Trends in testing behaviours for hepatitis C virus infection and associated determinants: results from population-based laboratory surveillance in Alberta, Canada (1998-2001).

PubMed

Jayaraman, G C; Lee, B; Singh, A E; Preiksaitis, J K

2007-04-01

Little is currently known about hepatitis C virus (HCV) test seeking behaviours at the population level. Given the centralized nature of testing for HCV infection in the province of Alberta, Canada, we had an opportunity to examine HCV testing behaviour at the population level on all newly diagnosed HCV-positive cases using laboratory data to validate the time and number of prior tests for each case. Record linkage identified 3323, 2937, 2660 and 2703 newly diagnosed cases of HCV infections in Alberta during 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001, respectively, corresponding to age-adjusted rates of 149.8, 129, 114.3 and 113.7 per 100,000 population during these years, respectively. Results from secondary analyses of laboratory data suggest that the majority of HCV cases (95.3%) who were newly diagnosed between 1998 and 2001 were first-time testers for HCV infection. Among repeat testers, analysis of a negative test result within 1 year prior to a first of a positive test report suggests that 211 (38.4%) may be seroconvertors. These findings suggest that 339 or 61.7% of repeat testers may not have discovered their serostatus within 1 year of infection. Among this group, HCV testing was sought infrequently, with a median interval of 2.3 years between the last negative and first positive test. This finding is of concern given the risks for HCV transmission, particularly if risk-taking behaviours are not reduced because of unknown serostatus. These findings also reinforce the need to make the most of each test-seeking event with proper counselling and other appropriate support services.

Finger wear detection for production line battery tester

DOEpatents

Depiante, Eduardo V.

1997-01-01

A method for detecting wear in a battery tester probe. The method includes providing a battery tester unit having at least one tester finger, generating a tester signal using the tester fingers and battery tester unit with the signal characteristic of the electrochemical condition of the battery and the tester finger, applying wavelet transformation to the tester signal including computing a mother wavelet to produce finger wear indicator signals, analyzing the signals to create a finger wear index, comparing the wear index for the tester finger with the index for a new tester finger and generating a tester finger signal change signal to indicate achieving a threshold wear change.

Finger wear detection for production line battery tester

DOEpatents

Depiante, E.V.

1997-11-18

A method is described for detecting wear in a battery tester probe. The method includes providing a battery tester unit having at least one tester finger, generating a tester signal using the tester fingers and battery tester unit with the signal characteristic of the electrochemical condition of the battery and the tester finger, applying wavelet transformation to the tester signal including computing a mother wavelet to produce finger wear indicator signals, analyzing the signals to create a finger wear index, comparing the wear index for the tester finger with the index for a new tester finger and generating a tester finger signal change signal to indicate achieving a threshold wear change. 9 figs.

Neutral lumbar spine sitting posture in pain-free subjects.

PubMed

O'Sullivan, Kieran; O'Dea, Patrick; Dankaerts, Wim; O'Sullivan, Peter; Clifford, Amanda; O'Sullivan, Leonard

2010-12-01

Sitting is a common aggravating factor in low back pain (LBP), and re-education of sitting posture is a common aspect of LBP management. However, there is debate regarding what is an optimal sitting posture. This pilot study had 2 aims; to investigate whether pain-free subjects can be reliably positioned in a neutral sitting posture (slight lumbar lordosis and relaxed thorax); and to compare perceptions of neutral sitting posture to habitual sitting posture (HSP). The lower lumbar spine HSP of seventeen pain-free subjects was initially recorded. Subjects then assumed their own subjectively perceived ideal posture (SPIP). Finally, 2 testers independently positioned the subjects into a tester perceived neutral posture (TPNP). The inter-tester reliability of positioning in TPNP was very good (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.91, mean difference = 3% of range of motion). A repeated measures ANOVA revealed that HSP was significantly more flexed than both SPIP and TPNP (p <0.05). There was no significant difference between SPIP and TPNP (p > 0.05). HSP was more kyphotic than all other postures. This study suggests that pain-free subjects can be reliably positioned in a neutral lumbar sitting posture. Further investigation into the role of neutral sitting posture in LBP subjects is warranted. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anesthetic efficacy of a repeated intraosseous injection following a primary intraosseous injection.

PubMed

Jensen, Joanne; Nusstein, John; Drum, Melissa; Reader, Al; Beck, Mike

2008-02-01

The purpose of this prospective, randomized, single-blinded study was to determine the anesthetic efficacy of a repeated intraosseous injection given 30 minutes after a primary intraosseous injection. Using a crossover design, 55 subjects randomly received a primary X-tip intraosseous injection (Dentsply Inc, York, PA) of 1.4 mL of 2% lidocaine with epinephrine (using the Wand; Milestone Scientific, Deerfield, IL) and a repeated intraosseous or mock injection at 30 minutes in two appointments. The first molar and adjacent teeth were pulp tested every 2 minutes for a total of 120 minutes. Success was defined as obtaining two consecutive 80 readings with the electric pulp tester. Success of the initial intraosseous injection was 100% for the first molar. The repeated intraosseous injection mimicked the initial intraosseous injection in terms of pulpal anesthesia and statistically provided another 15 minutes of pulpal anesthesia. In conclusion, using the methodology presented, repeating the intraosseous injection 30 minutes after an initial intraosseous injection will provide an additional 15 minutes of pulpal anesthesia.

Design review of fluid film bearing testers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scharrer, Joseph K.

1993-01-01

The designs of three existing testers (Hybrid Bearing Tester, OTV Bearing Tester, and Long Life Bearing Tester) owned by NASA were reviewed for their capability to serve as a multi-purpose cryogenic fluid film bearing tester. The primary tester function is the validation of analytical predictions for fluid film bearing steady state and dynamic performance. Evaluation criteria were established for test bearing configurations, test fluids, instrumentation, and test objectives. Each tester was evaluated with respect to these criteria. A determination was made of design improvements which would allow the testers to meet the stated criteria. The cost and time required to make the design changes were estimated. A recommendation based on the results of this study was made to proceed with the Hybrid Bearing Tester.

Calibrators measurement system for headlamp tester of motor vehicle base on machine vision

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Yue; Zhang, Fan; Xu, Xi-ping; Zheng, Zhe

2014-09-01

With the development of photoelectric detection technology, machine vision has a wider use in the field of industry. The paper mainly introduces auto lamps tester calibrator measuring system, of which CCD image sampling system is the core. Also, it shows the measuring principle of optical axial angle and light intensity, and proves the linear relationship between calibrator's facula illumination and image plane illumination. The paper provides an important specification of CCD imaging system. Image processing by MATLAB can get flare's geometric midpoint and average gray level. By fitting the statistics via the method of the least square, we can get regression equation of illumination and gray level. It analyzes the error of experimental result of measurement system, and gives the standard uncertainty of synthesis and the resource of optical axial angle. Optical axial angle's average measuring accuracy is controlled within 40''. The whole testing process uses digital means instead of artificial factors, which has higher accuracy, more repeatability and better mentality than any other measuring systems.

Cryogenic, high speed, turbopump bearing cooling requirements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dolan, Fred J.; Gibson, Howard G.; Cannon, James L.; Cody, Joe C.

1988-01-01

Although the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) has repeatedly demonstrated the capability to perform during launch, the High Pressure Oxidizer Turbopump (HPOTP) main shaft bearings have not met their 7.5 hour life requirement. A tester is being employed to provide the capability of subjecting full scale bearings and seals to speeds, loads, propellants, temperatures, and pressures which simulate engine operating conditions. The tester design permits much more elaborate instrumentation and diagnostics than could be accommodated in an SSME turbopump. Tests were made to demonstrate the facilities; and the devices' capabilities, to verify the instruments in its operating environment and to establish a performance baseline for the flight type SSME HPOTP Turbine Bearing design. Bearing performance data from tests are being utilized to generate: (1) a high speed, cryogenic turbopump bearing computer mechanical model, and (2) a much improved, very detailed thermal model to better understand bearing internal operating conditions. Parametric tests were also made to determine the effects of speed, axial loads, coolant flow rate, and surface finish degradation on bearing performance.

Formative Assessment in EFL Writing: An Exploratory Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Icy

2011-01-01

In second-language writing, assessment has traditionally focused on the written products and how well (or badly) students perform in writing. Teachers dominate the assessment process as testers, while students remain passive testees. Assessment is something teachers "do to" rather than '"with" students, mainly for…

The development and reliability of a simple field based screening tool to assess core stability in athletes.

PubMed

O'Connor, S; McCaffrey, N; Whyte, E; Moran, K

2016-07-01

To adapt the trunk stability test to facilitate further sub-classification of higher levels of core stability in athletes for use as a screening tool. To establish the inter-tester and intra-tester reliability of this adapted core stability test. Reliability study. Collegiate athletic therapy facilities. Fifteen physically active male subjects (19.46 ± 0.63) free from any orthopaedic or neurological disorders were recruited from a convenience sample of collegiate students. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were computed to establish inter-tester and intra-tester reliability. Excellent ICC values were observed in the adapted core stability test for inter-tester reliability (0.97) and good to excellent intra-tester reliability (0.73-0.90). While the 95% CI were narrow for inter-tester reliability, Tester A and C 95% CI's were widely distributed compared to Tester B. The adapted core stability test developed in this study is a quick and simple field based test to administer that can further subdivide athletes with high levels of core stability. The test demonstrated high inter-tester and intra-tester reliability. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Limited Aspects of Reality: Frames of Reference in Language Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fulcher, Glenn; Svalberg, Agneta

2013-01-01

Language testers operate within two frames of reference: norm-referenced (NRT) and criterion-referenced testing (CRT). The former underpins the world of large-scale standardized testing that prioritizes variability and comparison. The latter supports substantive score meaning in formative and domain specific assessment. Some claim that the…

Development of a second generation rolling contact fatigue tester

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deshmukh, Satyam U.

Contact fatigue failure has been in research since the early twentieth century. The need for a second generation sliding-rolling contact fatigue tester was proposed by Gregory Dvorak and Dr. Marcellin Zahui. The first generation RCF tester was used for testing super finishing processes for gear surfaces. The second generation RCF tester was funded by the Advanced Engineering Materials lab of University of North Dakota. Verification of the second generation Rolling Contact Fatigue Tester will be discussed in this thesis including the design details, assembly and testing procedure and to discuss its different parameters. The tester will have the capability of testing hollow specimens using a bobbin eddy current testing probe. This tester will allow a wide range of experiments and is not built for one specific purpose. An eddy current device is used for detecting cracks. The loading force is applied using hydraulic cylinders and a hydraulic power unit. Before testing began, the machine was run for some time at full speed. A lot of minor problems were detected and fixed. Three specimens of AISI 8620 were tested in this tester. All tests gave results matching with some of the other well-known RCF testers. These tests were performed to evaluate mechanical limits of the tester and to evaluate the software performance of the tester.

46 CFR 30.10-27 - Flashpoint-TB/ALL.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... gives off a flammable vapor when heated in an open-cup tester. For the purpose of the regulations in... with an open-cup tester, as follows: Table 30.10-27—Equivalent Flashpoints [In degrees Farenheit] Open-cup tester Tag closed-cup tester (A.S.T.M.) Pensky-Martens closed tester (A.S.T.M.) 80 75 150 140 ...

46 CFR 30.10-27 - Flashpoint-TB/ALL.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... gives off a flammable vapor when heated in an open-cup tester. For the purpose of the regulations in... with an open-cup tester, as follows: Table 30.10-27—Equivalent Flashpoints [In degrees Farenheit] Open-cup tester Tag closed-cup tester (A.S.T.M.) Pensky-Martens closed tester (A.S.T.M.) 80 75 150 140 ...

Spring performance tester for miniature extension springs

DOEpatents

Salzbrenner, Bradley; Boyce, Brad

2017-05-16

A spring performance tester and method of testing a spring are disclosed that has improved accuracy and precision over prior art spring testers. The tester can perform static and cyclic testing. The spring tester can provide validation for product acceptance as well as test for cyclic degradation of springs, such as the change in the spring rate and fatigue failure.

Research on basal stem rot (BSR) of ornamental palms caused by basidiospores from Ganoderma boninense.

PubMed

Lim, H P; Fong, Y K

2005-01-01

Basidiospores were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma infecting oil palms from an estate in Johor and from ornamental palms (including oil palms) from Singapore. The spores were then germinated to obtain homokaryotic mycelia. Based on clamp connection formation in paired hyphal fusions, tester strains were identified from the homokaryons isolated. Compatibility tests were then carried out using these testers to determine the relatedness of the homokaryotic Ganoderma isolates, both from Johor and from Singapore. Results from the compatibility tests showed that Ganoderma from both locations belong to the same species, while the Ganoderma isolates from Singapore share some common alleles. The pathogenicity tests carried out on Chrysalidocarpus lutescens seedlings using inoculum growing on rubber wood blocks showed that dikaryotic mycelia can cause basal stem rot infection.

Abnormal pressure study in the Malay and Penyu Basins: A regional understanding

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

Kader, M.S.; Leslie, W.

1994-07-01

A majority of wells drilled in the Malay and Penyu basins were terminated due to abnormal pressure. Blowouts and the subsequent loss of technical data have always been a concern during drilling operations. This study employs data from 94 exploratory wells spread throughout the Malay and Penyu basins. The postdrill abnormal pressure predictive method used is pressure vs. depth plots of data obtained from Repeat Formation tester (RFT) readings. The study results indicate that abnormal pressure occurs in a progressively older stratigraphic unit toward the basin margins. The margins of the Malay and the entire Penyu basins tend to bemore » normally pressured. The onset of abnormal pressure appears to be abrupt in the northern portion and more gradual in the southern part of the Malay Basin. Abnormal pressure in the Malay Basin is found to be neither depth dependent nor age related. Many factors can cause the abnormal formation pressures. In some areas, a combination of factors prevails. Rapid deposition of the middle to late Miocene siliciclastic sediments appears to be a dominant cause particularly in the center of the Malay Basin. A low sand:shale ratio coupled with a high geothermal gradient is also found to be a local cause near the axis of the basin. This phenomenon is crucial to the understanding of hydrocarbon migration and will enable the planning of safe and efficient drilling campaigns.« less

Risky Sexual Behaviors as Correlates of Depression and Suicidal Ideation Among Male HIV Test-Seekers at a Voluntary Counseling and Testing Facility in Taiwan.

PubMed

Lin, Chia-Chun; Lee, Yuan-Ti; Yang, Hao-Jan

2017-04-01

This study aims at determining the level of depression and suicidal status of adult HIV test-seekers. Of the total enrolled 850 males, almost 50% reported some risk behaviors, 38.9% experienced depression, and 7.2% had suicidal ideation. Subjects with risky sexual behaviors in terms of repeated HIV test, had a history of sexually transmitted disease, engaged in one-night stands, or did not use condoms all the time with causal sexual partners were more likely to have depression. Furthermore, subjects who were bisexual/homosexual, engaged in Internet sex, engaged in one-night stands, or used addictive drugs within the past 6 months were more likely to experience suicidal ideation. The HIV testers are at risk of experiencing depression and suicidal ideation; each is associated with different types of risky sexual behaviors. It is essential for the health authority to further provide mental health services for HIV testers and to draw up an effective strategy in reducing unprotected sexual behaviors.

Single wheel testers, single track testers, and instrumented tractors

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Single wheel testers and single track testers are used for determining tractive performance characteristics of tires and tracks. Instrumented tractors are useful in determining the tractive performance of tractors. These machines are also used for determining soil-tire and soil-track interactions,...

21 CFR 870.3720 - Pacemaker electrode function tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Pacemaker electrode function tester. 870.3720... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Prosthetic Devices § 870.3720 Pacemaker electrode function tester. (a) Identification. A pacemaker electrode function tester is a device which is...

21 CFR 870.3720 - Pacemaker electrode function tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Pacemaker electrode function tester. 870.3720... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Prosthetic Devices § 870.3720 Pacemaker electrode function tester. (a) Identification. A pacemaker electrode function tester is a device which is...

21 CFR 870.3720 - Pacemaker electrode function tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Pacemaker electrode function tester. 870.3720... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Prosthetic Devices § 870.3720 Pacemaker electrode function tester. (a) Identification. A pacemaker electrode function tester is a device which is...

21 CFR 870.3720 - Pacemaker electrode function tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Pacemaker electrode function tester. 870.3720... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Prosthetic Devices § 870.3720 Pacemaker electrode function tester. (a) Identification. A pacemaker electrode function tester is a device which is...

21 CFR 870.5325 - Defibrillator tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Defibrillator tester. 870.5325 Section 870.5325...) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Therapeutic Devices § 870.5325 Defibrillator tester. (a) Identification. A defibrillator tester is a device that is connected to the output of a...

21 CFR 870.5325 - Defibrillator tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Defibrillator tester. 870.5325 Section 870.5325...) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Therapeutic Devices § 870.5325 Defibrillator tester. (a) Identification. A defibrillator tester is a device that is connected to the output of a...

21 CFR 870.5325 - Defibrillator tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Defibrillator tester. 870.5325 Section 870.5325...) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Therapeutic Devices § 870.5325 Defibrillator tester. (a) Identification. A defibrillator tester is a device that is connected to the output of a...

21 CFR 870.5325 - Defibrillator tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Defibrillator tester. 870.5325 Section 870.5325...) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Therapeutic Devices § 870.5325 Defibrillator tester. (a) Identification. A defibrillator tester is a device that is connected to the output of a...

21 CFR 870.5325 - Defibrillator tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Defibrillator tester. 870.5325 Section 870.5325...) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Therapeutic Devices § 870.5325 Defibrillator tester. (a) Identification. A defibrillator tester is a device that is connected to the output of a...

21 CFR 882.1410 - Electroencephalograph electrode/lead tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Electroencephalograph electrode/lead tester. 882... Electroencephalograph electrode/lead tester. (a) Identification. An electroencephalograph electrode/lead tester is a device used for testing the impedance (resistance to alternating current) of the electrode and lead...

21 CFR 882.1410 - Electroencephalograph electrode/lead tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Electroencephalograph electrode/lead tester. 882... Electroencephalograph electrode/lead tester. (a) Identification. An electroencephalograph electrode/lead tester is a device used for testing the impedance (resistance to alternating current) of the electrode and lead...

21 CFR 882.1410 - Electroencephalograph electrode/lead tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Electroencephalograph electrode/lead tester. 882... Electroencephalograph electrode/lead tester. (a) Identification. An electroencephalograph electrode/lead tester is a device used for testing the impedance (resistance to alternating current) of the electrode and lead...

21 CFR 870.3720 - Pacemaker electrode function tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Pacemaker electrode function tester. 870.3720... electrode function tester. (a) Identification. A pacemaker electrode function tester is a device which is... measuring the patient's pacing threshold and intracardiac R-wave potential. (b) Classification. Class II...

Portable Weld Tester.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eckert, Douglas

This training manual, which was developed for employees of an automotive plant, is designed to teach trainees to operate a portable weld tester (Miyachi MM-315). In chapter 1, the weld tester's components are illustrated and described, and the procedure for charging its batteries is explained. Chapter 2 illustrates the weld tester's parts,…

21 CFR 886.1170 - Color vision tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Color vision tester. 886.1170 Section 886.1170...) MEDICAL DEVICES OPHTHALMIC DEVICES Diagnostic Devices § 886.1170 Color vision tester. (a) Identification. A color vision tester is a device that consists of various colored materials, such as colored yarns...

21 CFR 886.1170 - Color vision tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Color vision tester. 886.1170 Section 886.1170...) MEDICAL DEVICES OPHTHALMIC DEVICES Diagnostic Devices § 886.1170 Color vision tester. (a) Identification. A color vision tester is a device that consists of various colored materials, such as colored yarns...

21 CFR 886.1170 - Color vision tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Color vision tester. 886.1170 Section 886.1170...) MEDICAL DEVICES OPHTHALMIC DEVICES Diagnostic Devices § 886.1170 Color vision tester. (a) Identification. A color vision tester is a device that consists of various colored materials, such as colored yarns...

A simplified ductile-brittle transition temperature tester

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arias, A.

1973-01-01

The construction and operation of a versatile, simplified bend tester is described. The tester is usable at temperatures from - 192 to 650 C in air. Features of the tester include a single test chamber for cryogenic or elevated temperatures, specimen alining support rollers, and either manual or motorized operation.

7 CFR 801.4 - Tolerances for dockage testers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

....10 percent, mean deviation from standard dockage tester using Hard Red Winter wheat Riddle separation ±0.10 percent, mean deviation from standard dockage tester using Hard Red Winter wheat Sieve separation ±0.10 percent, mean deviation from standard dockage tester using Hard Red Winter wheat Total...

7 CFR 801.4 - Tolerances for dockage testers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

....10 percent, mean deviation from standard dockage tester using Hard Red Winter wheat Riddle separation ±0.10 percent, mean deviation from standard dockage tester using Hard Red Winter wheat Sieve separation ±0.10 percent, mean deviation from standard dockage tester using Hard Red Winter wheat Total...

7 CFR 801.4 - Tolerances for dockage testers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

....10 percent, mean deviation from standard dockage tester using Hard Red Winter wheat Riddle separation ±0.10 percent, mean deviation from standard dockage tester using Hard Red Winter wheat Sieve separation ±0.10 percent, mean deviation from standard dockage tester using Hard Red Winter wheat Total...

7 CFR 801.4 - Tolerances for dockage testers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

....10 percent, mean deviation from standard dockage tester using Hard Red Winter wheat Riddle separation ±0.10 percent, mean deviation from standard dockage tester using Hard Red Winter wheat Sieve separation ±0.10 percent, mean deviation from standard dockage tester using Hard Red Winter wheat Total...

21 CFR 886.1170 - Color vision tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Color vision tester. 886.1170 Section 886.1170...) MEDICAL DEVICES OPHTHALMIC DEVICES Diagnostic Devices § 886.1170 Color vision tester. (a) Identification. A color vision tester is a device that consists of various colored materials, such as colored yarns...

21 CFR 886.1170 - Color vision tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Color vision tester. 886.1170 Section 886.1170...) MEDICAL DEVICES OPHTHALMIC DEVICES Diagnostic Devices § 886.1170 Color vision tester. (a) Identification. A color vision tester is a device that consists of various colored materials, such as colored yarns...

7 CFR 801.4 - Tolerances for dockage testers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

....10 percent, mean deviation from standard dockage tester using Hard Red Winter wheat Riddle separation ±0.10 percent, mean deviation from standard dockage tester using Hard Red Winter wheat Sieve separation ±0.10 percent, mean deviation from standard dockage tester using Hard Red Winter wheat Total...

Repeat HIV Testing at Voluntary Testing and Counseling Centers in Croatia: Successful HIV Prevention or Failure to Modify Risk Behaviors?

PubMed Central

Matković Puljić, Vlatka; Kosanović Ličina, Mirjana Lana; Kavić, Marija; Nemeth Blažić, Tatjana

2014-01-01

HIV testing plays a critical role in preventing the spread of the virus and identifying infected individuals in need of care. Voluntary counseling and testing centers (VCTs) not only conduct testing but they also provide counseling. Since a proportion of people who test negative for HIV on their previous visit will return for retesting, the frequency of retesting and the characteristics of those who retest may provide insights into the efficacy of testing and counseling strategies. In this cross-sectional, retrospective study of 1,482 VCT clients in Croatia in 2010, 44.3% had been tested for HIV before. The rate of repeat HIV testing is lower in Croatia than in other countries. Men who have sex with men (MSM) clients, those with three or more sexual partners in the last 12 months, consistent condom users with steady partners, and intravenous drug users were more likely to be repeat testers. This finding suggests that clients presenting for repeat HIV testing are those who self-identify as being at a higher risk of infection. Our data showed that testing positive for HIV was not associated with repeat testing. However, the effects of repeat testing on HIV epidemiology needs to be explored. PMID:24705595

Development of a Low-Cost and High-speed Single Event Effects Testers based on Reconfigurable Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howard, J. W.; Kim, H.; Berg, M.; LaBel, K. A.; Stansberry, S.; Friendlich, M.; Irwin, T.

2006-01-01

A viewgraph presentation on the development of a low cost, high speed tester reconfigurable Field Programmable Gata Array (FPGA) is shown. The topics include: 1) Introduction; 2) Objectives; 3) Tester Descriptions; 4) Tester Validations and Demonstrations; 5) Future Work; and 6) Summary.

21 CFR 874.1090 - Auditory impedance tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Auditory impedance tester. 874.1090 Section 874...) MEDICAL DEVICES EAR, NOSE, AND THROAT DEVICES Diagnostic Devices § 874.1090 Auditory impedance tester. (a) Identification. An auditory impedance tester is a device that is intended to change the air pressure in the...

21 CFR 874.1090 - Auditory impedance tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Auditory impedance tester. 874.1090 Section 874...) MEDICAL DEVICES EAR, NOSE, AND THROAT DEVICES Diagnostic Devices § 874.1090 Auditory impedance tester. (a) Identification. An auditory impedance tester is a device that is intended to change the air pressure in the...

Intertester reliability of the acceptable noise level.

PubMed

Gordon-Hickey, Susan; Adams, Elizabeth; Moore, Robert; Gaal, Ashley; Berry, Katie; Brock, Sommer

2012-01-01

The acceptable noise level (ANL) serves to accurately predict the listener's likelihood of success with amplification. It has been proposed as a pre-hearing aid fitting protocol for hearing aid selection and counseling purposes. The ANL is a subjective measure of the listener's ability to accept background noise. Measurement of ANL relies on the tester and listener to follow the instructions set forth. To date, no research has explored the reliability of ANL as measured across clinicians or testers. To examine the intertester reliability of ANL. A descriptive quasi-experimental reliability study was completed. ANL was measured for one group of listeners by three testers. Three participants served as testers. Each tester was familiar with basic audiometry. Twenty-five young adults with normal hearing served as listeners. Each tester was stationed in a laboratory with the needed equipment. Listeners were instructed to report to these laboratories in a random order provided by the experimenters. The testers assessed most comfortable listening level (MCL) and background noise level (BNL) for all 25 listeners. Intraclass correlation coefficients were significant and revealed that MCL, BNL, and ANLs are reliable across testers. Additionally, one-way ANOVAs for MCL, BNL, and ANL were not significant. These findings indicate that MCL, BNL, and ANL do not differ significantly when measured by different testers. If the ANL instruction set is accurately followed, ANL can be reliably measured across testers, laboratories, and clinics. Intertester reliability of ANL allows for comparison across ANLs measured by different individuals. Findings of the present study indicate that tester reliability can be ruled out as a factor contributing to the disparity of mean ANLs reported in the literature. American Academy of Audiology.

Defining Assessment Literacy: Is it Different for Language Testers and Non-Language Testers?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jeong, Heejeong

2013-01-01

Language assessment courses (LACs) are taught by professionals who have majored in the area of language testing (language testers or LTs), but also by others who come from different language-related majors (non-language testers, non-LTs). Different language assessment courses may be developed, depending on who teaches the course and the…

Tester-assisted built in test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guntheroth, Kurt

It is noted that board makers invest considerable time and money writing extensive self-tests and that this investment can be multiplied by selecting ATE (automatic test equipment) that complements and extends the power of the self-test. The tester can diagnose boards in situations where a fault prevents the self-test from running. If the tester monitors such resources as processor, memory, and I/O, confidence in test results is improved. The tester can be used during development of the self-test and to turn on prototypes before the self-test is complete. The author argues that emulative functional testers outperform other types of ATE on boards with BIST (built-in self-test) and lists features of emulative functional testers that are most important to users of BIST.

The reliability of the newly developed bending tester for the measurement of flexural rigidity of textile materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haji Musa, A. Binti; Malengier, B.; Van Langenhove, L.; Stevens, C.

2017-10-01

A new automated bending tester was developed in Ghent University, Belgium to reduce the human interference in the bending measurement. This paper reports the investigations made on the tester in order to confirm the reliability of its measurement. For that, 11 types of fabrics with different construction parameters were tested for their bending length and flexural rigidity using the new bending tester and the results were compared with that of the standard or manual bending tester, which were conducted in accordance with BS 3356:1990 standard method. Statistical analysis confirms that both measurements are strongly correlated with Pearson’s R≥ 0.90 for all the measurements made. It means that the results from the new automated tester show good correlations with the standard measurement. Nevertheless, this prototype version of the new tester still needs to be adjusted to optimise the functionality of it and further investigations should be done to justify the robustness of the results.

Design of a pulsatile flow facility to evaluate thrombogenic potential of implantable cardiac devices.

PubMed

Arjunon, Sivakkumar; Ardana, Pablo Hidalgo; Saikrishnan, Neelakantan; Madhani, Shalv; Foster, Brent; Glezer, Ari; Yoganathan, Ajit P

2015-04-01

Due to expensive nature of clinical trials, implantable cardiac devices should first be extensively characterized in vitro. Prosthetic heart valves (PHVs), an important class of these devices, have been shown to be associated with thromboembolic complications. Although various in vitro systems have been designed to quantify blood-cell damage and platelet activation caused by nonphysiological hemodynamic shear stresses in these PHVs, very few systems attempt to characterize both blood damage and fluid dynamics aspects of PHVs in the same test system. Various numerical modeling methodologies are also evolving to simulate the structural mechanics, fluid mechanics, and blood damage aspects of these devices. This article presents a completely hemocompatible small-volume test-platform that can be used for thrombogenicity studies and experimental fluid mechanics characterization. Using a programmable piston pump to drive freshly drawn human blood inside a cylindrical column, the presented system can simulate various physiological and pathophysiological conditions in testing PHVs. The system includes a modular device-mounting chamber, and in this presented case, a 23 mm St. Jude Medical (SJM) Regents® mechanical heart valve (MHV) in aortic position was used as the test device. The system was validated for its capability to quantify blood damage by measuring blood damage induced by the tester itself (using freshly drawn whole human blood). Blood damage levels were ascertained through clinically relevant assays on human blood while fluid dynamics were characterized using time-resolved particle image velocimetry (PIV) using a blood-mimicking fluid. Blood damage induced by the tester itself, assessed through Thrombin-anti-Thrombin (TAT), Prothrombin factor 1.2 (PF1.2), and hemolysis (Drabkins assay), was within clinically accepted levels. The hydrodynamic performance of the tester showed consistent, repeatable physiological pressure and flow conditions. In addition, the system contains proximity sensors to accurately capture leaflet motion during the entire cardiac cycle. The PIV results showed skewing of the leakage jet, caused by the asymmetric closing of the two leaflets. All these results are critical to characterizing the blood damage and fluid dynamics characteristics of the SJM Regents® MHV, proving the utility of this tester as a precise system for assessing the hemodynamics and thrombogenicity for various PHVs.

A new peer instruction method for teaching practical skills in the health sciences: an evaluation of the 'Learning Trail'.

PubMed

Dollman, James

2005-01-01

The 'Learning Trail' is an innovative application of peer-mediated instruction designed to enhance student learning in large practical classes. The strategy specifically seeks to improve participants' attention to details of protocol that are often difficult to observe during teacher-centered demonstrations to large groups. Students (n=68) at the University of South Australia trialed this strategy, in which instruction in anthropometric techniques is initiated by an instructor to a group of 3-4 students and then sent in 'waves' from one student group to the next. The final group in the sequence demonstrates the techniques to the instructor, who notes any departures from technical accuracy. As each technical module is flowing from group to group, the instructor initiates the next 'wave' with the first group, and the process is repeated until all of the relevant skills are processed. The final stage is a full class discussion during which sources of technical error are identified and resolved. In this trial, students taught skinfold measurement by the peer instructed method (PI; n=33) were compared with a traditionally instructed group (TI; n=35), in which the instructor was responsible for all information transfer. For each participant, technical errors of measurement (TEM) were calculated; the intra-tester TEM as a measure of reliability, and the inter-tester TEM, in which the student's measures are compared with those of a criterion anthropometrist to give an indication of validity. There were no differences between TI and PI groups on intra-tester TEM (p=0.24), but the PI group had a lower inter-tester TEM for pooled skinfold sites (p=0.006) and for one individual site (triceps; p=0.007), but not the other three sites. The time taken to complete the whole set of instructions did not differ between delivery modes. The results of this trial suggest that the peer-mediated strategy may be more effective than teacher-centered instruction in terms of technical accuracy in anthropometry.

Linkage to care following community-based mobile HIV testing compared with clinic-based testing in Umlazi Township, Durban, South Africa.

PubMed

Bassett, I V; Regan, S; Luthuli, P; Mbonambi, H; Bearnot, B; Pendleton, A; Robine, M; Mukuvisi, D; Thulare, H; Walensky, R P; Freedberg, K A; Losina, E; Mhlongo, B

2014-07-01

The aim of the study was to assess HIV prevalence, disease stage and linkage to HIV care following diagnosis at a mobile HIV testing unit, compared with results for clinic-based testing, in a Durban township. This was a prospective cohort study. We enrolled adults presenting for HIV testing at a community-based mobile testing unit (mobile testers) and at an HIV clinic (clinic testers) serving the same area. Testers diagnosed with HIV infection, regardless of testing site, were offered immediate CD4 testing and instructed to retrieve results at the clinic. We assessed rates of linkage to care, defined as CD4 result retrieval within 90 days of HIV diagnosis and/or completion of antiretroviral therapy (ART) literacy training, for mobile vs. clinic testers. From July to November 2011, 6957 subjects were HIV tested (4703 mobile and 2254 clinic); 55% were female. Mobile testers had a lower HIV prevalence than clinic testers (10% vs. 36%, respectively), were younger (median 23 vs. 27 years, respectively) and were more likely to live >5 km or >30 min from the clinic (64% vs. 40%, respectively; all P < 0.001). Mobile testers were less likely to undergo CD4 testing (33% vs. 83%, respectively) but more likely to have higher CD4 counts [median (interquartile range) 416 (287-587) cells/μL vs. 285 (136-482) cells/μL, respectively] than clinic testers (both P < 0.001). Of those who tested HIV positive, 10% of mobile testers linked to care, vs. 72% of clinic testers (P < 0.001). Mobile HIV testing reaches people who are younger, who are more geographically remote, and who have earlier disease compared with clinic-based testing. Fewer mobile testers underwent CD4 testing and linked to HIV care. Enhancing linkage efforts may improve the impact of mobile testing for those with early HIV disease. © 2013 British HIV Association.

21 CFR 872.1720 - Pulp tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... DENTAL DEVICES Diagnostic Devices § 872.1720 Pulp tester. (a) Identification. A pulp tester is an AC or... current transmitted by an electrode to stimulate the nerve tissue in the dental pulp. (b) Classification...

21 CFR 872.1720 - Pulp tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... DENTAL DEVICES Diagnostic Devices § 872.1720 Pulp tester. (a) Identification. A pulp tester is an AC or... current transmitted by an electrode to stimulate the nerve tissue in the dental pulp. (b) Classification...

Preliminary evaluation of adhesion strength measurement devices for ceramic/titanium matrix composite bonds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pohlchuck, Bobby; Zeller, Mary V.

1992-01-01

The adhesive bond between ceramic cement and a titanium matrix composite substrate to be used in the National Aerospace Plane program is evaluated. Two commercially available adhesion testers, the Sebastian Adherence Tester and the CSEM REVETEST Scratch Tester, are evaluated to determine their suitability for quantitatively measuring adhesion strength. Various thicknesses of cements are applied to several substrates, and bond strengths are determined with both testers. The Sabastian Adherence Tester has provided limited data due to an interference from the sample mounting procedure, and has been shown to be incapable of distinguishing adhesion strength from tensile and shear properties of the cement itself. The data from the scratch tester has been found to be difficult to interpret due to the porosity and hardness of the cement. Recommendations are proposed for a more reliable adhesion test method.

Novel platens to measure the hardness of a pentagonal shaped tablet.

PubMed

Malladi, Jaya; Sidik, Kurex; Wu, Sutan; McCann, Ryan; Dougherty, Jeffrey; Parab, Prakash; Carragher, Thomas

2017-03-01

Tablet hardness, a measure of the breaking force of a tablet, is based on numerous factors. These include the shape of the tablet and the mode of the application of force. For instance, when a pentagonal-shaped tablet was tested with a traditional hardness tester with flat platens, there was a large variation in hardness measurements. This was due to the propensity of vertices of the tablet to crush, referred to as an "improper break". This article describes a novel approach to measure the hardness of pentagonal-shaped tablets using modified platens. The modified platens have more uniform loading than flat platens. This is because they reduce loading on the vertex of the pentagon and apply forces on tablet edges to generate reproducible tablet fracture. The robustness of modified platens was assessed using a series of studies, which included feasibility and Gauge Repeatability & Reproducibility (R&R) studies. A key finding was that improper breaks, generated frequently with a traditional hardness tester using flat platens, were eliminated. The Gauge R&R study revealed that the tablets tested with novel platens generated consistent values in hardness measurements, independent of batch, hardness level, and day of testing, operator and tablet dosage strength.

Rational ideation and empiric validation of an innovative digital dermographic tester.

PubMed

Lembo, C; Patruno, C; Balato, N; Ayala, F; Balato, A; Lembo, S

2018-04-01

Dermographism is a condition characterized by a weal response to a combination of pressure and traction on skin surface, and its diagnosis is based on medical history, clinical criteria and provocation test. The Dermographic Tester ® , a pen-sized tool containing a spring-loaded blunt tip, is the most widely used instrument for the provocation test, and it exerts increasing pressures on the skin surface according to an arbitrary units (AU) scale. Analysing the mechanism of function and trying to convert the AUs to SI units (g/mm 2 ), we found that this instrument had some defects and limits that would compromise a true and repeatable quantification of the weal response threshold. Consequently, we decided to develop a new instrument, the Digital Dermographic Tester (DDT), which is engineered with an inside force sensor to implement features lacking in the current tools, in the hope of enhancing the precision of the provocation test. To validate the effectiveness and accuracy of the DDT. We tested the DDT on 213 participants purposely sampled to obtain three groups, each with a different pattern of reaction to mechanical stimuli. Based on anamnestic, diagnostic and symptomatic criteria, patients were divided into dermographic urticaria (DU), spontaneous urticaria (SU) and healthy control (HC) groups. The DDT was used to apply 12 levels of pressure to the skin surface, and a frequency distribution of positive reactions was displayed for each group. A force of 36-40 g/mm 2 appropriately differentiated physiological from pathological conditions with high sensitivity and specificity. The DDT was found to be capable of differentiating patients with DU patients from those with SU and from HCs, and was able to precisely identify the weal elicitation threshold. © 2017 British Association of Dermatologists.

Operating manual for the miniservo-control tester

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rapp, W.L.

1986-01-01

Ever since the implementation of servo-control units (regular and minimodels) with manometers at U. S. Geological Survey streamflow stations, the need for an effective and efficient servo-control unit tester has been paramount among field personnel. In numerous cases, servo-control unit failures were blamed on battery failures and vice versa. There was no valid instrument to definitively identify cause of failure, let alone properly diagnose the servo-control/manometer system. In 1983, two servo-control unit testers were developed and fabricated. One was mechanical in fabrication, operation, and serviceability; the other was electronic. The testers were extensively used and evaluated in Maine, Ohio, Kansas, and Louisiana under a wide range of environmental conditions. The consensus to integrate the best aspects of both testers into one instrument allowed the Survey to finally solve its long-time need for an effective, efficient servo-control unit tester. (USGS)

Prescribing joint co-ordinates during model preparation to improve inverse kinematic estimates of elbow joint angles.

PubMed

Wells, D J M; Alderson, J A; Dunne, J; Elliott, B C; Donnelly, C J

2017-01-25

To appropriately use inverse kinematic (IK) modelling for the assessment of human motion, a musculoskeletal model must be prepared 1) to match participant segment lengths (scaling) and 2) to align the model׳s virtual markers positions with known, experimentally derived kinematic marker positions (marker registration). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether prescribing joint co-ordinates during the marker registration process (within the modelling framework OpenSim) will improve IK derived elbow kinematics during an overhead sporting task. To test this, the upper limb kinematics of eight cricket bowlers were recorded during two testing sessions, with a different tester each session. The bowling trials were IK modelled twice: once with an upper limb musculoskeletal model prepared with prescribed participant specific co-ordinates during marker registration - MR PC - and once with the same model prepared without prescribed co-ordinates - MR; and by an established direct kinematic (DK) upper limb model. Whilst both skeletal model preparations had strong inter-tester repeatability (MR: Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM1D)=0% different; MR PC : SPM1D=0% different), when compared with DK model elbow FE waveform estimates, IK estimates using the MR PC model (RMSD=5.2±2.0°, SPM1D=68% different) were in closer agreement than the estimates from the MR model (RMSD=44.5±18.5°, SPM1D=100% different). Results show that prescribing participant specific joint co-ordinates during the marker registration phase of model preparation increases the accuracy and repeatability of IK solutions when modelling overhead sporting tasks in OpenSim. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Repeat Chlamydia trachomatis testing among heterosexual STI outpatient clinic visitors in the Netherlands: a longitudinal study.

PubMed

Visser, Maartje; van Aar, Fleur; Koedijk, Femke D H; Kampman, Carolina J G; Heijne, Janneke C M

2017-12-20

Chlamydia infections are common in both men and women, are often asymptomatic and can cause serious complications. Repeat testing in high-risk groups is therefore indicated. In the Netherlands, guidelines on repeat chlamydia testing differ between testing facilities, and knowledge on repeat testing behaviour is limited. Here, we analyse the current repeat testing behaviour of heterosexual STI clinic visitors, and aim to identify groups for which repeat testing advice could be advantageous. Longitudinal surveillance data from all Dutch STI outpatient clinics were used, which included all STI clinic consultations carried out among heterosexual men and women between June 2014 and December 2015. Repeat testing was defined as returning to the same STI clinic between 35 days and 12 months after initial consultation. We calculated chlamydia positivity at repeat test stratified by initial test result and time between consultations. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of repeat testing, and predictors of having a chlamydia positive repeat test. In total, 140,486 consultations in 75,487 women and 46,286 men were available for analyses. Overall, 15.4% of women and 11.1% of men returned to the STI clinic within the study period. Highest chlamydia positivity at repeat test was seen 3-5 months after initial positive test. Among both women and men, repeat testing was associated with non-Western ethnicity, having had more than two sex partners in the past 6 months, reporting STI symptoms, having a history of STI, and having a chlamydia positive initial test. Among repeat testers, chlamydia positive repeat test was most strongly associated with younger age, followed by a chlamydia positive initial test. Repeat testing most often resulted in a positive test result among young heterosexuals (<25) and heterosexuals of any age with a chlamydia infection at the initial consultation. Further efforts are needed to determine optimal repeat testing strategies.

77 FR 30555 - Petitions for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-23

..., oscilloscopes, vibration analysis machines, insulation testers (meggers), and cable fault detectors (impulse... temperature probes; infrared temperature devices and recorders; insulation testers (meggers); voltage, current..., vibration analysis machines, insulation testers (meggers), and cable fault detectors (impulse generators and...

Analysis and comparison of magnetic sheet insulation tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marion-Péra, M. C.; Kedous-Lebouc, A.; Cornut, B.; Brissonneau, P.

1994-05-01

Magnetic circuits of electrical machines are divided into coated sheets in order to limit eddy currents. The surface insulation resistance of magnetic sheets is difficult to evaluate because it depends on parameters like pressure and covers a wide range of values. Two methods of measuring insulation resistance are analyzed: the standardized 'Franklin device' and a tester developed by British Steel Electrical. Their main drawback is poor local repeatability. The Franklin method allows better quality control of industrial process because it measures only one insulating layer at a time. It also gives more accurate images of the distribution of possible defects. Nevertheless, both methods lead to similar classifications of insulation efficiency.

The Efficacy of a Repeated Buccal Infiltration of Articaine in Prolonging Duration of Pulpal Anesthesia in the Mandibular First Molar

PubMed Central

Pabst, Lindsay; Nusstein, John; Drum, Melissa; Reader, Al; Beck, Mike

2009-01-01

Previous studies have shown declining rates of pulpal anesthesia over 60 minutes when a cartridge of 4% articaine is used with 1∶100,000 epinephrine for buccal infiltration in the mandibular first molar. The authors conducted a prospective, randomized, single-blind, crossover study comparing the degree of pulpal anesthesia obtained with 2 sets of mandibular first molar buccal infiltrations, given in 2 separate appointments, to 86 adult subjects: an initial infiltration of a cartridge of 4% articaine with 1∶100,000 epinephrine plus a repeated infiltration of the same anesthetic and dose given 25 minutes following the initial infiltration versus an initial infiltration of a cartridge of 4% articaine with 1∶100,000 epinephrine plus a mock repeated infiltration given 25 minutes following the initial infiltration. The authors used an electric pulp tester to test the first molar for anesthesia in 3-minute cycles for 112 minutes after the injections. The repeated infiltration significantly improved pulpal anesthesia from 28 minutes through 109 minutes in the mandibular first molar. A repeated infiltration of a cartridge of 4% articaine with 1∶100,000 epinephrine given 25 minutes after an initial infiltration of the same type and dose of anesthetic significantly improved the duration of pulpal anesthesia, when compared with only an initial buccal infiltration, in the mandibular first molar. PMID:20020793

Poppet valve tester

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tellier, G. F.

1973-01-01

Tester investigates fundamental factors affecting cyclic life and sealing performance of valve seats and poppets. Tester provides for varying impact loading of poppet against seat and rate of cycling, and controls amount and type of relative motion between sealing faces of seat and poppet. Relative motion between seat and poppet can be varied in three modes.

49 CFR Appendix F to Part 240 - Medical Standards Guidelines

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... greater guidance on the procedures that should be employed in administering the vision and hearing... more errors on plates 1-15. MULTIFUNCTION VISION TESTER Keystone Orthoscope Any error. OPTEC 2000 Any error. Titmus Vision Tester Any error. Titmus II Vision Tester Any error. (3) In administering any of...

49 CFR Appendix F to Part 240 - Medical Standards Guidelines

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... greater guidance on the procedures that should be employed in administering the vision and hearing... more errors on plates 1-15. MULTIFUNCTION VISION TESTER Keystone Orthoscope Any error. OPTEC 2000 Any error. Titmus Vision Tester Any error. Titmus II Vision Tester Any error. (3) In administering any of...

A reliability study of the new sensors for movement analysis (SHARIF-HMIS).

PubMed

Abedi, Mohen; Manshadi, Farideh Dehghan; Zavieh, Minoo Khalkhali; Ashouri, Sajad; Azimi, Hadi; Parnanpour, Mohamad

2016-04-01

SHARIF-HMIS is a new inertial sensor designed for movement analysis. The aim of the present study was to assess the inter-tester and intra-tester reliability of some kinematic parameters in different lumbar motions making use of this sensor. 24 healthy persons and 28 patients with low back pain participated in the current reliability study. The test was performed in five different lumbar motions consisting of lumbar flexion in 0, 15, and 30° in the right and left directions. For measuring inter-tester reliability, all the tests were carried out twice on the same day separately by two physiotherapists. Intra-tester reliability was assessed by reproducing the tests after 3 days by the same physiotherapist. The present study revealed satisfactory inter- and intra-tester reliability indices in different positions. ICCs for intra-tester reliability ranged from 0.65 to 0.98 and 0.59 to 0.81 for healthy and patient participants, respectively. Also, ICCs for inter-tester reliability ranged from 0.65 to 0.92 for the healthy and 0.65 to 0.87 for patient participants. In general, it can be inferred from the results that measuring the kinematic parameters in lumbar movements using inertial sensors enjoys acceptable reliability. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Exploring repeat HIV testing among men who have sex with men in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

PubMed

Siegler, Aaron J; Sullivan, Patrick S; de Voux, Alex; Phaswana-Mafuya, Nancy; Bekker, Linda-Gail; Baral, Stefan D; Winskell, Kate; Kose, Zamakayise; Wirtz, Andrea L; Brown, Ben; Stephenson, Rob

2015-01-01

Despite the high prevalence of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) - and the general adult population - in South Africa, there is little data regarding the extent to which MSM seek repeat testing for HIV. This study explores reported histories of HIV testing, and the rationales for test seeking, among a purposive sample of 34 MSM in two urban areas of South Africa. MSM participated in activity-based in-depth interviews that included a timeline element to facilitate discussion. Repeat HIV testing was limited among participants, with three-quarters having two or fewer lifetime HIV tests, and over one-third of the sample having one or fewer lifetime tests. For most repeat testers, the time gap between their HIV tests was greater than the one-year interval recommended by national guidelines. Analysis of the reasons for seeking HIV testing revealed several types of rationale. The reasons for a first HIV test were frequently one-time occurrences, such as a requirement prior to circumcision, or motivations likely satisfied by a single HIV test. For MSM who reported repeat testing at more timely intervals, the most common rationale was seeking test results with a sex partner. Results indicate a need to shift HIV test promotion messaging and programming for MSM in South Africa away from a one-off model to one that frames HIV testing as a repeated, routine health maintenance behavior.

21 CFR 872.1730 - Electrode gel for pulp testers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Electrode gel for pulp testers. 872.1730 Section 872.1730 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES DENTAL DEVICES Diagnostic Devices § 872.1730 Electrode gel for pulp testers. (a...

21 CFR 872.1730 - Electrode gel for pulp testers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Electrode gel for pulp testers. 872.1730 Section 872.1730 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES DENTAL DEVICES Diagnostic Devices § 872.1730 Electrode gel for pulp testers. (a...

Cable Tester Box

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Jason H.

2011-01-01

Cables are very important electrical devices that carry power and signals across multiple instruments. Any fault in a cable can easily result in a catastrophic outcome. Therefore, verifying that all cables are built to spec is a very important part of Electrical Integration Procedures. Currently, there are two methods used in lab for verifying cable connectivity. (1) Using a Break-Out Box and an ohmmeter this method is time-consuming but effective for custom cables and (2) Commercial Automated Cable Tester Boxes this method is fast, but to test custom cables often requires pre-programmed configuration files, and cables used on spacecraft are often uniquely designed for specific purposes. The idea is to develop a semi-automatic continuity tester that reduces human effort in cable testing, speeds up the electrical integration process, and ensures system safety. The JPL-Cable Tester Box is developed to check every single possible electrical connection in a cable in parallel. This system indicates connectivity through LED (light emitting diode) circuits. Users can choose to test any pin/shell (test node) with a single push of a button, and any other nodes that are shorted to the test node, even if they are in the same connector, will light up with the test node. The JPL-Cable Tester Boxes offers the following advantages: 1. Easy to use: The architecture is simple enough that it only takes 5 minutes for anyone to learn how operate the Cable Tester Box. No pre-programming and calibration are required, since this box only checks continuity. 2. Fast: The cable tester box checks all the possible electrical connections in parallel at a push of a button. If a cable normally takes half an hour to test, using the Cable Tester Box will improve the speed to as little as 60 seconds to complete. 3. Versatile: Multiple cable tester boxes can be used together. As long as all the boxes share the same electrical potential, any number of connectors can be tested together.

Evaluation of micronuclei induction capacity and mutagenicity of organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides.

PubMed

Yaduvanshi, Santosh K; Srivastava, Nalini; Marotta, Francesco; Jain, Shalini; Yadav, Hariom

2012-09-01

The genotoxic and mutagenic effects of two commonly used organochlorine pesticides, lindane (LND) and endosulfan (ENS), and two commonly used organophosphate pesticides, chlorpyrifos (CPF) and monocrotophos (MCP) were assessed using in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus test and in vitro Ames Salmonella/ microsome mutagenicity test. The results showed that these pesticides alone or in combination, induced significantly high frequency of micronuclei (MN) formation that increased with concentration of pesticides. All these four pesticides produced significant increase in the frequencies of micronucleated-polychromatic erythrocytes (MN-PCE) and decrease infrequencies of PCE in dose-dependent manner. The results indicate the suppression of proliferative activity of the bone marrow and increase in the extent of cell death. ENS and MCP showed mutagenic potential in Salmonella/ microsome assay. ENS induced mutagenic and nontoxic response only in TA98 tester strain of S.typhimurium at the dose of 500 μg/plate and in the absence of metabolic activation. MCP showed weak mutagenic and nontoxic effect only in TA100 tester strain at the dose of 5000 μg/plate in both assays, with or without metabolic activation when compared with negative control. MCP was toxic in TA98 tester strain at the dose of 5000 μg/plate in absence of metabolic activation while reduction in toxicity was seen on addition of S9 mixture. The study clearly showed the genotoxic potential of all these four pesticides and mutagenic response of endosulfan and monocrotophos.

Energy insurance for Anchorage, Alaska - Beluga river gas field, Cook Inlet

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

Stone, N.D.; Lindblom, R.G.

1987-05-01

The Beluga River gas field is the primary energy source for Anchorage, Alaska. The field is located 40 mi west of Anchorage astride the northwest shoreline of the Cook Inlet. Gas was discovered in December 1962 by Chevron's Beluga River unit (BRU) 1 well in section 35, T13N, R10W, S.B. and M. There are 16 producing wells in the field capable of a total gas potential of 140,000 MCFD. The current production averages 75,000 MCFD and the field has produced 220 BCF gas. Chevron, Shell, and ARCO have equal interests in the field. The Beluga River unit was formed inmore » 1962 with Chevron as operator. The produced gas is sold to the Chugach Electric Company and the Enstar Gas Company, both Anchorage-based utilities. The gas accumulation is trapped by a doubly plunging, slightly asymmetric anticlinal fold trending northeast-southwest. Gas is found from 3000 to 6000 ft vertical depth in sands within the lower Sterling (Pliocene) and Beluga River (upper Miocene) Formations. Reservoir sands range in thickness from 5 to 85 ft with average porosities of 24 to 30%. The Sterling sands were deposited in broad sand channels in a fluvial-deltaic setting, whereas Beluga sands were deposited in a high-energy fluvial environment in shifting stream courses. The use of the wireline repeat formation tester has aided in correlation, evaluation, and management of the multiple sand reservoirs. New gas sand reservoirs and partly depleted reservoirs are recognized, enabling completion from reservoirs of similar pressures and reducing risks associated with cross flow between reservoirs.« less

Product-Improvement Test (Phase II), Jetcal Tester, Model H119A.

DTIC Science & Technology

1969-03-05

Ao—A0 51 113 ARMY AVIATION ‘Cs’ BOARD FORT tUCKER ALA — P*OOUCTeII ROVEMCNT TEST ( FHAS ~ I I ) . JETCAL TESTER, MODEL M119A~~’ETC(U) MAR S9...Phase i i ) , Jetcal Tester , Model H 119A , USATECOM Project No. 4-6-5011-03 b . No fur ther consideration be given to the TEMPCAL heater probe as a...essen t i a l component of the Jetcal Tester. e. The service manual instruct ions for con t inu i ty te s t ing of EG1 thermocouples be revised to

Hip strength assessment using handheld dynamometry is subject to intertester bias when testers are of different sex and strength.

PubMed

Thorborg, K; Bandholm, T; Schick, M; Jensen, J; Hölmich, P

2013-08-01

Handheld dynamometry (HHD) is a promising tool for obtaining reliable hip strength measurements in the clinical setting, but intertester reliability has been questioned, especially in situations where testers exhibit differences in upper-extremity muscle strength (male vs female). The purpose of this study was to examine the intertester reliability concerning strength assessments of hip abduction, adduction, external and internal rotation, flexion and extension using HHD, and to test whether systematic differences in test values exist between testers of different upper-extremity strength. Fifty healthy individuals (29 women), aged 25 ± 5 years were included. Two physiotherapist students (one female, one male) of different upper-extremity strength performed the measurements. The tester order and strength test order were randomized. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to quantify reliability, and ranged from 0.82 to 0.91 for the six strength test. The female tester systematically measured lower strength values for all isometric strength tests (P < 0.05). In hip strength assessments using HHD, systematic bias exists between testers of different sex, which is likely explained by differences in upper-extremity strength. Hence, to improve intertester reliability, the dynamometer likely needs external fixation, as this will eliminate the influence of differences in upper-extremity strength between testers. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

16 CFR Figure 3 to Subpart A of... - Flooring Radiant Tester Schematic Side Elevation

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Flooring Radiant Tester Schematic Side Elevation 3 Figure 3 to Subpart A of Part 1209 Commercial Practices CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION.... 1209, Subpt. A, Fig. 3 Figure 3 to Subpart A of Part 1209—Flooring Radiant Tester Schematic Side...

16 CFR Figure 3 to Subpart A of... - Flooring Radiant Tester Schematic Side Elevation

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Flooring Radiant Tester Schematic Side Elevation 3 Figure 3 to Subpart A of Part 1209 Commercial Practices CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION.... 1209, Subpt. A, Fig. 3 Figure 3 to Subpart A of Part 1209—Flooring Radiant Tester Schematic Side...

16 CFR Figure 3 to Subpart A of... - Flooring Radiant Tester Schematic Side Elevation

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Flooring Radiant Tester Schematic Side Elevation 3 Figure 3 to Subpart A of Part 1209 Commercial Practices CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION.... 1209, Subpt. A, Fig. 3 Figure 3 to Subpart A of Part 1209—Flooring Radiant Tester Schematic Side...

16 CFR Figure 3 to Subpart A of... - Flooring Radiant Tester Schematic Side Elevation

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Flooring Radiant Tester Schematic Side Elevation 3 Figure 3 to Subpart A of Part 1209 Commercial Practices CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION.... 1209, Subpt. A, Fig. 3 Figure 3 to Subpart A of Part 1209—Flooring Radiant Tester Schematic Side...

16 CFR Figure 3 to Subpart A of... - Flooring Radiant Tester Schematic Side Elevation

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Flooring Radiant Tester Schematic Side Elevation 3 Figure 3 to Subpart A of Part 1209 Commercial Practices CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION.... 1209, Subpt. A, Fig. 3 Figure 3 to Subpart A of Part 1209—Flooring Radiant Tester Schematic Side...

