was lower in the outer than inner crown. C isotope composition of leaves (delta(13)C) increased with increasing height indicating greater photosynthetic water use efficiency in the upper crown. Leaf and shoot morphology changed continuously with height. In contrast, their relationships with light availability were discontinuous: morphological characteristics did not correspond to increasing light availability above 55-85 m. Mass-based chlorophyll concentration (chl) decreased with increasing height and increasing light availability. In contrast, area-based chl remained constant or increased with increasing height. Mass-based maximum rate of net photosynthesis (P (max)) decreased with increasing height, whereas area-based P (max) reached maximum at 78.4 m and decreased with increasing height thereafter. Mass-based P (max) increased with increasing shoot mass per area (SMA), whereas area-based P (max) was not correlated with SMA in the upper crown. Our results suggest that hydrostatic limitation of morphological development constrains exploitation of light in the upper crown and contributes to reduced photosynthetic rates and, ultimately, reduced height growth at the tops of tall S. sempervirens trees.

Striking Effects of Storage Buffers on Apparent Half-Lives of the Activity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Arylsulfatase.

PubMed

Li, Yuwei; Yang, Xiaolan; Wang, Deqiang; Hu, Xiaolei; Yuan, Mei; Pu, Jun; Zhan, Chang-Guo; Yang, Zhaoyong; Liao, Fei

2016-08-01

To obtain the label enzyme for enzyme-linked-immunoabsorbent-assay of two components each time in one well with conventional microplate readers, molecular engineering of Pseudomonas aeruginosa arylsulfatase (PAAS) is needed. To compare thermostability of PAAS/mutants of limited purity, effects of buffers on the half-activity time (t 0.5) at 37 °C were tested. At pH 7.4, PAAS showed non-exponential decreases of activity, with the apparent t 0.5 of ~6.0 days in 50 mM HEPES, but ~42 days in 10 mM sodium borate with >85 % activity after 15 days; protein concentrations in both buffers decreased at slower rates after there were significant decreases of activities. Additionally, the apparent t 0.5 of PAAS was ~14 days in 50 mM Tris-HCl, and ~21 days in 10 mM sodium phosphate. By sodium dodecyl-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the purified PAAS gave single polypeptide; after storage for 14 days at 37 °C, there were many soluble and insoluble fragmented polypeptides in the HEPES buffer, but just one principal insoluble while negligible soluble fragmented polypeptides in the borate buffer. Of tested mutants in the neutral borate buffer, rates for activity decreases and polypeptide degradation were slower than in the HEPES buffer. Hence, dilute neutral borate buffers were favorable for examining thermostability of PAAS/mutants.

Glaciological and marine biological studies at perimeter of Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Orheim, O. (Principal Investigator)

1977-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. A nearly complete map of the Dronning Land coastline from 10 deg W to 29 deg E was produced. Based on this, it was determined that for the past 20 years, the minimum calving rate from this part of the coastline was 60 cu km/year. The drift speeds were measured for ice floes and bergs between 9 and 20 km/day, and it was found that the number of ice floes of a given size decrease exponentially with size, so that each size class covers approximately the same area. A large melt phenomena at blue ice fields around 70 deg 45' S and 26-29 deg E was discovered.

Stability in Cohen Grossberg-type bidirectional associative memory neural networks with time-varying delays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Jinde; Song, Qiankun

2006-07-01

In this paper, the exponential stability problem is investigated for a class of Cohen-Grossberg-type bidirectional associative memory neural networks with time-varying delays. By using the analysis method, inequality technique and the properties of an M-matrix, several novel sufficient conditions ensuring the existence, uniqueness and global exponential stability of the equilibrium point are derived. Moreover, the exponential convergence rate is estimated. The obtained results are less restrictive than those given in the earlier literature, and the boundedness and differentiability of the activation functions and differentiability of the time-varying delays are removed. Two examples with their simulations are given to show the effectiveness of the obtained results.

Impulsive effect on global exponential stability of BAM fuzzy cellular neural networks with time-varying delays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Kelin

2010-02-01

In this article, a class of impulsive bidirectional associative memory (BAM) fuzzy cellular neural networks (FCNNs) with time-varying delays is formulated and investigated. By employing delay differential inequality and M-matrix theory, some sufficient conditions ensuring the existence, uniqueness and global exponential stability of equilibrium point for impulsive BAM FCNNs with time-varying delays are obtained. In particular, a precise estimate of the exponential convergence rate is also provided, which depends on system parameters and impulsive perturbation intention. It is believed that these results are significant and useful for the design and applications of BAM FCNNs. An example is given to show the effectiveness of the results obtained here.

Investigation of non-Gaussian effects in the Brazilian option market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sosa-Correa, William O.; Ramos, Antônio M. T.; Vasconcelos, Giovani L.

2018-04-01

An empirical study of the Brazilian option market is presented in light of three option pricing models, namely the Black-Scholes model, the exponential model, and a model based on a power law distribution, the so-called q-Gaussian distribution or Tsallis distribution. It is found that the q-Gaussian model performs better than the Black-Scholes model in about one third of the option chains analyzed. But among these cases, the exponential model performs better than the q-Gaussian model in 75% of the time. The superiority of the exponential model over the q-Gaussian model is particularly impressive for options close to the expiration date, where its success rate rises above ninety percent.

Calculation of Rate Spectra from Noisy Time Series Data

PubMed Central

Voelz, Vincent A.; Pande, Vijay S.

2011-01-01

As the resolution of experiments to measure folding kinetics continues to improve, it has become imperative to avoid bias that may come with fitting data to a predetermined mechanistic model. Towards this end, we present a rate spectrum approach to analyze timescales present in kinetic data. Computing rate spectra of noisy time series data via numerical discrete inverse Laplace transform is an ill-conditioned inverse problem, so a regularization procedure must be used to perform the calculation. Here, we show the results of different regularization procedures applied to noisy multi-exponential and stretched exponential time series, as well as data from time-resolved folding kinetics experiments. In each case, the rate spectrum method recapitulates the relevant distribution of timescales present in the data, with different priors on the rate amplitudes naturally corresponding to common biases toward simple phenomenological models. These results suggest an attractive alternative to the “Occam’s razor” philosophy of simply choosing models with the fewest number of relaxation rates. PMID:22095854

Observer-based sliding mode control of Markov jump systems with random sensor delays and partly unknown transition rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Deyin; Lu, Renquan; Xu, Yong; Ren, Hongru

2017-10-01

In this paper, the sliding mode control problem of Markov jump systems (MJSs) with unmeasured state, partly unknown transition rates and random sensor delays is probed. In the practical engineering control, the exact information of transition rates is hard to obtain and the measurement channel is supposed to subject to random sensor delay. Design a Luenberger observer to estimate the unmeasured system state, and an integral sliding mode surface is constructed to ensure the exponential stability of MJSs. A sliding mode controller based on estimator is proposed to drive the system state onto the sliding mode surface and render the sliding mode dynamics exponentially mean-square stable with H∞ performance index. Finally, simulation results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed results.

Tl+-induced micros gating of current indicates instability of the MaxiK selectivity filter as caused by ion/pore interaction.

PubMed

Schroeder, Indra; Hansen, Ulf-Peter

2008-04-01

Patch clamp experiments on single MaxiK channels expressed in HEK293 cells were performed at high temporal resolution (50-kHz filter) in asymmetrical solutions containing 0, 25, 50, or 150 mM Tl+ on the luminal or cytosolic side with [K+] + [Tl+] = 150 mM and 150 mM K+ on the other side. Outward current in the presence of cytosolic Tl+ did not show fast gating behavior that was significantly different from that in the absence of Tl+. With luminal Tl+ and at membrane potentials more negative than -40 mV, the single-channel current showed a negative slope resistance concomitantly with a flickery block, resulting in an artificially reduced apparent single-channel current I(app). The analysis of the amplitude histograms by beta distributions enabled the estimation of the true single-channel current and the determination of the rate constants of a simple two-state O-C Markov model for the gating in the bursts. The voltage dependence of the gating ratio R = I(true)/I(app) = (k(CO) + k(OC))/k(CO) could be described by exponential functions with different characteristic voltages above or below 50 mM Tl(+). The true single-channel current I(true) decreased with Tl+ concentrations up to 50 mM and stayed constant thereafter. Different models were considered. The most likely ones related the exponential increase of the gating ratio to ion depletion at the luminal side of the selectivity filter, whereas the influence of [Tl+] on the characteristic voltage of these exponential functions and of the value of I(true) were determined by [Tl+] at the inner side of the selectivity filter or in the cavity.

Resonant triad in boundary-layer stability. Part 1: Fully nonlinear interaction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mankbadi, Reda R.

1991-01-01

A first principles theory is developed to study the nonlinear spatial evolution of a near-resonance triad of instability waves in boundary layer transition. This triad consists of a plane wave at fundamental frequency and a pair of symmetrical, oblique waves at the subharmonic frequency. A low frequency, high Reynolds number asymptotic scaling leads to a distinct critical layer where nonlinearity first becomes important; the development of the triad's waves is determined by the critical layer's nonlinear, viscous dynamics. The resulting theory is fully nonlinear in that all nonlinearly generated oscillatory and nonoscillatory components are accounted for. The presence of the plane wave initially causes exponential of exponential growth of the oblique waves. However, the plane wave continues to follow the linear theory, even when the oblique waves' amplitude attains the same order of magnitude as that of the plane wave. A fully interactive stage then comes into effect when the oblique waves exceed a certain level compared to that of the plane wave. The oblique waves react back on the fundamental, slowing its growth rate. The oblique waves' saturation results from their self-interaction - a mechanism that does not require the presence of the plane wave. The oblique waves' saturation level is independent of their initial level, but decreases as the obliqueness angle increases.

Cluster-cluster aggregation with particle replication and chemotaxy: a simple model for the growth of animal cells in culture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alves, S. G.; Martins, M. L.

2010-09-01

Aggregation of animal cells in culture comprises a series of motility, collision and adhesion processes of basic relevance for tissue engineering, bioseparations, oncology research and in vitro drug testing. In the present paper, a cluster-cluster aggregation model with stochastic particle replication and chemotactically driven motility is investigated as a model for the growth of animal cells in culture. The focus is on the scaling laws governing the aggregation kinetics. Our simulations reveal that in the absence of chemotaxy the mean cluster size and the total number of clusters scale in time as stretched exponentials dependent on the particle replication rate. Also, the dynamical cluster size distribution functions are represented by a scaling relation in which the scaling function involves a stretched exponential of the time. The introduction of chemoattraction among the particles leads to distribution functions decaying as power laws with exponents that decrease in time. The fractal dimensions and size distributions of the simulated clusters are qualitatively discussed in terms of those determined experimentally for several normal and tumoral cell lines growing in culture. It is shown that particle replication and chemotaxy account for the simplest cluster size distributions of cellular aggregates observed in culture.

Comparing alkaline and thermal disintegration characteristics for mechanically dewatered sludge.

PubMed

Tunçal, Tolga

2011-10-01

Thermal drying is one of the advanced technologies ultimately providing an alternative method of sludge disposal. In this study, the drying kinetics of mechanically dewatered sludge (MDS) after alkaline and thermal disintegration have been studied. In addition, the effect of total organic carbon (TOC) on specific resistance to filtration and sludge bound water content were also investigated on freshly collected sludge samples. The combined effect of pH and TOC on the thermal sludge drying rate for MDS was modelled using the two-factorial experimental design method. Statistical assessment of the obtained results proposed that sludge drying potential has increased exponentially for both increasing temperature and lime dosage. Execution of curve fitting algorithms also implied that drying profiles for raw and alkaline-disintegrated sludge were well fitted to the Henderson and Pabis model. The activation energy of MDS decreased from 28.716 to 11.390 kJ mol(-1) after disintegration. Consequently, the unit power requirement for thermal drying decreased remarkably from 706 to 281 W g(-1) H2O.

Kinetics of antigen binding to arrays of antibodies in different sized spots

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sapsford, K. E.; Liron, Z.; Shubin, Y. S.; Ligler, F. S.

2001-01-01

A fluorescence-based array biosensor has been developed which can measure the binding kinetics of an antigen to an immobilized antibody in real time. A patterned array of antibodies immobilized on the surface of a planar waveguide was used to capture a Cy5-labeled antigen present in a solution that was continuously flowed over the surface. The CCD image of the waveguide was monitored continuously for 25 min. The resulting exponential rise in fluorescence signal was determined by image analysis software and fitted to a reaction-limited kinetics model, giving a kf of 3.6 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1). Different spot sizes were then patterned on the surface of the waveguide using either a PDMS flow cell or laser exposure, producing width sizes ranging from 80 to 1145 microm. It was demonstrated that under flow conditions, the reduction of spot size did not alter the association rate of the antigen with immobilized antibody; however, as the spot width decreased to < 200 nm, the signal intensity also decreased.

The Stressing Effect of Electromigration from the Maxwell Stress and a Preliminary Mean-Time-to-Failure Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Peng

2013-06-01

As temperature increases, it is suggested that atoms on lattice sites serve as dynamic defects and cause a much more homogeneous distribution of the Maxwell stress throughout the crystal lattice compared with that caused by static defects. Though this stressing effect mostly leads to Joule heating, it also results in distortion of the crystal lattice, which leads to a decrease in the activation energy for atomic diffusion and causes enhancements in the phase growth rates at both interfaces of diffusion couples. Due to this stressing effect, the decrease in the activation energy is proportional to a square term of the current density J. A mean-time-to-failure analysis is performed for failure caused by excessive growth of intermediate phases, and a mean-time-to-failure (MTTF) equation is found. This equation appears similar to Black's equation but with an extra exponential term arising from the stressing effect of the crystal lattice.

Note: Attenuation motion of acoustically levitated spherical rotor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lü, P.; Hong, Z. Y.; Yin, J. F.; Yan, N.; Zhai, W.; Wang, H. P.

2016-11-01

Here we observe the attenuation motion of spherical rotors levitated by near-field acoustic radiation force and analyze the factors that affect the duration time of free rotation. It is found that the rotating speed of freely rotating rotor decreases exponentially with respect to time. The time constant of exponential attenuation motion depends mainly on the levitation height, the mass of rotor, and the depth of concave ultrasound emitter. Large levitation height, large mass of rotor, and small depth of concave emitter are beneficial to increase the time constant and hence extend the duration time of free rotation.

Note: Attenuation motion of acoustically levitated spherical rotor.

PubMed

Lü, P; Hong, Z Y; Yin, J F; Yan, N; Zhai, W; Wang, H P

2016-11-01

Here we observe the attenuation motion of spherical rotors levitated by near-field acoustic radiation force and analyze the factors that affect the duration time of free rotation. It is found that the rotating speed of freely rotating rotor decreases exponentially with respect to time. The time constant of exponential attenuation motion depends mainly on the levitation height, the mass of rotor, and the depth of concave ultrasound emitter. Large levitation height, large mass of rotor, and small depth of concave emitter are beneficial to increase the time constant and hence extend the duration time of free rotation.

Theory for Transitions Between Exponential and Stationary Phases: Universal Laws for Lag Time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Himeoka, Yusuke; Kaneko, Kunihiko

2017-04-01

The quantitative characterization of bacterial growth has attracted substantial attention since Monod's pioneering study. Theoretical and experimental works have uncovered several laws for describing the exponential growth phase, in which the number of cells grows exponentially. However, microorganism growth also exhibits lag, stationary, and death phases under starvation conditions, in which cell growth is highly suppressed, for which quantitative laws or theories are markedly underdeveloped. In fact, the models commonly adopted for the exponential phase that consist of autocatalytic chemical components, including ribosomes, can only show exponential growth or decay in a population; thus, phases that halt growth are not realized. Here, we propose a simple, coarse-grained cell model that includes an extra class of macromolecular components in addition to the autocatalytic active components that facilitate cellular growth. These extra components form a complex with the active components to inhibit the catalytic process. Depending on the nutrient condition, the model exhibits typical transitions among the lag, exponential, stationary, and death phases. Furthermore, the lag time needed for growth recovery after starvation follows the square root of the starvation time and is inversely related to the maximal growth rate. This is in agreement with experimental observations, in which the length of time of cell starvation is memorized in the slow accumulation of molecules. Moreover, the lag time distributed among cells is skewed with a long time tail. If the starvation time is longer, an exponential tail appears, which is also consistent with experimental data. Our theory further predicts a strong dependence of lag time on the speed of substrate depletion, which can be tested experimentally. The present model and theoretical analysis provide universal growth laws beyond the exponential phase, offering insight into how cells halt growth without entering the death phase.

Flow of 3D Eyring-Powell fluid by utilizing Cattaneo-Christov heat flux model and chemical processes over an exponentially stretching surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayat, Tanzila; Nadeem, S.

2018-03-01

This paper examines the three dimensional Eyring-Powell fluid flow over an exponentially stretching surface with heterogeneous-homogeneous chemical reactions. A new model of heat flux suggested by Cattaneo and Christov is employed to study the properties of relaxation time. From the present analysis we observe that there is an inverse relationship between temperature and thermal relaxation time. The temperature in Cattaneo-Christov heat flux model is lesser than the classical Fourier's model. In this paper the three dimensional Cattaneo-Christov heat flux model over an exponentially stretching surface is calculated first time in the literature. For negative values of temperature exponent, temperature profile firstly intensifies to its most extreme esteem and after that gradually declines to zero, which shows the occurrence of phenomenon (SGH) "Sparrow-Gregg hill". Also, for higher values of strength of reaction parameters, the concentration profile decreases.

Bounding entanglement spreading after a local quench

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drumond, Raphael C.; Móller, Natália S.

2017-06-01

We consider the variation of von Neumann entropy of subsystem reduced states of general many-body lattice spin systems due to local quantum quenches. We obtain Lieb-Robinson-like bounds that are independent of the subsystem volume. The main assumptions are that the Hamiltonian satisfies a Lieb-Robinson bound and that the volume of spheres on the lattice grows at most exponentially with their radius. More specifically, the bound exponentially increases with time but exponentially decreases with the distance between the subsystem and the region where the quench takes place. The fact that the bound is independent of the subsystem volume leads to stronger constraints (than previously known) on the propagation of information throughout many-body systems. In particular, it shows that bipartite entanglement satisfies an effective "light cone," regardless of system size. Further implications to t density-matrix renormalization-group simulations of quantum spin chains and limitations to the propagation of information are discussed.

Personalized prediction of chronic wound healing: an exponential mixed effects model using stereophotogrammetric measurement.

PubMed

Xu, Yifan; Sun, Jiayang; Carter, Rebecca R; Bogie, Kath M

2014-05-01

Stereophotogrammetric digital imaging enables rapid and accurate detailed 3D wound monitoring. This rich data source was used to develop a statistically validated model to provide personalized predictive healing information for chronic wounds. 147 valid wound images were obtained from a sample of 13 category III/IV pressure ulcers from 10 individuals with spinal cord injury. Statistical comparison of several models indicated the best fit for the clinical data was a personalized mixed-effects exponential model (pMEE), with initial wound size and time as predictors and observed wound size as the response variable. Random effects capture personalized differences. Other models are only valid when wound size constantly decreases. This is often not achieved for clinical wounds. Our model accommodates this reality. Two criteria to determine effective healing time outcomes are proposed: r-fold wound size reduction time, t(r-fold), is defined as the time when wound size reduces to 1/r of initial size. t(δ) is defined as the time when the rate of the wound healing/size change reduces to a predetermined threshold δ < 0. Healing rate differs from patient to patient. Model development and validation indicates that accurate monitoring of wound geometry can adaptively predict healing progression and that larger wounds heal more rapidly. Accuracy of the prediction curve in the current model improves with each additional evaluation. Routine assessment of wounds using detailed stereophotogrammetric imaging can provide personalized predictions of wound healing time. Application of a valid model will help the clinical team to determine wound management care pathways. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Dissociation of Heme–Globin Complexes by Blackbody Infrared Radiative Dissociation: Molecular Specificity in the Gas Phase?

PubMed Central

Gross, Deborah S.; Zhao, Yuexing; Williams, Evan R.

2005-01-01

The temperature dependence of the unimolecular kinetics for dissociation of the heme group from holo-myoglobin (Mb) and holo-hemoglobin α-chain (Hb-α) was investigated with blackbody infrared radiative dissociation (BIRD). The rate constant for dissociation of the 9 + charge state of Mb formed by electrospray ionization from a “pseudo-native” solution is 60% lower than that of Hb-α at each of the temperatures investigated. In solutions of pH 5.5–8.0, the thermal dissociation rate for Mb is also lower than that of HB-α (Hargrove, M. S. et al. J. Biol. Chem. 1994, 269, 4207–4214). Thus, Mb is thermally more stable with respect to heme loss than Hb-α both in the gas phase and in solution. The Arrhenius activation parameters for both dissociation processes are indistinguishable within the current experimental error (activation energy 0.9 eV and pre-exponential factor of 108–10 s−1). The 9+ to 12+ charge states of Mb have similar Arrhenius parameters when these ions are formed from pseudo-native solutions. In contrast, the activation energies and pre-exponential factors decrease from 0.8 to 0.3 eV and 107 to 102 s−1, respectively, for the 9 + to 12 + charge states formed from acidified solutions in which at least 50% of the secondary structure is lost. These results demonstrate that gas-phase Mb ions retain clear memory of the composition of the solution from which they are formed and that these differences can be probed by BIRD. PMID:16479269

Dissociation of heme-globin complexes by blackbody infrared radiative dissociation: molecular specificity in the gas phase?

PubMed

Gross, D S; Zhao, Y; Williams, E R

1997-05-01

The temperature dependence of the unimolecular kinetics for dissociation of the heme group from holo-myoglobin (Mb) and holo-hemoglobin alpha-chain (Hb-alpha) was investigated with blackbody infrared radiative dissociation (BIRD). The rate constant for dissociation of the 9 + charge state of Mb formed by electrospray ionization from a "pseudo-native" solution is 60% lower than that of Hb-alpha at each of the temperatures investigated. In solutions of pH 5.5-8.0, the thermal dissociation rate for Mb is also lower than that of HB-alpha (Hargrove, M. S. et al. J. Biol. Chem.1994, 269, 4207-4214). Thus, Mb is thermally more stable with respect to heme loss than Hb-alpha both in the gas phase and in solution. The Arrhenius activation parameters for both dissociation processes are indistinguishable within the current experimental error (activation energy 0.9 eV and pre-exponential factor of 10(8-10) s(-1)). The 9+ to 12+ charge states of Mb have similar Arrhenius parameters when these ions are formed from pseudo-native solutions. In contrast, the activation energies and pre-exponential factors decrease from 0.8 to 0.3 eV and 10(7) to 10(2) s(-1), respectively, for the 9 + to 12 + charge states formed from acidified solutions in which at least 50% of the secondary structure is lost. These results demonstrate that gas-phase Mb ions retain clear memory of the composition of the solution from which they are formed and that these differences can be probed by BIRD.

In Situ Dynamics of F-Specific RNA Bacteriophages in a Small River: New Way to Assess Viral Propagation in Water Quality Studies.

PubMed

Fauvel, Blandine; Gantzer, Christophe; Cauchie, Henry-Michel; Ogorzaly, Leslie

2017-03-01

The occurrence and propagation of enteric viruses in rivers constitute a major public health issue. However, little information is available on the in situ transport and spread of viruses in surface water. In this study, an original in situ experimental approach using the residence time of the river water mass was developed to accurately follow the propagation of F-specific RNA bacteriophages (FRNAPHs) along a 3-km studied river. Surface water and sediment of 9 sampling campaigns were collected and analyzed using both infectivity and RT-qPCR assays. In parallel, some physico-chemical variables such as flow rate, water temperature, conductivity and total suspended solids were measured to investigate the impact of environmental conditions on phage propagation. For campaigns with low flow rate and high temperature, the results highlight a decrease of infectious phage concentration along the river, which was successfully modelled according to a first-order negative exponential decay. The monitoring of infectious FRNAPHs belonging mainly to the genogroup II was confirmed with direct phage genotyping and total phage particle quantification. Reported k decay coefficients according to exponential models allowed for the determination of the actual in situ distance and time necessary for removing 90 % of infectious phage particles. This present work provides a new way to assess the true in situ viral propagation along a small river. These findings can be highly useful in water quality and risk assessment studies to determine the viral contamination spread from a point contamination source to the nearest recreational areas.

Escape driven by alpha-stable white noises.

PubMed

Dybiec, B; Gudowska-Nowak, E; Hänggi, P

2007-02-01

We explore the archetype problem of an escape dynamics occurring in a symmetric double well potential when the Brownian particle is driven by white Lévy noise in a dynamical regime where inertial effects can safely be neglected. The behavior of escaping trajectories from one well to another is investigated by pointing to the special character that underpins the noise-induced discontinuity which is caused by the generalized Brownian paths that jump beyond the barrier location without actually hitting it. This fact implies that the boundary conditions for the mean first passage time (MFPT) are no longer determined by the well-known local boundary conditions that characterize the case with normal diffusion. By numerically implementing properly the set up boundary conditions, we investigate the survival probability and the average escape time as a function of the corresponding Lévy white noise parameters. Depending on the value of the skewness beta of the Lévy noise, the escape can either become enhanced or suppressed: a negative asymmetry parameter beta typically yields a decrease for the escape rate while the rate itself depicts a non-monotonic behavior as a function of the stability index alpha that characterizes the jump length distribution of Lévy noise, exhibiting a marked discontinuity at alpha=1. We find that the typical factor of 2 that characterizes for normal diffusion the ratio between the MFPT for well-bottom-to-well-bottom and well-bottom-to-barrier-top no longer holds true. For sufficiently high barriers the survival probabilities assume an exponential behavior versus time. Distinct non-exponential deviations occur, however, for low barrier heights.

Common Ion Effects In Zeoponic Substrates: Dissolution And Cation Exchange Variations Due to Additions of Calcite, Dolomite and Wollastonite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beiersdorfer, R. E.; Ming, D. W.; Galindo, C., Jr.

2003-01-01

c1inoptilolite-rich tuff-hydroxyapatite mixture (zeoponic substrate) has the potential to serve as a synthetic soil-additive for plant growth. Essential plant macro-nutrients such as calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, ammonium and potassium are released into solution via dissolution of the hydroxyapatite and cation exchange on zeolite charged sites. Plant growth experiments resulting in low yield for wheat have been attributed to a Ca deficiency caused by a high degree of cation exchange by the zeolite. Batch-equilibration experiments were performed in order to determine if the Ca deficiency can be remedied by the addition of a second Ca-bearing, soluble, mineral such as calcite, dolomite or wollastonite. Variations in the amount of calcite, dolomite or wollastonite resulted in systematic changes in the concentrations of Ca and P. The addition of calcite, dolomite or wollastonite to the zeoponic substrate resulted in an exponential decrease in the phosphorous concentration in solution. The exponential rate of decay was greatest for calcite (5.60 wt. % -I), intermediate for wollastonite (2.85 wt.% -I) and least for dolomite (1.58 wt.% -I). Additions of the three minerals resulted in linear increases in the calcium concentration in solution. The rate of increase was greatest for calcite (3.64), intermediate for wollastonite (2.41) and least for dolomite (0.61). The observed changes in P and Ca concentration are consistent with the solubilities of calcite, dolomite and wollastonite and with changes expected from a common ion effect with Ca. Keywords: zeolite, zeoponics, common-ion effect, clinoptilolite, hydroxyapatite

Simulation evaluation of a speed-guidance law for Harrier approach transitions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Merrick, Vernon K.; Moralez, Ernesto; Stortz, Michael W.; Hardy, Gordon H.; Gerdes, Ronald M.

1991-01-01

An exponential-deceleration speed guidance law is formulated which mimics the technique currently used by Harrier pilots to perform decelerating approaches to a hover. This guidance law was tested along with an existing two-step constant deceleration speed guidance law, using a fixed-base piloted simulator programmed to represent a YAV-8B Harrier. Decelerating approaches to a hover at a predetermined station-keeping point were performed along a straight (-3 deg glideslope) path in headwinds up to 40 knots and turbulence up to 6 ft./sec. Visibility was fixed at one-quarter nautical mile and 100 ft. cloud ceiling. Three Harrier pilots participated in the experiment. Handling qualities with the aircraft equipped with the standard YAV-8B rate damped attitude stability augmentation system were adequate (level 2) using either speed guidance law. However, the exponential deceleration speed guidance law was rated superior to the constant-deceleration speed guidance law by a Cooper-Harper handling qualities rating of about one unit independent of the level of wind and turbulence. Replacing the attitude control system of the YAV-8B with a high fidelity model following attitude flight controller increased the approach accuracy and reduced the pilot workload. With one minor exception, the handling qualities for the approach were rated satisfactory (level 1). It is concluded that the exponential deceleration speed guidance law is the most cost effective.

The Mass-dependent Star Formation Histories of Disk Galaxies: Infall Model Versus Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, R. X.; Hou, J. L.; Shen, S. Y.; Shu, C. G.

2010-10-01

We introduce a simple model to explore the star formation histories of disk galaxies. We assume that the disk originate and grows by continuous gas infall. The gas infall rate is parameterized by the Gaussian formula with one free parameter: the infall-peak time tp . The Kennicutt star formation law is adopted to describe how much cold gas turns into stars. The gas outflow process is also considered in our model. We find that, at a given galactic stellar mass M *, the model adopting a late infall-peak time tp results in blue colors, low-metallicity, high specific star formation rate (SFR), and high gas fraction, while the gas outflow rate mainly influences the gas-phase metallicity and star formation efficiency mainly influences the gas fraction. Motivated by the local observed scaling relations, we "construct" a mass-dependent model by assuming that the low-mass galaxy has a later infall-peak time tp and a larger gas outflow rate than massive systems. It is shown that this model can be in agreement with not only the local observations, but also with the observed correlations between specific SFR and galactic stellar mass SFR/M * ~ M * at intermediate redshifts z < 1. Comparison between the Gaussian-infall model and the exponential-infall model is also presented. It shows that the exponential-infall model predicts a higher SFR at early stage and a lower SFR later than that of Gaussian infall. Our results suggest that the Gaussian infall rate may be more reasonable in describing the gas cooling process than the exponential infall rate, especially for low-mass systems.

Lack of synchronization between iron uptake and cell growth leads to iron overload in Saccharomyces cerevisiae during post-exponential growth modes

PubMed Central

Park, Jinkyu; McCormick, Sean P.; Chakrabarti, Mrinmoy; Lindahl, Paul A.

2014-01-01

Fermenting cells growing exponentially on rich (YPAD) medium transitioned to a slow-growing state as glucose levels declined and their metabolism shifted to respiration. During exponential growth, Fe import and cell growth rates were matched, affording an approximately invariant cellular Fe concentration. During the transitionary period, the high-affinity Fe import rate declined slower than the cell growth rate declined, causing Fe to accumulate, initially as FeIII oxyhydroxide nanoparticles but eventually as mitochondrial and vacuolar Fe. Once in slow-growth mode, Fe import and cell growth rates were again matched, and the cellular Fe concentration was again approximately invariant. Fermenting cells grown on minimal medium (MM) grew more slowly during exponential phase and transitioned to a true stationary state as glucose levels declined. The Fe concentration of MM cells that just entered stationary state was similar to that of YPAD cells, but MM cells continued to accumulate Fe in stationary state. Fe initially accumulated as nanoparticles and high-spin FeII species, but vacuolar FeIII also eventually accumulated. Surprisingly, Fe-packed 5-day-old MM cells suffered no more ROS damage than younger cells, suggesting that Fe concentration alone does not accurately predict the extent of ROS damage. The mode and rate of growth at the time of harvesting dramatically affected cellular Fe content. A mathematical model of Fe metabolism in a growing cell was developed. The model included Fe import via a regulated high-affinity pathway and an unregulated low-affinity pathway. Fe import from the cytosol into vacuoles and mitochondria, and nanoparticle formation were also included. The model captured essential trafficking behavior, demonstrating that cells regulate Fe import in accordance with their overall growth rate and that they misregulate Fe import when nanoparticles accumulate. The lack of regulation of Fe in yeast is perhaps unique compared to the tight regulation of other cellular metabolites. This phenomenon likely derives from the unique chemistry associated with Fe nanoparticle formation. PMID:24344915

Optimality of cycle time and inventory decisions in a two echelon inventory system with exponential price dependent demand under credit period

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krugon, Seelam; Nagaraju, Dega

2017-05-01

This work describes and proposes an two echelon inventory system under supply chain, where the manufacturer offers credit period to the retailer with exponential price dependent demand. The model is framed as demand is expressed as exponential function of retailer’s unit selling price. Mathematical model is framed to demonstrate the optimality of cycle time, retailer replenishment quantity, number of shipments, and total relevant cost of the supply chain. The major objective of the paper is to provide trade credit concept from the manufacturer to the retailer with exponential price dependent demand. The retailer would like to delay the payments of the manufacturer. At the first stage retailer and manufacturer expressions are expressed with the functions of ordering cost, carrying cost, transportation cost. In second stage combining of the manufacturer and retailer expressions are expressed. A MATLAB program is written to derive the optimality of cycle time, retailer replenishment quantity, number of shipments, and total relevant cost of the supply chain. From the optimality criteria derived managerial insights can be made. From the research findings, it is evident that the total cost of the supply chain is decreased with the increase in credit period under exponential price dependent demand. To analyse the influence of the model parameters, parametric analysis is also done by taking with help of numerical example.

Pressure resistance of cold-shocked Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ground beef, beef gravy and peptone water.