General Purpose Vehicle Mechanic Career Ladder, AFSCs 47232, 47252, and 47275.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-03-01

general-purpose vehicles; gasoline and diesel engines; automotive electrical and emission control systems maintenance; drive trains and brake systems...OR HYDRAULIC PRESSES ELECTRONIC IGNITION TESTERS HEADLIGHT TESTERS OSCILLOSCOPES DYNAMOMETERS EXHAUST EMISSION TESTERS GAS SHIELD WELDING...collection forms; man-hour accounting forms and reports; corrosion control procedures; troubleshooting exhaust systems, and emission control systems

Anesthetic efficacy of a repeated intraosseous injection given 30 min following an inferior alveolar nerve block/intraosseous injection.

PubMed

Reitz, J; Reader, A; Nist, R; Beck, M; Meyers, W J

1998-01-01

To determine whether a repeated intraosseous (IO) injection would increase or prolong pulpal anesthesia, we measured the degree of anesthesia obtained by a repeated IO injection given 30 min following a combination inferior alveolar nerve block/intraosseous injection (IAN/IO) in mandibular second premolars and in first and second molars. Using a repeated-measures design, we randomly assigned 38 subjects to receive two combinations of injections at two separate appointments. The combinations were an IAN/IO injection followed approximately 30 min later by another IO injection of 0.9 ml of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine and a combination IAN/IO injection followed approximately 30 min later by a mock IO injection. The second premolar, first molar, and second molar were blindly tested with an Analytic Technology pulp tester at 2-min cycles for 120 min postinjection. Anesthesia was considered successful when two consecutive readings of 80 were obtained. One hundred percent of the subjects had lip numbness with IAN/IO and with IAN/IO plus repeated IO techniques. Rates of anesthetic success for the IAN/IO and for the IAN/IO plus repeated IO injection, respectively, were 100% and 97% for the second premolar, 95% and 95% for the first molar, and 87% and 87% for the second molar. The repeated IO injection increased pulpal anesthesia for approximately 14 min in the second premolar and for 6 min in the first molar, but no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) were shown. In conclusion, the repeated IO injection of 0.9 ml of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine given 30 min following a combination IAN/IO injection did not significantly increase pulpal anesthesia in mandibular second premolars or in first and second molars.

A Cheap, Semiquantitative Hand-Held Conductivity Tester.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zawacky, Susan K. S.

1995-01-01

Describes a design for a hand-held conductivity tester powered by a 9V battery that gives semi-quantitative results for aqueous electrolyte solutions of concentrations ranging from 0.001 M to 0.1 M. The tester uses a bar-graph LED driven by an LM3914 integrated circuit to indicate the level of conductivity. A list of parts, procedures, and results…

Evaluation of the Hamburg Rut Tester and Moisture Induced Stress Test (MIST) for field control of hot mix asphalt (HMA) in Oklahoma : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-03-01

This report covers the evaluation of the Hamburg Loaded Wheel Rut Tester (OHD L-55) and the : Moisture Induced Stress Tester (MIST) for field control of Oklahoma HMA mixtures. OHD L-55 : was evaluated as a possible replacement for AASHTO T 283 and fo...

16 CFR Figure 4 to Subpart A of... - Flooring Radiant Panel Tester Schematic Low Flux End, Elevation

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Flooring Radiant Panel Tester Schematic Low Flux End, Elevation 4 Figure 4 to Subpart A of Part 1209 Commercial Practices CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY... Standard Pt. 1209, Subpt. A, Fig. 4 Figure 4 to Subpart A of Part 1209—Flooring Radiant Panel Tester...

UW VLSI chip tester

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKenzie, Neil

1989-12-01

We present a design for a low-cost, functional VLSI chip tester. It is based on the Apple MacIntosh II personal computer. It tests chips that have up to 128 pins. All pin drivers of the tester are bidirectional; each pin is programmed independently as an input or an output. The tester can test both static and dynamic chips. Rudimentary speed testing is provided. Chips are tested by executing C programs written by the user. A software library is provided for program development. Tests run under both the Mac Operating System and A/UX. The design is implemented using Xilinx Logic Cell Arrays. Price/performance tradeoffs are discussed.

Glitch game testers: The design and study of a learning environment for computational production with young African American males

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DiSalvo, Elizabeth Betsy

The implementation of a learning environment for young African American males, called the Glitch Game Testers, was launched in 2009. The development of this program was based on formative work that looked at the contrasting use of digital games between young African American males and individuals who chose to become computer science majors. Through analysis of cultural values and digital game play practices, the program was designed to intertwine authentic game development practices and computer science learning. The resulting program employed 25 African American male high school students to test pre-release digital games full-time in the summer and part-time in the school year, with an hour of each day dedicated to learning introductory computer science. Outcomes for persisting in computer science education are remarkable; of the 16 participants who had graduated from high school as of 2012, 12 have gone on to school in computing-related majors. These outcomes, and the participants' enthusiasm for engaging in computing, are in sharp contrast to the crisis in African American male education and learning motivation. The research presented in this dissertation discusses the formative research that shaped the design of Glitch, the evaluation of the implementation of Glitch, and a theoretical investigation of the way in which participants navigated conflicting motivations in learning environments.

Evaluation of disintegration properties of orally rapidly disintegrating tablets using a novel disintegration tester.

PubMed

Kondo, Keita; Niwa, Toshiyuki; Danjo, Kazumi

2012-01-01

This report describes a new disintegration tester that can determine not only the disintegration time of orally rapidly disintegrating tablets (ODT), but also the disintegration behavior and mechanism. Using the tester, the disintegration properties of the tablets prepared in a previous study were examined. The purpose of this study is to confirm the utility of the tester as an instrument for evaluating the disintegration properties of ODT and determine relations among time, behavior and mechanism of the disintegration. Results demonstrated that in vitro disintegration time in the tester is similar to that in the commercial disintegration tester for ODT and is highly correlated with oral disintegration time. Observations of disintegration process revealed that a difference in disintegration behavior between tablets compressed at 50-75 MPa and 100 MPa; the disintegration behavior of the tablets were designated immediate disintegrating type and gradual disintegrating type, respectively. The dynamic swelling profile and water absorption profile indicated that the disintegration mechanism of the tablets involved wicking action induced by swelling of the disintegrant; the disintegration time was closely related to the initial rates of swelling and water absorption. Furthermore, the mechanism of water absorption of tablets compressed at 50-75 MPa and 100 MPa shows anomalous diffusion and case-II transport, respectively. The shift in this mechanism is consistent with differences in disintegration time and behavior between the tablets. These findings suggest that information on disintegration properties obtained by our tester is useful for understanding of disintegration phenomena of ODT.

A new ankle laxity tester and its use in the measurement of the effectiveness of taping.

PubMed

Kirk, T; Saha, S; Bowman, L S

2000-12-01

Damage to the lateral ligaments of the ankle, namely the anterior talofibular (ATFL) and the calcaneofibular (CFL) ligaments, is a frequently reported sports injury. The anterior drawer test is generally used to evaluate whether the ATFL has been torn, while the talar tilt test is used to determine if the CFL has been injured. Although these two manual tests are often utilized for quick diagnosis, they have been criticized because of their subjective nature and their inability to produce quantitative and reproducible results. A prototype ankle tester was manufactured that could measure the input force and torque, as well as the linear and angular deprivations for the anterior drawer test and the talar tilt test, respectively. This device was used to take readings on 10 human volunteers of a mean age of 21.6 years. This device was X-ray compatible, adjustable for varying patient sizes, relatively small, portable, and easy to operate. Testing was performed to determine how the stiffness of the ankle would respond to taping, and the effect of walking on the taped ankle. The overall mean anterior drawer was 5.93 mm and the mean talar tilt was 51.6 degrees for bare ankles using a force of 111 N (25 lbs) for the drawer and a torque of 16 N m for the tilt. Taping provided an average increase in stiffness of 11.3%, demonstrating that it did provide increased stability. However, statistically significant (P<0.05) decreases in the stiffness subsequent to taping were observed between the initially taped ankles and after 20 min of walking, when it was shown that talar tilt had increased. The prototype ankle tester produced repeatable measurements, and results show that the increase in stiffness due to taping did decrease after a short period of time.

Hand-Drawn Resistors and a Simple Tester Using a Light-Emitting Diode

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kamata, Masahiro; Abe, Mayumi

2012-01-01

A thick line drawn on a sheet of paper with a 6B pencil is electrically conductive and its resistance can be roughly estimated using a simple tester made of a light-emitting diode (LED) and a lithium coin-type cell. Using this hand-drawn resistor and the LED tester, we developed teaching materials that help students to understand how electrical…

Efficient clinical evaluation of guideline quality: development and testing of a new tool

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Evaluating the methodological quality of clinical practice guidelines is essential before deciding which ones which could best inform policy or practice. One current method of evaluating clinical guideline quality is the research-focused AGREE II instrument. This uses 23 questions scored 1–7, arranged in six domains, which requires at least two independent testers, and uses a formulaic weighted domain scoring system. Following feedback from time-poor clinicians, policy-makers and managers that this instrument did not suit clinical need, we developed and tested a simpler, shorter, binary scored instrument (the iCAHE Guideline Quality Checklist) designed for single users. Methods Content and construct validity, inter-tester reliability and clinical utility were tested by comparing the new iCAHE Guideline Quality Checklist with the AGREE II instrument. Firstly the questions and domains in both instruments were compared. Six randomly-selected guidelines on a similar theme were then assessed by three independent testers with different experience in guideline quality assessment, using both instruments. Per guideline, weighted domain and total AGREE II scores were calculated, using the scoring rubric for three testers. Total iCAHE scores were calculated per guideline, per tester. The linear relationship between iCAHE and AGREE II scores was assessed using Pearson r correlation coefficients. Score differences between testers were assessed for the iCAHE Guideline Quality Checklist. Results There were congruent questions in each instrument in four domains (Scope & Purpose, Stakeholder involvement, Underlying evidence/Rigour, Clarity). The iCAHE and AGREE II scores were moderate to strongly correlated for the six guidelines. There was generally good agreement between testers for iCAHE scores, irrespective of their experience. The iCAHE instrument was preferred by all testers, and took significantly less time to administer than the AGREE II instrument. However, the use of only three testers and six guidelines compromised study power, rendering this research as pilot investigations of the psychometric properties of the iCAHE instrument. Conclusion The iCAHE Guideline Quality Checklist has promising psychometric properties and clinical utility. PMID:24885893

[Are German information materials on colorectal cancer screening understandable or do they fail? Rating of health information by users with different educational backgrounds].

PubMed

Seidel, G; Münch, I; Dreier, M; Borutta, B; Walter, U; Dierks, M-L

2014-03-01

Evidence-based patient information is an essential part of decision making in health issues. A qualitative study was conducted to examine whether consumers consider the health information on colorectal cancer screening in Germany helpful in supporting their decision making. In this study, eight texts from different German authors about colorectal cancer screening were evaluated with a criteria-based selection. The texts were tested for understandability, structure, design, and effect on readers. Thirteen semi-structured focus groups were formed including 59 higher-educated and 15 lower-educated testers, 46 % of them being male with a mean age of 62.9 years. The transcripts were analyzed by content-analytic assessment. The testers provided detailed comments on the content and design of the texts. They revealed inaccuracies and suggested improvements of the texts. The testers differed from each other in terms of the intensity of their participation in the discussions and comprehension of the material. The reception of the flyers and brochures varied according to the educational level of the testers. Lower-educated testers often skipped passages of texts about risks as well as passages containing numbers and graphics. The texts had different effects on the testers, regardless of the level of education. If adverse effects were presented, some testers became scared while others were reassured because they felt informed. Most of the testers appreciated a call for participation as a central message of the text. Sometimes, if there was no clear appeal to attend the screening, the testers even asked for it. The recently introduced political strategy of promoting an informed choice is applied to an unprepared population who was used to getting a clear yes-or-no recommendation. Thus, at first, the population has to learn how to make an informed choice. This topic must be addressed and taken into account in the process of developing health information. Since this is not always the case, we conclude that current materials are limited in their contribution toward the decision of attending CRC screening.

Common tester platform concept.

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

Hurst, Michael James

This report summarizes the results of a case study on the doctrine of a common tester platform, a concept of a standardized platform that can be applicable across the broad spectrum of testing requirements throughout the various stages of a weapons program, as well as across the various weapons programs. The common tester concept strives to define an affordable, next-generation design that will meet testing requirements with the flexibility to grow and expand; supporting the initial development stages of a weapons program through to the final production and surveillance stages. This report discusses a concept investing key leveraging technologies andmore » operational concepts combined with prototype tester-development experiences and practical lessons learned gleaned from past weapons programs.« less

Length of time domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) spend smelling urine of gonadectomised and intact conspecifics.

PubMed

Riach, Anna C; Asquith, Rachel; Fallon, Melissa L D

2017-09-01

Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) use urine to communicate among themselves, however, it is unknown whether the gonadectomy (neutering or spaying) of a dog affects this communication in anyway. Urine samples from 10 intact and 10 gonadectomised, unfamiliar dogs were presented to 12 tester dogs to sniff under controlled conditions in a pilot study. The amount of time the tester dogs spent sniffing each sample was recorded. Overall, tester dogs were recorded smelling the urine of gonadectomised individuals for a longer time. In addition to the type of urine sample, the result is likely to have been influenced by the sex and status (gonadectomised or intact) of the tester dogs. The observed increase in the length of time spent sniffing urine from gonadectomised individuals could be explained by the tester dogs experiencing more difficulty in gaining information from the urine or facing more confusion while analysing the urine compared to the intact urine they have evolved to smell. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Repeatability and validity of a standardised maximal step-up test for leg function-a diagnostic accuracy study

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Objectively assessed physical performance is a strong predictor for morbidity and premature death and there is an increasing interest in the role of sarcopenia in many chronic diseases. There is a need for robust and valid functional tests in clinical practice. Therefore, the repeatability and validity of a newly developed maximal step up test (MST) was assessed. Methods The MST, assessing maximal step-up height (MSH) in 3-cm increments, was evaluated in 60 healthy middle-aged subjects, 30 women and 30 men. The repeatability of MSH and the correlation between MSH and isokinetic knee extension peak torque (IKEPT), self-reported physical function (SF-36, PF), patient demographics and self-reported physical activity were investigated. Results The repeatability between occasions and between testers was 6 cm. MSH (range 12-45 cm) was significantly correlated to IKEPT, (r = 0.68, P < 0.001), SF-36 PF score, (r = 0.29, P = 0.03), sex, age, weight and BMI. The results also show that MSH above 32 cm discriminates subjects in our study with no limitation in self-reported physical function. Conclusions The standardised MST is considered a reliable leg function test for clinical practice. The MSH was related to knee extension strength and self-reported physical function. The precision of the MST for identification of limitations in physical function needs further investigation. PMID:21854575

The Rocketdyne Multifunction Tester. Part 2: Operation of a Radial Magnetic Bearing as an Excitation Source

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hawkins, L. A.; Murphy, Brian T.; Lang, K. W.

1991-01-01

The operation of the magnetic bearing used as an excitation source in the Rocketdyne Multifunction Tester is described. The tester is scheduled for operation during the summer of 1990. The magnetic bearing can be used in two control modes: (1) open loop mode, in which the magnetic bearing operates as a force actuator; and (2) closed loop mode, in which the magnetic bearing provides shaft support. Either control mode can be used to excite the shaft; however, response of the shaft in the two control modes is different due to the alteration of the eigenvalues by closed loop mode operation. A rotordynamic model is developed to predict the frequency response of the tester due to excitation in either control mode. Closed loop mode excitation is shown to be similar to the excitation produced by a rotating eccentricity in a conventional bearing. Predicted frequency response of the tester in the two control modes is compared, and the maximum response is shown to be the same for the two control modes when synchronous unbalance loading is not considered. The analysis shows that the response of this tester is adequate for the extraction of rotordynamic stiffness, damping, and inertia coefficients over a wide range of test article stiffnesses.

HIV impact on women: gender difference among late testers and advanced HIV infection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sukmawati, N. M. D. D.; Merati, T. P.; Somia, A.; Utama, S.; Gayatri, Y.

2018-03-01

This study reported the effect of gender difference on HIV seropositive late testers or advanced infection. A retrospective cohort study of newly diagnosed HIV seropositive based on adatabase in the main referral hospital in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia from 2004 – 2016. Women and man were categorized as late testers (CD4 ≤ 200 cells/uL and/or AIDS diagnosis ≤ 12 months from first HIV test date). Non-late testers (CD4 > 200 cells/uL and/or no AIDS diagnosis during study period or diagnosis of AIDS >12 months from HIV diagnosis), of reproductive age (13 – 49 years old), and not of reproductive age (>49 years old). Logistic regression was used to estimate risk and its statistical significance. The model consists of gender and age correctly classified 83.5% of cases. Women were almost two times more likely to present as non-late testers compared to men, and reproductive age of 15 – 49 years were 1.5 times more likely to present as non-late testers compared to those with age > 49 years. Women affected by HIV almost in equal as for men. Women and those within reproductive age were more likely to present before the advanced stage compared to men and those aged > 49 years.

Reliability of externally fixed dynamometry hamstring strength testing in elite youth football players.

PubMed

Wollin, Martin; Purdam, Craig; Drew, Michael K

2016-01-01

To investigate inter and intra-tester reliability of an externally fixed dynamometry unilateral hamstring strength test, in the elite sports setting. Reliability study. Sixteen, injury-free, elite male youth football players (age=16.81±0.54 years, height=180.22±5.29cm, weight 73.88±6.54kg, BMI=22.57±1.42) gave written informed consent. Unilateral maximum isometric peak hamstring force was evaluated by externally fixed dynamometry for inter-tester, intra-day and intra-tester, inter-week reliability. The test position was standardised to correlate with the terminal swing phase of the gait running cycle. Inter and intra-tester values demonstrated good to high levels of reliability. The intra-class coefficient (ICC) for inter-tester, intra-day reliability was 0.87 (95% CI=0.75-0.93) with standard error of measure percentage (SEM%) 4.7 and minimal detectable change percentage (MDC%) 12.9. Intra-tester, inter-week reliability results were ICC 0.86 (95% CI, 0.74-0.93), SEM% 5.0 and MDC% 14.0. This study demonstrates good to high inter and intra-tester reliability of isometric externally fixed dynamometry unilateral hamstring strength testing in the regular elite sport setting involving elite male youth football players. The intra-class coefficient in association with the low standard error of measure and minimal detectable change percentages suggest that this procedure is appropriate for clinical and academic use as well as monitoring hamstring strength in the elite sport setting. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Steering nitrogen fertilisation by means of portable chlorophyll meter reduces nitrogen input and improves quality of fertigated cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L. var. cantalupensis Naud.).

PubMed

Gianquinto, Giorgio; Fecondini, Marco; Mezzetti, Mirco; Orsini, Francesco

2010-02-01

Farming is considered one of the main causes of land degradation and underground water pollution. The increased availability of agricultural inputs has led to a dramatic rise in yields, which has resulted in soil fertility spoilage and overuse of fertilisers. Therefore horticultural practice improvement must consider appropriate nitrogen (N) management. This paper reports results on the application of an optical diagnostic system (N-tester) to guide N fertilisation in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) over a 3 year trial. Results on fresh and postharvest quality are also presented. Fertilisation events mirrored increases in N-tester values during the season, and a significant linear relationship (R(2) = 0.628) was observed between N-tester readings and leaf chlorophyll content. The N-tester-guided fertilisation treatments were characterised by yields comparable to the control, but with significantly lower applications of N (down to 17-66% of the N distributed in the control). Moreover, the N-tester treatments yielded fruits with higher sugar content. This was also true after storage, when N-tester fruits also showed reduced weight loss associated with lower transpiration and ethylene emission rates. Through the use of 'spy plots' kept at optimal nutritional status and the adoption of a threshold for N application throughout the growing cycle of muskmelon, the N supply was significantly reduced. Therefore a correct application of N-tester allowed the plant N requirement to be reduced and the fruit sugar content and storability to be increased without adversely affecting the yield.

Operational Test Director Guide. Change 4.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-09-20

usable by the people invol - ved; the testers, the data collectors, and the evaluators. Sample formats are available to the OTD in (Change 1) 10-4 4 a...to & educe the e6jeetA o the timiting 6aetoxA. FoL exampte, "Avai- * abte ta/getA do not tepiteaent iteaLL~tic thkeatA. Howevek, 3-3 CLASSIFICATION...related test equipment and special tools. (e) (*) Completed NAVSUP Form 1250, with part number and APL number (or nomenclature of parent equipment), for

Effect of hydrocarbon fuel type on fuel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wong, E. L.; Bittker, D. A.

1982-01-01

A modified jet fuel thermal oxidation tester (JFTOT) procedure was used to evaluate deposit and sediment formation for four pure hydrocarbon fuels over the temperature range 150 to 450 C in 316-stainless-steel heater tubes. Fuel types were a normal alkane, an alkene, a naphthene, and an aromatic. Each fuel exhibited certain distinctive deposit and sediment formation characteristics. The effect of aluminum and 316-stainless-steel heater tube surfaces on deposit formation for the fuel n-decane over the same temperature range was investigated. Results showed that an aluminum surface had lower deposit formation rates at all temperatures investigated. By using a modified JFTOT procedure the thermal stability of four pure hydrocarbon fuels and two practical fuels (Jet A and home heating oil no. 2) was rated on the basis of their breakpoint temperatures. Results indicate that this method could be used to rate thermal stability for a series of fuels.

Test-retest reliability of myofascial trigger point detection in hip and thigh areas.

PubMed

Rozenfeld, E; Finestone, A S; Moran, U; Damri, E; Kalichman, L

2017-10-01

Myofascial trigger points (MTrP's) are a primary source of pain in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Nevertheless, they are frequently underdiagnosed. Reliable MTrP palpation is the necessary for their diagnosis and treatment. The few studies that have looked for intra-tester reliability of MTrPs detection in upper body, provide preliminary evidence that MTrP palpation is reliable. Reliability tests for MTrP palpation on the lower limb have not yet been performed. To evaluate inter- and intra-tester reliability of MTrP recognition in hip and thigh muscles. Reliability study. 21 patients (15 males and 6 females, mean age 21.1 years) referred to the physical therapy clinic, 10 with knee or hip pain and 11 with pain in an upper limb, low back, shin or ankle. Two experienced physical therapists performed the examinations, blinded to the subjects' identity, medical condition and results of the previous MTrP evaluation. Each subject was evaluated four times, twice by each examiner in a random order. Dichotomous findings included a palpable taut band, tenderness, referred pain, and relevance of referred pain to patient's complaint. Based on these, diagnosis of latent MTrP's or active MTrP's was established. The evaluation was performed on both legs and included a total of 16 locations in the following muscles: rectus femoris (proximal), vastus medialis (middle and distal), vastus lateralis (middle and distal) and gluteus medius (anterior, posterior and distal). Inter- and intra-tester reliability (Cohen's kappa (κ)) values for single sites ranged from -0.25 to 0.77. Median intra-tester reliability was 0.45 and 0.46 for latent and active MTrP's, and median inter-tester reliability was 0.51 and 0.64 for latent and active MTrPs, respectively. The examination of the distal vastus medialis was most reliable for latent and active MTrP's (intra-tester k = 0.27-0.77, inter-tester k = 0.77 and intra-tester k = 0.53-0.72, inter-tester k = 0.72, correspondingly). Inter- and intra-tester reliability of active and latent MTrP evaluation was moderate to substantial. Palpation evaluation can be used for clinical diagnosis of MTrP's in the hip and thigh muscles. This study provides evidence that MTrP palpation is a moderately reliable diagnostic tool in the hip and thigh muscles and can be used in clinical practice and research. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cable tester

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rammage, Robert L.

1990-10-01

A device for sequentially testing the plurality of connectors in a wiring harness is disclosed. The harness is attached to the tester by means of adapter cables and a rotary switch is used to sequentially, individually test the connectors by passing a current through the connector. If the connector is unbroken, a light will flash to show it is electrically sound. The adapters allow a large number of cable configurations to be tested using a single tester configuration.

Online Tester for a Symbol Generator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Juday, D.; Mcconaugy, K.

1985-01-01

About 95 percent of faults detected. Programable instrument periodically checks for failures in system that generates alphanumerical and other symbol voltages for cathode-ray-tube displays. Symbol-generator tester compares gated test-point voltages with predetermined voltage limits while circuit under test performs commanded operation. A go/no-go indication given, depending on whether test voltage is or is not within its specification. Tester in plug-in modular form, temporarily wired to generator test points, or permanently wired to these points.

TUBE TESTER

DOEpatents

Gittings, H.T. Jr.; Kalbach, J.F.

1958-01-14

This patent relates to tube testing, and in particular describes a tube tester for automatic testing of a number of vacuum tubes while in service and as frequently as may be desired. In it broadest aspects the tube tester compares a particular tube with a standard tube tarough a difference amplifier. An unbalanced condition in the circuit of the latter produced by excessive deviation of the tube in its characteristics from standard actuates a switch mechanism stopping the testing cycle and indicating the defective tube.

Explosives tester with heater

DOEpatents

Del Eckels, Joel [Livermore, CA; Nunes, Peter J [Danville, CA; Simpson, Randall L [Livermore, CA; Whipple, Richard E [Livermore, CA; Carter, J Chance [Livermore, CA; Reynolds, John G [San Ramon, CA

2010-08-10

An inspection tester system for testing for explosives. The tester includes a body and a swab unit adapted to be removeably connected to the body. At least one reagent holder and dispenser is operatively connected to the body. The reagent holder and dispenser contains an explosives detecting reagent and is positioned to deliver the explosives detecting reagent to the swab unit. A heater is operatively connected to the body and the swab unit is adapted to be operatively connected to the heater.

Determining the fertility status of Setaria infecting Magnaporthe grisea isolates with standard testers and identification of tolerant cultivar of Setaria italica.

PubMed

Karthikeyan, Veluswamy; Gnanamanickam, S S

2008-10-01

A total of 128 isolates of Setaria-infecting Magnaporthe grisea strains were obtained from different states of South India which includes sampling sites from Tamil Nadu, two from Karnataka, one from Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. Out of the selected 128 isolates 30 strains were tested with MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 fertile standard testers to determine their mating type. None of the 30 Setaria isolates produced perithecia with fertile testers. However, when monoconidial isolates were mated among themselves, isolates from the same field produced only barren perithecia and the tester isolates were able to mate readily with finger millet isolates. This is the first report of the mating-type studies on Setaria infecting Magnaporthe grisea with standard testers. This result indicates that the Setaria infecting population is infertile. In pathogenicity assay, it was found that 9 out of the 22 Setaria accessions were highly susceptible to Setaria strains of the blast fungus and seven cultivars/accessions were resistant to blast pathogen. Various virulence reactions were scored according to Standard Evaluation System.

Generating realistic environments for cyber operations development, testing, and training

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berk, Vincent H.; Gregorio-de Souza, Ian; Murphy, John P.

2012-06-01

Training eective cyber operatives requires realistic network environments that incorporate the structural and social complexities representative of the real world. Network trac generators facilitate repeatable experiments for the development, training and testing of cyber operations. However, current network trac generators, ranging from simple load testers to complex frameworks, fail to capture the realism inherent in actual environments. In order to improve the realism of network trac generated by these systems, it is necessary to quantitatively measure the level of realism in generated trac with respect to the environment being mimicked. We categorize realism measures into statistical, content, and behavioral measurements, and propose various metrics that can be applied at each level to indicate how eectively the generated trac mimics the real world.

Non-Intrusive Cable Tester

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Medelius, Pedro J. (Inventor); Simpson, Howard J. (Inventor)

1999-01-01

A cable tester is described for low frequency testing of a cable for faults. The tester allows for testing a cable beyond a point where a signal conditioner is installed, minimizing the number of connections which have to be disconnected. A magnetic pickup coil is described for detecting a test signal injected into the cable. A narrow bandpass filter is described for increasing detection of the test signal. The bandpass filter reduces noise so that a high gain amplifier provided for detecting a test signal is not completely saturate by noise. To further increase the accuracy of the cable tester, processing gain is achieved by comparing the signal from the amplifier with at least one reference signal emulating the low frequency input signal injected into the cable. Different processing techniques are described evaluating a detected signal.

Comparison of the American Optical Vision Tester and the Armed Forces Far Visual Acuity Test. B-6-133-13

DTIC Science & Technology

1954-01-01

THE AMERICAN OPTICAL VISION TESTER AND THE ARMED FORCES FAR VISUAL ACUITY TEST Comparisons were made of the visual acuity scores of 100 enlisted men on ...the American Optical Vision Tester (with Sloan plates) and on the Armed Forces Far Visual Acuity test. Order of presentation was: AO-left eye, AO...right eye, AFFVAT-left, AFVTAT-right. Correlation coefficients between AO and AFFVAT were around .89. Dispersion of acuity scores was about the same on

Spring-Blade Impact Tester

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holmes, Alan M.; Champagne, James W.

1989-01-01

Record of energy relationships retrieved from compact, portable tester. Spring-blade impact tester developed to support evaluation of tolerance to damage of struts under consideration for use in Space Station. Approach offers potential for determining damage as function of change in relationship between applied and absorbed energies as applied energy successively increased with each impact. Impactor strikes specimen at moment of maximum kinetic energy after spring blades released from cocked position. Concept also provides potential for measuring behavior during impact, and energy relationships retrievable from oscilloscope traces of impact.

A portable wheel tester for tyre-road friction and rolling resistance determination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pytka, J.; Budzyński, P.; Tarkowski, P.; Piaskowski, M.

2016-09-01

The paper describes theory of operation, design and construction as well as results from primarily experiments with a portable wheel tester that has been developed by the authors as a device for on-site determination of tyre-road braking/driving friction and rolling resistance. The paper includes schematics, drawings, descriptions as well as graphical results form early tests with the presented device. It is expected that the tester can be useful in road accident reconstruction applications as well as in vehicle dynamics research.

Creation and pilot testing of cases for case-based learning: A pedagogical approach for pathology cancer diagnosis.

PubMed

Sayed, Shahin; Lester, Susan C; Wilson, Michael; Berney, Daniel; Masia, Ricard; Moloo, Zahir; Stall, Jennifer; Eslan, Alexia; Ayers, Stephanie; Mutuku, Angela; Guarner, Jeannette

2017-01-01

Case-based learning (CBL) is an established pedagogical active learning method used in various disciplines and defined based on the field of study and type of case. The utility of CBL for teaching specific aspects of cancer diagnosis to practising pathologists has not been previously studied in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to pilot test standardised cancer cases on a group of practising pathologists in sub-Saharan Africa to evaluate case content, clarity of questions and delivery of content. Expert faculty created cases for the four most commonly diagnosed cancers. The format included mini-cases and bullet cases which were all open-ended. The questions dealt with interpretation of clinical information, gross specimen examination, morphologic characteristics of tumours, ancillary testing, reporting and appropriate communication to clinicians. Cases on breast, cervical, prostate and colorectal cancers were tested on seven practising pathologists. Each case took an average of 45-90 min to complete.Questions that were particularly challenging to testers were on: Specimens they should have been but for some reason were not exposed to in routine practice.Ancillary testing and appropriate tumour staging.New knowledge gained included tumour grading and assessment of radial margins. Revisions to cases were made based on testers' feedback, which included rewording of questions to reduce ambiguity and adding of tables to clarify concepts. Cases were created for CBL in Kenya, but these are applicable elsewhere in Africa and beyond to teach cancer diagnosis. The pilot testing of cases prepared faculty for the actual CBL course and feedback provided by the testers assisted in improving the questions and impact on day-to-day practice.

24 CFR 125.107 - Testers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... FHIP: (a) Testers must not have prior felony convictions or convictions of crimes involving fraud or... not: (1) Have an economic interest in the outcome of the test, without prejudice to the right of any...

24 CFR 125.107 - Testers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... FHIP: (a) Testers must not have prior felony convictions or convictions of crimes involving fraud or... not: (1) Have an economic interest in the outcome of the test, without prejudice to the right of any...

24 CFR 125.107 - Testers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... FHIP: (a) Testers must not have prior felony convictions or convictions of crimes involving fraud or... not: (1) Have an economic interest in the outcome of the test, without prejudice to the right of any...

24 CFR 125.107 - Testers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... FHIP: (a) Testers must not have prior felony convictions or convictions of crimes involving fraud or... not: (1) Have an economic interest in the outcome of the test, without prejudice to the right of any...

24 CFR 125.107 - Testers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... FHIP: (a) Testers must not have prior felony convictions or convictions of crimes involving fraud or... not: (1) Have an economic interest in the outcome of the test, without prejudice to the right of any...

SPHERES ultrasound beacon tester floats in Node 1 during Expedition 8

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-03-24

ISS008-E-19132 (24 March 2004) --- The Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) Beacon / Beacon Tester floats in the Unity node of the International Space Station.

From Playroom to Lab: Tough Stretchable Electronics Analyzed with a Tabletop Tensile Tester Made from Toy‐Bricks

PubMed Central

Kettlgruber, Gerald; Siket, Christian M.; Drack, Michael; Graz, Ingrid M.; Cakmak, Umut; Major, Zoltan; Kaltenbrunner, Martin; Bauer, Siegfried

2016-01-01

Toy bricks are an ideal platform for the cost‐effective rapid prototyping of a tabletop tensile tester with measurement accuracy on par with expensive, commercially available laboratory equipment. Here, a tester is presented that is not only a versatile demonstration device in mechanics, electronics, and physics education and an eye‐catcher on exhibitions, but also a powerful tool for stretchable electronics research. Following the “open‐source movement” the build‐up of the tester is described and all the details for easy reproduction are disclosed. A a new design of highly conformable all‐elastomer based graded rigid island printed circuit boards is developed. Tough bonded to this elastomer substrate are imperceptible electronic foils bearing conductors and off‐the‐shelf microelectronics, paving the way for next generation smart electronic appliances. PMID:27588259

A comparison of damage profiling of automated tap testers on aircraft CFRP panel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohd Aris, K. D.; Shariff, M. F.; Abd Latif, B. R.; Mohd Haris, M. Y.; Baidzawi, I. J.

2017-12-01

The use of composite materials nevertheless is getting more prominent. The combination of reinforcing fibers and matrices will produce the desired strength orientation, tailorability and not to mention the complex shape that is hard to form on metallic structure. The weight percentage of composite materials used in aerospace, civil, marine etc. has increased tremendously. Since composite are stacked together, the possibility of delamination and/disbond defects are highly present either in the monolithic or sandwich structures. Tap test is the cheapest form of nondestructive test to identify the presence of this damage. However, its inconsistency and wide area of coverage can reduce its effectivity since it is carried out manually. The indigenous automated tap tester known as KETOK was used to detect the damage due to trapped voids and air pockets. The mechanism of detection is through controlling the tapping on the surface automatically at a constant rate. Another manual tap tester RD-3 from Wichitech Industries Inc. was used as reference. The acquired data was translated into damage profiling and both results were compared. The results have shown that the indigenous automated tester can profile the damage better when compared with the existing tap tester. As a conclusion, the indigenous automated tap tester has a potential to be used as an IN-SITU damage detection tool to detect delamination and disbond damage on composite panel. However, more conclusive tests need to be done in order to make the unit available to conventional users.

Limited electromagnetic interference testing of evidential breath testers

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1983-05-06

This report summarizes a limited test program conducted to determine the susceptibility of evidential breath testers (EBTs) to radio frequency interference (RFI). Several comprehensive test protocols were prepared based on procedures developed by the...

Associations between Mode of HIV Testing and Consent, Confidentiality, and Referral: A Comparative Analysis in Four African Countries

PubMed Central

Obermeyer, Carla Makhlouf; Neuman, Melissa; Desclaux, Alice; Wanyenze, Rhoda; Ky-Zerbo, Odette; Cherutich, Peter; Namakhoma, Ireen; Hardon, Anita

2012-01-01

Background Recommendations about scaling up HIV testing and counseling highlight the need to provide key services and to protect clients' rights, but it is unclear to what extent different modes of testing differ in this respect. This paper examines whether practices regarding consent, confidentiality, and referral vary depending on whether testing is provided through voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) or provider-initiated testing. Methods and Findings The MATCH (Multi-Country African Testing and Counseling for HIV) study was carried out in Burkina Faso, Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda. Surveys were conducted at selected facilities. We defined eight outcome measures related to pre- and post-test counseling, consent, confidentiality, satisfactory interactions with providers, and (for HIV-positive respondents) referral for care. These were compared across three types of facilities: integrated facilities, where testing is provided along with medical care; stand-alone VCT facilities; and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) facilities, where testing is part of PMTCT services. Tests of bivariate associations and modified Poisson regression were used to assess significance and estimate the unadjusted and adjusted associations between modes of testing and outcome measures. In total, 2,116 respondents tested in 2007 or later reported on their testing experience. High percentages of clients across countries and modes of testing reported receiving recommended services and being satisfied. In the unadjusted analyses, integrated testers were less likely to meet with a counselor before testing (83% compared with 95% of VCT testers; p<0.001), but those who had a pre-test meeting were more likely to have completed consent procedures (89% compared with 83% among VCT testers; p<0.001) and pre-test counseling (78% compared with 73% among VCT testers; p = 0.015). Both integrated and PMTCT testers were more likely to receive complete post-test counseling than were VCT testers (59% among both PMTCT and integrated testers compared with 36% among VCT testers; p<0.001). Adjusted analyses by country show few significant differences by mode of testing: only lower satisfaction among integrated testers in Burkina Faso and Uganda, and lower frequency of referral among PMTCT testers in Malawi. Adjusted analyses of pooled data across countries show a higher likelihood of pre-test meeting for those testing at VCT facilities (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07–1.38) and higher satisfaction for stand-alone VCT facilities (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.06–1.25), compared to integrated testing, but no other associations were statistically significant. Conclusions Overall, in this study most respondents reported favorable outcomes for consent, confidentiality, and referral. Provider-initiated ways of delivering testing and counseling do not appear to be associated with less favorable outcomes for clients than traditional, client-initiated VCT, suggesting that testing can be scaled up through multiple modes without detriment to clients' rights. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary PMID:23109914

Associations between mode of HIV testing and consent, confidentiality, and referral: a comparative analysis in four African countries.

PubMed

Obermeyer, Carla Makhlouf; Neuman, Melissa; Desclaux, Alice; Wanyenze, Rhoda; Ky-Zerbo, Odette; Cherutich, Peter; Namakhoma, Ireen; Hardon, Anita

2012-01-01

Recommendations about scaling up HIV testing and counseling highlight the need to provide key services and to protect clients' rights, but it is unclear to what extent different modes of testing differ in this respect. This paper examines whether practices regarding consent, confidentiality, and referral vary depending on whether testing is provided through voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) or provider-initiated testing. The MATCH (Multi-Country African Testing and Counseling for HIV) study was carried out in Burkina Faso, Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda. Surveys were conducted at selected facilities. We defined eight outcome measures related to pre- and post-test counseling, consent, confidentiality, satisfactory interactions with providers, and (for HIV-positive respondents) referral for care. These were compared across three types of facilities: integrated facilities, where testing is provided along with medical care; stand-alone VCT facilities; and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) facilities, where testing is part of PMTCT services. Tests of bivariate associations and modified Poisson regression were used to assess significance and estimate the unadjusted and adjusted associations between modes of testing and outcome measures. In total, 2,116 respondents tested in 2007 or later reported on their testing experience. High percentages of clients across countries and modes of testing reported receiving recommended services and being satisfied. In the unadjusted analyses, integrated testers were less likely to meet with a counselor before testing (83% compared with 95% of VCT testers; p<0.001), but those who had a pre-test meeting were more likely to have completed consent procedures (89% compared with 83% among VCT testers; p<0.001) and pre-test counseling (78% compared with 73% among VCT testers; p = 0.015). Both integrated and PMTCT testers were more likely to receive complete post-test counseling than were VCT testers (59% among both PMTCT and integrated testers compared with 36% among VCT testers; p<0.001). Adjusted analyses by country show few significant differences by mode of testing: only lower satisfaction among integrated testers in Burkina Faso and Uganda, and lower frequency of referral among PMTCT testers in Malawi. Adjusted analyses of pooled data across countries show a higher likelihood of pre-test meeting for those testing at VCT facilities (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07-1.38) and higher satisfaction for stand-alone VCT facilities (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.06-1.25), compared to integrated testing, but no other associations were statistically significant. Overall, in this study most respondents reported favorable outcomes for consent, confidentiality, and referral. Provider-initiated ways of delivering testing and counseling do not appear to be associated with less favorable outcomes for clients than traditional, client-initiated VCT, suggesting that testing can be scaled up through multiple modes without detriment to clients' rights. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

Use of folk tests to detect ciguateric fish: a scientific evaluation of their effectiveness in Raivavae Island (Australes, French Polynesia).

PubMed

Darius, H T; Drescher, O; Ponton, D; Pawlowiez, R; Laurent, D; Dewailly, E; Chinain, M

2013-01-01

Ciguatera fish poisoning is a seafood intoxication commonly afflicting island communities in the Pacific. These populations, which are strongly dependent on fish resources, have developed over centuries various strategies to decrease the risk of intoxication, including the use of folk tests to detect ciguateric fish. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two folk tests commonly used in Raivavae Island (Australes, French Polynesia): the rigor mortis test (RMT) and the bleeding test (BT). A total of 107 fish were collected in Raivavae Lagoon, among which 80 were tested by five testers using the RMT versus 107 tested by four testers using BT. First, the performance between testers was compared. Second, the efficiency of these tests was compared with toxicity data obtained via the receptor binding assay (RBA) by assessing various parameter's values such as sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). Comparisons of outcomes between folk tests and RBA analyses were considered: tests used separately or in a parallel versus the series approach by each tester. The overall efficiency of the RMT and BT tests was also evaluated when the judgments of all testers were "pooled". The results demonstrate that efficiencies varied between testers with one showing the best scores in detecting toxic fish: 55% with RMT and 69.2% with BT. BT gave the best results in detecting toxic fish as compared with RMT, giving also better agreement between testers. If high NPV and Se values were to be privileged, the data also suggest that the best way to limit cases of intoxication would be to use RMT and BT tests in a parallel approach. The use of traditional knowledge and a good knowledge of risky versus healthy fishing areas may help reduce the risk of intoxication among communities where ciguatera fish poisoning is highly prevalent.

Reliability and validity of the Assessment of Daily Activity Performance (ADAP) in community-dwelling older women.

PubMed

de Vreede, Paul L; Samson, Monique M; van Meeteren, Nico L; Duursma, Sijmen A; Verhaar, Harald J

2006-08-01

The Assessment of Daily Activity Performance (ADAP) test was developed, and modeled after the Continuous-scale Physical Functional Performance (CS-PFP) test, to provide a quantitative assessment of older adults' physical functional performance. The aim of this study was to determine the intra-examiner reliability and construct validity of the ADAP in a community-living older population, and to identify the importance of tester experience. Forty-three community-dwelling, older women (mean age 75 yr +/-4.3) were randomized to the test-retest reliability study (n=19) or validation study (n=24). The intra-examiner reliability of an experienced (tester 1) and an inexperienced tester (tester 2) was assessed by comparing test and retest scores of 19 participants. Construct validity was assessed by comparing the ADAP scores of 24 participants with self-perceived function by the SF-36 Health Survey, muscle function tests, and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG). Tester 1 had good consistency and reliability scores (mean difference between test and retest scores (DIF), -1.05+/-1.99; 95% confidence interval (CI), -2.58 to 0.48; Cronbach's alpha (alpha) range, 0.83 to 0.98; intraclass correlation (ICC) range, 0.75 to 0.96; Limits of Agreement (LoA), -2.58 to 4.95). Tester 2 had lower reliability scores (DIF, -2.45+/-4.36; 95% CI, -5.56 to 0.67; alpha range, 0.53 to 0.94; ICC range, 0.36 to 0.90; LoA, -6.09 to 10.99), with a systematic difference between test and retest scores for the ADAP domain lower-body strength (-3.81; 95% CI, -6.09 to -1.54), ADAP correlated with SF-36 Physical Functioning scale (r=0.67), TUG test (r=-0.91) and with isometric knee extensor strength (r=0.80). The ADAP test is a reliable and valid instrument. Our results suggest that testers should practise using the test, to improve reliability, before applying it to clinical settings.

A cluster-based randomized controlled trial promoting community participation in arsenic mitigation efforts in Bangladesh.

PubMed

George, Christine Marie; van Geen, Alexander; Slavkovich, Vesna; Singha, Ashit; Levy, Diane; Islam, Tariqul; Ahmed, Kazi Matin; Moon-Howard, Joyce; Tarozzi, Alessandro; Liu, Xinhua; Factor-Litvak, Pam; Graziano, Joseph

2012-06-19

To reduce arsenic (As) exposure, we evaluated the effectiveness of training community members to perform water arsenic (WAs) testing and provide As education compared to sending representatives from outside communities to conduct these tasks. We conducted a cluster based randomized controlled trial of 20 villages in Singair, Bangladesh. Fifty eligible respondents were randomly selected in each village. In 10 villages, a community member provided As education and WAs testing. In a second set of 10 villages an outside representative performed these tasks. Overall, 53% of respondents using As contaminated wells, relative to the Bangladesh As standard of 50 μg/L, at baseline switched after receiving the intervention. Further, when there was less than 60% arsenic contaminated wells in a village, the classification used by the Bangladeshi and UNICEF, 74% of study households in the community tester villages, and 72% of households in the outside tester villages reported switching to an As safe drinking water source. Switching was more common in the outside-tester (63%) versus community-tester villages (44%). However, after adjusting for the availability of arsenic safe drinking water sources, well switching did not differ significantly by type of As tester (Odds ratio = 0.86[95% confidence interval 0.42-1.77). At follow-up, among those using As contaminated wells who switched to safe wells, average urinary As concentrations significantly decreased. The overall intervention was effective in reducing As exposure provided there were As-safe drinking water sources available. However, there was not a significant difference observed in the ability of the community and outside testers to encourage study households to use As-safe water sources. The findings of this study suggest that As education and WAs testing programs provided by As testers, irrespective of their residence, could be used as an effective, low cost approach to reduce As exposure in many As-affected areas of Bangladesh.

(Quickly) Testing the Tester via Path Coverage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Groce, Alex

2009-01-01

The configuration complexity and code size of an automated testing framework may grow to a point that the tester itself becomes a significant software artifact, prone to poor configuration and implementation errors. Unfortunately, testing the tester by using old versions of the software under test (SUT) may be impractical or impossible: test framework changes may have been motivated by interface changes in the tested system, or fault detection may become too expensive in terms of computing time to justify running until errors are detected on older versions of the software. We propose the use of path coverage measures as a "quick and dirty" method for detecting many faults in complex test frameworks. We also note the possibility of using techniques developed to diversify state-space searches in model checking to diversify test focus, and an associated classification of tester changes into focus-changing and non-focus-changing modifications.

System architecture of a gallium arsenide one-gigahertz digital IC tester

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fouts, Douglas J.; Johnson, John M.; Butner, Steven E.; Long, Stephen I.

1987-01-01

The design for a 1-GHz digital integrated circuit tester for the evaluation of custom GaAs chips and subsystems is discussed. Technology-related problems affecting the design of a GaAs computer are discussed, with emphasis on the problems introduced by long printed-circuit-board interconnect. High-speed interface modules provide a link between the low-speed microprocessor and the chip under test. Memory-multiplexer and memory-shift register architectures for the storage of test vectors are described in addition to an architecture for local data storage consisting of a long chain of GaAs shift registers. The tester is constructed around a VME system card cage and backplane, and very little high-speed interconnect exists between boards. The tester has a three part self-test consisting of a CPU board confidence test, a main memory confidence test, and a high-speed interface module functional test.

Gum and deposit formation in diesel fuels. Final report, 1984-1988

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

Mayo, F.R.; Mill, T.

1988-05-15

The authors examined two aspects of the stability of diesel fuels in storage: the formation of sediments in suspension, which subsequently clog filters, and the formation of soluble gum, which passes the filters but then forms hard deposits on hot engine parts. Research on fuel stability at SRI during the last 6 years has shown that soluble gum appears first on storage, and then part of it grows into sediment. If the oxidation mixture is agitated gently, the precipitating gum grows on the surface gum, and no loose sediment is formed. Three mechanisms of gum formation were distinguished: (1) amore » process intimately associated with chain propagation and termination during oxidation, (2) a coupling of fuel molecules by decomposing peroxides in the absence of oxygen, and (3) a condensation of naphthols and aldehydes from the oxidation of alkylnaphthalenes. The polymeric oxidation products from a JP-8 fuel are shown to be largely responsible for deposits in the Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Tester (JFTOT).« less

Trends in HIV testing, prevalence among first-time testers, and incidence in most-at-risk populations in Spain: the EPI-VIH Study, 2000 to 2009.

PubMed

Diez, M; Bleda, M J; Varela, J R; Ordonana, J; Azpiri, M A; Vall, M; Santos, C; Viloria, L; de Armas, C; Urena, J M; Trullen, J; Pueyo, I; Martinez, B; Puerta, T; Vera, M; Sanz, I; Junquera, M L; Landa, M C; Martinez, E; Camara, M M; Belda, J; Bru, F J; Diaz, A

2014-11-27

During 2000 to 2009, data on people undergoing HIV testing and on those newly diagnosed with HIV were collected in a network of 20 Spanish clinics specialising in sexually transmitted infections and/or HIV testing and counselling. The number of tests performed, overall and disaggregated by different variables, was obtained. HIV prevalence among first-time testers and HIV incidence among repeat testers were calculated. To evaluate trends, joinpoint regression models were fitted. In total, 236,939 HIV tests were performed for 165,745 individuals. Overall HIV prevalence among persons seeking HIV testing was 2.5% (95% CI: 2.4 to 2.6). Prevalence was highest in male sex workers who had sex with other men (19.0% (95% CI: 16.7 to 21.4)) and was lowest in female sex workers (0.8% (95% CI: 0.7 to 0.9)). Significant trends in prevalence were observed in men who have sex with men (MSM) (increasing) and heterosexual individuals (decreasing). The incidence analysis included 30,679 persons, 64,104 person-years (py) of follow-up and 642 seroconversions. The overall incidence rate (IR) was 1.0/100 py (95% CI: 0.9/100 to 1.1/100). Incidence was significantly higher in men and transgender females than in women (1.8/100 py (95% CI: 1.6 to 1.9), 1.2/100 py (95% CI: 0.5 to 2.8) and 0.1/100 py (95% CI: 0.09 to 0.2) respectively) and increased with age until 35–39 years. IRs in MSM and people who inject drugs were significantly greater than in heterosexual individuals (2.5/100 py (95% CI: 2.3 to 2.7), 1.6/100 py (95% CI: 1.1 to 2.2) and 0.1/100 py (95% CI: 0.09 to 0.2) respectively), and an upward trend was observed in MSM. Our results call for HIV prevention to be reinforced in MSM and transgender women in Spain.

Surface changes of enamel after brushing with charcoal toothpaste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pertiwi, U. I.; Eriwati, Y. K.; Irawan, B.

2017-08-01

The aim of this study was to determine the surface roughness changes of tooth enamel after brushing with charcoal toothpaste. Thirty specimens were brushed using distilled water (the first group), Strong® Formula toothpaste (the second group), and Charcoal® Formula toothpaste for four minutes and 40 seconds (equivalent to one month) and for 14 minutes (equivalent to three months) using a soft fleece toothbrush with a mass of 150 gr. The roughness was measured using a surface roughness tester, and the results were tested with repeated ANOVA test and one-way ANOVA. The value of the surface roughness of tooth enamel was significantly different (p<0.05) after brushing for an equivalent of one month and an equivalent of three months. Using toothpaste containing charcoal can increase the surface roughness of tooth enamel.

The effect of brushing with toothpaste containing nano calcium carbonate upon nanofill composite resin surface roughness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramadhani, A. M.; Herda, E.; Triaminingsih, S.

2017-08-01

This study aims to determine the effect of brushing with toothpaste containing nanocalcium carbonate on the roughness of nanofill composite resin surface. Brushing was conducted with 3 types of materials for 3 consecutive brushing periods of 10 minutes each. Surface roughness was measured using a surface-roughness tester and the results were analyzed using the repeated ANOVA and the one-way ANOVA test. The surface morphology was observed using SEM after 3 months’ worth of brushing with the 3 materials. It was found that the nanofill composite resin surface-roughness value increased significantly (p<0.005) after brushing with toothpaste containing nano calcium carbonate for 3 months, but the value was not as high as that obtained when brushing with other types of toothpaste.

Growth and studies of cyclohexylammonium 4-methoxy benzoate single crystal for nonlinear optical applications

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

Sathya, P.; Gopalakrishnan, R., E-mail: krgkrishnan@annauniv.edu

2015-06-24

Cyclohexylammonium 4-Methoxy Benzoate (C4MB) was synthesised and the functional groups were confirmed by FTIR analysis. The purified C4MB (by repeated recrystallisation) was used for single crystal growth. Single crystal of cyclohexylammonium 4-methoxy benzoate was successfully grown by slow evaporation solution growth method at ambient temperature. Structural orientations were determined from single crystal X-ray diffractometer. Optical absorption and cut off wavelength were identified by UV-Visible spectroscopy. Thermal stability of the crystal was studied from thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses curves. Mechanical stability of the grown crystal was analysed by Vicker’s microhardness tester. The Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) study revealed that themore » C4MB compound exhibits the SHG efficiency 3.3 times greater than KDP crystal.« less

Effect of variable tinted spectacle lenses on visual performance in control subjects.

PubMed

Lee, Jason E; Stein, Jonathan J; Prevor, Meredith B; Seiple, William H; Holopigian, Karen; Greenstein, Vivienne C; Stenson, Susan M

2002-04-01

To evaluate quantitatively the effects of tinted spectacle lenses on visual performance in individuals without visual pathology. Twenty-five subjects were assessed by measuring contrast sensitivity with and without glare. Gray, brown, yellow, green, purple, and blue lens tints were evaluated. Measurements were repeated with each lens tint and with a clear lens, and the order was counterbalanced within and between subjects. Glare was induced with a modified brightness acuity tester. All subjects demonstrated an increase in contrast thresholds under glare conditions for all lens tints. However, purple and blue lens tints resulted in the least amount of contrast threshold increase; the yellow lens tint resulted in the largest contrast threshold increase. Purple and blue lens tints may improve contrast sensitivity in control subjects under glare conditions.

Evaluation of a laser road surface tester.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1995-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and usefulness of pavement distress data derived from a laser road surface tester (RST) operating on Virginia's interstate highway system. The evaluation was conducted by comparing rut depth, rou...

Wisconsin mixture characterization using the asphalt mixture performance tester (AMPT) on historical aggregate structures.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-01-01

This research evaluated the stiffness and permanent deformation properties of typical Wisconsin Department of : Transportation (WisDOT) asphalt mixtures using the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) and associated test and : analysis procedures...

40 CFR 261.21 - Characteristic of ignitability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... determined by a Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester, using the test method specified in ASTM Standard D 93-79 or D 93-80 (incorporated by reference, see § 260.11), or a Setaflash Closed Cup Tester, using the test...

40 CFR 261.21 - Characteristic of ignitability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... determined by a Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester, using the test method specified in ASTM Standard D 93-79 or D 93-80 (incorporated by reference, see § 260.11), or a Setaflash Closed Cup Tester, using the test...

Open-source micro-tensile testers via additive manufacturing for the mechanical characterization of thin films and papers

PubMed Central

Scheftic, Charlie M.; Brinson, L. Catherine

2018-01-01

The cost of specialized scientific equipment can be high and with limited funding resources, researchers and students are often unable to access or purchase the ideal equipment for their projects. In the fields of materials science and mechanical engineering, fundamental equipment such as tensile testing devices can cost tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. While a research lab often has access to a large-scale testing machine suitable for conventional samples, loading devices for meso- and micro-scale samples for in-situ testing with the myriad of microscopy tools are often hard to source and cost prohibitive. Open-source software has allowed for great strides in the reduction of costs associated with software development and open-source hardware and additive manufacturing have the potential to similarly reduce the costs of scientific equipment and increase the accessibility of scientific research. To investigate the feasibility of open-source hardware, a micro-tensile tester was designed with a freely accessible computer-aided design package and manufactured with a desktop 3D-printer and off-the-shelf components. To our knowledge this is one of the first demonstrations of a tensile tester with additively manufactured components for scientific research. The capabilities of the tensile tester were demonstrated by investigating the mechanical properties of Graphene Oxide (GO) paper and thin films. A 3D printed tensile tester was successfully used in conjunction with an atomic force microscope to provide one of the first quantitative measurements of GO thin film buckling under compression. The tensile tester was also used in conjunction with an atomic force microscope to observe the change in surface topology of a GO paper in response to increasing tensile strain. No significant change in surface topology was observed in contrast to prior hypotheses from the literature. Based on this result obtained with the new open source tensile stage we propose an alternative hypothesis we term ‘superlamellae consolidation’ to explain the initial deformation of GO paper. The additively manufactured tensile tester tested represents cost savings of >99% compared to commercial solutions in its class and offers simple customization. However, continued development is needed for the tensile tester presented here to approach the technical specifications achievable with commercial solutions. PMID:29813103

Open-source micro-tensile testers via additive manufacturing for the mechanical characterization of thin films and papers.