PubMed

Baccus-Taylor, G S H; Falloon, O C; Henry, N

2015-06-01

(i) To study the effects of cold shock on Escherichia coli O157:H7 cells. (ii) To determine if cold-shocked E. coli O157:H7 cells at stationary and exponential phases are more pressure-resistant than their non-cold-shocked counterparts. (iii) To investigate the baro-protective role of growth media (0·1% peptone water, beef gravy and ground beef). Quantitative estimates of lethality and sublethal injury were made using the differential plating method. There were no significant differences (P > 0·05) in the number of cells killed; cold-shocked or non-cold-shocked. Cells grown in ground beef (stationary and exponential phases) experienced lowest death compared with peptone water and beef gravy. Cold-shock treatment increased the sublethal injury to cells cultured in peptone water (stationary and exponential phases) and ground beef (exponential phase), but decreased the sublethal injury to cells in beef gravy (stationary phase). Cold shock did not confer greater resistance to stationary or exponential phase cells pressurized in peptone water, beef gravy or ground beef. Ground beef had the greatest baro-protective effect. Real food systems should be used in establishing food safety parameters for high-pressure treatments; micro-organisms are less resistant in model food systems, the use of which may underestimate the organisms' resistance. © 2015 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Concentration dependence of molal conductivity and dielectric constant of 1-alcohol electrolytes using the compensated arrhenius formalism.

PubMed

Fleshman, Allison M; Petrowsky, Matt; Frech, Roger

2013-05-02

The molal conductivity of liquid electrolytes with low static dielectric constants (ε(s) < 10) decreases to a minimum at low concentrations (region I) and increases to a maximum at higher concentrations (region II) when plotted against the square root of the concentration. This behavior is investigated by applying the compensated Arrhenius formalism (CAF) to the molal conductivity, Λ, of a family of 1-alcohol electrolytes over a broad concentration range. A scaling procedure is applied that results in an energy of activation (E(a)) and an exponential prefactor (Λ0) that are both concentration dependent. It is shown that the increasing molal conductivity in region II results from the combined effect of (1) a decrease in the energy of activation calculated from the CAF, and (2) an inherent concentration dependence in the exponential prefactor that is partly due to the dielectric constant.

Ion transport with charge-protected and non-charge-protected cations in alcohol-based electrolytes using the compensated Arrhenius formalism. Part I: ionic conductivity and the static dielectric constant.

PubMed

Petrowsky, Matt; Fleshman, Allison; Frech, Roger

2012-05-17

The temperature dependence of ionic conductivity and the static dielectric constant is examined for 0.30 m TbaTf- or LiTf-1-alcohol solutions. Above ambient temperature, the conductivity increases with temperature to a greater extent in electrolytes whose salt has a charge-protected cation. Below ambient temperature, the dielectric constant changes only slightly with temperature in electrolytes whose salt has a cation that is not charge-protected. The compensated Arrhenius formalism is used to describe the temperature-dependent conductivity in terms of the contributions from both the exponential prefactor σo and Boltzmann factor exp(-Ea/RT). This analysis explains why the conductivity decreases with increasing temperature above 65 °C for the LiTf-dodecanol electrolyte. At higher temperatures, the decrease in the exponential prefactor is greater than the increase in the Boltzmann factor.

Mechanisms for Enhanced Supercurrent Across Meandered Grain Boundaries in High-Temperature Superconductors

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

Feldmann, D. M.; Holesinger, T. G.; Feenstra, Roeland

2007-01-01

It has been well established that the critical current density J{sub c} across grain boundaries (GBs) in high-temperature superconductors decreases exponentially with misorientation angle {theta} beyond {approx}2-3 degrees. This rapid decrease is due to a suppression of the superconducting order parameter at the grain boundary, giving rise to weakly pinned Abrikosov-Josephson (AJ) vortices. Here we show that if the GB plane meanders, this exponential dependence no longer holds, permitting greatly enhanced J{sub c} values: up to six times at 0 T and four times at 1 T at {theta}{approx}4-6 degrees. This enhancement is due to an increase in the current-carryingmore » cross section of the GBs and the appearance of short AJ vortex segments in the GB plane, confined by the interaction with strongly pinned Abrikosov (A) vortices in the grains.« less

Experimentally Derived Mechanical and Flow Properties of Fine-grained Soil Mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, J.; Peets, C. S.; Flemings, P. B.; Day-Stirrat, R. J.; Germaine, J. T.

2009-12-01

As silt content in mudrocks increases, compressibility linearly decreases and permeability exponentially increases. We prepared mixtures of natural Boston Blue Clay (BBC) and synthetic silt in the ratios of 100:0, 86:14, 68:32, and 50:50, respectively. To recreate natural conditions yet remove variability and soil disturbance, we resedimented all mixtures to a total stress of 100 kPa. We then loaded them to approximately 2.3 MPa in a CRS (constant-rate-of-strain) uniaxial consolidation device. The analyses show that the higher the silt content in the mixture, the stiffer the material is. Compression index as well as liquid and plastic limits linearly decrease with increasing silt content. Vertical permeability increases exponentially with porosity as well as with silt content. Fabric alignment determined through High Resolution X-ray Texture Goniometry (HRXTG) expressed as maximum pole density (m.r.d.) decreases with silt content at a given stress. However, this relationship is not linear instead there are two clusters: the mixtures with higher clay contents (100:0, 84:16) have m.r.d. around 3.9 and mixtures with higher silt contents (68:32, 50:50) have m.r.d. around 2.5. Specific surface area (SSA) measurements show a positive correlation to the total clay content. The amount of silt added to the clay reduces specific surface area, grain orientation, and fabric alignment; thus, it affects compression and fluid flow behavior on a micro- and macroscale. Our results are comparable with previous studies such as kaolinite / silt mixtures (Konrad & Samson [2000], Wagg & Konrad [1990]). We are studying this behavior to understand how fine-grained rocks consolidate. This problem is important to practical and fundamental programs. For example, these sediments can potentially act as either a tight gas reservoir or a seal for hydrocarbons or geologic storage of CO2. This study also provides a systematic approach for developing models of permeability and compressibility behavior needed as inputs for basin modeling.

Non-exponential kinetics of unfolding under a constant force.

PubMed

Bell, Samuel; Terentjev, Eugene M

2016-11-14

We examine the population dynamics of naturally folded globular polymers, with a super-hydrophobic "core" inserted at a prescribed point in the polymer chain, unfolding under an application of external force, as in AFM force-clamp spectroscopy. This acts as a crude model for a large class of folded biomolecules with hydrophobic or hydrogen-bonded cores. We find that the introduction of super-hydrophobic units leads to a stochastic variation in the unfolding rate, even when the positions of the added monomers are fixed. This leads to the average non-exponential population dynamics, which is consistent with a variety of experimental data and does not require any intrinsic quenched disorder that was traditionally thought to be at the origin of non-exponential relaxation laws.

Non-exponential kinetics of unfolding under a constant force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bell, Samuel; Terentjev, Eugene M.

2016-11-01

We examine the population dynamics of naturally folded globular polymers, with a super-hydrophobic "core" inserted at a prescribed point in the polymer chain, unfolding under an application of external force, as in AFM force-clamp spectroscopy. This acts as a crude model for a large class of folded biomolecules with hydrophobic or hydrogen-bonded cores. We find that the introduction of super-hydrophobic units leads to a stochastic variation in the unfolding rate, even when the positions of the added monomers are fixed. This leads to the average non-exponential population dynamics, which is consistent with a variety of experimental data and does not require any intrinsic quenched disorder that was traditionally thought to be at the origin of non-exponential relaxation laws.

Cross diffusion and exponential space dependent heat source impacts in radiated three-dimensional (3D) flow of Casson fluid by heated surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaigham Zia, Q. M.; Ullah, Ikram; Waqas, M.; Alsaedi, A.; Hayat, T.

2018-03-01

This research intends to elaborate Soret-Dufour characteristics in mixed convective radiated Casson liquid flow by exponentially heated surface. Novel features of exponential space dependent heat source are introduced. Appropriate variables are implemented for conversion of partial differential frameworks into a sets of ordinary differential expressions. Homotopic scheme is employed for construction of analytic solutions. Behavior of various embedding variables on velocity, temperature and concentration distributions are plotted graphically and analyzed in detail. Besides, skin friction coefficients and heat and mass transfer rates are also computed and interpreted. The results signify the pronounced characteristics of temperature corresponding to convective and radiation variables. Concentration bears opposite response for Soret and Dufour variables.

Nonlinear Gravitational and Radiation Aspects in Nanoliquid with Exponential Space Dependent Heat Source and Variable Viscosity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gireesha, B. J.; Kumar, P. B. Sampath; Mahanthesh, B.; Shehzad, S. A.; Abbasi, F. M.

2018-05-01

The nonlinear convective flow of kerosene-Alumina nanoliquid subjected to an exponential space dependent heat source and temperature dependent viscosity is investigated here. This study is focuses on augmentation of heat transport rate in liquid propellant rocket engine. The kerosene-Alumina nanoliquid is considered as the regenerative coolant. Aspects of radiation and viscous dissipation are also covered. Relevant nonlinear system is solved numerically via RK based shooting scheme. Diverse flow fields are computed and examined for distinct governing variables. We figured out that the nanoliquid's temperature increased due to space dependent heat source and radiation aspects. The heat transfer rate is higher in case of changeable viscosity than constant viscosity.

Nonlinear Gravitational and Radiation Aspects in Nanoliquid with Exponential Space Dependent Heat Source and Variable Viscosity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gireesha, B. J.; Kumar, P. B. Sampath; Mahanthesh, B.; Shehzad, S. A.; Abbasi, F. M.

2018-02-01

The nonlinear convective flow of kerosene-Alumina nanoliquid subjected to an exponential space dependent heat source and temperature dependent viscosity is investigated here. This study is focuses on augmentation of heat transport rate in liquid propellant rocket engine. The kerosene-Alumina nanoliquid is considered as the regenerative coolant. Aspects of radiation and viscous dissipation are also covered. Relevant nonlinear system is solved numerically via RK based shooting scheme. Diverse flow fields are computed and examined for distinct governing variables. We figured out that the nanoliquid's temperature increased due to space dependent heat source and radiation aspects. The heat transfer rate is higher in case of changeable viscosity than constant viscosity.

Almost periodic cellular neural networks with neutral-type proportional delays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Songlin

2018-03-01

This paper presents a new result on the existence, uniqueness and generalised exponential stability of almost periodic solutions for cellular neural networks with neutral-type proportional delays and D operator. Based on some novel differential inequality techniques, a testable condition is derived to ensure that all the state trajectories of the system converge to an almost periodic solution with a positive exponential convergence rate. The effectiveness of the obtained result is illustrated by a numerical example.

Scaling analysis and instantons for thermally assisted tunneling and quantum Monte Carlo simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Zhang; Smelyanskiy, Vadim N.; Isakov, Sergei V.; Boixo, Sergio; Mazzola, Guglielmo; Troyer, Matthias; Neven, Hartmut

2017-01-01

We develop an instantonic calculus to derive an analytical expression for the thermally assisted tunneling decay rate of a metastable state in a fully connected quantum spin model. The tunneling decay problem can be mapped onto the Kramers escape problem of a classical random dynamical field. This dynamical field is simulated efficiently by path-integral quantum Monte Carlo (QMC). We show analytically that the exponential scaling with the number of spins of the thermally assisted quantum tunneling rate and the escape rate of the QMC process are identical. We relate this effect to the existence of a dominant instantonic tunneling path. The instanton trajectory is described by nonlinear dynamical mean-field theory equations for a single-site magnetization vector, which we solve exactly. Finally, we derive scaling relations for the "spiky" barrier shape when the spin tunneling and QMC rates scale polynomially with the number of spins N while a purely classical over-the-barrier activation rate scales exponentially with N .

Exponential quantum spreading in a class of kicked rotor systems near high-order resonances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hailong; Wang, Jiao; Guarneri, Italo; Casati, Giulio; Gong, Jiangbin

2013-11-01

Long-lasting exponential quantum spreading was recently found in a simple but very rich dynamical model, namely, an on-resonance double-kicked rotor model [J. Wang, I. Guarneri, G. Casati, and J. B. Gong, Phys. Rev. Lett.PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.107.234104 107, 234104 (2011)]. The underlying mechanism, unrelated to the chaotic motion in the classical limit but resting on quasi-integrable motion in a pseudoclassical limit, is identified for one special case. By presenting a detailed study of the same model, this work offers a framework to explain long-lasting exponential quantum spreading under much more general conditions. In particular, we adopt the so-called “spinor” representation to treat the kicked-rotor dynamics under high-order resonance conditions and then exploit the Born-Oppenheimer approximation to understand the dynamical evolution. It is found that the existence of a flat band (or an effectively flat band) is one important feature behind why and how the exponential dynamics emerges. It is also found that a quantitative prediction of the exponential spreading rate based on an interesting and simple pseudoclassical map may be inaccurate. In addition to general interests regarding the question of how exponential behavior in quantum systems may persist for a long time scale, our results should motivate further studies toward a better understanding of high-order resonance behavior in δ-kicked quantum systems.

Very slow lava extrusion continued for more than five years after the 2011 Shinmoedake eruption observed from SAR interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozawa, T.; Miyagi, Y.

2017-12-01

Shinmoe-dake located to SW Japan erupted in January 2011 and lava accumulated in the crater (e.g., Ozawa and Kozono, EPS, 2013). Last Vulcanian eruption occurred in September 2011, and after that, no eruption has occurred until now. Miyagi et al. (GRL, 2014) analyzed TerraSAR-X and Radarsat-2 SAR data acquired after the last eruption and found continuous inflation in the crater. Its inflation decayed with time, but had not terminated in May 2013. Since the time-series of inflation volume change rate fitted well to the exponential function with the constant term, we suggested that lava extrusion had continued in long-term due to deflation of shallow magma source and to magma supply from deeper source. To investigate its deformation after that, we applied InSAR to Sentinel-1 and ALOS-2 SAR data. Inflation decayed further, and almost terminated in the end of 2016. It means that this deformation has continued more than five years from the last eruption. We have found that the time series of inflation volume change rate fits better to the double-exponential function than single-exponential function with the constant term. The exponential component with the short time constant has almost settled in one year from the last eruption. Although InSAR result from TerraSAR-X data of November 2011 and May 2013 indicated deflation of shallow source under the crater, such deformation has not been obtained from recent SAR data. It suggests that this component has been due to deflation of shallow magma source with excess pressure. In this study, we found the possibility that long-term component also decayed exponentially. Then this factor may be deflation of deep source or delayed vesiculation.

Competing risk models in reliability systems, an exponential distribution model with Bayesian analysis approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iskandar, I.

2018-03-01

The exponential distribution is the most widely used reliability analysis. This distribution is very suitable for representing the lengths of life of many cases and is available in a simple statistical form. The characteristic of this distribution is a constant hazard rate. The exponential distribution is the lower rank of the Weibull distributions. In this paper our effort is to introduce the basic notions that constitute an exponential competing risks model in reliability analysis using Bayesian analysis approach and presenting their analytic methods. The cases are limited to the models with independent causes of failure. A non-informative prior distribution is used in our analysis. This model describes the likelihood function and follows with the description of the posterior function and the estimations of the point, interval, hazard function, and reliability. The net probability of failure if only one specific risk is present, crude probability of failure due to a specific risk in the presence of other causes, and partial crude probabilities are also included.

Time evolution of predictability of epidemics on networks.

PubMed

Holme, Petter; Takaguchi, Taro

2015-04-01

Epidemic outbreaks of new pathogens, or known pathogens in new populations, cause a great deal of fear because they are hard to predict. For theoretical models of disease spreading, on the other hand, quantities characterizing the outbreak converge to deterministic functions of time. Our goal in this paper is to shed some light on this apparent discrepancy. We measure the diversity of (and, thus, the predictability of) outbreak sizes and extinction times as functions of time given different scenarios of the amount of information available. Under the assumption of perfect information-i.e., knowing the state of each individual with respect to the disease-the predictability decreases exponentially, or faster, with time. The decay is slowest for intermediate values of the per-contact transmission probability. With a weaker assumption on the information available, assuming that we know only the fraction of currently infectious, recovered, or susceptible individuals, the predictability also decreases exponentially most of the time. There are, however, some peculiar regions in this scenario where the predictability decreases. In other words, to predict its final size with a given accuracy, we would need increasingly more information about the outbreak.

Time evolution of predictability of epidemics on networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holme, Petter; Takaguchi, Taro

2015-04-01

Epidemic outbreaks of new pathogens, or known pathogens in new populations, cause a great deal of fear because they are hard to predict. For theoretical models of disease spreading, on the other hand, quantities characterizing the outbreak converge to deterministic functions of time. Our goal in this paper is to shed some light on this apparent discrepancy. We measure the diversity of (and, thus, the predictability of) outbreak sizes and extinction times as functions of time given different scenarios of the amount of information available. Under the assumption of perfect information—i.e., knowing the state of each individual with respect to the disease—the predictability decreases exponentially, or faster, with time. The decay is slowest for intermediate values of the per-contact transmission probability. With a weaker assumption on the information available, assuming that we know only the fraction of currently infectious, recovered, or susceptible individuals, the predictability also decreases exponentially most of the time. There are, however, some peculiar regions in this scenario where the predictability decreases. In other words, to predict its final size with a given accuracy, we would need increasingly more information about the outbreak.

Control of Growth Rate by Initial Substrate Concentration at Values Below Maximum Rate

PubMed Central

Gaudy, Anthony F.; Obayashi, Alan; Gaudy, Elizabeth T.

1971-01-01

The hyperbolic relationship between specific growth rate, μ, and substrate concentration, proposed by Monod and used since as the basis for the theory of steady-state growth in continuous-flow systems, was tested experimentally in batch cultures. Use of a Flavobacterium sp. exhibiting a high saturation constant for growth in glucose minimal medium allowed direct measurement of growth rate and substrate concentration throughout the growth cycle in medium containing a rate-limiting initial concentration of glucose. Specific growth rates were also measured for a wide range of initial glucose concentrations. A plot of specific growth rate versus initial substrate concentration was found to fit the hyperbolic equation. However, the instantaneous relationship between specific growth rate and substrate concentration during growth, which is stated by the equation, was not observed. Well defined exponential growth phases were developed at initial substrate concentrations below that required for support of the maximum exponential growth rate and a constant doubling time was maintained until 50% of the substrate had been used. It is suggested that the external substrate concentration initially present “sets” the specific growth rate by establishing a steady-state internal concentration of substrate, possibly through control of the number of permeation sites. PMID:5137579

Chronodiagnostic acquisition of recovery speed of heart rate under bathing stress.

PubMed

Ishijima, M; Togawa, T

1999-11-01

Cycling on an ergometer is one effective means of measuring cardiovascular function while applying stress on the heart. Bathing in a hot water bath applies a low stress to the heart. The electrocardiograms of a healthy adult male (aged 35 at the start of study) were recorded while taking a hot water bath with no electrode attached to the body over a period of 2 years (376 days over a 762 day period). The recovery speed following the initial overshoot of the heart rate (HR) was observed. The bathtub was designed for the automatic acquisition of ECG data. Immediately after immersion in the tub, the HR reached a peak within 20 s and then exponentially decreased toward the lowest rate in the 120 s of bathing. The initial recovery speed of the HR from the stress of bathing had a specific rhythm in the subject. Spectrum analysis of the speed series indicated that slow recovery speed appeared in cyclic periods of approximately 1 year, 42 days and 17 days. The methodology may provide a chronodiagnostic index of an exercise test for cardiovascular function.

Study design for a hepatitis B vaccine trial.

PubMed Central

Lustbader, E D; London, W T; Blumberg, B S

1976-01-01

A short-time trial of small sample size for an evaluation of the hepatitis B vaccine is proposed and designed. The vaccine is based on the premise that antibody to the surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus is protective against viral infection. This premise is verified by using the presence of the surface antigen as the marker of infection and comparing infection rates in renal dialysis patients who had naturally acquired antibody to patients without antibody. Patients with antibody have an extremely low risk of infection. The probability of remaining uninfected decreases at an exponential rate for patients without antibody, implying a constant risk of infection at any point in time. The study design described makes use of this time independence and the observed infection rates to formulate a clinical trial which can be accomplished with a relatively small number of patients. This design might be useful if, in preliminary studies, it is shown that the vaccine produces antibody in the patients and that protection against hepatitis B virus would be beneficial to the patients. PMID:1062809

Drug Release Studies from Caesalpinia pulcherrima Seed Polysaccharide.

PubMed

Jeevanandham, Somasundaram; Dhachinamoorthi, Duraiswamy; Bannoth Chandra Sekhar, Kothapalli

2011-01-01

This study examines the controlled release behavior of both water-soluble (acetaminophen, caffeine, theophylline and salicylic acid) and water insoluble (indomethacin) drugs derived from Caesalpinia pulcherrima seed Gum isolated from Caesalpinia pulcherrima kernel powder. It further investigates the effect of incorporating diluents such as microcrystalline cellulose and lactose on caffeine release. In addition the effect the gum's (polysaccharide) partial cross-linking had on release of acetaminophen was examined. Applying the exponential equation, the soluble drugs mechanism of release was found to be anomalous. The insoluble drugs showed a near case II or zero order release mechanism. The rate of release in descending order was caffeine, acetaminophen, theophylline, salicylic acid and indomethacin. An increase in the release kinetics of the drug was observed on blending with diluents. However, the rate of release varied with the type and amount of blend within the matrix. The mechanism of release due to effect of diluents was found to be anomalous. The rate of drug release decreased upon partial cross-linking and the mechanism of release was found to be of super case II.

Reinvestigation of the relationship between the amplitude of the first heart sound to cardiac dynamics.

PubMed

Tang, Hong; Ruan, Chengjie; Qiu, Tianshuang; Park, Yongwan; Xiao, Shouzhong

2013-08-01

The relationships between the amplitude of the first heart sound (S1) and the rising rate of left ventricular pressure (LVP) concluded in previous studies were not consistent. Some researchers believed the relationship was positively linear; others stated the relationship was only positively correlated. To further investigate this relationship, this study simultaneously sampled the external phonocardiogram, electrocardiogram, and intracardiac pressure in the left ventricle in three anesthetized dogs, while invoking wide hemodynamic changes using various doses of epinephrine. The relationship between the maximum amplitude of S1 and the maximum rising rate of LVP and the relationship between the amplitude of dominant peaks/valleys and the corresponding rising rate of LVP were examined by linear, quadratic, cubic, and exponential models. The results showed that the relationships are best fit by nonlinear exponential models.

Decomposition rates for hand-piled fuels

Treesearch

Clinton S. Wright; Alexander M. Evans; Joseph C. Restaino

2017-01-01

Hand-constructed piles in eastern Washington and north-central New Mexico were weighed periodically between October 2011 and June 2015 to develop decay-rate constants that are useful for estimating the rate of piled biomass loss over time. Decay-rate constants (k) were determined by fitting negative exponential curves to time series of pile weight for each site. Piles...

Arima model and exponential smoothing method: A comparison

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan Ahmad, Wan Kamarul Ariffin; Ahmad, Sabri

2013-04-01

This study shows the comparison between Autoregressive Moving Average (ARIMA) model and Exponential Smoothing Method in making a prediction. The comparison is focused on the ability of both methods in making the forecasts with the different number of data sources and the different length of forecasting period. For this purpose, the data from The Price of Crude Palm Oil (RM/tonne), Exchange Rates of Ringgit Malaysia (RM) in comparison to Great Britain Pound (GBP) and also The Price of SMR 20 Rubber Type (cents/kg) with three different time series are used in the comparison process. Then, forecasting accuracy of each model is measured by examinethe prediction error that producedby using Mean Squared Error (MSE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), and Mean Absolute deviation (MAD). The study shows that the ARIMA model can produce a better prediction for the long-term forecasting with limited data sources, butcannot produce a better prediction for time series with a narrow range of one point to another as in the time series for Exchange Rates. On the contrary, Exponential Smoothing Method can produce a better forecasting for Exchange Rates that has a narrow range of one point to another for its time series, while itcannot produce a better prediction for a longer forecasting period.

Low crop plant population densities promote pollen-mediated gene flow in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

PubMed

Willenborg, Christian J; Brûlé-Babel, Anita L; Van Acker, Rene C

2009-12-01

Transgenic wheat is currently being field tested with the intent of eventual commercialization. The development of wheat genotypes with novel traits has raised concerns regarding the presence of volunteer wheat populations and the role they may play in facilitating transgene movement. Here, we report the results of a field experiment that investigated the potential of spring wheat plant population density and crop height to minimize gene flow from a herbicide-resistant (HR) volunteer population to a non-HR crop. Pollen-mediated gene flow (PMGF) between the HR volunteer wheat population and four conventional spring wheat genotypes varying in height was assessed over a range of plant population densities. Natural hybridization events between the two cultivars were detected by phenotypically scoring plants in F(1) populations followed by verification with Mendelian segregation ratios in the F(1:2) families. PMGF was strongly associated with crop yield components, but showed no association with flowering synchrony. Maximum observed PMGF was always less than 0.6%, regardless of crop height and density. The frequency of PMGF in spring wheat decreased exponentially with increasing plant population density, but showed no dependence on either crop genotype or height. However, increasing plant densities beyond the recommended planting rate of 300 cropped wheat plants m(-2) provided no obvious benefit to reducing PMGF. Nevertheless, our results demonstrate a critical plant density of 175-200 cropped wheat plants m(-2) below which PMGF frequencies rise exponentially with decreasing plant density. These results will be useful in the development of mechanistic models and best management practices that collectively facilitate the coexistence of transgenic and nontransgenic wheat crops.

Mitigation of radon and thoron decay products by filtration.

PubMed

Wang, Jin; Meisenberg, Oliver; Chen, Yongheng; Karg, Erwin; Tschiersch, Jochen

2011-09-01

Inhalation of indoor radon ((222)Rn) and thoron ((220)Rn) decay products is the most important source of exposure to ionizing radiation for the human respiratory tract. Decreasing ventilation rates due to energy saving reasons in new buildings suggest additional active mitigation techniques to reduce the exposure in homes with high radon and thoron concentrations but poor ventilation. Filtration techniques with HEPA filters and simple surgical mask material have been tested for their potential to reduce the indoor exposure in terms of the total effective dose for mixed radon and thoron indoor atmospheres. The tests were performed inside an experimental room providing stable conditions. Filtration (at filtration rates of 0.2 h(-1) and larger) removes attached radon and thoron decay products effectively but indoor aerosol as well. Therefore the concentration of unattached decay products (which have a higher dose coefficient) may increase. The decrease of the attached decay product concentrations could be theoretically described by a slowly decreasing exponential process. For attached radon decay products, it exhibited a faster but weaker removal process compared to attached thoron decay products (-70% for attached radon decay products and -80% for attached thoron decay products at a filtration rate of 0.5 h(-1) with an HEPA filter). The concentration of unattached thoron decay products increased distinctly during the filtration process (+300%) while that of unattached radon decay products rose only slightly though at a much higher level (+17%). In the theoretical description these observed differences could be attributed to the different half-lives of the nuclides. Considering both effects, reduced attached and increased unattached decay product concentrations, filtration could significantly decrease the total effective dose from thoron whereas the overall effect on radon dose is small. A permanent filtration is recommended because of the slow decrease of the thoron decay product concentrations. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Vaccination intervention on epidemic dynamics in networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Xiao-Long; Xu, Xin-Jian; Fu, Xinchu; Zhou, Tao

2013-02-01

Vaccination is an important measure available for preventing or reducing the spread of infectious diseases. In this paper, an epidemic model including susceptible, infected, and imperfectly vaccinated compartments is studied on Watts-Strogatz small-world, Barabási-Albert scale-free, and random scale-free networks. The epidemic threshold and prevalence are analyzed. For small-world networks, the effective vaccination intervention is suggested and its influence on the threshold and prevalence is analyzed. For scale-free networks, the threshold is found to be strongly dependent both on the effective vaccination rate and on the connectivity distribution. Moreover, so long as vaccination is effective, it can linearly decrease the epidemic prevalence in small-world networks, whereas for scale-free networks it acts exponentially. These results can help in adopting pragmatic treatment upon diseases in structured populations.

Metabolic rates are significantly lower in abyssal Holothuroidea than in shallow-water Holothuroidea

PubMed Central

van Oevelen, Dick

2018-01-01

Recent analyses of metabolic rates in fishes, echinoderms, crustaceans and cephalopods have concluded that bathymetric declines in temperature- and mass-normalized metabolic rate do not result from resource-limitation (e.g. oxygen or food/chemical energy), decreasing temperature or increasing hydrostatic pressure. Instead, based on contrasting bathymetric patterns reported in the metabolic rates of visual and non-visual taxa, declining metabolic rate with depth is proposed to result from relaxation of selection for high locomotory capacity in visual predators as light diminishes. Here, we present metabolic rates of Holothuroidea, a non-visual benthic and benthopelagic echinoderm class, determined in situ at abyssal depths (greater than 4000 m depth). Mean temperature- and mass-normalized metabolic rate did not differ significantly between shallow-water (less than 200 m depth) and bathyal (200–4000 m depth) holothurians, but was significantly lower in abyssal (greater than 4000 m depth) holothurians than in shallow-water holothurians. These results support the dominance of the visual interactions hypothesis at bathyal depths, but indicate that ecological or evolutionary pressures other than biotic visual interactions contribute to bathymetric variation in holothurian metabolic rates. Multiple nonlinear regression assuming power or exponential models indicates that in situ hydrostatic pressure and/or food/chemical energy availability are responsible for variation in holothurian metabolic rates. Consequently, these results have implications for modelling deep-sea energetics and processes. PMID:29892403

Nitrous oxide emissions in cover crop-based corn production systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, Brian Wesley

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas; the majority of N2O emissions are the result of agricultural management, particularly the application of N fertilizers to soils. The relationship of N2O emissions to varying sources of N (manures, mineral fertilizers, and cover crops) has not been well-evaluated. Here we discussed a novel methodology for estimating precipitation-induced pulses of N2O using flux measurements; results indicated that short-term intensive time-series sampling methods can adequately describe the magnitude of these pulses. We also evaluated the annual N2O emissions from corn-cover crop (Zea mays; cereal rye [Secale cereale], hairy vetch [Vicia villosa ], or biculture) production systems when fertilized with multiple rates of subsurface banded poultry litter, as compared with tillage incorporation or mineral fertilizer. N2O emissions increased exponentially with total N rate; tillage decreased emissions following cover crops with legume components, while the effect of mineral fertilizer was mixed across cover crops.

Structural, optical, electron paramagnetic, thermal and dielectric characterization of chalcopyrite.

PubMed

Prameena, B; Anbalagan, G; Gunasekaran, S; Ramkumaar, G R; Gowtham, B

2014-03-25

Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) a variety of pyrite minerals was investigated through spectroscopic techniques and thermal analysis. The morphology and elemental analysis of the chalcopyrite have been done by high resolution SEM with EDAX. The lattice parameters were from the powder diffraction data (a=5.3003±0.0089 Å, c=10.3679±0.0289 Å; the volume of the unit cell=291.266 Å(3) with space group I42d (122)). The thermal decomposition behavior of chalcopyrite was studied by means of thermogravimetric analysis at three different heating rates 10, 15 and 20 °C/min. The values of effective activation energy (Ea), pre-exponential factor (ln A) for thermal decomposition have been measured at three different heating rates by employing Kissinger, Kim-Park and Flynn-Wall methods. Dielectric studies at different temperatures have also been carried out and it was found that both dielectric constant and dielectric loss decreases with the increase of frequency. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Correlation between genome reduction and bacterial growth.

PubMed

Kurokawa, Masaomi; Seno, Shigeto; Matsuda, Hideo; Ying, Bei-Wen

2016-12-01

Genome reduction by removing dispensable genomic sequences in bacteria is commonly used in both fundamental and applied studies to determine the minimal genetic requirements for a living system or to develop highly efficient bioreactors. Nevertheless, whether and how the accumulative loss of dispensable genomic sequences disturbs bacterial growth remains unclear. To investigate the relationship between genome reduction and growth, a series of Escherichia coli strains carrying genomes reduced in a stepwise manner were used. Intensive growth analyses revealed that the accumulation of multiple genomic deletions caused decreases in the exponential growth rate and the saturated cell density in a deletion-length-dependent manner as well as gradual changes in the patterns of growth dynamics, regardless of the growth media. Accordingly, a perspective growth model linking genome evolution to genome engineering was proposed. This study provides the first demonstration of a quantitative connection between genomic sequence and bacterial growth, indicating that growth rate is potentially associated with dispensable genomic sequences. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Kazusa DNA Research Institute.

A Comparison of the ?-Radiolysis of TODGA and T(EH)DGA Using UHPLC-ESI-MS Analysis

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

Zarzana, Chris A.; Groenewold, Gary S.; Mincher, Bruce J.

2015-03-01

Solutions of TODGA and T(EH)DGA in n-dodecane were subjected to ?-irradiation in the presence and absence of an aqueous nitric acid phase and analyzed using UHPLC-ESI-MS to determine the rates of radiolytic decay of the two extractants, as well as to identify radiolysis products. The DGA concentrations decreased exponentially with increasing dose, and the measured degradation rate constants were uninfluenced by the presence or absence of an acidic aqueous phase, or by chemical variations in the alkyl side-chains. The DGA degradation was attributed to reactions of the dodecane radical cation, whose kinetics were measured for TODGA using picosecond electron pulsemore » radiolysis to be k2 = (9.72 ± 1.10) × 109 M-1 s-1. The identified radiolysis products suggest that the bonds most vulnerable to radiolytic attack are those in the diglycolamide center of these molecules and not on the side-chains.« less

Subcritical crack growth in soda-lime glass in combined mode I and mode II loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, Dileep; Shetty, Dinesh K.

1990-01-01

Subcritical crack growth under mixed-mode loading was studied in soda-lime glass. Pure mode I, combined mode I and mode II, and pure mode II loadings were achieved in precracked disk specimens by loading in diametral compression at selected angles with respect to the symmetric radial crack. Crack growth was monitored by measuring the resistance changes in a microcircuit grid consisting of parallel, electrically conducting grid lines deposited on the surface of the disk specimens by photolithography. Subcritical crack growth rates in pure mode I, pure mode II, and combined mode I and mode II loading could be described by an exponential relationship between crack growth rate and an effective crack driving force derived from a mode I-mode II fracture toughness envelope. The effective crack driving force was based on an empirical representation of the noncoplanar strain energy release rate. Stress intensities for kinked cracks were assessed using the method of caustics and an initial decrease and a subsequent increase in the subcritical crack growth rates of kinked cracks were shown to correlate with the variations of the mode I and the mode II stress intensities.

Pile-up correction algorithm based on successive integration for high count rate medical imaging and radiation spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammadian-Behbahani, Mohammad-Reza; Saramad, Shahyar

2018-07-01

In high count rate radiation spectroscopy and imaging, detector output pulses tend to pile up due to high interaction rate of the particles with the detector. Pile-up effects can lead to a severe distortion of the energy and timing information. Pile-up events are conventionally prevented or rejected by both analog and digital electronics. However, for decreasing the exposure times in medical imaging applications, it is important to maintain the pulses and extract their true information by pile-up correction methods. The single-event reconstruction method is a relatively new model-based approach for recovering the pulses one-by-one using a fitting procedure, for which a fast fitting algorithm is a prerequisite. This article proposes a fast non-iterative algorithm based on successive integration which fits the bi-exponential model to experimental data. After optimizing the method, the energy spectra, energy resolution and peak-to-peak count ratios are calculated for different counting rates using the proposed algorithm as well as the rejection method for comparison. The obtained results prove the effectiveness of the proposed method as a pile-up processing scheme designed for spectroscopic and medical radiation detection applications.

Inorganic Carbon Source for Photosynthesis in the Seagrass Thalassia hemprichii (Ehrenb.) Aschers.

PubMed

Abel, K M

1984-11-01

Photosynthetic carbon uptake of the tropical seagrass Thalassia hemprichii (Ehrenb.) Aschers was studied by several methods. Photosynthesis in buffered seawater in media in the range of pH 6 to pH 9 showed an exponentially increasing rate with decreasing pH, thus indicating that free CO(2) was a photosynthetic substrate. However, these experiments were unable to determine whether photosynthesis at alkaline pH also contained some component due to HCO(3) (-) uptake. This aspect was further investigated by studying photosynthetic rates in a number of media of varying pH (7.8-8.61) and total inorganic carbon (0.75-13.17 millimolar). In these media, photosynthetic rate was correlated with free CO(2) concentration and was independent of the HCO(3) (-) concentration in the medium. Short time-course experiments were conducted during equilibration of free CO(2) and HCO(3) (-) after injection of (14)C labeled solution at acid or alkaline pH. High initial photosynthetic rates were observed when acidic solutions (largely free CO(2)) were used but not with alkaline solutions. The concentration of free CO(2) was found to be a limiting factor for photosynthesis in this plant.

Effect of contact time and force on monocyte adhesion to vascular endothelium.

PubMed Central

Rinker, K D; Prabhakar, V; Truskey, G A

2001-01-01

In this study we examined whether monocytic cell attachment to vascular endothelium was affected by elevating shear stress at a constant shear rate. Contact time, which is inversely related to the shear rate, was fixed and viscosity elevated with dextran to increase the shear stress (and hence the net force on the cell) independently of shear rate. At a fixed contact time, tethering frequencies increased, rolling velocities decreased, and median arrest durations increased with increasing shear stress. Rolling and short arrests (< 0.2 s) were well fit by a single exponential consistent with adhesion via the formation of a single additional bond. The cell dissociation constant, k(off), increased when the shear stress was elevated at constant shear rate. Firmly adherent cells arresting for at least 0.2 s were well fit by a stochastic model involving dissociation from multiple bonds. Therefore, at a fixed contact time and increasing shear stress, bonds formed more frequently for rolling cells resulting in more short arrests, and more bonds formed for firmly arresting cells resulting in longer arrest durations. Possible mechanisms for this increased adhesion include greater monocyte deformation and/or more frequent penetration of microvilli through steric and charge barriers. PMID:11259286

Dynamic recrystallization behavior of a biomedical Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy.

PubMed

Bobbili, Ravindranadh; Madhu, V

2016-06-01

The dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior of a biomedical titanium Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy has been investigated using the high temperature compression tests under wide range of strain rates (0.001-1/s) and temperatures 900-1050°C. A constitutive equation represented as a function of temperature, strain rate and true strain is developed and the hot deformation apparent activation energy is calculated about 534kJ/mol. By considering the exponential relationship between work-hardening rate (θ) and stress, a new mathematical model was proposed for predicting flow stress up to the critical strain during hot deformation. The mathematical model for predicting flow stress up to the critical strain exhibits better consistency and accuracy. The DRX kinetic equation of Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy is described as XDRX=1-exp[-0.32(Ɛ-ƐcƐ(*))(2.3)] . The DRX kinetic model was validated by microstructure observation. It was also found that the process of DRX was promoted by decreasing strain rate and increasing deformation temperature. Eventually, the continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) was identified to be the DRX mechanism using transmission electron microscope (TEM). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Shock tube measurements of specific reaction rates in branched chain CH4-CO-O2 system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brabbs, T. A.; Brokaw, R. S.

1974-01-01

Rate constants of two elementary bimolecular reactions involved in the oxidation of methane were determined by monitoring the exponential growth of CO flame band emission behind incident shocks in three suitably chosen gas mixtures.

Continuous deflation and plate spreading at the Askja volcanic system, Iceland: Constrains on deformation processes from finite element models using temperature-dependent non-linear rheology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tariqul Islam, Md.; Sturkell, Erik; Sigmundsson, Freysteinn; Drouin, Vincent Jean Paul B.; Ófeigsson, Benedikt G.

2014-05-01

Iceland is located on the mid Atlantic ridge, where the spreading rate is nearly 2 cm/yr. The high rate of magmatism in Iceland is caused by the interaction between the Iceland hotspot and the divergent mid-Atlantic plate boundary. Iceland hosts about 35 volcanoes or volcanic systems that are active. Most of these are aliened along the plate boundary. The best studied magma chamber of central volcanoes (e.g., Askja, Krafla, Grimsvötn, Katla) have verified (suggested) a shallow magma chamber (< 5 km), which has been model successfully with a Mogi source, using elastic and/or elastic-viscoelastic half-space. Maxwell and Newtonian viscosity is mainly considered for viscoelastic half-space. Therefore, rheology may be oversimplified. Our attempt is to study deformation of the Askja volcano together with plate spreading in Iceland using temperature-dependent non-linear rheology. It offers continuous variation of rheology, laterally and vertically from rift axis and surface. To implement it, we consider thermo-mechanic coupling models where rheology follows dislocation flow in dry condition based on a temperature distribution. Continuous deflation of the Askja volcanic system is associated with solidification of magma in the magma chamber and post eruption relaxation. A long time series of levelling data show its subsidence trend to exponentially. In our preliminary models, a magma chamber at 2.8 km depth with 0.5 km radius is introduced at the ridge axis as a Mogi source. Simultaneously far field of rift axis stretching by 18.4 mm/yr (measured during 2007 to 20013) is applied to reproduce plate spreading. Predicted surface deformation caused of combined effect of tectonic-volcanic activities is evaluated with GPS during 2003-2009 and RADARSAT InSAR data during 2000 to 2010. During 2003-2009, data from the GPS site OLAF (close to the centre of subsidence) shows average rate of subsidence 19±1 mm/yr relative to the ITRF2005 reference frame. The MASK (Mid ASKJA) site is another GPS station at the top of predicted centre of magma chamber correlates well with OLAF site at 500 m distance from MASK. Average subsidence rates derived from GPS measurements show comparable rate derived from InSAR data. Velocities derived from InSAR show that the yearly maximum subsidence rates in the Askja caldera decrease linearly. The optimized pressure decrease in the magma chamber from the model follows an exponential decay, with P (MPa) = 2.0177 EXP(-0.0176x), where x is the numbers of years (1,2,3 .. 10). However total ramp pressure drop during this period (10 years) is 4 MPa and additional 4.68 MPa pressure drop may be caused of rheological relaxation.

A hybrid MD-kMC algorithm for folding proteins in explicit solvent.

PubMed

Peter, Emanuel Karl; Shea, Joan-Emma

2014-04-14

We present a novel hybrid MD-kMC algorithm that is capable of efficiently folding proteins in explicit solvent. We apply this algorithm to the folding of a small protein, Trp-Cage. Different kMC move sets that capture different possible rate limiting steps are implemented. The first uses secondary structure formation as a relevant rate event (a combination of dihedral rotations and hydrogen-bonding formation and breakage). The second uses tertiary structure formation events through formation of contacts via translational moves. Both methods fold the protein, but via different mechanisms and with different folding kinetics. The first method leads to folding via a structured helical state, with kinetics fit by a single exponential. The second method leads to folding via a collapsed loop, with kinetics poorly fit by single or double exponentials. In both cases, folding times are faster than experimentally reported values, The secondary and tertiary move sets are integrated in a third MD-kMC implementation, which now leads to folding of the protein via both pathways, with single and double-exponential fits to the rates, and to folding rates in good agreement with experimental values. The competition between secondary and tertiary structure leads to a longer search for the helix-rich intermediate in the case of the first pathway, and to the emergence of a kinetically trapped long-lived molten-globule collapsed state in the case of the second pathway. The algorithm presented not only captures experimentally observed folding intermediates and kinetics, but yields insights into the relative roles of local and global interactions in determining folding mechanisms and rates.

Anomalous NMR Relaxation in Cartilage Matrix Components and Native Cartilage: Fractional-Order Models

PubMed Central

Magin, Richard L.; Li, Weiguo; Velasco, M. Pilar; Trujillo, Juan; Reiter, David A.; Morgenstern, Ashley; Spencer, Richard G.

2011-01-01

We present a fractional-order extension of the Bloch equations to describe anomalous NMR relaxation phenomena (T1 and T2). The model has solutions in the form of Mittag-Leffler and stretched exponential functions that generalize conventional exponential relaxation. Such functions have been shown by others to be useful for describing dielectric and viscoelastic relaxation in complex, heterogeneous materials. Here, we apply these fractional-order T1 and T2 relaxation models to experiments performed at 9.4 and 11.7 Tesla on type I collagen gels, chondroitin sulfate mixtures, and to bovine nasal cartilage (BNC), a largely isotropic and homogeneous form of cartilage. The results show that the fractional-order analysis captures important features of NMR relaxation that are typically described by multi-exponential decay models. We find that the T2 relaxation of BNC can be described in a unique way by a single fractional-order parameter (α), in contrast to the lack of uniqueness of multi-exponential fits in the realistic setting of a finite signal-to-noise ratio. No anomalous behavior of T1 was observed in BNC. In the single-component gels, for T2 measurements, increasing the concentration of the largest components of cartilage matrix, collagen and chondroitin sulfate, results in a decrease in α, reflecting a more restricted aqueous environment. The quality of the curve fits obtained using Mittag-Leffler and stretched exponential functions are in some cases superior to those obtained using mono- and bi-exponential models. In both gels and BNC, α appears to account for microstructural complexity in the setting of an altered distribution of relaxation times. This work suggests the utility of fractional-order models to describe T2 NMR relaxation processes in biological tissues. PMID:21498095

Anomalous NMR relaxation in cartilage matrix components and native cartilage: Fractional-order models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magin, Richard L.; Li, Weiguo; Pilar Velasco, M.; Trujillo, Juan; Reiter, David A.; Morgenstern, Ashley; Spencer, Richard G.

2011-06-01

We present a fractional-order extension of the Bloch equations to describe anomalous NMR relaxation phenomena ( T1 and T2). The model has solutions in the form of Mittag-Leffler and stretched exponential functions that generalize conventional exponential relaxation. Such functions have been shown by others to be useful for describing dielectric and viscoelastic relaxation in complex, heterogeneous materials. Here, we apply these fractional-order T1 and T2 relaxation models to experiments performed at 9.4 and 11.7 Tesla on type I collagen gels, chondroitin sulfate mixtures, and to bovine nasal cartilage (BNC), a largely isotropic and homogeneous form of cartilage. The results show that the fractional-order analysis captures important features of NMR relaxation that are typically described by multi-exponential decay models. We find that the T2 relaxation of BNC can be described in a unique way by a single fractional-order parameter ( α), in contrast to the lack of uniqueness of multi-exponential fits in the realistic setting of a finite signal-to-noise ratio. No anomalous behavior of T1 was observed in BNC. In the single-component gels, for T2 measurements, increasing the concentration of the largest components of cartilage matrix, collagen and chondroitin sulfate, results in a decrease in α, reflecting a more restricted aqueous environment. The quality of the curve fits obtained using Mittag-Leffler and stretched exponential functions are in some cases superior to those obtained using mono- and bi-exponential models. In both gels and BNC, α appears to account for micro-structural complexity in the setting of an altered distribution of relaxation times. This work suggests the utility of fractional-order models to describe T2 NMR relaxation processes in biological tissues.

Modelling Pre-eruptive Progressive Damage in Basaltic Volcanoes: Consequences for the Pre-eruptive Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Got, J. L.; Amitrano, D.; Carrier, A.; Marsan, D.; Jouanne, F.; Vogfjord, K. S.

2017-12-01

At Grimsvötn volcano, high-quality earthquake and continuous GPS data were recorded by the Icelandic Meteorological Office during its 2004-2011 inter-eruptive period and exhibited remarkable patterns : acceleration of the cumulated earthquake number, and a 2-year exponential decrease in displacement rate followed by a 4-year constant inflation rate. We proposed a model with one magma reservoir in a non-linear elastic damaging edifice, with incompressible magma and a constant pressure at the base of the magma conduit. We first modelled seismicity rate and damage as a function of time, and show that Kachanov's elastic brittle damage law may be used to express the decrease of the effective shear modulus with time. We then derived simple analytical expressions for the magma reservoir overpressure and the surface displacement as a function of time. We got a very good fit of the seismicity and surface displacement data by adjusting only three phenomenological parameters and computed magma reservoir overpressure, magma flow and strain power as a function of time. Overpressure decrease is controlled by damage and shear modulus decrease. Displacement increases, although overpressure is decreasing, because shear modulus decreases more than overpressure. Normalized strain power reaches a maximum 0.25 value. This maximum is a physical limit, after which the elasticity laws are no longer valid, earthquakes cluster, cumulative number of earthquakes departs from the model. State variable extrema provide four reference times that may be used to assess the mechanical state and dynamics of the volcanic edifice. We also performed the spatial modelling of the progressive damage and strain localization around a pressurized magma reservoir. We used Kachanov's damage law and finite element modelling of an initially elastic volcanic edifice pressurized by a spherical magma reservoir, with a constant pressure in the reservoir and various external boundary conditions. At each node of the model, Young's modulus is decreased if deviatoric stress locally reaches the Mohr-Coulomb plastic threshold. For a compressive horizontal stress, the result shows a complex strain localization pattern, showing reverse and normal faulting very similar to what is obtained from analog modelling and observed at volcanic resurgent domes.

Eruption probabilities for the Lassen Volcanic Center and regional volcanism, northern California, and probabilities for large explosive eruptions in the Cascade Range

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nathenson, Manuel; Clynne, Michael A.; Muffler, L.J. Patrick

2012-01-01

Chronologies for eruptive activity of the Lassen Volcanic Center and for eruptions from the regional mafic vents in the surrounding area of the Lassen segment of the Cascade Range are here used to estimate probabilities of future eruptions. For the regional mafic volcanism, the ages of many vents are known only within broad ranges, and two models are developed that should bracket the actual eruptive ages. These chronologies are used with exponential, Weibull, and mixed-exponential probability distributions to match the data for time intervals between eruptions. For the Lassen Volcanic Center, the probability of an eruption in the next year is 1.4x10-4 for the exponential distribution and 2.3x10-4 for the mixed exponential distribution. For the regional mafic vents, the exponential distribution gives a probability of an eruption in the next year of 6.5x10-4, but the mixed exponential distribution indicates that the current probability, 12,000 years after the last event, could be significantly lower. For the exponential distribution, the highest probability is for an eruption from a regional mafic vent. Data on areas and volumes of lava flows and domes of the Lassen Volcanic Center and of eruptions from the regional mafic vents provide constraints on the probable sizes of future eruptions. Probabilities of lava-flow coverage are similar for the Lassen Volcanic Center and for regional mafic vents, whereas the probable eruptive volumes for the mafic vents are generally smaller. Data have been compiled for large explosive eruptions (>≈ 5 km3 in deposit volume) in the Cascade Range during the past 1.2 m.y. in order to estimate probabilities of eruption. For erupted volumes >≈5 km3, the rate of occurrence since 13.6 ka is much higher than for the entire period, and we use these data to calculate the annual probability of a large eruption at 4.6x10-4. For erupted volumes ≥10 km3, the rate of occurrence has been reasonably constant from 630 ka to the present, giving more confidence in the estimate, and we use those data to calculate the annual probability of a large eruption in the next year at 1.4x10-5.

Single speckle SRS threshold as determined by electron trapping, collisions and speckle duration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rose, Harvey; Daughton, William; Yin, Lin; Langdon, Bruce

2008-11-01

Speckle SRS intensity threshold has been shown to increase with spatial dimension, D, because both diffraction and trapped electron escape rate increase with D, though the net effect is to substantially decrease the threshold compared to 1D linear gain calculations. On the other hand, the apparent threshold appears to decrease with integration time in PIC simulations. We present an optimum nonlinearly resonant calculation of the SRS threshold, taking into account large fluctuations of the SRS seed reflectivity, R0. Such fluctuations, absent in 1D, are caused by a gap in the linear reflectivity gain spectrum which leads to an exponential probability distribution for R0. While the SRS threshold intensity is of course finite, these fluctuations lead to a decrease of apparent threshold with increasing speckle lifetime. L. Yin et al., Physics of Plasmas 15, 013109 (2008). D. S. Montgomery et al., 9, 2311(2002). Bruce Langdon et al., 38^th Anomalous Absorption Conference (2008). Harvey A. Rose, Physics of Plasmas 10, 1468 (2003). Harvey A. Rose and L. Yin, Physics of Plasmas 15, 042311 (2008)., Harvey A. Rose and David A. Russell, Phys. Plasma 8, 4784 (2001).

Etching of germanium-tin using ammonia peroxide mixture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Yuan; Ong, Bin Leong; Wang, Wei; Zhang, Zheng; Pan, Jisheng; Gong, Xiao; Tok, Eng-Soon; Liang, Gengchiau; Yeo, Yee-Chia

2015-12-01

The wet etching of germanium-tin (Ge1-xSnx) alloys (4.2% < x < 16.0%) in ammonia peroxide mixture (APM) is investigated. Empirical fitting of the data points indicates that the etch depth of Ge1-xSnx is proportional to the square root of the etch time t and decreases exponentially with increasing x for a given t. In addition, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results show that increasing t increases the intensity of the Sn oxide peak, whereas no obvious change is observed for the Ge oxide peak. This indicates that an accumulation of Sn oxide on the Ge1-xSnx surface decreases the amount of Ge atoms exposed to the etchant, which accounts for the decrease in etch rate with increasing etch time. Atomic force microscopy was used to examine the surface morphologies of the Ge0.918Sn0.082 samples. Both root-mean-square roughness and undulation periods of the Ge1-xSnx surface were observed to increase with increasing t. This work provides further understanding of the wet etching of Ge1-xSnx using APM and may be used for the fabrication of Ge1-xSnx-based electronic and photonic devices.

Usefulness of acr expression for monitoring latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli in 'in vitro' and 'in vivo' experimental models.

PubMed

Gordillo, S; Guirado, E; Gil, O; Díaz, J; Amat, I; Molinos, S; Vilaplana, C; Ausina, V; Cardona, P-J

2006-07-01

Real-time RT-PCR was used to quantify the expression of genes possibly involved in Mycobacterium tuberculosis latency in in vitro and murine models. Exponential and stationary phase (EP and SP) bacilli were exposed to decreasing pH levels (from 6.5 to 4.5) in an unstirred culture, and mRNA levels for 16S rRNA, sigma factors sigA,B,E,F,G,H and M, Rv0834c, icl, nirA, narG, fpbB, acr, rpoA, recA and cysH were quantified. The expression of acr was the one that best correlated with the CFU decrease observed in SP bacilli. In the murine model, the expressions of icl, acr and sigF tended to decrease when bacillary counts increased and vice versa. Values from immunodepressed mice (e.g. alpha/beta T cells, TNF, IFN-gamma and iNOs knock out strains), with accelerated bacillary growth rate, confirmed this fact. Finally, the expression of acr was maintained in mice following long-term treatment with antibiotics. The quantification of acr expression could be useful for monitoring the presence of latent bacilli in some murine models of tuberculosis.

Polarization and Fowler-Nordheim tunneling in anodized Al-Al2O3-Au diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hickmott, T. W.

2000-06-01

Polarization in anodic Al2O3 films is measured by using quasi-dc current-voltage (I-V) curves of Al-Al2O3-Au diodes. A reproducible polarization state is established by applying a negative voltage to the Au electrode of a rectifying Al-Al2O3-Au diode. The difference between subsequent I-V curves with Au positive is a measure of polarization in the sample. The magnitude of polarization charge in Al2O3 depends on the anodizing electrolyte. Al2O3 films formed in H2O-based electrolytes have approximately ten times the polarization charge of Al2O3 films formed in ethylene glycol-based electrolyte. Anodizing conditions that produce greater polarizing charge in anodic Al2O3 result in voltage-time curves during anodization under galvanostatic conditions that are nonlinear. Anodic films with greater polarizing charge also have a greater apparent interface capacitance which is independent of Al2O3 thickness. I-V curves of Al-Al2O3-Au diodes for increasing voltage are dominated by polarization. I-V curves for decreasing voltage are reproducible and parallel but depend on the maximum current and voltage reached during the measurement. There is no single current corresponding to a given voltage. I-V curves for decreasing voltage are analyzed assuming that the conduction mechanism is Fowler-Nordheim (FN) tunneling. There is a qualitative difference between the FN tunneling parameters for Al2O3 films formed in H2O-based electrolytes and those formed in ethylene glycol-based electrolyte. For the former the value of the exponential term in the FN analysis increases as the value of maximum voltage and current in an I-V characteristic increases, while the value of the pre-exponential term is nearly constant. For the latter, the exponential term is nearly constant as maximum voltage and current increase, but the pre-exponential term decreases by about 5 decades. Thus polarization charge incorporated during formation of anodized Al2O3 strongly affects the formation of the insulating film, the stability of the films under bias, and their conduction characteristics.

Electrical energy per order and current efficiency for electrochemical oxidation of p-chlorobenzoic acid with boron-doped diamond anode.

PubMed

Lanzarini-Lopes, Mariana; Garcia-Segura, Sergi; Hristovski, Kiril; Westerhoff, Paul

2017-12-01

Electrochemical oxidation (EO) is an advanced oxidation process for water treatment to mineralize organic contaminants. While proven to degrade a range of emerging pollutants in water, less attention has been given to quantify the effect of operational variables such applied current density and pollutant concentration on efficiency and energy requirements. Particular figures of merit were mineralization current efficiency (MCE) and electrical energy per order (E EO ). Linear increases of applied current exponentially decreased the MCE due to the enhancement of undesired parasitic reactions that consumed generated hydroxyl radical. E EO values ranged from 39.3 to 331.8 kW h m -3 order -1 . Increasing the applied current also enhanced the E EO due to the transition from kinetics limited by current to kinetics limited by mass transfer. Further increases in current did not influence the removal rate, but it raised the E EO requirement. The E EO requirement diminished when decreasing initial pollutant loading with the increase of the apparent kinetic rate because of the relative availability of oxidant per pollutant molecule in solution at a defined current. Oxidation by-products released were identified, and a plausible degradative pathway has been suggested. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Nonlinear analogue of the May−Wigner instability transition

PubMed Central

Fyodorov, Yan V.; Khoruzhenko, Boris A.

2016-01-01

We study a system of N≫1 degrees of freedom coupled via a smooth homogeneous Gaussian vector field with both gradient and divergence-free components. In the absence of coupling, the system is exponentially relaxing to an equilibrium with rate μ. We show that, while increasing the ratio of the coupling strength to the relaxation rate, the system experiences an abrupt transition from a topologically trivial phase portrait with a single equilibrium into a topologically nontrivial regime characterized by an exponential number of equilibria, the vast majority of which are expected to be unstable. It is suggested that this picture provides a global view on the nature of the May−Wigner instability transition originally discovered by local linear stability analysis. PMID:27274077

The release of alginate lyase from growing Pseudomonas syringae pathovar phaseolicola

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ott, C. M.; Day, D. F.; Koenig, D. W.; Pierson, D. L.

2001-01-01

Pseudomonas syringae pathovar phaseolicola, which produces alginate during stationary growth phase, displayed elevated extracellular alginate lyase activity during both mid-exponential and late-stationary growth phases of batch growth. Intracellular activity remained below 22% of the total activity during exponential growth, suggesting that alginate lyase has an extracellular function for this organism. Extracellular enzyme activity in continuous cultures, grown in either nutrient broth or glucose-simple salts medium, peaked at 60% of the washout rate, although nutrient broth-grown cultures displayed more than twice the activity per gram of cell mass. These results imply that growth rate, nutritional composition, or both initiate a release of alginate lyase from viable P. syringae pv. phaseolicola, which could modify its entrapping biofilm.

Pendulum Mass Affects the Measurement of Articular Friction Coefficient

PubMed Central

Akelman, Matthew R.; Teeple, Erin; Machan, Jason T.; Crisco, Joseph J.; Jay, Gregory D.; Fleming, Braden C.

2012-01-01

Friction measurements of articular cartilage are important to determine the relative tribologic contributions made by synovial fluid or cartilage, and to assess the efficacy of therapies for preventing the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Stanton’s equation is the most frequently used formula for estimating the whole joint friction coefficient (μ) of an articular pendulum, and assumes pendulum energy loss through a mass-independent mechanism. This study examines if articular pendulum energy loss is indeed mass independent, and compares Stanton’s model to an alternative model, which incorporates viscous damping, for calculating μ. Ten loads (25-100% body weight) were applied in a random order to an articular pendulum using the knees of adult male Hartley guinea pigs (n = 4) as the fulcrum. Motion of the decaying pendulum was recorded and μ was estimated using two models: Stanton’s equation, and an exponential decay function incorporating a viscous damping coefficient. μ estimates decreased as mass increased for both models. Exponential decay model fit error values were 82% less than the Stanton model. These results indicate that μ decreases with increasing mass, and that an exponential decay model provides a better fit for articular pendulum data at all mass values. In conclusion, inter-study comparisons of articular pendulum μ values should not be made without recognizing the loads used, as μ values are mass dependent. PMID:23122223

Pendulum mass affects the measurement of articular friction coefficient.

PubMed

Akelman, Matthew R; Teeple, Erin; Machan, Jason T; Crisco, Joseph J; Jay, Gregory D; Fleming, Braden C

2013-02-01

Friction measurements of articular cartilage are important to determine the relative tribologic contributions made by synovial fluid or cartilage, and to assess the efficacy of therapies for preventing the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Stanton's equation is the most frequently used formula for estimating the whole joint friction coefficient (μ) of an articular pendulum, and assumes pendulum energy loss through a mass-independent mechanism. This study examines if articular pendulum energy loss is indeed mass independent, and compares Stanton's model to an alternative model, which incorporates viscous damping, for calculating μ. Ten loads (25-100% body weight) were applied in a random order to an articular pendulum using the knees of adult male Hartley guinea pigs (n=4) as the fulcrum. Motion of the decaying pendulum was recorded and μ was estimated using two models: Stanton's equation, and an exponential decay function incorporating a viscous damping coefficient. μ estimates decreased as mass increased for both models. Exponential decay model fit error values were 82% less than the Stanton model. These results indicate that μ decreases with increasing mass, and that an exponential decay model provides a better fit for articular pendulum data at all mass values. In conclusion, inter-study comparisons of articular pendulum μ values should not be made without recognizing the loads used, as μ values are mass dependent. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Exponentially damped Lévy flights, multiscaling, and exchange rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsushita, Raul; Gleria, Iram; Figueiredo, Annibal; Rathie, Pushpa; Da Silva, Sergio

2004-02-01

We employ our previously suggested exponentially damped Lévy flight (Physica A 326 (2003) 544) to study the multiscaling properties of 30 daily exchange rates against the US dollar together with a fictitious euro-dollar rate (Physica A 286 (2000) 353). Though multiscaling is not theoretically seen in either stable Lévy processes or abruptly truncated Lévy flights, it is even characteristic of smoothly truncated Lévy flights (Phys. Lett. A 266 (2000) 282; Eur. Phys. J. B 4 (1998) 143). We have already defined a class of “quasi-stable” processes in connection with the finding that single scaling is pervasive among the dollar price of foreign currencies (Physica A 323 (2003) 601). Here we show that the same goes as far as multiscaling is concerned. Our novel findings incidentally reinforce the case for real-world relevance of the Lévy flights for modeling financial prices.

Factors Influencing Army Accessions.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-12-01

partial autocorrelations were examined for significant lags or a recognizable pattern such as a damped exponential or a sine wave. The TSP prugrams...decreasing function indicating nonstation- *arity or a very long sine wave where only a small portion of the wave is plotted. The partial...plot of the raw data appeared (Appendix E-1) to be either the middle of a long sine wave or a linearly decreasing function. This pattern is recognized

River gradient anomalies reveal recent tectonic movements when assuming an exponential gradient decrease along a river course

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Žibret, Gorazd; Žibret, Lea

2017-03-01

High resolution digital models, combined with GIS or other terrain modelling software, allow many new possibilities in geoscience. In this paper we develop, describe and test a novel method, the GLA method, to detect active tectonic uplift or subsidence along river courses. It is a modification of Hack's SL-index method in order to overcome the disadvantages of the latter. The core assumption of the GLA method is that over geological time river profiles quickly adjust to follow an exponential decrease in elevation along the river course. Any large deviation can be attributed to active tectonic movement, or to disturbances in erosion/sedimentation processes caused by an anthropogenic structure (e.g. artificial dam). During the testing phase, the locations of identified deviations were compared to the locations of faults, identified on a 1:100,000 geological map. Results show that higher magnitude deviations are found within a maximum radius of 200 m from the fault, and the majority of detected deviations within a maximum radius of 600 m from faults or thrusts. However, these results are not the best that could be obtained because the geological map that was used (and the only one available for the area) is not of the appropriate scale, and was therefore not precise enough. Comparison of deviation magnitudes against PSInSAR measurements of vertical displacements in the vicinity revealed that in spite of the very few suitable points available, a good correlation between both independent methods was obtained (R2 = 0.68 for the E research area and R2 = 0.69 for the W research area). The GLA method was applied to the three test sites where previous studies have shown active tectonic movements. It shows that deviations occur at the intersections between active faults and river courses, as well as also correctly detected active uplift, attributed to the increased sedimentation rate above an artificial hydropower dam, and an increased erosion rate below. The method gives promising results, and it is acknowledged that the GLA method needs to be tested in other locations around the world.

Snow fracture: From micro-cracking to global failure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capelli, Achille; Reiweger, Ingrid; Schweizer, Jürg

2017-04-01

Slab avalanches are caused by a crack forming and propagating in a weak layer within the snow cover, which eventually causes the detachment of the overlying cohesive slab. The gradual damage process leading to the nucleation of the initial failure is still not entirely understood. Therefore, we studied the damage process preceding snow failure by analyzing the acoustic emissions (AE) generated by bond failure or micro-cracking. The AE allow studying the ongoing progressive failure in a non-destructive way. We performed fully load-controlled failure experiments on snow samples presenting a weak layer and recorded the generated AE. The size and frequency of the generated AE increased before failure revealing an acceleration of the damage process with increased size and frequency of damage and/or microscopic cracks. The AE energy was power-law distributed and the exponent (b-value) decreased approaching failure. The waiting time followed an exponential distribution with increasing exponential coefficient λ before failure. The decrease of the b-value and the increase of λ correspond to a change in the event distribution statistics indicating a transition from homogeneously distributed uncorrelated damage producing mostly small AE to localized damage, which cause larger correlated events which leads to brittle failure. We observed brittle failure for the fast experiment and a more ductile behavior for the slow experiments. This rate dependence was reflected also in the AE signature. In the slow experiments the b value and λ were almost constant, and the energy rate increase was moderate indicating that the damage process was in a stable state - suggesting the damage and healing processes to be balanced. On a shorter time scale, however, the AE parameters varied indicating that the damage process was not steady but consisted of a sum of small bursts. We assume that the bursts may have been generated by cascades of correlated micro-cracks caused by localization of stresses at a small scale. The healing process may then have prevented the self-organization of this small scale damage and, therefore, the total failure of the sample.

Fracture analysis of a central crack in a long cylindrical superconductor with exponential model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yu Feng; Xu, Chi

2018-05-01

The fracture behavior of a long cylindrical superconductor is investigated by modeling a central crack that is induced by electromagnetic force. Based on the exponential model, the stress intensity factors (SIFs) with the dimensionless parameter p and the length of the crack a/R for the zero-field cooling (ZFC) and field-cooling (FC) processes are numerically simulated using the finite element method (FEM) and assuming a persistent current flow. As the applied field Ba decreases, the dependence of p and a/R on the SIFs in the ZFC process is exactly opposite to that observed in the FC process. Numerical results indicate that the exponential model exhibits different characteristics for the trend of the SIFs from the results obtained using the Bean and Kim models. This implies that the crack length and the trapped field have significant effects on the fracture behavior of bulk superconductors. The obtained results are useful for understanding the critical-state model of high-temperature superconductors in crack problem.