PubMed

Nandy, Krishanu; Collinson, David W; Scheftic, Charlie M; Brinson, L Catherine

2018-01-01

The cost of specialized scientific equipment can be high and with limited funding resources, researchers and students are often unable to access or purchase the ideal equipment for their projects. In the fields of materials science and mechanical engineering, fundamental equipment such as tensile testing devices can cost tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. While a research lab often has access to a large-scale testing machine suitable for conventional samples, loading devices for meso- and micro-scale samples for in-situ testing with the myriad of microscopy tools are often hard to source and cost prohibitive. Open-source software has allowed for great strides in the reduction of costs associated with software development and open-source hardware and additive manufacturing have the potential to similarly reduce the costs of scientific equipment and increase the accessibility of scientific research. To investigate the feasibility of open-source hardware, a micro-tensile tester was designed with a freely accessible computer-aided design package and manufactured with a desktop 3D-printer and off-the-shelf components. To our knowledge this is one of the first demonstrations of a tensile tester with additively manufactured components for scientific research. The capabilities of the tensile tester were demonstrated by investigating the mechanical properties of Graphene Oxide (GO) paper and thin films. A 3D printed tensile tester was successfully used in conjunction with an atomic force microscope to provide one of the first quantitative measurements of GO thin film buckling under compression. The tensile tester was also used in conjunction with an atomic force microscope to observe the change in surface topology of a GO paper in response to increasing tensile strain. No significant change in surface topology was observed in contrast to prior hypotheses from the literature. Based on this result obtained with the new open source tensile stage we propose an alternative hypothesis we term 'superlamellae consolidation' to explain the initial deformation of GO paper. The additively manufactured tensile tester tested represents cost savings of >99% compared to commercial solutions in its class and offers simple customization. However, continued development is needed for the tensile tester presented here to approach the technical specifications achievable with commercial solutions.

New reaction tester accurate within 56 microseconds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, H.

1972-01-01

Testing device measures simple and disjunctive reaction time of human subject to light stimuli. Tester consists of reaction key, logic card, panel mounted neon indicators, and interconnecting wiring. Device is used for determining reaction times of patients undergoing postoperative neurological therapy.

Evaluation of IMS - Swedish Laser road tester : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1990-09-01

A test of the IMS - Swedish Laser road tester was conducted in September 1988. The vehicle mounted laser equipment was used to survey pavement conditions on sections of Oregon's Interstate and non-interstate highway system. : The IMS laser equipment ...

Effect of microgravity on visual contrast threshold during STS Shuttle missions: Visual Function Tester-Model 2 (VFT-2)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oneal, Melvin R.; Task, H. Lee; Genco, Louis V.

1992-01-01

Viewgraphs on effect of microgravity on visual contrast threshold during STS shuttle missions are presented. The purpose, methods, and results are discussed. The visual function tester model 2 is used.

Exploring the Use of a Test Automation Framework

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cervantes, Alex

2009-01-01

It is known that software testers, more often than not, lack the time needed to fully test the delivered software product within the time period allotted to them. When problems in the implementation phase of a development project occur, it normally causes the software delivery date to slide. As a result, testers either need to work longer hours, or supplementary resources need to be added to the test team in order to meet aggressive test deadlines. One solution to this problem is to provide testers with a test automation framework to facilitate the development of automated test solutions.

Automated Dissolution for Enteric-Coated Aspirin Tablets: A Case Study for Method Transfer to a RoboDis II.

PubMed

Ibrahim, Sarah A; Martini, Luigi

2014-08-01

Dissolution method transfer is a complicated yet common process in the pharmaceutical industry. With increased pharmaceutical product manufacturing and dissolution acceptance requirements, dissolution testing has become one of the most labor-intensive quality control testing methods. There is an increased trend for automation in dissolution testing, particularly for large pharmaceutical companies to reduce variability and increase personnel efficiency. There is no official guideline for dissolution testing method transfer from a manual, semi-automated, to automated dissolution tester. In this study, a manual multipoint dissolution testing procedure for an enteric-coated aspirin tablet was transferred effectively and reproducibly to a fully automated dissolution testing device, RoboDis II. Enteric-coated aspirin samples were used as a model formulation to assess the feasibility and accuracy of media pH change during continuous automated dissolution testing. Several RoboDis II parameters were evaluated to ensure the integrity and equivalency of dissolution method transfer from a manual dissolution tester. This current study provides a systematic outline for the transfer of the manual dissolution testing protocol to an automated dissolution tester. This study further supports that automated dissolution testers compliant with regulatory requirements and similar to manual dissolution testers facilitate method transfer. © 2014 Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening.

Battery tester

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

Poljak, M.D.

1985-08-12

This abstract discloses an improved battery tester for determining the acceptability of a Lithium Sulfur Dioxide (LiSO/sub 2/) storage battery at a given temperature and with one or more cells therein. The tester is generally made up of a first-comparison circuit having a series of series-interconnected components, namely a comparator, first and second flip-flops, and an AND gate. A first resistor is parallel connected to the first-comparison circuit. A second comparison circuit is also parallel connected to the first-comparison circuit and is generally made up of series-interconnected components, namely a second resistor, a capacitor, a buffer, and a second-comparator. Amore » first switch is connected to the first resistor and a second switch is parallel connected to the second-comparison circuit between the capacitor and the buffer. A logic control arrangement controls the operation of both switches, both comparators, and both flip-flops for testing a battery as to its start-up voltage and performance voltage characteristics all in a relatively short time period. In another embodiment of the tester, it is provided with an analog-to-digital converter, a memory, and a sensor arrangement for enhancing the versatility and reliability of the tester in determining the acceptability of a LiSO/sub 2/ battery.« less

Male recombination in Brazilian populations of Drosophila ananassae.

PubMed

Goñi, Beatriz; Matsuda, Muneo; Tobari, Yoshiko N

2016-07-01

With few exceptions, spontaneous crossing over does not normally occur in male Drosophila. Drosophila ananassae males show considerable amounts of crossing over. In wild males of D. ananassae from Asian (2008) and Brazilian populations (1986 and 2007) variable frequencies of meiotic crossing over, estimated from chiasmata counts, suggested the existence of factors controlling male crossing over in these populations. To corroborate for such prediction, we present data on spontaneous recombination in F1 males of D. ananassae heterozygous for chromosomes of the same Brazilian populations (1986) and marker chromosomes using three testers stocks. Mean recombination value was low, although high variability existed between individual frequencies. Recombination frequencies between lines in each tester stock were not significantly different, excepting when the 3ple-px and 3ple-cy testers were compared (p < 0.05). These two testers differ in respect to the regional distribution of crossovers. The occurrence of recombination in chromosomes 2 and 3 in F1 males tested with e(65) se; bri ru was not related, suggesting they are under independent genetic control. Our data are consistent with proposed genetic factors controlling male crossing over in the tester stocks and to the presence of enhancers and suppressors of male crossing over segregating in the Brazilian populations (1986).

Vegetative Incompatibility and the Mating-Type Locus in the Cellular Slime Mold DICTYOSTELIUM DISCOIDEUM

PubMed Central

Robson, Gillian E.; Williams, Keith L.

1979-01-01

The genetic basis of vegetative incompatibility in the cellular slime mold, Dictyostelium discoideum, is elucidated. Vegetatively compatible haploid strains from parasexual diploids at a frequency of between 10-6 and 10-5, whereas "escaped" diploids are formed between vegetatively incompatible strains at a frequency of ∼10-8. There is probably only a single vegetative incompatibility site, which appears to be located at, or closely linked to, the mating-type locus. The nature of the vegetative incompatibility is deduced from parasexual diploid formation between wild isolates and tester strains of each mating type, examination of the frequency of formation of "escaped" diploids formed between vegetatively incompatible strains, and examination of the mating type and vegetative incompatibility of haploid segregants obtained from "escaped" diploids. PMID:17248984

Results of the first semi-annual qualification testing of devices to measure breath alcohol

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1975-01-01

Eight evidential breath testers were performance tested according to the Standard for Devices to Measure Breath Alcohol Federal Register, Vol 38, No. 212, November 5, 1973. In addition, a prototype breath tester not commercially available was tested....

The accuracy of evidential breath testers at low BACs

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1989-05-01

This Technical Note reports on the low blood alcohol concentration (BAC) laboratory testing of seven evidential breath testers widely used by law enforcement. The findings indicated that these devices are just as accurate at low BACs in the 0.020-0.0...

Transformer and Meter Tester

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stoms, R. M.

1984-01-01

Numerically-controlled 5-axis machine tool uses transformer and meter to determine and indicate whether tool is in home position, but lacks built-in test mode to check them. Tester makes possible test, and repair of components at machine rather then replace them when operation seems suspect.

Effect of Microgravity on Several Visual Functions During STS Shuttle Missions: Visual Function Tester-model 1 (VFT-1)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oneal, Melvin R.; Task, H. Lee; Genco, Louis V.

1992-01-01

Viewgraphs on the effect of microgravity on several visual functions during STS shuttle missions are presented. The purpose, methods, results, and discussion are discussed. The visual function tester model 1 is used.

Inter-Investigator Reliability of Anthropometric Prediction of 1RM Bench Press in College Football Players

PubMed Central

SCHUMACHER, RICHARD M.; ARABAS, JANA L.; MAYHEW, JERRY L.; BRECHUE, WILLIAM F.

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of inter-investigator differences in anthropometric assessments on the prediction of one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press in college football players. Division-II players (n = 34, age = 20.4 ± 1.2 y, 182.3 ± 6.6 cm, 99.1 ± 18.4 kg) were measured for selected anthropometric variables and 1RM bench press at the conclusion of a heavy resistance training program. Triceps, subscapular, and abdominal skinfolds were measured in triplicate by three investigators and used to estimate %fat. Arm circumference was measured around a flexed biceps muscle and was corrected for triceps skinfold to estimate muscle cross-sectional area (CSA). Chest circumference was measured at mid-expiration. Significant differences among the testers were evident in six of the nine anthropometric variables, with the least experienced tester being significantly different from the other testers on seven variables, although average differences among investigators ranged from 1–2% for circumferences to 4–9% for skinfolds. The two more experienced testers were significantly different on only one variable. Overall agreement among testers was high (ICC>0.895) for each variable, with low coefficients of variation (CV<10.7%). Predicted 1RMs for testers (126.9 ± 20.6, 123.4 ± 22.0, and 132.1 ± 28.4 kg, respectively) were not significantly different from actual 1RM (129.2 ± 20.6 kg). Individuals with varying levels of experience appear to have an acceptable level of ability to estimate 1RM bench press using a non-performance anthropometric equation. Minimal experience in anthropometry may not impede strength and conditioning specialists from accurately estimating 1RM bench press. PMID:27766130

Inter-Investigator Reliability of Anthropometric Prediction of 1RM Bench Press in College Football Players.

PubMed

Schumacher, Richard M; Arabas, Jana L; Mayhew, Jerry L; Brechue, William F

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of inter-investigator differences in anthropometric assessments on the prediction of one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press in college football players. Division-II players (n = 34, age = 20.4 ± 1.2 y, 182.3 ± 6.6 cm, 99.1 ± 18.4 kg) were measured for selected anthropometric variables and 1RM bench press at the conclusion of a heavy resistance training program. Triceps, subscapular, and abdominal skinfolds were measured in triplicate by three investigators and used to estimate %fat. Arm circumference was measured around a flexed biceps muscle and was corrected for triceps skinfold to estimate muscle cross-sectional area (CSA). Chest circumference was measured at mid-expiration. Significant differences among the testers were evident in six of the nine anthropometric variables, with the least experienced tester being significantly different from the other testers on seven variables, although average differences among investigators ranged from 1-2% for circumferences to 4-9% for skinfolds. The two more experienced testers were significantly different on only one variable. Overall agreement among testers was high (ICC>0.895) for each variable, with low coefficients of variation (CV<10.7%). Predicted 1RMs for testers (126.9 ± 20.6, 123.4 ± 22.0, and 132.1 ± 28.4 kg, respectively) were not significantly different from actual 1RM (129.2 ± 20.6 kg). Individuals with varying levels of experience appear to have an acceptable level of ability to estimate 1RM bench press using a non-performance anthropometric equation. Minimal experience in anthropometry may not impede strength and conditioning specialists from accurately estimating 1RM bench press.

Hip- and knee-strength assessments using a hand-held dynamometer with external belt-fixation are inter-tester reliable.

PubMed

Thorborg, Kristian; Bandholm, Thomas; Hölmich, Per

2013-03-01

In football, ice-hockey, and track and field, injuries have been predicted, and hip- and knee-strength deficits quantified using hand-held dynamometry (HHD). However, systematic bias exists when testers of different sex and strength perform the measurements. Belt-fixation of the dynamometer may resolve this. The aim of the present study was therefore to examine the inter-tester reliability concerning strength assessments of isometric hip abduction, adduction, flexion, extension and knee-flexion strength, using HHD with external belt-fixation. Twenty-one healthy athletes (6 women), 30 (8.6) (mean (SD)) years of age, were included. Two physiotherapy students (1 female and 1 male) performed all the measurements after careful instruction and procedure training. Isometric hip abduction, adduction, flexion, extension, and knee-flexion strength were tested. The tester-order and hip-action order were randomised. No systematic between-tester differences (bias) were observed for any of the hip or knee actions. The intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC 2.1) ranged from 0.76 to 0.95. Furthermore, standard errors of measurement in per cent (SEM %) ranged from 5 to 11 %, and minimal detectable change in per cent (MDC %) from 14 to 29 % for the different hip and knee actions. The present study shows that isometric hip- and knee-strength measurements have acceptable inter-tester reliability at the group level, when testing strong individuals, using HHD with belt-fixation. This procedure is therefore perfectly suited for the evaluation and monitoring of strong athletes with hip, groin and hamstring injuries, some of the most common and troublesome injuries in sports. Diagnostic, Level III.

21 CFR 882.1410 - Electroencephalograph electrode/lead tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Electroencephalograph electrode/lead tester. 882.1410 Section 882.1410 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Diagnostic Devices § 882.1410...

21 CFR 882.1410 - Electroencephalograph electrode/lead tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Electroencephalograph electrode/lead tester. 882.1410 Section 882.1410 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Diagnostic Devices § 882.1410...

21 CFR 870.2370 - Electrocardiograph surface electrode tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Electrocardiograph surface electrode tester. 870.2370 Section 870.2370 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Monitoring Devices § 870.2370...

7 CFR 1436.6 - Eligible storage or handling equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... eligible facility loan commodity, such as cleaners, moisture testers, and heat detectors; (4) Electrical... moisture testers, and heat detectors; (vii) Electrical equipment, including labor and materials for..., but are not limited to, the following: An insulated cement slab floor, insulation for walls and...

7 CFR 1436.6 - Eligible storage or handling equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... stored eligible facility loan commodity, such as cleaners, moisture testers, and heat detectors; (4... moisture testers, and heat detectors; (vii) Electrical equipment, including labor and materials for..., but are not limited to, the following: An insulated cement slab floor, insulation for walls and...

7 CFR 1436.6 - Eligible storage or handling equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... eligible facility loan commodity, such as cleaners, moisture testers, and heat detectors; (4) Electrical... moisture testers, and heat detectors; (vii) Electrical equipment, including labor and materials for..., but are not limited to, the following: An insulated cement slab floor, insulation for walls and...

7 CFR 1436.6 - Eligible storage or handling equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... stored eligible facility loan commodity, such as cleaners, moisture testers, and heat detectors; (4... moisture testers, and heat detectors; (vii) Electrical equipment, including labor and materials for..., but are not limited to, the following: An insulated cement slab floor, insulation for walls and...

21 CFR 870.2370 - Electrocardiograph surface electrode tester.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Electrocardiograph surface electrode tester. 870.2370 Section 870.2370 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Monitoring Devices § 870.2370...

Explosives tester

DOEpatents

Haas, Jeffrey S [San Ramon, CA; Howard, Douglas E [Livermore, CA; Eckels, Joel D [Livermore, CA; Nunes, Peter J [Danville, CA

2011-01-11

An explosives tester that can be used anywhere as a screening tool by non-technical personnel to determine whether a surface contains explosives. First and second explosives detecting reagent holders and dispensers are provided. A heater is provided for receiving the first and second explosives detecting reagent holders and dispensers.

7 CFR 1436.6 - Eligible storage or handling equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... eligible facility loan commodity, such as cleaners, moisture testers, and heat detectors; (4) Electrical... moisture testers, and heat detectors; (vii) Electrical equipment, including labor and materials for..., but are not limited to, the following: An insulated cement slab floor, insulation for walls and...

PCB tester selection for future systems. Volume 2. Final report, August 1989-June 1991

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

Schmitt, W.

1992-06-01

This report describes a computer program (to run on an IBM compatible PC) designed to aid in the selection of a PCB tester, given the characteristics of the PC board to be tested. The program contains a limited data base of PCB testers, and others may be added easily. This report also provides a specification for a limited family of PCB testers to fill the gap between what the U.S. Air Force is expected to need and what is expected to be available within the next four to six years. The parameters used in the computer program and the specificationmore » are based on a survey of military and commercial PCBs - both those now available and those expected to come on line within the next four to six years. The results of the survey are covered in volume 2 - available from DTIC. Automatic Test Equipment, Technology Forecast, Air Force Avionics.« less

PCB tester selection for future systems. Volume 1. Final report, August 1989-June 1991

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

Schmitt, W.

1992-06-01

This report describes a computer program (to run on an IBM compatible PC) designed to aid in the selection of a PCB tester, given the characteristics of the PC board to be tested. The program contains a limited data base of PCB testers, and others may be added easily. This report also provides a specification for a limited family of PCB testers to fill the gap between what the U.S. Air Force is expected to need and what is expected to be available within the next four to six years. The parameters used in the computer program and the specificationmore » are based on a survey of military and commercial PCBs - both those now available and those expected to come on line within the next four to six years. The results of the survey are covered in volume 2 - available from DTIC. Automatic Test Equipment, Technology Forecast, Air Force Avionics.« less

Comparing Perceptions with Actual Reports of Close Friend's HIV Testing Behavior Among Urban Tanzanian Men.

PubMed

Mulawa, Marta; Yamanis, Thespina J; Balvanz, Peter; Kajula, Lusajo J; Maman, Suzanne

2016-09-01

Men have lower rates of HIV testing and higher rates of AIDS-related mortality compared to women in sub-Saharan Africa. To assess whether there is an opportunity to increase men's uptake of testing by correcting misperceptions about testing norms, we compare men's perceptions of their closest friend's HIV testing behaviors with the friend's actual testing self-report using a unique dataset of men sampled within their social networks (n = 59) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. We examine the accuracy and bias of perceptions among men who have tested for HIV (n = 391) and compare them to the perceptions among men who never tested (n = 432). We found that testers and non-testers did not differ in the accuracy of their perceptions, though non-testers were strongly biased towards assuming that their closest friends had not tested. Our results lend support to social norms approaches designed to correct the biased misperceptions of non-testers to promote men's HIV testing.

Comparing Perceptions with Actual Reports of Close Friend’s HIV Testing Behavior Among Urban Tanzanian Men

PubMed Central

Yamanis, Thespina J.; Balvanz, Peter; Kajula, Lusajo J.; Maman, Suzanne

2016-01-01

Men have lower rates of HIV testing and higher rates of AIDS-related mortality compared to women in sub-Saharan Africa. To assess whether there is an opportunity to increase men’s uptake of testing by correcting misperceptions about testing norms, we compare men’s perceptions of their closest friend’s HIV testing behaviors with the friend’s actual testing self-report using a unique dataset of men sampled within their social networks (n = 59) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. We examine the accuracy and bias of perceptions among men who have tested for HIV (n = 391) and compare them to the perceptions among men who never tested (n = 432). We found that testers and non-testers did not differ in the accuracy of their perceptions, though non-testers were strongly biased towards assuming that their closest friends had not tested. Our results lend support to social norms approaches designed to correct the biased misperceptions of non-testers to promote men’s HIV testing. PMID:26880322

Lessons Learned from JTA Tester Safety Studies

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

R. L. Bierbaum

2001-05-01

EP401575, Issue C, calls out a requirement to perform safety studies for testers that are used to accept Joint Test Assembly (JTA) product at Pantex (Reference 1). The underlying motivation is to ensure that personnel hazards due to inadvertent initiation of electro-explosive devices (EEDs) during JTA testing are understood and minimized. Studies have been performed on the B61-7/11 JTA, B61-3/4/10 JTA, B83 JTA, and W76 Type 2F testers at Pantex (References 2-5). Each of these studies includes an examination of the relevant Pantex tester as well as the instrumentation and War Reserve (WR) hardware. In performing these analyses, several themesmore » have emerged that could be useful for the Phase 6.3 design efforts for the weapons, the associated instrumentation, and the JTA testers. This report summarizes the lessons learned from these studies. Note that in some cases, the recommendations provided below to enhance safety during JTA testing operations (e.g., adding isolation resistors in the monitoring lines) may result in a reliability degradation or other surety impact. Thus it is important to consider these lessons learned in the context of the overall design and to make tradeoffs in light of the integrated surety objectives. The lessons learned are listed in five different categories, summarized as: (1) Instrumentation considerations; (2) WR design considerations; (3) Tester considerations; (4) Administrative procedures during JTA assembly; and (5) Administrative procedures prior to and during JTA testing. The first three focus on minimizing the probability of inadvertent application of power to EED initiation lines due to component, connector, and assembly failures. The last two describe procedural steps that can be taken at Pantex to either minimize the risk (e.g., by ensuring that tester power supplies cannot supply excessive power to the unit under test) or to mitigate the consequences of unexpected EED initiation (e.g., by instructing test operators to avoid standing in areas where they could be at risk in the event of EED initiation).« less

Attributes Effecting Software Testing Estimation; Is Organizational Trust an Issue?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hammoud, Wissam

2013-01-01

This quantitative correlational research explored the potential association between the levels of organizational trust and the software testing estimation. This was conducted by exploring the relationships between organizational trust, tester's expertise, organizational technology used, and the number of hours, number of testers, and time-coding…

Comparison of 3 Methods to Assess Urine Specific Gravity in Collegiate Wrestlers.

PubMed

Stuempfle, Kristin J.; Drury, Daniel G.

2003-12-01

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reliability and validity of refractometry, hydrometry, and reagent strips in assessing urine specific gravity in collegiate wrestlers. DESIGN AND SETTING: We assessed the reliability of refractometry, hydrometry, and reagent strips between 2 trials and among 4 testers. The validity of hydrometry and reagent strips was assessed by comparison with refractometry, the criterion measure for urine specific gravity. SUBJECTS: Twenty-one National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III collegiate wrestlers provided fresh urine samples. MEASUREMENTS: Four testers measured the specific gravity of each urine sample 6 times: twice by refractometry, twice by hydrometry, and twice by reagent strips. RESULTS: Refractometer measurements were consistent between trials (R =.998) and among testers; hydrometer measurements were consistent between trials (R =.987) but not among testers; and reagent-strip measurements were not consistent between trials or among testers. Hydrometer (1.018 +/- 0.006) and reagent-strip (1.017 +/- 0.007) measurements were significantly higher than refractometer (1.015 +/- 0.006) measurements. Intraclass correlation coefficients were moderate between refractometry and hydrometry (R =.869) and low between refractometry and reagent strips (R =.573). The hydrometer produced 28% false positives and 2% false negatives, and reagent strips produced 15% false positives and 9% false negatives. CONCLUSIONS: Only the refractometer should be used to determine urine specific gravity in collegiate wrestlers during the weight-certification process.

The validity and intra-tester reliability of markerless motion capture to analyse kinematics of the BMX Supercross gate start.

PubMed

Grigg, Josephine; Haakonssen, Eric; Rathbone, Evelyne; Orr, Robin; Keogh, Justin W L

2017-11-13

The aim of this study was to quantify the validity and intra-tester reliability of a novel method of kinematic measurement. The measurement target was the joint angles of an athlete performing a BMX Supercross (SX) gate start action through the first 1.2 s of movement in situ on a BMX SX ramp using a standard gate start procedure. The method employed GoPro® Hero 4 Silver (GoPro Inc., USA) cameras capturing data at 120 fps 720 p on a 'normal' lens setting. Kinovea 0.8.15 (Kinovea.org, France) was used for analysis. Tracking data was exported and angles computed in Matlab (Mathworks®, USA). The gold standard 3D method for joint angle measurement could not safely be employed in this environment, so a rigid angle was used. Validity was measured to be within 2°. Intra-tester reliability was measured by the same tester performing the analysis twice with an average of 55 days between analyses. Intra-tester reliability was high, with an absolute error <6° and <9 frames (0.075 s) across all angles and time points for key positions, respectively. The methodology is valid within 2° and reliable within 6° for the calculation of joint angles in the first ~1.25 s.

Comparison of 3 Methods to Assess Urine Specific Gravity in Collegiate Wrestlers

PubMed Central

Drury, Daniel G.

2003-01-01

Objective: To investigate the reliability and validity of refractometry, hydrometry, and reagent strips in assessing urine specific gravity in collegiate wrestlers. Design and Setting: We assessed the reliability of refractometry, hydrometry, and reagent strips between 2 trials and among 4 testers. The validity of hydrometry and reagent strips was assessed by comparison with refractometry, the criterion measure for urine specific gravity. Subjects: Twenty-one National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III collegiate wrestlers provided fresh urine samples. Measurements: Four testers measured the specific gravity of each urine sample 6 times: twice by refractometry, twice by hydrometry, and twice by reagent strips. Results: Refractometer measurements were consistent between trials (R = .998) and among testers; hydrometer measurements were consistent between trials (R = .987) but not among testers; and reagent-strip measurements were not consistent between trials or among testers. Hydrometer (1.018 ± 0.006) and reagent-strip (1.017 ± 0.007) measurements were significantly higher than refractometer (1.015 ± 0.006) measurements. Intraclass correlation coefficients were moderate between refractometry and hydrometry (R = .869) and low between refractometry and reagent strips (R = .573). The hydrometer produced 28% false positives and 2% false negatives, and reagent strips produced 15% false positives and 9% false negatives. Conclusions: Only the refractometer should be used to determine urine specific gravity in collegiate wrestlers during the weight-certification process. PMID:14737213

What Do Battery Testers Test?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chagnon, Paul

1996-01-01

Presents activities to determine whether it is better to test dry cells with an ammeter than with a voltmeter and how best to test alkaline batteries. Discusses classification of disposable testers as instruments. Concludes that a laboratory voltmeter gives a good indication of the condition of an alkaline cell while carbon batteries are best…

Long-Term Performance Evaluation of Asphalt Surface Treatments: Product Placement

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-01

20 Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield, Fort Drum , New York ...............................................................28 4...Grip Tester underside view ................................................................................ 6 Figure 3. Rotating disc of Dynamic...measures pavement friction using the braked -wheel, fixed-slip principle. Two wheels support the Grip Tester on a drive axle, while a measuring wheel with

Characterization and mechanical properties investigation of TiN-Ag films onto Ti-6Al-4V

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Dongxing; Liu, Daoxin; Zhang, Xiaohua; Tang, Jingang; Xiang, Dinggen

2016-03-01

To investigate their effect on fretting fatigue (FF) resistance of a Ti-6Al-4V alloy, hard solid lubricating composite films of TiN with varying silver contents (TiN-Ag) were deposited on a Ti-6Al-4V alloy using ion-assisted magnetron sputtering. The surface morphology and structure were analyzed by atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The hardness, bonding strength, and toughness of films were tested using a micro-hardness tester, scratch tester, and a repeated press-press test system that was manufactured in-house, respectively. The FF resistance of TiN-Ag composite films was studied using self-developed devices. The results show that the FF resistance of a titanium alloy can be improved by TiN-Ag composite films, which were fabricated using hard TiN coating doped with soft Ag. The FF life of Ag0.5, Ag2, Ag5, Ag10 and Ag20 composite films is 2.41, 3.18, 3.20, 2.94 and 2.87 times as great as that of the titanium alloy, respectively. This is because the composite films have the better toughness, friction lubrication, and high bonding strength. When the atomic fraction of Ag changes from 2% to 5%, the FF resistance of the composite films shows the best performance. This is attributed to the surface integrity of the composite film is sufficiently fine to prevent the initiation and early propagation of FF cracks.

Design and construction of a tensile tester for the testing of simple composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Borst, Mark A.; Spiegel, F. Xavier

1994-01-01

The following is a design for a tensile tester which will be used to test the tensile strength and anisotropic properties of simple composites. These simple composites are suspected to be anisotropic primarily in a single plane. When the composites undergo a tensile force, they will undergo deformation, causing movement either to the left or right. The composites are suspect due to their method of construction. Each sample has a single layer of unidirectional continuous fibers embedded in a rubbery resin. It has been well established that a serious limitation of unidirectional fiber composites is the very large in-plane anisotropy. The design presented here incorporates a single degree of freedom such that distortion (to the left or right) due to anisotropic tendencies may be measured. The device will spend the vast majority of its time in an undergraduate materials lab. As a result, ease of use and durability are valued more highly than research grade accuracy. Additional concerns focus on the fact that this machine will be built as a student project. Issues which are dealt with during this design include: specimen configuration or shape; a method of applying consistent, linear tension force; a method of gripping specimen without affecting its overall properties; a method of collecting data; repeatability of data; ease of use; ease of construction; and cost. After the device has been constructed, it will be used to test the simple composites which were fabricated in house. A comparison will be made between composites manufactured using aluminum screening as the strengthening fibers and those manufactured using fiberglass screening.

Scratch and wear behaviour of plasma sprayed nano ceramics bilayer Al2O3-13 wt%TiO2/hydroxyapatite coated on medical grade titanium substrates in SBF environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palanivelu, R.; Ruban Kumar, A.

2014-10-01

Among the various coating techniques, plasma spray coating is an efficient technique to protect the metal surface from the various surface problems like wear and corrosion. The aim of this present work is to design and produce a bilayer coating on the non- toxic commercially pure titanium (denoted as CP-Ti) implant substrate in order to improve the biocompatibility and surface properties. To achieve that, Al2O3-13 wt%TiO2 (AT13) and hydroxyapatite (HAP) were coated on CP-Ti implant substrate using plasma spray coating technique. Further, the coated substrates were subjected to various characterization techniques. The crystallite size of coated HAP and its morphological studies were carried out using X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. The wear test on the bilayer (AT13/HAP) coated CP-Ti implant surface was conducted using ball-on-disc tester under SBF environment at 37 °C, in order to determine the wear rate and the coefficient of friction. The adhesion strength of the bilayer coated surface was evaluated by micro scratch tester under the ramp load conditions with load range of 14-20 N. The above said studies were repeated on the single layer coated HAP and AT13 implant surfaces. The results reveal that the bilayer (AT13/HAP) coated CP-Ti surface has the improved wear rate, coefficient of friction in compared to single layer coated HAP and AT13 surfaces.

Anesthetic efficacy of the intraosseous injection of 2% lidocaine (1:100,000 epinephrine) and 3% mepivacaine in mandibular first molars.

PubMed

Replogle, K; Reader, A; Nist, R; Beck, M; Weaver, J; Meyers, W J

1997-01-01

This study compared the anesthetic efficacy of a primary intraosseous injection of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine and 3% mepivacaine in human mandibular first molars. Injection pain and healing postoperatively were also assessed for the intraosseous injection. With the use of a repeated-measures design, 42 subjects randomly received intraosseous injections of 1.8 ml of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine or 1.8 ml of 3% mepivacaine in a double-blind manner at two successive appointments. The first molar and adjacent teeth were blindly tested with an electric pulp tester at 2-minute cycles for 60 minutes. Anesthetic success was defined as no subject response to the maximum output of the pulp tester (80 reading) for two consecutive readings. Anesthetic success occurred in 74% of the first molars with 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine and in 45% with 3% mepivacaine. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Overall, onset was rapid for the intraosseous injections, the duration of pulpal anesthesia steadily declined over the 60 minutes, the majority of the subjects had no pain or mild pain with perforation and solution deposition, and 5% of the subjects had delayed healing at the perforation sites. The results of this study indicate that the primary intraosseous injection of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine is more successful and results in a longer duration of pulpal anesthesia as compared with 3% mepivacaine in noninflamed mandibular first molars. Most subjects reported no or mild pain during perforation and injection.

Genome-Wide Architecture of Disease Resistance Genes in Lettuce

PubMed Central

Christopoulou, Marilena; Wo, Sebastian Reyes-Chin; Kozik, Alex; McHale, Leah K.; Truco, Maria-Jose; Wroblewski, Tadeusz; Michelmore, Richard W.

2015-01-01

Genome-wide motif searches identified 1134 genes in the lettuce reference genome of cv. Salinas that are potentially involved in pathogen recognition, of which 385 were predicted to encode nucleotide binding-leucine rich repeat receptor (NLR) proteins. Using a maximum-likelihood approach, we grouped the NLRs into 25 multigene families and 17 singletons. Forty-one percent of these NLR-encoding genes belong to three families, the largest being RGC16 with 62 genes in cv. Salinas. The majority of NLR-encoding genes are located in five major resistance clusters (MRCs) on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 and cosegregate with multiple disease resistance phenotypes. Most MRCs contain primarily members of a single NLR gene family but a few are more complex. MRC2 spans 73 Mb and contains 61 NLRs of six different gene families that cosegregate with nine disease resistance phenotypes. MRC3, which is 25 Mb, contains 22 RGC21 genes and colocates with Dm13. A library of 33 transgenic RNA interference tester stocks was generated for functional analysis of NLR-encoding genes that cosegregated with disease resistance phenotypes in each of the MRCs. Members of four NLR-encoding families, RGC1, RGC2, RGC21, and RGC12 were shown to be required for 16 disease resistance phenotypes in lettuce. The general composition of MRCs is conserved across different genotypes; however, the specific repertoire of NLR-encoding genes varied particularly of the rapidly evolving Type I genes. These tester stocks are valuable resources for future analyses of additional resistance phenotypes. PMID:26449254

Identification of an Na(+)-dependent transporter associated with saxitoxin-producing strains of the cyanobacterium Anabaena circinalis.

PubMed

Pomati, Francesco; Burns, Brendan P; Neilan, Brett A

2004-08-01

Blooms of the freshwater cyanobacterium Anabaena circinalis are recognized as an important health risk worldwide due to the production of a range of toxins such as saxitoxin (STX) and its derivatives. In this study we used HIP1 octameric-palindrome repeated-sequence PCR to compare the genomic structure of phylogenetically similar Australian isolates of A. circinalis. STX-producing and nontoxic cyanobacterial strains showed different HIP1 (highly iterated octameric palindrome 1) DNA patterns, and characteristic interrepeat amplicons for each group were identified. Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was performed using HIP1 PCR-generated libraries to further identify toxic-strain-specific genes. An STX-producing strain and a nontoxic strain of A. circinalis were chosen as testers in two distinct experiments. The two categories of SSH putative tester-specific sequences were characterized by different families of encoded proteins that may be representative of the differences in metabolism between STX-producing and nontoxic A. circinalis strains. DNA-microarray hybridization and genomic screening revealed a toxic-strain-specific HIP1 fragment coding for a putative Na(+)-dependent transporter. Analysis of this gene demonstrated analogy to the mrpF gene of Bacillus subtilis, whose encoded protein is involved in Na(+)-specific pH homeostasis. The application of this gene as a molecular probe in laboratory and environmental screening for STX-producing A. circinalis strains was demonstrated. The possible role of this putative Na(+)-dependent transporter in the toxic cyanobacterial phenotype is also discussed, in light of recent physiological studies of STX-producing cyanobacteria.

USAF bioenvironmental noise data handbook. Volume 168: MB-3 tester, pressurized cabin leakage, aircraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rau, T. H.

1982-06-01

The MB-3 Tester is an electric motor-driven cabin leakage tester designed to furnish pressurized air to the aircraft at controlled pressures and temperatures during ground pressurization of aircraft cockpits and pressurized compartments. This report provides measured data defining the bioacoustic environments produced by this unit operating at a normal rated/load condition. Near-field data are reported for 37 locations in a wide variety of physical and psychoacoustic measures: overall and band sound pressure levels, C-weighted and A-weighted sound levels, preferred speech interference level, perceived noise level, and limiting times for total daily exposure of personnel with and without standard Air Force ear protectors.

Regional long-term production modeling from a single well test, Mount Elbert Gas Hydrate Stratigraphic Test Well, Alaska North Slope

USGS Publications Warehouse

Anderson, B.J.; Kurihara, M.; White, M.D.; Moridis, G.J.; Wilson, S.J.; Pooladi-Darvish, M.; Gaddipati, M.; Masuda, Y.; Collett, T.S.; Hunter, R.B.; Narita, H.; Rose, K.; Boswell, R.

2011-01-01

Following the results from the open-hole formation pressure response test in the BPXA-DOE-USGS Mount Elbert Gas Hydrate Stratigraphic Test Well (Mount Elbert well) using Schlumberger's Modular Dynamics Formation Tester (MDT) wireline tool, the International Methane Hydrate Reservoir Simulator Code Comparison project performed long-term reservoir simulations on three different model reservoirs. These descriptions were based on 1) the Mount Elbert gas hydrate accumulation as delineated by an extensive history-matching exercise, 2) an estimation of the hydrate accumulation near the Prudhoe Bay L-pad, and 3) a reservoir that would be down-dip of the Prudhoe Bay L-pad and therefore warmer and deeper. All of these simulations were based, in part, on the results of the MDT results from the Mount Elbert Well. The comparison group's consensus value for the initial permeability of the hydrate-filled reservoir (k = 0.12 mD) and the permeability model based on the MDT history match were used as the basis for subsequent simulations on the three regional scenarios. The simulation results of the five different simulation codes, CMG STARS, HydrateResSim, MH-21 HYDRES, STOMP-HYD, and TOUGH+HYDRATE exhibit good qualitative agreement and the variability of potential methane production rates from gas hydrate reservoirs is illustrated. As expected, the predicted methane production rate increased with increasing in situ reservoir temperature; however, a significant delay in the onset of rapid hydrate dissociation is observed for a cold, homogeneous reservoir and it is found to be repeatable. The inclusion of reservoir heterogeneity in the description of this cold reservoir is shown to eliminate this delayed production. Overall, simulations utilized detailed information collected across the Mount Elbert reservoir either obtained or determined from geophysical well logs, including thickness (37 ft), porosity (35%), hydrate saturation (65%), intrinsic permeability (1000 mD), pore water salinity (5 ppt), and formation temperature (3.3-3.9 ??C). This paper presents the approach and results of extrapolating regional forward production modeling from history-matching efforts on the results from a single well test. ?? 2010 Elsevier Ltd.

Regional long-term production modeling from a single well test, Mount Elbert Gas Hydrate Stratigraphic Test Well, Alaska North Slope

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

Anderson, Brian J.; Kurihara, Masanori; White, Mark D.

2011-02-01

Following the results from the open-hole formation pressure response test in the BPXA-DOE-USGS Mount Elbert Gas Hydrate Stratigraphic Test Well (Mount Elbert well) using Schlumberger's Modular Dynamics Formation Tester (MDT) wireline tool, the International Methane Hydrate Reservoir Simulator Code Comparison project performed long-term reservoir simulations on three different model reservoirs. These descriptions were based on 1) the Mount Elbert gas hydrate accumulation as delineated by an extensive history-matching exercise, 2) an estimation of the hydrate accumulation near the Prudhoe Bay L-pad, and 3) a reservoir that would be down-dip of the Prudhoe Bay L-pad and therefore warmer and deeper. Allmore » of these simulations were based, in part, on the results of the MDT results from the Mount Elbert Well. The comparison group's consensus value for the initial permeability of the hydrate-filled reservoir (k = 0.12 mD) and the permeability model based on the MDT history match were used as the basis for subsequent simulations on the three regional scenarios. The simulation results of the five different simulation codes, CMG STARS, HydrateResSim, MH-21 HYDRES, STOMP-HYD, and TOUGH+HYDRATE exhibit good qualitative agreement and the variability of potential methane production rates from gas hydrate reservoirs is illustrated. As expected, the predicted methane production rate increased with increasing in situ reservoir temperature; however, a significant delay in the onset of rapid hydrate dissociation is observed for a cold, homogeneous reservoir and it is found to be repeatable. The inclusion of reservoir heterogeneity in the description of this cold reservoir is shown to eliminate this delayed production. Overall, simulations utilized detailed information collected across the Mount Elbert reservoir either obtained or determined from geophysical well logs, including thickness (37 ft), porosity (35%), hydrate saturation (65%), intrinsic permeability (1000 mD), pore water salinity (5 ppt), and formation temperature (3.3–3.9 °C). Finally, this paper presents the approach and results of extrapolating regional forward production modeling from history-matching efforts on the results from a single well test.« less

Phase formation in selected surface-roughened plasma-nitrided 304 austenite stainless steel.

PubMed

Singh, Gajendra Prasad; Joseph, Alphonsa; Raole, Prakash Manohar; Barhai, Prema Kanta; Mukherjee, Subroto

2008-04-01

Direct current (DC) glow discharge plasma nitriding was carried out on three selected surface-roughened AISI 304 stainless steel samples at 833 K under 4 mbar pressures for 24 h in the presence of N 2 :H 2 gas mixtures of 50 : 50 ratios. After plasma nitriding, the phase formation, case depth, surface roughness, and microhardness of a plasma-nitrided layer were evaluated by glancing angle x-ray diffractogram, optical microscope, stylus profilometer, and Vickers microhardness tester techniques. The case depth, surface hardness, and phase formation variations were observed with a variation in initial surface roughness. The diffraction patterns of the plasma-nitrided samples showed the modified intensities of the α and γ phases along with those of the CrN, Fe 4 N, and Fe 3 N phases. Hardness and case depth variations were observed with a variation in surface roughness. A maximum hardness of 1058 Hv and a case depth of 95 μm were achieved in least surface-roughened samples.

Liquid phase products and solid deposit formation from thermally stressed model jet fuels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, W. S.; Bittker, D. A.

1984-01-01

The relationship between solid deposit formation and liquid degradation product concentration was studied for the high temperature (400 C) stressing of three hydrocarbon model fuels. A Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Tester was used to simulate actual engine fuel system conditions. The effects of fuel type, dissolved oxygen concentration, and hot surface contact time (reaction time) were studied. Effects of reaction time and removal of dissolved oxygen on deposit formation were found to be different for n-dodecane and for 2-ethylnaphthalene. When ten percent tetralin is added to n-dodecane to give a simpler model of an actual jet fuel, the tetralin inhibits both the deposit formation and the degradation of n-dodecane. For 2-ethylnaphthalene primary product analyses indicate a possible self-inhibition at long reaction times of the secondary reactions which form the deposit precursors. The mechanism of the primary breakdown of these fuels is suggested and the primary products which participate in these precursor-forming reactions are identified. Some implications of the results to the thermal degradation of real jet fuels are given.

49 CFR 229.25 - Tests: Every periodic inspection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... dead-weight tester or a test gauge designed for this purpose. (b) All electrical devices and visible...) Steam pressure gauges shall be tested by comparison with a dead-weight tester or a test gauge designed... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Tests: Every periodic inspection. 229.25 Section...

Design and development of an automated NEMA traffic signal controller tester : executive summary, August 2000.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-08-01

Traffic signal system controllers designed to meet the NEMA TS1 Standards are one of the most prevalent types in use in the US and Canada as of this writing. A PC-based tester for testing NEMA TS1 traffic signal controllers has been developed as a pa...

Design and development of an automated NEMA traffic signal controller tester : final report, August 2000.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-08-01

Traffic signal system controllers designed to meet the NEMA TS1 Standards are one of the most prevalent types in use in the US and Canada as of this writing. A PC-based tester for testing NEMA TS1 traffic signal controllers has been developed as a pa...

Usefulness of new wetness tester for diagnosis of dry mouth in disabled patients.

PubMed

Kakinoki, Yasuaki; Nishihara, Tatsuji; Arita, Masahiro; Shibuya, Koji; Ishikawa, Masao

2004-12-01

The condition of dry mouth is an influential factor in the incidence of caries, periodontal disease, fungal infections, masticatory dysfunctions and denture function. Bedridden elderly and disabled persons often suffer from oral dryness and the aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of measuring the amount of moisture in the oral mucosa for clinical diagnosis of dry mouth in this group. The subjects were 20 elderly bedridden individuals, age range 65-89 years old, living in a nursing home and six healthy laboratory researchers, aged 20-46 years old, used as controls. Tongue dorsum moisture measurements were performed using a newly developed wetness tester (L-SALIVO), in which the wet portion was measured after 10 s. Further, clinical diagnosis of dry mouth was carried out using a clinical classification scale of the tongue mucosa (grade range, 0-3). It was possible to measure tongue dorsum moisture in all subjects with the wetness tester. The average moisture value was 0.1+/-0.2 mm in elderly subjects with a dry mouth grade of 2 (n = 8) or 3 (n = 12), while the average moisture value in the control subjects was 3.67+/-1.75 mm with a dry mouth grade of 0 (n = 4) or 1 (n = 2). Tester values and cliniical classification showed a positive co-relationship (r = 0.31, p < 0.05). Our results show that this new tester could be useful for evaluating oral dryness and diagnosing dry mouth.

SU-F-E-18: Training Monthly QA of Medical Accelerators: Illustrated Instructions for Self-Learning

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

Court, L; Wang, H; Aten, D

Purpose: To develop and test clear illustrated instructions for training of monthly mechanical QA of medical linear accelerators. Methods: Illustrated instructions were created for monthly mechanical QA with tolerance tabulated, and underwent several steps of review and refinement. Testers with zero QA experience were then recruited from our radiotherapy department (1 student, 2 computational scientists and 8 dosimetrists). The following parameters were progressively de-calibrated on a Varian C-series linac: Group A = gantry angle, ceiling laser position, X1 jaw position, couch longitudinal position, physical graticule position (5 testers); Group B = Group A + wall laser position, couch lateral andmore » vertical position, collimator angle (3 testers); Group C = Group B + couch angle, wall laser angle, and optical distance indicator (3 testers). Testers were taught how to use the linac, and then used the instructions to try to identify these errors. A physicist observed each session, giving support on machine operation, as necessary. The instructions were further tested with groups of therapists, graduate students and physics residents at multiple institutions. We have also changed the language of the instructions to simulate using the instructions with non-English speakers. Results: Testers were able to follow the instructions. They determined gantry, collimator and couch angle errors within 0.4, 0.3, and 0.9degrees of the actual changed values, respectively. Laser positions were determined within 1mm, and jaw positions within 2mm. Couch position errors were determined within 2 and 3mm for lateral/longitudinal and vertical errors, respectively. Accessory positioning errors were determined within 1mm. ODI errors were determined within 2mm when comparing with distance sticks, and 6mm when using blocks, indicating that distance sticks should be the preferred approach for inexperienced staff. Conclusion: Inexperienced users were able to follow these instructions, and catch errors within the criteria suggested by AAPM TG142 for linacs used for IMRT.« less

Hybrid maize breeding with doubled haploids: II. Optimum type and number of testers in two-stage selection for general combining ability.

PubMed

Longin, C Friedrich H; Utz, H Friedrich; Melchinger, Albrecht E; Reif, Jochen C

2007-02-01

Optimum allocation of test resources is of crucial importance for the efficiency of breeding programs. Our objectives were to (1) determine the optimum allocation of the number of lines, test locations, as well as number and type of testers in hybrid maize breeding using doubled haploids with two breeding strategies for improvement of general combining ability (GCA), (2) compare the maximum selection gain (DeltaG) achievable under both strategies, and (3) give recommendations for the optimum implementation of doubled haploids in commercial hybrid maize breeding. We calculated DeltaG by numerical integration for two two-stage selection strategies with evaluation of (1) testcross performance in both stages (BS1) or (2) line per se performance in the first stage followed by testcross performance in the second stage (BS2). Different assumptions were made regarding the budget, variance components (VCs), and the correlation between line per se performance and GCA. Selection gain for GCA increased with a broader genetic base of the tester. Hence, testers combining a large number of divergent lines are advantageous. However, in applied breeding programs, the use of single- or double-cross testers in the first and inbred testers in the second selection stage may be a good compromise between theoretical and practical requirements. With a correlation between line per se performance and GCA of 0.50, DeltaG for BS1 is about 5% higher than for BS2, if an economic weight of line per se performance is neglected. With increasing economic weight of line per se performance, relative efficiency of BS2 increased rapidly resulting in a superiority of BS2 over BS1 already for an economic weight for line per se performance larger than 0.1. Considering the importance of an economic seed production, an economic weight larger than 0.1 seems realistic indicating the necessity of separate breeding strategies for seed and pollen parent heterotic groups.

49 CFR 173.120 - Class 3-Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Closed Cup Tester, (ASTM D 56) (IBR; see § 171.7 of this subchapter); (B) Standard Test Methods for Flash Point of Liquids by Small Scale Closed-Cup Apparatus, (ASTM D 3278) (IBR; see § 171.7 of this subchapter... for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester, (ASTM D 93) (IBR; see § 171.7 of this subchapter...

Loopback Tester: a synchronous communications circuit diagnostic device

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

Maestas, J.H.

1986-07-01

The Loopback Tester is an Intel SBC 86/12A Single Board Computer and an Intel SBC 534 Communications Expansion Board configured and programmed to perform various basic or less. These tests include: (1) Data Communications Equipment (DCE) transmit timing detection (2) data rate measurement (3) instantaneous loopback indication and (4) bit error rate testing. It requires no initial setup after plug in, and can be used to locate the source of communications loss in a circuit. It can also be used to determine when crypto variable mismatch problems are the source of communications loss. This report discusses the functionality of themore » Loopback Tester as a diagnostic device. It also discusses the hardware and software which implements this simple yet reliable device.« less

Cervical motion assessment using virtual reality.

PubMed

Sarig-Bahat, Hilla; Weiss, Patrice L; Laufer, Yocheved

2009-05-01

Repeated measures of cervical motion in asymptomatic subjects. To introduce a virtual reality (VR)-based assessment of cervical range of motion (ROM); to establish inter and intratester reliability of the VR-based assessment in comparison with conventional assessment in asymptomatic individuals; and to evaluate the effect of a single VR session on cervical ROM. Cervical ROM and clinical issues related to neck pain is frequently studied. A wide variety of methods is available for evaluation of cervical motion. To date, most methods rely on voluntary responses to an assessor's instructions. However, in day-to-day life, head movement is generally an involuntary response to multiple stimuli. Therefore, there is a need for a more functional assessment method, using sensory stimuli to elicit spontaneous neck motion. VR attributes may provide a methodology for achieving this goal. A novel method was developed for cervical motion assessment utilizing an electromagnetic tracking system and a VR game scenario displayed via a head mounted device. Thirty asymptomatic participants were assessed by both conventional and VR-based methods. Inter and intratester repeatability analyses were performed. The effect of a single VR session on ROM was evaluated. Both assessments showed non-biased results between tests and between testers (P > 0.1). Full-cycle repeatability coefficients ranged between 15.0 degrees and 29.2 degrees with smaller values for rotation and for the VR assessment. A single VR session significantly increased ROM, with largest effect found in the rotation direction. Inter and intratester reliability was supported for both the VR-based and the conventional methods. Results suggest better repeatability for the VR method, with rotation being more precise than flexion/extension. A single VR session was found to be effective in increasing cervical motion, possibly due to its motivating effect.

Use of GetCheckedOnline, a Comprehensive Web-based Testing Service for Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections

PubMed Central

Salway, Travis; Haag, Devon; Fairley, Christopher K; Wong, Jason; Grennan, Troy; Uddin, Zhaida; Buchner, Christopher S; Wong, Tom; Krajden, Mel; Tyndall, Mark; Shoveller, Jean; Ogilvie, Gina

2017-01-01

Background The British Columbia Centre for Disease Control implemented a comprehensive Web-based testing service GetCheckedOnline (GCO) in September 2014 in Vancouver, Canada. GCO’s objectives are to increase testing for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs), reach high-prevalence populations facing testing barriers, and increase clinical STI service capacity. GCO was promoted through email invitations to provincial STI clinic clients, access codes to clients unable to access immediate clinic-based testing (deferred testers), and a campaign to gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Objective The objective of the study was to report on characteristics of GCO users, use and test outcomes (overall and by promotional strategy) during this pilot phase. Methods We used GCO program data, website metrics, and provincial STI clinic records to describe temporal trends, progression through the service pathway, and demographic, risk, and testing outcomes for individuals creating GCO accounts during the first 15 months of implementation. Results Of 868 clients creating accounts, 318 (36.6%) submitted specimens, of whom 96 (30.2%) tested more than once and 10 (3.1%) had a positive STI diagnosis. The proportion of clients submitting specimens increased steadily over the course of the pilot phase following introduction of deferred tester codes. Clients were diverse with respect to age, gender, and ethnicity, although youth and individuals of nonwhite ethnicity were underrepresented. Of the 506 clients completing risk assessments, 215 (42.5%) were MSM, 89 (17.6%) were symptomatic, 47 (9.3%) were STI contacts, 232 (45.8%) reported condomless sex, 146 (28.9%) reported ≥4 partners in the past 3 months, and 76 (15.0%) reported a recent STI. A total of 63 (12.5%) GCO clients were testing for the first time. For 868 accounts created, 337 (38.8%) were by clinic invitations (0 diagnoses), 298 (34.3%) were by deferred testers (6 diagnoses), 194 (22.4%) were by promotional campaign (3 diagnoses), and 39 (4.5%) were by other means (1 diagnosis). Conclusions Our evaluation suggests that GCO is an acceptable and feasible approach to engage individuals in testing. Use by first-time testers, repeated use, and STI diagnosis of individuals unable to access immediate clinic-based testing suggest GCO may facilitate uptake of STBBI testing and earlier diagnosis. Use by MSM and individuals reporting sexual risk suggests GCO may reach populations with a higher risk of STI. Motivation to test (eg, unable to access clinical services immediately) appears a key factor underlying GCO use. These findings identify areas for refinement of the testing model, further promotion, and future research (including understanding reasons for drop-off through the service pathway and more comprehensive evaluation of effectiveness). Increased uptake and diagnosis corresponding with expansion of the service within British Columbia will permit future evaluation of this service across varying populations and settings. PMID:28320690

Landslide oil field, San Joaquin Valley, California

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

Collins, B.P.; March, K.A.; Caballero, J.S.

1988-03-01

The Landslide field, located at the southern margin of the San Joaquin basin, was discovered in 1985 by a partnership headed by Channel Exploration Company, on a farm out from Tenneco Oil Company. Initial production from the Tenneco San Emidio 63X-30 was 2064 BOPD, making landslide one of the largest onshore discoveries in California during the past decade. Current production is 7100 BOPD from a sandstone reservoir at 12,500 ft. Fifteen wells have been drilled in the field, six of which are water injectors. Production from the Landslide field occurs from a series of upper Miocene Stevens turbidite sandstones thatmore » lie obliquely across an east-plunging structural nose. These turbidite sandstones were deposited as channel-fill sequences within a narrowly bounded levied channel complex. Both the Landslide field and the larger Yowlumne field, located 3 mi to the northwest, comprise a single channel-fan depositional system that developed in the restricted deep-water portion of the San Joaquin basin. Information from the open-hole logs, three-dimensional surveys, vertical seismic profiles, repeat formation tester data, cores, and pressure buildup tests allowed continuous drilling from the initial discovery to the final waterflood injector, without a single dry hole. In addition, the successful application of three-dimensional seismic data in the Landslide development program has helped correctly image channel-fan anomalies in the southern Maricopa basin, where data quality and severe velocity problems have hampered previous efforts. New exploration targets are currently being evaluated on the acreage surrounding the Landslide discovery and should lead to an interesting new round of drilling activity in the Maricopa basin.« less

Contact Behavior of Composite CrTiSiN Coated Dies in Compressing of Mg Alloy Sheets under High Pressure

PubMed Central

Yang, T.S.; Yao, S.H.; Chang, Y.Y.; Deng, J.H.

2018-01-01

Hard coatings have been adopted in cutting and forming applications for nearly two decades. The major purpose of using hard coatings is to reduce the friction coefficient between contact surfaces, to increase strength, toughness and anti-wear performance of working tools and molds, and then to obtain a smooth work surface and an increase in service life of tools and molds. In this report, we deposited a composite CrTiSiN hard coating, and a traditional single-layered TiAlN coating as a reference. Then, the coatings were comparatively studied by a series of tests. A field emission SEM was used to characterize the microstructure. Hardness was measured using a nano-indentation tester. Adhesion of coatings was evaluated using a Rockwell C hardness indentation tester. A pin-on-disk wear tester with WC balls as sliding counterparts was used to determine the wear properties. A self-designed compression and friction tester, by combining a Universal Testing Machine and a wear tester, was used to evaluate the contact behavior of composite CrTiSiN coated dies in compressing of Mg alloy sheets under high pressure. The results indicated that the hardness of composite CrTiSiN coating was lower than that of the TiAlN coating. However, the CrTiSiN coating showed better anti-wear performance. The CrTiSiN coated dies achieved smooth surfaces on the Mg alloy sheet in the compressing test and lower friction coefficient in the friction test, as compared with the TiAlN coating. PMID:29316687

Three-dimensional measurement of yarn hairiness via multiperspective images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lei; Xu, Bugao; Gao, Weidong

2018-02-01

Yarn hairiness is one of the essential parameters for assessing yarn quality. Most of the currently used yarn measurement systems are based on two-dimensional (2-D) photoelectric measurements, which are likely to underestimate levels of yarn hairiness because hairy fibers on a yarn surface are often projected or occluded in these 2-D systems. A three-dimensional (3-D) test method for hairiness measurement using a multiperspective imaging system is presented. The system was developed to reconstruct a 3-D yarn model for tracing the actual length of hairy fibers on a yarn surface. Five views of a yarn from different perspectives were created by two angled mirrors and simultaneously captured in one panoramic picture by a camera. A 3-D model was built by extracting the yarn silhouettes in the five views and transferring the silhouettes into a common coordinate system. From the 3-D model, curved hair fibers were traced spatially so that projection and occlusion occurring in the current systems could be avoided. In the experiment, the proposed method was compared with two commercial instruments, i.e., the Uster Tester and Zweigle Tester. It is demonstrated that the length distribution of hairy fibers measured from the 3-D model showed an exponential growth when the fiber length is sorted from shortest to longest. The hairiness measurements, such as H-value, measured by the multiperspective method were highly consistent with those of Uster Tester (r=0.992) but had larger values than those obtained from Uster Tester and Zweigle Tester, proving that the proposed method corrected underestimated hairiness measurements in the commercial systems.