Temperature-dependent rate models of vascular cambium cell mortality

Treesearch

Matthew B. Dickinson; Edward A. Johnson

2004-01-01

We use two rate-process models to describe cell mortality at elevated temperatures as a means of understanding vascular cambium cell death during surface fires. In the models, cell death is caused by irreversible damage to cellular molecules that occurs at rates that increase exponentially with temperature. The models differ in whether cells show cumulative effects of...

[Decomposition dynamics of leaf litter in logging residue of a secondary Castanopsis carlesii plantation and its chemical composition changes].

PubMed

Ren, Wei-ling; Guo, Jian-fen; Wu, Bo-bo; Wan, Jing-juan; Ji, Shu-rong; Liu, Xiao-fei

2015-04-01

A field experiment was conducted to understand the decomposition rates and chemical composition changes of leaf litter in logging residues of a 35-year-old secondary Castanopsis carlesii plantation over a period of one year. Mass loss rate of leaf litter showed an exponential decrease with time from May 2012 to April 2013, with a total 80% loss of initial dry mass. Net potassium (K) release was observed during this period, with only 5% of initial K remained. Nitrogen ( N) featured a pattern of accumulation at the early stage and release later, while phosphorus (P) exhibited a sequence of release, accumulation, and release. The remaining of N and P were 19% and 16% of their initial mass, respectively. The release rate was highest for K and the lowest for N. Decomposition of lignin indicated a trend of release-accumulation-release from May 2012 to October 2012, with no further significant change from November 2012 to the end of the experiment. The concentration of cellulose nearly unchanged during the experiment. The N/P rate increased with decomposition, ranging from 18.6 to 21.1. The lignin/N rate fluctuated greatly at the early stage and then almost stabilized thereafter.

Nonadiabatic coupling reduces the activation energy in thermally activated delayed fluorescence.

PubMed

Gibson, J; Penfold, T J

2017-03-22

The temperature dependent rate of a thermally activated process is given by the Arrhenius equation. The exponential decrease in the rate with activation energy, which this imposes, strongly promotes processes with small activation barriers. This criterion is one of the most challenging during the design of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters used in organic light emitting diodes. The small activation energy is usually achieved with donor-acceptor charge transfer complexes. However, this sacrifices the radiative rate and is therefore incommensurate with the high luminescence quantum yields required for applications. Herein we demonstrate that the spin-vibronic mechanism, operative for efficient TADF, overcomes this limitation. Nonadiabatic coupling between the lowest two triplet states give rise to a strong enhancement of the rate of reserve intersystem crossing via a second order mechanism and promotes population transfer between the T 1 to T 2 states. Consequently the rISC mechanism is actually operative between initial and final state exhibiting an energy gap that is smaller than between the T 1 and S 1 states. This contributes to the small activation energies for molecules exhibiting a large optical gap, identifies limitations of the present design procedures and provides a basis from which to construct TADF molecules with simultaneous high radiative and rISC rates.

Influence of Light and Temperature on Monoterpene Emission Rates from Slash Pine

PubMed Central

Tingey, David T.; Manning, Marybeth; Grothaus, Louis C.; Burns, Walter F.

1980-01-01

There is a growing awareness of vegetation's role as a source of potentially reactive hydrocarbons that may serve as photochemical oxidant precursors. This study assessed the influence of light and temperature, independently, on monoterpene emissions from slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.). Plants were preconditioned in a growth chamber, then transferred to an environmentally controlled gas exchange chamber. Samples of the chamber atmosphere were collected; the monoterpenes were concentrated cryogenically and measured by gas chromatography. Five monoterpenes (α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene, limonene, and β-phellandrene) were present in the vapor phase surrounding the plants in sufficient quantity for reliable measurement. Light did not directly influence monoterpene emission rates since the emissions were similar in both the dark and at various light intensities. Monoterpene emission rates increased exponentially with temperature (i. e. emissions depend on temperature in a log-linear manner). The summed emissions of the five monoterpenes ranged from 3 to 21 micrograms C per gram dry weight per hour as temperature was increased from 20 to 46 C. Initially, emission rates from heat-stressed needles were similar to healthy needles, but rates decreased 11% per day. Daily carbon loss through monoterpene emissions accounted for approximately 0.4% of the carbon fixed during photosynthesis. PMID:16661285

Influence of light and temperature on monoterpene emission rates from slash pine.

PubMed

Tingey, D T; Manning, M; Grothaus, L C; Burns, W F

1980-05-01

There is a growing awareness of vegetation's role as a source of potentially reactive hydrocarbons that may serve as photochemical oxidant precursors. This study assessed the influence of light and temperature, independently, on monoterpene emissions from slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.). Plants were preconditioned in a growth chamber, then transferred to an environmentally controlled gas exchange chamber. Samples of the chamber atmosphere were collected; the monoterpenes were concentrated cryogenically and measured by gas chromatography. Five monoterpenes (alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, myrcene, limonene, and beta-phellandrene) were present in the vapor phase surrounding the plants in sufficient quantity for reliable measurement. Light did not directly influence monoterpene emission rates since the emissions were similar in both the dark and at various light intensities. Monoterpene emission rates increased exponentially with temperature (i. e. emissions depend on temperature in a log-linear manner). The summed emissions of the five monoterpenes ranged from 3 to 21 micrograms C per gram dry weight per hour as temperature was increased from 20 to 46 C. Initially, emission rates from heat-stressed needles were similar to healthy needles, but rates decreased 11% per day. Daily carbon loss through monoterpene emissions accounted for approximately 0.4% of the carbon fixed during photosynthesis.

Root Zone Respiration on Hydroponically Grown Wheat Plant Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soler-Crespo, R. A.; Monje, O. A.

2010-01-01

Root respiration is a biological phenomenon that controls plant growth and physiological development during a plant's lifespan. This process is dependent on the availability of oxygen in the system where the plant is located. In hydroponic systems, where plants are submerged in a solution containing vital nutrients but no type of soil, the availability of oxygen arises from the dissolved oxygen concentration in the solution. This oxygen concentration is dependent on the , gas-liquid interface formed on the upper surface of the liquid, as given by Henry's Law, depending on pressure and temperature conditions. Respiration rates of the plants rise as biomass and root zone increase with age. The respiration rate of Apogee wheat plants (Triticum aestivum) was measured as a function of light intensity (catalytic for photosynthesis) and CO2 concentration to determine their effect on respiration rates. To determine their effects on respiration rate and plant growth microbial communities were introduced into the system, by Innoculum. Surfactants were introduced, simulating gray-water usage in space, as another factor to determine their effect on chemical oxygen demand of microbials and on respiration rates of the plants. It is expected to see small effects from changes in CO2 concentration or light levels, and to see root respiration decrease in an exponential manner with plant age and microbial activity.

Patient-specific Radiation Dose and Cancer Risk for Pediatric Chest CT

PubMed Central

Samei, Ehsan; Segars, W. Paul; Sturgeon, Gregory M.; Colsher, James G.; Frush, Donald P.

2011-01-01

Purpose: To estimate patient-specific radiation dose and cancer risk for pediatric chest computed tomography (CT) and to evaluate factors affecting dose and risk, including patient size, patient age, and scanning parameters. Materials and Methods: The institutional review board approved this study and waived informed consent. This study was HIPAA compliant. The study included 30 patients (0–16 years old), for whom full-body computer models were recently created from clinical CT data. A validated Monte Carlo program was used to estimate organ dose from eight chest protocols, representing clinically relevant combinations of bow tie filter, collimation, pitch, and tube potential. Organ dose was used to calculate effective dose and risk index (an index of total cancer incidence risk). The dose and risk estimates before and after normalization by volume-weighted CT dose index (CTDIvol) or dose–length product (DLP) were correlated with patient size and age. The effect of each scanning parameter was studied. Results: Organ dose normalized by tube current–time product or CTDIvol decreased exponentially with increasing average chest diameter. Effective dose normalized by tube current–time product or DLP decreased exponentially with increasing chest diameter. Chest diameter was a stronger predictor of dose than weight and total scan length. Risk index normalized by tube current–time product or DLP decreased exponentially with both chest diameter and age. When normalized by DLP, effective dose and risk index were independent of collimation, pitch, and tube potential (<10% variation). Conclusion: The correlations of dose and risk with patient size and age can be used to estimate patient-specific dose and risk. They can further guide the design and optimization of pediatric chest CT protocols. © RSNA, 2011 Supplemental material: http://radiology.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/radiol.11101900/-/DC1 PMID:21467251

Patient-specific radiation dose and cancer risk for pediatric chest CT.

PubMed

Li, Xiang; Samei, Ehsan; Segars, W Paul; Sturgeon, Gregory M; Colsher, James G; Frush, Donald P

2011-06-01

To estimate patient-specific radiation dose and cancer risk for pediatric chest computed tomography (CT) and to evaluate factors affecting dose and risk, including patient size, patient age, and scanning parameters. The institutional review board approved this study and waived informed consent. This study was HIPAA compliant. The study included 30 patients (0-16 years old), for whom full-body computer models were recently created from clinical CT data. A validated Monte Carlo program was used to estimate organ dose from eight chest protocols, representing clinically relevant combinations of bow tie filter, collimation, pitch, and tube potential. Organ dose was used to calculate effective dose and risk index (an index of total cancer incidence risk). The dose and risk estimates before and after normalization by volume-weighted CT dose index (CTDI(vol)) or dose-length product (DLP) were correlated with patient size and age. The effect of each scanning parameter was studied. Organ dose normalized by tube current-time product or CTDI(vol) decreased exponentially with increasing average chest diameter. Effective dose normalized by tube current-time product or DLP decreased exponentially with increasing chest diameter. Chest diameter was a stronger predictor of dose than weight and total scan length. Risk index normalized by tube current-time product or DLP decreased exponentially with both chest diameter and age. When normalized by DLP, effective dose and risk index were independent of collimation, pitch, and tube potential (<10% variation). The correlations of dose and risk with patient size and age can be used to estimate patient-specific dose and risk. They can further guide the design and optimization of pediatric chest CT protocols. http://radiology.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/radiol.11101900/-/DC1. RSNA, 2011

Exponential analysis of the lung pressure-volume curve in patients with chronic pigeon-breeder's lung.

PubMed

Sansores, R; Perez-Padilla, R; Paré, P D; Selman, M

1992-05-01

Pigeon-breeder's lung (PBL) is extremely common in Mexico City and often progresses to irreversible pulmonary fibrosis. The exponential analysis of the lung pressure-volume (PV) curve (V = A - Be-kp) has been suggested as a method to separate the lung restriction caused by inflammation from that caused by pulmonary fibrosis; a significantly decreased value for the exponential constant, k, suggests a change in the mechanical properties of the functioning lung parenchyma, while a normal value accompanied by restriction suggests subtraction of lung units without a change in the mechanical properties of the functioning units. We measured lung volumes and static PV curves in 29 patients who had persistent lung restriction following a biopsy-proven diagnosis of PBL. Mean values in the 29 subjects were as follows: age, 43 +/- 13 years; TLC, 61 +/- 15 percent of predicted; VC, 46 +/- 19 percent of predicted; and k, 55 +/- 17 percent of predicted. Twenty-four of the 29 patients had values for k that were below the 95 percent confidence level, and five had "normal" values. There was no difference in TLC and VC (percent of predicted) between those with or without a decreased value for k. Four of five patients with a normal value for k improved subsequent to diagnosis, while only one of 21 patients with a decreased k improved. We conclude that increased lung elasticity manifested by a low value for k is common in patients with chronic PBL. These results support the observation of frequent irreversible lung fibrosis in these patients. Measurements of k could prove a good prognostic indicator at the time of initial diagnosis.

Unexpected features of exponentially growing Tobacco Bright Yellow-2 cell suspension culture in relation to excreted extracellular polysaccharides and cell wall composition.

PubMed

Issawi, Mohammad; Muhieddine, Mohammad; Girard, Celine; Sol, Vincent; Riou, Catherine

2017-10-01

This article presents a new insight about TBY-2 cells; from extracellular polysaccharides secretion to cell wall composition during cell suspension culture. In the medium of cells taken 2 days after dilution (end of lag phase), a two unit pH decrease from 5.38 to 3.45 was observed and linked to a high uronic acid (UA) amount secretion (47.8%) while, in 4 and 7 day-old spent media, pH increased and UA amounts decreased 35.6 and 42.3% UA, respectively. To attain deeper knowledge of the putative link between extracellular polysaccharide excretion and cell wall composition, we determined cell wall UA and neutral sugar composition of cells from D2 to D12 cultures. While cell walls from D2 and D3 cells contained a large amount of uronic acid (twice as much as the other analysed cell walls), similar amounts of neutral sugar were detected in cells from lag to end of exponential phase cells suggesting an enriched pectin network in young cultures. Indeed, monosaccharide composition analysis leads to an estimated percentage of pectins of 56% for D3 cell wall against 45% D7 cell walls indicating that the cells at the mid-exponential growth phase re-organized their cell wall linked to a decrease in secreted UA that finally led to a stabilization of the spent medium pH to 5.4. In conclusion, TBY-2 cell suspension from lag to stationary phase showed cell wall remodeling that could be of interest in drug interaction and internalization study.

Estimating Distances from Parallaxes. II. Performance of Bayesian Distance Estimators on a Gaia-like Catalogue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Astraatmadja, Tri L.; Bailer-Jones, Coryn A. L.

2016-12-01

Estimating a distance by inverting a parallax is only valid in the absence of noise. As most stars in the Gaia catalog will have non-negligible fractional parallax errors, we must treat distance estimation as a constrained inference problem. Here we investigate the performance of various priors for estimating distances, using a simulated Gaia catalog of one billion stars. We use three minimalist, isotropic priors, as well an anisotropic prior derived from the observability of stars in a Milky Way model. The two priors that assume a uniform distribution of stars—either in distance or in space density—give poor results: The root mean square fractional distance error, {f}{rms}, grows far in excess of 100% once the fractional parallax error, {f}{true}, is larger than 0.1. A prior assuming an exponentially decreasing space density with increasing distance performs well once its single parameter—the scale length— has been set to an appropriate value: {f}{rms} is roughly equal to {f}{true} for {f}{true}\\lt 0.4, yet does not increase further as {f}{true} increases up to to 1.0. The Milky Way prior performs well except toward the Galactic center, due to a mismatch with the (simulated) data. Such mismatches will be inevitable (and remain unknown) in real applications, and can produce large errors. We therefore suggest adopting the simpler exponentially decreasing space density prior, which is also less time-consuming to compute. Including Gaia photometry improves the distance estimation significantly for both the Milky Way and exponentially decreasing space density prior, yet doing so requires additional assumptions about the physical nature of stars.

A Field Study of Pixel-Scale Variability of Raindrop Size Distribution in the MidAtlantic Region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tokay, Ali; D'adderio, Leo Pio; Wolff, David P.; Petersen, Walter A.

2016-01-01

The spatial variability of parameters of the raindrop size distribution and its derivatives is investigated through a field study where collocated Particle Size and Velocity (Parsivel2) and two-dimensional video disdrometers were operated at six sites at Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, from December 2013 to March 2014. The three-parameter exponential function was employed to determine the spatial variability across the study domain where the maximum separation distance was 2.3 km. The nugget parameter of the exponential function was set to 0.99 and the correlation distance d0 and shape parameter s0 were retrieved by minimizing the root-mean-square error, after fitting it to the correlations of physical parameters. Fits were very good for almost all 15 physical parameters. The retrieved d0 and s0 were about 4.5 km and 1.1, respectively, for rain rate (RR) when all 12 disdrometers were reporting rainfall with a rain-rate threshold of 0.1 mm h1 for 1-min averages. The d0 decreased noticeably when one or more disdrometers were required to report rain. The d0 was considerably different for a number of parameters (e.g., mass-weighted diameter) but was about the same for the other parameters (e.g., RR) when rainfall threshold was reset to 12 and 18 dBZ for Ka- and Ku-band reflectivity, respectively, following the expected Global Precipitation Measurement missions spaceborne radar minimum detectable signals. The reduction of the database through elimination of a site did not alter d0 as long as the fit was adequate. The correlations of 5-min rain accumulations were lower when disdrometer observations were simulated for a rain gauge at different bucket sizes.

Tyrosine decarboxylase activity of enterococci grown in media with different nutritional potential: tyramine and 2-phenylethylamine accumulation and tyrDC gene expression.

PubMed

Bargossi, Eleonora; Tabanelli, Giulia; Montanari, Chiara; Lanciotti, Rosalba; Gatto, Veronica; Gardini, Fausto; Torriani, Sandra

2015-01-01

The ability to accumulate tyramine and 2-phenylethylamine by two strains of Enterococcus faecalis and two strains Enterococcus faecium was evaluated in two cultural media added or not with tyrosine. All the enterococcal strains possessed a tyrosine decarboxylase (tyrDC) which determined tyramine accumulation in all the conditions tested, independently on the addition of high concentration of free tyrosine. Enterococci differed in rate and level of biogenic amines accumulation. E. faecalis EF37 and E. faecium FC12 produced tyramine in high amount since the exponential growth phase, while 2-phenylethylamine was accumulated when tyrosine was depleted. E. faecium FC12 and E. faecalis ATCC 29212 showed a slower tyraminogenic activity which took place mainly in the stationary phase up to 72 h of incubation. Moreover, E. faecalis ATCC 29212 produced 2-phenylethylamine only in the media without tyrosine added. In BHI added or not with tyrosine the tyrDC gene expression level differed considerably depending on the strains and the growth phase. In particular, the tyrDC gene expression was high during the exponential phase in rich medium for all the strains and subsequently decreased except for E. faecium FC12. Even if tyrDC presence is common among enterococci, this study underlines the extremely variable decarboxylating potential of strains belonging to the same species, suggesting strain-dependent implications in food safety.

Testing Silver Nanoparticle Toxicity Using the Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria Nitrosomonas Europaea and a High-throughput Assay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semprini, L.; Bartow, S.; Radniecki, T.

2012-04-01

Understanding the toxicity of nanoparticles on ecologically significant wastewater microbiota, specifically ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB), is critical due to the exponential increase in commercialization of nanoparticles as well as the sensitivity of AOB to inhibitors. A high-throughput activity assay was developed to rapidly screen for nanoparticle toxicity on AOB, using a multi-well plate method and AOB Nitrosomonas Europaea. This method demonstrated good agreement with previously established batch bottle assays utilizing both silver ions (Ag+) and nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) as nitrification inhibitors. The method was used to study the inhibition of Ag+ and Ag-NPs (20 nm) on the nitrification by N. Europaea cells grown in fill-and-draw reactors compared exponentially grown batch cells. Results indicate longer hydraulic residence times increased some protection against inhibition as measured by the production of nitrite over a three hour assay. The cells were more sensitive to Ag+ than Ag-NP, which is consistent with our past observations. Studies are currently being conducted to determine the effects that the presence of humic acid and cations on the inhibition and toxicity. Our initial results show that the presence of Mg++ provides protect from Ag-NP inhibition, which partly results from the aggregation of the Ag-NP and a decrease in the rate of oxidation of the Ag-NP to Ag+. The presence of humic acid also provides for some protection from Ag-NP inhibition.

Laboratory and field studies of biogenic volatile organic compound emissions from Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis Bong.) in the United Kingdom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Street, Rachel A.; Duckham, S. Craig; Hewitt, C. Nicholas

1996-10-01

Isoprene and monoterpene emission rates were measured from Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis Bong.) with a dynamic flow-through branch enclosure, both in the laboratory and in the field in the United Kingdom. In the laboratory, emission rates of isoprene comprised over 94% of the identified VOC species, and were exponentially related to temperature over a period of 1 day. This exponential relationship broke down at ˜33°C. Field measurements were taken on five sampling days in 1992 and 1993, in Grizedale Forest, Cumbria. Total emission rates were in the range 36-3771 ng g-1 h-1. Relative emissions were more variable than suggested by laboratory measurements, with monoterpenes contributing at least 64% to the total emissions in most cases. There was a significant variation in the basal emission rate both across the growing season and between different ages of vegetation, the causes of which are as yet unknown. Total emission rates, in July 1993, were estimated to be between 0.01 and 0.27% of assimilated carbon.

The ATP hydrolysis and phosphate release steps control the time course of force development in rabbit skeletal muscle.

PubMed

Sleep, John; Irving, Malcolm; Burton, Kevin

2005-03-15

The time course of isometric force development following photolytic release of ATP in the presence of Ca(2+) was characterized in single skinned fibres from rabbit psoas muscle. Pre-photolysis force was minimized using apyrase to remove contaminating ATP and ADP. After the initial force rise induced by ATP release, a rapid shortening ramp terminated by a step stretch to the original length was imposed, and the time course of the subsequent force redevelopment was again characterized. Force development after ATP release was accurately described by a lag phase followed by one or two exponential components. At 20 degrees C, the lag was 5.6 +/- 0.4 ms (s.e.m., n = 11), and the force rise was well fitted by a single exponential with rate constant 71 +/- 4 s(-1). Force redevelopment after shortening-restretch began from about half the plateau force level, and its single-exponential rate constant was 68 +/- 3 s(-1), very similar to that following ATP release. When fibres were activated by the addition of Ca(2+) in ATP-containing solution, force developed more slowly, and the rate constant for force redevelopment following shortening-restretch reached a maximum value of 38 +/- 4 s(-1) (n = 6) after about 6 s of activation. This lower value may be associated with progressive sarcomere disorder at elevated temperature. Force development following ATP release was much slower at 5 degrees C than at 20 degrees C. The rate constant of a single-exponential fit to the force rise was 4.3 +/- 0.4 s(-1) (n = 22), and this was again similar to that after shortening-restretch in the same activation at this temperature, 3.8 +/- 0.2 s(-1). We conclude that force development after ATP release and shortening-restretch are controlled by the same steps in the actin-myosin ATPase cycle. The present results and much previous work on mechanical-chemical coupling in muscle can be explained by a kinetic scheme in which force is generated by a rapid conformational change bracketed by two biochemical steps with similar rate constants -- ATP hydrolysis and the release of inorganic phosphate -- both of which combine to control the rate of force development.

Reinforcer magnitude and demand under fixed-ratio schedules with domestic hens.

PubMed

Grant, Amber A; Foster, T Mary; Temple, William; Jackson, Surrey; Kinloch, Jennifer; Poling, Alan

2014-03-01

This study compared three methods of normalizing demand functions to allow comparison of demand for different commodities and examined how varying reinforcer magnitudes affected these analyses. Hens responded under fixed-ratio schedules in 40-min sessions with response requirement doubling each session and with 2-s, 8-s, and 12-s access to wheat. Over the smaller fixed ratios overall response rates generally increased and were higher the shorter the magazine duration. The logarithms of the number of reinforcers obtained (consumption) and the fixed ratio (price) were well fitted by curvilinear demand functions (Hursh et al., 1988. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior 50, 419-440) that were inelastic (b negative) over small fixed-ratios. The fixed ratio with maximal response rate (Pmax) increased, and the rate of change of elasticity (a) and initial consumption (L) decreased with increased magazine duration. Normalizing consumption using measures of preference for various magazine durations (3-s vs. 3-s, 2-s vs. 8-s, and 2-s vs. 12-s), obtained using concurrent schedules, gave useful results as it removed the differences in L. Normalizing consumption and price (Hursh and Winger, 1995. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior 64, 373-384) unified the data functions as intended by that analysis. The exponential function (Hursh and Silberberg, 2008. Psychological Review, 115, 186-198) gave an essential value that increased (i.e., α decreased significantly) as magazine duration decreased. This was not as predicted, since α should be constant over variations in magazine duration, but is similar to previous findings using a similar procedure with different food qualities (hens) and food quantities (rats). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automatic selection of arterial input function using tri-exponential models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Jianhua; Chen, Jeremy; Castro, Marcelo; Thomasson, David

2009-02-01

Dynamic Contrast Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) is one method for drug and tumor assessment. Selecting a consistent arterial input function (AIF) is necessary to calculate tissue and tumor pharmacokinetic parameters in DCE-MRI. This paper presents an automatic and robust method to select the AIF. The first stage is artery detection and segmentation, where knowledge about artery structure and dynamic signal intensity temporal properties of DCE-MRI is employed. The second stage is AIF model fitting and selection. A tri-exponential model is fitted for every candidate AIF using the Levenberg-Marquardt method, and the best fitted AIF is selected. Our method has been applied in DCE-MRIs of four different body parts: breast, brain, liver and prostate. The success rates in artery segmentation for 19 cases are 89.6%+/-15.9%. The pharmacokinetic parameters computed from the automatically selected AIFs are highly correlated with those from manually determined AIFs (R2=0.946, P(T<=t)=0.09). Our imaging-based tri-exponential AIF model demonstrated significant improvement over a previously proposed bi-exponential model.

Physical and numerical sources of computational inefficiency in integration of chemical kinetic rate equations: Etiology, treatment and prognosis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pratt, D. T.; Radhakrishnan, K.

1986-01-01

The design of a very fast, automatic black-box code for homogeneous, gas-phase chemical kinetics problems requires an understanding of the physical and numerical sources of computational inefficiency. Some major sources reviewed in this report are stiffness of the governing ordinary differential equations (ODE's) and its detection, choice of appropriate method (i.e., integration algorithm plus step-size control strategy), nonphysical initial conditions, and too frequent evaluation of thermochemical and kinetic properties. Specific techniques are recommended (and some advised against) for improving or overcoming the identified problem areas. It is argued that, because reactive species increase exponentially with time during induction, and all species exhibit asymptotic, exponential decay with time during equilibration, exponential-fitted integration algorithms are inherently more accurate for kinetics modeling than classical, polynomial-interpolant methods for the same computational work. But current codes using the exponential-fitted method lack the sophisticated stepsize-control logic of existing black-box ODE solver codes, such as EPISODE and LSODE. The ultimate chemical kinetics code does not exist yet, but the general characteristics of such a code are becoming apparent.

Studies on Foam Decay Trend and Influence of Temperature Jump on Foam Stability in Sclerotherapy.

PubMed

Bai, Taoping; Chen, Yu; Jiang, Wentao; Yan, Fei; Fan, Yubo

2018-02-01

This study investigated the influence of temperature jump and liquid-gas ratio on foam stability to derive the foam-decay law. The experimental group conditions were as follows: mutation temperatures (10°C, 16°C, 20°C, 23°C, 25°C, and 27°C to >37°C) and liquid-gas ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4). The control group conditions were as follows: temperatures (10°C, 16°C, 20°C, 23°C, 25°C and 27°C) and liquid-gas ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4). A homemade device manufactured using the Tessari DSS method was used to prepare the foam. The decay process was videotape recorded. In the drainage rate curve, the temperature rose, and the liquid-gas ratio varied from 1:1 to 1:4, causing faster decay. In the entire process, the foam volume decreased with increasing drainage rate. The relationships were almost linear. Comparison of the experimental and control groups shows that the temperature jump results in a drainage time range of 1 to 15 seconds. The half-life ranges from 10 to 30 seconds. The maximum rate is 18.85%. Changes in the preparation temperature yields a drainage time range of 3 to 30 seconds. The half-life varies from 20 to 60 seconds. Decreasing the temperature jump range and liquid-gas ratio gradually enhances the foam stability. The foam decay time and drainage rate exhibit an exponential function distribution.

Deuteron spin-lattice relaxation in the presence of an activation energy distribution: application to methanols in zeolite NaX.

PubMed

Stoch, G; Ylinen, E E; Birczynski, A; Lalowicz, Z T; Góra-Marek, K; Punkkinen, M

2013-02-01

A new method is introduced for analyzing deuteron spin-lattice relaxation in molecular systems with a broad distribution of activation energies and correlation times. In such samples the magnetization recovery is strongly non-exponential but can be fitted quite accurately by three exponentials. The considered system may consist of molecular groups with different mobility. For each group a Gaussian distribution of the activation energy is introduced. By assuming for every subsystem three parameters: the mean activation energy E(0), the distribution width σ and the pre-exponential factor τ(0) for the Arrhenius equation defining the correlation time, the relaxation rate is calculated for every part of the distribution. Experiment-based limiting values allow the grouping of the rates into three classes. For each class the relaxation rate and weight is calculated and compared with experiment. The parameters E(0), σ and τ(0) are determined iteratively by repeating the whole cycle many times. The temperature dependence of the deuteron relaxation was observed in three samples containing CD(3)OH (200% and 100% loading) and CD(3)OD (200%) in NaX zeolite and analyzed by the described method between 20K and 170K. The obtained parameters, equal for all the three samples, characterize the methyl and hydroxyl mobilities of the methanol molecules at two different locations. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Flow Rates Measurement and Uncertainty Analysis in Multiple-Zone Water-Injection Wells from Fluid Temperature Profiles

PubMed Central

Reges, José E. O.; Salazar, A. O.; Maitelli, Carla W. S. P.; Carvalho, Lucas G.; Britto, Ursula J. B.

2016-01-01

This work is a contribution to the development of flow sensors in the oil and gas industry. It presents a methodology to measure the flow rates into multiple-zone water-injection wells from fluid temperature profiles and estimate the measurement uncertainty. First, a method to iteratively calculate the zonal flow rates using the Ramey (exponential) model was described. Next, this model was linearized to perform an uncertainty analysis. Then, a computer program to calculate the injected flow rates from experimental temperature profiles was developed. In the experimental part, a fluid temperature profile from a dual-zone water-injection well located in the Northeast Brazilian region was collected. Thus, calculated and measured flow rates were compared. The results proved that linearization error is negligible for practical purposes and the relative uncertainty increases as the flow rate decreases. The calculated values from both the Ramey and linear models were very close to the measured flow rates, presenting a difference of only 4.58 m³/d and 2.38 m³/d, respectively. Finally, the measurement uncertainties from the Ramey and linear models were equal to 1.22% and 1.40% (for injection zone 1); 10.47% and 9.88% (for injection zone 2). Therefore, the methodology was successfully validated and all objectives of this work were achieved. PMID:27420068

Mathematical Modeling of Extinction of Inhomogeneous Populations

PubMed Central

Karev, G.P.; Kareva, I.

2016-01-01

Mathematical models of population extinction have a variety of applications in such areas as ecology, paleontology and conservation biology. Here we propose and investigate two types of sub-exponential models of population extinction. Unlike the more traditional exponential models, the life duration of sub-exponential models is finite. In the first model, the population is assumed to be composed clones that are independent from each other. In the second model, we assume that the size of the population as a whole decreases according to the sub-exponential equation. We then investigate the “unobserved heterogeneity”, i.e. the underlying inhomogeneous population model, and calculate the distribution of frequencies of clones for both models. We show that the dynamics of frequencies in the first model is governed by the principle of minimum of Tsallis information loss. In the second model, the notion of “internal population time” is proposed; with respect to the internal time, the dynamics of frequencies is governed by the principle of minimum of Shannon information loss. The results of this analysis show that the principle of minimum of information loss is the underlying law for the evolution of a broad class of models of population extinction. Finally, we propose a possible application of this modeling framework to mechanisms underlying time perception. PMID:27090117

Spatial Gradients and Source Apportionment of Volatile Organic Compounds Near Roadways

EPA Science Inventory

Concentrations of 55 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are reported near a highway in Raleigh, NC (traffic volume of approximately 125,000 vehicles/day). Levels of VOCs generally decreased exponentially with perpendicular distance from the roadway 10-100m). The EPA Chemical Mass ...

Controllable excitation of higher-order rogue waves in nonautonomous systems with both varying linear and harmonic external potentials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Heping; Yang, Rongcao; Tian, Jinping; Zhang, Wenmei

2018-05-01

The nonautonomous nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation with both varying linear and harmonic external potentials is investigated and the semirational rogue wave (RW) solution is presented by similarity transformation. Based on the solution, the interactions between Peregrine soliton and breathers, and the controllability of the semirational RWs in periodic distribution and exponential decreasing nonautonomous systems with both linear and harmonic potentials are studied. It is found that the harmonic potential only influences the constraint condition of the semirational solution, the linear potential is related to the trajectory of the semirational RWs, while dispersion and nonlinearity determine the excitation position of the higher-order RWs. The higher-order RWs can be partly, completely and biperiodically excited in periodic distribution system and the diverse excited patterns can be generated for different parameter relations in exponential decreasing system. The results reveal that the excitation of the higher-order RWs can be controlled in the nonautonomous system by choosing dispersion, nonlinearity and external potentials.

Simulation of the modulation transfer function dependent on the partial Fourier fraction in dynamic contrast enhancement magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Takatsu, Yasuo; Ueyama, Tsuyoshi; Miyati, Tosiaki; Yamamura, Kenichirou

2016-12-01

The image characteristics in dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) depend on the partial Fourier fraction and contrast medium concentration. These characteristics were assessed and the modulation transfer function (MTF) was calculated by computer simulation. A digital phantom was created from signal intensity data acquired at different contrast medium concentrations on a breast model. The frequency images [created by fast Fourier transform (FFT)] were divided into 512 parts and rearranged to form a new image. The inverse FFT of this image yielded the MTF. From the reference data, three linear models (low, medium, and high) and three exponential models (slow, medium, and rapid) of the signal intensity were created. Smaller partial Fourier fractions, and higher gradients in the linear models, corresponded to faster MTF decline. The MTF more gradually decreased in the exponential models than in the linear models. The MTF, which reflects the image characteristics in DCE-MRI, was more degraded as the partial Fourier fraction decreased.

Plume characteristics of MPD thrusters: A preliminary examination

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Myers, Roger M.