Contact Behavior of Composite CrTiSiN Coated Dies in Compressing of Mg Alloy Sheets under High Pressure.

PubMed

Yang, T S; Yao, S H; Chang, Y Y; Deng, J H

2018-01-08

Hard coatings have been adopted in cutting and forming applications for nearly two decades. The major purpose of using hard coatings is to reduce the friction coefficient between contact surfaces, to increase strength, toughness and anti-wear performance of working tools and molds, and then to obtain a smooth work surface and an increase in service life of tools and molds. In this report, we deposited a composite CrTiSiN hard coating, and a traditional single-layered TiAlN coating as a reference. Then, the coatings were comparatively studied by a series of tests. A field emission SEM was used to characterize the microstructure. Hardness was measured using a nano-indentation tester. Adhesion of coatings was evaluated using a Rockwell C hardness indentation tester. A pin-on-disk wear tester with WC balls as sliding counterparts was used to determine the wear properties. A self-designed compression and friction tester, by combining a Universal Testing Machine and a wear tester, was used to evaluate the contact behavior of composite CrTiSiN coated dies in compressing of Mg alloy sheets under high pressure. The results indicated that the hardness of composite CrTiSiN coating was lower than that of the TiAlN coating. However, the CrTiSiN coating showed better anti-wear performance. The CrTiSiN coated dies achieved smooth surfaces on the Mg alloy sheet in the compressing test and lower friction coefficient in the friction test, as compared with the TiAlN coating.

The heptad repeats region is essential for AcMNPV P10 filament formation and not the proline-rich or the C-terminus basic regions.

PubMed

Dong, Chunsheng; Deng, Fei; Li, Dan; Wang, Hualin; Hu, Zhihong

2007-09-01

Baculovirus P10 protein is a small conserved protein and is expressed as bundles of filaments in the host cell during the late phase of virus infection. So far the published results on the domain responsible for filament structural formation have been contradictory. Electron microscopy revealed that the C-terminus basic region was involved in filament structural formation in the Autographa californica multiple nucleocapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) [van Oers, M.M., Flipsen, J.T., Reusken, C.B., Sliwinsky, E.L., Vlak, J.M., 1993. Functional domains of the p10 protein of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedorsis virus. J. Gen. Virol. 74, 563-574.]. While in the Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus (HearNPV), the heptad repeats region but not the C-terminus domain was proven to be responsible for filament formation [Dong, C., Li, D., Long, G., Deng, F., Wang, H., Hu, Z., 2005. Identification of functional domains required for HearNPV P10 filament formation. Virology 338, 112-120.]. In this manuscript, fluorescence confocal microscopy was applied to study AcMNPV P10 filament formation. A set of plasmids containing different P10 structural domains fused with a fluorescent protein were constructed and transfected into Sf-9 cells. The data indicated that the heptad repeats region, but not the proline-rich region or the C-terminus basic region, is essential for AcMNPV P10 filament formation. Co-transfection of P10s tagged with different fluorescent revealed that P10s with defective heptad repeats region could not interact with intact heptad repeats region or even full-length P10s to form filament structure. Within the heptad repeats region, deletion of the three amino acids spacing of AcMNPV P10 appeared to have no significant impact on the formation of filament structures, but the content of the heptad repeats region appeared to play a role in the morphology of the filaments.

Security From Detection (Vehicles)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-02-24

Tester ( TVT ) or other TOP 02-2-615A 24 February 2011 5 similar device. Color vision can be assessed using the seven Ishihara Pseudo...Isochromatic plates usually contained in the TVT . b. Personnel chosen as observers for aural detectability tests must also have hearing ability...Test Test Measurement Diagnostic Equipment TOP Test Operations Procedure TVT Titmus® Vision Tester USMC United States Marine Corps

Security from Detection (Vehicles)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-02-24

Tester ( TVT ) or other TOP 02-2-615A 24 February 2011 5 similar device. Color vision can be assessed using the seven Ishihara Pseudo...Isochromatic plates usually contained in the TVT . b. Personnel chosen as observers for aural detectability tests must also have hearing ability...Test Test Measurement Diagnostic Equipment TOP Test Operations Procedure TVT Titmus® Vision Tester USMC United States Marine Corps

An automated data collection system for a Charpy impact tester

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weigman, Bernard J.; Spiegel, F. Xavier

1993-01-01

A method for automated data collection has been developed for a Charpy impact tester. A potentiometer is connected to the pivot point of the hammer and measures the angular displacement of the hammer. This data is collected with a computer and, through appropriate software, accurately records the energy absorbed by the specimen. The device can be easily calibrated with minimal effort.

The Design of a Four Square Gear Tester for Noise and Vibration Measurements.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-12-01

Four Square Gear Tester ...... . 25 2.3 The Speed-Torque Relationship of Contraves Blower Ventilated Motor ....... ..................... ... 31 2.4...The Speed-Torque Relationship of Contraves Self- Ventilated Motor ....... ..................... ... 32 2.5 The Contraves Motor...34 2.6 The Contraves Motor Mounted Blower ... ............ ... 35 2.7 The Fixed-Fixed End Condition (to determine the natural frequency of the

Combining ability of S3 progenies for key agronomic traits in popcorn: comparison of testers in top-crosses.

PubMed

de Lima, V J; do Amaral Junior, A T; Kamphorst, S H; Pena, G F; Leite, J T; Schmitt, K F M; Vittorazzi, C; de Almeida Filho, J E; Mora, F

2016-12-02

The successful development of hybrid cultivars depends on the reliability of estimated combining ability of the parent lines. The objectives of this study were to assess the combining ability of partially inbred S 3 families of popcorn derived from the open-pollinated variety UENF 14, via top-crosses with four testers, and to compare the testers for their ability to discriminate the S 3 progenies. The experiment was conducted in the 2015/2016 crop season, in an incomplete-block (Lattice) design with three replications. The following agronomic traits were evaluated: average plant height, grain yield (GY), popping expansion (PE), and expanded popcorn volume per hectare. The top-cross hybrid, originating from the BRS-Angela vs S 3 progeny 10 combination, was indicated as promising, showing high values for specific combining ability for GY and PE. For the S 3 progenies that showed high and positive GCA values for GY and PE, the continuity of the breeding program is recommended, with the advance of self-pollination generations. Fasoulas' differentiation index discriminated the BRS-Angela tester as the most suitable for identifying the superior progenies.

Reliability and Concurrent Validity of Dynamic Rotator Stability Test-A Cross Sectional study.

PubMed

Binoy Mathew, K V; Eapen, Charu; Kumar, P Senthil

2012-01-01

To find intra rater and inter rater reliability of Dynamic Rotator Stability Test (DRST) and to find concurrent validity of Dynamic Rotator Stability Test (DRST) with University of Pennsylvania Shoulder Score (PENN) Scale. 40 subjects of either gender between the age group of 18-70 with painful shoulder conditions of musculoskeletal origin was selected through convenient sampling. Tester 1 and tester 2 administered DRST and PENN scale randomly. In a subgroup of 20 subjects DRST was administered by both the testers to find the inter rater reliability. 180° Standard Universal Goniometer was used to take measurements. For intra-rater reliability, all the test variables were showing highly significant correlation (p=.94 - 1). For inter -rater, with tester 2, test variables like position, ROM, force, direction of abnormal translation, pain during the test, compensatory movement during test were found to be significant (p=.71-1).only some variables of DRST showed significant correlation with PENN scale (P=.320-.450). Dynamic Rotator Stability Test has good intra rater and moderate inter rater reliability. Concurrent validity of Dynamic Rotator Stability Test was found to be poor when compared to PENN Shoulder Score.

MC-TESTER: a universal tool for comparisons of Monte Carlo predictions for particle decays in high energy physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golonka, P.; Pierzchała, T.; Waş, Z.

2004-02-01

Theoretical predictions in high energy physics are routinely provided in the form of Monte Carlo generators. Comparisons of predictions from different programs and/or different initialization set-ups are often necessary. MC-TESTER can be used for such tests of decays of intermediate states (particles or resonances) in a semi-automated way. Our test consists of two steps. Different Monte Carlo programs are run; events with decays of a chosen particle are searched, decay trees are analyzed and appropriate information is stored. Then, at the analysis step, a list of all found decay modes is defined and branching ratios are calculated for both runs. Histograms of all scalar Lorentz-invariant masses constructed from the decay products are plotted and compared for each decay mode found in both runs. For each plot a measure of the difference of the distributions is calculated and its maximal value over all histograms for each decay channel is printed in a summary table. As an example of MC-TESTER application, we include a test with the τ lepton decay Monte Carlo generators, TAUOLA and PYTHIA. The HEPEVT (or LUJETS) common block is used as exclusive source of information on the generated events. Program summaryTitle of the program:MC-TESTER, version 1.1 Catalogue identifier: ADSM Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/ADSM Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Computer: PC, two Intel Xeon 2.0 GHz processors, 512MB RAM Operating system: Linux Red Hat 6.1, 7.2, and also 8.0 Programming language used:C++, FORTRAN77: gcc 2.96 or 2.95.2 (also 3.2) compiler suite with g++ and g77 Size of the package: 7.3 MB directory including example programs (2 MB compressed distribution archive), without ROOT libraries (additional 43 MB). No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 2 024 425 Distribution format: tar gzip file Additional disk space required: Depends on the analyzed particle: 40 MB in the case of τ lepton decays (30 decay channels, 594 histograms, 82-pages booklet). Keywords: particle physics, decay simulation, Monte Carlo methods, invariant mass distributions, programs comparison Nature of the physical problem: The decays of individual particles are well defined modules of a typical Monte Carlo program chain in high energy physics. A fast, semi-automatic way of comparing results from different programs is often desirable, for the development of new programs, to check correctness of the installations or for discussion of uncertainties. Method of solution: A typical HEP Monte Carlo program stores the generated events in the event records such as HEPEVT or PYJETS. MC-TESTER scans, event by event, the contents of the record and searches for the decays of the particle under study. The list of the found decay modes is successively incremented and histograms of all invariant masses which can be calculated from the momenta of the particle decay products are defined and filled. The outputs from the two runs of distinct programs can be later compared. A booklet of comparisons is created: for every decay channel, all histograms present in the two outputs are plotted and parameter quantifying shape difference is calculated. Its maximum over every decay channel is printed in the summary table. Restrictions on the complexity of the problem: For a list of limitations see Section 6. Typical running time: Varies substantially with the analyzed decay particle. On a PC/Linux with 2.0 GHz processors MC-TESTER increases the run time of the τ-lepton Monte Carlo program TAUOLA by 4.0 seconds for every 100 000 analyzed events (generation itself takes 26 seconds). The analysis step takes 13 seconds; ? processing takes additionally 10 seconds. Generation step runs may be executed simultaneously on multi-processor machines. Accessibility: web page: http://cern.ch/Piotr.Golonka/MC/MC-TESTER e-mails: Piotr.Golonka@CERN.CH, T.Pierzchala@friend.phys.us.edu.pl, Zbigniew.Was@CERN.CH.

Development of computer tablet software for clinical quantification of lateral knee compartment translation during the pivot shift test.

PubMed

Muller, Bart; Hofbauer, Marcus; Rahnemai-Azar, Amir Ata; Wolf, Megan; Araki, Daisuke; Hoshino, Yuichi; Araujo, Paulo; Debski, Richard E; Irrgang, James J; Fu, Freddie H; Musahl, Volker

2016-01-01

The pivot shift test is a commonly used clinical examination by orthopedic surgeons to evaluate knee function following injury. However, the test can only be graded subjectively by the examiner. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop software for a computer tablet to quantify anterior translation of the lateral knee compartment during the pivot shift test. Based on the simple image analysis method, software for a computer tablet was developed with the following primary design constraint - the software should be easy to use in a clinical setting and it should not slow down an outpatient visit. Translation of the lateral compartment of the intact knee was 2.0 ± 0.2 mm and for the anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee was 8.9 ± 0.9 mm (p < 0.001). Intra-tester (ICC range = 0.913 to 0.999) and inter-tester (ICC = 0.949) reliability were excellent for the repeatability assessments. Overall, the average percent error of measuring simulated translation of the lateral knee compartment with the tablet parallel to the monitor increased from 2.8% at 50 cm distance to 7.7% at 200 cm. Deviation from the parallel position of the tablet did not have a significant effect until a tablet angle of 45°. Average percent error during anterior translation of the lateral knee compartment of 6mm was 2.2% compared to 6.2% for 2 mm of translation. The software provides reliable, objective, and quantitative data on translation of the lateral knee compartment during the pivot shift test and meets the design constraints posed by the clinical setting.

In vivo levels of S-adenosylmethionine modulate C:G to T:A mutations associated with repeat-induced point mutation in Neurospora crassa.

PubMed

Rosa, Alberto Luis; Folco, Hernán Diego; Mautino, Mario Ricardo

2004-04-14

In Neurospora crassa, the mutagenic process termed repeat-induced point mutation (RIP) inactivates duplicated DNA sequences during the sexual cycle by the introduction of C:G to T:A transition mutations. In this work, we have used a collection of N. crassa strains exhibiting a wide range of cellular levels of S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet), the universal donor of methyl groups, to explore whether frequencies of RIP are dependent on the cellular levels of this metabolite. Mutant strains met-7 and eth-1 carry mutations in genes of the AdoMet pathway and have low levels of AdoMet. Wild type strains with high levels of AdoMet were constructed by introducing a chimeric transgene of the AdoMet synthetase (AdoMet-S) gene fused to the constitutive promoter trpC from Aspergillus nidulans. Crosses of these strains against tester duplications of the pan-2 and am genes showed that frequencies of RIP, as well as the total number of C:G to T:A transition mutations found in randomly selected am(RIP) alleles, are inversely correlated to the cellular level of AdoMet. These results indicate that AdoMet modulates the biochemical pathway leading to RIP.

Test-retest reproducibility of accommodative facility measures in primary school children.

PubMed

Adler, Paul; Scally, Andrew J; Barrett, Brendan T

2018-05-08

To determine the test-retest reproducibility of accommodative facility (AF) measures in an unselected sample of UK primary school children. Using ±2.00 DS flippers and a viewing distance of 40 cm, AF was measured in 136 children (range 4-12 years, average 8.1 ± 2.1) by five testers on three occasions (average interval between successive tests: eight days, range 1-21 days). On each occasion, AF was measured monocularly and binocularly, for two minutes. Full datasets were obtained in 111 children (81.6 per cent). Intra-individual variation in AF was large (standard deviation [SD] = 3.8 cycles per minute [cpm]) and there was variation due to the identity of the tester (SD = 1.6 cpm). On average, AF was greater: (i) in monocular compared to binocular testing (by 1.4 cpm, p < 0.001); (ii) in the second minute of testing compared to the first (by 1.3 cpm, p < 0.001); (iii) in older compared to younger children (for example, AF for 4/5-year-olds was 3.3 cpm lower than in children ≥ 10 years old, p = 0.009); and (iv) on subsequent testing occasions (for example, visit-2 AF was 2.0 cpm higher than visit-1 AF, p < 0.001). After the first minute of testing at visit-1, only 36.9 per cent of children exceeded published normative values for AF (≥ 11 cpm monocularly and ≥ 8 cpm binocularly), but this rose to 83.8 per cent after the third test. Using less stringent pass criteria (≥ 6 cpm monocularly and ≥ 3 cpm binocularly), the equivalent figures were 82.9 and 96.4 per cent, respectively. Reduced AF did not co-exist with abnormal near point of accommodation or reduced visual acuity. The results reveal considerable intra-individual variability in raw AF measures in children. When the results are considered as pass/fail, children who initially exhibit normal AF continued to do so on repeat testing. Conversely, the vast majority of children with initially reduced AF exhibit normal performance on repeat testing. Using established pass/fail criteria, the prevalence of persistently reduced AF in this sample is 3.6 per cent. © 2018 Optometry Australia.

Evaluation of Next-Generation Vision Testers for Aeromedical Certification of Aviation Personnel

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-07-01

measure distant, intermediate, and near acuity. The slides are essentially abbreviated versions of the Early Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy Study...over, requiring intermediate vision testing and 12 were color deficient. Analysis was designed to detect statistically significant differences between...Vertical Phoria (Right & Left Hyperphoria) Test scores from each of the vision testers were collated and analyzed. Analysis was designed to detect

NASA five-ball fatigue tester: Over 20 years of research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zaretsky, E. V.; Parker, R. J.; Anderson, W. J.

1981-01-01

Studies were conducted to determine the effect on rolling-element fatigue life of contact angle, material hardness, chemistry, heat treatment and processing, lubricant type and chemistry, elastohydrodynamic film thickness, deformation and wear, vacuum, and temperature as well as Hertzian and residual stresses. Correlation was established between the results obtained using the five-ball tester and those obtained with full scale rolling-element bearings.

TRAP: automated classification, quantification and annotation of tandemly repeated sequences.

PubMed

Sobreira, Tiago José P; Durham, Alan M; Gruber, Arthur

2006-02-01

TRAP, the Tandem Repeats Analysis Program, is a Perl program that provides a unified set of analyses for the selection, classification, quantification and automated annotation of tandemly repeated sequences. TRAP uses the results of the Tandem Repeats Finder program to perform a global analysis of the satellite content of DNA sequences, permitting researchers to easily assess the tandem repeat content for both individual sequences and whole genomes. The results can be generated in convenient formats such as HTML and comma-separated values. TRAP can also be used to automatically generate annotation data in the format of feature table and GFF files.

Evaluation of composite wear with a new multi-mode oral wear simulator.

PubMed

Condon, J R; Ferracane, J L

1996-07-01

The goals of this study were to develop a machine which simultaneously produces wear through the two main oral wear mechanisms of abrasion and attrition by the action of an enamel antagonist and to compare the results obtained for dental composites using this machine to those obtained from clinical studies and other in vitro studies. The accuracy of this new wear tester was determined by examining 11 commercial composite filling materials and 1 amalgam. Specimens were subjected to three-body abrasion and attrition wear for 50,000 cycles. Profilometry was used to quantitate wear of the composites. Linear regression analysis was used to correlate the results to those obtained from clinical studies, as well as from other in vitro wear testers. The area of enamel wear was also determined by image analysis. The SEM was used to evaluate the wear surfaces. The lowest abrasion wear was recorded for the amalgam and for the microfill and smaller-particle composites. Attrition wear was enhanced for the microfill composites and one small-particle hybrid. There was a strong correlation between the results obtained with the new wear tester and those obtained in the clinical trials cited in the literature. Wear of the enamel antagonist was the greatest for the composites with the largest particle sizes. The wear tester showed a reasonable correlation with other wear-producing machines. A new wear tester developed to evaluate and discriminate abrasion and attrition wear provided results similar to those reported in the literature for a variety of commercial composites. The new machine is capable of characterizing the behavior of a material in multiple wear modes simultaneously with one simple, realistic test.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of the Venturi Dustiness Tester

PubMed Central

Dubey, Prahit; Ghia, Urmila; Turkevich, Leonid A.

2017-01-01

Dustiness quantifies the propensity of a finely divided solid to be aerosolized by a prescribed mechanical stimulus. Dustiness is relevant wherever powders are mixed, transferred or handled, and is important in the control of hazardous exposures and the prevention of dust explosions and product loss. Limited quantities of active pharmaceutical powders available for testing led to the development (at University of North Carolina) of a Venturi-driven dustiness tester. The powder is turbulently injected at high speed (Re ~ 2 × 104) into a glass chamber; the aerosol is then gently sampled (Re ~ 2 × 103) through two filters located at the top of the chamber; the dustiness index is the ratio of sampled to injected mass of powder. Injection is activated by suction at an Extraction Port at the top of the chamber; loss of powder during injection compromises the sampled dustiness. The present work analyzes the flow inside the Venturi Dustiness Tester, using an Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes formulation with the k-ω Shear Stress Transport turbulence model. The simulation considers single-phase flow, valid for small particles (Stokes number Stk <1). Results show that ~ 24% of fluid-tracers escape the tester before the Sampling Phase begins. Dispersion of the powder during the Injection Phase results in a uniform aerosol inside the tester, even for inhomogeneous injections, satisfying a necessary condition for the accurate evaluation of dustiness. Simulations are also performed under the conditions of reduced Extraction-Port flow; results confirm the importance of high Extraction-Port flow rate (standard operation) for uniform distribution of fluid tracers. Simulations are also performed under the conditions of delayed powder injection; results show that a uniform aerosol is still achieved provided 0.5 s elapses between powder injection and sampling. PMID:28638167

Advances in tribological testing of artificial joint biomaterials using multidirectional pin-on-disk testers

PubMed Central

Baykal, D.; Siskey, R.S.; Haider, H.; Saikko, V.; Ahlroos, T.; Kurtz, S.M.

2013-01-01

The introduction of numerous formulations of Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), which is widely used as a bearing material in orthopedic implants, necessitated screening of bearing couples to identify promising iterations for expensive joint simulations. Pin-on-disk (POD) testers capable of multidirectional sliding can correctly rank formulations of UHMWPE with respect to their predictive in vivo wear behavior. However, there are still uncertainties regarding POD test parameters for facilitating clinically relevant wear mechanisms of UHMWPE. Studies on the development of POD testing were briefly summarized. We systematically reviewed wear rate data of UHMWPE generated by POD testers. To determine if POD testing was capable of correctly ranking bearings and if test parameters outlined in ASTM F732 enabled differentiation between wear behavior of various formulations, mean wear rates of non-irradiated, conventional (25–50 kGy) and highly crosslinked (≥90 kGy) UHMWPE were grouped and compared. The mean wear rates of non-irradiated, conventional and highly crosslinked UHMWPEs were 7.03, 5.39 and 0.67 mm3/MC. Based on studies that complied with the guidelines of ASTM F732, the mean wear rates of non-irradiated, conventional and highly crosslinked UHMWPEs were 0.32, 0.21 and 0.04 mm3/km, respectively. In both sets of results, the mean wear rate of highly crosslinked UHMPWE was smaller than both conventional and non-irradiated UHMWPEs (p<0.05). Thus, POD testers can compare highly crosslinked and conventional UHMWPEs despite different test parameters. Narrowing the allowable range for standardized test parameters could improve sensitivity of multi-axial testers in correctly ranking materials. PMID:23831149

White balance tester with color sensor for industrial applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jiasheng; Zhu, XiaoSong

1996-12-01

The white balance tester is an instrument that adjusts the white balance for color TVs, monitors, and PC displays. We have designed a new white balance tester for use directly at the production line. It picks up the R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue) signals for the screen using color sensors, compares the signals with the data previously stored in the internal memory, displays their differences with LED bars in the compare mode or displays x y Y, u v Y, JND (just noticeable difference) as well as correlated color temperature in the numerical mode. A built-in TV signal generator sets the luminance of the adjusting screen to the brightness of the reference white screen automatically. A 16-bit single chip microcomputer processes the measured values and controls the output levels of the TV signal generator.

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

Hattori, Masaki; Sugino, Etsuko; Minoura, Katsuhiko

One of the priorities in Alzheimer research is to develop a compound that inhibits the filament formation of tau protein. Since the three- or four-repeat microtubule-binding domain (MBD) in tau protein plays an essential role in filament formation, the inhibitory behavior of cyanidin (Cy) and methylene blue (MB) with respect to heparin-induced filament formation of MBD in a neutral solution (pH 7.6) was characterized by fluorescence, circular dichroism, and electron microscopy measurements. The planar aromatic ring of Cy and the N-unsubstituted phenothiazine ring of MB were shown to be necessary for the inhibition. However, the inhibitory responses with respect tomore » heparin-induced filament formation to the second and third repeat peptides of MBD were different: Cy suppresses the formation and MB does not prevent the formation. This suggests the importance of the first and fourth repeat peptides in the inhibitory activity of MB for MBD filament formation. In this study, we showed that the decrease of thioflavin S fluorescence intensity is not always linked to inhibition of filament formation.« less

Link Performance Analysis and monitoring - A unified approach to divergent requirements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thom, G. A.

Link Performance Analysis and real-time monitoring are generally covered by a wide range of equipment. Bit Error Rate testers provide digital link performance measurements but are not useful during real-time data flows. Real-time performance monitors utilize the fixed overhead content but vary widely from format to format. Link quality information is also present from signal reconstruction equipment in the form of receiver AGC, bit synchronizer AGC, and bit synchronizer soft decision level outputs, but no general approach to utilizing this information exists. This paper presents an approach to link tests, real-time data quality monitoring, and results presentation that utilizes a set of general purpose modules in a flexible architectural environment. The system operates over a wide range of bit rates (up to 150 Mbs) and employs several measurement techniques, including P/N code errors or fixed PCM format errors, derived real-time BER from frame sync errors, and Data Quality Analysis derived by counting significant sync status changes. The architecture performs with a minimum of elements in place to permit a phased update of the user's unit in accordance with his needs.

Evaluation of bearing configurations using the single bearing tester in liquid nitrogen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jett, T.; Hall, P.; Thom, R.

1991-01-01

Various bearing configurations were tested using the Marshall Space Flight Center single bearing tester with LN2 as the cryogenic coolant. The baseline was one Rocketdyne phase one high pressure oxidizer turbopump (HPOTP) pump end 45-mm bore bearing. The bearing configurations that were tested included a Salox/M cage configuration, a silicon nitride ball configuration, an elongated cage configuration, and a Bray 601 grease configuration.

Capabilities in Context: Evaluating the Net-Centric Enterprise

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-01

with an intuitive keyword search using the enterprise’s federated search capability. Service accessibility. Testers will ensure that local service has...search using the enterprise’s federated search capability. Data accessibility. Testers will ensure that Feder- ated Search results provide active link...user may request access to the data, and be available within ‘‘2 clicks’’ from the active link provided by Federated Search . Data understandability

The design and analysis of single flank transmission error tester for loaded gears

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bassett, Duane E.; Houser, Donald R.

1987-01-01

To strengthen the understanding of gear transmission error and to verify mathematical models which predict them, a test stand that will measure the transmission error of gear pairs under design loads has been investigated. While most transmission error testers have been used to test gear pairs under unloaded conditions, the goal of this report was to design and perform dynamic analysis of a unique tester with the capability of measuring the transmission error of gears under load. This test stand will have the capability to continuously load a gear pair at torques up to 16,000 in-lb at shaft speeds from 0 to 5 rpm. Error measurement will be accomplished with high resolution optical encoders and the accompanying signal processing unit from an existing unloaded transmission error tester. Input power to the test gear box will be supplied by a dc torque motor while the load will be applied with a similar torque motor. A dual input, dual output control system will regulate the speed and torque of the system. This control system's accuracy and dynamic response were analyzed and it was determined that proportional plus derivative speed control is needed in order to provide the precisely constant torque necessary for error-free measurement.

Slipped-strand mispairing at noncontiguous repeats in Poecilia reticulata: a model for minisatellite birth.

PubMed Central

Taylor, J S; Breden, F

2000-01-01

The standard slipped-strand mispairing (SSM) model for the formation of variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) proposes that a few tandem repeats, produced by chance mutations, provide the "raw material" for VNTR expansion. However, this model is unlikely to explain the formation of VNTRs with long motifs (e.g., minisatellites), because the likelihood of a tandem repeat forming by chance decreases rapidly as the length of the repeat motif increases. Phylogenetic reconstruction of the birth of a mitochondrial (mt) DNA minisatellite in guppies suggests that VNTRs with long motifs can form as a consequence of SSM at noncontiguous repeats. VNTRs formed in this manner have motifs longer than the noncontiguous repeat originally formed by chance and are flanked by one unit of the original, noncontiguous repeat. SSM at noncontiguous repeats can therefore explain the birth of VNTRs with long motifs and the "imperfect" or "short direct" repeats frequently observed adjacent to both mtDNA and nuclear VNTRs. PMID:10880490

Repeated Small Bowel Obstruction Caused by Chestnut Ingestion without the Formation of Phytobezoars.

PubMed

Satake, Ryu; Chinda, Daisuke; Shimoyama, Tadashi; Satake, Miwa; Oota, Rie; Sato, Satoshi; Yamai, Kiyonori; Hachimori, Hisashi; Okamoto, Yutaka; Yamada, Kyogo; Matsuura, Osamu; Hashizume, Tadashi; Soma, Yasushi; Fukuda, Shinsaku

2016-01-01

A small number of cases of small bowel obstruction caused by foods without the formation of phytobezoars have been reported. Repeated small bowel obstruction due to the ingestion of the same food is extremely rare. We present the case of 63-year-old woman who developed small bowel obstruction twice due to the ingestion of chestnuts without the formation of phytobezoars. This is the first reported case of repeated small bowel obstruction caused by chestnut ingestion. Careful interviews are necessary to determine the meal history of elderly patients and psychiatric patients.

Msh3 is a limiting factor in the formation of intergenerational CTG expansions in DM1 transgenic mice.

PubMed

Foiry, Laurent; Dong, Li; Savouret, Cédric; Hubert, Laurence; te Riele, Hein; Junien, Claudine; Gourdon, Geneviève

2006-06-01

The CTG repeat involved in myotonic dystrophy is one of the most unstable trinucleotide repeats. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this particular form of genetic instability-biased towards expansions-have not yet been completely elucidated. We previously showed, with highly unstable CTG repeat arrays in DM1 transgenic mice, that Msh2 is required for the formation of intergenerational and somatic expansions. To identify the partners of Msh2 in the formation of intergenerational CTG repeat expansions, we investigated the involvement of Msh3 and Msh6, partners of Msh2 in mismatch repair. Transgenic mice with CTG expansions were crossed with Msh3- or Msh6-deficient mice and CTG repeats were analysed after maternal and paternal transmissions. We demonstrated that Msh3 but not Msh6 plays also a key role in the formation of expansions over successive generation. Furthermore, the absence of one Msh3 allele was sufficient to decrease the formation of expansions, indicating that Msh3 is rate-limiting in this process. In the absence of Msh6, the frequency of expansions decreased only in maternal transmissions. However, the significantly lower levels of Msh2 and Msh3 proteins in Msh6 -/- ovaries suggest that the absence of Msh6 may have an indirect effect.

Use of GetCheckedOnline, a Comprehensive Web-based Testing Service for Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections.

PubMed

Gilbert, Mark; Salway, Travis; Haag, Devon; Fairley, Christopher K; Wong, Jason; Grennan, Troy; Uddin, Zhaida; Buchner, Christopher S; Wong, Tom; Krajden, Mel; Tyndall, Mark; Shoveller, Jean; Ogilvie, Gina

2017-03-20

The British Columbia Centre for Disease Control implemented a comprehensive Web-based testing service GetCheckedOnline (GCO) in September 2014 in Vancouver, Canada. GCO's objectives are to increase testing for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs), reach high-prevalence populations facing testing barriers, and increase clinical STI service capacity. GCO was promoted through email invitations to provincial STI clinic clients, access codes to clients unable to access immediate clinic-based testing (deferred testers), and a campaign to gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). The objective of the study was to report on characteristics of GCO users, use and test outcomes (overall and by promotional strategy) during this pilot phase. We used GCO program data, website metrics, and provincial STI clinic records to describe temporal trends, progression through the service pathway, and demographic, risk, and testing outcomes for individuals creating GCO accounts during the first 15 months of implementation. Of 868 clients creating accounts, 318 (36.6%) submitted specimens, of whom 96 (30.2%) tested more than once and 10 (3.1%) had a positive STI diagnosis. The proportion of clients submitting specimens increased steadily over the course of the pilot phase following introduction of deferred tester codes. Clients were diverse with respect to age, gender, and ethnicity, although youth and individuals of nonwhite ethnicity were underrepresented. Of the 506 clients completing risk assessments, 215 (42.5%) were MSM, 89 (17.6%) were symptomatic, 47 (9.3%) were STI contacts, 232 (45.8%) reported condomless sex, 146 (28.9%) reported ≥4 partners in the past 3 months, and 76 (15.0%) reported a recent STI. A total of 63 (12.5%) GCO clients were testing for the first time. For 868 accounts created, 337 (38.8%) were by clinic invitations (0 diagnoses), 298 (34.3%) were by deferred testers (6 diagnoses), 194 (22.4%) were by promotional campaign (3 diagnoses), and 39 (4.5%) were by other means (1 diagnosis). Our evaluation suggests that GCO is an acceptable and feasible approach to engage individuals in testing. Use by first-time testers, repeated use, and STI diagnosis of individuals unable to access immediate clinic-based testing suggest GCO may facilitate uptake of STBBI testing and earlier diagnosis. Use by MSM and individuals reporting sexual risk suggests GCO may reach populations with a higher risk of STI. Motivation to test (eg, unable to access clinical services immediately) appears a key factor underlying GCO use. These findings identify areas for refinement of the testing model, further promotion, and future research (including understanding reasons for drop-off through the service pathway and more comprehensive evaluation of effectiveness). Increased uptake and diagnosis corresponding with expansion of the service within British Columbia will permit future evaluation of this service across varying populations and settings. ©Mark Gilbert, Travis Salway, Devon Haag, Christopher K Fairley, Jason Wong, Troy Grennan, Zhaida Uddin, Christopher S Buchner, Tom Wong, Mel Krajden, Mark Tyndall, Jean Shoveller, Gina Ogilvie. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (http://www.jmir.org), 20.03.2017.

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

Morgan, Michael J.

The Hydrogen Fracture Toughness Tester (HFTT) is a mechanical testing machine designed for conducting fracture mechanics tests on materials in high-pressure hydrogen gas. The tester is needed for evaluating the effects of hydrogen on the cracking properties of tritium reservoir materials. It consists of an Instron Model 8862 Electromechanical Test Frame; an Autoclave Engineering Pressure Vessel, an Electric Potential Drop Crack Length Measurement System, associated computer control and data acquisition systems, and a high-pressure hydrogen gas manifold and handling system.

Tester Detects Steady-Short Or Intermittent-Open Circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, Bobby L.

1990-01-01

Momentary open circuits or steady short circuits trigger buzzer. Simple, portable, lightweight testing circuit sounds long-duration alarm when it detects steady short circuit or momentary open circuit in coaxial cable or other two-conductor transmission line. Tester sensitive to discontinuities lasting 10 microseconds or longer. Used extensively for detecting intermittent open shorts in accelerometer and extensometer cables. Also used as ordinary buzzer-type continuity checker to detect steady short or open circuits.

Review of LOX Bearing and Seal Materials Tester (BSMT) radial load system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dufrane, K. F.; Kannel, J. W.

1984-01-01

Problems concerning the bearings in the high pressure oxygen turbopumps (HPOTP) were investigated. The tasks involved: failure analyses, bearing dynamics calculations, lubrication studies, wear studies, and analyses of thermal transients. The radial load system on MSFC's bearing and seal tester used to study components for the HPOTP in liquid oxygen (LOX) is analyzed and the wear behavior of AISI 440C steel with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) lubrication is studied.

A Portable Sorption Tester for Nondestructive Testing of Chemical Protective Garments

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-01

ö.^ TECHNICAL REPORT NATICK/TR-92/042 Ap AASL MI A PORTABLE SORPTION TESTER FOR NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF CHEMICAL PROTECTIVE GARMENTS ...items. DESTRUCTION NOTICE For Classified Documents: Follow the procedures in DoD 5200.22-M, Industrial Security Manual, Section 11-19 or DoD...disclosure of contents or reconstruction of the document. REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE Form Approved OMB No . 0704-0188 Public ’»oor.ra Ouro«" ":> -n

Tester Independent Support Software System (TISSS)

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-08-01

AD-A240 668 RL-TR-91-163 Final Technical Report August 1991 TESTER INDEPENDENT SUPPORT SOFTWARE SYSTEM (TISSS) Harris Corporation Dr. Robert Rolfe...Laboratory Air Force Systems Command Griffiss Air Force Base, NY 13441-5700 9_1 9 17 o15 This report has been reviewed by the Rome Laboratory Public...will assist us in maintaining a current mailing list. Do not return copies of this report unless contractual obligations or notices on a specific

Non-Intrusive Impedance-Based Cable Tester

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Medelius, Pedro J. (Inventor); Simpson, Howard J. (Inventor)

1999-01-01

A non-intrusive electrical cable tester determines the nature and location of a discontinuity in a cable through application of an oscillating signal to one end of the cable. The frequency of the oscillating signal is varied in increments until a minimum, close to zero voltage is measured at a signal injection point which is indicative of a minimum impedance at that point. The frequency of the test signal at which the minimum impedance occurs is then employed to determine the distance to the discontinuity by employing a formula which relates this distance to the signal frequency and the velocity factor of the cable. A numerically controlled oscillator is provided to generate the oscillating signal, and a microcontroller automatically controls operation of the cable tester to make the desired measurements and display the results. The device is contained in a portable housing which may be hand held to facilitate convenient use of the device in difficult to access locations.

The I-V Measurement System for Solar Cells Based on MCU

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fengxiang, Chen; Yu, Ai; Jiafu, Wang; Lisheng, Wang

2011-02-01

In this paper, an I-V measurement system for solar cells based on Single-chip Microcomputer (MCU) is presented. According to the test principles of solar cells, this measurement system mainly comprises of two parts—data collecting, data processing and displaying. The MCU mainly used as to acquire data, then the collecting results is sent to the computer by serial port. The I-V measurement results of our test system are shown in the human-computer interaction interface based on our hardware circuit. By comparing the test results of our I-V tester and the results of other commercial I-V tester, we found errors for most parameters are less than 5%, which shows our I-V test result is reliable. Because the MCU can be applied in many fields, this I-V measurement system offers a simple prototype for portable I-V tester for solar cells.

Research on Microstructure and Properties of Welded Joint of High Strength Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Pengxiao; Li, Yi; Chen, Bo; Ma, Xuejiao; Zhang, Dongya; Tang, Cai

2018-01-01

BS960 steel plates were welded by Laser-MAG and MAG. The microstructure and properties of the welded joints were investigated by optical microscope, micro-hardness tester, universal tensile testing machine, impact tester, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fatigue tester. By a series of experiments, the following results were obtained: The grain size of the coarse grain zone with Laser-MAG welded joint is 20μm, and that with MAG welded joint is about 32μm, both of the fine grain region are composed of fine lath martensite and granular bainite; the width of the heat affected region with Laser-MAG is lower than that with MAG. The strength and impact energy of welded joints with Laser-MAG is higher than that with MAG. The conditioned fatigue limit of welded joint with Laser-MAG is 280MPa; however, the conditioned fatigue limit of welded joint with MAG is 250MPa.

Web-Based Intervention for Postpartum Depression: Formative Research and Design of the MomMoodBooster Program.

PubMed

Danaher, Brian G; Milgrom, Jeannette; Seeley, John R; Stuart, Scott; Schembri, Charlene; Tyler, Milagra S; Ericksen, Jennifer; Lester, Whitney; Gemmill, Alan W; Lewinsohn, Peter

2012-11-22

Postpartum depression is a significant public health problem affecting approximately 13% of women. There is strong evidence supporting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for successful psychosocial treatment. This treatment model combines cognitive and behavioral strategies to address pessimism, attributions for failure, low self-esteem, low engagement in pleasant activities, social withdrawal, anxiety, and low social support. Encouraging results have been reported for using Web-based CBT interventions for mental health domains, including the treatment of panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and complicated grief and depression. To date, however, Web-based interventions have not been used and evaluated specifically for the treatment of postpartum depression. We describe the formative work that contributed to the development of our Web-based intervention for helping to ameliorate symptoms of postpartum depression, and the design and key components of the program. A total of 17 focus group participants and 22 usability testers, who shared key characteristics with the participants of our planned feasibility study, took part. The proposed structure and ingredients of the program and mock-ups of selected webpages were presented to focus group participants. At various points, participants were asked a series of thought questions designed to elicit opinions and set the occasion for group discussion. At the end of the session, participants were asked to describe their overall reaction to the proposed features of the program emphasizing candid opinions about what they did not like and features they thought were missing and should be added. Usability testers were asked to interact with a series of seven different Web-based interactions planned for the program while receiving minimal direction. Each tester was asked to describe her thoughts using a think-aloud technique. They were then asked to consider all that they had learned about the program and complete the System Usability Scale that we adapted slightly to be appropriate for evaluating the proposed website. Transcripts from the focus groups and usability tests were reviewed by research team members for overarching themes with particular emphasis on suggested changes. A list emerged, and iterative and incremental adjustments were made as a result. The qualitative and quantitative data gathered in the focus groups and usability sessions reported here suggest that the new mothers involved had largely positive reactions to the major features of the program and that those program features performed well in terms of usability. An overview of the eventual design, architecture, and key program ingredients of the MomMoodBooster program is provided including innovative features supplementing 6 core CBT sessions, which include a partner's website, a library, and individual feedback by a personal coach.

[Comparison of the dietary phytosterols intake and serum lipids content in elderly women from three cities of China].

PubMed

Han, Jun-hua; Li, Yan-ping; Men, Jian-hua; Yu, Wen-tao; Yang, Yue-xin

2009-12-01

To investigate the dietary phytosterol intake of elderly women in three different cities of China, and to compare the main dietary sources, so that to discuss the relationship of dietary phytosterol intake and serum lipids. Based on the dietary pattern, women more than 50 years old from Beijing, Hefei and Urumchi were chosen as testers, 80 - 100 people for each city respectively. The dietary survey was done by continues 24 hours review of two days, the plant food were collected and the phytosterol content (include beta-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, sitostanol) were analyzed by GC methods, the total phytosterols content were calculated. The dietary phytosterol intake were calculated and serum lipids were also analyzed in all the testers. Testers from Beijing, Hefei and Urumchi were 100, 101 and 84 respectively. The average dietary phytosterol intake of people in Beijing and Hefei were 340.3 mg/d and 313.5 mg/d, the main sources were plant oil and cereals, while the average dietary phytosterol intake of people in Urumchi were 550.4 mg/d, higher than the other two cities (t values were 9.369, 10.420, respectively, both P values < 0.01), the main source in Urumchi was cereal (provide 53.1% of the total phytosterol intake). The laboratory results showed, testers in Urumchi had significantly lower serum TC content ((4.04 +/- 0.78) mmol/L) than that in Beijing ((4.89 +/- 0.91) mmol/L) and Hefei ((4.71 +/- 0.83) mmol/L) (t value were 6.766 and 5.401 respectively, both P values < 0.01); serum TG content in Urumchi((1.01 +/- 0.48) mmol/L) was also lower than that in Beijing ((1.31 +/- 0.53) mmol/L) and Hefei ((1.66 +/- 0.75) mmol/L) (t values were 3.343 and 7.293 respectively, both P values < 0.01); the serum glucose is also lower in testers in Urumchi ((5.02 +/- 2.18) mmol/L) compared with testers in Beijing ((5.69 +/- 1.53) mmol/L, t = 2.561, P < 0.05) and Hefei ((5.78 +/- 1.53) mmol/L, t = 2.934, P < 0.01). Different dietary pattern result in significantly different dietary phytosterol intake in elder women in three cities, higher, phytosterol intake seemed to contribute to lower serum lipids.

A Tester for Carbon Nanotube Mode Lockers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Yong-Won; Yamashita, Shinji

2007-05-01

We propose and demonstrate a tester for laser pulsating operation of carbon nanotubes employing a circulator with the extra degree of freedom of the second port to access diversified nanotube samples. The nanotubes are deposited onto the end facet of a dummy optical fiber by spray method that guarantees simple sample loading along with the minimized perturbation of optimized laser cavity condition. Resultant optical spectra, autocorrelation traces and pulse train of the laser outputs with qualified samples are presented.

An automated digital data collection and analysis system for the Charpy Impact Tester

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kohne, Glenn S.; Spiegel, F. Xavier

1994-01-01

The standard Charpy Impact Tester has been modified by the addition of a system of hardware and software to improve the accuracy and consistency of measurements made during specimen fracturing experiments. An optical disc, light source, and detector generate signals that indicate the pendulum position as a function of time. These signals are used by a computer to calculate the velocity and kinetic energy of the pendulum as a function of its position.

Endurance cycling results in extreme environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guertin, S. M.; Nguyen, D. N.; Scheick, L. Z.

2003-01-01

A new test bed for life testing flash memories in extreme environments is introducted. the test bed is based on a state-of-the-art development board. Since space applications often desire state-of-the-art devices, such a basis seems appropriate. Comparison of this tester to other such systems, including those with data presented here in the past is made. Limitations of different testers for varying applications are discussed. Recently developed data, using this test bed is also presented.

Orbital fatigue tester for use in Skylab experiment T032

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sandorff, P. E.

1973-01-01

A prototype fatigue test machine is described which is suitable for use by an astronaut in conducting constant amplitude materials fatigue tests aboard a Skylab or space shuttle vehicle. The machine is comparised of a mechanical tester, which would be passed through a small (7.6-inch square) airlock to be supported in the space environment on an extendible boom, and a control console, which would provide remote control from within the space vehicle.

Inspection tester for explosives

DOEpatents

Haas, Jeffrey S.; Simpson, Randall L.; Satcher, Joe H.

2007-11-13

An inspection tester that can be used anywhere as a primary screening tool by non-technical personnel to determine whether a surface contains explosives. It includes a body with a sample pad. First and second explosives detecting reagent holders and dispensers are operatively connected to the body and the sample pad. The first and second explosives detecting reagent holders and dispensers are positioned to deliver the explosives detecting reagents to the sample pad. A is heater operatively connected to the sample pad.

Inspection tester for explosives

DOEpatents

Haas, Jeffrey S.; Simpson, Randall L.; Satcher, Joe H.

2010-10-05

An inspection tester that can be used anywhere as a primary screening tool by non-technical personnel to determine whether a surface contains explosives. It includes a body with a sample pad. First and second explosives detecting reagent holders and dispensers are operatively connected to the body and the sample pad. The first and second explosives detecting reagent holders and dispensers are positioned to deliver the explosives detecting reagents to the sample pad. A is heater operatively connected to the sample pad.

A dynamic tester to evaluate the thermal and moisture behaviour of the surface of textiles.

PubMed

Li, Wenbin; Xu, Weilin; Wang, Hao; Wang, Xin

2016-01-01

The thermal and moisture behaviour of the microclimate of textiles is crucial in determining the physiological comfort of apparel, but it has not been investigated sufficiently due to the lack of particular evaluation techniques. Based on sensing, temperature controlling and wireless communicating technology, a specially designed tester has been developed in this study to evaluate the thermal and moisture behaviour of the surface of textiles in moving status. A temperature acquisition system and a temperature controllable hotplate have been established to test temperature and simulate the heat of human body, respectively. Relative humidity of the surface of fabric in the dynamic process has been successfully tested through sensing. Meanwhile, wireless communication technology was applied to transport the acquired data of temperature and humidity to computer for further processing. Continuous power supply was achieved by intensive contact between an elastic copper plate and copper ring on the rotating shaft. This tester provides the platform to evaluate the thermal and moisture behaviour of textiles. It enables users to conduct a dynamic analysis on the temperature and humidity together with the thermal and moisture transport behaviour of the surface of fabric in moving condition. Development of this tester opens the door of investigation on the micro-climate of textiles in real time service, and eventually benefits the understanding of the sensation comfort and wellbeing of apparel wearers. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Using Peer-Referral Chains with Incentives to Promote HIV Testing and Identify Undiagnosed HIV Infections Among Crack Users in San Salvador

PubMed Central

Glasman, Laura R.; Dickson-Gomez, Julia; Lechuga, Julia; Tarima, Sergey; Bodnar, Gloria; de Mendoza, Lorena Rivas

2016-01-01

In El Salvador, crack users are at high risk for HIV but they are not targeted by efforts to promote early HIV diagnosis. We evaluated the promise of peer-referral chains with incentives to increase HIV testing and identify undiagnosed HIV infections among networks of crack users in San Salvador. For 14 months, we offered HIV testing in communities with a high prevalence of crack use. For the following 14 months, we promoted chains in which crack users from these communities referred their peers to HIV testing and received a small monetary incentive. We recorded the monthly numbers of HIV testers, and their crack use, sexual risk behaviors and test results. After launching the referral chains, the monthly numbers of HIV testers increased significantly (Z = 6.90, p < .001) and decayed more slowly (Z = 5.93, p < .001), and the total number of crack-using testers increased nearly fourfold. Testers in the peer-referral period reported fewer HIV risk behaviors, but a similar percentage (~5 %) tested HIV positive in both periods. More women than men received an HIV-positive diagnosis throughout the study (χ2(1, N = 799) = 4.23, p = .040). Peer-referral chains with incentives can potentially increase HIV testing among networks of crack users while retaining a focus on high-risk individuals. PMID:26687093

Comparative testing of pulse oximeter probes.

PubMed

van Oostrom, Johannes H; Melker, Richard J

2004-05-01

The testing of pulse oximeter probes is generally limited to the integrity of the electrical circuit and does not include the optical properties of the probes. Few pulse oximeter testers evaluate the accuracy of both the monitor and the probe. We designed a study to compare the accuracy of nonproprietary probes (OSS Medical) designed for use with Nellcor, Datex-Ohmeda, and Criticare pulse oximeter monitors with that of their corresponding proprietary probes by using a commercial off-the-shelf pulse oximeter tester (Index). The Index pulse oximeter tester does include testing of the optical properties of the pulse oximeter probes. The pulse oximeter tester was given a controlled input that simulated acute apnea. Desaturation curves were automatically recorded from the pulse oximeter monitors with a data-collection computer. Comparisons between equivalent proprietary and nonproprietary probes were performed. Data were analyzed by using univariate and multivariate general linear model analysis. Five OSS Medical probe models were statistically better than the equivalent proprietary probes. The remainder of the probes were statistically similar. Comparative and simulation studies can have significant advantages over human studies because they are cost-effective, evaluate equipment in a clinically relevant scenario, and pose no risk to patients, but they are limited by the realism of the simulation. We studied the performance of pulse oximeter probes in a simulated environment. Our results show significant differences between some probes that affect the accuracy of measurement.

Templated synthesis of plate-like MoS2 nanosheets assisted with HNTs and their tribological performance in oil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Pei-Rong; Cheng, Zhi-Lin; Kong, Ying-Chao; Ma, Zhan-Sheng; Liu, Zan

2018-05-01

Two-dimensional MoS2 nanosheets were synthesized by using halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) as template under the hydrothermal synthesis. The structure and morphology of the as-synthesized MoS2 nanosheets were determined by a series of characterizations. The results showed that the as-synthesized MoS2 nanosheets were of the plate-like structure with about five layers, and the basal spacing was about 0.63 nm. It was demonstrated that HNTs played a crucial template role in the formation of the plate-like MoS2 nanosheets. The formation mechanism was proposed. Furthermore, the tribological performance of the as-prepared MoS2 nanosheets in oil was intensively examined on the ball-on-ball wear tester. The testing results verified that the as-prepared MoS2 nanosheets as additive could significantly improve the friction performance of oil, which exhibited the good antifriction, antiwear, and load-carrying properties.

Direct Metal Deposition of H13 Tool Steel on Copper Alloy Substrate: Parametric Investigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imran, M. Khalid; Masood, S. H.; Brandt, Milan

2015-12-01

Over the past decade, researchers have demonstrated interest in tribology and prototyping by the laser aided material deposition process. Laser aided direct metal deposition (DMD) enables the formation of a uniform clad by melting the powder to form desired component from metal powder materials. In this research H13 tool steel has been used to clad on a copper alloy substrate using DMD. The effects of laser parameters on the quality of DMD deposited clad have been investigated and acceptable processing parameters have been determined largely through trial-and-error approaches. The relationships between DMD process parameters and the product characteristics such as porosity, micro-cracks and microhardness have been analysed using scanning electron microscope (SEM), image analysis software (ImageJ) and microhardness tester. It has been found that DMD parameters such as laser power, powder mass flow rate, feed rate and focus size have an important role in clad quality and crack formation.

THE NAVICULAR POSITION TEST – A RELIABLE MEASURE OF THE NAVICULAR BONE POSITION DURING REST AND LOADING

PubMed Central

Spörndly-Nees, Søren; Dåsberg, Brian; Nielsen, Rasmus Oestergaard; Boesen, Morten Ilum

2011-01-01

Background: Lower limb injuries are a large problem in athletes. However, there is a paucity of knowledge on the relationship between alignment of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) of the foot and development of such injuries. A reliable and valid test to quantify foot type is needed to be able to investigate the relationship between arch type and injury likelihood. Feiss Line is a valid clinical measure of the MLA. However, no study has investigated the reliability of the test. Objectives: The purpose was to describe a modified version of the Feiss Line test and to determine the intra- and inter-tester reliability of this new foot alignment test. To emphasize the purpose of the modified test, the authors have named it The Navicular Position Test. Methods: Intra- and inter-tester reliability were evaluated of The Navicular Position Test with the use of ICC (interclass correlation coefficient) and Bland-Altman limits of agreement on 43 healthy, young, subjects. Results: Inter-tester mean difference -0.35 degrees [–1.32; 0.62] p = 0.47. Bland-Altman limits of agreement –6.55 to 5.85 degrees, ICC = 0.94. Intra-tester mean difference 0.47 degrees [–0.57; 1.50] p = 0.37. Bland-Altman limits of agreement –6.15 to 7.08 degrees, ICC = 0.91. Discussion: The present data support The Navicular Position Test as a reliable test of the navicular bone position during rest and loading measured in a simple test set-up. Conclusion: The Navicular Position Test was shown to have a high intraday-, intra- and inter-tester reliability. When cut off values to categorize the MLA into planus, rectus, or cavus feet, has been determined and presented, the test could be used in prospective observational studies investigating the role of the arch type on the development of various lower limb injuries. PMID:21904698

Digital Sound Encryption with Logistic Map and Number Theoretic Transform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Satria, Yudi; Gabe Rizky, P. H.; Suryadi, MT

2018-03-01

Digital sound security has limits on encrypting in Frequency Domain. Number Theoretic Transform based on field (GF 2521 – 1) improve and solve that problem. The algorithm for this sound encryption is based on combination of Chaos function and Number Theoretic Transform. The Chaos function that used in this paper is Logistic Map. The trials and the simulations are conducted by using 5 different digital sound files data tester in Wave File Extension Format and simulated at least 100 times each. The key stream resulted is random with verified by 15 NIST’s randomness test. The key space formed is very big which more than 10469. The processing speed of algorithm for encryption is slightly affected by Number Theoretic Transform.

Comparison of three portable instruments to measure compression pressure.

PubMed

Partsch, H; Mosti, G

2010-10-01

Measurement of interface pressure between the skin and a compression device has gained practical importance not only for characterizing the efficacy of different compression products in physiological and clinical studies but also for the training of medical staff. A newly developed portable pneumatic pressure transducer (Picopress®) was compared with two established systems (Kikuhime® and SIGaT tester®) measuring linearity, variability and accuracy on a cylindrical model using a stepwise inflated sphygmomanometer as the reference. In addition the variation coefficients were measured by applying the transducers repeatedly under a blood pressure cuff on the distal lower leg of a healthy human subject with stepwise inflation. In the pressure range between 10 and 80 mmHg all three devices showed a linear association compared with the sphygmomanometer values (Pearson r>0.99). The best reproducibility (variation coefficients between 1.05-7.4%) and the highest degree of accuracy demonstrated by Bland-Altman plots was achieved with the Picopress® transducer. Repeated measurements of pressure in a human leg revealed average variation coefficients for the three devices of 4.17% (Kikuhime®), 8.52% (SIGaT®) and 2.79% (Picopress®). The results suggest that the Picopress® transducer, which also allows dynamic pressure tracing in connection with a software program and which may be left under a bandage for several days, is a reliable instrument for measuring the pressure under a compression device.

The effect of brushing with nano calcium carbonate and calcium carbonate toothpaste on the surface roughness of nano-ionomer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anisja, D. H.; Indrani, D. J.; Herda, E.

2017-08-01

Nanotechnology developments in dentistry have resulted in the development of nano-ionomer, a new restorative material. The surface roughness of restorative materials can increase bacteria adhesion and lead to poor oral hygiene. Abrasive agents in toothpaste can alter tooth and restorative material surfaces. The aim of this study is to identify the effect of brushing with nano calcium carbonate, and calcium carbonate toothpaste on surface roughness of nano-ionomer. Eighteen nano-ionomer specimens were brushed with Aquabidest (doubledistilled water), nano calcium carbonate and calcium carbonate toothpaste. Brushing lasted 30 minutes, and the roughness value (Ra) was measured after each 10 minute segment using a surface roughness tester. The data was analyzed using repeated ANOVA and one-way ANOVA test. The value of nano-ionomer surface roughness increased significantly (p<0.05) after 20 minutes of brushing with the nano calcium carbonate toothpaste. Brushing with calcium carbonate toothpaste leaves nano-ionomer surfaces more rugged than brushing with nano calcium carbonate toothpaste.

Enhanced Master Controller Unit Tester

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benson, Patricia; Johnson, Yvette; Johnson, Brian; Williams, Philip; Burton, Geoffrey; McCoy, Anthony

2007-01-01

The Enhanced Master Controller Unit Tester (EMUT) software is a tool for development and testing of software for a master controller (MC) flight computer. The primary function of the EMUT software is to simulate interfaces between the MC computer and external analog and digital circuitry (including other computers) in a rack of equipment to be used in scientific experiments. The simulations span the range of nominal, off-nominal, and erroneous operational conditions, enabling the testing of MC software before all the equipment becomes available.