1989-01-01

A diagnostics facility for MPD thruster plume measurements was built and is currently undergoing testing. The facility includes electrostatic probes for electron temperature and density measurements, Hall probes for magnetic field and current distribution mapping, and an imaging system to establish the global distribution of plasma species. Preliminary results for MPD thrusters operated at power levels between 30 and 60 kW with solenoidal applied magnetic fields show that the electron density decreases exponentially from 1x10(2) to 2x10(18)/cu m over the first 30 cm of the expansion, while the electron temperature distribution is relatively uniform, decreasing from approximately 2.5 eV to 1.5 eV over the same distance. The radiant intensity of the ArII 4879 A line emission also decays exponentially. Current distribution measurements indicate that a significant fraction of the discharge current is blown into the plume region, and that its distribution depends on the magnitudes of both the discharge current and the applied magnetic field.

Non-exponential decoherence of radio-frequency resonance rotation of spin in storage rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saleev, A.; Nikolaev, N. N.; Rathmann, F.; Hinder, F.; Pretz, J.; Rosenthal, M.

2017-08-01

Precision experiments, such as the search for electric dipole moments of charged particles using radio-frequency spin rotators in storage rings, demand for maintaining the exact spin resonance condition for several thousand seconds. Synchrotron oscillations in the stored beam modulate the spin tune of off-central particles, moving it off the perfect resonance condition set for central particles on the reference orbit. Here, we report an analytic description of how synchrotron oscillations lead to non-exponential decoherence of the radio-frequency resonance driven up-down spin rotations. This non-exponential decoherence is shown to be accompanied by a nontrivial walk of the spin phase. We also comment on sensitivity of the decoherence rate to the harmonics of the radio-frequency spin rotator and a possibility to check predictions of decoherence-free magic energies.

Locality of the Thomas-Fermi-von Weizsäcker Equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nazar, F. Q.; Ortner, C.

2017-06-01

We establish a pointwise stability estimate for the Thomas-Fermi-von Weiz-säcker (TFW) model, which demonstrates that a local perturbation of a nuclear arrangement results also in a local response in the electron density and electrostatic potential. The proof adapts the arguments for existence and uniqueness of solutions to the TFW equations in the thermodynamic limit by Catto et al. (The mathematical theory of thermodynamic limits: Thomas-Fermi type models. Oxford mathematical monographs. The Clarendon Press, Oxford University Press, New York, 1998). To demonstrate the utility of this combined locality and stability result we derive several consequences, including an exponential convergence rate for the thermodynamic limit, partition of total energy into exponentially localised site energies (and consequently, exponential locality of forces), and generalised and strengthened results on the charge neutrality of local defects.

Physiological effects of a bactericidal protein from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes on Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

PubMed

Hovde, C J; Gray, B H

1986-04-01

The physiological changes seen in Pseudomonas aeruginosa after exposure to a bactericidal protein (BP) from the granules of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes were studied. It was demonstrated, using radiolabeled proline or leucine, that both the rate of cellular uptake and amino acid incorporation into trichloroacetic acid-insoluble material were markedly decreased immediately after exposure to BP. The rate of O2 consumption by P. aeruginosa was decreased immediately after exposure to BP and continued to decline exponentially until it ceased completely 30 min after exposure to BP. In the presence of 30 mM CaCl2 or MgCl2, bacteria were protected from death due to BP and respiration rates were unaffected. The cellular ATP pool of P. aeruginosa remained constant for up to 2 h after exposure to BP. Membrane depolarization was measured by the influx of the lipophilic anion thiocyanate. It was shown that the cytoplasmic membrane of P. aeruginosa was partially depolarized after exposure to BP. Purified BP killed 95% of 5 X 10(6) CFU of P. aeruginosa at a concentration of 60 to 100 ng of protein per ml. Although the concentration of bacteria and BP varied with each type of experiment, the BP/bacteria ratio required to cause a 95 to 99% loss in viability remained constant. We propose that cytoplasmic membrane depolarization is the biochemical lesion responsible for the other physiological changes seen and ultimately for the death of P. aeruginosa induced by BP.

Forgotten Fundamentals of the Energy Crisis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bartlett, Albert A.

1978-01-01

Explains using exponential mathematics, the effect of growth on rate of consuming energy resources. Concludes that we are running out of energy resources at a greater rate than many people think. Lists few options left such as conservation by stopping growth of consumption, recycling, and research to develop alternate sources. (GA)

Physical and ecological controllers of the microbial responses to drying and rewetting in soil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leizeaga, Ainara; Meisner, Annelein; Bååth, Erland; Rousk, Johannes

2017-04-01

Soil moisture is one of the most powerful factors that regulate microbial activity in soil. The variation of moisture leads to drying-rewetting (DRW) events which are known to induce enormous dynamics in soil biogeochemistry; however, the microbial underpinnings are mostly unknown. Rewetting a dry soil can result in two response patterns of bacterial growth. In the Type 1 response, bacteria start growing immediately after rewetting with rates that increase in a linear fashion to converge with those prior to the DRW within hours. This growth response coincides with respiration rates that peak immediately after rewetting to then exponentially decrease. In the Type 2 response, bacterial growth remains very low after rewetting during a lag period of up to 20 hours. Bacteria then increase their growth rates exponentially to much higher rates than those before the DRW event. This growth response coincides with respiration rates that increase to high rates immediately after rewetting that then remain elevated and sometimes even increase further in sync with the growth increase. Previous studies have shown that (i) extended drying (ii) starving before DRW and (iii) inhibitors combined with drought could change the bacterial response from Type 1 to Type 2. This suggested that the response of bacteria upon rewetting could be related to the harshness of the disturbance as experienced by the microbes. In the present study, we set out to study if reduced harshness could change a Type 2 response into a Type 1 response. We hypothesized that (1) a reduced physical harshness of drying and (2) induced tolerance to drying in microbial communities could change a Type 2 response into a Type 1 growth response upon rewetting. To address this, two experiments were performed. First, soils were partially dried to different water contents and bacterial response upon rewetting was measured. Second, soils were exposed to repeated DRW cycles (< 9 cycles) and the bacterial response was followed after rewetting. A less harsh drying (partial drying) of a soil could change the growth responses to rewetting. The lag period decreased with less complete drying to eventually became 0, transitioning from a Type 2 to a Type 1. Even after a Type 1 response was induced, further reduction of harshness could also lead to a faster recovery of growth rates. Our results support the hypothesis: the physical harshness of drying can determine the microbial survival and thus the type of bacterial growth response. Subjecting soil to DRW cycles could also induce a change from a Type 2 to Type 1 growth response. This suggested that there was a community shift towards higher drought-tolerance. Thus, identical physical disturbance was less harsh for a community that has been subjected to more drying rewetting cycles. To predict how the microbial community's control of the soil C budget of ecosystems is affected warming-induced drought, our results demonstrate that both the physical characteristics of the disturbance and the community's tolerance to drought need to be considered.

Average BER analysis of SCM-based free-space optical systems by considering the effect of IM3 with OSSB signals under turbulence channels.

PubMed

Lim, Wansu; Cho, Tae-Sik; Yun, Changho; Kim, Kiseon

2009-11-09

In this paper, we derive the average bit error rate (BER) of subcarrier multiplexing (SCM)-based free space optics (FSO) systems using a dual-drive Mach-Zehnder modulator (DD-MZM) for optical single-sideband (OSSB) signals under atmospheric turbulence channels. In particular, we consider the third-order intermodulation (IM3), a significant performance degradation factor, in the case of high input signal power systems. The derived average BER, as a function of the input signal power and the scintillation index, is employed to determine the optimum number of SCM users upon the designing FSO systems. For instance, when the user number doubles, the input signal power decreases by almost 2 dBm under the log-normal and exponential turbulence channels at a given average BER.

Unusual Childhood Waking as a Possible Precursor of the 1995 Kobe Earthquake

PubMed Central

Ikeya, Motoji; Whitehead, Neil E.

2013-01-01

Simple Summary The paper investigates whether young children may waken before earthquakes through a cause other than foreshocks. It concludes there is statistical evidence for this, but the mechanism best supported is anxiety produced by Ultra Low Frequency (ULF) electromagnetic waves. Abstract Nearly 1,100 young students living in Japan at a range of distances up to 500 km from the 1995 Kobe M7 earthquake were interviewed. A statistically significant abnormal rate of early wakening before the earthquake was found, having exponential decrease with distance and a half value approaching 100 km, but decreasing much slower than from a point source such as an epicentre; instead originating from an extended area of more than 100 km in diameter. Because an improbably high amount of variance is explained, this effect is unlikely to be simply psychological and must reflect another mechanism—perhaps Ultra-Low Frequency (ULF) electromagnetic waves creating anxiety—but probably not 222Rn excess. Other work reviewed suggests these conclusions may be valid for animals in general, not just children, but would be very difficult to apply for practical earthquake prediction. PMID:26487316

Higher Potassium Concentration in Shoots Reduces Gray Mold in Sweet Basil.

PubMed

Yermiyahu, Uri; Israeli, Lior; David, Dalia Rav; Faingold, Inna; Elad, Yigal

2015-08-01

Nutritional elements can affect plant susceptibility to plant pathogens, including Botrytis cinerea. We tested the effect of potassium (K) fertilization on gray mold in sweet basil grown in pots, containers, and soil. Increased K in the irrigation water and in the sweet basil tissue resulted in an exponential decrease in gray mold severity. Potassium supplied to plants by foliar application resulted in a significant decrease in gray mold in plants grown with a low rate of K fertigation. Lower K fertigation resulted in a significant increase in B. cinerea infection under semi-commercial conditions. Gray mold severity in harvested shoots was significantly negatively correlated with K concentration in the irrigation solution, revealing resistance to B. cinerea infection as a result of high K concentration in sweet basil tissue. Gray mold was reduced following K foliar application of the plants. In general, there was no synergy between the fertigation and foliar spray treatments. Proper K fertilization can replace some of the required chemical fungicide treatments and it may be integrated into gray mold management for improved disease suppression.

DOUBLE-EXPONENTIAL FITTING FUNCTION FOR EVALUATION OF COSMIC-RAY-INDUCED NEUTRON FLUENCE RATE IN ARBITRARY LOCATIONS.

PubMed

Li, Huailiang; Yang, Yigang; Wang, Qibiao; Tuo, Xianguo; Julian Henderson, Mark; Courtois, Jérémie

2017-12-01

The fluence rate of cosmic-ray-induced neutrons (CRINs) varies with many environmental factors. While many current simulation and experimental studies have focused mainly on the altitude variation, the specific rule that the CRINs vary with geomagnetic cutoff rigidity (which is related to latitude and longitude) was not well considered. In this article, a double-exponential fitting function F=(A1e-A2CR+A3)eB1Al, is proposed to evaluate the CRINs' fluence rate varying with geomagnetic cutoff rigidity and altitude. The fitting R2 can have a value up to 0.9954, and, moreover, the CRINs' fluence rate in an arbitrary location (latitude, longitude and altitude) can be easily evaluated by the proposed function. The field measurements of the CRINs' fluence rate and H*(10) rate in Mt. Emei and Mt. Bowa were carried out using a FHT-762 and LB 6411 neutron prober, respectively, and the evaluation results show that the fitting function agrees well with the measurement results. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The effect of zealots on the rate of consensus achievement in complex networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kashisaz, Hadi; Hosseini, S. Samira; Darooneh, Amir H.

2014-05-01

In this study, we investigate the role of zealots on the result of voting process on both scale-free and Watts-Strogatz networks. We observe that inflexible individuals are very effective in consensus achievement and also in the rate of ordering process in complex networks. Zealots make the magnetization of the system to vary exponentially with time. We obtain that on SF networks, increasing the zealots' population, Z, exponentially increases the rate of consensus achievement. The time needed for the system to reach a desired magnetization, shows a power-law dependence on Z. As well, we obtain that the decay time of the order parameter shows a power-law dependence on Z. We also investigate the role of zealots' degree on the rate of ordering process and finally, we analyze the effect of network's randomness on the efficiency of zealots. Moving from a regular to a random network, the re-wiring probability P increases. We show that with increasing P, the efficiency of zealots for reducing the consensus achievement time increases. The rate of consensus is compared with the rate of ordering for different re-wiring probabilities of WS networks.

An Attempt to Standardize the Calculation of Growth Velocity of Preterm Infants-Evaluation of Practical Bedside Methods.

PubMed

Fenton, Tanis R; Anderson, Diane; Groh-Wargo, Sharon; Hoyos, Angela; Ehrenkranz, Richard A; Senterre, Thibault

2018-05-01

To examine how well growth velocity recommendations for preterm infants fit with current growth references: Fenton 2013, Olsen 2010, INTERGROWTH 2015, and the World Health Organization Growth Standard 2006. The Average (2-point), Exponential (2-point), Early (1-point) method weight-gains were calculated for 1,4,8,12, and 16-week time-periods. Growth references' weekly velocities (g/kg/d, gram/day and cm/week) were illustrated graphically with frequently-quoted 15 g/kg/d, 10-30 grams/day and 1 cm/week rates superimposed. The 15 g/kg/d and 1 cm/week growth velocity rates were calculated from 24-50 weeks, superimposed on the Fenton and Olsen preterm growth charts. The Average and Exponential g/kg/d estimates showed close agreement for all ages (range 5.0-18.9 g/kg/d), while the Early method yielded values as high as 41 g/kg/d. All 3 preterm growth references were similar to 15 g/kg/d rate at 34 weeks, but rates were higher prior and lower at older ages. For gram/day, the growth references changed from 10 to 30 grams/day for 24-33 weeks. Head growth rates generally fit the 1 cm/week velocity for 23-30 weeks, and length growth rates fit for 37-40 weeks. The calculated g/kg/d curves deviated from the growth charts, first downward, then steeply crossed the median curves near term. Human growth is not constant through gestation and early infancy. The frequently-quoted 15 g/kg/d, 10-30 gram/day and 1 cm/week only fit current growth references for limited time periods. Rates of 15-20 g/kg/d (calculated using average or exponential methods) are a reasonable goal for infants 23-36 weeks, but not beyond. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation coupled with multiple detections: A complementary approach in the characterization of egg yolk plasma.

PubMed

Dou, Haiyang; Li, Yueqiu; Choi, Jaeyeong; Huo, Shuying; Ding, Liang; Shen, Shigang; Lee, Seungho

2016-09-23

The capability of asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled with UV/VIS, multiangle light scattering (MALS) and quasi-elastic light scattering (QELS) (AF4-UV-MALS-QELS) for separation and characterization of egg yolk plasma was evaluated. The accuracy of hydrodynamic radius (Rh) obtained from QELS and AF4 theory (using both simplified and full expression of AF4 retention equations) was discussed. The conformation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and its aggregates in egg yolk plasma was discussed based on the ratio of radius of gyration (Rg) to Rh together with the results from bio-transmission electron microscopy (Bio-TEM). The results indicate that the full retention equation is more relevant than simplified version for the Rh determination at high cross flow rate. The Rh from online QELS is reliable only at a specific range of sample concentration. The effect of programmed cross flow rate (linear and exponential decay) on the analysis of egg yolk plasma was also investigated. It was found that the use of an exponentially decaying cross flow rate not only reduces the AF4 analysis time of the egg yolk plasma, but also provides better resolution than the use of either a constant or linearly decaying cross flow rate. A combination of an exponentially decaying cross flow AF4-UV-MALS-QELS and the utilization of full retention equation was proved to be a useful method for the separation and characterization of egg yolk plasma. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Mean and Variance Integrals without Integration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Joarder, A. H.; Omar, M. H.

2007-01-01

The mean and variance of some continuous distributions, in particular the exponentially decreasing probability distribution and the normal distribution, are considered. Since they involve integration by parts, many students do not feel comfortable. In this note, a technique is demonstrated for deriving mean and variance through differential…

[Impact of low temperature in young ear formation stage on rice seed setting.

PubMed

Ma, Shu Qing; Liu, Xiao Hang; Deng, Kui Cai; Quan, Hu Jie; Tong, Li Yuan; Xi, Zhu Xiang; Chai, Qing Rong; Yang, Jun

2018-01-01

A low temperature treatment in rice booting key period was executed on the north slope of Changbai Mountains to construct the impact model of low temperature on rice shell rate, and to reveal the effects of low temperature at different stages of rice young panicle on seed setting. The results showed that effects of low temperature in the young ear formation stage on rice shell rate generally followed the logarithmic function, the lower the temperature was, the greater the temperature influence coefficient was, and the longer the low temperature duration was, the higher rice shell rate was. The seed setting rate was most sensitive to low temperature in the middle time of booting stage (the period from formation to meiosis of the pollen mother cell), followed by the early and later stages. During the booting stage, with 1 ℃ decrease of daily temperature under 2-, 3- and 5-day low temperature treatments, the shell rate increased by 0.5, 1.7 and 4.3 percentage, respectively, and with 1 ℃ decrease of daily minimum temperature, the shell rate increased by 0.4,1.8 and 4.5 percentage, respectively. The impact of 2-day low temperature was smaller than that of 3 days or more. The impact of accumulative cold-temperature on the shell rate followed exponential function. In the range of harmful low temperature, rice shell rate increased about 8.5 percentage with the accumulative cold-temperature increasing 10 ℃·d. When the 3 days average temperature dropped to 21.6, 18.0 and 15.0 ℃, or the 5 days average temperature dropped to 22.0, 20.4 and 18.5 ℃, or the accumulative cold-temperature was more than 8, 19, 26 ℃·d, the light, moderate and severe booting stage chilling injury would occur, respectively. In Northeast China, low temperature within 2 d in rice booting stage might not cause moderate and severe chilling injury.

Exponential decline of deep-sea ecosystem functioning linked to benthic biodiversity loss.

PubMed

Danovaro, Roberto; Gambi, Cristina; Dell'Anno, Antonio; Corinaldesi, Cinzia; Fraschetti, Simonetta; Vanreusel, Ann; Vincx, Magda; Gooday, Andrew J

2008-01-08

Recent investigations suggest that biodiversity loss might impair the functioning and sustainability of ecosystems. Although deep-sea ecosystems are the most extensive on Earth, represent the largest reservoir of biomass, and host a large proportion of undiscovered biodiversity, the data needed to evaluate the consequences of biodiversity loss on the ocean floor are completely lacking. Here, we present a global-scale study based on 116 deep-sea sites that relates benthic biodiversity to several independent indicators of ecosystem functioning and efficiency. We show that deep-sea ecosystem functioning is exponentially related to deep-sea biodiversity and that ecosystem efficiency is also exponentially linked to functional biodiversity. These results suggest that a higher biodiversity supports higher rates of ecosystem processes and an increased efficiency with which these processes are performed. The exponential relationships presented here, being consistent across a wide range of deep-sea ecosystems, suggest that mutually positive functional interactions (ecological facilitation) can be common in the largest biome of our biosphere. Our results suggest that a biodiversity loss in deep-sea ecosystems might be associated with exponential reductions of their functions. Because the deep sea plays a key role in ecological and biogeochemical processes at a global scale, this study provides scientific evidence that the conservation of deep-sea biodiversity is a priority for a sustainable functioning of the worlds' oceans.

Transcriptome analysis reveals a stress response of Shewanella oneidensis deprived of background levels of ionizing radiation

PubMed Central

Li, Xiaoping; Schilkey, Faye; Smith, Geoffrey B.

2018-01-01

Natural ionizing background radiation has exerted a constant pressure on organisms since the first forms of life appeared on Earth, so that cells have developed molecular mechanisms to avoid or repair damages caused directly by radiation or indirectly by radiation-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present study, we investigated the transcriptional effect of depriving Shewanella oneidensis cultures of background levels of radiation by growing the cells in a mine 655 m underground, thus reducing the dose rate from 72.1 to 0.9 nGy h-1 from control to treatment, respectively. RNASeq transcriptome analysis showed the differential expression of 4.6 and 7.6% of the S. oneidensis genome during early- and late-exponential phases of growth, respectively. The greatest change observed in the treatment was the downregulation of ribosomal proteins (21% of all annotated ribosomal protein genes during early- and 14% during late-exponential) and tRNA genes (14% of all annotated tRNA genes in early-exponential), indicating a marked decrease in protein translation. Other significant changes were the upregulation of membrane transporters, implying an increase in the traffic of substrates across the cell membrane, as well as the up and downregulation of genes related to respiration, which could be interpreted as a response to insufficient oxidants in the cells. In other reports, there is evidence in multiple species that some ROS not just lead to oxidative stress, but act as signaling molecules to control cellular metabolism at the transcriptional level. Consistent with these reports, several genes involved in the metabolism of carbon and biosynthesis of amino acids were also regulated, lending support to the idea of a wide metabolic response. Our results indicate that S. oneidensis is sensitive to the withdrawal of background levels of ionizing radiation and suggest that a transcriptional response is required to maintain homeostasis and retain normal growth. PMID:29768440

1,3-Propanediol dehydrogenases in Lactobacillus reuteri: impact on central metabolism and 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde production.

PubMed

Stevens, Marc J A; Vollenweider, Sabine; Meile, Leo; Lacroix, Christophe

2011-08-03

Lactobacillus reuteri metabolizes glycerol to 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde (3-HPA) and further to 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO), the latter step catalysed by a propanediol dehydrogenase (PDH). The last step in this pathway regenerates NAD+ and enables therefore the energetically more favourable production of acetate over ethanol during growth on glucose. A search throughout the genome of L. reuteri DSM 20016 revealed two putative PDHs encoded by ORFs lr_0030 and lr_1734. ORF lr_1734 is situated in the pdu operon encoding the glycerol conversion machinery and therefore likely involved in 1,3-PDO formation. ORF lr_0030 has not been associated with PDH-activity so far. To elucidate the role of these two PDHs, gene deletion mutant strains were constructed. Growth behaviour on glucose was comparable between the wild type and both mutant strains. However, on glucose + glycerol, the exponential growth rate of Δlr_0030 was lower compared to the wild type and the lr_1734 mutant. Furthermore, glycerol addition resulted in decreased ethanol production in the wild type and Δlr_1734, but not in Δlr_0030. PDH activity measurements using 3-HPA as a substrate revealed lower activity of Δlr_0030 extracts from exponential growing cells compared to wild type and Δlr_1734 extracts.During biotechnological 3-HPA production using non-growing cells, the ratio 3-HPA to 1,3-PDO was approximately 7 in the wild type and Δlr_0030, whereas this ratio was 12.5 in the mutant Δlr_1734. The enzyme encoded by lr_0030 plays a pivotal role in 3-HPA conversion in exponential growing L. reuteri cells. The enzyme encoded by lr_1734 is active during 3-HPA production by non-growing cells and this enzyme is a useful target to enhance 3-HPA production and minimize formation of the by-product 1,3-PDO.

Constraining estimates of global soil respiration by quantifying sources of variability.

PubMed

Jian, Jinshi; Steele, Meredith K; Thomas, R Quinn; Day, Susan D; Hodges, Steven C

2018-05-10

Quantifying global soil respiration (R SG ) and its response to temperature change are critical for predicting the turnover of terrestrial carbon stocks and their feedbacks to climate change. Currently, estimates of R SG range from 68 to 98 Pg C year -1 , causing considerable uncertainty in the global carbon budget. We argue the source of this variability lies in the upscaling assumptions regarding the model format, data timescales, and precipitation component. To quantify the variability and constrain R SG , we developed R SG models using Random Forest and exponential models, and used different timescales (daily, monthly, and annual) of soil respiration (R S ) and climate data to predict R SG . From the resulting R SG estimates (range = 66.62-100.72 Pg), we calculated variability associated with each assumption. Among model formats, using monthly R S data rather than annual data decreased R SG by 7.43-9.46 Pg; however, R SG calculated from daily R S data was only 1.83 Pg lower than the R SG from monthly data. Using mean annual precipitation and temperature data instead of monthly data caused +4.84 and -4.36 Pg C differences, respectively. If the timescale of R S data is constant, R SG estimated by the first-order exponential (93.2 Pg) was greater than the Random Forest (78.76 Pg) or second-order exponential (76.18 Pg) estimates. These results highlight the importance of variation at subannual timescales for upscaling to R SG . The results indicated R SG is lower than in recent papers and the current benchmark for land models (98 Pg C year -1 ), and thus may change the predicted rates of terrestrial carbon turnover and the carbon to climate feedback as global temperatures rise. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Elastic moduli of δ-Pu 239 reveal aging in real time

DOE PAGES

Maiorov, Boris; Betts, Jonathan B.; Söderlind, Per; ...

2017-03-28

We study the time evolution (aging) of the elastic moduli of an eight-year-old polycrystalline δ- Pu 2.0 at % Ga alloy (δ-Pu:Ga ) from 295K to nearly 500K in real time using Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS). After 8 years of aging at 295K, the bulk and shear moduli increase at a normalized rate of 0.2%/year and 0.6%/year respectively. As the temperature is raised, two time dependences are observed, an exponential one of about a week, followed by a linear one (constant rate). The linear rate is thermally activated with an activation energy of 0.33+0.06 eV. Above 420K a qualitative changemore » in the time evolution is observed; the bulk modulus decreases with time while the shear modulus continues to stiffen. No change is observed as the α-β transition temperature is crossed as would be expected if a decomposition of δ-Pu:Ga to α-Pu and Pu 3Ga occurred over the temperature range studied. Our results indicate that the main mechanism of aging is creation of defects that are partially annealed starting at T = 420 K.« less

T-Opt: A 3D Monte Carlo simulation for light delivery design in photodynamic therapy (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Honda, Norihiro; Hazama, Hisanao; Awazu, Kunio

2017-02-01

The interstitial photodynamic therapy (iPDT) with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is a safe and feasible treatment modality of malignant glioblastoma. In order to cover the tumour volume, the exact position of the light diffusers within the lesion is needed to decide precisely. The aim of this study is the development of evaluation method of treatment volume with 3D Monte Carlo simulation for iPDT using 5-ALA. Monte Carlo simulations of fluence rate were performed using the optical properties of the brain tissue infiltrated by tumor cells and normal tissue. 3-D Monte Carlo simulation was used to calculate the position of the light diffusers within the lesion and light transport. The fluence rate near the diffuser was maximum and decreased exponentially with distance. The simulation can calculate the amount of singlet oxygen generated by PDT. In order to increase the accuracy of simulation results, the parameter for simulation includes the quantum yield of singlet oxygen generation, the accumulated concentration of photosensitizer within tissue, fluence rate, molar extinction coefficient at the wavelength of excitation light. The simulation is useful for evaluation of treatment region of iPDT with 5-ALA.

Elastic moduli of δ-Pu 239 reveal aging in real time

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

Maiorov, Boris; Betts, Jonathan B.; Söderlind, Per

We study the time evolution (aging) of the elastic moduli of an eight-year-old polycrystalline δ- Pu 2.0 at % Ga alloy (δ-Pu:Ga ) from 295K to nearly 500K in real time using Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS). After 8 years of aging at 295K, the bulk and shear moduli increase at a normalized rate of 0.2%/year and 0.6%/year respectively. As the temperature is raised, two time dependences are observed, an exponential one of about a week, followed by a linear one (constant rate). The linear rate is thermally activated with an activation energy of 0.33+0.06 eV. Above 420K a qualitative changemore » in the time evolution is observed; the bulk modulus decreases with time while the shear modulus continues to stiffen. No change is observed as the α-β transition temperature is crossed as would be expected if a decomposition of δ-Pu:Ga to α-Pu and Pu 3Ga occurred over the temperature range studied. Our results indicate that the main mechanism of aging is creation of defects that are partially annealed starting at T = 420 K.« less

Andromeda's SMBH Projected Accretion Rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, John

2014-03-01

A formula for calculating the half-life of galaxy clusters is proposed. A galactic half-life is the estimated amount of time that the most massive supermassive black hole (SMBH) in the galaxy cluster will have accreted one half of the mass in the cluster. The calculation is based on a projection of the SMBH continuing its exponentially decreasing rate of accretion that it had in its first 13 billion years. The calculated half-life for the Andromeda SMBH is approximately 1.4327e14 years from the Big Bang. Several proposals have suggested that black holes could be significant factors in the formation of new universes. Part of the verification or falsification of this hypothesis could be done by an N-body simulation. These simulations require an enormous amount of computer power and time. Some plausible projection of the growth of the supermassive black hole is needed to prepare an N-body simulation budget proposal. For now, this method provides an estimate for the growth rate of the Andromeda SMBH and deposition of the outcome of most of the galaxy cluster's mass which is either accreted by the SMBH, lost by ejection from the cluster, or lost in the form of energy.

Spatial analysis of soil organic carbon in Zhifanggou catchment of the Loess Plateau.

PubMed

Li, Mingming; Zhang, Xingchang; Zhen, Qing; Han, Fengpeng

2013-01-01

Soil organic carbon (SOC) reflects soil quality and plays a critical role in soil protection, food safety, and global climate changes. This study involved grid sampling at different depths (6 layers) between 0 and 100 cm in a catchment. A total of 1282 soil samples were collected from 215 plots over 8.27 km(2). A combination of conventional analytical methods and geostatistical methods were used to analyze the data for spatial variability and soil carbon content patterns. The mean SOC content in the 1282 samples from the study field was 3.08 g · kg(-1). The SOC content of each layer decreased with increasing soil depth by a power function relationship. The SOC content of each layer was moderately variable and followed a lognormal distribution. The semi-variograms of the SOC contents of the six different layers were fit with the following models: exponential, spherical, exponential, Gaussian, exponential, and exponential, respectively. A moderate spatial dependence was observed in the 0-10 and 10-20 cm layers, which resulted from stochastic and structural factors. The spatial distribution of SOC content in the four layers between 20 and 100 cm exhibit were mainly restricted by structural factors. Correlations within each layer were observed between 234 and 562 m. A classical Kriging interpolation was used to directly visualize the spatial distribution of SOC in the catchment. The variability in spatial distribution was related to topography, land use type, and human activity. Finally, the vertical distribution of SOC decreased. Our results suggest that the ordinary Kriging interpolation can directly reveal the spatial distribution of SOC and the sample distance about this study is sufficient for interpolation or plotting. More research is needed, however, to clarify the spatial variability on the bigger scale and better understand the factors controlling spatial variability of soil carbon in the Loess Plateau region.

Are infant mortality rate declines exponential? The general pattern of 20th century infant mortality rate decline

PubMed Central

Bishai, David; Opuni, Marjorie

2009-01-01

Background Time trends in infant mortality for the 20th century show a curvilinear pattern that most demographers have assumed to be approximately exponential. Virtually all cross-country comparisons and time series analyses of infant mortality have studied the logarithm of infant mortality to account for the curvilinear time trend. However, there is no evidence that the log transform is the best fit for infant mortality time trends. Methods We use maximum likelihood methods to determine the best transformation to fit time trends in infant mortality reduction in the 20th century and to assess the importance of the proper transformation in identifying the relationship between infant mortality and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. We apply the Box Cox transform to infant mortality rate (IMR) time series from 18 countries to identify the best fitting value of lambda for each country and for the pooled sample. For each country, we test the value of λ against the null that λ = 0 (logarithmic model) and against the null that λ = 1 (linear model). We then demonstrate the importance of selecting the proper transformation by comparing regressions of ln(IMR) on same year GDP per capita against Box Cox transformed models. Results Based on chi-squared test statistics, infant mortality decline is best described as an exponential decline only for the United States. For the remaining 17 countries we study, IMR decline is neither best modelled as logarithmic nor as a linear process. Imposing a logarithmic transform on IMR can lead to bias in fitting the relationship between IMR and GDP per capita. Conclusion The assumption that IMR declines are exponential is enshrined in the Preston curve and in nearly all cross-country as well as time series analyses of IMR data since Preston's 1975 paper, but this assumption is seldom correct. Statistical analyses of IMR trends should assess the robustness of findings to transformations other than the log transform. PMID:19698144

Mixotrophic dinoflagellate Karlodinium veneficum under variable nitrogen:phosphorus stoichiometry: feeding responses and effects on larvae of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, C.; Accoroni, S.; Glibert, P. M.

2016-02-01

Mixotrophic grazing activity can be promoted in response to nutrient-enriched prey and this nutritional strategy is thought to be a factor in promoting growth of some toxic microalgae under nutrient limiting conditions for the mixotroph. However, it is unclear how the nutritional condition of the predator or the prey affects mixotrophic metabolism and, consequently, potential effects on the mixotroph that may, in turn, affect early life stages of bivalves. In laboratory experiments, we measured the grazing rate of the Karlodinium veneficum on Rhodomonas salina as prey, under varied nitrogen (N): phosphorus (P) stoichiometry of both predator and prey, and we compared the nutritionally-regulated effects of K. veneficum on larvae of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginia). Nutritionally sufficient, N-deficient, and P-deficient K. veneficum at two growth stages (exponential and stationary) were mixed with nutritionally sufficient, N-deficient, and P-deficient R. salina, in a factorial experimental design. Regardless of the nutritional condition of K. veneficum, it showed significantly higher grazing rates with N-rich prey in exponential stage and P-rich prey in stationary stage. Maximum grazing rates of N-deficient K. veneficum on N-rich prey in exponential stage were 20-fold larger than those nutritionally sufficient K. veneficum on N-rich prey. Significantly increased larval mortality was observed in 2-day exposures to monocultures of P-deficient K. veneficum at both stages. When mixed with P-deficient (or N-rich) prey, the presence of K. veneficum resulted in significantly enhanced larval mortality, but this was not the case for N-deficient K. veneficum in exponential stage. Mixotrophic feeding for K. veneficum may not only provide nutrition flexibility needed to persist bloom but appears to increase the negative effects of K. veneficum on the survival of oyster larvae.

Exploring the dynamics of fluorescence staining of bacteria with cyanine dyes for the development of kinetic assays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Marlon Sheldon

Bacterial infections continue to be one of the major health risks in the United States. The common occurrence of such infection is one of the major contributors to the high cost of health care and significant patient mortality. The work presented in this thesis describes spectroscopic studies that will contribute to the development of a fluorescent assay that may allow the rapid identification of bacterial species. Herein, the optical interactions between six bacterial species and a series of thiacyanine dyes are investigated. The interactions between the dyes and the bacterial species are hypothesized to be species-specific. For this thesis, two Gram-negative strains, Escherichia coli (E. coli) TOP10 and Enterobacter aerogenes; two Gram-positive bacterial strains, Bacillus sphaericus and Bacillus subtilis; and two Bacillus endospores, B. globigii and B. thuringiensis, were used to test the proposed hypothesis. A series of three thiacyanine dyes---3,3'-diethylthiacyanine iodide (THIA), 3,3'-diethylthiacarbocyanine iodide (THC) and thiazole orange (THO)---were used as fluorescent probes. The basis of our spectroscopic study was to explore the bacterium-induced interactions of the bacterial cells with the individual thiacyanine dyes or with a mixture of the three dyes. Steady-state absorption spectroscopy revealed that the different bacterial species altered the absorption properties of the dyes. Mixed-dye solutions gave unique absorption patterns for each bacteria tested, with competitive binding observed between the bacteria and spectrophotometric probes (thiacyanine dyes). Emission spectroscopy recorded changes in the emission spectra of THIA following the introduction of bacterial cells. Experimental results revealed that the emission enhancement of the dyes resulted from increases in the emission quantum yield of the thiacyanine dyes upon binding to the bacteria cellular components. The recorded emission enhancement data were fitted to an exponential (mono-exponential or bi-exponential) function, and time constants were extracted by regressing on the experimental data. The addition of the TWEEN surfactants decreased the rate at which the dyes interacted with the bacterial cells, which typically resulted in larger time constants derived from an exponential fit. ANOVA analysis of the time constants confirmed that the values of the time constants clustered in a narrow range and were independent of dye concentration and weakly dependent on cell density.

An efficient quantum algorithm for spectral estimation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steffens, Adrian; Rebentrost, Patrick; Marvian, Iman; Eisert, Jens; Lloyd, Seth

2017-03-01

We develop an efficient quantum implementation of an important signal processing algorithm for line spectral estimation: the matrix pencil method, which determines the frequencies and damping factors of signals consisting of finite sums of exponentially damped sinusoids. Our algorithm provides a quantum speedup in a natural regime where the sampling rate is much higher than the number of sinusoid components. Along the way, we develop techniques that are expected to be useful for other quantum algorithms as well—consecutive phase estimations to efficiently make products of asymmetric low rank matrices classically accessible and an alternative method to efficiently exponentiate non-Hermitian matrices. Our algorithm features an efficient quantum-classical division of labor: the time-critical steps are implemented in quantum superposition, while an interjacent step, requiring much fewer parameters, can operate classically. We show that frequencies and damping factors can be obtained in time logarithmic in the number of sampling points, exponentially faster than known classical algorithms.

Forecasting Financial Extremes: A Network Degree Measure of Super-Exponential Growth.

PubMed

Yan, Wanfeng; van Tuyll van Serooskerken, Edgar

2015-01-01

Investors in stock market are usually greedy during bull markets and scared during bear markets. The greed or fear spreads across investors quickly. This is known as the herding effect, and often leads to a fast movement of stock prices. During such market regimes, stock prices change at a super-exponential rate and are normally followed by a trend reversal that corrects the previous overreaction. In this paper, we construct an indicator to measure the magnitude of the super-exponential growth of stock prices, by measuring the degree of the price network, generated from the price time series. Twelve major international stock indices have been investigated. Error diagram tests show that this new indicator has strong predictive power for financial extremes, both peaks and troughs. By varying the parameters used to construct the error diagram, we show the predictive power is very robust. The new indicator has a better performance than the LPPL pattern recognition indicator.

On the Occurrence of Mass Inflation for the Einstein-Maxwell-Scalar Field System with a Cosmological Constant and an Exponential Price Law

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costa, João L.; Girão, Pedro M.; Natário, José; Silva, Jorge Drumond

2018-03-01

In this paper we study the spherically symmetric characteristic initial data problem for the Einstein-Maxwell-scalar field system with a positive cosmological constant in the interior of a black hole, assuming an exponential Price law along the event horizon. More precisely, we construct open sets of characteristic data which, on the outgoing initial null hypersurface (taken to be the event horizon), converges exponentially to a reference Reissner-Nördstrom black hole at infinity. We prove the stability of the radius function at the Cauchy horizon, and show that, depending on the decay rate of the initial data, mass inflation may or may not occur. In the latter case, we find that the solution can be extended across the Cauchy horizon with continuous metric and Christoffel symbols in {L^2_{loc}} , thus violating the Christodoulou-Chruściel version of strong cosmic censorship.

LIVESTOCK ACTIVITY AND CHIHUAHUAN DESERT ANNUAL-PLANT COMMUNITIES: BOUNDARY ANALYSIS OF DISTURBANCE GRADIENTS

EPA Science Inventory

The impact of domestic livestock on soil properties and perennial vegetation is greatest close to water points and generally decreases exponentially with distance from water. We hypothesized that the impact of livestock on annual-plant communities would be similar to that on per...

Newton's Law of Cooling Revisited

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vollmer, M.

2009-01-01

The cooling of objects is often described by a law, attributed to Newton, which states that the temperature difference of a cooling body with respect to the surroundings decreases exponentially with time. Such behaviour has been observed for many laboratory experiments, which led to a wide acceptance of this approach. However, the heat transfer…

Consideration on the Long Ecological Half-Life Component of (137)Cs in Demersal Fish Based on Field Observation Results Obtained after the Fukushima Accident.

PubMed

Tagami, Keiko; Uchida, Shigeo

2016-02-16

Radiocesium concentrations in most marine fish collected off the coast of Fukushima and surrounding prefectures have decreased with time, and four years after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident occurred, radiocesium concentrations have generally fallen below the detectable level (ca. < 10 Bq kg(-1)-raw). Only in some demersal fish species have detectable concentration levels still been found, and even these species have showed slow radiocesium decreases. The food web was considered as the major factor causing this phenomenon; however, slow elimination rates of radiocesium from these fish species also could be the cause. The latter effect was examined by considering that the (137)Cs concentration decreasing trend in fish could be fit with a set of three exponentially decreasing components; that is, having short, intermediate, and long biological half-lives. The long ecological half-life component was calculated using a 400-1500 d period of monitoring results for Japanese rockfish (Sebastes cheni) and compared with previous reported laboratory results for biological half-life. The obtained ecological half-lives ranged from 274-365 d, and these values agreed with the biological half-life of this fish species. This result implied that the long biological half-lives of radiocesium in some demersal fish species made their radiocesium contamination periods longer.

Flecainide attenuates rate adaptation of ventricular repolarization in guinea-pig heart.

PubMed

Osadchii, Oleg E

2016-01-01

Flecainide is class Ic antiarrhythmic agent that was found to increase the risk of sudden cardiac death. Arrhythmic responses to flecainide could be precipitated by exercise, suggesting a role played by inappropriate rate adaptation of ventricular repolarization. This study therefore examined flecainide effect on adaptation of the QT interval and ventricular action potential duration (APD) to abrupt reductions of the cardiac cycle length. ECG and ventricular epicardial and endocardial monophasic APD were recorded in isolated, perfused guinea-pig heart preparations upon a sustained cardiac acceleration (rapid pacing for 30 s), and following a single perturbation of the cycle length evoked by extrasystolic stimulation. Sustained increase in heart rate was associated with progressive bi-exponential shortening of the QT interval and APD. Flecainide prolonged ventricular repolarization, delayed its rate adaptation, and decreased the amplitude of QT interval and APD shortening upon rapid cardiac pacing. During extrasystolic stimulation, flecainide attenuated APD shortening in premature ventricular beats, with effect being greater upon using a longer basic drive cycle length (S1-S1=550 ms versus S1-S1=300 ms). Flecainide-induced arrhythmia may be partly accounted for by attenuated adaptation of ventricular repolarization to sudden changes in cardiac cycle length provoked by transient tachycardia or ectopic beats.

Pronounced non-Arrhenius behaviour of hydrogen-abstractions from toluene and derivatives by phthalimide-N-oxyl radicals: a theoretical study.

PubMed

Hermans, Ive; Jacobs, Pierre; Peeters, Jozef

2008-02-28

Abstraction of hydrogen atoms by pthalimide-N-oxyl radicals is an important step in the N-hydroxyphthalimide catalyzed autoxidation of hydrocarbons. In this contribution, the temperature dependency of this reaction is evaluated by a detailed transition state theory based kinetic analysis for the case of toluene. Tunneling was found to play a very important role, enhancing the rate constant by a factor of 20 at room temperature. As a result, tunneling, in combination with the existence of two distinct rotamers of the transition state, causes a pronounced temperature dependency of the pre-exponential frequency factor, and, as a consequence, marked curvature of the Arrhenius plot. This explains why earlier experimental studies over a limited temperature range around 300 K found formal Arrhenius activation energies and pre-factors that are 4 kcal mol(-1) and three orders of magnitude smaller than the actual energy barrier and the corresponding frequency factor, respectively. Also as a consequence of tunneling, substitution of a deuterium atom for a hydrogen atom causes a large decrease in the rate constant, in agreement with the measured kinetic isotope effects. The present theoretical analysis, complementary to the experimental rate coefficient data, allows for a reliable prediction of the rate coefficient at higher temperatures, relevant for actual autoxidation processes.

Persistent random walk of cells involving anomalous effects and random death

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedotov, Sergei; Tan, Abby; Zubarev, Andrey

2015-04-01

The purpose of this paper is to implement a random death process into a persistent random walk model which produces sub-ballistic superdiffusion (Lévy walk). We develop a stochastic two-velocity jump model of cell motility for which the switching rate depends upon the time which the cell has spent moving in one direction. It is assumed that the switching rate is a decreasing function of residence (running) time. This assumption leads to the power law for the velocity switching time distribution. This describes the anomalous persistence of cell motility: the longer the cell moves in one direction, the smaller the switching probability to another direction becomes. We derive master equations for the cell densities with the generalized switching terms involving the tempered fractional material derivatives. We show that the random death of cells has an important implication for the transport process through tempering of the superdiffusive process. In the long-time limit we write stationary master equations in terms of exponentially truncated fractional derivatives in which the rate of death plays the role of tempering of a Lévy jump distribution. We find the upper and lower bounds for the stationary profiles corresponding to the ballistic transport and diffusion with the death-rate-dependent diffusion coefficient. Monte Carlo simulations confirm these bounds.

Mechanisms of fluid production in smooth adhesive pads of insects

PubMed Central

Dirks, Jan-Henning; Federle, Walter

2011-01-01

Insect adhesion is mediated by thin fluid films secreted into the contact zone. As the amount of fluid affects adhesive forces, a control of secretion appears probable. Here, we quantify for the first time the rate of fluid secretion in adhesive pads of cockroaches and stick insects. The volume of footprints deposited during consecutive press-downs decreased exponentially and approached a non-zero steady state, demonstrating the presence of a storage volume. We estimated its size and the influx rate into it from a simple compartmental model. Influx was independent of step frequency. Fluid-depleted pads recovered maximal footprint volumes within 15 min. Pads in stationary contact accumulated fluid along the perimeter of the contact zone. The initial fluid build-up slowed down, suggesting that flow is driven by negative Laplace pressure. Freely climbing stick insects left hardly any traceable footprints, suggesting that they save secretion by minimizing contact area or by recovering fluid during detachment. However, even the highest fluid production rates observed incur only small biosynthesis costs, representing less than 1 per cent of the resting metabolic rate. Our results show that fluid secretion in insect wet adhesive systems relies on simple physical principles, allowing for passive control of fluid volume within the contact zone. PMID:21208970

Application of the compensated arrhenius formalism to dielectric relaxation.

PubMed

Petrowsky, Matt; Frech, Roger

2009-12-17

The temperature dependence of the dielectric rate constant, defined as the reciprocal of the dielectric relaxation time, is examined for several groups of organic solvents. Early studies of linear alcohols using a simple Arrhenius equation found that the activation energy was dependent on the chain length of the alcohol. This paper re-examines the earlier data using a compensated Arrhenius formalism that assumes the presence of a temperature-dependent static dielectric constant in the exponential prefactor. Scaling temperature-dependent rate constants to isothermal rate constants so that the dielectric constant dependence is removed results in calculated energies of activation E(a) in which there is a small increase with chain length. These energies of activation are very similar to those calculated from ionic conductivity data using compensated Arrhenius formalism. This treatment is then extended to dielectic relaxation data for n-alkyl bromides, n-nitriles, and n-acetates. The exponential prefactor is determined by dividing the temperature-dependent rate constants by the Boltzmann term exp(-E(a)/RT). Plotting the prefactors versus the static dielectric constant places the data on a single master curve for each group of solvents.

Constitutive behavior and processing maps of low-expansion GH909 superalloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Zhi-hao; Wu, Shao-cong; Dong, Jian-xin; Yu, Qiu-ying; Zhang, Mai-cang; Han, Guang-wei

2017-04-01

The hot deformation behavior of GH909 superalloy was studied systematically using isothermal hot compression tests in a temperature range of 960 to 1040°C and at strain rates from 0.02 to 10 s-1 with a height reduction as large as 70%. The relations considering flow stress, temperature, and strain rate were evaluated via power-law, hyperbolic sine, and exponential constitutive equations under different strain conditions. An exponential equation was found to be the most appropriate for process modeling. The processing maps for the superalloy were constructed for strains of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 on the basis of the dynamic material model, and a total processing map that includes all the investigated strains was proposed. Metallurgical instabilities in the instability domain mainly located at higher strain rates manifested as adiabatic shear bands and cracking. The stability domain occurred at 960-1040°C and at strain rates less than 0.2 s-1; these conditions are recommended for optimum hot working of GH909 superalloy.

Rates of soil development from four soil chronosequences in the southern Great Basin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Harden, J.W.; Taylor, E.M.; Hill, C.; Mark, R.K.; McFadden, L.D.; Reheis, M.C.; Sowers, J.M.; Wells, S.G.

1991-01-01

Four soil chronosequences in the southern Great Basin were examined in order to study and quantify soil development during the Quaternary. Soils of all four areas are developed in gravelly alluvial fans in semiarid climates with 8 to 40 cm mean annual precipitation. Lithologies of alluvium are granite-gneiss at Silver Lake, granite and basalt at Cima Volcanic Field, limestone at Kyle Canyon, and siliceous volcanic rocks at Fortymile Wash. Ages of the soils are approximated from several radiometric and experimental techniques, and rates are assessed using a conservative mathematical approach. Average rates for Holocene soils at Silver Lake are about 10 times higher than for Pleistocene soils at Kyle Canyon and Fortymile Wash, based on limited age control. Holocene soils in all four areas appear to develop at similar rates, and Pleistocene soils at Kyle Canyon and Fortymile Wash may differ by only a factor of 2 to 4. Over time spans of several millennia, a preferred model for the age curves is not linear but may be exponential or parabolic, in which rates decrease with increasing age. These preliminary results imply that the geographical variation in rates within the southern Great Basin-Mojave region may be much less significant than temporal variation in rates of soil development. The reasons for temporal variation in rates and processes of soil development are complexly linked to climatic change and related changes in water and dust, erosional history, and internally driven chemical and physical processes. ?? 1991.

Ingestion of Brachionus plicatilis under different microalgae conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Wenli; Tang, Xuexi; Qiao, Xiuting; Wang, You; Wang, Renjun; Feng, Lei

2009-09-01

The effects of four microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris, Platymonas helgolandicavar, Isochrysis galbana, and Nitzschia closterium on the grazing and filtering rates of the marine rotifer, Brachionus plicatilis, were evaluated under laboratory conditions. The grazing rates in separate cultures of the four microalga were as follows: C. vulgaris > P. helgolandicavar > I. galbana > N. closterium. However, the filtering rates occurred in the following order: P. helgolandicavar > N. closterium > C. vulgaris > I. galbana. A mixed diets experiment revealed that P. helgolandicavar was the preferred diet of B. plicatilis. In addition, the grazing rate of B. plicatilis increased gradually as the density of the microalgae increased, until concentrations of 2.5×106 cells mL-1 for C. vulgaris and 1.5×106 cells mL-1 for I. galbana were obtained. Furthermore, the filtering rate increased slightly when the density of the microalgae was low, after which it declined as the microalgal density increased. The grazing rates of B. plicatilis were as follows during the different growth phases: stationary phase > exponential phase > lag phase > decline phase. Additionally, the filtering rates during the growth phases were: exponential phase > lag phase > stationary phase > decline phase. The results of this study provide foundational information that can be used to explore the optimal culture conditions for rotifers and to promote the development of aquaculture.

Microplate-based method for high-throughput screening of microalgae growth potential.

PubMed

Van Wagenen, Jon; Holdt, Susan Løvstad; De Francisci, Davide; Valverde-Pérez, Borja; Plósz, Benedek Gy; Angelidaki, Irini

2014-10-01

Microalgae cultivation conditions in microplates will differ from large-scale photobioreactors in crucial parameters such as light profile, mixing and gas transfer. Hence volumetric productivity (P(v)) measurements made in microplates cannot be directly scaled up. Here we demonstrate that it is possible to use microplates to measure characteristic exponential growth rates and determine the specific growth rate light intensity dependency (μ-I curve), which is useful as the key input for several models that predict P(v). Nannochloropsis salina and Chlorella sorokiniana specific growth rates were measured by repeated batch culture in microplates supplied with continuous light at different intensities. Exponential growth unlimited by gas transfer or self-shading was observable for a period of several days using fluorescence, which is an order of magnitude more sensitive than optical density. The microplate datasets were comparable to similar datasets obtained in photobioreactors and were used an input for the Huesemann model to accurately predict P(v). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A study on industrial accident rate forecasting and program development of estimated zero accident time in Korea.

PubMed

Kim, Tae-gu; Kang, Young-sig; Lee, Hyung-won

2011-01-01

To begin a zero accident campaign for industry, the first thing is to estimate the industrial accident rate and the zero accident time systematically. This paper considers the social and technical change of the business environment after beginning the zero accident campaign through quantitative time series analysis methods. These methods include sum of squared errors (SSE), regression analysis method (RAM), exponential smoothing method (ESM), double exponential smoothing method (DESM), auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model, and the proposed analytic function method (AFM). The program is developed to estimate the accident rate, zero accident time and achievement probability of an efficient industrial environment. In this paper, MFC (Microsoft Foundation Class) software of Visual Studio 2008 was used to develop a zero accident program. The results of this paper will provide major information for industrial accident prevention and be an important part of stimulating the zero accident campaign within all industrial environments.

Octanol reduces end-plate channel lifetime

PubMed Central

Gage, Peter W.; McBurney, Robert N.; Van Helden, Dirk

1978-01-01

1. Post-synaptic effects of n-octanol at concentrations of 0·1-1 mM were examined in toad sartorius muscles by use of extracellular and voltage-clamp techniques. 2. Octanol depressed the amplitude and duration of miniature end-plate currents and hence depressed neuromuscular transmission. 3. The decay of miniature end-plate currents remained exponential in octanol solutions even when the time constant of decay (τD) was decreased by 80-90%. 4. The lifetime of end-plate channels, obtained by analysis of acetylcholine noise, was also decreased by octanol. The average lifetime measured from noise spectra agreed reasonably well with the time constant of decay of miniature end-plate currents, both in control solution and in octanol solutions. 5. Octanol caused a reduction in the conductance of end-plate channels. Single channel conductance was on average about 25 pS in control solution and 20 pS in octanol. 6. In most cells the normal voltage sensitivity of the decay of miniature end-plate currents was retained in octanol solutions. The lifetime of end-plate channels measured from acetylcholine noise also remained voltage-sensitive in octanol solutions. In some experiments in which channel lifetime was exceptionally reduced the voltage sensitivity was less than normal. 7. In octanol solutions, τD was still very sensitive to temperature changes in most cells although in some the temperature sensitivity of τD was clearly reduced. Changes in τD with temperature could generally be fitted by the Arrhenius equation suggesting that a single step reaction controlled the decay of currents both in control and in octanol solutions. In some cells in which τD became less than 0·3 ms, the relationship between τD and temperature became inconsistent with the Arrhenius equation. 8. As the decay of end-plate currents in octanol solutions remains exponential, and the voltage and temperature sensitivity can be unchanged even when τD is significantly reduced, it seems likely that octanol decreases τD by increasing the rate of the reaction which normally controls the lifetime of end-plate channels. PMID:203674

Numerical investigation of MHD flow with Soret and Dufour effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayat, Tasawar; Nasir, Tehreem; Khan, Muhammad Ijaz; Alsaedi, Ahmed

2018-03-01

This paper describes the flow due to an exponentially curved surface subject to Soret and Dufour effects. Nonlinear velocity is considered. Exponentially curved stretchable sheet induced the flow. Fluid is electrical conducting through constant applied magnetic field. The governing flow expressions are reduced to ordinary ones and then tackled by numerical technique (Built-in-Shooting). Impacts of various flow variables on the dimensionless velocity, concentration and temperature fields are graphically presented and discussed in detail. Skin friction coefficient and Sherwood and Nusselt numbers are studied through graphs. Furthermore it is observed that Soret and Dufour variables regulate heat and mass transfer rates. It is also noteworthy that velocity decays for higher magnetic variable. Skin friction magnitude decays via curvature and magnetic variables. Also mass transfer gradient or rate of mass transport enhances for higher estimations of curvature parameter and Schmidt number.

Thermodynamics and kinetics of the sulfation of porous calcium silicate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, R. A.; Kohl, F. J.

1981-01-01

The sulfation of plasma sprayed calcium silicate in flowing SO2/air mixtures at 900 and 1000 C was investigated thermogravimetrically. Reaction products were analyzed using electron microprobe and X-ray diffraction analysis techniques, and results were compared with thermodynamic predictions. The percentage, by volume, of SO2 in air was varied between 0.036 and 10 percent. At 10 percent SO2 the weight gain curve displays a concave downward shoulder early in the sulfation process. An analytical model was developed which treats the initial process as one which decays exponentially with increasing time and the subsequent process as one which decays exponentially with increasing weight gain. At lower SO2 levels the initial rate is controlled by the reactant flow rate. At 1100 C and 0.036 percent SO2 there is no reaction, in agreement with thermodynamic predictions.

Discrete diffraction managed solitons: Threshold phenomena and rapid decay for general nonlinearities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Mi-Ran; Hundertmark, Dirk; Lee, Young-Ran

2017-10-01

We prove a threshold phenomenon for the existence/non-existence of energy minimizing solitary solutions of the diffraction management equation for strictly positive and zero average diffraction. Our methods allow for a large class of nonlinearities; they are, for example, allowed to change sign, and the weakest possible condition, it only has to be locally integrable, on the local diffraction profile. The solutions are found as minimizers of a nonlinear and nonlocal variational problem which is translation invariant. There exists a critical threshold λcr such that minimizers for this variational problem exist if their power is bigger than λcr and no minimizers exist with power less than the critical threshold. We also give simple criteria for the finiteness and strict positivity of the critical threshold. Our proof of existence of minimizers is rather direct and avoids the use of Lions' concentration compactness argument. Furthermore, we give precise quantitative lower bounds on the exponential decay rate of the diffraction management solitons, which confirm the physical heuristic prediction for the asymptotic decay rate. Moreover, for ground state solutions, these bounds give a quantitative lower bound for the divergence of the exponential decay rate in the limit of vanishing average diffraction. For zero average diffraction, we prove quantitative bounds which show that the solitons decay much faster than exponentially. Our results considerably extend and strengthen the results of Hundertmark and Lee [J. Nonlinear Sci. 22, 1-38 (2012) and Commun. Math. Phys. 309(1), 1-21 (2012)].

Biased phylodynamic inferences from analysing clusters of viral sequences

PubMed Central

Xiang, Fei; Frost, Simon D. W.

2017-01-01

Abstract Phylogenetic methods are being increasingly used to help understand the transmission dynamics of measurably evolving viruses, including HIV. Clusters of highly similar sequences are often observed, which appear to follow a ‘power law’ behaviour, with a small number of very large clusters. These clusters may help to identify subpopulations in an epidemic, and inform where intervention strategies should be implemented. However, clustering of samples does not necessarily imply the presence of a subpopulation with high transmission rates, as groups of closely related viruses can also occur due to non-epidemiological effects such as over-sampling. It is important to ensure that observed phylogenetic clustering reflects true heterogeneity in the transmitting population, and is not being driven by non-epidemiological effects. We qualify the effect of using a falsely identified ‘transmission cluster’ of sequences to estimate phylodynamic parameters including the effective population size and exponential growth rate under several demographic scenarios. Our simulation studies show that taking the maximum size cluster to re-estimate parameters from trees simulated under a randomly mixing, constant population size coalescent process systematically underestimates the overall effective population size. In addition, the transmission cluster wrongly resembles an exponential or logistic growth model 99% of the time. We also illustrate the consequences of false clusters in exponentially growing coalescent and birth-death trees, where again, the growth rate is skewed upwards. This has clear implications for identifying clusters in large viral databases, where a false cluster could result in wasted intervention resources. PMID:28852573

2D particle-in-cell simulation of the entire process of surface flashover on insulator in vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hongguang; Zhang, Jianwei; Li, Yongdong; Lin, Shu; Zhong, Pengfeng; Liu, Chunliang

2018-04-01

With the introduction of an external circuit model and a gas desorption model, the surface flashover on the plane insulator-vacuum interface perpendicular to parallel electrodes is simulated by a Particle-In-Cell method. It can be seen from simulations that when the secondary electron emission avalanche (SEEA) occurs, the current sharply increases because of the influence of the insulator surface charge on the cathode field emission. With the introduction of the gas desorption model, the current keeps on increasing after SEEA, and then the feedback of the external circuit causes the voltage between the two electrodes to decrease. The cathode emission current decreases, while the anode current keeps growing. With the definition that flashover occurs when the diode voltage drops by more than 20%, we obtained the simulated flashover voltage which agrees with the experimental value with the use of the field enhancement factor β = 145 and the gas molecule desorption coefficient γ=0.25 . From the simulation results, we can also see that the time delay of flashover decreases exponentially with voltage. In addition, from the gas desorption model, the gas density on the insulator surface is found to be proportional to the square of the gas desorption rate and linear with time.

Collective behavior of mice passing through an exit under panic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Teng; Zhang, Xuelin; Huang, Shenshi; Li, Changhai; Lu, Shouxiang

2018-04-01

Collective movement of animal in emergency condition has attracted growing attentions among researchers. However, many rules still need to be confirmed with adequate explanation. Study of collective behavior of mice can improve our understanding about the dynamics of pedestrian movement. However, its rules still need to be confirmed with adequate explanation. In this paper, collective behavior of mice passing through an exit under panic was investigated. The results showed that the total evacuation time decreased with exit width increasing in a certain range. Based on the different tendency of the curve in temporal evolution, the process of mice flow was divided into three stages. The density of mice near the exit peaks at a certain horizontal offset and starts to decrease over time. With the increase of the exit width, the duration of the higher density state decreased. We found that the frequency of time intervals obeyed a lognormal distribution or an exponential decay for different exit widths. In addition, the relationship between the group size and the group flow rate in different scenarios was analyzed. The phenomena found in our experiments show the collective behavioral characteristic of mice under panic. Our analysis in this paper will deepen our understanding of crowd dynamics in emergency condition.

Modeling the Role of Dislocation Substructure During Class M and Exponential Creep. Revised

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raj, S. V.; Iskovitz, Ilana Seiden; Freed, A. D.

1995-01-01

The different substructures that form in the power-law and exponential creep regimes for single phase crystalline materials under various conditions of stress, temperature and strain are reviewed. The microstructure is correlated both qualitatively and quantitatively with power-law and exponential creep as well as with steady state and non-steady state deformation behavior. These observations suggest that creep is influenced by a complex interaction between several elements of the microstructure, such as dislocations, cells and subgrains. The stability of the creep substructure is examined in both of these creep regimes during stress and temperature change experiments. These observations are rationalized on the basis of a phenomenological model, where normal primary creep is interpreted as a series of constant structure exponential creep rate-stress relationships. The implications of this viewpoint on the magnitude of the stress exponent and steady state behavior are discussed. A theory is developed to predict the macroscopic creep behavior of a single phase material using quantitative microstructural data. In this technique the thermally activated deformation mechanisms proposed by dislocation physics are interlinked with a previously developed multiphase, three-dimensional. dislocation substructure creep model. This procedure leads to several coupled differential equations interrelating macroscopic creep plasticity with microstructural evolution.

Kinetics of Cell Fusion Induced by a Syncytia-Producing Mutant of Herpes Simplex Virus Type I

PubMed Central

Person, Stanley; Knowles, Robert W.; Read, G. Sullivan; Warner, Susan C.; Bond, Vincent C.

1976-01-01

We have isolated a number of plaque-morphology mutants from a strain of herpes simplex virus type I which, unlike the wild type, cause extensive cell fusion during a productive viral infection. After the onset of fusion, there is an exponential decrease in the number of single cells as a function of time after infection. At a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 3.8 plaque-forming units per cell, fusion begins 5.3 h after infection with the number of single cells decreasing to 10% of the original number 10.2 h after infection. As the MOI is gradually increased from 0.4 to 8, the onset of fusion occurs earlier during infection. However, when the MOI is increased from 8 to 86, the onset of fusion does not occur any earlier. The rate of fusion is independent of the MOI for an MOI greater than 1. The rate of fusion varies linearly with initial cell density up to 3.5 × 104 cells/cm2 and is independent of initial cell density at higher cell concentrations. To assay cell fusion we have developed a simple quantitative assay using a Coulter counter to measure the number of single cells as a function of time after infection. Data obtained using a Coulter counter are similar to those obtained with a microscope assay. PMID:173881

Patterns and Drivers of Soil Respiration under Long-Term Citrus reticulate in Southern China

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yan-Jie; Zhang, Su-Yan; Yang, Jie; Yan, Yue; Fu, Xiang-ping; Lu, Shun-Bao

2015-01-01

Soil respiration (Rs) is a major source of carbon emission in terrestrial ecosystems. Despite the fact that the influence of land use practice on Rs has been widely studied, the patterns and drivers on Rs of Citrus reticulata cultivation, a worldwide land use practice are unclear. In this current study, we investigated the influence of long-term cultivation of Citrus reticulata (CO) and of CO intercropped with soybean (CB) on soil nutrients, water availability, and Rs in southern China. Results indicated that after 21 years of cultivation, CO and CB significantly increased total soil carbon (TC), total soil nitrogen (TN), and soil organic matter (OM) at 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm, both at upslope and downslope compared with bare soil (CK). However, soil moisture (SM), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) decreased under CB. In addition, no significant variation was found in soil pH between CK, CO, and CB. Across incubation time (56 days), Rs decreased exponentially with incubation time and CB showed the highest Rs rate irrespective of soil depth or topography. Linear regression further showed TC and TN as the two major factors influencing Rs upslope, while DOC was the dominant factor in regulating Rs downslope. These findings demonstrated that long-term cultivation of citrus significantly changed soil nutrients, water availability, and Rs rate. PMID:26368561

Decreased reaction time variability is associated with greater cardiovascular responses to acute stress

PubMed Central

Hamer, Mark; Steptoe, Andrew; Endrighi, Romano

2016-01-01

Abstract Cardiovascular (CV) responses to mental stress are prospectively associated with poor CV outcomes. The association between CV responses to mental stress and reaction times (RTs) in aging individuals may be important but warrants further investigation. The present study assessed RTs to examine associations with CV responses to mental stress in healthy, older individuals using robust regression techniques. Participants were 262 men and women (mean age = 63.3 ± 5.5 years) from the Whitehall II cohort who completed a RT task (Stroop) and underwent acute mental stress (mirror tracing) to elicit CV responses. Blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate variability were measured at baseline, during acute stress, and through a 75‐min recovery. RT measures were generated from an ex‐Gaussian distribution that yielded three predictors: mu‐RT, sigma‐RT, and tau‐RT, the mean, standard deviation, and mean of the exponential component of the normal distribution, respectively. Decreased intraindividual RT variability was marginally associated with greater systolic (B = −.009, SE = .005, p = .09) and diastolic (B = −.004, SE = .002, p = .08) blood pressure reactivity. Decreased intraindividual RT variability was associated with impaired systolic blood pressure recovery (B = −.007, SE = .003, p = .03) and impaired vagal tone (B = −.0047, SE = .0024, p = .045). Study findings offer tentative support for an association between RTs and CV responses. Despite small effect sizes and associations not consistent across predictors, these data may point to a link between intrinsic neuronal plasticity and CV responses. PMID:26894967

Turbulent combustion in aluminum-air clouds for different scale explosion fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuhl, Allen L.; Balakrishnan, Kaushik; Bell, John B.; Beckner, Vincent E.

2017-01-01

This paper explores "scaling issues" associated with Al particle combustion in explosions. The basic idea is the following: in this non-premixed combustion system, the global burning rate is controlled by rate of turbulent mixing of fuel (Al particles) with air. From similarity considerations, the turbulent mixing rates should scale with the explosion length and time scales. However, the induction time for ignition of Al particles depends on an Arrhenius function, which is independent of the explosion length and time. To study this, we have performed numerical simulations of turbulent combustion in unconfined Al-SDF (shock-dispersed-fuel) explosion fields at different scales. Three different charge masses were assumed: 1-g, 1-kg and 1-T Al-powder charges. We found that there are two combustion regimes: an ignition regime—where the burning rate decays as a power-law function of time, and a turbulent combustion regime—where the burning rate decays exponentially with time. This exponential dependence is typical of first order reactions and the more general concept of Life Functions that control the dynamics of evolutionary systems. Details of the combustion model are described. Results, including mean and rms profiles in combustion cloud and fuel consumption histories, are presented.