Helium Bottle Pressure Measurement by Portable Ultrasonic Technique

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-02-07

revision extends the study to include EMI testing, and -develorynent of g Rrotgtype tester . The Contractor shall: 1. Perform EMI test of ultrasonic eq...amp/1 watt power ap- plied to the bridgerires. The tester pulse of 250 volts for 100 ns at 1500 pps has an average value of 250v x 100ns x 1500pps...34 connector. Mount transducer in fixture and connect transducer to cable microdot connector. 5. Pulse-Echo transit time measurement: Assure that the

Design of a MATLAB(registered trademark) Image Comparison and Analysis Tool for Augmentation of the Results of the Ann Arbor Distortion Test

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-25

The equipment used in this procedure includes: Ann Arbor distortion tester with 50-line grating reticule, IQeye 720 digital video camera with 12...and import them into MATLAB. In order to digitally capture images of the distortion in an optical sample, an IQeye 720 video camera with a 12... video camera and Ann Arbor distortion tester. Figure 8. Computer interface for capturing images seen by IQeye 720 camera. Once an image was

Small-Bolt Torque-Tension Tester

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Posey, Alan J.

2009-01-01

The device described here measures the torque-tension relationship for fasteners as small as #0. The small-bolt tester consists of a plate of high-strength steel into which three miniature load cells are recessed. The depth of the recess is sized so that the three load cells can be shimmed, the optimum height depending upon the test hardware. The three miniature load cells are arranged in an equilateral triangular configuration with the test bolt aligned with the centroid of the three. This is a kinematic arrangement.

Rocketdyne LOX bearing tester program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keba, J. E.; Beatty, R. F.

1988-01-01

The cause, or causes, for the Space Shuttle Main Engine ball wear were unknown, however, several mechanisms were suspected. Two testers were designed and built for operation in liquid oxygen to empirically gain insight into the problems and iterate solutions in a timely and cost efficient manner independent of engine testing. Schedules and test plans were developed that defined a test matrix consisting of parametric variations of loading, cooling or vapor margin, cage lubrication, material, and geometry studies. Initial test results indicated that the low pressure pump thrust bearing surface distress is a function of high axial load. Initial high pressure turbopump bearing tests produced the wear phenomenon observed in the turbopump and identified an inadequate vapor margin problem and a coolant flowrate sensitivity issue. These tests provided calibration data of analytical model predictions to give high confidence in the positive impact of future turbopump design modification for flight. Various modifications will be evaluated in these testers, since similar turbopump conditions can be produced and the benefit of the modification will be quantified in measured wear life comparisons.

[Design of the psychology tester based on ZigBee technology].

PubMed

Zhong, Tianping; Tang, Liming

2012-09-01

To design a psychological state tester based on ZigBee wireless technology. Through analog circuit preprocessing, the heartbeat collected by the pulse sensor will be transformed into digital signal from analog signal, and then can be processed and displayed after transported to the personal computer through the Zigbee wireless communicate units. The data will be retrieval and playback for the measurement of psychology. The experiments show that the device is able to acquire the pulse wave of the human body in real-time, at the same time, through the ZigBee wireless network, it can accomplish real-time, secure and reliable communications, and it also can be used in the research of testing the mental state of the individual. Through the application of the ZigBee communicate technology; the psychology tester can collect the pulse signal to reflect the individual's mental state in different conditions. So it will be applicable to a wide range of psychology measurement and other areas.

Rolling-element fatigue life of AMS 5749 corrosion resistant, high temperature bearing steel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parker, R. J.; Hodder, R. S.

1977-01-01

The rolling element fatigue lives of AMS 5749 and AISI M-50 were compared in tests run in the five ball fatigue tester and the rolling contact fatigue tester. The effects of double vacuum melting and retained austenite on the life of AMS 5749 were determined in five ball fatigue tests. The double vacuum melting process consisted of induction vacuum melting followed by vacuum arc remelting (VIM-VAR). In the five ball tests, VIM-VAR AMS 5749 gave lives at least six times that of VIM-VAR AISI M-50. Similar tests in the rolling contact fatigue tester showed no significant difference in the lives of the two materials. The rolling element fatigue life of VIM-VAR AMS 5749 was at least 14 times that of vacuum induction melted AMS 5749. A trend toward increased rolling element fatigue life with decreased retained austenite is apparent, but the confidence that all experimental differences are significant is not great.

Comparative study for surface topography of bone drilling using conventional drilling and loose abrasive machining.

PubMed

Singh, Gurmeet; Jain, Vivek; Gupta, Dheeraj

2015-03-01

Drilling through the bone is a complicated process in orthopaedic surgery. It involves human as a part of the work so it needs better perfection and quality which leads to the sustainability. Different studies were carried out on this curious topic and some interesting results were obtained, which help the orthopaedic surgeon on the operation table. Major problems faced during bone drilling were crack initiation, thermal necrosis and burr formation. The surface topography of the bone is an indirect indication for the sustainability of bone joint. In this study, a comparison is made between conventional and a loose abrasive unconventional drilling technique for the surface characterization of the bone. The attempt has been made to show the feasibility of bone drilling with non-conventional technique and its aftereffect on the bone structure. The burr formation during conventional bone drilling was found to be more which leads to problems such as crack initiation and thermal necrosis. Scanning electrode microscope and surface roughness tester were used to characterize the surface of the fine drilled bone specimen and the results testified quite better surface finish and least crack formation while drilling with loose abrasive unconventional technique. © IMechE 2015.

Using Peer-Referral Chains with Incentives to Promote HIV Testing and Identify Undiagnosed HIV Infections Among Crack Users in San Salvador.

PubMed

Glasman, Laura R; Dickson-Gomez, Julia; Lechuga, Julia; Tarima, Sergey; Bodnar, Gloria; de Mendoza, Lorena Rivas

2016-06-01

In El Salvador, crack users are at high risk for HIV but they are not targeted by efforts to promote early HIV diagnosis. We evaluated the promise of peer-referral chains with incentives to increase HIV testing and identify undiagnosed HIV infections among networks of crack users in San Salvador. For 14 months, we offered HIV testing in communities with a high prevalence of crack use. For the following 14 months, we promoted chains in which crack users from these communities referred their peers to HIV testing and received a small monetary incentive. We recorded the monthly numbers of HIV testers, and their crack use, sexual risk behaviors and test results. After launching the referral chains, the monthly numbers of HIV testers increased significantly (Z = 6.90, p < .001) and decayed more slowly (Z = 5.93, p < .001), and the total number of crack-using testers increased nearly fourfold. Testers in the peer-referral period reported fewer HIV risk behaviors, but a similar percentage (~5 %) tested HIV positive in both periods. More women than men received an HIV-positive diagnosis throughout the study (χ(2)(1, N = 799) = 4.23, p = .040). Peer-referral chains with incentives can potentially increase HIV testing among networks of crack users while retaining a focus on high-risk individuals.

Activation and inactivation of carcinogenic dihaloalkanes and other compounds by glutathione S-transferase 5-5 in Salmonella typhimurium tester strain NM5004.

PubMed

Shimada, T; Yamazaki, H; Oda, Y; Hiratsuka, A; Watabe, T; Guengerich, F P

1996-01-01

A newly developed tester Salmonella typhimurium NM5004 strain was constructed by introducing a plasmid containing both rat GSH S-transferase (GST) 5-5 cDNA and the umuC"lacZ operon into the host strain Salmonella typhimurium TA1535 and used to examine whether or not GST modified the genotoxic activities of several dihaloalkanes and other compounds. Twenty-nine chemicals that were suggested to be conjugated by GST were compared with regard to their abilities to induce umu gene expression and cause cytotoxicity responses in both the NM5004 strain and the original tester strain (S. typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002, which is devoid of GST activity toward 1,2-epoxy-3-(4'-nitrophenoxy)propane). Ten chemicals--1,2-dibromoethane,N-(2,3-epoxypropyl)phthalimide, 1,3-dichloroacetone, CH2I2, 1,2-epoxy-3-phenoxypropane, 2,3-epoxypropyl p-methoxyphenyl ether, 1-bromo-2-chloroethane, 1-bromo-2,3-dichloropropane, CH2BrCl, and CH2Br2--were found to enhance induction of umu gene expression in the NM5004 strain as compared with the TA1535/pSK1002 strain. 1,2-Epoxy-3-(4'-nitrophenoxy)propane and 2,3-dibromo-1-chloropropane were inactivated by GST 5-5 in the NM5004 tester strain, although these chemicals were cytotoxic in both tester strains. Roles of GST 5-5 were also examined for the inactivation of reactive metabolites of several procarcinogens that were formed through oxidation by liver microsomes of polychlorinated biphenyl-treated rats. The results suggest that reactive metabolites (possibly epoxides) of aflatoxin B1, sterigmatocystin, 1,2-dihydro-1,2-dihydroxy-6-aminochrysene, and (+)- and (-)-enantiomers of 7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo[a]pyrene could be trapped as inactivated GSH conjugates in the NM5004 strain. High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis suggested that exo-aflatoxin B1-8,9-oxide--GSH conjugate was formed during the oxidation of aflatoxin B1 by rat and human liver microsomes in the presence of GSH and several GST enzymes including purified rat theta class GST Yrs-Yrs and rat liver GST (a mixture of alpha and mu class enzymes). Thus, the present results support the view that the theta class rat GST 5-5 enzyme participates in the activation and inactivation of potential environmental carcinogenic chemicals. This newly developed NM5004 tester strain is of use in the elucidation of roles of GST 5-5 in transformations.

Cryogenic gear technology for an orbital transfer vehicle engine and tester design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Calandra, M.; Duncan, G.

1986-01-01

Technology available for gears used in advanced Orbital Transfer Vehicle rocket engines and the design of a cryogenic adapted tester used for evaluating advanced gears are presented. The only high-speed, unlubricated gears currently in cryogenic service are used in the RL10 rocket engine turbomachinery. Advanced rocket engine gear systems experience operational load conditions and rotational speed that are beyond current experience levels. The work under this task consisted of a technology assessment and requirements definition followed by design of a self-contained portable cryogenic adapted gear test rig system.

Reducing software security risk through an integrated approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gilliam, D.; Powell, J.; Kelly, J.; Bishop, M.

2001-01-01

The fourth quarter delivery, FY'01 for this RTOP is a Property-Based Testing (PBT), 'Tester's Assistant' (TA). The TA tool is to be used to check compiled and pre-compiled code for potential security weaknesses that could be exploited by hackers. The TA Instrumenter, implemented mostly in C++ (with a small part in Java), parsels two types of files: Java and TASPEC. Security properties to be checked are written in TASPEC. The Instrumenter is used in conjunction with the Tester's Assistant Specification (TASpec)execution monitor to verify the security properties of a given program.

Evaluation of genetic toxicity of 6-diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine (DON).

PubMed

Kulkarni, Rohan M; Dakoulas, Emily W; Miller, Ken E; Terse, Pramod S

2017-09-01

DON (6-diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine), a glutamine antagonist, was demonstrated to exhibit analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral and anticancer properties. The study was performed to characterize its in vitro and in vivo genetic toxicity potential. DON was tested in the bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test) using Salmonella typhimurium tester strains (TA98, TA100, TA1535 and TA1537) and Escherichia coli tester strain (WP2 uvrA) with and without S9 and also with reductive S9. In addition, DON was tested for the chromosome aberrations in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells with or without S9 to evaluate the clastogenic potential. Furthermore, DON was also evaluated for its in vivo clastogenic activity by detecting micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocyte (PCE) cells in bone marrow collected from the male mice dosed intravenously with 500, 100, 10, 1 and 0.1 mg/kg at 24 and 48-h post-dose. The Ames mutagenicity assay showed no positive mutagenic responses. However, the in vitro chromosome aberration assay demonstrated dose dependent statistically positive increase in structural aberrations at 4 and 20-h exposure without S9 and also at 4-h exposure with S9. The in vivo micronucleus assay also revealed a statistically positive response for micronucleus formation at 500, 100 and 10 mg/kg at 24 and 48-h post-dose. Thus, DON appears to be negative in the Ames test but positive in the in vitro chromosome aberration assay and in the in vivo micronucleus assay. In conclusion, the results indicate DON is a genotoxic compound with a plausible epigenetic mechanism.

Patient perceptions and expectations of an anticoagulation service: a quantitative comparison study of clinic-based testers and patient self-testers.

PubMed

Money, Arthur G; Barnett, Julie; Kuljis, Jasna; Duffin, Debbie

2015-12-01

Government initiatives see the provision of technology-assisted self-care as one of the key areas in which there is capacity for improving quality of care whilst reducing costs. However, levels of patient engagement in self-testing and management (STM) remain low. Little emphasis has been placed on understanding the patients' perspectives of the reasons for this limited engagement. Typically, patient engagement in STM is achieved via the provision of patient education programmes, which aim to enable patients to make the changes necessary to become competent self-carers. However, placing the onus to change on the individual patient is unrealistic. If levels of patient engagement are to be improved, patient needs and expectations of clinical services must be better understood and service provision must be adapted accordingly. Explore patient perceptions and expectations of clinical service provision and their views of having and making choices about care. Participants [N = 191, 103 patient self-tester managers (PSTMs) and 87 clinic-based testers (CBTs)] completed the SERVQUAL and ChQ instruments to capture perspectives on service quality and choice, respectively. A comparative statistical analysis explored the similarities and differences between PSTMs' and CBTs' responses. Clinic-based testers' perceptions of service quality were significantly more positive than PSTMs', as were their expectations of the 'tangible' aspects of service delivery. PSTMs' expectations of service quality were significantly higher than their perceptions. PSTMs attributed significantly more value to making choices compared with CBTs. To close the gap between PSTMs expectations and perceptions of service quality and better cater for their choice preferences, service providers may benefit from taking into account the following practice considerations: maintain frequent, timely, personalised and direct interactions with PSTMs; prioritise investment in resources to facilitate patient/practitioner interaction over tangible facilities; ensure that PSTMs are given the opportunity to make choices about their care. © 2015 The Authors. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Nordic College of Caring Science.

Exploring Operational Test and Evaluation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems: A Qualitative Case Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saliceti, Jose A.

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore and identify strategies that may potentially remedy operational test and evaluation procedures used to evaluate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) technology. The sample for analysis consisted of organizations testing and evaluating UASs (e.g., U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, and Customs Border Protection). A purposeful sampling technique was used to select 15 subject matter experts in the field of operational test and evaluation of UASs. A questionnaire was provided to participants to construct a descriptive and robust research. Analysis of responses revealed themes related to each research question. Findings revealed operational testers utilized requirements documents to extrapolate measures for testing UAS technology and develop critical operational issues. The requirements documents were (a) developed without the contribution of stakeholders and operational testers, (b) developed with vague or unrealistic measures, and (c) developed without a systematic method to derive requirements from mission tasks. Four approaches are recommended to develop testable operational requirements and assist operational testers: (a) use a mission task analysis tool to derive requirements for mission essential tasks for the system, (b) exercise collaboration among stakeholders and testers to ensure testable operational requirements based on mission tasks, (c) ensure testable measures are used in requirements documents, and (d) create a repository list of critical operational issues by mission areas. The preparation of operational test and evaluation processes for UAS technology is not uniform across testers. The processes in place are not standardized, thus test plan preparation and reporting are different among participants. A standard method to prepare and report UAS technology should be used when preparing and reporting on UAS technology. Using a systematic process, such as mission-based test design, resonated among participants as an analytical method to link UAS mission tasks and measures of performance to the capabilities of the system under test when developing operational test plans. Further research should examine system engineering designs for system requirements traceability matrix of mission tasks and subtasks while using an analysis tool that adequately evaluates UASs with an acceptable level of confidence in the results.

Behavioral intention to take up different types of HIV testing among men who have sex with men who were never-testers in Hong Kong.

PubMed

Wang, Zixin; Lau, Joseph T F; She, Rui; Ip, Mary; Jiang, Hui; Ho, Shara P Y; Yang, XueYing

2018-01-01

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing is an important global prevention strategy but underutilized by local men who have sex with men (MSM). This study investigated the prevalence of behavioral intention to take up HIV testing (specific or any type), in the next six months among MSM who had not been tested for HIV in the last three years (never-testers) in Hong Kong. The data was based on 141 never-testers of 430 MSM who completed the anonymous baseline telephone survey of an ongoing randomized controlled trial from January 2015 to August 2015. Only 17.7% of them showed strong intention to take up any type of HIV testing in the next six months. Adjusted analysis showed that perceived benefit of HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 1.66), perceived psychological barriers of HIV testing (AOR: 0.85, 95%CI: 0.73, 1.00), and perceived self-efficacy in taking up HIV testing (AOR: 1.28, 95%CI: 1.07, 1.52) were significantly associated with behavioral intention to take up any HIV testing. Perceived cue to action from non-governmental organization staff was positively associated with a marginal p-value of 0.077 (AOR: 2.37, 95%CI: 0.97, 5.77). It is warranted to strengthen perceived benefit, remove psychological barriers, and increase perceived self-efficacy related to HIV testing. Innovative and effective health promotions are greatly needed to increase HIV testing coverage among never-testers.

Motivation and experiences of self-testers regarding tests for cardiovascular risk factors.

PubMed

Ickenroth, Martine H P; Grispen, Janaica E J; Ronda, Gaby; Tacken, Marloes; Dinant, Geert-Jan; de Vries, Nanne K; van der Weijden, Trudy

2014-02-01

In recent years, self-tests have become increasingly available to the general public, though their value is still being debated. Because these tests are available, consumers should have access to clear information about self-testing. Examining experiences of self-testers could contribute to the development of consumer information. Detailed exploration of consumers' experiences with self-testing for cardiovascular risk factors. Semi-structured interviews with 20 consumers who had performed a self-test for glucose, cholesterol or albuminuria. The main topics of the interviews were reasons for self-testing, performing the self-test, follow-up behaviour and perceived need for information on self-testing. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Regarding the reason for self-testing, three types of users were distinguished: those who engaged in self-testing when a test was offered, either with or without previous knowledge about the disease or risk factor, and those who had actively decided to test and had searched for a self-test themselves. Self-testers had generally experienced no problems performing the test or interpreting the result and had considerable confidence in the result. They were easily reassured by a normal result, while an abnormal result did not automatically mean they consulted a doctor. Most participants did not feel the need for more information. Self-testers often perform tests for reassurance, without considering the disadvantages, such as the absence of professional counselling and the risk of false-positive or false-negative results. Consumer information should promote more informed and deliberate choices for self-testing. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effects of bedding systems selected by manual muscle testing on sleep and sleep-related respiratory disturbances.

PubMed

Tsai, Ling-Ling; Liu, Hau-Min

2008-03-01

In this study, we investigated the feasibility of applying manual muscle testing (MMT) for bedding selection and examined the bedding effect on sleep. Four lay testers with limited training in MMT performed muscle tests for the selection of the bedding systems from five different mattresses and eight different pillows for 14 participants with mild sleep-related respiratory disturbances. For each participant individually, two bedding systems-one inducing stronger muscle forces and the other inducing weaker forces-were selected. The tester-participant pairs showed 85% and 100% agreement, respectively, for the selection of mattresses and pillows that induced the strongest muscle forces. The firmness of the mattress and the height of the pillow were significantly correlated with the body weight and body mass index of the participants for the selected strong bedding system but not for the weak bedding system. Finally, differences were observed between the strong and the weak bedding systems with regard to sleep-related respiratory disturbances and the percentage of slow-wave sleep. It was concluded that MMT can be performed by inexperienced testers for the selection of bedding systems.

Influence of wearing latex gloves on electric pulp tester readings in children.

PubMed

Holan, G

1993-12-01

Electric pulp testers operated by completing an electric circuit. Latex examination gloves have been claimed to interrupt this circuit and lead to false-negative results. This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of wearing latex gloves on electric pulp tester (EPT) readings. The pulps of 80 maxillary permanent incisors of 22 children 10-13 1/2 years old were tested using the Pelton & Crane 'Vitapulp' instrument. Each tooth was tested twice: with gloves and with bare hands. Teeth failing to respond to the EPT without gloves were excluded from the study. All EPT readings ranged between 1 and 9.5. Five teeth gave the same responses with gloved and ungloved hands. Only five teeth did not respond when gloves were worn, and all of these gave readings near the top of the EPT scale when tested without gloves. The other 70 teeth presented significantly higher readings with gloves than without gloves. It is concluded that removal of examination gloves during the operation of the EPT is necessary only if no response is obtained.

Change detection technique for muscle tone during static stretching by continuous muscle viscoelasticity monitoring using wearable indentation tester.

PubMed

Okamura, Naomi; Kobayashi, Yo; Sugano, Shigeki; Fujie, Masakatsu G

2017-07-01

Static stretching is widely performed to decrease muscle tone as a part of rehabilitation protocols. Finding out the optimal duration of static stretching is important to minimize the time required for rehabilitation therapy and it would be helpful for maintaining the patient's motivation towards daily rehabilitation tasks. Several studies have been conducted for the evaluation of static stretching; however, the recommended duration of static stretching varies widely between 15-30 s in general, because the traditional methods for the assessment of muscle tone do not monitor the continuous change in the target muscle's state. We have developed a method to monitor the viscoelasticity of one muscle continuously during static stretching, using a wearable indentation tester. In this study, we investigated a suitable signal processing method to detect the time required to change the muscle tone, utilizing the data collected using a wearable indentation tester. By calculating a viscoelastic index with a certain time window, we confirmed that the stretching duration required to bring about a decrease in muscle tone could be obtained with an accuracy in the order of 1 s.

Development of a tester for evaluation of prototype thermal cells and batteries

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

Guidotti, R.A.

1994-10-01

A tester was developed to evaluate prototype thermal cells and batteries--especially high-voltage units--under a wide range of constant-current and constant-resistance discharge conditions. Programming of the steady-state and pulsing conditions was by software control or by hardware control via an external pulse generator. The tester was assembled from primarily Hewlett-Packard (H-P) instrumentation and was operated under H-P`s Rocky Mountain Basic (RMB). Constant-current electronic loads rated up to 4 kW (400 V at up to 100 A) were successfully used with the setup. For testing under constant-resistance conditions, power metal-oxide field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) controlled by a programmable pulse generator were used tomore » switch between steady-state and pulse loads. The pulses were digitized at up to a 50 kHz rate (20 {mu} s/pt) using high-speed DVMs; steady-state voltages were monitored with standard DVMs. This paper describes several of the test configurations used and discusses the limitations of each. Representative data are presented for a number of the test conditions.« less

Sensor set-up for wireless measurement of automotive rim and wheel parameters in laboratory conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borecki, M.; Prus, P.; Korwin-Pawlowski, M. L.; Rychlik, A.; Kozubel, W.

2017-08-01

Modern rims and wheels are tested at the design and production stages. Tests can be performed in laboratory conditions and on the ride. In the laboratory, complex and costly equipment is used, as for example wheel balancers and impact testers. Modern wheel balancers are equipped with electronic and electro-mechanical units that enable touch-less measurement of dimensions, including precision measurement of radial and lateral wheel run-out, automatic positioning and application of the counterweights, and vehicle wheel set monitoring - tread wear, drift angles and run-out unbalance. Those tests are performed by on-wheel axis measurements with laser distance meters. The impact tester enables dropping of weights from a defined height onto a wheel. Test criteria are the loss of pressure of the tire and generation of cracks in the wheel without direct impact of the falling weights. In the present paper, a set up composed of three accelerometers, a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor is examined as the base of a wheel tester. The sensor set-up configuration, on-line diagnostic and signal transmission are discussed.

The Origin of Hierarchical Structure in Self-Assembled Graphene Oxide Papers and the Effect on Mechanical Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nandy, Krishanu

The quest for new materials with ever improving properties has motivated interest in bulk nanostructured materials. Graphene, a two-dimensional sheet of hexagonally arranged carbon atoms, has been of particular interest given its exceptional mechanical, thermal, optical and electrical properties. Graphene oxide is a chemically modified form of graphene in which the honeycomb lattice of carbon atoms is decorated with oxygen bearing functional groups. Graphene oxide represents a facile route for the production of large quantities of graphene based materials, is stable in aqueous and polar organic solvents and has the potential for further chemical modification. In this dissertation, the origin and influence of hierarchical structure on the mechanical properties of graphene oxide paper and graphene oxide paper based materials has been investigated. Free-standing papers derived from graphene oxide are of interest as structural materials due to their impressive mechanical properties. While studies have investigated the mechanical properties of graphene oxide papers, little is known about the formation mechanism. Using a series of flash-freezing experiments on graphene oxide papers undergoing formation, a stop-motion animation of the fabrication process was obtained. The results explain the origin of the hierarchical nature of graphene oxide papers and provide a method for the tailoring of graphene oxide based materials. An in depth study of fusion of graphene oxide papers demonstrates a simple single-step route for the fabrication of practical materials derived from graphene oxide papers. Fused papers retain the properties of constituent papers allowing for the fabrication of mechanical heterostructures that replicate the hierarchical nature of natural materials. The contribution of the hierarchical nature of graphene oxide papers to the mechanical properties was examined by comparing papers formed by two different mechanisms. The intermediate length scale structures were found to play a key role in yielding tough papers with high failure stress. Finally, efforts to investigate the microstructural mechanisms that govern the mechanical properties of graphene oxide papers by 3D printing of a tensile tester are detailed. It is intended to release the design of the tensile tester to the community in an effort to reduce cost and improve availability of lab equipment.

Program for the improvement of downhole drilling motor bearings and seals. Phase IV. Semi-annual report

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

Tibbitts, G.A.; DeLafosse, P.H.; Black, A.

1980-07-01

Four main areas of development for the project are covered: design and fabrication of a dynamometer and a mud cooling system for the Bearing-Seal Package Test Facility; modification of the Bearing-Seal Package Test Facility based on test results; testing of new lubricant samples from Pacer Lubricants, Inc., in the Terra Tek High Temperature Lubricant Tester; and testing of new seal types in the Terra Tek Sea Tester. The Maurer Engineering Report, Semi-Annual Progress Report on Improvement of Downhole Motor Bearings and Seals by Jeff L. Barnwell, has been included as Appendix B.

Comparison of strain rates of dart impacted plaques and pendulum impacted bumpers

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

Scammell, K.L.

1987-01-01

The difference in strain rates prevailing during pendulum impact of bumpers versus high speed dart impact of plaques was investigated. Uni-axial strain gages were applied to the tension side of the plaques and bumpers directly opposite the point of impact. The plaques were impacted with an instrumented high rate dart impact tester and the bumpers impacted with a full scale bumper pendulum impact tester. Theoretical calculations and actual strain rate data support the conclusion that the strain rate of a plaque during dart impact significantly exceeds that of bumper strain rate during pendulum impact.

Interplay between I308 and Y310 residues in the third repeat of microtubule-binding domain is essential for tau filament formation.

PubMed

Naruto, Keiko; Minoura, Katsuhiko; Okuda, Ryouhei; Taniguchi, Taizo; In, Yasuko; Ishida, Toshimasa; Tomoo, Koji

2010-10-08

Investigation of the mechanism of tau polymerization is indispensable for finding inhibitory conditions or identifying compounds preventing the formation of paired helical filament or oligomers. Tau contains a microtubule-binding domain consisting of three or four repeats in its C-terminal half. It has been considered that the key event in tau polymerization is the formation of a β-sheet structure arising from a short hexapeptide (306)VQIVYK(311) in the third repeat of tau. In this paper, we report for the first time that the C-H⋯π interaction between Ile308 and Tyr310 is the elemental structural scaffold essential for forming a dry "steric zipper" structure in tau amyloid fibrils. Copyright © 2010 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High Temperature Brush Seal Tuft Testing of Selected Nickel-Chrome and Cobalt-Chrome Superalloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fellenstein, James A.; DellaCorte, Christopher; Moore, Kenneth D.; Boyes, Esther

1997-01-01

The tribology of brush seals is of considerable interest to turbine engine designers because bristle wear continues to limit long term seal performance and life. To provide better materials characterization and foster the development of improved seals, NASA Lewis has developed a brush seal tuft tester. In this test, a 'paintbrush' sample tuft is loaded under constant contact pressure against the outside diameter of a rotating journal. With this configuration, load and friction are directly measured and accurate wear measurements are possible. Previously reported research using this facility showed excellent data repeatability and wear morphology similar to published seal data and dynamic rig tests. This paper is an update of the ongoing research into the tribology of brush seals. The effects of wire materials processing on seal wear and the tribological results for three journal coatings are discussed. Included in the materials processing were two nickel-chrome superalloys each processed to two different yield strengths. The results suggest that seal wear is dependent more on material composition than processing conditions.

Usage and acceptability of HIV self-testing in men who have sex with men in Hong Kong.

PubMed

Wong, Horas Tze Hoo; Tam, Hoi Yan; Chan, Denise Pui Chung; Lee, Shui Shan

2015-03-01

Whilst studies on over-the-counter HIV tests continue to accumulate after FDA's approval of OraQuick Advance in 2012, few have focused on men who have sex with men (MSM) in Asian cities. An internet survey was conducted on 1,122 MSM in Hong Kong, revealing a low usage (6.1 %) and acceptability rate (43.8 %) on self-testing despite its availability in the market. Hierarchical logistic regression models showed that having received relevant information and users' attitudes on self-testing were the determinants of usage and acceptability. These factors had greater effects than sexual behaviors and social-networking on MSM's decision on self-testing. Majority of ever self-testers only repeated the self-test after a non-negative result, and overall only 26.6 % went for a formal test subsequent to the self-test. Concerns regarding the tests' accuracy were expressed by respondents. In conclusion, appropriate and accessible information and evidence-based guidance are needed to incorporate self-testing into HIV prevention strategies targeting MSM.

Progress in the measurement of SSME turbine heat flux with plug-type sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liebert, Curt H.

1991-01-01

Data reduction was completed for tests of plug-type heat flux sensors (gauges) in a turbine blade thermal cycling tester (TBT) that is located at NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center, and a typical gauge is illustrated. This is the first time that heat flux has been measured in a Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Turbopump Turbine environment. The development of the concept for the gauge was performed in a heat flux measurement facility at Lewis. In this facility, transient and steady state absorbed surface heat flux information was obtained from transient temperature measurements taken at points within the gauge. A schematic of the TBT is presented, and plots of the absorbed surface heat flux measured on the three blades tested in the TBT are presented. High quality heat flux values were measured on all three blades. The experiments demonstrated that reliable and durable gauges can be repeatedly fabricated into the airfoils. The experiment heat flux data are being used for verification of SSME analytical stress, boundary layer, and heat transfer design models. Other experimental results and future plans are also presented.

Correlates of Unknown HIV Status Among MSM Participating in the 2014 American Men's Internet Survey (AMIS).

PubMed

Traynor, S M; Brincks, A M; Feaster, D J

2017-08-29

Increasing serostatus awareness is a key HIV prevention strategy. Despite expanded testing efforts, some men who have sex with men (MSM) remain unaware of their HIV status. This study explored demographic characteristics, sexual identity, sexual role, and behavioral factors associated with unknown HIV status among MSM in the United States. Data from 9170 MSM in the 2014 American Men's Internet Survey were analyzed using logistic regression to identify correlates of unknown HIV status. Young age, race, low education, rural residence, and lack of recent healthcare visits were significantly associated with unknown HIV status. In addition, nondisclosure of one's sexual orientation (OR = 3.70, 95% CI 2.99-4.59) and a self-identified sexual role as "bottom" (OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.24-1.70) were predictors of unknown HIV status. Post-hoc analysis showed HIV-negative MSM not tested in the last year had fewer self-reported risk behaviors than recent testers, suggesting that repeat testing among MSM may be aligned with individual risk.

Testing a tool for the classification of study designs in systematic reviews of interventions and exposures showed moderate reliability and low accuracy.

PubMed

Hartling, Lisa; Bond, Kenneth; Santaguida, P Lina; Viswanathan, Meera; Dryden, Donna M

2011-08-01

To develop and test a study design classification tool. We contacted relevant organizations and individuals to identify tools used to classify study designs and ranked these using predefined criteria. The highest ranked tool was a design algorithm developed, but no longer advocated, by the Cochrane Non-Randomized Studies Methods Group; this was modified to include additional study designs and decision points. We developed a reference classification for 30 studies; 6 testers applied the tool to these studies. Interrater reliability (Fleiss' κ) and accuracy against the reference classification were assessed. The tool was further revised and retested. Initial reliability was fair among the testers (κ=0.26) and the reference standard raters κ=0.33). Testing after revisions showed improved reliability (κ=0.45, moderate agreement) with improved, but still low, accuracy. The most common disagreements were whether the study design was experimental (5 of 15 studies), and whether there was a comparison of any kind (4 of 15 studies). Agreement was higher among testers who had completed graduate level training versus those who had not. The moderate reliability and low accuracy may be because of lack of clarity and comprehensiveness of the tool, inadequate reporting of the studies, and variability in tester characteristics. The results may not be generalizable to all published studies, as the test studies were selected because they had posed challenges for previous reviewers with respect to their design classification. Application of such a tool should be accompanied by training, pilot testing, and context-specific decision rules. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The efficacy of supplemental intraosseous anesthesia after insufficient mandibular block.

PubMed

Prohić, Samir; Sulejmanagić, Halid; Secić, Sadeta

2005-02-01

It is a well-known scientific fact that only a small percentage of infiltration of inferior alveolar nerve is clinically proven to be efficient. The objective of this study was to determine the anesthetic efficacy of supplemental intraosseous injection, used after the insufficient classical mandibular block that didn't provide deep pulp anesthesia of mandibular molar planed for extraction. The experimental teeth consisted of 98 mandibular molars with clinical indication for extraction. Based on the history of disease, we indicated the extraction of the tooth. After that each tooth was tested with a electric pulp tester P1. We tested the pulp vitality and precisely determined the level of vitality. After that, each patient received classical mandibular block, and the pulp vitality was tested again. If the pulp tester indicated negative vitality for the certain mandibular molar, and the patient didn't complain about pain or discomfort during the extraction, the molar was extracted and the result was added to anesthetic success rate for the classical mandibular block. If, five minutes after receiving the mandibular block, the pulp tester indicated positive vitality (parameters of vitality) or the patient complained about pain or discomfort (parameters of pain and discomfort), we used the Stabident intraosseous anesthesia system. Three minutes after the application of supplemental intraosseous injection the molar was tested with the pulp tester again. The anesthetic solution used in both anesthetic techniques is lidocaine with 1:100.000 epinephrine. The results of this study indicate that the anesthetic efficacy of the mandibular block is 74.5%, and that supplemental intraosseous anesthesia, applied after the insufficient mandibular block, provides pulpal anesthesia in 94.9% of mandibular molars. The difference between anesthetic efficacy of the classical mandibular block and anesthetic efficacy of the supplemental intraosseous anesthesia, applied after the insufficient mandibular block, is obvious.

Ability of walking without a walking device in patients with spinal cord injury as determined using data from functional tests

PubMed Central

Poncumhak, Puttipong; Saengsuwan, Jiamjit; Amatachaya, Sugalya

2014-01-01

Background/Objectives More than half of independent ambulatory patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) need a walking device to promote levels of independence. However, long-lasting use of a walking device may introduce negative impacts for the patients. Using a standard objective test relating to the requirement of a walking device may offer a quantitative criterion to effectively monitor levels of independence of the patients. Therefore, this study investigated (1) ability of the three functional tests, including the five times sit-to-stand test (FTSST), timed up and go test (TUGT), and 10-meter walk test (10MWT) to determine the ability of walking without a walking device, and (2) the inter-tester reliability of the tests to assess functional ability in patients with SCI. Methods Sixty independent ambulatory patients with SCI, who walked with and without a walking device (30 subjects/group), were assessed cross-sectionally for their functional ability using the three tests. The first 20 subjects also participated in the inter-tester reliability test. Results The time required to complete the FTSST <14 seconds, the TUGT < 18 seconds, and the 10MWT < 6 seconds had good-to-excellent capability to determine the ability of walking without a walking device of subjects with SCI. These tests also showed excellent inter-tester reliability. Conclusions Methods of clinical evaluation for walking are likely performed using qualitative observation, which makes the results difficult to compare among testers and test intervals. Findings of this study offer a quantitative target criterion or a clear level of ability that patients with SCI could possibly walk without a walking device, which would benefit monitoring process for the patients. PMID:24621030

Reliability and validity in measurement of true humeral retroversion by a three-dimensional cylinder fitting method.

PubMed

Saka, Masayuki; Yamauchi, Hiroki; Hoshi, Kenji; Yoshioka, Toru; Hamada, Hidetoshi; Gamada, Kazuyoshi

2015-05-01

Humeral retroversion is defined as the orientation of the humeral head relative to the distal humerus. Because none of the previous methods used to measure humeral retroversion strictly follow this definition, values obtained by these techniques vary and may be biased by morphologic variations of the humerus. The purpose of this study was 2-fold: to validate a method to define the axis of the distal humerus with a virtual cylinder and to establish the reliability of 3-dimensional (3D) measurement of humeral retroversion by this cylinder fitting method. Humeral retroversion in 14 baseball players (28 humeri) was measured by the 3D cylinder fitting method. The root mean square error was calculated to compare values obtained by a single tester and by 2 different testers using the embedded coordinate system. To establish the reliability, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and precision (standard error of measurement [SEM]) were calculated. The root mean square errors for the humeral coordinate system were <1.0 mm/1.0° for comparison of all translations/rotations obtained by a single tester and <1.0 mm/2.0° for comparison obtained by 2 different testers. Assessment of reliability and precision of the 3D measurement of retroversion yielded an intratester ICC of 0.99 (SEM, 1.0°) and intertester ICC of 0.96 (SEM, 2.8°). The error in measurements obtained by a distal humerus cylinder fitting method was small enough not to affect retroversion measurement. The 3D measurement of retroversion by this method provides excellent intratester and intertester reliability. Copyright © 2015 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The reliability and validity of the Saliba Postural Classification System

PubMed Central

Collins, Cristiana Kahl; Johnson, Vicky Saliba; Godwin, Ellen M.; Pappas, Evangelos

2016-01-01

Objectives To determine the reliability and validity of the Saliba Postural Classification System (SPCS). Methods Two physical therapists classified pictures of 100 volunteer participants standing in their habitual posture for inter and intra-tester reliability. For validity, 54 participants stood on a force plate in a habitual and a corrected posture, while a vertical force was applied through the shoulders until the clinician felt a postural give. Data were extracted at the time the give was felt and at a time in the corrected posture that matched the peak vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) in the habitual posture. Results Inter-tester reliability demonstrated 75% agreement with a Kappa = 0.64 (95% CI = 0.524–0.756, SE = 0.059). Intra-tester reliability demonstrated 87% agreement with a Kappa = 0.8, (95% CI = 0.702–0.898, SE = 0.05) and 80% agreement with a Kappa = 0.706, (95% CI = 0.594–0818, SE = 0.057). The examiner applied a significantly higher (p < 0.001) peak vertical force in the corrected posture prior to a postural give when compared to the habitual posture. Within the corrected posture, the %VGRF was higher when the test was ongoing vs. when a postural give was felt (p < 0.001). The %VGRF was not different between the two postures when comparing the peaks (p = 0.214). Discussion The SPCS has substantial agreement for inter- and intra-tester reliability and is largely a valid postural classification system as determined by the larger vertical forces in the corrected postures. Further studies on the correlation between the SPCS and diagnostic classifications are indicated. PMID:27559288

The reliability and validity of the Saliba Postural Classification System.

PubMed

Collins, Cristiana Kahl; Johnson, Vicky Saliba; Godwin, Ellen M; Pappas, Evangelos

2016-07-01

To determine the reliability and validity of the Saliba Postural Classification System (SPCS). Two physical therapists classified pictures of 100 volunteer participants standing in their habitual posture for inter and intra-tester reliability. For validity, 54 participants stood on a force plate in a habitual and a corrected posture, while a vertical force was applied through the shoulders until the clinician felt a postural give. Data were extracted at the time the give was felt and at a time in the corrected posture that matched the peak vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) in the habitual posture. Inter-tester reliability demonstrated 75% agreement with a Kappa = 0.64 (95% CI = 0.524-0.756, SE = 0.059). Intra-tester reliability demonstrated 87% agreement with a Kappa = 0.8, (95% CI = 0.702-0.898, SE = 0.05) and 80% agreement with a Kappa = 0.706, (95% CI = 0.594-0818, SE = 0.057). The examiner applied a significantly higher (p < 0.001) peak vertical force in the corrected posture prior to a postural give when compared to the habitual posture. Within the corrected posture, the %VGRF was higher when the test was ongoing vs. when a postural give was felt (p < 0.001). The %VGRF was not different between the two postures when comparing the peaks (p = 0.214). The SPCS has substantial agreement for inter- and intra-tester reliability and is largely a valid postural classification system as determined by the larger vertical forces in the corrected postures. Further studies on the correlation between the SPCS and diagnostic classifications are indicated.

Characterization of a possible amyloidogenic precursor in glutamine-repeat neurodegenerative diseases.

PubMed

Armen, Roger S; Bernard, Brady M; Day, Ryan; Alonso, Darwin O V; Daggett, Valerie

2005-09-20

Several neurodegenerative diseases are linked to expanded repeats of glutamine residues, which lead to the formation of amyloid fibrils and neuronal death. The length of the repeats correlates with the onset of Huntington's disease, such that healthy individuals have <38 residues and individuals with >38 repeats exhibit symptoms. Because it is difficult to obtain atomic-resolution structural information for poly(l-glutamine) (polyQ) in aqueous solution experimentally, we performed molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the conformational behavior of this homopolymer. In simulations of 20-, 40-, and 80-mer polyQ, we observed the formation of the "alpha-extended chain" conformation, which is characterized by alternating residues in the alpha(L) and alpha(R) conformations to yield a sheet. The structural transition from disordered random-coil conformations to the alpha-extended chain conformation exhibits modest length and temperature dependence, in agreement with the experimental observation that aggregation depends on length and temperature. We propose that fibril formation in polyQ may occur through an alpha-sheet structure, which was proposed by Pauling and Corey. Also, we propose an atomic-resolution model of how the inhibitory peptide QBP1 (polyQ-binding peptide 1) may bind to polyQ in an alpha-extended chain conformation to inhibit fibril formation.

gHRV: Heart rate variability analysis made easy.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Liñares, L; Lado, M J; Vila, X A; Méndez, A J; Cuesta, P

2014-08-01

In this paper, the gHRV software tool is presented. It is a simple, free and portable tool developed in python for analysing heart rate variability. It includes a graphical user interface and it can import files in multiple formats, analyse time intervals in the signal, test statistical significance and export the results. This paper also contains, as an example of use, a clinical analysis performed with the gHRV tool, namely to determine whether the heart rate variability indexes change across different stages of sleep. Results from tests completed by researchers who have tried gHRV are also explained: in general the application was positively valued and results reflect a high level of satisfaction. gHRV is in continuous development and new versions will include suggestions made by testers. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Degradation mechanisms of sulfur and nitrogen containing compounds during thermal stability testing of model fuels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reddy, K. T.; Cernansky, N. P.; Cohen, R. S.

1987-01-01

The degradation behavior of n-dodecane (singly or in combination with S- and N-containing dopants) was studied using a modified Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Tester facility between 200 and 400 C. The products were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The soluble products consisted mainly of n-alkanes and 1-alkenes, aldehydes, tetrahydrofuran derivatives, dodecanol and dodecanone isomers, C21-C24 alkane isomers, and dodecylhydroperoxide (ROOH) decomposition products. The major products were always the same, with and without dopants, but their distributions varied considerably. The 3,4-dimercaptotoluene and dibutylsulfide dopants added individually to n-dodecane interferred with the hydrocarbon oxidation at the alkylperoxy radical and the alkylhydroperoxide link, respectively, while the 2,5-dimethylpyrrole dopant inhibited ROOH formation. Pyridine, pyrrole, and dibenzothiophene added individually showed few significant effects.

Optimization Study of Pulsed DC Nitrogen-Hydrogen Plasma in the Presence of an Active Screen Cage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saeed, A.; W. Khan, A.; F., Jan; U. Shah, H.; Abrar, M.; Zaka-Ul-Islam, M.; Khalid, M.; Zakaullah, M.

2014-05-01

A glow discharge plasma nitriding reactor in the presence of an active screen cage is optimized in terms of current density, filling pressure and hydrogen concentrations using optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The samples of AISI 304 are nitrided for different treatment times under optimum conditions. The treated samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) to explore the changes induced in the crystallographic structure. The XRD pattern confirmed the formation of iron and chromium nitrides arising from incorporation of nitrogen as an interstitial solid solution in the iron lattice. A Vickers microhardness tester was used to evaluate the surface hardness as a function of treatment time (h). The results showed clear evidence of improved surface hardness and a substantial amount of decrease in the treatment time compared with the previous work.

Creation and pilot testing of cases for case-based learning: A pedagogical approach for pathology cancer diagnosis

PubMed Central

Wilson, Michael; Masia, Ricard; Moloo, Zahir; Stall, Jennifer; Eslan, Alexia; Ayers, Stephanie; Mutuku, Angela

2017-01-01

Background Case-based learning (CBL) is an established pedagogical active learning method used in various disciplines and defined based on the field of study and type of case. The utility of CBL for teaching specific aspects of cancer diagnosis to practising pathologists has not been previously studied in sub-Saharan Africa. Objectives We aimed to pilot test standardised cancer cases on a group of practising pathologists in sub-Saharan Africa to evaluate case content, clarity of questions and delivery of content. Methods Expert faculty created cases for the four most commonly diagnosed cancers. The format included mini-cases and bullet cases which were all open-ended. The questions dealt with interpretation of clinical information, gross specimen examination, morphologic characteristics of tumours, ancillary testing, reporting and appropriate communication to clinicians. Results Cases on breast, cervical, prostate and colorectal cancers were tested on seven practising pathologists. Each case took an average of 45–90 min to complete. Questions that were particularly challenging to testers were on: Specimens they should have been but for some reason were not exposed to in routine practice.Ancillary testing and appropriate tumour staging. New knowledge gained included tumour grading and assessment of radial margins. Revisions to cases were made based on testers’ feedback, which included rewording of questions to reduce ambiguity and adding of tables to clarify concepts. Conclusion Cases were created for CBL in Kenya, but these are applicable elsewhere in Africa and beyond to teach cancer diagnosis. The pilot testing of cases prepared faculty for the actual CBL course and feedback provided by the testers assisted in improving the questions and impact on day-to-day practice. PMID:29147646

Cable Tester

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

NASA Tech Brief's provided Sonics Associates, Inc. with a method of saving many hours of testing time and money. James B. Cawthon, Sonics Vice-President, read about a device developed at Ames Research Center. Sonics adapted the device and produced an effective tester that uses a clocked shift register to apply a voltage to a cable under test. This is the active part of the Ames development, and the passive is a small box containing light emitting diodes (LEDs). When connected to the other end of the tested cable, the LEDs light in the same sequence as the generator. This procedure allows the technician to immediately identify a miswired cable.

Test strategies for industrial testers for converter controls equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oleniuk, P.; Di Cosmo, M.; Kasampalis, V.; Nisbet, D.; Todd, B.; Uznański, S.

2017-04-01

Power converters and their controls electronics are key elements for the operation of the CERN accelerator complex, having a direct impact on its availability. To prevent early-life failures and provide means to verify electronics, a set of industrial testers is used throughout the converters controls electronics' life cycle. The roles of the testers are to validate mass production during the manufacturing phase and to provide means to diagnose and repair failed modules that are brought back from operation. In the converter controls electronics section of the power converters group in the technology department of CERN (TE/EPC/CCE), two main test platforms have been adopted: a PXI platform for mixed analogue-digital functional tests and a JTAG Boundary-Scan platform for digital interconnection and functional tests. Depending on the functionality of the device under test, the appropriate test platforms are chosen. This paper is a follow-up to results presented at the TWEPP 2015 conference, adding the boundary scan test platform and the first results from exploitation of the test system. This paper reports on the test software, hardware design and test strategy applied for a number of devices that has resulted in maximizing test coverage and minimizing test design effort.

Defibrillator synchronization tester.

PubMed

Demirbilek, Fatma N; Krajnak, Mike; Stolarczyk, George

2009-01-01

A defibrillator sync output signal connector provides an ECG synchronization signal that can be used by some defibrillators for the purpose of performing synchronized cardioversion [1]. This process is used to stop an abnormally fast heart rate or cardiac arrhythmia by the delivery of a therapeutic dose of electric current to the heart during the R-wave of the cardiac cycle. Timing the shock to the R-wave prevents the delivery of the shock during the vulnerable period of the cardiac cycle, which could induce ventricular fibrillation [2]. GE patient monitors include a selectable analog output feature, which provides an analog ECG or arterial blood pressure signal. The blood pressure signal can be used to synchronize balloon pumps to provide cardiac assist to post-MI patients with poor injection fraction. Proper operation requires the defibrillator sync and analog output function to be checked. Checkouts are typically done during planned maintenance and after major part replacements such as patient monitor's main CPU board. Checking out defibrillator sync signals could be done using a GE defibrillator sync tester. The defibrillator sync tester provides a loop back path for the defibrillator sync signals to be displayed on the patient monitor screen and eliminates the need for an external oscilloscope.

Bearing Tester Data Compilation Analysis, and Reporting and Bearing Math Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

The magnitude and direction of fluid induced torques and forces on the 57 mm bearing cage is considered to be a contributing factor in possible cage instabilities that can produce intermittent high heating in the bearing. Analyses of the fluid forces and torques are presented. Heat generated by viscous fluid work was estimated for two flow diverter configurations and a coolant flow of 10 lbs/sec to support the thermal evaluation of the LOX Bearing Materials Tester. Results of the analysis of the LOX turbopump turbine end bearings are discussed. Coolant velocities for the no. 4 LOX turbopump turbine end bearings were estimated as a function of shaft speed and coolant flow rate. Contact angles and track width data were developed for the 57 mm bearing as functions of shaft speed, and axial and radial loads. The Advanced Dynamics of Rolling Elements (ADORE) computer program was installed on the MSFC UNIVAC 1100 and a test case successfully run. Both the text output and the plotting output were verified. The Bearing Seal and Materials Tester - Test Condition Data Base was developed. The parametric analysis of the operating characteristics of the LOX turbopump pump end bearing using the 45 mm bearing thermal model was begun.

A Method for Measuring the Hardness of the Surface Layer on Hot Forging Dies Using a Nanoindenter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mencin, P.; van Tyne, C. J.; Levy, B. S.

2009-11-01

The properties and characteristics of the surface layer of forging dies are critical for understanding and controlling wear. However, the surface layer is very thin, and appropriate property measurements are difficult to obtain. The objective of the present study is to determine if nanoindenter testing provides a reliable method, which could be used to measure the surface hardness in forging die steels. To test the reliability of nanoindenter testing, nanoindenter values for two quenched and tempered steels (FX and H13) are compared to microhardness and macrohardness values. These steels were heat treated for various times to produce specimens with different values of hardness. The heat-treated specimens were tested using three different instruments—a Rockwell hardness tester for macrohardness, a Vickers hardness tester for microhardness, and a nanoindenter tester for fine scale evaluation of hardness. The results of this study indicate that nanoindenter values obtained using a Nanoindenter XP Machine with a Berkovich indenter reliably correlate with Rockwell C macrohardness values, and with Vickers HV microhardness values. Consequently, nanoindenter testing can provide reliable results for analyzing the surface layer of hot forging dies.

Determination of flash point in air and pure oxygen using an equilibrium closed bomb apparatus.

PubMed

Kong, Dehong; am Ende, David J; Brenek, Steven J; Weston, Neil P

2003-08-29

The standard closed testers for flash point measurements may not be feasible for measuring flash point in special atmospheres like oxygen because the test atmosphere cannot be maintained due to leakage and the laboratory safety can be compromised. To address these limitations we developed a new "equilibrium closed bomb" (ECB). The ECB generally gives lower flash point values than standard closed cup testers as shown by the results of six flammable liquids. The present results are generally in good agreement with the values calculated from the reported lower flammability limits and the vapor pressures. Our measurements show that increased oxygen concentration had little effect on the flash points of the tested flammable liquids. While generally regarded as non-flammable because of the lack of observed flash point in standard closed cup flash point testers, dichloromethane is known to form flammable mixtures. The flash point of dichloromethane in oxygen measured in the ECB is -7.1 degrees C. The flash point of dichloromethane in air is dependent on the type and energy of the ignition source. Further research is being carried out to establish the relationship between the flash point of dichloromethane and the energy of the ignition source.

Hip range of motion and provocative physical examination tests reliability and agreement in asymptomatic volunteers

PubMed Central

Prather, H; Harris-Hayes, M; Hunt, D; Steger-May, K; Mathew, V; Clohisy, JC

2012-01-01

Objective The objectives of this study are the following: 1) report passive hip ROM in asymptomatic young adults, 2) report the intra-tester and inter-tester reliability of hip ROM measurements among testers of multiple disciplines, 3) report the results of provocative hip tests and tester agreement. Design descriptive epidemiology study Setting tertiary university Participants Twenty-eight young adult volunteers without musculoskeletal symptoms, history of disorder or surgery involving the lumbar spine or lower extremities were enrolled and completed the study. Methods Asymptomatic young adult volunteers completed questionnaires and were examined by two blinded examiners during a single session. The testers were physical therapists and physicians. Hip range of motion and provocative tests were completed by both examiners on each hip. Main Outcome Measurements Inter and intra-rater reliability for ROM and agreement for provocative tests was determined. Results Twenty-eight asymptomatic adults with mean age 31 years old (range 18–51 years) and mean modified Harris Hip Score of 99.5 ± 1.5 and UCLA Activity score of 8.8 ± 1.2 completed the study. Intra-rater agreement was excellent for all hip range of motion measurements, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranging from 0.76 to 0.97 with similar agreement if the examiner was a physical therapist or a physician. Excellent inter-rater reliability was found for hip flexion ICC 0.87 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.92), supine internal rotation ICC 0.75 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.84) and prone internal rotation ICC 0.79 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.87). The least reliable measurements were supine hip abduction (ICC 0.34) and supine external rotation (ICC 0.18). Agreement between examiners ranged from 96–100% for provocative hip tests which included the hip impingement, resisted straight leg raise, FABER/Patrick’s and log roll tests. Conclusions Specific hip ROM measures show excellent inter-rater reliability and provocative hip tests show good agreement among multiple examiners and medical disciplines. Further studies are needed to assess the utilization of these measurements and tests as a part of a hip screening examination to assess for young adults at risk intra-articular hip disorders prior to the onset of degenerative changes. PMID:20970757

Impact of Vial Capping on Residual Seal Force and Container Closure Integrity.

PubMed

Mathaes, Roman; Mahler, Hanns-Christian; Roggo, Yves; Ovadia, Robert; Lam, Philippe; Stauch, Oliver; Vogt, Martin; Roehl, Holger; Huwyler, Joerg; Mohl, Silke; Streubel, Alexander

2016-01-01

The vial capping process is a critical unit operation during drug product manufacturing, as it could possibly generate cosmetic defects or even affect container closure integrity. Yet there is significant variability in capping equipment and processes, and their relation to potential defects or container closure integrity has not been thoroughly studied. In this study we applied several methods-residual seal force tester, a self-developed system of a piezo force sensor measurement, and computed tomography-to characterize different container closure system combinations that had been sealed using different capping process parameter settings. Additionally, container closure integrity of these samples was measured using helium leakage (physical container closure integrity) and compared to characterization data. The different capping equipment settings lead to residual seal force values from 7 to 115 N. High residual seal force values were achieved with high capping pre-compression force and a short distance between the capping plate and plunge. The choice of container closure system influenced the obtained residual seal force values. The residual seal force tester and piezoelectric measurements showed similar trends. All vials passed physical container closure integrity testing, and no stopper rupture was seen with any of the settings applied, suggesting that container closure integrity was warranted for the studied container closure system with the chosen capping setting ranges. The vial capping process is a critical unit operation during drug product manufacturing, as it could possibly generate cosmetic defects or even affect container closure integrity. Yet there is significant variability in capping equipment and processes, and their relation to potential defects or container closure integrity has not been thoroughly studied. In this study we applied several methods-residual seal force tester, a self-developed system of a piezo force sensor measurement, and computed tomography-to characterize different container closure system combinations that had been sealed using different capping process parameter settings. The residual seal force tester can analyze a variety of different container closure systems independent of the capping equipment. An adequate and safe residual seal force range for each container closure system configuration can be established with the residual seal force tester and additional methods like computed tomography scans and leak testing. In the residual seal force range studied, the physical container closure integrity of the container closure system was warranted. © PDA, Inc. 2016.

Transcription arrest by a G quadruplex forming-trinucleotide repeat sequence from the human c-myb gene.

PubMed

Broxson, Christopher; Beckett, Joshua; Tornaletti, Silvia

2011-05-17

Non canonical DNA structures correspond to genomic regions particularly susceptible to genetic instability. The transcription process facilitates formation of these structures and plays a major role in generating the instability associated with these genomic sites. However, little is known about how non canonical structures are processed when encountered by an elongating RNA polymerase. Here we have studied the behavior of T7 RNA polymerase (T7RNAP) when encountering a G quadruplex forming-(GGA)(4) repeat located in the human c-myb proto-oncogene. To make direct correlations between formation of the structure and effects on transcription, we have taken advantage of the ability of the T7 polymerase to transcribe single-stranded substrates and of G4 DNA to form in single-stranded G-rich sequences in the presence of potassium ions. Under physiological KCl concentrations, we found that T7 RNAP transcription was arrested at two sites that mapped to the c-myb (GGA)(4) repeat sequence. The extent of arrest did not change with time, indicating that the c-myb repeat represented an absolute block and not a transient pause to T7 RNAP. Consistent with G4 DNA formation, arrest was not observed in the absence of KCl or in the presence of LiCl. Furthermore, mutations in the c-myb (GGA)(4) repeat, expected to prevent transition to G4, also eliminated the transcription block. We show T7 RNAP arrest at the c-myb repeat in double-stranded DNA under conditions mimicking the cellular concentration of biomolecules and potassium ions, suggesting that the G4 structure formed in the c-myb repeat may represent a transcription roadblock in vivo. Our results support a mechanism of transcription-coupled DNA repair initiated by arrest of transcription at G4 structures.

A prospective randomized trial of different supplementary local anesthetic techniques after failure of inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with irreversible pulpitis in mandibular teeth.

PubMed

Kanaa, Mohammad D; Whitworth, John M; Meechan, John Gerard

2012-04-01

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of supplementary repeat inferior alveolar nerve block with 2% lidocaine and epinephrine, buccal infiltration with 4% articaine with epinephrine, intraligamentary injection, or intraosseous injection (both with 2% lidocaine with epinephrine) after failed inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) for securing pain-free treatment in patients experiencing irreversible pulpitis in mandibular permanent teeth. This randomized clinical trial included 182 patients diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis in mandibular teeth. Patients received 2.0 mL of 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine as an IANB injection. Patients who did not experience pain-free treatment received randomly 1 of 4 supplementary techniques, namely repeat lidocaine IANB (rIANB), articaine buccal infiltration (ABI), lidocaine intraligamentary injection (PDL), or lidocaine intraosseous injection (IO). Successful pulp anesthesia was considered to have occurred when no response was obtained to the maximum stimulation (80 reading) of the pulp tester, at which time treatment commenced. Treatment was regarded as being successfully completed when it was associated with no pain. Data were analyzed by χ(2) and Fisher exact tests. Of the 182 patients, 122 achieved successful pulpal anesthesia within 10 minutes after initial IANB injection; 82 experienced pain-free treatment. ABI and IO allowed more successful (pain-free) treatment (84% and 68%, respectively) than rIANB or PDL supplementary techniques (32% and 48%, respectively); this was statistically significant (P = .001). IANB injection alone does not always allow pain-free treatment for mandibular teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Supplementary buccal infiltration with 4% articaine with epinephrine and intraosseous injection with 2% lidocaine with epinephrine are more likely to allow pain-free treatment than intraligamentary and repeat IANB injections with 2% lidocaine with epinephrine for patients experiencing irreversible pulpitis in mandibular permanent teeth. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Characterization of a possible amyloidogenic precursor in glutamine-repeat neurodegenerative diseases

PubMed Central

Armen, Roger S.; Bernard, Brady M.; Day, Ryan; Alonso, Darwin O. V.; Daggett, Valerie

2005-01-01

Several neurodegenerative diseases are linked to expanded repeats of glutamine residues, which lead to the formation of amyloid fibrils and neuronal death. The length of the repeats correlates with the onset of Huntington's disease, such that healthy individuals have <38 residues and individuals with >38 repeats exhibit symptoms. Because it is difficult to obtain atomic-resolution structural information for poly(l-glutamine) (polyQ) in aqueous solution experimentally, we performed molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the conformational behavior of this homopolymer. In simulations of 20-, 40-, and 80-mer polyQ, we observed the formation of the “α-extended chain” conformation, which is characterized by alternating residues in the αL and αR conformations to yield a sheet. The structural transition from disordered random-coil conformations to the α-extended chain conformation exhibits modest length and temperature dependence, in agreement with the experimental observation that aggregation depends on length and temperature. We propose that fibril formation in polyQ may occur through an α-sheet structure, which was proposed by Pauling and Corey [Pauling, L. & Corey, R. B. (1951) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 37, 251-256]. Also, we propose an atomic-resolution model of how the inhibitory peptide QBP1 (polyQ-binding peptide 1) may bind to polyQ in an α-extended chain conformation to inhibit fibril formation. PMID:16157882

Processing of double-R-loops in (CAG)·(CTG) and C9orf72 (GGGGCC)·(GGCCCC) repeats causes instability

PubMed Central

Reddy, Kaalak; Schmidt, Monika H.M.; Geist, Jaimie M.; Thakkar, Neha P.; Panigrahi, Gagan B.; Wang, Yuh-Hwa; Pearson, Christopher E.

2014-01-01

R-loops, transcriptionally-induced RNA:DNA hybrids, occurring at repeat tracts (CTG)n, (CAG)n, (CGG)n, (CCG)n and (GAA)n, are associated with diseases including myotonic dystrophy, Huntington's disease, fragile X and Friedreich's ataxia. Many of these repeats are bidirectionally transcribed, allowing for single- and double-R-loop configurations, where either or both DNA strands may be RNA-bound. R-loops can trigger repeat instability at (CTG)·(CAG) repeats, but the mechanism of this is unclear. We demonstrate R-loop-mediated instability through processing of R-loops by HeLa and human neuron-like cell extracts. Double-R-loops induced greater instability than single-R-loops. Pre-treatment with RNase H only partially suppressed instability, supporting a model in which R-loops directly generate instability by aberrant processing, or via slipped-DNA formation upon RNA removal and its subsequent aberrant processing. Slipped-DNAs were observed to form following removal of the RNA from R-loops. Since transcriptionally-induced R-loops can occur in the absence of DNA replication, R-loop processing may be a source of repeat instability in the brain. Double-R-loop formation and processing to instability was extended to the expanded C9orf72 (GGGGCC)·(GGCCCC) repeats, known to cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia, providing the first suggestion through which these repeats may become unstable. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for R-loop-mediated instability at disease-associated repeats. PMID:25147206

Light meromyosin paracrystal formation.

PubMed

Chowrashi, P K; Pepe, F A

1977-07-01

STUDIES OF PARACRYSTAL FORMATION BY COLUMN PURIFIED LIGHT MEROMYOSIN (LMM) PREPARED IN A VARIETY OF WAYS LED TO THE FOLLOWING CONCLUSIONS: (a) different portions of the myosin rod may be coded for different stagger relationships. This was concluded from observations that paracrystals with different axial repeat periodicities could be obtained either with LMM framents of different lengths prepared with the same enzyme, or with LMM fragments of identical lengths but prepared with different enzymes. (b) Paracrystals with a 14-nm axial repeat periodicity are most likely formed by the aggregation of sheets with a 44-nm axial repeat within the sheets which are staggered by 14 nm. All of the axial repeat patterns expected from one sheet or aggregates of more than one sheet, on this basis, were observed in the same electron micrograph. (c) C-protein binding probably occurs preferentially to LMM molecules related in some specific way. This was concluded from the observation that the same axial repeat pattern was obtained in paracrystals formed from different LMM preparations in the presence of C-protein, regardless of differences in the axial repeat obtained in the absence of C-protein. (d) Nucleic acid is responsible for the 43-nm axial repeat patterns observed in paracrystals formed by the ethanol-resistant fraction of LMM. In the absence of nuclei acid, paracrystals with a 14nm axial repeat are obtained. (e) The 43-nm axial repeat pattern observed with the ethanol-resistant fraction of LMM is different for LMM preparations obtained by trypsin and papain digestions.

Fragile DNA Motifs Trigger Mutagenesis at Distant Chromosomal Loci in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

Saini, Natalie; Zhang, Yu; Nishida, Yuri; Sheng, Ziwei; Choudhury, Shilpa; Mieczkowski, Piotr; Lobachev, Kirill S.

2013-01-01

DNA sequences capable of adopting non-canonical secondary structures have been associated with gross-chromosomal rearrangements in humans and model organisms. Previously, we have shown that long inverted repeats that form hairpin and cruciform structures and triplex-forming GAA/TTC repeats induce the formation of double-strand breaks which trigger genome instability in yeast. In this study, we demonstrate that breakage at both inverted repeats and GAA/TTC repeats is augmented by defects in DNA replication. Increased fragility is associated with increased mutation levels in the reporter genes located as far as 8 kb from both sides of the repeats. The increase in mutations was dependent on the presence of inverted or GAA/TTC repeats and activity of the translesion polymerase Polζ. Mutagenesis induced by inverted repeats also required Sae2 which opens hairpin-capped breaks and initiates end resection. The amount of breakage at the repeats is an important determinant of mutations as a perfect palindromic sequence with inherently increased fragility was also found to elevate mutation rates even in replication-proficient strains. We hypothesize that the underlying mechanism for mutagenesis induced by fragile motifs involves the formation of long single-stranded regions in the broken chromosome, invasion of the undamaged sister chromatid for repair, and faulty DNA synthesis employing Polζ. These data demonstrate that repeat-mediated breaks pose a dual threat to eukaryotic genome integrity by inducing chromosomal aberrations as well as mutations in flanking genes. PMID:23785298

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

Maestas, J.H.

The Loopback Tester is an Intel SBC 86/12A Single Board Computer and an Intel SBC 534 Communications Expansion Board configured and programmed to perform various basic or less. These tests include: (1) Data Communications Equipment (DCE) transmit timing detection (2) data rate measurement (3) instantaneous loopback indication and (4) bit error rate testing. It requires no initial setup after plug in, and can be used to locate the source of communications loss in a circuit. It can also be used to determine when crypto variable mismatch problems are the source of communications loss. This report discusses the functionality of themore » Loopback Tester as a diagnostic device. It also discusses the hardware and software which implements this simple yet reliable device.« less

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

Fayomi, O. S. I., E-mail: ojosundayfayomi3@gmail.com; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University, P.M.B. 1023, Canaanland, Ota; Popoola, A. P. I.

This paper studies effects of the composite particle infringement of ZnO/Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} on zinc rich ternary based coating. The corrosion-degradation property in 3.5% NaCl was investigatedusing polarization technique. The structural characteristics of the multilayer produce coatings were evaluated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The mechanical response of the coated samples was studied using a diamond base Dura –Scan) micro-hardness tester and a MTR-300 dry abrasive wear tester. The combined effect of the coatings gave highly-improved performance on microhardness, corrosion and wear damage. This also implies that protection of wind-energy structures in marinemore » environments can be achieved by composite strengthening capacity.« less

Seeding Cracks Using a Fatigue Tester for Accelerated Gear Tooth Breaking

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nenadic, Nenad G.; Wodenscheck, Joseph A.; Thurston, Michael G.; Lewicki, David G.

2011-01-01

This report describes fatigue-induced seeded cracks in spur gears and compares them to cracks created using a more traditional seeding method, notching. Finite element analysis (FEA) compares the effective compliance of a cracked tooth to the effective compliance of a notched tooth where the crack and the notch are of the same depth. In this analysis, cracks are propagated to the desired depth using FRANC2D and effective compliances are computed in ANSYS. A compliance-based feature for detecting cracks on the fatigue tester is described. The initiated cracks are examined using both nondestructive and destructive methods. The destructive examination reveals variability in the shape of crack surfaces.

Investigation of Specificity of Mechanical Properties of Hard Materials on Nanoscale with Use of SPM- Nanohardness Tester

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lvova, N. A.; Blank, V. D.; Gogolinskiy, K. V.; Kulibaba, V. F.

2007-04-01

Specifisities of deformation on nanoscale of hard brittle materials with the hardness exceeding 10 GP by means of scanning probe microscope - nanohardness tester "NanoScan" are investigated. It is found, that pile-up is forming at scratching of sample surface with use of diamond indenter. Heigh of this pile-up depends on hardness and elastic modulus of the material. Definition of the contact area without taking into account height of pile-up leads to an overestimation of hardness values. At scratching of silicon carbide surface a transition from plastic flow to fracture is found out. The results received allowed to estimate fracture toughness KIC for silicon carbide.

Development of a Portable Torque Wrench Tester

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y.; Zhang, Q.; Gou, C.; Su, D.

2018-03-01

A portable torque wrench tester (PTWT) with calibration range from 0.5 Nm to 60 Nm has been developed and evaluated for periodic or on-site calibration of setting type torque wrenches, indicating type torque wrenches and hand torque screwdrivers. The PTWT is easy to carry with weight about 10 kg, simple and efficient operation and energy saving with an automatic loading and calibrating system. The relative expanded uncertainty of torque realized by the PTWT was estimated to be 0.8%, with the coverage factor k=2. A comparison experiment has been done between the PTWT and a reference torque standard at our laboratory. The consistency between these two devices under the claimed uncertainties was verified.

Synthesis of Self-Bonded Pellets of ETS-4 Phase by New Methodology of Preparation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Luca, P.; Mastroianni, C.; Nagy, J. B.

2018-06-01

We hereby present the results of a research in order to prepare self-bonded pellets of ETS-4 phase by a new methodology of preparation. In particular, the pellets were prepared by kneading crystals of ETS-4 phase and a dry gel, the latter being the precursor for the synthesis of the ETS-4 phase crystals. One of the innovative aspects that is proposed and highlighted in this work is represented by the fact that the dry-gel acts as a “binder”. It is characterized by the same chemical composition of crystals, thus avoiding contamination with other elements. In addition, dry-gel allows, the promotion of nucleation phenomena and thus the formation of new crystals of ETS-4 during the pellets baking phases. The pellets were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical strength by hardness tester.

Microstructure and antibacterial properties of microwave plasma nitrided layers on biomedical stainless steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Li-Hsiang; Chen, Shih-Chung; Wu, Ching-Zong; Hung, Jing-Ming; Ou, Keng-Liang

2011-06-01

Nitriding of AISI 303 austenitic stainless steel using microwave plasma system at various temperatures was conducted in the present study. The nitrided layers were characterized via scanning electron microscopy, glancing angle X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and Vickers microhardness tester. The antibacterial properties of this nitrided layer were evaluated. During nitriding treatment between 350 °C and 550 °C, the phase transformation sequence on the nitrided layers of the alloys was found to be γ → (γ + γ N) → (γ + α + CrN). The analytical results revealed that the surface hardness of AISI 303 stainless steel could be enhanced with the formation of γ N phase in nitriding process. Antibacterial test also demonstrated the nitrided layer processed the excellent antibacterial properties. The enhanced surface hardness and antibacterial properties make the nitrided AISI 303 austenitic stainless steel to be one of the essential materials in the biomedical applications.

Optimized exploration resource evaluation using the MDT tool

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

Zainun, K.; Trice, M.L.

1995-10-01

This paper discusses exploration cost reduction and improved resource delineation benefits that were realized by use of the MDT (Modular Formation Dynamic Tester) tool to evaluate exploration prospects in the Malay Basin of the South China Sea. Frequently, open hole logs do not clearly define fluid content due to low salinity of the connate water and the effect of shale laminae or bioturbation in the silty, shaley sandstones. Therefore, extensive pressure measurements and fluid sampling are required to define fluid type and contacts. This paper briefly describes the features of the MDT tool which were utilized to reduce rig timemore » usage while providing more representative fluid samples and illustrates usage of these features with field examples. The tool has been used on several exploration wells and a comparison of MDT pressures and samples to results obtained with earlier vintage tools and production tests is also discussed.« less

Critical Period of Memory Enhancement during Taste Avoidance Conditioning in Lymnaea stagnalis

PubMed Central

Sunada, Hiroshi; Lukowiak, Ken; Sakakibara, Manabu

2013-01-01

The present study investigated the optimal training procedure leading to long-lasting taste avoidance behavior in Lymnaea. A training procedure comprising 5 repeated pairings of a conditional stimulus (CS, sucrose), with an unconditional stimulus (US, a tactile stimulation to the animal’s head), over a 4-day period resulted in an enhanced memory formation than 10 CS-US repeated pairings over a 2-day period or 20 CS-US repeated pairings on a single day. Backward conditioning (US-CS) pairings did not result in conditioning. Thus, this taste avoidance conditioning was CS-US pairing specific. Food avoidance behavior was not observed following training, however, if snails were immediately subjected to a cold-block (4°C for 10 min). It was critical that the cold-block be applied within 10 min to block long-term memory (LTM) formation. Further, exposure to the cold-block 180 min after training also blocked both STM and LTM formation. The effects of the cold-block on subsequent learning and memory formation were also examined. We found no long lasting effects of the cold-block on subsequent memory formation. If protein kinase C was activated before the conditioning paradigm, snails could still acquire STM despite exposure to the cold-block. PMID:24098373

Innovative test method for the estimation of the foaming tendency of substrates for biogas plants

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

Moeller, Lucie, E-mail: lucie.moeller@ufz.de; Eismann, Frank, E-mail: info@antoc.de; Wißmann, Daniel, E-mail: d.s.wissmann@gmx.de

2015-07-15

Graphical abstract: Display Omitted - Highlights: • Foaming in biogas plants depends on the interactions between substrate and digestate. • Foaming tests enable the evaluation of substrate foaming tendency in biogas plants. • Leipzig foam tester enables foaming tests of substrates prior to use. - Abstract: Excessive foaming in anaerobic digestion occurs at many biogas plants and can cause problems including plugged gas pipes. Unfortunately, the majority of biogas plant operators are unable to identify the causes of foaming in their biogas reactor. The occurrence of foaming is often related to the chemical composition of substrates fed to the reactor.more » The consistency of the digestate itself is also a crucial part of the foam formation process. Thus, no specific recommendations concerning substrates can be given in order to prevent foam formation in biogas plants. The safest way to avoid foaming is to test the foaming tendency of substrates on-site. A possible solution is offered by an innovative foaming test. With the help of this tool, biogas plant operators can evaluate the foaming disposition of new substrates prior to use in order to adjust the composition of substrate mixes.« less

The Location of Genes Governing Long First Internode of Corn

PubMed Central

Troyer, A. F.

1997-01-01

Knowing breeding behavior and cytological location of traits helps breeders. My objective was to locate dominant genes for long first internode of corn (Zea mays L.). I determined that Hopi Indian corn PI213733 (variety Komona) displayed the trait and grew well in the U.S. Corn Belt. I crossed PI213733 to 26 translocation tester stocks in Minnesota inbred A188 background, backcrossed semi-sterile plants carrying the translocation to A188 the next generation, and grew the segregating generation planted in trenches 15 cm deep with ridges of dirt 10 cm high one year, in trenches 25 cm deep the other year and also at normal (6 cm) depth. Emerged plants were classified for semi-sterility or for normal pollen. I concluded from multiple testers for each chromosome arm that dominant genes for long first internode are located (chromosome and region) on 3S, on 6 near the centromere, and on 9S; spurious associations occurred for two testers. Measurement of cell lengths indicated that PI213733 had more cells than A188 both in upper and in lower mesocotyl sections and that lower, older cells elongated sooner. I found a normal-sized kernel with twin embryos that developed two long first internode seedlings indicating that the amount of endosperm did not limit mesocotyl growth. PMID:9093865

Test verification and design of the bicycle frame parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Long; Xiang, Zhongxia; Luo, Huan; Tian, Guan

2015-07-01

Research on design of bicycles is concentrated on mechanism and auto appearance design, however few on matches between the bike and the rider. Since unreasonable human-bike relationship leads to both riders' worn-out joints and muscle injuries, the design of bicycles should focus on the matching. In order to find the best position of human-bike system, simulation experiments on riding comfort under different riding postures are done with the lifemode software employed to facilitate the cycling process as well as to obtain the best position and the size function of it. With BP neural network and GA, analyzing simulation data, conducting regression analysis of parameters on different heights and bike frames, the equation of best position of human-bike system is gained at last. In addition, after selecting testers, customized bikes based on testers' height dimensions are produced according to the size function. By analyzing and comparing the experimental data that are collected from testers when riding common bicycles and customized bicycles, it is concluded that customized bicycles are four times even six times as comfortable as common ones. The equation of best position of human-bike system is applied to improve bikes' function, and the new direction on future design of bicycle frame parameters is presented.

Dental pulp neurophysiology: part 2. Current diagnostic tests to assess pulp vitality.

PubMed

Abd-Elmeguid, Ashraf; Yu, Donald C

2009-03-01

In this second part of our 2-part review, we discuss recent research about pulp tests that determine the vitality of the tooth and clinically accepted pulp testers. A pain response to hot, cold or an electric pulp tester indicates the vitality of only a tooth's pulpal sensory supply; the response does not give any idea about the state of the pulp. Although the sensitivity of these tests is high, when false-positive and false-negative results occur, they may affect the treatment of the tooth. A tooth falsely diagnosed as nonvital with an electric pulp tester may undergo an unnecessary root canal, whereas one falsely diagnosed as vital may be left untreated, causing the necrotic tissue to destroy the supporting tissues (resorption). The vascular supply is more important to the determination of the health of the pulp than the sensory supply. Pulp death is caused by cessation of blood flow and may result in a necrotic pulp, even though the pulpal sensory supply may still be viable. The pulp can be healed only if the circulating blood flow is healthy. Although still under investigation, diagnostic devices that examine pulpal blood flow, such as the pulse oximeter and laser Doppler flowmetry, show promising results for the assessment of pulp vitality.

Assessing Hepatitis C Burden and Treatment Effectiveness through the British Columbia Hepatitis Testers Cohort (BC-HTC): Design and Characteristics of Linked and Unlinked Participants

PubMed Central

Janjua, Naveed Zafar; Kuo, Margot; Chong, Mei; Yu, Amanda; Alvarez, Maria; Cook, Darrel; Armour, Rosemary; Aiken, Ciaran; Li, Karen; Mussavi Rizi, Seyed Ali; Woods, Ryan; Godfrey, David; Wong, Jason; Gilbert, Mark; Tyndall, Mark W.; Krajden, Mel

2016-01-01

Background The British Columbia (BC) Hepatitis Testers Cohort (BC-HTC) was established to assess and monitor hepatitis C (HCV) epidemiology, cost of illness and treatment effectiveness in BC, Canada. In this paper, we describe the cohort construction, data linkage process, linkage yields, and comparison of the characteristics of linked and unlinked individuals. Methods The BC-HTC includes all individuals tested for HCV and/or HIV or reported as a case of HCV, hepatitis B (HBV), HIV or active tuberculosis (TB) in BC linked with the provincial health insurance client roster, medical visits, hospitalizations, drug prescriptions, the cancer registry and mortality data using unique personal health numbers. The cohort includes data since inception (1990/1992) of each database until 2012/2013 with plans for annual updates. We computed linkage rates by year and compared the characteristics of linked and unlinked individuals. Results Of 2,656,323 unique individuals available in the laboratory and surveillance data, 1,427,917(54%) were included in the final linked cohort, including about 1.15 million tested for HCV and about 1.02 million tested for HIV. The linkage rate was 86% for HCV tests, 89% for HCV cases, 95% for active TB cases, 48% for HIV tests and 36% for HIV cases. Linkage rates increased from 40% for HCV negatives and 70% for HCV positives in 1992 to ~90% after 2005. Linkage rates were lower for males, younger age at testing, and those with unknown residence location. Linkage rates for HCV testers co-infected with HIV, HBV or TB were very high (90–100%). Conclusion Linkage rates increased over time related to improvements in completeness of identifiers in laboratory, surveillance, and registry databases. Linkage rates were higher for HCV than HIV testers, those testing positive, older individuals, and females. Data from the cohort provide essential information to support the development of prevention, care and treatment initiatives for those infected with HCV. PMID:26954020

A Double-Primary Dead-Weight Tester for Pressures (35-175) kPa in Gage Mode.

PubMed

Jain, Kamlesh; Cen, Yueqin; Bowers, Walter J; Schmidt, James W

2003-01-01

Primary pressure standards in the atmospheric pressure range are often established using mercury manometers. Less frequently, controlled-clearance dead-weight testers in which one component (normally the piston) has been dimensionally measured have also been used. Recent advances in technology on two fronts i) the fabrication of large-diameter pistons and cylinders with good geometry; and ii) the ability to measure the dimensions of these components, have allowed some dead-weight testers at NIST to approach total relative uncertainties (k = 2) in dimensionally-derived effective areas near 5 × 10(-6). This paper describes a single piston/cylinder assembly (NIST-PG201WC/WC) that serves as both a primary gage in which both piston and cylinder are measured dimensionally and a controlled-clearance primary gage (employing the Heydemann-Welch method). Thus it allows some previous assumptions about the modeling of dead-weight testers to be checked. For the gage described in this paper the piston/cylinder clearance obtained from the two analyses have relative differences of 4 × 10(-6) to 7 × 10(-6) over the pressure range 35 kPa to 175 kPa. Some implications of these results will be discussed. From the dimensional characterizations and auxiliary measurements we have determined that the effective area for this gauge at 20 °C is: [Formula: see text]where P is the system pressure and P J is a control pressure. The estimated relative uncertainty in effective area is 8.2 × 10(-6) +1.4 × 10(-11) P/Pa (k = 2). The temperature coefficient for the area was measured and found to be (9.06 ± 0.04) × 10(-6)/K. Thus using the gage at a reference temperature of 23 °C yields an effective area: [Formula: see text]with almost no increase in the uncertainty over that at 20 °C.

Optimal filter bandwidth for pulse oximetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stuban, Norbert; Niwayama, Masatsugu

2012-10-01

Pulse oximeters contain one or more signal filtering stages between the photodiode and microcontroller. These filters are responsible for removing the noise while retaining the useful frequency components of the signal, thus improving the signal-to-noise ratio. The corner frequencies of these filters affect not only the noise level, but also the shape of the pulse signal. Narrow filter bandwidth effectively suppresses the noise; however, at the same time, it distorts the useful signal components by decreasing the harmonic content. In this paper, we investigated the influence of the filter bandwidth on the accuracy of pulse oximeters. We used a pulse oximeter tester device to produce stable, repetitive pulse waves with digitally adjustable R ratio and heart rate. We built a pulse oximeter and attached it to the tester device. The pulse oximeter digitized the current of its photodiode directly, without any analog signal conditioning. We varied the corner frequency of the low-pass filter in the pulse oximeter in the range of 0.66-15 Hz by software. For the tester device, the R ratio was set to R = 1.00, and the R ratio deviation measured by the pulse oximeter was monitored as a function of the corner frequency of the low-pass filter. The results revealed that lowering the corner frequency of the low-pass filter did not decrease the accuracy of the oxygen level measurements. The lowest possible value of the corner frequency of the low-pass filter is the fundamental frequency of the pulse signal. We concluded that the harmonics of the pulse signal do not contribute to the accuracy of pulse oximetry. The results achieved by the pulse oximeter tester were verified by human experiments, performed on five healthy subjects. The results of the human measurements confirmed that filtering out the harmonics of the pulse signal does not degrade the accuracy of pulse oximetry.

Validity and Reliability of a Digital Inclinometer to Assess Knee Joint Position Sense in an Open Kinetic Chain.

PubMed

Romero-Franco, Natalia; Montaño-Munuera, Juan Antonio; Fernández-Domínguez, Juan Carlos; Jiménez-Reyes, Pedro

2017-12-18

New methods are being validated to easily evaluate the knee joint position sense (JPS) due to its role in sports movement and the risk of injury. However, no studies to date have considered the open kinetic chain (OKC) technique, despite the biomechanical differences compared to closed kinetic chain movements. To analyze the validity and reliability of a digital inclinometer to measure the knee JPS in the OKC movement. The validity, inter-tester and intra-tester reliability of a digital inclinometer for measuring knee JPS were evaluated. Sports research laboratory. Eighteen athletes (11 males and 7 females; 28.4 ± 6.6 years; 71.9 ± 14.0 kg; 1.77 ± 0.09 m; 22.8 ± 3.2 kg/m 2 ) voluntary participated in this study. Absolute angular error (AAE), relative angular error (RAE) and variable angular error (VAE) of knee JPS in an OKC. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of the mean (SEM) were calculated to determine the validity and reliability of the inclinometer. Data showed excellent validity of the inclinometer to obtain proprioceptive errors compared to the video analysis in JPS tasks (AAE: ICC = 0.981, SEM = 0.08; RAE: ICC = 0.974, SEM = 0.12; VAE: ICC = 0.973, SEM = 0.07). Inter-tester reliability was also excellent for all the proprioceptive errors (AAE: ICC = 0.967, SEM = 0.04; RAE: ICC = 0.974, SEM = 0.03; VAE: ICC = 0.939, SEM = 0.08). Similar results were obtained for intra-tester reliability (AAE: ICC = 0.861, SEM = 0.1; RAE: ICC = 0.894, SEM = 0.1; VAE: ICC = 0.700, SEM = 0.2). The digital inclinometer is a valid and reliable method to assess the knee JPS in OKC. Sport professionals may evaluate the knee JPS to monitor its deterioration during training or improvements throughout the rehabilitation process.

Why the Wait? Delayed HIV Diagnosis among Men Who Have Sex with Men

PubMed Central

Thiede, Hanne; Hawes, Stephen E.; Golden, Matthew R.; Hutcheson, Rebecca; Carey, James W.; Kurth, Ann; Jenkins, Richard A.

2010-01-01

We sought to identify factors associated with delayed diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; testing HIV-seropositive 6 months or more after HIV seroconversion), by comparing delayed testers to non-delayed testers (persons who were diagnosed within 6 months of HIV seroconversion), in King County, Washington among men who have sex with men (MSM). Participants were recruited from HIV testing sites in the Seattle area. Delayed testing status was determined by the Serologic Testing Algorithm for Recent HIV Seroconversion or a self-reported previous HIV-negative test. Quantitative data on sociodemographic characteristics, health history, and drug-use and sexual behaviors were collected via computer-assisted self-interviews. Qualitative semi-structured interviews regarding testing and risk behaviors were also conducted. Multivariate analysis was used to identify factors associated with delayed diagnosis. Content analysis was used to establish themes in the qualitative data. Out of the 77 HIV-seropositive MSM in this sample, 39 (51%) had evidence of delayed diagnosis. Factors associated with delayed testing included being African-American, homeless, “out” to 50% or less people about male-male sex, and having only one sex partner in the past 6 months. Delayed testers often cited HIV-related sickness as their reason for testing and fear and wanting to be in denial of their HIV status as reasons for not testing. Delayed testers frequently did not identify as part of the MSM community, did not recognize that they were at risk for HIV acquisition, and did not feel a responsibility to themselves or others to disclose their HIV status. This study illustrates the need to further explore circumstances around delayed diagnosis in MSM and develop outreach methods and prevention messages targeted specifically to this potentially highly marginalized population in order to detect HIV infections earlier, provide HIV care, and prevent new infections. PMID:20186493

Assessing Hepatitis C Burden and Treatment Effectiveness through the British Columbia Hepatitis Testers Cohort (BC-HTC): Design and Characteristics of Linked and Unlinked Participants.

PubMed

Janjua, Naveed Zafar; Kuo, Margot; Chong, Mei; Yu, Amanda; Alvarez, Maria; Cook, Darrel; Armour, Rosemary; Aiken, Ciaran; Li, Karen; Mussavi Rizi, Seyed Ali; Woods, Ryan; Godfrey, David; Wong, Jason; Gilbert, Mark; Tyndall, Mark W; Krajden, Mel

2016-01-01

The British Columbia (BC) Hepatitis Testers Cohort (BC-HTC) was established to assess and monitor hepatitis C (HCV) epidemiology, cost of illness and treatment effectiveness in BC, Canada. In this paper, we describe the cohort construction, data linkage process, linkage yields, and comparison of the characteristics of linked and unlinked individuals. The BC-HTC includes all individuals tested for HCV and/or HIV or reported as a case of HCV, hepatitis B (HBV), HIV or active tuberculosis (TB) in BC linked with the provincial health insurance client roster, medical visits, hospitalizations, drug prescriptions, the cancer registry and mortality data using unique personal health numbers. The cohort includes data since inception (1990/1992) of each database until 2012/2013 with plans for annual updates. We computed linkage rates by year and compared the characteristics of linked and unlinked individuals. Of 2,656,323 unique individuals available in the laboratory and surveillance data, 1,427,917(54%) were included in the final linked cohort, including about 1.15 million tested for HCV and about 1.02 million tested for HIV. The linkage rate was 86% for HCV tests, 89% for HCV cases, 95% for active TB cases, 48% for HIV tests and 36% for HIV cases. Linkage rates increased from 40% for HCV negatives and 70% for HCV positives in 1992 to ~90% after 2005. Linkage rates were lower for males, younger age at testing, and those with unknown residence location. Linkage rates for HCV testers co-infected with HIV, HBV or TB were very high (90-100%). Linkage rates increased over time related to improvements in completeness of identifiers in laboratory, surveillance, and registry databases. Linkage rates were higher for HCV than HIV testers, those testing positive, older individuals, and females. Data from the cohort provide essential information to support the development of prevention, care and treatment initiatives for those infected with HCV.

Optimal filter bandwidth for pulse oximetry.

PubMed

Stuban, Norbert; Niwayama, Masatsugu

2012-10-01

Pulse oximeters contain one or more signal filtering stages between the photodiode and microcontroller. These filters are responsible for removing the noise while retaining the useful frequency components of the signal, thus improving the signal-to-noise ratio. The corner frequencies of these filters affect not only the noise level, but also the shape of the pulse signal. Narrow filter bandwidth effectively suppresses the noise; however, at the same time, it distorts the useful signal components by decreasing the harmonic content. In this paper, we investigated the influence of the filter bandwidth on the accuracy of pulse oximeters. We used a pulse oximeter tester device to produce stable, repetitive pulse waves with digitally adjustable R ratio and heart rate. We built a pulse oximeter and attached it to the tester device. The pulse oximeter digitized the current of its photodiode directly, without any analog signal conditioning. We varied the corner frequency of the low-pass filter in the pulse oximeter in the range of 0.66-15 Hz by software. For the tester device, the R ratio was set to R = 1.00, and the R ratio deviation measured by the pulse oximeter was monitored as a function of the corner frequency of the low-pass filter. The results revealed that lowering the corner frequency of the low-pass filter did not decrease the accuracy of the oxygen level measurements. The lowest possible value of the corner frequency of the low-pass filter is the fundamental frequency of the pulse signal. We concluded that the harmonics of the pulse signal do not contribute to the accuracy of pulse oximetry. The results achieved by the pulse oximeter tester were verified by human experiments, performed on five healthy subjects. The results of the human measurements confirmed that filtering out the harmonics of the pulse signal does not degrade the accuracy of pulse oximetry.

Cell-Based Genotoxicity Testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reifferscheid, Georg; Buchinger, Sebastian

Genotoxicity test systems that are based on bacteria display an important role in the detection and assessment of DNA damaging chemicals. They belong to the basic line of test systems due to their easy realization, rapidness, broad applicability, high sensitivity and good reproducibility. Since the development of the Salmonella microsomal mutagenicity assay by Ames and coworkers in the early 1970s, significant development in bacterial genotoxicity assays was achieved and is still a subject matter of research. The basic principle of the mutagenicity assay is a reversion of a growth inhibited bacterial strain, e.g., due to auxotrophy, back to a fast growing phenotype (regain of prototrophy). Deeper knowledge of the ­mutation events allows a mechanistic understanding of the induced DNA-damage by the utilization of base specific tester strains. Collections of such specific tester strains were extended by genetic engineering. Beside the reversion assays, test systems utilizing the bacterial SOS-response were invented. These methods are based on the fusion of various SOS-responsive promoters with a broad variety of reporter genes facilitating numerous methods of signal detection. A very important aspect of genotoxicity testing is the bioactivation of ­xenobiotics to DNA-damaging compounds. Most widely used is the extracellular metabolic activation by making use of rodent liver homogenates. Again, genetic engineering allows the construction of highly sophisticated bacterial tester strains with significantly enhanced sensitivity due to overexpression of enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics. This provides mechanistic insights into the toxification and detoxification pathways of xenobiotics and helps explaining the chemical nature of hazardous substances in unknown mixtures. In summary, beginning with "natural" tester strains the rational design of bacteria led to highly specific and sensitive tools for a rapid, reliable and cost effective ­genotoxicity testing that is of outstanding importance in the risk assessment of compounds (REACH) and in ecotoxicology.

Tracheal Wall Thickening Is Associated with the Granulation Tissue Formation Around Silicone Stents in Patients with Post-Tuberculosis Tracheal Stenosis

PubMed Central

Eom, Jung Seop; Jeon, Kyeongman; Um, Sang-Won; Koh, Won-Jung; Suh, Gee Young; Chung, Man Pyo; Kwon, O Jung

2013-01-01

Purpose Tracheal restenosis due to excessive granulation tissue around a silicone stent requires repeated bronchoscopic interventions in patients with post-tuberculosis tracheal stenosis (PTTS). The current study was conducted to identify the risk factors for granulation tissue formation after silicone stenting in PTTS patients. Materials and Methods A retrospective study was conducted between January 1998 and December 2010. Forty-two PTTS patients with silicone stenting were selected. Clinical and radiological variables were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Results Tracheal restenosis due to granulation tissue formation were found in 20 patients (47.6%), and repeated bronchoscopic interventions were conducted. In multivariate analysis, tracheal wall thickness, measured on axial computed tomography scan, was independently associated with granulation tissue formation after silicone stenting. Furthermore, the degree of tracheal wall thickness was well correlated with the degree of granulation tissue formation. Conclusion Tracheal wall thickening was associated with granulation tissue formation around silicone stents in patients with post-tuberculosis tracheal stenosis. PMID:23709431

Tracheal wall thickening is associated with the granulation tissue formation around silicone stents in patients with post-tuberculosis tracheal stenosis.

PubMed

Eom, Jung Seop; Kim, Hojoong; Jeon, Kyeongman; Um, Sang-Won; Koh, Won-Jung; Suh, Gee Young; Chung, Man Pyo; Kwon, O Jung

2013-07-01

Tracheal restenosis due to excessive granulation tissue around a silicone stent requires repeated bronchoscopic interventions in patients with post-tuberculosis tracheal stenosis (PTTS). The current study was conducted to identify the risk factors for granulation tissue formation after silicone stenting in PTTS patients. A retrospective study was conducted between January 1998 and December 2010. Forty-two PTTS patients with silicone stenting were selected. Clinical and radiological variables were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Tracheal restenosis due to granulation tissue formation were found in 20 patients (47.6%), and repeated bronchoscopic interventions were conducted. In multivariate analysis, tracheal wall thickness, measured on axial computed tomography scan, was independently associated with granulation tissue formation after silicone stenting. Furthermore, the degree of tracheal wall thickness was well correlated with the degree of granulation tissue formation. Tracheal wall thickening was associated with granulation tissue formation around silicone stents in patients with post-tuberculosis tracheal stenosis.

Investigation of a Quadruplex-Forming Repeat Sequence Highly Enriched in Xanthomonas and Nostoc sp.

PubMed

Rehm, Charlotte; Wurmthaler, Lena A; Li, Yuanhao; Frickey, Tancred; Hartig, Jörg S

2015-01-01

In prokaryotes simple sequence repeats (SSRs) with unit sizes of 1-5 nucleotides (nt) are causative for phase and antigenic variation. Although an increased abundance of heptameric repeats was noticed in bacteria, reports about SSRs of 6-9 nt are rare. In particular G-rich repeat sequences with the propensity to fold into G-quadruplex (G4) structures have received little attention. In silico analysis of prokaryotic genomes show putative G4 forming sequences to be abundant. This report focuses on a surprisingly enriched G-rich repeat of the type GGGNATC in Xanthomonas and cyanobacteria such as Nostoc. We studied in detail the genomes of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris ATCC 33913 (Xcc), Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri str. 306 (Xac), and Nostoc sp. strain PCC7120 (Ana). In all three organisms repeats are spread all over the genome with an over-representation in non-coding regions. Extensive variation of the number of repetitive units was observed with repeat numbers ranging from two up to 26 units. However a clear preference for four units was detected. The strong bias for four units coincides with the requirement of four consecutive G-tracts for G4 formation. Evidence for G4 formation of the consensus repeat sequences was found in biophysical studies utilizing CD spectroscopy. The G-rich repeats are preferably located between aligned open reading frames (ORFs) and are under-represented in coding regions or between divergent ORFs. The G-rich repeats are preferentially located within a distance of 50 bp upstream of an ORF on the anti-sense strand or within 50 bp from the stop codon on the sense strand. Analysis of whole transcriptome sequence data showed that the majority of repeat sequences are transcribed. The genetic loci in the vicinity of repeat regions show increased genomic stability. In conclusion, we introduce and characterize a special class of highly abundant and wide-spread quadruplex-forming repeat sequences in bacteria.

Investigation of a Quadruplex-Forming Repeat Sequence Highly Enriched in Xanthomonas and Nostoc sp.

PubMed Central

Rehm, Charlotte; Wurmthaler, Lena A.; Li, Yuanhao; Frickey, Tancred; Hartig, Jörg S.

2015-01-01

In prokaryotes simple sequence repeats (SSRs) with unit sizes of 1–5 nucleotides (nt) are causative for phase and antigenic variation. Although an increased abundance of heptameric repeats was noticed in bacteria, reports about SSRs of 6–9 nt are rare. In particular G-rich repeat sequences with the propensity to fold into G-quadruplex (G4) structures have received little attention. In silico analysis of prokaryotic genomes show putative G4 forming sequences to be abundant. This report focuses on a surprisingly enriched G-rich repeat of the type GGGNATC in Xanthomonas and cyanobacteria such as Nostoc. We studied in detail the genomes of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris ATCC 33913 (Xcc), Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri str. 306 (Xac), and Nostoc sp. strain PCC7120 (Ana). In all three organisms repeats are spread all over the genome with an over-representation in non-coding regions. Extensive variation of the number of repetitive units was observed with repeat numbers ranging from two up to 26 units. However a clear preference for four units was detected. The strong bias for four units coincides with the requirement of four consecutive G-tracts for G4 formation. Evidence for G4 formation of the consensus repeat sequences was found in biophysical studies utilizing CD spectroscopy. The G-rich repeats are preferably located between aligned open reading frames (ORFs) and are under-represented in coding regions or between divergent ORFs. The G-rich repeats are preferentially located within a distance of 50 bp upstream of an ORF on the anti-sense strand or within 50 bp from the stop codon on the sense strand. Analysis of whole transcriptome sequence data showed that the majority of repeat sequences are transcribed. The genetic loci in the vicinity of repeat regions show increased genomic stability. In conclusion, we introduce and characterize a special class of highly abundant and wide-spread quadruplex-forming repeat sequences in bacteria. PMID:26695179

Translocation and gross deletion breakpoints in human inherited disease and cancer II: Potential involvement of repetitive sequence elements in secondary structure formation between DNA ends.

PubMed

Chuzhanova, Nadia; Abeysinghe, Shaun S; Krawczak, Michael; Cooper, David N

2003-09-01

Translocations and gross deletions are responsible for a significant proportion of both cancer and inherited disease. Although such gene rearrangements are nonuniformly distributed in the human genome, the underlying mutational mechanisms remain unclear. We have studied the potential involvement of various types of repetitive sequence elements in the formation of secondary structure intermediates between the single-stranded DNA ends that recombine during rearrangements. Complexity analysis was used to assess the potential of these ends to form secondary structures, the maximum decrease in complexity consequent to a gross rearrangement being used as an indicator of the type of repeat and the specific DNA ends involved. A total of 175 pairs of deletion/translocation breakpoint junction sequences available from the Gross Rearrangement Breakpoint Database [GRaBD; www.uwcm.ac.uk/uwcm/mg/grabd/grabd.html] were analyzed. Potential secondary structure was noted between the 5' flanking sequence of the first breakpoint and the 3' flanking sequence of the second breakpoint in 49% of rearrangements and between the 5' flanking sequence of the second breakpoint and the 3' flanking sequence of the first breakpoint in 36% of rearrangements. Inverted repeats, inversions of inverted repeats, and symmetric elements were found in association with gross rearrangements at approximately the same frequency. However, inverted repeats and inversions of inverted repeats accounted for the vast majority (83%) of deletions plus small insertions, symmetric elements for one-half of all antigen receptor-mediated translocations, while direct repeats appear only to be involved in mediating simple deletions. These findings extend our understanding of illegitimate recombination by highlighting the importance of secondary structure formation between single-stranded DNA ends at breakpoint junctions. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Heat flux measurement in SSME turbine blade tester

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liebert, Curt H.

1990-11-01

Surface heat flux values were measured in the turbine blade thermal cycling tester located at NASA-Marshall. This is the first time heat flux has been measured in a space shuttle main engine turbopump environment. Plots of transient and quasi-steady state heat flux data over a range of about 0 to 15 MW/sq m are presented. Data were obtained with a miniature heat flux gage device developed at NASA-Lewis. The results from these tests are being incorporated into turbine design models. Also, these gages are being considered for airfoil surface heat flux measurement on turbine vanes mounted in SSME turbopump test bed engine nozzles at Marshall. Heat flux effects that might be observed on degraded vanes are discussed.

Heat flux measurement in SSME turbine blade tester

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liebert, Curt H.

Surface heat flux values were measured in the turbine blade thermal cycling tester located at NASA-Marshall. This is the first time heat flux has been measured in a space shuttle main engine turbopump environment. Plots of transient and quasi-steady state heat flux data over a range of about 0 to 15 MW/sq m are presented. Data were obtained with a miniature heat flux gage device developed at NASA-Lewis. The results from these tests are being incorporated into turbine design models. Also, these gages are being considered for airfoil surface heat flux measurement on turbine vanes mounted in SSME turbopump test bed engine nozzles at Marshall. Heat flux effects that might be observed on degraded vanes are discussed.

Effects of Laser Shock Processing on Morphologies and Mechanical Properties of ANSI 304 Stainless Steel Weldments Subjected to Cavitation Erosion

PubMed Central

Zhang, Lei; Lu, Jin-Zhong; Zhang, Yong-Kang; Ma, Hai-Le; Luo, Kai-Yu; Dai, Feng-Ze

2017-01-01

Effects of laser shock processing (LSP) on the cavitation erosion resistance of laser weldments were investigated by optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations, roughness tester, micro hardness tester, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) technology. The morphological microstructures were characterized. Cumulative mass loss, incubation period, erosion rate, and damaged surface areas were monitored during cavitation erosion. Surface roughness, micro-hardness, and residual stress were measured in different zones. Results showed that LSP could improve the damage of morphological microstructures and mechanical properties after cavitation erosion. The compressive residual stresses were generated during the process of LSP, which was an effective guarantee for the improvement of the above mentioned properties. PMID:28772652

Effect of competing self-structure on triplex formation with purine-rich oligodeoxynucleotides containing GA repeats.

PubMed Central

Noonberg, S B; François, J C; Garestier, T; Hélène, C

1995-01-01

Competition between triplex formation with double-stranded DNA and oligonucleotide self-association was investigated in 23mer GA and GT oligonucleotides containing d(GA)5 or d(GT)5 repeats. Whereas triplex formation with GT oligonucleotides was diminished when temperature increased from 4 to 37 degrees C, triplex formation with GA oligonucleotides was enhanced when temperature increased within the same range due to the presence of competing intermolecular GA oligonucleotide self-structure. This self-structure was determined to be a homoduplex stabilized by the internal GA repeats. UV spectroscopy of these homoduplexes demonstrated a single sharp transition with rapid kinetics (Tm = 38.5-43.5 degrees C over strand concentrations of 0.5-4 microM, respectively, with transition enthalpy, delta H = -89 +/- 7 kcal/mol) in 10 mM MgCl2, 100 mM NaCl, pH 7.0. Homoduplex formation was strongly stabilized by multivalent cations (spermine > Mg2+ = Ca2+) and destabilized by low concentrations of monovalent cations (K+ = Li+ = Na+) in the presence of divalent cations. However, unlike GA or GT oligonucleotide-containing triplexes, the homoduplex formed even in the absence of multivalent cations, stabilized by only moderate concentrations of monovalent cations (Li+ > Na+ > K+). Through the development of multiple equilibrium states and the resulting depletion of free oligonucleotide, it was found that the presence of competing self-structure could decrease triplex formation under a variety of experimental conditions. Images PMID:7596824

Test module development to detect the flase call probe pins on microeprocessor test equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, L. W.; Ong, N. R.; Mohamad, I. S. B.; Alcain, J. B.; Retnasamy, V.

2017-09-01

Probe pins are useful for electrical testing of microelectronic components, printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), microprocessors and other electronic devices due to it provides the conductivity test based on specific device circuit design. During the repeatable test runs, the load of test modules, contact failures and the current conductivity induces layer wear off all the tip of probe pins contact. Contamination will be build-up on probe pins and increased contact resistivity which results of cost loss and time loss for rectifying programs, rectifying testers and exchanging new probe pins. In this study, a resistivity approach will be developed to provide "Testing of Test Probes". The test module based on "Four-wire Ohm measurement" method with two alternative ways of applying power supply, that are 9V from a single power supply and 5V from Arduino UNO power supply were demonstrated to measure the small resistance value of microprocessor probe pin. A microcontroller with VEE Pro software was used to record the measurement data. The accuracy of both test modules were calibrated under different temperature conditions and result shows that 9V from a single power supply test module has higher measurement accuracy.

Applicability of two automated disintegration apparatuses for rapidly disintegrating (mini)tablets.

PubMed

Sieber, Daniel; Lazzari, Alessia; Quodbach, Julian; Pein, Miriam

2017-03-01

Orally disintegrating (mini)tablets (OD(M)Ts) are of interest in the field of pharmaceutics. Their orodispersible character is defined by the disintegration time, which is measured with a basket apparatus according to the European Pharmacopoeia. This method, however, lacks applicability for ODTs and especially ODMTs. New disintegration apparatuses have been described in literature, but a qualification to assess the applicability has not been described. A qualification procedure for two automated disintegration apparatuses, OD-mate and Hermes apparatus, is introduced. Aspects of the operational qualification as well as precision and accuracy regarding a performance qualification were evaluated for both apparatuses analog to the ICH guideline Q2. While the OQ study is performed separately for each apparatus, accuracy and precision were performed following the same protocol for both testers. Small RSDs (16.9% OD-mate; 15.2% Hermes compared to 32.3% for the pharmacopeial method) were found despite very fast disintegration times (1.5 s for both apparatuses). By comparing these RSDs to practical examples, the authors propose threshold values for repeatability depending on the mean disintegration time. Obtained results from the qualification were used to assess the applicability of both apparatuses.

Fiber optic micro sensor for the measurement of tendon forces

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

A fiber optic sensor developed for the measurement of tendon forces was designed, numerically modeled, fabricated, and experimentally evaluated. The sensor incorporated fiber Bragg gratings and micro-fabricated stainless steel housings. A fiber Bragg grating is an optical device that is spectrally sensitive to axial strain. Stainless steel housings were designed to convert radial forces applied to the housing into axial forces that could be sensed by the fiber Bragg grating. The metal housings were fabricated by several methods including laser micromachining, swaging, and hydroforming. Designs are presented that allow for simultaneous temperature and force measurements as well as for simultaneous resolution of multi-axis forces. The sensor was experimentally evaluated by hydrostatic loading and in vitro testing. A commercial hydraulic burst tester was used to provide uniform pressures on the sensor in order to establish the linearity, repeatability, and accuracy characteristics of the sensor. The in vitro experiments were performed in excised tendon and in a dynamic gait simulator to simulate biological conditions. In both experimental conditions, the sensor was found to be a sensitive and reliable method for acquiring minimally invasive measurements of soft tissue forces. Our results suggest that this sensor will prove useful in a variety of biomechanical measurements. PMID:23033868

Experimental validation of Critical Temperature-Pressure theory of scuffing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Si C.; Chen, Huanliang

1995-07-01

A series of experiments was conducted for validating a newly developed theory of scuffing. The Critical temperature-Pressure (CTP) theory is based on the physisorption behavior of lubricants and is capable of predicting the onset of scuffing failures over a wide range of operating conditions, including the contacts operating in the boundary lubrication and in the partial elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) regimes. According to the CTP theory, failures occur when the contact temperature exceeds a certain critical value which is a function of the lubricant pressure generated by the hydrodynamic action of the EHL contact. A special device capable of simulating the ambient conditions of the partial EHL conjunctions (of contact temperature, pressure, and the lubricant pressure) was constructed. A ball-on-flat type wear tester was put inside a pressure vessel, completely immersed in a highly pressurized bath of mineral oil. The temperature on the flat specimen was gradually increased while the ball was slowly traversed. At a certain critical temmperature, the friction force abruptly jumped indicating the incipiency of the lubrication breakdown. This experiment was repeated for several levels of hydrostatic pressure and the corresponding critical temperatures were obtained. The test results showed an excellent correlation with the newly developed CTP theory.

Relative sensitivity of clinical tests to hydrophilic lens-induced corneal thickness changes.

PubMed

Elliott, D B; Fonn, D; Flanagan, J; Doughty, M

1993-12-01

The relative sensitivity of the van den Berg Straylightmeter, slitlamp biomicroscopy, a modified optical pachometer, Bailey-Lovie logMAR visual acuity (VA), and two glare tests (The Brightness Acuity Tester used with 10% contrast VA and Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity) to hydrophilic contact lens-induced edema was assessed in 19 subjects (mean age 25.9 +/- 4.5 years). After baseline assessments, subjects wore thick hydrogel lenses on one eye which was patched tightly for 3 h. Assessments were repeated at frequent intervals after lens removal to assess recovery. None of the pachometer measurements returned to baseline within the 2-h monitoring period, although the majority were within 2% of baseline corneal thickness. The average time for the Straylightmeter scores to recover to baseline values after the lens removal was 90 min, which was similar to the time when visible edema at the slitlamp disappeared. The average time for return to baseline of logMAR VA and the two glare tests was consistently two to three times shorter than the time for the Straylightmeter score. The Straylightmeter therefore provided assessments of corneal edema similar to slitlamp examination and was more sensitive than VA or glare testing.

Unconventional features of C9ORF72 expanded repeat in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration.

PubMed

Vatovec, Sabina; Kovanda, Anja; Rogelj, Boris

2014-10-01

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) are devastating neurodegenerative diseases that form two ends of a complex disease spectrum. Aggregation of RNA binding proteins is one of the hallmark pathologic features of ALS and FTDL and suggests perturbance of the RNA metabolism in their etiology. Recent identification of the disease-associated expansions of the intronic hexanucleotide repeat GGGGCC in the C9ORF72 gene further substantiates the case for RNA involvement. The expanded repeat, which has turned out to be the single most common genetic cause of ALS and FTLD, may enable the formation of complex DNA and RNA structures, changes in RNA transcription, and processing and formation of toxic RNA foci, which may sequester and inactivate RNA binding proteins. Additionally, the transcribed expanded repeat can undergo repeat-associated non-ATG-initiated translation resulting in accumulation of a series of dipeptide repeat proteins. Understanding the basis of the proposed mechanisms and shared pathways, as well as interactions with known key proteins such as TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) are needed to clarify the pathology of ALS and/or FTLD, and make possible steps toward therapy development. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Local chromatin structure of heterochromatin regulates repeated DNA stability, nucleolus structure, and genome integrity

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

Peng, Jamy C.

Heterochromatin constitutes a significant portion of the genome in higher eukaryotes; approximately 30% in Drosophila and human. Heterochromatin contains a high repeat DNA content and a low density of protein-encoding genes. In contrast, euchromatin is composed mostly of unique sequences and contains the majority of single-copy genes. Genetic and cytological studies demonstrated that heterochromatin exhibits regulatory roles in chromosome organization, centromere function and telomere protection. As an epigenetically regulated structure, heterochromatin formation is not defined by any DNA sequence consensus. Heterochromatin is characterized by its association with nucleosomes containing methylated-lysine 9 of histone H3 (H3K9me), heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) thatmore » binds H3K9me, and Su(var)3-9, which methylates H3K9 and binds HP1. Heterochromatin formation and functions are influenced by HP1, Su(var)3-9, and the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. My thesis project investigates how heterochromatin formation and function impact nuclear architecture, repeated DNA organization, and genome stability in Drosophila melanogaster. H3K9me-based chromatin reduces extrachromosomal DNA formation; most likely by restricting the access of repair machineries to repeated DNAs. Reducing extrachromosomal ribosomal DNA stabilizes rDNA repeats and the nucleolus structure. H3K9me-based chromatin also inhibits DNA damage in heterochromatin. Cells with compromised heterochromatin structure, due to Su(var)3-9 or dcr-2 (a component of the RNAi pathway) mutations, display severe DNA damage in heterochromatin compared to wild type. In these mutant cells, accumulated DNA damage leads to chromosomal defects such as translocations, defective DNA repair response, and activation of the G2-M DNA repair and mitotic checkpoints that ensure cellular and animal viability. My thesis research suggests that DNA replication, repair, and recombination mechanisms in heterochromatin differ from those in euchromatin. Remarkably, human euchromatin and fly heterochromatin share similar features; such as repeated DNA content, intron lengths and open reading frame sizes. Human cells likely stabilize their DNA content via mechanisms and factors similar to those in Drosophila heterochromatin. Furthermore, my thesis work raises implications for H3K9me and chromatin functions in complex-DNA genome stability, repeated DNA homogenization by molecular drive, and in genome reorganization through evolution.« less

47 CFR 80.121 - Public coast stations using telegraphy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... use the ship station selective calling number (5 digits) and its assigned coast station identification number (4 digits). Calls to ship stations must employ the following format: Ship station selective call number, repeated twice; “DE”, sent once; and coast station identification number, repeated twice. When...

47 CFR 80.121 - Public coast stations using telegraphy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... use the ship station selective calling number (5 digits) and its assigned coast station identification number (4 digits). Calls to ship stations must employ the following format: Ship station selective call number, repeated twice; “DE”, sent once; and coast station identification number, repeated twice. When...

47 CFR 80.121 - Public coast stations using telegraphy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... use the ship station selective calling number (5 digits) and its assigned coast station identification number (4 digits). Calls to ship stations must employ the following format: Ship station selective call number, repeated twice; “DE”, sent once; and coast station identification number, repeated twice. When...

47 CFR 80.121 - Public coast stations using telegraphy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... use the ship station selective calling number (5 digits) and its assigned coast station identification number (4 digits). Calls to ship stations must employ the following format: Ship station selective call number, repeated twice; “DE”, sent once; and coast station identification number, repeated twice. When...