Observed and Normative Discount Functions in Addiction and other Diseases

PubMed Central

Cruz Rambaud, Salvador; Muñoz Torrecillas, María J.; Takahashi, Taiki

2017-01-01

The aim of this paper is to find a suitable discount function able to describe the progression of a certain addiction or disease under treatment as a discounting process. In effect, a certain indicator related to a disease decays over time in a manner which is mathematically similar to the way in which discounting has been modeled. We analyze the discount functions observed in experiments which study addictive and other problematic behaviors as well as some alternative hyperbola-like discount functions in order to fit the patience exhibited by the subject after receiving the treatment. Additionally, it has been experimentally found that people with addiction display high rates of discount (impatience) and preference reversals (dynamic inconsistency). This excessive discounting must be correctly modeled by a suitable discount function, otherwise, it can become a trans-disease process underlying addiction and other disorders. The (generalized) exponentiated hyperbolic discount function is proposed to describe the progression of a disease with respect to the treatment, since it maintains the property of inconsistency by exhibiting a decreasing discount rate after an initial period in which the opposite occurs. PMID:28706486

Observed and Normative Discount Functions in Addiction and other Diseases.

PubMed

Cruz Rambaud, Salvador; Muñoz Torrecillas, María J; Takahashi, Taiki

2017-01-01

The aim of this paper is to find a suitable discount function able to describe the progression of a certain addiction or disease under treatment as a discounting process. In effect, a certain indicator related to a disease decays over time in a manner which is mathematically similar to the way in which discounting has been modeled. We analyze the discount functions observed in experiments which study addictive and other problematic behaviors as well as some alternative hyperbola-like discount functions in order to fit the patience exhibited by the subject after receiving the treatment. Additionally, it has been experimentally found that people with addiction display high rates of discount (impatience) and preference reversals (dynamic inconsistency). This excessive discounting must be correctly modeled by a suitable discount function, otherwise, it can become a trans-disease process underlying addiction and other disorders. The (generalized) exponentiated hyperbolic discount function is proposed to describe the progression of a disease with respect to the treatment, since it maintains the property of inconsistency by exhibiting a decreasing discount rate after an initial period in which the opposite occurs.

Ergodic properties of spiking neuronal networks with delayed interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palmigiano, Agostina; Wolf, Fred

The dynamical stability of neuronal networks, and the possibility of chaotic dynamics in the brain pose profound questions to the mechanisms underlying perception. Here we advance on the tractability of large neuronal networks of exactly solvable neuronal models with delayed pulse-coupled interactions. Pulse coupled delayed systems with an infinite dimensional phase space can be studied in equivalent systems of fixed and finite degrees of freedom by introducing a delayer variable for each neuron. A Jacobian of the equivalent system can be analytically obtained, and numerically evaluated. We find that depending on the action potential onset rapidness and the level of heterogeneities, the asynchronous irregular regime characteristic of balanced state networks loses stability with increasing delays to either a slow synchronous irregular or a fast synchronous irregular state. In networks of neurons with slow action potential onset, the transition to collective oscillations leads to an increase of the exponential rate of divergence of nearby trajectories and of the entropy production rate of the chaotic dynamics. The attractor dimension, instead of increasing linearly with increasing delay as reported in many other studies, decreases until eventually the network reaches full synchrony

Global stability of self-gravitating discs in modified gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghafourian, Neda; Roshan, Mahmood

2017-07-01

Using N-body simulations, we study the global stability of a self-gravitating disc in the context of modified gravity (MOG). This theory is a relativistic scalar-tensor-vector theory of gravity and it is presented to address the dark matter problem. In the weak field limit, MOG possesses two free parameters α and μ0, which have already been determined using the rotation curve data of spiral galaxies. The evolution of a stellar self-gravitating disc and, more specifically, the bar instability in MOG are investigated and compared to a Newtonian case. Our models have exponential and Mestel-like surface densities as Σ ∝ exp (-r/h) and Σ ∝ 1/r. It is found that, surprisingly, the discs are more stable against the bar mode in MOG than in Newtonian gravity. In other words, the bar growth rate is effectively slower than the Newtonian discs. Also, we show that both free parameters (I.e. α and μ0) have stabilizing effects. In other words, an increase in these parameters will decrease the bar growth rate.

Threading Dislocations in InGaAs/GaAs (001) Buffer Layers for Metamorphic High Electron Mobility Transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Yifei; Kujofsa, Tedi; Ayers, John E.

2018-07-01

In order to evaluate various buffer layers for metamorphic devices, threading dislocation densities have been calculated for uniform composition In x Ga1- x As device layers deposited on GaAs (001) substrates with an intermediate graded buffer layer using the L MD model, where L MD is the average length of misfit dislocations. On this basis, we compare the relative effectiveness of buffer layers with linear, exponential, and S-graded compositional profiles. In the case of a 2 μm thick buffer layer linear grading results in higher threading dislocation densities in the device layer compared to either exponential or S-grading. When exponential grading is used, lower threading dislocation densities are obtained with a smaller length constant. In the S-graded case, lower threading dislocation densities result when a smaller standard deviation parameter is used. As the buffer layer thickness is decreased from 2 μm to 0.1 μm all of the above effects are diminished, and the absolute threading dislocation densities increase.

Year-round measurements of CH4 exchange in a forested drained peatland using automated chambers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korkiakoski, Mika; Koskinen, Markku; Penttilä, Timo; Arffman, Pentti; Ojanen, Paavo; Minkkinen, Kari; Laurila, Tuomas; Lohila, Annalea

2016-04-01

Pristine peatlands are usually carbon accumulating ecosystems and sources of methane (CH4). Draining peatlands for forestry increases the thickness of the oxic layer, thus enhancing CH4 oxidation which leads to decreased CH4 emissions. Closed chambers are commonly used in estimating the greenhouse gas exchange between the soil and the atmosphere. However, the closed chamber technique alters the gas concentration gradient making the concentration development against time non-linear. Selecting the correct fitting method is important as it can be the largest source of uncertainty in flux calculation. We measured CH4 exchange rates and their diurnal and seasonal variations in a nutrient-rich drained peatland located in southern Finland. The original fen was drained for forestry in 1970s and now the tree stand is a mixture of Scots pine, Norway spruce and Downy birch. Our system consisted of six transparent polycarbonate chambers and stainless steel frames, positioned on different types of field and moss layer. During winter, the frame was raised above the snowpack with extension collars and the height of the snowpack inside the chamber was measured regularly. The chambers were closed hourly and the sample gas was sucked into a cavity ring-down spectrometer and analysed for CH4, CO2 and H2O concentration with 5 second time resolution. The concentration change in time in the beginning of a closure was determined with linear and exponential fits. The results show that linear regression systematically underestimated the CH4 flux when compared to exponential regression by 20-50 %. On the other hand, the exponential regression seemed not to work reliably with small fluxes (< 3.5 μg CH4 m-2 h-1): using exponential regression in such cases typically resulted in anomalously large fluxes and high deviation. Due to these facts, we recommend first calculating the flux with the linear regression and, if the flux is high enough, calculate the flux again using the exponential regression and use this value in later analysis. The forest floor at the site (including the ground vegetation) acted as a CH4 sink most of the time. CH4 emission peaks were occasionally observed, particularly in spring during the snow melt, and during rainfall events in summer. Diurnal variation was observed mainly in summer. The net CH4 exchange for the two year measurement period in the six chambers varied from -31 to -155 mg CH4 m-2 yr-1, the average being -67 mg CH4 m-2 yr-1. However, this does not include the ditches which typically act as a significant source for CH4.

Pattern analysis of total item score and item response of the Kessler Screening Scale for Psychological Distress (K6) in a nationally representative sample of US adults

PubMed Central

Kawasaki, Yohei; Ide, Kazuki; Akutagawa, Maiko; Yamada, Hiroshi; Yutaka, Ono; Furukawa, Toshiaki A.

2017-01-01

Background Several recent studies have shown that total scores on depressive symptom measures in a general population approximate an exponential pattern except for the lower end of the distribution. Furthermore, we confirmed that the exponential pattern is present for the individual item responses on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). To confirm the reproducibility of such findings, we investigated the total score distribution and item responses of the Kessler Screening Scale for Psychological Distress (K6) in a nationally representative study. Methods Data were drawn from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS), which comprises four subsamples: (1) a national random digit dialing (RDD) sample, (2) oversamples from five metropolitan areas, (3) siblings of individuals from the RDD sample, and (4) a national RDD sample of twin pairs. K6 items are scored using a 5-point scale: “none of the time,” “a little of the time,” “some of the time,” “most of the time,” and “all of the time.” The pattern of total score distribution and item responses were analyzed using graphical analysis and exponential regression model. Results The total score distributions of the four subsamples exhibited an exponential pattern with similar rate parameters. The item responses of the K6 approximated a linear pattern from “a little of the time” to “all of the time” on log-normal scales, while “none of the time” response was not related to this exponential pattern. Discussion The total score distribution and item responses of the K6 showed exponential patterns, consistent with other depressive symptom scales. PMID:28289560

Long-term development of the radionuclide exposure of murine rodent populations in Belarus after the Chernobyl accident.

PubMed

Ryabokon, N I; Smolich, I I; Kudryashov, V P; Goncharova, R I

2005-12-01

As a determinant of the associated health risks, the behavior of radionuclides in natural ecosystems needs to be better understood. Therefore, the activity concentration of various long-lived radionuclides released due to the Chernobyl accident, and the corresponding contributions to the whole-body dose rate, was studied as a function of time in mammalian indicator species inhabiting the natural forest ecosystems of Belarus, the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) and the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollus). The activity concentrations of 137Cs, 134Cs, 90Sr, 238Pu, 239,240Pu, 241Pu and 241Am in soil and in animals were measured at five monitoring sites with different ground deposition of radionuclides at different distances from the destroyed reactor. The observed temporal pattern of the radionuclide activity concentration in the studied animal populations reflects the changes in biological availability of these isotopes for biota, mostly due to fuel particle destruction and appearance of dissolved and exchangeable forms of radionuclides. The time course of 134+137Cs activity concentrations in animal populations appeared as a sequence of increase, peak and decrease. Maximal levels of radiocesium occurred 1-2 years after deposition, followed by an exponential decrease. Concentrations of incorporated 90Sr increased up to the tenth year after deposition. The activity concentrations of transuranic elements (238Pu, 239,240Pu, 241Pu and 241Am) were much lower than those of the other radionuclides, in the studied animals. A considerable activity of 241Am in animals from areas with high levels of contamination was firstly detected 5 years after deposition, it increased up to the tenth year and is expected to increase further in the future. Maximal values of the whole-body absorbed dose rates occurred during the year of deposition, followed by a decrease in the subsequent period. Generally, this decrease was monotonic, mainly determined by the decrease of the external gamma-ray dose rate, but there were exceptions due to the delayed maximum of internal exposure. The inter-individual distributions of radionuclide concentrations and lifetime whole-body absorbed doses were asymmetric and close to log-normal, including concentrations and doses considerably higher than the population mean values.

Predicting the decomposition of Scots pine, Norway spruce, and birch stems in Finland.

PubMed

Mäkinen, Harri; Hynynen, Jari; Siitonen, Juha; Sievänen, Risto

2006-10-01

Models were developed for predicting the decomposition of dead wood for the main tree species in Finland, based on data collected from long-term thinning experiments in southern and central Finland. The decomposition rates were strongly related to the number of years after tree death. In contrast to previous studies, which have used the first-order exponential model, we found that the decomposition rate was not constant. Therefore, the Gompertz and Chapman-Richard's functions were fitted to the data. The slow initial decomposition period was mainly due to the fact that most dead trees remained standing as snags after their death. The initial period was followed by a period of rapid decomposition and, finally, by a period of moderately slow decomposition. Birch stems decomposed more rapidly than Scots pine and Norway spruce stems. Decomposition rates of Norway spruce stems were somewhat lower than those of Scots pine. Because the carbon concentration of decaying boles was relatively stable (about 50%) the rate of carbon loss follows that of mass loss. Models were also developed for the probability that a dead tree remains standing as a snag. During the first years after death, the probability was high. Thereafter, it decreased rapidly, the decrease being faster for birch stems than for Scots pine and Norway spruce stems. Almost all stems had fallen down within 40 years after their death. In Scots pine and Norway spruce, most snags remained hard and belonged to decay class 1. In birch, a higher proportion of snags belonged to the more advanced decay classes. The models provide a framework for predicting dead wood dynamics in managed as well as dense unthinned stands. The models can be incorporated into forest management planning systems, thereby facilitating estimates of carbon dynamics.

Observations on the methane oxidation capacity of landfill soils.

PubMed

Chanton, Jeffrey; Abichou, Tarek; Langford, Claire; Spokas, Kurt; Hater, Gary; Green, Roger; Goldsmith, Doug; Barlaz, Morton A

2011-05-01

The objective of this study was to determine the role of CH(4) loading to a landfill cover in the control of CH(4) oxidation rate (gCH(4)m(-2)d(-1)) and CH(4) oxidation efficiency (% CH(4) oxidation) in a field setting. Specifically, we wanted to assess how much CH(4) a cover soil could handle. To achieve this objective we conducted synoptic measurements of landfill CH(4) emission and CH(4) oxidation in a single season at two Southeastern USA landfills. We hypothesized that percent oxidation would be greatest at sites of low CH(4) emission and would decrease as CH(4) emission rates increased. The trends in the experimental results were then compared to the predictions of two differing numerical models designed to simulate gas transport in landfill covers, one by modeling transport by diffusion only and the second allowing both advection and diffusion. In both field measurements and in modeling, we found that percent oxidation is a decreasing exponential function of the total CH(4) flux rate (CH(4) loading) into the cover. When CH(4) is supplied, a cover's rate of CH(4) uptake (gCH(4)m(-2)d(-2)) is linear to a point, after which the system becomes saturated. Both field data and modeling results indicate that percent oxidation should not be considered as a constant value. Percent oxidation is a changing quantity and is a function of cover type, climatic conditions and CH(4) loading to the bottom of the cover. The data indicate that an effective way to increase the % oxidation of a landfill cover is to limit the amount of CH(4) delivered to it. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A method for the estimation of dual transmissivities from slug tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolny, Filip; Marciniak, Marek; Kaczmarek, Mariusz

2018-03-01

Aquifer homogeneity is usually assumed when interpreting the results of pumping and slug tests, although aquifers are essentially heterogeneous. The aim of this study is to present a method of determining the transmissivities of dual-permeability water-bearing formations based on slug tests such as the pressure-induced permeability test. A bi-exponential rate-of-rise curve is typically observed during many of these tests conducted in heterogeneous formations. The work involved analyzing curves deviating from the exponential rise recorded at the Belchatow Lignite Mine in central Poland, where a significant number of permeability tests have been conducted. In most cases, bi-exponential movement was observed in piezometers with a screen installed in layered sediments, each with a different hydraulic conductivity, or in fissured rock. The possibility to identify the flow properties of these geological formations was analyzed. For each piezometer installed in such formations, a set of two transmissivity values was calculated piecewise based on the interpretation algorithm of the pressure-induced permeability test—one value for the first (steeper) part of the obtained rate-of-rise curve, and a second value for the latter part of the curve. The results of transmissivity estimation for each piezometer are shown. The discussion presents the limitations of the interpretational method and suggests future modeling plans.

The Impact of Accelerating Faster than Exponential Population Growth on Genetic Variation

PubMed Central

Reppell, Mark; Boehnke, Michael; Zöllner, Sebastian

2014-01-01

Current human sequencing projects observe an abundance of extremely rare genetic variation, suggesting recent acceleration of population growth. To better understand the impact of such accelerating growth on the quantity and nature of genetic variation, we present a new class of models capable of incorporating faster than exponential growth in a coalescent framework. Our work shows that such accelerated growth affects only the population size in the recent past and thus large samples are required to detect the models’ effects on patterns of variation. When we compare models with fixed initial growth rate, models with accelerating growth achieve very large current population sizes and large samples from these populations contain more variation than samples from populations with constant growth. This increase is driven almost entirely by an increase in singleton variation. Moreover, linkage disequilibrium decays faster in populations with accelerating growth. When we instead condition on current population size, models with accelerating growth result in less overall variation and slower linkage disequilibrium decay compared to models with exponential growth. We also find that pairwise linkage disequilibrium of very rare variants contains information about growth rates in the recent past. Finally, we demonstrate that models of accelerating growth may substantially change estimates of present-day effective population sizes and growth times. PMID:24381333

The impact of accelerating faster than exponential population growth on genetic variation.

PubMed

Reppell, Mark; Boehnke, Michael; Zöllner, Sebastian

2014-03-01

Current human sequencing projects observe an abundance of extremely rare genetic variation, suggesting recent acceleration of population growth. To better understand the impact of such accelerating growth on the quantity and nature of genetic variation, we present a new class of models capable of incorporating faster than exponential growth in a coalescent framework. Our work shows that such accelerated growth affects only the population size in the recent past and thus large samples are required to detect the models' effects on patterns of variation. When we compare models with fixed initial growth rate, models with accelerating growth achieve very large current population sizes and large samples from these populations contain more variation than samples from populations with constant growth. This increase is driven almost entirely by an increase in singleton variation. Moreover, linkage disequilibrium decays faster in populations with accelerating growth. When we instead condition on current population size, models with accelerating growth result in less overall variation and slower linkage disequilibrium decay compared to models with exponential growth. We also find that pairwise linkage disequilibrium of very rare variants contains information about growth rates in the recent past. Finally, we demonstrate that models of accelerating growth may substantially change estimates of present-day effective population sizes and growth times.

Application of the compensated Arrhenius formalism to self-diffusion: implications for ionic conductivity and dielectric relaxation.

PubMed

Petrowsky, Matt; Frech, Roger

2010-07-08

Self-diffusion coefficients are measured from -5 to 80 degrees C in a series of linear alcohols using pulsed field gradient NMR. The temperature dependence of these data is studied using a compensated Arrhenius formalism that assumes an Arrhenius-like expression for the diffusion coefficient; however, this expression includes a dielectric constant dependence in the exponential prefactor. Scaling temperature-dependent diffusion coefficients to isothermal diffusion coefficients so that the exponential prefactors cancel results in calculated energies of activation E(a). The exponential prefactor is determined by dividing the temperature-dependent diffusion coefficients by the Boltzmann term exp(-E(a)/RT). Plotting the prefactors versus the dielectric constant places the data on a single master curve. This procedure is identical to that previously used to study the temperature dependence of ionic conductivities and dielectric relaxation rate constants. The energies of activation determined from self-diffusion coefficients in the series of alcohols are strikingly similar to those calculated for the same series of alcohols from both dielectric relaxation rate constants and ionic conductivities of dilute electrolytes. The experimental results are described in terms of an activated transport mechanism that is mediated by relaxation of the solution molecules. This microscopic picture of transport is postulated to be common to diffusion, dielectric relaxation, and ionic transport.

The Extent to Which Dayside Reconnection Drives Field-Aligned Currents During Substorms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forsyth, C.; Shortt, M. W.; Coxon, J.; Rae, J.; Freeman, M. P.; Kalmoni, N. M. E.; Jackman, C. M.; Anderson, B. J.

2016-12-01

Field-aligned currents, also known as Birkeland currents, are the agents by which energy and momentum is transferred to the ionosphere from the magnetosphere and solar wind. In order to understand this coupling, it is necessary to analyze the variations in these current systems with respect to the main energy sources of the solar wind and substorms. In this study, we perform a superposed epoch analysis of field-aligned currents determined by the Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment (AMPERE) project with respect to substorm expansion phase onsets identified using the Substorm Onsets and Phases from Indices of the Electrojet (SOPHIE) technique. We examine the total upward and downward currents separately in the noon, dusk, dawn and midnight sectors. Our results show that the dusk and dawn currents have up to a 66% linear correlated with the dayside reconnection rate estimated from solar wind measurements, whereas the noon and midnight currents are not. The noon currents show little or no variation throughout the substorm cycle. The midnight currents follows the dusk currents up to 20 min before onset, after which the midnight current increases more rapidly and exponentially. At substorm onset, the exponential growth rate increases. While the midnight field-aligned currents grow exponentially after substorm onset, the auroral indices vary with a 1/6th power law. Overall, our results show that the growth and decay rates of the Region 1 and 2 current systems, which are strongest at dawn and dusk, are directly driven by the solar wind, whereas the growth and decay rates of the substorm current system, which are dominant at midnight, act independently of the upstream driver.

A potential tipping point in tropical agriculture: Avoiding rapid increases in nitrous oxide fluxes from agricultural intensification in Kenya

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hickman, Jonathan E.; Tully, Katherine L.; Groffman, Peter M.; Diru, Willy; Palm, Cheryl A.

2015-05-01

There are national and regional efforts aimed at increasing fertilizer use in sub-Saharan Africa, where nitrogen (N) inputs must be increased by an order of magnitude or more to reach recommended rates. Fertilizer inputs increase N availability and cycling rates and subsequently emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), a powerful greenhouse gas and the primary catalyst of stratospheric ozone depletion. We established experimental maize (Zea mays L.) plots in western Kenya to quantify the relationship between N inputs and N2O emissions. Mean N2O emissions were marginally, but not significantly, better described by an exponential model relating emissions to N input rate in 2011; in 2012, an exponential relationship provided the best fit compared to linear and other nonlinear models. Most N2O fluxes occurred during the 30 days following the second fertilizer application. Estimates of fertilizer N lost as N2O annually were well below the 1% Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change default emission factor, ranging from 0.07% to 0.11% in 2011 and from 0.01% to 0.09% in 2012. In both years, the largest impact on annual N2O emissions occurred when inputs increased from 100 to 150 kg N ha-1: fluxes increased from 203 to 294 g N2O-N ha-1 yr-1 in 2011 and from 168 to 254 kg N ha-1 in 2012. Our results suggest that exponential emission responses are present in tropical systems and that agricultural intensification in western Kenya may be managed for increasing crop yields without immediate large increases in N2O emissions if application rates remain at or below 100 kg N ha-1.

Large decline in injecting drug use in Amsterdam, 1986-1998: explanatory mechanisms and determinants of injecting transitions.

PubMed

van Ameijden, E J; Coutinho, R A

2001-05-01

To study community wide trends in injecting prevalence and trends in injecting transitions, and determinants. Open cohort study with follow up every four months (Amsterdam Cohort Study). Generalised estimating equations were used for statistical analysis. Amsterdam has adopted a harm reduction approach as drug policy. 996 drug users who were recruited from 1986 to 1998, mainly at methadone programmes, who paid 13620 cohort visits. The prevalence of injecting decreased exponentially (66% to 36% in four to six monthly periods). Selective mortality and migration could maximally explain 33% of this decline. Instead, injecting initiation linearly decreased (4.1% to 0.7% per visit), cessation exponentially increased (10.0% to 17.1%), and relapse linearly decreased (21.3% to 11.8%). Non-injecting cocaine use (mainly pre-cooked, comparable to crack) and heroin use strongly increased. Trends were not attributable to changes in the study sample. Harm reduction, including large scale needle exchange programmes, does not lead to an increase in injecting drug use. The injecting decline seems mainly attributable to ecological factors (for example, drug culture and market). Prevention of injecting is possible and peer-based interventions may be effective. The consequences of the recent upsurge in crack use requires further study.

Limiting technologies for particle beams and high energy physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panofsky, W. K. H.

1985-07-01

Since 1930 the energy of accelerators had grown by an order of magnitude roughly every 7 years. Like all exponential growths, be they human population, the size of computers, or anything else, this eventually will have to come to an end. When will this happen to the growth of the energy of particle accelerators and colliders? Fortunately, as the energy of accelerators has grown the cost per unit energy has decreased almost as fast as has the increase in energy. The result is that while the energy has increased so dramatically the cost per new installation has increased only by roughly an order of magnitude since the 1930's (corrected for inflation), while the number of accelerators operating at the frontier of the field has shrunk. As is shown in the by now familiar Livingston chart this dramatic decrease in cost has been achieved largely by a succession of new technologies, in addition to the more moderate gains in efficiency due to improved design, economies of scale, etc. We are therefore facing two questions: (1) Is there good reason scientifically to maintain the exponential growth, and (2) Are there new technologies in sight which promise continued decreases in unit costs. The answer to the first question is definitely yes; the answer to the second question is maybe.

Thoron, radon and air ions spatial distribution in indoor air.

PubMed

Kolarž, Predrag; Vaupotič, Janja; Kobal, Ivan; Ujić, Predrag; Stojanovska, Zdenka; Žunić, Zora S

2017-07-01

Spatial distribution of radioactive gasses thoron (Tn) and radon (Rn) in indoor air of 9 houses mostly during winter period of 2013 has been studied. According to properties of alpha decay of both elements, air ionization was also measured. Simultaneous continual measurements using three Rn/Tn and three air-ion active instruments deployed on to three different distances from the wall surface have shown various outcomes. It has turned out that Tn and air ions concentrations decrease with the distance increase, while Rn remained uniformly distributed. Exponential fittings function for Tn variation with distance was used for the diffusion length and constant as well as the exhalation rate determination. The obtained values were similar with experimental data reported in the literature. Concentrations of air ions were found to be in relation with Rn and obvious, but to a lesser extent, with Tn. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Writing and overwriting short-term memory

PubMed Central

Killeen, Peter R.

2008-01-01

An integrative account of short-term memory is based on data from pigeons trained to report the majority color in a sequence of lights. Performance showed strong recency effects, was invariant over changes in the interstimulus interval, and improved with increases in the intertrial interval. A compound model of binomial variance around geometrically decreasing memory described the data; a logit transformation rendered it isomorphic with other memory models. The model was generalized for variance in the parameters, where it was shown that averaging exponential and power functions from individuals or items with different decay rates generates new functions that are hyperbolic in time and in log time, respectively. The compound model provides a unified treatment of both the accrual and the dissipation of memory and is consistent with data from various experiments, including the choose-short bias in delayed recall, multielement stimuli, and Rubin and Wenzel’s (1996) meta-analyses of forgetting. PMID:11340865

Mitigation of chemical membrane degradation in fuel cells: understanding the effect of cell voltage and iron ion redox cycle.

PubMed

Wong, Ka Hung; Kjeang, Erik

2015-03-01

Chemical membrane degradation through the Fenton's reaction is one of the main lifetime-limiting factors for polymer-electrolyte fuel cells. In this work, a comprehensive, transient membrane degradation model is developed to capture and elucidate the complex in situ degradation mechanism. A redox cycle of iron ions is discovered within the membrane electrolyte assembly, which sustains the Fe(II) concentration and results in the most severe chemical degradation at open circuit voltage. The cycle strength is critically reduced at lower cell voltages, which leads to an exponential decrease in Fe(II) concentration and associated membrane degradation rate. When the cell voltage is held below 0.7 V, a tenfold reduction in cumulative fluoride release is achieved, which suggests that intermediate cell voltage operation would efficiently mitigate chemical membrane degradation and extend the fuel cell lifetime. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Developing an advanced practice nurse-led liver clinic.

PubMed

McAfee, Jean L

2012-01-01

End-stage liver disease (ESLD) is a leading cause of digestive disease deaths in the United States and continues to increase exponentially every year. Best practice does not currently recognize or utilize a clinic practice model for ESLD management. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) can impact ESLD disease management by implementing an outpatient clinic care model to focus on treatment compliance, patient education, improvement of patient outcomes, and reduction in hospital admission rates for ESLD patients. A review of 15 research articles was completed to determine the impact APRNs can make on chronic care of ESLD patients. Results from the review support APRN analysis, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, intervention, and evaluation of ESLD patients. The literature reviewed also demonstrates that ESLD patients have improved symptom management when maintained in an outpatient setting, allowing for decreased hospital and insurance expenditures. Following evaluation of the evidence, it was concluded that an APRN-led ESLD clinic merits further study.

Volovik effect and Fermi-liquid behavior in the s -wave superconductor CaPd 2 As 2 :   As 75 NMR-NQR measurements

DOE PAGES

Ding, Q. -P.; Wiecki, P.; Anand, V. K.; ...

2016-04-07

The electronic and magnetic properties of the collapsed-tetragonal CaPd 2As 2 superconductor (SC) with a transition temperature of 1.27 K have been investigated by 75As nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) measurements. The temperature (T) dependence of the nuclear spin lattice relaxation rates (1/T 1) and the Knight shifts indicate the absence of magnetic correlations in the normal state. In the SC state, 1/T 1 measured by 75As NQR shows a clear Hebel-Slichter (HS) peak just below T c and decreases exponentially at lower T, confirming a conventional s-wave SC. Additionally, the Volovik effect, also known asmore » the Doppler shift effect, has been clearly evidenced by the observation of the suppression of the HS peak with applied magnetic field.« less

Dynamics of skirting droplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akers, Caleb; Hale, Jacob

2014-11-01

It has been observed that non-coalescence between a droplet and pool of like fluid can be prolonged or inhibited by sustained relative motion between the two fluids. In this study, we quantitatively describe the motion of freely moving droplets that skirt across the surface of a still pool of like fluid. Droplets of different sizes and small Weber number were directed horizontally onto the pool surface. After stabilization of the droplet shape after impact, the droplets smoothly moved across the surface, slowing until coalescence. Using high-speed imaging, we recorded the droplet's trajectory from a top-down view as well as side views both slightly above and below the fluid surface. The droplets' speed is observed to decrease exponentially, with the smaller droplets slowing down at a greater rate. Droplets infused with neutral density micro beads showed that the droplet rolls along the surface of the pool. A qualitative model of this motion is presented.

A novel method for the determination of ascorbic acid and antioxidant capacity in Opuntia ficus indica using in vivo microdialysis.

PubMed

Pretti, L; Bazzu, G; Serra, P A; Nieddu, G

2014-03-15

A simple and rapid method was developed for in vivo simultaneous determination of ascorbic-acid and antioxidant capacity in microdialysates from cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller. The method is verified in water-stressed plants, as compared with a well-watered test controls. The microdialysis probe construction and insertion procedure was specifically developed to minimise the tissue trauma of the plant and to obtain optimal dialysis performance. Microdialysis was performed using a flow rate of 3 μL/min and the samples were analysed by HPLC coupled to electrochemical detection of ascorbic-acid and DPPH-determined antioxidant capacity. Our data indicate exponential decay of the concentrations of the analysed compounds as a function of microdialysis sampling time. Water-stressed Opuntia show decreased ascorbic acid levels and increased the others antioxidants. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Volovik effect and Fermi-liquid behavior in the s -wave superconductor CaPd 2 As 2 :   As 75 NMR-NQR measurements

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

Ding, Q. -P.; Wiecki, P.; Anand, V. K.

The electronic and magnetic properties of the collapsed-tetragonal CaPd 2As 2 superconductor (SC) with a transition temperature of 1.27 K have been investigated by 75As nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) measurements. The temperature (T) dependence of the nuclear spin lattice relaxation rates (1/T 1) and the Knight shifts indicate the absence of magnetic correlations in the normal state. In the SC state, 1/T 1 measured by 75As NQR shows a clear Hebel-Slichter (HS) peak just below T c and decreases exponentially at lower T, confirming a conventional s-wave SC. Additionally, the Volovik effect, also known asmore » the Doppler shift effect, has been clearly evidenced by the observation of the suppression of the HS peak with applied magnetic field.« less

The Italian primary school-size distribution and the city-size: a complex nexus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belmonte, Alessandro; di Clemente, Riccardo; Buldyrev, Sergey V.

2014-06-01

We characterize the statistical law according to which Italian primary school-size distributes. We find that the school-size can be approximated by a log-normal distribution, with a fat lower tail that collects a large number of very small schools. The upper tail of the school-size distribution decreases exponentially and the growth rates are distributed with a Laplace PDF. These distributions are similar to those observed for firms and are consistent with a Bose-Einstein preferential attachment process. The body of the distribution features a bimodal shape suggesting some source of heterogeneity in the school organization that we uncover by an in-depth analysis of the relation between schools-size and city-size. We propose a novel cluster methodology and a new spatial interaction approach among schools which outline the variety of policies implemented in Italy. Different regional policies are also discussed shedding lights on the relation between policy and geographical features.

Sterilisation of Hydroponic Culture Solution Contaminated by Fungi using an Atmospheric Pressure Corona Discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizukami, Kohji; Satoh, Kohki; Kanayama, Hiroshi; Itoh, Hidenori; Tagashira, Hiroaki; Shimozuma, Mitsuo; Okamoto, Hiroyuki; Takasaki, Satoko; Kinoshita, Muneshige

The hydroponic culture solution contaminated by fungi is sterilised by a DC corona discharge, and the sterilisation characteristics are investigated in this work. A DC streamer corona discharge is generated at atmospheric pressure in air between needle clusters and a water bath containing contaminated solution by fungus such as Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae or Fusarium sp.. It is found that the fungi are killed by the exposure of the corona discharge, and that the death rates of the fungi chiefly depend on the concentration of the hydroponic culture solutions. It is also found that the number densities of the fungi decrease exponentially with the energy expenditure of the corona discharge, and that damping coefficients of the fungi densities depend on the concentration of the hydroponic culture solutions. This suggests that the fungi are chiefly inactivated by electroporation.

Effect of different glucose concentrations on proteome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Guidi, Francesca; Francesca, Guidi; Magherini, Francesca; Francesca, Magherini; Gamberi, Tania; Tania, Gamberi; Borro, Marina; Marina, Borro; Simmaco, Maurizio; Maurizio, Simmaco; Modesti, Alessandra; Alessandra, Modesti

2010-07-01

We performed a proteomic study to understand how Saccharomyces cerevisiae adapts its metabolism during the exponential growth on three different concentrations of glucose; this information will be necessary to understand yeast carbon metabolism in different environments. We induced a natural diauxic shift by growing yeast cells in glucose restriction thus having a fast and complete glucose exhaustion. We noticed differential expressions of groups of proteins. Cells in high glucose have a decreased growth rate during the initial phase of fermentation; in glucose restriction and in high glucose we found an over-expression of a protein (Peroxiredoxin) involved in protection against oxidative stress insult. The information obtained in our study validates the application of a proteomic approach for the identification of the molecular bases of environmental variations such as fermentation in high glucose and during a naturally induced diauxic shift. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Glutathione determination by the Tietze enzymatic recycling assay and its relationship to cellular radiation response.