Insights into intragenic and extragenic effectors of prion propagation using chimeric prion proteins

PubMed Central

Kalastavadi, Tejas; Tank, Elizabeth MH

2008-01-01

The study of fungal prion proteins affords remarkable opportunities to elucidate both intragenic and extragenic effectors of prion propagation. The yeast prion protein Sup35 and the self-perpetuating [PSI+] prion state is one of the best characterized fungal prions. While there is little sequence homology among known prion proteins, one region of striking similarity exists between Sup35p and the mammalian prion protein PrP. This region is comprised of roughly five octapeptide repeats of similar composition. The expansion of the repeat region in PrP is associated with inherited prion diseases. In order to learn more about the effects of PrP repeat expansions on the structural properties of a protein that undergoes a similar transition to a self-perpetuating aggregate, we generated chimeric Sup35-PrP proteins. Using both in vivo and in vitro systems we described the effect of repeat length on protein misfolding, aggregation, amyloid formation and amyloid stability. We found that repeat expansions in the chimeric prion proteins increase the propensity to initiate prion propagation and enhance the formation of amyloid fibers without significantly altering fiber stability. PMID:19098443

Smart repeater system for communications interoperability during multiagency law enforcement operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crutcher, Richard I.; Jones, R. W.; Moore, Michael R.; Smith, S. F.; Tolley, Alan L.; Rochelle, Robert W.

1997-02-01

A prototype 'smart' repeater that provides interoperability capabilities for radio communication systems in multi-agency and multi-user scenarios is being developed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The smart repeater functions as a deployable communications platform that can be dynamically reconfigured to cross-link the radios of participating federal, state, and local government agencies. This interconnection capability improves the coordination and execution of multi-agency operations, including coordinated law enforcement activities and general emergency or disaster response scenarios. The repeater provides multiple channels of operation in the 30-50, 118-136, 138-174, and 403-512 MHz land mobile communications and aircraft bands while providing the ability to cross-connect among multiple frequencies, bands, modulation types, and encryption formats. Additionally, two telephone interconnects provide links to the fixed and cellular telephone networks. The 800- and 900-MHz bands are not supported by the prototype, but the modular design of the system accommodates future retrofits to extend frequency capabilities with minimal impact to the system. Configuration of the repeater is through a portable personal computer with a Windows-based graphical interface control screen that provides dynamic reconfiguration of network interconnections and formats.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of Hydrodynamics and Stresses in the PhEur/USP Disintegration Tester Under Fed and Fasted Fluid Characteristics.

PubMed

Kindgen, Sarah; Wachtel, Herbert; Abrahamsson, Bertil; Langguth, Peter

2015-09-01

Disintegration of oral solid dosage forms is a prerequisite for drug dissolution and absorption and is to a large extent dependent on the pressures and hydrodynamic conditions in the solution that the dosage form is exposed to. In this work, the hydrodynamics in the PhEur/USP disintegration tester were investigated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Particle image velocimetry was used to validate the CFD predictions. The CFD simulations were performed with different Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, representing fasted and fed states. The results indicate that the current design and operating conditions of the disintegration test device, given by the pharmacopoeias, are not reproducing the in vivo situation. This holds true for the hydrodynamics in the disintegration tester that generates Reynolds numbers dissimilar to the reported in vivo situation. Also, when using homogenized US FDA meal, representing the fed state, too high viscosities and relative pressures are generated. The forces acting on the dosage form are too small for all fluids compared to the in vivo situation. The lack of peristaltic contractions, which generate hydrodynamics and shear stress in vivo, might be the major drawback of the compendial device resulting in the observed differences between predicted and in vivo measured hydrodynamics. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

Portable tester for determining gas content within a core sample

DOEpatents

Garcia, Jr., Fred; Schatzel, Steven J.

1998-01-01

A portable tester is provided for reading and displaying the pressure of a gas released from a rock core sample stored within a sealed container and for taking a sample of the released pressurized gas for chemical analysis thereof for subsequent use in a modified direct method test which determines the volume of gas and specific type of gas contained within the core sample. The portable tester includes a pair of low and high range electrical pressure transducers for detecting a gas pressure; a pair of low and high range display units for displaying the pressure of the detected gas- a selector valve connected to the low and high range pressure transducers, a selector knob for selecting gas flow to one of the flow paths; control valve having an inlet connection to the sealed container, and outlets connected to: a sample gas canister, a second outlet port connected to the selector valve means for reading the pressure of the gas from the sealed container to either the low range or high range pressure transducers, and a connection for venting gas contained within the sealed container to the atmosphere. A battery is electrically connected to and supplies the power for operating the unit. The pressure transducers, display units, selector and control valve means and the battery is mounted to and housed within a protective casing for portable transport and use.

Portable tester for determining gas content within a core sample

DOEpatents

Garcia, F. Jr.; Schatzel, S.J.

1998-04-21

A portable tester is provided for reading and displaying the pressure of a gas released from a rock core sample stored within a sealed container and for taking a sample of the released pressurized gas for chemical analysis thereof for subsequent use in a modified direct method test which determines the volume of gas and specific type of gas contained within the core sample. The portable tester includes a pair of low and high range electrical pressure transducers for detecting a gas pressure; a pair of low and high range display units for displaying the pressure of the detected gas; a selector valve connected to the low and high range pressure transducers and a selector knob for selecting gas flow to one of the flow paths; control valve having an inlet connection to the sealed container; and outlets connected to: a sample gas canister, a second outlet port connected to the selector valve means for reading the pressure of the gas from the sealed container to either the low range or high range pressure transducers, and a connection for venting gas contained within the sealed container to the atmosphere. A battery is electrically connected to and supplies the power for operating the unit. The pressure transducers, display units, selector and control valve means and the battery is mounted to and housed within a protective casing for portable transport and use. 5 figs.

Disruption of Higher Order DNA Structures in Friedreich’s Ataxia (GAA)n Repeats by PNA or LNA Targeting

PubMed Central

Bergquist, Helen; Rocha, Cristina S. J.; Álvarez-Asencio, Rubén; Nguyen, Chi-Hung; Rutland, Mark. W.; Smith, C. I. Edvard; Good, Liam; Nielsen, Peter E.; Zain, Rula

2016-01-01

Expansion of (GAA)n repeats in the first intron of the Frataxin gene is associated with reduced mRNA and protein levels and the development of Friedreich’s ataxia. (GAA)n expansions form non-canonical structures, including intramolecular triplex (H-DNA), and R-loops and are associated with epigenetic modifications. With the aim of interfering with higher order H-DNA (like) DNA structures within pathological (GAA)n expansions, we examined sequence-specific interaction of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) with (GAA)n repeats of different lengths (short: n=9, medium: n=75 or long: n=115) by chemical probing of triple helical and single stranded regions. We found that a triplex structure (H-DNA) forms at GAA repeats of different lengths; however, single stranded regions were not detected within the medium size pathological repeat, suggesting the presence of a more complex structure. Furthermore, (GAA)4-PNA binding of the repeat abolished all detectable triplex DNA structures, whereas (CTT)5-PNA did not. We present evidence that (GAA)4-PNA can invade the DNA at the repeat region by binding the DNA CTT strand, thereby preventing non-canonical-DNA formation, and that triplex invasion complexes by (CTT)5-PNA form at the GAA repeats. Locked nucleic acid (LNA) oligonucleotides also inhibited triplex formation at GAA repeat expansions, and atomic force microscopy analysis showed significant relaxation of plasmid morphology in the presence of GAA-LNA. Thus, by inhibiting disease related higher order DNA structures in the Frataxin gene, such PNA and LNA oligomers may have potential for discovery of drugs aiming at recovering Frataxin expression. PMID:27846236

Structure of thrombospondin type 3 repeats in bacterial outer membrane protein A reveals its intra-repeat disulfide bond-dependent calcium-binding capability

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

Dai, Shuyan; Sun, Cancan; Tan, Kemin

Eukaryotic thrombospondin type 3 repeat (TT3R) is an efficient calcium ion (Ca2+) binding motif only found in mammalian thrombospondin family. TT3R has also been found in prokaryotic cellulase Cel5G, which was thought to forfeit the Ca2+-binding capability due to the formation of intra-repeat disulfide bonds, instead of the inter-repeat ones possessed by eukaryotic TT3Rs. In this study, we have identified an enormous number of prokaryotic TT3R-containing proteins belonging to several different protein families, including outer membrane protein A (OmpA), an important structural protein connecting the outer membrane and the periplasmic peptidoglycan layer in gram-negative bacteria. Here, we report the crystalmore » structure of the periplasmic region of OmpA from Capnocytophaga gingivalis, which contains a linker region comprising five consecutive TT3Rs. The structure of OmpA-TT3R exhibits a well-ordered architecture organized around two tightly-coordinated Ca2+ and confirms the presence of abnormal intra-repeat disulfide bonds. Further mutagenesis studies showed that the Ca2+-binding capability of OmpA-TT3R is indeed dependent on the proper formation of intra-repeat disulfide bonds, which help to fix a conserved glycine residue at its proper position for Ca2+ coordination. Additionally, despite lacking inter repeat disulfide bonds, the interfaces between adjacent OmpA-TT3Rs are enhanced by both hydrophobic and conserved aromatic-proline interactions.« less

Hydrophilic strips for preventing air bubble formation in a microfluidic chamber.

PubMed

Choi, Munseok; Na, Yang; Kim, Sung-Jin

2015-12-01

In a microfluidic chamber, unwanted formation of air bubbles is a critical problem. Here, we present a hydrophilic strip array that prevents air bubble formation in a microfluidic chamber. The array is located on the top surface of the chamber, which has a large variation in width, and consists of a repeated arrangement of super- and moderately hydrophilic strips. This repeated arrangement allows a flat meniscus (i.e. liquid front) to form when various solutions consisting of a single stream or two parallel streams with different hydrophilicities move through the chamber. The flat meniscus produced by the array completely prevents the formation of bubbles. Without the array in the chamber, the meniscus shape is highly convex, and bubbles frequently form in the chamber. This hydrophilic strip array will facilitate the use of a microfluidic chamber with a large variation in width for various microfluidic applications. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The EGF Repeat-Specific O-GlcNAc-Transferase Eogt Interacts with Notch Signaling and Pyrimidine Metabolism Pathways in Drosophila

PubMed Central

Müller, Reto; Jenny, Andreas; Stanley, Pamela

2013-01-01

The O-GlcNAc transferase Eogt modifies EGF repeats in proteins that transit the secretory pathway, including Dumpy and Notch. In this paper, we show that the Notch ligands Delta and Serrate are also substrates of Eogt, that mutation of a putative UDP-GlcNAc binding DXD motif greatly reduces enzyme activity, and that Eogt and the cytoplasmic O-GlcNAc transferase Ogt have distinct substrates in Drosophila larvae. Loss of Eogt is larval lethal and disrupts Dumpy functions, but does not obviously perturb Notch signaling. To identify novel genetic interactions with eogt, we investigated dominant modification of wing blister formation caused by knock-down of eogt. Unexpectedly, heterozygosity for several members of the canonical Notch signaling pathway suppressed wing blister formation. And importantly, extensive genetic interactions with mutants in pyrimidine metabolism were identified. Removal of pyrimidine synthesis alleles suppressed wing blister formation, while removal of uracil catabolism alleles was synthetic lethal with eogt knock-down. Therefore, Eogt may regulate protein functions by O-GlcNAc modification of their EGF repeats, and cellular metabolism by affecting pyrimidine synthesis and catabolism. We propose that eogt knock-down in the wing leads to metabolic and signaling perturbations that increase cytosolic uracil levels, thereby causing wing blister formation. PMID:23671640

USAF bioenvironmental noise data handbook. Volume 166: AF/M32T-1 tester, pressurized cabin leakage, aircraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rau, T. H.

1982-07-01

Measured and extrapolated data define the bioacoustic environments produced by a gasoline engine driven cabin leakage tester operating outdoors on a concrete apron at normal rated conditions. Near field data are presented for 37 locations at a wide variety of physical and psychoacoustic measures: overall and band sound pressure levels, C-weighted and A-weighted sound levels, preferred speech interference level, perceived noise level, and limiting times for total daily exposure of personnel with and without standard Air Force ear protectors. Far-field data measured at 36 locations are normalized to standard meteorological conditions and extrapolated from 10 - 1600 meters to derive sets of equal-value contours for these same seven acoustic measures as functions of angle and distance from the source.

Study the relation between the yarn pulling force and the bursting strength of single jersey knitted fabric

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Tarfawy, S. Y.

2017-10-01

There are various methods to evaluate knitted fabric’s properties; the yarn pulling force is a suitable experimental method to investigate the properties of single jersey knitted fabric.In this study, a frame is attached to the electronic tensile strength tester to fix different single jersey knitted fabrics with different dimensional properties. A hook is connected to the upper load cell in the tensile tester to ravel the first upper course then records the values of the yarn pulling force. In addition to that, the effect of the loop length, yarn count, and raw material on yarn pulling force and specific fabric bursting strength are studied. It is concluded that yarn pulling force has a significant relation with specific fabric bursting strength.

Implementation Considerations for Multisite Clinical Trials with Cognitive Neuroscience Tasks

PubMed Central

Keefe, Richard S. E.; Harvey, Philip D.

2008-01-01

Multisite clinical trials aimed at cognitive enhancement across various neuropsychiatric conditions have employed standard neuropsychological tests as outcome measures. While these tests have enjoyed wide clinical use and have proven reliable and predictive of functional disability, a number of implementation challenges have arisen when these tests are used in clinical trials. These issues are likely to be magnified in future studies when cognitive neuroscience (CN) procedures are explored in these trials, because in their current forms CN procedures are less standardized and more difficult to teach and monitor. For multisite trials, we anticipate that the most challenging issues will include assuring tester competence, monitoring tester performance, specific challenges with complex assessment methods, and having resources available for adequate monitoring of data quality. Suggestions for overcoming these implementation challenges are offered. PMID:18495645

Microprocessor tester for the treat upgrade reactor trip system

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

Lenkszus, F.R.; Bucher, R.G.

1984-01-01

The upgrading of the Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) Facility at ANL-Idaho has been designed to provide additional experimental capabilities for the study of core disruptive accident (CDA) phenomena. In addition, a programmable Automated Reactor Control System (ARCS) will permit high-power transients up to 11,000 MW having a controlled reactor period of from 15 to 0.1 sec. These modifications to the core neutronics will improve simulation of LMFBR accident conditions. Finally, a sophisticated, multiply-redundant safety system, the Reactor Trip System (RTS), will provide safe operation for both steady state and transient production operating modes. To insure that this complex safety systemmore » is functioning properly, a Dedicated Microprocessor Tester (DMT) has been implemented to perform a thorough checkout of the RTS prior to all TREAT operations.« less

The Tyrosine Sulfate Domain of Fibromodulin Binds Collagen and Enhances Fibril Formation.

PubMed

Tillgren, Viveka; Mörgelin, Matthias; Önnerfjord, Patrik; Kalamajski, Sebastian; Aspberg, Anders

2016-11-04

Small leucine-rich proteoglycans interact with other extracellular matrix proteins and are important regulators of matrix assembly. Fibromodulin has a key role in connective tissues, binding collagen through two identified binding sites in its leucine-rich repeat domain and regulating collagen fibril formation in vitro and in vivo Some nine tyrosine residues in the fibromodulin N-terminal domain are O-sulfated, a posttranslational modification often involved in protein interactions. The N-terminal domain mimics heparin, binding proteins with clustered basic amino acid residues. Because heparin affects collagen fibril formation, we investigated whether tyrosine sulfate is involved in fibromodulin interactions with collagen. Using full-length fibromodulin and its N-terminal tyrosine-sulfated domain purified from tissue, as well as recombinant fibromodulin fragments, we found that the N-terminal domain binds collagen. The tyrosine-sulfated domain and the leucine-rich repeat domain both bound to three specific sites along the collagen type I molecule, at the N terminus and at 100 and 220 nm from the N terminus. The N-terminal domain shortened the collagen fibril formation lag phase and tyrosine sulfation was required for this effect. The isolated leucine-rich repeat domain inhibited the fibril formation rate, and full-length fibromodulin showed a combination of these effects. The fibrils formed in the presence of fibromodulin or its fragments showed more organized structure. Fibromodulin and its tyrosine sulfate domain remained bound on the formed fiber. Taken together, this suggests a novel, regulatory function for tyrosine sulfation in collagen interaction and control of fibril formation. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

MC-TESTER v. 1.23: A universal tool for comparisons of Monte Carlo predictions for particle decays in high energy physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davidson, N.; Golonka, P.; Przedziński, T.; Waş, Z.

2011-03-01

Theoretical predictions in high energy physics are routinely provided in the form of Monte Carlo generators. Comparisons of predictions from different programs and/or different initialization set-ups are often necessary. MC-TESTER can be used for such tests of decays of intermediate states (particles or resonances) in a semi-automated way. Since 2002 new functionalities were introduced into the package. In particular, it now works with the HepMC event record, the standard for C++ programs. The complete set-up for benchmarking the interfaces, such as interface between τ-lepton production and decay, including QED bremsstrahlung effects is shown. The example is chosen to illustrate the new options introduced into the program. From the technical perspective, our paper documents software updates and supplements previous documentation. As in the past, our test consists of two steps. Distinct Monte Carlo programs are run separately; events with decays of a chosen particle are searched, and information is stored by MC-TESTER. Then, at the analysis step, information from a pair of runs may be compared and represented in the form of tables and plots. Updates introduced in the program up to version 1.24.4 are also documented. In particular, new configuration scripts or script to combine results from multitude of runs into single information file to be used in analysis step are explained. Program summaryProgram title: MC-TESTER, version 1.23 and version 1.24.4 Catalog identifier: ADSM_v2_0 Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/ADSM_v2_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.html No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 250 548 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 4 290 610 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: C++, FORTRAN77 Tested and compiled with: gcc 3.4.6, 4.2.4 and 4.3.2 with g77/gfortran Computer: Tested on various platforms Operating system: Tested on operating systems: Linux SLC 4.6 and SLC 5, Fedora 8, Ubuntu 8.2 etc. Classification: 11.9 External routines: HepMC ( https://savannah.cern.ch/projects/hepmc/), PYTHIA8 ( http://home.thep.lu.se/~torbjorn/Pythia.html), LaTeX ( http://www.latex-project.org/) Catalog identifier of previous version: ADSM_v1_0 Journal reference of previous version: Comput. Phys. Comm. 157 (2004) 39 Does the new version supersede the previous version?: Yes Nature of problem: The decays of individual particles are well defined modules of a typical Monte Carlo program chain in high energy physics. A fast, semi-automatic way of comparing results from different programs is often desirable for the development of new programs, in order to check correctness of the installations or for discussion of uncertainties. Solution method: A typical HEP Monte Carlo program stores the generated events in event records such as HepMC, HEPEVT or PYJETS. MC-TESTER scans, event by event, the contents of the record and searches for the decays of the particle under study. The list of the found decay modes is successively incremented and histograms of all invariant masses which can be calculated from the momenta of the particle decay products are defined and filled. The outputs from the two runs of distinct programs can be later compared. A booklet of comparisons is created: for every decay channel, all histograms present in the two outputs are plotted and parameter quantifying shape difference is calculated. Its maximum over every decay channel is printed in the summary table. Reasons for new version: Interface for HepMC Event Record is introduced. Setup for benchmarking the interfaces, such as τ-lepton production and decay, including QED bremsstrahlung effects is introduced as well. This required significant changes in the algorithm. As a consequence, a new version of the code was introduced. Restrictions: Only the first 200 decay channels that were found will initialize histograms and if the multiplicity of decay products in a given channel was larger than 7, histograms will not be created for that channel. Additional comments: New features: HepMC interface, use of lists in definition of histograms and decay channels, filters for decay products or secondary decays to be omitted, bug fixing, extended flexibility in representation of program output, installation configuration scripts, merging multiple output files from separate generations. Running time: Varies substantially with the analyzed decay particle, but generally speed estimation of the old version remains valid. On a PC/Linux with 2.0 GHz processors MC-TESTER increases the run time of the τ-lepton Monte Carlo program TAUOLA by 4.0 seconds for every 100 000 analyzed events (generation itself takes 26 seconds). The analysis step takes 13 seconds; LATEX processing takes additionally 10 seconds. Generation step runs may be executed simultaneously on multiprocessor machines.

Variable Number Of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) and its application in bacterial epidemiology.

PubMed

Ramazanzadeh, Rashid; McNerney, Ruth

2007-08-15

Molecular epidemiology is the using of molecular techniques to study bacterial distribution in human populations. Recently molecular epidemiologist benefit from several techniques such as Variable Number Tandem Repeat (VNTR) typing method to typing bacterial strains. Variable Number Tandem Repeat (VNTR) typing is a tool for genotyping and provides data in a simple and numeric format based on the number of repetitive sequences. VNTR for first time identified in M. tuberculosis as Mycobacterial Interspersed Repeat Units (MIRUs). General terms of VNTR have now been reported in Bacillus anthracis, Legionella pneumophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli O157.

24 CFR 115.311 - Testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... training or be experienced in testing procedures and techniques. (d) Testers and the organizations... competitor of the person or organization to be tested in the listing, rental, sale, or financing of real...

Effect of Ar ion on the surface properties of low density polyethylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaki, M. F.

2016-04-01

In this paper, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was irradiated by argon ion with different fluences up to 1015ions/cm2. The optical, chemical and hardness properties have been investigated using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and micro-indentation tester, respectively. The results showed the ion beam bombardment induced decreases in the transmittance of the irradiated polymer samples. This change in transmittance can be attributed to the formation of conjugated bonds i.e. possible formation of defects and/or carbon clusters. The indirect optical band gap decreased from 3.0 eV for the pristine sample to 2.3 eV for that sample irradiated with the highest fluence of the Ar ion beam. Furthermore, the number of carbon atoms and clusters increased with increasing Ar ion fluences. FTIR spectra showed the formation of new bands of the bombarded polymer samples. Furthermore, polar groups were created on the surface of the irradiated samples which refer to the increase of the hydrophilic nature of the surface of the irradiated samples. The Vicker's hardness increased from 4.9 MPa for the pristine sample to 17.9 MPa for those bombarded at the highest fluence. This increase is attributed to the increase in the crosslinking and alterations of the bombarded surface into hydrogenated amorphous carbon, which improves the hardness of the irradiated samples. The bombarded LDPE surfaces may be used in special applications to the field of the micro-electronic devices and shock absorbers.

PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE PRESSURE TRANSDUCER PROJECT

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

Eldridge, A.J.

1956-08-01

A feasibility study is presented of the application of several commercially available pressure transducers for incorporation in a dynamic baro- switch tester or for use in a baro-switch application. (auth)

Objective Assessment of Knot-Tying Proficiency With the Fundamentals of Arthroscopic Surgery Training Program Workstation and Knot Tester.

PubMed

Pedowitz, Robert A; Nicandri, Gregg T; Angelo, Richard L; Ryu, Richard K N; Gallagher, Anthony G

2015-10-01

To assess a new method for biomechanical assessment of arthroscopic knots and to establish proficiency benchmarks using the Fundamentals of Arthroscopic Surgery Training (FAST) Program workstation and knot tester. The first study group included 20 faculty at an Arthroscopy Association of North America resident arthroscopy course (19.9 ± 8.25 years in practice). The second group comprised 30 experienced surgeons attending an Arthroscopy Association of North America fall course (17.1 ± 19.3 years in practice). The training group included 44 postgraduate year 4 or 5 orthopaedic residents in a randomized, prospective study of proficiency-based training, with 3 subgroups: group A, standard training (n = 14); group B, workstation practice (n = 14); and group C, proficiency-based progression using the knot tester (n = 16). Each subject tied 5 arthroscopic knots backed up by 3 reversed hitches on alternating posts. Knots were tied under video control around a metal mandrel through a cannula within an opaque dome (FAST workstation). Each suture loop was stressed statically at 15 lb for 15 seconds. A calibrated sizer measured loop expansion. Knot failure was defined as 3 mm of loop expansion or greater. In the faculty group, 24% of knots "failed" under load. Performance was inconsistent: 12 faculty had all knots pass, whereas 2 had all knots fail. In the second group of practicing surgeons, 21% of the knots failed under load. Overall, 56 of 250 knots (22%) tied by experienced surgeons failed. For the postgraduate year 4 or 5 residents, the aggregate knot failure rate was 26% for the 220 knots tied. Group C residents had an 11% knot failure rate (half the overall faculty rate, P = .013). The FAST workstation and knot tester offer a simple and reproducible educational approach for enhancement of arthroscopic knot-tying skills. Our data suggest that there is significant room for improvement in the quality and consistency of these important arthroscopic skills, even for experienced arthroscopic surgeons. Level II, prospective comparative study. Copyright © 2015 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Workplace field testing of the pressure drop of particulate respirators using welding fumes.

PubMed

Cho, Hyun-Woo; Yoon, Chung-Sik

2012-10-01

In a previous study, we concluded that respirator testing with a sodium chloride aerosol gave a conservative estimate of filter penetration for welding fume aerosols. A rapid increase in the pressure drop (PD) of some respirators was observed as fumes accumulated on the filters. The present study evaluated particulate respirator PD based on workplace field tests. A field PD tester was designed and validated using the TSI 8130 Automatic Filter Tester, designed in compliance with National Institute for Occupational and Safety and Health regulation 42 CFR part 84. Three models (two replaceable dual-type filters and one replaceable single-type filter) were evaluated against CO(2) gas arc welding on mild steel in confined booths in the workplace. Field tests were performed under four airborne concentrations (27.5, 15.4, 7.9, and 2.1 mg m(-3)). The mass concentration was measured by the gravimetric method, and number concentration was monitored using P-Trak (Model 8525, TSI, USA). Additionally, photos and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to visualize and analyze the composition of welding fumes trapped in the filters. The field PD tester showed no significant difference compared with the TSI tester. There was no significant difference in the initial PD between laboratory and field results. The PD increased as a function of fume load on the respirator filters for all tested models. The increasing PD trend differed by models, and PD increased rapidly at high concentrations because greater amount of fumes accumulated on the filters in a given time. The increase in PD as a function of fume load on the filters showed a similar pattern as fume load varied for a particular model, but different patterns were observed for different models. Images and elemental analyses of fumes trapped on the respirator filters showed that most welding fumes were trapped within the first layer, outer web cover, and second layer, in order, while no fumes were observed beneath the fourth layer of the tested respirators. The current findings contribute substantially to our understanding of respirator PD in the presence of welding fumes.

Frequency and determinants of consistent STI/HIV testing among men who have sex with men testing at STI outpatient clinics in the Netherlands: a longitudinal study.

PubMed

Visser, Maartje; Heijne, Janneke C M; Hogewoning, Arjan A; van Aar, Fleur

2017-09-01

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at highest risk for STIs and HIV infections in the Netherlands. However, official guidelines on STI testing among MSM are lacking. They are advised to test for STIs at least every six months, but their testing behaviour is not well known. This study aimed to get insight into the proportion and determinants of consistent 6-monthly STI testing among MSM testing at STI outpatient clinics in the Netherlands. This study included longitudinal surveillance data of STI consultations among MSM from all 26 STI outpatient clinics in the Netherlands between 1 June 2014 and 31 December 2015. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to identify determinants of consistent 6-monthly testing compared with single testing and inconsistent testing. Determinants of time between consultations among men with multiple consultations were analysed using a Cox Prentice-Williams-Peterson gap-time model. A total of 34 605 STI consultations of 18 634 MSM were included. 8966 (48.1%) men had more than one consultation, and 3516 (18.9%) men tested consistently 6-monthly. Indicators of high sexual risk behaviour, including having a history of STI, being HIV positive and having more than 10 sex partners, were positively associated with both being a consistent tester and returning to the STI clinic sooner. Men who were notified by a partner or who reported STI symptoms were also more likely to return to the STI clinic sooner, but were less likely to be consistent testers, identifying a group of event-driven testers. The proportion of consistent 6-monthly testers among MSM visiting Dutch STI outpatient clinics was low. Testing behaviour was associated with sexual risk behaviour, but exact motives to test consistently remain unclear. Evidence-based testing guidelines are needed to achieve optimal reductions in STI transmission in the future. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Reinforcing the inner phase of the filled hydrogels with CNTs alters drug release properties and human keratinocyte morphology: A study on the gelatin- tamarind gum filled hydrogels.

PubMed

Maharana, Vivek; Gaur, Deepanjali; Nayak, Suraj K; Singh, Vinay K; Chakraborty, Subhabrata; Banerjee, Indranil; Ray, Sirsendu S; Anis, Arfat; Pal, Kunal

2017-11-01

The study reports the synthesis and characterization of gelatin-tamarind gum (TG) based filled hydrogels for drug delivery applications. In this study, three different types of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were incorporated within the dispersed TG phase of the filled hydrogels. The prepared hydrogels were thoroughly characterised using bright field microscope, FESEM, FTIR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeter, and mechanical tester. The swelling and the drug (salicylic acid) release properties of the filled hydrogels were also evaluated. The micrographs revealed the formation of biphasic systems. The internal phase appeared as agglomerates, and the CNTs were confined within the dispersed TG phase. FTIR and XRD studies revealed that CNTs promoted associative interactions among the components of the hydrogel, which promoted the formation of large crystallite size. The mechanical study indicated better resistance to the breakdown of the architecture of the CNT-containing filled hydrogels. Drug release studies, both passive and iontophoretic, suggested that the non-Fickian diffusion of the drug was prevalent during its release from hydrogel matrices. The prepared hydrogels were cytocompatible with human keratinocytes. The results suggested the probable use of such hydrogels in wound healing, tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Repeated Recall and PKM? Maintain Fear Memories in Juvenile Rats

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oliver, Chicora F.; Kabitzke, Patricia; Serrano, Peter; Egan, Laura J.; Barr, Gordon A.; Shair, Harry N.; Wiedenmayer, Christoph

2016-01-01

We examined the neural substrates of fear memory formation and maintenance when repeated recall was used to prevent forgetting in young animals. In contrast to adult rats, juveniles failed to show contextual fear responses at 4 d post-fear conditioning. Reconsolidation sessions 3 and 6 d after conditioning restored contextual fear responses in…

Weekly Formative Exams and Creative Grading Enhance Student Learning in an Introductory Biology Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bailey, E. G.; Jensen, J.; Nelson, J.; Wiberg, H. K.; Bell, J. D.

2017-01-01

First-year students often become discouraged during introductory biology courses when repeated attempts to understand concepts nevertheless result in poor test scores. This challenge is exacerbated by traditional course structures that impose premature judgments on students' achievements. Repeated testing has been shown to benefit student ability…

Standard Test Procedures for Evaluating Various Leak Detection Methods

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Learn about protocols that testers could use to demonstrate that an individual release detection equipment type could meet the performance requirements noted in the federal UST requirements for detecting leaks.

Low-cost, portable fire hose tester

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jocke, R. F.; Miller, R. E.

1975-01-01

Availability of pumping unit permits scheduling and performing required periodic hose tests in proper manner while retaining full fire equipment readiness. Use of pumping unit preserves operating life and capability of pumper truck.

Thermally crosslinked polymeric compositions and methods of making the same

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

Koros, William John; Kratochvil, Adam Michal

2014-03-04

The various embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to thermally crosslinked polymeric compositions and methods of making thermally crosslinked polymeric compositions. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a composition comprising: a first polymer comprising a first repeat unit, the first repeat unit comprising a carboxyl group, wherein the first polymer crosslinks to a second polymer formed from a second repeat unit, and wherein the first polymer crosslinks to the second polymer without formation of an ester group.

The effect of nitrogen gas flow rate on heat treatment of AISI SS-430: Study of microstructure and hardness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sebayang, Perdamean; Darmawan, Bobby Aditya; Simbolon, Silviana; Alfirano, Sudiro, Toto; Aryanto, Didik

2018-05-01

The aim of this research was to obtain the austenite phase from ferritic stainless steel through sample heat treatment. The AISI 430 ferritic steel with the thickness of about 0.4 mm was used. The heat treatment was conducted in a tube furnace at elevated temperature of 1150, 1200, 1250 °C and nitrogen gas flow rate of 0.57 and 0.73 l/s. The samples were then rapidly quenched in water bath. An optical microscope, XRD, SEM-EDS and micro vickers hardness tester were used to characterize the sample before and after het treatment. The presence of anneal twins indicated the formation of austenite phase in the sample. Its fraction was varied from 10.89 wt% to 35.10 wt%. In addition, the heat treatment temperature strongly affected the sample hardness. The optimum hardness obtained was about 542.69 HV. According to the results, this material can be considered for biomedical applications.

Northern Cheyenne Lands Act

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Walsh, John E. [D-MT

2014-06-05

Senate - 12/12/2014 By Senator Tester from Committee on Indian Affairs filed written report. Report No. 113-317. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Nevada Native Nations Land Act

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Reid, Harry [D-NV

2014-06-17

Senate - 12/01/2014 By Senator Tester from Committee on Indian Affairs filed written report. Report No. 113-278. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Testing parameters of TMR heads affected by dynamic-tester induced EMI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kruesubthaworn, A.; Sivaratana, R.; Ungvichian, V.; Siritaratiwat, A.

2007-09-01

A variety of expected electromagnetic interference (EMI) sources of both radiated and conducted EMI emissions produced by a dynamic tester is studied. It is determined that the power cable connector of the robot arm radiates a significant electric field (E-field) of about 197 V/m at 1 foot away and an estimated calculation of the E-field of about 212 mV/m is at the spindle motor. These fields can be attenuated by about 20-30 dB when using a copper lined Faraday's cage. Furthermore, the study has revealed that the radiated EMI plays a more significant role than the conducted EMI. In addition, it is determined that out of seven selected testing parameters, the SGAW is rather more sensitive to EMI than conventional failure parameters, especially static glitche during the write cycle.

SMOKING INCLINED GROUPS ACCORDING TO THE PHENOTYPE OF THE PTC GENE.

PubMed

Khukhunaishvili, R; Tskvitinidze, S; Koridze, M; Nagervadze, M; Chelidze, N

2016-09-01

The ability to sense phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) bitterness represents a well-known and convenient genetic marker for human populations and biomedical studies. Two basic phenotypes can be dichotomized by PTC sensitivity: PTC-sensitive or "tester" and PTC-insensitive or "non-tester". The majority of the population (approximately 70%) belong to the PTC-sensitive phenotype, while the remaining 30% are PTC-insensitive. The distribution of PTC sensitivities varies by consumption of alcohol, bitter coffee and cigarettes. This study was conducted among randomly selected 90 cigarette smokers living in the Ajara Region of Georgia. Our results indicate that PTC-insensitive phenotypes are correlated with cigarette consumption and should be considered as an important genetic proxy for cigarette use. This marker may prove very useful for identifying adolescents who might benefit from a focused smoking prevention intervention.

Development and Testing of a Smartphone Application Prototype for Oral Health Promotion.

PubMed

Nolen, Sara L; Giblin-Scanlon, Lori J; Boyd, Linda D; Rainchuso, Lori

2018-04-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and test a smartphone application (app) prototype, ToothSense, as an oral health promotion tool for the prevention of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Methods: A quantitative and qualitative design process based on the TPB was used for the app development in the first phase of the study. A behavioral intervention technologic model was used to document the app features design, accounting for Doshi's intervention strategies for the TPB. Beta-testing of the app was hosted via an online software program. Testers were presented with a series of tasks and prompts followed by a 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire that quantitatively measured perceptions of the app's interactive design based on Jakob Nielsen's principles and behavioral strategies. A Net Promotor Score was calculated to determine the tester's likelihood to recommend the app prototype. Audio and video aspects of the app were qualitatively measured using a template approach. Results: Beta testers agreed the app met the majority of the five usability statements. The Net Promotor Score indicated a likelihood to recommend the app prototype. Thematic analyses revealed the following themes: interface design, navigation, terminology, information, and oral health promotion. Conclusion: Beta testing results from this study provided health promotion project design information for the prevention of ECC using the TPB and highlighted the importance and usability of smartphone app for oral health promotion. Copyright © 2018 The American Dental Hygienists’ Association.

Use of diagnostic self-tests on body materials among Internet users in the Netherlands: prevalence and correlates of use

PubMed Central

Ronda, Gaby; Portegijs, Piet; Dinant, Geert-Jan; Buntinx, Frank; Norg, Roelf; van der Weijden, Trudy

2009-01-01

Background A range of self-tests on body materials has become available to the general public, but the extent of their use has hardly been studied. This study examined how many people use diagnostic self-tests on body materials such as blood or urine, as well as the type of tests that are used, and factors associated with their use. Methods Cross-sectional survey. Participants were recruited from an existing Dutch Internet panel of 12,529 persons, and information was collected by means of a structured Internet-based questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess correlates of self-test use. Results Response to the survey was 63%. Sixteen percent of the respondents said they had ever used at least one self-test, with a mean of 2.1 tests per self-tester. The most frequently reported self-tests were those for diabetes and cholesterol. Self-testers generally reported lower health status and had a higher BMI than non-testers. On the other hand, they were more likely to engage in health-related behaviour such as the use of dietary supplements and homeopathic medicine. Conclusion Self-testing proved to be relatively prevalent among Dutch Internet users. We therefore think that it is essential to develop appropriate information for consumers, health care providers and policymakers, about the pros and cons of self-testing and specific self-tests. More test-specific research is needed. PMID:19358708

A β-solenoid model of the Pmel17 repeat domain: insights to the formation of functional amyloid fibrils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Louros, Nikolaos N.; Baltoumas, Fotis A.; Hamodrakas, Stavros J.; Iconomidou, Vassiliki A.

2016-02-01

Pmel17 is a multidomain protein involved in biosynthesis of melanin. This process is facilitated by the formation of Pmel17 amyloid fibrils that serve as a scaffold, important for pigment deposition in melanosomes. A specific luminal domain of human Pmel17, containing 10 tandem imperfect repeats, designated as repeat domain (RPT), forms amyloid fibrils in a pH-controlled mechanism in vitro and has been proposed to be essential for the formation of the fibrillar matrix. Currently, no three-dimensional structure has been resolved for the RPT domain of Pmel17. Here, we examine the structure of the RPT domain by performing sequence threading. The resulting model was subjected to energy minimization and validated through extensive molecular dynamics simulations. Structural analysis indicated that the RPT model exhibits several distinct properties of β-solenoid structures, which have been proposed to be polymerizing components of amyloid fibrils. The derived model is stabilized by an extensive network of hydrogen bonds generated by stacking of highly conserved polar residues of the RPT domain. Furthermore, the key role of invariant glutamate residues is proposed, supporting a pH-dependent mechanism for RPT domain assembly. Conclusively, our work attempts to provide structural insights into the RPT domain structure and to elucidate its contribution to Pmel17 amyloid fibril formation.

Sequence Effect on the Formation of DNA Minidumbbells.

PubMed

Liu, Yuan; Lam, Sik Lok

2017-11-16

The DNA minidumbbell (MDB) is a recently identified non-B structure. The reported MDBs contain two TTTA, CCTG, or CTTG type II loops. At present, the knowledge and understanding of the sequence criteria for MDB formation are still limited. In this study, we performed a systematic high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and native gel study to investigate the effect of sequence variations in tandem repeats on the formation of MDBs. Our NMR results reveal the importance of hydrogen bonds, base-base stacking, and hydrophobic interactions from each of the participating residues. We conclude that in the MDBs formed by tandem repeats, C-G loop-closing base pairs are more stabilizing than T-A loop-closing base pairs, and thymine residues in both the second and third loop positions are more stabilizing than cytosine residues. The results from this study enrich our knowledge on the sequence criteria for the formation of MDBs, paving a path for better exploring their potential roles in biological systems and DNA nanotechnology.

Weekly Formative Exams and Creative Grading Enhance Student Learning in an Introductory Biology Course

PubMed Central

Bailey, E. G.; Jensen, J.; Nelson, J.; Wiberg, H. K.; Bell, J. D.

2017-01-01

First-year students often become discouraged during introductory biology courses when repeated attempts to understand concepts nevertheless result in poor test scores. This challenge is exacerbated by traditional course structures that impose premature judgments on students’ achievements. Repeated testing has been shown to benefit student ability to recognize and recall information, but an effective means to similarly facilitate skill with higher-order problems in introductory courses is needed. Here, we show that an innovative format that uses a creative grading scheme together with weekly formative midterm exams produced significant gains in student success with difficult items requiring analysis and interpretation. This format is designed to promote tenacity and avoid discouragement by providing multiple opportunities to attempt demanding problems on exams, detailed immediate feedback, and strong incentives to retain hope and improve. Analysis of individual performance trajectories with heat maps reveals the diversity of learning patterns and provides rational means for advising students. PMID:28130269

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

Bae, Song Yi; Kim, Seulgi; Hwang, Heejin

Research highlights: {yields} Formation of the {alpha}-synuclein amyloid fibrils by [BIMbF{sub 3}Im]. {yields} Disaggregation of amyloid fibrils by epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and baicalein. {yields} Amyloid formation of {alpha}-synuclein tandem repeat ({alpha}-TR). -- Abstract: The aggregation of {alpha}-synuclein is clearly related to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Therefore, detailed understanding of the mechanism of fibril formation is highly valuable for the development of clinical treatment and also of the diagnostic tools. Here, we have investigated the interaction of {alpha}-synuclein with ionic liquids by using several biochemical techniques including Thioflavin T assays and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our data shows a rapidmore » formation of {alpha}-synuclein amyloid fibrils was stimulated by 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [BIMbF{sub 3}Im], and these fibrils could be disaggregated by polyphenols such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and baicalein. Furthermore, the effect of [BIMbF{sub 3}Im] on the {alpha}-synuclein tandem repeat ({alpha}-TR) in the aggregation process was studied.« less

Moapa Band of Paiutes Land Conveyance Act

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Reid, Harry [D-NV

2014-06-17

Senate - 12/01/2014 By Senator Tester from Committee on Indian Affairs filed written report. Report No. 113-277. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Historical overview of friction testing in Connecticut.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-03-01

A historical overview of pavement friction testing in Connecticut is presented. : Photographs of early pavement friction testers are provided, including vintage photos : of a skid trailer from a Federal Highway Administration (formally Bureau of Publ...

Mutagenicity of edible palm oil on the Ghanaian market before and after repeated heating.

PubMed

Asare, George A; Okyere, Genevieve O; Asante, Matilda; Brown, Charles A; Santa, Sheila; Asiedu, Bernice

2013-12-01

Red palm oil produced in Ghana largely by village folks has never been tested for its mutagenic potential. The study aimed at determining the mutagenicity of high-energy heated red palm oil (RRPO) and refined, bleached imported palm oil (PO) on the Ghanaian market. Samples of RRPO and PO were 1× and 5× heated for 10 min at 180 °C with a cooling period of 5 h in-between. Unheated, together with heated samples, were tested for mutagenicity using Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and TA 100 tester stains. Unheated PO was negative for the Ames mutagenicity test with TA 98 strain. However, 1× and 5× heated PO were mutagenic (P = 0.05, each). Testing PO, using TA 100 strain was negative. RRPO was mutagenic with TA 98 strain for heated oils (P = 0.05, each). Assays with TA 100 strain showed highly significant mutations (P = 0.001, each) that increased with increasing heating frequency. PO 1× and 5× heated samples caused significant frameshift mutation in the S. typhimurium TA 98 strain. RRPO caused highly significant point and frameshift mutations in heated samples. Furthermore, unheated RRPO mutagenic potential has serious health implications. © 2013 Institute of Food Technologists®

Impact attenuation properties of jazz shoes alter lower limb joint stiffness during jump landings.

PubMed

Fong Yan, Alycia; Smith, Richard M; Hiller, Claire E; Sinclair, Peter J

2017-05-01

To quantify the impact attenuation properties of the jazz shoes, and to investigate the in-vivo effect of four jazz shoe designs on lower limb joint stiffness during a dance-specific jump. Repeated measures. A custom-built mechanical shoe tester similar to that used by athletic shoe companies was used to vertically impact the forefoot and heel region of four different jazz shoe designs. Additionally, dancers performed eight sautés in second position in bare feet and the shoe conditions. Force platforms and 3D-motion capture were used to analyse the joint stiffness of the midfoot, ankle, knee and hip during the jump landings. Mechanical testing of the jazz shoes revealed significant differences in impact attenuation characteristics among each of the jazz shoe designs. Gross knee and midfoot joint stiffness were significantly affected by the jazz shoe designs in the dancers' jump landings. The tested jazz shoe designs altered the impact attenuating capacity of jump landing technique in dancers. The cushioned jazz shoes are recommended particularly for injured dancers to reduce impact on the lower limb. Jazz shoe design should consider the impact attenuation properties of the forefoot region, due to the toe-strike landing technique in dance movement. Copyright © 2016 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Long-term effect of noise exposure during military service in South Korea.

PubMed

Kim, SungHee; Lim, Eun Jung; Kim, Tae Hoon; Park, Jun Ho

2017-02-01

Most Korean men spend at least two years in the military service usually in their early twenties. The aim of this study was to identify the long-term effect of exposure to military noise during military service by comparing two regressions of age-related hearing loss between groups with and without exposure to military noise. Cross-sectional observational study. Finally, 4079 subjects were included, among 10,286 data of men's audiogram from January 2004 to April 2010. We excluded repeated testers and any subjects who had other known external causes or had an asymmetric audiogram. We grouped subjects with exposure to military noise (N = 3163) and those without as the control group (N = 916). There was a significant effect of exposure to military noise at 4 and 8 kHz after controlling for the effect of age. The annual threshold deterioration rates were faster in the military noise exposed group than in the control group at 1, 2 and 4 kHz (p < 0.05). The long-term effect of exposure to military noise on age-related hearing loss showed an adding effect at 8 kHz and an accelerating effect in the frequency region from 1 to 4 kHz.

The influence of topical application of grapeseed extract gel on enamel surface hardness after demineralization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saragih, D. A.; Herda, E.; Triaminingsih, S.

2017-08-01

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of topical application of 6.5% and 12.5% grapeseed extract gels for duration of application 16 and 32 minutes on the enamel surface hardness following tooth demineralization by an energy drink. The samples were 21 bovine teeth that underwent demineralization by immersion in the energy drink for 5 minutes in an incubator at 37°C. The demineralized specimens were randomly divided into a control group and 2 treatment groups. The control group was immersed in artificial saliva for 6 hours at 37°C, whereas the treatment groups were treated with topical 6.5% and 12.5% grapeseed extract gels for durations of 16 and 32 minutes and then immersed in artificial saliva for 6 hours at 37°C. The hardness was measured with a Knoop hardness tester. Statistical analysis by repeated ANOVA and one-way ANOVA revealed a significant increase in the enamel hardness value (p<0.05) after the application of the topical grapeseed extract gels at both concentrations. Application of 12.5% topical grapeseed extract gel for 32 minutes resulted in a restored hardness that insignificant diffrence from the initial hardness value obtained before demineralization (p>0.05).

Comparison of Three Methods of Assessing Muscle Strength and Imbalance Ratios of the Knee

PubMed Central

Moss, Crayton L.; Wright, P. Thomas

1993-01-01

Three strength measurement methods for determining muscle strength and imbalance ratios of the knee were compared in 41 (23 female, 18 male) NCAA Division I track and field athletes. Peak quadriceps extensions and hamstring flexions were measured isotonically, isometrically, and isokinetically. Isokinetic measurements were performed on a Cybex II at 60°/s. Isometric extension and flexion measurements were performed using the Nicholas Manual Muscle Tester (Lafayette Instruments; Lafayette, Ind). Isotonic measurements were done on both Universal and Nautilus apparatuses. Testing order was randomized to avoid a treatment order effect. A repeated measures ANOVA and a post hoc Tukey test were used to compare the three methods of assessing strength and imbalance ratios of the knee. Absolute strength values were significantly different according to gender and mode of testing. Bilateral strength imbalance ratios for knee flexion were significantly lower for the Nautilus leg curl machine. Ipsilateral strength imbalance ratios were significantly greater for the Cybex II. Our results indicated that absolute strength values cannot be interchanged between testing modes. Except for Cybex II (ipsilateral) and Nautilus (bilateral knee flexion), strength imbalance ratios could be interchanged. ImagesFig 1.Fig 2.Fig 3.Fig 4.Fig 5.Fig 6.Fig 7.INGING PMID:16558207

Anesthetic efficacy of the intraosseous injection after an inferior alveolar nerve block.

PubMed

Dunbar, D; Reader, A; Nist, R; Beck, M; Meyers, W J

1996-09-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of the intraosseous (IO) injection to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) block in human first molars. Using a repeated-measures design, 40 subjects randomly received either a combination IAN block + IO injection (on the distal of the first molar) using 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine or an IAN block+mock IO injection (gingival penetration only) at two successive appointments. The first molar and adjacent teeth, and contralateral canine (+/-controls) were blindly tested with an Analytic Technology pulp tester at 2-min cycles for 60 min. An 80 reading was used as the criterion for pulpal anesthesia. One hundred percent of the subjects had lip numbness with the IAN block. For the first molar, anesthetic success, defined as achieving an 80 reading within 15 min and keeping this reading for 60 min, was 42% with the IAN and 90% with the IAN + IO. Anesthetic failure defined as never achieving two 80 readings during the 60 min was 32% with the IAN and 0% with the IAN + IO. The onset of anesthesia was immediate with the IO injection. Eighty percent of the subjects sampled had a subjective increase in heart rate with the IO injection. The IO injection and postinjection questionnaire recorded low pain ratings.

Preferential Nucleosome Assembly at DNA Triplet Repeats from the Myotonic Dystrophy Gene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yuh-Hwa; Amirhaeri, Sorour; Kang, Seongman; Wells, Robert D.; Griffith, Jack D.

1994-07-01

The expansion of CTG repeats in DNA occurs in or near genes involved in several human diseases, including myotonic dystrophy and Huntington's disease. Nucleosomes, the basic structural element of chromosomes, consist of 146 base pairs of DNA coiled about an octamer of histone proteins and mediate general transcriptional repression. Electron microscopy was used to examine in vitro the nucleosome assembly of DNA containing repeating CTG triplets. The efficiency of nucleosome formation increased with expanded triplet blocks, suggesting that such blocks may repress transcription through the creation of stable nucleosomes.

Influence of a heptad repeat stutter on the pH-dependent conformational behavior of the central coiled-coil from influenza hemagglutinin HA2.

PubMed

Higgins, Chelsea D; Malashkevich, Vladimir N; Almo, Steven C; Lai, Jonathan R

2014-09-01

The coiled-coil is one of the most common protein structural motifs. Amino acid sequences of regions that participate in coiled-coils contain a heptad repeat in which every third then forth residue is occupied by a hydrophobic residue. Here we examine the consequences of a "stutter," a deviation of the idealized heptad repeat that is found in the central coiled-coil of influenza hemagluttinin HA2. Characterization of a peptide containing the native stutter-containing HA2 sequence, as well as several variants in which the stutter was engineered out to restore an idealized heptad repeat pattern, revealed that the stutter is important for allowing coiled-coil formation in the WT HA2 at both neutral and low pH (7.1 and 4.5). By contrast, all variants that contained idealized heptad repeats exhibited marked pH-dependent coiled-coil formation with structures forming much more stably at low pH. A crystal structure of one variant containing an idealized heptad repeat, and comparison to the WT HA2 structure, suggest that the stutter distorts the optimal interhelical core packing arrangement, resulting in unwinding of the coiled-coil superhelix. Interactions between acidic side chains, in particular E69 and E74 (present in all peptides studied), are suggested to play a role in mediating these pH-dependent conformational effects. This conclusion is partially supported by studies on HA2 variant peptides in which these positions were altered to aspartic acid. These results provide new insight into the structural role of the heptad repeat stutter in HA2. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Improved infra-red procedure for the evaluation of calibrating units.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-01-04

Introduction. The NHTSA Model Specifications for Calibrating Units for Breath : Alcohol Testers (FR 72 34742-34748) requires that calibration units submitted for : inclusion on the NHTSA Conforming Products List for such devices be evaluated using : ...

An automated testing tool for traffic signal controller functionalities.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-03-01

The purpose of this project was to develop an automated tool that facilitates testing of traffic controller functionality using controller interface device (CID) technology. Benefits of such automated testers to traffic engineers include reduced test...

Consortium of accelerated pavement testers (CAPT).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-05-01

FHWA and a group of state Departments of Transportation from nine of the 14 US Accelerated : Pavement Testing (APT) facilities have proposed the creation of a joint or pooled funded program to : encourage coordination among the various facilities and...

Performance-based brake testers : round robin study

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-11-01

In the early 1990s, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration initiated research to evaluate various types of performance-based brake testing technologies for application to commercial vehicle inspections. The purpose of the research was to det...

75 FR 12175 - Application(s) for Duty-Free Entry of Scientific Instruments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-15

..., 1301 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 49109-2122. Instrument: Tester for TFT Imager. Manufacturer: Siemens AG... capability of amorphous silicon TFT and organic photo-diode. This instrument must be capable of measuring...

A portable fracture toughness tester for biological materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darvell, B. W.; Lee, P. K. D.; Yuen, T. D. B.; Lucas, P. W.

1996-06-01

A portable mechanical tester is described which is both lightweight and cheap to produce. The machine is simple and convenient to operate and requires only a minimum of personnel training. It can be used to measure the fundamental mechanical properties of pliant solids, particularly toughness (in the sense of `work of fracture') using either scissors or wedge tests. This is achieved through a novel hardware integration technique. The circuits are described. The use of the machine does not require a chart recorder but it can be linked to a personal computer, either to show force - displacement relationships or for data storage. The design allows the use of any relatively `soft' mechanical test, i.e. tests in which the deformability of the frame of the machine and its load cell do not introduce significant errors into the results. Examples of its use in measuring the toughness of biomaterials by scissors (paper, wood) and wedges (mung bean starch gels) are given.

HIV Testing among Heterosexual Young Adults: The Influence of Individual Attitudes and Behaviors, Partner’s Risk-Taking and Relationship Dynamics

PubMed Central

Longmore, Monica A.; Johnson, Wendi L.; Manning, Wendy D.; Giordano, Peggy C.

2012-01-01

This study relies on survey (N=704) and in-depth qualitative (N = 100) interviews (Toledo Adolescent Relationship Study) to examine individual, partner, and relationship barriers and facilitators to HIV testing in a sample of young adults. Consistent with the public health goal of routine testing, nearly 40% of respondents had an HIV test within the context of their current sexual relationship, and women were significantly more likely to have tested within the current relationship than were men. For women, it was both their own risky behavior, and the partners’ characteristics and related relationship dynamics that distinguished testers from non-testers. In contrast, for men their own risky behavior was the most salient factor influencing their odds of being tested. These results showcase gender specific approaches to best promote sexual health, i.e., routine HIV testing among young adults. PMID:22489753

Study of skin model and geometry effects on thermal performance of thermal protective fabrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Fanglong; Ma, Suqin; Zhang, Weiyuan

2008-05-01

Thermal protective clothing has steadily improved over the years as new materials and improved designs have reached the market. A significant method that has brought these improvements to the fire service is the NFPA 1971 standard on structural fire fighters’ protective clothing. However, this testing often neglects the effects of cylindrical geometry on heat transmission in flame resistant fabrics. This paper deals with methods to develop cylindrical geometry testing apparatus incorporating novel skin bioheat transfer model to test flame resistant fabrics used in firefighting. Results show that fabrics which shrink during the test can have reduced thermal protective performance compared with the qualities measured with a planar geometry tester. Results of temperature differences between skin simulant sensors of planar and cylindrical tester are also compared. This test method provides a new technique to accurately and precisely characterize the thermal performance of thermal protective fabrics.

Magnetic properties measurement of soft magnetic composite material (SOMALOY 700) by using 3-D tester

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asari, Ashraf; Guo, Youguang; Zhu, Jianguo

2017-08-01

Core losses of rotating electrical machine can be predicted by identifying the magnetic properties of the magnetic material. The magnetic properties should be properly measured since there are some variations of vector flux density in the rotating machine. In this paper, the SOMALOY 700 material has been measured under x, y and z- axes flux density penetration by using the 3-D tester. The calibrated sensing coils are used in detecting the flux densities which have been generated by the Labview software. The measured sensing voltages are used in obtaining the magnetic properties of the sample such as magnetic flux density B, magnetic field strength H, hysteresis loop which can be used to calculate the total core loss of the sample. The results of the measurement are analyzed by using the Mathcad software before being compared to another material.

Testing and operating a multiprocessor chip with processor redundancy

DOEpatents

Bellofatto, Ralph E; Douskey, Steven M; Haring, Rudolf A; McManus, Moyra K; Ohmacht, Martin; Schmunkamp, Dietmar; Sugavanam, Krishnan; Weatherford, Bryan J

2014-10-21

A system and method for improving the yield rate of a multiprocessor semiconductor chip that includes primary processor cores and one or more redundant processor cores. A first tester conducts a first test on one or more processor cores, and encodes results of the first test in an on-chip non-volatile memory. A second tester conducts a second test on the processor cores, and encodes results of the second test in an external non-volatile storage device. An override bit of a multiplexer is set if a processor core fails the second test. In response to the override bit, the multiplexer selects a physical-to-logical mapping of processor IDs according to one of: the encoded results in the memory device or the encoded results in the external storage device. On-chip logic configures the processor cores according to the selected physical-to-logical mapping.

Analysis of Material Sample Heated by Impinging Hot Hydrogen Jet in a Non-Nuclear Tester

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Ten-See; Foote, John; Litchford, Ron

2006-01-01

A computational conjugate heat transfer methodology was developed and anchored with data obtained from a hot-hydrogen jet heated, non-nuclear materials tester, as a first step towards developing an efficient and accurate multiphysics, thermo-fluid computational methodology to predict environments for hypothetical solid-core, nuclear thermal engine thrust chamber. The computational methodology is based on a multidimensional, finite-volume, turbulent, chemically reacting, thermally radiating, unstructured-grid, and pressure-based formulation. The multiphysics invoked in this study include hydrogen dissociation kinetics and thermodynamics, turbulent flow, convective and thermal radiative, and conjugate heat transfers. Predicted hot hydrogen jet and material surface temperatures were compared with those of measurement. Predicted solid temperatures were compared with those obtained with a standard heat transfer code. The interrogation of physics revealed that reactions of hydrogen dissociation and recombination are highly correlated with local temperature and are necessary for accurate prediction of the hot-hydrogen jet temperature.

Comparative assessment of the microhardness and plastic degradation mechanism of deposited modulated coatings on mild steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fayomi, O. S. I.; Anawe, P. A. L.; Inegbenebor, A. O.; Udoye, N. E.

2018-05-01

Zinc based coatings modified with aluminium and tin inclusions were electrodeposited in chloride zinc sulfate electrolytes containing a metallic powder of titanium. It was found that presence of these particulates is suitable to obtain ZnAlSn-Ti composites coating that could help increase the microhardnesss characteristics and wear properties. The hardness and wear properties of the deposited coatings were examined with diamond base micro-hardness tester and CETR reciprocating sliding tester respectively. The structural properties were examined with the help of scanning electron microscope. It was observed that structural coating surface impact on the hardness propagation with increases from 33.4 to 299 kgf mm-2 (HVN40), and shows a considerably higher wear resistance from 2.351g/min to 0.002g/min. It is obvious that plastic deformation of the working steel structure is dependent on protective coating and the concentration of the individual particulate.

An in situ tensile tester for studying electrochemical repassivation behavior: Fabrication and challenges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neelakantan, Lakshman; Schönberger, Bernd; Eggeler, Gunther; Hassel, Achim Walter

2010-03-01

An in situ tensile rig is proposed, which allows performing electrochemical (repassivation) experiments during dynamic mechanical testing of wires. Utilizing the basic components of a conventional tensile tester, a custom-made minitensile rig was designed and fabricated. The maximal force that can be measured by the force sensor is 80 N, with a sensitivity of 0.5 mV/V. The maximum travel range of the crosshead induced by the motor is 10 mm with a minimum step size of 0.5 nm. The functionality of the tensile test rig was validated by investigating Cu and shape memory NiTi wires. Wires of lengths between 40 and 50 mm with varying gauge lengths can be tested. An interface between wire and electrochemical setup (noncontact) with a smart arrangement of electrodes facilitated the electrochemical measurements during tensile loading. Preliminary results on the repassivation behavior of Al wire are reported.

Drastic stability change of X-X mismatch in d(CXG) trinucleotide repeat disorders under molecular crowding condition.

PubMed

Teng, Ye; Pramanik, Smritimoy; Tateishi-Karimata, Hisae; Ohyama, Tatsuya; Sugimoto, Naoki

2018-02-05

The trinucleotide repeat d(CXG) (X = A, C, G or T) is the most common sequence causing repeat expansion disorders. The formation of non-canonical structures, such as hairpin structures with X-X mismatches, has been proposed to affect gene expression and regulation, which are important in pathological studies of these devastating neurological diseases. However, little information is available regarding the thermodynamics of the repeat sequence under crowded cellular conditions where many non-canonical structures such as G-quadruplexes are highly stabilized, while duplexes are destabilised. In this study, we investigated the different stabilities of X-X mismatches in the context of internal d(CXG) self-complementary sequences in an environment with a high concentration of cosolutes to mimic the crowding conditions in cells. The stabilities of full-matched duplexes and duplexes with A-A, G-G, and T-T mismatched base pairs under molecular crowding conditions were notably decreased compared to under dilute conditions. However, the stability of the DNA duplex with a C-C mismatch base pair was only slightly destabilised. Investigating different stabilities of X-X mismatches in d(CXG) sequences is important for improving our understanding of the formation and transition of multiple non-canonical structures in trinucleotide repeat diseases, and may provide insights for pathological studies and drug development. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The repeat domain of the melanosome fibril protein Pmel17 forms the amyloid core promoting melanin synthesis

PubMed Central

McGlinchey, Ryan P.; Shewmaker, Frank; McPhie, Peter; Monterroso, Begoña; Thurber, Kent; Wickner, Reed B.

2009-01-01

Pmel17 is a melanocyte protein necessary for eumelanin deposition 1 in mammals and found in melanosomes in a filamentous form. The luminal part of human Pmel17 includes a region (RPT) with 10 copies of a partial repeat sequence, pt.e.gttp.qv., known to be essential in vivo for filament formation. We show that this RPT region readily forms amyloid in vitro, but only under the mildly acidic conditions typical of the lysosome-like melanosome lumen, and the filaments quickly become soluble at neutral pH. Under the same mildly acidic conditions, the Pmel filaments promote eumelanin formation. Electron diffraction, circular dichroism, and solid-state NMR studies of Pmel17 filaments show that the structure is rich in beta sheet. We suggest that RPT is the amyloid core domain of the Pmel17 filaments so critical for melanin formation. PMID:19666488

Intermittent inflations recorded by broadband seismometers prior to caldera formation at Miyake-jima volcano in 2000

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Tomokazu; Ohminato, Takao; Ida, Yoshiaki; Fujita, Eisuke

2012-12-01

Very-long-period (VLP) pulses with widths of 20 s on velocity seismograms were observed during volcanic activity at Miyake-jima Volcano, Japan in 2000. The VLP events occurred repeatedly during a few days prior to caldera formation and essentially vanished following the onset of caldera collapse. Waveform inversions of the pulse-like signals point to a source offset 3.5 km beneath and 1 km south of the summit. A candidate for the source mechanism is the inflation of an elliptical cylinder with axis tilted 20-30° from vertical and major axis of the elliptical cross section oriented northeast-southwest. The inferred mechanism appears consistent with a step-like pressurization of a magma reservoir impacted by a falling rock mass in response to gravitational instability. The repeated occurrences of the rock collapses lead to the caldera formation at Miyake-jima.

Effect of Ar ion on the surface properties of low density polyethylene.

PubMed

Zaki, M F

2016-04-15

In this paper, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was irradiated by argon ion with different fluences up to 10(15) ions/cm(2). The optical, chemical and hardness properties have been investigated using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and micro-indentation tester, respectively. The results showed the ion beam bombardment induced decreases in the transmittance of the irradiated polymer samples. This change in transmittance can be attributed to the formation of conjugated bonds i.e. possible formation of defects and/or carbon clusters. The indirect optical band gap decreased from 3.0 eV for the pristine sample to 2.3 eV for that sample irradiated with the highest fluence of the Ar ion beam. Furthermore, the number of carbon atoms and clusters increased with increasing Ar ion fluences. FTIR spectra showed the formation of new bands of the bombarded polymer samples. Furthermore, polar groups were created on the surface of the irradiated samples which refer to the increase of the hydrophilic nature of the surface of the irradiated samples. The Vicker's hardness increased from 4.9 MPa for the pristine sample to 17.9 MPa for those bombarded at the highest fluence. This increase is attributed to the increase in the crosslinking and alterations of the bombarded surface into hydrogenated amorphous carbon, which improves the hardness of the irradiated samples. The bombarded LDPE surfaces may be used in special applications to the field of the micro-electronic devices and shock absorbers. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Cloning and expression analysis of differentially expressed genes in Chinese fir stems treated by different concentrations of exogenous IAA].

PubMed

Yang, Li-Wei; Shi, Ji-Sen

2012-04-01

To reveal the potential genetic mechanisms of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) that regulate Chinese fir wood formation, cloned the differentially expressed genes via suppress subtractive hybridization (SSH) using the truncated stems treated by 0 and 3 mg IAA/g lanolin as the driver and tester, respectively. A total of 332 unigenes that were involved in cell organization and biosynthesis, developmental processes control, electron transport, stress response, and signal transduction. To further test the results from SSH, we selected those unigenes, whose putative encoding proteins showed significantly homologous with HIRA, PGY1, SMP1, TCT, TRN2, and ARF4, and analyzed their expressed specificity in the wood formative tissues and their response to the secondary developmental changes of vascular cambium stimulated by 0, 1, and 3 mg.IAA/g.lanolin treatment. The results showed that ClHIRA, ClPGY1, and ClARF4, which were specifically expressed in the adaxial zone of stem, were positively response to the activities of cell division and tracheid differentiation stimulated by exogenous IAA treatment. However, ClSMP1, ClTCTP1, and ClTRN2, which were mainly expressed in the abaxial zones of stems, showed negative correlation with the treated levels of exogenous IAA and activities of vascular cambium secondary development at the transcriptional level. This result showed that the differential response of developmental regulatory genes located in different vascular tissues to the level changes of edogenous IAA in stems is likely to be an important molecular mechanism of auxin regulating wood formation.

Measuring Eccentric Strength of the Shoulder External Rotators Using a Handheld Dynamometer: Reliability and Validity

PubMed Central

Johansson, Fredrik R.; Skillgate, Eva; Lapauw, Mattis L.; Clijmans, Dorien; Deneulin, Valentijn P.; Palmans, Tanneke; Engineer, Human Kinetic; Cools, Ann M.

2015-01-01

Context Shoulder strength assessment plays an important role in the clinical examination of the shoulder region. Eccentric strength measurements are of special importance in guiding the clinician in injury prevention or return-to-play decisions after injury. Objective To examine the absolute and relative reliability and validity of a standardized eccentric strength-measurement protocol for the glenohumeral external rotators. Design Descriptive laboratory study. Setting Testing environment at the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy of Ghent University, Belgium. Patients or Other Participants Twenty-five healthy participants (9 men and 16 women) without any history of shoulder pain were tested by 2 independent assessors using a handheld dynamometer (HHD) and underwent an isokinetic testing procedure. Intervention(s) The clinical protocol used an HHD, a DynaPort accelerometer to measure acceleration and angular velocity of testing 30°/s over 90° of range of motion, and a Biodex dynamometer to measure isokinetic activity. Main Outcome Measure(s) Three eccentric strength measurements: (1) tester 1 with the HHD, (2) tester 2 with the HHD, and (3) Biodex isokinetic strength measurement. Results The intratester reliability was excellent (0.879 and 0.858), whereas the intertester reliability was good, with an intraclass correlation coefficient between testers of 0.714. Pearson product moment correlation coefficients of 0.78 and 0.70 were noted between the HHD and the isokinetic data, showing good validity of this new procedure. Conclusions Standardized eccentric rotator cuff strength can be tested and measured in the clinical setting with good-to-excellent reliability and validity using an HHD. PMID:25974381

Standardizing Foot-Type Classification Using Arch Index Values

PubMed Central

Weil, Rich; de Boer, Emily

2012-01-01

ABSTRACT Purpose: The lack of a reliable classification standard for foot type makes drawing conclusions from existing research and clinical decisions difficult, since different foot types may move and respond to treatment differently. The purpose of this study was to determine interrater agreement for foot-type classification based on photo-box-derived arch index values. Method: For this correlational study with two raters, a sample of 11 healthy volunteers with normal to obese body mass indices was recruited from both a community weight-loss programme and a programme in physical therapy. Arch index was calculated using AutoCAD software from footprint photographs obtained via mirrored photo-box. Classification as high-arched, normal, or low-arched foot type was based on arch index values. Reliability of the arch index was determined with intra-class correlations; agreement on foot-type classification was determined using quadratic weighted kappa (κw). Results: Average arch index was 0.215 for one tester and 0.219 for the second tester, with an overall range of 0.017 to 0.370. Both testers classified 6 feet as low-arched, 9 feet as normal, and 7 feet as high-arched. Interrater reliability for the arch index was ICC=0.90; interrater agreement for foot-type classification was κw=0.923. Conclusions: Classification of foot type based on arch index values derived from plantar footprint photographs obtained via mirrored photo-box showed excellent reliability in people with varying BMI. Foot-type classification may help clinicians and researchers subdivide sample populations to better differentiate mobility, gait, or treatment effects among foot types. PMID:23729964

Spheromak Formation and Current Sustainment Using a Repetitively Pulsed Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woodruff, S.; Macnab, A. I. D.; Ziemba, T. M.; Miller, K. E.

2009-06-01

By repeated injection of magnetic helicity ( K = 2φψ) on time-scales short compared with the dissipation time (τinj << τ K ), it is possible to produce toroidal currents relevant to POP-level experiments. Here we discuss an effective injection rate, due to the expansion of a series of current sheets and their subsequent reconnection to form spheromaks and compression into a copper flux-conserving chamber. The benefits of repeated injection are that the usual limits to current amplification can be exceeded, and an efficient quasi-steady sustainment scenario is possible (within minimum impact on confinement). A new experiment designed to address the physics of pulsed formation and sustainment is described.

Formation pressure testing at the Mount Elbert Gas Hydrate Stratigraphic Test Well, Alaska North Slope: Operational summary, history matching, and interpretations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Anderson, B.; Hancock, S.; Wilson, S.; Enger, C.; Collett, T.; Boswell, R.; Hunter, R.

2011-01-01

In February 2007, the U.S. Department of Energy, BP Exploration (Alaska), and the U.S. Geological Survey, collected open-hole pressure-response data, as well as gas and water sample collection, in a gas hydrate reservoir (the BPXA-DOE-USGS Mount Elbert Gas Hydrate Stratigraphic Test Well) using Schlumberger's Modular Dynamics Formation Tester (MDT) wireline tool. Four such MDT tests, ranging from six to twelve hours duration, and including a series of flow, sampling, and shut-in periods of various durations, were conducted. Locations for the testing were selected based on NMR and other log data to assure sufficient isolation from reservoir boundaries and zones of excess free water. Test stages in which pressure was reduced sufficiently to mobilize free water in the formation (yet not cause gas hydrate dissociation) produced readily interpretable pressure build-up profiles. Build-ups following larger drawdowns consistently showed gas-hydrate dissociation and gas release (as confirmed by optical fluid analyzer data), as well as progressive dampening of reservoir pressure build-up during sequential tests at a given MDT test station.History matches of one multi-stage, 12-h test (the C2 test) were accomplished using five different reservoir simulators: CMG-STARS, HydrateResSim, MH21-HYDRES, STOMP-HYD, and TOUGH. +. HYDRATE. Simulations utilized detailed information collected across the reservoir either obtained or determined from geophysical well logs, including thickness (11.3. m, 37 ft.), porosity (35%), hydrate saturation (65%), both mobile and immobile water saturations, intrinsic permeability (1000 mD), pore water salinity (5 ppt), and formation temperature (3.3-3.9 ??C). This paper will present the approach and preliminary results of the history-matching efforts, including estimates of initial formation permeability and analyses of the various unique features exhibited by the MDT results. ?? 2010 Elsevier Ltd.

Influence of additives on melt viscosity, surface tension, and film formation of dry powder coatings.

PubMed

Sauer, Dorothea; McGinity, James W

2009-06-01

Limited information on thermally cured dry-powder coatings used for solid dosage forms has been available in the literature. The aim of this study was to characterize the film formation process of Eudragit L 100-55 dry-powder coatings and to investigate the influence of film additives on melt viscosity and surface tension. The coating process employed no liquids and the plasticizer was combined with the polymer using hot melt extrusion. Thermoanalytical methods including differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to investigate the thermal properties of the dry-coating formulations. The rheological behavior of the coating formulations were characterized with the extrusion torque, and the surface energy parameters were determined from contact angle measurements. The influence of the level of triethyl citrate (TEC) as plasticizer and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 in the polymer film on film formation was investigated using a digital force tester. TGA confirmed thermal stability of all coating excipients at the investigated curing conditions. Increasing TEC levels and the addition of PEG 3350 as a low melting excipient in the coating reduced the viscosity of the polymer. Plasticization of the polymer with TEC increased the surface free energy, whereas the admixture of 10% PEG 3350 did not affect the surface free energy of Eudragit L 100-55. The spreading coefficient of the polymers over two sample tablet formulations was reduced with increasing surface free energy. During the curing process, puncture strength, and elongation of powder-cast films increased. The effect of curing time on the mechanical properties was dependent on the plasticizer content. The incorporation of TEC and PEG 3350 into the Eudragit L 100-55 powder coating formulation improved film formation. Mechanical testing of powder-cast films showed an increase of both elongation and puncture strength over the curing process as criterion for polymer particle fusion, where film formation progressed faster at high plasticizer levels.

Astronaut Carl Walz shows off stowage locker for GPS on-orbit operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

On Discovery's middeck Astronaut Carl E. Walz shows off stowage locker for gear supporting the Global Positioning System (GPS) on-orbit operations. To the left is a sign which reads 'Ace HST Tool Testers'.

Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2013

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA

2013-07-24

Senate - 04/11/2014 By Senator Tester from Committee on Indian Affairs filed written report. Report No. 113-152. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Public acceptability of highway safety countermeasures. Volume 3, Alcohol and drug research

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1981-06-01

This volume, part of a larger study on public attitudes towards proposed highway safety countermeasures for alcohol and drugs, unsafe driving behaviors, and pedestrian safety, discusses reactions to breath testers, drunk-driving deterrence techniques...

Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Water Rights Settlement Act

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Boxer, Barbara [D-CA

2013-06-25

Senate - 07/22/2014 By Senator Tester from Committee on Indian Affairs filed written report. Report No. 113-215. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Hearing-aid tester

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kessinger, R.; Polhemus, J. T.; Waring, J. G.

1977-01-01

Hearing aids are automatically checked by circuit that applies half-second test signal every thirty minutes. If hearing-aid output is distorted, too small, or if battery is too low, a warning lamp is activated. Test circuit is incorporated directly into hearing-aid package.

Characterization of Alaskan HMA mixtures with the simple performance tester.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-05-01

Material characterization provides basic and essential information for pavement design and the evaluation of hot mix asphalt (HMA). : This study focused on the accurate characterization of an Alaskan HMA mixture using an asphalt mixture performance t...

Combined high vacuum/high frequency fatigue tester

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Honeycutt, C. R.; Martin, T. F.

1971-01-01

Apparatus permits application of significantly greater number of cycles or equivalent number of cycles in shorter time than conventional fatigue test machines. Environment eliminates problems associated with high temperature oxidation and with sensitivity of refractory alloy behavior to atmospheric contamination.

Low-common-mode differential amplifier

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morrison, S.

1980-01-01

Outputs of differential amplifier are excellently matched in phase and amplitude over wide range of frequencies. Common mode feedback loop offsets differences between two signal paths. Possible applications of circuit are in oscilloscopes, integrated circuit logic tester, and other self contained instruments.

Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2014

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA

2013-05-09

Senate - 12/04/2014 By Senator Tester from Committee on Indian Affairs filed written report. Report No. 113-285. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Rebreathed air as a reference for breath-alcohol testers

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1975-01-01

A technique has been devised for a reference measurement of the performance of breath-alcohol measuring instruments directly from the respiratory system. It is shown that this technique is superior and simpler than comparison measurements based on bl...

Absence of MutSbeta leads to the formation of slipped-DNA for CTG/CAG contractions at primate replication forks

PubMed Central

Slean, Meghan M.; Panigrahi, Gagan B.; Castel, Arturo López; Pearson, August B.; Tomkinson, Alan E.; Pearson, Christopher E.

2016-01-01

Typically disease-causing CAG/CTG repeats expand, but rare affected families can display high levels of contraction of the expanded repeat amongst offspring. Understanding instability is important since arresting expansions or enhancing contractions could be clinically beneficial. The MutSβ mismatch repair complex is required for CAG/CTG expansions in mice and patients. Oddly, by unknown mechanisms MutSβ-deficient mice incur contractions instead of expansions. Replication using CTG or CAG as the lagging strand template is known to cause contractions or expansions respectively; however, the interplay between replication and repair leading to this instability remains unclear. Towards understanding how repeat contractions may arise, we performed in vitro SV40-mediated replication of repeat-containing plasmids in the presence or absence of mismatch repair. Specifically, we separated repair from replication: Replication mediated by MutSβ- and MutSα-deficient human cells or cell extracts produced slipped-DNA heteroduplexes in the contraction- but not expansion-biased replication direction. Replication in the presence of MutSβ disfavoured the retention of replication products harbouring slipped-DNA heteroduplexes. Post-replication repair of slipped-DNAs by MutSβ-proficient extracts eliminated slipped-DNAs. Thus, a MutSβ-deficiency likely enhances repeat contractions because MutSβ protects against contractions by repairing template strand slip-outs. Replication deficient in LigaseI or PCNA-interaction mutant LigaseI revealed slipped-DNA formation at lagging strands. Our results reveal that distinct mechanisms lead to expansions or contractions and support inhibition of MutSβ as a therapeutic strategy to enhance the contraction of expanded repeats. PMID:27155933

Repeated oral administration of a cathepsin K inhibitor significantly suppresses bone resorption in exercising horses with evidence of increased bone formation and maintained bone turnover.

PubMed

Hussein, H; Dulin, J; Smanik, L; Drost, W T; Russell, D; Wellman, M; Bertone, A

2017-08-01

Our investigations evaluated the effect of VEL-0230, a highly specific irreversible inhibitor of cathepsin K (CatK). The objectives of our study were to determine whether repeated dosing of a CatK inhibitor (CatKI) produced a desired inhibition of the bone resorption biomarker (CTX-1), and document the effect of repeated dosing on bone homeostasis, structure, and dynamics of bone resorption and formation in horses. Twelve young exercising horses were randomized in a prospective, controlled clinical trial and received 4 weekly doses of a CatKI or vehicle. Baseline and poststudy nuclear scintigraphy, blood sampling and analysis of plasma bone biomarkers (CTX-1 and osteocalcin), poststudy bone fluorescent labeling, and bone biopsy were performed. Bone specimens were further processed for microcomputed tomography and bone histomorphometry. Each dose of this CatKI transiently inhibited plasma CTX-1 (reflecting inhibition of bone collagen resorption) and increased bone plasma osteocalcin concentrations, with no detectable adverse effect on normal bone turnover in the face of exercise. Bone morphology, density, and formation rate were not different between control and treated group. Further investigation of CatK inhibition in abnormal bone turnover is required in animals with bone diseases. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

African American ethnicity is not associated with development of Barrett's oesophagus after erosive oesophagitis.

PubMed

Alkaddour, Ahmad; McGaw, Camille; Hritani, Rama; Palacio, Carlos; Nakshabendi, Rahman; Munoz, Juan Carlos; Vega, Kenneth J

2015-10-01

Barrett's oesophagus is the primary risk factor for oesophageal adenocarcinoma; erosive oesophagitis is considered an intermediate step with Barrett's oesophagus development potential upon healing. Barrett's oesophagus occurs in 9-19% following erosive oesophagitis but minimal data exists in African Americans. The study aim was to determine if ethnicity is associated with Barrett's oesophagus formation following erosive oesophagitis. Retrospective review of endoscopies from September 2007 to December 2012 was performed. Inclusion criteria were erosive oesophagitis on index endoscopy, repeat endoscopy ≥6 weeks later and non-Hispanic white or African American ethnicity. Barrett's oesophagus frequency following erosive oesophagitis by ethnicity was compared. A total of 14,303 patients underwent endoscopy during the study period; 1636 had erosive oesophagitis. Repeat endoscopy was performed on 125 non-Hispanic white or African American patients ≥6 weeks from the index procedure. Barrett's oesophagus occurred in 8% of non-Hispanic whites while no African American developed it on repeat endoscopy following erosive oesophagitis (p=0.029). No significant difference was seen between ethnic groups in any clinical parameter assessed. African American ethnicity appears to result in decreased Barrett's oesophagus formation following erosive oesophagitis. Further investigation to demonstrate factors resulting in decreased Barrett's oesophagus formation among African Americans should be performed. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Further damage induced by water in micro-indentations in phosphate laser glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Jiaxin; Jian, Qingyun; Yuan, Weifeng; Gu, Bin; Ji, Fang; Huang, Wen

2014-02-01

Using a microhardness tester, artificial flaws were made by micro-indentation in N31 Nd-doped phosphate laser glass. Indentation fracture toughness, KIC, was estimated as 0.45-0.53 MPa m1/2 from these indentations. The glasses with indentations were then immersed in ultrapure water to investigate further water-induced damage of these indentations. Stress-enhanced hydrolysis leads to the propagations of radial crack, lateral cracks and microcracks in the subsurface. These crack propagations therefore cause deformation in subsurface to form annular reflections regions around the indentations and further material collapse within imprints. After the residual stresses are exhausted, the leaching plays a more dominated role in glass corrosion in the further immersion. After immersion, the material structure slackens around micro-indentation, which decreases the contact stiffness and results in a lower nano-hardness. For the surface far away from flaws, water immersion presents a weak effect on the near-surface mechanical since the matrix leaching in phosphate glass restricts the formation of hydration layer. During first 20 min immersion, due to higher chemical activity and lower fracture toughness, the radial cracks show a faster propagation in phosphate glass compared with that in K9 silicate glass. For further immersion, crack healing occurs in silicate glass but not in phosphate glass. Analysis shows that the formation of hydration layer on crack walls plays an important role in crack healing in glasses.

Analysis of formation pressure test results in the Mount Elbert methane hydrate reservoir through numerical simulation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kurihara, M.; Sato, A.; Funatsu, K.; Ouchi, H.; Masuda, Y.; Narita, H.; Collett, T.S.

2011-01-01

Targeting the methane hydrate (MH) bearing units C and D at the Mount Elbert prospect on the Alaska North Slope, four MDT (Modular Dynamic Formation Tester) tests were conducted in February 2007. The C2 MDT test was selected for history matching simulation in the MH Simulator Code Comparison Study. Through history matching simulation, the physical and chemical properties of the unit C were adjusted, which suggested the most likely reservoir properties of this unit. Based on these properties thus tuned, the numerical models replicating "Mount Elbert C2 zone like reservoir" "PBU L-Pad like reservoir" and "PBU L-Pad down dip like reservoir" were constructed. The long term production performances of wells in these reservoirs were then forecasted assuming the MH dissociation and production by the methods of depressurization, combination of depressurization and wellbore heating, and hot water huff and puff. The predicted cumulative gas production ranges from 2.16??106m3/well to 8.22??108m3/well depending mainly on the initial temperature of the reservoir and on the production method.This paper describes the details of modeling and history matching simulation. This paper also presents the results of the examinations on the effects of reservoir properties on MH dissociation and production performances under the application of the depressurization and thermal methods. ?? 2010 Elsevier Ltd.

Formation of nano-laminated structures in a dry sliding wear-induced layer under different wear mechanisms of 20CrNi2Mo steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Cun-hong; Liang, Yi-long; Jiang, Yun; Yang, Ming; Long, Shao-lei

2017-11-01

The microstructures of 20CrNi2Mo steel underneath the contact surface were examined after dry sliding. Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD) and an ultra-micro-hardness tester were used to characterize the worn surface and dry sliding wear-induced layer. Martensite laths were ultra-refined due to cumulative strains and a large strain gradient that occurred during cyclic loading in wear near the surface. The microstructure evolution in dominant abrasive wear differs from that in adhesive wear. In dominant abrasive wear, only bent martensite laths with high-density deformation dislocations were observed. In contrast, in dominant adhesive wear, gradient structures were formed along the depth from the wear surface. Cross-sectional TEM foils were prepared in a focused ion beam (FIB) to observe the gradient structures in a dry sliding wear-induced layer at depths of approximately 1-5 μm and 5-20 μm. The gradient structures contained nano-laminated structures with an average thickness of 30-50 nm and bent martensite laths. We found that the original martensite laths coordinated with the strain energy and provided origin boundaries for the formation of gradient structures. Geometrically necessary boundaries (GNBs) and isolated dislocation boundaries (IDBs) play important roles in forming the nano-laminated structures.

76 FR 54222 - Notice of Availability of Government-Owned Inventions; Available for Licensing

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-31

....S. Patent Application 12/537,852: Air Conditioning System, Navy Case PAX83, filed on August 07, 2009... Module Dynamic Counter Tester, Navy Case PAX57, filed March 22, 2011; U.S. Patent Application Number 12...

Test procedures and data input techniques for skid testing.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1974-01-01

The purpose of this report is to describe the system for obtaining and handling skid data, including skid testing procedures and data input procedures. While all testing devices used in Virginia are covered (other than the British portable tester), t...

Portable bench tester for piezo weigh-in-motion equipment : final report, June 2006.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-06-01

The Ohio Department of Transportation's (ODOT) piezo weigh-in-motion (WIM) equipment must be tested for initial working operation and to insure continued correct operation. Currently, the only available method to verify the vehicle classification par...

Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act of 2013

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT

2013-01-28

Senate - 07/14/2014 By Senator Tester from Committee on Indian Affairs filed written report. Report No. 113-208. Additional views filed. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Diversity and evolution of centromere repeats in the maize genome.

PubMed

Bilinski, Paul; Distor, Kevin; Gutierrez-Lopez, Jose; Mendoza, Gabriela Mendoza; Shi, Jinghua; Dawe, R Kelly; Ross-Ibarra, Jeffrey

2015-03-01

Centromere repeats are found in most eukaryotes and play a critical role in kinetochore formation. Though centromere repeats exhibit considerable diversity both within and among species, little is understood about the mechanisms that drive centromere repeat evolution. Here, we use maize as a model to investigate how a complex history involving polyploidy, fractionation, and recent domestication has impacted the diversity of the maize centromeric repeat CentC. We first validate the existence of long tandem arrays of repeats in maize and other taxa in the genus Zea. Although we find considerable sequence diversity among CentC copies genome-wide, genetic similarity among repeats is highest within these arrays, suggesting that tandem duplications are the primary mechanism for the generation of new copies. Nonetheless, clustering analyses identify similar sequences among distant repeats, and simulations suggest that this pattern may be due to homoplasious mutation. Although the two ancestral subgenomes of maize have contributed nearly equal numbers of centromeres, our analysis shows that the majority of all CentC repeats derive from one of the parental genomes, with an even stronger bias when examining the largest assembled contiguous clusters. Finally, by comparing maize with its wild progenitor teosinte, we find that the abundance of CentC likely decreased after domestication, while the pericentromeric repeat Cent4 has drastically increased.

SM50 Repeat-Polypeptides Self-Assemble into Discrete Matrix Subunits and Promote Appositional Calcium Carbonate Crystal Growth during Sea Urchin Tooth Biomineralization

PubMed Central

Mao, Yelin; Satchell, Paul G.; Luan, Xianghong; Diekwisch, Thomas G.H.

2015-01-01

The two major proteins involved in vertebrate enamel formation and echinoderm sea urchin tooth biomineralization, amelogenin and SM50, are both characterized by elongated polyproline repeat domains in the center of the macromolecule. To determine the role of polyproline repeat polypeptides in basal deuterostome biomineralization, we have mapped the localization of SM50 as it relates to crystal growth, conducted self-assembly studies of SM50 repeat polypeptides, and examined their effect on calcium carbonate and apatite crystal growth. Electron micrographs of the growth zone of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus sea urchin teeth documented a series of successive events from intravesicular mineral nucleation to mineral deposition at the interface between tooth surface and odontoblast syncytium. Using immunohistochemistry, SM50 was detected within the cytoplasm of cells associated with the developing tooth mineral, at the mineral secreting front, and adjacent to initial mineral deposits, but not in muscles and ligaments. Polypeptides derived from the SM50 polyproline alternating hexa- and hepta-peptide repeat region (SM50P6P7) formed highly discrete, donut-shaped self-assembly patterns. In calcium carbonate crystal growth studies, SM50P6P7 repeat peptides triggered the growth of expansive networks of fused calcium carbonate crystals while in apatite growth studies, SM50P6P7 peptides facilitated the growth of needle-shaped and parallel arranged crystals resembling those found in developing vertebrate enamel. In comparison, SM50P6P7 surpassed the PXX24 polypeptide repeat region derived from the vertebrate enamel protein amelogenin in its ability to promote crystal nucleation and appositional crystal growth. Together, these studies establish the SM50P6P7 polyproline repeat region as a potent regulator in the protein-guided appositional crystal growth that occurs during continuous tooth mineralization and eruption. In addition, our studies highlight the role of species-specific polyproline repeat motifs in the formation of discrete self-assembled matrices and the resulting control of mineral growth. PMID:26194158

SM50 repeat-polypeptides self-assemble into discrete matrix subunits and promote appositional calcium carbonate crystal growth during sea urchin tooth biomineralization.

PubMed

Mao, Yelin; Satchell, Paul G; Luan, Xianghong; Diekwisch, Thomas G H

2016-01-01

The two major proteins involved in vertebrate enamel formation and echinoderm sea urchin tooth biomineralization, amelogenin and SM50, are both characterized by elongated polyproline repeat domains in the center of the macromolecule. To determine the role of polyproline repeat polypeptides in basal deuterostome biomineralization, we have mapped the localization of SM50 as it relates to crystal growth, conducted self-assembly studies of SM50 repeat polypeptides, and examined their effect on calcium carbonate and apatite crystal growth. Electron micrographs of the growth zone of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus sea urchin teeth documented a series of successive events from intravesicular mineral nucleation to mineral deposition at the interface between tooth surface and odontoblast syncytium. Using immunohistochemistry, SM50 was detected within the cytoplasm of cells associated with the developing tooth mineral, at the mineral secreting front, and adjacent to initial mineral deposits, but not in muscles and ligaments. Polypeptides derived from the SM50 polyproline alternating hexa- and hepta-peptide repeat region (SM50P6P7) formed highly discrete, donut-shaped self-assembly patterns. In calcium carbonate crystal growth studies, SM50P6P7 repeat peptides triggered the growth of expansive networks of fused calcium carbonate crystals while in apatite growth studies, SM50P6P7 peptides facilitated the growth of needle-shaped and parallel arranged crystals resembling those found in developing vertebrate enamel. In comparison, SM50P6P7 surpassed the PXX24 polypeptide repeat region derived from the vertebrate enamel protein amelogenin in its ability to promote crystal nucleation and appositional crystal growth. Together, these studies establish the SM50P6P7 polyproline repeat region as a potent regulator in the protein-guided appositional crystal growth that occurs during continuous tooth mineralization and eruption. In addition, our studies highlight the role of species-specific polyproline repeat motifs in the formation of discrete self-assembled matrices and the resulting control of mineral growth. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Structural Basis of Egg Coat-Sperm Recognition at Fertilization.

PubMed

Raj, Isha; Sadat Al Hosseini, Hamed; Dioguardi, Elisa; Nishimura, Kaoru; Han, Ling; Villa, Alessandra; de Sanctis, Daniele; Jovine, Luca

2017-06-15

Recognition between sperm and the egg surface marks the beginning of life in all sexually reproducing organisms. This fundamental biological event depends on the species-specific interaction between rapidly evolving counterpart molecules on the gametes. We report biochemical, crystallographic, and mutational studies of domain repeats 1-3 of invertebrate egg coat protein VERL and their interaction with cognate sperm protein lysin. VERL repeats fold like the functionally essential N-terminal repeat of mammalian sperm receptor ZP2, whose structure is also described here. Whereas sequence-divergent repeat 1 does not bind lysin, repeat 3 binds it non-species specifically via a high-affinity, largely hydrophobic interface. Due to its intermediate binding affinity, repeat 2 selectively interacts with lysin from the same species. Exposure of a highly positively charged surface of VERL-bound lysin suggests that complex formation both disrupts the organization of egg coat filaments and triggers their electrostatic repulsion, thereby opening a hole for sperm penetration and fusion. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Social Stories: Mechanisms of Effectiveness in Increasing Game Play Skills in Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Using a Pretest Posttest Repeated Measures Randomized Control Group Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Quirmbach, Linda M.; Lincoln, Alan J.; Feinberg-Gizzo, Monica J.; Ingersoll, Brooke R.; Andrews, Siri M.

2009-01-01

An increasing body of literature has indicated that social stories are an effective way to teach individuals diagnosed with autism appropriate social behavior. This study compared two formats of a social story targeting the improvement of social skills during game play using a pretest posttest repeated measures randomized control group design. A…

Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2013

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA

2013-05-23

Senate - 07/14/2014 By Senator Tester from Committee on Indian Affairs filed written report. Report No. 113-209. Additional views filed. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Performance evaluation : balloon-type breath alcohol self tester for personal use

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1984-01-01

The accuracy of the only breath alcohol balloon-type self test device being marketed for personal use (Luckey Laboratories DM-2) was assessed in the laboratory. Data regarding this self-test device's ability to accurately classify an individual as ha...

Non-contact skid resistance measurement : final report, December 2009.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-12-01

In this research, a correlation between the SN40R collected by locked wheel skid tester and the : texture data or Mean Profile Depth (MPD) collected by a vehicle mounted laser operating at highway : speeds was developed. The proposed correlation betw...

Continuity tester screens out faulty socket connections

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Golding, G.

1964-01-01

A device, used before and after assembly, tests the continuity of an electrical circuit through each pin and socket of multiple connector sockets. Electrically insulated except at the contact area, a test probe is dimensioned to make contact only in properly formed sockets.

Percolation Tests for Septic Systems: A Laboratory Exercise.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tinker, John R., Jr.

1978-01-01

Describes how the procedures by which a certificate soil tester evaluates a parcel of land for its suitability as a site for a private sewage system or septic tank can be used by college students as a laboratory exercise in environmental geology. (HM)

32 CFR 651.4 - Responsibilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... operational testers, producers, users, and disposers) into the decision-making process. (v) Initiate the... environmental perspective, and to ensure that these determinations are part of the Army decision process. (p... agency input into the decision-making process. (5) Ensure that NEPA analysis is prepared and staffed...

A pump monitoring approach to irrigation pumping plant testing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The conventional approach for evaluating irrigation pumping plant performance has been an instantaneous spot measurement approach. Using this method, the tester measures the necessary work and energy use parameters to determine overall pumping plant performance. The primary limitation of this appr...

Predictive validities of several clinical color vision tests for aviation signal light gun performance.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1975-01-01

Scores on the American Optical Company (AOC) test (1965 edition), Dvorine test, Farnsworth Lantern test, Color Threshold Tester, Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue test, Farnsworth Panel D-15 test, and Schmidt-Haensch Anomaloscope were obtained from 137 men ...

The overlay tester (OT) : comparison with other crack test methods and recommendations for surrogate crack tests.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-10-01

Presently, one of the principal performance concerns of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavements is premature : cracking, particularly of HMA surfacing mixes. Regrettably, however, while many USA transportation agencies have : implemented design-level tests t...

Performance Standards

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burton, Nancy W.

2011-01-01

The educational technologies of the past quarter century--from teaching machines to minimal competency testing--all share the general purpose of helping educators make better, or more uniform, decisions. The currently favored technique for shaping local decisions is criterion-referenced testing. Some criterion-referenced testers first find out how…

Improved overlay tester for fatigue cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-01-01

Premature cracking of the asphalt concrete (AC) layer in flexible pavement is one of the major concerns of the pavement community. Over the past decade, AC mixes have been designed using the Hamburg wheel-tracking device to improve their rutting pote...

An improved device to measure cottonseed strength

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

During processing, seeds of cotton cultivars with fragile seeds often break and produce seed coat fragments that can cause processing problems at textile mills. A cottonseed shear tester, previously developed to measure cottonseed strength, was modified with enhancements to the drive system to provi...

Digital Soldering-Iron Tester

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buggle, R. N.; Metka, W. H., Jr

1984-01-01

Instrument reads tip temperature and contact potential in seconds. Tinned soldering tip touched to temperature sensitive button for 4 seconds and to voltage probe for 1 to 3 seconds. Tip temperature and voltage appear on digital displays. Instrument quickly gives assurance conditions are correct for reliable soldering.

Pathogenic proline mutation in the linker between spectrin repeats: disease caused by spectrin unfolding

PubMed Central

Johnson, Colin P.; Gaetani, Massimiliano; Ortiz, Vanessa; Bhasin, Nishant; Harper, Sandy

2007-01-01

Pathogenic mutations in α and β spectrin result in a variety of syndromes, including hereditary elliptocytosis (HE), hereditary pyropoikilocytosis (HPP), and hereditary spherocytosis (HS). Although some mutations clearly lie at sites of interaction, such as the sites of spectrin α-βtetramer formation, a surprising number of HE-causing mutations have been identified within linker regions between distal spectrin repeats. Here we apply solution structural and single molecule methods to the folding and stability of recombinant proteins consisting of the first 5 spectrin repeats of α-spectrin, comparing normal spectrin with a pathogenic linker mutation, Q471P, between repeats R4 and R5. Results show that the linker mutation destabilizes a significant fraction of the 5-repeat construct at 37°C, whereas the WT remains fully folded well above body temperature. In WT protein, helical linkers propagate stability from one repeat to the next, but the mutation disrupts the stabilizing influence of adjacent repeats. The results suggest a molecular mechanism for the high frequency of disease caused by proline mutations in spectrin linkers. PMID:17192394

Sixty-four-Channel Inline Cable Tester

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

Faults in wiring are a serious concern for the aerospace and aeronautics (commercial, military, and civil) industries. A number of accidents have occurred because faulty wiring created shorts or opens that resulted in the loss of control of the aircraft or because arcing led to fires and explosions. Some of these accidents have resulted in the massive loss of lives (such as in the TWA Flight 800 accident). Circuits on the Space Shuttle have also failed because of faulty insulation on wiring. STS-93 lost power when a primary power circuit in one engine failed and a second engine had a backup power circuit fault. Cables are usually tested on the ground after the crew reports a fault encountered during flight. Often such failures result from vibration and cannot be replicated while the aircraft is stationary. It is therefore important to monitor faults while the aircraft is in operation, when cables are more likely to fail. Work is in progress to develop a cable fault tester capable of monitoring up to 64 individual wires simultaneously. Faults can be monitored either inline or offline. In the inline mode of operation, the monitoring is performed without disturbing the normal operation of the wires under test. That is, the operations are performed unintrusively and are essentially undetectable for the test signal levels are below the noise floor. A cable can be monitored several times per second in the offline mode and once a second in the inline mode. The 64-channel inline cable tester not only detects the occurrence of a fault, but also determines the type of fault (short/open) and the location of the fault. This will enable the detection of intermittent faults that can be repaired before they become serious problems.

W5″ Test: A simple method for measuring mean power output in the bench press exercise.

PubMed

Tous-Fajardo, Julio; Moras, Gerard; Rodríguez-Jiménez, Sergio; Gonzalo-Skok, Oliver; Busquets, Albert; Mujika, Iñigo

2016-11-01

The aims of the present study were to assess the validity and reliability of a novel simple test [Five Seconds Power Test (W5″ Test)] for estimating the mean power output during the bench press exercise at different loads, and its sensitivity to detect training-induced changes. Thirty trained young men completed as many repetitions as possible in a time of ≈5 s at 25%, 45%, 65% and 85% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) in two test sessions separated by four days. The number of repetitions, linear displacement of the bar and time needed to complete the test were recorded by two independent testers, and a linear encoder was used as the criterion measure. For each load, the mean power output was calculated in the W5″ Test as mechanical work per time unit and compared with that obtained from the linear encoder. Subsequently, 20 additional subjects (10 training group vs. 10 control group) were assessed before and after completing a seven-week training programme designed to improve maximal power. Results showed that both assessment methods correlated highly in estimating mean power output at different loads (r range: 0.86-0.94; p < .01) and detecting training-induced changes (R(2): 0.78). Good to excellent intra-tester (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) range: 0.81-0.97) and excellent inter-tester (ICC range: 0.96-0.99; coefficient of variation range: 2.4-4.1%) reliability was found for all loads. The W5″ Test was shown to be a valid, reliable and sensitive method for measuring mean power output during the bench press exercise in subjects who have previous resistance training experience.

Neck motion kinematics: an inter-tester reliability study using an interactive neck VR assessment in asymptomatic individuals.

PubMed

Sarig Bahat, Hilla; Sprecher, Elliot; Sela, Itamar; Treleaven, Julia

2016-07-01

The use of virtual reality (VR) for assessment and intervention of neck pain has previously been used and shown reliable for cervical range of motion measures. Neck VR enables analysis of task-oriented neck movement by stimulating responsive movements to external stimuli. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to establish inter-tester reliability of neck kinematic measures so that it can be used as a reliable assessment and treatment tool between clinicians. This reliability study included 46 asymptomatic participants, who were assessed using the neck VR system which displayed an interactive VR scenario via a head-mounted device, controlled by neck movements. The objective of the interactive assessment was to hit 16 targets, randomly appearing in four directions, as fast as possible. Each participant was tested twice by two different testers. Good reliability was found of neck motion kinematic measures in flexion, extension, and rotation (0.64-0.93 inter-class correlation). High reliability was shown for peak velocity globally (0.93), in left rotation (0.9), right rotation and extension (0.88), and flexion (0.86). Mean velocity had a good global reliability (0.84), except for left rotation directed movement with moderate reliability (0.68). Minimal detectable change for peak velocity ranged from 41 to 53 °/s, while mean velocity ranged from 20 to 25 °/s. The results suggest high reliability for peak and mean velocity as measured by the interactive Neck VR assessment of neck motion kinematics. VR appears to provide a reliable and more ecologically valid method of cervical motion evaluation than previous conventional methodologies.

Thai generic-brand dry canine foods: mutagenicity and the effects of feeding in vivo and in vitro.

PubMed

Khuntamoon, Tanyalak; Thepouyporn, Apanchanid; Kaewprasert, Sarunya; Prangthip, Pattaneeya; Pooudoung, Somchai; Chaisri, Urai; Maneesai, Phudit; Kwanbunjan, Karunee

2016-01-20

The commercial pet-food industry and the market value of the pet industry have increased. Most owners are concerned about their pets' health, and prefer commercial pet foods as their regular diet. This study thus aimed to determine whether a selection of local generic-brand dry canine foods had any potential to promote chronic disease. Five local, generic-brand, dry canine foods were studied for potential mutagenicity; the effects of long-term consumption were also observed in rats. All canine foods were extracted with distilled water and absolute ethanol. The Ames test was used to detect short-term genetic damage, using Salmonella typhimurium tester strains TA98 and TA100. Simultaneously, the long-term effects were studied in an animal model by observing rats fed with these canine foods, compared with normal rat food, for a period of 15 weeks. Using the water extracts, all dry canine foods studied showed considerable mutagenic effects on the tester strains. One brand affected both tester strains, whereas 3 showed positive to TA98, and one to TA100. With the absolute ethanol extract, three of the five brands had a considerable mutagenic effect on TA98, and another affected TA100. In the long-term test, all rats remained alive until the end of the experiment, exhibited no apparent signs of toxicity or serious illness, and maintained normal bodyweight and weight gain. Serum blood biochemistry and hematological parameters in canine food-fed rats showed some negative effects. Correspondingly, histopathological investigation of their liver and kidneys showed deterioration. Mutagenic potential and the negative potential health impacts were observed in all local-brand dry canine foods tested.

Examination of the effect of the annealing cation on higher order structures containing guanine or isoguanine repeats

PubMed Central

Pierce, Sarah E.; Wang, Junmei; Jayawickramarajah, Janarthanan; Hamilton, Andrew D.; Brodbelt, Jennifer S.

2010-01-01

Isoguanine (2-oxo-6-amino-guanine), a natural but non-standard base, exhibits unique self-association properties compared to its isomer, guanine, and results in formation of different higher order DNA structures. In this work, the higher order structures formed by oligonucleotides containing guanine repeats or isoguanine repeats after annealing in solutions containing various cations are evaluated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The guanine-containing strand (G9) consistently formed quadruplexes upon annealing, whereas the isoguanine strand (Ig9) formed both pentaplexes and quadruplexes depending on the annealing cation. Quadruplex formation with G9 showed some dependence on the identity of the cation present during annealing with high relative quadruplex formation detected with six of ten cations. Analogous annealing experiments with Ig9 resulted in complex formation with all ten cations, and the majority of the resulting complexes were pentaplexes. CD results indicated most of the original complexes survived the desalting process necessary for ESI-MS analysis. In addition, several complexes, especially the pentaplexes, were found to be capable of cation exchange with ammonium ions. Ab initio calculations were conducted for isoguanine tetrads and pentads coordinated with all ten cations to predict the most energetically stable structures of the complexes in the gas phase. The observed preference of forming quadruplexes versus pentaplexes as a function of the coordinated cation can be interpreted by the calculated reaction energies of both the tetrads and pentads in combination with the distortion energies of tetrads. PMID:19746468

Meso scale MEMS inertial switch fabricated using an electroplated metal-on-insulator process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerson, Y.; Schreiber, D.; Grau, H.; Krylov, S.

2014-02-01

In this work, we report on a novel simple yet robust two-mask metal-on-insulator (MOI) process and illustrate its implementation for the fabrication of a meso scale MEMS inertial switch. The devices were fabricated of a ˜40 µm thick layer of nickel electrodeposited on top of a 4 µm thick thermal field oxide (TOX) covering a single crystal silicon wafer. A 40 µm thick layer of KMPR® resist was used as a mold and allowed the formation of high-aspect-ratio (1:5) metal structures. The devices were released by the sacrificial etching of the TOX layer in hydrofluoric acid. The fabricated devices were mounted in a ceramic enclosure and were characterized using both an electromagnet shaker and a drop tester. The functionality of the switch, aimed to trigger an electrical circuit when subjected to an acceleration pulse with amplitude of 300 g and duration of 200 µs, was demonstrated experimentally and the performance targets were achieved. The experimental results were consistent with the model predictions obtained through finite element simulations.

Microstructure of Vacuum-Brazed Joints of Super-Ni/NiCr Laminated Composite Using Nickel-Based Amorphous Filler Metal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Qunshuang; Li, Yajiang; Wu, Na; Wang, Juan

2013-06-01

Vacuum brazing of super-Ni/NiCr laminated composite and Cr18-Ni8 stainless steel was carried out using Ni-Cr-Si-B amorphous filler metal at 1060, 1080, and 1100 °C, respectively. Microstructure and phase constitution were investigated by means of optical and scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and micro-hardness tester. When brazed at 1060-1080 °C, the brazed region can be divided into two distinct zones: isothermally solidified zone (ISZ) consisting of γ-Ni solid solution and athermally solidified zone (ASZ) consisting of Cr-rich borides. Micro-hardness of the Cr-rich borides formed in the ASZ was as high as 809 HV50 g. ASZ decreased with increase of the brazing temperature. Isothermal solidification occurred sufficiently at 1100 °C and an excellent joint composed of γ-Ni solid solution formed. The segregation of boron from ISZ to residual liquid phase is the reason of Cr-rich borides formed in ASZ. The formation of secondary precipitates in diffusion-affected zone is mainly controlled by diffusion of B.

Layer growth kinetics and wear resistance of martensitic precipitation hardening stainless steel plasma nitrocarburized at 460°C with rare earth addition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, R. L.; Qiao, Y. J.; Yan, M. F.; Fu, Y. D.

2013-09-01

To study the effect of rare earth (RE) addition on low temperature plasma nitrocarburizing of martensitic precipitation hardening stainless steel, 17-4PH stainless steel was plasma nitrocarburized at 460 °C for different times with RE addition. The modified layers were tested by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, microhardness tester and pin-on-disc tribometer. The experimental results show that the layer depth of plasma RE nitrocarburized layer can be increased up to 56% compared with plasma nitrocarburizing without RE addition. Incorporation of RE element is beneficial to the formation of nitrogen and carbon expanded martensite (α'N). The surface microhardness of plasma RE nitrocarburized layer can be increased to 1286 HV and higher up to 80 HV than that obtained from the conventional treated one. The friction coefficient of martensitic stainless steel can be dramatically decreased by low temperature plasma nitrocarburizing with RE addition, and the friction coefficient of the modified specimens decrease gradually with increasing process time in the present test condition.

He implantation induced microstructure- and hardness-modification of the intermetallic γ-TiAl

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pouchon, Manuel A.; Chen, Jiachao; Hoffelner, Wolfgang

2009-05-01

TiAl is a well known high temperature material with good creep properties. It is investigated as a potential structural material for Generation IV high temperature gas cooled nuclear reactors. The tests are performed with the ABB-2 (Ti-rich TiAl with 2 at.% W) developed by ASEA Brown Boveri Ltd. (ABB). Thin samples are irradiated throughout with 24 MeV 4He2+ ions; the irradiated material is then investigated towards its microstructure and its hardness. The microstructure is studied by transmission electron microscopy and the hardness is investigated using a micro-hardness tester and a nano-indenter. Different effects can be identified. From room to moderate irradiation temperatures, the radiation induced hardening of the material slowly vanishes until the material completely recovers at about 943 K. Beyond this temperature, He-bubble formation seems to harden the material again, until beyond 1200 K a steep increase in hardening is detected. This effect can be correlated with bubbles being identified in the micrographs. The results are consistent and give strong indications to a microstructural development as a function of temperature.

Addressable Direct-Write Nanoscale Filament Formation and Dissolution by Nanoparticle-Mediated Bipolar Electrochemistry.

PubMed

Crouch, Garrison M; Han, Donghoon; Fullerton-Shirey, Susan K; Go, David B; Bohn, Paul W

2017-05-23

Nanoscale conductive filaments, usually associated with resistive memory or memristor technology, may also be used for chemical sensing and nanophotonic applications; however, realistic implementation of the technology requires precise knowledge of the conditions that control the formation and dissolution of filaments. Here we describe and characterize an addressable direct-write nanoelectrochemical approach to achieve repeatable formation/dissolution of Ag filaments across a ∼100 nm poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) film containing either Ag + alone or Ag + together with 50 nm Ag-nanoparticles acting as bipolar electrodes. Using a conductive AFM tip, formation occurs when the PEO film is subjected to a forward bias, and dissolution occurs under reverse bias. Formation-dissolution kinetics were studied for three film compositions: Ag|PEO-Ag + , Ag|poly(ethylene glycol) monolayer-PEO-Ag + , and Ag|poly(ethylene glycol) monolayer-PEO-Ag + /Ag-nanoparticle. Statistical analysis shows that the distribution of formation times exhibits Gaussian behavior, and the fastest average initial formation time occurs for the Ag|PEO-Ag + system. In contrast, formation in the presence of Ag nanoparticles likely proceeds by a noncontact bipolar electrochemical mechanism, exhibiting the slowest initial filament formation. Dissolution times are log-normal for all three systems, and repeated reformation of filaments from previously formed structures is characterized by rapid regrowth. The direct-write bipolar electrochemical deposition/dissolution strategy developed here presents an approach to reconfigurable, noncontact in situ wiring of nanoparticle arrays-thereby enabling applications where actively controlled connectivity of nanoparticle arrays is used to manipulate nanoelectronic and nanophotonic behavior. The system further allows for facile manipulation of experimental conditions while simultaneously characterizing surface conditions and filament formation/dissolution kinetics.

GENOTOXICITY STUDIES OF SODIUM DICHLOROACETATE AND SODIUM TRICHLOROACETATE

EPA Science Inventory

The genotoxic properties of sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) and sodium trichloroacetate (TCA)were evaluated in several short-term in vitro and in vivo assays. Neither compound was mutagenic in tester strain TA102 in the Salmonella mutagenicity assay. Both DCA and TCA were weak induc...

77 FR 64588 - Highway Safety Programs; Conforming Products List of Calibrating Units for Breath Alcohol Testers

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-22

... accuracy and precision for wet bath and dry gas calibrating units using infra-red spectroscopy. On June 25... infra-red spectroscopy (72 FR 34742). That notice also adds references to the dry gas standards by fixed...

Evaluation of permanent deformation of asphalt mixtures using loaded wheel tester

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-10-01

A majority of states in the U.S. had adopted the Superpave volumetric mix design system in the year 2000. However, this system does not have a standard mechanical test to evaluate the potential for permanent deformation (rutting) of the designed asph...

Effect of narcotic pain reliever on pulp tests in women.

PubMed

Kardelis, Anthony C; Meinberg, Trudy A; Sulte, Heather R; Gound, Tom G; Marx, David B; Reinhardt, Richard A

2002-07-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of one dose of a common narcotic-based pain reliever (Vicodin) on a battery of oral sensitivity tests across time in women. Fifteen Caucasian women randomly were given an oral dose of 10 mg of hydrocodone/1000 mg of acetaminophen or placebo in a double-blind, cross-over design. At baseline (before drug) and after 2, 4, and 8 h each subject was evaluated for sensitivity thresholds with four tests around an experimental tooth: (a) electric pulp tester applied to exposed root; (b) electric pulp tester on adjacent mucosa; (c) increasing probe pressure (grams) on adjacent mucosa; and (d) decreasing cold probe (degrees C) on the exposed root. The outcomes of all tests were not statistically different between drug and placebo treatments at any time point (p > 0.05). These results suggest that a systemic dose of hydrocodone/acetaminophen has little impact on healthy pulp or mucosa sensitivity in women as measured by common diagnostic tests.

Bearing tester data compilation, analysis, and reporting and bearing math modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1986-01-01

A test condition data base was developed for the Bearing and Seal Materials Tester (BSMT) program which permits rapid retrieval of test data for trend analysis and evaluation. A model was developed for the Space shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Liquid Oxygen (LOX) turbopump shaft/bearing system. The model was used to perform parametric analyses to determine the sensitivity of bearing operating characteristics and temperatures to variations in: axial preload, contact friction, coolant flow and subcooling, heat transfer coefficients, outer race misalignments, and outer race to isolator clearances. The bearing program ADORE (Advanced Dynamics of Rolling Elements) was installed on the UNIVAC 1100/80 computer system and is operational. ADORE is an advanced FORTRAN computer program for the real time simulation of the dynamic performance of rolling bearings. A model of the 57 mm turbine-end bearing is currently being checked out. Analyses were conducted to estimate flow work energy for several flow diverter configurations and coolant flow rates for the LOX BSMT.

Friction behavior of Mg-Al-CO3 layered double hydroxide prepared by magnesite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiaobo; Bai, Zhimin; Zhao, Dong; Zhao, Fuyan

2013-07-01

In this paper, Mg-Al-CO3 LDH was prepared by magnesite under chemical precipitation and hydrothermal methods. In order to improve the dispersion of LDH in base oil, the as-prepared sample was modified with sodium laurate. The obtained material (GMAC-LDH) was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry and thermo gravimetric analyzer (DSC-TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that the modified LDH has platelet morphology with a near hexagon shape. In addition, the tribological properties of GMAC-LDH were evaluated by four-ball friction tester and gear tester. As a lubricant, GMAC-LDH possesses an excellent property on reducing friction and wear of friction pair. The results of friction tests indicated that the friction coefficient, diameter of wear scar and power consumption of the oil with GMAC-LDH was reduced by 11.0%, 8.5% and 2.1% as compared with that of base oil.