PubMed Central

Eady, J. J.; Orta, T.; Dennis, M. F.; Stratford, M. R.; Peacock, J. H.

1995-01-01

Large fluctuations in glutathione content were observed on a daily basis using the Tietze enzyme recycling assay in a panel of six human cell lines of varying radiosensitivity. Glutathione content tended to increase to a maximum during exponential cell proliferation, and then decreased at different rates as the cells approached plateau phase. By reference to high-performance liquid chromatography and flow cytometry of the fluorescent bimane derivative we were able to verify that these changes were real. However, the Tietze assay was occasionally unable to detect glutathione in two of our cell lines (MGH-U1 and AT5BIVA), although the other methods indicated its presence. The existence of an inhibitory activity responsible for these anomalies was confirmed through spiking our samples with known amounts of glutathione. We were unable to detect a direct relationship between cellular glutathione concentration and aerobic radiosensitivity in our panel of cell lines. PMID:7577452

Surgical applications of three-dimensional printing: a review of the current literature & how to get started

PubMed Central

Hoang, Don; Perrault, David; Stevanovic, Milan

2016-01-01

Three dimensional (3D) printing involves a number of additive manufacturing techniques that are used to build structures from the ground up. This technology has been adapted to a wide range of surgical applications at an impressive rate. It has been used to print patient-specific anatomic models, implants, prosthetics, external fixators, splints, surgical instrumentation, and surgical cutting guides. The profound utility of this technology in surgery explains the exponential growth. It is important to learn how 3D printing has been used in surgery and how to potentially apply this technology. PubMed was searched for studies that addressed the clinical application of 3D printing in all surgical fields, yielding 442 results. Data was manually extracted from the 168 included studies. We found an exponential increase in studies addressing surgical applications for 3D printing since 2011, with the largest growth in craniofacial, oromaxillofacial, and cardiothoracic specialties. The pertinent considerations for getting started with 3D printing were identified and are discussed, including, software, printing techniques, printing materials, sterilization of printing materials, and cost and time requirements. Also, the diverse and increasing applications of 3D printing were recorded and are discussed. There is large array of potential applications for 3D printing. Decreasing cost and increasing ease of use are making this technology more available. Incorporating 3D printing into a surgical practice can be a rewarding process that yields impressive results. PMID:28090512

Surgical applications of three-dimensional printing: a review of the current literature & how to get started.

PubMed

Hoang, Don; Perrault, David; Stevanovic, Milan; Ghiassi, Alidad

2016-12-01

Three dimensional (3D) printing involves a number of additive manufacturing techniques that are used to build structures from the ground up. This technology has been adapted to a wide range of surgical applications at an impressive rate. It has been used to print patient-specific anatomic models, implants, prosthetics, external fixators, splints, surgical instrumentation, and surgical cutting guides. The profound utility of this technology in surgery explains the exponential growth. It is important to learn how 3D printing has been used in surgery and how to potentially apply this technology. PubMed was searched for studies that addressed the clinical application of 3D printing in all surgical fields, yielding 442 results. Data was manually extracted from the 168 included studies. We found an exponential increase in studies addressing surgical applications for 3D printing since 2011, with the largest growth in craniofacial, oromaxillofacial, and cardiothoracic specialties. The pertinent considerations for getting started with 3D printing were identified and are discussed, including, software, printing techniques, printing materials, sterilization of printing materials, and cost and time requirements. Also, the diverse and increasing applications of 3D printing were recorded and are discussed. There is large array of potential applications for 3D printing. Decreasing cost and increasing ease of use are making this technology more available. Incorporating 3D printing into a surgical practice can be a rewarding process that yields impressive results.

Universality Classes of Interaction Structures for NK Fitness Landscapes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Sungmin; Schmiegelt, Benjamin; Ferretti, Luca; Krug, Joachim

2018-07-01

Kauffman's NK-model is a paradigmatic example of a class of stochastic models of genotypic fitness landscapes that aim to capture generic features of epistatic interactions in multilocus systems. Genotypes are represented as sequences of L binary loci. The fitness assigned to a genotype is a sum of contributions, each of which is a random function defined on a subset of k ≤ L loci. These subsets or neighborhoods determine the genetic interactions of the model. Whereas earlier work on the NK model suggested that most of its properties are robust with regard to the choice of neighborhoods, recent work has revealed an important and sometimes counter-intuitive influence of the interaction structure on the properties of NK fitness landscapes. Here we review these developments and present new results concerning the number of local fitness maxima and the statistics of selectively accessible (that is, fitness-monotonic) mutational pathways. In particular, we develop a unified framework for computing the exponential growth rate of the expected number of local fitness maxima as a function of L, and identify two different universality classes of interaction structures that display different asymptotics of this quantity for large k. Moreover, we show that the probability that the fitness landscape can be traversed along an accessible path decreases exponentially in L for a large class of interaction structures that we characterize as locally bounded. Finally, we discuss the impact of the NK interaction structures on the dynamics of evolution using adaptive walk models.

Universality Classes of Interaction Structures for NK Fitness Landscapes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Sungmin; Schmiegelt, Benjamin; Ferretti, Luca; Krug, Joachim

2018-02-01

Kauffman's NK-model is a paradigmatic example of a class of stochastic models of genotypic fitness landscapes that aim to capture generic features of epistatic interactions in multilocus systems. Genotypes are represented as sequences of L binary loci. The fitness assigned to a genotype is a sum of contributions, each of which is a random function defined on a subset of k ≤ L loci. These subsets or neighborhoods determine the genetic interactions of the model. Whereas earlier work on the NK model suggested that most of its properties are robust with regard to the choice of neighborhoods, recent work has revealed an important and sometimes counter-intuitive influence of the interaction structure on the properties of NK fitness landscapes. Here we review these developments and present new results concerning the number of local fitness maxima and the statistics of selectively accessible (that is, fitness-monotonic) mutational pathways. In particular, we develop a unified framework for computing the exponential growth rate of the expected number of local fitness maxima as a function of L, and identify two different universality classes of interaction structures that display different asymptotics of this quantity for large k. Moreover, we show that the probability that the fitness landscape can be traversed along an accessible path decreases exponentially in L for a large class of interaction structures that we characterize as locally bounded. Finally, we discuss the impact of the NK interaction structures on the dynamics of evolution using adaptive walk models.

Method and means for measuring acoustic emissions

DOEpatents

Renken, Jr., Claus J.

1976-01-06

The detection of acoustic emissions emanating from an object is achieved with a capacitive transducer coupled to the object. The capacitive transducer is charged and then allowed to discharge with the rate of discharge being monitored. Oscillations in the rate of discharge about the normally exponential discharge curve for the capacitive transducer indicate the presence of acoustic emissions.

Experiment to Determine the Absorption Coefficient of Gamma Rays as a Function of Energy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ouseph, P. J.; And Others

1982-01-01

Simpler than x-ray diffractometer experiments, the experiment described illustrates certain concepts regarding the interaction of electromagnetic rays with matter such as the exponential decrease in the intensity with absorber thickness, variation of the coefficient of absorption with energy, and the effect of the K-absorption edge on the…

Asymmetric W-shaped and M-shaped soliton pulse generated from a weak modulation in an exponential dispersion decreasing fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiang-Shu; Zhao, Li-Chen; Duan, Liang; Yang, Zhan-Ying; Yang, Wen-Li

2017-12-01

Not Available Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 11475135), the Fund from Shaanxi Province Science Association of Colleges and Universities (Grant No. 20160216), and Guangxi Provincial Education Department Research Project, China (Grant No. 2017KY0776).

S-EMG signal compression based on domain transformation and spectral shape dynamic bit allocation

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Surface electromyographic (S-EMG) signal processing has been emerging in the past few years due to its non-invasive assessment of muscle function and structure and because of the fast growing rate of digital technology which brings about new solutions and applications. Factors such as sampling rate, quantization word length, number of channels and experiment duration can lead to a potentially large volume of data. Efficient transmission and/or storage of S-EMG signals are actually a research issue. That is the aim of this work. Methods This paper presents an algorithm for the data compression of surface electromyographic (S-EMG) signals recorded during isometric contractions protocol and during dynamic experimental protocols such as the cycling activity. The proposed algorithm is based on discrete wavelet transform to proceed spectral decomposition and de-correlation, on a dynamic bit allocation procedure to code the wavelets transformed coefficients, and on an entropy coding to minimize the remaining redundancy and to pack all data. The bit allocation scheme is based on mathematical decreasing spectral shape models, which indicates a shorter digital word length to code high frequency wavelets transformed coefficients. Four bit allocation spectral shape methods were implemented and compared: decreasing exponential spectral shape, decreasing linear spectral shape, decreasing square-root spectral shape and rotated hyperbolic tangent spectral shape. Results The proposed method is demonstrated and evaluated for an isometric protocol and for a dynamic protocol using a real S-EMG signal data bank. Objective performance evaluations metrics are presented. In addition, comparisons with other encoders proposed in scientific literature are shown. Conclusions The decreasing bit allocation shape applied to the quantized wavelet coefficients combined with arithmetic coding results is an efficient procedure. The performance comparisons of the proposed S-EMG data compression algorithm with the established techniques found in scientific literature have shown promising results. PMID:24571620

Evolution and mass extinctions as lognormal stochastic processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maccone, Claudio

2014-10-01

In a series of recent papers and in a book, this author put forward a mathematical model capable of embracing the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence (SETI), Darwinian Evolution and Human History into a single, unified statistical picture, concisely called Evo-SETI. The relevant mathematical tools are: (1) Geometric Brownian motion (GBM), the stochastic process representing evolution as the stochastic increase of the number of species living on Earth over the last 3.5 billion years. This GBM is well known in the mathematics of finances (Black-Sholes models). Its main features are that its probability density function (pdf) is a lognormal pdf, and its mean value is either an increasing or, more rarely, decreasing exponential function of the time. (2) The probability distributions known as b-lognormals, i.e. lognormals starting at a certain positive instant b>0 rather than at the origin. These b-lognormals were then forced by us to have their peak value located on the exponential mean-value curve of the GBM (Peak-Locus theorem). In the framework of Darwinian Evolution, the resulting mathematical construction was shown to be what evolutionary biologists call Cladistics. (3) The (Shannon) entropy of such b-lognormals is then seen to represent the `degree of progress' reached by each living organism or by each big set of living organisms, like historic human civilizations. Having understood this fact, human history may then be cast into the language of b-lognormals that are more and more organized in time (i.e. having smaller and smaller entropy, or smaller and smaller `chaos'), and have their peaks on the increasing GBM exponential. This exponential is thus the `trend of progress' in human history. (4) All these results also match with SETI in that the statistical Drake equation (generalization of the ordinary Drake equation to encompass statistics) leads just to the lognormal distribution as the probability distribution for the number of extra-terrestrial civilizations existing in the Galaxy (as a consequence of the central limit theorem of statistics). (5) But the most striking new result is that the well-known `Molecular Clock of Evolution', namely the `constant rate of Evolution at the molecular level' as shown by Kimura's Neutral Theory of Molecular Evolution, identifies with growth rate of the entropy of our Evo-SETI model, because they both grew linearly in time since the origin of life. (6) Furthermore, we apply our Evo-SETI model to lognormal stochastic processes other than GBMs. For instance, we provide two models for the mass extinctions that occurred in the past: (a) one based on GBMs and (b) the other based on a parabolic mean value capable of covering both the extinction and the subsequent recovery of life forms. (7) Finally, we show that the Markov & Korotayev (2007, 2008) model for Darwinian Evolution identifies with an Evo-SETI model for which the mean value of the underlying lognormal stochastic process is a cubic function of the time. In conclusion: we have provided a new mathematical model capable of embracing molecular evolution, SETI and entropy into a simple set of statistical equations based upon b-lognormals and lognormal stochastic processes with arbitrary mean, of which the GBMs are the particular case of exponential growth.

Effect of cilnidipine on normal to marginally elevated urine albumin-creatinine ratio in asymptomatic non-diabetic hypertensive patients: an exponential decay curve analysis.

PubMed

Nakatsu, Takaaki; Toyonaga, Shinji; Mashima, Keiichi; Yuki, Yoko; Nishitani, Aya; Ogawa, Hiroko; Miyoshi, Toru; Hirohata, Satoshi; Izumi, Reishi; Kusachi, Shozo

2010-01-01

High-normal urinary albumin excretion has been reported to have clinical significance with respect to progression of proteinuria and hypertension. We analysed the effect of cilnidipine (10 mg/day) on morning systolic blood pressure (SBP) and urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) in 16 non-diabetic hypertensive patients with a normal to marginally elevated UACR (mean +/- SD 29.4 +/- 21.7; range 7.5-72.9 mg/g creatinine). Sequential home BP and UACR data were fitted to a simple exponential function as follows: where y is SBP (mmHg) or UACR (mg/g creatinine); alpha is the extent of the SBP (mmHg)- or UACR (mg/g creatinine)-lowering effect; beta (days) is the time-constant for SBP or UACR decrease; t is the number of days after the start of cilnidipine administration; and gamma is the finally stabilized SBP (mmHg) or UACR (mg/g creatinine). Mean +/- SD morning SBP and UACR decreased by 20.4 +/- 11.4 mmHg and 15.2 +/- 13.1 mg/g creatinine, respectively, as determined by coefficient alpha. The mean +/- SD time-constant for UACR decrease was significantly longer than that for BP decrease (43.5 +/- 22.9 vs 15.4 +/- 7.1 days). UACR reduction correlated with pre-treatment UACR values (correlation coefficient [R] = 0.88, p < 0.01) but not with BP decrease. The present study demonstrated that cilnidipine reduced UACR in hypertensive patients with normal to marginally elevated UACR independent of its BP-lowering effect.

Inverse Correlation between the Atrial Fibrillatory Rate and the Ventricular Repolarization Time: Observations at Baseline and after an Intravenous Infusion of a Combined Potassium and Sodium Current Blocker.

PubMed

Edvardsson, Nils; Aunes, Maria; Frison, Lars; Berggren, Anders R

2016-05-01

The atrial fibrillatory rate (AFR) and the ventricular rate and repolarization (QTcF) were studied at baseline and under the influence of the combined potassium and sodium current blocker AZD7009. Ninety-two patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) were randomized to an intravenous infusion of AZD7009 or placebo. The atrial fibrillatory activity in lead V1 was extracted using spatiotemporal QRST cancellation. The exponential decay (ED) characterized the degree of atrial signal organization. The mean (SD) AFR at baseline was 396  ±  57 (range 253-584) and 410 ± 33 (range 363-469) bpm in patients randomized to AZD7009 and placebo, respectively. The AFR decreased within the first minutes of the AZD7009 infusion and reached its minimum of 235 ± 34 bpm after 18 minutes. On placebo, the AFR was unchanged. On AZD7009, the ED decreased from 1.2 ± 0.3 to reach its lowest level at 0.7 ± 0.2 after 14 minutes. The ventricular rate did not change significantly over time. The AFR was statistically significantly related to the ventricular repolarization at baseline, the QTcF being longer at lower AFR values, and this relationship remained during and after AZD7009. In the full multivariate linear regression model, including age, sex, left ventricular ejection fraction, QRS duration, heart rate, QTcF, AF episode duration, AF history duration, and right atrial or left atrial size, only QTcF and age were statistically significantly correlated with the AFR. The correlation remained when the uncorrected QT interval was used. The QTcF was inversely correlated with AFR, both at baseline and during administration of AZD7009. The AFR was not correlated with the ventricular rate. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Combining Orthogonal Chain-End Deprotections and Thiol-Maleimide Michael Coupling: Engineering Discrete Oligomers by an Iterative Growth Strategy.

PubMed

Huang, Zhihao; Zhao, Junfei; Wang, Zimu; Meng, Fanying; Ding, Kunshan; Pan, Xiangqiang; Zhou, Nianchen; Li, Xiaopeng; Zhang, Zhengbiao; Zhu, Xiulin

2017-10-23

Orthogonal maleimide and thiol deprotections were combined with thiol-maleimide coupling to synthesize discrete oligomers/macromolecules on a gram scale with molecular weights up to 27.4 kDa (128mer, 7.9 g) using an iterative exponential growth strategy with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 2 n -1. Using the same chemistry, a "readable" sequence-defined oligomer and a discrete cyclic topology were also created. Furthermore, uniform dendrons were fabricated using sequential growth (DP=2 n -1) or double exponential dendrimer growth approaches (DP=22n -1) with significantly accelerated growth rates. A versatile, efficient, and metal-free method for construction of discrete oligomers with tailored structures and a high growth rate would greatly facilitate research into the structure-property relationships of sophisticated polymeric materials. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Effects of variable electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity on unsteady MHD free convection flow past an exponential accelerated inclined plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rana, B. M. Jewel; Ahmed, Rubel; Ahmmed, S. F.

2017-06-01

An analysis is carried out to investigate the effects of variable viscosity, thermal radiation, absorption of radiation and cross diffusion past an inclined exponential accelerated plate under the influence of variable heat and mass transfer. A set of suitable transformations has been used to obtain the non-dimensional coupled governing equations. Explicit finite difference technique has been used to solve the obtained numerical solutions of the present problem. Stability and convergence of the finite difference scheme have been carried out for this problem. Compaq Visual Fortran 6.6a has been used to calculate the numerical results. The effects of various physical parameters on the fluid velocity, temperature, concentration, coefficient of skin friction, rate of heat transfer, rate of mass transfer, streamlines and isotherms on the flow field have been presented graphically and discussed in details.

Deriving fractional rate of degradation of logistic-exponential (LE) model to evaluate early in vitro fermentation.

PubMed

Wang, M; Sun, X Z; Tang, S X; Tan, Z L; Pacheco, D

2013-06-01

Water-soluble components of feedstuffs are mainly utilized during the early phase of microbial fermentation, which could be deemed an important determinant of gas production behavior in vitro. Many studies proposed that the fractional rate of degradation (FRD) estimated by fitting gas production curves to mathematical models might be used to characterize the early incubation for in vitro systems. In this study, the mathematical concept of FRD was developed on the basis of the Logistic-Exponential (LE) model, with initial gas volume being zero (LE0). The FRD of the LE0 model exhibits a continuous increase from initial (FRD 0) toward final asymptotic value (FRD F) with longer incubation time. The relationships between the FRD and gas production at incubation times 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h were compared for four models, in addition to LE0, Generalization of the Mitscherlich (GM), c th order Michaelis-Menten (MM) and Exponential with a discrete LAG (EXPLAG). A total of 94 in vitro gas curves from four subsets with a wide range of feedstuffs from different laboratories and incubation periods were used for model testing. Results indicated that compared with the GM, MM and EXPLAG models, the FRD of LE0 model consistently had stronger correlations with gas production across the four subsets, especially at incubation times 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 h. Thus, the LE0 model was deemed to provide a better representation of the early fermentation rates. Furthermore, the FRD 0 also exhibited strong correlations (P < 0.05) with gas production at early incubation times 2, 4, 6 and 8 h across all four subsets. In summary, the FRD of LE0 model provides an alternative to quantify the rate of early stage incubation, and its initial value could be an important starting parameter of rate.

Wind-forced modulations in crossing sea states over infinite depth water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Debsarma, Suma; Senapati, Sudipta; Das, K. P.

2014-09-01

The present work is motivated by the work of Leblanc ["Amplification of nonlinear surface waves by wind," Phys. Fluids 19, 101705 (2007)] which showed that Stokes waves grow super exponentially under fair wind as a result of modulational instability. Here, we have studied the effect of wind in a situation of crossing sea states characterized by two obliquely propagating wave systems in deep water. It is found that the wind-forced uniform wave solution in crossing seas grows explosively with a super-exponential growth rate even under a steady horizontal wind flow. This is an important piece of information in the context of the formation of freak waves.

Ultraclean air for prevention of postoperative infection after posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation: a comparison between surgeries performed with and without a vertical exponential filtered air-flow system.

PubMed

Gruenberg, Marcelo F; Campaner, Gustavo L; Sola, Carlos A; Ortolan, Eligio G

2004-10-15

This study retrospectively compared infection rates between adult patients after posterior spinal instrumentation procedures performed in a conventional versus an ultraclean air operating room. To evaluate if the use of ultraclean air technology could decrease the infection rate after posterior spinal arthrodesis with instrumentation. Postoperative wound infection after posterior arthrodesis remains a feared complication in spinal surgery. Although this frequent complication results in a significant problem, the employment of ultraclean air technology, as it is commonly used for arthroplasty, has not been reported as a possible alternative to reduce the infection rate after complex spine surgery. One hundred seventy-nine patients having posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation were divided into 2 groups: group I included 139 patients operated in a conventional operating room, and group II included 40 patients operated in a vertical laminar flow operating room. Patient selection was performed favoring ultraclean air technology for elective cases in which high infection risk was considered. A statistical analysis of the infection rate and its associated risk factors between both groups was assessed. We observed 18 wound infections in group I and 0 in group II. Comparison of infection rates using the chi-squared test showed a statistically significant difference (P <0.017). The use of ultraclean air technology reduced the infection rate after complex spinal procedures and appears to be an interesting alternative that still needs to be prospectively studied with a randomized protocol.

Evaporation rate of water in hydrophobic confinement.

PubMed

Sharma, Sumit; Debenedetti, Pablo G

2012-03-20

The drying of hydrophobic cavities is believed to play an important role in biophysical phenomena such as the folding of globular proteins, the opening and closing of ligand-gated ion channels, and ligand binding to hydrophobic pockets. We use forward flux sampling, a molecular simulation technique, to compute the rate of capillary evaporation of water confined between two hydrophobic surfaces separated by nanoscopic gaps, as a function of gap, surface size, and temperature. Over the range of conditions investigated (gaps between 9 and 14 Å and surface areas between 1 and 9 nm(2)), the free energy barrier to evaporation scales linearly with the gap between hydrophobic surfaces, suggesting that line tension makes the predominant contribution to the free energy barrier. The exponential dependence of the evaporation rate on the gap between confining surfaces causes a 10 order-of-magnitude decrease in the rate when the gap increases from 9 to 14 Å. The computed free energy barriers are of the order of 50 kT and are predominantly enthalpic. Evaporation rates per unit area are found to be two orders of magnitude faster in confinement by the larger (9 nm(2)) than by the smaller (1 nm(2)) surfaces considered here, at otherwise identical conditions. We show that this rate enhancement is a consequence of the dependence of hydrophobic hydration on the size of solvated objects. For sufficiently large surfaces, the critical nucleus for the evaporation process is a gap-spanning vapor tube.

Determine Neuronal Tuning Curves by Exploring Optimum Firing Rate Distribution for Information Efficiency

PubMed Central

Han, Fang; Wang, Zhijie; Fan, Hong

2017-01-01

This paper proposed a new method to determine the neuronal tuning curves for maximum information efficiency by computing the optimum firing rate distribution. Firstly, we proposed a general definition for the information efficiency, which is relevant to mutual information and neuronal energy consumption. The energy consumption is composed of two parts: neuronal basic energy consumption and neuronal spike emission energy consumption. A parameter to model the relative importance of energy consumption is introduced in the definition of the information efficiency. Then, we designed a combination of exponential functions to describe the optimum firing rate distribution based on the analysis of the dependency of the mutual information and the energy consumption on the shape of the functions of the firing rate distributions. Furthermore, we developed a rapid algorithm to search the parameter values of the optimum firing rate distribution function. Finally, we found with the rapid algorithm that a combination of two different exponential functions with two free parameters can describe the optimum firing rate distribution accurately. We also found that if the energy consumption is relatively unimportant (important) compared to the mutual information or the neuronal basic energy consumption is relatively large (small), the curve of the optimum firing rate distribution will be relatively flat (steep), and the corresponding optimum tuning curve exhibits a form of sigmoid if the stimuli distribution is normal. PMID:28270760

Kozeny-Carman permeability relationship with disintegration process predicted from early dissolution profiles of immediate release tablets.

PubMed

Kumari, Parveen; Rathi, Pooja; Kumar, Virender; Lal, Jatin; Kaur, Harmeet; Singh, Jasbir

2017-07-01

This study was oriented toward the disintegration profiling of the diclofenac sodium (DS) immediate-release (IR) tablets and development of its relationship with medium permeability k perm based on Kozeny-Carman equation. Batches (L1-L9) of DS IR tablets with different porosities and specific surface area were prepared at different compression forces and evaluated for porosity, in vitro dissolution and particle-size analysis of the disintegrated mass. The k perm was calculated from porosities and specific surface area, and disintegration profiles were predicted from the dissolution profiles of IR tablets by stripping/residual method. The disintegration profiles were subjected to exponential regression to find out the respective disintegration equations and rate constants k d . Batches L1 and L2 showed the fastest disintegration rates as evident from their bi-exponential equations while the rest of the batches L3-L9 exhibited the first order or mono-exponential disintegration kinetics. The 95% confidence interval (CI 95% ) revealed significant differences between k d values of different batches except L4 and L6. Similar results were also spotted for dissolution profiles of IR tablets by similarity (f 2 ) test. The final relationship between k d and k perm was found to be hyperbolic, signifying the initial effect of k perm on the disintegration rate. The results showed that disintegration profiling is possible because a relationship exists between k d and k perm . The later being relatable with porosity and specific surface area can be determined by nondestructive tests.

Continuous and Episodic Modern Sediment Accumulation on Monterey Fan: Evidence from Ddt, 137Cs and Excess 210Pb

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gwiazda, R.; Paull, C. K.; Alexander, C. R.; Ussler, W.

2012-12-01

The mode and magnitude of fine-grained sediment accumulation on the Monterey Fan off the California central coast was investigated using pesticide concentrations and radioactive tracer profiles in sediment cores. DDT is a man-made pesticide that was used extensively in central California between 1945 and 1970. As such, its presence in marine sediments is a telltale sign of a modern sedimentation age. DDT and its metabolites, DDE and DDD, (collectively referred to as DDTr) were measured in fifty-five ~20cm-long sediment cores collected from the surface of the Monterey Fan up to 250 km to the south and 210 km to the west of the Monterey Canyon head, and in four transects across the Monterey Canyon channel at maximum water depths of 3160, 3380, 3580, and 3880 meters. Profiles of excess 210Pb (210Pbxs) and 137Cs were measured in 5 cores from the Fan to estimate recent sedimentation rates. Detectable levels of DDTr were observed in all but one of these cores, with DDTr concentrations characteristically highest at the surface and decreasing with depth. The area-normalized and depth-integrated DDTr content measured in all the cores in the Fan and in the deepest two channel transects was geographically fairly homogenous, with no statistical relationship between DDTr inventory and distance from the main channel crossing the Fan. The total sediment mass deposited on the Fan over the last 60 years, inferred from the total inventory of DDTr present in the area surveyed, is consistent with the amount of sediment delivered by the Salinas River over the same time period. 210Pbxs activities are fairly homogeneous within an uppermost layer of variable thickness (4.6-8cm) and decrease exponentially below it, but these exponential decreases are often interrupted by horizons with constant or increased 210Pbxs activity. Moreover, the coexistence of variable DDTr concentrations with homogeneous 210Pbxs activities in the top sediment indicates that the uniformity of 210Pbxs is not due primarily to bioturbation but rather the result of deposition of thick layers with constant 210Pbxs. These data indicate that fine-grained sedimentation on the Monterrey Fan appears to have a dual modality consisting of sustained slow accumulation at a modest rate during quiescent periods interrupted by episodes of rapid accumulation during discrete events. Median sedimentation rates during quiescent periods are 0.07 cm yr-1, but over the 110 year period of detectable 210Pbxs, which includes both slow continuous sedimentation and rapid accumulation events, the median overall sedimentation rate, calculated from the deepest detectable 210Pbxs samples, is 0.19 cm yr-1. On a per mass basis, sedimentation on the Fan has been equally divided between periods of continual slow accumulation and episodes of fast accumulation. The rapidly deposited layers on the Monterey Fan are inferred to result from the injection of fluvial sediments onto the Fan during episodic and exceptionally large floods of the Salinas River.

Doubling Time for Nonexponential Families of Functions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gordon, Sheldon P.

2010-01-01

One special characteristic of any exponential growth or decay function f(t) = Ab[superscript t] is its unique doubling time or half-life, each of which depends only on the base "b". The half-life is used to characterize the rate of decay of any radioactive substance or the rate at which the level of a medication in the bloodstream decays as it is…

Capitalizing on the Dynamic Features of Excel to Consider Growth Rates and Limits

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, Daniel; Moore-Russo, Deborah

2012-01-01

It is common for both algebra and calculus instructors to use power functions of various degrees as well as exponential functions to examine and compare rates of growth. This can be done on a chalkboard, with a graphing calculator, or with a spreadsheet. Instructors often are careful to connect the symbolic and graphical (and occasionally the…

Evaluating the Policies that Lead to Substantial Tuition Variation at Public Land-Grant Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burgess, Brent Alexander

2009-01-01

Since the 1980's, the tuition at public colleges and universities has increased at a rate far beyond that of normal inflation. During this period, many public institutions have increased their tuitions exponentially, while others have chosen or been able to retain stable and relatively inexpensive tuition rates. The aim of this study was to…

Supersymmetrical bounding of asymmetric states and quantum phase transitions by anti-crossing of symmetric states

PubMed Central

Afzal, Muhammad Imran; Lee, Yong Tak

2016-01-01

Von Neumann and Wigner theorized the bounding and anti-crossing of eigenstates. Experiments have demonstrated that owing to anti-crossing and similar radiation rates, the graphene-like resonance of inhomogeneously strained photonic eigenstates can generate a pseudomagnetic field, bandgaps and Landau levels, whereas exponential or dissimilar rates induce non-Hermicity. Here, we experimentally demonstrate higher-order supersymmetry and quantum phase transitions by resonance between similar one-dimensional lattices. The lattices consisted of inhomogeneous strain-like phases of triangular solitons. The resonance created two-dimensional, inhomogeneously deformed photonic graphene. All parent eigenstates were annihilated. Eigenstates of mildly strained solitons were annihilated at similar rates through one tail and generated Hermitian bounded eigenstates. The strongly strained solitons with positive phase defects were annihilated at exponential rates through one tail, which bounded eigenstates through non-Hermitianally generated exceptional points. Supersymmetry was evident, with preservation of the shapes and relative phase differences of the parent solitons. Localizations of energies generated from annihilations of mildly and strongly strained soliton eigenstates were responsible for geometrical (Berry) and topological phase transitions, respectively. Both contributed to generating a quantum Zeno phase, whereas only strong twists generated topological (Anderson) localization. Anti-bunching-like condensation was also observed. PMID:27966596

Influences of growth parameters on the reaction pathway during GaN synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhi; Liu, Zhongyi; Fang, Haisheng

2018-01-01

Gallium nitride (GaN) film growth is a complicated physical and chemical process including fluid flow, heat transfer, species transport and chemical reaction. Study of the reaction mechanism, i.e., the reaction pathway, is important for optimizing the growth process in the actual manufacture. In the paper, the growth pathway of GaN in a closed-coupled showerhead metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (CCS-MOCVD) reactor is investigated in detail using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Influences of the process parameters, such as the chamber pressure, the inlet temperature, the susceptor temperature and the pre-exponential factor, on the reaction pathway are examined. The results show that increases of the chamber pressure or the inlet temperature, as well as reductions of the susceptor temperature or the pre-exponential factor lead to the adduct route dominating the growth. The deposition rate contributed by the decomposition route, however, can be enhanced dramatically by increasing the inlet temperature, the susceptor temperature and the pre-exponential factor.

Humans Can Adopt Optimal Discounting Strategy under Real-Time Constraints

PubMed Central

Schweighofer, N; Shishida, K; Han, C. E; Okamoto, Y; Tanaka, S. C; Yamawaki, S; Doya, K

2006-01-01

Critical to our many daily choices between larger delayed rewards, and smaller more immediate rewards, are the shape and the steepness of the function that discounts rewards with time. Although research in artificial intelligence favors exponential discounting in uncertain environments, studies with humans and animals have consistently shown hyperbolic discounting. We investigated how humans perform in a reward decision task with temporal constraints, in which each choice affects the time remaining for later trials, and in which the delays vary at each trial. We demonstrated that most of our subjects adopted exponential discounting in this experiment. Further, we confirmed analytically that exponential discounting, with a decay rate comparable to that used by our subjects, maximized the total reward gain in our task. Our results suggest that the particular shape and steepness of temporal discounting is determined by the task that the subject is facing, and question the notion of hyperbolic reward discounting as a universal principle. PMID:17096592

Femtosecond laser pulse driven melting in gold nanorod aqueous colloidal suspension: Identification of a transition from stretched to exponential kinetics

DOE PAGES

Li, Yuelin; Jiang, Zhang; Lin, Xiao -Min; ...

2015-01-30

Many potential industrial, medical, and environmental applications of metal nanorods rely on the physics and resultant kinetics and dynamics of the interaction of these particles with light. We report a surprising kinetics transition in the global melting of femtosecond laser-driven gold nanorod aqueous colloidal suspension. At low laser intensity, the melting exhibits a stretched exponential kinetics, which abruptly transforms into a compressed exponential kinetics when the laser intensity is raised. It is found the relative formation and reduction rate of intermediate shapes play a key role in the transition. Supported by both molecular dynamics simulations and a kinetic model, themore » behavior is traced back to the persistent heterogeneous nature of the shape dependence of the energy uptake, dissipation and melting of individual nanoparticles. These results could have significant implications for various applications such as water purification and electrolytes for energy storage that involve heat transport between metal nanorod ensembles and surrounding solvents.« less